TUESDAY 12TH MAY 2020

AMCON’s Recoveries from Debtors Rise to N1.1tn 'Sale of Polaris Bank is work-in-progress' Obinna Chima Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) yesterday said it has recovered a total of N1.1

trillion from debtors since its establishment.

AMCON Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, said in a telephone interview with

THISDAY that the amount recovered was as at the end of the first quarter of 2020, with cash accounting for about 60 per cent of the recovery, while non-cash assets were

about 40 per cent.

The latest figure was an improvement by about N100 billion, compared with the N1 trillion disclosed by the corporation as of the

more of physical content.

He said: “So far, we have recovered N1.1 trillion as at the end of the first quarter of

comparable period of 2019.

Kuru, however, explained that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had slowed down the pace of recovery as the task involved

Continued on page 16

NEITI: FG, Others Shared N1.95tn in Q1, 2020... Page 5 Tuesday 12 May, 2020 Vol 25. No 9164. Price: N250

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INEC: Edo, Ondo Polls Must Hold to Avert Constitutional Crisis Timetable out on June 1

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Funmi Ogundare in Lagos Despite the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the

country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said Edo and Ondo gubernatorial elections must hold in order to avert a constitutional crisis.

It explained that the timetable and schedule of activities for the two elections would be released on June 1.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman,

Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, stated this while featuring on The Morning Show, a programme on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY

Newspapers.

According to him, it's not the electoral body that's insisting that the governorship elections in the two states be conducted but the constitution.

Okoye said if INEC fails to conduct the two elections within the constitutional time frame, it means the electoral Continued on page 16

COVID-19: Buhari Directs Validation of Madagascar Herbal Mixture’s Efficacy Madagascar claims 55 patients recovered after treatment with COVID-Organics 242 new cases bring tally to 4,641 with 902 discharged, 150 dead FG begins WHO clinical trial in FCT, Lagos, four other states THISDAY Dome COVID-19 Testing, Tracing, Treatment Centre to be inaugurated today Martins Ifijeh in Lagos, Olawale Ajimotokan, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Victor Ogunje in Ado-Ekiti, James Sowole in Akure and Daji Sani in Yola Madagascar’s touted herbal cure for COVID-19 is on its way to Nigeria for clinical analysis of its efficacy by the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, has said.

He spoke yesterday at

the task force’s daily press briefing in Abuja and said President Muhammadu Buhari had directed PTF to procure the African herbal mixture, explaining, however, that it, like others in the country, would be subjected to the drug regulatory authorities’ validation before it could be used for the treatment of the patients.

He said the president had also directed PTF to go to Guinea Bissau to pick up the mixture better known as COVID-Organics.

But, COVID-19’s victims in the country rose to 4,641 Continued on page 8

Military Expresses Regrets over Bomb Incident in Kaduna... Page 6

MINISTERS AT WORK...

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed (left), and the Minister of State, Prince Clem Agba, during a meeting of the Economic Sustainability Committee in Abuja…yesterday

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

NEITI: FG, Others Shared N1.95tn in Q1, 2020

Chineme Okafor in Abuja The federal government and other tiers of government shared a total of N1.95 trillion, which accumulated to the Federation Account in the first quarter of 2020 (Q1, 2020), the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) said yesterday.

NEITI, in a statement by its Director of Communications and Advocacy, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, said the funds shared also got to other statutory agencies in the country.

The statement said N791.4 billion was given to the federal government, states got N669 billion and about N395 billion was given to the 774 local government areas as their share by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The balance of the total earning, it explained, was sent to statutory agencies and accounts, including the North East Development Commission (NEDC), the Excess Crude Account (ECA), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

NEITI noted that the Q1, 2020 FAAC disbursement was the highest first quarter disbursement the country had since 2014. “Total disbursements were N1.648 trillion in Q1, 2015; N1.132-trillion in Q1, 2016; N1.411 trillion in Q1-2017; N1.938 trillion in Q1-2018; and N1.929

trillion in Q1-2019,� it added.

The agency noted that the total FAAC allocations during the period under review comprised gross disbursements to the federal, state, local governments and the 13 per cent derivation to beneficiary states.

It added that it covered the cost of collections by the Nigerian Customs Service, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Department of Petroleum Resources and other allied handling charges as well.

NEITI said from the previous years, with the exception of 2018, the general trend since 2015 had been that total disbursements fell in the second quarters, before rising in the third quarters.

It also noted that with the COVID-19 pandemic, it's almost certain that total disbursements would fall in the second quarter of 2020.

On FAAC disbursements to states between January and March, it explained that there was a wide disparity between states as Osun State got the lowest allocation of N6.44 billion, while Delta State got the highest of N52.03 billion.

The review also disclosed that Delta State’s net FAAC disbursements were higher than the combined total net disbursements of N50.67 billion of the six lowest receiving states, comprising Osun, Cross River, Plateau, Ogun, Ekiti, and Gombe.

Further analysis from NEITI revealed that combined disbursements to four states Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa - with the highest net

FAAC disbursements were higher than the combined net disbursements for the 17 states with the lowest disbursements. “The combined total net disbursement to these four states was N167.76 billion. This figure is higher than the combined total of N159.99 billion received by the 17 lowest receiving states (Osun, Cross River, Plateau, Ogun, Ekiti, Gombe, Zamfara, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Taraba, Benue, Adamawa, Bauchi, Abia, and Kogi),� it stated.

It explained that 31 states received less than N20 billion as total net FAAC disbursements in the first quarter of this year, while only five states received more than N20 billion.

The states, according to it,

were Lagos which got N26.23 billion, Bayelsa - N35.14 billion, Rivers - N39.99 billion, Akwa Ibom - N40.61 billion, and Delta - N52.03 billion.

The review showed a wide disparity in the amounts deducted from the states as their debt obligations.

It said for instance that Lagos had the highest deductions of N14.92 billion, while Yobe State had the lowest deductions of N820.18 million.

On prospects of FAAC disbursements for the rest of the year as a result of the impact of COVID-19, NEITI said: “In light of the ‘double whammy’ of declining oil demand and oil prices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, government revenue

would likely continue to fall in subsequent months. “As global crude oil prices plummet in the midst of the global oil supply glut arising from lockdown of economic activities in many countries of the world, all tiers of government will struggle to fund their 2020 budgets. “The interesting point to note is that while the share of oil revenue represents the direct revenue, there are also indirect sources of revenue from oil.

These include signature bonus and renewals and share of dividends from NLNG. “In addition, taxes and customs duties, which are based on economic activities, will suffer in the light of the lockdown of the major activity

hubs of the country,� it added.

NEITI also called for innovative and concerted actions on the part of the government at all levels to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on revenues and the economy.

It also welcomed what it said were proactive measures already taken by the federal government, which include the approval to withdraw $150 million from the Stabilisation Fund to supplement FAAC disbursements, initiating modalities for states to benefit from debt and interest moratorium, review of 2020 budget to reflect current economic realities and a $3.4 billion facility by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

FG Inaugurates Team to Revamp Ajaokuta Steel Plant EKITI KETE‌ Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has inaugurated the Ajaokuta Presidential Project and Implementation Team (APPIT) to revamp the Ajaokuta Steel Plant that has been unproductive for about four decades.

The team is to be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

The Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Uchechukwu Ogah, is the alternate chairman of the team.

President Muhammadu Buhari had discussed the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Russia-Africa Summit last year in Sochi.

In line with the discussions with Russia, the Ajaokuta steel project is to be revived on a bilateral agreement with funding from the Afreximbank and the Russian Export Centre.

However, one of the key issues discussed by the parties was the technical audit, upgrade, completion and operation of the steel plant.

Speaking during the inauguration, Mustapha noted that revamping the plant presented a unique opportunity to make Nigeria the largest fully integrated steel producer in West Africa and accelerate its industrialisation, especially in steel-related industries.

"Today’s inauguration of the Ajaokuta Presidential Project and Implementation Team (APPIT) is, therefore, meant to kick-start the process of re-directing the activities of the steel plant with the aim of bringing the Steel Project back to life for the growth

and economic development of our dear nation," he said.

APPIT is to engage in bilateral negotiations on behalf of the federal government leading to the execution of the government-to-government agreement with Russia and the Afreximbank.

It would provide all technical inputs and ensure that all raw materials are sourced locally in line with the local content provisions and the Presidential Executive Order 005 as well as assemble Nigerian Content Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Special Purpose Vehicle Contractors, which would embody the co-concessionaire representing Nigeria’s interest in the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession.

The federal government has also mandated APPIT to ensure the resuscitation of Ajaokuta plant based on the original design in addition to its timely inauguration within a reasonable period to be agreed upon by the parties to the agreement and recommend the primary tenure of a BOT concession.

The 13-man committee is expected to prepare and submit a periodic work plan along with quarterly progress reports on assignment activities, end-ofassignment report and develop concession contract terms.

The federal government had said the Russian government and Afreximbank would provide up to $1.46 billion to fund the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

Buhari and Putin had agreed in October 2019 at the Russia-Africa Summit to pursue the completion of all abandoned projects initiated by both countries, including the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during an inspection of facilities at the new 100-bed infectious diseases unit of the state’s isolation centre for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in Ado-Ekiti‌yesterday

Concerns over Perceived Poor Coordination of COVID-19 Fight Secondus laments impact on economy

Chuks Okocha in Abuja Some governors have expressed concerns over what they perceived as the absence of a coordinated management of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially given the spike in the number of confirmed cases as a result of an expansion of the nation's testing capacity, THISDAY gathered yesterday.

They believed this had led to a lack of an effective policy framework to guide states to streamline their action plans in combating the virus and avoiding conflicts such as the repatriation of Almajiris by Northern governors.

The National Chairman of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has also expressed concern about the impact of the pandemic on the nation's fragile economy.

One of the governors, who spoke to THISDAY on the condition of anonymity, blamed the indiscriminate lockdown orders issued by various governors on the absence of a central coordination of the management of the pandemic.

Though the governor acknowledged the works of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, headed by the Secretary to the Government

of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, he said this was not enough to provide the leadership and coordination needed to combat the pandemic.

"This is still a third-party control in the management of the pandemic. There is no direct access to the president on this issue," he added.

Another governor, who also spoke anonymously, said he also considered the presidential task force, set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to manage the COVID-19 pandemic as a third party.

He explained: "Before the commencement of the various orders to contain this disease, there ought to have been a National Council of State meeting with the president, the vice president and the governors where there would have been central guidelines that everybody would adhere to.

"Now, look at what is happening, all the governors are issuing orders and counterorders; lockdown here and there and no lockdown over there.

It is like a confused country.

There is no central order from the president."

According to the governor, "If there was a National Council of State meeting before this crisis, and not the Boss Mustapha-led group that may not report the

situation of things accurately to the president, I don't think that we would be in this situation of order and counter-order with the type of crisis in Port Harcourt.

"For instance, there is no coordination in the handling of this Almajiri crisis - deportation here and there. Some people travelling are arrested and sent back to their states. This could affect the unity of this country.

All these are due to the lack of harmonised guidelines.

"There are no harmonised guidelines on the lockdown and restriction of movements across states. The governors are implementing various orders that run counter to the directives of the presidential task force. There is confusion everywhere that could lead to a breakdown of law and order. Every state governor is behaving as if he is law himself."

He said because of the absence of coordinated management of the pandemic by the president, the governors were panicking because the rising wave of confirmed cases would overwhelm the nation's weak healthcare system.

"The governors are on edge because the pandemic is nearly overwhelming the healthcare system. The governors are on edge because the COVID-19 is almost overwhelming the

economy and affecting the allocations to states from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

"I'm afraid that if something serious is not done in the next months, the healthcare system and the economy would be in a serious problem. The infrastructure is gradually collapsing," the governor stated.

Secondus Laments Impact of Pandemic on Economy Secondus said already the pandemic had affected the economy badly and exposed the frailty of the healthcare sector.

"What is happening is not political and no one should play politics with it. What Nigeria needs now is leadership.

This is the time for President Muhammadu Buhari to show leadership. If the United States of America is panicking, then, you know what should be happening to Nigeria and its economy and the health sector," he said.

Secondus added that the pandemic had exposed the fact that the health sector in Nigeria was weak.

He called for an integrated approach to the management of the pandemic, warning that care should be taken to avoid the collapse of the economy.

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Military Expresses Regrets over Bomb Incident in Kaduna Says troops kill 17 bandits Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna The military has expressed regrets over the bomb incident in Kabarasha village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which occurred last Thursday.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria has also said troops of Operation Thunder Strike and Whirl Punch deployed in the North-west to contain banditry killed 14 bandits during a joint clearance operations conducted in some villages in Chikun Local Government Area.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. John Eneche, said a panel had been set up to investigate the incident in collaboration with Kaduna State government.

The bomb was said to have exploded in Kabarasha village on Thursday at about 2.00 p.m during an operation targeted at bandits terrorising communities in the state.

A church and a nearby

building in the community were said to have been affected by the blast.

According to the village head of Kabarasha, Mr. Joseph Daudu, “the incident was very terrifying,� adding that the villagers, including himself, fled to other villages.

He said there was no casualty, and that “calm had returned and the people have returned to their homes.�

Eneche, however, explained that the operation was jointly carried out by troops of Operation Thunder Strike, Whirl Punch and Nigerian Air Force to flush out bandits terrorising communities in Kaduna State.

He said 17 of the bandits were neutralised, while some escaped with gunshot wounds.

The statement said: “In continuation of operations to rid Kaduna State of bandits and other criminal elements, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, on May 7, 2020, conducted a joint clearance operation, involving troops of Operations Thunder Strike and Whirl

Lagos Police Arrest 175 Persons for Violating Physical Distancing Order Chiemelie Ezeobi No fewer than 175 suspects have been arrested by Lagos State Police Command for allegedly violating the physical distancing and curfew directives of the state government.

The suspects, who were arrested between Friday and Sunday, were alleged to have organised parties, religious gatherings, traded at open markets or breached the dusk-to-dawn curfew put in place to contain further spread of COVID-19.

Parading some of the suspects at the command headquarters yesterday, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, said 95 were traders apprehended at Ilepo Market around 10.00 a.m on Sunday for operating in violation of the lockdown relaxation guidelines.

He said a team of policemen at Oke-Odo were sent to the market to stop traders from opening their shops on Sunday in line with the guidelines, which allowed food markets to open only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, but the team was resisted by the traders.

He said: “We sent reinforcement to the area; 70 males and 25 females were arrested.�

Similarly, he said an Islamic cleric, Mr. Rasheed Jimoh, and a prophet, Mr. Moses Peter, alongside 28 worshippers were arrested for holding prayers.

Jimoh and 13 others were arrested by operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in a mosque at Olushi, Lagos Island while holding congregational prayers in

violation of the order issued by the government.

Peter and 16 of his members, on the other hand, were arrested at 4.00 p.m on the same day by policemen on enforcement duty from Tolu Division in Christ Desire Sabbath Mission, Olodi, Apapa, holding congregational service.

Giving further breakdown of the arrest, the commissioner said 26 persons, including a hotel manager and birthday celebrant, were held for organising a party at White Courtville Hotel in Egbeda, on Saturday night by policemen at Shasha Division.

He said the division received a tip-off around 11.30 p.m that a group of young men and women were hosting a birthday party at the hotel. “A team of police was deployed in the area. The organiser of the party, Blessing Omo, 25, and 25 others were arrested. The manager of the hotel, one Ikechukwu Emmanuel, was equally arrested. The hotel will be sealed by the relevant government agency,� he added.

He said 24 others were arrested at Kwakwa Uku area of Agege for violating curfew around 10.00 p.m on May 8 by operatives from Area G command, adding that they pelted stones on the enforcement team. “The suspects including one Balikis Obadina, 30, were selling food, consuming alcohol and illicit drugs. “On sighting the police, they became violent, hauling stones and bottles on the enforcement teams. All those arrested will be charged to court,�

Odumosu said.

Punch with air support from the Air Component of Operation GAMA AIKI, at suspected bandits’ hideouts around Mashigi Galbi, Damba Community and Kabarasha villages, all in Gwagwada District of Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna State. “During the operation, 17 bandits were neutralised, while

several others escaped with gunshot wounds. “However, in the course of pursuing the bandits, three empty houses and a church building were partially damaged at Kabarasha village. “There was no civilian casualty. The Armed Forces of Nigeria regrets this unfortunate incident and a panel has been set up to investigate the

occurrence in liaison with Kaduna State Government. “The buildings have been identified with a view to providing adequate compensation to the owners. “Meanwhile, calm has been restored to the area. Few people, who initially fled the area due to fear of bandits’ reprisal, have all returned to the community.�

The statement reassured the public that the military would continue to work assiduously to restore peace and security to the North-west.

The statement thanked the public for their support and cooperation, while encouraging them to continue to provide credible information that would facilitate the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

SECURITY MATTER...

L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu; Governor Godwin Obaseki; and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lawan Jimeta, after the State Security Council meeting in Benin City...yesterday

NESG Predicts 7.3% Decline in Nigeria’s GDP in 2020 Dike Onwuamaeze Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has predicted that the Nigerian economy would contract by 7.3 per cent in 2020 if the average crude oil price slumps to $15 per barrel in 2020 and Nigeria’s crude oil output averaged 1.3 million barrels per day (mbpd).

NESG noted that this worstcase scenario would be driven by a persistent escalation of the spread of COVID-19 with its attendant restrictions on economic activities.

The projection is contained in NESG’s report titled: “Macroeconomic Outlook Update: COVID–19, Global Oil Price and The Nigerian Economy� released yesterday.

The group said the occurrence of the worst-case scenario would drive the country’s real GDP deeper into recession. “Real GDP will decline by 7.3 per cent in 2020. Investment level, as well as government revenue, will decline significantly by 65 per cent and 63 per cent respectively in 2020. Inflationary pressure intensifies as inflation rate averages 18.4 percent in 2020,� the report noted.

However, the report assumed that the bestcase scenario for Nigerian macroeconomic projection for 2020 in the light of COVID-19 pandemic would occur if the global oil price would experience stability and

averaged $35 per barrel in 2020 from the current sub $25 per barrel at the end of April.

The report noted that this scenario would be above the revised 2020 budget benchmark and the best-case projection would thrive on the assumption that the spread of COVID-19 would be contained to enable major economies to resume production while the tension between Saudi Arabia and Russia would be resolved with an agreement to cut oil output. “In terms of production, this scenario assumes an improvement in crude oil production to settle at 1.3 mbpd following renewed demand in the market, the relative peace in the Niger Delta region and recent commitments by the leaders of the National Assembly to begin work on the different aspects of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB),� the report said.

NESG projected that the outcomes of the best-case scenario would see the GDP decline by 4.1 per cent in 2020.

This decline, according to the report, would be occasioned by a contraction in agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and oil and gas sectors. “Investment will decline by 39.4 per cent in 2020 as much investment would have gone into social security and palliatives. Government revenue will plunge by 40 per cent in 2020 as oil and nonoil revenues are constrained.

Inflation averages 15 per cent in 2020 sequel to the global supply chain and devaluation of naira from N306 per dollar to N360 per dollar,� NESG said.

The report also contained a middle-ground scenario, which stated that “in the businessas-usual scenario, we project a less optimistic overview of oil price compared with the first scenario. Here, we see a deeper downturn in the global oil market reflecting in oil price averaging US$20 per barrel in 2020. This manifests as the COVID-19 spread curve is flattened while the chase for a vaccine continues and some parts of the world remain on lockdown. The assumption on oil production remains at 1.3 million barrels per day (mbpd). “The outcome for this scenario is a deeper cut in economic activity. The economy is expected to slip into a deeper recession as the real GDP contracts by 5.3 per cent. This will be as a result of the deeper contraction in major growth drivers in the economy. Investment is expected to decline by 50 per cent as government revenue dips by 51 per cent in 2020. Meanwhile, inflation will average 17.5 percent in 2020,� the report said.

NESG stated that the outbreak of the COVID-19, with its attendant restriction on economic activities and severe impact on the oil market would reverse Nigeria’s growth of 2.3 per

cent that was achieved in 2019.

It said in the first quarter of 2020, the effect of the pandemic and the slump in crude oil price were evident on Nigeria’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which tracked the performance of the business aspect of the economy. “The Manufacturing PMI, though still on the expansionary benchmark slid to 51.1 points in March 2020 from 60.8 points recorded in December 2019. On the other hand, the non-manufacturing sector contracted as its PMI slid to 49.2 points in March 2020 from 62.1 points recorded in December 2019.

This suggests a significant slowdown in economic activities in Q1’2020 “The lockdown of several states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the second quarter of the year will have an immense negative impact on GDP growth in the year. The three major GDP components - household consumption, government spending, private investment - were constrained during the lockdown affected due to the spread of COVID-19 and are expected to perform poorly in full-year, relative to 2019. “This is based on the high level of uncertainty over the pandemic as well as the fragility of the economy exemplified by the poor performance of major macroeconomic indicators,�

NESG said.

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PAGE EIGHT COVID-19: BUHARI DIRECTS VALIDATION OF MADAGASCAR HERBAL MIXTURE’S EFFICACY yesterday as 242 more persons were infected. However, 124 persons were discharged, bringing the total number of those yanked off its hook to 902. Unfortunately, 10 more persons succumbed to its fatality, raising the figure of the dead to 150 across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to the figures by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), 242 new cases came from 14 states, including Lagos 88, Kano 64, Katsina 49, Kaduna 13, Ogun nine, Gombe six, Adamawa four, FCT three, Ondo one, Oyo one, Rivers one, Zamfara one, Borno one, and Bauchi one.

The federal government, however, disclosed that the plant used for the herbal drug produced by the Republic of Madagascar also grows in Nigeria.

The president was perhaps encouraged to give the directive by the claim by Madagascar that at least 55 COVID-19 patients in the country had recovered after treatment with the herbal remedy for the disease.

The federal government has also encouraged each state of the federation to set up isolation centres with a minimum of 300 beds each, saying Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kano states as well as the FCT had signed up to participate in the World Health Organisation (WHO)'s solidarity trial to help find an effective treatment for the disease.

Meanwhile, the 320-bed capacity isolation centre set up by THISDAY Newspapers and partners at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja would be inaugurated today.

Mustapha disclosed that some quantity of COVIDOrganics, meant for Nigeria, had already been dispatched from the Pacific Ocean Island country to Guinea Bissau.

According to him, Madagascar donated some of the products to Nigeria through Guinea-Bissau, adding that arrangements were being made to pick them up.

He, however, said Buhari had directed that the syrup should be properly investigated without any prejudice to ascertain its safety for human consumption.

Mustapha also condemned the reported assaults on health workers at some isolation centres.

He said: “Let me provide further information with regards to the syrup from Madagascar. It has been freighted to Guinea Bissau by the President of Madagascar.

Certain allocations have been made to different countries. We have an indication that some quantity has been allocated and we are supposed to make arrangements to freight it out of Guinea Bissau to Nigeria. “We have received instructions from Mr. President to make arrangement to freight it with a clear instruction that we should subject it to validation process similar to what will happen to any other medicine or syrup or vaccine that is discovered or created internally. “So, it will be subjected to the same process before it is put into any form of use and there will be no exemption for that.�

Guinea-Bissau was said to have received more than 16,000

THISDAY DOME COVID-19 TESTING, TRACING, TREATMENT CENTRE TO BE INAUGURATED TODAY

T

he world class THISDAY Dome Testing, Tracing and Treatment Centre situated at the Central Business District in Abuja would be inaugurated today, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said yesterday at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in the nation’s capital. “The THISDAY Dome treatment centre, a project of the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) is complete and ready for commissioning tomorrow (today),� he told his audience,

doses, which she's distributing to 14 other African nations.

Plant Extract also Grows in Nigeria, Says FG Also speaking during the briefing, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the plant used for the herbal drug also grows in the country.

He said it would be subjected to analysis by NIPRD to determine its efficacy and safety before it could be adopted for the treatment of COVID-19.

The minister said: “We are going to get samples of the herb of the botanical product for analysis and also probably use that opportunity to speak with the health authorities there particularly the scientific community on how they use it. “We will also give it to the research community here with us to examine and see what they can do with it. “We understand that it is something called Artemisia Annua, which also grows here. But we would like to get that sample and compare it with the strain here to know if they are exactly identical or similar and then see what properties it has. “It will be subjected to analysis to find out what works in there and how it works and is used in getting a cure. All countries around the world are interested in finding a cure and we are not different. So, we’ll look at all options and promises that have been made. “Before we give any of these medicines to our people, we will make sure they are actually safe and that they work.�

Madagascar Claims 55 Patients Recovered after Treatment Madagascar has claimed that at least 55 patients have recovered after being treated with the country’s herbal remedy for the disease.

The Cable quoted L’ Express de Madagascar as saying that the number of COVID-19 patients said to have been “cured� with the drug — which is bottled as herbal tea — rose after three recoveries were announced on Saturday.

The 55 patients were among those that were administered COVID-Organics since it was launched in April.

The paper reported that “treatment of (COVID-19) patients has been based�

adding: “This centre is fully self-contained, coming with a PCR Laboratory, a fully equipped ICU and an incinerator. This over 270-bed facility adds a tremendous boost to the FCT capacity and capabilities.�

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, had earlier at the conference lauded the private sector-driven initiative powered by THISDAY Media & Technology Group and the Sahara Group.

The treatment centre is fitted with foundation wards and ICU centre complete

with ventilators, X-ray and dialysis.

Others facilities include 54genetesting mobile lab complete with reagents, and a scalable ability to perform 200-1,000 tests per day.

In addition, it would boast of a rapid tracing App for COVID-19 contact tracing as well as 98-room hotel and conference centre for medical staff for six months.

The project is supported by CACOVID, African Finance Corporation (AFC), Chinese Civil Engineering Company (CCECC), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation

(NNPC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Donors to the project are Egbin Plc, The Wood Factory, The Regent Schools, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Ebewele Brown Bespoke & Syari Clothier.

Others are Mama Cass, Traffic CLO, Urban Cuisine, Phase 3 Telecoms and Kenol.

The project is endorsed by the PTF on COVID-19, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and CBN.

on the drug since it was introduced. “The same day that the CVO herbal tea was launched, two coronavirus patients who consumed it came out cured,�

L’Express de Madagascar reported. “Until yesterday, fifty-five people have been declared cured since the adoption of CVO herbal tea treatment twenty days ago.�

It added that to aid the fight against COVID-19, the drug was being distributed freely in parts of the country.

Launched in April 20, COVID-Organics was developed by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research (IMRA).

Its main ingredient is said to be sweet wormwood (Artemisia Annua), a plant of Asian origin from where the anti-malarial drug, artemisinin, came.

That is why we are saying take advantage of every offer that has been made.�

He asked the states to take advantage of the offer by the Catholic Bishops, which have over 425 health facilities, from hospitals to clinics to dispensaries across the country in developing COVID-19 response.

Discharge another 43 Patients

FG Demands Minimum of 300-bed Isolation Centres from States Mustapha told the press conference yesterday that each state of the federation had been encouraged to set up isolation centres and wards (including ICU) with a minimum of 300 beds each.

He noted that such would help accommodate levels 1 and 2 cases.

He raised the alarm that the exponential spread of the virus in the country had resulted in a shortage of bed spaces in the isolation centres, particularly in the high burdened states.

He noted the need to take care of different categories of COVID-19 patients including people living with disabilities, terminal conditions and other underlying factors/ co-morbidities.

Mustapha said: “From a realistic postulation of what is happening, we don’t have to wait till when bed spaces are exhausted before you raise the stakes. Over a month ago, I said that we are in a constant state to provide at least a 300-bed facility as isolation in addition to a part of it being used as a management centre, because If you have an ICU, it is a management centre. “We are looking at the modelling, we are looking at the figures as they rise and are beginning to see that in a particular state, the figures are climbing; from 20 to 30 a day to 80 and 100 a day. You know that definitely whatever the calculations are in terms of bed space, very soon that figure will soon far outstrip the bed space that is available.

FG to Implement WHO’s Treatment Trial in FCT, Lagos, Four Others In a related development, Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kano states, as well as the FCT, have signed up to participate in the WHO’s solidarity trial to help find an effective treatment for the virus.

The solidarity trial is an international clinical trial and part of the WHO’s efforts to develop an effective treatment regimen and vaccines to combat the pandemic.

Ehanire, made this known during the daily briefing.

He said: “The federal government is cooperating with WHO on the treatment regimen solidarity trial with the following states enrolled: Lagos, FCT, Ogun, Kaduna, Sokoto and Kano.�

He said as of yesterday, Nigeria had ramped up testing by 1,127 to a total of 27,078 tests, which yielded 4,399 cases in 35 states, with a gender ratio of 70 to 30 per cent for men and women.

Ehanire said: “Kogi and Cross River states have not reported any cases, but we are optimistic that we can work with the states' Health Ministries to validate this in due course, when we engage the state authorities. “A team from the Ministry of Health, made up of experts from various specialities, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), is on standby to proceed to Calabar as soon as travel arrangements can be made, taking with them, resource to support the health system. “Senior management of the Federal Ministry of Health and clinical case managers in our hospitals, this morning participated in a multinational teleconference with Chinese medical and academic experts in Beijing, where much insight was gained into the treatment strategy of China and other matters of common interest were discussed. The learning from this intervention is invaluable in re-examining our methods.�

Lagos, Adamawa, Ekiti

In another development, Lagos, Adamawa and Ekiti states have discharged another batch of 43 patients after full recovery.

Lagos State Government said it discharged 33 more patients from its isolation centres, bringing to 502 the total number of successfully treated persons in the state.

Announcing this yesterday, the Incident Commander on COVID-19 in the state, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said 24 are males, while nine are females, adding that they are all Nigerians.

He said: "17 were discharged from Onikan Isolation Centre, while 16 were discharged from Eti-Osa (Landmark) Isolation Centre. They have fully recovered and tested negative twice consecutively to COVID-19.�

Ekiti State Government also yesterday discharged five out of the 10 patients from the isolation centre.

It also disclosed its plan to expand the isolation centre to 100- bed space for more preparation for the pandemic.

At a press conference on the update of the activities of Ekiti State Task Force on COVID-19, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mojisola Kolade, said: "We are discharging five patients today out of the 10 active cases. The discharged patients are healthy now; they have been tested negative of COVID-19.�

Adamawa State Government has also discharged five patients after they were confirmed negative by NCDC. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the state had 17 COVID-19 patients, while five were already discharged.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri announced the discharge of the patients yesterday in Yola.

He said those discharged included the first index case in the state.

Ondo Records First Death Ondo State yesterday recorded its first COVID-19 death.

While briefing journalists on the situation in the state, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said the deceased was one of the three new cases recorded in the state.

According to Akeredolu, the man, who was already a patient with a renal condition arrived Ipe Akoko in Akoko South East Local Government Area of the state on April 27 in spite of the lockdown and

closure of state boundaries.

Akeredolu said the man, who tested positive for COVID-19 and admitted at the IDH, was further diagnosed as a patient of renal condition.

He said the man’s renal condition made treatment and recovery more complicated.

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, Akeredolu commended health workers at the IDH, saying they had shown invaluable sacrifice, diligence and an exceptional sense of duty.

FG to Stagger Evacuation Flights for Nigerians Abroad Also speaking during the briefing, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Geoffrey Onyeama, disclosed that due to the high number of Nigerians wishing to be evacuated, the federal government would stagger the evacuation flights because of the lack of facilities to accommodate all the returnees at the same time.

According to him, the government has reached a saturation point in terms of availability of facilities. “So, we will be staggering our flights so that we deal with the ones we have in place before bringing back others.

We don’t have the capacity to absorb all of them,� he said.

Research Institute Calls for Dedicated Fund for Vaccines Production In a related development, the Director-General, Nigeria Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Babatunde Salako, has stated that the country does not have enough funding to bankroll the development of a vaccine against COVID-19 and called for a dedicated fund for the production of vaccines.

Speaking on Channels TV yesterday, he said the kind of funding needed for vaccine production must be from a dedicated pool of funds, adding that grants from donor organisations could provide the breakthrough required against the virus.

He said: “That Nigeria has the capacity to produce the vaccine is different from developing it. It is only when we start that we can tell whether or not we can do it. “On home-grown solution to COVID-19 and Lassa fever, we are capable provided Continued on page 16

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MAY 12, 2020

POLITICS

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

Can Tinubu Sleep with His Two Eyes Closed?

Raheem Akingbolu writes that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress is under pressure from persons persuading him to vie for the highest office in the land

A

gainst all odds, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has continued to enjoy news mention more than any politician in the last 20 years. Since 1999, when he was elected Governor of Lagos State, the maverick politician has remained a man of all seasons. Perhaps more than any individual, he has, since the beginning of the current democratic experience, faced and led many ‘wars’ more than any known politician around and came out unscathed.

Few weeks ago, in commemoration of his 68th birthday, his political friends and foes explored many platforms; including hundreds of paid advertorial in the newspapers, radio and television to celebrate his contribution to democracy. The tributes and the encomiums poured in so well that not even the news of the dreaded COVID-19 epidemic could outshine them.

But has that given the strongman of Lagos politics the assurance that all is well? To the best of my understanding, the answer is, ‘No.’ As an experienced politician, Tinubu needs nobody to tell him that he’s enjoying a long honeymoon because he’s still politically relevant. Today, even those who don’t agree with Asiwaju Tinubu, will find it extremely difficult to ignore him. But the truth remains that he needs to be more circumspect and careful especially at this time when everyone seems to be persuading him to vie for the highest office in the land.

From all the advertorial that were placed by different individuals and groups, it is safe to conclude that it was not done for altruistic reasons but rather for patronage either from those who have benefited from his political benevolence or those who are still hopeful that one day, the political leader will throw ‘food’ on their table.

Beyond the glamour and attention that annually greet the politician’s birthday colloquium, it is high time the Yoruba nation embraced him as the leader they need at the moment to navigate the testy waters of national politics. I don’t want this piece to give me away as one of those canvassing for Asiwaju Tinubu to throw his hat into the ring in 2023, I want to use it to call on people of the South-west to recognize and appreciate him as the rallying point to negotiate the exalted position. If there is anything that qualifies him for this role, it is his cosmopolitan personality and foresight which has worked for him on many occasions. It is on record that more than any political leader in this part of the world, Asiwaju Tinubu has identified more talents and supported more resourceful individuals to clinch positions either through appointment and election at state and federal levels in the last 20 years. To paraphrase it in Tinubu’s own words; he’s indeed a talent hunter, who uses the best hands, the best brains and the best experience to get jobs done. Over the years, he has fielded best hands, best brains and best experiences into offices nationwide. Another edge the colourful politician has more than anybody is the fact that he has built bridges across different geo-political zones, with many of his political lieutenants scattered in almost all the 36 states of the country.

Since he emerged in the political space, he has grown in the stature of late Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 election who became the choice of all including the North that has one of their own vying for the same position as at that time. Like an experience politician in the mould of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, his interest is always about the common good.

While his contemporaries are thinking of the next election, Tinubu is thinking of the next generation.

Despite his political sagacity, Awolowo’s

Tinubu

political foes, especially those outside the Yoruba nation were always quick to dismiss the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria leader as being too connected to his Yoruba root.

Unlike Awolowo, even though MKO Abiola was envied by the Igbos and the Hausas, they couldn’t write him off as an ethnic bigot.

This is where a political actor like Tinubu also fits in. He can’t possibly be written on the basis of tribalism. It is easy to conclude that a lot have since changed but one thing still stands him out, Tinubu combines the political wizardry of Awolowo with Abiola’s cosmopolitan outlook. With this, he stands a better chance of successfully taking the Yorubas to their political promised land in 2023 and beyond.

Going by Nigeria political history, any nation in the polity that fails to have a political rallying point in the mood of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is doomed. If for any reason, what became of the Yorubas after the demise of Awolowo, Abraham Adesanya, Adekunle Ajasin and Abiola are enough to convince anyone. The same could also be said of the Igbos, who flew kite with the Great Zik of Africa –Nnamdi Azikwe, Alex Ekwueme, Dim Emeka Ojukwu, and Chief Chuka Okadigbo, who all had the political shrewdness and intellectual capacity to lead their people. In both situations, the only snag that militated against reaching the desired goal came when fifth columnist set up brothers against brothers and things fell apart (apology to Chinua Achebe). Before both nations could realised their mistakes, their political backbone had been broken beyond any surgery operation could be thought of. The rest is history.

From any angle one choses to look at it,

till date, opinion leaders outside Yoruba race still hold Chief Awolowo in awe.

Every day, they imagined the height he could have taken his people to if he had his way but his meteoric rise in politics was scuttled with connivance of his own people. For instance, while he held sway, Chief Awolowo was able to transform the South West into an educational and industrial hub in Africa building a robust political climate in the process. As a leader with foresight, Awo appreciated the place of education so much that he made it his priority. Under him as Premier of Western region, education was free and affordable.

To further raise the stake, he made available a lot of scholarships to outstanding Yoruba youths to access education within Nigeria and outside the country. But at the end, the same people he toiled day and night to develop were used to kill his ambition of becoming the president of the country on two consecutive occasions.

Between 1951 when the Action Group was formed and 1983 at the twilight of the Unity Party of Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo was the undisputed hero of the Yoruba tribe. It will be recalled that the post-colonial era of Nigerian history was dominated by three actors, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello. But since the trio has been out of the nation’s political space, no tribe has bestridden Nigerian political space like the Hausa-Fulanis, parading top political leaders and retired military heads as replacement for their falling heroes. However, the two major ethnic groups have been quite unlucky in the political equation of the country. They have consistently been eluded in the scheme of things because both the Igbos and the Yorubas have surreptitiously allowed personal

It is high time the Yoruba nation embraced him as the leader they need at the moment to navigate the testy waters of national politics. I don’t want this piece to give me away as one of those canvassing for Asiwaju Tinubu to throw his hat into the ring in 2023, I want to use it to call on people of the South-west to recognize and appreciate him as the rallying point to negotiate the exalted position. If there is anything that qualifies him for this role, it is his cosmopolitan personality and foresight which has worked for him on many occasions

aggrandizement to becloud their political vision of having a leader. Sadly, in both cases, selfish leaders from the regions were used to frustrate the political growth of those who could fly their flag.

Perhaps MKO Abiola would have fitted into the role for the Yorubas, the annulment of the June 12 Presidential election of 1993 which was to usher in the much anticipated third republic after ten years of military reign by the Northern military oligarchy frustrated the process. While it could be argued that the fallout of the annulment deepened the cold war that long existed between the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups, it is easy to conclude that Yoruba leaders, including the traditional rulers were used as tools to throw spanner into the agitation to reverse the annulment.

Like the Yorubas, the Igbos have also had opportunity to have a rallying point in many successful leaders, including the late war veteran, Dim Emeka Ojukwu, Alex Ekwueme and the cosmopolitan Chuba Okadigbo, a man with intellectual credentials and exposure but unfortunately the Igbos were not there for them. Today, the Igbo nation, like their Yoruba counterpart, has no identifiable leaders that can rise above personal quest or material aggrandizement.

For the Yorubas not to suffer the burden of leadership vacuum in Nigeria politics, the time to act is now. Over time, arguments have surfaced as to who is the Yoruba leader between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Tinubu but many of us think the argument is unfounded because the answer is obvious. Though Chief Obasanjo has had the opportunity to occupy the highest political office in the country on three occasions; that hasn’t made him a rallying point because he was like a child of circumstance, who was foisted on the nation by those who saw him as a willing tool. A close study of his political antecedent reveals a man who think only of himself and not his people.

One other thing –many analysts, among Yoruba scholars have consistently challenged General Obasanjo on the fact that he was a major actor in the scheme to frustrate the ambitions of both Awolowo and Abiola.

Till date, he hasn’t cleared his name of that mess. As the greatest beneficiary of the June 12 saga, it was expected that the former President would use the opportunity to honour Abiola posthumously to pacify the Yorubas. Again, Chief Obasanjo arrogantly ignored the voice of wisdom.

The irony of this was that when Prof. Wole Soyinka stood against Obasanjo when the latter was aspiring to become the Secretary General of the United Nations in 1991, Abiola took it upon himself to broker peace between the two of them. M.K.O didn’t only beg Soyinka, he mobilised prominent Yoruba leaders, including traditional rulers and their old school mates at Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta, to appeal to the literary giant. To the late business mogul, Obasanjo as Secretary General would boost Nigeria’s profile on the internationally scene.

Now that Yoruba appear to be at the crossroads, leaders of thought should rally round Asiwaju Tinubu and call to order, some individuals who knowingly or unknowingly are being used to nail him. For the man himself, he shouldn’t get carried away by the arrays of political folks who are chorusing ‘Hosanna’ today because most of them are but fair-weather friends, who will disappear when the chips are down.

Is Asiwaju Tinubu a perfect man? No. He’s human. He has his strengths, and his weaknesses. We all do. But in the interest of the larger picture, this piece is meant to appeal to Yoruba leaders to give this political oracle the opportunity to be the captain of the ship –at least for now. With him as the pathfinder, we can all have glimpse idea of where we are heading.

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

Small Business: How to Keep Customers Engaged During Lockdown Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor

an email address they can access outside of the office. If you have more than one business location, give local managers the authority to take appropriate actions based on conditions at their location.

Many businesses will be working remotely for the foreseeable future. If you have a Gmail account, you already have a lot of what you’ll need to be productive: You can organize meetings using Calendar, connect with employees on video using Google Meet, and collaborate live using Google Docs. You can access your important documents from anywhere by storing them on Google Drive, and if you need offline access, just download them to your mobile phone or computer. Drive also has a scanner function so you can import documents from hard copy.

You can find even more free tools and resources on Grow with Google. In fact, in addition to free online digital skills training, Grow with Google also has a new webinar series to help businesses navigate the new reality of learning, working and operating remotely.

T

he world is an uncertain place right now. We are all learning how to deal with a global pandemic, and the realities we knew a month ago now seem very far away.

Small business owners are feeling this acutely. Many are unable to run their businesses the way they used to, whether because of social distancing restrictions, reduced demand, or illness.

But even with these enormous challenges, there are steps small business owners can take to keep operations going, or to keep clients engaged until it’s possible to reopen. And Google wants to help. We’ve provided a number of free resources and practical ideas.

First, communicate with your customers. If you don’t already have one, set up a profile on Google My Business.

From there, you can let everyone know if your hours of operation have changed, or if you’ve had to temporarily close your doors. You can also use a feature called Posts to communicate information directly on your profile, like the safety precautions you’re taking, updates on what products and services are available, and whether customers can expect delays.

Retailers can also let customers know whether or not you’re still open for in-store shopping, or if you’re offering new services like curbside pickup, or delivery: Just update your attributes on Google My Business.

Then, once you have a bit more time to think through the possibilities, ask yourself if there are any creative ways to stay in touch with your customers and retain their loyalty. If you’re a

Ehimuan-Chiazor

restaurant that’s had to close, could you start a free YouTube channel with videos on how to make your signature dishes? If you’re a shop operating with limited hours, could you post up-to-date photos of your current inventory? Or what about using your free Google My Business website to set up a scrappy

delivery service for customers who can’t make it to your shop?

Just as important as communicating with your customers is communicating with your employees. Store their contact information online so it’s accessible from any device. Make a business continuity plan, and share it with employees via

About Google Google's mission is to organise the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. -Ehimuan-Chiazor is the Google Nigeria Country Director.

8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Free Time Now

E

ven with the easing of the lockdown, it can be tough adapting to the new realities of being partially confined to your home. Thanks to the digital world, there are many ways you can keep yourself entertained, get fitter, learn a new skill, and bond with your family.

Here are eight ways to get more stuff done with the free time you have now. r:PHB FYFSDJTF XJUI UIF GBNJMZ :PHB and exercise are very good ways to bond as a family. Both can help manage stress and build immunity to illness.

You don’t have to start with serious exercise routines and super fancy acrobatic poses. YouTube is home to tons of fun videos, whether you’re a yoga and fitness expert or just starting out.

And - if you’re feeling competitive - set a timer using the Google Assistant and see which family member completes a particular routine within a set time.

You can also monitor your progress and track your fitness from your phone or smartwatch using Google Fit. r$BUDI VQ PO ZPVS GBWPVSJUF NVTJD Studies have shown that listening to music can be great for your health.

Research shows that when you listen to music you like, your brain releases dopamine, a “feel-good� neurotransmitter that causes you to feel emotions like happiness, excitement and joy. Catch up with your favourite music videos on YouTube or stream your favourite songs on YouTube Music. If you’re looking for new music to try, browse the various genres and playlists, or have a look at YouTube Music’s recommendations. r4UBZ JO UPVDI XJUI GSJFOET 4UBZ DPOnected with your friends using Google Hangouts. Beyond just text chats, you can easily have voice or video chats,

one-on-one or in a group, to catch up on all that has been going on, or just hang out. Isolating during the lockdown can be lonely and connecting to people helps reduce loneliness and increase your overall sense of happiness and wellbeing. r$SFBUF B TDIFEVMF GPS UIF LJET Whether you are a parent working at IPNF BOE PS MPPLJOH BGUFS ZPVS DIJMESFO full-time, having some structure to the day can help keep them happy and out from under foot. Structuring their chores, school work and personal activities is simple with Google Calendar. Google Calendar lets you keep track of planned activities, set reminders so you get alerts and share calendars with other family members. r$BQUVSF BOE SF MJWF ZPVS NPNFOUT Photos document your best memories.

Right now, you are probably taking selfies or just capturing the mood with your mobile phone. With Google Photos, you

are able to back up unlimited photos, saving space on your device. Your saved photos can also be shared with friends and family using shared albums. That way, you can collaborate, organise and share moments that can be accessed in the future without being physically in touch. You can also have fun with Google Photos by searching for pictures using emojis. A happy-face emoji will get you photos of people smiling while a birthday emoji will reveal photos related to birthdays. r&OUFSUBJO UIF LJET &OUFSUBJOJOH the kids at this time can be really demanding for parents with schools closed. Fortunately, YouTube offers a way to help beat the boredom, and keep them learning. From Sesame Street, EVCL1, Ditty - Songs for kids, MarkAngelComedy to Akili and Me, there’s something for everyone. Plus there is the YouTube Kids app, which offers a more contained environment

with more fun for kids to explore. r ,FFQ B +PVSOBM %JBSZ ,FFQJOH a journal or diary as you observe the lockdown can actually be important for self-improvement as well as fun.

Jot down important things that you would like to remember in the future.

Spend your time documenting your daily activities as well as what scares you, what interests you, what gives you hope or things to do when the lockdown is over. Not to worry if you do not have a physical diary or journal right now, you can always download an online diary or journal from Google Play. r1MBZ (BNFT 1MBZJOH HBNFT DBO CF a great way to relax and pass the time - and the Google Assistant can help.

Simply ask your Assistant to show you some game options. You can play Dwarf Mine, Song Quiz, Akinator, Jeopardy and others. You can also play trivia quizzes, listen to jokes or basically just chat with your Assistant.

12

IMAGES

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Management of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, during the presentation of preventive items to Ondo State Government to ďŹ ght Coronavirus Pandemic...recently

Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje(middle), during his visit to the 80-bed Abubakar Imam Urology Centre and 100-bed Daula Hotel, which will be converted to isolation centres to cater for Covid-19 patients in the state...recently

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State (3rd left) during the lnauguration of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede ingenuous invention to assist in the ďŹ ght against COVID-19 pandemic. in Owerri...recently

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Executive Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Oviawe, and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Richard Edebiri, during an inspection of ongoing construction work, at Tayo Apkata University of Education, and the Site of new Federal College of Education, Ekiadolor‌recently

Commanding OďŹƒcer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, Captain Peter Yilme (left) handing over 316 drums of products suspected to be PMS to the Assistant Commandant NSCDC Uyo, BB Bondinga in Uyo...recently

L-R: Woman Leader, IDP Camp, New Kuchigoro, Ladi Mathew; Chairman, Philimon Emmanuel; representative of Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation (OAAF), Alhaji Umar Bida and Julius Alonge a member of the foundation, during the presentation of palliatives to the less- privileged at the IDP camp beside games village, in Abuja‌recently PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

10 suspects arrested with 956 bags of foreign rice by personnel of Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State........recently

L-R: United President, Rotary Club of Abeokuta, Dr. Abiodun Amusan; Toluwalade of Akinale Town, Oba Olufemi Adewunmi Ogunlaye and Ogun State Coordinator for Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee and Covid-19 palliative, Dr. Adelakun Hassan, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable persons at Abeokuta and its environs‌recently

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MAY 12, 2020

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT WSSCC to Evolve into Sanitation and Hygiene Fund Bennett Oghifo

T

he new 2021-2025 strategy of the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) has been approved by the Council’s Steering Committee, and this paves the way for WSSCC to evolve into the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF).

The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council is a UNOPS-hosted membership organisation with 30 years of expertise working to improve

sanitation and hygiene for those most left behind and least able to respond. WSSCC has been focusing on SDG 6.2 (sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health).

A statement by WSSCC said the SHF is a scalable and global Fund to effectively support the world’s poorest and most left behind in achieving the sanitation and hygiene related Sustainable Development Goal.

As the world grapples with disease outbreaks, ensuring access to adequate levels of sanitation and hygiene is more urgent than ever, the statement said. “Lack of ac-

cess to adequate sanitation and hygiene, including menstrual health and hygiene stands as one of the greatest impediments to the achievement of many of the Sustainable Development Goals, leaving large numbers of people exposed to not only outbreaks or pandemics of infectious disease, such as diarrheal diseases, cholera, Ebola and COVID-19, but also maternal and neonatal death, inadequate sexual and reproductive health, the spread of anti-microbial resistance, sepsis and malnutrition.”

According to the state-

ment, “Women and girls are disproportionately affected by poor sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health which negatively impacts their safety and dignity from sanitation-related gender-based violence, mobility, freedom of choice, health and their access to employment, and social and economic power. Yet, at the current rate of progress, the Sustainable Development Goal target on sanitation and hygiene is projected to be only reached in the 22nd century.

“The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund therefore calls on global leaders, including national

governments, to drastically scale up their investments in sanitation and hygiene in schools, health care centers and at the household level and to ensure the necessary innovation that supports better sanitation and hygiene.”

WSSCC said it has already reached millions of people around the world with essential and often life-saving interventions in sanitation and hygiene.

“Building on WSSCC’s achievements and the support provided by its longstanding donors and partners, the Sanita-

tion and Hygiene Fund will support eligible countries to access increased and catalytic financing to close the gaps in their national sanitation and hygiene strategies,” it said.

“Today, we recognise the need for a global approach, a transformative approach, and a long-term approach. With the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund, we are calling upon world leaders to help us fill a void in the international response to the sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health crisis,” said the Chair of WSSCC, Hind Khatib-Othman.

COVID-19: Nigerian Philanthropist Distributes Palliatives to Makoko Residents, Others The Ebele&Anyichuks Foundation (EAF) has said it distributed over 50,000 bags of rice and other relief materials across South-East and Lagos States, in continuation with its COVID-19 Emergency Response.

The Foundation’s latest gesture is coming after its recent donation of N150 million to the Federal Government, Lagos and Ebonyi States, to fight the spread of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.

According to the Foundation, its philanthropic effort started from Ebute-Metta, Lagos Mainland, Makoko, a slum neighbourhood across the Third Mainland Bridge, and Abule-Ado, where they distributed relief items, such as food, personal care products and other essentials given to indigent residents.

While commending the efforts of government and everyone who has contributed to the wellbeing of the nation to combat further spread of the virus, Co-Founder, EAF, Dr. Ifeanyi Odii promised that

EAF would continue to join hands with others to win the war against Coronavirus.

Explaining the reason behind the gesture, Odii noted that “in its 13 years of existence, EAF has fostered and championed the cause of the less privileged through scholarships and donation of learning materials.

Similarly, the Foundation built a two-storey school building equipped with a laboratory, an ICT centre, and a multipurpose hall for students in Ebonyi State.”

He said, “EAF has also been providing widows and youths with means of livelihood and survival through liveable buildings and recently gave out 50 houses to widows and indigents amongst a plethora of other charity works including church auditoriums for four different communities under construction.”

Meanwhile, moved with compassion after the sorry tale of a 10-year old amputee street hawker, Chiagozie Sunday Nweke, whose grim situation went viral through a social media post, Dr. Odii has

offered him scholarship worth N5 million, and a lease of life to his parents, through EAF. Speaking on the development, the EAF Co-Founder submitted that “the EAF Educa-

tion and Empowerment Scheme is currently in the process of opening a N5m endowment account for Master Chiagozie to take care of his education up to University level. Additionally,

we are providing N1m to Mr. and Mrs. Nweke to enable them start a trade with consistent business advice to ensure the couple invest and manage the money, wisely.”

He stressed that touching lives remains the primary goal of Ebele & Anyichuks Foundation and advised Nigerian entrepreneurs to give back to the society, ceaselessly.

Co-Founder, Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation, Dr. Ifeanyi Odii, handing over food items to residents within Mokoko Community, Lagos State... recently

Thought Leadership: Partnerships in Times of Crisis

Microsoft Brings Collaboration and Communication to Virtual Classrooms

Amrote Abdella

Microsoft announced that it has recently integrated its unified collaboration and communication platform, Teams, into a number of popular learning management systems (LMSs).

This will enable Teams meetings for educators and their students from within their preferred LMSs, including Canvas, Blackboard, Schoology, Brightspace, and itsLearning.

Schools and universities make use of LSMs to manage and present learning content such as coursework, assignments, and tests through a virtual learning environment. But it can be quite challenging to effectively teach learners through the transfer of content alone.

With Teams, teachers will be able to talk students through the content they are teaching in much the same way they would within the physical classroom.

Students will also be able to speak to educators to ask questions around a particular subject or idea they are struggling to understand or get clarification on an assignment.

“As we see many educational

The current global crisis has highlighted a number of areas, from the need of efficient information management to the need of accurate data gathering for faster medical response. In looking at the role of technology during this period, one area that has stood apart in driving meaningful change is the role of partnerships. Today, more than before, Microsoft 4Afrika is steadfast in supporting healthcare partners across the continent as they adapt their platforms and services to meet current needs.

Microsoft, through its 4Afrika initiative, has formed strategic partnerships with healthcare providers throughout Africa and beyond, providing them with technical support and business consultancy to help them achieve their goals. Each of these healthcare providers has had a significant impact in their sphere of influence, but with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen how our partners have used their exist-

ing platforms and programmes to pivot and adapt existing technologies to rapidly provide the much-needed response to address the challenges of the pandemic.

Healthcare powered by big data Artificial intelligence and machine learning are already used in healthcare, but in a rapidly evolving situation, these tools can significantly help boost response times and preparedness.

When Microsoft 4Afrika first partnered with BroadReach, they were striving to create and implement data-driven solutions to improve the management and delivery of health programmes in underserved regions around the world.

Vantage, an integrated cloud platform powered by Microsoft solutions, delivers powerful analytics that helps development, health and human services organisations quickly identify risks and opportunities.

Using machine learning, AI, big data and cloud comput-

ing, the company has enabled significant health outcomes in supported districts, integrating data immediately from a wide range of sources, and delivering real-time data, actionable insights and step-by-step implementation guidelines to boost effectiveness. Their digital HIV Portfolio on Management Solution has helped an estimated 340,000 people access HIV treatment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, while their proactive predictive tool helps keep patients on treatment by predicting which patients are at risk of stopping medicines and empowering healthcare teams to reach out to them before they stop. Other types of predictive analysis help develop an understanding of how particular clinics and staff members are performing, medical stock levels and predicting what may happen and intervening before that happens.

-Amrote Abdella is Regional Director, Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative

institutions move towards distance learning, we know that both educators and students are going to go through some difficult adjustments. Microsoft wanted to help ease this transition as much as possible while also supporting a truly connected environment that would enable quality learning.

By partnering with these LSMs and bringing the collaborative power of Teams to their platforms, I believe we will be able to do so,” says Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365.

Africa will particularly have to make big leaps in adjustments as the continent has the fewest number of, and thus least experience in, virtual schools compared to the rest of the world according to a European Union funded report.

This means that making this mass shift to distance learning as easy as possible will be key to ensuring the continuation of quality education and learning.

“Maintaining the flow of communication between students and educators will

be key to achieving a focused learning environment in the virtual classroom. As teachers adapt their learning material to be more engaging in the virtual world, we must also ensure that they have the right tools to allow learners to participate and get involved in the subject matter,” adds Spataro “Microsoft believes in the power of education to empower students to do and be more, and remain committed to supporting education in all its forms.”

Educational institutions or educators who have Office 365 accounts will be able to create Teams meetings for free in Canvas, Blackboard, Schoology, and Brightspace by following a few quick and easy steps. Those who make use of its Learning will be able to create a Microsoft Teams meeting anywhere within the tool through its rich text editor.

Microsoft has also made it possible for other LSMs to install the Teams app inside their platform and has created a guide for developers to do so.

14

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍ°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

COMMENT

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

SA’ADIYA FARUK AND NIGERIAN FACTOR Minister of humanitarian affairs is focused despite distractions, writes Danliti Goga

H

umanitarian Affairs Minister, Sa’adiya Umar Faruk’s emergence as a high-ranking member of the federal cabinet has thrown up a range of issues invariably related to her humility and focused commitment to duty and the hazards of public service. When she was named minister not many knew her as a tried and tested head of an important federal government agency- the National Refugees Commission- for several years where she had quietly but efficiently re-invigorated its operations. Little wonder that her appointment as minister triggered the usual wave of uninformed rabble-rousing and mischievous vendetta from the ever-present pack of disgruntled elements.

It’s now several months since she not only shunned the shenanigans but calmly and diligently focused on the arduous task of actualizing the establishment of one functional all-inclusive ministry integrating an array of uncoordinated agencies and departments of government charged with responsibilities for social welfare, disaster management and humanitarian affairs. It is a herculean job necessitated by the reformatory mission of the Buhari administration to synergize available government resources and capacity for a more robust management of the mounting challenge of humanitarian crises, natural and man-made disasters as well as delivery of social welfare service, all aggravated by the Boko Haram terrorist insurgency and related insecurity.

All concerned stakeholders in the process of a smooth and timely achievement of the consolidation of the multi-purpose mandate of the new ministry and seamless delivery of its important services to humanity cannot but marvel at Sa’adiya Faruk’s leadership acumen and organizational capabilities, not to mention her composure and administrative experience. Steadily she articulated the road map while also ensuring coordinated continuity in the various previously independent operations and even resolving pending problems.

Sa’adiya Faruk was still busy with her multi-tasking assignment when the dreadful Covid-19 pandemic got to Nigeria immediately escalating the already formidable burden of delivering succour and alleviating hardship among vulnerable communities. As expected, she took the new challenge in her strides, securing special provisions from the Presidency and marshalling additional palliative measures including expanding the capacity of existing social security schemes. Tirelessly the minister led numerous delivery missions to states in well publicised exercises that spotlighted the prompt response of the federal government through her ministry.

Sadly, such remarkable response ability and unwavering preoccupation with the humanitarian and social security schedules as well as pursuing the progressive consolidation process toward the firm and functional establishment of the new ministry was rudely confronted by yet another orchestrated campaign of calumny, ostensibly complaining

CONSIDERING THE POPULATION OF POOR AND LOW-INCOME CITIZENS IN THE COUNTRY, IT CAN ONLY BE CHEAP BLACKMAIL TO EXPECT IT TO REACH EVERY IMPOVERISHED HOUSEHOLD OR CITIZEN AT THIS STAGE

about inadequacy of palliatives but actually aimed at continuing with the sinister agenda of disparaging the reputation of the minister. It was a typical case of mischief propelled by political animosity and covert grudge.

Faruk’s calm and collected response was an additional testimony to the level of intelligent maturity she possesses. Those who picked on the social security schemes to get at the minister deliberately ignored the reality of intervention programmes that the minister was dutifully working to reinvigorate, reform and expand. Considering the population of poor and low -income citizens in the country, it can only be cheap blackmail to expect it to reach every impoverished household or citizen at this stage. It was very appropriate that the minister simply gave the floor to the particular official who was involved in launching the scheme and operating it prior to her appointment to set the records straight, while she refocused her attention on her national assignment.

The most misguided attempt to embarrass the minister regrettably but predictably came from the National Assembly whose supposedly honourable members raised so much dust over the “methodology� of compiling the list of beneficiaries of the social security programmes just to conceal their ulterior motive of seeking to be given an “allocation� of beneficiaries merely to advance their personal political agenda. They were as unpatriotic and selfishly motivated as the other pretentious wailers who went to town with unsubstantiated allegations of fraud in the distribution of Covid-19 palliatives whereas their grouse was not being appointed distributors so that they can help themselves!

These sickening scenarios describe the circumstances that discourage many capable and patriotic Nigerians from taking up opportunities to contribute their valuable quota in moving Nigeria forward through political offices. Notoriously referred to as “Nigerian factor�, these despicable attitudes of targeting upright and hardworking top government functionaries for mudslinging and unwarranted criticism solely for the purpose of bringing them down and creating undeserved vacancies for “godfathers� and cronies remains a major enemy of national progress and development that must be vigorously eliminated by any means necessary.

Until then however we must commend Sa’adiya Faruk for her unique capacity to remain undeterred and focused on her national assignment in the interest of the vulnerable citizens of this country whose population is increasing through no fault of theirs but who can only be assuaged and given a sense of belonging when dedicated and upright functionaries like Faruk accept invitations to serve humanity in government, not minding the heartless mischief and vested interests of politicians and their unscrupulous hirelings. Posterity and the millions of vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens that your dedication to national duty brings relief to will bear you out in the fullness of time.

Goga wrote from Kano

ANAMBRA AND THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19 Obiora Okonkwo urges support for the people and the economy of the state to recover

I

n my Easter message to the good people of Anambra state a few weeks ago, I noted that the disruptions to the global economy brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic will be huge.

Monitoring the spread of the virus since, it’s obvious the pandemic is already having a very devastating impact on Nigeria, including the health and economic well-being of the good people of Anambra State.

So far, the pandemic, among other things, has drastically impacted production and consumption, forced the closure of international and local travels and disrupted demand and supply chains. With weeks of little to no travels by road, rail or air, the global oil prices came tumbling down with dire implications for Nigeria’s oil dependent economy.

Even the global stock markets that have had several weeks of positive gains prior to the pandemic, is now struggling.

With lockdown policies around the world, including in Nigeria, people have had their movements severely curtailed to help stop the spread of the virus. Schools, businesses, markets, church services and other social gatherings were suspended as mitigation measures. In Anambra State, a two-week lockdown just ended with the governor concerned about starvation and fear of unrest by residents who have become increasingly restive. The hurried lifting of the lockdown by the state government despite the persisting threat of the pandemic is, in part, a consequence of the government’s very poor palliative programs to mitigate the harsh economic impact of the lockdown on the most vulnerable in the state.

In Anambra, the percentage of people employed by the state and private sector is relatively small.

This means that a vast majority of the Anambra population is engaged in the informal sector and survives on daily earnings. For these people therefore, the shutdown of markets, parks, street shops and artisanal workshops leave huge economic

holes that may be difficult to fill. By staying indoors, this percentage of the population is forced to spend and not earn. While those employed by the state will look forward to some income by the end of the month, though not guaranteed, those employed by the private sector may have to depend on the magnanimity of employers willing to endure further financial losses, to help them pull through.

Yet, no one knows when this will end. So, the disruptions will continue, at least into the foreseeable future, severely affecting family incomes and potentially resulting in the demise of businesses unless the state government immediately introduces some form of stimulus package that can help keep micro, small and medium scale businesses afloat with low interests. Meanwhile, the shutdown of state economies also translates to loss of revenue to the state. This is made worse by low global oil prices with serious implication on allocation from the federation account to states. Further, the recent loosening of the lockdown could lead to spike in Covid-19 infections resulting in hospitalizations, even deaths. We can only hope and, pray, that it will not be to the scale we saw in Italy, Spain and several other countries.

As Anambra State grapples with the massive disruptions caused by Covid-19, it is critical to not only take care of the least of our brethren through substantive, well thought out and enduring palliative measures, but also ensure the sustainability of businesses which is the driving force of our people.

While this unprecedented crisis could possibly not have been envisaged, effectively managing it demands smart, resourceful, creative and bold leadership (both within and outside government) with the twin goals of getting through the pandemic, however long it lasts, and engineering a robust recovery afterwards. This is the challenge facing us.

It is well known that the Anambra economy is propelled by robust self-entrepreneurships in micro,

small and medium scale businesses. Unfortunately, the continuing disruptions caused by Covid-19 is negatively impacting these businesses such that some may go under and those that survive, could be considerably weakened. The world over, it is common for businesses to have loan liabilities, mostly to banks and under the prevailing Covid-19 situation, it is imperative for banks and other lending institutions to do the needful by working with these businesses, where necessary, to reschedule their loan repayments in terms that are mutually beneficial. In these challenging times, I particularly urge banks and other lending entities to be a crucial bridge across troubled waters for these businesses as a way of building an enduring partnership with them long after the pandemic.

As Anambrarians, we are legendary for both our libertarian ethos of free-will and republican spirit of self-help, irrespective of governments either at the local/state or federal level. Covid-19 challenges us to, once again, demonstrate that indomitable spirit of community (Igwe Bu Ike) that have made us the envy of all.

I am encouraged that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has already introduced a N50 billion stimulus package, called Targeted Credit Facility (TCF), that will enable micro, small and medium scale businesses affected by Covid-19 to access up to N25 million to help jumpstart their businesses.

According to the CBN, those eligible for this facility include households and existing micro, small and medium scale enterprises with verifiable evidence of business activities adversely affected by Covid-19.

That financing opening is also a window, according to CBN, for “enterprises with bankable plans to take advantage of opportunities arising from the Covid-19 pandemic�.

Covid-19 pandemic has indeed created for us yet another opportunity to rise to the challenge of being our brother’s keeper. This is therefore the time to give life to the think home philosophy for Anambra

businesses (Aku lue Uno). The opportunity created by this pandemic should bring out the best in us as entrepreneurs. The concept of adopt-a-business may well be a life time opportunity to help micro, small and medium scale businesses to stay afloat and rebuild household economies. Similarly, the dictum of onye aghana nwanne ya, should be for us, a call to assist others to regain balance. This, we as entrepreneurs, can do by also standing as guarantors to micro, small and medium business owners who would want to approach the CBN for the TCF. This is one great way to boost confidence and support our people in Anambra to recover from the shock of Covid-19 disruptions.

I therefore use this opportunity to call on entrepreneurs from Anambra State, many of whom have already done a lot by way of various forms of palliatives in their communities to rise to this challenge and be part of the recovery process by standing as guarantors to micro, small and medium scale businesses in the state that approach CBN for the TCF loan. I will lead this challenge too. Those among us that had given out personal loans to small businesses can also do more, in support, by rescheduling the repayment plan. This will create a window for such businesses to recover and remain afloat. This has become necessary given the need for us to support our people and help the economy of our state to recover. I believe that this is as important as giving palliatives. However, while palliatives are temporary and therefore not sustainable, supporting micro, small and medium scale businesses to rebound after the Covid-19 shock, is a more pragmatic and sustainable approach that will help business owners to regain balance and rebuild their households. The ripple effect of this is immeasurable. I believe that this is what the time calls for because the state government cannot do this alone.

Dr. Okonkwo is the Chairman, The Dome Entertainment Limited

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

EDITORIAL WIKE AND OTHER MISGUIDED GOVERNORS Some governors are going beyond their boundaries in the name of enforcing Covid-19 directives

T

he current rash of autocratic displays by governors are a dangerous outcome of the inexplicable retreat of federal authority in the management of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. In the past few weeks, some governors, especially in the southern part of the country, have been barricading federal highways, seizing control of air spaces, trampling on the rights of citizens and generally constricting the civic space. Such open display of autocratic prom ptings are reckless violations of the constitution and must be massively condemned by critical stakeholders. In addition, those affected must not only seek legal redress but should also demand compensations for property lost or wilfully damaged.

Unfortunately, in no state has this recklessness become a daily affair than in Rivers where Governor Nyesom Wike acts as though above the law under the pretext of working to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Last weekend, he authorised and personally supervised the demolition of two hotels in Eleme for allegedly flouting his recently signed THE AIM OF CONTAINING Executive Order 6, THE VIRUS MUST BE which placed a ban on PURSUED ALONGSIDE THE the operation of hotels ORDERLY GOVERNANCE across the 23 Local OF EVERY STATE IN STRICT Government Areas of the state. Whatever COMPLIANCE WITH THE may be his excuses, CONSTITUTION the wilful destruction of a private property cannot form part of the legitimate powers of a state governor. Besides, for a lawyer, Wike must know that violation of a lockdown or quarantine order should be proven in court after which the culprit could then be made to pay the applicable fine or penalty.

It is unfortunate that the feeble response to Covid-19 by President Muhammadu Buhari has given some governors the latitude to carve out empires for themselves. Not only are they encroaching on matters that are within the exclusive preserve of the federal government, some of them have resorted to actions that

can only exacerbate the fight against Covid-19 spread.

In Kogi, Governor Yahaya Bello sent away officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) who were to manage the pandemic in his state. In Cross River State, Governor Ben Ayade knows more about Covid-19 than all the experts in NCDC and World Health Organisation (WHO). Meanwhile, in Rivers State, Governor Wike is exploiting the pandemic to exert extra-constitutional powers at the expense of the residents and legitimate business owners.

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

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA

here is nothing in the powers of a state governor that gives anyone a right to violate citizens’ rights or recklessly usurp the powers of the federal sovereign. The determination of extreme national emergency remains the exclusive preserve of the federal government. Overzealous governors must find other ways of displaying their zeal in the legitimate discharge of their duties.

The time has therefore come for the federal government to assert its authority to check the drunken rampage of misguided governors. This much needed reassertion must include a removal of all barriers across federal highways. Political parties must also rein in their errant governors who threaten public peace and endanger national security while the civil society organisations should rise in legal defence of citizens whose rights are being cynically trampled upon by some governors.

The law is settled that the executive order of a governor or president cannot override constitutional provisions and we are not aware of any authority that gives Wike or any governor for that matter powers to demolish hotels for violations of lockdown. This is executive lawlessness that should be challenged in court.

What is going on in Rivers State is simply an opportunistic usurpation of the power that the federal authority is not wielding. The Covid-19 emergency should be carefully managed to ensure that it does not endanger the stability of the country. This means that the aim of containing the virus must be pursued alongside the orderly governance of every state in strict compliance with the constitution.

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Wike And The Abuse Of Power

F

or the sake of some of us who have not heard about Idi Amin, I will brief us who he was. Idi Amin Dada Oumee was a Ugandan military officer who served as the President of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. During his reign as the President of Uganda, he was ruthless, merciless, in fact, he was deemed to be one of the cruellest presidents in the world history. He ruled Uganda as if he owned the next seconds of his life. His rule entertained political repression, rampant human rights abuses, ethnic persecution, corruption, nepotism, gross economic mismanagement, etc.

Idi Amin carried out tons of legal decisions on his own. He barely took his offenders to the Uganda courts. No matter how big or modicum the offense was, he had a stool of judgement within his compound. He was the Judge to almost all the cases that had to do with him. He judged his offenders as his mood dictated. And afflicted the people who condemned his inhuman dispositions. Some International observers and human rights group estimated that between 100,000 and 500,000 people were killed while he was the President of Uganda.

No doubt, his inhuman idiosyncrasy was the reason why he fled to exile.

The Rivers State Governor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, with his demolition of hotels and auctioning

of vehicles for flouting his lockdown order is a pointer that he has some idiosyncrasy of Idi Amin in him. Aside the demolished hotels and auctioned vehicles, he had approached some social issues awkwardly in recent past. Is it how he insulted a traditional ruler? Or how he arrested Caverton helicopter pilots? I think it high time he’s told that we are not in the military era. And that his Idi Amin style can’t work in a democratic environ.

We’ve seen how people who flouted the lockdown order in others states were dealt with. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, sealed a mosque for flouting his lockdown order.

Some states governments temporarily seized vehicles that flouted the lockdown order. These are men that work in a democratic system. The demolition of hotels and the auctioning of vehicles

by Wike is not only inhuman but an abuse of power and overstepping of constitutional bounds.

Gov. Wike should at this point note that power is transient and that it is only the uncreated creator of the universe who has the ingredients to rule forever.

May I ask Wike where the yesteryear leaders are?

If they could leave the seats of power for people like Wike, why won’t he leave the stool of power someday?

Aremu Lukman Umor, aremulukmanumor@ gmail.com

Igbo Solidarity Movement And Kalu’s Release

W

e the Igbo Solidarity Movement have noted with disappointment the views expressed by senior lawyers like Prof. Itse Sgay and Chief Femi Falana on the acquittal of former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzo Kalu by the nation’s apex court over his trial and conviction on the N7.1 billion allegations by a federal high court in Lagos.

We are taken aback and totally disappointed that individuals, especially lawyers who had benefitted from the temple of justice will at this time malign and drag the reputation of the Supreme Court to the mud. This is particularly painful considering that they had used the same institution to rise to the top and gain relevance in their legal profession. As a group we hail the Supreme Court for their display of uncommon wisdom and knowledge, with their accurate interpretation of the law and not allowing an innocent man to suffer based on a clear travesty of justice.

We are gratified that most Nigerian legal luminaries had already acceded to the fact that the judgment is right and impeccable as you can’t build

something on nothing, hence the quashing of the judgment of the lower court. We had expected Prof.

Sagay and his ilk to go beyond personal sentiments and support the Nigerian Judiciary to function without unnecessary haranguing, intimidation or imputation of ill-motives, so that the rich and the poor, big and small will always benefit from the justice system.

We therefore condemn in totality the attempt

by Prof. Sagay and Chief Falana to malign the Supreme Court by using such words like “setback’’ and “ruling class’’ in their press statements over the judgment. We want to restate for the umpteenth time that the judgment of the Supreme Court nullifying the conviction Orji Kalu was not only based on facts of law, but empirical evidence and in tune with the maxim that it’s better for ninety-nine guilty people to go scot free than for one innocent man to suffer.

We hereby congratulate Senator Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu on his victory at the apex court, and implore him to use his position at the National Assembly to deliver democracy dividends to Abia State in general.

Chief Boniface Enekwechi, National President

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

12.05.2020

VIRTUAL COURT HEARINGS IN NIGERIA: CONSTITUTIONALITY OR OTHERWISE

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammed Chief Judge of Borno State, Kashim Zannah

Chief Judge of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

12.05.2020

VIRTUAL COURT HEARINGS IN NIGERIA: CONSTITUTIONALITY OR OTHERWISE

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammed Chief Judge of Borno State, Kashim Zannah

Chief Judge of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba

2/

12.05.2020

Adieu, Akin, Requiescat in Pace An Invaluable Member of Our Team Onikepo Braithwaite ´7LWL DR À SDGH QL LWH UH 8QWLO ZH PHHW DJDLQ EHIRUH +LV WKURQH $R VL ZR ZD O¡DJEDGD IXQIXQ &ORWKHG LQ WKH VSRWOHVV UREHV +H JLYHV +LV RZQ 7¡D R VL UL JHJHE¡D WL PR ZD 8QWLO ZH NQRZ HYHQ DV ZH KDYH NQRZQ

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$PHQ Âľ hen Deputy Editor, Jude Igbanoi, telephoned me last Monday evening to inform me that Akin, our Judicial Correspondent/Page Planner had been involved in an accident but the details were sketchy, I never imagined that it would be fatal. Subsequently, our Managing Director, Eniola Bello, telephoned me just before 11pm that night, to break the sad news that Akin had passed on. , ZDV VKRFNHG VSHHFKOHVV ,V WKLV KRZ Ă HHWLQJ OLIH FDQ EH" I had spoken to Akin at least 20 times between morning and DIWHUQRRQ WKDW GD\ SXWWLQJ Ă€QLVKLQJ WRXFKHV WR RXU SXEOLFDWLRQ IRU WKH QH[W GD\ DQG KH ZDV KLV XVXDO FKHHUIXO HIĂ€FLHQW self; he was ‘right as rain’. To then hear that, suddenly, he was gone! - it is indeed, an extremely sad loss. As usual he telephoned me at about 1.15pm to tell me that he had VHQW PH WKH Ă€QDO SGI RI WKH SXEOLFDWLRQ DQG DV XVXDO , thanked him, said I would speak to him later in the week, and asked him to stay safe. Little did I know, that it would be my very last conversation with Akin!

Akin was good natured, hardworking, dedicated, reliable, and had good ideas - an invaluable member of our team. In fact, I felt that I couldn’t have had a better team than him, Jude and I (Tobi Soniyi had left us). I would make fun of Akin call him “Assistant Editor�, because though Jude and I conduct all our interviews, occasionally, Akin would go ahead to conduct his own miniinterviews, and truth be told, they were always quite useful and informative.

He taught me quite a few things about some of the dos and don’ts of page planning and journalism, as he had joined our esteemed newspaper, ThisDay, decades before my humble self.

Akin has a young family, to which he was committed to.

Often, when I telephoned him at the weekends (and during the lockdown), he would be at home, and I would hear his little son Akin Junior making noise in the background.

As usual I would ask -“NL QL HQ VH IXQ RPR \HQ NLORGH WRQ SDULZR EH (what are you (and your wife) doing to that FKLOG ZK\ LV KH VFUHDPLQJ OLNH WKDW Âľ" $QG Akin would laugh and respond -“ohun ati iya e niâ€? (it’s him and his mother) or ´NR IH MHXQ QLÂľ (he doesn’t want to eat). They were an extremely happy family unit.

I will certainly miss Akinwale Akintunde. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, especially his wife, Happiness, and his little son, Akin Junior, and I pray to God to strengthen and comfort them all. Indeed, all of us who interacted closely with Akin, all need a measure of God’s comfort and strength to handle his passing. But, who are ZH WR TXHVWLRQ *RG ZKR ´JLYHWK DQG WDNHWK¾" :H WDNH solace in the knowledge that, Akin has been translated into eternal glory. Eternal rest grant unto Akin, O Lord, and let your light perpetual shine upon him. Rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Amen. Sun re o.

Onikepo Braithwaite, Editor, This Day Lawyer

W

Tribute to Akin Funke Aboyade, SAN

T

his has been a rough past 24 hours. Akinwale Akintunde...what a rude shock...It was never meant to be like this...me, much older, mourning your passing away... I met Akin when, as Editor, I took him on as a member RI P\ WHDP RQ WKH 7+,6'$< /DZ :HHNO\ 16 page pullout. Almost 20 years ago now...

He came in as a greenhorn, neither a Lawyer nor with any journalism experience, but was more than willing to learn. Over the years he acquitted himself and came into his own, becoming an invaluable member of the team.

From a young 20 something year old to a mature man in his forties, it was a pleasure to work with and mentor him. No assignment was too mean, none too challenging.

He was diligent, conscientious and creative. Together with Jude Igbanoi, Tunji Adeyemi, Tobi Soniyi and subsequently, Yinka Freda Olatunbosun, he kept up with my impossible deadlines, put up with my perfectionist

Akinwale Akintunde

demands, and worked the crazy hours required to get the job done.

Akin was quite resourceful, and quick on the uptake.

Page planning is an important and highly skilled part of the production of any section of the newspaper and presentation (graphics, illustrations, font size, placement, VSDFLQJ FUHDWLYHQHVV HW DO LV NH\ WR ZKHWKHU \RXU Ă&#x20AC;QDO product is pleasing to the eye and will cause the reader to pause and read or simply pass because of the tedium of the page. For Law especially, presentation, afortiori page planning, was doubly important as the subject itself can oft times be technical. An excellent page planner was therefore, key to our weekly production schedules.

The problem was, the good page planners were often in demand, and there was stiff competition and sometimes warfare (albeit good natured) over â&#x20AC;&#x153;capturingâ&#x20AC;? and then keeping for the duration any available page planner in the newsroom on Friday and Saturday nights, our SURGXFWLRQ GHDGOLQH :DUIDUH EHFDXVH WKDW ZDV DOVR ZKHQ the popular Saturday and Sunday papers were put to bed.

Every title and line editor wanted the lone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; occasionally, two - page planner in the newsroom.

7+,6'$< /$: RIWHQ JRW WKH VKRUW HQG RI WKH VWLFN I observed that Akin would often sit with the page planners, keenly watching as they planned our pages, sometimes chipping in a suggestion or two. Over time, he got the hang of it and often stepped in when, as sometimes happened, our Law pages lost out in the battle of wits for page planners for the night. Eventually, he VLPSO\ Ă&#x20AC;OOHG WKDW UROH IRU XV SHUPDQHQWO\ QR PHDQ IHDW considering his otherwise busy remit. He was quite a dab hand at it too. :KHQ , VWHSSHG DZD\ IURP WKH ZRUOG RI SURGXFWLRQ deadlines and busy newsrooms seven years ago, I certainly did not step away from Akin.He got married three years ago and, unknown to me, made me mother of the day; such was our relationship. Ultimately, I was unable to attend his wedding as Isiaka my driver (who's also in a state of shock and disbelief at his passing) took ill at the last minute.

Only last week Akin, you celebrated your third wedding $QQLYHUVDU\ DV ZHOO DV \RXU ZLIH¡V ELUWKGD\ :KR NQHZ WKHQ WKDW \RXU WLPH ZDV QLJK " You were such a loving husband and a doting father to your young son, with another little one on the way...

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God. .DEL R RVL May the angels of the Lord whom you served with such passion, welcome you into Paradise. May the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, comfort your wife, Happiness, your son, Akin Junior, and your unborn child.

Requiescat in pace.

Funke Aboyade, SAN, former Editor, This Day Lawyer

Tribute to Akinwale Akintunde Tunji Adeyemi

A

Akin: When tears are not enough Jude Igbanoi

'A

itikinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, as I always called him, became my â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;anchormanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, right from the day he stepped into THISDAY Newspapers in 2001.

Fresh from Ibadan Polytechnic, armed with an OND &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH LQ 0DVV &RPPXQLFDWLRQV he had come to seek an opportunity to serve out his one year compulsory Industrial Training attachment. The reality he met was that, at the time THISDAY ZDV SUDFWLFDOO\ Ă&#x20AC;OOHG DQG WKHUHIRUH WKHUH ZHUH QR VSDFHV for ITattachment.

Because of my heavy workload, a colleague referred him to me to see if there was anything I could do about it. I connected with him instantly, and I took him to the Law Editor, Ms. Funke Aboyade (as she then was), and she NLQGKHDUWHGO\ LQVWUXFWHG PH WR WU\ DQG Ă&#x20AC;QG D ZD\ WR PDNH him useful to us on the law desk.

Aitikins gave a good account of himself, pulled his weight DQG Ă&#x20AC;W LQWR WKH /DZ 7HDP +H VXEVHTXHQWO\ ZDV RIIHUHG full time employment at the recommendation of our boss, Funke Aboyade, SAN. At our encouragement, he went on to earn a degree in English from the Lagos State University.

He virtually became my â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;utility manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, playing the roles of judicial correspondent, computer page planner, and generally assisting in the legal department.

He was more like a younger brother to me, going on various RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO DVVLJQPHQWV IRU PH DQG UHSUHVHQWLQJ PH DW YDULRXV events when I was too busy to attend. It was with utter shock that I received a call informing me that Akin was involved in an accident, and this was while I was receiving treatment for malaria and typhoid, at the hospital on Monday evening May 8. Before I could reach the hospital, his bosom friend andcolleague, Henry Ojeilu whom I told I was on my way, informed me that Akin didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it - he had passed on.

The tears have not VWRSSHG Ă RZLQJ DQG , KDYHQ¡W EHHQ DEOH WR ZUDS P\ KHDG around the fact that, my â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aitkinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is gone!

Jude Igbanoi, Deputy Law Editor :KHQ \RX KDG \RXU FKDQFH DOO \RX FRXOG DVN KLP ZDV KRZ he planned to spend his Christmas.

Yes, everybody laughed, but you got your Quotable for our production that week. :KHQ RXU SDWKV FURVVHG DJDLQ \HDUV ODWHU DW WKH ,NHMD +LJK &RXUW SUHPLVHV \RX KDG EHFRPH D IXOO Ă HGJHG 5HSRUWHU FRYHULQJ the Judiciary, and I had left the newsroom to practice law; I could still see the passion, the single minded devotion and humility in you. I pushed one or two stories through you. :KHQ \RX Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ PHW WKH ORYH RI \RXU OLIH +DSSLQHVV WKH same passion and devotion could be seen in the way you dotted over your wife, and your little son. Akin, you stooped to conquer. You fought in the miry clay of life, till you secured a foothold. You were set to run, but the cold hand of death interrupted you. Oh Death! Couldn't you be UHVSHFWIXO IRU RQFH" %XW LQGHHG \RX UDQ DQG \RX FRQTXHUHG WKDW ZH NQRZ , SUD\ \RXU ZLIH +DSSLQHVV ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;QG KDSSLQHVV knowing you are resting in peace at the bosom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Till the resurrection morning.

Adieu, Akin.

kin, your name, denotes bravery, and that is who you were. You were determined to succeed by dint of hard work, against all odds. I saw WKDW IURP WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW PRPHQW , VDZ \RX ZDON into the newsroom at THISDAY. Green, but eager to avail yourself. I remember that day in December 2001, when Femi Falana, SAN Tunji Adeyemi, former Deputy Law Editor came visiting. You picked up the midget, and joined the FRPW G RQ SDJH EDWWHU\ RI UHSRUWHUV Ă&#x20AC;ULQJ TXHVWLRQV DW WKH OHJDO OXPLQDU\

LAW REPORT/3

Validity of CertiďŹ cate of Occupancy issued over Anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Subsisting Customary Title Facts

T

he 1st Respondent bought a plot of land in 1977 from a Customary Owner in Ganmo, Kwara State. In 1984, the Ministry of Works, Land and Surveys granted her a Right of Occupancy No. KW5101 (Exhibit 1), over the land. The Appellant also bought a plot of land from a legal practitioner in 1975, and was granted a Right of Occupancy No. 5258 (Exhibit 3). Both plots were incorporated into the Government layout. The plot belonging to the 1st Respondent was described in Exhibit 1 as â&#x20AC;&#x201C; No. 6B Block 16 TPO 158A , while the plot belonging to the Appellant was described in Exhibit 3 as â&#x20AC;&#x201C; No. 6 Block 16 TPO 158A. The plots are beside each other. However, in WKH $SSHOODQW ZDV JUDQWHG D &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ which covered both plots of land, notwithstanding that the 1st Respondent had fenced her plot and dug well thereon.

Greatly disturbed by the development, the 1st Respondent SURPSWO\ LQIRUPHG WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDOV RI WKH 0LQLVWU\ RI /DQGV who apologised to her, admitted the error, and offered her an alternative plot. Failure to deliver to her, the promised SORW RI ODQG LQIRUPHG WKH Ă&#x20AC;OLQJ RI D VXLW DW WKH WULDO FRXUW where she sought, inter alia, a Declaration that the 2nd 5HVSRQGHQW KDV QR OHJDO ULJKW WR LVVXH WZR &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWHV RI Occupancy on the same plot of land; and an Order that the Statutory Right of Occupancy Ref. No. KW5258 is null Hon. Olabode Rhodes-Victor JSC and void, since the issuance is unlawful and defective.

The Appellant, as 1st Defendant before the trial court, joined issues with the 1st Respondent in its Statement of In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Defence, to the effect that the Kwara State Government did Holden at Abuja not at any time acquire any portion of its land, and could On Friday, the 31st day of January, 2020 not have validly granted any such portion to any other SHUVRQ WLPH RI LVVXDQFH RI WKH &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ Before Their Lordships QRWZLWKVWDQGLQJ 7KH $SSHOODQW PDLQWDLQHG WKDW LWV &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH Olabode Rhodes-Vivour of Occupancy No. 5258 is valid, and that it planted cashew Chima Centus Nweze and other fruits as well as cassava on the land since 1979, Amiru Sanusi without any challenge to its title.

Ejembi Eko The 2nd Respondent, on its part, joined issues with the Uwani Musa Abba Aji VW 5HVSRQGHQW E\ VWDWLQJ WKDW WKH RQO\ VXEVLVWLQJ &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH Justices, Supreme Court of Occupancy is that granted to the Appellant, and that the SC.157/2007 1st Respondent only had a Temporary Right of Occupancy 1R .: ZKLFK VKH DEDQGRQHG E\ IDLOLQJ WR IXOĂ&#x20AC;O WKH Between condition precedent to enable her secure a permanent hold BAC Electrical Co. Ltd â&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;Ś Appellant over the land. After hearing the evidence of parties and addresses of their respective counsel, the trial court refused And the reliefs claimed by the 1st Respondent and dismissed the 1. Rachael Yewande Adesina case accordingly. The appeal of the 1st Respondent to the 2. Commissioner for Land and Court of Appeal, was found to be meritorious. The Court of Housing, Kwara State â&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;Ś Respondents Appeal held that, the decision of the trial court was perverse and occasioned a miscarriage of justice; hence, same was (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Olabode set aside. The Appellant, therefore, appealed against the Rhodes-Vivour, JSC) judgement of the Court of Appeal.

Issues for Determination The parties formulated issues for determination by the court, in their respective Briefs of Argument. The Supreme Court however, discountenanced the Brief of $UJXPHQW Ă&#x20AC;OHG E\ WKH QG 5HVSRQGHQW DQG WKH LVVXHV therein, on the ground that the 2nd Respondent, whose brief did not meet the expectation of what aRespondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brief should contain, actually abandoned the role of a Respondent.

Their Lordships noted that the 2nd Respondent, who did QRW Ă&#x20AC;OH D &URVV $SSHDO RU 5HVSRQGHQW¡V 1RWLFH LV H[SHFWHG WR defend the judgement instead of launching a comprehensive attack against same.

The issues determined by the court are: 1. Whether the 1st Respondent established the Identity of the land she claimed. :KHWKHU WKH &RXUW RI $SSHDO ZDV MXVWLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ UHYRNLQJ WKH &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ LVVXHG LQ WR WKH $SSHOODQW 3. Whether in law and under the provisions of the Land 8VH $FW D &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ FDQ EH LVVXHG RQ a land with subsisting Right of Occupancy that has not been revoked.

4. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in holding WKDW WKH &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ LVVXHG WR WKH $SSHOODQW in Exhibit 10 on 25 November, 1990 was invalidly issued, and is void ab initio.

Arguments $UJXLQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW LVVXH FRXQVHO IRU WKH $SSHOODQW VXEPLWWHG that, the onus is on the Plaintiff (1st Respondent in this case), to satisfy the court that the area of land to which her claim relates, is clear. He observed that the 1st Respondent did not make reference to any description of the land claimed, and that the Court of Appeal failed to resolve which land

the Right of Occupancy was issued upon. He argued that, since the 1st Respondent failed to identify he land claimed, the appeal ought to be allowed.

Contrariwise, counsel for the 1st Respondent submitted that, she did not seek declaration of title at the trial court, and that the Appellant did not challenge her title to the land. He argued further that, the Right of Occupancy issued WR WKH VW 5HVSRQGHQW FOHDUO\ LGHQWLĂ&#x20AC;HV KHU SORW RI ODQG

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IS MERELY A PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF TITLE, OR EXCLUSIVE POSSESSION. ONCE IT IS SHOWN THAT THERE IS A CUSTOMARY OWNER WHOSE TITLE IS SUBSISTING, OR A HOLDER OF A RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY......OVER THE SAME LAND BEFORE THE ISSUANCE OF THE CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY, THE COURT WOULD READILY REVOKE SUCH CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

and that her Right of Occupancy precedes that granted to the Appellant.

On the 2nd, 3rd and 4th issues which were taken together by the court, it was submitted for the Appellant that, what was issued to the 1st Respondent was a Right of Occupancy which was not perfected. He argued that, since the Customary holding of the Appellant was not revoked before issuing the Right of Occupancy to the 1st Respondent, the said LVVXDQFH LV QXOO DQG YRLG +H VXEPLWWHG WKDW D &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH of Occupancy had the effect of extinguishing allprior rights o the land â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APOSTOLIC CHURCH v OLOWOLANI (1990) 10 SCNJ 69.

Counsel for the 1st Respondent on his part, posited that she acquired a Right of Occupancy over her plot of land, and that it was erroneous for the 2and Respondent to LVVXH D FHUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ WR WKH $SSHOODQW LQ UHVSHFW of her land, when her title was still subsisting. Courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Judgement and Rationale 5HVROYLQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW LVVXH WKH $SH[ &RXUW DJUHHG ZLWK the settled position of law as stated by the Appellant, that where the identity of the land claimed is in issue,the onus is on the Plaintiff ( 1st Respondent) to prove accurately, the dimensions of the land. This, he does, by producing WKH VXUYH\ SODQ RU FHUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ :KHUH WKHUH LV QR GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW\ LGHQWLI\LQJ WKH ODQG WKHQ there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a need to tender the survey plan. Given the above, the 2nd Defendant who issued the Right of Occupancy to both parties, did not deny the description of the land as given by the 1st Respondent. The Exhibits before the court lend more credence to the 1st Respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evidence on the identity of her land, which WKH 6XSUHPH &RXUW Ă&#x20AC;QGV DFFHSWDEOH With regard to issues 2 to 4, the court observed that the 1st Respondent was given her title deed by the 2nd Respondent, in November, 1984. The Appellant was equally LVVXHG ZLWK &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ E\ WKH QG 5HVSRQGHQW over property covered by Right of Occupancy No. 5258, in 1991. The Right of Occupancy granted in this instance, is for 99 years. Such Right of Occupancy may be revoked by the Commissioner for Lands for overriding public interest, or failure to comply with the terms of the Right of Occupancy.

In this case, the 1st Respondentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Right of Occupancy was not revoked. Given the provisions of Section 34 of the Land Use Act, 1978, any person without title to a parcel RI ODQG LQ UHVSHFW RI ZKLFK WKH &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ was issued, acquires no right or interest which he did not have before. The Appellant in this instance, did not at any point have title over Exhibit 1, which is subsisting WLOO ,W IROORZV WKDW ZKHUH DV LQ WKLV FDVH D &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH of Occupancy has been granted to the Appellant who did not prove a better title, then the grant would be against the clear provisions and spirit of the Land Use Act. $ FHUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ LV PHUHO\ D SULPD IDFLH HYL dence of title, or exclusive possession. Once it is shown that there is a customary owner whose title is subsisting, or a holder wof a Right of Occupancy, as in this instance, RYHU WKH VDPH ODQG EHIRUH WKH LVVXDQFH RI WKH &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ WKH FRXUW ZRXOG UHDGLO\ UHYRNH VXFK &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ HARUNA v OJUKWU (1991) 7 NWLR ( Pt. 202) 207.

The Court of Appeal was right to have cancelled the &HUWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWH RI 2FFXSDQF\ LVVXHG WR WKH $SSHOODQW LQ WKLV case, because it was not restricted to the area of land covered by Right of Occupancy No. KW5258 issued to it, especially where the customary title of the 1st Respondent was not revoked.

Their Lordships observed that, during the evidence of personnel of the 2nd Respondent, it was gathered that there was a mistake in the title document issued to the Appellant. The learned Justices admonished that once a mistake is so obvious, it should be corrected without recourse to courts.

Appeal Dismissed.

Costs awarded in favour of the 1st Respondent and against the Appellant and the 2nd Respondent.

Representation Chief P.A.O. Olorunisola, SAN with O.T. Olorunisola and M.H. Ibiyemi for the Appellant.

Respondents served, but absent and unrepresented.

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

12.05.2020

COVER/5

U Godfree Matthew Introduction

T

he use of online proceedings, is an admirable aspiration for the Nigerian legal system to consider.

Doing so will put the nation on the same page as advanced democracies of the world, in terms of quick and expeditious dispensation of justice. However, the use of virtual proceedings in Nigeria is an expensive bargain to strike a deal with in the administration of justice, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. This is GXH WR WKH IDFW WKDW YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV FRQĂ LFW with the current jurisprudential reality in Nigeria. Also, there are some practical aspects of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal proceedings, that may not be feasible via virtual proceedings. Therefore, until there are substantial changes in our legal system, virtual proceedings will still remain an adventure in the quest for the ideal.

7KH VFRSH RI WKLV ZULWLQJ ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;UVW H[DPLQH WKH FRQWH[WXDO meaning of the phrase, â&#x20AC;&#x153;virtual proceeding.â&#x20AC;? Secondly, the work will examine the sources of jurisdiction under the Nigeria legal system, to see whether â&#x20AC;&#x153;virtual proceedingsâ&#x20AC;? is a jurisdictional concept that can be accommodated within the Nigerian judicial system. In the third arm of this work, the writer will also examine LQVWDQFHV ZKHUH YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV PD\ FRQĂ LFW ZLWK VRPH fundamental concepts of Nigeria Constitution. In the fourth arm of this work, it will examine instances of practical realities that will EH GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW WR FRQGXFW YLD YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV 7KH ZRUN ZLOO EH FRQFOXGHG LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;IWK SDUW E\ UHFRPPHQGLQJ FHUWDLQ PHDVXUHV DV D ZD\ IRUZDUG WR EROVWHU WKH MXVWLĂ&#x20AC;DEOH GHSOR\PHQW of virtual proceedings in Nigeria. It is the hope of this writer, that this work will be of great contribution to the advancement of knowledge in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jurisprudence.

'HĂ&#x20AC;QLWLRQ RI 7HUPV 7KH $GYDQFHG 2[IRUG GLFWLRQDU\ GHĂ&#x20AC;QHV the word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;virtualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to mean â&#x20AC;&#x153;made to appear to exist by the use of computer soft-ware, for example in the internetâ&#x20AC;?. Similarly, WKH ZRUG ÂśSURFHHGLQJ¡ LV GHĂ&#x20AC;QHG DV ´LQ JHQHUDO WKH IRUP DQG manner of conducting MXULGLFLDO EXVLQHVV EHIRUH D FRXUW RU MXGLFLDO RIĂ&#x20AC;FHU UHJXODU DQG RUGHUO\ GXULQJ SURJUHVV LQ IRUP RI ODZ LQFOXGLQJ DOO SRVLWLYH VWHSV in action from its commencement to the execution of judgement.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Additionally, in the U.S case of Statter v United States, the court held that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the word (proceedings) may be used to describe the entire course of an action at law or suit from issuance of writ or Ă&#x20AC;OLQJ RI WKH %LOO XQWLO WKH HQWU\ RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO MXGJHPHQWÂľ )URP the above expositions, the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;proceedingâ&#x20AC;? simply means FRQGXFW RI D OHJDO SURFHVV IURP Ă&#x20AC;OLQJ RI WKH VXLW WR WKH KHDULQJ to the delivery of judgement, and up to the enforcement of same.

Therefore, the phrase virtual proceedings could be described to mean, the use of computer and internet to conduct judicial EXVLQHVV IURP WKH Ă&#x20AC;OLQJ RI WKH FDVH PHQWLRQ DQG IXUWKHU PHQWLRQ DSSOLFDWLRQV KHDULQJ DGRSWLRQ RI Ă&#x20AC;QDO DGGUHVVHV DQG MXGJHPHQW and enforcement of same. In other words, it simply means the conduct of trial advocacy and some probate matters, using computer and the internet facilities. It is the use of information communication technology, in conducting judicial businesses.

Jurisdictional Competence of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Virtual Courtsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jurisdiction is usually conferred on the court either by the Constitution, the statutes, the inherent power of the court or the rules of court.

These are termed as, the main sources ofjurisdiction in Nigeria.

7KH &RQVWLWXWLRQ RI WKH )HGHUDO 5HSXEOLFRI 1LJHULD DV amended) (subsequently referred to asthe Constitution), confers jurisdiction on the Supreme Court, &RXUW RI $SSHDO )HGHUDO +LJK &RXUW 1DWLRQDO ,QGXVWULDO &RXUW +LJK &RXUW RI WKH )&7 $EXMD DQG WKH +LJK &RXUW RI WKH YDULRXV6WDWHV RI WKH )HGHUDWLRQ DQG SURYLGHV WKHLU MXULVGLFWLRQ andgeneral framework.The jurisdiction conferred on these courts by the Constitution, isfurther consolidated by the enactments of various statutes thatgovern these courts. It is the statutes HQDFWHG HLWKHU E\ )HGHUDO RU6WDWHV¡ OHJLVODWXUHV WKDW FDQ FRQIHU additional jurisdiction on thecourts. It is from this position that ZH KDYH VWDWXWHV OLNH )HGHUDO+LJK &RXUW $FW 1DWLRQDO ,QGXVWULDO &RXUW $FW +LJK &RXUW RI WKH )&7 $FW LQWHU DOLD At this juncture, it is important to note that, the implication of the jurisdiction conferred on the court by the Constitution DQG RWKHU 6WDWXWHV LV WKDW LW LV Ă&#x20AC;UP DQG FRQFUHWH 7KXV WKH SDUWLHV FDQQRW E\ DJUHHPHQW HQGRZ MXULVGLFWLRQ RQ FRXUWV neither can the court exercised jurisdiction outside the statutory or constitutional circumferences ascribed to it by the constitution.

This position is captured in the case of DANGANA & ANOR v USMAN & ORS(2012) LPELR-7827(SC) where it was held that: That the unique aspect of jurisdiction is that, courts are set up by the Constitution, Decrees, Laws, Act and Edicts. They cloak the Courts with the powers and their jurisdictions for adjudication. If the Constitution, Decrees, Laws and Edicts do not grant jurisdiction to a court or tribunal, the court and the parties cannot by agreement endow itself with jurisdiction. The MXULVGLFWLRQ RI WKH FRXUW LV FRQĂ&#x20AC;QHG LV OLPLWHG DQG FLUFXPVFULEHG to the statutes creating it.

Another source of jurisdiction, is the inherent power of court.

This source of jurisdiction derived its power from Section 6 (6) (a) of the Constitution which provides that: (6) The judicial powers vested in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section- (a) Shall extend, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, to all inherent powers and sanctions of a court of law The import of the above provision is that, courts are empowered by the Constitution to regulate their proceedings, preserve its integrity and dignity, to enforce their rule of practice, thwart abuse of court process and to grants incidental or consequential reliefs not sought.

Having examined the above sources of jurisdiction, a pertinent question to ask is this: Is there anywhere in the above sources of jurisdiction that permits for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;virtual jurisdictionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? The answer to

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A Critique of the Legality of Virtual Court Proceedings Under Nigerian Law

Lady Justice

â&#x20AC;&#x153;......THERE SHOULD BE A TOTAL OVERHAUL OF THE FACILITIES OF NIGERIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JUDICIARY. COURTS SHOULD HAVE ROBUST INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) DEPARTMENTS, THAT WILL FACILITATE VIRTUAL PROCEEDINGSâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;?

WKLV TXHVWLRQ LV LQ WKH QHJDWLYH )XUWKHUPRUH DUH WKHUH DQ\ 5XOHV of Courts or its inherent power, that permits the court to conduct virtual proceedings? The answer to this, is in the positive. This is because the courts are empowered to rely on their inherent jurisdiction under Section 6 (6) (a) of the Constitution. Thus, regulating courtsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; proceedings, is one of the inherent powers of court.

However, it is important to note that the inherent power of the FRXUW WR FRQGXFW YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV PXVW QRW FRQĂ LFW ZLWK WKH provisions of the Constitution and statutes that creates it. This is because, where the inherent powers of the courts during virtual SURFHHGLQJV FRQĂ LFWV ZLWK WKH EDVLF SURYLVLRQ RI WKH &RQVWLWXWLRQ WKH ZKROH SURFHHGLQJV ZLOO EH QXOOLĂ&#x20AC;HG 7KLV VWHPV IURP WKH fact that, inherent jurisdiction is subject to constitutional and VWDWXWRU\SURYLVLRQ )ORZLQJ IURP WKH DERYH SDUDJUDSK WKHUH DUH WZR SHUWLQHQW TXHVWLRQV WKDW DUH ZRUWK LQWHUURJDWLQJ )LUVW LQ ZKDW ZD\V FDQ YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV FRQĂ LFW ZLWK WKH FRQVWLWXWLRQDO provisions of our laws? Second, are there any practical aspects of advocacy that will not be feasible, via virtual proceedings?

It is the response to these questions, that will lead us to the QH[W SDUW RI WKLV ZRUN &RQVWLWXWLRQDO 5HTXLUHPHQWV WKDW DUH LQ &RQĂ LFW ZLWK 9LUWXDO 3URFHHGLQJV 7KH Ă&#x20AC;UVW FRQVWLWXWLRQDO LVVXH DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK WKH FRQGXFW RI virtual proceedings, is that it violates public access to open court.

This has the tendency, of affecting the transparency of how the courts arrived at the justice of a case. That is why Section 36(3) of the Constitution provides that: (3) that the proceedings of a court or the proceedings of any tribunal relating to the matters mentioned in subsection (1) of this section (including the announcement of the decisions or the announcements of the decisions of the court or tribunal) shall be held in open public.

The import of the above constitutional provision is that: (a) the public must have access to all stages of court proceedings and (b) the decisions of the court must be delivered in the RSHQ SXEOLF SODFH 2Q LVVXH RI SXEOLF DFFHVV WR FRXUW WKH DERYH section states to the effect that, the public must have access to any trial conducted by the court. However, in the conduct of

virtual proceedings, it is only the parties, their counsel and the Judges that may attend the court session. This is no doubt, an affront to the provision of the Constitution. Also, virtual proceedings may KDYH FKDOOHQJHV ZLWK PDWWHUV OLNH (OHFWLRQ 3HWLWLRQ RU KLJK SURĂ&#x20AC;OH FDVHV WKDW DWWUDFW D ORW RI PHGLD DWWHQWLRQ YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV ZLOO GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ GHQ\ WKH SXEOLF DFFHVV WR FRXUW 7KLV LV EHFDXVH not many people are in resourceful capacity to afford computer gadgets and internet facilities, in order to partake in the streaming of the virtual proceedings.

Additionally, since virtual proceedings deal with the use of internet and telecommunication facilities, there is the need for compliance with basic principles governing these spheres of law. The basic principles of telecommunication are availability, accessibility and affordability. Where the public cannot have access to the court either by the default of the service providers or their unaffordability, it will ultimately affect the availability of virtual proceedings as stipulated by the Constitution. In Nigeria, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt that accessibility and affordability are major challenges to online and telecommunication transactions, due to the slow pace of network rollout, sub-optimal quality of service delivery, weak infrastructure, poor funding, power failure, etc. %DVHG RQ WKHVH FKDOOHQJHV LW ZLOO EH GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW IRU YLUWXDO proceedings to be made available to the public, as stipulated by the Constitution. )XUWKHUPRUH LW LV FDQRQLFDO LQ 1LJHULD¡V MXULVSUXGHQFH WKDW WKH decision of every court must be delivered in the open court. This provision of the Constitution, requires mandatory compliance.

Therefore, in virtual proceedings, the location of the Judge also matters. Is he located in his chambers, as the virtual courts?

2U LV KH ORFDWHG LQ KLV KRXVH" 2U LV KH ORFDWHG LQ WKH RSHQ court? Where a Judge is located in his chambers to conduct a proceeding and deliver a judgement via Skype, the validity of the said proceeding and judgement will be contested. This is because the Supreme Court held in the case of Edibo v State, that Judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chambers is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;certainly and surely not a â&#x20AC;&#x153;public placeâ&#x20AC;?, contemplated within the provision of Section 36 (3) for conduct of judicial proceedings.

Nine years after the decision in Edibo v State, the Supreme Court consolidated on this position, in the case of Alimi v Kosebinu.

In this case, the court is confronted with the following issues: :KHWKHU -XGJHV &KDPEHUV FDQ EH FODVVLĂ&#x20AC;HG D UHJXODU FRXUWURRP" Whether the proceedings conducted in the chambers of the Judge, LV YDOLG" 7KH DERYH LVVXHV ZHUH UHVROYHG LQ WKH QHJDWLYH 2Q WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW LVVXH WKH 6XSUHPH &RXUW KHOG WKDW D -XGJH¡V &KDPEHUV FDQQRW EH FODVVLĂ&#x20AC;HG DV D UHJXODU FRXUWURRP 7KLV LV EHFDXVH WKH members of the public, cannot have the right to go in and out of the Chambers without the permission or invitation of the Judge.

2Q WKH VHFRQG OLPE RI WKH DERYH LVVXH WKH 6XSUHPH &RXUW KHOG that: where a part of courtsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; proceedings that ought to be in public EXW ZDV FRQGXFWHG LQ WKH FRQĂ&#x20AC;QHV RI -XGJH¡V &KDPEHUV VXFK proceedings are done in secrecy. Therefore, it is a settled position of the law that, proceedings conducted in Judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chambers are trials by secrecy under Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s law.

In virtual proceedings, there is high temptation for Judges comt'd on page 6

6/ COVER

12.05.2020

THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF REMOTE HEARINGS IN NIGERIA comt'd from page 4

desirable it might seem, detracts from the aura of impartiality, LQGHSHQGHQFH SXEOLFLW\ DQG XQTXDOLĂ&#x20AC;HG UHVSHFW ZKLFK HQVKURXGV MXVWLFH JLYHQ ZLWKRXW IHDU RU IDYRXU ,WV DFFHSWDQFH E\ WKH SXEOLF DW ODUJH DQG WKH FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQFH LW GHPDQGV GHSHQGV RQ WKLV DXUD EHLQJ VWULFWO\ DGKHUHG WR 7KHVH DWWULEXWHV KDYH been considered so fundamental, that they are enshrined LQ RXU &RQVWLWXWLRQÂľ 6LPLODU VHQWLPHQWV ZHUH HFKRHG E\ WKH +RQ -XVWLFH 0XKDPPDG RI WKH Court of Appeal in Kosebin & Ors v Alimi (2005) LPELR &$ ZKHUH KH VWDWHG WKDW ´LW LV P\ Ă&#x20AC;UP DQG FRQVLGHUHG YLHZ WKDW D SODFH TXDOLĂ&#x20AC;HV XQGHU 6HFWLRQ RI WKH &RQVWLWXWLRQ WR EH FDOOHG ´3XEOLFÂľ DQG ZKLFK D regular courtroom is, if it is outrightly accessible and not VR DFFHVVLEOH RQ WKH EDVLV RI ´3HUPLVVLRQÂľ RU ´&RQVHQWÂľ RI WKH -XGJHÂľ 3HU 0XKDPPDG - & $ SS SDUDV & ) :KLOH QRQH RI WKH FDVHV DERYH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;FDOO\ FRQVLGHUHG public hearing from the perspective of remote hearings, nonetheless theprinciples of impartiality, independence, publicity, public acceptance, accessibility, independence and justice given ZLWKRXWIHDU RU IDYRXU DUH HTXDOO\ DSSOLFDEOH LQ WKH FRQWH[W RI UHPRWHKHDULQJV 7KHUHIRUH DV WKH KHDGV RI HDFK OHYHO of judiciary roll outtheir implementation strategy on the use of technology to deliver,they must ensure that the SXEOLF KDYH XQIHWWHUHG DFFHVV WR YLHZDQ\ FRXUW KHDULQJV SURFHHGLQJ E\ ZD\ RI UHPRWH KHDULQJ DQGWKHUH FDQQRW EH D OLPLW WR WKH QXPEHUV RI SDUWLFLSDQWV YLHZLQJUHPRWH KHDULQJV 7R SURWHFW WKH FRQVWLWXWLRQDO SULQFLSOH RI WKH ULJKW RI WKH public tocourt proceedings, technology must be fully utilised E\ DGRSWLQJHLWKHU RU D FRPELQDWLRQ RI WKH IROORZLQJ L DQ RSHQ WHOHSKRQH OLQHWKH SXEOLF FDQ FDOO LQWR LL ZHE IHHGV that members of the publiccan access; (iii) online hearings are recorded and available to thepublic upon request; and LY FRXUW SURFHHGLQJV FDQ EH OLYHVWUHDPHG $V WKH 1LJHULDQ -XGLFLDU\ FRQWLQXHV WR H[SORUH QHZ SDWKZD\V WR MXVWLFH WKURXJK WHFKQRORJ\ LW ZLOO EH LPSRUWDQW IRU KHDGV RI FRXUWV WR FRQWLQXRXVO\ UHYLHZ WKHLU DSSURDFKHV in observing fundamental constitutional principles of fair hearing, impartiality, open access WR WKH SXEOLF UXOH RI ODZ DQG DFFHVV WR MXVWLFH DV WKH\ LPSOHPHQW UHPRWH KHDULQJV 7KH\ PXVW HQVXUH WKDW FRXUWV

â&#x20AC;&#x153;TO PROTECT THE CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLE OF THE RIGHT OF THE PUBLIC TO COURT PROCEEDINGS, TECHNOLOGY MUST BE FULLY UTILISED BY ADOPTING......AN OPEN TELWEPHONE LINE THE PUBLIC CAN CALL INTO....WEB FEEDS THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN ACCESS......ONLINE HEARINGS ARE RECORDED AND AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST......

COURT PROCEEDINGS CAN BE LIVESTREAMEDâ&#x20AC;? are truly open, and their conduct can be scrutinised by WKH SXEOLF Dr Ayodele Akenroye, Ph.D., International Criminal Law from McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Tribunal Member (Immigration Judge), Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada/Government of Canada, formerly a Visiting Professional, OfďŹ ce of the Prosecutor, International Criminal Court, The Hague, Netherlands; Research Fellow with the International Anti-Corruption Academy, Laxenberg, Austria, a Consultant to Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Nigeria; called to the Bar in Nigeria, Manitoba (Canada) and Ontario (Canada)

Dr. Akenroye

A CRITIQUE OF THE LEGALITY OF VIRTUAL COURT PROCEEDINGS UNDER NIGERIAN LAW comt'd from page 5

WR VLW LQ WKHLU &KDPEHUV DQG GHOLYHU D GHFLVLRQ RQ D PDWWHU With this incidental arrangement of court, His Lordship may be tempted to deliver his ruling or judgement in the virtual &KDPEHU 'RLQJ VR ZLOO EH IDWDO WR WKH FDVH DW KDQG 7KHUHIRUH EDVHG RQ WKH UHQGLWLRQ RI WKH FDVH RI $OLPL 6XSUD ZKHUH D -XGJH YLD D 6N\SH ORFDWHG DW LV KRPH RU &KDPEHUV GHOLYHUV D MXGJHPHQW WKDW MXGJPHQW ZLOO EH QXOOLĂ&#x20AC;HG EHFDXVH WKH GHFLVLRQ ZDV GHOLYHUHG LQ FRQWUDYHQWLRQ RI 6HFWLRQ RI WKH &RQVWLWXWLRQ 3UDFWLFDO $VSHFWV RI $GYRFDF\ WKDW ZLOO QRW EH )HDVLEOH GXULQJ 9LUWXDO 3URFHHGLQJV 7KH Ă&#x20AC;UVW DVSHFW WKDW ZLOO EH FKDOOHQJLQJ GXULQJ YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV LV LQVSHFWLRQ RI GRFXPHQWV &DQ WKH FRXUW UHO\ RQ WKH GRFXPHQWV VKRZQ WR LW VRPH PLOH DZD\ LQ YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV" &DQ D -XGJH UHO\ RQ WKH GLVWDQW UHĂ HFWLRQV of that document, brought closer to the court by the computer VFUHHQ" +RZ FDQ FRXUWV UHVROYH WKH FUHGLELOLW\ DQG DXWKHQWLFLW\ of documents, in virtual proceedings? $JDLQ WKH SURFHVV RI FURVV H[DPLQDWLRQ LV D IXQGDPHQWDO DVSHFW RI WULDO DGYRFDF\ ,W LV VR UHOHYDQW WKDW LW LV LQFOXGHG DV RQH RI WKH FRPSRQHQWV RI IDLU KHDULQJ $ IXUWKHU TXHVWLRQ LV KRZ FDQ RQH WHQGHU GRFXPHQWV DQG DYDLO LW WR WKH RWKHUV SDUWLHV IRU FURVVH[DPLQDWLRQ LQ YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV" $JDLQ KRZ FDQ virtual proceedings, determine the credibility of electronically JHQHUDWHG HYLGHQFH ZKHQ REMHFWHG" 7KLV LV SHUWLQHQW FRQVLGHULQJ WKH IDFW WKDW ERWK SDUWLHV DUH IDU DSDUW IURP HDFK RWKHU $OVR WKH ODZ UHTXLUHV WKDW DOO RQOLQH JDGJHWV OLNH FRPSXWHUV ZHEVLWHV 6N\SH HWF PXVW EH UHJLVWHUHG DQG OLFHQVHG ZLWK WKH 1LJHULD &RPPXQLFDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ 6XEVHTXHQWO\ UHIHUUHG WR DV 1&& ,Q WKLV FRQWH[W WKH FRXUW PD\ EH LQ D FRQWUDFWXDO UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK WKH 1&& DQG RWKHU LQWHUQHW VHUYLFH SURYLGHUV 7KH IXUWKHU TXHVWLRQ LV KRZ FDQ WKH FRXUW HQVXUH LPSDUWLDOLW\ RU DQG DYRLG FRQĂ LFW RI LQWHUHVW ZKHUH RQH RI WKH UHJXODWRU\ ERGLHV WKDW UHJXODWH WKH 6N\SH LV D SDUW\ EHIRUH D ÂśYLUWXDO FRXUW¡" )RU H[DPSOH LI RQH RI WKH SDUWLHV LV DJDLQVW 1&& RU 5HJLVWHUHG :HEVLWH 2SHUDWRU WKDW LV VHUYLFH SURYLGHU IRU -XGLFLDU\ KRZ FDQ the court resolve the issue of impartiality?

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GXULQJ YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV HVSHFLDOO\ ZKHUH WKHUH DUH PDQ\ VXVSHFWV EHIRUH WKH FRXUWV 7KLV TXHVWLRQ LV SHUWLQHQW FRQVLGHULQJ the fact that most of the virtual screens can only cover one person DW D JODQFH :KLOH LW ZLOO EH SRVVLEOH IRU WKH 'HIHQGDQW SHUVRQ WR WDNH WKHLU DUUDLJQPHQW RQH DIWHU WKH RWKHU XVLQJ WKH VDPH YLUWXDO VFUHHQ EXW ZLOO WKH FRXUW RU SULVRQV EH DEOH WR SURYLGH about 20 separate virtual screens to enable the accused to be present throughout the trial? Where there are no such facilities and it affects the virtual presence of the accused throughout the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ct, 2011, provides the course of proceeding and all rule of SUDFWLFH LQ DQ\ FRXUW HVWDEOLVKHG E\ RU XQGHU WKH &RQVWLWXWLRQ ,W LV WKH SRVLWLRQ RI WKLV ZULWHU WKDW WKH FRXUW ZLOO QRW WDNH MXGLFLDO notice of the course of proceedings of virtual courts, because it LV QRW FUHDWHG E\ WKH &RQVWLWXWLRQ IRU LW WR EH WDNHQ ,W LV DOVR WKH SRVLWLRQ RI WKLV ZULWHU WKDW LW ZLOO

â&#x20AC;&#x153;......THERE SHOULD BE A TOTAL OVERHAUL OF THE FACILITIES OF NIGERIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JUDICIARY. COURTS SHOULD HAVE ROBUST INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) DEPARTMENTS, THAT WILL FACILITATE VIRTUAL PROCEEDINGSâ&#x20AC;?

EH GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW IRU FRXUWV WR GR FRQGXFW YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV EDVHG RQ WKH FXUUHQW &RQVWLWXWLRQ ZLWKRXW RIIHQGLQJ WKH VDLG &RQVWLWXWLRQ Conclusion While the use of online or virtual proceedings is a good prospect, WKHUH LV QHHG WR UHVWUXFWXUH WKH OHJDO V\VWHP PDNH QHFHVVDU\ FRQVWLWXWLRQDO DPHQGPHQWV PDNH IRU D UHOLDEOH DIIRUGDEOH DFFHVVLEOH WHFKQRORJ\ WR DFFRPPRGDWH WKLV QHZ WUHQG DQG DOVR WUDLQ WKH DFWRUV LQ WKH WKHDWUH RI 1LJHULD¡V -XGLFLDU\ :KHUH WKHUH LV QR SURSHU HQOLJKWHQPHQW DQG FRPSOLDQFH ZLWK WKH IXQGDPHQWDO ODZV RI WKH ODQG YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV ZLOO EH DQ DGYHQWXUH ZLWK OHVV MXGLFLDO IUXLWLRQ 7KHUHIRUH LW LV WKH SURSRVLWLRQ RI WKLV ZULWHU WKDW WKH IROORZLQJ PHDVXUHV VKRXOG EH DGRSWHG IRU WKH SXUSRVH RI HIIHFWLYH DQG YLDEOH YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV ,Q WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW SODFH WKHUH VKRXOG EH SURSHU GHVLJQDWLRQ RI FHUWDLQ stages of trials that can be conducted via virtual proceedings, DQG WKRVH WKDW UHTXLUH SK\VLFDO WULDO LQ WKH RSHQ FRXUW )LOLQJ DQG service of court processes, pre-trial conferences, multi-door court VHVVLRQV DQG DSSOLFDWLRQV FDQ EH GRQH YLD YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV +RZHYHU KHDULQJ RI FDVHV LQYROYLQJ H[DPLQDWLRQ DQG FURVVH[DPLQDWLRQ FRQGXFWLQJ DUELWUDWLRQ VHVVLRQV REMHFWLRQV WR documents, inspections of documents, rulings and judgements, VKRXOG EH GRQH VTXDUHO\ LQ WKH RSHQ FRXUWV Another thing to note is that, there should be a total overhaul RI WKH IDFLOLWLHV RI 1LJHULD¡V -XGLFLDU\ &RXUWV VKRXOG KDYH UREXVW ,QIRUPDWLRQ &RPPXQLFDWLRQ 7HFKQRORJ\ ,&7 GHSDUWPHQWV WKDW ZLOO IDFLOLWDWH YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV 7KLV ZLOO KHOS WKH FRXUWV WR DYRLG FRQĂ LFWV RI LQWHUHVW ZLWK RWKHU QHWZRUN SURYLGHUV 7KH EHVW ZD\ WR DFKLHYH WKDW LV WR JUDQW WKH -XGLFLDU\ LQVWLWXWLRQDO independence from the other organs of government, both at the )HGHUDO DQG 6WDWH OHYHO DV LW EHĂ&#x20AC;WV WUXH )HGHUDOLVP Also, it is important to maintain that, there should be constant WUDLQLQJ DQG UH WUDLQLQJ RI MXGLFLDO VWDII ,Q WKH VDPH YHLQ /DZ\HUV should be deliberate to involve personal training on the use of ,&7 LQ OHJDO SUDFWLFH 7KH 1LJHULD %DU $VVRFLDWLRQ 1%$ DW WKH %UDQFK OHYHOV VKRXOG EH GHOLEHUDWH LQ WUDLQLQJ DQG UHWUDLQLQJ /DZ\HUV LQ WKH XVH RI ,QIRUPDWLRQ &RPPXQLFDWLRQ 7HFKQRORJ\ ,&7 LQ OHJDO SUDFWLFH 7KH JDGJHWV FRXOG EH FDSLWDO LQWHQVLYH DQG WKHUHIRUH LW VKRXOG EH PDGH DYDLODEOH E\ WKH -XGLFLDU\ WR LWV VWDII 7KH 1%$ VKRXOG EH GHOLEHUDWH E\ SURYLGLQJ ,&7 WUDLQLQJ IRU LWVPHPEHUV GXULQJ %UDQFKHV¡ ODZ ZHHNV 7KH 1%$ VKRXOG DOVR VWULYH DQG JHW WKH JDGJHWV DW DIIRUGDEOH UDWH IRU /DZ\HUV VLQFH LQWKH HUD RI YLUWXDO SURFHHGLQJV WKH /DZ\HU¡V RIĂ&#x20AC;FH LV KLV ODSWRS )LQDOO\ RQOLQH SODWIRUPV OLNH 6N\SH =RRP DQG WKH OLNH VKRXOGH[WHQG WKH FDSDFLW\ RI WKHLU IDFLOLW\ WR VKRZ PRUH WKDQ one person per screen, or as many as are part of the proceedings, ZLWKRXW YLRODWLQJ VRFLDO GLVWDQFH HWKLFV 5HFHQWO\ :KDWV$SS KDV LQFUHDVHG WKH QXPEHU FRYHUDJH RI WKHLU FXVWRPHUV IURP WZR WR HLJKW SHUVRQV SHU YLGHR FDOO %XW WKH SUREOHP ZLWK 6N\SH is that, it has only a limited number of persons that can be FRYHUHG SHU FDOO RQ D VFUHHQ =RRP KDV D OLWWOH PRUH SDUWLFLSDQWV RI DERXW IRUW\ 7KHUHIRUH WKH FRXUW QHHGV WR DGRSW D XQLIRUP RQOLQH SODWIRUP DV RQO\ WKRVH ZKR KDYH WKH DSSOLFDWLRQ FDQ SDUWLFLSDWH RQ WKH SODWIRUP Godfree Matthew

12.05.2020

NEWS/7

Legal Community Mourns THISDAY LAWYER Reporter Rebecca Ejiofoma The sad news of the death of THISDAY L AW Y E R 5 H S R U W H U D Q G - X G L F L D O &RUUHVSRQGHQW Akinwale Akintunde, has VHQW VKRFN ZDYHV WR WKH OHJDO FRPPXQLW\ 7KH 5HSRUWHU who was at the THISDAY RIÀFH RQ 0RQGD\ 0D\ ZDV LQYROYHG LQ D WUXFN DFFLGHQW on his way home from the RIÀFH 'HVSLWH WKH HIIRUWV RI WKH 3ROLFH WR UHVFXH KLP DW WKH VFHQH RI WKH DFFLGHQW DQG WKH VZLIWUHVSRQVH RI KLV IULHQGV KH ZDV SURQRXQFHG GHDG D few hours later at the Lagos ,VODQG *HQHUDO +RVSLWDO Akintunde was a staff of THISDAY, foralmost two GHFDGHV .QRZQ DV D YHU\ KDUGZRUNLQJ DQG GHGLFDWHG staff, the news of his demise ZDV UHFHLYHG ZLWK VKRFN E\ many. <XVXI $OL 6$1 H[SUHVVHG KLV JULHI LQ D FRQGROHQFH OHWWHU WR 7+,6'$< GHVFULELQJ WKH ODWH 5HSRUWHU DV DQ DIIDEOH FRQVFLHQWLRXV DQG KDUGZRUNLQJ FRUUHVSRQGHQW ´,W LV D SDLQIXO H[LW IRU D SURPLVLQJ young man, who had an RSHQ ÀHOG RI JUHDW RSSRUWXQLW\ LQ MRXUQDOLVP in his front.

7KH FDUQDJH GRQH GDLO\ RQ RXU URDGV E\ GDQJHURXV GULYers, needs to be addressed by the authorities. By the VWDWH RI RXU WUDIÀF ODZV D

NLOOHU GULYHU QR PDWWHU KRZ negligent, goes DZD\ ZLWK D VODS RQ WKH ZULVW 1R UHDO FRQVHTXHQFH IRU NLOOHU GULYHUV RQ RXU roads, and that is why the LPSXQLW\ RI WUXFN GULYHUV KDV DVVXPHG VXFK GDQJHURXV dimensions. As we mourn $NLQZDOH OHW DOO RI XV UHVROYH WR FROOHFWLYHO\ EH SDUW RI WKH HIIRUWV WR VWRS YHKLFXODU ´PXUGHUV RQ RXU URDGVµ he stated. $QRWKHU 6HQLRU $GYRFDWH Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, H[SUHVVHG KLV DQJXLVK DW WKH XQIRUWXQDWH FLUFXPVWDQFHV surrounding the Akinwale Akintunde’s death. ´7KH XVXDO $SDSD JULGORFN WKH FULVLV RI WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ in Lagos, and the danger of PRWRUELNHV FDOOHG 2NDGD KDYH DOO FRQVSLUHG WR VQDWFK Akintunde from us. He was D WKRURXJK EUHG -XGLFLDO &RUUHVSRQGHQW RI 7+,6'$< QHZVSDSHU IRU \HDUV ,W·V YHU\ UDUH WR KDYH D PDQ RI KLV VHOÁHVVQHVV KXPLOLW\ DQG FRQWHQWPHQW +H ZRXOG FDOO PH WR ÀQG RXW WKH GHWDLOV RI FRXUW FDVHV DQG SURFHHG WR do the needful, without any SURPSWLQJ RU H[SHFWDWLRQ +H ZDV VR FRPPLWWHG WR WKH MRE DOZD\V PRYLQJ IURP RQH FRXUW WR WKH RWKHU WR FRYHU WKH FDVHV DVVLJQHG WR KLPµ KH UHFRXQWHG $ IRUPHU 7+,6'$< /$:<(5 5HSRUWHU Yinka Olatunbosun also

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Akinwale Akintunde, the Conscientious Worker is Gone Tobi Soniyi

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here are many good things to say about $NLQZDOH $NtQW~QGp %XW D IHZ ZLOO VXIÀFH +H ZDV VXFK D KDUG ZRUNHU +LV DWWLWXGH DQG FRPPLWPHQW WR ZRUN LV XQSDUDOOHOHG LQ 7+,6'$< ,Q WKH FRXUVH RI P\ ZRUN ZLWK 7KH /DZ\HU , IRXQG KLP WR EH VXFK D GHSHQGDEOH FROOHDJXH +H WUHDWHG HYHU\ DVVLJQPHQW JLYHQ WR KLP ZLWK VXFK GHGLFDWLRQ \RX ZRXOG WKLQN KLV OLIH GHSHQGHG RQ LW :LWK HTXDQLPLW\ KH ZRXOG WDNH RQ WKH PRVW GLIÀFXOW WDVN 1R DVVLJQPHQW ZDV WRR GLIÀFXOW IRU KLP , QHYHU VDZ KLP DUJXH RU UDLVH KLV YRLFH ZKHQ WDONLQJ WR DQ\RQH +H VXFK D KXPEOH MRXUQDOLVW $ UDULW\ LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ It is wrong to say, we will miss him. We are missing him already.

Tobi Soniyi, former Assistant Law Editor

Akinwale Akintunde: An Unsung Hero Yinka Olatunbosun

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write on the unforgettable attributes of THISDAY LAWYER 5HSRUWHU DQG -XGLFLDO &RUUHVSRQGHQW $NLQZDOH $NLQWXQGH ZKR SDVVHG DZD\ LQ D IDWDO WUXFN DFFLGHQW DW WKH DJH RI 7KLV LV E\ IDU WKH PRVW GLIÀFXOW WDVN HYHU DVVLJQHG WR PH VLQFH , MRLQHG 7+,6'$< 1HZVSDSHUV LQ WR ZULWH D WULEXWH WR D VHQLRU FROOHDJXH ZKRP ZH ZRUNHG FORVHO\ IRU IRXU \HDUV ZKLOH , ZDV D \RXQJ OHJDO UHSRUWHU

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Horacio Bernardes Neto

IBA Calls for Outstanding Young Lawyer Award Nominations Yinka Olatunbosun ´, 7KH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO %DU $VVRFLDWLRQ ,%$ LV FDOOLQJ IRU nominations, for its annual IBA Outstanding Young Lawyers $ZDUG 7KH ZLQQHU IRU WKH HGLWLRQ ZLOO EH SUHVHQWHG WKH DZDUG GXULQJ WKH ,%$ $QQXDO &RQIHUHQFH WDNLQJ SODFH LQ 0LDPL 86 IURP 1RYHPEHU WR In a statement issued by WKH ,%$ 3UHVLGHQW +RUDFLR %HUQDGHV 1HWR LW LV REVHUYHG that being a good Lawyer SHUIRUPLQJ UHTXLUHG GXWLHV is not enough. ´$V WKH JOREDO YRLFH RI WKH OHJDO SURIHVVLRQ ZH DUH FRPPLWWHG WR VKRZLQJ DSSUHFLDWLRQ IRU WKRVH ZKR GHGLFDWH WKHLU OLYHV WR FUHDWLQJ D IDLUHU VRFLHW\ , HQFRXUDJH DQ\RQH ZKR knows of a worthy Lawyer, to nominate them for an IBA DZDUG LQ UHFRJQLWLRQ RI WKHLU

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8/INSOLVENCY DISCOURSE

16

TUESDAY, ͚ͺË&#x153; ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

Afe Babalola: How FG Can Reopen Schools within Four Weeks

The founder of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has advised the federal government against waiting till all towns and villages in the country are free from COVID-19 before reopening schools.

Babalola, who said â&#x20AC;&#x153;only the Almighty God Himself can determine when the current coronavirus pandemic will be eradicated globally,â&#x20AC;? added that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the daily increase in the number of patients does not suggest that COVID-19 will soon come to an end.â&#x20AC;?

The legal luminary, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, argued that schools nationwide were â&#x20AC;&#x153;hurriedlyâ&#x20AC;? closed down by government fiat on March 23 when some pupils and students were either writing examinations or embarking on final-year examinations.

He offered advice on how the federal government could reopen the schools and universities within four weeks in phases.

Babalola listed the conditions under which â&#x20AC;&#x153;private institutions should be allowed

to resume academic activities within four weeks.â&#x20AC;?

These, he said, included that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the school must establish that it has residential accommodation for all students including most, if not all the staff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parents shall give written undertakings supported with medical certificates that the student is fit/healthy to resume academic work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There shall be about three running water tanks at the gate where students will wash their hands with soap. There shall be portable sanitisers. Each

student must be armed with the portable sanitisers. There shall be infrared thermometers at the gate where students, staff and anybody coming into the university shall be tested by a nurse or medical personnel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The university must have in place the following testing machines: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR Machine) and Serological Test Machine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each school must have in place a building specially designed to accommodate any student who is suspected to have any type of infectious

disease ranging from cough, chickenpox, measles, diarrhea etc other than COVID-19.â&#x20AC;?

He added that each university must have two functional fumigation machines and â&#x20AC;&#x153;ensure all hostels, classrooms, cafeteria, conference halls, and sports facilities shall be fumigated before resumption.â&#x20AC;?

Babalola also advised that the schools must have testing kits as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the students must undergo test fortnightly in addition to the provision for face masks which shall be used by students and staff

in classrooms, conference halls and everywhere on the campus.â&#x20AC;?

He also advised staggered resumption, saying the final-year students forced to go home while preparing for their final examination should resume first, take their examination and vacate the university within two to three weeks.

He said the next level of students that would resume shall be new students who would "undergo the same set of tests like those of final year studentsâ&#x20AC;?

National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and the Ministry of Health would be meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, today in Abuja to resolve their grievances.

In his situation report at the PTF briefing yesterday, the NCDC boss, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said Nigerians should be ready to adjust to the reality of the new phase of community transmission, especially in Lagos, Kano

and most other states in the northern part of the country.

Speaking on the laboratory testing speed, Ihekweazu said it would take averagely 24 hours for samples to get to the laboratories.

He said the timeframe for the test result depends on the efficiency of all the various stages involved in sample collection and transmission to the laboratories.

Regarding the infection rate in Yobe State, Ihekweazu said he would personally get the true facts about the state.

The implication is that it is not within the mandate; it is not within the contemplation of the constitution for the critical stakeholders to postpone the election, because this election has been constitutionally circumscribed. No individual can move the date of this election, except with the mandate of the constitutionally circumscribed period."

Okoye explained that INEC would resume consultation with the critical stakeholders within the week by holding virtual meetings with civil society groups and organisations.

He said the commission has started consulting with political parties and security agencies and has stepped up efforts in Edo and Ondo states, while also resuming full activities in relation to both elections.

On measures to ensure security during the elections, especially considering the tension between the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole,

and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, he said the commission has set up an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to appraise the security situation in the two states and to interface with the health authorities on how to proceed with the elections giving the current challenges.

Okoye said INEC was not pretending that the two elections would be smooth because it recognised that there would be problems, and challenges, especially with the pandemic, but added that INEC was determined to deliver both elections.

"I hope that by the time we are getting to September 19 when this election will be conducted that the health authorities would have to, to a certain extent, contain the pandemic and the people will have the confidence to out and vote without putting their health in jeopardy."

Okoye stated that INEC would use its database to recruit ad hoc staff and would

also develop an online training module for training the ad hoc staff as part of the preparation for the two governorship elections.

Asked why INEC was not bent on conducting by-elections, the national commissioner said the vacancies occurred as a result of death or vacancy, adding that "Section 26 of the Electoral Act as amended, gave the commission the power to postpone an election when there is an emergency or a situation that requires re-strategising. So, those elections were postponed on the account of that. But Edo and Ondo elections are what we called a constitutional election that our hands have been tied constitutionally; there is nothing we can do about it."

He added that the commission would not be able to carry out Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) to allow those that have turned 18 years of age take part in the election but would rely on the existing voters' register.

physical visits to assets and valuations, among others.

Commenting on the plan to sell Polaris Bank Limited, which is wholly owned by the corporation, Kuru said it's â&#x20AC;&#x153;work in progress.â&#x20AC;?

He commended the management of the bank for positive performance recorded in its 2019 financial year.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like I always tell people, once you put money in a bank, the most fundamental thing is that you try and see how you can improve the financials of the bank. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is because those that would come to buy the bank would not be buying it based of the money that you put in there, but they are buying the value that has been created in the bank. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, you try to see how you

can improve on the financials.

But once you improve on the financials, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep it too long because nobody wants a temporary situation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The staff would not want a temporary situation; the board would not want a temporary situation; the exco and even the customers. And you know banking is a highly competitive sector, if the tag, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;AMCON Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hangs around you, it becomes a challenge, even in marketing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, we are hoping that very soon something would happen. The positive figures they just churned out showed that this is a good time, but again, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ignore the global economic situation.

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sell your assets in a distressed economy.â&#x20AC;?

Polaris Bank recently

published its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2019, after one year of operation.

The bank recorded gross earnings of N150.8 billion and a profit before tax (PBT) of N27.83 billion as of December 31, 2019. Also, its total assets stood at N1.1 trillion in the period under review, with shareholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fund of N83 billion.

Its total customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deposit stood at N857.8 billion, while total loans and advances were N261 billion.

Its capital adequacy ratio was 14 per cent as of December 31, 2019, return on assets (ROA) at two per cent, return on equity (ROE) is 33 per cent, return on sales (ROS) at 18 per cent and liquidity ratio at 81 per cent.

COVID-19: BUHARI DIRECTS VALIDATION OF MADAGASCAR HERBAL MIXTUREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EFFICACY appropriate and adequate financing is made available.

Often times, there are not enough funds to prosecute these projects. But if we have dedicated fund, there are quite a number of brilliant Nigerians that can tackle the problem. But what we hear is that there is no fund. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have dedicated funds for Lassa fever, meningitis, and COVID-19.

If we have that and put it out for Nigerian researchers, we are sure solutions will come out from there.â&#x20AC;?

On whether NIMR was underfunded, he said underfunding was an issue for every agency of government, adding that with prioritisation, institutes and researchers in Nigeria would have the opportunity to make their own contributions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;NIMR does not have enough funding to develop a vaccine,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He said although there had not been more funding for NIMR since the COVID-19 outbreak started in the

country, the institute was expectant.

He said the institute had gone back to the table to look at what it could do, adding that it had decided to begin the process of producing the recombinant vaccine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is ongoing as we speak. In the next two weeks, we will tell you if we will be able to move beyond that stage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are other researches going on for drug repurposing. Very soon, we will be starting clinical

trial on Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine. The processes take a long time.

We need to get approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). That is the stage we are now,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Ngige to Meet Health Workers over their Grievances The leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and that of the

INEC: EDO, ONDO POLLS MUST HOLD TO AVERT CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS body has lost its rights to fix the date for elections and that responsibility would now fall on political authorities under Sections 180 and 305 to fix a date for elections.

He added that INEC as a constitutional body derives its powers directly from the constitution as Section 178 (1&2) of the constitution as well as Section 25(7&8) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, empower INEC to conduct elections at a specific period.

According to him, Section 178(1) says that it's the function of INEC to fix the date of elections, but Subsection 2 says that an election to the office of the governor shall be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not lesser than 30 days to the expiration of the tenure of the last holder of the office. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The implication is that the governor of Edo State was sworn in on November 11 and we must conduct the governorship election in Edo State on or before October 13, 2020, while that of Ondo State

must be conducted on or before January 25, 2021,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Okoye noted that the challenge is that the commission is operating within a constitutionally stipulated period, noting that the constitution has not given the electoral body the leeway to move away from this constitutional window.

He said giving the present situation, the commission could decide to move the election by a week or by two weeks.

Okoye stated: "The truth of the matter is that the country is faced with a situation of conflicting rights - the rights of the Nigerian people to elect their representative and also their rights to life, not to go to polling units and die. So, what we are doing, if you look at the first day of June 2020, we are going to officially release the timetable and the schedule of activities for these two elections."

He said political parties under Section 85 & 87 of the Electoral Act, were to conduct their party

primaries, explaining that the commission would organise virtual stakeholders' meeting to deliberate with them and see what could be done to ensure that party primaries were seamless.

Okoye added: "So, we recognise there will be problems; we recognise that there will be challenges, but we are on point and we are determined to deliver on our mandate because if we fall off outside the constitutional window, the implication is that going forward, the commission does not now have rights and wherewithal to pick the date of the election. It now falls to the political authority, maybe under Section 180 of the constitution or under Section 305 of the constitution giving the situation that we are in. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not as if we are insisting; it is the constitution that is insisting that we must proceed with this particular election.

"The electoral landscape has changed, most of the things will be done virtually now.

AMCONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RECOVERIES FROM DEBTORS RISE TO N1.1TN 2020, before the lockdown was announced. But even within the lockdown, we have recovered between N5 and N10 billion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are some people that are still meeting their obligations and there are assets that were forfeited that we have sold. So, even within this period, money is still coming in.â&#x20AC;?

Responding to a question on how the pandemic has affected the operation of the corporation, Kuru said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are two types of obligors. We have the willing obligors that you have arrived at a settlement with and they have a payment plan and they have been paying you. For example, somebody that has a brewery at Aba and he is paying letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say N100 million monthly and now because of the pandemic,

the factory is closed and he cannot meet his obligation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Or someone that has a factory and is producing roofing sheets in Kano and was paying us N200 million monthly, but because of the lockdown, the factory is closed, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t blame such persons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is because when you entered into a resolution with him, you knew his sources of repayment and you now know that the sources of repayment are challenged because of the pandemic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously, for those kinds of obligors, just like what is happening in the banking industry, you have to give them a respite and a moratorium of about six months. And if in six months this virus doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go away, you may have to extend it. So, you have to give him

moratorium to the extent that this pandemic is addressed.

This is one angle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Another angle is those obligors that have refused to sit down with AMCON to negotiate. Those ones, you have to continue fighting them, regardless of the pandemic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is because even when there was no pandemic, they were hiding. So, you have to continue pursuing them. If it is their assets or anything you can hold on to, you seize it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So, you use everything to pursue them, even the courts.

We have quite a lot of court cases going on and the courts have been very cooperative and they have been giving us priority hearing.â&#x20AC;?

According to him, the pandemic has so far slowed down the legal process,

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BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

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Quick Takes Huawei Strengthens Presence in Africa

GLADTO MEETYOU

Registrar/CEO,CharteredInstituteofBankersofNigeria(CIBN),Mr.SeyeAwojobi,(left)andRegistrar/CEO,InstituteofCharteredAccountantsof Nigeria(ICAN),Prof.AhmedKumshe,duringacourtesyvisitbyICANtoCIBNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sheadoffice,inLagosâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nigeria Spent N3.9tn on Fuel, Electricity Subsidy in Four Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chineme Okafor in Abuja Nigeria spent about N3.9 trillion to subsidise electricity and petrol consumption in the country between 2015 and 2019, PwC Nigeria has disclosed.

PwC in a webinar conducted on the potential impacts of the Covid-19 on Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power sector, explained that between the aforementioned years, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expenses on petrol subsidy amounted to N2.3 trillion while that of electricity was N1.63 trillion.

According a presentation made by the Director of Management Consulting PwC West Africa, Bimbola Banjo, during the webinar, in the power sector alone, the federal government approved a loan of N213 billion for power Discos in 2014 as part of the Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility

ENERGY (NEMSF) by the central Bank of Nigeria (CBN; in March 2017, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) equally approved N701 billion CBN facility as Power Assurance Guarantee for the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc NBET for a period of two years; and in August, 2019, the government again signed the release of N600 billion for the power sector which source said was meant for the shortfall in the payment of monthly invoices by key stakeholders in the sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The federal government has expended about N2.3 trillion as petroleum subsidy for the 4 years between 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2019. The tariff shortfall in the electricity sector which in substance is an electricity subsidy payable by the federal government stood

at N1.63 trillion between 2015 and 2019,â&#x20AC;? the PwC explained.

It stated that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both subsidies alone amount to about N3.9 trillion which represents about 31 per cent of current foreign reserves and 37 per cent of the 2020 budget.â&#x20AC;?

During the webinar, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Benin Disco, Funke Osibodu, disclosed that the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the wages and earning ability of practically all Nigerians, with the greatest impact on daily wage earners who constitute the largest subsegment of the adult working population.

Osibodu, explained that due to closure or scale down in operations, there is now a reduced energy consumption by commercial and industrial customers who subsidise the power industry with their higher

tariff. This, she said has resulted in reduced revenue from such industrial customers who have the highest ability to pay.

On the other hand, she noted that there is increased energy available to residential customers but with an increase in nonpayment, consumer electricity theft through meter bypass and illegal connections.

Osibodu stated that Covid-19 has impacted the cost of delivering electricity to Nigerians as well as the revenues of the complete value-chain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is transparently manifested through electricity distribution companies, in terms of the inability of customers to pay their bills and the resultant reduction in revenue collections. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This can affect the continuous availability of the increased and Continued on page 18

Expert Advocates Creation of Infrastructure Entity in Petroleum Industry Peter Uzoho Worried by the inability of Nigeria to deliver steady electricity to its teeming population due to paucity of infrastructure for gas-to-power delivery, the Founding Managing Director of Niger Delta Exploration and Production (NDEP) Plc, Dr. Layi Fatona, has called for the establishment of a separate entity and business in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil and gas industry that will focus on infrastructure development.

He explained that with the infrastructure entity or business in place, it would lead to the emergence of players who would specialise in investing in

ENERGY and delivering the infrastructure needed to take gas from the reserves to where they would be used for power generation.

Nigerians have been suffering from epileptic power supply attributed by some of the power generation companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lack of gas supplies from gas producers.

Speaking at a virtual seminar organised by the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) recently on the topic: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Impact of COVID-19 on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector-Challenges and Opportunitiesâ&#x20AC;?, Fatona regretted a situation whereby the country has more gas

deposits than oil but cannot use it to improve its power situation.

He dispelled the assumption that gas producers were delinquent in the supply of gas to power generation firms and that the gas producers have more capacity to deliver gas needed for power generation.

According to him, the major challenge to realising gas-topower target was lack of robust infrastructure to enable movement of gas to power generation points, stressing that this could be addressed with the separate infrastructure entity and business in place.

Fatona said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every time the argument has come on its head as to why donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we have power?

The very easy scapegoat answer has always been that we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have supply, but that is not true and I think I need to use well the opportunity that I have as a gas producer, a gas processor and a company that delivers gas for power. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not always true that the gas suppliers are delinquent in their capabilities to supply gas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indeed, if any other thing is true it is the fact that there is more capacity to deliver gas in this country than the people who want to take them. Now having said that, where is the infrastructure to deliver gas to the people who will like to use Continued on page 18

HuaweiNorthernAfricaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sregionaloďŹ&#x192;cehasannouncedtheappointments of Adnane Ben Halima as Vice President of Public Relations for the Mediterranean region and LoĂŻse Tamalgo as Vice President of Public Relations for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Accordingtoastatement,theappointmentbecameeďŹ&#x20AC;ectiveonMay 6,2020. ItnotedthatAfricahasbeenintegraltoHuaweiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sdevelopment strategy for over two decades, adding that with a long-term approach to the continent, the company has made signiďŹ cant investments in AfricatosupportthedevelopmentofInformationandCommunication Technology (ICT) infrastructure.

ExecutiveVice President of Huawei Northern Africa, PhilippeWang said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;75% of our employees on the continent are African, so we are verypleasedtooďŹ&#x20AC;ertwoofthemnewresponsibilitieswithinourteams.

TheywillcontinuetosupportourAfricanpartners,inboththepublicand private sectors, to further develop the continentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s digital ecosystem.â&#x20AC;?

Huaweiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work on the continent makes daily inroads into ensuring better interconnection for its African consumers.

Commenting on the appointment, Halima said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;An interesting challenge awaits us in this digital age.We will be working together to tackle every aspect of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s digital transformation and meet the many expectations of our partners.â&#x20AC;? Also,Tamalgo said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am convinced that our expertise together with my 13 years of experience at Huawei will enhanceourunderstandingoflocalneeds.Thecompanywillnotonlybe able to increase its contribution to the digital transformation but will also contribute to a better social distribution of the digital dividend to the populations in the countries I cover south of the Sahara.â&#x20AC;? Halima, 40, has a degree in Computer Engineering and began his career as a research and development engineer at ST-Microelectronics before joining Huawei Technologies in 2005.

Ecobank Harps on Adherence to Safety

EcobankNigeriahasencourageditscustomerstoobeytheCOVID-19 rules, emphasising the importance of social distancing to check the spread of the virus, especially when visiting the branches.

The bank which gave this advice in a mail to customers also thanked themfortheirdedicationandcontinuedpatronagewhileconďŹ rmingthat more branches are being opened to decongest those already opened for business since the easing oďŹ&#x20AC; of lockdowns across the country.

Responding to media enquiries in Lagos, Head of Branch Network, Ecobank Nigeria, Titiloye Olarinde, said Ecobank takes the safety of customers and staďŹ&#x20AC; very seriously and has therefore put in place measures to ensure they are safe when they visit the branches.

According to her, temperature checks and wearing of masks are compulsory for both staďŹ&#x20AC; & customers before admittance to any bank premises; provision and mandatory use of hand sanitisers before accessing the branch or ATM Gallery while regular deep cleaning of work surfaces and ATM areas is ensured.

AIICO Partners Chicken Republic

AIICOInsurancePlcsaiditrecentlycollaboratedwithChickenRepublic to feed 130 less privileged persons in Lagos for 14 days.

Thecompanyalsosaidanon-proďŹ torganisationwithcommitmentto humanitariancauses,DreamsFromtheSlum,waspartofthecollaboration. AIICO Insurance Managing Director/Chief Executive OďŹ&#x192;cer, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, said the company was prioritising the needs of the vulnerable and less privileged in these extraordinary times in line with its commitment to the United Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sustainable Development Goal on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Zero Hunger.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; He added that the company would continue to pursue causes and drive initiatives to ameliorate the impact of the lockdown, through this season and beyond. Also speaking, AIICO Insurance Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Manager, Abimbola Shobanjo,saidthecompany,seestheFeedingReliefProgrammeaimed atcateringfortheneedsofunderprivilegedcommunitiesinLagosamid the COVID-19 lockdown as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.â&#x20AC;&#x153;Asasociallyresponsibleorganisation,AIICO,hasseentheneed for this Corporate Social Responsibility intervention to complement governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eďŹ&#x20AC;orts aimed at ensuring access to food supply while restricting movements to contain the spread of the virus,â&#x20AC;? she said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you have Letters of Credit or dollar obligations, we are asking you to be patient. There may be some delay, but I am giving 100 per cent assurance to everybody that they would not lose a cent of their monies if they desire to take their monies outâ&#x20AC;?

CBN Governor,

Godwin EmeďŹ ele

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ°Ë&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

BUSINESSWORLD â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;NIGERIA SPENT N3.9TN ON FUEL, ELECTRICITY SUBSIDY IN FOUR YEARSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; improved power to residential customers if not managed,â&#x20AC;?

Osibodu said.

She noted that other Covid-19 related challenges to the sector included disruption to the materials supply chains, increase in operational complexities and cost of operations, specific capital investment tailored to ensure that there is consistent electricity supply for the stay-at-home restriction and increase in foreign exchange rates which will further affect the tariff.

In her suggestions for short and medium-term adjustments needed by the sector to overcome the impact of the virus, Osibodu stated that from the customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; perspective, efficient energy management through only putting on only essential appliance when needed as well as energy saving appliances would be necessary now. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With increase in power availability to residencies and expected increase in billing, energy consumption savings is essential, at least 30 per cent of electricity is wasted,â&#x20AC;? she said.

She also harped on the need to embrace prepaid metering to consciously make the cost of service cheaper.

EXPERT ADVOCATES CREATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE ENTITY IN PETROLEUM INDUSTRY it to generate power? â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is not robust enough, and that brings me to the very vexing question of infrastructure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a country that has not invested sufficiently in infrastructure; there is absolutely no need for Nigeria to still be flaring gas because we are still flaring gas till today, sadly so. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But as a company we have endorsed the World Bank 2030 Initiative, where in all our operations we have actually eliminated gas flaring as part of our business.â&#x20AC;?

He added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;So the question then remains, the infrastructure to take gas from where it is available in the oil producing states to anywhere it can be used to generate electricity, and it is not all of us who is going to be able to do that.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

NEWS

NNPC:NigeriansConsumed1.2bnLitresofPetrolin30Days Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

to achieve smooth distribution of petroleum products and zero fuel queue across the nationâ&#x20AC;? it said.

It added that the 65 per cent decrease in trading surplus decrease in the month arose due to 17 percent drop in the cumulative performance of Strategic Business Units (SBUs) in the upstream and midstream as well as over

SGF Calls for Promotion of Local Content, Gets NCDMB Donation Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

over a letter communicating the donation, the SGF hinted that the pandemic had provided the perfect opportunity for Nigerians to promote local content in all facets of the economy.

He thanked the NCDMB for the donation and assured that it would be used judiciously in furtherance of the national response, adding that medical equipment and relief materials were required in all states of the country.

He regretted that COVID-19 had become the biggest health challenge of this generation, not-

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, has called for the promotion of local content throughout the entire strata of businesses in the country.

Speaking when he received a N70 million donation from the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Wabote, in Abuja, who handed

Peter Uzoho The Ikeja Electric Plc (IE) said it has earned the latest International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certifications. The Disco announced that it bagged the ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System); ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) and the newly published ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System), following the audit carried out in March 2020 by the Auditors from DQS

on the local production of all critical items Nigeria needs as a nation. He added that focusing on local content in key sectors of the economy would also help to stop capital flight and create the much needed jobs locally.

The SGF confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had begun to introduce a number of funding packages designed to promote medical, pharmaceutical and hospitality businesses that would depend on what Nigeria produces, manufactures and consumes locally.

In his comments, Wabote

explained that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, who is also the chairman of the NCDMB Governing Council was passionate about the oil and gas industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support to the fight against covid-19.

He noted that despite the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent donation of ambulances and medical supplies to its host states in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers, to support its response against the pandemic, the council still considered it necessary to approve additional support to the national effort.

Management Systems Solutions, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading certification bodies.

Commenting on the achievement, the Head of Quality, Safety, Health and Environment, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Jamiu Badmos, in a statement by the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Felix Ofulue, said the result of the audit as approved by the Technical Committee from DQS in Germany has put Ikeja Electric in the forefront.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The achievement of these international standards

is a result of our collective determination and efforts driven by leadership passion and commitment to implement business processes with strategies and innovative programmes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This will further enhance customer satisfaction, ensure environmental sustainability through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, as well as improve the safety of all persons involved in the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While we celebrate this great achievement, we will also like

to thank our customers for their feedback and support so far.

It is pertinent to inform the general public that our focus for 2020 as stated in our mantra, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Customer First, Technology Nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will not only promote business excellence in line with the achieved ISO certifications, it will also put smiles on the faces of our customers.â&#x20AC;?

According to Badmos, the use of technology and purposeful engagement of staff, customers and stakeholders greatly contributed towards

achieving Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) performance and operational excellence.

He added that the Discoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovative initiatives such as e-billing system, functional Mobile Apps, interactive technical safety sessions, Focus Feeder Maintenance (FFM) Programme, Staff Recognition, Customer appreciation initiatives, balanced scorecards and performance reviews among others, have positively impacted on service delivery.

Renewable Energy Firm Supports Covid-19 Fight Indigenous renewable energy firm, Green Village Electricity (GVE) Projects, said it is supporting efforts of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) against the Covid-19 with stable power supply to isolation centres in Enugu and Rivers states using solar generation sources.

A statement by GVEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

ing that every available resources will be required to contain it.

Mustapha, charged Nigerians to take personal responsibility and obey all the guidelines issued for the easing of the lockdown.

He stressed that countries that had overcome the virus achieved the feat through the active cooperation of their citizens, maintaining that all countries of the world were scrambling for ventilators, test kits and other medical consumables, thereby spiking the cost of the items.

This development, he said, underscored the urgency to focus

Ikeja Electric Bags ISO Certifications

Correspondents

Reporters

2019 to January 2020 stood at N2,616.09 billion, where PMS contributed about 97.57 per cent of the total sales with a value of N2,552.53 billionâ&#x20AC;? it said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has said that it has fuel that will last the next 33 days in its stock, given a daily consumption estimated at 38.6 litres.

CSR IN ACTION

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor ((Energy)

sustain effective communication with stakeholders through the reports.

The NNPC said it made a total sum of N151.79 billion from the sale of white products

by PPMC in the month under review, compared to N337.63 billion in the preceding month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Total revenues generated from the sales of white products for the period January

Nigerians consumed about 1. 2 billion litres of petrol in January, with a daily utilisation rate of 38.6 million, a report by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has shown.

The corporation also announced that for the period, its downstream activities were at the lowest, with over 100 per cent deterioration which led to a loss of N1.87 billion, compared to the preceding month.

According to the national oil company, in all, a total of 1,208.46 million litres of the products were sold and distributed by its subsidiary, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) in the month under review, compared to 2,774.78 million litres in the previous month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To ensure continuous increased PMS supply and effective distribution across the country, a total of 1.20bn litres of PMS translating to 38.68mn litres/day were supplied for the month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The corporation has continued to diligently L-R:AssistantBranchManager,Abuja,ChiLimited,Abdul-HafizShehu;AreaSalesManager,Abuja,OsagieOmono;Chairman,MedicalAdvisory monitor the daily stock of Committee,NationalHospitalAbuja,Dr.AishaUmar,andDeputyChairman,Dr.OlarenwajuFalodun,duringtheproductdonationonbehalfofChiLimitedto Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) representativesofthePresidentialTaskForceonCOVID-19inAbujaâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising)

100 percent deterioration in downstream activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These weak positions along with deficits of the refineries, ventures and CHQ, led to a decreased surplus to the groupâ&#x20AC;? the NNPC said.

The corporation also stated that in line with its commitment to becoming more accountable, responsive and transparent it had continued to

Managing Director, Mr. Ifeanyi Orajaka, stated that the company deployed an 18-kilovolt amp (kVA) solar-based solution to power an isolation and treatment facility upgraded and furnished by the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) at the Enugu State Medical Diagnostics Centre.

GVE, according to Orajaka equally successfully deployed a 12kVA solar system with 30

kilowatts hour (kWh) battery storage solution at the Rivers state COVID-19 isolation facility located at the Eleme General Hospital, Ogale, Nchia.

Orajaka, explained that funding for the provision of the emergency solar power systems to the health centers was obtained from All Onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s N180 million COVID-19 Solar Relief Fund which was launched in March.

He said All On is an impact investing firm funded by oil company, Shell, and that it approved the release of the fund for the systems as part of its response to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against Covid-19. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a socially responsible organisation, we are happy to provide assistance during this national crisis despite the challenges caused by the

lockdown. I salute the selflessness of my colleagues who implemented these projects in strict compliance with necessary health and safety guidelines,â&#x20AC;?

Orajaka added.

He noted that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This effort was accomplished in close collaboration with All On, Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), Clean Technology Hub (CTH), and the Rivers and Enugu state governments.â&#x20AC;?

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PERSPECTIVE

How COVID-19 Ushered New Opportunities in Port Operations Kingsley Anaroke Operations across most sectors of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy have been suspended as part of the efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus but Nigerian ports remain operational to aid the evacuation of essential items such as food, petroleum products, medical equipment and safety materials to combat the pandemic.

Unexpectedly, the pandemic opened up new vistas in the maritime industry, setting new standards that will help reshape the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s port operations. This is a positive indication that the age-long dream of a new port order is possible with the possibilities of minimal disagreement for greater collective acquiescence by operators and stakeholders. From the terminal operators, government agencies, shippers, freight forwarders, bankers, shipping lines, trade unions to haulage operators, there was unity of purpose to facilitate trade.

Port operations, however, have been plagued by numerous challenges following the lockdown declared by President Mohammadu Buhari in Lagos State, which is home to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major seaports.To achieve seamless port operations, Nigerian Shippersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Council (NSC) has been at the forefront of stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; engagement, interventions, health and safety inspections and the pertinent economic issues at the ports at such difficult times.

NSC is setting up a virtual port community system; encouraging multi-modal evacuation of cargo via the road, rail and inland waterways; and making the ports work on public holidays and weekends. These could amount to breaking of barriers and opening up new opportunities for port users and shippers in particular yet more revenue for the government.

To address the challenge of freight forwarders moving to the ports under the lockdown in Lagos, NSC made available buses to convey agents to the ports for free from various locations in Lagos.Since April 1, 2020, the buses have been conveying freight agents daily from Festac, Okokomaiko, Surulere, Oshodi, Ikeja and Sango-Ota. As an intervention, the council donated protective gears for port users worth N5 million distributed to relevant field and operational staff. The council also donated another N5 million to be used collectively in the fight against Covid-19 in Lagos and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Whilst most agencies streamlined activities at their respective offices, NSC has been at the forefront of engagement with working visits to several port terminal operators including; AP Moller Terminal, Five Star Logistics Terminal,

Mele Kyari Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), ENL Consortium, among others.

At these visits, the NSC management urged the organisations to operate in accordance with guidelines issued by health authorities which are critical to the reduction of transmission of the pandemic, emphasizing social distancing, use of hand sanitizers, providing hand washing materials, among others.

Having observed non-compliance of some port service providers to these health safety guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic, NSC assigned some officials to terminal operators and shipping companies to ensure safe port operations for handling essential services as directed by President Buhari. The NSC officers assigned to the various shipping companies and terminals assist in ensuring that all safety and health regulations issued by the authorities are strictly adhered to curb the spread of the pandemic at the ports.

The council also noted the economic constraints at the ports resulting from the pandemic and consequent lockdown, hence

it directed shipping companies to suspend the collection of demurrage charges.The port economic regulator further directed shipping companies to refund charges collected as demurrages from March 30th, 2020 when the lockdown in Lagos State commenced. This, NSC said, is to ameliorate the fiscal burden on port users at such difficult times. While demurrage charges during this period would be refunded to the consignee or his authorised agent, NSC asserted that the suspension of demurrage during this period is an incentive for owners of cargo to accelerate the process of taking delivery of their cargo.The regulator also warned that the suspension of demurrage charges is not an excuse to delay or abandon cargo at the ports, adding that erring shippers will be sanctioned in addition to having to pay the demurrage due on their cargoes. NSC also addressed the recent cargo haulage crisis in Port Harcourt when consignments which arrived the Port Harcourt seaport but destined to other states got stuck following the lockdown directed by the governor as part of efforts to

curb the spread of the virus in Rivers State.

NSC collaborated with the Presidential Taskforce for the Control of Coronavirus to get the Governor of Rivers State¸ Nyesome Wike to reopen the land borders in the state.

This reduced the plight of importers and freight forwarders with the provision for several manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goods and other essential goods evacuated from Rivers State after necessary checks, despite the cessation of movement.

With commercial banks initially not offering services with respect to port operations, the council played a crucial role to get banks comply to the federal government directive to open for the purpose of cargo clearance.

The truck haulage operators werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t left out in NSC COVID-19 engagements as the council reached out to not only ensure truckers adhere to health safety measures amid the pandemic, but the Council was also able to get the truckers agree 30 percent reduction in their fares for the period under the pandemic.

While trucking activities have been easier with the lockdown in Lagos State, the agreement that sees truckers slash their rates by 30 per cent underscores the goodwill and high-level diplomacy of the council. NSC also engaged key stakeholders in a meeting where it called for synergy among port users and government agencies to support the federal government in containing the scourge of the deadly virus while making it possible to sustain port operations during this period.

With the focus on providing multimodal transport channels for cargo evacuation, NSC is working with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to resume evacuation of cargo via the railway while a similar partnership was struck with barge operators currently evacuating cargoes from the ports via barges and truckers recently agreed to 30 percent reduction in charges after talks with NSC. Although port operations arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as efficient as they were prior to the pandemic, Shippersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Council has made appreciable efforts to attain the level of operations at the moment and as the Executive Secretary, Mr. Hassan Bello puts it; â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is an ongoing engagement.

We wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t relent. We want to have more banks operating. Shippersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Council is working assiduously to have all banks open for the purpose of cargo clearance.â&#x20AC;?On improving other aspects of port operations amid the pandemic, Bello added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The situation would keep getting better because we are doing the necessary engagement.â&#x20AC;? rAnaroke is the Publisher of MMS Plus Newspaper

COVID-19: Government Must Curb Community Transmission Ayomide Oriade Clearly, Nigeria has climbed the plateau of the coronavirus crisis with the daily upsurge in the confirmed cases and deaths. Nearly the entire 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are on the infected case chart.

COVID-19 contagion is also now at the community transmission stage. Instructively, this stage of the pandemic is the most dreaded phase because of the potential bigger humanitarian crises that may result if the rate of spread is not curtailed with speed.

In light of the above, drawing government attention to certain factors that can worsen the current pandemic statistics has become imperative. And, this is not about whistleblowing; it is about advocating good policies that can boost national success in the ongoing actions and measures to flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmission.

Policy One: Against the backdrop of the recent easing of lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States, it is important for the government to note that Nigerians naturally would go back to their old lifestyle of socialisation. Increased movement of people should be expected.

Banking halls will burst with customers. Cash transactions will spike and exchange of dirty currency notes, which can contribute to the person-to-person transmission of Coronavirus, should be expected.

In the coming days and weeks, the majority of daily income earners will return to brick and mortar stores, shops and open markets

for their essential and non-essential purchases.

Cash will be exchanged for purchases. The tradition of price trial and test-fitting of goods will come back in full force.

Asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 will come out to shop and touch a number of goods including groceries, fruits, vegetables, pepper, tomatoes and onions. Sadly, some other persons will buy and carry those infected items home.

They and their loved ones will be infected, then the chain of person-to-person and community transmission continues.

While lack of education and knowledge of the virus coupled with zero voluntary testings for Coronavirus remains a major setback for stemming transmission among the low socioeconomic cadre, the situation does not look anything better among the so-called elite.

Due to pride or fear of stigmatisation, many of them have refused to submit for voluntary testing. With the ease of lockdown, some of them that are infected will go to the malls, megastores and supermarkets, electronic or automobile showrooms. They will touch things on the shelves, and in the process increase community transmission of coronavirus.

With increased movement of people made possible by the easing of lockdown restrictions, the little gains on social distancing achieved during the period of lockdown would have been lost. In light of the above, the government must, as a matter of urgency, initiate or strengthen existing policy strategy that discourages people from using brick and mortar stores for both essential and non-essential purchases to prevent

a further spike in the current high rate of COVID-19 transmission.

The most cost-effective way this can be achieved is for the government to encourage more Nigerians to use e-Commerce platforms for their purchases and transactions. For instance, pan-African leading e-Commerce operator Jumia has strong integrated technology and data-driven online channels and last-mile infrastructure that Nigerians can leverage for purchase of their essentials and non-essentials.

Jumia marketplace, logistics and e-payment platforms like JumiaPay enable customers to make orders online, pay online for goods and get their orders delivered to their offices or homes, as well as receive or transfer money.

This way, they can avoid crowded places where the risk of COVID-19 infection is high, and ultimately continue to stay safe and maintain social distancing.

Policy Two: Against the backdrop of presidential restriction of interstate movements, the second important thing is for the government to ensure removal of all obstacles hindering the free and easy movement of goods especially agricultural and medical across borders. While the measure is commendable, it should be pointed out, however, that the enforcement of this policy is a major challenge for farmers, drivers and delivery agents working with e-Commerce companies.

From Ile Ife to Owena, Benin City to Ughelli, truck drivers and delivery agents on essential duties of transporting agricultural products to city centres such as Lagos and Abuja meet

difficulties imposed by security agents enforcing the interstate restriction. Even within cities, last-mile delivery workers and those providing logistics and supply of essentials such as groceries, food items and products like electronics have it rough in the hands of security operatives. They are sometimes extorted, harassed, delayed or threatened with arrest if they fail to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cooperate.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; This ugly trend, if it is not checked fast by the government agencies, poses a major threat to meeting the critical logistics and supply of essentials such as agricultural produce at a peculiar time like this. It can also erode the gain of leveraging e-Commerce as the key driver of social distancing that has been proven to reduce the rate of transmission of coronavirus.

It could also, in the long-term, rob Nigeria of the benefits of optimising the potential of e-commerce as a key driver of the digital economy, which is paramount to the Federal Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic diversification policy.

On a final note, any act that could cause people to return to brick and mortar malls or stores would certainly erode the sacrifice of our frontline heroes and essential service providers such as doctors, nurses and other first responders, who are in the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. t 0SJBEF B #VTJOFTT "EWJTPSZ $POTVMUBOU writes from Lagos NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

20

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ÍŻÍ°Ë&#x153; 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Abuja Disco to Begin Disconnection of Customers Today Emmanuel Addeh Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039; The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has said it will commence the disconnection of customers who have defaulted in the payment of their bills from today.

The company which covers Abuja, Niger, Kogi and Nassarawa states, noted that it could no longer sustain the reprieve given power consumers in its franchise areas because it has other members of the value chain it is indebted to. General Manager, Public Affairs of the company, Mr Oyebode Fadipe, in a statement in Abuja, who described the decision as painful, said the AEDC intended to

recover debts owed the company.

He said during the period of the Covid-19 total restriction of movement, the company worked to cushion the effect of the lockdown through the supply of electricity without insisting on payment as it recognised that there was a sharp drop in economic activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore, in these unprecedented times we all face as a result of the novel covid-19 pandemic, we wish to express our solidarity with you our esteemed customers. â&#x20AC;&#x153; However, with the gradual restoration of socio-economic activities, we cannot sustain serving you unless payment is received for the service that had been rendered.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consequently, please take notice that commencing from Tuesday 12th May, 2020, we shall no longer be in a position to serve all those who are indebted to us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While this decision is very painful to us, we have found it unavoidable. The need to recover outstanding payments has become very urgent as other members of the value chain on whose behalf we also act require funds to be able to continue to remain in their core business of generating and transmitting electricityâ&#x20AC;? it said. The AEDC called for understanding from its customers, noting that during this period, the company requires help to continue to serve its areas of coverage.

FCMB Founder Donates Relief Materials in Ogun The founder of the FCMB Group Plc, Otunba Subomi Balogun, has donated relief materials to the people of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State as part of his palliative measures to cushion the effect of the lockdown occasioned by the spreading COVID-19 disease.

This gesture was among the series of such interventions by Balogun, having earlier donated 750 bags of rice to community leaders in Ijebu-Ode as well as150 bags of rice to residents of Erinlu community in Ijebu Ode and the Anglican Church, Italowajoda also in Ijebu Ode. A statement explained that the latest donation which was 300 bags of rice, were handed over by Prof. Bankole Okuwa, the curator of Otunba Tunwase Museum for onward distribution among respective recipients in Ijebu Ode. Speaking with some of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Adebisi Alausa, described the

donor as a cheerful giver and an extraordinary philanthropist.

According to him; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Otunba Subomi Balogun is well known for his humanitarian gestures and unique kindness. I can recollect his support both in kind and cash when I was the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Club about 30 years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I find in him, a man who shows love to the people everytime and always ready to give.

We really appreciate his love and concern for the people especially the less privileged and pray to Almighty God to grant him long life in sound health.â&#x20AC;? Alausa, then used the occasion to admonish Nigerians to obey government orders and observe the regulations as handed down by authorities involved in checking the spread of the coronavirus which has defied any meaningful solution since its outbreak. People, he said, should realise that the virus is

highly contagious and can hang and remain active in the air for a long time, hence people should keep the stipulated distance from one another when necessary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the lockdown as a punishment but part of safety measures to combat the dreaded disease,â&#x20AC;? he added.

In the same vein, the Central Chairman, Ijebu-Ode Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Wale Omotayo, described Balogun as a philanthropist with a difference. Omotayo added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is a philanthropist with a difference who will even go out of his way to help the people. He does his things with fear of God and huge respect for humanity. He is a philanthropist with difference.â&#x20AC;?

The CAN Central Chairman urged Nigerians to abide by the order of the government and keep to them for the safety of each individual and the people of the world at large.

PETAN Hails Sylva, Wabote on Train 7 Contractsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Award Peter Uzoho The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has commended the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, for working with the support of the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, in ensuring that indigenous companies benefit in the award of Nigeria LNG Limited Train 7 contracts.

The National Chairman of PETAN, Mr Nik Odinuwe, in a statement, specifically thanked Sylva, for bringing hope to the indigenous service companies through ensuring that all hurdles

impeding the award of the Train 7 contracts were cleared, most especially in the present difficult times.

He added that the minister played significant role in making sure that indigenous service firms did not missed out in huge opportunity presented by the train 7 projects. He pointed out that over 12, 000 jobs and other numerous opportunities abound in the multi-billion dollars Train 7 project expected ramp up the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LNG production from the current 22 million metric tonnes per annum to 30 million.

Odinuwe added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can tell you categorically that if not for his tenacity, this opportunity would have slipped us. This is a welcome

news and it brings hope to all well-meaning Nigerians and the indigenous service companies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With this epic achievement, Nigeria is assured of increased job opportunities, over 12, 000 jobs during Train 7 construction, increased LNG production from 22 to 30 million metric tonnes per annum, increased Foreign Direct Investment, a secured position as a top supplier of LNG in the world, and increased revenue to the federal government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Increased domestic LPG (cooking gas) availability and price stability, increased local content and capacity development, further reduction of gas flaring and stimulation of the Nigerian economy.â&#x20AC;?

Nova Merchant Bank Holds AGM Nova Merchant Bank yesterday disclosed that it recently held its third Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually, at its head office in Lagos.

The meeting was held virtually in strict adherence with stipulations by the federal and state government in a bid to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic currently ravaging

the world.

The meeting which was led by the Chairman, NOVA Merchant Bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, had in attendance the Managing Director, Mr Anya Duroha, Company Secretary, Mr. Nnadozie Ohaji, Board of Directors, Shareholders, as well as representatives from key financial regulatory organisations including the Central Bank of

Nigeria and the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation.

According to a statement, shareholders at the meeting lauded the innovative concept of the virtual meeting, which according to them, showed that the bank was ahead in keeping up with the times, while ensuring continuous safety of both staff and shareholders.

Balogun

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

11,007,422.79

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

Ëž Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039;

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x2039; ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ë&#x153; Íś Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $22.21 a barrel on Friday, compared with $22.91 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

21

T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ÍŻÍ°Ë&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

MARKET NEWS

Q1: Sterling Bank Records N35bn Gross Earnings, N2.2bn Profit Goddy Egene Sterling Bank Plc has recorded gross earnings of N32.9 billion in the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared with N35.270 billion in 2019. The bank posted net operating income of N18.779 billion in 2020, compared with N18.565 billion during the corresponding period of 2019.

This represented an increase of 1.2 per cent.

Profit before tax stood at

N2.219 billion, down from N3.273 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) printed at N2.065 billion compared with N3.240 billion in 2019.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, explained that the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s net trading income grew remarkably to N984 million as against N435 million during the corresponding period, representing an increase of 126.2 percent,

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

despite a very challenging macro-economic environment.

According to the bank, drop in net profit was to a combination of a decline in fees and commission income following the downward review of transactional charges and a slight increase in total expenses which rose from N15.3 billion in 2019 to N16.6 billion in 2020.

The increase was driven, the bank added, mainly by other operating expenses and

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

depreciation and amortisation costs. Income tax expense also went up from N33 million in 2019 to N154 million in 2020.

However, the bank was able to reduce its nonperforming loans from 2.2 percent to two percent during the review period reported a net operating income of N18.779 billion during its first quarter ended March 31, 2020 compared with N18.565 billion during the corresponding period

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

of 2019, representing an increase of 1.2 per cent.

However, the CEO added that the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deposit base rose to N898.576 billion in the first quarter of 2020 from N892.660 billion in the corresponding period of 2019, loans and advances up to N627.122 billion from N618.732 while total assets rose to N1.231 trillion from N1.182 trillion, representing a growth of 4.1 per cent.

Also, during the review

O F

period, the bank managed to reduce cost of funds further by 18.4 per cent on the back of growth in low cost deposits, resulting in a growth in net interest income to N15.449 billion.

Meanwhile, the stock market opened the week on negative note as investors took profit on banking stocks. As a result, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) fell by 0.39 per cent to 23,950.83.

0 7 / 0 5 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

22

TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Vetiva: COVID-19 Has Dampened Economic Outlook of Sub-Sahara Africa Goddy Egene Vetiva Research has said the COVID-19 pandemic has dampened economic outlook of Sub-Sahara African countries in 2020 because of the existing vulnerabilities which

existed prior to the pandemic.

Vetiva’s Economist, Mosope Arubayi, in a report, said: “The region’s vulnerabilities stem from its weak public health systems, impact of lockdowns on livelihoods and businesses and the resource-

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

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

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

dependent nature of the region.”

According to her, this scenario has resulted in a twin crisis, that is a health and economic crisis, in the region. “ For a region that is still managing previous viral episodes, infestation,

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 08May-2020, unless otherwise stated.

insecurity and climate change, the capacity to deal with a more widespread outbreak is limited,” Arubayi said.

She pointed out that the economic performance of most countries is expected to be worse

than last year, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She added, however, that non resource dependent countries have a more positive outlook than commodity exporters whose economic activities could be adversely impacted by the

slump in commodity prices. “ Ghana will be an exception among the resource-dependent countries because of its favorable economic mix and its investment climate, which is above average from an African perspective,” Arubayi said.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 113.59 117.24 -22.47% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.76% Nigeria International Debt Fund 300.88 300.88 -3.74% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.79% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.60 2.66 5.63% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 5.90% Anchoria Equity Fund 94.68 94.99 -7.66% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.19 1.19 4.20% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 13.82 14.24 -9.76% ARM Discovery Fund 327.48 337.35 -5.20% ARM Ethical Fund 27.53 28.36 -5.35% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.79% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.07 0.05 7.03% Paramount Equity Fund 10.58 10.76 -15.52% Women's Investment Fund 106.12 106.86 -3.98% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.55% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 96.62 96.85 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 104.49 104.75 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.40% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.89 0.89 -4.56% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.40 1.40 5.72% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund 141.85 142.87 -3.39% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.66% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 111.25 112.37 -6.70% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 111.77 112.89 -6.73% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 112.01 113.34 -13.92% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.36% Legacy Debt Fund 3.74 3.74 2.48% Legacy Equity Fund 1.03 1.05 -9.06% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.10 1.10 1.66% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,985.60 3,019.78 0.11% Coral Income Fund 3,158.70 3,158.70 15.22% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 6.05% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.45% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 118.49 119.00 10.10%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.84% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.19 2.23 0.17% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 10.17% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 142.26 142.81 -0.80% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.19 1.21 1.98% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,120.73 1,120.73 3.98% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.44 1.46 17.30% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.94 11.99 5.95% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.53% PACAM Equity Fund 1.03 1.04 PACAM EuroBond Fund 104.22 106.36 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 117.82 122.53 -9.56% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.72% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.11 1.13 -7.81% United Capital Bond Fund 1.79 1.79 3.57% United Capital Equity Fund 0.61 0.63 -12.91% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.26% United Capital Eurobond Fund 114.50 114.50 2.37% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.05 -3.99% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 9.99 10.12 -2.72% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.52 11.64 -0.83% Zenith Income Fund 23.42 23.42 5.33% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.82%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

3.40 114.44 52.79

-64.85% 2.22% 1.42%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.19 83.17 65.74

8.29 84.89 66.94

-5.93% -10.09% -10.85%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.80 3.98 11.05 10.25 178.75

2.84 4.06 11.15 10.45 180.75

-20.89% -32.35% -8.64% -1.35% -4.82%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.29

16.90%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

TUESDAY MAY 12, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ T H I S D AY

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TUESDAY MAY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Four Persons to Die By Hanging for Killing Pensioner in Ekiti Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti An Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti yesterday sentenced two men and two women to death by hanging after finding them guilty of murder.

The convicts are Rashidat Abdul (f), 37; Oluwatosin Akarakiri (m), 32; Abdulrasheed Mutairu (m), 22, and Iyoriochile Eromoina (f), 18, who were sentenced to death by hanging.

The quartet is to pay the

supreme price for the unlawful killing of a 70-year-old man, Samuel Oloyede, on April 5, 2017, in Odo Owa Ekiti, Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Justice Oluwatoyin Abodunde held that the prosecution has proved the case of murder against the convicts beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge ruled that the convicts, by killing the deceased, contravened Section 316 Criminal Code, Cap C 16, Laws of Ekiti

State of Nigeria 2012 and Section 301(2) (2) of Ekiti State Criminal Justice Law 2014.

Justice Abodunde held that: “I am persuaded that in the instant case, prosecution have proved the ingredients of murder beyond reasonable doubt by convincing and compelling qualitative unbroken circumstantial evidence

and I so hold.

“The sentence of the court upon the four accused persons is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead and may God have mercy on your souls.”

They were first arraigned on February 12, 2018, when the charge was read and interpreted to them, but pleaded not guilty.

According to the witnesses, the deceased was a pensioner who operated a brothel in his personal house as a means of livelihood where all the accused persons also lived.

There was a misunderstanding between the deceased and accused persons on payments and sharing formula.

They testified further that the accused persons vacated the premises leaving the deceased missing and later found his dead body on the fourth day under heap of cloths with his hands tied.

The matter was reported at the palace and later at Ijero Police Station.

Ex-Air Chief, Ebong Loses N510m to FG over Fraud Allegations Alex Enumah in Abuja The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court yesterday granted an order of interim forfeiture of N510 million allegedly belonging to the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), AVM Uko Ebong to the federal government.

The order of temporary seizure was sequel to an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Counsel to the EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, had told the trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, that the money was traced to an account with the name, Elioenai International College, allegedly owned by the former Air Chief.

The applicant further told the court that the money formed part

of the N731million allegedly paid to Ebong, through a company, Magnificent 5 Ventures Limited, linked to him from the office of the former National Security Adviser (ONSA) without any contractual agreement.

According to the EFCC, Ebong was the Commander of PAF between 2013 and July 2015.

Delivering ruling in the exparte motion yesterday, Justice Mohammed said he was convinced that the EFCC had made out a case to warrant the grant of the interim forfeiture order.

“An order is hereby made for the interim forfeiture of the sum of N510,000,000 in Sterling Bank account No: 0029581583 recovered by the applicant, which funds are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities,” he ruled.

PDP Accuses APC of Betraying Almajirai, Poor Nigerians Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have betrayed the Almajiris and other vulnerable Nigerians after using them to take over power in 2015.

The party asserted that the APC and its government have continued to show their true colours especially as manifested in the neglect and dehumanising treatment they have meted out to vulnerable Nigerians since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

The PDP in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said APC disdain and desertion of the citizens had further exposed it as a deceitful party which used lies, propaganda and false promises to mislead the people in 2015 to denounce a system of governance which had their interest at heart and worked day and night to ensure a better life for them.

According to the party, “Today, the APC and its government have succeeded in wrecking the lives of ordinary Nigerians, stole their common patrimony, rendered many homeless, turned their joy into sadness, hope into hopelessness, fortune into abject poverty, reneged on all their

enticing promises, swindled and abandoned our citizens to a life of misery.

“From Katsina to Lagos, Kano to Edo, Kaduna to Osun, Yobe to Ekiti; Plateau to Kogi and all the places where the APC has left its footprints at the federal and state levels, the downtrodden have been exploited and abandoned; treated by the APC as sub-humans in their own country.”

PDP stated that the APC relishes in abusing and insulting Nigerian youths, denying them access to economic opportunities and jobs, and yet tag them as lazy.

It further stated that the APC denied Nigerians good education, health care, comfortable homes and access to basic necessities of life, yet demean them as outcasts and undesirable elements fit only for life on the streets and as tools to manipulate elections for APC leaders.

Accordingly, the party accused the APC of lying to the people who were already organising their lives along the path of economic prosperity, development and national cohesion; they beguiled and misled them into believing that they were being led to Eldorado, only to abandon them in the middle of nowhere, stripped of honour and means of survival.

I SHARE YOUR PAINS......

L-R: Oyo State Advisory Chairman, Senator Hosea Agboola; Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde; and Caretaker Chairman, Akinyele Local Government Area, Hon. Taoreed Adedigba, during the governor’s visit to Moniya fire incident scene in Ibadan...yesterday

NSCDC Arrests Man for Defrauding German Lover of €10,000 David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka A man identified as Chigozie Ndubusi Kizzito has been arrested by the Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for allegedly defrauding a German woman, Ms Oyeleke Patricia Magdalena, of €10,000.

THISDAY gathered that 29-year old Kizzito met the German lady on a dating site (lesarion.com) and she subsequently fell in love with him and started lavishing

money on him.

The spokesperson of NSCDC in the state, ASC Edwin Okadigbo, who disclosed this in a statement he made available to THISDAY in Awka yesterday, said the suspect has owned up to the crime.

On how the suspect was arrested, Okadigbo said: “Recall on the April 29, 2020, at about 1:p.m., following a complaint by Jideofor Chinwuba Esq on behalf of his client, Ms Magdalena, a German woman, on the alleged internet-related fraud.

“NSCDC operatives, through surveillance, arrested one Chigozie Ndubusi Kizzito, 29, a male, from Ndibeokwu Mmuo in Ndi Ejezie Kindred, Arondizuogu in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.

“Preliminary investigations, however, revealed that the suspect allegedly met the victim in August 2019 on a dating site (Lesarion.com), where a supposed relationship was consummated, and from November 2019 till March 2020, he allegedly defrauded the victim of 10,000 euros.

“The suspect has equally made a voluntary confessional statement to the NSCDC.” He added that officials of NSCDC were able to find exhibits showing that he actually extorted the German.

Some of the exhibits recovered, which he listed, included financial transaction details of monies transferred to him by the victim, and a copy of a letter purportedly written to the German Embassy in which he protested against his visa denial by the embassy.

FCT Police Chief Orders Arrest of Policeman Involved in Shooting Incident Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Following the riot that broke out in Karimo, an Abuja suburb, over the shooting of a 52-year-old man, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, Bala Ciroma, yesterday ordered the arrest of the policeman responsible for the fatal shooting.

He also ordered an investigation into the shooting.

The incident, which took place at about 6p.m. last Sunday led to the death of one Solomon Eze,

a resident of Karimo.

It was gathered that some policemen went there to arrest a suspect in an on-going investigation.

The officers were said to have successfully arrested the suspect but while they were trying to take him away, he started shouting to draw attention.

The crowd was said to have overwhelmed the policemen, who feared for their lives and shot in the air to disperse the crowd, but the deceased was

hit by a bullet, and in the confusion, the suspect escaped.

A statement issued by the FCT Police Command said: “The Commissioner of Police FCT, Bala Ciroma, has ordered a discreet investigation into an unfortunate gunshot incident that led to the death of one Solomon Eze, 52, at Karimo on May 10, 2020, at about 6:00p.m.

“The policeman identified to have shot the deceased has been arrested and he is currently in detention.”

The statement signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Anjuguri Manzah, said the FCT police boss commiserated with the family and friends of the deceased.

“The Commissioner of Police wishes to assure members of the public that the command will be transparent in its investigation, and the findings will be made public,” he said.

FG to Begin Home Feeding for School Children on Thursday The federal government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development last night announced that it would commence the Home-grown School Feeding Programme on Thursday, May 14, 2020.

The ministry said the programme, which would ensure the provision food ration

to schoolchildren at home, would begin in Abuja and subsequently in Lagos and Ogun states before it would be extended to other states.

It stated that after consultations with state governments, it identified the distribution of TakeHome Rations to the households of children in the programme as a feasible method of achieving this directive after exploring several

options.

“This is a globally accepted means of supporting children to continue to have access to nutrient rich foods despite disruptions to the traditional channels of school feeding,” the ministry said in a statement issued in Abuja.

The ministry said it had requested states to carry out mapping exercises in order to trace

the households of the children using all available data sources.

The ministry said some of the sources include the Schoolbased management boards, community focal persons, cooks on the programme and, most importantly, existing school registers in the Local Government Areas where the schools are domiciled

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TUESDAY MAY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

Lagos Assembly Amends, Passes Amotekun Bill The Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday passed the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps Agency Law (amendment) 2019 Bill, which made provision for the creation of Amotekun Corps into law.

In the amendments, Section 20 (1) which subjects the appointment of the Lagos

Amotekun Corps Commander to the confirmation of the assembly was retained.

This is in accordance with the practice and procedures of the lawmakers that sensitive appointments must be subjected to the confirmation of the assembly and the need to ensure that the Amotekun

Corps Commander appointment is properly scrutinised.

Section 20(3) of the amendment bill, which subjects the removal of the Lagos Amotekun Corps Commander to the concurrence

of the House was deleted.

This is because the Committee agreed that there should be a single line of discipline in accordance with public service establishment and engagement.

After voice votes in favour of the amendments, the Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni, to forward a clean copy of the Bill to Governor

Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his assent.

The lawmakers had earlier passed the bill but the governor returned it for amendments to some sections.

Students Demand Removal of Ogun Customs Boss over Incessant Killings The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) yesterday issued seven-day ultimatum the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), to remove Comptroller of Ogun State Command, Mr. Michael Agbara, over alleged reckless and incessant killing of students in the state by the operatives under his jurisdiction.

NANS and NAOSS in a statement, jointly signed by the National Vice President of NANS, Comrade Ojo Raymond and the National President of NAOSS, Comrade Gbemileke Ogunronmbi in Abeokuta, asked the Comptroller General of the NCS, Col. HameedAli (rtd), to remove the Ogun Controller or face the full wrath of the entire students of the country.

The students’ bodies were apparently reacting to the alleged serial killing of innocent students by the NCS operatives, the latest victim being a 15 – year old Rilwan Bello who was killed at Owode – Idiroko, when stray bullets fired by the operatives struck him on the head.

Master Rilwan was a Junior Secondary School Students of Area Community High School, Owode.

The students’ bodies bemoaned the incessant killings of students and other residents of the various border communities in the name of fighting smugglers, describing the state Command of the NCS as constituting grave risk to life and

safety of Ogun people.

The grieving NANS and NAOSS, threatened to defy the lockdown order of both the Federal and the Ogun State governments and mobilise students across the nation occupy the NCS Command in Ogun State in protest until Agbara is removed.

The statement reads: “We want to assure the NSC Comptroller General, Hameed Ali that this is not an empty threat. If the Ogun State Comptroller of the NSC, Michael Agbara is not removed before Monday, May 18, the entire students across the country will mobilise en masse and occupy the headquarters of the State Command of the NSC. “We are not asking the men of the Nigerian Customs Service not to do their job, but we don’t want the killings of our people all in the name of fighting smugglers.

“The way in which the men of the Nigerian Customs Service discharge their duties in Ogun State is not only recklessness but also dangerous.

“We have explored all available means of cautioning the officials of the state NCS but they have continued to perpetrate this evil. It is high time your men stopped this inhumane treatment on our people.”

The students’ bodies also condemned the silence of Senator Tolu Odebiyi, the Senator representing Ogun west Senatorial district to the killings of his constituents by the men of the NCS.

Civil Service Union Kicks against Oronsaye Report, Lay-off The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has warned the federal government against the implementation of the Oronsaye Committee Report, which proposed the merger and scrapping of some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government.

The National Administrative Council (NAC) of the union said in a statement issued in Abuja that it condemned the proposed implementation of the report at a time the country was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that the report would lead to the lay-off of thousands of workers in the public sector.

The NAC in the statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Yahaya Ndako, said: “The National Administrative Council condemned in its entirety the proposed implementation of the report at this critical time, which is driven towards victimising and laying off thousands of working people in the public sector into the pool of industry

of unemployment.

“The timing of this process by the government without due consideration of the outbreak of COVID-19 will be adding to the prevailing hardship and, amounting to the Federal Government birthing another new virus that spells doom for our nation.

“We regret greatly to inform concerned parties and the government that the said report is obsolete and need a holistic review with the involvement of relevant stakeholders, including the labour movement practitioners, civil societies, upper and lower legislative chambers and the Federal Ministry of Labour.

The union appealed to the President Muhammadu Buhari to “kindly have a rethink on the implementation of this satanic Oronsaye Committee Report for the purpose of sustaining the existing industrial relation peace enjoyed between the labour movement and the office of the President.”

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY...

L-R: Representative of Flour Mills Nigeria (FMN), Mrs. Olasubomi Odunuga; representative of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Mr. Aniefiok Ekoh; and Asistant Director, FMN, Mr. Adeniji Afeez, during the presentation of part of the consignment of 35,000 COVID-19 test kitsdonated by Flour Mills Nigeria to NCDC in Lagos ...recently,

Senate Screens Dankaka for FCC Board Chairman Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday screened Mrs. Farida Dankaka for the position of the Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in spite of the mounting criticism over the alleged noncompliance to the principle of federal character by the Presidency in nominating candidates to man the FCC. President Muhammadu Buhari had on March 18 sent Dakaka’s name as well as 37 other board nominees to the Senate for approval.

The list of the nominees were referred to the Senate Committee on Federal Character and

Intergovernmental Affair, which is headed by Senator Danjuma La’ah, for further legislative action by the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan.

The committee screened Dankaka for the office of Chairman of the FCC. However, her nomination was trailed by criticism as the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, asked the Senate to reject her nomination.

Afenifere, in a statement issued last week by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, stressed that it would not allow President Buhari to get away with yet another infraction at the Federal

Character Commission(FCC) as he did with the appointment of the Legal Adviser of Miyetti Allah as the FCC’s secretary in 2017.

The group emphasised that the FCC, according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was meant to be the custodian of the principle of Federal Character and is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that all federal agencies and parastatals in Nigeria respect and adhere to this principle.

Afenifere, therefore, called on the Senate, to reject Dankaka’s nomination because the chairman as well as the secretary of the commission should not come

from the Northern part of the country.

According to the group, the recent nominations meant that the chairman and secretary of the FCC were picked from northern states of Kwara and Taraba respectively in violation of Section 4 of the subsidiary legislation which stated: “Where the number of positions available cannot go round the states of the federation or the Federal Capital, the distribution shall be on zonal basis. But in the case where two positions are available, the positions shall be shared between the northern and southern zones.”

House to Hold Two-day Public Hearing on Infectious Diseases Bill Udora Orizu in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has disclosed that a two-day public hearing would be held within the next few weeks on the on the controversial Infectious Disease Bill.

The Speaker said the public hearing would be open to submission of memorandum and position papers from members of the public.

Gbajabiamila, made this known on yesterday when he received some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), who paid him a courtesy

call in his office.

The CSOs were led by the Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Mr. Clement Nwankwo; the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Mr. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Chief Executive Officer, Women Trust Fund, Ms. Mufuliat Fijabi and the Executive Director, Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), Mr.Samson Itodo, Gbajabiamila said: “On the Control of Infectious Disease Bill, we are aware that many

of the comments it generated are genuine, some were political and some were clearly based on the misunderstanding of the bill.

But we cannot ignore any and that is why we are taking it to public hearing. It is going to be conducted over two days and because we don’t want to endanger anyone’s life, all the COVID-19 protocols would be observed. So, in a hall that is supposed to take 300 people, we will have about 40.

“Those who could not make it the first day would have the opportunity to be there the second day. The public hearing

would be physical because this is all about transparency and accountability. We don’t want to endanger the lives of Nigerians.

It will be beamed live on TV and Radio. Those that cannot make it to the public hearing will have the opportunity of sending their memorandum to the House.

“The bill that will be passed by the House will be the aggregate of the submissions of Nigerians.”

The Speaker further said the House would step up its oversight responsibility on issues around the COVID-19 palliative programmes.

Court Dismisses N100m Suit against IG A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a suit by a businessman, Mr. John Obi, seeking N100 million in damages from the InspectorGeneral of Police (IG) and a firm, Suntory Beverage and Food Ltd. Justice Ayokunle Faji held that Obi’s claims lacked merit.

He also dismissed the claimant’s prayer for a declaration that his alleged arrest and detention between June 6 and 7, 2018, by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID) Alagbon,

Ikoyi, Lagos, was unlawful and violated the Constitution as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The judge further declined Obi’s application for an order compelling the police to refund the N6,350,000, he claimed to have been forced to pay as his bail and part of his debt settlement with Suntory Beverage and Food.

Obi, through his counsel, Mrs. Funmi Falana, of Falana and Falana Chambers, had

claimed that he was arrested at his business place and detained without warrant by the police at the instance of the firm.

But the judge heard testimony from the police through its counsel, Morufu Animashaun, that Obi was neither detained nor tortured.

It also received evidence from the firm through its counsel, Dipo Torhukerhijo, that Obi owed N83 million, failed to pay and, after several demands,

issued dud cheques, following which the police were invited to investigate him.

“There is thus no evidence that indeed, applicant was detained from June 6, 2018 to June 7, 2018. The facts actually show that he was not, contrary to his own position, detained.

“The allegations of being beaten by hardened criminals do not also to my mind hold water”, Justice Faji held.

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NEWS XTRA

Report: Police Lead in Human Rights Violation During Lockdown Extension Peter Uzoho The Nigerian Police Force committed more extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations during the period of the lockdown extension in the country, accounting for 59.6 per cent of the total cases of violations.

The police was followed

by Non-State Actors, mostly private individuals in sexual and gender-based violations (SGBV) related cases, which accounted for 18.3 per cent of the total cases.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) disclosed this in a report signed by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, which was on alleged human rights violations recorded between April 13 to May 4, 2020

following the extension of the lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

The report documented the various thematic areas in which the violations occurred, the nature of the violations, the disaggregated data on state reported violations, the agencies of government responsible for the violations as well as the response/action taken to remedy the violations.

According to the report, there were 11 documented incidents of extra-judicial killing leading to 11 deaths, out of which four were recorded in Abia State alone.

Delta State recorded two deaths, while Niger, Jigawa, Lagos, Anambra and Rivers states recorded one death each.

The report further showed that out of the 11 deaths, the Nigeria Police Force was

responsible for seven, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), NonState Actors and the Abia State Task Force on COVID–19 were responsible for one death each.

The report noted that investigation was still ongoing as at the time of the report to unravel the perpetrator of the extra-judicial killing that occurred in Jigawa State.

It revealed that other types of violation recorded within the period include 34- incidents of torture, inhumane and degrading treatment, 14 incidents of violation of right

to freedom of movement, unlawful arrest and detention, 11 incidents of seizure/confiscation of properties, 19 incidents of extortion and 15 incidents of SGBV.

Four Days after Supreme Court Judgment, KaluYet to Leave Prison FIGHTING THE PANDEMIC...

Former governor stands to benefit from judgment nullification, say SANs Alex Enumah in Abuja Four days after the Supreme Court quashed the conviction and sentence of former Governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, he is to be released from the Kuje Prison, THISDAY has learnt.

The Supreme Court had last Friday quashed the judgment that convicted and sentenced Kalu and a former Director of Finance in the state, Jones Udeogu.

Senior lawyers in the country yesterday agreed that Kalu stands to benefit from the judgment which nullified their conviction and sentencing over corruption and fraud charges.

The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a seven-man panel of justices led

by Justice Bode Rodhes-Vivour, struck down section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, declaring it unconstitutional.

It held that the Federal High Court in Lagos that convicted duo acted without jurisdiction.

Justice Ejembi Eko who read the lead judgment, held that Justice Idris, having been elevated to the Court of Appeal, was no longer a

judge of the Federal High Court and therefore acted outside his jurisdiction.

But four days after the judgment was delivered, the former governor is still being held in prison.

While sources close to the Kalu informed THISDAY yesterday that the judgment of the Supreme Court did not affect him, others said the Nigeria Correctional Service was yet to receive any order to let the former governor off the hook.

It was gathered that the particular appeal which the Supreme Court delivered judgment on last Friday was filed by Udeogu.

But a human rights lawyer, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), disagreed with the Nigeria Correctional Service, urging the service to release the former governor with immediate effect.

Adegboruwa said in a criminal matter, when a co-defendant’s conviction and sentence are quashed, other defendants are entitled to benefit from such verdict.

Buhari Appoints RMAFC Scribe, CMD Head President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mohammed Shehu as the new Secretary of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

Also, the President approved the appointment of Bitrus Chinoko as the Director-General of the Centre for Management Development (CMD) Lagos.

The President’s approvals for both appointments were contained in a statement issued yesterday evening by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and signed

by Director of Information, Mr. Willie Bassey.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the following new appointments:

“Mohammad Bello Shehu as Secretary, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for initial first term of five years with effect from March 19, 2020.

“Also, the President has approved the appointment of Mr. Bitrus Danharbi Chinoko as the Substantive Director General of the Centre for Management Development (CMD) Lagos, with effect from April 27, 2020.

“Until this appointment, Chinoko was in an acting capacity at the CMD. “The President congratulates the new appointees and urges them to bring their wealth of experience to bear on their appointments” the statement added.

L-R: Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi, during the official presentation and launch of the distribution of one million locally produced face masks to residents of the state by the state government in Enugu...yesterday

Court Declines to Compel CCB to Release Asset Declaration Forms of Public Officers A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday declined to compel the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to release information on asset declarations of politicians and public officials.

Justice Muslim Hassan dismissed as unmeritorious an application by the Registered Committee of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) seeking an order compelling the CCB to make the information, among

others, available.

The judge upheld the CCB’s argument that releasing such information is dependent on terms and conditions to be proscribed by the National Assembly.

He referred to Section 15(3) of the Constitution, which establishes the Code of Conduct Bureau, its composition and agreed with the CCB that paragraph 3(a, b & c) of Part 1 Third schedule of the 1999 Constitution “is very clear and unambiguous.”

“I agree with the respondent that the duty to make the asset declaration form of public officers available for any person or institutions and for whatever purpose is dependent upon terms and conditions to be prescribed the National Assembly,” the judge said.

To achieve this, he noted, the National Assembly has to pass an Act to that effect which has yet to be done.

The court held further that the terms and conditions to be

prescribed by National Assembly must be specific and relate to asset declaration of public officers and not a legislation of general nature such as the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

“In the light of the above, I hold that the instant application is unmeritorious and it is accordingly dismissed,” Hassan said.

SERAP had on June 19, 2019 filed the application seeking leave to apply for judicial review of the CCB.

PDP Chieftain Rallies Support for Dickson’s Senatorial Bid A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Bayelsa State, Mr. Bekeakpo Etifa, has called for massive support for the former state Governor, Seriake Dickson’s quest to contest for a seat in the upcoming senatorial by-election in the state.

Dickson, a former member of the House of Representatives and

two-term governor, plans to join the league of past governors in the Senate by contest in the senatorial by-election to replace the current Deputy Governor of the state, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.

In an interview at the weekend, Etifa, a former commissioner in the state, said Dickson is the preferred candidate for the seat because “the

Senate is not a place for mediocre.

“In a place like the Senate, you have to send your first eleven or your best hands. For Dickson, he is tested, trusted and capable.

He has been Attorney General of the state, member of the House of Representatives for two terms and a governor for eight years.”

Etifa stressed further: “He has

equally succeeded in bringing a lot of infrastructural development to the state despite the particularly difficult terrain of the state. He has several legacy projects, and being in the Senate will be a plus for the state and not a liability, having built the first airport in the state where others before him could not venture.

Lagos Lawmakers Back Obasa, Say Fraud Allegations Unfounded Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have described the allegations of fraud levelled against the Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, as unfounded.

They challenged his detractors to provide evidence of the allegations even as the Speaker, through his lawyer, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has demanded a retraction.

Pedro said the medium published a “vile” and

“denigrating” report with the headline: ‘Exposed: Speaker of Lagos Assembly, Obasa, Awards Contracts to self through company Registered in son’s name’.

The report claimed that Obasa used a company known as De Kingrun Multipurpose Nigeria Limited to secure contracts from the assembly and ministries for himself to launder public funds.

The medium also claimed that to avoid the company being

directly linked to him, Obasa used the names of his father, wife and children to register the company.

It alleged that Obasa owns several other companies (listed in the publication) which he used to receive contracts from the assembly.

Pedro, in a demand letter to medium, said the unsubstantiated claims repeated in the reports confirmed Obasa’s suspicion “that you and your organisation

for reasons best known to you are pre-occupied with personal resentment and hatred neither warranted, necessary, proper nor justified against him”.

The SAN, in the April 30 letter, added: “We were able to confirm that the House of Assembly has never at any time engaged or awarded any contract to any of the listed companies in the publication.

Cross River South Stakeholders Seek Recall of Senator Sunday Okobi A group known as Cross River South Stakeholders has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a move to recall Senator Gershom Bassey for allegedly abandoning them during the

raging COVID-19 pandemic.

The group in a statement issued yesterday said it signaled the intention of the people of Southern senatorial district of Cross River State to recall their senator, Bassey, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Senate because they cannot

feel his presence mostly when needed.

The group in its letter of intent to INEC on the planned recall, which was signed by High Chief Ita Ewa Henshaw, accused the senator of alleged abdication and dereliction

of his duties, leaving the district with no representation at the Senate alleging that, “he has abandoned the people over the years, especially at this period when every representative of the people is with their people helping them to battle the effect of COVID – 19.”

TUESDAY MAY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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COVID -19 UPDATE...

COVID -19 UPDATE...

Ekiti’s Testing Laboratory Ready this Week, Says Fayemi Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday said arrangements have been finalised for the take-off of the state’s testing centre, adding that testing for the virus would commence at the centre before the end of the week.

Fayemi disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of facilities at the expanded Infectious Diseases Unit at the Oba Adejugbe General Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.

“This week, we will be formally launching our testing centre at the teaching hospital. So, I’m confirming it to you,” Fayemi told journalists after the inspection.

He explained that the testing centre would help the state to test as many people as possible and boost government’s efforts

to contain the spread of the virus in the state.

The governor added that the expansion of the state’s isolation centre to a 100 -bed capacity is a proactive step to prepare against a possible surge in the number of patients The governor, who put the present capacity of the centre for COVID-19 patients at 10 beds, stated that the state already has 10 active patients, while the results of some contacts were being expected.

The development, according to him, has justified government’s plan to expand the centre to a 100-bed capacity.

“We are expanding our infectious diseases hospital bed space, as you know we have just ten-bed space in the one we are

Private Sector Coalition Delivers Isolation Centre to Kano Kano state government may have heave a sigh of temporary relief as the Coalition of Private Sector Organisations against COVID-19 (CACOVID) in collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) yesterday delivered a 66-bed isolation centre to the state to boost the fight against the scourge.

The facility at the state’s Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital was established in 2008 and was converted to isolation centre to carter for the growing numbers of active cases of COVID-19 in Kano.

The centre was then renovated and equipped by Dangote Foundation and other private bodies as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts across the country to tame the spread of the deadly virus.

Delivering the facility to Kano State government, representative of Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Abdeel Qadir Sidi said the centre was renovated with state of the art equipment suitable for standard isolation facility.

Sidi explained that the project

was executed by the foundation in collaboration with CACOVID to ease the burden on Kano state government in the management of active cases.

He stressed that the 66-bed facility is fitted with ventilators, monitors, oxygen, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and other basic equipment to manage COVID-19 patients.

The coalition consisting 107 donors, including individuals, corporate bodies and organisations has raised over N25.8billion to power their supports across the country.

In his speech, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje appaluded the support of Dangote Foundation and the Coalition towards the eradication of COVID-19 pandemic in Kano.

Ganduje who expressed hope of end to the pandemic in Kano also appealed to residents to obey the lockdown order.

He said the only means to break the chain of community transmission of the virus is to stay at home to contain the spread of the disease.

Wike Lifts Lockdown on Port Harcourt Metropolis Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Reprieve has come the way of residents of Port Harcourt metropolis as the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday announced the temporary lifting of the total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City Local Government Areas for two days only with effect from today.

The governor also explained that the state demolished the hotel in Eleme because in addition to violating extant laws of the state, the proprietor of the hotel also unleashed thugs and inflicted severe injuries on members of the state task force who went to enforce directives of the state government.

In a state broadcast late Sunday night, Wike said the total lockdown of the two local government areas that make up Port Harcourt metropolis would be lifted on Tuesday and Wednesday but would be reinstated on Thursday.

According to him, “We have

given due consideration to the propositions on the way forward by well-meaning citizens of the state, and after a cautious review of the situation, we decided to implement a partial relaxation of the lockdown measures to enable residents have some fresh air and replenish their foodstuffs and medicines.

“To this end, I hereby announce the temporary lifting of the total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas for two days only, with effect from May 12, 2020.

“All shops, supermarkets, and malls can open to the public for Tuesday and Wednesday. Similarly, all hospitals and banks can also open and provide full services to the public.

“While oil and gas companies are required to submit the list of their staff on essential duties to the state government, note that there is no ban on the lifting of petroleum products from depots and other receptacles.

using now but there is an increase and we have to prepare for the worse while we hope for the best.

“We want a reduction in the number of positive patients in the state, but right now, we have

about 10 active cases; that means that all our beds there are fully occupied. So, we have had to then

expand to a 100- bed space. So, if we have any additional patients, we are prepared for them”

HARNESSING LOCAL CAPACITY....

Women producing 40,000 face masks in a vocation centre supported by UNICEF and EU in Maiduguri, Borno State...yesterday

Delta Commends THISDAY Rating on Okowa’s Leadership Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The Delta State Government has commended THISDAY Newspapers for its rating as ‘excellent’ the leadership initiatives of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa toward containing the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing the readiness of the administration to sustain the tempo.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who gave the commendation in a statement in Asaba yesterday, said the ‘Excellent Leadership’ rating THISDAY gave to Okowa for his response to the COVID-19 challenge in state was factual and

unbiased.

Aniagwu thanked the editors and management of the newspapers for the fair rating, describing it as “a true reflection of the proactive measures and leadership strategies adopted by the governor in the fight against the novel coronavirus.”

In the newspaper’s appraisal of the respective response of the governors of the 36 states to the pandemic entitled: ‘COVID-19: The State of States’ Response (2)’, THISDAY editors rated Okowa’s verifiable management of all aspects of COVID-19 issues as demonstrating ‘Excellent Leadership’.

The states were rated on the strength of their prompt and relevant response to COVID-19, their cooperation with federal agencies and committees as well as the challenges militating against a smooth run of the battle against the pandemic.

Aniagwu noted that Delta State was truly reaping from the benefit of having a responsible and proactive governor, who is a medical doctor, on the saddle in the management of COVID-19 in the state.

The information commissioner further said prior to the recording of the index case on April 7, “the state had already

established 12 holding centres and four treatment centres, with a Response Committee headed by the governor and other relevant officials constituted.”

He said the treatment centres were fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including ventilators, for effective management of would-be patients whose health challenge may progress to very critical stages.

A two-week lockdown was ordered and boundaries with neighbouring states closed to curtail the spread of the virus into the state, and the lockdown was later extended to another two weeks, he explained.

FCTA Inaugurates 506-bed Isolation,Treatment Centre Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commissioned a 506-bed Isolation and Treatment Centre located at the Idu Railway Station, Abuja.

The FCT Minister Muhammad Bello inaugurated the four-storey building facility, yesterday.

He explained that it was a private sector intervention coordinated by the Ministerial Expert Advisory Committee on COVID-19 to contain the

pandemic from spreading in the nation’s capital.

He said FCT Administration was working very hard to stop the escalation of Covid-19 pandemic in the territory, stressing that there would be strict enforcement of all protocols to control the spread of the disease and urged all the residents of the FCT to take the fight against Covid-19 as a personal fight for survival.

He said in addition to the provision of medical facilities, FCTA was also providing palliative

items to the most vulnerable and poorest of the poor in the Territory to cushion the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on them.

“As you are aware in the last one week all process of gradual easing of lockdown has commence in FCT. However, this has shown that the wider community is not very compliant with respect to social distancing and other protocols.

“So, I want to use this opportunity based on what we have here and what we have

at Asokoro Hospital as well as what we have at Karu General Hospital to say that we have enough redundancy of bed space but that should not make us to be complacent.

“Because if we do not continue with what we are doing now with a lot of restrictions and compliance then if this thing gets out of hand we may wake up and found that the facilities we have might not be enough,” Bello warned.

EbonyLife Begins Roadshow to Distribute Free Face Masks in Lagos Pan-African entertainment group EbonyLife yesterday launched a 14-day roadshow to distribute 10,000 free face masks, in response to the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Amidst quarantines and lockdowns in Nigeria, the company has decided to offer relief to people in communities who might not be able to afford masks, now that it is

mandatory to wear them in public.

The roadshow commenced yesterday, May 11, at Spar Supermarket, Town Planning Way, Ilupeju, which is just a short walk away from the studios of EbonyLife TV. Further distribution will take place at Spar Supermarkets in four other locations across Lagos, including Surulere, Opebi, Victoria Island and Lekki.

Seven thousand masks will be given away at these locations, with another 3,000 to be donated privately.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had stated that: “The wearing of a face mask in public is not a suggestion, it is a necessity and mandatory.”

This followed advice from global and local health organisations and governments that wearing a mask

and maintaining social distancing is the best way to ‘flatten the curve’ or reduce the rate of infections until it begins to decline.

CEO of EbonyLife Group, Mo Abudu described the roadshow as an important demonstration of solidarity with the people, government and other socially responsible companies in Lagos.

UNICEF, EU Mobilise 2,000 Borno Female IDPs to Produce Face Masks Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union have employed 2,000 female internally displaced persons (IDPs) to produce 40,000 face masks and

12,000 bars of soap in Borno State.

The production which is taking place in two UNICEF-supported vocational centres in Maiduguri is funded by the EU. According to a statement issued by UNICEF yesterday, more than 2,000 vulnerable

households will benefit from the materials as part of mitigation measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The statement quoted the Education Manager of UNICEF Borno Field Office, Dr. Nasser Kaddoura, to have said that the

“vocational centres which were producing free school uniforms for vulnerable girls and boys, will provide female-headed households and out-of-school youths in Borno State with another skill set in face masks and soap production.

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TUESDAY MAY 12, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

States Lack Uniform Pandemic Strategy, Say NLC, TUC Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have lamented that state governments have no uniform strategy and response in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and sometimes have conflicting responses with the federal government.

The unions added that the deportation of Almajirai across the country had worsened the spread of the virus, while noting that more special isolation centres were needed to be built across states to contain the pandemic.

The unions stated this after holding a Labour-Civil Society Situation Room on COVID-19 in Abuja, adding that among the recommendations to chart a new course forward was for the federal government to provide “stimulus package to employers who have demonstrated iron-clad

commitment to keep jobs, retain existing salaries and expand production.”

The labour unions demanded these in a joint communiqué issued yesterday and signed by the NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, and TUC President, Mr. Quadri Olaleye.

The unions said, “Our observations and concerns are; one, the Labour-Civil Society Situation Room observed that the relaxation of the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states brought about some challenges and concerns which can be quickly addressed and fixed.

“The failure to phase the lockdown relaxation by sectors and the absence of sector specific guidelines on the lockdown relaxation led to overcrowding of people at public places such as banks and markets.

“The Situation Room observed

Abe Raises the Alarm over Alleged Excesses in Rivers Peter Uzoho Worried by the style of the Rivers State Government in enforcing compliance to lockdown imposed on the state and alleged closure of sources of survival for the citizens without due consideration, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, has warned that the state was treading on a dangerous path.

Abe in a statement yesterday entitled: “A Dangerous Game,” said the state government was using draconian and unproductive measures in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

“I am constrained to say these few words on the worrisome development in my dear state, Rivers. The demolition and auction of private property, the closure of all sources of survival for citizens of Rivers State without due consideration for their means of sustenance in the name of the battle against COVID-19, are draconian measures that will prove counter-productive in the

long run.

“Lockdowns must come with clear provisions for the sustenance of the people, particularly the vulnerable population (the young, the old, the sick and the infirm) and exemptions must be made for emergency and essential services, such as foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, press, medical care and security services, electricity, telecom, fuel supply etc.

“To do otherwise even in times of physical warfare is a war crime, for power without compassion is tyranny,” Abe said According to him, “the Rivers State war against COVID-19 at this rate runs the risk of dividing the state into two distinct camps - those who support the governor and will justify, glorify and applaud any action taken by the Rivers State Government no matter how callous and ill advised; and those who oppose the governor and will oppose every action of the state government no matter how well thought out or well intentioned the action may be”.

South-west PDP Urges FG to Look Beyond Orthodox Medicine KayodeFasuainAbeokuta The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has tasked the federal government to look inwards and extend its search for a panacea to the COVID-19 pandemic beyond the orthodox medical circles.

The party’s South-west Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, made the appeal yesterday in a chat with THISDAY in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to him, “This is the first time we are faced with this kind of pandemic, and we all must rise up to it by ensuring that we overcome the coronavirus challenge.

“My only advice to the federal government is to look more inwards in the search for a cure to the disease.

“We should adopt the

Madagascar example, as solution to the disease may not come through orthodox medicine; it may be eventually achieved through the traditional medical means.”

He also observed that the government should be wary of those he described as pharmaceutical giants, “who see COVID-19 as big business, and will only be interested in adopting managerial vaccines rather than look for a total cure.”

Fadaka, who regretted how the pandemic had slowed down the activities of both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the political parties in the preparation for the Ondo State governorship election in October, expressed the hope that the time lag would be managed by all stakeholders in a matter of weeks.

the absence of uniform strategy and response among states and a mix of conflicting responses between the Federal Government and the sub-national governments. The situation has

frustrated a streamlined and cohesive approach to public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic thus expanding the risk of exposure and deepening vulnerability of the general

population to COVID-19.

“The rash of conflicting responses and approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic by state governments should be addressed. We call on the Nigeria

Governors’ Forum to issue a set of overarching guidelines on issues of common interest to states while allowing individual states to deal with peculiar nuances that affect them.

PREVENTING COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION...

Tricyclists and small bus operators plying from Ile-Epo Market to Command subjecting their passengers to handwashing and sanitizing before boarding vehicles at Oke-Odo in Lagos...yesterday.

Wike’s Orders, Actions Appropriate, Says Former NBA President Urges aggrieved persons to go to court Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt As mixed reactions trail the Executive Orders issued by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in the wake of the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 in the state, former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), has declared that the governor’s orders are appropriate.

He advised anyone who is uncomfortable with the Executive Orders to approach the courts.

In an interview yesterday,

Okocha lauded the steps taken

by Wike to fight coronavirus as well thought-out and well-advised, insisting that they would help check the spread of coronavirus in the state.

He said: “I believe strongly that the measures taken by the Rivers State Government led by Wike, are well thought out, well advised, and I believe that they will to a large extent help us to avoid or at least minimise to the barest level the spread of COVID 19.

“I commend the government; I commend the governor for these

bold and very laudable steps.

“And the Executive Orders put in place by the state governor are appropriate. Everybody accepts that they are calculated to secure our safety and to reduce to the barest minimum the spread of the coronavirus. So I don’t believe that anybody has issued with any of these orders.

“What I have heard are people flouting those orders, and Nigerians sometimes do not understand that these measures put in place are for their own good. So everybody should do each their best to

comply with them.”

Okocha noted that it was on this basis that the Rivers State Government put in place the Quarantine Coronavirus (COVID 19) and other Infectious Diseases Regulations No. 2 of 2020 which is also in line with Quarantine Act of the federal government.

“It’s not everything that is going to be a written law. By the authority of written law, some orders are made, some regulations are put in place and some flow naturally from the provisions of written law,” he added.

SEC Urges Full Disclosure by Capital Market Operators Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reminded regulated entities in the capital market to continue to make adequate disclosures on the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses.

This was contained in a circular the Commission issued yesterday to provide an update to stakeholders in the capital market.

The circular read: “While we continue to monitor the evolvement of the pandemic and

its impact on the capital market, all regulated entities are reminded to make adequate disclosures and report on how the pandemic is impacting operations and discharge of services to investors and other stakeholders.

“We also wish to assure investors that while efforts are on-going to ensure that capital market services remain accessible, the commission’s priority is the protection of investors. Kindly contact us through sec@sec.gov.ng for complaints and enquiries.”

The SEC also stated that following the federal government’s partial easing of the lockdown measures introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19 across Nigeria, the commission has reopened its head office in Abuja.

In compliance with the various guidelines issued by relevant authorities, SEC said its office is open to members of the public between 10 a.m. and 1p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

However, due to the need

to protect its stakeholders and members of staff, the commission said it had issued some guidelines among which is that stakeholders are strongly advised to use its various e-channels to communicate and interact with it and that physical visits should only be considered as a last resort.

Other guidelines are that all meetings and events will be convened electronically until further notice, while all filings shall continue to be received electronically.

Givefood.ng Expands Programme to Kano, Offers 10,000 Meals Givefood.ng, a coalition of partners tackling the feeding challenge triggered by the lockdown imposed to arrest the spread of COVID-19, has offered 10,000 meals in Kano State.

According to a statement issued by the coalition yesterday, the 10,000 meals were offered in Kano in the first 24 hours of its operation in the state.

The coalition explained that it decided to expand emergency food relief programme to Kano State to tackle the feeding challenge faced by the vulnerable class, following the two-week lockdown imposed by

the federal government to stem the tide of COVID-19 cases in the state.

Speaking on the development, founder of the coalition and Chief Executive Officer of Babban Gona, Kola Masha said: “This expansion comes at a much needed time when Kano state is experiencing an increase in positive COVID-19 cases and stringent lockdown measures.

Our aim is to continue to expand to other states across Nigeria and provide one million meals per day as we continue to connect sponsors to beneficiaries through our technologyenabled model.

“The economic impact of

COVID-19 on the vulnerable has been very devastating. The government has put in a lot of effort to alleviate suffering but it is also very important for more privileged Nigerians and corporations to join this fight.

“We encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to join us. Visit www. givefood.ng and make a donation.

100 per cent of all donations go towards feeding vulnerable people, in a location of your choice.”

Givefood.ng, which launched on 4 April in Lagos, distributed 10,000 meals in one day and scaled it up to 100,000 meals in its first week. The

coalition applies technology-enabled logistics solutions to help those who want to direct their resources to the most vulnerable, while ensuring the availability of food packs at easily accessible points for those that need them.

The coalition hopes to provide one million meals per week to individuals across Nigeria to reduce their hardship during the pandemic and beyond, and continues to receive support from partners across a variety of industries, including over a hundred supermarkets through which the food will be distributed.

Ë&#x153; ͚ͺË&#x153; ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

31

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Man Utd Legend, Neville, Rejects Permanent Deal for Ighalo Femi Solaja with agency report With the summer transfer window running concurrently with plans to finish the ongoing 2019/20 football season amid Covid-19 pandemic, there are strong indications that former Manchester United Captain, Gary Neville, could be a stumbling block to Odion Ighaloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wish for a permanent stay with the former English Premiership champions.

The former Super Eagles forward whose loan spell at Old Trafford will expire this month end but may get extension to finish the season with Ole Gunnar Solskjaerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men, has restated his resolve for a permanent deal at his boyhood dream Manchester United.

Ighaloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream will come with a price of missing a juicy ÂŁ400,000-per-week- deal been dangled before him by Shanghai Shenhua for him to return to his to China. The Chinese Super League is not

due to start until June or July.

But Neville whose punditry controversies have become legendary seems not in favour of Solskjaer spending as much as ÂŁ20million to seal Ighaloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permanent deal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is Ighalo worth ÂŁ20million?â&#x20AC;?

Neville queried on an Instagram Live page yesterday â&#x20AC;&#x153;Probably not in this market. He may have been if he continued before scoring goals but you probably donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need now to spend ÂŁ20million,â&#x20AC;? observed Neville on the social media.

Ighalo who is AFCON 2019 tournament top scorer and bronze medal winner with Nigeria, had surprised many fans with his level of performance since his winter deadline day move to United on a loan spell.

In eight appearances, Ighalo has four goals to his credit.

His last strike against LASK in the Europa League on March 12 is his last game before the season was put on hold due to Covid-19.

Ighalo told BBC Worlf Service

that he was open to signing for United on a permanent basis but had not received an offer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to finish the season if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible,â&#x20AC;? Ighalo told the BBC last week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was in good form, good shape, scoring goals and now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve stopped for over a month. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve

given it my best and hopefully weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come back to play. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The team had a good momentum before the pandemic started. At the moment Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m on loan, and this will cut short my time at the club. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The club, myself, every

footballer is going through a lot because we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do what we love and what we know how to do best, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just thinking about that for now and to finish the season before we start thinking about the contract.â&#x20AC;?

Ighalo has had stints with

Udinese before going on loan to Granada in Spain and later to Watford. It was from Watford that he switched to the Chinese league for the biggest pay of his career, earning $300,000 per-week before taking pay cut to play for United on loan.

AFN Shocked by Coach Adu Uruemuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Death Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed shock and sadness at the untimely death of veteran athletics coach, Adu Uruemu.

Uruemu, head coach at Arena AthleticsAcademy, died on Sunday evening in Lagos aged 54 years.

In a condolence message yesterday, President of the AFN, Olamide George, said that the passage of Uruemu has devastated the athletics family in Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a very sad moment for track and field in Nigeria. We are still struggling to get over the passing of coaches Tobias â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Toblowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Igwe and John Obeya, now death has dealt us in the athletics family another blow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coach Uruemu was more than a coach to his athletes. He was a father and a mentor and very helpful to all athletes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was an optimist and championed the cause of development of athletics in Nigeria,â&#x20AC;? mourned George.

Until his death, Uruemu was the Secretary General of Nigerian Athletics Masters.

Sprinter cum jumper, Ruth Usoro is one of the athletes Uruemu produced for Nigeria.

Ruth is fourth in the Nigerian all-time indoor list for long jump after leaping to a new 6.57m personal best last February.

She is also one of the track and field athletes adopted in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Adopt-a-talentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; programme

Late Coach Adu Uruemu

initiated by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, in Team Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preparation for the 2020 Olympics.

Uruemu also coached long jumper, Omoshola Omolayo who is also on a track and field scholarship in the USA. Uruemu, a former sprinter cum quarter miler, also trained sprinters Bamidele Taiwo, David Sule and Okey Ezuika to national stardom and was behind the success story of Nkem Ezealah, the young athlete who died from a car crash a few years ago.

The AFN president has promised that the federation will send a condolence message to the family of the late coach Uruemu and prays that God grants the family the fortitude to bear this great and irreparable loss.

Amongst some of the early condolence messages received by the federation yesterday was that of the Youth and Sports Development, Minister Mr. Sunday Dare.

He expressed deep shock over the death of Uruemu, describing it as a huge loss to Nigeria and the athletics family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I received the news of the death of Adu with great shock and pain. He was so committed to the development of notable athletes and his death has left a big vacuum that would be difficult to fill. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My condolences goes to his family and daughter. May his soul rest in peaceâ&#x20AC;?

In her tribute, former AFN Secretary General, Mrs. Maria Wophil, said the death of Coach Uruemu was a huge loss to athletics.

Former African sprint Queen, Mary Onyali, described the late Uruemu as a grassroots coach who was responsible for the discovery of so many talents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His death is a big setback for athletics because he was such a loyal and trust-worthy person.

I am personally saddened by his death because he was so dedicated to athletics.â&#x20AC;?

Ighalo (left) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before the 2019/20 was suspended due to the coronavirus

UK Govt Gives Go Ahead for Premier League to Return from June 1 The UK Government has given the Premier League the green light to restart the season from June 1.

Football in the UK has been shut down indefinitely in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed more than 30,000 lives and impacted thousands more.

Premier League clubs have committed to finishing the season in some shape or form with plans for matches to be played behind closed doors at neutral venues already drawn up.

The league have maintained throughout though that any move to bring the game back must be in line with latest guidelines and government protocol.

Under the measures, set out

by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as part of his â&#x20AC;&#x153;roadmapâ&#x20AC;? out of lockdown, sport will be permitted to be broadcast

from behind closed doors from the start of next month at the earliest â&#x20AC;&#x153;while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contactâ&#x20AC;?.

The announcement comes as part of step two of the five-step plan alongside additional moves to allow more children back to school, the re-opening of some non-essential retail and the use of more public transport.

The Premier Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans to restart are not without their problems, however.

It is understood the use of neutral venues remains one of the key contentious issues with the bottom six also anxious to have relegation taken off the table in the event the season cannot be completed.

Brighton, Aston Villa and Watford have been vocal critics of the proposal saying removing home advantage will have a damaging effect on the integrity of the league.

The issue of player safety

remains paramount too with Manchester Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sergio Aguero and Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Antonio Rudiger just two of a number of players to speak out publicly about their trepidation around returning to the field.

A third Brighton player tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday and is now in self-isolation for 14 days and follows similar incidents in both Germany and Spain over the weekend.

Step two of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan will only be possible if sufficient progress is made in limiting the spread of the virus between now and 1 June, but the document released on Monday afternoon says that â&#x20AC;&#x153;organisations should plan accordinglyâ&#x20AC;?.

It is less clear when supporters will be able to return to venues.

The document talks about venues such as cinemas and hairdressers reopening in step three â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no earlier than July 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but states: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some venues

which are, by design, crowded and where it may prove difficult to enact distancing may still not be able to reopen safely at this point, or may be able to open safely only in part.â&#x20AC;?

It also warns that opening of venues such as sports stadia â&#x20AC;&#x153;may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in numbers of infectionsâ&#x20AC;?.

Events involving international travel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as the Champions League and Europa League, could be affected by the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planned introduction of an enforced 14-day quarantine period for arrivals to the UK, except for those from countries â&#x20AC;&#x153;on a short list of exemptionsâ&#x20AC;?.

All 20 Premier League clubs met via videoconference on Monday to discuss their next move with a vote on restart plans likely early next week.

WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOOTBALL

Replace Neville with Ellis as England Head Coach, Says Aluko Jill Ellis, who led the United States to back-to-back Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup titles, would make the ideal replacement for England head coach Phil Neville when he leaves the job next year, former striker Eniola Aluko has said.

England womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head coach Neville will exit the role at the

end of his contract in July 2021 and Aluko told The Football Show that Ellis had the ability to bring silverware to the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The England womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team now are at that point where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting to semifinals and now need to be getting to a final and winning it, winning World Cups, winning European

Championships,â&#x20AC;? said Aluko. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think she has that pedigree, she has that experience, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worked with some of the best footballers, elite athletes, in the world.â&#x20AC;?

Ellis, who was born in England, guided the United States to World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019 before stepping

down and taking on an ambassadorial role with U.S. Soccer.

Aluko said the only stumbling block she could see was whether Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FA would agree to meet her wage demands, especially with the U.S. womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer team fighting a legal battle for equal pay.

Tuesday May 12, 2020

TR

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& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE Peterside to Wike

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s utterances do not suggest that he is ďŹ ghting the coronavirus pandemic alone. His actions suggest that there is more than what he is telling Rivers peopleâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Former Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, berating Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike for demolishing two hotels in the state.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Akinwumi Adesina: Best Man for the AfDB

T

he Board of Governors and the Ethics Committee of the African Development Bank (AfDB) have given Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s President, a clean bill of health in a report dated May 5, wherein it is stated that Adesina has been â&#x20AC;&#x153;entirely exonerated of all allegations made against him.â&#x20AC;?

The background to that development is useful and it is as follows: On January 19, a group of anonymous whistleblowers who described themselves as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a group of concerned staff membersâ&#x20AC;? of the AfDB prepared a document titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Disclosure of Acts Related to Alleged Breach of Code of Ethics by an Elected 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHU WR WKH $WWHQWLRQ RI WKH 'LUHFWRU RI WKH Integrity and Anti-Corruption Department (PIAC) and the Chairpersons of the AUFI and Ethics &RPPLWWHHV Âľ 7KH ´HOHFWHG RIĂ&#x20AC;FHUÂľ LQ TXHVWLRQ is Akinwumi Adesina, the Nigerian President of the Bank. The whistleblowers wanted him to be investigated for alleged breach of the institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Code of Conduct, in order to check fraud and Adesina corruption and prevent an institutional crisis. In that January document, Adesina is accused of Now, with his exoneration by the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ethics non-respect of internal rules and regulations in Committee last week, Adesina can claim to have UHFUXLWPHQW QHSRWLVP LPSXQLW\ TXHVWLRQDEOH DZDUG been vindicated. He received an added morale of contracts, preferential treatment of Nigeria and booster when Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s President Muhammadu Nigerians, using Bank resources to collect awards Buhari congratulated him and described him as in personal capacity, political lobbying of Heads of a good ambassador of Africa and Nigeria. Both State, and turning himself into â&#x20AC;&#x153;the unchallenged YRWHV RI FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQFH VKRXOG EULQJ KXJH UHOLHI WR travel champion of the Bank.â&#x20AC;? On March 3, six weeks Adesinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friends and supporters within and outside after the group submitted its petition, it protested the Bank and brighten his chances of re-election that the Ethics Committee was either unable or for a second term. unwilling to investigate the 16 allegations it raised There is little doubt that Adesinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergence against Adesina and that there was evidence that as AfDB President, his leadership style, and his certain forces were trying to prevent the Ethics reform efforts constructed around what he calls Committee from doing its work. It urged the WKH +LJK )LYHV FRQWLQXH WR UXIĂ H VRPH IHDWKHUV Ethics Committee to commission an independent within the Bank. His emergence in 2015 was investigation. In April 2020, this same â&#x20AC;&#x153;Group of hotly contested. But with President Goodluck Concerned Staff Membersâ&#x20AC;? submitted yet another Jonathan, then President-elect Muhammadu petition against Adesina titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Additional Cases %XKDUL IRUPHU 3UHVLGHQW 2OXVHJXQ 2EDVDQMR 'U of Alleged Breach of the Code of Ethics by the 1JR]L 2NRQMR ,ZHDOD DQG PDQ\ RWKHU $IULFDQ President of the African Development Bank Group leaders strongly behind him, it was easy for him to the Attention of the Governors of the African to score 60% of the votes to beat seven other Development Group.â&#x20AC;? They raised four additional FRQWHVWDQWV LQFOXGLQJ &KDG¡V %HGRXPEUD .RGMH allegations including â&#x20AC;&#x153;use of Bank resources for =LPEDEZH¡V 7KRPDV 6DNDOD (WKLRSLD¡V 6XĂ&#x20AC;DQ self-promotion and private gainsâ&#x20AC;? and abuse of due Ahmed and Cape Verdeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cristina Duarte (the process in the appointment of country managers. choice of non-regional members). On his part, There was however a twist in the tale when a Adesina came to the competition with excellent counter-complaint, dated March 13, was submitted professional and academic credentials - a First Class to the Chairman of the Ethics Committee by another in Agricultural Economics from the then University group, called â&#x20AC;&#x153;a group of indignant membersâ&#x20AC;? of Ife, Nigeria, Ph.D, Purdue University, former who denounced the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Group of Concerned Staff Vice-President, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Membersâ&#x20AC;? and stated clearly that they were Africa (AGRA), former senior economist, West â&#x20AC;&#x153;outragedâ&#x20AC;? by the latterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attempt to â&#x20AC;&#x153;take African Rice Development Association (WARDA), hostage of our institution.â&#x20AC;? They claimed that the former senior scientist, Rockefeller Foundation, mastermind of the anti-Adesina protest is a certain and Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Executive Director - Stephen DOWD (American, Development (2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2015). Above all, Adesina is member of the Ethics Committee) and a group hardworking, focused, highly driven, cosmopolitan, of non-regional Executive Directors who are â&#x20AC;&#x153;not and self-motivatedâ&#x20AC;Ś We worked together in the for the good governance of the African Bank of Jonathan government.

Development but to discredit the candidacy of the The 2015 AfDB election was particularly current President for his re-election.â&#x20AC;? The â&#x20AC;&#x153;indignant important to Nigeria. In 2005, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Olabisi membersâ&#x20AC;? disclosed that they were members of the 2JXQMREL ORVW WKH $I'% SRVLWLRQ WR 5ZDQGD¡V â&#x20AC;&#x153;Group of Concerned Staff Membersâ&#x20AC;? until they Donald Kaberuka who went on to serve two discovered that they were being manipulated by terms. To become AfDB President, a candidate Dowd and other non-regional Executive Directors. PXVW KDYH D GRXEOH PDMRULW\ RI WKH $IULFDQ DQG They asked the Ethics Committee to investigate non-regional members. Nigeria is AfDBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest Dowd. The Concerned Members rebutted this and shareholder with over 9% of the capital and yet said the indignant members were never part of since the AfDB was established in 1964, it was their group. only in 2015, that it got its candidate elected for All the petitioners on both sides of the aisle, pro- WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW WLPH DV 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH %DQN $NLQZXPL and anti-Adesina did not reveal their true identities Adesina became the presumptive President on but it was obvious that there was sharp division 0D\ DQG DVVXPHG RIĂ&#x20AC;FH RQ 6HSWHPEHU within the bank over Adesinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership and 1, the same year. He had hardly settled down tension between regional directors and non-regional LQ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH EHIRUH )UDQFH EHJDQ WR FRPSODLQ WKDW directors of the Bank. The externalization of the KH UDUHO\ VSHDNV )UHQFK ZKHUHDV KH LV Ă XHQW LQ FRQĂ LFW ZDV EDG IRU WKH LPDJH RI WKH LQVWLWXWLRQ both English and French. Three Vice Presidents Akinwumi Adesina himself did not hesitate also left the Bank. The conspiracy against him to proclaim his innocence. In an April 6, 2020 reared its head early, and has re-emerged more VWDWHPHQW KH ZURWH ´, DP FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQW WKDW DJJUHVVLYHO\ WRZDUGV WKH HQG RI KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW WHUP due process and transparency, based on facts and Nonetheless, Adesina has had a good run in his evidence, will indicate that these are all nothing Ă&#x20AC;UVW Ă&#x20AC;YH \HDUV DV 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH $I'% 1R RQH more than spurious and unfounded allegations.â&#x20AC;? can doubt neither his commitment and passion,

nor his resolve that the mission of the AfDB is to help accelerate the development of Africa, create a new Africa, and provide new opportunities for every African. He has also been very outspoken in promoting partnerships, calling upon bilateral and multilateral institutions to support Africa to build infrastructure, human capital and ramp up economic growth. Under Akinwumi Adesina, the AfDB has consistently maintained its AAA rating achieved under Donald Kaberuka. The Bank is also comparatively more innovative, people-oriented and far more visible. It is better decentralized. ,WV VWDQGLQJ DPRQJ JOREDO Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV is strong. The Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income has increased. It is far richer today than it has ever been.

In recognition of his efforts, Adesina has been widely decorated with honours and awards. He has been named African of the Year (2019) by the African Leadership Magazine; countries have decorated him with their national honours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Senegal, Liberia, Tunisia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Togo.

Universities have awarded him Honorary Doctorate degrees.

In 2017, he won the World Food Prize, which is regarded as the Nobel Prize for Agriculture. In 2019, he received both the All Africa Business Leaders African of the Year award and the Sunhak Peace Prize. His critics allege that he uses his position for self-promotion. Every award that Adesina has received as AfDB President is never without an acknowledgement of the achievements of the Bank.

He has also used the opportunities presented by his international recognition to promote African causes. The World Food Prize came with a tidy sum of $250, 000 and the Sunhak Prize, $500, 000. What did he do? He donated all the prize money, his own personal contributions and the support of friends and philanthropists, to set up a Borlaug-Adesina Fellowship Programme and WKH :RUOG +XQJHU )LJKWHUV )RXQGDWLRQ WR Ă&#x20AC;JKW global hunger. Norman Borlaug, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate established the World Food Prize in 1986. The Borlaug-Adesina Fellowship is managed by the World Hunger Fighters Foundation. It has already graduated a number of Fellows.

But for me, perhaps if there is any personal gain for the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s President, it is the manner in which he has managed to emerge as a role model for many young Africans who want to study Agriculture and Economics because of him. They also want to become agri-preneurs because they believe him when he says the future of Africa is in the agriculture value-chain and that agriculture is not land cultivation, but big business. $GHVLQD¡V Ă&#x20AC;QHVW PRPHQW LV SHUKDSV QRW WKH honours and awards that he has received but his presence at the 45th G7 Summit held in Biarritz, France, 24 -26 August, 2019. This was at a time when the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that it had arrested one Invictus Obi and was looking for about 80 other Nigerians who over a period had been involved in identity theft and wire fraud in the United States. It was a low moment for many Nigerians at home: some of our compatriots had again damaged the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image and denigrated the Nigerian Green passport. It was at this exact time that the pictures of Akinwumi Adesina, another Nigerian, showed up in the media, meeting with world leaders at a G7 Summit in France. The G7 Summit is a meeting of the most powerful leaders in the world. And there was Akinwumi Adesina having a tete-a-tete with President Donald Trump, shown in conversations with Chancellor Angela Merkel and others, standing side by side with the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Many young Nigerians drew inspiration from this. Their reaction was that Adesina at a critical moment helped to show, unwittingly as it were, that there are gifted Nigerians making positive contributions, who can be admitted into distinguished, global company. Many said they would want to be like him. Others wanted him to return home to run for the Nigerian Presidency in 2023. I am sure Adesina himself would not be

so tempted. He must have learnt a lesson or two about African politics when he served as Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Minister of Agriculture. Participation in partisan SROLWLFV LQ $IULFD UHTXLUHV PDQ\ DGDSWDWLRQV WKDW many intellectuals or technocrats may not be best suited for, except of course, they are willing to take WKH ULVN DQG GDPQ WKH FRQVHTXHQFHV Hence, understandably, much earlier, on June 14, 2019, at the 54th Annual Meeting of the Bank LQ 0DODER (TXLWRULDO *XLQHD $GHVLQD DQQRXQFHG his intention to run for a second term as President of the AfDB. The election was meant to take place during the 55th Annual Meeting of the Bank which was originally scheduled for May 25 -29, 2020 but which due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;resulting global disruptionâ&#x20AC;? has now been re-scheduled for August 25 -27. Adesinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supporters insist that the attack on him by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Group of Concerned Staff Membersâ&#x20AC;? is meant to politicize and frustrate his re-election bid. Apart from his open proclamation of innocence, Adesina has also been very philosophical about the attack on his person and tenure. A devout Christian and a prayer-warrior, each time President Jonathan asked him to lead the Council in prayers in those days, you were bound to receive a song and a long SUD\HU ZLWK 3HQWHFRVWDO Ă DYRU DQG TXLHW PXUPXULQJV from across the Chamber that the prayer warrior should make his supplications brief, and so it is not surprising that as the allegations against him circulated, Adesina occasionally resorted to prayers and Bible passages (Psalm 60:12; 2 Corinthians 12:9) on his twitter account.

Prayers can help but there is a lot more to be done. The verdict of the Ethics Committee may be favorable but still, that is not the end of it.

3UHVLGHQW 0XKDPPDGX %XKDUL KDV UH DIĂ&#x20AC;UPHG Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support for Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. The African Union (AU) and all the Heads of State and Governments of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have also openly endorsed him for a second term. AU Chair, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and others have, most recently, commended Adesina and the AfDB for announcing a $10 billion facility WR Ă&#x20AC;JKW &RURQD 9LUXV LQ $IULFD +H DOVR HQMR\V the backing of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Organized Private Sector.

Former President of Liberia, Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson has told Adesina that African leaders trust him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We trust you,â&#x20AC;? she said.

But Dr. Adesina must study the power game a ELW PRUH FORVHO\ :LOO KLV HQHPLHV TXLHWO\ DFFHSW their humiliation and sheathe their swords? Do they have any hidden aces up their sleeves, especially as it has been suggested that they are being sponsored by non-regional stakeholders? What is their strength? Can they still do any damage?

The AfDB comprises 54 African countries and 27 non-African members, the latest in the latter category is Ireland. AfDB voting power is weighted relative to share of capital, with Nigeria, United States, Japan and Egypt having the greatest share.

'RHV KH KDYH HQRXJK QXPEHUV WR JDLQ WKH UHTXLUHG GRXEOH PDMRULW\" (YHQ LI KH GRHV P\ WDNH LV that the re-scheduling of the 55th Annual General Meeting of the AfDB offers him an advantage.

He has the advantage of more time to embark on diplomatic and fence-mending outreaches to turn his adversaries within the system into friends.

He and his allies must not ignore those aggrieved â&#x20AC;&#x153;whistle-blowersâ&#x20AC;? or seek to shame them. This is not the time for triumphalism. The right thing to do is to engage the naysayers. Adesinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall goal should be a united, inclusive, democratic and open AfDB, not a divided institution. The AfDB PXVW UHPDLQ IRFXVHG RQ LWV GHYHORSPHQW REMHFWLYHV not in-house politicking.

In 2010, Donald Kaberuka (Rwanda) was reHOHFWHG E\ DFFODPDWLRQ %HIRUH KLP 2PDU .DEEDM (Morocco) was also re-elected in 1995. There is no reason why Akinwumi Adesina, a sole candidate, should not be re-elected. He has earned it. Nigeria deserves it. The Nigerian Government should stand

by Adesina to ensure his re-election.

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