SUNDAY 17TH MAY 2020

Kyari: Uncommitted Cargoes Down Drastically, Reason for Oil Price Rise NNPC moves to reduce production cost Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja After weeks of unprecedented global lockdown occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged businesses, forcing closures and massive supply

glut in the oil market, respite appears to be on the horizon.

Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Mele Kyari, dropped the hint at the weekend in Abuja during a

chat with journalists.

Kyari said the glut in the international crude oil market in the last few weeks was gradually easing off, causing prices to pick up slowly, as traders began to find a home

for the commodity in their countries.

He stated, “At this point, we have seen a gradual easing of the situation. Those numbers of the uncommitted cargoes have gone down drastically

and that’s why we see a gradual rise in prices in the last three to four days. It means that those uncleared transactions are now easing off.”

The NNPC GMD, however,

explained that contrary to reports in some quarters that Nigeria’s crude oil vessels were floating on the high seas because buyers were not Continued on page 9

US Grants Nigeria over $1bn to Contain Humanitarian Crisis in N’East…Page 55 Sunday 17 May, 2020 Vol 25. No 9169

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SGF: With Increased Capacity, FG Targets 2 Million Testing by June Says another lockdown isn’t on the cards Mulls isolated restrictions in troubled areas Buhari receives Malagasy herbal drug delivered by Guinea Bisau’s president, says he will listen to science Sierra Leone appoints Nigerian head of COVID-19 taskforce Pregnant Lagos patient delivers baby boy at Gbagada isolation centre 30 staff of same company test positive in Oyo NCDC records 176 new cases, raises tally to 5,621, discharges 1,472, deaths 176 Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The federal government has said with its new testing capacity for COVID-19, it is targeting, at least, some two million tests by the end of June. Secretary to the Government of the Federation,

Mr Boss Mustapha, disclosed this in an exclusive chat with THISDAY. Mustapha said contrary to insinuations doing the rounds about another lockdown, the federal government was only contemplating “isolated lockdowns” in troubled parts Continued on page 8

Niger Delta Leaders Flay Lopsided Appointments in NNPC, Subsidiaries Tell Buhari to correct anomaly Reiterate call for restructuring

Deji Elumoye in Abuja Niger Delta leaders under the aegis of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have condemned what they called lopsided appointments into top management positions at the Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiaries and departments in favour of the northern part of the country. Their position was contained in an open letter entitled, “Re: Addressing the Continued Injustice Against Continued on page 9

FROM GUINEA BISSAU WITH HERBS...

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) and the visiting President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau during his visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja ...yesterday godwin omoigui

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Judges Oppose Virtual Court Sitting, Say it’s Unconstitutional Senate introduces bill legalising virtual court proceedings Tobi Soniyi As the push for Nigeria to adopt virtual court sitting, especially in the wake of the lockdowns occasioned by COVID-19, gathers momentum, many judges are not convinced such practice is legal under the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Investigation by THISDAY reveals that many judges, particularly at the high court level and the Court of Appeal, are of the view that there are constitutional hurdles to cross before Nigeria can adopt a system of remote hearing of cases. They cite section 36 of the constitution, which provides that court proceedings, including delivery of court decisions, shall be held in public.

But the Senate on Tuesday considered a bill to amend the constitution to make virtual court proceedings constitutional. The bill, titled, “1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 418)," was sponsored by Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.

Some of the judges who spoke with THISDAY on condition of anonymity expressed reservations about the adoption of the digital platforms of hearing cases.

They reasoned that cases heard and determined under such arrangement were most likely to be set aside by the Supreme Court on the ground that such hearings did not meet the constitutional thresholds for determining cases.

Moreover, lawyers are feeling frustrated that the lockdowns have denied them the opportunity to practise their trade. Many cases, including those involving human rights violations, could not be filed as a result of the lockdowns.

Although the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, had directed that cases that were time bound and urgent be heard, lawyers could not leave their houses because of lockdowns imposed by states.

To ensure that the justice system was not grounded to a total halt, some senior lawyers had written to the CJN to consider adoption of remote court sitting.

In one of such letters, the Justice Reform Project, in a letter dated April 14, 2020, urged the CJN "to consider issuing immediate Court Directions and Protocols to ensure the continued administration of justice in the face of the pandemic."

The JRP said it took the view that "this situation provides a unique opportunity for a considerable improvement of the administration of justice system in Nigeria and recommends that Your Lordship considers the adoption of remote court hearings to ensure the continued administration of justice in the face of the pandemic and an improved

dispensation thereafter."

The group in the letter signed by the Chairman, Governing Board, Mrs Olufunke Adekoya (SAN), and Convener, Charles Adeyemi Candide-Johnson (SAN), said, "The judiciary in several countries, including the United Kingdom, the Republic of Kenya and Uganda have exploited legal, financial and technological resources to ensure hearings can be conducted remotely despite the movement restrictions in place. On 3rd April 2020, a Justice of the Kenyan Court of Appeal reportedly delivered 57 rulings and judgments using inexpensive online video conferencing platform, Zoom."

JRP argued, "Nigerian Judiciary can adopt this available, simple and inexpensive technology as has been done in other jurisdictions pending the installation of more permanent court infrastructure. In essence, we recommend the deployment of technology in two stages, an immediate temporary deployment using the simple and inexpensive measures recommended herein and a more permanent technological upgrade to be set out by a more elaborate process."

Last Monday, a leading law chamber in Nigeria, Wole Olanipekun & Co., held a webinar titled, “Legal and infrastructural considerations for remote court proceedings in Nigeria," which was attended virtually by the CJN, Acting President, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica DongbanMensem, and several other jurists and policy influencers in the justice sector.

Similarly, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the National Judicial Council headed by the CJN have both announced separate plans for Nigerian courts to resort to virtual proceedings during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interestingly, Lagos State had on March 4, 2020 adopted the “Lagos State Judiciary Remote Hearing of Cases (COVID-19 Pandemic Period) Practice,� which would ensure the hearing and determination of urgent and time-bound cases through digital platforms like Zoom, Skype or any other video and audio conferencing platform approved by the court.

Few cases had been heard in the state using the Practice Direction. Other states are working behind the scenes to adopt a similar practice direction.

However, some of the judges who spoke with THISDAY expressed reservations about the digital approach, citing constitutional hurdles.

The Hurdles Section 36 (3) and (4) of the Constitution provide as follows:

FOR BETTER SECURITY...

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) with his National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd), during a security meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja‌ recently godwin omoigui “(3) 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 of the court or tribunal) shall be held in public.

(4) Whenever any person is charged with a criminal offence, he shall, unless the charge is withdrawn, be entitled to a fair hearing in public within a reasonable time by a court or tribunal‌�

Citing cases already decided by the Supreme Court, the judges argued that the requirement for public hearing and determination of cases in Nigeria is mandatory as the operative word is “shall�, which means that it is compulsory.

"If you look at the authorities, I’m not sure hearing through Zoom or Skype will amount to public hearing," one of the judges said.

The authorities appear to support the position of the judges. For instance, the Supreme Court, in the case of Edibo v. the State (2007) 13 NWLR (Pt. 1051) p. 306, set aside the conviction and sentence of the appellant and others who were charged with culpable homicide punishable by death on the ground that it was unconstitutional for the trial judge to have taken their pleas in his chambers.

The apex court held that the judge's chambers were not a public place.

The question many judges are asking is, will a court hearing held through Zoom or Skype be considered to have been held in a public place? The judges who spoke with THISDAY answered in the negative.

To strengthen their argument, they further cited the tendency of the apex court to be illiberal and inflexible in interpretation of the constitution.

Another judge volunteered, "I’m not against adoption of virtual sitting, but we need to first, hold a conversation on whether certain provisions of the constitution should not be amended to accommodate these gadgets. Otherwise, it will amount to a waste of resources for a case to be decided using these means only for the Supreme Court to set aside the judgement and order a fresh trial."

He made reference to a recent Supreme Court judgement setting aside the trial, conviction and sentence of a former Abia State governor, Orji Kalu, on the ground that the trial judge, having been elevated to the Court of Appeal, lacked the power to continue with the trial as a judge of the high court.

Based on the judges' concerns, THISDAY dug further and found that the concerns were not baseless. The authorities support the view that virtual hearing of cases may not pass the constitutional test of public hearing. From the authorities, the Supreme Court had interpreted public place to mean an open place, which is accessible to everyone without hindrance of any sort.

Since many Nigerians don't have access to smartphones and data, they may not be able to access virtual court proceedings. This is another reason virtual court may offend the provisions of the constitution.

When a trial judge sat in his chamber to deliver judgement in the case of Nigeria-Arab Bank Limited v. Barri Engineering Nig. Ltd. (1995) 8 NWLR (Pt. 413) 257, the Supreme Court set aside the judgement, holding that the delivery of the judgement in the judge’s chamber was an irregularity, which bordered on the legality of the whole proceedings.

The judges also dismiss the suggestion that this anomaly can be cured by heads of court through the issuance of practice directions.

According to them, the powers of a head of court to issue practice direction is circumscribed by the constitution. A head of court cannot issue a practice direction that overrides or expands the constitution.

Where the constitution has covered the field as to the law governing any conduct, the provision of the constitution is authoritative statement of the law on the subject. The case of AG Ogun State v AG Federation (1982) NSCC.1. is authority for this assertion.

Since the constitution has declared that cases must be heard in public, no head of court has power to declare otherwise. The constitution will have to be amended to accommodate other circumstances. “Since Section 36 (3) and (4) of the constitution have expressly stipulated that the proceedings of court (including the announcement of its decisions) shall be held in public, this clearly and automatically excludes any other implied forum for holding or conducting court proceedings, including a virtual forum," another judge stated.

In the cases cited above, the Supreme Court rejected the argument that since no miscarriage of justice was occasioned by not holding the trial in public, the judgement should be allowed to stand.

Hope, as Senate Introduces Bill Legalising Virtual Court Proceedings Help appears to be on the way to allay the fear of judges as the Senate on Tuesday

considered a bill to amend the constitution to make virtual court proceedings constitutional. The bill, titled, “1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 418)," was sponsored by Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.

The bill aims at ensuring the much-needed corresponding amendment of relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, in giving legal teeth to virtual court proceedings.

Key provisions of the bill, as contained in the draft copy, include Section 36 (3), which states, “This section is hereby amended by the addition of the following: “Provided that nothing in this subsection shall invalidate proceedings of a court or the proceedings of a tribunal relating to matters mentioned in subsection (1) of this section (including the announcement of the decisions of the court or tribunal) where same is held by remote hearing or any virtual means now in existence or yet to be developed. “Section 36 subsection (4) is hereby amended by addition of sub-paragraph (c) as follows: (c) nothing in the foregoing paragraphs shall invalidate proceedings of a court or the proceedings of a tribunal relating to matters mentioned in subsection (1) of this section (including the announcement of the decisions of the court or tribunal) where same is held by remote hearing or any virtual means now in existence or yet to be developed. “Section 36 subsection (12) is hereby amended by addition of the following subsection (13): In this section, ‘remote hearing’ means proceedings or hearing of court conducted via Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp video or any other social media platform or technological innovation.�

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NEWS SGF: WITH INCREASED CAPACITY, FG TARGETS 2 MILLION TESTING BY JUNE of the country.

This was as President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday in Abuja, received the Malagasy native formulation against the COVID-19 pandemic, a supply delivered by the President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, at the State House.

The President however stated that he would follow the advice of the scientific community.

Meanwhile, NCDC announced 176 new positive cases late yesterday night, raising the tall to a total of 5,621 confirmed positive cases in the country.

Those discharged stood at 1,472 while number of deaths rose to 176. Lagos recorded the highest number of new cases with 95, followed by Oyo state with 31, FCT 11, Niger State 8 etc.

In a related development, the Sierra Leonean government appointed a Nigerian medical practitioner in the country, Dr. Laoluwa Adejayan, as head of that country’s COVID-19 taskforce.

In Lagos State, health workers, at the weekend, delivered one of the COVID-19 patients of a baby boy through caesarean section at the Gbagada Isolation Centre.

And the state discharged 67 more patients from four of its isolation centres after they tested negative at two consecutive times for the coronavirus.

Bayelsa State also discharged two recovered patients, leaving the state with one active case.

Speaking on measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Mustapha flatly dismissed the possibility of another nationwide lockdown. He said the idea was no longer expedient in view of some of the latest developments.

But he said some cluster areas in certain parts of the country would be closely monitored for possible intervention as might be deemed necessary and advised by experts.

The SGF said with the aid of development partners, the country’s testing capacity had gone up significantly, with Nigeria projecting to test at least two million people by the end of next month.

Mustapha had on Tuesday inaugurated a 250-bed COVID-19 Treatment Centre, donated by THISDAY Media and Technology Group, being the company’s contribution to the fight against the spread of the pandemic.

The treatment centre, which is situated at the THISDAY Dome, Abuja, is co-powered by Sahara Group and supported

by Coalition Against COVID-19 (CA-COVID), AFC and CCECC. Other donors include Egbin Plc, the Wood Factory, the regent Schools, Ebewele Brown Bespoke and Syari Clothier, Mama Cass, Traffic CLO, Urban Cuisine, Phase 3 Telecoms and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), with the express backing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Ministry of Health, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Designed to do 200 tests a day, which could be scaled up to 400 and subsequently 1000, as required, the treatment centre has been further enhanced with a 54 gene molecular mobile laboratory, in addition to some 10,000 reagents and requisite kits.

It was in view of this initiative and similar supports from far and near that Mustapha expressed the confidence that the country would hit a two million testing mark by the end of June, by which time experts also informed THISDAY that the country would have begun to flatten the curve.

The SGF said the ramped up testing would help to guide the medical experts on the way forward, since the figures would enhance planning as well as

response to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Further addressing the swirling speculations that another lockdown might be imminent given the general state of response to the pandemic, Mustapha said such a decision was not on the cards yet, especially given that enforcement had not been as impressive as envisaged in the overall plan against the spread of the virus.

He was, however, sure there might be isolated lockdowns in some parts of the country, which might not affect the entire states in question but the affected portions of the states for ease of administration, enforcement and monitoring. This, he said, would be worked out with the states in question with a view to ensuring that the rest of the country was not put at risk, citing the federal government’s intervention in Kano State as an example of how the isolated lockdown as well as the involvement of the federal government might look.

He noted that the federal government was closely monitoring the situation reports across the country to be able to ascertain when and where to come in, mentioning specifically the climbing numbers in Lagos, which he said was being religiously monitored.

Receiving the Madagascan native formulation from President Embalo, who had brought along with him samples of the traditional medicine as distributed to other African nations by Madagascar, Buhari said it would not be administered until scientifically proven.

He said he would not allow administration of any new medicines on Nigerians until it had gone through necessary trial.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari insisted that his position on all herbal or traditional medicines remained the same, pointing out that only the medicines' approval by Nigeria's relevant institutions would determine its use in the country. “We have our institutions, systems and processes in the country. Any such formulations should be sent to them for verification. I will not put it to use without the endorsement of our institutions,� he said.

The statement quoted the Guinea Bissau's President as saying he had also visited Buhari to seek his fatherly counsel on his plan to constitute a “government of national unity� as well as his administration's proposed war against corruption.

Embalo, the statement noted, told Buhari that having stabilised his country after the tussles, which accompanied the general election that produced him, obtaining Buhari's counsel on the above moves had become important.

Embalo was also said to have told Buhari that his new government met a number of challenges, which he said would require the tremendous assistance of “big brother" Nigeria to address. “Problems of Guinea Bissau are problems of Nigeria. I have come to you as your son. I need your help and assistance to make the people happy. I will not let you down, neither will I put you in any difficult situation,� he was quoted as saying Buhari, while responding to Embalo’s submissions, commended him on his ascension as his country's president and his efforts to stabilise the country.

He told the visiting president, “I commend your political dexterity in getting the opposition to join the proposed unity government.� He reiterated Nigeria’s determination to keep West Africa politically stable and

promised to support the new government in Guinea Bissau. “I will cooperate and help in every way possible,� Buhari assured his guest.

The Nigerian president also used the opportunity of Embalo's visit to commend "the good work" of the President of Niger Republic, Mahamadou Issoufou, as the current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in the sub-region, particularly for keeping him informed about events in the region.

Sierra Leone Appoints Nigerian to Task force In Sierra Leone, the sterling qualities of Nigerian graduates and professionals serving under the Technical Aids Corps programme paid off with the appointment of Adejayan, as the head of the COVID-19 taskforce in the country. Announcing Adejayan's appointment, the Sierra Leonean authorities hinged their decision on the fact that he had been adjudged as the best foreign medical practitioner in the country in recent years.

Following the appointment, the Serial Leonean government increased his salary to $20,000 per month, a 100 per cent increase.

Adejayan, a graduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, had served in Bayelsa State after his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), before transferring his services to the West African country under the Technical Aids Corps scheme, in 2012.

The scheme is currently headed by a seasoned administrator from Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi In a letter addressed to Buhari intimating him of the development, Sierra Leonean President, Julius Maada Bio, described Adeyanjua as a good ambassador of Nigeria in the country. Bio stated that Adeyanju had over the years proved to be a well-trained, brilliant and hard working doctor.

Buhari, who was elated by the appointment, congratulated Adejayan for being a good ambassador of Nigeria.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari said the Federal Government of Nigeria was proud of Adejayan’s hard work in a foreign land.

In Lagos, the news of the health workers in the state, who successful delivered one of their COVID-19 patients of a baby boy, was complemented by the discharge of another 67 patients from four of the isolation centres in the state. Announcing the feat, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said it was another validation of the government's determination to stamp out the virus from the state.

Pregnant Lagos Patient Delivers Baby boy in Gbagada Isolation Centre Sanwo-Olu said, "I bring you great news from our isolation facilities. Today, a pregnant COVID-19 positive patient was delivered of a baby boy through the caesarean section at the Gbagada Isolation Centre.

Both mother and baby are doing well.

"Today's achievement is a pointer that our strategies in Lagos State are working and yielding the desired results. It is also a sign of victory and motivation for us as we push ahead in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic."

Sanwo-Olu also announced the discharge of 67 more patients from four isolation centres, stating, "Also, 67 fully recovered COVID-19 Lagos patients; 22

females and 45 males, including three foreign nationals – two Indians and a Chinese – were discharged to join the society.

"The patients; 24 from the Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, 22 from Onikan, 11 from Agidingbi, two from Lekki, and eight from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Isolation Centres were discharged, having tested negative to COVID-19 in two consecutive readings."

The governor said with the latest development, the number of patients successfully managed and discharged from Isolation facilities in Lagos stood at 608.

Sanwo-Olu enjoined Lagosians to support the government in its drive to rid the state of COVID-19 by complying with all its directives on the various safety protocols.

He stated, "As our frontline health workers record successes in the battle against #COVID19, we urge citizens to adhere strictly to our public advisories and directives as this is the only way we can break the chain of transmission of the infection and hoist the flag of victory at the end of it all.

"And as we look forward to more great news in the coming days, I urge you all to take responsibility and play your part for a #COVID19FreeLagos #ForAGreaterLagos."

Bayelsa Discharges Two In Bayelsa State, the two discharged patients, who were at the isolation centre at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) at Okolobiri, were linked to the index case that was discharged about a week earlier.

A statement by the deputy chairman of the state's COVID-19 taskforce and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Inodu Apoku, said the repeat tests of the remaining cases linked to the index case returned negative.

Apoku said, "These patients have also met all other NCDC guidelines for discharge.

Consequently, they have been discharged today (Saturday).

"So there is only one active COVID-19 case in the state after discharging the index case and the other four linked cases."

PDP Moves to Establish Testing Centre in Anambra The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, led by a former governor and running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, is raising contributions from its members to build a COVID-19 Testing Centre in the state as part of its support to the fight against the pandemic.

The party had also, through donations from members, provided and commenced distribution of cash and food items to its members in all the wards in the state.

Chairman of the Anambra PDP COVID-19 Welfare/ Distribution Committee, Mrs. Chidi Onyemelukwe, revealed this to journalists in Awka on Saturday at the PDP Secretariat. This was shortly before the commencement of the distribution of the materials, which consisted of cash and food items.

Onyemelukwe said, "We are committing N125 million for the distribution of food items and cash to our members in all the political wards in the state, and there are modalities. It is a process that is counting and not a one-off thing, so more money will be committed into this as our members make donations. Every

ward, every community, every local government in Anambra State will benefit from this.

"We are also donating a testing centre to Anambra State Government, and we have written to them to make available a site, where this can be situated. Besides, three tertiary health care facilities in the state will also be receiving N12 million worth of equipment from the party to update their facilities and help in the fight against COVID-19."

THISDAY gathered that while Obi was the chief donor in the party's scheme with a donation of N40 million, senators, House of Representatives members of the party also donated N10 million and N5 million each.

Other members of the party, including aspirants for the 2021 governorship election in the state, also made varying donations.

A joint address by the chairman and secretary of the committee and the chairman of the party in the state, Mr Ndubuisi Nwobu, showed that each of the 179 communities in the state will get N300,000, from where at least 60 indigent persons will get N5,000 each to support their businesses or families, besides donations of various food item.

The address read, "We appreciate the Anambra State PDP leadership, legislators and stakeholders, and other well-meaning Ndi Anambra in different communities, who, in spite of the difficult times, made noticeable and laudable sacrifices to help reduce the hardship experienced by our people in different towns and villages across the state.

"One hundred and five thousand naira (N105,000) will be used to provide food, cash and other items, as palliatives, directly to each ward in our communities."

Other donors listed by the party included Senator Stella Oduah, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Hon. Chukwuka Onyema, Hon. Chris Azubogu, Hon Obinna Chidoka, Hon. Lynda Ikpeazu, Hon Vincent Ofumelu, Hon Samuel Onwuaso, and Chief Linus Ukachukwu.

Others are Dr. Godwin Maduka, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, Chief Obiorah Okonkwo, Chief Ugo Nsofor, Hon Ebele Ejiofor, Hon Onyebuchi Offor - and many others.

disease management, adding, “Category one is the most critical and serious cases, which requires the use of ventilators and respirators. We have 40 beds for them. Category two, three and four are none critical cases.

They are also accommodated here.�

Obaseki noted that there was an area for holding people suspected to have contracted the disease but were yet to confirm their status. He said those in this category would be screened and tested and if the test returned positive, they would be admitted into the hospital and separated.

Pan-Okun Group Begins N500 million Fund Raising A group, Pan-Okun People Relief Response Agenda, began a massive fund raising programme aimed at ensuring effective health care delivery across Okunland.

The initiative is also ensure the procurement and distribution of consumable and non-consumable items to the people to help them in these challenging times.

The fundraising programme, organised through funds sourcing and donations under the chairmanships of Professor Olu Obafemi (Elders Advisory Council), and Prince Sola Akanmode (Steering Committee), was give a deadline of two weeks.

The Pan-Okun Project was established to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic among the people of Okunland in Kogi West Senatorial District.

A statement from the general secretary of the project, Dr. Ronke Bello, an international consultant, identified the categories of prospective donors as Okun sons and daughters (home and diaspora), friends of Okun, as well as corporate organisations, especially, those whose operations are located or goods consumed in Okunland.

The project targets N500 million with its account domiciled at the United Bank for Africa.

The statement said funds generated at the end of the exercise would be targeted towards rehabilitating the decrepit health facilities across Okunland, equipping them, and providing succour for the people through donations of food items and other relief materials.

Obaseki says Stella 30 Staff of Same Obasanjo hospital’ll Company Test Positive be among Nigeria’s in Oyo best Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said the state government was remodelling the Stella Obasanjo Hospital Isolation Centre (SOHIC) to be the best in Nigeria, with stateof-the-art facilities to manage all stages of coronavirus disease.

The governor said this while inspecting the expanded 300-bed isolation facility in Benin City.

He said a lot had gone into the refurbishment of the hospital, noting that the transformation of the facility has been rapid with the deployment of human and material resources to ensure that it is brought up to standard to hold more patients, especially, with rising cases of coronavirus in the state.

He said, “The facility will be handed over upon completion.

This is one of the best isolation centres in the country with about 300 beds. It is well structured with input from some of the best professionals in terms of infectious disease management in Nigeria. These experts are from Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.�

The governor said the facility was designed to treat cases in the four main categories of infectious

30 staff of the same company in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have tested positive to Coronavirus Disease.

This was revealed by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday. Makinde, in a tweet on his verified Twitter handle, said the company has been shut down, while contact tracing had begun.

He tweeted: “The COVID-19 confirmation tests for thirty-one suspected cases came back positive. “30 of these cases are members of staff of the same organisation based in Ibadan South West Local Government Area. “The organisation has been shut down and will be decontaminated. “We urge members of the public to remain calm as the situation is under control. “Intensified contact tracing has already commenced. “We will give an update on any additional measures that may need to be taken. “The remaining one case is from Egbeda Local Government Area. “So, the total number of confirmed cases in Oyo State as at 8 PM today, is 107.�

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NEWS

HERE COMES THE NEW CIBN PRESIDENT...

L-R: Hon. Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi (rtd); President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. Bayo Olugbemi; and Registrar/Chief Executive, CIBN, Mr. Seye Awojobi, during the Investiture of Mr. Bayo Olugbemi as the 21st President/Chairman of Council, CIBN held in Lagos... yesterday etop ukutt

KYARI: NUMBER OF UNCOMMITTED CARGOES DOWN DRASTICALLY, REASON FOR OIL PRICE RISE available, there was actually no physical vessel offshore waiting for customers.

There were insinuations recently that an estimated 84 million barrels of Nigerian crude oil were stranded at sea as the country was short of storage due to low global demand and falling prices. Some of the reports said cargo ships filled with Nigerian crude had “nowhere to go� while “a tanker was turned back from the US Gulf Coast, returning to the Canary Islands, where other Nigerian-hired ships are idle�.

But Kyari, who spoke with journalists at the NNPC headquarters in Abuja, explained that the product was usually sold two months ahead, stressing that

all crude oil transactions in the international market are done on paper ahead of time.

He said, “When you hear stranded cargo, it doesn’t mean crude oil that’s floating somewhere. Crude oil is always sold two months ahead and it’s on paper. Once you have that allocation or you have purchased the paper, it is now the business of the trader where to take it. They either take it to a refinery or to storage. “So, anytime you hear there are stranded cargoes it means they have not decided whether to take it to storage or they have not found the refinery at that point in time. So, it’s not any cargo floating at anytime that everybody can see. “And when you hear

stranded cargoes now, we are actually talking about June.

We are now in May. This crude oil has not even gone out of the ground. So, there are many decisions customers can make. They can decide now to ask for a shutdown so that the crude does not even come to the surface.�

Responding to a question on the alleged shutdown of some ExxonMobil facilities in the country, the NNPC boss explained that while he could not specifically say the international oil company had done so, it could be for two reasons.

He stated, “As for ExxonMobil shutting down, I do not have the exact situation, but shutting down can be for two reasons: one, we have

agreed to cut down production with the OPEC+ agreement and we are going ahead to reduce production from some of the wells. “You can also shutdown for technical reasons and I don’t know which one is the case, but we have asked all our partners to take production cuts which means you have to shut down some of these wells. “It may be for that purpose, but I don’t know the specific one in question, but either way, it is either for technical reasons or because of the OPEC+ agreement.�

On the cost of production per barrel of oil in the country, which remains one of the highest in the world, Kyari said the Minister of State for

Petroleum, Mr Timipre Sylva, had given clear instructions to that effect, which the corporation was already carrying out.

Kyari said, “For the cost of production, the instructions were very clear and we are reducing it through many initiatives and one of them is to make sure we don’t go into businesses that we shouldn’t.

We also make sure we shorten our contracting circle. “We plan better now in the industry and we have set cost to remuneration in every intervention that we do and the net result is the manifestation of all these in our cost of production that is clearly going down. Once this is done, production rises, revenue rises and cost per

barrel definitely comes down and we are confident because it’s working and those targets will be met.�

The GMD also stressed that the work on the refineries in the country was being delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has restricted the mobilisation of technical manpower internationally since February. “It requires massive movement of men and equipment and none of them can work without the travel restriction being lifted,� he said, adding, “But we are making the necessary ground arrangement, so that once we take off, we apply maximum speed. It’s not jeopardised.

We will go ahead just like the others.�

government,� PANDEF stated.

It told Buhari, “Concerning the $311 million US Dollars Abacha loot recently returned from the United States, which your administration said has been allocated to projects; including the second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressways, as well as the Mambilla Power Project in North-east zone; no project in the South-south zone is listed. “These situations further bolster the Niger Delta peoples’ demand for not only adequate participation in the management, administration, and dispensation of the resources nature has richly endowed our lands but also for the restructuring of the country. And we will not stop; confident that someday the sun will shine on us. “Mr. President need not be apprised that the people of the Niger Delta region have nothing against any part of the country. But this gross injustice against the people who bear the brunt of the oil exploration and exploitation activities in their land must stop. The region has been a ‘good friend’ to all parts of the country, particularly to northern Nigeria. More so, the region has demonstrated tremendous patriotism and goodwill towards your administration. “Unfortunately, instead of appropriately reciprocating the gesture of the Niger Delta people by addressing the genuine demands of the region as encapsulated in the 16-Point Demand that was presented by PANDEF to Mr. President on 1st November 2016, what we see is further alienation and distancing by

the federal government and its agencies.�

PANDEF said its letter was meant to highlight the “gross disproportions� in management appointments in the key oil corporation, “with the imploration that Mr. President should, in the interest of fairness, equity, PEACE and POSTERITY, correct the anomalies and give all regions and zones of the country due sense of belonging; especially the Niger Delta region. It is imperative that every effort should be employed to ensure that the subsisting peace in the Niger Delta region is sustained, in the context of the COVID-19 impact on the global economy and falling crude oil price.�

The group said the onus was on Buhari to “urgently address these palpable defects of your administration, and bequeath a worthwhile legacy; such that in the years to come, when citizens reminisce on the tenure of your presidency, the contemplations would not be distorted by unnerving shadows of nepotism, bias and injustice.�

PANDEF also flayed the recent nominations by the president into the Federal Character Commission, which had two nominees from the North designated for Chairman and Secretary of the commission. “These actions undermine national cohesion and unity,�

PANDEF stated. It added, “We cannot continue to run Nigeria in such manner.

"Luckily, Mr. President has sufficient time, of about three years, to alter the chronicle and theme it in the direction of equity and social justice.�

NIGER DELTA LEADERS FLAY LOPSIDED APPOINTMENTS IN NNPC, SUBSIDIARIES the Niger Delta People Vis the Lopsided Appointments in the NNPC and its Subsidiaries/ Departments,� addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari at the weekend.

The leaders called on the president to urgently correct the abnormality. They also reaffirmed the call for proper restructuring of the country.

PANDEF, in the letter signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ken Robinson, rejected the deliberate and calculated sidelining of Niger Delta indigenes in appointments and redeployments in the NNPC and its subsidiaries.

The group said the region’s marginalisation at the national oil corporation became even more pronounced in the March 2020 promotions and reorganisation, which further isolated the Niger Delta from its mainstream management structure.

PANDEF stated, “Today, under Mr. President’s watch, the paradoxical and dismal reality is that in the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), through which the federal government regulates and participates in the country's petroleum industry that operates in our backyards, virtually all top management positions of the corporation and its subsidiaries, departments, and ventures are held by persons from the northern zones of the country that do not produce an ounce of oil, to the exclusion of indigenes of oil producing communities of Niger Delta region.�

PANDEF listed 20 management positions held by northerners in NNPC to include Group Managing Director (GMD), Mele Kyari;

Chief Finance Officer, Finance and Accounts, Umar Ajiya; Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power, Yusuf Usman; Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Services, Farouk Garba Sa'id; Chief Operating Officer, Refining and Petrochemicals, Mustapha Yakubu; Corporate Secretary/Legal Adviser to the Corporation, Hadiza Coomassie; GGM, International Energy Relations, IER, Omar Ibrahim; GGM, Renewable Energy, Kallamu Abdullahi; GGM, Governance Risk and Compliance, Ibrahim Birma; and GGM, NAPIMS, Bala Wunti.

Others are MD, NNPC Shipping, Inuwa Waya; MD, Pipelines and Product Marketing, PPMC, Musa Lawan; MD, Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, Mansur Sambo; MD, Duke Oil/NNPC Trading Company, Lawal Sade; MD, Port Harcourt Refining Company, Malami Shehu; MD, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, Muhammed Abah; MD, Nigeria Gas Marketing Company, Abdulkadir Ahmed; MD, Nigeria Gas and Power Investment Company Limited, Salihu Jamari; MD, NNPC Medical Services, Mohammed Zango; and Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Sarki Auwalu.

PANDEF stated that the entire southern Nigeria was allotted only three top management positions in the NNPC. “The oil producing zones of South-south, South-east, and South-west are left with one Chief Operating Officer position each, and a few senior and middle

level management positions in peripheral and incidental subsidiaries, departments and divisions of the corporation,� the Niger Delta group stated.

The open letter stated further, “The NNPC Board subsists as was constituted in 2016 without changes, apart from the Minister of State, Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, and Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari from Borno state, who replaced Maikanti Bari as Group Managing Director in July 2019. And Mr President remains the petroleum minister.

The management pattern in NNPC is replicated in all other oil related agencies, such as Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Petroleum Equalisation Fund, etc. “Employment into the NNPC and other related agencies is not anything different. While young graduates of the Niger Delta region with degrees in petroleum engineering and allied fields remain jobless, northerners with degrees in history are working as managers in the NNPC. “Ironically, the South-south zone produces about 95 per cent of Nigeria’s crude oil resources, which account for over 90 per cent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. The effects of oil exploration on the hitherto luxurious ecosystem of the Niger Delta, and damage done to the indigenous people’s means of livelihood with little, if any, improvement in their standard of living, are sad verities that make the situation in the NNPC more vexing.�

PANDEF detailed Nigeria’s crude oil production figures by state as follows, to press home its opposition to the NNPC

management structure under Buhari: 1. Akwa Ibom 504,000 bpd31.4% 2. Delta 346,000 bpd - 21.56% 3. Rivers 344,000 bpd- 21.43% 4. Bayelsa 290,000 bpd- 18.07% 5. Edo 33,000 bpd - 2.06% 6. Ondo 60,000 bpd - 3.74% 7. Imo 17,000 bpd - 1.06% 8. Abia 11,000 bpd - 0.68% Oil production In the northern zones = 0% According to the Niger Delta leaders, “Chapter 2, Section 14 (3) of the Nation’s Constitution, which Mr. President swore on oath to uphold and defend, provides that the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.�

The group maintained that the NNPC management configuration could neither promote national unity nor national loyalty, saying it goes against the spirit and letter of the constitution. “Regrettably, the uncouth discriminative bias against the Niger Delta region is even being perpetuated in the current efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country, and in the dispensation of palliatives to vulnerable citizens

by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the federal

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EDITORIAL

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

HARMONISING FACE MASK STANDARDS The ECOWAS task force should speed up the process of producing a face mask that is acceptable to all

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ver since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the current outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic, demands for face masks of different types and hues have hit the roof. In Nigeria, the guidelines on easing the lockdown issued by the federal government and several states in the country have made the use of face masks in the public, including banks and markets, mandatory. The mask and other articles of protective clothing are therefore in high demand as people seek to avoid spreading or contracting the novel coronavirus. Those who disobey the directive contend with security personnel who have turned it into another avenue for extortion and brutality on the roads.

NAFDAC has A face mask is a protecreinforced the tive piece of clothing position of WHO which covers the mouth that non-medical and nostrils. It is designed to protect the wearer from face mask large-particle droplets, cannot prevent sprays and splashes as the spread of well as prevent the spread COVID-19 or of potential infectious reduce the spread respiratory secretions to others. It is not for fashion; of infections it is a preventive measure as it can only against the spread of be effective if COVID-19. But today, there used widely in are different shades of these conjunction with mouthpieces across the other measures country. They vary from the disposable surgical masks to respirators like N95 and N100, which reduce the wearer's exposure to tiny particles in the air, including bacteria and virus. The other types are the non-medical, re-useable face masks made from cotton, polyester, wood and other fabrics and designed in different colours to the taste of the user.

Some Nigerian tailors have keyed in to this demand for face masks as well as fill the gap created by the global shortage for personal protective equipment (PPE). The Abia State government has in particular empowered tailors in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the South-East, to mass produce

Letters to the Editor

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he Coronavirus pandemic which started like a joke in the small province of Wuhan in China has held the world spellbound. The world never envisages the enormity of its effects and the devastating turn of events.

Essentially, our ways of life have been fundamentally altered as reflected in new modes of salutation, social interaction as well as stricter approach to hygiene, health and safety.

As we daily witness a rise in infections and death rates occasioned by the pandemic, fear of the unknown grips the hearts of people as no one is certain of who the next victim might possibly be.

This trend has significantly affected the psychic of the people with far-reaching emotional and mental consequences. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) “during this time of lockdown, the

these essentials, just as the garment factory in Cross River is also doing reasonably well. This is a commendable move that speaks to the ingenuity of our people. That has also encouraged others across the country with all manner of face masks now sold on the streets.

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S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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

hile we understand the compelling case for face masks in the public, there has been a compelling argument to harmonise standards for its production. Leading the efforts in this direction are Nigeria, Ghana and other countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Osita Aboloma, disclosed recently that the agency has been talking with all other 14-member countries of the commission to harmonise the standard for production of face masks.

This will ensure quality as the region intensifies the fight against the fast spreading virus, stretching the capacity of public health facilities and putting the lives of many at risk. But it should not take eternity for the task force to come up with standards that will be acceptable to all and mitigate further spread of the pathogens. For a start, this regional initiative can learn a lesson from the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) on standards and production of the most effective mask against coronavirus. The United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has also standardised the N95 face masks with minimum filter capacity for catching viruses as small as 0.3 microns.

But we must also tread carefully in handling this issue by taking a cue from the advice of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to the public on the use of barrier face masks. NAFDAC has reinforced the position of WHO that non-medical face mask cannot prevent the spread of COVID-19 or reduce the spread of infections as it can only be effective if used widely in conjunction with other measures.

Some of these measures include social distancing, not touching the face, eyes or mouth, thorough washing of hands with soap for 20 seconds and use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

Given the state of our healthcare delivery system in Nigeria today, it is trite to say that to defeat COVID-19, the conventional wisdom that prevention is better than cure should be embraced by all.

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

COVID-19 And Mental Health world has witnessed a huge increase in cases of domestic violence with women and children being mostly affected”.

In Nigeria, the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Network first quarter (January to February 2020) report shows that data on child abuse and cases of domestic violence or intimate partner is really on the high. Sadly, at this period, women and children experiencing domestic violence are at increased risk as most sources of care are almost inaccessible. Usually, during pandemics, there is always a strain on medical infrastructure as the focus is always on treating and preventing the spread of the pandemic.

Remarkably, the COVID-19 presents a unique challenge to the health system of many people, especially in low and middle-income countries, such that accessing health services and help by victims of

domestic violence is difficult.

In Nigeria, for instance, people that are mostly affected by the lockdown are medium and daily income earners, especially informal sector’s operatives who survive on daily earnings.

Consequently, there is an increase in the rate of domestic violence in homes as couples with fragile relationship are hooked up together at home with nerves becoming frail and flail.

Coping with the reality that food supply and cash flow may not always be available can also be daunting and nerve-wrecking, especially for families with vulnerable dependants such as children and the elderly.

More so, the COVID-19 crisis also exacerbated the state of insecurity as unscrupulous elements use the lockdown as an avenue to rob and attack hapless compatriots. This, of course, can be quite unsettling,

depriving people of sleep and aggravating mental health.

Thus, mental health related complications are now on the increase as a result of inability to properly manage COVID-19 -induced stress. This mostly results in depression, a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Depression results in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.

It is more than just a feeling of being sad or moody for a few days. Symptoms of depression include feeling sad or empty, loss of interest in favourite activities, over eating, or not wanting to eat at all, not being able to sleep or sleeping too much, fatigue, feeling of hopelessness and such like.

At a time like this, it is important that people with mental health-related issues seek professional help on how to manage the emotional, psychological and physical strain posed by current happenings in the society. Living in self-denial would be counter-productive, especially for those

with known symptoms of depression.

Therefore, adapting coping mechanism that will guarantee mental health stability during and after COVID-19 becomes expedient.

Interestingly, as the world grapples with the sordid COVID-19 reality, people are coming up with innovative and transformational approaches to life by finding fresh ways of coping and adapting.

In this respect, the social media has been quite helpful and resourceful by offering windows for socialization/ interaction, enterprise, entertainment, religion, education and more. This has positively impacted on the mental health status of many people. Importantly, a good frame of mind is quite essential in order to win the fight against COVID19-driven depression. Good enough, the social media seems to be offering this all -important escape route for some.

––Temilade Aruya, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

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OPINION Pentecostal Shepherds And Empty Cathedrals Religious leaders have to adjust to the times, writes Oludayo Tade

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n this piece, I analyse how some church leaders in Nigeria view the ban on religious gathering and through their utterances, project themselves as ‘protecting the Church’ against alleged plan by the devil to halt the growth of the ‘church’ in COVID-19 era. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 era has been the age of redefinition of spaces, re-categorisation of what is important and what is not, demystification of over-rated persons, places and things as well as the battle of persons for relevance and significance in a rapidly redefining social situation. While COVID-19 is devilish to some, it has helped others to rediscover themselves in the management of their lifestyles, exposed the loopholes in our health system, made some people millionaires and ruined the livelihoods of others. In this era, only survival and living are the two most important pursuits to the rich and poor.

As a contemporary cause of social change, COVID-19 is altering cherished values, transforming cultures, rituals and social institutions. Institutions of the family, politics, education, media and religion have been hit below the belt and are battling to survive and stay relevant. Of these institutions, religious institution is vociferous in its acceptance of the reality of COVID-19, particularly the way the virus is altering and redefining religious spaces and practices.

Some would even say that the pandemic is forcing followers to re-evaluate their religiosity.

The two voices reverberating against the continued ban on religious gathering are Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith International (Winners Chapel) and Chris Oyakhilome of Love World Incorporated. Bishop Oyedepo smelled rat that locking the Church and opening the market space was aimed at checking the growth of the Church of God. His co-comrade, Chris Oyakhilome was badly hit with the disappearance of performances which he was usually treated to and the reverence extended to him by the mammoth worshippers. Through their opinions, they unveiled the functional derivable of preaching in the physical space rather than the virtual sermonising that COVID-19 has imposed on them.

Was the policy of lockdown designed to diminish the influence and growth of the church as posited by Bishop Oyedepo? Church to Oyedepo is the physical and massive structures where worshippers gather to watch the performances of their pastors, smile, dance, pay tithes, make donations and offerings. But with empty cathedrals, the shepherds are missing their sheep who are avoiding risky spaces until the pandemic is over. However, since Bishop Oyedepo would not agree that only the living will serve and praise the Lord,

the followers have reconstructed the spaces of worship to their homes and neighbourhoods. This is in line with Matthew 18:20 where God says where “two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. This verse nullifies Bishop Oyedepo’s construction of his built edifice as Church. In so far as the gathering is in the name of God, He is there.

While the Mega Churches have their own broadcast channels and have been reaching followers online while holding large conventions before now, their complaints over COVID-19 ban show the importance of face-to-face communication and how this is seemingly irreplaceable by virtual preaching. It was Chris Oyakhilome who let this out while complaining on why some Christian leaders agreed with government that the Church should be closed. He felt they had done a disservice to the House of God. Is Church not a place of healing? He asked. Later, he would betray his selfish pursuit by lamenting that “...they said there would be compensation for the period of the lockdown. What compensation can be enough to replace the praise and worship of the congregation? I hope you have enjoyed the time so far, only you in the cathedral did online transmission. Hope you enjoyed it so far? But thank you very much for what you did to the House of God.” Certainly, religious leaders are finding this time very strange but they have to adjust to it. Being alone in the cathedral is like a footballer playing alone in the Stadium without fans. It is boring...no viewers, no clapping for the right moves. But as good shepherds, the pastorate must ensure that the sheep follows the Biblical counsel in Isaiah 26:20 to be safe.

We should also understand the political economy of our positions on the ban. Like other institutions, the partial or total lockdown is having impact on churches (and mosques) diminishing human presence, tithes, donations and offerings. Many ongoing projects within the church (and mosques) have also stopped because the ‘feeders’ are also

The Church is a risky space for COVID-19 spread. For instance, COVID-19 transmission in South Korea was fuelled by the Shincheonji Church whose 5,080 members tested positive for COVID-19 as of March 25 when the country’s confirmed cases was 9,137!

struggling to survive and saving the little left to feed. During this time, very few Churches and Mosques have risen to support their members, while other ‘ministers’ still plead with their members enduring salary cuts, disengagement, rightsizing and downsizing to send money to ‘nurture the work of God’.

There is no need for the Bishop to compare food market opening with banned Church gathering. Market people are not suffering Spiritual famine — they start their day with individual and group prayers while market evangelists take the word of God to them to indicate that the church is not the physical structures. How orderly and safe will it be to be inside church singing and dancing with face masks on? If shepherds feel the congregation are denied spiritual foods, he can end spiritual famine by leveraging on social media and online broadcast channels to feed the sheep.

Methinks the physical structures of the Oyedepo and Oyakhilome’s massive cathedrals can be likened to the isolation centres where those who have tested positive for COVID-19 are being treated. The Statistics of the fatalities and recoveries from the isolation centres tell the story. Just like people attend churches for different purposes, not all people get their problems solved spiritually. For those in isolation centres too, their families pray for their recoveries but prayers of people with better immunity get answered while those with underlying morbidity illnesses and low immunity gave up the ghost. What this tells us is that prayer is an ongoing activity and it is not on lockdown. The leaders of the Church (and Mosques) should become functional and innovative during this period to retain their relevance in a post-COVID-19 Nigeria.

It is logical to say that no one is standing against the Church because the church of God is not emplaced in the territories of individual pastors like Bishop Oyedepo and Pastor Oyakhilome.

What has happened is a rational reaction on the part of the followers to choose between staying safe at home or risking being arrested or infected in the ‘House of God’. Who orchestrated the plan that the Christians will end their 40 days fasting with the coming of corona virus and that the Muslims will observe Ramadan fasting without the normal rituals? I think God is using the pandemic to tell all of us that not a pastor or Imam can save whom he has not saved. This perhaps explains why people are looking up to God, ––Dr Tade, a sociologist, sent this piece via dotad2003@yahoo.com (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

How Corruption Destroyed Our Health System Iheoma Obibi canvasses unity among the people for quality representation in government

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ur state television channels have been inundated with claims by state governors of beautifully constructed and equipped hospitals they have built and excellent healthcare delivery services being offered to the people in their respective states. The mirage of twin mirrors is all too real because when you appear at the designated hospital location the next day, you will not find anything that has any semblance with what you saw on the television the previous night.

This is Nigeria where projects are conceived, executed on paper, and someone in a ministry somewhere signs-off that the job has been completed.

Every day, several second term governors jostle for television air time just to show people how they are working hard to ensure quality healthcare. The reality is rather more lurid, there is often no hospital under construction; it is a farce and it is mostly 3D computer generated. Even where one is being built, it takes years to complete it.

Every year, governors inundate us with huge sums tagged as budget to improve living standards, with health being allocated a limited amount. Yet year in and out, Nigerians who can afford it, are flown abroad to receive emergency medicare which may be near absent in government-owned hospitals. Others, rely on self- medication often with disastrous results and a lack of resources to get the best medicare die from ailments that should not have killed them.

How can one comprehend the simple fact that a state that has over two million people does not have an MRI machine or mammogram machine in any government owned hospital, yet some consultants of the same hospitals own the best gadgets in their privately-owned hospitals.

This can only happen in Nigeria, where oddity appears normal.

Every day, people lose loved ones to death because of the absence of unreliable medical equipment to keep them alive. It has been noted the increase in the number of persons battling organ failure such as kidney or liver failure. But how many hospitals have enough dialysis machines to cope with the numbers of patients? It is not surprising to note that out of all the hospitals in your state, no governmentowned hospital has one.

More worrisome is that the sudden emergence of COVID19 has forced all of us to acknowledge that only a few states in Nigeria have functional ventilator machines to aid patients having respiratory challenges due to serious ill health in the government-

owned hospitals. Yet our senators, members of the House of Representatives, state Houses of Assembly, local government chairmen, their deputies, and councillors regale the electorate with endless speeches on how they have provided such amenities in the hospitals.

More worrisome is that many people revel in adulation from political watchers for using their supposed private funds to foot medical bills of people. So, rather than equip hospitals, Nigerian politicians prefer to see their names trending on social media for providing funds to assist individuals in need of medical support to treat one life-threatening illness or the other.

It will make more sense for politicians to ensure that hospitals are built and equipped for people to access quality medicare without the dehumanising grovelling demanded from sick people. In Nigeria, hospitals are built and commissioned on paper, a few people share the money, including members of the monitoring team who within three months show up with expensive cars, while the projects if commenced, are abandoned.

How is it that a contractor funded to build a hospital for government becomes rich over night while the hospital building remains at lintel level?

Suddenly the contractor is invited everywhere as an outstanding Nigerian, decorated with awards and the next thing he is pencilled down to contest elections because he has money, the people’s money. Many have become rich at the expense of the people. Many who should be in jail are walking free. Demanding accountability and responsibility from our elected officials is clearly not working.

It has been alleged that some unscrupulous operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have in turn profited under the pretence of investigating allegations of corruption of public officials. Thus it is no surprise to see operatives use undue influence to get postings into such agencies or into the fraud investigation units of the Nigerian Police Force.

A visit to teaching hospitals will leave you shuddering with fear. Obsolete and none functional equipment everywhere.

Medical students are not left behind in this chaos which has an overall impact on their training and in the institutional support they received from the health sector.

The federal medical centers are overwhelmed. Everyday throngs of people troop into them for solutions to their health concerns, while many get solutions, some are faced with shocking

realities in the facilities. It is only in Nigeria that patients are seen on the corridors where medical staff convert walkways to shift bed space for ailing patients. It is safe to say that every government hospital is always overbooked with inpatients.

For some reason we have normalised the appointments of career politicians with absolutely no knowledge of medical practice as members of governing boards of hospitals, hence when doctors are campaigning and demanding for better health structures, systems and equipment, they politicians are never on the same page with them.

Our unspoken and documented experiences are that often times uneducated misfits masked as politicians are put in charge of hospital administrations. Resulting in accusations of illegal wealth generation to the detriment of innocent citizens.

For instance, how many house committee members of the Senate, House of Representatives, or State Assemblies have medical doctors as members, or better still have a working knowledge of medical issues and practice? Your answer is as good as mine.

Internationally, surgeons have adopted laser methods to conduct surgeries which has been acclaimed safer and better but not so in Nigeria, not because the medical practitioners don't want to, but because our governments have refused to provide them with the necessary modern equipment to do their work effectively.

Do we remember, when one of the sons of President Muhammadu Buhari was involved in an accident in Abuja, no hospital was deemed fit enough to treat the young man. He was flown abroad while his friend also involved in the same crash was left to Nigerian medical system.

There is a joke within Nigerians that their politicians rather than equip hospitals, prefer travelling abroad to die, only to be received in a motorcade at the airport for burial.

Yet truth be told, Nigerian medical doctors have proven to be some of the best outside the country. Two years ago, a Nigerian trained surgeon performed surgery on a yet to be delivered baby. He brought out the baby, operated and fixed the challenge, and put back the baby in the mother's womb. It was a huge medical feat performed by a Nigerian doctor in the United States of America.

––Ms. Obibi of Alliance for Africa wrote from Lagos.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ 2020

BUSINESS Despite COVID-19, NSE Attracts More Portfolio Investments Editor: Kunle Aderinokun

08033204315, 08111813084 Email:kunle.aderinoku@thisdaylive.com

More money flowed into Nigeria’s economy in terms of foreign portfolio investment in the first quarter of 2020 through the equities market. The value recorded as at end of March 2020, compared to the value in the same period in 2019 increased by 49 percent, buoyed by activities of domestic portfolio investors, specifically institutional domestic investors, Bamidele Famoofo reports

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otal portfolio investment into Nigeria through the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as at first quarter of 2020 increased by 49 percent over the value recorded in the same period in 2019.

Total investment (foreign and domestic) in the review period of 2020 stood at N626.9billion compared to N420.3billion in 2019 according to figures provided by the NSE in May. Nigeria requires about 17 times the portfolio investment figure recorded by the NSE in March to fund its budget for 2020.

Domestic portfolio investment (retail and institutional) outwitted foreign portfolio investment (FPI) in first quarter of 2020, contributing 59.8 per cent or about N375billion of total value. Domestic institutional investors accounted for over 54 per cent or N203.5billion of domestic investment in the review period.

On the flipside, foreign portfolio investors accounted for about 40.2 per cent of total value in the equities market as at March 2020 compared to about 53 percent of total transaction in March 2019.

Breakdown of performance foreign and domestic portfolio investment as captured by the NSE between January and March showed the biggest chunk of investment so far was done in March with about N243billion investment recorded by both the foreign and domestic investors. February recorded the lowest value of transaction in portfolio investment at N149billion compared to N236billion achieved in January.

The NSE FPI report showed that total transactions at the nation’s bourse increased by 84.03 per cent from N127.94 billion (about $417.41million) in December 2019 to N235.46 billion (about $767.23 million) in January 2020.

The performance of the month when compared to the performance in the same period (January 2019) of the prior year revealed that total transactions increased by 92.87 percent.

In January 2020, the total value of transactions executed by domestic investors outperformed transactions executed by foreign investors by approximately 40 percent.

Performance Review A further analysis of the total transactions executed in January and prior month (December 2019) revealed that total domestic transactions increased by 154.86 percent from N64.80 billion in December to N165.14 billion in January 2020. Similarly, total foreign transactions increased by 11.35 per cent from N63.14 billion (about $206million) to N70.32 billion (about $229.42 million) between December and January 2020.

The value of domestic transactions executed

by Institutional investors outperformed retail investors by two per cent in January. A comparison of domestic transactions in the current and prior month (December 2019) revealed that retail transactions increased by 233.75 per cent from N24.47 billion in December 2019 to N81.67 billion in January 2020. Similarly, the institutional composition of the domestic market increased by 107.02 per cent from N40.32 billion in December 2019 to N83.47 billion in January 2020.

As at 29 February 2020, total transactions at

Nigerian Stock Exchange building, Lagos

the nation’s bourse decreased by 36.93 percent from N235.46 billion (about $767.23million) in January 20195 to N148.50 billion (about $484.60 million) in February 2020. The performance of the current month when compared to the performance in the same period (February 2019) of the prior year revealed that total transactions decreased by 21.04 percent. In February 2020, the total value of transactions executed by domestic investors outperformed transactions executed by foreign investors by circa four percent.

A further analysis of the total transactions executed between February and prior month (January 2020) revealed that total domestic transactions decreased by 53.27 percent from N165.14 billion in January to N77.16 billion in February 2020. However, total foreign transactions increased marginally by 1.46% from N70.31 billion (about $229.42million) to N71.34 billion (about $232.79 million) between January and February 2020.

The value of domestic transactions executed by institutional investors outperformed retail investors by 24 per cent. A comparison of domestic transactions in the current and prior month (January2020) revealed that retail transactions decreased by 63.81 per cent from

N81.67 billion in January 2020 to N29.56 billion in February 2020. Similarly, the institutional composition of the domestic market decreased by 42.97 percent from N83.47 billion in January 2020 to N47.60 billion in February 2020.

Over a13-year period, domestic transactions decreased by 72.30 per cent from N3.556trillion in 2007 to N985billion in 2019 whilst foreign transactions increased by 53.08 percent from N616billion to N943billion over the same period.

Total domestic transactions accounted for about 51 per cent of the total transactions carried out in 2019, whilst foreign transactions accounted for about 49 percent of the total transactions in the same period.

The actual performance referenced 2020A (2020 Actual) shows that total foreign transactions carried out year till date (YTD) is about N141.65 billion whilst total domestic transactions YTD is about N242.30 billion.

As at 31 March 2020, total transactions at the nation’s bourse increased by 63.58 percent from N148.50billion (about $484.60million) in February 2020 to N242.91billion (about $630.04million) in March 2020.

The performance of the current month when compared to the performance in March 2019

(N110.11billion) revealed that total transactions increased by 120.60 percent. In March 2020, the total value of transactions executed by Domestic Investors outperformed transactions executed by Foreign Investors by circa 10 percent.

A further analysis of the total transactions executed between the current and prior month (February 2020) revealed that total domestic transactions increased by 71.97 per cent from N77.16 billion in February to N132.69 billion in March 2020. Also, total foreign transactions increased by 54.50 per cent from N71.34 billion (about $232.79million) to N110.22 billion (about $285.89million) between February and March 2020.

The value of domestic transactions executed by institutional investors outperformed retail Investors by 10 per cent. A comparison of domestic transactions in the current and prior month (February 2020) revealed that retail transactions increased significantly by 103.72 per cent from N29.56 billion in February 2020 to N60.22 billion in March 2020. Similarly, the institutional composition of the domestic market increased by 52.23 percent from N47.60 billion in February 2020 to N72.46 billion in March 2020.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 17, 2020

15

LETTERS

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WIKE AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

tuck in an unwelcoming lockdown I’ve watched the events surrounding this pandemic, the unfolding drama being played out on the Nigerian scene, deftly acted by the characters that form our government. The fiscal donations. Paltry, or as in some states, illusionary, palliative measures. The staggering number of confirmed cases. Not to talk of the number of patients who are discharged daily even in the absence of a universal cure. The COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria is simply confusing.

As a medical scientist, I wanted to write about this virus tearing rapidly through our world. I was going to write about purported cures—from Madagascar, Sierra Leone, even in our own Ooni’s palace here. I wanted to analyse the research claims from Oxford University, as well as those from Chinese and American labs,

Wike not forgetting our own University of Nigeria.

Until I stumbled upon the headline: “Report hotels working against our lockdown order for immediate demolition.”

That was Gov. Wike, the Chief Executive of oil-rich Rivers State—my home state. A couple

of days later, we were greeted with the news of demolition of two hotels perpertrated by the then no-nonsense Rivers honcho. Present at the site himself, he seemed to watch with fascination as the bulldozer razed down a fellow citizen’s property.

As is expected, this

action sparked a furore amongst the citizenry.

Many Nigerians have lashed out at him for what they described as ‘dictatorial’. And a few citizens have risen to Wike’s defence, describing the demolition as done in the best interest of Rivers people. Owners of the Prodest have secured advocates and human rights lawyers for themselves even though one threatens to bomb Rivers States if contacted by the hotelier. Human rights lawyer Falana describes Wike as becoming the ‘maker of the Law, accuser, witness, enforcer of the Law, the prosecutor and the Judge at the same time.’

But amidst the vitriol and hate that this seems to incur, it is imperative to ask: Does anyone think Wike is wicked?

Who hasn’t known the man Wike and his rambunctious ego? Who isn’t aware of Wike’s earnest desire to save Rivers’ people from the ‘evil clutches’ of Abuja forces, even to the point

Sickle Cell And COVID-19

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ebruary 27, 2020 will go down in the history as the day Nigeria succumbed to its first confirmed case of the 2019 coronavirus “COVID-19”, throwing the nation into uncertainty and fear. But the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) assured citizens that the government was prepared and ready to contain the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, following global trends and case reports, the World Health Organization (WHO) on 12 March 2020, declared the disease a global pandemic due to an unprecedented spread and rise in cases. This information prompted nations across the world, including Nigeria, to adopt lockdown measures to significantly diminish the risk of the contagion. Yet, with rising incidences and deaths, concerns remain about Nigeria’s ability to contain the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has left people anxious, with unanswered questions like: when will this end and when will we find a vaccine?

A more important question that we are not asking enough in Nigeria is how are vulnerable groups with pre-existing medical conditions coping? Scientific research indicates that people living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) fall into this group and are at a higher-risk of severe complications if infected with COVID-19.

A major challenge arises from misdiagnosis due to the similarities with SCD’s Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS) and symptoms associ-

ated with COVID-19. ACS is a life-threatening complication of SCD characterized by fever and respiratory symptoms such as chest pain, cough, fever, hypoxia (low oxygen level) and lung infiltrates. Interestingly these mimic COVID-19 symptoms and thus risking misdiagnosis for people living with SCD. Whereas COVID-19 is tested using a swab of the throat and results which can take a few days, ACS is a medical emergency diagnosed using a chest X-ray, full blood count and biochemistry tests.

As everyone grapples with how to stay safe in these strange times, people living with SCD and other pre-existing medical conditions or disabilities are fighting the same health and economic challenges but with severe constraints.

As an NGO, Sickle Cell Aid Foundation (SCAF) is responding to the challenges of our community through a various means.

We developed the Warrior Fund Initiative (WFI), a technology enabled database to reach out to SCD warriors across Nigeria to provide support and information needed to engage in shielding.

Shielding is a measure to protect extremely vulnerable people against COVID-19 by minimizing interaction between those who are extremely vulnerable and others. It is the globally recommended method of protection for individuals living with SCD. The WHO advises SCD warriors to stay indoors, avoiding any face-to-face contact or

interactions for the period when the pandemic is in effect. However, the vulnerable cannot do this without community support.

The severity of the challenges of living with SCD in Nigeria coupled with the high number of people living below the poverty line highlights a significant constraint with the feasibility of shielding for our community. Considering these challenges, the WFI leverages technology to support our community to stay home as much as possible. We are providing deliveries of free routine medications, food, and hygiene products to the most vulnerable members of our community. Additionally, we are delivering mental health support and access to remote medical consultations to minimize social interactions.

There is little clarity on how the lockdown easing will affect the virus, but it is now essential for health authorities and the NCDC to recognize the gaps in policies that affect high-risk groups including those living with sickle cell disease. There is a need to develop plans for special care at isolation and health care facilities to prevent a situation of “survival of the fittest” triggered by overburdened health care system.

The government and health authorities need to communicate the importance of shielding for individuals categorized as high risk. While continuous shielding is challenging for individuals living with SCD,

it is extremely vital and should be promoted as the safety practice/requirement for high-risk groups pending the decline or end of the pandemic.

However, like all solutions, support for vulnerable groups during the pandemic requires support from multiple stakeholders. For employers, understand that if you have employees with sickle cell or other medical conditions, they will require more time easing out of the lockdown to prevent exposure to risk, hence, be open to digital solutions and work from home arrangements.

Universities and schools should be open to online learning and institutionally accepted methods of distance learning for individuals categorized as high risk without prejudice even after general restrictions have been lifted.

Religious organizations, NGO’s and community support groups must also play their part in prioritizing support for vulnerable groups. Around the world, we have seen that while the pandemic is devastating for everyone, it is particularly destructive for people living with pre-existing conditions including sickle cell disease.

Through our response, we have witnessed the incredible power that comes when communities support each other. The only way for us to re-emerge to some semblance of normalcy is to continually support each other including the weakest members of our society.

––Elmer C. Aluge, ealuge@scaf.org.ng

of martyrdom?

Undoubtedly, this is not the most controversial action the man Wike has taken as governor.

Unarguably too, we know that Wike is capable of many things. He who has transformed terrorists to traditional rulers and, in turn, terrorized traditional rulers for failing to move about with their staff of office. Hey, stop shaking your head! (You remember?)

There was an alarming rate of community transmission of the virus.

To curtail the spread, the federal government placed total lockdown down in some states which eventually became the new normal for everyone. To ease the lockdown, the federal government placed a nationwide curfew between the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (apparently the virus struts the streets only at night). The Rivers State COVID-19 Containment law also prohibits social gatherings and all forms of non-essential business activities. Wike’s own Executive Order also specifically asked hotels to remain closed for the moment.

Prodest hotel was reported to be in operation despite Wike’s order, housing some not-so-nice night ladies. Reportedly, too, the hotels too hosted parties during which there were suspected instances of touching and twerking and tumbling of humans on humans against the ‘no touching’ and social distance COVID-19 global fiat.

Simply put, there was a flagrant breach of the laws and an outright attempt to jeopardize the lives of other wellmeaning Nigerians resident in the locality.

In a report backed with photographic evidence, the hotel owners were also alleged by the Rivers State Government to have attacked the government’s taskforce that went to initially to seal up the hotel, leaving several badly injured.

Yes, everywhere in the world, there is the agitation for freedom.

Freedom from this deadly monster that has grounded activities in

the world and ripped the phenomenal nuances out of life. Freedom to breathe. Freedom from the dampness of usedand-resused facemasks; freedom from the long graying hours of boredom that threatens our sanity. Freedom from having to sit idly at home only to be mocked by a government giving ‘pittance in the name of palliatives’ as rightly put

by Sam Omatseye.

In the US, armed protesters had marched on the streets of Michigan calling for an end to the lockdown, and surprisingly, they earned the title ‘Very nice people’

by President Trump. Also, in the US, a fellow had threatened ‘to literarily eat his own neighbours’ if the lockdown persisted.

By operating against the lockdown order, the hoteliers had equally registered their rebellion and joined the masses to proclaim ‘freedom!’

Nevertheless, those who criticized Gov. Wike’s demolition of the hotel said they did so mostly for the concerns of the many workers who have been obviously thrown out of job. Wike’s critics think empathy should have prevailed over the rule of law, and justice should have been tempered with mercy.

While I do not totally agree with Wike’s brutal demolition of the property and the unemployment that have risen from it, it is instructive to note that given the circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic, the right to life supersedes other rights.

People must know that in a state, such as Rivers, where there is evidence of community spread, the operations of the hotelier puts every person’s life at risk.

Moments such as these call for sacrifice from everyone. To contain the spread of Covid-19, individuals, corporate organisations and institutions must not only work with government to return things to normal but must be willing to make painful sacrifices that is phenomenal to ending this pandemic.

––Nnabiget Oke, nnabigetoke@gmail.com

Moving Too Fast?

O

peration 'Warp Speed' as announced

by President Donald Trump in relation to vaccine development sounds great but it's wrong.

Warp speed is not possible despite what Star Trek promises and is fictional, a concept that seems to apply to many of the president's announcements. The use

of warp speed refers to how fast and thus how far you can travel, not to the development of anything.

I am sure that a number of people would like to see Mr Trump travel for even one second at warp speed.

It would be an out of this world experience and he would be most of the way to the moon.

––Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia.

18

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ 2020

BUSINESS/EBUSINESS

Jack Ma Boosting Africa’s Tech Innovation with Netpreneur Award The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI), set up by the Jack Ma Foundation, which is attracting a prize money increase to $1.5 million from $1 million, will enhance technology innovation among African entrepreneurs, writes Emma Okonji directly see how top entrepreneurs pitch their companies, but also gain insights from how judges identify both opportunity and drawbacks in various businesses and industries,� Pau said.

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frica’sBusinessHeroes award, introduced by the Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative, is focused mainly on Africa.

When Jack Ma, the founder of Jack Ma Foundation, made his first visit to Africa in 2017, he came away from that trip deeply inspired and impressed by the energy and potential he saw amongst the entrepreneurs he met in Africa. In many ways, he also recognized that the entrepreneurs were facing many of the same barriers that he also had to overcome when he first founded Alibaba.

From that trip, he committed to do his part to inspire, train, and support entrepreneurs in Africa. As part of this commitment, he established the Jack Ma Foundation’s Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI) in 2018. ANPI is the foundation’s flagship philanthropic programme for the African continent.

The Senior Advisor for International Programmes, Jack Ma Foundation, Mr. Jason Pau, who spoke about the motive behind Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative, said: “With this programme, we are committed to identifying and recognizing 100 African entrepreneurs as well as allocating $100 million over a ten-year period in grant funding, training programs, and support for the broad African entrepreneurial ecosystem.�

According to him, ANPI also organizes Africa’s Business Heroes(ABH) prize competition and show. With this, the foundation is focused on spotlighting entrepreneurial heroes across Africa, who are working to solve critical problems, uplifting their local communities, and building a more inclusive digital economy for the future. “We want to provide these outstanding entrepreneurs with a platform where they can fully showcase their business ideas and talent,� Pau said.

Top 10 Finalists Speaking on the plan to select 10 top finalists, who will compete for the position of the overall winner for this year’s competition, Paul said it was important to the foundation to ensure that the competition is as inclusive as possible. As a result, this prize competition is open to entrepreneurs from all industry sectors, all African countries, and all ages and genders.

Applications this year will be available in both French and English.

Every year, 10 finalists will be selected to compete in the ABH finale pitch competition. These 10 finalists are all winners in that they will be walking away with a share of a $1.5 million prize pool in grant money.

They will be selected in accordance with a certain set of criteria including – their leadership and vision, ability to translate their innovations and ideas into strong business models, and commitment to creating a positive impact for their communities. “We have been proud to see how Temie Giwa-Tuboson from LifeBank has been able to progress her business in the months since being named the first-place winner of Africa’s Business Heroes last November.

With the grant money from the Prize, she has grown her business to be truly PanNigerian, and she now has plans to leverage her earnings to expand from LifeBank’s headquarters in Nigeria into Kenya.�

It has also been wonderful to see how she and her team have stepped up in the fight against Covid-19. Her company is a leader in the healthcare sector, delivering

Jack Ma

critical medical products in Nigeria. Since the pandemic, she has opened an online registry for equipment such as ventilators, respirators and ICU beds within Nigeria.

LifeBank is also working to promote social distancing by distributing floor stickers to hospitals, pharmacies, and grocery stores.

Temie is serving as an ambassador for this year’s prize, and we are glad to see that she and other finalists have also been able to get value from ANPI beyond just financial gain. They have found a lot of value add from the collective expertise and insights that our ANPI community of business leaders offers. As a result, they have begun building partnerships and cooperating with peers from across Africa and from around the world.

Soaring Applications Last year, the foundation received about 10,000 applications from 50 African countries. It has been really exciting to see the level of interest and participation from across the continent. “We just opened our application process for this year’s prize on April 6, and interested entrepreneurs will have until June 9 to apply. It was tremendous to have been

able to receive 10,000 applications from 50 African countries last year, and we hope to receive even more this year and have another inspiring group of entrepreneurs represent all corners of the continent. “We are committed to providing training and support for the broad African entrepreneurial ecosystem. For those that do not make it as one of this year’s top 10 finalists, they will have the chance to take part in training, education and networking opportunities as part of ANPI so that they will still be able to get an opportunity to learn from the experience and best practices of other entrepreneurs and business leaders, and hopefully be able to continue taking their own businesses to the next level. “We also see the finale show as a masterclass in entrepreneurship in many ways.

We are broadcasting the finale show across the continent and online so that viewers and aspiring entrepreneurs will get to watch the most talented and promising entrepreneurs from Africa pitch global business legends such as our finale judges from last year - Jack Ma, Strive Masiyiwa, Ibukun Awosika, and Joe Tsai. There is a tremendous sense of learning instilled into the show and not only being able to

Increase in Grant The foundation announced a $1-million grant for 10 finalists last year but has increased it to $1.5 million this year for the same number of finalists. Jack and everybody at the Jack Ma Foundation were incredibly moved by the response that the prize received last year, and as a result, the foundation was motivated to commit more resources and support for ANPI. This expanded commitment is reflected not only in the increase of the prize pool from $1 million to $1.5 million, but also in the overall, long-term commitment to allocate $100 million over 10 years for grant funding, training programs, and support of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa.

There has been an amazing rise in homegrown tech and business-model innovations across Africa, so it is certainly a promising time for entrepreneurs in the continent.

I think the potential for further growth can be accelerated by the cooperation and learnings shared between innovators from different countries in Africa and overseas, by increased access to investment and capital, and supporting a policy that can enable innovators and SMEs to thrive. “We know first-hand, how impactful small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs can be in driving transformative change. When Alibaba was first founded, there were no payments or logistics infrastructure, but Jack and his team were able to create a new infrastructure for the digital age. When you factor in the size of the informal economy in Africa, I believe the continent is poised for an even greater digital revolution. “For example, smartphone adoption rates are rapidly increasing – making it possible for anyone with a mobile phone to potentially start a business or access products and services with the touch of a button. Africa has the potential now to learn from others and leapfrog into the next era of digital development. The time has come for entrepreneurs from Africa to solve some of the big problems they face on a daily basis, and to create the companies, innovations, and technologies that will make an inclusive digital economy possible.�

Government Support The Jack Ma Foundation has encouraged African governments to adopt a holistic perspective and reflect on how strong entrepreneurial ecosystems are supported by a foundation of four E’s, which is: Firstly, entrepreneurs and thinking how we can fundamentally support them as they work to transform society, including policies and incentives that can be put in place to facilitate their day-to-day operations. The second E is education. The next generation of entrepreneurs need an education that adequately equip them for the future. In particular, they need training programmes that have been built for tomorrow’s digital era, rather than yesterday’s traditional economy.

The third is e-government, which is critical to have supportive governments that operate with efficiency and transparency to help a digital economy to grow.

Finally, e-infrastructure is a crucial underlying factor. A solid digital infrastructure empowered by strong internet and data services will be the backbone upon which a digital economy is built.

19

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ 2020

BUSINESS/DEVELOPMENT

A market scene shortly after COVID-19 lockdown relaxation

As COVID-19 Lockdown is Relaxed‌ Becky Uba-Umenyili

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bold stare at death in the face was what ensued in Lagos from the ease of the lockdown and stay-at-home order, which was imposed by the federal government following the outbreak of the coronavirus in Nigeria in February, this year.

Having experienced a ‘house arrest’ form of living without inflow of income for over a month, majÂŻrity of people couldn’t help thronging the street in search of daily bread as the government announced some form of easing to enable business transactions and other works commence.

Close observation reveal that some people are trying to live as directed; using the face masks and washing of hands, but not maintaining safe distance of the required length. Also, most offices and shops are open but with skeletal works and staff (as some seem to have wielded off their staff), while others have hand-wash points and sanitisers for their clients/customers.

However, an assessment of the effect of the ease-off seems to present a scary situation as most people came out en masse despite the warnings by the authority on stipulations guiding work days and timing for each business group.

Also, the use of face masks and other related preventive measures against the virus attack are not adhered to strictly as directed while enforcement bodies are too relaxed in ensuring the compliance of stipulated rules.

Social mingling replaced social distanc-

ing especially in circles where people gathered idly to chat; while some others, particularly petty traders simply make jest with the situation as unreal with all sort of claims as thus: ‘there is nothing like coronavirus in Nigeria, it is oyinbo man disease’ and similar other sarcastic remarks greet one’s ears while around such persons.

The use of face masks became a thing of joke; while some simply hang theirs on their necks to avoid possible apprehension by enforcement officers; others do not use at all because of fear of hypoxia having heard of those who have been adversely affected.

This calls to question which of the avalanche of face masks serves the purpose required for the essence of using the masks. There are many types of face masks for different purposes: those used by medical staff for surgical and other medical treatments, those used by technical engineers for mechanical explorations or industry staff for work with chemical solutions.

For protection against the COVID-19, the Centre for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration Agencies have stipulated the use of cloth face masks for prevention of spread of the virus. The cloth masks are loose-fitting and designed to provide protection from breathing in airborne pathogens and viruses; they are also affordable in price and washable which makes it economical for the low income earner.

The surgical masks are for medical use, more expensive than the cloth masks and do not provide full protection from inhalation and airborne diseases from virus.

Additionally, the culture of regular washing of hands and/or use of sanitis-

ers is not observed as expected particularly in very busy places like market arena.

Commercial buses (except the state BRT), the keke (tricycles) and bikes operate with the required directives issued them, but after leaving their respective motor parks, some flout these directives by picking passengers on the road despite the complaint of passengers who are helpless with the situation.

Surprisingly, these persons move about freely without being apprehended as expected by law enforcement agents who although are around almost everywhere, but yet watch as affected persons move about with ease.

When the first set of cases of death caused by the virus was reported abroad, it seemed like unreal until death knocked and sent everyone into hiding. Although few cases have been reported in Nigeria and still fast spreading, it appears like ignorance of the true facts of the pandemic still soars looms in the air.

Meanwhile, it has been observed that majority of the stakeholders in the category of businesses not allowed to open yet come out to operate despite the order to wait. This category includes hair salons and restaurants with eat-in service.

Others thus affected are churches and mosques; this group have hitherto obeyed the laid down rules notwithstanding the recent call by the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, for government to consider reopening religious bodies for worship to resume while assuring that the bodies would map out protective measures for worshippers to ensure compliance with rules to prevent the spread of the virus.

At the outbreak of the pandemic this year, churches immediately installed hand wash basins with soap and sanitisers for quick use by worshippers and visitors.

At St. Francis Catholic Church, Oregun, Rev. Fr. Lambert Nlemadim simply said ‘while we believe in God’s protection, we also decided to do what is needful to the faith we profess’ with reference to the giant sanitiser dispenser placed at the main entrance of the church building.

Similarly, wearing of face masks has been made compulsory before gaining entrance into any Catholic church premises, as well as washing of hands at all entrance points.

Most churches resorted to broadcasting their worship through television, radio and even the social media where their faithfuls tune in to participate in their respective fellowship.

As regards the suspicion that some Christians may be comfortable with the broadcast and may feel inhibited from going to church to worship after the lockdown, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Amolegbe of the Catholic Church of Annunciation in Abraham Adesanya Estate, Aja, simply said ‘so many faithfuls are not comfortable with the media broadcast of liturgy especially mass because it lacks proper sense of participation, due to their inability to receive Holy Communion’.

Meanwhile, schools still remain closed for this term pending official lifting of the closure by government.

However, indices of observation reveal that children still parade some street even in clusters of social mingling against the main reason for shutting down schools; a call for government and social organisations to intervene for the safety of these innocent ones.

20

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ 2020

THE EXECUTIVE ADETOKUNBO ABIRU With COVID-19, Corporate Performance’ll be Adversely Impacted in Nigeria and Globally As the world continues to grapple with the outbreak and control of COVID-19, it is leaving in its trail negative impacts. And as the plague is resetting the global economy to a new normal, business operations are being forced to adapt to new ways of doing things. The banking industry is not exempted in the new world order and it’s in fact, playing a major role in defining the future. The Managing Director/CEO, Polaris Bank Ltd, Mr.AdetokunboAbiru, whose bank recorded an impressive feat in 2019, in this interview with Kunle Aderinokun, explains the drivers of the performance and speaks extensively on the results.

He explains the ongoing business, strategy and digital transformation in the bank and provides insights on the future of banking globally and in Nigeria. Besides, Abiru notes the positive transformative role of technology in banking, saying the disruption is already here with the FinTechs and Telcos upping the ante of competition and challenging traditional players. Emphasising on the negative impact of COVID-19 on business and the economy, he points out that with the prevailing situation, corporate performance may be adversely affected in Nigeria and the world over. Meanwhile, the chief executive believes Polaris Bank is a positive case study of regulatory intervention in the Nigerian banking industry

Abiru

P

olarisBank’s2019ďŹ nancial results that were recently released appear quite impressive. Most people were surprised about the results, in a good way of course. Did you personally expect such strong

results?

What people see today as outcome, is the potential we had seen since September 2018, when we transited into the new entity called

Polaris Bank. To realise this objective, it became clear that our first task was to lay a solid foundation for capital preservation and sustainable profitability. With this in mind, we immediately set out on a corporate transformation journey for the new entity covering two broad areas: market and business, model and operating model and platforms. For the former, we looked at our business development i.e. customer segments to play with more focus on retail customers and commercial businesses (with value chain business opportunities). For the latter, we took a deep

dive into our organisational efficiency, innovation and digitisation and User Experience. With the support of CBN and AMCON, we were able to harness the enormous potentials in the franchise.

Can you talk us through the key drivers of the outcomes recorded and what did you do to produce these results? Where did the income come from?

The key drivers of the outcome were strong earnings from interest and non- interest income as well as through operational efficiency via

cost containment, all resulting in a decent cost to income ratio. These measures are key initiatives of our on-going transformation programme.

We noticed that though the revenue performance was strong, the bank had a slight decline in its deposit base. What accounted for that? And doesn’t that mean, in fact, you may have lost some market share?

The slight decline of about one per cent in deposit levels, came about because of our deliberate attempt to re-organise our deposit mix

11

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ 2020

NEWS

Acting News Editor ĂŒĂ™ĂŁĂ?Ă‘Ă‹ Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă—Ă“ E-mail: Ă‘ĂŒĂ™ĂŁĂ?Ă‘Ă‹Ë›Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă—Ă“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—ËœÍ¸Î€Í¸Î€ÍšÎ Î€ÍžÍ˝Î Í¸ Ě™Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁĚš

Utomi: Hunger Will Push Nigeria into Revolution ‡Rejects Chinese loans, Recommends Ogunlesi’s initiative in Rome ‡Subsidiarity central to revamping economy, he Proposes

Gboyega Akinsanmi Nigeria’s leading political economist, Prof Pat Utomi has raised the alarm over the increasing rate of poverty in the country, warning that hunger will push Nigeria into revolution if nothing is done on time.

Utomi, founder of the Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), also

warned the federal government against borrowing from China to build railway, but recommended a private equity initiative a Nigerian lawyer and investment banker, Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi executed to transform railway in Rome.

In an exclusive interview with THISDAY recently, Utomi made some recommendations to manage Nigeria’s post-lockdown

economy amid scepticism that political leaders were not decisive enough to bring the country back to the path of progress as it was in the decade before and after the independence.

If governments fail to adopt programmes of actions to manage the economy in the post-lockdown era, the political economist warned that the country might witness

hard times and indeed see chaos in the system.

Utomi predicted that the state governments “will attend the meeting of Federation Allocation Account Committee (FAAC). What they will share will not probably be enough to pay salaries and not to talk of anything else.�

Unlike in the late 1970s when President Olusegun Obasanjo

ALL FOR NATIONAL SECURITY . . .

L-R: Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu ; National Security Adviser, Babagana Mongonu and the Minister of Defence, Bashir Salihi Magashi during the meeting of National Security Council at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja ... yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI.

tasked citizens to cut their coats according to their clothes, the political economist observed that the countrymen were no longer disciplined enough to do what Obasanjo did when oil prices suddenly declined.

In no distant future, he said: �We will see chaos in the system.

In the 1970S, Obasanjo told us to cut our coat according to our cloth and not according to our size. “But what will we see in July?

The powerful people will keep their security votes and all these kinds of things. Then, they will see something,�

Utomi warned with reference to antigovernment uprisings that unsettled the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) between 2010 and 2012.

He added that the system would see the rage of the poor, saying the masses will march to their houses and Nigeria “will see revolution. Nigeria will see something similar to Arab spring because there are so many hungry people and angry people. I was in Cairo whenArab Spring broke. “I went for a programme atAfrican Export–Import Bank. I clearly saw the rage of the angry poor when the Arab Spring broke out. I still have clear memory of that. With this current trend, Nigeria is not too far from the Arab Spring,� Utomi warned.

He faulted the national policy that placed crude at the centre of the country’s budgeting, a practice

he described as regressive, unrealistic and unworkable, as evidenced by the lacklustre performance of the Nigerian economy He said crude oil “should become irrelevant to our budgeting.

We should begin to diversify in reality our economy and focus on production and other things that help us generate more revenues and create wealth.�

Contrary to the position of the governments at different levels, he opposed blaming COVID-19 for the prostrate state of Nigerian economy, saying the national economy was already “on the verge of free fall before the COVID-19 came. We should not deceive ourselves.�

Before the pandemic broke out, the political economist claimed that the 2020 budget had become unrealistic, first due to what he described as unprecedented crash in the prices of oil at the international market, a rate far below what the federal government used to project the budget.

He added that the economy was “in a triple shock challenge from loss of confidence that resulted in the Forbes write up that Nigeria was a money losing machine for investors; imploding oil prices and signals from Wuhan.

Read Full Interview on www.thisdaylive.com

FG Rolls out Palliatives to Support Small Businesses Gboyega Akinsanmi in Lagos The federal government has rolled out new set of palliatives to help Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) survive the economic fallouts of the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.

Under the scheme, government will give 80 percent discount to all MSMEs that registered their product on the electronic platform the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) unveiled on Friday.

The NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring

System (NAPAMS), is a software solution for the regulation and control of the importation, exportation, manufacture, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, detergents and bottled water in Nigeria.

Apart from the 80 percent discount it approved for the businesses, the federal government has also granted zero tariffs for the first 200 MSMEs to register on the agency’s platform.

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo reeled the incentives on Friday at the virtual unveiling of

palliatives for MSMEs by NAFDAC, tasking other agencies of the federal government to come up with palliatives for the MSMEs. He unveiled the electronic registration platform alongside the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye and representatives of other federal agencies regulating micro, small and medium enterprises in the country.

After unveiling the electronic registration platform, Osinbajo said: “These palliatives reflect the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s determination to

Again, Bandits Attack Seven Communities in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina Bandits have again attacked seven villages in Batsari Local Government Area, Katsina State forcing residents to flee their ancestral homes to the state capital, residents have claimed.

The residents listed the affected communities to include Batsari, Dutsin-Ma, Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, Sabuwa and Kankara while other local government areas in the state had been under siege.

In separate interviews with THISDAY in Katsina yesterday, the residents said that the bandits had been killing and maiming women at many local communities in the state.

They, also, lamented that the simultaneous attacks on Batsari communities had forced residents of Kurmiyal, Yandaka, Maidoriya, Tashar Kadanya, Garin Goje,

Watangadiya and Dutse Maizane to abandon their villages.

The residents claimed that hundreds of women and children, who survived deadly invasions in the communities, “are currently taking refuge in Batsari and Katsina, the state capital.�

One of the residents, Tasi’u Farouk, said the hoodlums had within one month massacred over 50 people and kidnapped several others in various communities in the council area, rendering hundreds homeless.

Farouk, whose wife and three children were killed in recent attack in Tsauwa and Dankar villages that claimed 30 lives, lamented that Batsari had become a theatre of war due to prevailing attacks orchestrated by the armed bandits.

He said: “The bandits burnt my wife and three children beyond recognition in Tsauwa. I left the

village after the attack on February 14 and I am now taking refuge in Shagari-low cost with some of our relatives without food. “They killed our people everyday and cart away all our means of survival. We are appealing to the state government to come to our rescue because these attackers are bent on eliminating us all�.

Another refugee, Sefinatu Idris, whose father, Idris Yusuf and Uncle, Kabir Isa were killed in Kurmiyal village, explained that banditry and other heinous activities had made life unbearable for her and the entire family.

Sefinatu who wept uncontrollably while narrating her ordeal, said: “Since the untimely death of my father and uncle, I and my mother have resulted to begging as our means of survival. We hardly eat in a day. Government should please assist my mother�.

support MSMEs and the priority the federal government places on small businesses.�

He listed NAFDAC’s palliatives to include e-registration of MSMEs/products at 80% discounted rate over a period of six months; zero tariffs for the first 200 micro and small businesses to register on the e-platform and waiver on administrative charges for overdue late renewal of expired licenses of micro/small businesses products for a period of 90 days.

As businesses across the world confront the disruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic,

the vice president noted that the federal government would continue to adopt and implement practical measures to ensure that the projected growth in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector is not seriously affected by the development.

Osinbajo explained that the response of the federal government was not just “to give succour and assistance to existing MSMEs, but also ensure that there is practical and active fillip to new MSMEs so that the growth of this sector is not discouraged by the current economic trauma.

“This is our moment and the government of Nigeria and its regulatory agencies are prepared to back MSMEs and other businesses that are prepared for the innovative and interesting times that lie ahead of us�, he added.

Osinbajo explained some steps the federal government had been taking to protect private investments especially small businesses in the country, saying the Buhari administration had from the begining of the health cum economic crisis taken strategic decisions aimed at insulating businesses from imminent collapse.

Group Recommends Entrepreneurial Intervention to Address Nigeria’s Challenges Obinna Chima Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (AYE) has recommended what it called entrepreneurial interventions to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges that have been hindering growth and development in the country over the decades.

AYE, a non-profit organisation based in Johannesburg, South Africa, noted that Nigeria should deliberately encourage foreign direct investments (FDI) and robust regulatory environment to protect investments.

The National Head of the group, Olubunmi Oluwadare made the recommendations in an open letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the 36 state governors, challenging them to promote private initiatives that could transform Nigeria.

In the letter, Oluwadare observed that various govern-

mental institutions under different leadership in the country had tried various programs or proposals with huge budgetary allocations in billions and trillions over the years to fix all these challenges, without any tangible results to show.

The letter said Nigeria “is still paying a steep price for those years of abysmal policy failures,� thereby recommending entrepreneurial intervention to address a myriad of Nigeria’s challenges.

The letter read in part: “We all know that various governments from military to democratic regimes have spent huge sums of money to build, maintain and run the three crude oil refineries we have in Nigeria (Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries) without any tangible result recorded until all the refineries

went moribund. “Having illustrated the story above and to buttress my point on what entrepreneurial intervention is all about. Aliko Dangote, a Nigeria born serial entrepreneur stepped in when it dawned on us all, that government cannot muster the political will to do anything to revive the three moribund refineries. “The result of Dangote industries’ intervention is the ongoing construction of Dangote refinery, a 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) integrated refinery and petrochemical project under construction in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.�

The letter cited the intervention of entrepreneurs such as Aliko Dangote in the ongoing fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, which it said, stressed the need to create an enabling environment for enterprise to really thrive in Nigeria.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ 2020

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THE EXECUTIVE TECHNOLOGY DISRUPTION IS HERE, AS FINTECHS AND TELCOS ARE CHALLENGING TRADITIONAL BANKS to fit our retail strategy of low-cost deposit focus.

We therefore had to let go of hitherto expensive funds carried over from our legacy operations.

In addition, we also repaid about N80billion of legacy obligations. If you situate this in the context of the closing figure, you will agree that the approach is pragmatic, and in a sense a growth and not a decline.

One area of concern though in your otherwise stellar performance is the 46 per cent non-performance loans (NPL) ratio, which remains quite high. We understand your team has managed to reduce it from around 80 per cent when you took over the former Skye Bank with a very bad loan portfolio. But, how do you plan to take this down to a more acceptable level?

As you rightly observed, these are part of the defunct Skye Bank loans inherited. The major contributors are between 2 to 3 obligors, and positive loan work-out arrangements are at an advanced stage. Once those are concluded, the NPL will be significantly reduced.

Can you outline for us the bank’s other performance ratios and their implications for the institution and for your depositors and customers?

Net interest margin @ 9.8per cent, Cost of fund @ 4.7per cent, Cost of risk @ 5per cent, Capital adequacy @ 14per cent, liquidity ratio @ 81per cent, all these compete well with the industry and above the regulatory minimum. The implications are better margins, lower cost of operations for good returns to all stakeholders, and they are signs of a healthy institution that is strong and has capacity to meet obligations and support the need of our customers.

Where will you place Polaris Bank within the banking and ďŹ nancial services industry?

How competitive is your bank relative to other Tier 1 and Tier 2 banks?

Presently, I think less of where to place the bank, but more of value we are bringing to the table, the institution we want to be, the excellent service centre we want to be known for, the frontiers of innovation we want to lead (and we are on our way), how we want our customers to see us, and the best place to work that we want to create etc. Let’s leave the ranking of the bank to financial analysts.

Beyond the ďŹ nancial results, please tell us what changes, if any, you have accomplished in the bank in terms of culture, strategy and operations?

As mentioned before, the bank is currently on a corporate transformation journey, which focuses on five key pillars: process, technology, business strategy, brand and culture alignment.

Withregardstotechnology,wehaveconcludedthe firstphaseofourI.Tplatformrefreshtoworld-class servers and data centres, we are strengthening our cyber security and network capacity, we have upgraded all our digital channels with robust offerings across mobile banking, internet banking, USSD, POS, ATMs, including agency banking.

As we reposition our I.T infrastructure to world class standards, we are implementing a robust digital transformation to actualise our vision of making Polaris a truly digital bank that makes banking more convenient with customised / value-adding products offering.

For business strategy, we are primarily driving a retail banking strategy, focusing on growth sectors in the commercial banking space. We have expanded the frontiers of our retail product offerings to the needs and yearnings of today’s market.

Our user experience and service quality have also improved considerably, and we are further overhauling our internal processes to support the digital transformation drive. We have also strengthened our personnel capacity to not only keep up with, but to beat the pace at which technology is reshaping the banking landscape.

Staff morale, which we met very low, have also been significantly galvanised across all levels. The recently released results are an early validation of the transformational changes that are ongoing in the bank. To further reinforce the evolving brand value in the mind of the banking public, we are also re-projecting our brand identity both in the virtual and the physical environment.

What is your vision for the bank?

I envision a Polaris Bank that is a top, innovative and digital-led retail bank. A preferred partner that provides superior financial solutions to our customers and that is not afraid to be different from the pack.

Abiru

We read in some of the literature about a corporate transformation in Polaris Bank.

What is that about?

More on this has been discussed before, but I will summarise it to be a complete enhancement of our corporate identity across process, technology, business strategy, brand and culture to add value to our customers and other stakeholders.

Is your proposed or on-going digital transformation part of this corporate transformation?

Yes, it is part of the transformation journey on which we have made significant progress.

We have strengthened the necessary resources required to set up a fully digital bank including recruiting seasoned experts and young talents.

What will you say about the role of your key regulators, especially CBN and AMCON in this successful turnaround?

Polaris Bank looks like a case study of a successful regulatory intervention in the banking sector. Isn’t that so?

The role played by the regulators particularly CBN has been incredibly significant in turning the fortunes of the bank around and averting a systemic crisis. The selection and composition of the board by the CBN with seasoned experts from different backgrounds, and the capital injection through AMCON are some of the factors that contributed materially to the success of the bank. To your second question, the answer is yes. Polaris Bank will remain a classic testimony of a successful turnaround of a troubled bank through a regulator-induced intervention.

In spite of this commendable performance, questions remain about the future of Polaris Bank. My understanding is that the bank remains a “bridge bank� - a kind of transitional institution. Where do you expect this journey to end?

From all indications the future of the bank is now very bright as evidenced by the improved prudential ratios of the bank. We are no longer a bridge bank, from the moment the legacy bank was liquidated by NDIC, and Polaris Bank came into being and adequately capitalised to the level

of a national bank. And as per where we expect the journey to end, we expect the regulator to fully divest its 100 per cent stake, so that the bank can become more competitive, and equally rise up to the changing landscape in banking.

Beyond Polaris, what’s your view about the future of banking and ďŹ nancial services, not just in Nigeria, but globally?

I think this is clear for all to see. The transformative role of technology in enabling banking business is no more a future conversation, but a present reality. As you can see, this has already gained momentum in more advanced jurisdictions. Indeed, the disruption is already here; the FinTechs and Telcos are already upping the ante of competition and challenging traditional players.

Banking as we know it today will be different from what it will be like tomorrow and banks will have to continue to reinvent themselves to remain relevant and retain dominance. Frankly, the future of financial services is evolving and technology will surely redefine it.

2020 will certainly be more challenging for the entire economy and particularly the banks given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing global and Nigerian recession as well as ďŹ scal crises predicted by the IMF. What challenges do you expect for your bank and the industry in the rest of 2020?

Clearly, corporate performance will be adversely impacted not only in Nigeria, but the world over. Credit quality will be challenged, business market size is already shrinking, and inflationary pressures are mounting, while currency pressures can also not be wished away.

Indeed, on the face of it, 2020 will be a challenging year and Polaris Bank is not insulated from all these. Nonetheless, we have laid enduring foundation with capacity to weather the storm and COVId-19 will not be an exception. We have outlined and are pursing various measures to minimise the impact COVID-19 could have on the bank’s performance. Typical in all crises are inherent opportunities, we will seek out those of the current crises and maximise them.

How will these challenges affect the bank’s

performance?

With the general slowdown in the economy, you can hardly outperform the environment where you operate. While maximising all available income sources, we will also seek ingenious means of containing its negative impact.

You seem to believe a lot in technology and digital transformation deďŹ ning the future of banking. What informs your belief?

That has always been known and it is playing out during this COVID – 19 crises. Our preparedness moderated the impact that the crises could have had on our operations. Specifically, we can provide unhindered services to our customers leveraging technology, while significant percentage of our staff were able to perform their daily duties remotely in a seamless manner.

Technology made this possible. Just look around you, is there any area of our lives that technology is not reshaping? Why should banking be an exception?

More so, if you look at the nature of our business, it lends itself to digital adaptations more than other areas of our lives. The world is a global village; just look at what is happening elsewhere, and you know it is only a matter of when will it catch up with you and not if. So, it is not so much of what I believe, it’s where the world is evidently heading.

Not much is known about you outside your resume as a banker, who previously worked in First Bank as an executive director, GTBank as well as in Lagos State as commissioner for ďŹ nance. Who isTokunbo Abiru outside the ofďŹ cial environment?

Although my life after school has been largely around banking, but there is more to life than banking. I am enthusiastic about the family, and I devote my get-away time to my wife and children. In my reserved profile, I appreciate the team value in football, and the entire ecosystem around the game.

Through self-talk and concentration, the lovers of the game, owners/managers/players, manage their persistence, stress levels and their emotions, which in turn improves their overall outcome.

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SUNDAY MAY 17, 2020 •T H I S D AY

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

17.05.2020

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PROF. OLU OBAFEMI STORY OF A HAWKER’S SON WHO BECAME ENGLISH PROFESSOR A relentless social engineer. An accomplished scholar. A man who chooses to be a realist rather than an idealist.

A pragmatic poet. An undulating voice that calms jarring nerves. His mien may not be majestic or his gait glamorous, Prof. Olu Obafemi shimmers in values and towers above others in intellectual stature. Like many mortals of great standing, the retired professor of English at the University of Ilorin has a theme and twists to his life’s story, writes Funke Olaode

f poems were to be weighed in gold, Prof. Olu Obafemi’s winsome verses would be worth all the gold bars imaginable. Were the characters in his plays to have a real-life of their own, they would do eternal obeisance to a gracious genius as Obafemi. In an unassuming style, the retired professor signposts a quantum epitome of value, intellect, and simplicity. As a relentless social engineer, he lives up to the billing as a man who chooses to be a realist rather than an idealist. As an accomplished scholar, he lights the path for more knowledge.

An intellectual and pragmatic poet with an undulating voice that calms jarring nerves and torments greedy souls.

His mien may not be majestic or his gait glamorous, Prof. Obafemi shimmers in values and towers above others in intellectual stature.

It is not impossible to know before you meet him. The affable professor leaves a shadow of himself in every form, in every place. He represents the humanity needed in every society. You can see the fire in his studious eyes and the humour in his expansive smile.

He made hard work look simple and brilliance as simple as ABC. What he achieved during his early years, the time he lived in and circumstances that surrounded them, Obafemi’s story illustrated audacity of hope He was 31 when he bagged a PhD. About ten years later, he became a professor -a feat that many of his contemporaries in academia could not lay claim to.

The retired professor of English at the University of Ilorin is a rare breed. And if one’s humble background is the only way to attain great achievement, probably he would be in the farm tending to his crops having been born by a father, who was a renowned tailor-turned-farmer and a mother who hawked food. Obafemi a native of Kogi State rose above adversities.

His intellectual ability coupled with hard work and providence were determinants factor that pushed him to the top.

Born on 4 April 1950 in Kabba town.

His father, Pa Emmanuel Buraimoh Obafemi hailed from Akutupa while his mother, Mama Hannah Omorewo Omorewo, hailed from Ohura, both in Bunu in the present-day Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State.

His father was a successful tailor known for his artistry. But because of his kindness and generosity, he did not make enough money from tailoring, a job he later ditched for farming. It was money made from farming that ensured young Obafemi had a good education. His mother was a food vendor, hawking pounded yam with egusi.

Despite his background, Obafemi, a child of destiny was determined to succeed.

While his early childhood revolved around farming, Obafemi had begun to inherit her parents’ artistry beyond the rustic realities that surrounded him.

He said, “My parents’ natural disposition to the arts and history unwittingly set me on the course of my chosen career as an artist. My father was an oral historian. He stored up the story of our clan and district and the Okun nation in his head. Just tap him, on any subject; kingship, wars, descent, and he gives you a run for your money with amazing narrative competence. Mama is a singer and simply a dancing worm. She was the choir mistress in the Apostolic Church, Kabba in the fifties before she became the Iya Egbe, female Chairperson.

“At over 90, hardly walking, her voice is shrill sharp, her head is full of songs. We all

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

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T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ 2020

COVER

My Passion as Poet, Playwright And Pragmatist took after her. Every one of my siblings is a dancer. My female siblings, the four of them, have won dancing competitions at one stage or the other. Then, of course, the school. “The concerts and performed recitations at the Methodist School Kabba where I performed annually. “The school band where I became the bandleader. All this and my paternal grandmothers’ moonlight story-telling sessions, lived in my subconscious and impacted my later life in the arts.�

After his primary education, Obafemi attended Government Secondary School, Dekina, and graduated in 1969. He enrolled for his ‘A’ levels at Titcombe College, Egbe between 1970 and 1971. Between 1972 and 1975, he was at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he studied English. He attended the University of Sheffield, England, between 1977 and 78 and the University of Leeds, England (1978–81) for his doctorate this time on scholarship.

Would he consider himself a lucky lad?

Even though his teachers in the primary school and neighbours often nudged his parents about the kind of future to expect and gave premonitory peps about some larger-than-life attributes about him, he believes the combination of industry and chance made him what he is today.

He said, “An old man, Pa Gurusa who owned the house next to ours in Odo-Affin used to call, hail me, ‘JagunGogorogo’—which simply translates to a tall and huge man, a giant, anytime I passed in front of his house. The fact was that I was usually the smallest among my peers. To now mock me—as I thought then –as a giant, used to irritate me quite a lot. One day I was really upset and cried to my mother over this unprovoked attack on my person by this old man. “After petting me a little, she said, ‘what an old man sees sitting down, a child cannot see by climbing a tall Iroko tree.’ I never understood this until much later in life. We were small children from a rural background, there was no way we could predict what our lives have become today.�

Speaking further, Prof. Obafemi said, “We began to take ourselves seriously when we began to prepare for the Common Entrance Examinations. The previous year, a few of us had gained admission into missionary colleges but could not pay the fees. The entrance to government colleges was our only and sure way of furthering our education. It meant working hard to pass the entrance.

From then on, through the Higher School Certificate classes and the University, it was education through scholarship. “You had to come on top of the class to win the only scholarship at Titcombe College, Egbe. You had to gain either state or federal scholarship to read for your degree. It was the opportunity opened to the very best. Yes, the compulsive industry and some talent were the roadmaps to our success. The rest was left to fate.�

In his days, Obafemi recalled there were no mentors or career advisers but by the time he was doing the HSC, activities, and events such as dramatic societies, Current Affairs Club, Debating Society, editor of school magazines, librarian— all these had begun to lead him in a certain direction. “In Titcombe College, I was called ‘Perm Sec’ (permanent secretary in our consciousness in those days, represented the highest position you could aspire to. By the time I was going to university, I wanted to be either a journalist or a Lecturer. In Dekina, we had been publicly caned for our ‘subversive’ writing in the School Reporter (the college magazine). “In Titcombe, I narrowly escaped rustication for the so-called role I played in the first-ever college demonstration in the life of the college for supplying the revolutionary inspiration for the riot!� he narrated. “Since then, I moved with the burning passion and desire to fight injustice; to take a message to the audience, especially the predated upon masses; I wanted to educate. I wanted to reach the audience by the shortest means possible and by deploying the

Obafemi with wife and children

most enduring tool; the media, writing, and the classroom.�

With his desire to achieve his goals, Obafemi headed to the university. He was first admitted to read English at Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ibadan. He was also offered Journalism at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

But his parents were dissuaded from sending him to the east as the story of the Civil War was still fresh. His maternal aunt lived in Kaduna as head of the market women and also have cousins in Kaduna and Zaria. He decided to go to Zaria.

After his first degree at ABU, Obafemi began his career in the Department of English, University of Ilorin. “University teaching chose me apparently,� he said. “With a second class upper in English at the time, the options were narrowed down. Even though I had employment in the industries and the civil service, they were made unattractive. The three months I spent at the Ministry of Information in Ilorin were boring. “It was sheer drudgery with vital files for car loans and sundry files kept under the carpet of the boss. The bureaucracy was unsuitable to my restless temperament. I needed a stage and the press to express myself. The only routes attractive were the university classrooms and newsroom of the newspaper.�

His decision to pitch his tent with the ivory tower paid off. Between 1977 and 1978, he got a scholarship to study at the University of Sheffield, England for a Master’s degree in English. From there he moved to the University of Leeds, England in 1978 for his doctorate which he successfully completed in 19 81 at the age of 31.

Recounting his first time abroad, Obafemi said, “It was my first time in the air. On the plane, up in the sky, I remembered the story of Daedalus’ son, Icarus and my heart was in my mouth. Would the wax melt and the wings of the plane come off? Shall we escape the labyrinth? “In 1977, where else would one have found the funds to buy a ticket and hop on the plane?

Thanks to the Staff Development Fund of the University of Ilorin which enabled us young teaching Graduate Assistants study leave abroad, and the luxury of a plane ride.�

What was his experience like in England? “In the seventies, racism was still quite raw, in spite of government diplomacy and anti-racism laws. In practice, it was bare-faced, brazen. You felt it everywhere; in the refectory and the buses, you were avoided like a leprosy patient with pork marks. Nobody wanted to sit next to you if you were black. In the classroom, of course, it was different, at least subtle, but it was there all the same,� he recalled.

Obafemi eventually attained the height his parents couldn’t reach. With his PhD, Obafemi headed back to Nigeria. But why did he return? “First, it hardly ever crossed our minds to seek employment abroad. What would be the attraction? Material consideration?

When I was going abroad, the naira exchanged for the pound at N995 to ÂŁ1000.

By the time I was leaving, the lecturer’s salaries in the UK and Nigeria were virtually at par. I was told there were one or two offers if I wanted but it was the last thing on my mind. There was still a huge justification for patriotism. I was being paid my salary while on study leave to supplement my study leave allowance. “Most of who went abroad came back as soon as we finished our studies. Indeed, I came back the next week after defending my PhD. I knew my wife received a few nudges to persuade her husband to take the advantage to stay back. True, things were beginning to go under on the economic front back at home. But really, for me, staying back abroad, as a second-class citizen in a foreign land, was not worth considering,� said the retired professor.

He returned to Nigeria and went back to the department of English at the University of Ilorin. His intellectual flame was burning.

Obafemi’s intellectual prowess is constantly on display as he kept churning out relevant journals, publications, and several books written by this outstanding scholar. In 1990, Obafemi became a professor at the age of 40. It was a rare feat.

How did he feel becoming a professor at that age?

He said, “All my life, I have never really felt that I had achieved anything outstanding.

Instead, I have moved on from one exploit to another, doing the little things I am able to do.

There wasn’t anything extraordinary about it at all. “Coming to think of it, given the numerous other engagements that took my time—running a theatre troupe, being in the leadership of the academic trade union and other change vanguards, university committees assignments, community service at my home’s local level and so on, it could have been a little faster, I believe. Truth is that I knew I had to work extra hard to get my promotions at the right time. As a unionist, I looked up to myself alone to shape my career progression.�

Obafemi as an intellectual has massproduced his ilk. Dozens of doctoral students have passed through his tutelage while some of his students are retired judges, former and current vice-chancellors, professors, retired and serving permanent secretaries, captains of industry, and so on.

Obafemi as an accomplished scholar is also a loving husband and doting father. It has been 40 years since he got married to the love of his life, Grace Dupelola Obafemi, a retired chief nursing officer from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Ilorin.

The marriage is blessed with three wonderful children, His first son, Bamidele, teaches English in a private University. His only daughter, Morountodun, has a doctorate in Film Studies and Film Production and teaches in a state university and his youngest son, Lanrewaju, is a computer engineer and works in an IT company in London.

After close to 40 decades at Unilorin, Obafemi retired from the institution’s service with his head high. “Not at all. These are moments of unquantified fulfilment for me. There were challenging moments as an academic but regrets are out of the question. Life is full of imperfections, some devolving on disappointments but I am always schooled by Shakespeare’s uncanny admonition that ‘do not for one repulse forgo the purpose,� he said.

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High Life Corporate Amazon, Folake Ani-Mumuney Celebrates

I

t is reported that Folake AniMumuney graduated from the university at the age of 15. No mean feat for a young lady at that time, that accomplishment was the beginning of her distinction in every endeavour. Nearly 40 later, she is still rocking the boats of tradition and expectation with an Amazonian grace.

Only a few days past, Folake Ani-Mumuney celebrated her 52nd Birthday. As usual, the celebrations were a far cry from the norm—the approach she takes to everything, it seems. Rather than raise rackets over the Day, she reached out to those in need and made them as happy as she was.

Folake Ani-Mumuney at 52 is a natural force in the corporate environment. When it comes to brilliance and quickness of mind, the lady is like lightning in a dark storm.

Folake Ani-Mumuney is one of the dwindling few who have found the balance between an innate intelligence and business smarts. Moreover, because her gifts have been reďŹ ned by diligence and thoughtfulness, she has never been one to intimidate or impersonate—not even as a champion in the corporate jungle.

In November 2019, Folake Ani-Mumuney was recognised by Marketing World Awards (MWA) for her outstanding performance in the corporate scene, particularly in the marketing communications industry.

This was recognition of the excellence with which she is able to found, adapt and apply marketing strategies, device and deliver distinct product values, and communicate to others—an excellence her employers are grateful for.

Folake Ani-Mumuney owns a coat of ‘First’ colours. She was the ďŹ rst black woman to man a top spot in the prestigious British Airways, and the ďŹ rst female President of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria.

Any wonder she was one of those who bore the ag of the Dangote Group of companies to global standards and recognition?

At First Bank PLC, Folake AniMumuney is the Global Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications. This is where she currently employs her various certiďŹ cations—like the Business Computing System Analysis and Design degree—and her wealth of corporate experience spanning over 25 years in promoting superior values, expanding the utility of banking services, and delighting customers.

At 52, Folake Ani-Mumuney has not lost her stride, but is still the corporate Amazon with a lightningfast mind and a habit of distinction.

Ani-Mumuney

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayex2@yahoo.com

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

Kenneth Gbandi: The Man Who Wants Abike Dabiri’s Head?

It is an incredible fact to many people that there is someone who does not like Abike Dabiri. Longer than most people can remember, this woman has championed the cause of many oppressed and underprivileged groups. Countless oppressed women have particularly been saved by Dabiri, and that reputation earned her, her current status as Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). So why doesn’t Kenneth Gbandi like her?

Kenneth Gbandi is the head of an organisation called the Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation, Europe (NIDOE). Much like NIDCOM, NIDOE is a body that caters to the needs of Nigerians scattered all around Europe.

Unlike NIDCOM, NIDOE is neither backed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, nor wholly transparent in its operations—possibly because these characteristics of NIDOE are mutually exclusive.

Kenneth Gbandi has made it a point

Dabiri-Erewa

of call to disrespect Hon. Abike Dabiri whenever possible. The reported root of this bitterness is the fact that Dabiri doesn’t seem to care a bit for his NIDOE, is unwilling to include NIDOE in the

scheme of things, or possibly hand over chairmanship of NIDCOM to him.

This reported reasoning of Gbandi has been faulted for its neglect of logic and complete disregard for the NIDCOM Act—which states that the appointment of NIDCOM’s chairman and board members is the exclusive right of the Nigerian President. This is incredible indeed, considering that NIDOE has allegedly been in operation for donkey years, and the German-based Kenneth Gbandi holds a Master’s Degree in Peace and Security— the irony of that Degree and his regard for Abike Dabiri is stunning.

For those who care to investigate the matter further, NIDCOM is an umbrella body that oversees the management of groups that coordinate and protect the freedom and rights of Nigerians in Diaspora. If Gbandi’s NIDOE is one of such bodies, then it is subordinate to NIDCOM, and not the other way around.

In effect, Kenneth Gbandi is subordinate to Abike Dabiri, and not the other way around.

Right Peg in Right Hole...As Otunba Bimbo Ashiru Joins Odu’A Group Longer than most people can remember, the Odu’A Investment Group has been a symbol of the collaborative corporate and business might of the South-West. This symbol has grown in recent times and extended its branches to cover manufacturing, communications and telecom, and a host of others. At the end of the virtual meeting of some of its leaders on May the 7th, it is evident that the Odu’A Investment Group is set to take things to the next level.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the inauguration of the Board of O’dua Investment Limited. This was set into action by the SouthWest Governors’ Forum, headed by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State—who doubles as the Forum’s Chairman.

The newly inaugurated Board members, one from each State, include Dr. Lawrence Olusegun Aina (to serve as Chairman), and Segun Olujobi, Tola Kasali, Chief Segun Ojo, Seeni Adio

Because excellence is a virtue that every sane individual should aspire to, it is somewhat difficult telling excellent people from seasoned publicists.

Nevertheless, when one notable Maestro of Excellence celebrates another, there is no confusion as to what is the substance and what is the shadow.

The prestigious Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland clocked 86 on May the 10th, 2020.

As felicitations and congratulatory missives were streaming in from the length and breadth of the African community, Globacom boss and foremost Ijebu personality, Otunba Mike Adenuga was on ground to serenade his king—as he has done in recent years.

Mike Adenuga spoke grandly of the heavyweight that is Oba Adetona.

He described the Awujale as a man of distinction, with a determination to see Ijebuland getting the acclaim it deserves, and a heart for his people. As always, Adenuga invited both traditional and nontraditional leaders to take notice of the Awujale’s exemplary leadership, nobility, and commitment to the good people of Ijebu-Ode.

(Esq SAN), and Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.

Although the Odu’A Group has been thought to be the clothing of a cultural-cum-political group, the recent appointment of these technocrats should place a lid over all these assumptions. Bimbo Ashiru’s presence itself speaks volumes of the Group’s intentions and the width of their expectations.

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru is one of the heavyweights in the ranks of successful individuals of Ijebu-Ode founding. His endeavours in the business world have earned him plaques and possibly a whole wall in the Half of Management Fame. While others floundered from one career path to another, Otunba plied the corporate scene with grace, with an experienced gait over a stretch of over two decades.

The banking sector, compared to others, has more intimately felt Ashiru. However, from heading Private Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, to being Head of the Public Sector, the man has

Ashiru

shown diligence, commitment and a knack for bosshood. Which explains the countless trophies and medals of recognition at state, national and corporate levels.

With Otunba Bimbo Ashiru— alongside the others newly inaugurated—on board, the Odu’A

Mike Adenuga Serenades Monarch Extraordinaire, Oba Adetona at 86

Medayese Oba Adetona

Adenuga’s praises are not short of the mark. Oba Adetona is one of the longest reigning monarchs in the country—an enviable feat in today’s

society of depositions and exiles. Oba Adetona’s enduring sovereignty is the product of strength of character, strength of will, and a determination to see justice done in his domain.

At 86, Oba Adetona has led a defiant life. At his coronation as the 57th Awujale of Ijebu-Ode, Oba Adetona had much to uphold and much to advance, particularly because he was only 26 at the time, and had had the crown surrendered to him by his father. Amidst great turmoil and political turbulence, Oba Adetona used both his traditional education and western literacy to stay relevant, regal and an avatar of the Kabiyesies of old.

Today, Oba Adetona is still immeasurably relevant, and an inspiration to the sons of Ijebuland— including business merchant and chief, Mike Adenuga—and every other person who knows and aspires to excellence.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

FCMB Founder Subomi Balogun’s Benevolence

Ojukwu

Bianca Ojukwu’s Unyielding Resolve When beautiful Bianca Ojukwu was appointed as ambassador to Spain by former President Goodluck Jonathan, it was greeted with mixed feelings. While many described the appointment as a compensation of sorts for the Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu clan, some concluded that it was an opportunity for the beautiful lady to serve her fatherland.

On assumption of office in Spain, she displayed her brilliance and intelligence, as she carried out her assignments, which many had thought would be too overwhelming for her, with uncommon ease.

This, it was gathered, endeared her to a lot of people and in no time, she received awards for her worthy deeds.

However, after she was removed by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, she has struggled to remain relevant. Upon leaving the office, she ventured into politics. She contested a seat in the Senate but lost.

When the former ambassador indicated an interest in the senatorial seat, many were of the opinion that she would easily win the ticket, considering the fact that her late husband and the former Biafra warlord, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, was the leader of APGA until his death.

Since the death of her husband, Bianca has associated with APGA and participated in all its activities.

During the 2019 general election, there was hardly any major political rally she did not attend and she always made powerful speeches.

In fact, many political analysts were of the view that it was the influence of Ojukwu that made it possible for APGA to have the stronghold on Anambra State politics and they believe that one way to appreciate the late Ikemba’s contributions for the consistent, excellent performance of APGA in the state, would be to allow his widow to take Ojukwu’s name to the senate.

Some even argued that if it were in other climes, Ojukwu’s wife would have been given an automatic ticket for any political position she was interested in. That was why there was excitement in some quarters when she showed interest in the Senate for Anambra South.

But it was not as easy as she had thought.

Instead, she was rewarded with a betrayal while her enemies tried as much as possible to push her to the background and dumped her in the political wilderness. But the more they try to literally bury her politically, the more she sprouts like a seed in a well fertile land.

We gathered that she has reportedly been moving around seeking the elders’ blessings for her next political move in Anambra.

The name Otunba Subomi Balogun means many things to many people. To some, the name stands for courage and tenacity; to some others, it stands for inventiveness, brilliance, and distinction.

Balogun, a colossus in the Nigerian money market, is a man of excellence, integrity. He is also a trailblazer and pioneer extraordinaire.

Indeed, the founder of FCMB Group is a philanthropist with a difference.

He does his things with the fear of God and huge respect for humanity.

The colourful and flamboyant octogenarian, Society Watch gathered, recently proved again that he is never tired of helping others, as he donated relief materials to the people of IjebuOde in Ogun State as part of palliative measures to cushion the effects of the lockdown occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19.

This gesture, as disclosed by a source, is one of his countless interventions since the onset of the deadly coronavirus. The billionaire has donated 750 bags of rice to

community leaders in Ijebu-Ode, 150 bags of rice to residents of the Erinlu community in Ijebu Ode, and the Anglican Church, Italowajoda in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The latest donation, which was 300 bags of rice, was handed over by Prof. Bankole Okuwa, the curator of Otunba Tunwase Museum, for distribution among the residents of Ijebu Ode. It is a fact that Balogun’s act of fellowfeeling has been described as legendary, particularly his love for children’s healthcare.

Society Watch gathered that he had donated more facilities to that sector more than any known Nigerian.

Lately, he built and donated the 40bed children hospital, known as Iye Subomi Child Care Centre at the Ijebu-Ode General Hospital. He also built the Otunba Tunwase Children’s Emergency Ward at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and the widely reported N3.7 billion Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Centre (OTNPC) at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

Balogun

CNN’s Peek into Tolani’s World

tolani

“My angel Tolani and her music made an appearance on CNN Inside

Africa this week. So proud, well done!�

This was a post - accompanied by a video - put up by billionaire industrialist and philanthropist, Femi Otedola, a few days ago on social network site, Instagram.

It is said that loving fathers who provide praise, support and unconditional love, give their daughters the gift of confidence and high self-esteem.

Daughters who have these traits grow into happy and successful adults.

This is evident in the relationship between Otedola and his three daughters, who have carved a niche for themselves in different ways in the entertainment industry and keep attracting recognition and accolades, by striving for excellence in their individual pursuits.

Beautiful and reserved, Tolani Otedola is an accomplished singer and songwriter whose recent feature on CNN’s Inside Africa is confirmation that her silvery voice and evocative lyrics are gaining global appeal.

In the feature, Tolani offers a glimpse into her world and how she gets inspired.

She sees the bright side in the current

global climate and deems it a good time for introspection, writing and creativity. “It’s a good time to be a Nigerian creative,� she said. “People are excited by the art, fashion, music, film that’s coming out of Nigeria.�

Tolani is steadily building a reputation as an African songstress to look out for. She is passionate about music, even though she studied Psychology for her first and second degrees at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

However, she was in a band of four at university, and made sure to gain formal education in pursuit of her passion with additional Diplomas in Music & Master Performance from Tech Music School in London.

Tolani debuted her music in 2017 at a well-attended and criticallyacclaimed performance in Lagos. She has followed that up with singles including ‘Tenderoni’, ‘Liar’, ‘Ba Mi Lo’ and ‘Maybe Baby’.

Billionaire Businessman Segun Adebutu’s Giant Strides Calling business magnate, Segun Adebutu, a Nigerian visionary is no exaggeration. For ten years, Adebutu quietly and organically nurtured his energy firm, Petrolex Oil & Gas Limited, into a key player in a volatile sector.

But in December 2017, Adebutu came under the spotlight when he drew the high and mighty, including Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, to Ibefun, Ogun State to announce his major projects.

For the debonair businessman, it was the first time many would truly see him outside the operations of Premier Lotto, the lottery megalith built by his multibillionaire father, Chief Kessington Adebutu.

On that day, the vice president inaugurated Africa’s largest tank farm built by Adebutu’s indigenous oil and gas firm. The tank farm is a 300-million litre storage facility with 20 storage tanks.

But inaugurating the largest petroleum products depot was just a tip of the iceberg, as Society Watch gathered that the intention of Adebutu is to turn the small town of Ibefun, particularly the project axis, into one large energy complex that will be reckoned as the biggest and best in Africa.

While running for years now, the Petrolex tank farm at Ibefun has become a prime jewel for the Nigerian government as the nation faces a storage crisis occasioned by the downturn in oil prices due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With over 84 million barrels of crude oil sitting at sea without buyers, upstream oil companies may have found a reprieve with this

massive storage facility.

With other mega projects such as the ongoing 250,000bpd oil refinery, a lube plant, a fertilizer plant, gas processing facility, and a power plant to power these operations but also with an option to sell the excess to the national grid.

Evidently, Adebutu is committed to seeing his over $5-billion refinery helping to make up for the poor output of government-owned refineries that have been operating between 5 and 10 percent capacity.

When completed, the refinery, described as the second-largest refinery in sub-Saharan Africa, will complement the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, which will process 650,000bpd and already nearing completion. As of now, work is going on at the refinery with Petrolex’s technical partners at the site.

The choice of Ibefun, the sleepy town at the bank of a river connecting Lagos lagoon, as the location for Adebutu’s legacy investment, has put the Ijebu ancient town’s name on the global business map and created immense opportunities for its people.

Adebutu, an Economics graduate of the University of Ibadan, started trading in oil and gas in 2004.

His entrepreneurial dexterity has seen him grow that small business into a worldclass conglomerate with interests in shipping, mining, construction, infrastructure, real estate, telecommunications, and entertainment.

Aside from his businesses, the amiable businessman also sits on the board of Premier Lotto, Nigeria’s most successful lotto and sports

Adebutu

betting firm, founded by his philanthropist father, Odole Adebutu.

Besides his monumental investments in oil and gas, and involvement in the gaming industry, Adebutu’s vast business empire reaches into mining with a company that arguably has one of Nigeria’s most endowed sets of mining assets in one portfolio; a marine logistics firm also reputed to be quietly amassing the largest fleet in sub-Saharan Africa and already quietly executing several multimillion-dollar contracts across West Africa; coupled with an urban entertainment outfit based in America and Nigeria and boasting of top artistes like Skales and Aramide.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

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with JOSEPH EDGAR ̥͸Π͸Πͽ͝ͺͽͿΠ̢͚

Covid – (4)19 You see, I hardly ever agree with the Kogi State governor.

When I am counting very serious commentators on national issues, I hardly ever think of the young man. But his recent comments on this Covid thing resonate very critically with a large section of the society. He had queried why other more deadly illnesses have been pushed to the background. He told a story of an 85-year-old man who had some medical challenges and was taken to Lagos where he was abandoned and later lost his life.

That is the reality of the country today. Hospitals have been shut down and all medical resources moved towards the fight against Covid. Mbok it is almost as if the authorities are wishing the thing should continue, with the hardworking commissioner in Lagos leading the pack. He will come with some projections that can kill

somebody. He first said we are projecting 75,000. That day, me I fainted and was only woken up with a local mix of garlic, lime and onions as prepared by High Chief in my Estate. As that one did not happen, he has come again with a 120,000-infection rate by July or something like that. What is wrong with this man na? Shey because we are hailing him? He will now be putting fear in people’s mind. They will just be dropping figures daily without taking time to drill down these figures and give us a statistical dissertation showing the prevalence either in geography, age, location, etc.

Is this how they taught them in school? Now, they are carrying out polls asking people to decide if the lockdown should continue or not. Which kind people are this na? During lockdown, we were in the hundreds, now we are

counting in thousands and you that have access to all information, you are now asking people who are looking for amala to eat to help you decide? This is why a large portion of the society is thinking that there is more to the whole thing abeg. You see why they flocked the banks, markets and everywhere in an attempt to regain normalcy. Mbok, it is looking like it is all man to himself o. The other day one pretty damsel kissed me on the cheek. I could not resist, she was really fine. I took the kiss but after went to six banks to check my temperature and when I got home gaggle with TCP and drank High Chief’s concussion. I nearly purge die but what else could I have done? I live in fear cos there is no more consensus leadership in this fight. Na God hand we all day.

Last, last we will be all ok as they say on the street.

HURRICANE WIKE This my paddy has carried his personal fear of this Covid to great lengths. He has turned his state into a scene of what I want to call comedic morbidity. That is making me laugh in pain. How for the life of me will you destroy a hotel because they did not follow the laid down rules on lockdown and just 24 hours after, ease the lockdown? You know that kind of laughter that you will be in pain at the same time you are crying. This level of democratic despotism is just laughable. Kai, I watched him the other day talking to traditional rulers like school children who were owing school fees. If he is not fighting Caverton, he is going against the Federal Government all in a bid to keep his state safe from the virus. That means that if he was Governor of Lagos, the epicentre of the outbreak, we would have been in big trouble. I can just imagine the fear that envelopes him at night that translates to these brash outwardly behaviour. Na fear, we need to help him with prayers.

the role of porn in the Nigerian entertainment space. You will not believe the figures – revenue, job creation. Duchess thinks I am just using the opportunity to be watching porn. I swear it is research and I will soon release my report.

But come and see our children kai.

It’s sad o. Mbok I really do not have an issue with this baba even as people are shouting about the role he played during the IBB and Abacha years and all that. What is my own?

That time I didn’t even have pubic hair so why would I bother? My own problem is that with the recent issues we are having in the country and the world, why do we always still go and unearth all these dragons and throw them at the centre? He was Foreign Minister I think in 1985 when the Chancellor of Austria was born.

The Prime Minister of Finland was born 1985 and the Prime Minister of New Zealand was born in 1980. So you can see my position. This Baba was already serving in 1983, what exactly is he expected to come and do at 100 years in 2020, does he even have a smart phone or understand how twitter works? Me I don keep quiet, make them no come disturb me. I no get face mask for them wahala.

this column. When I yab some people, they will send text and tell me that my grandfather died of kwashiorkor. One presidential candidate in the last election sef with military background even sent his aide with badly spoken English and I am sure bad breath to call me at 2am to register his displeasure. That one fear me sha. Cos I didn’t sleep for three days. But this my lord - Dr. Ibe Kachikwu called and patiently explained to me why it was wrong to have compared the six books that he wrote while in government to Bible tracts distributed by the Jehovah’s Witness ( na two people I offend o – Dr and Jehovah Witness, you see why I dey always purge).

Looks like someone is reporting me to Baba God. Any ways Dr explained very carefully his pedigree and the reasons behind the books which are to guide policy formulation and policy execution in the sector. As he spoke, I listened intently asking myself if na me the Duke of Shomolu this urbane gentleman dey take time to explain his position. I listened o but as he was talking to me, Duchess walks in and starts shouting that I didn’t flush the toilet. I told her to shut up that can’t she see that I am on the phone with the very eminent Dr.

Kachikwu- she said ‘who is that? A Nollywood Actor?’- I shout Former Minister of Petroleum, she say na lie that I was talking to one of the babes I used to go under the bed to speak to late in the night and that if I was serious, I should put it on video so she can see his face. Now, I am not sure if the honourable gentleman has Android as na text message he dey send. So I say – common leave me alone- she say na you and covid and your babes.

I will disinfect you. My lord after the conversation sent me copies of the books so I could see for myself. I am truly very sorry sir, those books look very very seriously written, no vex. Now my brother Aiboni a great lawyer himself is asking me to send him the books since he thinks I will not read them. What should I do sir, I have read the back cover though?

Kachikwu

Okupe

PROFESSOR IBRAHIM GAMBARI – I AM INDIFFERENT If you see how lethargic I am about this appointment, you will fear for me. When the news dropped and the video of baba coming into the office in his blue babaringa complete with face mask, I just turn my laptop to Xvideos. I am researching

Wike

DR IBE KACHIKWU – A SERIOUSMINDED GENTLEMAN You will not believe what I have seen since I took the job of writing

Gambari

Bello

THANK GOD FOR DR DOYIN OKUPE Kai, I didn’t even know that this my brother had gone down with this Covid thing until the report that he was discharged hit the airwaves. Dr. Okupe is a friend and I have met him severally. His Cousin Okupe that lives on the foot of the third mainland bridge is my man so you see my shock.

Anyways, we thank God for his mercy on his life with that of his madam. God will protect us all.

This thing will pass, I swear.

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MA ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERNATIONAL COVID-19 Lockdown and Night Influx of ‘Almajarai’ into the South: Avoiding Disintegration of Nigeria

T

he foundation of national unity in Nigeria has, at best, been very porous since the accession of Nigeria to national sovereignty on October 1, 1960.

The first and most critical reason for the weak foundation is the use of blocks of insincerity, the cement of treachery and polluted water to build the walls of Nigeria’s national unity. As efforts are being made to build Nigeria, the walls not only crack, but are also falling apart. This is the summary of Nigeria’s political history since the time of independence.

In this regard, the British colonialists probably did well by uniting the peoples of Nigeria, but, undoubtedly, also did very poorly by ensuring that the unity is only functionally destabilising.

For instance, the British tampered with the census figures of the country before political independence in 1960. When the total population of the country was only 32 million, they said it was 52 million. In fact, the population survey shortly before independence revealed that the Yoruba in the Southwest was the most populous region, but the British changed the figures to favour the North.

On the basis of the distorted census figures, national development agenda has always been adopted since 1960. On this same basis of wrong census figures, development and financial resources were also allocated. This situation was one of the main rationales for the unnecessary mutual suspicions at the level of the ethnic communities and why national unity has been far-fetched in the country. Without any gainsaying, the great extent of the mutual suspicions led to the outbreak of a civil war in 1967.

And yet, again, no meaningful lesson has been learnt from the war. National unity has always been by use of force or by manu militari since the end of military hostilities on January 12, 1970.

The battle against the secessionists was won but the war against non-secession is yet to be won. Peace has been difficult to secure in spite of the various efforts at peace-making.

General Yakubu Gowon began the implementation of his national unity agenda with a war slogan, ‘to keep Nigeria one, is a task that must be done.’ The ‘task’, during the military hostilities simply meant that no secession in whatever form, should be prevented. When military hostilities came to an end, the meaning of ‘task’ was, and still is, maintenance of peaceful coexistence. For the purposes of national unity and peaceful coexistence, General Gowon, whose name was redefined as ‘Go On With One Nigeria (GOWON),’ indeed, began to gowonise Nigeria by restructuring the four regions into 12 States. Subsequent governments continued with the restructuring by carving out new States. The country is currently playing host to 36 States.

Apart from state-creation as an instrument of national unity, General Gowon and Professor Adebayo Adedeji introduced the National Youths Service Corps on 22nd May, 1973. All Nigerian graduates below the age of 30 years were to be involved. The ultimate objective was to begin to build a new Nigerian society by fostering unity and cohesion of all Nigerian fresh graduates.

Inter-ethnic marriages through the instrumentality of the NYSC scheme were encouraged. As at today, there is nothing much to write home about the NYSC as an instrument of nation-building.

Most unfortunately, it should be said, the war is yet to come to an end as at this time of writing. The problem is increasingly becoming more complex, especially with the ‘exportation’ of the Almajarai from the Northern States to the southern parts of Nigeria.

The Influx as a Complication

In spite of the many other measures taken in the post-gowonian era, such as the adoption of the Federal Character Principle, establishment of a National Orientation Agency and Unity Schools, as well as the adoption of the doctrine of non-negotiability of national unity, it should be noted that national unity has remained essentially a dream. The dream has been difficult to translate into manifest destiny, simply because the governance of Nigeria is still largely predicated on political chicanery, ethnic chauvinism, and religious bigotry. And true enough, religious intolerance has become more critical an issue in the governance of Nigeria of today.

Why is it so difficult for any Government of Nigeria to ad-

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Aregbesola, Minister Internal Affairs dress the aforementioned issues of political chicanery ethnic chauvinism and religious intolerance? As a result of Nigeria’s ethnic diversity, ethnic chauvinism should naturally be expected.

However, why is it difficult to manage the country’s ethnic diversity, which ought to be a developmental asset, rather than being an underdevelopment liability? On religious intolerance, why should anyone kill another person because of God? Even if one has to kill on behalf of God, why must the killing be violently indecent? Killing softly or otherwise in an extrajudicial fashion is not acceptable in any civilising nation-state, but, most unfortunately, this is what currently obtains in Nigeria. This is most unacceptable and should not be so In the words of Uche Ume-Uche of the Evangel University in Akaeze, Ebonyi, and Chigozie Okonkwo of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, ‘government policies and projects are narrowly conceived and implemented to favour selected groups and communities. This heightens disagreements and controversies among the diverse peoples and communities, threatening the nation’s existence and development.’ Thus, the problem of political governance in Nigeria is simply the conception, narrowly or otherwise, of government policies to favour a certain ethnic group or community. This partly explains why different ethnic groups, not only talk about a country of six nations now, but are also toying with the rule of self-determination and actual secession.

Various suggestions on what Nigeria’s main problem is all about have also been made. For instance, the late Muammar Gaddafi has it that Nigeria cannot have peace unless the country is divided into Muslim North and Christian South. With the terrorising activities of the Boko Haram, and particularly with its openly declared objective of going to war in order to establish an Islamic State in Nigeria, there cannot but be an iota of truth in the suggestion of Muammar Gaddafi.

From the perspective of Jerry Rawlings, former president of

And true enough, theYoruba Southwest has responded in two major ways to the Government’s non-preparedness to discuss restructuring as an instrument of building a stronger and more united Nigeria: establishment of Operation Àmòtékùn and membership of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (UNPO), which was established on February 11, 1991 inThe Hague and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.The two have become an irreversible political instrument of legitimate self-defence and agitation for future self-determination. Probably in an attempt to make a mockery of Operation Àmòtékùn, the North came up with its own Operation Shege Ka Fasa on Thursday, February 6, 2020: Mockery in the sense of Operation Àmòtékùn having a leopard as its logo and Shege Ka Fasa, having a lion as its own logo. Mockery also, because Operation Àmòtékùn is not put in place to fight Northerners as a people but to fight anyone coming to threaten the peace and security of the people in the South-West region.

Consequently, establishing Operation Shege Ka Fasa as a counterweight to Operation Àmòtékùn can only strengthen the perception of a hidden agenda being manifested in the form of Fulani herdsmen’s violent attacks on owners of titled land in their own place and in the increasing influx of Almajarai into the South.There is the need to prevent the killing of Nigeria softly and inviting a violent disintegration of Nigeria

Ghana, the problem of Nigeria is the existence of neo-colonial leaders in the country. They are still implementing the colonial masters’ agenda in Nigeria. As argued by Rawlings, unless they are flushed out, there will never be any enduring solution to the centrifugal politics in the country. In this case, Nigeria’s main problem is the post-colonial mentality underlying political governance in Nigeria.

At the Nigerian level, Chief Audu Ogbe, in his analysis of the tragedy of Nigeria and how to cure Nigeria of its importation syndrome, argued that Nigeria’s problem began in 1986 with the adoption of the IMF Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP).

In other words, Chief Ogbe sees Nigeria’s problem from the economic prism, and holds the acceptance of the IMF-introduced SAP for Nigeria’s ordeal.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the Afenifere leader, noted on April 25, 2020 that ‘the beginning of our problem in this country was the military coup of 1966. The people who want to do mischief, particularly our brothers from the North, are cheating us under the present structure imposed on us by the military in 1966.’

More important, he said that there is no true federalism in the country, and that ‘as long as that Constitution (1999) exists, those of us in the South, who took part in the founding of this nation, under our constitutional democracy, will not accept.’ And perhaps most importantly, he complained that Nigeria ‘is a country where a section is imposing its will on the rest. They are using false population to get a majority in the parliament. The return to the genuine federal structure is imperative to free the rest of the country from servitude.’ In other words, the problem of Nigeria in the eyes of Chief Adebanjo is structural and the needed solution is the need to return to the ‘genuine federal structure’ on which Nigeria was built in the First Republic.

It is against this background that the influx of both the Almajarai and more elderly people from the North, perceived to be consciously pushed out to come and settle down in the southern parts of the country, is necessarily making the already bad situation more complex. The influx should therefore be espied further and understood in terms of its implications for national disintegration.

The Influx as a Centrifugal Factor

Before the advent of COVID-19, the administration of PMB has been faced with three main challenges to which PMB has not been able to respond clearly: allegations of a Fulanisation agenda; manifestations of a quest for an Islamic State; and public belief, rightly or wrongly, of Government’s complicity in the Fulani herdsmen’s violent occupation and destruction of farmers’ farmland in the South. The problem is not simply the existence of the challenges, but mainly the public perception that PMB has consciously kept quiet about the subject-matter.

Many have argued that every Nigerian has the legitimate right to move around the country, as well as settle down in any place of his or her choice to live. And true enough, the 1999 Constitution, as amended, provides for that. However, this constitutional provision has to be understood in the context of national safety, and particularly in terms of the lockdown put in place by PMB to contain the spread of the very contagious and deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

Many issues and questions have to be raised at this juncture.

First, there is the challenge of non-compliance with the President’s directive on lockdown in the FCT, Lagos State and Ogun State. The non-compliance is believed to be largely responsible for the increase in the figures of infected persons, a development that has also prompted a review of the lockdown policy on May 4, 2020. On this day, PMB not only announced the relaxation of the lockdown, but also introduced a new measure: a curfew from 8pm through 6am. Besides, he prohibited inter-state vehicular movements. Essential vehicular movements are exempted, but most unfortunately, the very exempted vehicles, that is, those providing social supplies, etc, are illegally being used during the period of the curfew to transport the almajarai and other people to the South.

Many of the almajarai are from infected States of the North, whose governors deny the existence of COVID-19 in their regions.

Why is it that it is during the curfew period that the almajarai are intensively being smuggled into the South? Why are the smugglings intensified and are all taking place at the same time?

True, Northern governors are reported to have decided to do away with the Almajarai henceforth. The Almajarai will therefore need alternative place of abode. However, why is it that the Governors are unable to deal decisively with the issue in the North and they are more interested in pushing them to the South? Put differently, why push them to the South? From various indicators, it is not simply because of the fear of possible importation of new cases of COVID-19 into the South, but particularly, because of the fear of Fulanisation and Islamisation.

Even if there is no northernisation agenda, many Southern elite strongly believe that there is a hidden agenda behind the influx of the Almajarai into the South. This is why many States in the South have refused entry to all those who attempted to come to their states. The refusal is a resultant from the need to comply with the Federal Government instruction to take all necessary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria. To allow law breakers to move freely, to frolic around with viruses in them, and deliberately or otherwise, infecting innocent compatriots, cannot but be a disservice and wasted efforts and funds. The influx is a dangerous threat to national strategic and health security.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

ARTS & REVIEW A

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SAVED BY THE LAST FLIGHTTO FRANKFURT Cover continued on Page 54

Chidi Kwubiri at work

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍŻÍľ 2020

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NEWSXTRA US Grants Nigeria over $1bn to Contain N’East Crisis

‡ $SSURSULDWHV P IRU ÀVFDO \HDU ‡ /DPHQWV OLPLWHG DFFHVV WR KXPDQLWDULDQ SXEOLFV Gboyega Akinsanmi Amid intractable humanitarian crises the activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWA) have generated in the Northeast, the United States has provided over $1 billion humanitarian assistance to Nigeria under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari alone.

For the 2020 fiscal year, also, the US has appropriated $431.75 million in foreign assistance to Nigeria, part of which is meant for the containment of escalating humanitarian challenges in the Northeast, the epicentre of the war against terrorism.

The figures were contained in a new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a US bipartisan policy research organisation, citing the Office of US Foreign Assistance Resources, Department of State, Washington.

The report, published on May 11 with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), analysed the consequences of terrorist campaigns in the Northeast;

humanitarian crises it had caused; humanitarian support Nigeria has received from the US and recommendations for effective response to humanitarian challenges in the region.

The report, which was titled “Out of Sight: Northeast Nigeria’s Humanitarian Crisis,� was authored by Interim Director, CSIS Humanitarian Agenda, Jacob Kurtzer and reviewed by Director, CSIS Africa Program, Judd Devermont.

The report acknowledged increased humanitarian response to the grievous conditions of over seven million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Northeast, though revealed that massive needs “persist in the troubled zone.�

In addition to human cost, the report observed that public officials “estimate economic loss to be up-wards of $9 billion, while the World Bank estimates infrastructure damage alone at over $9 billion and the economic loss of productivity at over $8 billion. “For the United States, the northeast competes for attention with myriad other priorities, including bilateral economic

ties, security crises elsewhere in the country and a substantial development port- folio,� the report said.

Citing figures obtained from the Office of US Foreign Assistance Resources, the report revealed that the US “remains the single largest donor to humanitarian needs in the northeast. Total foreign assistance funding appropriated to Nigeria in 2019 was nearly $700 million.�

In 2019, it equally noted that the US provided nearly $300 million to support the humanitarian response in Nigeria, bringing funding to a total of over $1 billion since the

humanitarian response began in earnest in 2016.

In 2014, as shown in the 45-page report, the US provided Nigeria $695,264 humanitarian assistance; $13,657,039 in 2015; $25,201,825 in 2016; $148,298,775 in 2017; $394,930,177 in 2018; $298,867,439 in 2019 and $178,177,061 also spent out of 431,750,000 it appropriated for 2020 fiscal year.

Specifically, the report acknowledged that the Northeast, the country’s theatre of terrorist operations, remained a priority for the US humanitarian officials working in Nigeria, who regularly

raise issues around humanitarian access, though with limited success.

With robust economic and security ties, including an ongoing nearly $600 million sale of Super Tucano aircraft, the report observed that humanitarian issues hardly received priority or in commensurate magnitude or prioritisation.

The report, therefore, added that the humanitarian response is also impacted

by U.S. legal requirements regarding humanitarian action in areas with known presence of foreign terrorist

organizations and by prioritizing counterterrorism concerns over humanitarian needs.

The report lamented the military impediments to humanitarian action in the Northeast along with the documented history of abuses, which it said, raised critical questions regarding the role of US security sector assistance.

It observed that much of the US efforts to human rights-related provisions in the US law, including the Leahy Act, in no small measures, reduced the effective footprint needed to effectively engage Nigerian forces.

NBA, CSOs to Protest Killing of UNIJOS Student Seriki Adinoyi in Jos There is palpable tension in Jos, Plateau State as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Equity International Initiative (EII), Social Justice (SJ), and Nigerian Youths announced plans to protest the killing of Mr. Rinji Peter Bala, a 300 level student of the University of Jos allegedly by a personnel of the military Special Task Force (STF).

The march which was billed to hold yesterday, was deferred after government and security chiefs in the state warned that the exercise might be hijacked by hoodlums to perpetrate violence in the state.

The groups are protesting the gruesome killing of the student by trigger-happy personnel of the

Special Task Force (STF) who shot the student at a close range killing him on the spot.

Rinji, was arrested together with his friends who had paid him a visit and were returning home during a lockdown hour. They were taken to a military post along Zaria Road, Jos where they were tortured and eventually released.

As they were leaving, after their release, one of the operatives attached to the sector allegedly pulled out his gun and shot at the boys killing Rinji.

Confirming the killing, the spokesman of the Task Force, Major Ibrahim Shittu regretted the unfortunate death of the student. In a statement, Shittu said that the boys were arrested

by Sector 1 patrol troops of the

Court Strikes out Suit against NIPC A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out a suit filed

by Ali Sani, a member of the Governing Council of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) on the grounds that the Plaintiff lacked legal right to bring the Suit and that the Suit was statute barred.

Sani had sought to restrain NIPC, the Chairman of NIPC and the Executive Secretary of NIPC from appropriating and spending funds realised as internally generated revenue (IGR).

He also filed an ex parte application and interlocutory application for an injunction to restrain the commission from further spending its IGR for 2018, 2019 and 2020.

The trial judge, Justice A. I. Chikere had the preliminary stage granted an interim order restrain-

ing NIPC from appropriating and spending its IGR pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for injunction.

The grant of the interim order brought a substantial part of NIPC’s operations to a halt and made it impossible for NIPC to meet its financial obligations to third parties, since it funds most of its operational expenses from IGR. As a result of the order, the commission was disconnected for non-payment of electricity bills and was unable to pay for diesel to power generators.

The commission was also unable to pay the salaries of outsourced service providers (security guards, cleaners, gardeners and others) from December 2019.

SUPPORT FROM THE KNIGHTS L-R: Exco member, Council of Knights, Lagos Mainland Chapter, Methodist Church Nigeria, Bunmi Ilori; Manager, Lagos State Medical Warehouse, Lekki, Olajide Rasack; Council’s Vice Chairman, Bolaji Onabadejo; Treasurer, Herbert Agbebiyi and Exco member, Wilberforce Aina at the presentation of medical equipment, toiletries and other consumables to the Lagos State Government in Lagos... recently

Delta Assembly Asks FG to Probe Death of Fish in Forcados, Escravos Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The Delta State House of Assembly has asked the federal government to investigate the mysterious death of large quantities of fish particularly in the Forcados and Escravos rivers in the state as a matter of urgency.

The assembly, also, asked the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to commission inquiry into the death of fish in the state’s coastal areas.

It made the call in a resolution it passed on Friday to draw the attention of the authorities to another epidemic waiting to happen if necessary action was

not taken to nip the danger in the bud.

Under matters of public importance, the lawmaker representing Warri South-West Constituency, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor raised the alarm over the mysterious death of large quantities of fish in the state’s waters.

After deliberating on the motion, the lawmakers passed a resolution urging the president to direct the Federal Ministry of Environment and its agency, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to investigate the cause of the frequent cases of dead fish being washed ashore on the River

Forcados and Escravos River.

Guwor, in the motion, said the two rivers and their tributaries were apparently under the siege of yet unidentified disease presently killing fish along the shorelines of the aforementioned rivers.

He listed the areas worst hit by the strange development to include Ekemetagbene in Bomadi Local Government Area, Akparemogbene, Oyangbene and all communities in Ogulagha and Iduwini kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area as well as the entire Gbaramatu kingdom, all Ugborodo and Orere communities in Warri South West and Ogheye and other

communities in Warri North Local Government Area.

He asked the president to direct the relevant authorities to protect the biodiversity, conservation and sustainable development of the natural resources and the ecosystem of the affected communities from total extinction.

He urged the governor to direct the commissioners in charge of the ministries of environment and oil and gas to carry out public enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns on the health hazard and environmental consequences of consuming the dead fish in order to avoid outbreak of epidemic in the state.

Gunmen Kill Three Fulani Herdsmen, 10 Cows in Kogi Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja A settlement of Fulani herdsmen at Ofanwa Elubi Ocharu, Egume in Dekina Local Government Area (LGA), Kogi State came under attack at the weekend, that left three persons and ten cows dead.

Consequently, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN) has appealed to the Kogi State Government to stop the incessant killings of the Fulani headers in Egume,Dekina LGA. MCBAN’s Chairman in the state, Alhaji Wakili Damina made

this appeal at a session with journalists yesterday, revealing that the attack claimed no fewer than three Fulani herders and 10 cows in the settlement.

According to him, the incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. on Thursday when unknown gunmen attacked the Fulani Settlement in the area Damina, who spoke through MCBAN’s Assistant Secretary in Kogi, Mallam Adamu Abubarka, said the unknown attackers came to the Fulani settlement like a flash and killed people and went away.

He said similar incident had

happened in March when the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ayuba Ede, Igala Traditional Council and other stakeholders met to deliberate on the way forward to live in peace and harmony after a Fulani man was killed.

He lamented that the repeated killings of thier members in Igala land “is becoming unbearable.

Unlike March, this time around they lunched the attack at their camp. They started shooting at them without any offence at all. “The people of Igala have launched another attack on

our innocent members who were gruesomely killed in cold blooded on May 14,� he stressed.

He identified those killed in the attack asTine ldris, Fatu Idris, Abdulkareem Saleh and Yusuf Muhammed.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and vowed to bring the perpetrators to book.

In a statement by its Public Relation Officer, Mr. William Ayah, the command said in the attack, three persons and nine cows were killed during the attack on the Fulani community.

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NEWS XTRA/TRIBUTE

Secondus: Kashamu No Longer Member of PDP t Insists no crisis in Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo chapters Chuks Okocha inAbuja The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Uche Secondus yesterday said that from available records with the party, Senator Buruji Kashamu was not a member of the party as he

had been expelled from PDP. Secondus, also, said there was no crisis within the chapters of the party in Ondo, Ogun and Ekiti states, explaining that once the covid-19 pandemic is contained, the perceived misunderstanding would be sorted out.

Speaking on Buruji, the national chairman explained that prior to the general elections in 2019, he was expelled due to his anti party activities.

“From our records, he is an expelled member and I have no record as the national chairman of PDP that he has

returned”, he said.

Secondus said the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, announced the expulsion of Senator Buruji Kashamu at the end of an emergency National Executive Committee meeting of the party in Abuja.

On the crisis in Ogun state chapter of the party, Secondus

Covid-19: PDP Chieftain Congratulates Dokpesi, Family Sylvester Idowu in Warri AchieftainofPeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Sunny Onuesoke yesterday congratulated the Founder of DAAR Communication Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi and members of his family on their recovery from COVID-19.

Onuesoke, who contested for governorshipofficeinDeltaState in2019,describedtherecoveryof

Dokpesiandhisfamilymembers as God’s wonders in a statement yesterday.

Dokpesiandthreemembersof hisfamilyhadtestedtopositiveto Covid-19andweresubsequently admitted at the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Abuja.

But they were successfully treated and discharged at the teaching hospital after testing negativetothevirusfewdaysago.

Congratulating the media

leader,Onuesokesaidthehealing of Dokpesi and his family was evident that God “still answers prayersmostlywhentheperson that is affected is human and have clean heart.

“We give glory to God for healing you and your family members. Your recovery is not the work of human, but God deemed it fit to heal you and your family members.

“Wehaveheardcasesoffamily

members,whodiedofCOVID-19 in developed countries where the medical facilities are available. But in your case, it is God at work.”

Onuesoke appealed to the federal and state governments to increase COVID -19 testing centres in the country as well as provide more quarantine centres for easy and fast treatment of patients to save lives of Nigerians.

said that indeed there was no crisis, as “on March 4, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja granted an order to prevent the Buruji faction led by Mr. Adebayo Dayo from conducting ward, local government and state congresses in the state”.

THISDAY gathered that the congresses eventually took place as Buruji and his loyalists ignored the alleged court order.

Secondus reiterated the position of the party, explaining that the PDP has not conducted any congress for the election of the party officers at any level of the party – ward, LGA Chapter or state – in Ogun State.

He said that this was in obedience to the interim order made by Justice Inyang Ekwo, in Suit No. FCT/AB/ CS/208/2020 on March 4, 2020 directing the maintenance of the status quo until the hearing of the motion on notice which

was still pending on account of the disruption of judicial activities by COVID-19.

Secondus explained that for the benefit of all members, there was only one PDP, as a political party in Nigeria whose national headquarters is at Wadata Plaza, Plot 1970 Michael Okpara Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.”

He said: “It is the sole responsibility of NEC/NWC of the party to conduct congresses for the elections of party leaders at all levels of the party; and no state organ or individual has such power except as may be expressly donated by the NEC/NWC and therefore has done or donated such powers to anyone to represent it.”

In view of this, Secondus said that the party had not mandated any organ of the party to exercise that right on its behalf and that same had not been exercised with regards to Ogun State”.

Soremekun: Life of a Legend Prof. Kayode Soremekun,Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) and former Chairman, Editorial Board, BusinessDay, turns 67 on May 21. His life depicts both challenges and triumph. writes Biodun Fanoro

G

reatness, no doubt, is the dream of every man. Some achieved greatness while some acquired it. Some people do attain greatness by reason of birth while by virtue of exceptional contributions to human development.

The latter has, of course, helped transform the history of mankind at different times and in different nations.

Professor Kayode Soremekun, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), belongs to the class of leaders that achieved greatness by reason of sheer exceptional contribution to free speech as a media leader; capacity building as a teacher of note and public management as an astute university administrator.

Without debate, Soremekun was not born into greatness. Yet, by industry and providence, he secured himself a place in the modern history of university administration in Nigeria. He was not born with silver’s spoon. Yet, with God and tenacity of hope, he has been able to break limits in both academic and media professions.

Born on May 21, 1953, Soremekun will 67 next Thursday. From his birth to date, his life portrays both challenges and success. His father was a primary head master. That perhaps placed him on a good standing to excel academically. But in 1957, just before he turned four, death plucked his mother, making his dream of greatness glimmer.

Despite this grim reality of being a semi orphan, his father was visionary enough to see hope of future greatness in his son. Prophetically, he christened him Olukayode, even before death struck and took his mother away in the winter of 1957. Literarily, Olukayode means the Lord has visited the family of Soremekun with bounties and joy.

It was in this environment of daunting challenges that Soremekun lived to achieve greatness. Born in Lagos, but hailed from Abeokuta, Soremekun continued his childhood education, turning these challenges to a driving force that energised him in 1967 to gain admission to the country’s probably best secondary school, the prestigious, King’s College, Lagos, which he attended on a scholarship.

Having completed his secondary education in 1971, Soremekun gained admission to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1972 to study. After a year in the university, he was designated a National Award Scholar. By 1976, at the age of 23, he bagged Bachelor’s Degree in English/History Armed with the first degree, Soremekun did not stop to aspire to be great. To put action to this, the young man, who probably must have met one or two young lecturers in his Ife alma mater and made them models, wasted no time in returning to Ife in 1978 for his M.Sc. Degree in International Relations which he completed in one year.

After his Master’s Degree, Soremekun went into journalism full time. His first port of call was Times International, where he served as Staff Writer. His talent distinguished him and was transferred to the Editorial Board of The Daily Times. Amid the sickening politics of the Second Republic and its consequence on the newspaper, he left for his alma mater in 1982 to undertake his doctoral research programme while serving as an Assistant Lecturer.

Clearly, God was at work here. For this significant change of career from journalism to academic was largely facilitated by his long-term mentor, Professor Ralph Onwuka who supervised his Master’s dissertation and Ph.D thesis. He completed his doctoral programme at a record time with focus on “Nigerian Petroleum Policy and External Relations.”

Soremekun, a highly cerebral scholar, capped his doctoral feat with a post-doctoral studies at the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, Netherlands and the School of Public Affairs, University of Maryland, College Park in the United States. Respectively, at these

Soremekun institutions, Soremekun studied International Law and the United States Foreign Policy Process.

In the course of his career, Soremekun is a meritorious winner of several international awards, Fellowships and recognition, among which were: Consultant, Heinrich Boll Foundation, East and South Africa; Rockefeller Residency Fellowship at Bellagio, Italy, Senior Fulbright Research Fellowship, Consultant and Resource Person to the Swedish based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, (IDEA) Consultant and Resource Person to the Commonwealth.

Soremekun, an erudite scholar, has proven that he is a skilfully trained and a thoroughbred social scientist. He has successfully maintained dual ‘citizen’ of two professions, having successfully provided the necessary nexus between academics and the media, coming and going out of the Fourth Estate of the Realm at different occasions and performing different roles, initially on a full time basis, and later, on part-time basis. Indeed, much of the immediate foregoing explains why Soremekun is often described as a public-spirited intellectual, who occupies the critical interface between academic on one hand and journalism on the other.

Part of his media exploits include Visiting Editorial Board Member of The AM News, a pro-democracy, quasi-guerrilla newspaper; Visiting Editorial Board Member of The Guardian, The Compass Newspapers. Daily Times, The Champion and BusinessDay where he served as Chair of the Editorial Board before he was invited to serve as the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye Ekiti.

Soremekun lectured for over 20 years at his Ife alma mater, where he was Dean of the Faculty of Administration and Head Department of International Relations. He later moved to the University of Lagos, where he was appointed Head, Department of Political Science. Subsequently, he joined the Covenant University, Ota. At Covenant University, he served as the Dean, College of Development Studies and Head, Department of Political Science and International Relations.

He later joined the Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Unit of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria in 2014. In February 2016, the Federal Government appointed him the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE). To many, all these laurels might have proclaimed Soremekun as being

great. But events have shown that the above is simply a precursor, it is a vehicle that just ferried the scholar to his glittering, imperishable and lasting greatness. Hereunder are his uncommon achievements at FUOYE, which has redefined the history of university education, particularly in Nigeria.

To properly appreciate the depth of achievements this scholar has recorded in four years at FUOYE, it is pertinent and instructive to lay out the underlining perspective that the institution is barely eight years old. Precisely, it was established in 2011 alongside eight others under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR. The nine institutions took off at the same time.

At first, it is very tempting to start from what many may consider the least or the abstract but for which he earned himself a gold medal.

He has been able to successfully manage the generally powerful Governing Council and the not -too-powerful university management to perform those wonders in all sectors of the university. This is a significant achievement if the war-like situations in some universities are anything to go by.

Still on the abstract, Soremekun broke the record in award of Honorary degrees, when during the last two convocations and award of degrees ceremony in the university, he moved away from the tradition where Honorary doctoral degrees are awarded to money-bags, politicians, public officers with questionable wealth, bankers or oil magnates. Rather, he recognised Imam Said Abubakar who in 2018 saved the life of 262 Christians who were being chased by insurgents who wanted to kill them.

It was reported that the cleric could not even fund his trip to receive the award not to talk of having money to dole to the university. Other eminent people who were given awards solely on merit for distinguishing themselves in their fields include Felix Ajakaiye, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Ekiti who was one of the few clerics at the vanguard of June 12 struggle in 1993, Dr Efunjoke Coker, first indigenous Principal of Queen’s College, Lagos and the legendary British-born educationist, Guy Garguilo, who gave his life to Nigeria’s educational sector.

Besides, Soremekun has in his four years in the university expanded the academic structure of the university, increasing the departments from mere 22 in 2016 to 63, now fully accredited departments and the faculties from 4 to 9. He has the rare record of working assiduously to make FUOYE the only institution among the 9 universities that has faculties of Law and Pharmacy positively verified and running full degree programme in the various departments. Under him, FUOYE has the sole record of being the only one from the 2011 Class of 9 that has begun post-graduate programmes at both the Master and Doctoral levels and has graduated some of them. Today, there are five faculties running 29 post-graduate programme in the university. He also has the record of increasing students’ population from 1,012 when he assumed office to 21, 433 as at the current 2019/2020 academic Session.

He equally made an admirable stride on expansion of academic programmes with the introduction of Distance Learning programmes. The university is now running pre-degree courses in virtually all the programmes offered at the degree level. It also runs a programme tagged Top Up to upgrade HND graduates to a full degree status.

When he assumed office, the university did not have its own portal or ICT. It was using that of Obafemi Awolowo University. The story has changed. FUOYE now has its own independent portal, website and ICT. He achieved the same feat in the area of power as the university was solely and formerly using generator as its source of power. But today, he has connected the two campuses of the university to the national grid.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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CICERO

Editor:Olawale Olaleye Email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819

IN THE ARENA

COVID-19: Why Another Lockdown Isn’t Expedient Cases of the COVID-19 pandemic might be rising in the country but another lockdown won’t make any difference in stemming the spread of the dreaded virus. Samuel Ajayi writes

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ast week, the Lagos State government reportedly put it into vote on Twitter on whether or not lockdown should be reintroduced to check the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though while this could not be independently confirmed, it was reported that a majority of the respondents actually voted for re-introduction of the lockdown.

It remains to be seen if the state government would act on the result of the polls, but it goes without saying that from all indications, it is debatable if another lockdown would make any difference in arresting the spread of the pandemic, and the reasons for this are very obvious.

In the real sense of it, perhaps the state government had every reason to start mulling the idea of reintroducing the lockdown. One of such reasons was the non-adherence to safety measures put out by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the number one of these measures is social/physical distancing.

On May 4, the day the lockdown was lifted, Nigerians, especially, those in Lagos, trooped out to their banks and they were very disturbing scenes in virtually all the branches of the banks that opened for business.

Crowds gathered in front of these banks and there was no physical distancing whatsoever. And to worsen it all, some wore their facemasks while others simply refused to wear them. And they were mingling, shoving, pushing and elbowing themselves.

A bank customer and online marketer, Oladele Morakinyo, said many of those who were in the banks that day were people who had one issue or the other to sort out in their banks but had not been able to do so due to the lockdown. He added that being the first Boss Mustapha, Chairman, PTF sengers at a time while commercial buses can no longer day of post-lockdown, they had to bombard the few have more than sixty per cent of their capacity. branches that opened for business.

All these measures are meant to ensure social distanc“Many of those we saw in those branches that day ing and stem the spread of the dreaded COVID-19. And had one issue or the other to sort out in their banks to some extent, these measures are working, especially, and the lockdown had not allowed them. So, they had those that have to do with commercial transportation. to use the opportunity of the first working day after This is why many are of the opinion that introducing the lockdown to go to their banks. But I must add that what we saw that day was very disturbing,” Morakinyo another lockdown might not really change anything.

And there are reasons to back this up. stated.

The lockdown, while it lasted, was poorly implePerhaps, it was due to this that the Lagos State mented and with no thanks to security agents, who saw government gazetted that anyone, who fails to use his the lockdown as opportunity to make money. or her facemask in public would be liable to a fine of For instance, even with inter-state lockdown, there N10,000 or go on community service for a period of have been movements of goods and human beings time. across states, which forced the Ekiti State governor, It seems the state government is very serious about Kayode Fayemi, to call out security agencies and it. In Oshodi, a very busy Lagos suburb, there was full charged them to assist government in enforcing the enforcement of the law during the week. Anyone not with his or her facemask was promptly arrested, tried in lockdown.

“Reports of total disregard of the preventive directives mobile court and sentenced. especially at our boundary towns is very discouraging,” It is believed that this would go a long way in enforcing not only social or physical distancing, but also Fayemi said in a press briefing held in Ado-Ekiti, last month. the discipline that comes with it.

Medical experts have been saying, for the past one Recall that the state government currently places a month that, humanity must learn how to live with ban on all forms of commercial motorcycles except COVID-19 until a vaccine is found and the virus is those being used for courier services. defeated. They warned of the health implications of In the same vein, commercial tricycles, popularly keeping people under lockdown for a long period of called ‘keke’, cannot also convey more than two pas-

time.

Last week, the WHO warned that Coronavirus might not completely go away but what would remain would be a weaker strain of the virus. But the body warned that the world must prepare for cases of mental health issues as a result of the long period of lockdown as well as the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s businesses and means of livelihoods.

Dr. Jay Osi-Samuels, a Harvard-trained public health expert and Director of Laboratory Services of AIDS Prevention Initiative for Nigeria (APIN), told THISDAY recently that the medical expert in him would have suggested that lockdown be kept in place for as long as possible but the human being in him believes that governments across the world have to look for ways of managing the pandemic while people are allowed to go back to their businesses.

To show that life has got to go on, the German Bundesliga started yesterday while the Spanish La Liga too would start next week. The English Premiership had been given the clear to start training from June 1.

Beyond this, countries are opening up gradually while calling on their citizens to maintain social distancing and other safety measures.

From all indications, the world has to learn to live with COVID-19 until a cure is found and above all, each person’s safety is in his or her hands.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

T Yusuph Bichi, DG, DSS

DSS and the Avoidable Damages

he Department of State Services (DSS) was on Thursday, awarded N10million fine as damages for illegally detaining a trader, Mr. Anthony Okolie, for a period of 10 weeks without any charge, although he was accused of using a SIM card previously assigned to President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Hanan, by the MTN. Ruling on the suit filed by Okolie, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State, who awarded damages, however, absolved Hanan, and struck out Okolie’s prayer requesting her, and the

telecoms company to pay N500million.

This, evidently, could have been avoided had the DSS been diligent in its duty. It’s bad enough that Hanan was said to have even denied ever reporting a lost SIM, therefore, the DSS operation – from Okolie’s arrest to his 10 weeks detention – was illegal.

Fond of ‘leaving leprosy to treating eczema’, the respect, dignity and professionalism for which the agency was known had diminished significantly over the years, leaving the nation with a DSS that is now constantly at war with sister agencies, even if at national expense.

Shameful and disgraceful!

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž MAY 17, 2020

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BRIEFINGNOTES Meet Professor Gambari, Buhari’s New Go-to Man President Muhammadu Buhari has opted for Prof Ibrahim Gambari, a trusted ally with vast experience, as his new Chief of Sta. The seasoned diplomat armed with a rich resume, will need to deploy his renowned nous in a delicate national assignment that has, in recent times, come with increased inuence, scrutiny and responsibility, writes Demola Ojo

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Ki-Moon.

His last appointment in the UN was from January 2010 to July 2012, when Ban Ki-moon, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, appointed him the Joint African Union-United Nations Special Representative for Darfur, usually referred to as the world’s largest international peacekeeping mission.

rof Ibrahim Agboola Gambari was announced as President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff last week during Nigeria’s first virtual Federal Executive Council meeting. Gambari, who replaces the late Mallam Abba Kyari, was one of the few FEC members present at the meeting held at the Presidential Villa, with others joining via video conferencing.

The profile of the new Chief of Staff lends further credence to the increased importance of his role under a President, who has a history of delegating responsibilities to trusted aides and deputies.

A scholar and diplomat, Prof Gambari had served seven Nigerian Presidents/ Heads of States and four United Nations Secretaries-General. One of these roles was with President Buhari, as his External Affairs Minister during the then Major General Buhari’s 18-month stint as Head of State between 1984 and 1985.

That was just one of many assignments Gambari had undertaken in his service to Nigeria in particular, and Africa in general.

His most recent occupation was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, a non-governmental thinktank, which he founded for the purpose of research, policy studies, advocacy and training on the nexus between conflict prevention and resolution, democratisation and development in Africa. He has many more achievements to his name.

Fit for Purpose

Aristocrat, scholar, ambassador

Born Ibrahim Agboola Gambari on November 24, 1944, in Ilorin, Gambari is a blueblood, whose brother was Emir of Ilorin and whose nephew is the current Emir. After his primary education in Ilorin, he proceeded to King’s College, Lagos, and subsequently attended the London School of Economics, where he obtained his B.Sc. Gambari...the face of a new start degree in Economics in 1968.

He later obtained his M.A. Political Science and PhD. all in Washington D.C. from 1986 to 1989.

International Relations degrees from Columbia UniverOtherwise known as Ambassador Gambari, he sity, New York in 1970 and 1974 respectively. holds the record of being the longest serving Nigerian Gambari had already started teaching in 1969 at City Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the United University, New York, and later became an assistant Nations from 1990 to 1999, serving under five Heads professor at the State University of New York from of State and Presidents: Ibrahim Babangida, Ernest 1974 to 1977. He returned to Nigeria to work as a senior Shonekan, Sani Abacha, Abdulsalami Abubakar and lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1977, Olusegun Obasanjo. where he rose to become a professor in 1983.

In 1990, he was appointed chairman of the UN’s The same year, at 39, he became the Directorspecial committee against apartheid for four years, until General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, an Nelson Mandela became the first Black South African appointment made possible by President Shehu Shagari, President in 1994. from where he was poached to serve under Buhari as Gambari has subsequently held several positions at External Affairs minister. the UN. In 1999, he was the President of UNICEF and After his time as minister came to an end with later became UN Under-Secretary-General and the the advent of a new military government, Gambari first Special Adviser on Africa to the UN Secretaryproceeded to be a Visiting Professor at three universiGeneral, Kofi Annan, from 1999 to 2005. Gambari was ties: Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International also Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs from Studies, Georgetown University and Howard University 2005 to 2007 under Secretary-General’s Annan and Ban

There is no denying that the role of Chief of Staff has taken on extra significance under the leadership of President Buhari – a personal appointment by the President without recourse to the Senate – the responsibilities of a Chief of Staff are usually defined by the principal.

The Chief of Staff is the senior operational member of the Office of the President and the principal channel of communication between the President and the government. He is responsible for the official programme and correspondence of the President. Through these roles, the position naturally wields considerable influence.

Responsibilities of the Chief of Staff also include selecting key presidential staff and supervising them, controlling the flow of people to Aso Villa, managing the flow of information, protecting the interests of the President, negotiating with the National Assembly and other branches of government to implement the President’s agenda, and advising the President on various issues.

Gambari’s antecedents as an accomplished diplomat should come handy in balancing these roles. The coming days will be anything but smooth, especially, because the country, like many around the world, will be reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But having someone of Gambari’s international stature taking up the role at this time when countries are coming together to combat a common enemy bodes well for President Buhari.

With his intimidating resume, and following on the heels of the influence the late Kyari was perceived to have wielded, it is expected that Gambari would be in the spotlight, and with the attendant scrutiny and criticism that come with the visibility.

He will be in the crosshairs of those who believe they deserve unfettered access to the President and like his predecessor, must be ready to shoulder the blame for shortcomings within and outside his purview.

His comments - both in the past and recently - reveal his mindset. “In many ways, I have been privileged and with privilege comes a lot of responsibility,� he once said in an interview.

More recently, when asked by journalists what to expect from him as Chief of Staff, Gambari said at the Presidential Villa in Abuja: “We have not started. I’ll have to find out. I don’t report directly to the nation, I report to the president.�

Pressed further on his guiding principle, he replied, “To serve the president to the best of my ability.�

It is expected then, that Gambari will bring to bear his intellect, international network, professional and administrative experience in advancing the interests of President Buhari and by extension, the nation at large.

NOTES FOR FILE

Covid-19: Kaduna, Rivers, Enugu Aren’t Joking!

Three states of the federation – Kaduna, Rivers and Enugu – are taking the business of enforcement of the safety protocols more seriously than many others, because they know for a fact, that Covid-19 is not a joke, even though ignorance has continued to thrive in other places, due largely to the kind of leadership in place.

In Kaduna, Governor Nasir El-Rufai personally monitors and enforces compliance wherever necessary. His Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Nwike, is doing the same and perhaps taking it too far. In fact, his recent demolition of two hotels in violation of the Executive Orders of the state though came under scathing criticisms, and MXVWLĂ€DEO\ VR KH GHOLYHUHG D WRXJK PHVVDJH ZLWK

that action.

Enugu’s Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is though walking in the path of his two other colleagues; he has, KRZHYHU UHIXVHG WR PDNH KLV H͞RUWV SXEOLF Indeed, he closes from monitoring compliance, sometimes till 9pm each day. That’s how you know a man, who means business.

A majority of the people may disagree with the approaches of some of the governors DQG MXVWLÀDEO\ VR %XW DW WKH HQG RI WKH GD\ you can’t contest the fact that they’re getting UHVXOWV $ERYH DOO WKH\ R͞HU KRSH DV DJDLQVW some of their colleagues, who have not only GHP\VWLÀHG JRRG JRYHUQDQFH EXW FRQWLQXHG WR R͞HU LQDQH OHDGHUVKLS

El-rufai

Ugwuanyi

Wike

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 17, 2020

CICERO/ONTHEWATCH

Why Kalu’s Fate Still Hangs in the Balance Contrary to reports that the conviction and sentencing of a former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu had been quashed by the Supreme Court, he, however, remains in prison based on the axiom that the courts are no Father Christmas that grants you what you did not ask for. Davidson Iriekpen writes

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t was not until last Monday, when the Supreme Court released the judgment it delivered penultimate Friday that many people knew that it was not former Abia State Governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu’s conviction and sentencing that were quashed but those of his codefendant and former Director of Finance and Account at the state Government House, Ude Jones Udeogu.

Since Udeogu was convicted and sentenced alongside Kalu on December 5, 2019 by Justice Mohammed Idris, virtually everybody, including the media, literally took it for granted that the former governor’s 12-year conviction had been quashed.

But when the apex court, last Monday, released the judgment to the public and to the consternation of many Nigerians, it was discovered that Udeogu was the sole appellant in the case and direct beneficiary of the Supreme Court’s verdict.

A careful perusal of the judgment revealed that the court was specific in its pronouncements thus: “The case No. FHC/ABJ/CR/56/2007, as it pertains or relates to the appellant (Udeogu) as the 2nd defendant at the trial court, is hereby remitted to the Chief Judge of Federal High Court for re-assignment to another judge of the Federal High Court for trial de novo. Appeal allowed.”

To further confirm this, last Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Lagos issued Udeogu a warrant of release from the Kuje prison in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This, however, left Kalu Kalu being led away by operatives of the EFCC in prison, with many saying he could not directly benefit from the May 8 judgment of the apex court THISDAY investigation revealed that no sooner had since he was not part of the appeal.

Justice Idris commenced hearing the case than he was Sources close to the court revealed that the former elevated to the Court of Appeal as a judge. Since most governor may have to approach the Court of Appeal, where courts’ decisions are based on precedents, Kalu having he has a pending matter, to ask for his release following the been aware of a plethora of cases where the Supreme Court dismissal of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos dismissed or upturned matters based on the grounds of by the Supreme Court. elevation of judges, cleverly ambushed both the EFCC and Kalu, his company, Slok Nigeria Limited and Udeogo were Justice Idris. on December 5, 2019, convicted and sentenced by Justice THISDAY gathered that the first thing the former Mohammed Idris, who sat at the Federal High Court in governor and his lawyer, Gordy Uche (SAN) did, was to Lagos for a N7.2 billion fraud and money laundering case, draft a letter to the then President of the Court of Appeal, which followed their arraignment by the Economic and Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, asking that Justice Idris should Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on a 39-count charge. be allowed to conclude the case despite his promotion to the While Kalu and his company were found guilty on all the Court of Appeal.

39 counts and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, Udeogo The letter dated June 26, 2018, read in parts: “The above was convicted on 34 counts and sentenced to 10 years charge was filed since the year 2007, about 11 years ago imprisonment. and is now almost at its concluding states after a protracted But before their conviction, Udeogu in a well-orchestrated trial in which the prosecution filed seven additional Proofs plan has filed an appeal to challenge the conviction. His of Evidence, fielded 19 witnesses and closed its case. The lawyers argued that Justice Idris, who earlier dismissed his defence has since filed their respective no-case submissions, no-case submission, lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, which would have been ruled upon by His Lordship save because he had been elevated to the appeal court and ought for his recent elevation to the Court of Appeal. not to hear the case in the first place.

“We are therefore constrained to humbly request that While the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, he was Hon. Justice M.B Idris JCA, be allowed to conclude the lucky at the Supreme Court, which in a unanimous judgtrial of this part heard corruption trial at the Federal High ment quashed his conviction and sentencing. The seven-man Court, Lagos. Our application is hinged on the provisions of panel of the apex court justices led by Justice Bode RhodesSection 396 (7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice, Act Vivour, struck down section 396(7) of the Administration 2015, which provides that: of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), declaring it illegal and “Notwithstanding the provision of any other law to the unconstitutional. contrary, a judge of the High Court who has been elevated Justice Ejembi Eko, who read the lead judgment, declared to the Court of Appeal shall have dispensation to continue that the conviction of the appellant was null and void, to sit as a High Court Judge only for the purpose of explaining that since Justice Idris had already been appointed concluding any partly heard criminal matter pending before a judge of the Court of Appeal, it was improper for him to him at the time of his elevation and shall conclude the same hear the case. within a reasonable time. Provided that this subsection shall The jurist held that a judge of the Court of Appeal could not prevent him from assuming duty as a Justice of the not operate as a judge of the Federal High Court at the same Court of Appeal.’ time. He, therefore, ordered the Chief Judge of the Federal “We do sincerely appreciate inconveniences that may High Court to reassign the case for trial. have be associated with the grant of our application, both A source at the Nigeria Correctional Service, informed to the Lordship, Hon. Justice M.B Idris and to the Court THISDAY that the service was yet to receive any order to of Appeal, but in the rather peculiar circumstances of our release Kalu. He cited the processes and judgment of the case, re-starting this criminal trial de novo will work untold apex court, which he said only had Udeogu’s name as the hardship to all the defendants including the prosecution.” sole appellant.

While filing his no-case submission, Kalu, in one of the grounds, turned around to challenge the jurisdiction to the court and judge to continue to hear the case. As soon as The Ambush the no-case submission was dismissed, it was learnt that It was not until the prison authorities refused to release the former governor, thinking that he would benefit from Kalu, that facts started coming out on how the former any appeal on the case, urged is co-defendant, Udeogu, governor actually requested Justice Idris to conclude his to appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal while he case despite being elevated to the Court of Appeal.

continued with the case.

At the appellate court, THISDAY gathered that Udeogu lost, prompting him to approach the Supreme Court, where he finally won. But from the look of things, Kalu would have to carry his cross, since the Courts are no Santa Claus, that would give what was not asked for.

Relevant Precedents

Investigation by THISDAY revealed that the framers of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, perhaps, were not aware of previous instances, where similar cases were upturned in the past, otherwise, they would not have inserted section 396(7) in the Act. Knowing that most courts’ decisions are won and lost on the basis of precedents, it was alleged that Kalu cleverly ambushed both the EFCC and Justice Idris. Capitalising on a plethora of precedents, the former governor set baits that both the prosecution and Justice Idris fell for.

For instance, in a case between Ogbuanyinya & 5 Ors V. Obi Okudo & 3 Ors (1979), the apex court nullified the judgment delivered by Justice Nnaemeka-Agu on June 17, 1977, on grounds that he had already been elevated to the Court of Appeal.

The case, which was in abeyance during the civil war, resurfaced thereafter in the High Court of Anambra State in 1976 before Justice Nnaemeka-Agu, (as he then was), with 1st and 2nd defendants reported dead. Justice NnaemekaAgu delivered judgment, which was incompetent as he was then functus officio, having been appointed sometime in 1977 to the Federal Court of Appeal, the apex court ruled.

In a similar decision, the Supreme Court voided the judgment delivered by Anthony Iguh in the case of Ourline Ltd v. SCC Nigeria Ltd and Universal Insurance Ltd. Justice Iguh, who was the Chief Judge of Anambra State and had been handling the case at the Anambra State High Court.

However, he was elevated straight to the Supreme Court (skipping the Court of Appeal) before the adjourned date of June 4, 1993, when the case was to come up.

Justice Iguh presided over the case and passed a verdict on July 20, 1993. The judge argued that he had not been sworn into office as at the time judgment was delivered.

In voiding his judgment, the apex court held that Iguh lost the jurisdiction to deliver judgment in the case, having been issued the appointment as a Supreme Court justice.

Whatever the case, there is still a cross-section of lawyers, who believe that the prison authorities should release Kalu.

They argued that in criminal matters, when a co-defendant’s conviction and sentence are quashed, other defendants in the case are entitled to benefit from such verdict. But others think otherwise.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 17, 2020

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SUNDAYINTERVIEW George Obiozor

Obiozor...Professor Gambari’s appointment is timely

Without Skilled and Experienced People, Nigeria’llRemainaMotionWithoutMovement Professor George Obiozor, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Cyprus, Israel and erstwhile Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, in an interview with ARISE TV monitored by Bayo Akinloye, talks about President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent appointment of Professor Ibrahim Gambari as the new chief of staff weeks after the death of Mallam Abba Kyari. The diplomat also highlights the present dangers and future of Nigeria as a multinational federation. Excerpts:

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any people have reacted to the appointment of Prof. Agboola Ibrahim Gambari. Their reaction is that though he possesses excellent credentials as an academic, scholar, and diplomat, they wonder that at 75 years, is he not too old to handle the tasks of a chief of staff? Couldn’t the president have looked for another candidate also with excellent credentials but much younger and can take on the onerous tasks of managing the Presidency on a day-to-day basis?

My answer to that question is simple: as a matter of fact, every country must use what’s practical, desirable, and what’s possible to solve national problems at critical times. As a matter of fact, which one is better: ideas or youth – youth in comparison with experience? Are we going for a mile’s race? Ibrahim Gambari is eminently qualified.

Indeed, the President has made of one the best appointments in his administration. Gambari has an impeccable qualification for this job; and his skills and experience, which he’ll impart,

will be excellently positive for this administration and the nation. Let me be frank with you: by denying men of ideas and experience of positions of critical importance to the nation has caused the country a lot.

Indeed, this country will continue in motion without movement, without asking for skilled and experienced people to lead it in critical situations like we have today.

Today, whether you accept it or not, Nigeria as a country is not only becoming more complex but actually more dangerous. It needs the skills of a diplomat, a scholar, a man with a sense of history and an amazing knowledge of Nigeria and its problems and the desirable solutions. Gambari is exceptionally qualified. I’ve known Gambari for 50 years. We were both students at the Columbia University.

He’s a man of impeccable integrity and can get this job done very, very well to the satisfaction of those, who appointed him, especially, the President and the Commander-in-Chief, whom I must congratulate and thank for actually using a talent that is at home here. Indeed, one of the problems of academics is that if they don’t get their talents used at home, they get used

abroad.

If you read the history of one of the most successful countries in the world, South Korea, it was Nigerian talent: Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, who was the IMF adviser to South Korea in those critical days. Look at our own Dr. (Akinwunmi) Adesina (AfDB President).

Go everywhere in the world, you’ll find Nigerian talents. Go to America and you’ll see a bubbling talent of Nigerians. Let me be frank with you, Mr. President has made a wonderful appointment and, in all sincerity, I know Ibrahim Gambari will do a great job for this country. I know that.

Another issue raised by critics of Prof. Gambari’s appointment is the role he played as Nigeria’s ambassador to the UN between 1990 and 1999, particularly, during the Gen. Sani Abacha regime. A former New Zealand ambassador to the UN stated that ‘If you didn’t know Abacha, you’d think that Gambari represented an enlightened African country. He consistently defended Nigeria and the Abacha regime, saying he hasn’t oppressed

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 17, 2020

SUNDAY INTERVIEW

t WITHOUT SKILLED AND EXPERIENCED PEOPLE, NIGERIA’LL REMAIN 8*5)065 .07&.&/5 t anyone.’ What’s your reaction to or how relevant do you find this?

I want to be modest as well as be frank. It will be a diplomatic ignorance to think that an ambassador is sent abroad to condemn his own government. An ambassador has a right and it’s his duty to defend his government and come back and advise the same government to do the right thing. I was around at that time too. I was the director general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs during that regime. In fact, the major negotiations that brought peace to Nigeria were those things that were done with the help of Gambari at the United Nations.

As a matter of fact, during the Lancaster meeting between the Nigerian government and the Commonwealth, Gambari and I were like prefects monitoring members of the delegation, which included eminent Nigerians like the late Richard Akinjide, Prof.

Tam David-West, Sammy Ikoku, and many others.

Of course, the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, was the head of the delegation. It was not strange in any way that an ambassador should defend his country. I wish those who made that accusation would see the honour and the prestige of defending your country.

I think they need to read history, particularly the history of successful nations in the world. It’s not indeed support for evil or support for wrongdoings. The truth is that you don’t wash your dirty linen in public. You have to explain, explain, and explain. That’s what makes the job of an ambassador very difficult but exciting. But Gambari as an ambassador of Nigeria to the United Nations was exceptionally successful. I am a witness to it.

Here’s another thing people have said about the new chief of staff. An article was written by Omoyele Sowore, which was republished to remind the public of his own assessment of Prof. Gambari, whom he said was anti-June 12 and supported dictatorship. There’s another reaction attributed to Ambassador Dapo Fafowora, who you know very well. Both in his book and memoirs titled, ‘Lest I Forget’, also argued that Prof. Gambari would substitute national interests for his own personal interests. What do you say to all of this?

Believe me, I’m familiar with stories about Ambassador Fowora, an eminent scholar, and diplomat himself. He’s one of our best and brightest just like Gambari himself. The whole issue is this: in politics, especially, in international relations, time is extremely important. And, events that happened at a particular time cannot be used to judge the future. In fact, in politics in general, a day is eternity.

There is no perfect person. To say that you’re perfect is to compete with God. However, we cannot bring a personal issue or personal encounter. We all saw some major disappointments among ourselves who were diplomats. Were I to tell my own story it would be different and would also be as painful as anybody’s. But the truth is that these things do happen but sometimes due to circumstances you did not create nor can you control.

However, whatever anybody can say, the truth is ask yourself: what are you looking for: a saint or a man who can perform this job? If I feel strongly, whether individual differences with some people or eminent people for that matter, you have to look at the issues at stake. Believe me, Ibrahim Gambari’s appointment is extremely timely.

And I know he’ll bring with this position ideas in advocating peace and security in the country. He’ll bring to bear the harmony of reconciliation and healing of the nation. In fact, the truth of the matter is, he’s coming at a right time and we should all give him the support. I really know that there’s goodwill for him and he has more virtues than vices. These virtues must be acknowledged and encouraged.

Gambari was once described as United Nations favourite and seen as a formidable diplomat with an eminent standing in Africa. What do you think he can bring to the table with all the good accolades he enjoys and the virtues he possesses?

To be candid, it’s just part of what I have just said. We need healing. We need more ideas that will unite us and not ideas that will divide us. As a matter of fact, sometimes the personality of a leader matters more and important than even what he says. I sincerely believe that he’ll bring to the table and bring to his office enough dignity, impeccable character that will enable him to reconcile the country and help Mr. President to do a lot for this nation.

Under the former Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, the office was very controversial and people referred to Kyari as shadow president, saying he was too powerful. Nigerians will likely have a different set of expectations this time around. What will you advise Prof. Gambari in his new position, having in mind how controversial the office has become?

As a matter of fact, I don’t want to give advice. I want to make a statement. I’ll say to Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, ambassador extraordinaire and plenipotentiary, a professor of International Relations, a public speaker that is one of the most in demand worldwide in major institutions, an international personality, do your best and do it with fear of God, which I know you’ve always had.

And, do it for the good of mankind and to the benefit of

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MOTION

In fact, those who recommended him and those who appointed him must have seen this character and quality in him, which is what I sincerely believe knowing him as long as I have, participating with him in debates for national survival of this country for so many years and I’ll even tell you something: he has the resilience and the capacity to endure including a lot of things that many Nigerians will not go for. I am sure he is here somehow by divine intervention.

mankind and to the glory of God. He’ll do so. He’ll really know how to navigate the delicate balance that this country requires.

By the way, his doctoral dissertation was on linkage politics, which has to deal with the impact of domestic problems on country’s foreign policy and he’s indeed one of many Nigerians but actually few experts that are actually concerned about Nigeria’s political questions and their possible solutions.

Maybe, his appointment came at a time that God wants to use him to solve a lot of this country’s problems. Whether you like it or not God works through some people and through some individuals. The problem Nigeria has today is what I saw in 1986, when I gave a lecture with the title, ‘We Need Heroes Because Mortals Have Failed’.

It was a lecture given at the invitation of the late Aboderin, the then publisher of The Punch, and my friend, Dr. Haruna Adamu, who was the managing director. The situation in Nigeria is definitely similar today in many ways. We need people with knowledge, skills, knowledge with wisdom, genuine patriots, and nationalists, not impostors and impersonators. A lot must be done and should be done.

It’s now time for Nigeria to use their ideas and keep moving forward, if it’s what they choose. Otherwise, you choose your fate.

Given Gambari’s profile, do you think this is someone capable of helping Nigeria to eradicate Boko Haram and insecurity and what do you think his most important mandate should be?

I want to tell you something. His major career at the international level was making peace in many parts of the world in similar situations like Boko Haram. In fact, on something worse, civil wars, insurgencies as you can tell if you look at his biography, he was everywhere there was a problem.

The secretary-general definitely sent him everywhere and he did his best, including up to Darfur. Name anywhere there was a crisis in the world that he had not been part of the peacemaking? Indeed, he knows that Nigeria has problems. I know probably the President himself knows that Gambari can help him in solving these problems. I feel, sincerely, that there’s no need in comparing people.

Individuals are unique. Many have their own ambitions.

Don’t forget, at the point that Gambari is, he’s not looking for fame. He’s not looking for recognition. That had been done and taken care of a long time ago. If he had been appointed and he accepted, I sincerely believe it’s because of true inspiration to serve this country, reduce the conflicts going on and find a medium that’ll advise the President wisely and inevitably change the course, if possible, of Nigeria’s history. I know he’ll be capable of doing this.

Conflict in Nigeria, I know he had studied it like many of us.

The Boko Haram thing has been there because it has become lucrative. So, don’t ask me too many questions about this area or even making the attempt to think that you can unite Nigeria through intimidation. That’s impossible. You can try it. Many empires and governments had tried that. It’s not a route to succeed in uniting a country.

Gambari knows that it’s through peaceful co-existence and negotiations that plural societies co-exist. To talk about all these things, Gambari is aware of them. He’s among the four most prominent people in Nigeria and others, who know what a federation is. And he knows what federalism is.

Perhaps, in that category of academics in Nigeria, you’ll add Prof. Sawe Lagun. You’ll add Prof. Jide Osuntokun and perhaps, my humble self, in addition to Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and a few others, who are indeed knowledgeable of what makes federalism works.

When a federal system degenerates, when you see it degenerating, it has a solution. If some people have refused the solution to federal situations and turn it into something else, then, that’s why there’s a crisis. So, Gambari will bring some form of solution to the multinational state of Nigeria.

Let’s talk COVID-19. What’s your assessment of Nigeria’s management of the crisis so far? Do you think Nigeria acted too quickly in easing the lockdown and what else do you think the Nigerian government should do in the best interest of Nigerians and the economy?

I don’t know how you’ll take this but generally, most of the countries in the world were not prepared for COVID-19 and not only Nigeria to be candid with you and to be objective. So, I’m not an expert in viruses; I’m not a medical expert. I’ll refer you if you want details on this question, please, I’ll refer you to experts.

Some of them are close by like Prof. Ebun Bamgboye of St. Nicholas. People like Prof. Maurice Iwu. They’ll answer this kind of question. The political side of the whole situation in Nigeria, which has been consistent in any form that you can interpret it, including COVID-19, is mismanagement of diversity.

Nigerian leaders have found it difficult to manage diversity.

I read a few days ago something that was absolutely absurd with the federal system of government. The federal government of Nigeria to do school feeding – something local governments and ward levels should do. The federal government, feeding?

How do you explain a federation going from Abuja to feed schoolchildren in Birnin-Kebbi and Onitsha? You have state governments. You have local governments. I’ve never seen how wasteful we can be. And we can try to solve national problems, what kind of logistics would you need to go and feed people?

Federal Government of Nigeria!

About COVID-19, those managing it are unique. They’re doing their best. But then, the same problem of mismanaging federalism, mismanaging diversity is what is inhibiting them.

I can see them struggling with acceptance of their directives to different parts of Nigeria, because there’s no coordination or ineffective coordination, or inability to coordinate, because they can’t be everywhere.

Of course, we must know this before it’s too late. All revolutions are blamed on the leaders, not on the people. We in Nigerians must be careful about what’s happening to our country, particularly the leaders.

Let’s talk about the expulsion of Africans in certain parts of China currently causing a diplomatic storm.

What’s your view regarding Nigeria’s response so far, mainly through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, summoning Chinese ambassador to Nigeria?

A few months ago, the institute of international affairs director general now, Prof. Buka Bukarambe invited me to chair a dialogue between the Chinese Institute, African Institute, and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. The dialogue was wonderful as to Africa-China relations. It’s very clear to many African scholars, very, very clear, China has done Africa favours but definitely all favours end in expectation of gratitude.

Sometimes, after you’ve got indebted, you’ll not know what the man you owe will demand as repayment. As a matter of fact, the way China is demanding repayment in Africa is not what African leaders expected. As time went on, African countries recognised some form of entrapment. In fact, they have over-borrowed and some of them have become nothing but so indebted and cannot get out of that debt burden easily.

What does China do? They didn’t come to Africa as the Red Cross movement. They came for national interests, which can be defined in many ways for other countries, which could be militarily strategic, economic, and socio-cultural. And they’re achieving them and achieving them faster than Europeans did.

Now, it’s time for payment. And Africans were being surprised by their expectations of the benefactor.

Now to African countries’ response to what’s happening to their citizens in China. This is part of the problem of a lack of study of history. China, Japan, have been mono-cultural societies. They hardly absorb other people’s cultures. But Africans have gone there in ‘good days’ when China was wooing Africa.

As a matter of fact, having entered, they really don’t need you anymore. They don’t need Africa so much anymore.

So, what was being built as a basis of friendship such as bringing students to China, business in China; business is now in Africa. If you look out through your window within two minutes, you’ll see Chinese but for this lockdown. Very close to you is a China shop. And they’re bringing their manufactured goods, just as the French did, just as the British did.

62

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 17, 2020

FOR THE RECORD

Are We Really Working to Contain COVID-19?

Nigeria doesnot appear to bedoing enough totame the scourge of the coronaviruspandemic,writesOlabode George

A

ll over the world, from Australia to the farthest reaches of Iceland, from the blue fields of Nicaragua in South America to the steppes of Asia – every inch of mother earth is infected with the scourge of the Covid-19 pandemic.

There is no escape. There is no immune corner of the globe. There is palpable panic everywhere. We are all scared of the unknown – the young, the old, even the innocent baby of the cradle – are all smitten by this deadly virus.

The novel Coronavirus does not discriminate between the rich and the poor. It is indifferent to tribal identity. It is unknown to sectarian affiliation. It does not recognise race or creed.

It claims everyone in unbelievable sweeping and blighting speed. Humanity is now held hostage by this pandemic. We are all endangered.

Economies of the world are shutting down. Schools, institutions and great centers of human knowledge are shuttered, locked up by the insidious pandemic that no one really understands.

All kinds of theories abound everywhere about the provenance of coronavirus. Some say it emerged from the wet markets of Wuhan in central China. Others claim it emanated through a breach at the Wuhan Virology Laboratory in the vast Hubei Province of China.

True, we know how Coronavirus spreads. We also know the gestation period, but we do not know why some are asymptomatic. While we know that it can spread through the air or the proximity to contaminated objects, it is now baffling scientists with the infection of toddlers and babies, who were once thought to be immune to the virus.

Nevertheless, scientists across the world are busy, hunkered down in their laboratories, searching desperately for a solution and invariably for a cure before humanity is wiped out.

Leaders from the First world are rolling up their sleeves and pumping trillions of dollars to aid the research effort to produce a vaccine that would staunch the murderous march of this hideous scourge.

Even here in Africa, leaders from Madagascar, Ethiopia, Congo and even Ghana are prodding their scientists and plumbing the depths and the secrets of the ancient herbs in a desperate search for the golden bullet that will eradicate the present suffering of humanity.

But as leaders, scientists and all kinds of specialists and Epidemiologists are racing towards a solution, I do not see the same level of seriousness, the same level of coherence and deliberate aggregated and aggressive management of this pandemic in our country.

Please, let me emphasise that I do not write as a partisan politician in this turbulence that is affrighting all of us. My intervention here is without tribal or sectarian articulations.

I write as a Nigerian, who believes in the Nigerian dream and believes that this nation is desperate for a salvaging assemblage of elders regardless of geographical or any other affiliation.

It appears that our engagement of the Coronavirus is at best sophomoric, indifferent, stripped of professional enlightenment, lacking in necessary comprehensive vigor to tackle heads-on this murderous scourge.

The composition of the Presidential Task Force is not exactly a first line of well hewn, cutting edge intelligentsia that this nation can boast of.

Virtually in all fields of human endeavour, there is always a Nigerian with sterling talent that can rival anyone, anywhere with prodigious exemplary demonstration of merit.

We have them here: Virologists, Epidemiologists, Microbiologists, Morbidity experts, Homeostatic scholars, infectious disease experts and many others who are experts

President Muhammadu Buhari in the field of study of the dysfunction of the human body.

Why are we not using them to mitigate, combat and destroy the Covid-19 malady? What are we actually doing to contain this scourge?

Are we merely walking in the dark, strolling blindly in the black alleys, wishing the virus away, abandoning ourselves to fate, hoping that some African voodoo or whatever else will suddenly make it disappear?

It will never happen. While we cannot copy the rest of the world in some mechanical capricious gesture, we must be original, cultivating homegrown solution and at the same time embracing proven and attested global examples.

Whimsically shutting down a nation will not make the virus go away. There must be a coordinated strategic plan.

There must be a deliberate framework of action to contain this invisible enemy.

The only way to achieve this is through collaboration on a defined platform. No one can do it alone. Let us assemble experts from various related fields.

Let us challenge our scientists with the best of working incentives and give them a marching order to crank up their laboratories, to explore the furthest reaches of knowledge and holding them as our first line of defence to save our country from this alien, invisible virus.

Pumping money into school feeding programme while the schools are not open is a little absurd. It is a redundant, unworkable palliative. In a nation, where there is no standard numbering of houses, how do you get the food to the beneficiaries? This is more than laughable. It is tragic.

The sprinkling of naira notes in market places and pre-arranged venues are good media agendas. But they are no palliatives. Yes, our people are hungry. Our GDP, which is about 144trillion naira, has lost 21trillion naira presently to

We appear dazed, ill-focused, deepened in tumult and in uncertainty. Let us return to the calm waters of collaborative efforts. Let us bring our best and the brightest and huddle them in various research laboratories to probe for new truths, to search for new knowledge, to dig deep into the vast arcana of learning, mustering the tools to discover what will tame, contain and destroy this invisible enemy

Covid-19.

And the amount is still rising as our economy has shrunk into a recession. For sure, fanciful media affair is hardly the efficacious tool we need now.

This is hardly our priority. Yes, we must balance the hunger indications with the prevailing scourge of the virus.

In a situation, where we cannot even distribute the economic palliatives effectively, how in the world can we be talking about school feeding? A lot is not right about our national vision.

Our people are hungry and afraid. Our society, like the rest of the world, is on panic mode. We need to be seen to engage this pandemic with a comprehensive, well thought out, believable strategy. That is what should be our complementary goal.

Leaders across the globe, who appreciate the gravity that humanity is confronted with are managing the situation with proper consultations and designing appropriate strategies that will ameliorate the sufferings of their people.

We are yet to master the challenges at hand. Are we fiddling in some unwitting indifference?

We appear dazed, ill-focused, deepened in tumult and in uncertainty. Let us return to the calm waters of collaborative efforts. Let us bring our best and the brightest and huddle them in various research laboratories to probe for new truths, to search for new knowledge, to dig deep into the vast arcana of learning, mustering the tools to discover what will tame, contain and destroy this invisible enemy.

We must never reduce this obvious national challenge to a partisan feud. This is beyond sectional triumphalism or sectarian animosity. It is about the collective survival of our nation. Let us act now by coming together, by discarding old divisions and embracing a new nationalistic front that can hopefully salvage our country from this pandemic.

Let our leaders rise in the true spirit of national vision and mobilise our people towards rescue and redemption. This is indeed how nations are built and strengthened in the times of great challenges. We must weld this country together now in one indivisible brotherhood. There are no half measures.

There are no separate ways. The solution must be collective, predicated in deliberately cultivated consensus.

In this pandemic crisis, we must yield to the joint expertise of those, who are trained in specific medical fields. That is the only way out. That is the path of wisdom, and that is how we can renew and rebuild our economy long after this murderous scourge has been mitigated and halted in its tracks. I wish our nation well.

––Chief George, a former deputy national chairman of the PDP and Atona Odua of Yorubaland, wrote from Lagos.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍżËœ 2020

63

SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Demola Ojo email:Demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

Bundesliga Back with a Bang as Dortmund Batter Shalke 4-0

W

ith a hopeful world looking to Germany to see how feasible it is for professional football to return despite the coronavirus, multiple matches took place across several cities in both the first and second tiers of the German league. The pick of the matches was the much anticipated Revierderby, the match between the two biggest clubs in Germany’s Ruhr region, Borrusia Dortmund and Schalke 04.

Teen sensation Erling Braut Haaland continued from where he left off before the enforced break by scoring the first for Dortmund in convincing 4-0 win over Schalke.

The game will mostly be remembered for the surreal circumstances in which it was played, as Germany became the first major league in Europe to resume action behind closed doors.

There was an eerie atmosphere at Dortmund’s iconic Signal Iduna Park stadium, with every shout by players or coaches audible, and social distancing protocol followed by substitutes and during goal celebrations.

Haaland opened the scoring with a trademark cool finish, flicking home Thorgen Hazard’s cross to continue his sensational season, albeit after an enforced break of almost 10 weeks.

Raphael Guerreiro added two more goals and Hazard also found the net as Dortmund went on to claim a comfortable win over their near neighbours and move within a point of leaders Bayern Munich, who play today.

Elite-level football might be back in Europe, but it certainly has a different feel about it than it did two months ago. Strict hygiene protocols saw the Dortmund and Schalke players arrive on multiple buses, use several changing rooms and then enter the pitch by different routes.

Warm-ups were staggered and the coaching staff and substitutes wore masks and were all separated by two metres as they took their place on the sidelines.

Once the balls had been disinfected by the ball-boys, the game began in total silence, only pierced by the referee’s whistle for kickoff, before being played out to the sound of echoed applause or yelled instructions from the dug-outs.

Fans were completely absent from the 80,000-capacity stadium but that did not

Dortmund players celebrate a goal with elbow bumps

stop the Dortmund players performing their trademark salute to the empty stands at the final whistle - standing apart rather than holding hands of course.

The backdrop to the game made for a strange spectacle, but it did nothing to disrupt Haaland’s fine form even if it was 70 days on from his last Bundesliga appearance. With the rest of Europe watching on, Dortmund’s 19-year-old Norwegian wonderkid reminded everyone of his precocious talent as he scored one goal, and helped make another.

Haaland’s goal means he now has a total of 37 in club competition for the season - before joining Dortmund he scored 14 goals in Austra’s top division for Red Bull Salzburg,

and eight more in the Champions League.

He has now scored 10 goals in his first nine Bundesliga appearances - and 13 in 12 games in all competitions - since his January move from Red Bull Salzburg and his prolific scoring rate shows no sign of slowing up.

Another of Dortmund’s highly-rated young talents, England forward Jadon Sancho, was restricted to an 11-minute cameo off the bench, because of a calf injury.

On-loan Everton full-back Jonjoe Kenny started for Schalke, who brought on Wales winger Rabbi Matondo as one of their five substitutes - two more than usual are permitted under the new regulations for the Bundesliga’s restart.

RESULTS Augsburg

1–2

Wolfsburg

Dortmund

4–0

Schalke 04

Fortuna DĂźsseldorf

0–0

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Bundesliga Gives Insight into New Reality The German Bundesliga restarted on Saturday and gave a glimpse into what the Premier League and other top leagues may look like if they return. South Korea’s K League kicked off last weekend,while some smaller leagues such as Belarus and Nicaragua have never stopped - but this was the ďŹ rst elite football in overtwomonthsbecauseofthecoronaviruspandemic.

So what did football in May 2020 - played behind closed doors and with some social distancing - look like?

cases in the front rows of the empty stands behind the benches. RB Leipzig, who drew with Freiburg 1-1, brought in a set of airport stairs so players could get to and from their seats in the stands.

Head coaches were allowed to go without a mask so they could shout instructions to their players.

Substitutes took off their masks to warm up, and when players were replaced they were handed a mask before reaching the bench.

Temperature checks, several buses and disinfected balls Teams arrived in several buses so players could socially distance on the journey to the game. Players and staff had all been quarantining in team hotels all week and are being tested for coronavirus regularly.As they left the buses they wore facemasks on their way into the ground. Other people attending the games, including the media,had their temperatures checked.

Fans were banned from matches,with police patrolling to make sure no crowds gathered at the venues.

Only 213 people were allowed into the ground - 98 on and around the pitch (like players, coaches and ball boys) and 115 in the stands (such as security, medics and media).Another 109 people (including security andVAR operators) were allowed just outside the stadium.

There were 30 match balls,each of them disinfected byballboysandleftonspecialspotsratherthanhanding them to players.

Elbow bumps instead of hugs The actual play itself was no different to normal with tackles ying in and plenty of goals - 16 – across yesterday’s six games. But there was some social distancing on show for goals as many strikes were celebrated without the usual embraces, think elbow bumps instead of hugs.

However, some goals - notably those by Hertha Berlin players in their 3-0 win at Hoffenheim - were just celebrated as normal.Hertha will not be punished as the German league asking players not to embrace is a guideline and not a rule.

With only a few dozen people making noise on the benches,television viewers could hear the players and managers talking,as well as the sound of the ball being kicked - and of the ball hitting the back of the net.

Teams were allowed to use ďŹ ve substitutes in a game - which other leagues will have the option to do when they return.So Schalke,in their 4-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund,were able to make two substitutions at half-time - and another three after the break.

Socially-distanced substitutes Substitutes and coaches wore masks and socially distanced on individual seats on the bench - or in some

Applauding empty stands After the ďŹ nal whistle - to deafening silence - Borussia Dortmund’s players went across to their famous

South Bank - usually known as theYellowWall which holds 25,000 fans - to applaud and run towards the empty stand to celebrate.

Wolfsburg players kicked boots with the referee and his assistants, rather than the usual handshakes, following their 2-1 victory atAugsburg.Elsewhere,ďŹ st bumps and elbow bumps were the name of the game.

Playersandmanagerswereinterviewedbytelevision reporters with microphones on sticks, keeping to a safe distance, while post-match news conferences were done by video conferencing.

RB Leipzig strikerYussuf Poulsen is interviewed from a safe distance Did the fans stay away?

One of the reasons Premier League games could be played at neutral venues is to avoid fans congregating outside their own ground during a game. But that did not appear to be an issue in Germany yesterday.

Dortmund police spokesperson Olivier Peiler said:“It’s surprisingly quiet. We had expected and calculated various scenarios, but we didn’t expect that only a few fans would come to the stadium and the city centre. “Apparently the pleas by the city and police to stay and watch the match at home have worked out. We are very pleased by this in order to avoid infections.�

Not everyone was happy though.Augsburg fans put a banner in an empty stand saying“football gives life - your business is sick�in protest at football continuing during the pandemic.

What did the managers think?

After a goalless draw with Paderborn, Fortuna

Dusseldorf manager Uwe Rosler said: “The day was a bit odd. I am an emotional man, I like to take a player in my arms, which I obviously couldn’t do today.�

Dortmund coach Lucien Favre, said:“There is no noise.You shoot at the goal, you make a great pass, you score, and nothing happens. It’s very, very weird.�

Freiburg coach, Christian Streich, told a virtual news conference:“Obviously, it’s sad the fans cannot watch the game, that we can’t meet up and go to the game and play this game together. “This is not something that can go on indeďŹ nitely.

But under these conditions I did not expect a drop in quality because of a lack of fans and we did not see that.�

Hertha Berlin boss Bruno Labbadia defended his side celebrating their goals without social distancing. “The fact is that this is part of football,�he said.“We’ve been tested so many times that we can allow it. “If you can’t celebrate anymore, the whole thing breaks down. I’m just glad that the team had reason to cheer today.�

How did other people react?

Former Bayern Munich and England midďŹ elder Owen Hargreaves,who was doing BT Sport punditry from his own house, said:“I am missing the fans already. It was so strange, it is going to take some getting used to.“Football without the fans is tough to watch.â€?

BBC live text reader Jonathan Chilvers said: “Atmosphere at Dortmund vs Schalke reminds me of playing Year 10 basketball in the school sports hall.�

Sunday May 17, 2020

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UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N400

MISSILE

Utomi on Nigeria’s High Level of Poverty “Certainly, Nigeria will see something similar to Arab spring because there are so many hungry people and angry people” – The founder of the Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), Prof. Pat Utomi spoke during an interview with THISDAY.

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Welcome to Fire, Prof Gambari

I

n the 1960s, when Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari was an A Level student at the King’s College, Lagos, the Yoruba students always had a good laugh anytime his surname was publicly announced. They could not figure out how anybody on earth could be named “Gambari”. In much of Yorubaland, “Gambari” is a pejorative name for Hausa. There is a jocular saying among the Yoruba: “Gambari pa Fulani, ko l’ejo nnu!” That is: “A Hausa murdered a Fulani, that’s an in-house affair.” As in, how is that my business? It must have been really funny to the Yoruba students that, indeed, a human being could be named “Gambari” when it was supposed to be a joke, technically speaking.

As news broke that Gambari would be named chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, his ethnic identity became a hot topic. It is nothing new. Born in November 1944 to a Fulani father and a Yoruba mother, Gambari — like every other Ilorin person — has always faced questions over his heritage in a country where ethnic chauvinism is a national pastime. To the Fulani, he is not Fulani enough. He does not speak Fulfude; even his Hausa is just there. To the Yoruba, he is not Yoruba enough. How can a Yoruba be called Gambari? His middle name, Agboola, has been described as a “decoy” by you-know-them, never mind that nearly all Ilorin people have Yoruba names.

Interestingly, Yoruba is Gambari’s first language.

The Ilorin tongue is distinctly Oyo in flavour and colour. Oyo is the central Yoruba; the rest are dialects. He must have learnt Hausa in his 40s. You can’t learn Hausa growing up in Ilorin.

Kwara and Kogi are the only northern states where Hausa is not the lingua franca. Ilorin, founded by the Yoruba around 1450, came under Fulani rule in 1824, becoming ethnically diverse over time and serving as a melting pot for peoples of diverse origins: Fulani, Kanuri, Baruba, Nupe, Gwari, and Kemberi, etc. They assimilated into the Yoruba culture and are united by Islam. In fact, Ilorin is like an ethnic group on its own.

Many would rather be called “Ilorin” than Yoruba or Fulani or anything else.

Perhaps because of his identity rather than his résumé, pundits never countenanced the possibility of Gambari being appointed to succeed Mallam Abba Kyari, who died from Covid-19 complications exactly a month today.

Four days after Kyari’s death, someone whispered to my ears that Gambari was in the running as replacement. I did not take it seriously. I had some preconceptions about who would hold the office and I was looking in a completely different direction. In my mind, it had to be somebody who is very, very close to Buhari and I did not picture Gambari within that vicinity. They had known each other for decades quite all right, but Buhari still surprised me there.

But why is the whole of Nigeria so interested in the chief of staff? That is the question. During and after the 2015 presidential election, the loud word in town was that Buhari’s government would be “run” by someone else. Constant references were made to Maj-Gen Tunde Idiagbon as second-in-command to Buhari when he was military head of state from 1983 to 1985, and Alhaji Ahmad Salihijo as the foremost consultant to the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF) when Buhari was chairman from 1994 to 1999.

Buhari is classified as a “delegating leader”.

While this notion might be indisputable, it is now apparent that he decides by himself who to delegate powers to.

When Buhari appointed Kyari in 2015, it went virtually unnoticed. And when Buhari directed ministers at their inauguration on November 11, 2015 to channel all memos for his attention and requests for meeting through Kyari, it went

Gambari unnoticed again. Kyari started losing his anonymity in 2016 as it became clear that he was playing a prominent role in policy coordination and implementation of key interventions on behalf of the president. Wittingly or unwittingly, he raised the public and political profile of the office.

The others before him might have been equally influential, but there was no media spotlight on them. Gambari is inheriting this scrutiny.

Those who felt they should be the ones delegated to call the shots launched a media war against Kyari. They even said the office of the chief of staff is not in the constitution, although sections 148(1) and 151(1) state in simple English that the president has the discretion to assign responsibilities to his appointees. But never mind. Despite a beautifully organised three-year campaign against Kyari, Buhari re-appointed him in 2019. Buhari, again, told ministers at their inauguration to “kindly ensure that all submissions for my attention or meeting requests be channelled through the chief of staff”. Council matters were to be coordinated by the SGF. The headline thereafter was that Buhari had handed over his government to Kyari. Ordinarily, Buhari was saying the obvious: the chief of staff co-ordinates the president’s aides, correspondences, meetings and activities. Chief Mike Oghiadomhe and Brig-Gen Jones Arogbofa did it for President Goodluck Jonathan. Gambari’s townsman, MajGen Abdullahi Mohammed, did it for President Olusegun Obasanjo for eight years and President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for one year. There is nothing new there, really. However, under Buhari, a few ministers and advisers were bypassing Kyari’s office and taking memos directly to the president and this was creating some disorder.

By reiterating publicly that “all submissions for my attention or meeting requests be channelled through the chief of staff”, Buhari was, deliberately or otherwise, passing the message to all and sundry that his chief of staff was his gatekeeper.

The impression, therefore, is that Buhari’s chief of staff is the de facto president. That is why the whole of Nigeria was interested in who would succeed Kyari. However, will Gambari be as “powerful” as Kyari? I can’t guess, but one thing is certain: Gambari has just taken his toughest job ever. He has been virtually everything on the international diplomacy scene, but this impressive résumé does not mean his new job will be a cake walk.

Gambari might think he has seen it all, having taken on tough diplomatic assignments globally, but he ain’t seen nothing yet — as Americans would say. Having spent most of his career abroad, he will need to come up to speed in understanding the character of the Nigerian political and bureaucratic classes and how to negotiate these two tricky terrains. Also, he will need to

deal with the reality of not just a divided polity but a fractured presidency. Despite what people say about how powerful the office is, Gambari would be well advised not to buy the fiction that he is the alternate president. The Igbo say it is a big name that kills a small dog (those who name their dogs “Lion” should note).

In real life, Gambari is an appointee of the president and must be loyal to him if he is to be his trusted gatekeeper. There are many contending interests in and around Aso Rock. There will be many seeking to be awarded contracts that they did not bid for and collect money that they did not work for. There are people who will seek to get presidential favours through him.

If Buhari ever doubts Gambari’s loyalty and trustworthiness, or thinks he is colluding with certain interests to manipulate him, there could be a serious crisis of confidence. That would be the most awkward situation any chief of staff can find himself. Loyalty is central to building trust and confidence.

Also critical is that Gambari will have to learn Buhari’s body language. When I was a kid, there were things my grandmother didn’t need to open her mouth to say. By merely staring at me, I got the message. Gambari has worked with Buhari before — as minister of external affairs in 1984-85 — but today’s Buhari is slightly different. He seems more withdrawn now but, from what I gathered, he is still very much calling the shots from behind the curtain. One shocking discovery Gambari will make is that Buhari is not exactly what he is being portrayed as in sections of the media. Those close to him say he is strong-willed and stubborn — and you can’t force a fait accompli on him.

It is hard to fault Gambari’s résumé. He is experienced, well respected and has an incredible international clout. His network of friends and contacts can be a plus. I thought the president would appoint someone much younger, but Gambari being within his age group may also be a good thing. Who knows? Maybe he would be able to counsel Buhari that major government appointments should be shared more equitably across the geo-political zones in the interest of national peace and cohesion. The glaring lopsidedness is getting increasingly embarrassing and annoying. Let’s also hope Gambari can help Buhari move faster on several pending critical files on his desk.

Finally, as a gatekeeper, Gambari will take all the blame for anything people don’t like about Buhari or his actions and inactions. He will get bashed for delivering Buhari’s message to the addressees. That is what chiefs of staff do: they take the bullets for the boss. He is already being criticised for saying that he reports “only to the president”. I thought that was an obvious fact, but never mind. The criticisms will not fade.

He should expect fire and more fire. What will make the difference, in my opinion, is how he conducts himself in office while receiving enemy fire. At 75, he should not just be thinking about the president’s legacy but how he too can sign off his public service on a high.

Some of those opposed to the choice of Gambari have raised historical issues: how he defended the military regime of Gen Sani Abacha, how he failed to team up with NADECO (in his position as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the UN) to help fight Abacha and how he made nasty comments about the judicial murder of Ken Saro-Wiwa. Some people feel strongly about these issues. I doubt Buhari is bothered. Some have gone a step further by calling Gambari a “Fulani jihadist” for being born in Ilorin. These are signals that he will surely face fire. However, someone who has endured taunts of “Gambari pa Fulani” in his life must have developed antibodies by now.

And Four Other Things…

COVID-19 TALES Efforts to combat Covid-19 may go to waste with the current horrible tales being spread around that there is no coronavirus in Nigeria, that what people are getting treated for are just malaria, typhoid or even nothing! People need to be educated that you can have Covid-19 and not have any symptoms until you recover, but you still need to be isolated because you can transmit it and other people need to be protected. People need to know that some Covid-19 symptoms are mild — they could just be sore throat, headache or fever.

There is no cure for the disease so what the doctors do is treat the symptoms. People need to stop spreading ignorance and lies.

Hazardous.

VIETNAM WONDER Vietnam has a population of 97 million and shares boundary with China but the country has recorded only 300 Covid-19 cases and — this is incredible — no death.

What did they do differently? They acted “irrationally”. To put it in everyday language, they locked down most of the country even before recording a single case. Those who flew into the country were taken from the airport to isolation centres where they spent the mandatory 14 days. Any part of Vietnam where any case was recorded was immediately sealed off from the rest of the country. There is no use crying over spilt milk, but Nigeria had a huge window to adopt similar measures. We slacked.

Lessons.

MESSAGE FROM NAMIBIA Are we really serious about cutting public expenses in Nigeria? President Hage Geingob of Namibia has a message for us.

He has banned government officials from buying new cars in the next five years.

Geingob has also put a monthly cap on fuel consumption by public office holders. He based the decision on the difficulties of COVID-19. I am not saying we should copy Namibia word for word, but there are plenty things we can still slash at ALL levels of government if we are truly preparing to weather the storm. The huge monetisation payments need to be trimmed. All these duty tour allowances need to be curtailed.

Government people know what I’m saying.

Prudence.

CHINA AND WHO I seriously think China has a lot of questions to answer over the coronavirus disease that has sent our world into a tailspin. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has accused China of blocking the World Health Organisation (WHO) from sounding the alarm on COVID-19 in January so that it could buy time to mop up personal protective equipment (PPEs) from all over the world, thereby causing a global shortage. German intelligence earlier accused China President Xi Jinping of “personally applying” pressure on Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general, to keep things under wraps. WHO has denied but I don’t know if I believe them. Troubling.

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