FRIDAY 17TH JULY 2020

Made-in-Nigeria Gold Arrives, to Boost Foreign Reserves FG mulls reserving marginal oilfields for oil-bearing communities Eromosele Abiodun, Nume Ekeghe in Lagos, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to diversify the

country’s economy hit another milestone yesterday in Abuja as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, presented him with a made-in- Nigeria gold bar, signifying the beginning of

Nigeria’s move to use the precious stone to boost its foreign reserves.

The 12.5kg gold bar, which was processed and refined in Nigeria in accordance with the London Bullion Market

Association (LBMA) standards to be used as a reserve instrument by the CBN was purchased by the apex bank for N268,608,236.00.

The cheque for the sum was presented to the Presidential

Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMDI) by Emefiele during the presidential launch of the gold purchase programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The event, an outcome of

the PAGMDI, a comprehensive artisanal and small-scale gold mining development programme, launched by the president in 2019, marked the Continued on page 10

WTO: FG Inaugurates Campaign Team for Okonjo-Iweala... Page 5 Friday 17 July, 2020 Vol 25. No 9230. Price: N250

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Drama as Wike Foils Police Attempt to Arrest Nunieh Omololu Ogunmade, Chuks Okocha, in Abuja, Eromosele Abiodun, Nume Ekeghe in Lagos and Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt There was a mild drama at

the Port Harcourt, Rivers State, residence of a former interim Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ms. Joy Nunieh, as the state Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, foiled a

bid by the police to arrest her.

A contingent of policemen said to have been deployed in the state from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, had in the wee hours of yesterday invaded Nunieh's house to

arrest her.

The invasion elicited outrage from Wike; a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, and a lawyer and human rights activist, Ms. Esther Uzoma, who

condemned the invasion, with the governor calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, to probe what he described as an abduction.

The armed policemen

besieged her residence on a day she was billed to travel to Abuja to testify before an ad-hoc committee of the House of Representatives investigating Continued on page 9

Buhari Orders Security Agencies to Unearth Root of Corruption in NDDC House committee directs arrest of interim managing director as delegation walks out on lawmakers South-south govs deplore commission’s crisis, back audit Omololu Ogunmade, Udora Orizu in Abuja and OmonJulius Onabu in Asaba President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday moved to end the recriminations over alleged corruption in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and vowed to get to the root of the matter.

The president ordered an effective and coordinated probe by security and investigating agencies along with the National Assembly on allegations and counter allegations of corruption rocking the NDDC. The House of Representatives Committee on NDDC also yesterday resolved to issue a warrant for the arrest of the acting Managing Director of the Interim

Management Committee (IMC) of the commission, Prof.

Kemebradikumo Pondei, after he and his team walked out on the lawmakers.

In a related development, the South-south Governors’ Forum yesterday backed forensic audit of the commission and also decried the ongoing crisis in the agency.

The president said in Abuja that the coordinated probe had become imperative in view of the federal government's efforts to bring sanity, transparency and accountability to the management of huge resources being allocated to develop the Niger Delta.

The Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and former acting Managing Continued on page 9

How Magu Regained His Freedom, Says Counsel... Page 5

BOOST FOR FOREIGN RESERVES...

L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; President Muhammadu Buhari; and Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, during the presentation of 12.5kg Made-in-Nigeria Gold bar to the president in Abuja…yesterday

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

How Magu Regained His Freedom, Says Counsel

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Fresh facts have emerged that the release of the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, by the presidential panel followed the denial of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammadu Adamu, that he was not being detained at the instance of the police.

THISDAY gathered that following the IG’s statement, the presidential panel released the suspended anti-graft boss without any bail conditions attached.

Magu's counsel, Mr. Wahab Shittu, who confirmed the development to THISDAY yesterday, said the Justice

Ayo Salami-led panel said it did not order Magu's detention in the first place.

Magu regained his freedom after nine days in the custody of Nigerian Police on Wednesday.

He was picked up on July 6 by security operatives at the Abuja Zonal office of the commission on his way to a meeting and whisked to the Presidential Villa, venue of the panel sitting.

He was subsequently detained at a police detention facility in Area 10, Garki District by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

In an interview with THISDAY, Shittu, said the panel released Magu following the denial by Adamu, that the police

were not responsible for his detention.

"There is no bail condition.

The panel just said, go! You are released from detention.

We didn't order your detention now that the IG has denied that he was not responsible for your being in custody- go when we need you, we will call you back.

That's all," he said.

Following a request for bail on self-recognisance by

Magu through one of his counsel, Mr. Tosin Ojaomo of Ojaomo, the IG replied that the Police were not responsible for his detention and urged the lawyer to redirect his attention to the presidential panel.

"The Inspector-General of Police directs that your attention be drawn to the fact that the IG is not investigating CP Ibrahim Magu (your client) and

he is accordingly not being detained by the police but by the presidential panel investigating the activities of the EFCC. "The Inspector-General of Police, therefore advises that you consider redirecting your request to the chairman of the presidential panel for appropriate attention," the letter signed by IG’s Principal Staff Officer, DCP Idowu Omohunwa, said.

But Shittu said the panel affirmed that it did not order his incarceration either.

"The panel said it is not responsible for his detention. Now that the IG has come out to say he is not responsible for his detention, then the panel said, okay; since we didn't detain you, you can go. When we need you, we will call you. No bail condition was attached," he explained.

NNPC Spends N10bn on Comatose Refineries in April Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Despite not processing petroleum products for years, the federal government has continued to spend hugely on the nation's three petroleum refineries.

NNPC, in a full report of its operations for April 2020, said that all the refineries were still down, but N10.47 billion was spent in the month under review, further doubling down on the losses incurred as a result of the non-functioning national assets located in Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna.

Minister of State, Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva, had last weekend decried the huge losses incurred in running the comatose refineries, which he ascribed to the operation of the national oil company as a mostly publicly-owned entity.

“We have a situation now of a refinery that has not functioned for three years, yet it's paying salaries. Every staff is being paid. We have carried on paying salaries.

Nobody can sack anybody.

“People are getting promoted, but the refineries are not functioning. Unions will not let you. Those are the real issues,” he said.

According to the NNPC in its latest report, the trading deficit of N30.81 billion was also recorded by the corporation compared to the N9.53 billion deficit posted in March 2020, mainly due to ongoing coronavirus-related impact of reduced exports; plus a deficit arising from terminal benefits paid to retired staff.

“No associated crude plus freight cost for the three refineries since there was no

production but operational expenses amounted to N10.47 billion. This resulted to an operating deficit of N9.69 billion by the refineries,” the national oil company explained.

For the Port Harcourt refinery, it said the overstated losses for June -236.49 and July -2890.72 had been added to the current deficit of -3434.07 to arrive at the adjusted balance of -286.86 in September 2019.

“In April 2020, only PHRC processed 41,878MT of crude with no finished products by any of the three refineries.

Combined yield efficiency is -3.40 per cent (plant consumption) owing largely to ongoing rehabilitation works in the refineries.

“The declining operational performance is attributable to the ongoing revamping of the refineries, which is expected to further enhance capacity utilisation once completed,” it added.

A month before, the NNPC had said the total crude oil production in Nigeria increased by 3.17 million barrels or 5.28 per cent at 63.19 million barrels with a daily average of 2.04 million barrels per day.

However, the organisation noted that production was disrupted by the shutdown of the TFP at Forcados for repairs while Bonny NCTL was shut down due to leaks on ROW near Boro / Awoba axis.

“Production was also interrupted at Bonga, Egina, Brass, Erha, Usan, Amenam, Ogo Ocha and Ima terminals due to lube oil loss, pump issues, loss of power, riser protector replacement, pipeline repairs and flare management.” it said.

HELP FROM THE DIASPORA...

L-R: Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu; and a representative of the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas, Dr. Ali Onoja, during NAPPSA’s donation of COVID-19 diagnostic and other medical equipment to NCDC in Abuja…recently

WTO: FG Inaugurates Campaign Team for Okonjo-Iweala James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo, yesterday inaugurated a campaign strategy team for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is vying for the post of the directorgeneral of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The minister said the team, which is led by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Mariam Katagum, remained key to ensuring that the Nigerian candidate emerges victorious in her quest for the WTO top shot.

He said the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to nominate the former minister of finance and coordinating minister for the economy as Nigeria’s candidate for the position was taken in good faith,

given the overriding consideration of the need to host Africa’s chance and for the promotion of gender mainstreaming at the world’s top trade post.

Adebayo also expressed optimism that the Nigerian candidate would emerge as the next WTO boss, based on her capabilities and wealth of experience at the highest level of the World Bank as a development economist, diplomat and one of Africa’s most trusted technocrats.

He said: “An eminently qualified candidate in the position of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala with proven leadership, bold reformer, skillful negotiator with abilities to broker numerous agreements that would promote fair trade should be selected for the position of the Director-General of the WTO; I am confident that

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo – Iweala possesses the qualities to lead the most important global multilateral body."

The minister tasked the team to develop a winning strategy for the candidate and also called on stakeholders, media, public, private and trading partners to support Okonjo-Iweala to emerge as the WTO boss.

In a statement issued

by Assistant Director, Information, FMITI, Mrs. Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, the minister expressed hope that the team will intensify its level of dedication over time to ensure success.

Katagum assured Nigerians of the full commitment of members of the team to deliver on its mandate.

She said: “We must all get to work as a team in the most strategic and

professional manner to deliver on this important assignment in line with the terms of reference."

She also expressed confidence that Nigeria's candidate would emerge as the next global apex trade organisation boss considering her pedigree and commitment to ensuring sustainable development and economic growth not only for Africa but the world at large.

The campaign strategy team comprised officials of the ministry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the president, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigerian Ambassador to ECOWAS and African Union as well as Geneva-based officials.

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Investigate Arotile’s Death, Afenifere, Sister Tell FG Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The pan-Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere, and the sister of the 23-year-old first female combat helicopter pilot, the late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, have called for the investigation into the cause of her death.

Afenifere in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, has therefore canvassed for a coroner inquest into the death of the Air Force officer.

Afenifere, in the one-page statement stated inter alia: "One of Nigerian finest eggs has yet again been sucked with the death of flying officer Arotile on the road in Kaduna last Tuesday.

Unofficial accounts said she just returned from a combat operation before she was knocked down to death.

"We, therefore, do not accept that her death was an accident until the report of a coroner says how she died and how a supposed attempt to stop and greet could come with a death impact.

“We say this against what is known of the infiltration of the forces by sympathizers and agents of Boko Haram.

"We recall the report years back of such agents revealing the routes and timing of movements of

our troops to Boko Haram sect who ambushed them.”

The group added: “The inquiry should look into all the links of the colleague who killed her, and we must know the identity.

"Meanwhile, we sympathise with the grieving family of Tolulope who have been thrown into deep mourning following the killing of their daughter not in combat but within the barracks."

Also, the family has called for a thorough investigation, stating that the circumstance surrounding her death is still shrouded in mysteries.

While speaking with journalists in Lokoja yesterday, the immediate elder sister of the decease, Damilola Adegboye (Nee Arotile) has called for a serious investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Adegboye, who was in mourning mood, said the family is really devastated by the untimely death, wondering how an ordinary reversing could kill a person just like that.

"We the family members are not convinced that Tolu can just die like that in a freaky accident. I know that the military is well trained in the art of investigation, we want them to carry out a thorough investigation that can convince us beyond all doubts that the incident that

led to her death was real.

On the day of the incident, Tolu and I were in the room where she was sleeping.

"A call came in to her phone which she picked, but from the way they spoke, I knew that the caller must be a senior officer calling her to come to Air force base, she felt reluctant, and I offered to drop her at naval base," she added.

According to her, “One

hour later, I saw the story online that something serious has happened to her. I couldn't believe that somebody I just dropped is dead.”

Also speaking, her mother, Mrs. Adefunke Naomi Arotile, went down memory lane about how she gave birth to her, describing her as a special child, whose fasting and prayer was her hubby.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the state government to immortalise her.

The call was contained in an oral motion moved by the member representing Ijumu constituency, Kilani Olumo, at the plenary yesterday.

Olumo said the deceased female combat pilot has contributed her quota to the ongoing fight against

insecurity in the country.

The Lawmaker noted that her death is painful and a great loss to the state, pointing out that immortalising her is a reward for hard work and dedication to the protection of Nigeria territorial integrity.

He prayed God to grant the family and the Nigeria Air Force the grace to bear the loss.

REPORTING PROGRESS...

L-R: Group Finance Director, UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Ibikunle Oriola; Non-Executive Chairman, Mr. Dan Agbor; and Company Secretary, Mr. Godwin Samuel, at the 2020 annual general meeting of the company in Lagos…yesterday etop ukut

IMF Predicts 36.5% Debt-to-GDP Ratio for Nigeria in 2020 Lauds exchange rate unification World Bank: 42% of Nigeria's hospitality industry employees out of jobs Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Mission Chief and Senior Resident Representative for Nigeria, Ms. Jesmin Rahman, has projected that Nigeria’s debtto-gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio may rise to 36.5 per cent this year, up from the 29 per cent it was in 2019.

The Senior Financial Sector Specialist, World Bank, Mr. Ahmed Rostom, has also said about 42 per cent of staff working in the Nigerian hospitality and service industry before March have now lost their jobs due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

The IMF chief described the spike in government borrowing in the short-term as worrisome and should be closely monitored.

She, however, said as long as debt-to-GDP ratio stays below 45 per cent, it would still, be sustainable.

Rahman, during an interview hosted by Citibank Nigeria in collaboration with the American Business Council, yesterday, said: “Nigeria’s public debt was at 29 per cent of GDP in 2019 in our definition

of all known liabilities like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) financing of the budget, financing of the power sector, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) debt and everything came to 29 per cent of GDP. “We project this to increase to 36.5 per cent this year, which is a jump and then stay around 38 per cent of GDP in the medium term.

“However, we think the debt level is sustainable for a few reasons. Firstly, the debt levels have increased but the debt level itself is below the average for emerging and developing countries, which is around 50 per cent of GDP. And the reason is that debt levels do not worsen significantly when we put it under various stress scenarios as it stays below 45 per cent.

“Domestic financial conditions are very favourable so all in all, if you take into account all these, we would say the public debt is sustainable.

“However, it requires close watching because it has gone up quickly and this year it is going to go up even more. Perhaps more importantly, the very limited

debt-servicing capacity is driven by low revenue. Debt servicing capacity is severely constrained and that requires a close watch.”

According to her, recent steps being taken to unify the forex windows are commendable.

“The authorities have started to move towards that direction and we welcome this move and having a clearer strategy on how to ensure FX availability to businesses and communicating that strategy to everyone is important,” she stated.

On his part, the Chief Economist Sub-saharan Africa, Citibank, Mr. David Cowan, said it was important to move various exchange rates to Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Rate Fixing (NAFEX), adding, however, that much of what would happen in the market would be determined by oil price this year.

He said the Nigerian government must think of immediate ways of fixing infrastructure, which according to him, is Nigeria's real challenge.

He added: “Also, when we have got the NAFEX market gearing and functioning

again, we then want to think of how we can look at the naira going forward into 2021. We need not get locked in the situation where we go back to pegging the rate and it becomes a flexible rate responding to demand and supply.”

World Bank: 42% of Nigeria's Hospitality Industry Employees No Longer Working The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted enormous economic challenges on Nigeria, with 42 per cent of people who were working before March 2020, especially those in the hospitality and service industry no longer working, the World Bank has said.

Rostom, who described the development as disturbing, said the drop in the workforce followed surveys carried out by the bank between March and April.

Rostom spoke during a webinar series of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) with the theme, “Risk Sharing: A Key Driver for Increased Financial Access and Economic Development for MSMEs.” Panellists at the event noted that the current

realities in Nigeria, including the pandemic has brought to light the urgent need for additional support in alleviating the financial constraints faced by Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs).

The panellists included the Chief Executive Officer of InfraCredit, Mr. Chinua Azubike; Group Head Emerging Business, Access Bank Plc, Mrs. Ayodele Olojode; Rostom and the Managing Director, JNC International, Mrs. Claire Omatseye.

They were unanimous on the need to increase awareness by key industry stakeholders in ensuring that the much-needed stimulus and alternative means of facilitating financing are discovered to stem the shock to Nigeria’s economic and financial system.

The panellists highlighted that credit guarantees schemes (CGS) are popular policy instruments created to help alleviate the credit constraints faced by MSMEs, adding that in Nigeria, however, there exist some challenges with risk-sharing in the local market as most MSMEs do not fully grasp the concepts of risk-sharing

and credit guarantees.

They also stressed the need for key industry stakeholders, MSMEs, banks, and regulators to openly discuss alternative means of financing and the existence of risk-sharing.

Olojode explained that MSMEs do not have regular and sustained access to finance because of limitations like high interest rates, lack of tangible collateral and economic conditions.

The DBN webinar series is aimed at providing capacity building for MSMEs through digital platforms to ensure they are empowered to remain in business through this unprecedented period.

The DBN is a development finance institution, established by the federal government in collaboration with global development partners to address the major financing challenges facing the MSMEs in Nigeria.

The bank carries out this function by providing financial institutions, predominantly deposit money banks, microfinance banks and other financial institutions with funding facilities designed to meet the needs of MSMEs

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PAGE NINE BUHARI ORDERS SECURITY AGENCIES TO UNEARTH ROOT OF CORRUPTION IN NDDC Director of the NDDC, Ms. Joy Nunieh, have traded accusations over the sleaze in the commission in the last week.

Presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said in a statement in a reaction to the unfolding drama said Buhari was aware of the attacks and counter-attacks between and around persons, institutions, and the NDDC. Buhari expressed his determination to get to the root of the problem undermining the development of the Niger Delta and its peoples despite the enormous national resources allocated to the agency yearly.

The president directed auditing firms and investigative agencies working in collaboration with the National Assembly committees to resolve the challenges in NDDC. He ordered them to undertake time-bound actions on the investigation and consequently report to the presidency steps being taken to unravel the mystery behind the mystique.

The statement added: "The president also directed timely sharing of information and knowledge in a way to speedily assist the administration to diagnose what had gone wrong in the past and what needs to be done to make corrections in order to return the NDDC to its original mandate of making life better for people in Niger Delta.

"President Buhari said the administration wants to bring about rapid, even and sustainable development to

the region.

"The president gave a firm assurance that his administration would put in place a transparent and accountable governance framework, not only in the NDDC but in all other institutions of government."

House Committee Orders Arrest of MD as Pondei Walks out on Lawmakers The House of Representatives’ Committee on NDDC yesterday issued a warrant for the arrest of the acting Managing Director of the IMC of the commission, Pondei, after he and his team walked out on the lawmakers.

The committee and the Senate are currently probing the NDDC for alleged mismanagement and illegal spending of funds.

The drama took place at the resumed investigative hearing organised by the committee on alleged financial malfeasance and other activities in the commission.

It started when Pondei, during the hearing, objected to the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, presiding over the investigative hearing, saying he cannot preside over a matter in which he is an accused.

Pondei, when told to respond to queries, instead, asked Tunji-Ojo to step aside.

He stated that the NDDC had also accused some National Assembly members of culpability in the allegations trailing the commission. ''We are not comfortable

with the chairman of this committee presiding over a matter in which he’s an accused party. The NDDC has overtime accused Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo of different crimes against the NDDC. He’s an interested party and we do not believe that the NDDC can have justice because he cannot sit in his own case. We have no issue appearing, we have appeared before the Senate Ad hoc Committee. As long as he’s the chairman of this committee, the NDDC will not make any presentation here. There’s no point of order here, we are just stating our stand,'' he added.

One of the lawmakers, Hon. Shehu Koko, raised a point of order to say that the MD should not personalise the issues and cannot decide how the House should conduct its affairs.

Koko said: ''If you have anything against the chairman, you can go to EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission), ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission) or any of the security outfits to lay your complaints but as far as the rules of this House is concerned, you cannot come here and decide how we should conduct our affairs.

"The rules of the parliament stands, nobody can dictate to us here because this is not the matter in question.''

Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said there was no petition before the House against the chairman, adding that the managing director has a right to a fair hearing and that is why he

was invited to the hearing.

While members were still making a contribution on the issue, Pondei sought permission to leave and walked out before the committee could grant or reject his request.

The lawmakers accused the IMC of trying to frustrate legislative functions and ordered a warrant of arrest to be issued against Pondei, following the unanimous adoption of a motion moved by the House spokesperson.

Kalu, moving the motion, commended the committee members for the maturity exhibited following the provocations by the NDDC boss.

Speaking to journalists after walking out on the committee, Pondei said: “We have absolute respect for the National Assembly and that was why we appeared before the Senate ad hoc committee to investigate the same issues.

We made our presentation over two days and we will wait for the outcome of that investigation.

“However, the committee that was set up in the House of Representatives is being chaired by the chairman of the NDDC Committee who the NDDC severally accused of different things. He cannot be a judge in his own case because we are very sure we will not have a fair hearing.

“When we saw that the committee was insistent the chairman will continue, we had no option than to take a leave. We did not disrespect the National Assembly; we asked for permission to leave and we left.”

South-south Govs Deplore Commission’s Crisis, Back Audit

wanted to stop me from giving my submissions before the House of Representatives Committee today. He succeeded but I am sure the House of Representatives will give me another date. Nigerians will hear more."

Reacting to the incident, Wike said he rescued Nunieh from an attempted abduction and called on the IG to investigate the circumstances that led to the invasion.

Wike said he was on the ground to frustrate the attempted abduction, and berated the ‘self-styled’ armed policemen who claimed to be members of the InspectorGeneral Monitoring Unit.

The governor said under a civilised society, the proper thing to do was to invite her to answer any allegation.

He added that to storm her residence at such an unholy hour suggested some sinister motive that should not be tolerated.

Wike said: “What has happened today is a disgrace.

Who knows what would have happened to her if they had gained access to her main room. I went there personally to see things for myself and rescued her.

“She is supposed to testify before the House of Representatives Committee and here we are having armed men wanting to abduct her.

“We came out to protect our daughter and we will do so to every Rivers citizen. That is the oath of office I swore to.

It doesn’t matter the political affiliation. We will not allow anybody to destroy Rivers State.

“It is so unfortunate and I cry for this country concerning the way things are going.

They didn’t have a warrant of arrest, but would storm somebody’s house? In fact, the state Commissioner of Police is not aware.

“So, tell me how something will happen in a state and the Commissioner of Police is not aware? They said it’s the Inspector-General Monitoring Unit. So, we have such a unit taking over the responsibility of crime-fighting in a state and the Commissioner of Police is not aware? I can also assume too that the Inspector-General of Police is not aware. He should investigate it.”

The governor also called on governors of states that make up the NDDC to ensure that their citizens do not have a hand in the planned abduction of Nunieh.

Wike stated further: “If there is any allegation of crime against her, I will not back her. But you can’t kill her for no established crime. I don’t know who’s responsible, but whoever is behind it should not take Rivers State for granted because we will fight back.

“From what has happened now, I want to say that Rivers State is fully out. Anybody who is responsible for this attempted abduction of our daughter should know that enough is enough.

“They can’t treat her like a common criminal. I am sure that President Muhammadu Buhari is not aware of this," he added.

Fani-Kayode also described the siege by policemen at the Nunieh’s residence as cowardly and shameful.

Fani-Kayode commended Wike for arriving at Nunieh’s residence on time to take her to safety, adding that what the governor did reminded him

The South-south Governors’ Forum yesterday supported forensic auditing of the commission and decried the crisis in the agency.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the governors also backed the ongoing investigation of the commission by the Senate.

The forum said: “We believe the Senate is operating within its oversight functions through the ad hoc committee set up for that purpose.

“It behooves us to respect the Senate oversight function and allow it to discharge this responsibility in a fair, transparent and equitable manner.

“The South-south governors are desirous to see an NDDC that is fully alive and responsive to its mandate of accelerating infrastructural development of the Niger Delta region and enhancing the general living conditions of our people. Hence, we will not hesitate to give our unqualified support to any policy initiative that will make this a reality.

“The forum wishes to advise the combatants in the current crisis in the NDDC to refrain from utterances and actions that will breach the peace and security of the region."

It condemned the attempted abduction of the immediate past Acting Managing Director

of the commission, Ms. Joi Nunieh, saying it was unwarranted, unnecessary and uncalled for.

The forum called on security agencies to investigate the incident.

“Let it be on the record that we are neither in support of nor against Ms. Nunieh in the current cloud of controversy surrounding the NDDC. “However, as responsible public servants and leaders in the Niger Delta, we are mindful of the implications her attempted abduction could have on the peace and security of the region, which the current administration has laboured to sustain in the last five years.

"We do not want that to be truncated as it can have adverse consequences on the national economy.

"We urge the feuding parties in the NDDC to conduct themselves in a civil, orderly and lawful manner for the good of the region and the progress of the country.

"Democracy is about the rule of law; we have the courts and the various democratic institutions to deal with any grievances people may have without resorting to underhanded tactics and methods to intimidate and hound others.

"Finally, we wish to reiterate our stand that both the forensic audit and the Senate investigation should continue and be concluded with dispatch so that the NDDC can quickly return to its role of advancing and protecting the developmental aspirations our people," it stated.

DRAMA AS WIKE FOILS POLICE ATTEMPT TO ARREST NUNIEH alleged corruption in the NDDC. Nunieh has been engaged in a running battle, leading to recriminations between her and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over alleged corruption and mismanagement of resources at the commission.

The armed policemen, who reportedly came in their dozens as early as 4 am yesterday, were said to have surrounded the house and attempted to forcibly gain entrance into the main building.

Nunieh said she had to call the governor when the policemen told her they came to arrest her but could not produce the warrant of arrest.

Wike, who had earlier warned against harm coming the way of Nunieh, rushed to Nunieh's residence to rescue her.

A video clip of the incident showed security details of Wike escorting Nunieh into the governor’s official car in which she was driven out of her residence.

The armed policemen, who took strategic positions in the compound, were also seen helplessly watching the incident while the governor ordered them to go away.

Nunieh said over 15 policemen surrounded the house and questioned their motive since she said they had no warrant to arrest her.

The Rivers State Police Command, however, denied deploying its personnel in Nunieh’s house. Its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), told THISDAY that the command had no comment on the incident since the

contingent came from the Force Headquarters.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Police High Command yesterday failed as calls and text messages to the cell phone of the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, a deputy commissioner of police (DCP), were unanswered at press time.

Police Wanted to Grab Me Like Common Criminal, Says Nunieh Recounting her ordeal in the hands of the police, Nunieh alleged that they wanted to grab her like a common criminal but vowed that she would not be cowed by the experience.

She spoke at Government House, Port Harcourt after her rescue by Wike.

She said: "Early this morning around 4 am, I learnt that people were around my gate.

I made some calls and I tried to reach the state governor because he told me that if I see any strange movement that I should alert him because he had issued a statement.

“I tried to reach him but his phones were off. Then, I called some people and they said they may not be real policemen, so I should stay. They said they came to take me away and I said for what? So, I asked if they have a warrant of arrest and they said no warrant of arrest. So, I left it.

"At 6 a.m., they broke the gate. Then, Senator Magnus Abe now called me and said he has reached the Commissioner of Police; he said he doesn't know anything about it. The CP (Commissioner of Police) called me, I sent him my

address and he came. They told me the CP was downstairs, but the CP wasn't down. I think it was the Deputy Commissioner of Police. So, I opened the door and they wanted to grab me; I now pushed back the door, locked it, and went upstairs. I got through to my governor. They tried to break the backdoor, it is a security door and they kept hitting it for over one hour but they couldn't get access.

"So, my governor came and asked them for the warrant of arrest and why couldn't they invite me to the police station, as I would have come, instead of coming to take a woman like a common criminal. The governor took me in his car and I am here 'refugeeing' in Government House.

"I want to thank His Excellency for keeping to his word that nothing should happen to the daughter of Rivers State. So, here I am in the Government House.

I am supposed to be going today to Abuja to make my submissions before the House of Representatives Committee.

I am sure it is about that.

"The man that harassed me is at home; the man who stole the money is at home; the man who stole government files is at home; the man who took the money is at home; the man who said I should go and take an oath is at home.

It is a criminal offence, it is life imprisonment to take oaths, to even offer me an oath is liable.

"I am sure my lawyers will be working on my next step as we speak. I don't think that Akpabio can kill me; definitely, he can't.

But, why do people think that he has a monopoly on violence? I think Akpabio

of what former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, did to save his wife and son when armed men in police uniform conducted an illegal operation against them in Ado Ekiti four years ago.

He said: “I have been reliably informed that the police raid on Joy's house at 4.00 am was yet another illegal operation and was not backed by a search or arrest warrant or authorised by the Commissioner of Police of Rivers State or the Inspector General of Police.

“It was simply an attempt to abduct her, take her away, and possibly kill her..."

Also, reacting to the incident during an interview on Continued on page 10

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NEWS

NLC, UCL Reconcile, Merge, Pledge to Protect Workers' Welfare Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja After years of division, the two factional labour unions in Nigeria - Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the United Labour Congress (UCL) have resolved to end their disagreement and to work together as one labour centre to protect the interest of the Nigerian Workers.

The decision to chart a common cause emerged yesterday during a reconciliation meeting between the two groups.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba said: "After

several years of dispute, the strain between the NLC and UCL has finally been resolved.

"The NLC and UCL will always collaborate to defend the interest of the Nigerian workers."

He said that the UCL will henceforth be reintegrated into the main body of the NLC and its structures collapsed into the NLC. “The NLC president consequently announced the ULC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero as the new deputy president of the NLC. In his reaction, Ajaero said "We are back to our house; we

are back to our family and we are now stronger. Events of the next few days will show that we are back."

The labour movement split into two factions after the NLC’s elections in 2015.

However, in a joint statement signed by Wabba and Ajaero and titled "Our bond of brotherhood shall never be broken," both labour leaders described what happened yesterday as a celebration of the reconciliation between the NLC and ULC. Part of the statement reads: "the leadership of the NLC and the ULC wish to announce to

the world that the strain within the ranks of organised labour in Nigeria has been resolved. The NLC led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba has fully reconciled with the ULC led by Comrade Joe Ajaero".

After the conduct of leadership election in the NLC at the 10th National Delegates Conference in 2015, a misunderstanding arose between some affiliates of congress.

Efforts by labour leaders such as the pioneer President of the NLC Comrade Hassan Sunmonu and a former president of the NLC, Comrade Adams

Oshiomhole to resolve the issue failed.

Wabba who read the statement said that the two sides out of the determination to resolve their misunderstanding resorted to direct discussions aimed at ending the rift.

"The outcome of this quiet but sustained effort at making the peace is the fruit of the reconciliation that we are celebrating today. It is to the credit of the leadership of the NLC and the UCL that the bond of solidarity was never broken even at the height of misunderstanding.

“The NLC and ULC always cooperated and collaborated in defending Nigerian workers.

This was the experience during negotiations for the new national minimum wage," he said.

Wabba said with the reconciliation, the leadership and structures of the ULC have been reintegrated into the NLC. He said that under the reconciliation Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two leadership, the modus operandi for this re-integration and ancillary issues were spelt out to the satisfaction of both parties.

Governor, Mr. Mahdi Gusau.

Others present were the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, and the Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Uchechukwu Ogah.

without excluding the indigenes and qualified companies owned by indigenes in these areas to bid for and participate in the national bidding. The challenge is already manifesting in many different directions and the leaders are just bringing out what the youths have been agitating for and what they have been subtly fighting for, which has led to some form of sabotage in the oil production of the gas facility.”

Enang stated that in the past 48 hours, he had personally engaged in managing the situation in Rivers State between the Omuku and the opposing communities.

The federal government, he added, has also engaged the Delta South, Warri areas, relating to the agitation of certain youths.

He said: “The era of big names that were said to be given the contract for the oil pipeline protection is over. And that the amnesty that was granted to young men who have matured to men who are not seeing benefits have now started agitating. This is now challenging the production of oil, gas, the security of oil workers and the security of the oil installations.

“Some days ago, the federal government launched the Ajaokuta, Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, and right now, the source of the gas is being threatened, which we have been trying to ensure that we address in such a manner that does not lead to combustible situation. We are having a real challenge because these people are beginning a new era of agitation.”

He added that “the government has been trying to improve confidence building, manage a situation where we get the government to listen and act in a manner that is responsive to their demands and we are working with the oil companies, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Minister of Petroleum, and the local community leaders.”

Enang also said the government was doing everything possible to ensure the timely passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

“Given the new agitation we are having and with the knowledge, I have over the last 72 hours, I think we need to sit down with another generation of Niger Delta stakeholders and youths because they are seeing things differently and there is a trust deficit between this new generation of youths who have risen,“ he said.

The federal government is targeting to raise over $500 million from the 2020 marginal oilfield bid rounds in terms of signature bonuses from the 57 fields, which will be auctioned.

Wants Bidding Process Terminated

MADE-IN-NIGERIA GOLD ARRIVES, TO BOOST FOREIGN RESERVES beginning of the nation’s gold purchase programme through the CBN. Expressing his excitement at the new milestone, Buhari said Nigeria lost $3 billion to illegal smuggling of gold between 2012 and 2018.

However, the president added that improved gold mining operations in the country could generate 250,000 jobs and over $500 million monetary value annually through the payment of royalties and taxes to government coffers.

The president, at the official presentation of locally mined gold bars by the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMDI) in Abuja yesterday, said his administration was committed to the task of establishing gold refineries in Nigeria.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, quoted the president as saying that the move to establish gold refineries in Nigeria will support efforts to create jobs, diversify the revenue base and improve foreign exchange reserves.

"Reiterating the determination of the federal government to combat illegal mining activities, the president expressed concern that Nigeria lost close to $3b from 2012-2018 due to illegal smuggling of gold," the statement said.

The president said the implementation of PAGDMI scheme would culminate in the creation of "gold buying centres" in key mining areas and provide artisanal miners and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who engage in mining with the platform to reflect the value of their work.

The president added that the operations would aid diversification of the country's revenue base because royalties and taxes would be paid by both the SMEs and artisanal miners who would sell gold at accredited centres, among other accruable benefits.

"With the implementation of the PAGDMI scheme, which will result in the set-up of accredited gold buying centres across key mining areas, artisanal miners and SMEs engaged in mining will be able to capture the value of their work. ‘‘These operations will help in diversifying our revenue base. The sale of gold by artisanal miners and SMEs at accredited centres will help the government in realising royalties and taxes from the sale of these assets,” he said, adding: ‘‘These developments will also help in improving our foreign reserves by enabling the Central Bank of Nigeria to increase the amount of gold in its reserves.”

Buhari stated that aside from

the potential gains accruable from revenues generated from mining operations, efforts would also be made to establish gold refineries in Nigeria.

He said he was optimistic that these initiatives would assist in creating additional job opportunities across the gold value chain and simultaneously help the country capture what he described as the additional value created from the gold refining process.

The president also spoke on environmental degradation, pledging government's preparedness to pay close attention to safety and environmental measures with the aim of protecting both the workers and the environment.

He commended all stakeholders involved in PAGMI scheme for what he described as their painstaking efforts in developing a programme designed to improve sourcing and refining of highquality gold bars derivable from minefields in Nigeria.

The statement added that the president recalled that the launch of PAGMI in 2019 was timely in view of the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the global economy as well as the Nigerian economy.

The president, who said the effect of COVID-19, and efforts to contain the virus had slowed down global growth, also noted that the trend had been projected to decline into negative territory for the first time since the Great Depression.

He said the current estimated gold reserves of over 200m ounces would help in developing sustainable programmes that would boost investments in refining gold secured from mines in Nigeria.

The president said artisanal miners would be provided with what he described as "guaranteed off-take" by the CBN as part of the design for job creation. ‘‘The gold buying programme by the central bank will ensure that artisanal miners are no longer subjected to the volatility in gold prices that occur in the absence of credible off-takers, which has often led to a significant loss in the value of gold sold by miners, as well as in encouraging illegal smuggling,’’ the president added.

Also speaking at the launch, Emefiele said the development would help Nigeria facilitate economic diversification.

According to him, Nigeria will no longer be analysed through the price of crude oil because gold is also valued in the international market in dollars.

“The Nigerian economy remains strong, remains resilient to withstand the exogenous shocks that we see around today.”

“We seize this opportunity to assure our friends both locally

and internationally to say that the Nigerian government supported by the monetary authorities is doing everything possible to diversify the base of the Nigerian economy and in the coming weeks and months, Nigerians and the world will see more that is going to be done in improving the output from our agricultural sector, improving productivity from the manufacturing sector, doing everything to make it easy for goods to move from farms to market in Nigeria,” he said.

Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said many states, including Kebbi whose people have been into the artisanal gold mining sector for decades, though illegally, with health hazards to themselves and damage to the environment, now have an opportunity to ply their trade lawfully.

He said: “The miners are now registered, they have modern tools, protective gear with minimal damage to the environment, and above all they are buying centres which you will buy it from them at prices that they would never have gotten before and with the creativity and support of the Central Bank Governor.

“This gold will go into reserve providing a ready market. So this energizes state governors, gold-producing communities across Nigeria and I believe this is an initiative that will see us through more individually and collectively in this gold production and ensure that people benefit from it.”

The Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Ms. Fatima Shinkafi, said the initiative would not only strengthen the national economy and impact on the individuals, but will also encourage privatesector-led investment.

She stated: “They have a space to participate in PAGMI and the laws and regulations are there.

We will sensitize people together with the Ministry and the States, who have been very supportive as well.

“We have started a good journey towards improving the economy and we are moving at a very fast speed.

“I hope that this will translate into a better life, most importantly for the households that we intend to impact in terms of making better standards of living for individual families that we are supporting directly and indirectly with the artisanal miners.”

Present at the launch were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Bagudu Atiku (Kebbi), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), and Zamfara State Deputy

Meanwhile, the federal government is looking at the possibility of giving exclusive rights to indigenes of host communities in the Niger Delta to bid for certain marginal oilfields in their communities when the process commences.

This would be in fulfillment of a commitment made in 2009

by President Umaru Yar’Adua during his negotiation for peace with militants in the region, culminating in the extensive Amnesty he granted some of the restive youths that had taken up arms due to neglect of the oil-bearing region.

Speaking yesterday to ARISE News, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Senator Ita Enang, said faced with the prospect of the outbreak of fresh violence in the region, the federal government was reviewing the agitation by oil-bearing communities to have stakes in the fresh bids for marginal oilfields.

Enang spoke just as the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) threw its weight behind the demand by Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities for the termination of the bidding process for the award of the 57 marginal oilfields in the region until indigenes are given the opportunity to own the resources in their land.

Meanwhile, in spite of not processing petroleum products for years, Nigeria’s three petroleum refineries have continued to gulp an average of N10 billion monthly as operational expenses, information from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has revealed.

Enang told ARISE NEWS: “We have taken up the matter for the purpose of discussion and we are working on engaging the communities on these matters. Yes, there is the 13 per cent derivation and the argument is that for every aspect - not just revenues that are derived from it, for the purpose of local content definition, there should be reserves for the areas where this oil is taken from - a percentage of the marginal fields where qualified oilfields from, the areas are allowed to bid for exclusively.

“We are looking at doing it

Oil-producing Region

PANDEF has thrown its weight behind the demand by Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo ethnic nationalities for the bidding process for the award of the 57 marginal oilfields in the region to be terminated until indigenes are given an opportunity to own resources in their land.

PANDEF also backed the demand by the ethnic nationalities in Delta State on the alleged marginalisation and abandonment of the multi-billion dollars Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Gas Revolution Industrial Park Project (GRIP) and the relocation of the floating dock by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

The three ethnic groups had threatened to shut down oil and gas facilities in the region if the federal government failed to address the marginalisation and ensure the immediate take-off of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and the relocation of the floating dock located in Ogidigben and Gbaramatu area of Delta.

PANDEF, the apex sociocultural umbrella body for ethnic nationalities and people of the region warned that the federal government cannot continue to take Niger Delta people for granted despite providing the nation’s economic mainstay.

In a statement, yesterday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ken Robinson, the group said the people of the region had not been accorded their dues by the current administration through the appointment of key officers and project execution.

The group endorsed the demands of the three ethnic groups after a virtual meeting of the forum’s national executive, in consultation with strategic and critical stakeholders on Tuesday.

It said: “The demands by the people of Gbaramatu kingdom, the Itsekiri and Urhobo groups are germane and congruent.

The issues of marginalisation and exclusion, of neglect, discrimination, unfairness and injustice against the Niger Delta people by the Buhari administration; the abandonment of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Gas Revolution Industrial Park Project, the relocation of the floating dock, the ownership of marginal oilfields and other issues raised variously by the groups, are issues that PANDEF has been talking about. Sadly, the federal government has been heedless, detached, and carried on with unconcerned ease.

“The Buhari administration cannot continue to take the goodwill of the people of the Niger Delta region for granted.”

investigate any citizen who they feel is in breach of the law or about to breach the law.

“However, what we have on hand is the inquest by the National Assembly and the arrest by the police.

We see that there are two

conflicting constitutional agencies of state carrying out their constitutional duties in collision with each other.

“That is deplorable and if anybody is looking for the sign by the agencies of state as we see them today function

at cross purposes. This is a prima facie classic example that they do not function across purposes. They should be aware that Joy Nunieh is scheduled to appear before the House of Representatives it is despicable.”

FG Mulls Reserving Marginal Oilfields for Oil-bearing Communities

DRAMA AS WIKE FOILS POLICE ATTEMPT TO ARREST NUNIEH ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, a renowned lawyer and human rights activist, Ms. Esther Uzoma, said any attempt to embarrass, intimidate or gag a Nigerian woman and any citizen of

this country is despicable.

She said: “If Joy Nunieh is scheduled to appear before the House this morning and the Nigerian police have surrounded her house, and indeed made entry therein, it is worrisome. The Nigerian

Senate is also exercising their constitutional duty of inquest into ongoing affairs in NDDC. Perhaps this would appear that there is a clash of constitutional function. The Nigerian police are also well within their right to arrest and

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NEWS

FG Warns VIPs, Investigates Yari, Fintiri over Breach of Airport Protocols Predicts more COVID-19 deaths by September

Olawale Ajimotokan and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has warned very important

personalities (VIPs) and unruly passengers against breaching laid down airport protocols on COVID-19, stressing that it has escalated investigation into the

Nigeria’s COVID-19 Cases Rise By 595 to 34,854 Martins Ifijeh Nigeria has recorded 595 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 34,854 the number of confirmed cases in the country.

Announcing this yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Lagos recorded 156 new cases; Ondo, 95; Rivers, 53; Abia, 43; Oyo, 38; Enugu, 29; Edo, 24; Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 23;

Kaduna, 20; Akwa Ibom, Osun and Anambra, 17 each; Ogun, 14; Kano, 13; Imo, 11; Delta, six; Ekiti, five; Gombe and Plateau, four each; Cross River, two; while Adamawa, Bauchi, and Jigawa recorded one each.

It said: “Nigeria has recorded 34,854 COVID-19 cases. 14,292 persons have been discharged, while 769 have died.”

Court Orders EFCC to Return Saraki’s Houses Davidson Iriekpen The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday upturned its earlier order forfeiting to the federal government two houses in Ilorin belonging to a former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

The court, in a judgment by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, released the houses back to Saraki, while delivering judgment on an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking to permanently forfeit the houses to the federal government.

The EFCC had in December last year secured a court order for the interim forfeiture of the houses at Plots No. 10 and No. 11 Abdulkadir Road, GRA, Ilorin, Kwara State after telling the court that they were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly perpetrated

by Saraki while he was Kwara State Governor between 2003 and 2011.

But attempts by the EFCC to convert the temporary forfeiture order to a permanent forfeiture order was vehemently resisted

by Saraki, leading eventually to the discharge of the temporary forfeiture order yesterday by Justice Aikawa.

The judge said he found no sufficient basis in the EFCC application and he could not “find my way through” to grant the permanent forfeiture order.

In its application, the EFCC had told the court how it received and investigated “a damning intelligence report, showing monumental fraud perpetrated in the treasury of the Kwara State Government between 2003 and 2011,” when Saraki was the governor of the state.

But Saraki had, through his lawyer, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), described the EFCC suit as an abuse of court process and an attempt to scandalise him.

House, Stakeholders to Lobby Govs over WAEC Cancellation

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services, the Ministry of Education and West African Examination Council (WAEC) Nigeria yesterday agreed that if they were to make the September date for the WAEC examination a reality for the students, there is need to get the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) involved in coming up with a timely and effective decision.

Recall that the House at the plenary last Tuesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse the decision of the Federal Ministry of Education withdrawing Nigeria from participating in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and other similar examinations.

It also mandated its Committees on Basic

Education, Healthcare Services, Water Resources and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back to the House in two weeks.

The committees and the stakeholders at a meeting in Abuja agreed that in the interest of the 1.6 million candidates registered for the examination, there was a need to agree on a date for the regional examination as time was running out for the country.

In his contribution, the head of WAEC National Office in Nigeria, Patrick Areghan, said it takes quite a while to print question papers and that other convoluted logistic considerations might come into play.

Areghan said Ghana had wanted to have the examination in June because it’s an election year in the country, but shelved it because of Nigeria.

unruly conduct and breaches of COVID-19 safety protocols at the airports by the Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Ahmadu Fintiri and the former Governor of Zamfara State, Mr. Abdulaziz Yari.

Also, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) yesterday said that it has activated 54 testing centres across 30 states of the federation since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

This is coming as the federal government has asked owners of businesses and shops to deny any customer not wearing face mask access to their facilities.

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika gave the warning to VIPs yesterday while giving updates at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 press briefing in Abuja.

Sirika said he had received complaints from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) about the alleged unruly conduct of the VIP passengers.

He said the passengers will be investigated and prosecuted by the police for the alleged infraction, owhich attracts a jail sentence of not less than two months if found guilty. ‘’The ministry and agency

have received a lot of enquiry regarding some alleged unruly passengers. One of the agencies - FAAN in particular received a lot of complaints. “FAAN has escalated what has happened.

These alleged unruly passengers included the former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari whom I spoke with at length yesterday- and the current Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri. ‘’ They are being investigated.

And if it is found to be true, we will do the needful. If it is found be untrue, we will definitely apologise to these individuals,’’ Sirika said.

The minister, who quoted the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations part 19 Section 91 (1) and part 17 97 (2), which define an unruly passenger and how to deal with them for the offence committed at the airport terminal building or on board an aircraft.

The minister, who pleaded with VIPs to conduct themselves in manner that dignifies their status, said the airports are borderless national security assets that are fitted with security cameras, capable of picking up anybody, adding that those whoever breaks the rule will be investigated and

prosecuted once found guilty.

Sirika said Yola and Kaduna airports were expected to open yesterday night, while Calabar had been inspected and ready for operation, apart from challenge with one of the security equipment.

He also added that Sokoto, Katsina, and Kebbi states’ airports will be inspected today and will be opened afterwards, while Ilorin, Ibadan, Benin and Akure airports will not be ready for inspection until July 20, going by the assurance by the local airport managers.

“Makurdi airport, which is scheduled for Saturday; we will pair it up with Jos. Some of those we are expecting them to send their plan for restart and some are not airport owned by the federal government like Bauchi, Gombe, Asaba and Escravos”.

Meanwhile, the federal government has also issued an advisory to the general public to procure their sanitisers and other pharmaceutical products from credible sources.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha said yesterday that 63 per cent of the alcohol-based sanitizers in Abuja did not have NAFDAC

registration numbers.

Mustapha said the discovery was made following a survey conducted by the Nigeria Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) to check the influx of substandard goods into the market.

Mustapha has also appealed to Nigerians to change their perception about COVID-19, warning that the infection figures are not likely to abate, but will continue with time.

He also projected that more Nigerians will die by September.

On its part, NCDC said that it has activated 54 testing centres across 30 states of the federation since the beginning of the pandemic in the country.

Speaking at the media briefing, the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said that the centre was working very hard to make sure that it covers the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria with testing laboratories.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire asked owners of businesses and shops to deny any customer not wearing face mask access to their facilities.

ONWARD TOGETHER...

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (left), being presented with a souvenir by the Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Mackson Kadiri, after a paper presentation by Nigerian Navy Course 28 participants, at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja...yesterday.

Buhari Warns Ministers, MDAs, Others against Disrespecting N’Assembly Meets Lawan, Gbajabiamila Ejiofor Alike President Muhammadu Buhari has read the riot act to ministers and heads of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the relationship with the National Assembly.

This followed a meeting between the President and the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, which held yesterday at the Aso Villa in Abuja.

The meeting was believed to

have centered on the face-off between the National Assembly over the recruitment of 774,000 Nigerians for special public works programme.

However, in a statement issued yesterday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, highlighted the details of the meeting which lasted almost an hour.

He explained that it was characterised by an engaging discussion on a range of key issues of national importance, particularly the role of

the legislature as a critical component in supporting their common goal and commitment towards improving the lives of the people of Nigeria.

In the course of their conversation, Shehu revealed that the recent events at the National Assembly were highlighted.

He stated that the President re-emphasised his utmost respect for the National Assembly, adding that any disrespect to the institution by any member of the executive branch would not be accepted.

“Ministers and all heads of Departments and Agencies should at all times conduct themselves in ways that will not undermine the National Assembly as an institution, its leadership and members.

“The President and the leaders of the National Assembly recognised and acknowledged that the Executive and Legislative arms of government are essential partners in the fulfillment of their mutually aligned goal of improving the lives of the Nigerian people,” the statement said.

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍľËœ 2020

COMMENT

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

HATS OFF TO GBAGI

Kenneth Gbagi is being positioned to take Delta to greater height, writes Hendrix Chukwudi

A

s the clock ticks towards 2023, the Nigerian political class is not leaving anything to chance as the political undercurrent swells up by the day, in alignments and realignments to capture power especially at the centre and the federating states.

While a handful of states will have their states’ executives seek second term in the office, most states shall be having incumbents end their eight-year tenure and change of administrative batons; ditto the government at the centre.

Pundits say 2023 can make or mar the country as usual, but unfolding events point to the fact that the transition period shall come and go peacefully as in the past, despite doomsday predictions.

However, the state to watch out for in the league of transitional governments is Delta State. There, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi is currently holding sway as the next man to mount the saddle of leadership, having paid his dues in politics over the years.

Olorogun Gbagi has left no one in doubt as to his readiness to become the next Executive Governor of the oil-rich state and he has since set machinery in motion to ensure that his dream of growing Delta State to an enviable height.

A real estate and security mogul, Gbagi is undoubtedly one of the comfortable lawyers Nigeria has ever produced, rising through excruciating poverty into prominence. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stalwart is a colossus and most qualified for the position, a statesman with the needed broad mind to lead the heterogeneous big heart state. Some of his followers see him as a miracle worker.

Olorogun Gbagi chances are bright. The philanthropist and entrepreneur of no mean repute has overwhelmingly won the hearts of his party men and women who crave his emergence and ready to ensure he flies the flag of the party he has worked for over the years.

As the first measure, the former Minister of State for Education has reached out to his Urhobo kinsmen, announcing to them in massive and sustained consultations to the traditional authority, clans, leaders and followers across the length and breadth of the central senatorial district his intention to build on the progress on ground and made possible by his party in the state. He has also diligently done the same in the other two senatorial districts of the state. Wherever he goes in the course of his consultation with the people, Olorogun Gbagi needs no introduction because he has always been around them in times of need and surplus.

TO HIS CREDIT MANY OF WOULD-HAVEBEING OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE IN SCHOOL; AND THOSE WHO HAVE GRADUATED ARE EKING OUT A LIVING IN ALL FACETS OF LIFE

Notable for his giant stride in philanthropy, Gbagi has moved so many sons and daughters of Urhoboland nay other Deltans out of poverty just as he relentlessly engages indigent children of the very poor in vocational trainings as many are under his scholarship scheme.

Olorogun Gbagi whose growth as a child was almost stunted by systemic neglect is not oblivious of the roles of education in a child’s life and this, apart from being an educationist, takes it upon himself to stand in gap become the very poor and western education.

To his credit many of would-have-being out of school children are in school; and those who have graduated are eking out a living in all facets of life. His achievements in these areas are not hidden from the Delta public who are surging out in support for him to become the governor in 2023.

Across the three senatorial districts and ethnic divides, Olorogun Gbagi has been able to arrest the consciousness and the peoples’ followership because they desire massive development the business mogul is willing to offer.

Olorogun Gbagi has traversed the state capturing the people as a grassroots politician who has the capacity to hold his own anywhere in the world, no matter the circumstance.

Of all who may challenge him at the polls, none can boast of half of his credentials let alone meet his humanitarian services to communities across the state.

The astute politician has reached the peak of humanitarianism and the people are poised to give back no matter how little that man who has been there for them over the years and this accounts for why his name is a household name in the “big heart� state. In 2023, Olorogun Gbagi is willing to carry everyone along.

Some persons see Olorogun Gbagi as a phenomenon — an enigma of some sort— an idea whose time has come and no one can stop it.

Unlike other political hard sell, Gbagi is a marketable brand for his party; easy to sell to the electorate with uncommon political values added; the Oginibo, Ughelli South-born political leader will surely attract victory to his party by the good people of Delta State. First, by his political party, those saddled with the responsibility of choosing who flies the flag should consider the need for a greater Delta, greater people and greater destiny while the masses of the people gear up to elect him at the polls.

Chukwudi wrote from Okpanam, Delta State

FAREWELL, EDET AKPAN E. Samuel Essien, Nsikak A. Umoh and Moses Etokowoh ÚËã ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂžĂ? ÞÙ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ÙÖÎÓĂ?ĂœËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™Ă?Ă? ÚÙÖÓĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ?

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ajor General Edet Adam Akpan, the fourth Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and former Director of the Nigerian Army Education Corps, passed away on May 15,

2020. He was 79.

General Akpan was an incredibly nice, personable, and distinguished army general. He was also a gentleman of outstanding qualities. A leader, who has set free his spirit of love, honour, and compassion for his fellow human beings to share and behold, he earned his enviable reputation as a true patriot.

In Nigeria’s military, where Gen. Akpan had an outstanding professional career, he rose to the enviable position of Director, Army Education Corps.

But, it was at the NYSC, where he was the Chief Executive between 1984-1987, that General Akpan impacted a generation of young men and women.

Through his skills and youth-oriented policy, he opened up new vistas for corps members to pursue their dreams. In 1984, Gen. Akpan brought into NYSC a crack team of professionals to redesign the scheme’s Community Development Service (CDS) as an all-year-round program. The primary objective was to broaden opportunities to make a fundamental difference in the lives of the participants of the scheme. The program recognized corps members’ skills and talents. It also made them aware of their beneficial value, and that the nation was appreciative of their loyalty and commitment to national service.

To mainstream NYSC into the nation’s consciousness, General Akpan approved two publications, entitled, The Theory and Science of Community Development Service (CDS) and The NYSC Project Document. The aim was to create an awareness of the ideals of national youth service among corps members, who, oblivious of the imperative of selfless service to the nation, were swayed away in different directions in pursuit of preferential postings to white-collar jobs. A portrait of future and endless possibilities, the Science of CDS and NYSC Project Document, in the words of Alec Dickson, persuaded corps members that: “A sense of common citizenship must transcend tribal and family loyalties, and that there is as much opportunity for social service in the new towns as there is for community service

in the rural areas.�

While it took a long while to get the Corps members to buy into the new direction and repudiate their craving for white collar jobs, General Akpan nonetheless seized on the opportunity to carry forward his re-orientation programme. Among other measures, orientation camp lectures were used to reinforce lessons on such values as ‘dignity in all labour’ and ‘the need to use what you have to get what you want’ within the primary goal of the NYSC. Corps members were encouraged to leave the communities where they served in better shape than they met them. What looked like a jigsaw puzzle quickly fell into place, and the achievement of the stated mission and aims became obvious.

Corps members took to the new CDS, which was now to run on an all-year-round basis. Corps members also took to inventions and fabrications in fulfilment of their community development responsibilities and in support of their host communities and activities of felt needs. Among other examples, corps members formed the entire teaching staff of many schools in the hinterland and, as part of their CDS, also organized and held extramural classes to prepare their students for external examinations Corps members also undertook urban beautification schemes, mounted important historic statues and public signages, and introduced basic programs to promote community hygiene. Corps engineers and architects designed and built bridges and linked kith and kin previously separated for generations.

In addition, the NYSC under General Akpan established farms in all states of the federation. The aim was not only to grow crops profitably and demonstrate to corps members, who at the time had a bias towards white collar job, that agriculture was a viable alternative, but also to serve as practical examples to the rural farmers on the comparative advantages of modern-day agricultural practices and the need for them to embrace them. The NYSC farms cultivated arable crops such as rice, cassava and maize, commercial crops such as sun flower, soya-bean and oil palm. Soon the programme was extended to include poultry and animal husbandry.

Furthermore, the NYSC established processing plants like the Feed Mill in Ipaja, Lagos State; Oil Mill at Iwok, Akwa Ibom State and Rice Mill in Enugu, Enugu State. These were established for the purpose of adding value to the farm produce as

well as expanding the agricultural value chain. The NYSC Farms became quite popular especially during The President’s Honors Award Ceremony when the best of the Community Development Service achievements was displayed. One of the high points was during General Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure as military head of state, when government had cause to prepare a supplementary budget for the NYSC Farms after viewing the exhibition of its produce.

The NYSC Farms program was designed to make long term impact on the lives of corps members by enhancing their skills and increase employment opportunities for them after their service year. In agriculture, some state governments responded as willing partners. Lagos State, for example, offered ten hectares of land to corps members who shunned white collar jobs in pursuit of agriculture as a means of livelihood.

Under the NYSC Year-Round-Community Service, leisure time activities flourished in corps members places of primary assignment. The NYSC nation-wide Drama Competition as well as NYSC Sports Competition, though limited to corps members, generated healthy interactions in host communities. The fierce competition which ensued resonated well with the competitive nature of the corps members. Evidence abounds that many of the famous Nollywood actresses and actors cut their teeth in the NYSC Drama competition.

The story was also similar for sports where corps members competed in volleyball and football.

The best corps soccer players were drafted to the NYSC football team which competed in the Fourth Division of the Football League.

Steven Ehoda Aldi, a Benue State indigene, who became a Director at the NYSC Directorate Headquarters, Abuja, was one of the thousands of graduates of higher institutions to benefit from a one-year practical learning under Gen. Akpan’s Year-Round-Community Service. A young man with an incredible knack for knowledge, EhodaAldi served in 1984 as a corps member at the experimental NYSC-YRCDS Rice Farm at Ikpe Ikot Nkon, Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Says Mr. Ehoda-Aldi, one of thousands of ex-corps members and officials, who bemoaned Gen. Akpan’s passing: “He re-aligned the administration of the scheme away

from staff on secondment to NYSC having its own permanent staff.� “He was not distracted,� writes Ehoda-Aldi in a text message he shared upon his learning of the passing of General Akpan. “He had his eyes set on clearly defined objectives,� the ex-corps member recalled in obvious reference to the experience he once described as transformative during General Akpan’s years at NYSC. Others, including close acquaintances and professional colleagues of General Akpan, recall a man whose sterling qualities included an impulsive yet measured generosity to the less privileged.

A brilliant and articulate leader, he rebranded the NYSC and piloted it through a challenging period of time following the financial scandal that he inherited. By so doing, he re-established public confidence in the once nationally revered scheme, a demonstration of his clear understanding of the issues that faced NYSC. Today, the noise about corruption has spilled over into the social media: lots of noise, we dare say. But as we look back, today, from the days of General Akpan as the Director-General of NYSC, we see an outstanding soldier, whose policies transformed the NYSC. He focused on discouraging corrupt practices, promoting probity and accountability. Not done, he changed the image of the NYSC from that of broken frames and edifices of disrepute into a national monument of unmatched accomplishments. He did so without a bullet, or illegal or sponsored detention of suspects.

The reconstituted frames of administrative justice changed the national psychic or attitude about NYSC nationally and internationally.

The news of a reformed NYSC was noted by youth development authorities in the Koreas, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, where organised youth service is considered as an integral part of national development. The ensuing euphoria and a new vision of what our educated youths could achieve through the NYSC quickly spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria. It also birthed the concept of NYSC “ambassadors,� an ideal which came up in official discussions in other African countries with similar national youth service programme.

Essien lives in Queens, New York; Umoh in Albany, New York (USA) and Etokowoh in Uyo, Akwa Ibom

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

EDITORIAL FOR SAFETY ON WATERWAYS There is urgent need to enforce operational standards on the waterways

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n the absence of other reliable transportation system in many of our coastal communities, people tend to pile into whatever watercraft happens to be going towards the direction they are headed.

But the challenge is that this often necessitates overcrowding when small wooden canoes carry passengers far beyond their capacity. It is therefore little surprise that the body count in the number of deaths occasioned by boat mishaps on the nation’s waterways keeps mounting. While Nigerians may not be paying attention, hardly a week passes without reports of a boat accident and often with heavy casualty figures.

On 6th June this year, about 28 persons lost their lives when a canoe conveying them across River Benue capsized in Benue State. The victims were travelling from Ijaha in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State to participate in the annual convention of their church. Earlier in Lagos, a boat conveying 19 THERE SHOULD BE REGULAR INSPECTION OF passengers and BOATS JUST LIKE MOTOR two crew members VEHICLES ARE INSPECTED from Ebute-Ero to Ikorodu in the FOR ROADWORTHINESS night also capsized.

However, the Lagos situation seemed to be a little bit better than that of Benue as 10 persons were lucky to be rescued while others lost their lives in the mishap.

It is tragic that despite various water management authorities that we have in this country, our waterways still remain death traps. There is no doubt that water transportation could be one clear source of decongesting the roads. However, there is an urgent need for the enforcement of operational standards for all ferry and canoe operators across the country’s waterways. There should also be regular inspection of these

Letters to the Editor

boats just like motor vehicles are inspected and deemed road worthy or marked ‘off the road’, in order to detect dilapidated and rickety boats which constitute serious hazard to human lives.

Provision of emergency services along the water ways is also worthy of consideration. The absence of such emergency agencies often contributes to the high casualty figures recorded when boat accidents occur.

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

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

here is hardly any ferry, canoe or the so-called “flying boat” that keeps to the exact passenger number specification. Perhaps more important is the obvious absence of enforcement of safety standards since not much is known about the existence of any mandatory operational guidelines for ownership of ferries and boats.

That explains why in some instances boats that were constructed to carry not more than 20 persons could be loaded with 50 or more passengers especially at peak periods when people are in a hurry to get back to their places. Consequently, when the canoe encounters stormy conditions along the water, the sheer weight of the human cargo and other luggage would make it easily susceptible to capsize. Furthermore, the fact that there are no life-jackets on board is a sure guarantee that casualty was bound to be high.

It is even more disturbing that we have marine police in the country who always seem more or less to be nowhere to be found in environs where water tragedies occur. If they are marine police, shouldn’t they be permanently stationed around waterways and swiftly swing to action when tragedies occur on the waters by promptly rescuing victims? What is the essence of the existence of Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA)?

We therefore call on both the federal and state governments to halt the constant and needless waste of human lives on our waterways. This will entail putting in place adequate safety measures.

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

Of Rape And The Way Forward

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ome days ago, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen disclosed that Nigeria reported 3,600 rape cases since the beginning of lockdown in the country.

Besides, the majority of these cases led to loss of lives. This has resulted in outcry by the citizens. Furthermore, they bemoaned the menace and quest for justice.

Of recent, social media has received an enormous number of unsatisfactory comments in the course of this case. Arguably, no one is celebrating the act.

Citizens in some states and institutions have carried out peaceful protests against the action.

However, it is only the victims of rape, who can explain how gruesome the act is. May rapists not feast on our bodies. Amen.

No doubt, the menace is not a recent phenomenon in this country, and neither is it a new threat ravaging humanity at large. Historically, there were rape cases before the coming of colonial masters. Though, very finite. This was despite the kind of culture in some parts of the country. Today, the number of rape cases has risen compared to yesteryears. So sad, it is increasing every year.

Divergent opinions have flooded the media on the causes of rape. Some commentators believe that no factor can justify rape while others perceive indecent dressing as a leading factor to rape.

To me, both are right. This is based on the environment people inhabit. Whether rape has a cause(s) or not, it depends on the culture of the Nigerian society. A cursory look at this, after a series of observation, each society has different cases of rape. Study the geo-political zones in Nigeria and fact-check by yourself this assertion.

However, a lot of questions have been raised questing for observations and recommendations on the appropriate way(s) to tackle the danger of rape. Based on this, here are my recommendations forward.

To tackle this disheartening act, let’s apply the five agents of socialisation. Starting from the family, parents need to educate and enlighten their wards on rape, its atrocities and implications. Children, both male and female, should be given adequate knowledge of sex

education. Schools being the second agent should be used to get rid of rape in the society.

Sex education should be put as subject and course in the Nigeria educational system. This will give an avenue for the student to have vast knowledge and understanding of sex education.

Also, peer group is supposed to be given adequate concern. Peer group has influenced rapists greatly in society. Friends whom a child is mingling within the society play a vital role in the life of the child. Surely, imitation would take place. A Yoruba adage says “show me your friend, and I know who you are.” Parents have a part to play here. Parents should know and ready to investigate who their children are associating with.

Mass media is another factor which should be given preference to. Unfortunately, mass media has become a corruptible avenue nowadays. Incidences have occurred where a girl was raped due to the “funny” pictures she uploaded. Nothing can be outdated to change.

It is never late to reform this habit. Changes can be brought by enacting laws which will regulate media users on their posts and violators of such should face the law. Protests can also be made using social media handles to curtail this menace.

Also, religion is an important medium to curb the act of rape. Clerics should preach against rape and admonish the worshipers on the sins attached to the act.

The government needs to strengthen our judicial system so that the implementation of already made laws on rape should be well established and given a fast approach too.

Perpetrators should face the wrath of law without any preference regardless of social stratification. Without the implementation of the law(s) judiciously, cases of rape will continue to rise beyond our expectations.

On a serious note, if there is a possibility of reviewing the laws of rape in our constitution, I recommend there should be comprehensive research on the cases of rape in different parts of the country to understand the concept. And, indecent dressings should be redefined according to the culture of the societies.

Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi, Ilorin

Silence Is Golden

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heers to the hackers! It appears that Donald Trump can’t tweet at the moment while Twitter works out who hacked it. My day is sunnier without any news mentioning his latest Tweet.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020

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POLITICS

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

Abiodun: Returning Ogun Roads to Good Old Days Tunde Otegbeye, a public commentator, goes on an excursion of recently built roads by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state

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he immediate past administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun in Ogun State boasted sometime in March 2019 that it would not abandon any of the on-going projects in the state. The then governor said that he would work till the last day in office to ensure the completion of the many projects scattered across the state. The helmsman got applauded.

Like some of his (Amosun) ilks, little did the people of Ogun State realise that the promise subsequently turned out to be a mirage.

As it turned out, many of the projects, including roads, not only remained uncompleted when he left office on May 29 2019, but were totally abandoned by contractors, who had not been adequately mobilized for the jobs, contrary to what the people had been made to believe.

It also came to be known that claims of full payment for the roads construction and rehabilitation did not follow due process, while the projects were also neither properly initiated nor passed through the appropriate quarters, especially the office of the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and civil engineers in the Ministry of Works for validation.

By tradition, at the formative stage, the immediate past administration had dispatched a letter to the State House of Assembly in September 2012, just barely a year in office, requesting to be granted permission to obtain a N7.5billion loan from five banks. The loan, tagged ‘internal loan’, was to be used in financing the construction of eleven major roads across the state. The request was granted without any stress whatsoever after it was debated by tbe House members in a motion tagged “House Resolution 114/2012”.

Action was simulated and a round tour of the state purportedly to inspect the roads needing rehabilitation and reconstruction, especially the roads that required proper drainage was embarked upon.

Despite all this, however, the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, which succeeded the Amosun administration on May 29, 2019, met deplorable state of roads across the state, indicating that the approved N7.5 billion loan had either been diverted or expended on shoddy jobs.

Obviously overwhelmed by the state of the roads but unperturbed nonetheless, Prince Abiodun pledged his administration’s best effort to complete all the on-going road projects inherited from his predecessor, despite the financial strain. He said the decision of his administration was informed by the fact that leaving the abandoned roads would not only amount to a wastage of tax payers’ funds but would also be detrimental to the growth of the state.

In addition to the burden of the deplorable state of the inherited roads, Abiodun also asked each of the state’s local governments to submit a list of rural road that was of priority to their economy for immediate rehabilitation.

The first year of Abiodun administration has witnessed massive road rehabilitation and construction across the three senatorial districts of the State. Among the roads currently being rehabilitated are ItokinIbefun-Ijebu Ode, Iperu-Ilisan, Sango-Ojodu Abiodun, Ilaro-Owode and AbeokutaSango-Ota-Lagos, while Osi-Ota-AwolowoNavy-Kola road and Balogun Kuku road in Ijebu Ode have been completed. Also, the reconstruction of Opako Bridge in Adigbe, Abeokuta and many other township roads have been completed. Governor Abiodun has also directed the contractor handling the long-abandoned 32-kilometre AkuteAjuwon-Alagbole road to return to site for the completion of the project, which is supposed be a joint effort by the governments of Ogun and Lagos states.

A total of 50 roads have been completed

so far in the senatorial districts, with two of them fitted with lights. There are also 19 on-going road projects across the state, entrenching the Prince Abiodun’s ‘acces-

they will carry you on their head; and if you even kill their dog, they will not be annoyed.

But if they hate you, they hurt you.

We have also found that such men go very high in their chosen career but they hardly attain the highest level of their desired career. The reason is simple: Relationships are like the chickens – they come home to roost. In turn, people also either like them too much or hate them too much. At the beginning of the contest, they are seen as slightly ahead of their opponents. But they end up loosing. They don’t get the swing votes. The swing votes are from the undecided voters.

Our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was in this category. He spent a good part of his adult life, trying to become the President of Nigeria but all he attained was what Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu aptly described as “The best President Nigeria never had”.

For instance, a man like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe knew from the very beginning, “It is a principal error in politics to trust a reconciled enemy”, but when he fell out with Dr. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe, he didn’t lock the door tight against him. Rather, he kept the door ajar.

The same could not be said about Chief Awolowo during his disagreement with Chief S. L. Akintola. It was over and out!

That was how Chief Awolowo lost a cream of fine politicians – Prof Opeyemi Ola, Olaiya Fagbamigbe, the renowned Akure Publisher, etc., to the NPN in 1983.

Baba was not tolerant and would not give anyone a second chance.

Across the Atlantic, Senator Edward Kennedy spent a bulk of his adult life trying to clinch the Democratic Party ticket for the US presidential race, particularly after the death of his elder brother, John Fitzgerald Kennedy; but he was always beaten to the second position at the primaries. The book he probably wanted to write had earlier been written by Adlai Stevenson.

are sourced locally through local suppliers, thereby creating employment opportunities in the state. Yet, a couple of years ago, the same trunk ‘A’ road was awarded by the past administration at a prohibitive cost of over N60 billion to Chinese companies, a situation that could have denied the locals, employment opportunities, even as it turned out that the Chinese contractors also abandoned the work sites shortly after the expiration of the administration, citing debt owed them for previous jobs done.

In addition, the Epe-Ijebu Ode road, currently being constructed with a 14-lane, Toll Plaza and 17 culverts and bridges, is planned to be on concession to private investors through the Public Private Partnership (PPP); thereby generating significant sustainable revenue for the state, aside creating jobs and developing the economy of the region.

In furtherance of the Dapo Abiodun administration’s resolve to explore road construction and rehabilitation to provide employment, the Governor has since assented to the Ogun State Road Management Amendment Bill, which paved the way for the Ogun State Public Works Agency (OGPWA) that has in turn resulted in unprecedented massive road rehabilitation and construction being witnessed across the state.

As confirmed by the state’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr.

Ade Akinsanya, last month, the governor has ordered contractors handling all uncompleted projects inherited from the immediate past administration to return to work without further delay, after fresh funds were released to the effect.

While underscoring the importance of the roads, the governor also revealed on his Twitter handle on July 2, 2020 thus: “The viable road, connecting Abeokuta to Yewa and Oyo State, had caused hardship to residents, business owners and road users. So it became extremely important for our administration to return construction workers to site.”

Furthermore, he twitted: “This economically significant road is just one out of the many sites where work has resumed, including Kuto, Elega, Panseke-Adigbe, Adatan and Owode-Ilaro. I made a pledge to the Ogun State people to look beyond politics and focus on their welfare, and this informs our readiness to complete all the projects abandoned by the last administration and littered across the state on the mantra, “Building Our Future Together”.

From the foregoing, therefore, it should be said that it is a matter of embarrassment that the last administration had bequeathed abandoned projects, despite their economic and social importance to the development of Ogun State.

It would be recalled that the last administration had in September 2016 requested the Ogun State House of Assembly for the approval to access N14.16 billion budget support facility from the Presidency, to enable his government to meet its financial obligations. Yet, decayed infrastructure welcomed Prince Abiodun to the Government House upon assumption of office, including projects that were hurriedly constructed and hastily commissioned in the twilight of the administration of his predecessor, without recourse to civil engineering procedures.

A major project was the Judiciary Complex at Kobape Road in Abeokuta, which was purported to have been commissioned

by President Muhammadu Buhari, with the last administration saying the cost of construction had been fully paid for. But the building was not only soon after certified as flawed based on engineering procedures, but also uninhabitable.

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sibility’ principle.

It is worthy of note that the Sagamu-SiunAbeokuta road was awarded through Direct Labour where all the materials and labour

Edo PDP As a Punctuation Mark Josef Omorotionmwan weighs-in on the unending political drama in Edo State

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pparently, this writer is the only Independent Candidate around, occupying a position of neutrality or, shall we say, an escape from partisanship? It is a position of peace, which recognizes that the writer has to spend the rest of his life with himself. He must, therefore, be in a position to see, and say, things as they really are, irrespective of the political party and no matter whose ox is gored.

Sadly, elections in Nigeria have taken on the toga of war. The Commanders are many but General Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has been at the centre of the theatre of war.

Besides the carry-overs from the 2016 war, he is the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

As we speak, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is parading two expired but totally contradictory video tapes on him, waiting to entrap him in self-reversal and portray him as an unsteady character.

The two video tapes are from the 2016 campaigns. In the first, Oshiomhole is seen condemning Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu (POI) who was the candidate of the opposition PDP to the pit of hell. In the second, he is seen praising Godwin Enogheghase Obaseki, GEO, who was the candidate of the APC to the high heavens.

Today, the two combatants have switched positions. The PDP thinks Oshiomhole must posses a lot of points to repaint the new combatants. The task before Oshiomhole is simple. It is only a nitwit that will refuse to reverse himself in the face of new superior information.

From our profound knowledge of Oshiomhole, he is a humane human. He is one man who is allergic to oppression. He could also be an extremist – he either likes you too much or he hates you too much – no midway!

Contemporary history is replete with men with Oshiomhole’s character trait – men who will either like you too much or hate you too much. When they like you,

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020

17

PERSPECTIVE VIEW FROM

AMERICA

chido@usafricaonline.com@Chido247

EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA

Kanye West 2020: Politics as J’accuse: A Political Indictment of President Buhari (1) Serio-Comedy Chido Nwangwu, Publisher of USAfricaonline.com suggests Anthony Kila holds President Muhammadu Buhari accountable that the bid for American presidency by billionaire rapper and for all the infractions under his watch businessman, Kanye West should not be taken seriously ear President Buhari

I

n this moment of seriousness and challenging demands on Americans and the whole world, during this deadly visitation of Coronavirus, this is hardly any time to be engaged in distractions. It is not a time for privileged and unrestrained mockery of leadership! It is not a time for seriocomedic expressions.

Kanye West, a new billionaire rapper, fashion and real estate business man (famously married to reality tv superstar Kim Kardashian), only a few days ago declared his intention to run for President of the United States.

Kanye, son of a late university professor is African American and a mastermind producer of Jay Z’s highest selling album. Remarkably Kanye who has been friendly towards President Donald Trump declared that he is “taking off the red hat “ - the popular in conservative and Republican circles ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA) caps.

Second, he revealed that he wore the MAGA cap “as a protest to the segregation of votes in the Black community.”

Kanye told Forbes magazine that he is

We cannot underestimate persuasive influence of a social and pop culture icon like Mr. West in persuading the minds of young and impressionable youths. Remember that demographic made the difference for victory in the election of the first African American President of United States , Barack Obama. Kanye is relentless and rarely ever gives up. Some are wondering whether he is a Trojan horse working for Trump’s re-election by technically impacting the number of votes that ordinarily would have gone to Joe Biden

not happy in what he calls the assumption by the Democratic Party that the Black community will always vote for the Democratic Party. Consequently he says he is running under a new party called the Birthday party.

On his issues he claims that the vaccine against coronavirus will engineer “the mark of the beast.... They want to put chips inside us, they want to do all kinds of things, to make it where we can’t cross the gates of heaven.”

How could someone who wants to be President of United State believe such nonsense? We can see that there is a uniting thread between some christian evangelists and the thinking of the likes of Kanye West.

I wrote about this last week in my THISDAY column and on USAfricaonline.com of July 10, 2020 titled “Nigerian Pastor Oyakhilome, a 5G Tower of Babel on Racism?” Pastor Oyakhilome claimed the current worldwide protests against the killing of George Floyd by police officers in the U.S. “It’s not about the guy that died; it’s not about ‘Black Lives Matter’, It’s part of the game. They want to come in with the alternative method for security – total control with microchips. That’s what it’s about….

Look at the people rampaging on the streets – they are not black people…

It is not about racism…. Wearing face masks is dangerous for your health.

How can we know this and prescribe it?

I have told you of the dangers of social distancing. It’s inhuman… There is no science behind it.” Both men are wrong.

Kanye said a few years ago that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Regardless we cannot underestimate persuasive influence of a social and pop culture icon like Mr. West in persuading the minds of young and impressionable youths. Remember that demographic made the difference for victory in the election of the first African American President of United States , Barack Obama. Kanye is relentless and rarely ever gives up. Some are wondering whether he is a Trojan horse working for Trump’s re-election by technically impacting the number of votes that ordinarily would have gone to Joe Biden, Trump’s only major opponent. Kanye says Biden is “not special.”

Mr. West, to date, is reported to have sold 25 million albums and 125 million digital downloads worldwide. As at July 2020, he would have sold 15 million albums in the United States, but all those are for entertainment. Kanye has not yet articulated any coherent body of thoughts on how to lead America, Kanye has not provided an answer as to how to make the tax code fair and valuable for the citizens of the United States.

Kanye does not understand what Hans Morgentau articulated as fundamental to the politics of international relations but I must give it to him , he is an astute businessman, why? He has a great comeback story from economic and financial difficulties to rebounding into certifiable billionaire status at a very young age. Kanye for all we know could be on another business and publicity stunt to launch one of his new gospel songs while galloping into the public arena as “ a Bona Fide “candidate for President of the United States. Good bye Kanye, your time is up.

D

I don’t know if you have noticed it, but some Nigerians have a penchant for saving the head or the one in charge and leader whilst blaming the body and those that work on behalf of the leader. That mindset is what makes people say “the President is good but those around him are bad…” Let us be clear and fair: It is not something that started with your presidency, it started before your presidency and it continues. That mindset, is in my view, a perverse one that stems from the minds of those that tend to be weak with the strong and strong with the weak.

Well, some of us are not that way.

Some of us are more inclined to believe that there should be a sign on the desk of the President that reads: “The Bucks Stops Here”.

I want you to know Mr. President that I personally despise and dissociate myself from the perverse and dangerously indulging mentality that makes people say “the president is good but those around him are bad…” or the annoying “how many things can the president do himself ? ” Mr. President, you need to know that I hold you responsible for everything that happens under your watch. In fact, today’s epistle is directed to accuse you of everything happening under your watch and since you became president. It is a political indictment, Mr. President.

Let us read from latest to earliest.

Corruption is the theme of the latest episode of the troubles we read about and the leading actors of such drama are those close to you. Allow me to call it palace malaise: Your chief anti-looting officer is being investigated for looting. Your Minister of Niger Delta affairs is accused of actions that borders on extortion, exerting undue influence, outright stealing and sexual harassment. That is just now, before then, there have been tales of many close to you with sudden and miraculous wealth including your own personal assistant and a General that has missed the chance to teach Nigerians how to make millions from snake farming. You did not invent the trouble of corruption Mr. President, but for corruption to be seen as alive and thriving under your watch and close to you is a damming

Allow me to call it palace malaise: Your chief antilooting officer is being investigated for looting.

Your Minister of Niger Delta affairs is accused of actions that borders on extortion, exerting undue influence, outright stealing and sexual harassment. That is just now, before then, there have been tales of many close to you with sudden and miraculous wealth including your own personal assistant and a General that has missed the chance to teach Nigerians how to make millions from snake farming

political indictment on you.

In moments of absolute truth and nothing but the truth even your most adherent supporters will agree that you are not a Barack Obama and that your oratory skills were never your attraction for most Nigerians.

Though you were a governor and later minister and thus describable as versed in Nigerian affairs, most Nigerians never associated your name with dynamic and innovative economic policies nor do they associate you with great diplomatic skills.

Anticorruption was your strong selling point. You were sold as a one function gadget.

If we are to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, then there is no other way to put it than to admit that on this symbolical ethical and aesthetical issue of corruption you have so far failed all good people politically.

Scholars of Nigerian contemporary politics and history owe us some pages on the process, considerations and influencing values that you have used and continue to use for your nominations. A detailed report from them on what is actually going on in your palace might eventually exonerate you, but for now, based on perception, we cannot but accuse you of failing in your ability to inspire greatness with your nominations and delegations. To many, a loud and important many, we must add, see your nominations as slow, confused, uninspiring and clannish. The second biggest duty of a leader is deciding who works with him and I accuse you of failing on that score Mr. President.

Yes, many of those pointing fingers at you are doing so because they want to show your weakness and they are doing so not for some inherent goodness or patriotism but for partisan benefits. Yes, all these can be tough I know, but amidst laughter, I say yes, Mr President, all that is legitimate and it comes with the territory called democracy.

In partisan liberal democracy, opposition points out and even exaggerates flaws of the government of the day with the hope of replacing such government as soon as possible and the government does its best to avoid such flaws by being careful, thoughtful, proactive and deliberate. In such process, which in reality is a series of tough battle, citizens gain. That is how we roll in democracy.

As you very well know, and contrary to what some mischievous or simple minds might think, I write you with no partisan agenda or interest. I write you so that you can know that we are not all sleeping with our heads in the same direction, this epistle is written so that the truth is told and so that prosperity can see that not all were mute when we should have spoken -Professor Kila can be reached @anthonykila

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FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020 •T H I S D AY

19

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ͵, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

ͯ ͮ ˜ Ͱ ͮ Ͱ ͮ MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

REPO 13.80 % 14.10 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

12 % 13 % 15 %

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

573.42 % -0.32 % 1.88 %

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE 1.88 % YEAR TO DATE 19.17 %

EXCHANGE RATE N381/1US DOLLAR* ̩

Quick Takes Customers Laud Mr. Bigg’s, Debonairs Pizza

Aviation Experts Call for Review of BASA

ConsumersintheLekkiareaofLagoshavelaudedMr.Bigg’sandDebonairs Pizzaforthesustainedperiodofqualityandstandardatitsfirstnorthwest combostoreinLekkiduringthepastyear.TheNorthwestcombostorewas inauguratedrecently.Accordingtoastatementsomeoftheconsumers whospokeduringthefirstanniversarycelebrationofthenorthweststore inLekkisaidthebrandhascompletelyrejuvenateditsoperationswiththe introductionofthecombostorehencetherenewedfortuneitisenjoying.

A medical doctor and a resident of VGC, Dr. Chris Offorkansi said, “Mr Bigg’s has come a long way. We have seen the best times and the worst time of the brand but this new innovation have impacted positively on the brand so far.”

“We have not eaten anywhere else in the last one year but here. This outlet gives us the kind of security we want.The meals and facility here can be compared to any international eatery in the world, therefore, I wish to thank the company for sustaining this standard over the past year,” Offorkansi said.

A student, Ms. Faith Ogidiga who corroborated the earlier exertions by other customers said Mr Bigg’s has improved with the introduction of the combo store.

Accordingtoher,“Thecombostorehaschangedthisnegativeperception and the brand has lived up to expectation with this new innovation.”

UACRestaurantsLimitedhadsaidthenewapproachpromisestosustain excellence in a wide variety of dishes, pastries, and confectionaries to thedelightofitsteemingconsumers,whichistheheritageofMr.Bigg’s.

Speakingonthenewcomborestaurant,themanagermarketingservices, Mrs.EustesiaOgunsusihadsaid,“Thenewoutletisdesignedtosustain the heritage of the 34 years old outfit by raising the customer service to a new level.”

Chinedu Eze

Qatar Unveils Jet Travel Programme

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP

L-R: Reproductive Health Coordinator, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Victoria Omoera; South-west Regional Manager, Marie Stopes International Organisation Nigeria (MSION), Mr. Abimbola Faloye; Director, Family Health & Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mrs. Folasade Oludara and Regional Sales Manager, MSION, Dr. Odabor Ejumudo, during the donation of medical items to the Lagos State Ministry of Health in Ikeja...recently

Aviation industry experts have called for the review of Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), signed between Nigeria and other countries, which many of them believe is lopsided against Nigeria.

They said the coronavirus lockdown period was a good opportunity to review the BASA, which they argued some countries had been benefitting from over the years at the expense of Nigeria.

THISDAY investigation revealed that some airlines, especially European based carriers have grandfather rights, which exempt them from commercial agreements Nigeria has with some other airlines and because of this they do not pay certain charges, but unfortunately, these countries do not extend the same hand to Nigerian airlines.

For instance, some years ago, Arik Air was stopped

AVIATION from operating from Abuja to London; unless it paid for slot allocation, which cost huge amount of money. But, while British Airways was and is still flying to Abuja, enjoying grandfather rights, Arik Air was paying for slots and when the Nigerian carrier deemed that operation unprofitable, it stopped, leaving only British Airways to be operating to Abuja from London with minimum load factor of 85 per cent.

Therefore, experts frowned upon the fact that while some of the countries introduced clauses to jeorpardise Nigerian airlines operation to their countries, Nigeria rarely retaliated in the spirit of diplomatic principle of reciprocity.

Also despite the visa agreements with many of these countries, there are policies introduced by some of the countries that have BASA

with Nigeria to further curb the foray of Nigerian carriers to their destinations and at the same time give their own airlines more frequencies and more destinations to Nigerian cities.

Industry stakeholders said the aim of the international carriers and their countries, was to make sure that indigenous carriers do not rise to compete with them on those lucrative routes like Lagos-London, Abuja-London, Lagos-Dubai, Lagos-Paris, Lagos-Amsterdam and Lagos-Johannesburg.

Director of Engineering, Ibom Air, Lukman Animaseun, told THISDAY that Bilateral Air Service Agreement is what countries use to protect their airlines and favour themselves at the expense of others.

“So if you look at what the Ministry of Aviation is doing you will see that what they consider is the flexibility of Nigerians to travel before they consider the

indigenous airlines, but it is high time they reviewed the BASA and consider the interest of Nigeria and its airlines first,” Animaseun said.

He said some industry stakeholders have pointed that domestic airlines do not have corporate governance, noting that any airline that wished to develop strong capacity must have corporate governance.

Travel expert and organiser of Akwaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, spoke in the same vein to THISDAY, saying the pandemic has offered the federal government the opportunity to review BASA to the country’s advantage.

“This is the time to review BASA to escape the European trap. How can you reclaim all the rights given to European carriers? COVID-19 has given Nigeria the opportunity to renew the agreements. If you want to fly to Nigeria, give us what we are giving you,” he said.

‘Manpower Devt in Maritime Sector Critical for Economic Growth’ Eromosele Abiodun A maritime industry expert has stressed the need for a robust infrastructural and human capital development in the sector.

This, according to the expert, will enable the country seafarers’ leverage the huge opportunity of the over 3000 ships that berth along its coastal territories with 80 percent being foreign flagged.

Former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Chairman, Mission to Seafarers (MTS), Adebayo Sarumi, stated this at a forum in Lagos.

He said with the nation’s rich heritage in the maritime space, the need to develop maritime facilities and seafarers becomes imperative in local content driven economy.

Sarumi said: “Seafarers welfare

MARITIME is a hydra-headed challenge and as a port nation not only for ourselves but also serving other countries including the landlocked nations. It is imperative that as the nation is seeking local content in repositioning the economy through maritime, Infrastructural and Manpower development is needed.

“A pointer to this is the fact that even during this precarious COVID-19 period, maritime trade remained an essential service and seafarers are essential workers.

The sad irony is that while most pay attention to the Cargo, few ever ask, who delivers them.”

He added: “The men and women that work assiduously to sustain our precious maritime trade are the invisible hands that

propel nations to sustenance and survival. They are also the most overlooked aspect of the value chain as their welfare are often trivialised.”

Meanwhile, in a bid to reposition the MTS as a humanitarian and non-governmental secular organisation dedicated to the welfare of seafarers in the country, Sarumi highlighted the resolve of the body’s new management committee inaugurated to chart a new course for the mission.

He said the need for modern place where seafarers on shore leave can relax and sometimes have their mandatory papers processed if required, irrespective of their nationalities would be necessary considering the nation’s status as port nation.

“Presently, the Nigeria station is currently developing seafarers

facilities within the centre and hope to form a sustained and substantive collaboration with the industry players towards making Nigeria’s MTS internationally recognised, “he said.

According to him, a functional MTS center as obtains in other countries would enable seafarers entering the seaports and other stakeholders operating in the sector have more confidence in the system.

He added: “Anything a seafarer needs to survive in a foreign land as he enters any nation MST will provide it, but most seafarers have bad narrative with their experience in Nigeria in this regard. When completed the seafarers’ mission center will be a complete facility that will meet the needs of the international seafarers entering Nigeria.”

QatarExecutivehasannouncedtheintroductionofitsnewandexclusive Diamond Agreement, which enables customers to pre-purchase flight timeatfixed-hourlyratesonstate-of-the-artlong-rangeandultra-longrange private jets.The Diamond Agreement is precisely tailored to the individualcustomer’sneedsandrequirements,offeringatrulyuniqueflying experience.TheDiamondAgreementguaranteesunrivalledserviceon board Qatar Executive’s state-of-the-art fleet of private jets.

“To join this programme, customers purchase a minimum of 50 hours flight time, without any associated membership fees. The all-inclusive and fixed-hourly rates cover both flight hours and taxi time.

“Designedtosimplifyprivatejettravel,pre-purchasedDiamondAgreement hourshavenominimumannualusageandnomaximumcarry-over,making theDiamondAgreementprogrammeunrivalledintermsofitsflexibility,” a statement explained.

QatarExecutive’scustomersarealsoofferedguaranteedavailabilityfor reservations booked from just 72 hours in advance, it added.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “As part of Qatar Airways Group, Qatar Executive offers an exceptional travel experienceforprivatejetcustomers.WiththeDiamondAgreement,we can now offer even more flexible and bespoke travel options for Qatar Executive passengers, who can continue to expect our high levels of service and safety onboard our state-of-the-art aircraft.”

QatarExecutive’sActingExecutiveVicePresident,MarkHardman,said: “WearetrulydelightedtolaunchourbespokeDiamondAgreement,whichis tailoredtosuittheexacttravelprofileofbothcorporateandprivateclients.”

ADVAN Supports Associations, Traders

TheAdvertisersAssociationofNigeria(ADVAN),hasdonatedreliefitems tosomeassociationsandpettytradersintheIkejaenvironstoeasethe effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inwhatittagged,“AdvertisersCommunitySupportInitiative,”acollaborative efforts of Nigerian Brands under the auspices of the ADVAN, some of the associations that benefited from the relief items are the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria.

SpeakingatthepresentationofthereliefitemsatADVANHeadOfficein Lagos,theExecutiveSecretaryoftheAssociation,Mrs.EdiriOse-Ediale saidtheassociationwouldalsoendeavourtoreachouttootherswithin its reach to help uplift the vulnerable in the society.

“Thisisthelittlewaytheassociationcanhelptoreducetheburdenofthe pandemiconthosethatareincriticalconditionasaresultofourpresent challenge,” she said.

Inhisresponse,BJANChairman,Mr.PrincewillEkwujuruthankedADVAN for its kind gesture.

“COVID-19 pandemic offers Nigeria the opportunity to correct the imbalance by reviewing its Bilateral Air Service Agreement with many countries. You give us what we are giving you” Organiser of African Travel Market,

Ikechi Uko

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ͵, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Siemens Energy Joins Fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria Stories by Chinedu Eze Siemens Energy Limited has made donations of SARS- COV 2 RT PCR test kits and personal protective equipment, including face masks and gloves to the Lagos state government.

The donation was to support efforts being made to overcome the menace of the pandemic in Nigeria.

Siemens noted that the contribution of the vital supplies was in line of the company’s drive to support the government and aid the global fight against the pandemic.

Representatives of Siemens Energy and Head, Business Development, Government Affairs, Mr. Oladayo Orolu and Communications Manager, Titilola Taiwo recently presented the items to the Lagos state government and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Receiving the items on behalf of NCDC, Head of Unit, NCDC Lagos Office, Mrs. Olajumoke Babatunde, appreciated the kind gesture

by Siemens and expressed her gratitude.

Also, present to receive

the items for the Lagos state government (LASG) was the warehouse manager, Mr Jide Razak.

Acknowledging the donation, the Director General, NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said, “We are deeply grateful for your generous donation to support the COVID-19 national response. These would greatly support the on-going efforts towards achieving our national COVID-19 testing strategy.”

Commenting on what the initiative means to Siemens, the CEO, Siemens Energy Limited, Onyeche Tifase said, “Siemens has a longstanding commitment to Nigeria and we believe that as a private entity we have a role to play to consistently support governments and societies where we operate. In this crucial time, we are playing our part to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria by providing essential materials to support our government and those at the front lines.”

“Also, we cannot but commend our medical community and other workers on the front line

for their sacrifice during this time. As Nigerians we need to take individual responsibility and play our part to flatten the curve by practising social distancing and adhering to the directives given by the government and health bodies”, she added.

The Head, Business Development and Government Relations, Siemens Energy Limited, Mr. Oladayo Orolu said, “The testing kits and medical PPEs presented are aimed at complementing the commendable effort of the government in the fight against COVID-19 and to ensure that the healthcare community gets the adequate support they require in this trying time.

Our goal is to support the Government’s efforts to expand testing capacity and contain the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.”

Since the entry into the Nigerian market 50 years ago in 1970, Siemens has consistently leveraged their expertise to impact Nigeria through various partnerships and initiatives focused on creating societal, economic and environmental contributions.

Dana Air Introduces WhatsApp Booking Dana Air has Introduced WhatsApp booking in line with the social and physical distancing measures of the COVID-19 and to create ease of booking, payment and inquiries for its guests.

The airline said the WhatsApp booking, payment platform, would serve as an additional platform for booking, inquiries, reservation and payment apart from its website, the Dana Air Mobile App and the self- service kiosk at MMA2 ikeja, Lagos.

The Media and Communications Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa while speaking on the initiative said: ‘’We care about the well-being of our guests

and we want them to be safe. This is why we are introducing this initiative to keep our guests safe, while still booking and paying the smartest and safest way from anywhere around the world. ‘’This additional booking platform and many others in the months to come are part of our strategies to keep our guests booking safely, and flying safely, without stress.

It is safe, faster and userfriendly. “The WhatsApp booking will be operational from 7am to 6pm daily for a start, while we are working out modalities to make it 24 hours 7 days in a week.

All our customers need to do is just send us a chat on 07051190363 (WhatsApp

only) and it’s done. So easy,” he said.

The airline’s spokesman also said Dana Air is working on other booking initiatives that would guarantee ease of booking with or without a smartphone for the busy, young and old within Nigeria and beyond. ‘’As a customer-centric airline, what we think about daily is to make booking and flying seamless for our guests by introducing the first of its kind of innovative online products.

“Introducing this initiative at this time only demonstrates our commitment to the safety, well-being and comfort of our guests.’’

Kingsley added.

Travel Business Launches Media Platform The Travel Business has launched a media platform to elevate transportation and tourism reportage as well as provoking development through the use of modern technology.

Coming at a time when the travel industry is facing unprecedented challenges and an existential threat from the impact of COVID-19, the firm stated that it was committed to ride through the storm by utilsing the provision of innovative support that would accelerate normalcy and engender economic recovery of the sector.

It further stated that it was determined to change the narrative in Africa’s travel industry through her wealth of experience and the

strong ties enjoyed with the industry’s captains.

Speaking during its virtual launch at Abuja, the founder Remi Jibodu, expressed confidence in the transformation of the travel industry in Africa into an economy hub where it will contribute substantially to the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Africa has the potential to create modern travel industry that will stimulate economic boom only if we change our orientation and philosophy of how a modern travel industry should be and embrace the new normal.

This is the core of what Travel Business is bringing on board” Jibodu said.

On the recovery of the

industry as a fallout of COVID-19, he said, “the travel industry is the worst hit and such has created a domino effect on the ancillary industries whereby creating an estimated 100 million job loss according to the World Travel and Tourism council (WTTC) of which Africa accounted for 7.6 million.

“The industry is a significant catalyst to the accelerated recovery and growth of the global economy considering the 2020 WTTC report of one out of 10 global jobs been supported by the travel industry while one out of four of all global net new jobs created over the last five years were attributed to the Travel & Tourism sector.”

As Airlines Awaits FG’s Support

Sirika Chinedu Eze Domestic airlines have completed the necessary documentation for loan request at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which the apex bank is offering to the airlines at five per cent interest rate.

The intervention is expected to commence next January.

Some airlines are hoping to benefit from the palliative, which government is expected to offer operators and aviation agencies whose activities have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

THISDAY investigation revealed that almost all the airlines in the aviation industry have requested for the CBN’s loan which has low interest rate and possibly two-year moratorium.

But industry stakeholders have insisted that government must outline criteria that must be met before the airlines would benefit from the financial support.

Industry consultant and CEO of Belujane Konsult, Chris Aligbe, told THISDAY that the N27 billion earmarked as palliatives for the airlines and aviation agencies would be given to cushion the negative impact of COVID-19 on airline operations; although conditions have not been set for its disbursement.

Aligbe said he agreed with earlier opinion of industry stakeholders on the need for conditions that must be met before airlines would benefit from the CBN intervention fund.

“Part of the conditions that should be given NCAA is to compel all operators to be part of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) payment system.

This will ensure that airlines pay their charges to the agencies. So this would not be a question of going to set up debt recovery committee; all must comply with the conditions. This will put to an end the indebtedness to aviation agencies,” Aligbe said.

He said NCAA must evaluate the airlines and the Ministry of Aviation must also

But industry stakeholders have insisted that government must outline criteria that must be met before the airlines would benefit from the financial support

give testimonial of the airlines to CBN. “This time it is hoped that the loan would be paid directly to the airlines’ account, unlike in the past when the money was used to support the banks from going under due to the huge debts airlines owed the banks then.

“Also CBN is giving this loan at five per cent interest rate and that is what it would be by the time it gets to the airlines; unlike the past when some banks graded the interest rate.

“I believe that CBN will give the airline time, like two years to help them pick up their operations. Globally, it has been projected that airline recovery will take about two years; so their full recovery will be from 2022.

“Also in past, the loans did not go through the Ministry of Aviation, it was used to revive the banks. But this time it will be different. This loan is different from the palliative, which is expected any moment from now and which will be used to lift currently operating airlines from the ground,” Aligbe also said.

Industry stakeholders are also of the view that NCAA must disqualify those who violated the Cape Town Convention, which was domesticated by NCAA and which enabled airlines to lease aircraft at affordable rates, but since the violation and the refusal of some airlines to abide to the terms of leasing agreement and went to the court instead, Nigeria has been blacklisted by lessors and the benefits of the Convention lost.

So, it was the opinion of some of the stakeholders that such airlines must not benefit from the CBN intervention because Nigeria has lost hugely due to the violation.

They noted that currently it is very difficult for Nigerian airlines to lease aircraft and even if they do it comes with extremely stringent measures, including outrageous insurance premium and the lessors could withdraw the aircraft at very short notice.

A former senior official in one of the aviation agencies told THISDAY that it is not expected that any airline that does not have AOC would benefit from the fund, saying the planned palliative by the federal government would be for airlines whose operations were disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The palliative is for those whose operations were disrupted by COVID-19; not to those who have not been operating; that do not have air operator certificate.

“It will be very unfair for such airlines to benefit from government support that is aimed at addressing specific incident.

So it is targeted at those airlines that have suffered and lost revenues and who cannot pay their workers because their activities were disrupted,” he said.

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

21

How Indigenous Carrier Rescued Stranded Nigerians With high cost of airfares charged by foreign airlines, many Nigerians who had depleted their resources due to Coronavirus lockdown would have been trapped overseas without indigenous airline that worked with government to rescue them, writes Chinedu Eze.

B

efore various countries began to close their borders, both land and air, to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, people were travelling to many destinations for business, for tourism, for medical treatment and for many other reasons.

So the lockdown stopped people in their strides. Nigerians who went to India for medical treatment, importers who went to China to import goods, businessmen and women in Malaysia, holidaymakers who travelled to Europe, students whose scheduled school tenure programmed them to return home; all were stopped by the pandemic.

The lockdown made evacuation inevitable so countries arranged with their governments and airlines to bring their citizens home.

The situation even brought air transport to its knees. Airlines had stopped scheduled passenger service so they were in desperate need for revenue.

High Fares THISDAY investigations showed that fares paid by evacuees were relatively high because evacuations were largely a one-way flight and even when it was not, it was not like a normal scheduled flight where an airline is dealing with its customers.

Combined with the emergency situation, the fares were a bit exploitative. That was the initial problem faced by Nigerian embassies when they engaged foreign carriers to evacuate Nigerians. The fares were exorbitant.

Information from the embassies revealed that the foreign carriers would add the cost of the movement from their hub to the destination where they would do the evacuation. Then they would fly from there to the country of the evacuees. This problem was solved when the Nigerian government, facilitated by the National Assembly, introduced a policy that Nigerian carriers should evacuate Nigerians.

Although this was fought against by some foreign airlines, which allegedly connived with some embassies to jettison the policy, but government stood its ground.

Many Nigerians who were not resident abroad and who were desperate to return home could not have afforded the exorbitant fares charged by foreign carriers. In fact, some of them barely had money for airfares because during the lockdown, previous arrangements made for their visit had been exhausted, as most of them added more days to the initially scheduled period of visit. They had used all the money on them to eat and perhaps seek for accommodation.

So many Nigerians would have stranded in various countries if government did not facilitate the use of domestic airlines to evacuate them because they would not have been able to pay for the high fares.

According to reports, the first evacuation done by the Nigerian carrier; Air Peace was the evacuation of Israelis from Nigeria. That was one week after the lockdown of Nigeria’s airspace by the federal government on March 23, 2020. By then a foreign carrier had been programmed to be evacuating Nigerians before the federal government took its decision.

It was after that decision was taken that it became possible to evacuate many Nigerians because Air Peace did it with very low fares and even airlifted many who could not even afford for the ticket. So over 80 Nigerians were brought into the country free of charge.

Of course, it would have been impossible for a foreign carrier to do that for Nigerians.

In fact, THISDAY learnt that a UK-based airline that was engaged for the first batch of evacuation of Nigerians from London did not only charge outrageous fares, but it also stipulated the minimum number of passengers it would airlift and when the number was not up to that; it insisted that the Nigerian embassy in the UK should pay for the shortfall.

Also when it arrived Nigeria and landed in Lagos, it refused to take some of the passengers to Abuja, as initially scheduled,

insisting that it came to evacuate UK citizens from Lagos and had no reason going to Abuja.

That was how the foreign airliner repudiated the agreement, leaving the Nigerian embassy in the UK aghast.

It has to be noted that during this period, Nigeria’s indigenous carrier, Air Peace carried out series of evacuation flights both inbound and outbound and helped to bring back stranded Nigerians. Information from the airline showed that it brought medical supplies for the federal government from Turkey; later went back to the country and brought in evacuees; on April 7, 2020 it flew to China to bring in medical supplies and experts for the federal government.

Air Peace evacuated Indians from Nigeria and brought in Nigerian on May 31, June 4, 13; July 4 and July 8, 2020. The airline evacuated Nigerians from Turkey on July 5, Uganda and Kenya, July 2, South Africa, June 25, evacuated Nigerians from the UK on June 28 and flew to Thailand and Malaysia where it brought in 310 Nigerians on July 11, 2020.

On April 7, 2020, Air Peace flew to china to bring in 15 Chinese medical experts and medical supplies. It flew back on May 30 to bring in 268 Nigerians, again on May 29 when it brought in 301 Nigerians. So, Air Peace brought back over 4, 302 Nigerians from different parts of the country since the lockdown.

Economic Gains Industry analyst and Managing Partner, TMSS Logistics, Nuhu Adam, told THISDAY that by using an indigenous carrier, the evacuees saved about 40 per cent of the money they would have paid to foreign carriers. This was because the fare charged them by the airline was about 40 per cent lower than what the foreign carriers charged.

In addition to that, Adam noted that if the evacuation was conducted by foreign carriers the money paid would have been repatriated almost 100 per cent. “So for an indigenous carrier that has about 3,200 staff; that was good for the county and also for the airline. It was a two-pronged gain: to assist fellow Nigerians with low fares and also took those who could not pay free of charge and to safe such funds from being repatriated by foreign carriers,� he said.

Gratitude Many Nigerian evacuees narrated how they suffered in many countries, especially in Asia, waiting to be evacuated and heaved a sigh of relief when they were flown safely back to their country.

That was what prompted the evacuees from India to write a letter of appreciation to Air Peace. The letter described the action of airlifting them back to Nigeria as a patriotic act by the airline.

The letter, which was signed by the coordinators of the evacuees, Martin Osa Izevbokun from Edo state and Hon. Aliyu Bello from Nasarawa state, thanked the airline for offering to bring the Nigerians home at a very minimum cost and with offer of free tickets to about 20 of the Nigerians who went for medical treatment but did not have money to pay for their way back home after being stranded for weeks.

The letter dated June 12, 2020 stated, “We the undersigned Nigerians who are being evacuated home aboard Air Peace flight APK 7830 on the 12th of June, 2020, after being stranded in India by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown hereby write to thank you most sincerely for the unparalleled patriotism, patience and magnanimity, which you have displayed during the long and tedious process associated with the evacuation.�

Government Support Nigerians who were evacuated from overseas have variously expressed their gratitude to the federal government that made it possible for their airlift.

Also the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide, thanked the federal government of Nigeria for all the support it has given the airline and assured that with such continued support, Air Peace, and indeed, other Nigerian carriers would be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with other notable carriers in the world.

She singled out the Minister of Aviation,

Hadi Sirika and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama and thanked them for the support they have given the airline and the succour they have given Nigerians living abroad by providing them the opportunity to return home.

FG’s Commendation The federal government recently commended Air Peace for facilitating the evacuation of 584 Nigerians by engaging another airline when the British government denied it landing right.

Air Peace said it had to defray the extra cost for engaging a foreign carrier to ensure that Nigerians were brought back to the country and for this the federal government commended the airline.

In a public announcement made by Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs with reference number No: MFA/PR/2020/16 and dated July 12, 2020 and titled, “Public Announcement to Change of Departure Date and Airport of Air Peace Evacuation Flights from the United Kingdom,� government commended the airline for the sacrifice it has made to ensure that Nigerians returned to their fatherland.

Among other things government said, “In the light of the foregoing, the Federal Government wishes to extend its appreciation to the Chairman and Management of Air Peace Limited for their commitments and patriotism in ensuring that our stranded nationals in the United Kingdom return home safely. The federal government, however, regrets any inconvenience these changes might have caused.

Nosak Supports Lagos Food Bank Raheem Akingbolu Nosak Farm Produce Limited, a subsidiary of Nosak Group, has donated cartons of Famili Vegetable Oil to support the Lagos State Government’s Food Bank.

Speaking during the donation, the Corporate Communications Manager, Nosak Group, Kenneth Adejumoh, lauded the state government for taking frontline initiatives to help cushion the effects of the coronavirus pandemic to the people of the State.

Also commenting, the Sales & Marketing Manager, Hakeem Sadiku said: “As a Group, we understand it is a collective responsibility to cater for the less privilege

and vulnerable persons in our environment, which has prompted us to support the state government with the donation of our Famili Vegetable Oil as palliatives to ameliorate the effect of COVID-19.�

Receiving the donations, the Acting Commission for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, represented by the Programme Manager/ Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, Dr. Pereira Sheteolu expressed gratitude to the Group for making the donation of Famili vegetable oil to support the state government in providing food for the vulnerable citizens of the

state. “On behalf of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Shakirudeen Olayiwole Onasanye and the entire good people of Lagos State, we appreciate Nosak Group for donating the edible oil.

This is a demonstration of love and care for the citizens of Lagos State�, he stated.

As a corporate organisation, the Group has used the occasion to reassure the state government of its commitment to provide partnership and support for the state on projects and activities to benefit the citizens.

22

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Need to Respect Senate’s Decision on SAA Oluchi Chibuzor stresses the need for all parties to respect the National Assembly’s decision on the Secured Anchorage Area to save Nigeria from the embarrassing attacks by pirates on vessels on Nigerian waters

I

n late 2019, a report by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel on piracy and criminal activity in Nigeria’s territorial waters revealed that Nigeria lost approximately $2.8 billion in 2018, due to crude oil and maritime crimes.

Nigeria has a 853km long coastline that runs through seven of the Southern States of the Federation, Lagos, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The continental shelf widens progressively from a western length of 35km in the area of Lagos, 64km around the Cape of Forcados in the Niger Delta area to a maximum of 75km offshore Calabar.

With this vast coastline, it is nearly impossible for the security services in charge of manning Nigeria’s waters to do so alone, hence the collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and a private security company, Ocean Marine Solution Limited (OMSL) to protect vessels coming to Nigeria.

As part of the plan, the Nigerian Navy and OMSL designated part of Lagos anchorage where vessels can berth and be adequately protected. The fundamental reason for the anchorage initiative is to prevent the security challenge that caused embarrassment to Nigeria in the past. Due to lack of understanding of the partnership between the Nigerian Navy and OMSL, there has been disagreement between stakeholders including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), OMSL, leading to the intervention of the National Assembly. As part of the resolution, the Senate directed that OMSL be allowed to carry out its function and secure vessels coming into the country.

However, the NPA recently issued Marine Notice to ship masters, ship owners and other operators whose vessels currently enjoy some level of security at the designated anchorage, seems to a signal of fresh battle of the Secured Anchorage Area (SAA), controversy.

Stakeholders and analysts have therefore called on the NPA to allow OMSL continue to partner with the Navy to provide security for vessels warning of the danger ahead if vessels are not well protected.

They argued that if the security arrangement in the Lagos Anchorage District is replicated in the Eastern ports, it will curb the issue of insecurity currently being experienced in that axis and boost the economy of the Eastern flanks.

For instance, maritime analysts, Emeka Ejiofor, warned that the renewed efforts to stop OMSL’s involvement in the SAA project will cost the country more than can be imagined.

According to him, “The disruption of the SAA arrangement operated by OMSL might cause the shipping community in the country a huge loss. As ships may be compelled to divert goods destined to Nigeria to other countries, which will not do the country’s economy any good. “Diversion of goods to neighbouring countries will surely have a catastrophic effect on our economy, this is why it is surprising that this is coming from those who should know better.�

Result-oriented Performance Some analysts believe that OMSL has saved Nigeria on several fronts in the area of securing vessels coming into the country.

Early this year, OMSL saved Nigeria from the negative publicity of being reputed to have unsafe sea territory when a combined team Nigeria Navy and OMSL rescued a Chinese cargo ship attacked in Gulf of Guinea.

According to reports obtained from FleetMon Explorer, an international news agency, a general cargo ship ‘Huanghai Glory,’ which left the Lekki Port, east of Lagos Nigeria on Thursday March 5, 2020 was attacked and boarded by pirates at 1820 UMT some 85 nautical miles (NM) south of Lagos Nigeria.

The report noted that the ship and its 23 crew members (all Chinese) were said to have been under the siege of the Pirates for about 24 hours after the matter was reported to the Nigerian authorities.

To save Nigeria from embarrassment, a patrol boat (NNS SPARROW) owned and operated by the joint team of Nigeria Navy and OMSL under the SAA of Lagos port rose to the occasion. “General cargo ship HUANGHAI GLORY reported by Dryad Global as attacked, boarded by pirates at 1820 UTC Mar 5, some 85 nm south of Lagos Nigeria, Gulf of Guinea. The ship was drifting after attack, not responding to contact requests,� report said.

“Three employees of Acme Energy Integrated Services Limited, which owned and managed the rig and was working on NDPR’s drilling campaign, were kidnapped and nine others injured when unknown gunmen attacked on April 26, 2019. “Indeed, pirates have easy access to high speed crafts and a plethora of small arms giving them the firepower and agility to conduct such operations, “he explained.

To this end, experts suggests that giving the nature and sensitivity of the matter, a call to appreciation and acceptance to the reputable move of OMSL may not be out of place. “It is no gainsaying that the company who has been working tirelessly and quietly mitigating against all pirate associated risk with the collaboration of the Nigerian Navy at no cost to government, is rendering it’s services to desired clients who are so willing and happy to do so, “said a stakeholder.

Bala-Usman Although, the report did not expatiate on the details of patrol boat, NNS SPARROW, which rescued the ship and its crew members, investigation revealed that it belong to OMSL, as it is part of the vessels purchased by the firm and hitherto deployed to the Lagos water in assisting the Nigerian Navy to carry out patrol operations as part of the SSA agreement.

Aside the security concerns, some industry stakeholders have warned that stopping OMSL’s operation will further increase the level of unemployment in the country as well as frustrate a noble ideal put in place to secure the nation’s maritime space especially the Lagos port from embarrassing situations.

Pirates’ threats to offshore oil storage Also, experts have warned that as international oil companies (IOCs) grapple with a historic plunge in crude prices, a rise in piracy is also poised to threaten supply chains. The first quarter of 2020 saw a spike in piracy around the world, with 47 attacks compared to 38 for the same period last year, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

The Gulf of Guinea, a key production hub surrounded by eight oil exporting countries in West Africa, has emerged as a global hot spot, accounting for 21 attacks so far this year and 90 per cent of all kidnappings at sea in 2019.

Most attacks, experts said, still occur in Nigerian waters, but piracy is expected to rise in 2020 and 2021 and expand further into neighboring states, posing serious concerns for shipping and international oil companies, according to research by political risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft.

The number of crew kidnapped off the Gulf of Guinea climbed 50 per cent to 121 in 2019, up from 78 in 2018, and the Gulf has now surpassed more well-known areas such as the Strait of Malacca – a waterway which separates Malaysia and Singapore from Indonesia – to become the global hotspot. “This trend will continue into 2020 and into 2021 as regional security forces, hampered by security hot spots across the continent, and a lack of adequate equipment, continue to be unable to effectively tackle piracy,�

Alexandre Raymakers, senior Africa analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, said in a research note. “The prospect of international assistance is equally remote as international shipping routes avoid the Gulf of Guinea. Both regional shipping and oil and gas operators should expect further disruptions to supply chains, export routes and increased costs as more ransom payments will be necessary to

Amaechi liberate crews. “Around 60 per cent of incidents in 2019 occurred in Nigerian territorial waters, specifically in the areas surrounding the Niger Delta and, to a lesser extent, the shipping hub of the Port of Lagos,� he added.

Raymakers highlighted that the socioeconomic factors underpinning these incidents were unlikely to change.

Risks to oil Industry “While pirates traditionally limited their operations to raiding oil tankers in order to sell their hold on the black market, the collapse of oil prices in 2015 forced them to alter their strategy, refocusing their efforts on abducting crews for ransom. “Unlike their Somali counterparts, pirates in the Delta do not have use of secured ports or beaching areas for captured ships, which limits their ability to hold a vessel or its contents for ransom and means operators in the region therefore rarely lose ships or cargo. However, they do face delays and increased costs due to the disappearance of the ship’s crews and subsequent ransom payments,� he said.

He added: “IOCs like Shell, ExxonMobil, Total, Chevron and Eni operating out of Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria are particularly at risk of experiencing sporadic yet highly disruptive instances of piracy in their supply chains. “While many have learned lessons from developing comprehensive security structures in order to protect their assets and personnel in Nigeria, smaller supply and service companies will be highly exposed to expanding piracy risks.�

Given the recent collapse in global oil prices due to falling demand, he anticipates that pirates are likely to attempt to board static tankers used as offshore storage facilities for unsold production.

He added that the indiscriminate nature of abductions means pirates are likely to target IOCs’ supply chains and oil shipments leaving export terminals in the Niger Delta, as evidenced by the abduction of seven crew members on the ExxonMobil-contracted supply vessel Zaro off the coast of Equatorial Guinea in December 2019.

IOCs, he stated, will also have to contend with the risk that pirates will seek to abduct workers, particularly expatriates, directly from oil platforms in the Niger Delta. “The kidnapping of three oil workers from a Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR) oil platform in Ogbele in April 2019 highlights the ease and speed with which such an operation can be conducted,� Raymakers said.

Danger of marine notice According to maritime analysts, Ejiofor, the recent Marine Notice issued by the NPA to ship masters, ship owners and other operators whose vessels currently enjoy some level of security at the designated anchorage, seems to signal of fresh battle for the SAA. The latest move, he added, is coming despite the intervention of the National Assembly on an issue, which almost torn apart frontline operator of the SAA, OMSL and the NPA. The Senate had last year intervened at the peak of the dispute and order for the status quo remain, thus restricting the f NPA from taking any action that will stop OMSL from carrying out its activities.

But analysts believe the issuance of a marine notice on the anchorage is not only controversial but is bound to generate fresh crisis.

Above all, concerned stakeholders believe the move is an attempt to undermine the institution of the Senate.

Hence, concern stakeholders think it’s uncalled for and may lead to further impact the nation’s economy negatively even as it struggles to survive the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “While striving not to repeat facts already in the public domain, it is important to emphasise that the collaboration between OMSL and the Nigerian Navy which is primarily aimed protecting vessels predates the current management of the NPA. “Although the unfolding scenario could be attributed to a lack of understanding of the importance of the service being rendered by OMSL to the nation’s maritime industry in particular and the Gulf of Guinea in general, I believe that it is propelled by the Nigerian factor. “If not why will the NPA after the decision by the nation’s Senate, insist that it is not bound by such. The NPA administration had while explaining the latest marine notice stated that, ‘A Committee of the National Assembly can only play an advisory role in this matter, NPA is not compelled to abide by their directive,’ how is this so? “he queried. “What this portrays in its entirety is an attempt to create a face-off between the NPA and the National Assembly. Those knowledgeable about such confrontations know that the outcome is usually not favourable to national interest,� he added.

Describing OMSL as working for national interest, he said OMSL the firm has continued to provide security service at the anchorage to the admiration of ship owners and operators that anchor their vessels at the designated area.

Barge, Off Docks Will Aid Port Decongestion, Says SIFAX Eromosele Abiodun The Executive Director, SIFAX Off Dock, Captain Ibraheem Olugbade, has urged all the stakeholders in the maritime sector to adopt the option of barge transportation for the movement of consignments from the Lagos ports.

Olugbade, in a statement said the challenges of congestion and traffic caused by bad access roads would drastically reduce if credible alternative to road transportation

like barge is encouraged by shipping lines and agents.

He explained: “Shipping lines and agents should be encouraged to key into the use of barges for transfer in view of the poor state of the port access road. Aggressive transfer of cargoes through barges to the various off docks in Lagos will help decongest the port in a great way and help the port reach its maximum potentials.�

He also urged the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and other relevant agencies to execute the

policy of establishing inland container depots in various parts of the country with more vigor as this will provide a very important leeway for the decongestion of Nigerian ports. “The idea of floating inland container depots or off docks in various parts of the country is a very good initiative by the government.

Although it is yet to yield its desired result, there is a need to pursue its implementation with more commitment by all stakeholders. Off docks are still very much relevant in

Nigeria’s maritime business model.

They will always help to decongest the ports and bring about efficiency in port operations,� he stated.

Olugbade further noted that SIFAX Group’s belief in off dock as a good port-decongestion strategy is responsible for the company’s massive investment in its current off dock facilities and acquisition of new ones in various locations across Lagos. This, he said, would enable agents to experience easier clearing process and faster consignment movement.

23

T H I S D AY ˾ JULY 17, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

MSMEs as Catalysts for Economic Recovery As the country marked the World MSME Day 2020, James Emejo writes that micro, small and medium scale enterprises have received unprecedented attention from policy makers who more than ever regard them as critical mass for economic recovery and growth amidst the devastating impact of COVID-19 on virtually all spheres of the economy

O

ver the years, MSMEs have barely struggled to gain recognition from both the government and private sector particularly commercials banks who regard them as too risky for credit financing.

While the government’s rather lukewarm attitude towards the sector was evident in the way it budgeted annually for the sector and underfunded relevant public agencies charged with the responsibility of administering the sector, the commercial banks often see MSMEs especially those in the agricultural sector as unreliable, undocumented as well as lacking capacity for business development and sustenance and too risky for their support.

Coupled with the high cost of borrowing in the economy, the sector is largest left to its fate as operators seek scarce funding alternatives to make a living amidst rising unemployment and poverty.

Yet, MSMEs are globally celebrated as the fulcrum of economic growth and having the capacity to create millions of jobs for the teeming population.

The sector constitutes over 90 per cent of all businesses in the world and account for about 70 per cent of total employment and 50 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) globally.

A recent survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in conjunction with the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) further demonstrated that the MSME sector accounted for about 76 per cent of the labour force and contributes about 50 per cent to growth.

Yet, little attention had been paid to the allimportant sector by past administrations.

However, with increasing poverty and

unemployment for millions of graduates from tertiary institutions on annual basis as well as rising rate of criminality in the society, it soon became clear that it was only a matter of time before the situation degenerated into a full blown anarchy if the government does not stop paying lip service to the development of the sector.

Until recently, there had been laudable initiatives by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) towards deploying monetary policy to improve financing opportunities for small businesses in the country.

The apex bank had on several occasions deployed instruments to encourage deposit money banks to lend to the private sector particularly MSMEs who operate in the agricultural sector even as the government look to diversifying the economy from the perils of oil.

More than anything else, lack of financing opportunities were identified as major constraints to the development of MSMEs in the country.

SMEDAN has also been a critical institution for the repositioning and empowerment of the MSMEs sector in the country, through effective administration and facilitation of financing opportunities for small businesses with huge successes in recent times.

There is however no gainsaying the fact that 2020 represents golden year for MSMEs, in terms of the credit opportunities and attention accorded to small businesses by both government and private sector amidst the economic hardship and distortions caused by the outbreak and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

With vulnerable macroeconomic indices for the country as well as knockdowns put in place to check the spread of the deadly virus, which had affected the operations of multinationals and other high revenue companies, the dramatic drop in

global oil prices among others, it became inevitable for focus to be shifted on small businesses in other to provide some sort of relief in form of palliatives and other interventions to stabilise the economy which had is already on the verge of another recession.

Among other things, the CBN in collaboration with critical stakeholders including SMEDAN had launch a N50 billion COVID-19 intervention fund to small businesses and households at single digit to enable them cope with the impact of the pandemic, a development which is unprecedented in the history of intervention support to MSMEs in the country.

Speaking during a recent web conference organised to commemorate this year’s World MSME Day, themed:”COVID-19:Great Lockdown and Impact on Small Businesses”, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Mariam Katagum said the sector plays a pivotal role in stimulating economic growth and providing employment to vulnerable groups including as the youth, women and the poor.

She said this realisation informed the commitment and sustained interest of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in repositioning the sector for efficiency, growth and development.

The minister noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had brought severe adverse economic shocks all around the world as businesses had witnessed supply chain disruptions and low demand for products and services, which in turn have resulted in substantial revenue loss.

She said this had further complicated the challenges of the vulnerable MSME sector, making it one of the most adversely affected by the economic fall-out of the pandemic.

Nevertheless, she noted that the federal govern-

ment had continued to explore interventions to cushion the effects of the economic downtime, especially on small businesses by providing palliatives to enable recovery, sustenance and improvements.

She listed the interventions to include the ongoing implementation of the CBN COVID-19 Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) intervention fund of N50 billion as a stimulus package to support MSMEs and households; granting of three months moratorium for repayment of all government loans; and through the N2.3 trillion Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), where government is planning to implement the Guaranteed Off-take Scheme and the SME Survival Fund.

She stressed that these interventions have been designed to guarantee recovery and ensure stability of businesses within the immediate, short and medium terms.

Katagum added that no country can develop its economy without concerted efforts to facilitate private sector participation, financing and improvement in social services delivery.

She said:”The Federal Government of Nigeria ensures that policies and programmes towards MSME development are deliberately crafted to yield the desired output of MSME growth and development.

This makes the ongoing review of the National Policy on MSMEs imperative as it will take cognizance of innovation, harmonisation of MSMEs categorisation, as well as accommodate other reforms that have taken place in the sector over the last five years.”

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

24

FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020 •T H I S D AY

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 07010510430

Irenita Ezeh: Raising the Bar with Cakes and Bakes

25

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ͵˜ 2020

COVER

Irenita Ezeh: Raising the Bar with Cakes and Bakes Cake making is no longer business as usual. It requires creativity and aesthetics.These are the tools the Founder and CEO of Nikkycakes Studio, Irenita Nneka Ezeh employed seven years ago when her business got off the ground. As her creamy works take her across Nigeria and Africa, she is set to raise the bar for other entrepreneurs whilst stirring plans to launch her world-class bakery this year, REBECCA EJIFOMA reports

T

o break the ice we went down memory lane. I was struggling to grasp how an ordinary cake business transfigured into a magnificent cake studio in Shashilga Court, Jabi , Abuja FCT where arrays of cakes are baked, displayed and wired across boundaries to satisfy the buds of cake lovers.

Of course, without cakes, events – weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and luncheons – will be orphaned. This is because cake makers have skillfully employed artistic tools to create true works of arts that are appealing. One of such abstract caterers is Enugu-born Irenita Nneka Ezeh.

Just in her early 30s, Ezeh is an actress, film producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and CEO of Nikkycakes Studio. Her cake studio conceived and birthed in 2013 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, where her inexplicable fairy cakes are rated the cream of the crop.

At first, the conversation began on social media then metamorphosed into a regular call of about an hour.

Indeed, there is something that could make you listen to her for ever, it is her creamy voice with rich laughter.

Today, she is bent on being ahead of the pack with her cake studio.

Nikkycakes Studio Nikkycakes Studio came into play when this graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar saw a need in her immediate society.

She recounts her pleasant ride.

“Wow!”, she exclaimed as sweet memories gushed in. “I wanted cakes. So, I went to a cake shop in Abuja. I was told to come back in two weeks. That took me aback. From that moment, it popped into my mind – we need more cake shops in Abuja. And I already loved to bake.“ And as quick as a flash, her sleeves were rolled up; she delved into cake making that same year 2013. She turned her living room into her office for mixing, while her dining was her space to embellish the nude cakes.

“I started from my living room to my dining where I designed the cakes. I had no shop though I got the necessary tools”.

The awards were: African Royalty Awards 2019; World Humanitarian Award 2019; Independence Hero’s Award; Association of Northern students; Competent Governance for Accountability and Civic Trust among a handful of others.

“It’s not something I talk about. I have a few orphanages I take cakes to from time to time. I just love doing it. There is this pleasant emptiness in my heart that only can be filled with the joy and laughter of those kids. And I’m pleased with it.”

Truly, the economy slid so suddenly. Almost everyone – businessmen and professionals – were sapped financially though not equally.

Hence, Nikkycakes fashioned special offers for its clientele. “We have been doing a lot of friendly discounts on cakes to encourage people. Times are hard”.

Effect of COVID-19 On this, the entrepreneur bemoaned how events and cakes have parted ways in the last three months of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. ‘’We have been selling in Abuja only since the lockdown. That has affected business.

No weddings happening. Some who booked wedding cakes asked for refunds.”

Sadly, the pandemic rocked her business.

A few clients who had booked for cakes and made payments called for a refund. “What would we do? We felt bad but then we can relate with that understandable reason – it was global”.

She and her staff, however, kept hope alive.

“Parties are done in-house. We are making sales.

We are booked daily and we are baking and creaming it all,” she says with her trademark rich laughter.

Ezeh

her clientele, they thirst for more. “I couldn’t shut down for more than four days during the lockdown. I worked from home as clients kept placing orders. We had to send cakes to Namibia, Uganda and Kenya. It’s just interesting how amazing it has been for us at Nikkycakes Studio”, she expressed.

Training in US, Dubai, Turkey Before her business took off, she had to learn the ropes at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality in Dubai UAE; Sugar Room, New York US; and Le Cordon Bleu, Instabul Turkey.

“I went to Dubai to brush my skills. Afterwards, I moved on to the US to further strengthen my hands then to Turkey. I returned to Nigeria and the rest are pleasant memories”.

She continued: “I came across this cake studio in Dubai. It has pictures of cakes done about 20 years ago. The shop looked very much like a cake gallery with works splattered across; very appealing and inspiring. I decided I wanted a studio, too. So I called mine Nikkycakes Studio. Nikky is from my name Nneka as I’m fondly called.”

Consistency Of course, just like many entrepreneurs out there, Ezeh says to keep one’s eyes on the ball, consistence and passion are ideal. “You need to know what you want to achieve first. Wake up. Pay attention. Then be consistent. When you start a business, you might not make any profit at the first stage but when you remain consistent, you will have a smooth sailing”.

Just in her early 30s, Ezeh has used her rapt skills to bake dreams. She has successfully employed over 30 people in seven years. She plans to take many others off the labour market.

On if there was ever a time she felt like going down swinging, the edible cake designer enthused boldly, “Not once have I felt that way in this business, whenever a negative thought wanted to cross my mind, energy will gush into me to give the best shot, as a result I’ve never really felt that way, I have the zeal and energy.

Clientele across Nigeria, Africa Undoubtedly, there are a thousand and one creators of cakes and bakes across the country, but one thing that spurs her into giving it her best shot is her clientele. “I have an amazing clientele. They have kept me going these seven years. They are in and out of the country – Namibia, Uganda and Kenya”.

Having etched her cakes in the hearts of

Trying Times When Nikkycakes Studio bumped into challenges, it rolled with the punches. “Staffing has been a challenge. There are people you see roaming the streets tirelessly for jobs. When you employ them, you find out they don’t key into your vision, they give zero attention to the job, such could frustrate you.”

However, she noted that there are productive

and reliable ones who will always fit into the vision. “So, if you have good staff, you are lucky”.

Carving a Niche in Taste Despite the turbulent headwind faced by many entrepreneurs, Nikkycakes Studio mapped out quintessential features for itself to remain afloat.

“It is all about the taste. When you hear the word ‘cakes’, you think Nikkycakes studio.

That is our destination. Wherever we send our cakes to, people call to find us. This is thanks to the taste of our cakes and the overall frilling”.

Although resident in Abuja, the cake studio has its presence across boundaries, it has even more exciting plans for cake lovers whose primary focus at events is dessert. “We are coming up with something extremely big.

It’s not just going to be cakes anymore but everything baked; cakes, pies, ice-cream, yogurt, pastries, bread and more. It will be a shocker.

“The new bakery we are about to open is world-class, it will include everything bakes to satisfy the teeming population of cake enthusiasts, create more job opportunities and leave a lasting legacy,” she said.

Philanthropy Ezeh has not only donated her entire strength to cakes, she has also channelled it towards philanthropy and humanity. Last September, she was honoured with multiple awards for her show of love and heart of gold to some orphanages in the country.

Leveraging Social Media Today, Nikkycakes Studio has joined the bandwagon of those using social media to reach its audience. “We are on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Social media has really enhanced Nikkycakes Studio, and introduced us far and wide.

Mentorship For Ezeh, leaving a lasting legacy is her dream. “I have been doing mentorship programmes to train people on business, empowerment skills, and enlightenment in churches as I get invited. I have a heap of invitations. You need to pass on the skills to someone somewhere”.

Word for Upcoming Entrepreneurs Having been in the industry since 2013 and waxing strong, Ezeh lends her voice to upcoming entrepreneurs yet to take their first baby step. “Choose what you are passionate about. Don’t do what someone else is doing because he or she is making some penny. You don’t know what the person goes through behind the scene”.

She further harps on passion as being most compatible with entrepreneurship. “Truth is, when you choose your passion, there won’t be traffic, but straight to your destination successfully. That way, you won’t throw in the towel when the wind comes tossing.”

While in the driver’s seat, the eloquent cake maker pledges to leave patterns for new entrepreneurs to instinctively mimic.

Today, Nikkycakes Studio is set. “We will continue to up our game to ensure everyone has a cakeful celebration with the launch of our new bakery – everything baked”.

27

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ 2020

TRIBUTE

‘Mediatrix’: A Tribute to Maman Fr. Kukah Francis Damina

B

irthed in June 1934, her death was not unexpected. Not unexpected because Mama Janet Hauwa Kukah died at the age of 86. And as we may all be aware, old age is a disease that has no cure. Unfortunately, despite Mama’s qualifications to seek for terrestrial relocation in the hereafter owing to her age, her demise can never be dissociated from the pains of memory. Of course, death remains the most dreaded event in human existence. According to Archbishop Peter Sarpong, no matter how we view death, it still remains a “ social evil, which disturbs or disrupts social equilibrium.�

Of it Shakespeare said, “Woe, destruction, ruin, and decay; The worst is death, and death will have his decay.� Yes, it disturbs and distrupts social equilibrium because of its undemocratic nature that doesn’t allow us with our PVCs to participate on electing the candidates qualified to die. On the contrary, ALL men and women, irrespective of their status, are qualified at any time.

But since our friend Vincent Okay Nwachukwu had warned that “Tribute to the dead is meaningless. Corpses are 3D - dead, deaf and dumb�. And that, “Only the living can appreciate their tributes,� mine here is to simply rattle through by reflecting on the mediatrix role that Mama, even in death, shall be playing for us as all roads lead to Anchuna - Ikulu comes Friday. Therefore, my tribute will be more on those to send her forth than on her who is the reason for their gathering.

No doubt, Mama’s funeral will be graced by the creme de la creme of our society in appreciation for the enormous nation building contributions and sacrifices of her son - the nerve- stretching intellectual, Priest and ‘conscience of the Nigerian Nation’ - Matthew Hassan Kukah. At least, President Muhammadu Buhari had himself commiserated with the Bishop “on the passing of his mother Janet Hauwa Kukah�. I equally have no doubt that, apart from those who contacted me to confirm her demise, the President of Ghana may have condoled with the Bishop. Also, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ernest Shonekan, the Sultan of Sokoto, Governors Simon Lalong, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Ministers, Captains of Industries, members of the Civil Society and the International Community, the Theocratic Class, Business moguls, among many sympathizers.

While we should not miss out the point that Mama, a miniature Mary of sort, was truly blessed to have had a son designated as ‘the conscience of the Nation’, we must be grateful to her for cooperating with the plans of God in the production of the son that has for many years now being the middle man between the many oppressed and their few oppressors. Otherwise, what if she had opted for abortion? Yes, if she had opted for abortion. Who would have replaced him and his sterling contributions at the Catholic Secretariat, OPUTA Panel, Electoral Reform Committee, National Political Reform Conference, Ogoni Reconciliation, World Globalization Commission, Oxford University, Nasarawa State University, St. Andrew�s Parish Kakuri, Sokoto Diocese, The Kukah Center, and the now Sherah Hassan University, Kachia by one of our illustrious sons? Who would have again spoken for the Katafs in 1992, and whistled in the dark in those treacherous dark days of General Sani Abacha? Clearly, she will for ever remain an examplar on the sactity and potentials of every human life irrespective of his or her background.

As we gather to commit Mama to mother Earth amidst the expected crowd of policy makers comes Friday, many will be surprised

Late Maman Fr. Kukah

- and even embarrassed, that a man who has for many decades been advocating for the common good of society at the risk of his life, has no good road to his village, no water, no electricity, no police station, no bank, no market, and other social services. And this is where the Bishop has been exceptional advocating for others what his own native Ikulu land is also lacking. But he is right not diminish himself by speaking for his own tribe knowing that his status demands that he should rather speak for humanity. Yet, all beneficiaries of his sacrifices and goodwill, government and the private sector not exempted, should have made a move in providing some social services for the Bishop’s kinsmen. Of course, I remember him saying that the only federal presence in his native Ikulu land was when an ambulance from the National Hospital with a Federal Government plate number, conveyed the remain of a native who had worked in the security department of the hospital.

You may have recalled me saying in one of my discourses: “It was this background of inequality, injustice, slavery and apartheid that baked Bishop Kukah thereby making him the rights activist that he is.� Therefore, “... anybody who thinks the Bishop has, by engaging society, strayed from his calling, or as they say, become a politician, and recently, unnecessarily inflammatory, should blame the feudalist for creating the traffic signs that defined his direction later in life.’ But feudalism by the Hausa Fulani cannot be solely responsible for where minor- minority tribes such as Bishop Kukah’s Bakulu have found themselves. Only recently, in a piece entitled ‘Zango Kataf and the Invisible minori-

ties’, I surmised, “Bishop Kukah probably did not take note of the predicament of the invisible minorities when in his homily at the funeral of Governor Patrick Yakowa, elements of which can be seen blurred in Bishop Bagobiri’s, accused the Hausa Fulani elite of political exclusion when he said:� “From the creation of Kaduna state in 1967, the Northern ruling class, by policy, seemed to have erected an invisible sign that read:’No Christians Need Apply’, to enter what would later be called Kashim Ibrahim House or represent the state at the highest levels.� “Methinks,�

I summed up “ that the Bishop should have known that, in a similar case right within his domain, since the creation of Zango Kataf Local Government, no Ikulu man has ever been elected as Chairman.� Little wonder, politically, apart from being only a ward in spite of our large numbers, Bakulu, along with the Anghan people, are regularly being shortchanged right from the local government level.

I can’t equally forget attracting attention to the very incubator that hatched the Bishop as a priest in 1976, namely, the Holy Family Parish Gidan Bako. In a tribute to the Bishop on the occasion of his 40th anniversary, I finalized, “...I wish to draw the attention of His Lordship to a near-mortal sin his admirers may have committed – the sin of omission. As I said at the beginning of this piece, he got ordained at Holy Family Parish, Gidan Bako, in December 1976. As the first priest hatched by the parish, the Bishop’s admirers have shown little or no sensitivity to making this historic parish worth its name. As we celebrate his anniversary, the roof of the parish church is leaking while the

presbytery is still that ‘colonial’ apartment with only a room to accommodate the then Father Glackin. And this is a parish that will soon be celebrating its golden jubilee with a record of having have hatched the most productive priests in northern Nigeria such as the Bishop himself, Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Joseph Mamman of ABU Zaria, Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Dodo, Fr. Dr Philip Gaiya, Wing Commander (Fr.) Philip Kwasau, Lt. Col. (Fr.) Anthony Maimagani, and Very Rev. Moses Madaki among many others. I think it is not good that their friends and admirers have not turned to look back at the finger that fed these piests – a finger now threatened by leprosy. And I dare say, it is better late than never.� Thank God that the funeral of Maman Fr. will now serve preface to the Golden Jubilee celebration of the parish billed for this November.

Still, these friends and admirers, most of whom are policy makers, may be inspired , on the occasion of Maman Fada’s funeral, to either commit or recommit themselves, by thinking beyond the horizons of religion and ethnicity, of strategies and ways of ending the killings in Southern Kaduna that have now become a daily ritual.

Yes, Mama’ death and incoming funeral, will resonate in her a mediatrix role in interceding for the part of the earth and the sanctuary that produced ‘the conscience of the Nigerian Nation’ - Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. May the angels of God receive her soul and present it to God Almighty. May she rest in peace. t%BNJOB XSPUF GSPN )PMZ 'BNJMZ 1BSJTI (JEBO #BLP ,BEVOB 4UBUF BOE DBO CF SFBDIFE WJB GSBODJTEBNJOB!HNBJM DPN

28

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Non-oil Exporters Want Govt to Fix Domestic Market James Emejo in Abuja Stakeholders in the non-oil export business have asked the government to focus on addressing challenges in the domestic market so as to boost the country’s potentials to export and earn foreign exchange.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the PDF Non-oil exporters’ dialogue, which was held via web conference, the operators stressed the need to provide enabling environment and boost local production and patronage as preparatory steps towards achieving a robust non-oil export strategy for the country.

They also complained about lack of assistance from agencies of government who regulate export activities, leading to their inability to record success in their trade.

Food Technologist/Chief Executive, Tiger Foods, Mr. Don Ebubeogu said if the domestic market is relegated, the export market will also suffer.

He said: “Until you take care of the domestic market, they’ll continue to put pressure on the export market because you won’t be able to have enough to export.

It is only when we have surplus in the domestic market that we will be able to export whatever into the export market. “I have been monitoring what Nigeria has been trying to do in terms of increasing the volume of export market. “But if we take a cue from what the Indian government has done. India increased the volume of exports to about $2 billion and if you look at their production which is about 1.6 million tons, it is only about 10 per cent of that that is going to the export market.�

Also, President, Leather Association of Nigeria, Mr. Okechukwu Williams, stressed the need to satisfy the local market, lamenting that, “our local markets are flooded with second hand products from

China.�

He said currently, finished products in Aba enjoy only 20 per cent of the local market share while Chinese leather products enjoy 54 per cent market share of the local market.

He called for funding support from both public and private sectors to enable the industry upgrade its equipment to enable it compete globally.

Williams said: “The leather industry had been neglected in the past only recent intervention the governor and senator in trying to provide. We lack technological enhancement to improve production. “We need support from OPS to acquire basic machine to enhance productivity.

When this is done, I think we will be ready for the global market. For now, we think the competition is very high to compete with brands like Gucci the basic technology enhancement and so a lot needs to be done.�

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

Govts Urged to Support SMEs Oluchi Chibuzor Governments across all levels have been urged to intensify efforts to save small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

This, is because SMEs are generally vulnerable as they have little capacity to withstand shocks, considering the magnitude of losses the coronavirus pandemic has inflicted on businesses.

The call was made at the ICCN 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually recently, with the theme: “SMEs, Bedrock of Economic Recovery after COVID-19 Pandemic.�

Speaking, the Chairman ICCN and Regional Coordinator, Subsaharan Africa, Babatunde Savage,

said Nigeria has a large informal sector, which contributes 65 per cent to the aggregate economy.

He said, we therefore, “wish to suggest the need for governments at all levels to intensify efforts in making the environment more conducive for the SMEs as the sub-sector constitutes the bedrock for economic emancipation anywhere in the world. “To combat the economic repercussions of this pandemic, ICC believes that urgent and decisive action by all stakeholders is needed. We call on everyone, including governments, international organisations, multilateral development banks, business organisations, and multi-national corporations, to cooperate and coordinate their actions to Save

Our SMEs.�

Savage also said: “The immediate objective of all stimulus efforts should be to ensure that money flows rapidly into the real economy and, in particular, to those most vulnerable to the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19 as well as ensuring that developing countries receive adequate assistance. “The imperative to save our SMEs cannot be overstated.

This agenda is of paramount importance to safeguard the current and future functioning of the global economy and the livelihoods of billions of workers throughout the world.�

However, ICCN stressed the need for governments to ensure their policy responses to the

Keystone Bank EmpowersMSMEs Nume Ekeghe Keystone Bank Limited said it has recently concluded a 5-day capacity building initiative for micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the country on the need to increase online presence and grow sales using digital tools.

The training which was tagged: “Boost With Facebook Digital Marketing Webinar Series,� was organised by the bank in partnership with Facebook

via its Nigerian representative, Rabbington Media.

According to the lender, the Webinar explored new ways to help SMEs wade out of the harsh economic tide posed by the onset of the corona virus pandemic. “The widespread outbreak of the novel Covid-19 has impacted the world economy negatively and has led to significant shift in customer needs and behaviour as well as a total overhaul of operating models of businesses. In the face of this current socioeco-

nomic reality, the need to increase online presence and grow sales using digital tools has become a burning concern for a lot of small businesses. “The topics covered ranged from: Using Facebook Ads to reach your target audience; Using WhatsApp to scale your business; Finding new customers using Instagram and more. It was a packed series of 10 episodes of exciting trainings with over 2,000 attendees participating in the sessions,� the bank said.

Cititrust Holdings Rebrands, Renames Three Subsidiaries Nume Ekeghe Cititrust Holdings Plc has rebranded and announced change of name for three of its subsidiaries after receiving the nod of the board and shareholders.

A statement from the Group noted that the decision was taken at its Executive Management meeting held recently.

Country Chief Executive, Mr. Ikechukwu Peter, in a statement made available to THISDAY explained: “The change of name of these strategic business units became quite imperative to enhance brand visibility and synergy.�

Further explaining the reasons

for the name change, the Chief Executive said: “For an institution that is positioned to provide bespoke financial services to its teeming customers, it became important that it had a unified brand representation as it delivers on its mandate of exceptional customer service experience.�

According to the statement, the affected subsidiaries include, Core Capital Limited, which is now Cititrust Financial Services Limited; First Option Microfinance Bank Limited, which is now Cititrust Microfinance Bank Limited; and Bermuda Forex BDC Limited, which has become Cititrust BDC Limited.

Commenting individually on

the development, the Managing Director of Cititrust Financial Services Limited, Mr. Charles Olaluwoye, observed that the name change would, “bolster the efforts by the company to increase its share capital to one billion naira, and enable it do more in terms of online consumer lending and delivering on digitalised financial services.�

The Managing Director of Cititrust Microfinance Bank Limited, Mr. Jeff Ejemai, said the rebranding offers the bank the leverage to obtain the regulatory approval which will enable it operate as a state Microfinance Bank, and thus take the institution’s business to the next level.

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

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

11,007,422.79

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

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ ͯͲ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $43.02 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $43.38 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), A SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

29

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ 2020

CSCS Commits N100 Million to War against COVID-19 Goddy Egene The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure, has donated a fully equipped and insured Ambulance to the Capital Market Support Committee for COVID-19 (CMSCC), an initiative of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The CMSCC seeks to comple-

ment the effort of the federal and state governments in stemming the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has undermined economic and social activities across the world.

In his remarks while presenting the ambulance and cash donation to CMSCC, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the CSCS Plc, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri said: “We find it imperative to col-

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

laborate with other stakeholders in the capital market in this war against COVID-19. The safety of Nigerians and the growth of the economy is a collective responsibility that we cannot leave to the government alone. “We have committed N100 million to this war against COVID-19, as we are also supporting the efforts of other stakeholders. Whilst we continue to support the society through

S E C U R I T I E S

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CSR initiatives, we believe our most impactful support to the capital market and broader Nigerian economy is through our services. “I am excited that we have operated seamlessly through this crisis, leveraging our investment in technology and people, in ensuring efficient depository and settlement of capital market transactions across multiple capital trade points, including

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the FMDQ Exchange and the NASD-OTC�.

Jalo-Waziri thanked the board of directors of CSCS Plc for taking this crucial decision for them to join well-meaning, responsible corporates and other stakeholders in the fight against this novel coronavirus. “Whilst it is a challenging time for businesses, it is sacrosanct for corporate leaders to make

O F

all possible sacrifice towards this cause, which is perhaps pertinent to the sustainability of businesses and the broader economy,� he said Whilst receiving the Ambulance and cash donation, the Chairman of the CMSCC, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun applauded the management and board of CSCS Plc for the response to the SEC-led clarion call on capital market stakeholders.

1 5 / 0 7 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

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30

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

NSE LISTS Axxela Funding 1 Plc’s N11.5bn Bond Goddy Egene

Axxela Funding 1 Plc’sN11.5 billion Series 1, 14.3 per cent Fixed Rate Bond due 2027. Axxela recently raised

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), yesterday listed the A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

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

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

the bond under its N50 billion Issuance Programme. were today, Thursday, 16 July2020listed on The Nigerian

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 15Jul-2020, unless otherwise stated.

Stock Exchange. The bond was originally N10 billion but at the conclusion of the book build, the issuance was 24

per cent oversubscribed, and this oversubscription presented the company with the mandate to accept an additional 15 per

cent of the proposed issuance size. Hence, the it ended up with a total proceeds of N11.5 billion.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.92 0.92 1.71% ACAP Income Funds 0.78 0.78 9.64% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.41% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.85 2.92 16.00% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 13.93 14.35 -9.04% ARM Discovery Fund 331.81 341.81 -3.94% ARM Ethical Fund 30.06 30.97 3.37% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.92% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 91.51 92.15 -4.76% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.09% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.06 0.04 5.95% Paramount Equity Fund 10.65 10.85 -14.89% Women's Investment Fund 106.70 107.59 -3.39% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.05% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 98.36 98.58 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 100.42 100.65 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 101.22 101.22 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,362.55 1,363.84 11.81% FBN Balanced Fund 146.84 147.85 0.01% FBN Halal Fund 107.17 107.20 7.17% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.00% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 117.55 118.08 1.29% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 111.23 112.99 -14.52% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.26% Legacy Debt Fund 3.79 3.79 3.62% Legacy Equity Fund 1.07 1.09 -5.57% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.11 1.11 2.76% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,065.48 3,096.63 0.77% Coral Income Fund 3,199.03 3,199.03 4.01% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 4.44% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.41% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.26 2.30 3.21% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 8.79% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 146.61 147.16 2.22% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.34 1.37 10.27% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.00 12.06 6.45% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.70% PACAM Equity Fund 0.99 1.00 PACAM EuroBond Fund 107.03 109.41 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 111.90 114.72 -10.75% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 5.14% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 -0.97% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 0.27% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -2.87% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 0.34% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 -0.84% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.36% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -3.41% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 0.20% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.14 1.15 -5.74% United Capital Bond Fund 1.83 1.83 5.69% United Capital Equity Fund 0.63 0.64 -10.54% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.15% United Capital Eurobond Fund 115.98 115.98 3.68% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.06 -2.75% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.01 10.12 -2.61% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.58 11.67 -0.44% Zenith Income Fund 24.43 24.43 9.74% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.55%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

116.13

3.64%

53.10

2.02%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.88 81.20 64.40

8.98 82.92 65.55

1.97% -4.46% -2.44%

Union Homes REIT

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

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.69 4.12 11.03 1.00 10.90 197.56

2.73 4.20 11.13 1.00 11.10 199.56

-24.20% -30.16% -8.87% 5.27% 4.85% 4.47%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.26

16.90%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020 • T H I S D AY

31

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FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

PDP Accuses Osun of Mismanaging $20m Health Grant Prove your allegations, commissioner tells opposition party

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

yesterday accused Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of

APC Govs, Leaders Meet in Abuja over Edo Election

Ize-Iyamu insists on contract with Edo people Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and top leaders of the party yesterday met with the Edo State governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in Abuja, where they insisted that the party’s victory in the September 9 governorship election in Edo State is not negotiable.

This is coming as Ize-Iyamu, has said that with his manifesto titled ‘’SIMPLE AGENDA,’’ he has signed a contract with the people of Edo State, which they will use to regularly hold him accountable.

One of the governors who attended the meeting told THISDAY that the governors and the National Campaign Council’s members used the meeting to review the preparations for the election and fine-tune strategies on how to win the poll.

According to him, the APC leaders also resolved to employ all “democratic methods’’ in ensuring that APC wins the election Some of the state governors who attended the meeting include, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Centres, Osun PDP Challenges Oyetola,” argued that the state government had mismanaged the fund.

It insisted that most of the health centres across the state were still in shambles despite claim by the government that many of the facilities had been revamped.

The statement read in parts, “Osun PDP is asking the governor to instruct whoever he saddled with the so-called revitalisation of the health centres to publish locations of the health centres as awarded by the state government.

“As a matter of fact, and in this period of COVID-19

pandemic, it would be nice to have 256 units state-of-the -art completed PHCs available for health care needs of Osun populace, as claimed by the state government.

“But such fortunate communities in the 332 wards in Osun State should be spelt out in clear terms for public scrutiny.

When was the bidding for the rehabilitation done? Who are the contractors? Can Oyetola publish the beneficiaries of the contract to show he is honest and let the people judge?”

In her reaction, the state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, challenged the

PDP to prove the allegations of mismanagement.

Egbemode said, “They should tell us those health centres that we claimed had been renovated but they observed had not been renovated.

“Currently, we have a fiveminute jingle on road where we mentioned the names of all the health centres that had been renovated. They should listen to it because all this while they are not conversant with what government is doing. I am from Ijabe, the health centre in my town has been renovated.

Is it the one in Aagba, Eripa, Osogbo? The renovation is an ongoing thing.”

(Lagos); Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Senator Hope Uzondinma (Imo State); Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano); Mai Mala Buni (Yobe); Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and some members of the campaign council. ‘’The meeting was very fruitful, we reviewed the activities of the campaign council so far; and what is needed to strengthen the campaign. Our candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu also briefed the meeting and we were satisfied with his input. Let me say that Ize-Iyamu’s victory in the election is not negotiable; we will employ all democratic methods in ensuring we win the election. ‘’We have a very good candidate for the election, and our jobs have been made very simple. Pastor Ize-Iyamu is a grassroots politician, he is a man that has shown a single-minded determination to the politics of the state all his life. ‘’And this intuitive commitment has won him a L-R: Chief Engineer, Craneberg Limited, Mr. Amin Eawk; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun ; and Commissioner for Works and lot of committed loyalists all Infrastructure, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, during the inspection of the ongoing 14.7km Ijebu-ode-Epe expressway...recently over the state, Nigeria and in the Diaspora’’, the governor who spoke with THISDAY in confidence stated.

OPENING UP RURAL AREAS...

UK Varsity Appoints Nigerian Professor as Vice Chancellor A Nigerian, Prof. Charles Egbu, has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University.

According to a statement on the UK varsity website, he will take over from Margaret House, who will be stepping down after seven years.

Egbu will return to Leeds, a city in which he studied and taught, to begin his new role on November 1, 2020.

Reacting to his appointment, Egbu was quoted as saying: “I am honoured to be joining Leeds Trinity, a University,which values and ethos around widening participation, offering a personalised approach and encouraging all students to achieve their best, align with my own. The university has an impressive track record in learning, teaching and employability, and I am looking

mismanaging $20 million health grant and challenged the state government to publish details of health care centres that were renovated with the $20 million grant the state won through an initiative called ‘Saving One Million Lives Programme for Result.’

But in a swift reaction, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr.s Funke Egbemode, challenged the PDP to prove its allegations.

The main opposition party, in a statement by its acting Chairman, Mr. Sunday Akanfe, titled, “Publish Details of Acclaimed 256 Completed Health

forward to building on the strong foundations established under the leadership of Professor House.

“I have already been impressed by the sense of community at Leeds Trinity and I am looking forward to engaging with students, colleagues and alumni as we shape the future strategy of the institution. I am also looking forward to returning to Leeds; the city in which I spent much of my early academic life.”

With more than 25 years’ experience in higher education, he was previously Pro ViceChancellor for Education and Experience at the University of East London.

He is also a member of various external bodies, including the Advance HE Pro Vice-Chancellor Network and QAA Panel of Experts.

CORRIGENDUM In our story, “I am Due for Retirement in June 2021, Says Omolori,” published on May 27, 2020, we addressed Dr. Jerry Uhuo as Director of Public Affairs at the National Assembly.

Dr. Jerry Uhuo is a Deputy Director in the Department of Public Affairs in the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly. He spoke to THISDAY with the permission of the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria. The error in designation is regretted.

-Editor

Court Affirms FRSC’s Powers to Impound Vehicles on All Public Roads Alex Enumah in Abuja The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to enforce traffic laws on all public roads in Nigeria and impound violators’ vehicles.

Justice Anwuli Chikere made these declarations in a judgment she delivered on Wednesday.

The judgment was delivered in a suit filed by Mr. Pius Abu who accused the FRSC and its men of wrongfully impounding his car for using telephone and subsequently impounding his

car in Abuja in May 2019.

The plaintiff, who said he was apprehended by the FRSC operatives at ECWA Junction, Wuse II, Abuja, who impounded his Peugeot 306 car on May 6, 2019, alleged that FRSC lacked the power to enforce traffic law on the road not stipulated in the FRSC (Establishment) Act. But delivering judgment in the suit, Justice Chikere held that “It is wrong to limit the enforcement of the traffic rules to the roads listed in the Federal Road Safety Corps (Establishment) Act when

the Act gives the 2nd defendant (FRSC) to enforce the traffic rules on all public roads in other legislations.”

She also ruled that FRSC is by the Act “empowered to arrest and prosecute anybody found to violate traffic rules on any public road”.

She also ruled that by virtue of “Section 35 of the FRSC Act, the 2nd defendant can impound any vehicle found to have committed any offence in the Act”.

On the propriety of arresting the plaintiff for using phone

while driving, Justice Chikere ruled that the plaintiff did not deny making call or using the phone when he was arrested.

She noted that he only made an “afterthought” denial after the defendants -the FRSC and its official – filed a counter-affidavit in opposition to his suit.

She dismissed the claim by the plaintiff that he was not granted fair hearing when fine was imposed on him by FRSC. The judge held that the notice of offence served on him gave him the option of either paying the fine or face prosecution.

Ngige Inaugurates Panel to Investigate Alleged Corruption in NSITF Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has inaugurated a presidential joint board and audit panel to probe the alleged mismanagement of N3.4 billion by suspended Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr. Adebayo Somefun.

The committee is chaired by President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and chairman of the audit committee of the NSITF board, Mr. Ibrahim Khaleel.

Ngige, who was represented

by Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. William Alo, said the eight-member committee has three weeks to submit its report.

On July 1, Ngige suspended the management of NSITF but Somefun rejected the suspension.

Somefun was accused of “misappropriation and other gross misconduct”.

The minister alleged that while the sum of N2.3 billion was already paid for “nonexistent staff training”, N1.1 billion is being processed for

the same purpose.

During the inauguration, the minister explained that NSITF was established to address the socio-economic needs of workers by providing compensation to insured employees who suffer from occupational diseases, injuries or disability from accident or death in the course of employment.

He said in order to discharge this duty, the NSITF Act provides that employers of labour should make financial contributions to the fund of the NSIT. Ngige, however, noted that

it had become worrisome that there are issues emanating from the management of funds entrusted to the agency, especially when done contrary to due laws and regulations “The NSITF is a governmentowned human centered entity which was established to address the socio-economic needs in the world of work by providing compensation to insured employees who suffer from occupational diseases, sustain injuries or disability from accident or even death during or in the course of employment,” he said.

FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

33

NEWS XTRA

Kaduna Community Faults El-Rufai on 1992 Zangon Kataf Panel Report John Shiklam in Kaduna The Atyap Development

Community Association

(ACDA) has debunked claims by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, that previous administrations in the

PDP Demands Magu’s Immediate Arraignment in Court Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said that the delay by the federal government to arraign the suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, on allegations of fraud has raised public apprehensions over the integrity of the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The PDP warned that sweeping the fraud allegations against Magu under the carpet as would be a disservice to the anti-graft war. It reminded President Mohammadu Buhari that the world is watching as the allegations against Magu has become a public knowledge.

A statement that was issued by the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said that any delay to would prosecute the Magu heighten suspicion in the public space over an alleged attempt to give him a soft landing in order to cover up for certain top officials of the Buhari’s administration and some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that were alleged to have been indicted by the suspended EFCC chairman, in the course of his investigation by the Presidential Panel.

The PDP’s position, according to Ologbondiyan, is predicated on the conflicting

reports on the status of the processes related to Magu’s on-going investigations and the direction of the federal government on the matter.

He said: “Our party holds that where there are no undesirable underhand dealings, any government that is committed to the fight against corruption, in such a manner that the Buhari’s Presidency wants the world to believe it does, should have since perfected its processes and arraign the suspended EFCC’s acting chairman in court, particularly with the weight of allegations and revelations unearthed at the Presidential panel.”

The PDP said that the expectations of Nigerians is for the federal government to arraign Magu without further delay before a court of competent jurisdiction and prosecute him in line with the dictates of Nigeria ‘s laws.

The opposition party said that Nigerians are apprehensive that the EFCC investigation might go the way of the alleged treasury looting in the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) among others that saw indicted official receiving a pat on the back without being prosecuted.

state did not issue a White Paper on the Justice Rahila Cudjoe Commission of Inquiry on the 1992 Zangon Kataf crisis and the AVM Muazu Reconciliation Committee Reports of 1995.

The state government had in a statement on June 29, 2020, through spokesman to El-Rurai, Muyiwa Adekeye, announced the setting up of the committee, saying: “The State Executive Council has resolved to find a permanent solution to the perennial crises that keep erupting in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.”

The committee was set up following recent clashes in Zangon Kataf and Kauru Local Government Areas on June 11, 2020, leading to killings and destructions. ‘”No White Paper was drafted or adopted by the Dabo Lere administration that established the Justice Cudjoe Commission

and the Col. Lawal Jafar Isa government that appointed the AVM Muazu Reconciliation Committee,” Adekeye had said.

He said further that “the elected government of Kaduna State led by Alhaji Dabo Lere did not produce a White Paper to set out its official position on the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.”

But while addressing a news conference yesterday in Kaduna, Secretary-General of ACDA, Mr. Sule Bodam, maintained that the government was being economical with the truth, alleging a hidden agenda.

He said on the contrary, the federal and Kaduna State governments over the years, took several farreaching decisions on the recommendations in those reports and implemented them.

According to him, “By making such claim that

the reports of the Cudjoe Commission and AVM Muazu Reconciliation Committee ‘have not received comprehensive response or attention’, the El-Rufai administration seeks to give the wrong impression that previous administrations of the state did not address the recommendations made by both panels.

“On the contrary, the federal and the state governments over the years took several far-reaching decisions on the recommendations in those reports and implemented them.

“It is therefore imperative to clarify these matters for the information of the public, for it is indeed very strange that the El-Rufai government wants to exhume and draft a White Paper on Cudjoe Commission report written 28 years ago, most of the issues of which have been

resolved and reconciliation achieved between the Atyap community and the Hausa Community of Zangon Kataf town. The question arises as to what the El Rufai government seeks to achieve by drafting a White Paper over a report whose recommendations were implemented by the federal and state governments, and on which any other remaining issues have been overtaken by events, unless the El-Rufai administration has other ulterior motives for setting up its White Paper Committee.”

Bodam said further that based on the facts at the disposal of ACDA, “it is manifestly clear that the El-Rufai administration “has no justifiable reason to set up another White Paper Drafting Committee when the recommendations of the Justice Rahila Cudjoe Commission have been fully implemented.”

STOCK MARKET ON THEIR MINDS...

Edo PDP Youth Movement: Obaseki’s Second Term Not Lagos Pays Indigent Residents N20,000 for Business Negotiable

L-R: Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Adedeji Ajadi; President, Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe; and 2nd Vice President, Mr. Oluropo Dada, at inauguration of the institute’s seven committees in Lagos...yesterday

Sunday Okobi The youths of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State under the auspices of Egor Youth Movement for Obaseki and Shuaibu (EYMOS) have resolved to throw their weight behind the reelection of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his running mate, Hon. Philip Shiabu, adding that for their developmental stride, their second term is not negotiable.

The group stated that it is determined to champion the ‘good’ cause of the governor and Shaibu for their developmental stride and technological innovative ideas “that have transformed Edo State for the past three and a half years.”

EYMOS Chairman and convener, Mr. Eddie Ehanire, and his Vice Chairman, David Edionhon, who spoke to THISDAY yesterday, noted that it is only a myopic person that would go contrary and choose another candidate in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, “after seeing the great works of the governor in the state. For the PDP youths

of Egor, we have seen this great vision of a pragmatic leader, who has come to rescue the Edo people from the shackle of oppression ushered in by the previous administration, which held the treasury of the state in its pockets with impunity.”

It stated that the impact of the governor’s effort to unlock the state’s potential has eminently been felt in all sectors.

According to Ehanire, “One of Obaseki’s blueprints to develop the state is the agricultural revolution, which has harnessed immense capacity to accommodate more hands in the sector and alleviate the lives of the people. With a vision to create over 200,000 jobs after his first tenure at the helm of affairs of the state, he has gone all out to craft policies and initiatives to get more youths into agriculture through a value-chain driven agricultural development model designed to ensure smooth commodityto-market flow, linking youths, agriculture and jobs. The idea is hinged on the thinking that agriculture has a huge potential for job creation, which affords the people better life.”

The Lagos State Government has started disbursing funds to indigent residents as startup capital for small scale businesses.

The empowerment scheme is under the ‘Eko Cares Initiative’ Under the scheme, each beneficiary gets N20,000 to invest in consumer goods to generate quick turnover, which is then ploughed back into the business for a higher turnover.

According to a statement issued yesterday, 217 beneficiaries of the scheme,

who are part of the 2,000 people earmarked for the first phase, were at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, to receive the cash payment.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Aderemi Adebowale, said through the programme, more residents, particularly the less-privileged and the vulnerable, would have funds for microbusinesses and vocations.

She noted that the government also hoped the funds would improve their

standards of living and quality of lives.

“With the funds provided in this scheme, beneficiaries will be exposed to businesses and investment opportunities requiring minimal start-up capitals,” she said.

Adebowale explained that a number of companies producing “fast-moving consumer products” had already keyed into the programme. She appealed to the beneficiaries not to abuse the privilege, saying successful participants would benefit more from mentorship

from the partners who would closely monitor them and give progress reports and recommendations towards further empowerment funds from the government.

The special adviser said the social inclusion programme was the first of its kind in the state, adding that 6,000 Lagos residents were being targeted, with the first phase covering 2,000 people.

She said the scheme would stimulate micro-economic activities, promote a sense of belonging and reduce tension in communities.

APC Constitutes Ondo Primary Election Appeal Committees Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Caretaker/Extra-ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted the primary election and appeal committees for Ondo State governorship primary election slated for July 20, 2020.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena, in a statement issued yesterday, said the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, would chair the primary election committee, while Mr. Chris Ibe, would chair the primary election appeal committee.

He said other members of

the primary election committee are Mr. Alwan Hassan, Mr. Samuel Sambo, Hajiya Binta Salihu, Mr. Emma Andy, Dr. Adebayo Adelabu, Abdullahi Aliyu, Mrs. Margret Igwe and Olorogun Emerhor (Secretary).

Nabena said other members of the appeal committee are Mr. Festus Fientes, Mr. Okon Owoefiak, Mr. Abba Isah,

Mr. Umar Duhu, Hon. Sani El-katuzu, Mrs. Osuere Eunice, Mr.. Emeka Agaba and Mr. Abdulmimuni Okara (Secretary).

He added that both committees would be inaugurated by the Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee and the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, at the APC National Secretariat today.

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NEWSEXTRA

Gokada Founder’s Murder May Be Financially-motivated, Say Police The motive of the gruesome murder of Gokada’s CEO, Mr. Farim Saleh, appears to be financial in nature, a senior law enforcement official said yesterday.

Saleh was found beheaded and disembered in his Manhattan apartment, New York, with an electric saw lying next to his remains on Tuesday.

The police could not immediately identify the dismembered corpse but Saleh’s sister who discovered the dismembered body Tuesday afternoon made a distress call to them after not hearing from him for a day and feared the lifeless body might be her brother’s.

The police said the saw was still plugged into an electrical outlet when they arrived, which prompted an investigation into whether or not the arrival of Saleh’s sister at the condo could have interrupted the killing and alerted the killer to flee through another exit.

An elevator surveillance camera caught the victim’s last moments.

The CCTV camera captured Saleh getting into the elevator Monday and was followed quickly by a second man, dressed in a suit, wearing gloves, a hat and a mask over his face.

After he walked out onto his floor, he fell immediately, possibly shot or stunned. “He (the suspect) was dressed like a ninja, full out, so you can’t even see his face. “He clearly knew what he was doing. We think his intent was to get rid of the body parts and go

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I. Formerly Known and addressed as MISS IKENWOSUAGWU NWAMAKA JENNIFER, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EJIOGU NWAMAKA JENNIFER. All documents remain valid. The general public to take note.

I. Formerly Known and addressed as ENEMUO WILFRED OGOCHUKWU ESTHER, now wish to be known and addressed as EMEKA WILFRED ESTHER. All documents remain valid. The general public to take note.

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I. Formerly Known and addressed as NNABUIFE MEDIATRIX CHIDIOGO, now wish to be known and addressed as NNADI MEDIATRIX CHIDIOGO. All documents remain valid. The general public to take note.

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back and clean it up and make it look like nothing happened.

He left before he finished the job,� a police source said.

The police said they are still searching for the murder suspect who donned a ninja mask and joined the late tech CEO in the elevator.

According to American local media—NBC, a senior official at New York City Police Department (NYPD) said the motive of the crime appeared to be financial in nature.

Saleh, who got his start creating a prank calling website, founded Nigeria’s first digital motorcycle-hailing service, Gokada in Lagos in 2018.

He has been described as a self-made millionaire who brought tech companies into nations like Nigeria and Indonesia, and an energetic person who loved gadgets and video games.

His friends called him the “Elon Musk of the developing world� for his efforts to bring

an Uber-like start-up to Nigeria.

Gokada raised $5.3million in funding in May 2019 but, following the Lagos State government’s ban on commercial motorbike operation on major routes in the state in January, his company laid off 75 per cent of its workforce.

Following the ban, Saleh, allaying fears that the company might have run into bankruptcy, said in a Twitter post “we still have money in the bank and are pivoting towards deliveries while this transport ban gets sorted. We were due to make a profit in January before the ban was announced.�

In a video uploaded on his YouTube channel titled “Gokada is not okada,� he argued that his company operates differently from the traditionally commercial motorbike riders.

During the video, Saleh said “I was ok putting all my money in, all my effort in, before insisting our priority is not how much money we’re earning.�

Lagos NUT Kicks against Reopening of Schools The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has kicked against any attempt to reopen the schools in the state.

Reacting to the decision of the South-west governors to commence the West African Senior Secondary Examinations (WASSCE) in August the

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I. Formerly Known and addressed as MISS MBEREDE ANTHONIA NWAKAEGO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANTHONIA BIEZUGBE. All documents remain valid. The general Public to take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME 7KLV LV WR FRQÂżUP WKDW , JUDE TIVIERE ORHOTOWHO and JUDE ORHOTOWHO refer to one and the same person. Henceforth, I, wish to be known and addressed as JUDE ORHOTOWHO. All documents remain valid. The general public to take note

LOSS OF DOCUMENT:

On 15/07/2020 at about 1720hrs one MOHAMMED SULEIMAN ‘M’ of Rhabama Ventures Ltd, Flat 5, Blk B27, zone 3, Badmintion Street (9th Street) Games Village, Abuja came to Iddo Divisional Police Headquarters and reported that on 6th July, 2020, while on transit from Garki to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja he discovered that his old ÂżOH No. CND/0251, 1HZ ÂżOH 1R MISC/70142. Allocation No. GVA/3BR/01/043, got missing. He further stated that all effort made to trace the lost document proved abortive. Authority concerned and general public please take note.

Chairman of the NUT in Lagos State, Mr. Adesina Adedoyin, described the decision as disheartening.

He disclosed that the NUT in the state would not support school resumption because of the rising COVID-19 cases and the limited testing centres available in the state.

He also expressed his disappointment over the failure of the governors and the federal government to take a uniform position on the issue. “The federal government is saying no resumption and the South-West governors are saying pupils should resume.

There should be a synergy between the federal and state governments. The task force members know the extent of the pandemic and if the curve has not been flattened, they will not advise schools to reopen.�

APC Campaign Monitoring Committee Holds Strategic Meeting Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Campaign Monitoring Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday held a strategic meeting ahead of the September 19, 2020, Edo State governorship election.

The meeting, which was held behind closed doors at the national secretariat of the ruling party, lasted after about 45 minutes.

The meeting had in attendance, the state party’s candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodinma, among others.

Members of the committee, however, hurriedly left the secretariat in convoy, without speaking to journalists who were on ground to have an idea of what the meeting was about.

FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Student Drags American School to Court, Seeks Refund of Fees Alex Enumah in Abuja A student of the American International School, Abuja, Master Echeibu Odoh Oklobia, has filed a suit before Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi of the Abuja High Court to compel the school’s management to refund him the advance school fees he paid before the commencement of the academic session.

The student, who filed the suit through his mother, Mrs. Florence Omadachi Oklobia, averred that his parents paid the sum of N4.5 million on May 25, 2016 for the first semester

of the 2016/2017 academic session, which was scheduled to commence on August 15, 2016.

He stated that his parents withdrew him from the school after reviewing his academic performance and demanded the refund of the fees from the school in July 2016.

Counsel to the Claimant, Mr. Micheal Omosegbon, argued that his demand for refund was still within the time provided under the 6th head item covered at page nine of the Elementary School Parent/ Student Handbook (2011-2012) prevailing and binding as at

the time.

Omosegbon averred that despite the school’s rule that tuition is refundable only for unused semesters, the “claimant has continued to incur cost in order to recover the said sum

of N4, 500, 000 only being wrongfully held on to by the defendant in spite of repeated demands made by the claimant, through his parents.”

The claimant demanded an order of court compelling the

school to refund the fee and another 10 per cent interest on the judgment sum effective from the date of judgment till the judgment sum is fully amortised. They also want the court to compel the school to

pay a sum of N5 million cost of the action.

However following the request for adjournment by the defendant, Justice Osho-Adebiyi fixed hearing for September 23, 2020.

Adamawa Communal Clash: Police Arrest 16 Persons, Recover Guns Daji Sani in Yola The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested 16 persons in connection with the communal clash in Guyuk and Lafiya in Lamurde Local Government Areas that claimed several lives and property.

This was contained in a statement signed and issued yesterday by the spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje.

The spokesman said the command has arrested 16 persons and recovered two guns and other dangerous weapons while enforcing the law in the affected areas.

“The command, while enforcing the law, apprehended one Alhaji Halilu Lafiya and 15 others in connection with the case and are all undergoing investigation “The command calls on members of the public particularly those in Guyuk and Lafiya communities to remain calm and continue to give useful information to the police,” he said.

Nguroje said the command has assured the public of its commitment to protect lives and property.

He said the police command also called on the people to stop taking laws into their hands.

COVID-19: Gombe Grants Tax Concessions, Palliatives to Taxpayers Segun Awofadeji in Gombe The Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GSIRS) has outlined a series of tax concession and palliatives for taxpayers in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which has led to the shutting down of both government and private businesses and disrupted supply chain.

The measure is designed to cushion the effects of the pandemic, and relieve taxpayers of the burden of tax compliance at this trying moment.

The administrator of GSIRS, Malam Abubakar Inuwa Tata, who announced the tax concessions and palliatives yesterday, said the measures included extension of time for filing of annual returns by individuals from March 31, 2020 to August 31, 2020.

According to him, “The due date for filing of annual returns by companies is also extended to August 31, 2020, as against earlier deadline of January 31, 2020,” adding that the penalty of N50,000 for individuals and corporate organisation N500,000 for non-filing has also been waived.

“The Service has also waived all penalties and interests for outstanding liabilities on back-duty audit

for individuals and enterprises in the state, particularly the micro, small and medium scale (MSMEs) enterprises affected by the pandemic.

“There is a waiver of interest on all outstanding liabilities for limited liability companies operating in the state, he said, adding that “taxpayers will be allowed to file returns using unaudited accounts, but must subsequently submit their audited accounts within two months after the revised due date for filing.

“Waiver on interest element on back-duty liabilities for mast/towers levies of telecommunications companies, radio stations and commercial banks.

“Registration and renewal of vehicle particulars have been slashed by 5 percent and 10 percent respectively from the original cost to enable all road users comply with road traffic regulations.”

Tata also explained that “A 40 percent waiver on backduty withholding taxes for rent on institutional estates, private estates, individuals rented properties, shops and apartments; waiver on contracts, director and consultancy fees, among others, while a 50 percent waiver on Capital Gain Tax assessed on sale of properties.

UNITY IS OUR STRENGTH...

L-R: President of Nigerian Union of Teachers, Comrade Nasir Mohammed; Vice President, Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC), Mr. Akporeha Williams; President, NLC, Comrade Ayuba Waba; and ex-officio member of executive, NLC, Comrade Kabiru Gusau, during the reconciliation meeting of National NLC and the break-away faction at national headquarters in Abuja... yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

Only Certified Churches, Mosques will Reopen in Ekiti, Says Commissioner Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti As religious centres reopen today in Ekiti State after three and half months due to COVID-19, the government has directed all religious centres ready to resume service to acquire certificates of fitness before commencing worshipping.

The state government said religious centres with coronavirus prevention facilities would only be allowed to resume activities, while

certificates of compliance must be received from the ministry to authenticate their readiness to reopen.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Ekiti State chapter has suspended the reopening of all major mosques across the state.

The state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, had recently announced that all churches and mosques in the state can commence service on July 17 after the nationwide lockdown

barring religious activities which was announced on March 29.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Gbenga Agbeyo, who said this in Ado Ekiti yesterday, insisted that no religious centres would be allowed to resume without complying with the stipulated guidelines to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

He said all the churches and mosques must comply with the COVID-19 safety protocols to avert the spread of the deadly

disease, saying provision of requisite facilities remains the prerequisite for reopening.

Agbeyo said part of the prerequisites is that religious centres must fumigate their premises, and provide running water in front of their buildings to ensure regular hand washing.

“Others are the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, ensure they wear nose covers, make available infrared thermometers for body temperature measurements and maintain social distancing.”

NBC Reaffirms Commitment to Product Quality, Integrity Peter Uzoho The Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) has reiterated its commitment to product quality and integrity, pledging that this would remain the gold standard of its operations.

Country General Manager, NBC, Matthieu Seguin, affirmed this while speaking during the company’s 2020 Stakeholders Forum themed ‘Product Quality and Integrity: Challenges and Opportunities,’ which held virtually.

The event also featured key contributions from the Vice President, Quality, Safety and Environment, The Coca-Cola Company, Zoltan Syposs; Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Moji Adeyeye, and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Babatunde Irukera.

Seguin explained that quality remains the hallmark of the

operations of the Coke System.

“At NBC, we understand that only products and services valued and accepted by our customers and consumers will deliver help our business grow. We are committed to driving our business forward by continually improving quality control across the organisation, working together with CocaCola Nigeria, local authorities, partners, suppliers, customers and consumers,” he said.

Seguin disclosed that a survey NBC conducted earlier in the

year showed that product quality and integrity ranked highest among the demands of its stakeholders, hence its decision to continue prioritising it.

“Our commitment to quality and integrity is from production to delivery. Everyone at NBC works hard to procure the finest ingredient, equipment and services from some of the industry’s most respected suppliers. We also complement this with our state of the art local production and distribution system,” Seguin said.

Chairman of Inspire Group, Onyibe Launches Book Peter Uzoho The Chairman of Inspire Group, Mr. Magnus Onyibe, has unveiled his book titled, ‘Abba Kyari: Portrait of a Loyalist, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Sides of Public Administration in Nigeria.

The unveiling which was held on Tuesday virtually, attracted many dignitaries across the broad spectrum of the Nigerian society, who took active part in the proceedings.

In a statement by Inspire, veteran broadcaster and

reviewer of the book, Soni Irabor, at the occasion, pointed out that the book was a compilation of the points of view of friends and foes of the late presidential Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, as published in the media immediately after his sudden passage last April.

Irabor explained that the views contained in the book which were already published in the media were categorized into three parts, ‘The Good’, ‘The Bad’ and ‘The Ugly’.

According to him, the

part referred to as ‘the good’ captures glowing tributes and encomium from friends, colleagues and associates as well as those enamoured

by Kyari’s demeanour and dedication to public service.

He pointed out that the points of view captioned ‘The Bad’ were not necessarily bad, but might have been so captioned only because they were non-committal, neutral and not infused with so much eulogy for Kyari as those contained in ‘The Good’.

Irabor commended the

author for taking it upon himself to bring together the information which were in various media locations into a single platform in the form of a compendium as evidenced by the book for easy access by current and future generation of researchers.

In his comments, a former Chairman of Grassroots Democratic Party (GDM) and Kyari’s kinsman, Alhaji Gambo Lawal, appreciated the author for capturing some of the positive sentiments expressed towards Kyari.

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Obasanjo, Mimiko, Others Pour Encomiums as Akinkugbe is Buried Victor Ogunje in Akure Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and several other dignitaries yesterday poured encomiums on Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Prof.

Oladipo Akinkugbe, as his remains was committed to mother earth in his home town, Ondo, Ondo State.

Akinkugbe, the pioneer Prochancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, died at the age of 86.

The funeral service in honour

Govs Mourn First Female Combatant Helicopter Pilot Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) yesterday expressed sorrow at the sudden and tragic death of Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile who was killed in a ghastly motor accident in Kaduna State.

The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi said the late Tolulope was a brilliant and promising officer, who had demonstrated a high sense of loyalty, patriotism and commitment to duty to Nigeria,

of the deceased, held in line with COVID-19 protocols, at St. Stephen’s Cathedral Anglican Church, Ondo, was attended by Obasanjo and Mimiko, among other dignitaries.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Ondo Anglican Diocese, Dr Joseph Akinfenwa, described death as inevitable, hence the need to live a life worthy of

emulation.

Obasanjo described the late professor as an icon and a hero who lived a life of exemplary leadership, ardent patriotism and devotion to the course of upholding the highest standard in the medical profession and society at large.

He said, “Prof. Akinkugbe wasn’t an extra-ordinary person

doing extra-ordinary things, he was an ordinary person doing ordinary things that other ordinary people failed to do, feared to do, didn’t know how to do, or were not willing to do. He acted when action was necessary and spoke when speaking was necessary.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the UNIMED, Prof. Adesegun

Fatusi, in his tribute, said, “Combining his wealth of experience in the health and education sector, Prof.

Akinkugbe led members of the first Governing Council of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, in providing a very strong foundation for the university and for this, we are extremely grateful.”

particularly in maintaining peace and security in the country.

The NGF regreted that Tolulole’s life was cut in its prime and at a time she had so much to contribute to the upliftment of her country.

Her demise, the governors said was not only the family’s loss but that of the Nigeria Air Force, the government and people of Kogi State and the entire country.

The governors prayed for the repose of her young soul, while also praying that God gives her family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

Door of the former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Joy Nunieh, allegedly damaged by the Police in her Port Harcourt residence in Rivers State...yesterday ERNEST CHINWO

UK Won’t Pay You Hazard Allowance, PDP Vows to Resist Federal ‘Might’ in Edo Election that Edo State Governor, people’s might, assuring the Edo FHC/B/C569/2020 PDP V. INEC Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Godwin Obaseki, bribed the party electorate that they would not and two others originated from Ehanire Tells Doctors The Peoples Democratic Party allegation with N15 billion to secure the be disappointed. the Benin-city jurisdiction and

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has told Nigerian doctors seeking to relocate to countries like the UK, to reconsider such plans as they would lose out on getting hazard allowance.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at press briefing by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Ehanire said there is no need for doctors to leave the country as the government was working on ensuring better welfare for them.

Speaking on the 58 doctors who were prevented from living Nigeria for the UK recently over visa issues, Ehanire said the news came as a surprise, but noted that the movement was irregular as many of them were without visas.

The Cable quoted the minister as adding that he was not aware

if the doctors had eventually left the country.

“We were all surprised to hear that they were at the airport. I think somehow or the other, it was irregular in that many of them did not have visas. I don’t know what evidence you have, maybe it’s a rumour that they have now left the country, I don’t know, but nobody should be leaving the country without visa,” he said.

“Those who have been trained by scholarship and they’re on a job have a moral responsibility to give back. Even now, we have large numbers of Nigerian doctors in the UK, in the United States, in Europe who apply to come every year to come and serve, even though they were not even trained here or they were not even trained at state expense.

Tinubu Mourns Kukah’s Mother The Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has commiserated with the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, over the recent passing of his mother, Madam Abashen Hauwa Kukah.

In a condolence message by his Media Office, Tinubu described the late Madam Kukah as a deeply religious woman who lived a blessed life.

The APC leader said: “My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Bishop Kukah over the recent passing of his mother, Madam Abashen

Hauwa Kukah, in her home in Kaduna.

“Please be consoled by the memories of the time you shared together and the fact that Mama lived a blessed life. I understand she was a deeply religious person who devoted her time to the service of God and humanity.

“Extend my commiserations to other members of the Kukah family and all those mama left behind. Our prayer is that munificent God give you and all the family members strength to live without her. May He also grant Mama’s soul eternal rest.

(PDP) has vowed to resist all attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use the federal might in the Edo State governorship election by using the people’s might.

The party also expressed shock over the sudden demand by the APC for the transfer of the matter it instituted against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and two others to Abuja.

The PDP also denied the

party’s governorship ticket.

Chairman of the Media Committee for the governorship election, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, said at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday on behalf of the Campaign Council on Edo State Governorship Election (PDPNCEG) that the party was prepared to inflict on the APC its worst defeat ever.

He declared the PDP would contain the federal might with

Dokpesi said: “We are fully ready under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike. And we assure our teeming supporters in Edo State that we are going to give APC the defeat they never imagined. We are battle-ready at any time.

“If they are thinking of federal might, we are thinking of people’s might. We are leveraging on the electorate.”

The party insisted that the matter with suit number:

not Abuja.

Dokpesi, said the demand by APC was fishy and violated the circular of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court on transfer of matters between course divisions.

According to him, “The request by the APC violates the circular of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court dated August 6, 2018, and June 24, 2020, which cautioned against entertaining matters if the cause of action arose from outside judicial divisions.”

Military: Why We Administered Oath on 602 Repentant Boko Haram Fighters Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday explained why 602 repentant Boko Haram fighters were administered on oath after undergoing de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programme under Operation Safe Corridor.

It said the oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria was taken by the

insurgents to emphasize their loyalty and repentance.

The ex-insurgents who have completed de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programme at Malam Sidi Camp took the oath before an 11-member quasi-judicial Panel.

Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche who made this disclosure, while briefing Defence correspondents on

military operations across the federation said the implication is that, at the end of the programme, if they commit any offence, they stand to forfeit all privileges and will be liable for offence against the State.

According to him, “It is heartwarming to state that Operation Safe Corridor has successfully coordinated the DRR programme for 882 ex Boko Haram members

including the 280 earlier graduated. Thus, the message here is clear to others out there to surrender and be profiled accordingly for the DRR privilege.”

General Enenche said troops conducted several operations at various locations, which led to the neutralisation of terrorists, destruction of their equipment and structures as well as recovery of various items.

N’Assembly Commission Queries Clerk for Rejecting Retirement Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha and Adaora Orizu in Abuja The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has queried the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Mohammed Ataba SaniOmolori, for rejecting retirement.

The Executive Chairman of the NASC, Mr. Ahmed Kadi

Amshi, in the query letter dated July 16, 2020, described the press statement by Sani-Omolori rejecting his retirement as an act of “gross insubordination to a constituted authority.”

Amshi said: “The attention of the National Assembly Service Commission was drawn to a press release titled: ‘Retirement age for staff of

the National Assembly Service is 40 years of service or 65 years of Age, whichever comes first’ dated 15th July, 2020 and signed by M.A Sani-Omolori, Clerk to the National Assembly.

“As you are very much aware, the Clerk to the National Assembly is an employee of the National Assembly Service Commission,

vide Section 6(1)b of the National Assembly Service Act, 2014 (As amended).

“The Clerk to the National Assembly has no authority whatsoever to dictate anything to the commission.

“You press release is considered by the commission as a gross insubordination to a constituted authority.

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FRIDAYSPORTS Twists in Osimhen’s Transfer to Napoli as Fresh Negotiations Begin

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Duro Ikhazuagbe

The much expected transfer of

Victor Osimhen...switch to Napoli delayed

Victor Osimhen to Napoli did not happen yesterday as speculated by top Italian and French media all through the week.

But rather, the long-drawn drama took a new twist with the Italian Serie A outfit revealing that fresh negotiations have just started with Osimhen’s new agent.

After the Lille of France forward fell out with his agent due to what inside sources alleged to be under-the-table prank of trying to get extra cut for himself, Osimhen is now

being represented by super agent William D’avilla.

Although his French club insisted that final details for the move to Napoli are being worked out.

Napoli’s Sporting Director, Cristiano Giuntoli, who is in touch with the forward’s new representatives, confirmed yesterday that discussions will have to start anew.

“Osimhen’s a very good player, but there are lots of other teams who want him and we’re working on

other fronts too,” Giuntoli told DAZN. “He changed his agent, so we now have to start all over again. It’s a complex and difficult set of negotiations,” the Sporting director stressed.

D’avilla is well known in Nigerian football circle as he handles a few other Nigerian player like Emmanuel Dennis of Club Brugge.

There were even speculations earlier that he was also trying to get Dennis to switch to Napoli.

Lille’s General Manager, Marc Ingla, was unmoved by the new twist of having to start the negotiations all over, insisting that Osimhen was at ‘the final details’ of a move away from France to Italy.

“We’re at the final details for the transfer of Osimhen,” explained Ingla.

“There were other clubs in for him too, but the player has now made his decision.

“It’s a shame to have to sell him, but he’s leaving us.”

It through the week, top European media reported that the transfer was scheduled to be announced yesterday, but Napoli official Giuntoli will not give a commitment to that effect until the twist of fresh negotiations with his new agent.

Osimhen is expected to join the Italian club in a fiveyear contract for 50 million Euros plus a player, Adam Ounas. His personal terms also believed to be close to five million Euros.

Super Eagles to Play Two Friendlies in Portugal in September The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), is planning two friendlies for Super Eagles in Portugal during the FIFA window in September.

Speaking during an Instagram interview on NFF account yesterday, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said that the opponents will most likely be from South America

and Africa. “The arrangement is 70% confirmed. We hope to make use of the FIFA windows in both September and October,” stressed the NFF chief.

The Eagles last match was against Lesotho in November 2019. Nigeria won the 2021 AFCON qualifier 4-2 in Maseru.

Paul Onuachu Back to Action after Overcoming Covid-19 Super Eagles forward, Paul Onuachu, has been given a clean bill of health to resume training with his Belgian First Division A side, Racing Genk after returning a negative COVID-19 testduring the week.

Last Tuesday, the Nigeria international was forced to be quarantined after testing positive for the coronavirus following his return from Nigeria.

A pre-season fixture against

Eendracht Termien was cancelled after the Nigerian tested positive as he had been involved in contact training with the rest of the squad leading up to the friendly.

Onuachu was unavailable for selection as Racing Genk defeated Royal Union SaintGilloise 3-1 on Wednesday.

“But today, he will just train with the group,” Racing Genk coach Hannes Wolf told Belgian media Het Nieuwsblad.

Enefiok Udo-Obong Writes for THISDAY Sports The only Nigerian athlete to win two medals at the Olympic Games, Enefiok Udo-Obong is the latest addition to the THISDAY Sports. Enee as the celebrated Sydney Olympic

Enefiok Udo-Obong

Games 4x400m relay Gold Medalist is fondly called, will be doing a weekly column starting next Monday on contemporary sports issues. A graduate of Human Anatomy from the University of Calabar and a holder of an Advanced Masters in Sports Administration and Technology from The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne(EPFL), in Switzerland, added a bronze medal to his Sydney gold in the same event at Athens 2004.

He is a U.S and U.K trained certified personal fitness trainer.

Super Eagles players have been scheduled to play two friendlies in September

F I FA C O V I D - 1 9 PA L L I AT I V E S

Grants to Nigerian Clubs Ready in Two Weeks, Says Pinnick Ghanaian clubs get FIFA and CAF palliatives President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has said that the federation will roll out palliatives for football clubs in the country within the next two weeks.

Speaking during a live session on NFF’s official Instagram page on Thursday, Pinnick said the NFF is at the moment expecting a total sum of $1million from world football-governing body, FIFA, and another $500,000 from the African confederation, CAF. “We would take from these various monies and add also from monies that we are expecting from our corporate partners, and see what we can give to each of the clubs in these four cadres,” stressed the NFF Chief. Pinnick’s reaction was to a question on wether the NFF would not disburse funds from the global

body, FIFA as regards to relieving football clubs of their financial burdens during this pandemic.

Pinnick enumerated the funds being expected and how the Federation intend to use them: “We’re expecting about $1 million from FIFA and we’re expecting about $500,000 for Women’s Football. We are also expecting about $500,000 from CAF,” began Pinnick.

“We also have some funds from Nike, Nigerian Breweries and some of our partners and once we get them, then we will give the clubs monies based on what we have.”

Pinnick however stressed that while the NFF will do same, he does not believe in playing to the gallery.

“We don’t want to play to the gallery by saying this is what we want to do but once we have all these funds, we

hope to mop up funds from our partners (in addition to those from FIFA and CAF), then we will put all these together and streamline it and apportion it to all clubs.

“So that if we are starting the season, we know that we will start the season and finish it. The best way we can achieve this is to make sure we get some funds for these clubs without waiting for their sponsors.

“Within the next two weeks, we should be able to come out with a reasonable template with which we can appropriate all these funds,’ he said.

Pinnick stated that the Executive Committee of the NFF will meet next week to make decisions that bother on this development and other pressing matters.

Some African countries (including Senegal and Ghana) have in recent days

published a breakdown of what each club in their countries will earn from the grants.

Ghana in particular gave a detailed breakdown of the palliatives to the clubs in a statement signed by GFA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo.

The GFA on Wednesday released the payment plan of the FIFA and CAF Relief Funds to their various stakeholders with the Ghana Premier League (GPL) clubs having already received payments.

Premier clubs are expected to receive $15,000 from the FIFA fund of which the first tranche of $10,000 would be disbursed immediately whilst division one clubs would receive $5,000 out of which $7000 would be distributed quickly. $2000 has been allocated to GHALCA.

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˜ ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

FridaySports

Real Madrid Are La Liga Champions Real Madrid won their first La Liga title in three years with a game to spare as they edged 2-1 past Villarreal at an empty Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.

Karim Benzema fired between the legs of Sergio Asenjo and

added a controversial second from a retaken penalty.

In bizarre fashion, Sergio Ramos had rolled the first attempt for Benzema to smash in but the effort was disallowed.

Vicente Iborra pulled one

Leicester Beat Sheffield Utd to Boost Top Four Spot Leicester City got their Champions League push back on track with a narrow 2-0 win over Sheffield United to move within a point of third-placed Chelsea.

The hosts dominated the first half with 19-year-old debutant Luke Thomas impressing at left wing-back and it was his low cross which set up the opener for Ayoze Perez after 29 minutes.

Brendan Rodgers’ side should have extended their lead after the break when Harvey Barnes was twice denied by Dean Henderson after clever through balls by Jamie Vardy.

The Foxes’ top scorer also hit the post, and it looked as though Sheffield United might force their way back into the match after a secondhalf improvement They came closest to scoring when John Egan’s header was tipped wide by Kasper Schmeichel.

But, as the game hung in the balance, substitute Demarai Gray, on for Barnes, collected Vardy’s pass and beat Henderson to finally seal the win after 79 minutes.

Leicester’s victory was only their second in six games since the restart but it was a timely boost for Rodgers’ team, who moved three points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United who face Crystal Palace later on Thursday For Chris Wilder’s visitors, the result ended a four-game unbeaten run which included wins over Tottenham, Wolves and Chelsea.

They remain eighth, two points behind sixth-placed Wolves, with the prospect of European football next season looking out of their hands.

Elsewhere, substituted Theo Walcott scored an 87th-minute equaliser for Everton to nudge Aston Villa closer to relegation.

CAF Shifts AFCON 2023 Back to Summer

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), yesterday announced that the next edition of its premier tournament after the one in Cameroon will hold in June/July of 2023.

According to the acting scribe of CAF, Abel Bah, the event would hold at a different calendar from the AFCON 2022 in Cameroon.

The preference of January/ February date for the edition in Cameroon is because of weather situation of the Central African country.

The timing of the competition has been the subject of speculation after President Ahmad stated in June that it would take place in 2023 while saying he ‘did not know what month’.

“As of today, the 2023 Nations Cup is planned for

Ahmad...CAF President

June/July because, to make it clear, in the regulations we have decided to play all Nations Cups in June/July,” Bah told BBC Sport Africa.

In 2017, CAF decided to schedule all future Nations Cup for these months, enshrining the change in its tournament regulations.

The next Nations Cup will take place in January 2022 however owing to unfavourable weather conditions in Cameroon in June and July, when the host country suffers some of the wettest months of the year.

“The Nations Cup in Cameroon, after the request of the authorities, was postponed to January/February,” added Bah. “As of today, we haven’t received the same request from Ivorian authorities.”

Given that Cote d’ivoire suffers its wettest month of the year in June, such a request should not be ruled out.

However a move to earlier dates in 2023 could prove difficult as the 2022 World Cup will be played between 21 November and 18 December.

With a Nations Cup in early 2022 and mid-2023, and the 2022 World Cup it means some of Africa’s leading footballers could play three major tournaments in the space of 18 months.

back but it mattered little to Real as the club wrapped up their 34th Spanish title.

Zinedine Zidane’s side have won all 10 of their matches since Spanish football restarted in June.

They head into the final day of the season with an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Barcelona.

Behind closed doors in a

6,000-seat stadium at the club’s training complex is perhaps not the stage for the grand crowning Real would have imagined for their first title since 2017.

But that did not stop Zidane’s squad pulling on shirts with “Campeones 34” printed on the back before lifting the trophy in celebration as ticker tape fell over the pitch.

“Today is one of the best days for me as a professional,” said Zidane. “After everything that happened, the three-month break, it is fantastic what has been achieved.

“It is strange for everyone.

We cannot control the situation.

We would have loved to be with the supporters, and hopefully that can happen down the line.”

La Liga titles have been in shorter supply than Champions League triumphs for Real this decade, with this only their third in the past nine seasons.

They won three successive European Cups in Zidane’s first tenure but had recorded successive third-place finishes since their previous domestic title, as Barcelona were crowned champions.

Real Madrid players celebrating the 2019/20 La Liga title...last night

La Liga: Spanish Minister Doubts Return of Fans in September Spain’s Health Minister, Santiago Illa, has said that he does not think fans will be able to return to football matches in the country when the new season starts in September.

The government’s department for sport and La Liga had hoped for fans to return

at a reduced capacity.

But the threat of a rise in coronavirus infections is set to prevent the move.

“To be honest, I don’t see it, given the reality we are in,” health minister Santiago Illa told radio station Cadena Ser. “We have seen some clusters of infections and,

although we have fortunately been able to control them, I still don’t see (fans returning).”

La Liga resumed this season behind closed doors on 11 June, and plans to start the 2020-21 campaign on 12 September.

“We’re going to take our

time and provide information so the sports department can make the decision when necessary,” added Illa.

“We have to step carefully with the virus, and concentrating large numbers of people at this time is not advisable at all,” the minister concluded.

Nigeria to Represent Africa Amputee Football Tournament in Poland Laleye Dipoin Minna

The Nigerian Amputee Football team is to represent Africa at the Polska Invitational Football Tournament taking place in Warsaw, the Polish capital .

The tournament will hold between September 18th and 20th this year.

Other countries invited for the tournament include;

England, The United States of America, Haiti and Mexico.

Nigeria was invited to the tournament as a result of the team’s performance at last year’s African Nations Cup for Amputee Footballers (CANAF) where the Nigerian team finished second .

President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, Mallam Suleiman Isah who

confirmed the story said: “The Nigeria Amputee Football Federation received a letter personally signed by the Competition Manager, Bogna Czepulkowska, inviting us for the 9th International Amputee Football Cup.” Speaking on the importance of the tournament, Mallam Isah said the Polska Amputee

Football “is always an avenue for scouts across Europe to get players who will be signed to play professional amputee football in Europe.”

Isah said the organisers of the tournament will undertake the cost of accommodation, local transportation and feeding of participating teams and their officials.

Sports Minister Pays Tributes to Former 3SC Chairman, Ukaigwe The deaths of the former Chairman of Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan Chief Bode Oyewole and former board member of the Nigeria Women Premier League, Ms. Henrietta Ukaigwe have been described as huge loss to Nigerian Football.

The minister condoned with the football fraternity, their families, the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.

According to a statement by

the Media Office of Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, the death of the duo of Oyewole and Ukaigwe was a big blow to Nigeria as their death has robbed the football family of their invaluable service and contributions.

According to the Minister “Nigeria has lost two accomplished journalists, administrators and committed individuals who did so much to uplift the standard

of Nigerian Football.

While Chief Bode Oyewole presided over Shooting Stars when they won the treble in 1998, Ukaigwe is known to have championed the development of female football.

“They both played significant roles in positioning Nigerian football to lofty heights. They were indeed shinning lights of not just the Journalism profession, but football development.

“Their death is not just a loss

to their immediate families and friends, but the pen profession and Nigeria football. They died when their services were most needed.

“My deep condolences to their families, friends, NUj, SWAN and the entire football fraternity. May their souls find eternal peace in the bossom of the most high God. “ the statement concluded.

Both Oyewole and Ukaigwe died on Tuesday July 14th , 2020

Friday July 17, 2020

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MISSILE

Wike to Police “It is so unfortunate and I cry for this country concerning the way things are going. They didn’t have a warrant of arrest, but would storm somebody’s house? In fact, the state Commissioner of Police is not aware. So, tell me how something will happen in a state and the Commissioner of Police is not aware?� – Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, lamenting police invasion of the residence of the former interim MD of NDDC, Joy Nunieh

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

Magu and the Anti-corruption Puzzle

T

he gathering responded with a subdued and nervous laughter.

The occasion was the silver jubilee anniversary of THISDAY Newspapers at the Eko Hotel. In view of his current status, it was an irony that the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu was been decorated with the gold medal for ranking —ž–‹Ž›ȹ Â˜Â—ÂŽČą ’—ȹ Â?‘Žȹ Žě˜›Â?Čą Â?Â˜Čą ›’Â?Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šȹ ˜Â?Čą corruption. The honour of decorating him with the medal went to the former Governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke. Before investing Magu with the medal, the Governor made the mistake of congratulating himself for the feat of not featuring on the EFCC book ˜Â?ȹ Š—Â?ÂŽÂ?ČąÂ™Â›ÂŽÂœÂŽÂ—Â?ȹŠ—Â?ČąÂ™ÂŠÂœÂ?ČąÂ™ÂžÂ‹Â•Â’ÂŒČąÂ˜ÄœÂŒÂ’ÂŠÂ•ÂœÇŻČą To be thus absolved would amount to quite a feat and golden exception to the rule of exchanging the opulence of the governor’s lodge with interrogations and possible tenancy at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

When it was his turn to show his appreciation for being deemed worthy of the honour, Magu prefaced his response with an impolitic Â?ŽĚŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—Čą ˜Â?Čą ž”Žȹ ‹¢ȹ ›Ž™žÂ?’ŠÂ?’—Â?Čą Â‘Â’ÂœČą ÂŒÂ•ÂŠÂ’Â–Čą of having no issues with EFCC. He said the Â•ÂŠÄ´ÂŽÂ›Č‚ÂœČąÂœÂŽÂ•Â?ČŹÂŽÂĄÂ˜Â—ÂŽÂ›ÂŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ—Â˜Â?ČąÂ‹Â˜Â›Â—ÂŽČąÂ˜ÂžÂ?ȹ‹¢ȹÂ?‘Žȹ records at his disposal. This drew a dry and awkward laughter from the social gathering, many of whom are past, present or potential clients of the agency. ¢ȹ ŠĴ’Â?žÂ?ÂŽČą Â’ÂœČą  ‘ŽÂ?‘Ž›ȹ Ȃ–ȹ ’——˜ŒŽ—Â?Čą Â˜Â›Čą guilty, I would rather have nothing to do with EFCC. In the event that you are exonerated, you would have gone through a shakedown ’—Œ•žœ’Â&#x;ÂŽČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂœÂ’Â?—’ęŒŠ—Â?ȹ–ŽÂ?’ŠȹÂ?Š”ŽÂ?Â˜Â Â—ÇŻČą Â?ČąÂ’ÂœČą Â?‘Žȹ  ’œÂ?Â˜Â–Čą ˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ Š—Œ’Ž—Â?ÂœČŹĂ ti èbi, Ă ti Ă re, olĂşwa mĂĄ jĂŠ kĂ­ Ăą rĂ­ ogun ejĂł (right or wrong, may God spare me of any happenstance of penal adjudication).

Unfortunately, I have been close friends with Nuhu Ribadu before he became the founding chairman of the commission and through him I made the acquaintance of Magu. Ribadu sent a complimentary copy of their maiden quarterly magazine to me when I was at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). My secretary buzzed me that I had a mail from the EFCC. A mail from EFCC?, I was taken aback. When I knew what it was all about, I had to call and requested Nuhu not to send any publications to me again especially if it is under the auspices of his agency. In any case, as the number one news dispenser in the country, I should be the one sending magazines not him. I don’t want to have anything to do with the EFCC period.

Unfortunately, Magu repeated the same mistake when he became the top man at the commission. Like Ribadu, Magu has succeeded in creating the necessary disincentive of the fear element in the Nigerian public space regarding EFCC and it was in this perspective that I judged the severe blow he dealt Duke, the other day, and by proxy, all the public and private big wigs in the audience. The collateral damage would be the unfairness to the innocent and violation of the legal canon Â?‘ŠÂ?ȹ’Â?ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ‹ÂŽÄ´ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąĹ&#x;Ĺ&#x;ČąÂ™ÂŽÂ›ČąÂŒÂŽÂ—Â?ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?‘ŽȹÂ?ž’•Â?¢ȹÂ?Â˜Čą Â?Â˜ČąÂ?›ŽŽȹÂ?‘Š—ȹÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂ˜Â—ÂŽČąÂ’Â—Â—Â˜ÂŒÂŽÂ—Â?ČąÂ™ÂŽÂ›ÂœÂ˜Â—ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂœÂžÄ›ÂŽÂ›ÇŻČą Hence the caveat that an accused is deemed innocent until proven otherwise by the law.

The only categorical case that has been established against Magu in the prevailing dispensation is his rejection by the Senate as not

Magu Ä™Â?ȹŠ—Â?ČąÂ™Â›Â˜Â™ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ‘Â˜Â•Â?ČąÂ™ÂžÂ‹Â•Â’ÂŒČąÂ˜ÄœÂŒÂŽÇŻČą —Â?ČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČą is what complicates his present predicament.

Within a fractious presidential cabal, there Â’ÂœČą Šȹ œžĜŒ’Ž—Â?•¢ȹ ÂœÂ?›˜—Â?Čą Â?ŠŒÂ?Â’Â˜Â—Čą ÂŒÂŠÂ™ÂŠÂ‹Â•ÂŽČą ˜Â?Čą stonewalling the nomination of Magu at the Ž—ŠÂ?ÂŽČą Œ˜—ę›–ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—Čą ‘ŽŠ›’—Â?ÂœÇŻČą ‘Žȹ ̒™œ’Â?ÂŽČą to this observation is that there is equally another contending force within the same presidency who rendered the ultimate objective of ending Magu’s career futile. Regardless of the acting chairman nomenclature, Magu has been EFCC chairman de jure and de facto.

Now that the objective of the former has been realised, the question is what has changed?

The only consequential rearrangement within the presidency that has taken place in the interim is the exit of Abba Kyari as chief ˜Â?ČąÂœÂ?ŠěȹŠ—Â?ČąÂ‘Â’ÂœČąÂ›ÂŽÂ™Â•ÂŠÂŒÂŽÂ–ÂŽÂ—Â?ȹ ’Â?‘ȹ ›˜Â?ÂŽÂœÂœÂ˜Â›Čą Ibrahim Gambari. The inference here, which is commensurate with the power he wielded, is that Kyari had been the bulwark and rampart that sustained Magu. The second possibility Â’ÂœČąÂ?‘ŠÂ?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ—ÂŽÂ ČąÂœÂ‘ÂŽÂ›Â’Ä›ČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?Â˜Â Â—ČąÇť ÂŠÂ–Â‹ÂŠÂ›Â’ÇźČąÂ’ÂœČąÂŠČą stickler for propriety and has the clout to get things moving in the direction he wants. The third is that Gambari is irrelevant to the power game and might have heard of Magu’s ordeal the same way and the same time you and l became wiser for the news. The fourth is the possibility that the international community might have compelled the Buhari government to take action, barring which they would go to town to besmirch his administration

(assuming Magu is guilty as charged).

The likelihood of the fourth perspective is predicated on the reality that there is no basis Â?Â˜Â›ČąÂŠÄ´Â›Â’Â‹ÂžÂ?’—Â?ČąÂœÂ’Â—ÂŒÂŽÂ›Â’Â?¢ȹŠ—Â?ȹŠ•Â?Â›ÂžÂ’ÂœÂ–ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČą government, certainly not on the platform ˜Â?Čą Ä™Â?‘Â?’—Â?Čą Œ˜››ž™Â?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą Â?Čą Â’ÂœČą —˜Â?Čą Â?Â˜Â›Čą —˜Â?‘’—Â?Čą that the Transparency International (TI) and about all credible monitoring international organisations have commonly adjudged this government as participant and enabler of corruption in proportions Nigeria may not have witnessed before.

The intervention by a ranking member of Â?‘Žȹ ›Žœ’Â?Ž—Â?’Š•ȹ Â?Â&#x;Â’ÂœÂ˜Â›Â˘Čą Â˜Â–Â–Â’Ä´ÂŽÂŽČąÂ˜Â—Čą —Â?Â’ČŹ Œ˜››ž™Â?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÇť ǟǰȹ ›˜Â?ÂŽÂœÂœÂ˜Â›Čą Ž–’ȹ Â?Ž”ž—•Žȹ has established a rough and tumble turf war •Ž’Â?–˜Â?Â’Â?ČąÂŠÂœČąÂ?‘Žȹ™›ŽÂ&#x;Š’•’—Â?ȹŠĴ’Â?žÂ?ÂŽČąÂ?Â˜ČąÄ™Â?‘Â?’—Â?Čą corruption in this dispensation. According to Odekunle, the current fate of Magu ‘seems an ˜žÂ?ÂŒÂ˜Â–ÂŽČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ™Â˜Â ÂŽÂ›ČŹÂ™Â•ÂŠÂ˘ČąÂ‹Â˘ČąÂ™Â˜Â ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ‹Â•Â˜ÂŒÂœČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?‘Žȹ corridors of power in which Malami appears Â?Â˜ČąÂ‹ÂŽČąÂŠÂ—ČąÂŠÂ›Â›Â˜Â ČŹÂ‘ÂŽÂŠÂ?ČąÂ˜Â›ČąÂ–ÂŠÂ“Â˜Â›ČąÂŠÂ?Ž—Â?Č‚ÇŻČą ‘ŠÂ?Čą Odekunle’s protestation boils down to is that there should be honour among complicits and that this cosa nostra omerta code has been ‹›ŽŠŒ‘ŽÂ?Čą ‹¢ȹ Š•Š–’ȹ Š—Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ ŠęŠȹ Â?Š–’•¢ȹ of which he is consiglori.

From what we know and what we don’t know of the Buhari government including the ›ŽŒŽ—Â?ČąÂ?ÂžÂ—ČąÂŠÄ´ÂŠÂŒÂ”ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂ?‘ŽȹÂ?Â˜Â•Â•ÂŠÂ›ČąÂ•ÂŠÂ?Ž—ȹ ž—Â?ÂŽČą Š‹’žȹ‹¢ȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŠÂ›Â–Â˘ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÄ™Â›ÂœÂ?ȹ•ŠÂ?¢ȹǝ›’Â?‘Â?ȹ ’Â?‘’—ȹ the precincts of the forbidden territory of the ›Žœ’Â?Ž—Â?’Š•ȹ ’••Šǟǰȹ Â?ÂŽÂ”ÂžÂ—Â•ÂŽČ‚ÂœČąÂ™Â˜ÂœÂ’Â?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ–Â˜ÂœÂ?Čą credible. The credibility is further enhanced by the alacrity with which he was disowned by Â?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂ‘ÂŠÂ’Â›Â–ÂŠÂ—ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ‘Â’ÂœČąÂŒÂ˜Â–Â–Â’Ä´ÂŽÂŽÇ°ČąÂ?‘Žȹ›ŽÂ?˜ž‹Â?Š‹•Žȹ ›˜Â?ÂŽÂœÂœÂ˜Â›Čą Â?ÂœÂŽČą ŠÂ?Š¢ǯȹ Â?ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ’Â›Â˜Â—Â’ÂŒČąÂ?‘ŠÂ?Čą Â?Ž”ž—•Žȹ himself quickly became a victim of power play while protesting the web of the power play that snared Magu. ŒŒ˜›Â?’—Â?Čą Â?Â˜Čą Â?‘Žȹ ÂŒÂ‘ÂŠÂ’Â›Â–ÂŠÂ—Čą ˜Â?Čą Ç°Čą Â?ÂŽÂ•Â•Â˜Â Čą ›˜Â?ÂŽÂœÂœÂ˜Â›Čą Â?ÂœÂŽČą ŠÂ?Š¢ȹ Čƒ ‘Žȹ ŠĴŽ—Â?Â’Â˜Â—Čą ˜Â?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ Â‘ÂŠÂ’Â›Â–ÂŠÂ—ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ ›Žœ’Â?Ž—Â?’Š•ȹ Â?Â&#x;Â’ÂœÂ˜Â›Â˘Čą Â˜Â–Â–Â’Ä´ÂŽÂŽČą Â?Š’—œÂ?Čą ˜››ž™Â?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ‘ÂŠÂœČąÂ‹ÂŽÂŽÂ—ČąÂ?›Š —ȹ to a statement circulating in the media space Œ›ŽÂ?Â’Â?ÂŽÂ?Čą Â?Â˜Čą Â˜Â—ÂŽČą ˜Â?Čą Â’Â?ÂœČą Â–ÂŽÂ–Â‹ÂŽÂ›ÂœÇ°Čą ›˜Â?Čą Ž–’ȹ Odekunle. The press release is the personal opinion of the member under whose name it Â ÂŠÂœČąÂ›ÂŽÂ•ÂŽÂŠÂœÂŽÂ?ȹŠ—Â?ČąÂ—Â˜Â?ČąÂ?‘ŠÂ?ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂ˜Â–Â–Â’Ä´ÂŽÂŽČ„ÇŻČą Were all this not tragic for Nigeria, the comedy of errors entertainment value of this cast of characters is unmatched.

Recall the oft tortuous rationalisation of scandals by Sagay in language and logic that make mockery of his prior reputation as a –Ž›’Â?Â˜Â›Â’Â˜ÂžÂœČą ›˜Â?ÂŽÂœÂœÂ˜Â›ČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂ‘Â’ÂœČąÂ˜ÂœÂ?ÂŽÂ—ÂœÂ’Â‹Â•ÂŽČąÂ™ÂŽÂ?ÂŽÂœÂ?Š•ȹ

At the end of the day, the individual who really matters in this grave Nigerian pastime is President Buhari.The tragedy of his guilty by association and wilful dereliction, if not tacit complicity, is the indication of a leader who can no longer be attributed with belief in the durability of Nigeria. There is a correlation between the behaviour of a leader and his vision for the nation over which he presides

˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ —ž–‹Ž›ȹ Â˜Â—ÂŽČą ›Žœ’Â?Ž—Â?’Š•ȹ ÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂ—ÂœÂŽÂ•Â•Â˜Â›Čą Â˜Â—Čą Š—Â?Â’ČŹÂŒÂ˜Â›Â›ÂžÂ™Â?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą Â‘Â’ÂœČą Œ‘Š›ŠŒÂ?Ž›ȹ Â?›Š’Â?Čą Š—Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ Â?Ž•ŽÂ?Â’Â?’–’œŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—Čą ˜Â?Čą Â‘Â’ÂœČą Š—Â?Â’ČŹÂŒÂ˜Â›Â›ÂžÂ™Â?Â’Â˜Â—Čą Â˜ÄœÂŒÂŽČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂ?ž••ȹÂ?Â’ÂœÂ™Â•ÂŠÂ˘ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂ˜Â›Â›ÂžÂ™Â?Â’Â˜Â—Čą Ž—Š‹•’—Â?ČąÂŒÂ˜Â–Â–ÂŽÂ—Â?ÂŠÂ›Â˘ČąÂ‘ÂŽČąÂ›ÂŠÂ—ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂŽÂ›Â?’ęŒŠÂ?ÂŽČą scandal of the former Minister of Finance. “This woman is a brilliant and extremely valuable member of this government. “A lot of the good things happening now – the welfare that Nigerians are enjoying and are going to enjoy, because it takes time, and the way our economy is booming, how we got out of recession – are due to her expertise, her Œ˜––’Â?–Ž—Â?Ç°Čą ‘Ž›ȹ ÂœÂŠÂŒÂ›Â’Ä™ÂŒÂŽÇŻČą Ȃ–ȹ Â?Ž••’—Â?Čą Â˘Â˜ÂžČą Â—Â˜Â ÇŻČą Â?Čą Â˘Â˜ÂžČą ÂŠÂœÂ”Čą –Žȹ ČŽČą Â?Čą Čą  Ž›Žȹ ›Žœ’Â?Ž—Â?Čą Buhari, I would never, ever touch that woman because she’s damn good. The enemies of this government want to reduce his capacity to provide good governance by engaging in ÂœÂ˜ÂŒÂ’ÂŠÂ•ČąÂ–ÂŽÂ?Â’ÂŠČąÂŠÄ´ÂŠÂŒÂ”ÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂ?›¢’—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ?ÂŽÂ?ȹ›’Â?ČąÂ˜Â?Čą her. It will not work.â€?

When the notorious Governor Ganduje of ÂŠÂ—Â˜Čą Â?ŠÂ?ÂŽČą Â ÂŠÂœČą ŒŠžÂ?‘Â?Čą Â˜Â—Čą ÂŒÂŠÂ–ÂŽÂ›ÂŠČą ÂœÂ?žĜ—Â?Čą millions of dollars into the expansive folds of his babanriga, he ran a similar corruption enabling commentary, essentially providing talking points for Ganduje’s defence counsel. œ”ŽÂ?ČąÂ?‘ŽȹÂ?˜••˜ ’—Â?ČąÂšÂžÂŽÂœÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČŹČ„ Â˜ÂžČąÂ›ÂŽÂ™Â˜Â›Â?ÂŽÂ?•¢ȹ said the Kano House of Assembly cannot investigate Governor Ganduje. Why can’t they?â€?

Sagay responded: “They cannot because by the provision of the Constitution, their powers of investigation are limited. They can only investigate funds that have been disbursed by any administrative or other body which was appropriated by the House. In other words, it must be funds which were appropriated under the budget of the House, which are now being operated by other functionaries.

In those circumstances they can probe such functionaries for their administration of those funds. Outside that, they cannot. So, the case at hand for example, I hear is that of a private contractor who supposedly bribed the governor.

In that situation, the Kano State House has no jurisdiction at all�.

Beyond the sympathetic language, note the ›˜Â?ÂŽÂœÂœÂ˜Â›ČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąÂœÂ’Â•ÂŽÂ—Â?ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ™Â›Â˜Â‹ÂŠÂ‹Â’Â•Â’Â?¢ȹÂ?‘ŠÂ?Čą a case can be established by the state House of Assembly if it was proven that Ganduje was being given the bribe in exchange for Š Š›Â?’—Â?ČąÂ?˜Â&#x;Ž›—–Ž—Â?ČąÂŒÂ˜Â—Â?›ŠŒÂ?ČŹÂ’Â—ČąÂ Â‘Â’ÂŒÂ‘ČąÂŒÂŠÂœÂŽČą Â’Â?ČąÂ‹ÂŽÂŒÂ˜Â–ÂŽÂœČąÂŠČąÂ?Â›Â˜ÂœÂœČąÂŠÂ‹ÂžÂœÂŽČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ˜ÄœÂŒÂŽČąÂ?ŽœŽ›Â&#x;’—Â?Čą of impeachment proceedings.

At the end of the day, the individual who Â›ÂŽÂŠÂ•Â•Â˘ČąÂ–ÂŠÄ´ÂŽÂ›ÂœČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČąÂ?›ŠÂ&#x;ÂŽČą Â’Â?ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠÂ—ČąÂ™ÂŠÂœÂ?Â’Â–ÂŽČąÂ’ÂœČą ›Žœ’Â?Ž—Â?Čą ž‘Š›’ǯȹ ‘ŽȹÂ?›ŠÂ?ÂŽÂ?Â˘ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ‘Â’ÂœČąÂ?ž’•Â?¢ȹ‹¢ȹ association and wilful dereliction, if not tacit complicity, is the indication of a leader who ÂŒÂŠÂ—ČąÂ—Â˜ČąÂ•Â˜Â—Â?Ž›ȹ‹ŽȹŠĴ›’‹žÂ?ÂŽÂ?ȹ ’Â?‘ȹ‹Ž•’ŽÂ?ȹ’—ȹÂ?‘Žȹ durability of Nigeria. There is a correlation between the behaviour of a leader and his vision for the nation over which he presides.

In the light of his stewardship, what can we extrapolate as Buhari’s vision for Nigeria? By commission or omission, on top of explicit governance failure is his instrumentality to the reiteration that Nigeria has not been this divided and precarious since the end of the civil war.

Beyond the factor of individual incompetence, Nigeria will keep going round in circles until the fundamental problem of the constitutional Š—Â?ČąÂ™Â˜Â•Â’Â?Â’ÂŒÂŠÂ•ČąÂœÂ?›žŒÂ?ÂžÂ›ÂŽČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ›ÂŽÂŒÂ?’ęŽÂ?ÇŻČą Â?Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šȹ survives the present depredations, it most certainly cannot survive the replication of the precedent set by this government.

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