SUNDAY 29TH AUGUST 2021

THISDAY Disowns Fake Edition of Its Digital Newspaper Calls for thorough investigation Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The management of THISDAY yesterday disowned a digitally manipulated electronic version of the Friday, 27 August 2021 edition of the newspaper,

which replaced the original front-page story with a fake one.

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has also disowned the purported report on the cloned publication,

Cloned publication work of desperate elements, says Uzodimma describing it as handwork of desperate elements who wanted to tarnish his reputation and also destroy THISDAY as a brand.

In a statement signed by the Managing Director of

the newspaper, Mr. Eniola Bello, titled: ‘Fake Digital Edition of THISDAY Friday, 27 August 2021 in Circulation on Social Media,’ the media house described the purveyors of the cloned version as

unscrupulous.

While calling on the security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation of the matter to unravel those behind it, Bello noted that the suspected criminals intended

to leverage the credibility of the newspaper to carry out their nefarious act.

“The attention of the management of THISDAY Continued on page 8

200 Nigerian Students Still in Captivity, Says UNICEF… Page 10 Sunday 29 August, 2021 Vol 26. No 9638

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UTH

& R E ASO

N400

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Nigeria Still Africa’s Biggest Economy after South Africa Rebased GDP South Africa’s GDP now $370bn, Nigeria’s $432bn Gboyega Akinsanmi Nigeria has maintained her position as Africa’s biggest economy after South Africa

released the report of its rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that pushed the latter’s economy up by 11 per cent, an analysis of a

new report by Statistics South Africa (SSA), has revealed.

After a comprehensive overhaul of its national accounts up to the end of

the 2020 fiscal year, South Africa disclosed in the SSA that the value of her economy increased to $370 billion as a result of the rebasing exercise.

The rebasing of South Africa’s GDP coincided with the release of Nigeria’s latest GDP report, which showed a 5.01 per cent growth in the

second quarter of 2021.

During the period under review, the National Bureau of Continued on page 6

Secondus Absent as PDP NEC Approves October Convention Insists his tenure ends December Party crisis deepens as another court sacks national chairman NEC meets September 9 for approval of zoning of offices, convention committees Chuks Okocha in Abuja The 92nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took place yesterday in the absence of the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus.

Secondus last night insisted that his four-year tenure would end in December.

NEC, however, asked the six-man committee headed by the former Senate President, Senator David Mark to meet with stakeholders to resolve the matter.

It also adopted October 31 as the date of the national convention scheduled in Abuja, as recommended by the 40th meeting of the National Caucus of the party held on Friday.

The NEC also resolved to meet again on September 9 to adopt recommendations for the zoning of offices for the convention.

Continued on page 5

PAYING HOMAGE ...

L-R: Former Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Chuka Odom; former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; new Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase III; and Managing Director, UTM Group, Mr. Julius Rone, when the former president visited the monarch at his Palace in Warri, Delta State…yesterday

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GATHERING FOR A FRIEND...

L-R: Wife of Delta State Governor, Mrs. Edith Okowa; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; wife of member House of Representatives, Mrs. Augusta Nwokolo; her husband, Hon. Victor Nwokolo; and Governor of Central Bank Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at the burial ceremony of Mrs. Ezinne Grace Nwokolo at Igbodo, Delta State...yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

NNPC Spends N541.65bn on Petrol Subsidy in Six Months Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) expended N541.65 billion subsidy on petrol between February and July this year, a document detailing the national oil company's presentation to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for August 2021, has shown.

The document obtained by THISDAY showed that N25.374 billion was spent on what the corporation terms underrecovery or value shortfall in February, it was N60.39 billion in March and N61.966 billion in April.

It more than doubled to N126.298 billion in May, markedly reduced to N164.337 billion in June, and further came

down to N103.286 billion in July.

As a consequence of the payment, the NNPC has been largely unable to fully remit its 'calendared projected monthly contribution of N209 billion to the joint account since February, with the worst case being in April when it remitted zero amount to FAAC. On Friday, THISDAY reported that the corporation was again set to deduct about N215.3 billion from its contribution to next month’s joint federation account, being a combination of N175 billion subsidy sum and N40 billion Joint Venture (JV) cost recovery.

The data showed that NNPC paid N67.280 billion to the joint account in July, an improvement on the N47.162 billion in June, with the succeeding month’s

payment being about N20 billion higher than that of June.

Furthermore, in January, the net revenue to FAAC by the NNPC was N90.8 billion, it was N64.161 billion in February, N41.184 billion in March, N38.608 billion in May, N47.162 billion in June, and N67.280 billion in July.

Year-to-date, the document showed that the NNPC had only been able to make a contribution of N349.254 billion to the three tiers of government with a huge deficit of N1.115 trillion.

In all, in July, as released on August, 16 local and international oil trading companies had dealings with the NNPC under the Direct-SaleDirect-Purchase arrangement in 28 transactions in the month.

NNPC's profit was N67.2

billion, with contributions from JV crude being N1.632 billion, domiciled crude being N31.73 billion, while miscellaneous income and domiciled gas were N27.11 billion and N6.795 billion respectively.

In terms of federal government priority projects, national domestic gas development gulped N2.52 billion during the month, gas infrastructure development cost N2.977 billion, and the Brass LNG gas supply project did not get any funding.

In addition, frontier exploration services gulped N2.975 billion, renewables consumed N885 million, total spending on pipeline security and maintenance was N7.352 billion, and refinery rehabilitation, the main payment for salaries and utilities, was

N8.33 billion. Furthermore, N83 million was spent on the Nigeria/Morocco pipeline.

Of all the cost centres during the month, only under-recovery and pipelines security were fully funded, leaving other projects like domestic gas financing, for instance, under-funded to the tune of N24.3 billion, gas infrastructure with a deficit of N17.853 billion, and frontier exploration by N14.652 billion.

Year-to-date, N1.304 trillion has been deducted for recurrent and capital expenditures by the NNPC, according to the document, while total distribution plus miscellaneous hit N1.653 trillion in July.

However, a deficit of N1.250 trillion remained hanging.

Vandalism of NNPC infrastructure continued as

a breakdown of the pipeline and management cost of N3.659 billion indicated that N2.708 billion was for security maintenance, pipelines, and facilities repairs were N392.950 million, while the NNPC's strategic holding was N577.410 million.

The status of the NNPC's payment to its Joint Venture cash call arrears obligation has remained unchanged since May at $3.22 billion out of a total negotiated sum of $4.689 billion since 2016. The outstanding balance remained $1.464 billion since May this year.

But added to JV cost recovery and priority projects, the document revealed that the total distribution, made by

board of trustees, not to talk of any other organ of the party.

Nigeria's are tired of the party that is looking for a word to gag you the press, in an interview that was done that showed clearly how things are going bad in this country, and people are being summoned to answer queries at the NBC, which has never happened in this country. And so PDP is coming, Nigerians wait for PDP, and in 2023 give us your votes and will we deliver you back to where we came from.

Also, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar in his speech said, "If you look at PDP, it has the most experienced people in this country, whether in the executive wing, whether in the legislature, whether, in party administration, we have the most experienced and most competent individuals in this party.

"Therefore, PDP in internal crisis management is far far more efficient and far better than APC and the APC government itself. So, I want to use this opportunity to commend and thank everybody who has been involved in trying to resolve the recent crisis. And Nigerians should no longer be in doubt, of our sense of patriotism, and our sense of commitment to get this country moving again.

"We are being taken aback by the APC government and we have shown to Nigerians that, when we are trusted again, we will do even much better than we had done before," Atiku said.

Embattled PDP Chairman

Continued on page 6

SECONDUS ABSENT AS PDP NEC APPROVES OCTOBER CONVENTION Before the meeting, Secondus in a deft political move, asked the Deputy National Chairman (South), Mr. Yemi Akinwomi, to preside over the NEC meeting of the party in his stead.

Secondus, however, clarified last night that he has not resigned from his position but was only obeying court order.

He had been fighting for survival as the party’s chairman.

A Rivers State High Court had restrained Secondus from parading himself as the National Chairman of the party.

Barely 24 hours later, a Kebbi State High Court reinstated him as the chairman of the party.

But few hours after returning to his desk, a Cross River High Court stopped him from parading himself as the National Chairman of the party and also restrained him from presiding over the NEC meeting that took place yesterday.

Secondus in a letter to Akinwomi, said: “I hereby request you to preside over the National Executive Committee meeting of the party, taking place today, 28th August, 2021@ noon, in my absence.”

The interim order from a Cross River High Court was issued by Justice Edem Kufre, on Friday upon an application brought by a member of the party, Enang Wani, ahead of the PDP NEC. Secondus had obtained a Kebbi High Court order to return to his desk as national chairman last Thursday following an earlier injunction obtained against him from a Rivers State High Court.

Briefing journalists after yesterday’s NEC meeting,

the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said, "NEC has resolved that Abuja will be the venue of the PDP National Elective Convention slated for October 31, 2021.

"NEC is to meet on the 9th of September to approve the various nominations into the respective national convention committees," the spokesman of the PDP said.

According to the PDP spokesperson, "NEC emphasised the indivisibility of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and stressed the need to remain united as a party as we work assiduously towards removing the inept, indolent and corrupt APC from government, come 2023."

Ologbondiyan said that the NEC meeting of September 9 will come up with recommendations on zoning and composition of the various convention committees.

He said that NEC urged members to continue to make personal sacrifices in the overall interest of the party while commending the PDP governors’ effort in inaugurating landmark projects in all states of the federation where the party has been handed over the responsibility of government.

According to Ologbondiyan, the NEC urged Nigerians to take a cue from the deliverables in the respective states as a sign of the improvements that the party wishes to deliver when elected in 2023.

He said the party boasts of more experienced hands in party politics as well as governance, saying that its internal crisis

management mechanism is far better than the operations of the APC as a party and even as government.

He added that NEC commended all party members for their various involvements in resolving issues that have recently occurred in the party and expressed confidence that the PDP has earned the trust of Nigerians once again and that the party will do better when allowed to lead the nation.

Also, he said that NEC condemned the media gagging and the attempt by the APC and President Buhari’s government to promote obnoxious laws against the freedom of speech as well as media practice in Nigeria.

NEC, he said, condemned the harassment and intimidation of media outfits in a desperate ploy by the APC to stifle free speech.

Speaking at the opening session of the NEC meeting, the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal commended members of the party for their support.

He said: "As your ambassadors, we thank every one of you, our leaders, and our members across the country, for your support for your prayers, for all of the successes we have recorded in our state. Of course, you know, whenever I hear of any major event activity, or commissioning a project is happening only in PDP states, we shall continue to do our best. And we assure you of our total loyalty to our party.

"Concerning the issues of the moment, challenges, disputes, and disagreements are part of

life, and indeed, politics. But what is important is how they are resolved. We have activated all mechanisms that we have in PDP, to resolve all of our issues. And as the chairman of PDP said, I concur.

“We shall continue to hold together, remain together because we are the hope of the people of Nigeria and Nigerians are looking forward to PDP and we cannot afford to fail them.

"The challenges are quite many and we need to continue to work together as a family.

We are going into warfare and we must go to a warfare united, you cannot win if you are divided. So let's not lose hope. We must remain focus with our eyes on the ball. And we shall, by the grace of God, score that goal," Tambuwal explained.

Also, the Senate Minority Leader Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said: "I want to assure you that as members of the National Assembly, we are with our party. The chairman and Deputy Chairman have this morning made statements to show that there is no crack in PDP. "As we were coming yesterday, I think we've seen from the news that there were alternate chairman, deputies, and all that. But today, I think it's clear to everyone that PDP is one and we're moving forward.

I want to thank our chairman of the governor's forum for assuring us that PDP will take over the government in 2023.

Nigerians are looking for us.

"Nigerians are tired of that party that doesn't even have a

I Have Not Resigned, Says

Meanwhile, Secondus last night debunked rumours making the rounds that he had resigned from his position.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ike Abonyi, the embattled PDP national chairman said it was not true that he has resigned but was obeying the interim order by the Cross State High Court sitting in Calabar.

He added that as a lawabiding citizen who has been an adherent of rule of law as a basis for democracy, he had to stay away in respect for the courts.

“Media office of Prince Uche Secondus wishes to correct erroneous news circulating that he has stepped down as the National Chairman of the PDP. “Prince Secondus by his unavoidable absence at the party's NEC meeting on Saturday was merely obeying an interim order from Cross River State High Court.

“As a law abiding citizen who has been an adherent of rule of law as a basis for democracy stayed away in respect for the courts.

“Prince Secondus' four-year mandate to lead the party given on December 10, 2017 ends by December, 2021.

“By this release, the media office wishes to urge media houses and members of the public, particularly beloved members of PDP, to disregard any news suggesting that he

has stepped down,” the statement stated.

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NMA Moves to Join Resident Doctors’ Strike, Gives FG 21-day Ultimatum FG establishes N4.8bn training fund for striking doctors Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day strike notice to the federal government with effect from today (Monday).

This is coming as the federal government said it has set aside the sum of N4.8 billion as a residency training fund for the striking doctors in the country.

At the end of her National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Benin City, Edo State held from the August 22 to 28, the association and all the affiliates resolved to give the federal government 21-day notice to fully resolve all the issues contained in the various agreements signed with the doctors.

In a statement signed by the NMA President, Prof. Innocent Ujah, and Secretary General, D.r Philips Uche Ekpe, the association said: "After due consideration NEC has put

the federal government on a 21-day notice to fully resolve all the issues contained in the various agreements signed with Affiliate members of the Nigerian Medical Association, including MDCAN, MEDSABAMS and NARD.” The statement said further said that NMA fully supports all her affiliates in their efforts to improve the healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the Welfare of her members.

"NEC affirms that no doctor shall be victimised for participating/not participating in the strike action by NARD. "In the event that the federal government fails to implement the agreements after the expiration of the 21- day notice, NMA shall summon an emergency delegate meeting to review the progress made on the implementation of the agreements.”

Meanwhile, the federal government said it has set

aside the sum of N4.8 billion as a residency training fund for the striking resident doctors in the country.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, who disclosed this at the weekend during a meeting with the Chairman of the Forum Chairmen of Health Institutions in Nigeria (FCHIN), Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, said that the leadership of the NARD gave the government an impossible condition before they would agree to sign the MOU reached at the last conciliatory meeting.

He said the resident doctors wanted the government to exempt them from the application of Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act that provides for ‘no work, no pay’ sanctions for striking workers.

While giving an update on the efforts being made to meet the demands of the

doctors, Ngige said that the implementation of the MOA signed on August 21 with the doctors was on course.

He said the government has adopted a holistic approach to tackling the challenges in the health sector, noting that some of the issues in contention cut across sectors.

He added that the government bent backward to improve the ease of the practice of medicine in the country despite dwindling resources.

“The resident doctors are on the scheme of service against which obtained earlier. There was nothing like that. Nigeria is also about the only country that has the Medical Residency Training Fund, backed up by an Act, Medical Residency Training Act, passed into law by this administration in 2018. N4.8 billion is already in 2021 Service Wide Vote

for this - to cover exam fees, books, travel to exam centres, and accommodation.

We are battling to meet up the timeline on this,” the minister added.

Explaining further, Ngige said: "As a matter of fact, the Residency Training Fund for 2021 is a borrowed fund. It is part of the deficit budget funded by the World Bank and IMF. “Now, that the President has signed the law governing it, with signatures appended, we can access this fund through the CBN and from there to the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, and to the Accountant General of the Federation. But it is not what you achieve in a day. It takes some time but these young doctors will hear none of that.”

Regarding the controversy over the non-signing of Memorandum of

Understanding by the resident doctors, Ngige said all the issues contained in the MoU, ranging from arrears of the consequential adjustment of the National Minimum Wage, Skipping Allowance, Bench fees among others were successfully tackled at the meeting of August 20 and 21.

He also said that all affiliates of the NMA signed the MOA, with only NARD dissenting.

"NARD wants a particular clause to be inserted in the agreement. That Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act should not apply to them. That we should insert in a government agreement that they should be paid for the period they are not at work.

"I’m being careful about this. This is the law and I will not lend myself to illegality, to state in the agreement that a group of Nigerians is above the law.”

NNPC SPENDS N541.65BN ON PETROL SUBSIDY IN SIX MONTHS the corporation in January

was N195.624 billion, it was N191.194 billion in February and hit N224.589 billion in March.

In addition, it was to N156.366 in April, but again hit a high of N320.315 in May and was N295.396 and N270.405 billion in June and July respectively.

In June the corporation had continued its regime of deductions from the federation account withholding N117.4 billion from the three tiers of government.

Two months ago, the NNPC told the nation that Nigeria was losing about 42 million litres of petrol to the activities of smugglers across the country’s borders, increasing Nigeria’s estimated daily consumption of 60 million litres to 103 million litres and worsening the subsidy payment regime.

The national oil company stated that the under-recovery

or subsidy that the government pays on the product every month had begun to hover between N140 billion to N150 billion.

This, it said was making the corporation unable to contribute fully to the national coffers, the federation account, as the subsidy it pays has kept wiping out the gains made from rising international oil prices.

Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, had also explained that with the exchange rate, the pump price of petrol should be N256 per litre in June, maintaining that if the NNPC was to sell at the going rate, and incorporating the current exchange rate, fuel would be selling for about N256 a litre.

A THISDAY check-in July showed that the NNPC's payment to the federation account had declined by over 63 per cent in the first five months of 2021.

CONDOLENCE VISIT...

L-R: Former Governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; and Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, during a condolence visit to the Abiodun family on the demise of their patriarch, Dr. Emmanuel Abiodun, at their family house in Iperu...yesterday

NIGERIA STILL AFRICA’S BIGGEST ECONOMY AFTER SOUTH AFRICA REBASED GDP Statistics (NBS) and the World Bank put Nigeria’s GDP at $432.29 billion, indicating that her economy was $62.29 billion bigger than South Africa’s after the latter rebased its GDP. In a summary report obtained from its official website at the weekend, South Africa’s statistics agency said the latest GDP rebasing and benchmarking exercise had resulted in an upward revision in the size of the economy, as well as changes to the composition of the supply and demand sides of economic activity.

Specifically, SSA’s rebasing report showed that the rebased GDP “is 11 per cent larger in 2020 than previously estimated.

Between 2011 and 2020, the percentage difference between the previous and revised levels averaged 9.6 per cent.”

“The percentage difference ranged between 8.6 per cent in 2014 to 11 per cent in 2020.

The time series was revised from 1993. Differences between previous and revised levels are a typical outcome of rebasing and benchmarking exercises,” SSA revealed in its latest report released midweek.

Comparatively, the report said the average increase

between previous and revised GDP estimates across OECD countries was 3.8 per cent in 2010, ranging from 0.2 per cent for Luxembourg to 7.8 per cent for South Korea.

It added: “Latin America recorded an average increase of 8.8 per cent and closer to home; Botswana revised the size of its economy down by 10 percent. How does South Africa’s revised GDP affect its standing in Africa?

“In terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), the World Bank currently ranks South Africa as the third biggest economy on the continent after Egypt and Nigeria.

“Egypt’s GDP (PPP$ in current prices) was PPP$1,290 billion, according to the World Bank’s estimate, higher than that of Nigeria (PPP$1,069 billion) and South Africa (PPP$717 billion),” the report said.

Despite the 11 per cent increase recorded after rebasing, Africa’s most advanced economy still lags behind Nigeria, which is at N154.25 trillion or $432.29 billion in 2020 as shown in the data of the NBS and World Bank.

The rebasing of South

Africa’s GDP coincided with the release of Nigeria’s latest GDP report, which showed a 5.01 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2021.

The latest growth, according to the NBS in its new report, makes three consecutive quarters of growth following the negative growth rates recorded in the second and third quarters of 2020.

In the report, the NBS said: “The Q2, 2021 growth rate was higher than the -6.10 percent growth rate recorded in Q2 2020 and the 0.51 per cent recorded in Q1, 2021 year on year, indicating the return of business and economic activity near levels seen before the nationwide implementation of COVID-19 related restrictions.

“The steady recovery observed since the end of 2020, with the gradual return of commercial activity as well as local and international travel, accounted for the significant increase in growth performance relative to the second quarter of 2020 when nationwide restrictions took effect.

“Year to date, real GDP grew 2.70 per cent in 2021 compared to -2.18 per cent for the first half of 2020. Nevertheless, quarter on quarter, real GDP

grew at -0.79 percent in Q2, 2021 compared to Q1, 2021, reflecting slightly slower economic activity than the preceding quarter due largely to seasonality.

“The nominal GDP growth rate in Q2, 2021 was higher than -2.80 per cent growth recorded in the second quarter of 2020 when economic activities slowed sharply at the outset of the pandemic.

The Q2, 2021 nominal growth rate was also higher than the 12.25 per cent growth recorded in Q1 2021. For better clarity, the Nigerian economy has been classified broadly into the oil and non-oil sectors.”

Reacting to the development yesterday, the immediate past Director-General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Muda Yusuf told THISDAY that the size of an economy “matters a lot.”

Yusuf, an economist, and a leading private sector advocate, pointed out that the size of an economy “indicates the inherent opportunities for investment, revenue, profit, job creation and the welfare of the people.”

However, the economist observed that the size of the

economy “is not an end in itself. Rather, it should be a means to an end. The quality of lives must be positively impacted.”

He, therefore, pointed out that economic inclusion “is critical in ensuring an impactful economy. Nigeria and South Africa are the two biggest economies in Africa.

Yet, the two economies are grappling with profound challenges around inequality, poverty, social discontent, and insecurity.

“All of these are manifestations of the absence of inclusion and social dislocations. Only recently, the two countries witnessed looting and destruction on an unprecedented scale.

“Although the triggers were different, the events were reflections of the underlying social problems that existed in these two countries. The standard of living in many countries in Africa is far higher than what we have in the two leading economies of the continent.”

Yusuf, therefore, challenged the governments of Nigeria and South Africa to design economic and social policies to fix these gaps, which

according to him, would require a greater focus on investment in social infrastructures such as education, healthcare, and the environment.

He explained that high investment in social infrastructure “impacts significantly on people's welfare. Investment in economic infrastructure - roads, railways, or power - is critical as well.

This would impact productivity, cost of production, inflation, and the general level of competitiveness of firms.

“The macroeconomic management is also crucial to ensure that the economic fundamentals support investment and productivity.

This should support low inflation, stable currency, and low-interest rates. The growth of small businesses is vital to the promotion of economic inclusion because of their number and spread across the country.

“An investment-friendly policy, regulatory and institutional environment is imperative.

Hostile regulatory and institutional environments undermine investors' confidence and impact negatively on the economy,” Yusuf explained.

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Buhari, Obaseki Mourn as Joromi Crooner, Uwaifo Dies at 80 Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City President Muhammadu Buhari and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki have mourned the death of ‘Joromi’ crooner and highlife music icon and multi-instrumentalist, Sir Victor Uwaifo.

The music legend, whose song "Mammy Water," was a hit for decades, died at the age of 80.

One of his children, Uwaifo Peter de Rock, broke the news of the demise of his father, a professor of Visual Arts, University of Benin (UNIBEN), on his Facebook page, yesterday evening.

While Peter did not disclose the cause of the death of his late father, he nevertheless, expressed anguish at the passing of the music star.

In his Facebook comments, Peter said: "Daddy whyyyyyyyyyy Did you leave us now.

"Professor (Sir) Victor Uwaifo has gone to rest. Black Saturday for me one week now after collaborating with me."

The legendary musicologist served as Commissioner for Arts and Culture under the administration of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State.

A first-class graduate of Visual Arts, his undergraduate project of a ‘king on a horse,’ is a signature arts poster at the Ekenwan Campus of the university.

Uwaifo played the guitar, flute, keyboards with dexterity and had highly ambulant kinetic dancing steps.

Details of his death were still unknown, as at the time

of filing this report.

In his condolence message, President Muhammadu Buhari, through his Media Adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the multi- talented musician, left a legacy of successes in many areas of life, including academia and administration.

He joined the Nigerian music industry and performing artistes, home and abroad, in mourning the former first Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Edo State, who was also the first musician and instrumentalist to be given National Honours Merit, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 1983.

President Buhari believed the renowned musician, with global appeal and recognitions, lived for many firsts, which include invitation to the State House by four presidents and Heads of State, and winner of a gold disc in Africa for his song, “Joromi’’, released in 1965 at the age of 24.

President Buhari also yesterday extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the legendary artist, Professor Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo, the pioneer Head of the Department of Arts and Printing, Yaba College of Technology.

The President believed that

from his stained glass paintings, to showcasing the rich Yoruba culture and heritage in his works, the legendary artist and founding President of the Society of Nigeria Artists (SNA) was a master in promoting creativity and raising awareness on the beauty in indigenous traditions.

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has also mourned the passing of legendary musician.

The governor, in a statement, expressed shock and sadness over the news of the passing of Prof. Uwaifo, noting that his death was a loss to Edo State,

Nigeria and the Black race.

According to him, "I received the news of the loss of legendary musician and art teacher, Prof.

Victor Uwaifo, with shock and sadness.

"He was talented, phenomenal and an illustrious son of Edo State who wowed the world with his array of skills, notably his music talent.

"An all-round artist, Prof.

Uwaifo was an enigma, who made music for all, bringing the contemporary Benin culture to the world stage and providing vicarious experience of the peculiarities of our art and culture to a global audience."

Plateau Assembly Gives Lalong Twoweek Ultimatum to End Killings Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The Plateau State House of Assembly has given Governor Simon Lalong two weeks to address the security challenges bedviling the state.

Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr Philip Dasun, conveyed the position of the legislators when he briefed newsmen in Jos. Dasun said the assembly would know the next line of action after the two-week ultimatum.

“As an assembly with people at heart, we call on Plateau citizens to have confidence in us with renewed commitment “We have given two weeks to the governor to take action on the resolutions the House has forwarded on security matters and how to restore peace.

“We call on the Governor Simon Bako Lalong to come up with a statement defending us as a people and to bring back renewed commitment to the cause of Plateau.

“We strongly call on Plateau people to practically stand up and defend themselves and their communities, as the conventional security design is no longer guaranteeing our safety as a people,” he said.

The committee chairman also called on traditional rulers to look inward and release the local security design to protect Plateau people as well as reinforce the vigilance, hunters and local wise men to defend the people.

He said as a sign of commitment to the urgent need for the people to protect themselves, the Plateau State House of Assembly had directed all local government chairmen to suspend their planned recruitment of adhoc teachers, and instead, recruit 200 vigilante personnel in each local government area to boost and augment local intelligence gathering.

The legislator called on security operatives to fish out the perpetrators of the mayhem and be punished according to the law.

“On behalf of the assembly, I wish to sympathise with the government and Plateau people on the barbaric and dastardly killings that have been taking place in different communities in the state.

“I sympathise with communities in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, Riyom, University of Jos community and recently that of Yelwa Zangam.

COURTESY VISIT...

Chairman of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Senator Osita Izunaso (left), and Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, when members of NADDC paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu...yesterday

BPE Receives Report on Resuscitation of Non-performing Privatised Companies Festus Akanbi The federal government’s bid to revive some of the ailing privatised companies has received a boost with the submission of the report of the four inter-agency committees on the resuscitation of the ailing and non-performing privatised companies in the country to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

Receiving the report at the weekend, the Director-General

of BPE, Mr. Alex Okoh, said the federal government has the political will to resuscitate ailing and non-performing privatised enterprises.

The privatised enterprises, according to Okoh, cut across several sectors, including agriculture, banking, insurance, hospitality, industry and manufacturing, oil and gas, power, port, mines and steel, automobile, paper and packaging, as well as, telecommunications.

A statement by the BPE’s Head of Public Communications, Amina Othman, quoted Okoh as expressing the commitment of BPE to collaborate with relevant agencies to resuscitate and bring to life the moribund enterprises.

He was said to have commended the wealth of experience, expertise, commitment, diligence, and intellectualism exhibited by the members of the committee

opportunity to call on security agencies to help unmask the counterfeiters behind this forgery and bring them to book,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Uzodimma, has also disowned the purported report on the cloned publication.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to Governor, Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku, the Imo State governor described the publication as the work of desperate elements who wanted to tarnish his reputation and also destroy THISDAY as a brand “The originators of the fake publication have two things in mind: To tarnish the image of the governor and to destroy the credibility of THISDAY as a brand.

“The ill-conceived publication shows how desperate individuals and groups can get in trying to destroy the society, thinking that Governor Uzodimma is

the issue.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the real headline of THISDAY the same Friday, August 27 reads: ‘Buhari Elated as NNPC Breaks Jinx, Declares N287bn Profit First In 44 Years’.

“It is pertinent to note that THISDAY management confirmed that the publication was cloned and we are confident that they will not allow their hard-earned brand and efforts of many years to be bastardised by criminalminded fellows.

“Governor Uzodimma is conscious of the efforts being made by some individuals and groups to tarnish his image and discredit his government but will not be deterred in his determination to provide good governance to the good people of Imo State,” the statement explained.

The statement advised the public to disregard the cloned publication as coming from depraved minds and enemies of the people and the society.

THISDAY DISOWNS FAKE EDITION OF ITS DIGITAL NEWSPAPER has been drawn to a fake version of our digital edition making the rounds on some social media platforms with the headline: ‘Shocking: Uzodinma declares Free Marriage Between Fulani Settlers and Imo Ladies'.

“This fake version of our digital edition is being circulated on WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media platforms. We wish to state that THISDAY at no time published the said story. Our lead story on Friday, August 27 was ‘Buhari Elated as NNPC Breaks Jinx, Declares N287bn Profit, First in 44 Years'.

“Sadly, these merchants of fake news have chosen to leverage on the credibility and integrity of THISDAY to ply their trade,” Bello stated.

The MD rejected the poor attempt by the individual(s) at impersonating the THISDAY brand and

identity in pursuit of whatever agenda they may have, by seeking to disseminate fake news to members of the public as emanating from the newspaper.

For the avoidance of doubt, the statement noted that readers can easily verify the paper’s Friday publication

from the print edition, or online (www.thisdaylive.com).

“We, therefore, call on members of the public who may have unwittingly fallen for the cloned digital copy to disregard it and treat it with the utmost contempt it deserves.

“We also use this

in the course of carrying out their assignment.

The BPE boss expressed optimism that the outcome would bring the desired solution to the non-performing privatised enterprises.

Okoh said the affected enterprises, which were privatised about 10 years ago in the automobile sector, bricks and clay (housing) sector, oil palm sector, mines, and solid minerals sector, and others failed to meet the aim of privatisation and reform programme of the federal government.

“Hence the government through the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) directed the BPE to investigate the cause(s) for their inability to perform.

“Also to proffer viable and acceptable solutions to resuscitating them to perform optimally, create employment, boost the economy and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) among other benefits.”

He promised that the findings of the committees would be shared among all stakeholders to spur them to meet their organisational objectives and that of the federal government’s privatisation and reform programme.

In March, the BPE had constituted four committees to help resolve the complexities and challenges hindering the growth and development of some privatised enterprises.

The committees were those on Housing Sector (the Bricks and Clay), Mines and Steel Development, Oil Palm, Automobiles, and Paper Mills.

SUNDAY AUGUST 29, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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ͺ΁˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS

200 Nigerian Students Still in Captivity, Says UNICEF Laments death of one of the abducted students in Tegina Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Francis Sardauna in Katsina The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) yesterday said 200 Nigerian students were still in captivity after school abductions that have plagued the nation since December 2020.

The international organisation added that more than 1,000 students have been abducted in these attacks from December 2020 to date in different states across the country.

The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Peter Hawkins, in a statement issued to journalists in Katsina, said education was a fundamental right of every child, stressing that any attack on educational institutions is a violation of that right.

He said: "An estimated 200 Nigerian students are believed to still be held after school abductions that have plagued the country since December 2020. “More than 1,000 have been abducted in these attacks from December 2020 to date," he said.

He, however, welcomed the release of 91 students of Salihu Tanko Islamiya School in Tegina, Niger State, abducted by suspected bandits three months ago.

He said: "UNICEF today is relieved that 91 students of Salihu Tanko Islamiya School Tegina, in Niger State, abducted three months ago, have been freed from captivity.

The organisation condemned the death of one child who died while held by his abductors.

“Children who went in search of knowledge were abducted at their school – which is supposed to be a safe place for them - while exercising their fundamental right to an education".

He added: “They spent 88 days in the hands of their abductors before being freed yesterday. It is a tragedy and utterly unacceptable that one of these children died in captivity. Hayatu Hashimu was just six years old at the time of his death.

“We rejoice with the families

whose children have been freed - and express our deepest condolences to little Hayatu’s family, who have just suffered the worst loss

on top of the tragedy they have gone through for the last 88 days.

“No family should lose a child just because it took the

right decision to send that child to school. Schools should not be a target. Children should not be a target. We reiterate our call to authorities

to take all necessary measures to ensure schools are safe for all children.”

He added that UNICEF would work with partners

to provide mental health, psycho-social support and counselling services to both the freed school children and their parents.

Confusion over Alleged Hike in Electricity Tariffs NERC denies suspending eligible customer scheme Emmanuel Addeh The Nigerian power sector was thrown into confusion yesterday over conflicting information regarding a resolution by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), directing the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) to increase their tariffs from Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

In a document marked 023/ EKEDP/GMCLR/0025/2021, dated August 25, 2021 and signed by the General Manager, Loss Reduction, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Olumide Anthony-Jerome, the Disco had informed its customers on the decision to raise tariffs.

The company stressed that the increase would be reflected on the energy bill for October 2021, which would represent energy consumption for September 2021.

“For metered customers with internal vending arrangements, we urge you to adjust the rates accordingly to reflect the new tariff increase as released by NERC,” the memo indicated.

Titled: “Tariff Increase Notification”, the document said that the increase followed the approval by NERC, the industry regulator.

“This is to officially notify you that there will be an increase in electricity tariff with effect from 1st September 2021. This increase is as a result of the nationwide mandate to implement the Service Based Tariff approved by our regulators (NERC).

“Kindly note that the increase will be reflected on the energy bill for October 2021 which will represent energy consumption for September 2021,” it stated.

However, hours later,

EKEDC in a statement signed by its Managing Director, Mr. Adeoye Fadeyibi, described the release as unsubstantiated and urged the public to disregard all such reports.

“While we continue to review effective and regulatory strategies to manage the impact of changes to macro-economic indices affecting end-user tariffs, the general public will be duly informed, in the event of any changes to the end-user tariff,” the statement said.

In May, the federal government through the Minister of Power, Mr. Sale Mamman, admitted that although there would be an increase on July 1, it would not be “significant”.

Mamman said instead of

a marked hike in electricity tariff, Nigerians should expect an increase in efficiency in the sector to reduce tariffs while managing headwinds from foreign exchange and inflation.

He explained that the order issued by NERC on the 26th of April 2021 titled, “Notice of Minor and Extraordinary Review of Tariffs for Electricity Transmission and Distribution Companies,” was a routine procedure.

Meanwhile, NERC has said that the Eligible Customer Regulation (ECR), which allows a certain class of electricity consumers to bypass the Discos and deal directly with the Generation Companies (Gencos) and Transmission Company of

Nigeria (TCN) has not been suspended.

NERC stated that it only restrained the TCN from recognising unauthorised eligible customer transactions in the market settlement statement without the prior approval of the commission.

It noted that the directive was that all such unauthorised transactions should revert to billing by the Discos operating in the franchise areas where the customers are located, but without disruption in supply until the customer is conferred with eligibility status.

It stated that the regulation was designed to provide a simple process for securing eligibility status from the commission for a customer whose consumption is in

excess of the minimum threshold of 2MWh/h over a period of one month.

The statement by the General Manager, Public Affairs Department, NERC, Usman Arabi, noted that an eligible customer applicant is obligated to show that it is not indebted to the existing supplier before it can be conferred with eligibility to switch a supplier of electricity.

In addition, it said that the supplier or trading licensee to the potential eligible customer should possess an unencumbered generation capacity to sell to other customer as well as evidence of an agreement with the supplier of last resort.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING...

Company Secretary, Daar Communications Plc, Mr. Donathus Anopuo (left), and Acting Chairman Alhaji Gambo Lawan, at the 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Abuja…recently

US Court Indictment: Kyari May Get Soft Landing IG may recommend demotion Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja There are strong indications that the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mr. Abba Kyari, who was indicted by the United States District Court of California over his alleged role in the fraud perpetrated by a notorious internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas also known as Hushpuppi, may get a soft landing from the authorities, THISDAY has learnt.

Investigation revealed that the embattled former head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the police, who was replaced with DCP Tunde Disu by the police high command, following

the development, may not return to the police force.

However, the soft landing is that he may not be extradited to the United States for trial.

THISDAY gathered that while there are strong indications that the Inspector General of Police (IG) may recommend his demotion, the Police Service Commission (PSC) will opt for outright dismissal because of the gravity of the alleged infraction and its stand against indiscipline in the police.

The Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police (DIG) Joseph Egbunike-led panel set up by the IG to investigate the allegations

PSC opts for dismissal

of fraud levelled against Kyari, Thursday submitted its report to the IG, Mr. Usman Baba.

The panel was constituted on August 2, 2021.

The setting up of the panel was sequel to an indictment of Kyari in a case involving Hushpuppi, who was involved in a $1.1million scam against a Qatari businessman in the US District Court of California.

THISDAY gathered that concerned authorities were planning to give the indicted officer a soft landing.

There has been a groundswell of support by northern groups for Kyari.

Some northern lawyers had also indicated interest

to defend him in court while some citizens have called on the government to hand him over to US authorities for prosecution for his alleged crimes.

It was further gathered that the IG, who was originally directed to suspend Kyari and probe the allegations against him, recently received further instruction on the steps to take on the matter after the submission of the report.

THISDAY also learnt that the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and a retired InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Musiliu Smith, who recently returned from a medical vacation, was at

the Presidential Villa to report for duty after his vacation and received further instruction on Kyari and the steps to take concerning the matter.

"They may give him a soft landing but he is not likely to return to the police. There may also be some diplomatic give-and-take to let him of the hook.

"The IG and the PSC chairman have also received directives on what to do in the matter. This matter is not such an internal one that they can handle alone," a police source told THISDAY at the weekend.

There has been a groundswell of support by northern groups for Kyari.

A competent source also said that because of the role played by Kyari in crime-busting, the IG may recommend demotion.

However, the Police Service Commission, which has had a strong position on disciplinary cases, is expected to insist on outright dismissal.

Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, a Commissioner of Police, had in a statement Wednesday, said the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, "received the report of the NPF Special Investigation Panel (SIP) investigating the alleged indictment of Kyari by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)".

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

EDITORIAL

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

RENEWED VIOLENCE ON THE PLATEAU The authorities must do more to restore trust and peace

A

fter a few years of relative peace, Plateau State has again relapsed into violence following the killing of 22 commuters who were returning from the annual Zikr prayer, around Rukuba, Jos North council. To compound the problem, in the early hours of last Wednesday, another gang of gunmen invaded Yelwa village in Jos North local government area of the state, killing dozens. A few hours later, eight persons were allegedly killed in the Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State to which the violence had spread. While we commiserate with the families of the deceased, we urge the authorities to fish out those responsible for the horrific killings and bring them to justice.

Since 2001, Plateau State has been embroiled in this ruinous crisis that has claimed more than 10,000 lives. The consequences also affected a large chunk of humanity in other forms: hundreds of thousands of men, women and children have had to flee their homes and took refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

The scope of the conflict has escalated in recent weeks and is now assuming a dangerous dimension.

All sides are exploiting religion as a tool to mobilise large-scale support and a cloak to impunity as they attack opponents and innocent people. Sadly, community elders as well as the political and religious leaders who ordinarily should help in bringing peace and order are most often the ones leading the rhetoric of hate which fuels the spiral of violence.

T

Violence keeps recurring not only in Plateau State but across the country because the perpetrators are always never prosecuted and brought to justice

Letters to the Editor

"T

Following a meeting with the president on Tuesday, Governor Simon Lalong berated external forces as stoking the embers of hate in the state. “For people to call from outside the state for reprisal, I say no because they are crying more than the bereaved. We are handling our issue, doing reconciliation and consultations," said Lalong. "We have agreed with the religious leaders and all of them are doing their best, they are cooperating with the state." Meanwhile, the response of the presidency to the killings was most unfortunate. Making insinuation about the religion of the victims is tactless. The senseless killings in the state have thrived because of such discriminatory dispositions by those who should offer leadership. his violence in Plateau State and several other theatres across the country are aggravated tension over access to land, triggering bloody clashes between nomads and peasant farmers almost on a regular basis. As we have stated repeatedly, the solution is to address headlong the perennial problem of grazing rights and avoid the cycle of violence. But the presidency again betrayed a sectional mindset that makes resolution of the crisis difficult.

It is in that light that we can situate the war of words with Governor Sam Ortom of Benue State which is a needless distraction. The pastoral lifestyle as an aspect of our inherited culture has become a national security challenge and no longer tenable. Unfortunately, the current administration has continued to proffer the same medieval solution that only compounds the problem.

Meanwhile, we must appeal to the media that times like this call for restraint in the reportage (and slanting) of news so that we do not unwittingly provide platforms for purveyors of violence and hate. It is particularly important to note that giving undue prominence to incendiary remarks will not in any way advance the cause of peace which we really need to successfully navigate this troubled season.

We must, however, note that violence keeps recurring not only in Plateau State but across the country because the perpetrators are always never prosecuted and brought to justice. Issues of proliferation of light arms, intelligence gathering and quick response to attacks and dispensation of justice for deter rence purposes must be

S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN DEPUTY EDITORS FESTUS AKANBI, EJIOFOR ALIKE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

addressed decisively. Without any conscious efforts in that direction, it will be difficult to bring an end to the spiral of violence that has unwittingly turned our country into a killing field.

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

STILL ON THE RESIDENT DOCTORS’ STRIKE

he obligation of the government is to protect the public health, safety, morals and general welfare” – Allan Wolf At the heart of the long-drawn blame-game between the resident doctors and the Ministry of Health/ Labour and Employment is the sanctity and priceless nature of the life of an average Nigerian citizen, which the political leaders often swear by the constitution to protect. But does it really matter to them?

“No, our lives do not matter a hoot to them. Apart from turning our country into the killing fields through criminal acts of sponsored terrorism, banditry and kidnappings they have much of our resources at their disposal to jet out to foreign lands for medical

tourism at the twitch of their palms”! That was the response from Ben, my fan of several years as if reading through my thoughts.

It would be recalled that back in early September, 2020 Nigeria’s resident doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) embarked on “indefinite strike”. Back then they were protesting the failure of the government to meet some of their demands over unpaid salaries, non-payment of hazard allowance, and a dearth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in hospitals, among several other reasons. These issues were earlier made public back in June 2020 following a weeklong industrial action.

But according to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, incidentally a medical doctor, the government had already addressed six out

of eight demands of the striking doctors and therefore, the doctors had no reason to embark on further strike. But one year later the issues are yet to be resolved!

We recall that the NARD had on August 2, 2021 embarked on indefinite strike at the end of the union’s National Executive Council meeting in Umuahia, Abia State.

One of the resultant effects is that of our resident doctors fleeing Nigeria for Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the United States, and the United Kingdom all in search of greener pastures. In fact, one of the catching headlines claims that ‘Nigeria May Lose Over 500 Medical Doctors As Saudi Arabia Holds Recruitment Exercise’. But can you blame them?

It is difficult to do so, worse still as conflicting headlines exhibit the events of a rudderless boat rocked by the warring waves between

NARD and the FG. If you are in doubt consider these: ‘Court orders doctors, FG to suspend hostilities till Sept 15, 2021.’ But before the federal government begins to execute any form of victory dance, iconic lawyer Femi Falana advises, ‘Meet resident doctors’ demands, court didn’t stop strike Falana urges the federal government’.

Painfully, those holding the short end of the swinging, legal stick are the poor, helpless and sick Nigerian citizens. Government-owned hospitals from Calabar to Kano, from Sokoto to Surulere, have been abandoned. According to media reports an ex-army officer alleges that National Hospital abandoned a 35-year-old father of three to die’. Yet, he is just one out of the thousands of patients left to grind their teeth, stew in their agony as they await death!

What gets concerned Nigerians is the paradox of preventable poverty, ill-health and untimely deaths of hapless citizens all in the midst of plenty. It would

be recalled that in an essay titled: ‘COVID-19’s Wake-Up Call On Nigeria’s Healthcare System’ in 2020 one was compelled to draw the attention of our political leaders to the ratio of qualified physicians to the population of countries, as recommended by the World Health Organization, (WHO).

Specifically, it recommends one medical doctor to 1,000 citizens of each country.

Globally, it is always a thing of immense joy when any country attains what is referred to as the ‘Golden Finishing Line’ of 1-to-1,000.

The reason is that it indicates the readiness of the country to achieve one of the cardinal objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is affordable yet qualitative healthcare delivery that is available to the citizens.

t "ZP 0ZP[F #BKF -BHPT Read the full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 29, 2021

NEWS

News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: gboyega.akinsanmi@thisdaylive.com,08152359253

Diaspora Remittances Hit $34bn as Nigerian Migrant Workers Top List Kunle Aderinokun

The Naira4Dollar policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may have begun to yield dividends as remittances from Nigerians in the Diaspora now stand at an average of $34 billion annually, THISDAY has learnt.

This translates to an increase of $9 billion from the previous record of $25 billion per annum.

A renowned economist and Chief Consultant at B. Adedipe Associates Limited, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, who revealed this to THISDAY, noted that Nigeria was occupying the number one position on the list of nations with the largest number of migrant workers, which makes it outstanding in remittances from foreign countries. This he pointed out, was according to a study done by Bloomberg, early this year.

“There was a study done by Bloomberg Economist, it was published February this year. In that global chart, there were only about three to five countries that were outstanding when it came to migrant workers.

“Nigeria, they put as number one, our country came first, followed by Pakistan, then Canada. But in terms of five

outstanding countries, in addition to the three stated earlier, we had the USA, Australia, and Vietnam.

“What they showed there in that study was, for the countries that benefit from migrant workers, Nigeria is on the side of those that have many migrant workers in the rest of the world, and therefore make remittances home.

“The estimated remittance from the various study and review of literature is that the remittance by Nigerians in the diaspora is an average of $34 billion annually. Now if you look at that study also, the map of the world is what they used there to summarise it. The summary indicates that, if Nigeria can manage that remittance effectively, it will add 0.4 per cent to our GDP growth annually. That is very significant,” said Adedipe, who has been working as a professional economist for over 41 years.

The CBN had recently estimated that its Naira4Dollar policy would push the country’s Diaspora Remittances up to $34 billion by 2023. But with this new number, it is clear that the apex bank has achieved the target two years ahead of time.

Adedipe, however, pointed out that, unlike other countries that are in the same league as Nigeria, in terms of foreign remittances, a large percentage of the forex is not in the economy.

“But you know where our problem is, those remittances,

unlike Pakistan and other countries that get remittances, a lot of the dollar don’t come into the FX market in Nigeria.

They remain outside there, and this is the pattern.

“For example, someone wants to send money to his or her family here in Nigeria, this

person, let’s say has $10,000 in the US, and wants to give the naira equivalent to his family member here in Nigeria, ordinarily the way it works in other country is that $10,000 will come into the Fx market within Nigeria, and becomes a boost to supply here.

“But the reality is that in Nigeria’s situation, the Dollar doesn’t leave where it is. The person that provides the naira equivalent here would rather keep the dollar equivalent outside there, so it doesn’t come into the FX market in Nigeria.”

ON RESCUE MISSION . . .

L-R: Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Lagos, Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide; Federal Comptroller of Housing, Mrs Adejobi Margret; Federal Comptroller of Works, Mr Olukoya Popoola and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fasola (SAN), during the inspection of weighbridge at the old toll gate, Ojota, in Lagos...yesterday

American Residents Indicted for Attempts to Export Arms to Nigeria Oluchi Chibuzor with agency report

Three residents of Maryland, United States of America, face indictment for attempting to illegally export arms and ammunition to Nigeria.

This was revealed in a statement by the Department of Justice, US Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland at the weekend.

The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Jonathan F. Lenzner; Special Agent in Charge, James R. Mancuso

of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore and Special Agent in Charge, Timothy Jones of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division The statement said the suspects allegedly exported arms and ammunition without obtaining export licenses in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the Export Reform Control Act. It added that a federal grand jury “has returned an indictment charging three Maryland men for the federal charges of conspiracy, violation of the

Arms Export Control Act and the Export Reform Control Act, related to the export of firearms and ammunition from the United States to Nigeria.

“Charged in the indictment, which was returned late yesterday, are: Wilson Nuyila Tita, age 45, of Owings Mills, Maryland; Eric Fru Nji, age 40, of Fort Washington, Maryland and Wilson Che Fonguh, age 39, of Bowie, Maryland,” the statement said.

According to the four-count indictment, from at least November 2017 through July 19, 2019, the defendants conspired with each other and with oth-

Senior Lawyer Wants Magistrates, Others to Hear Human Rights Cases Alex Enunah

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief James Onoja has called for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to give Magistrates’ and Upper Area Courts powers to enforce fundamental rights.

Onoja made this call at the 34th Annual Law Dinner of the Faculty of Law, Lagos State University (LASU), where he was honoured.

At the dinner, the senior advocate made a paper presentation titled Judicial Protection of Human Rights

in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges’ Onoja, in his presentation, justified his position on the premise that these courts “are closer to the grassroots and accessible to the majority of Nigerians. They are situated in communities.”

On this ground, according to the senior lawyer, it will be fair and just to expand their scope to accommodate fundamental rights matters.

Onoja argued that violation of fundamental rights “is a daily occurrence in every community in Nigeria, in

villages and organisations far away from the prying eyes of the law and institutions saddled with the responsibility to bring violators to account.

“The court with jurisdiction to handle rights violations is the federal or state high courts.

These courts are normally situated in cities and urban areas far from the major theatres of right violations.

“It is my humble suggestion that section 46(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution be amended to give the Magistrate and Upper Area Courts the vires to enforce fundamental rights.

ers to export from the United States to Nigeria defense articles and items identified on the United States Munitions List (“USML”) and the Commerce Control List (“CCL”) without first obtaining export licenses.

The defendants also allegedly conspired to conceal from the United States that those items were being shipped from the Port of Baltimore in Maryland to Nigeria and at least one other location in Africa.

The defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly contributed funds for the purchase of firearms, ammunition, reloading materials and

other equipment for shipping overseas.

The indictment alleges that the defendants and their coconspirators communicated about their efforts and plans to ship weapons and ammunition using an on-line encrypted messaging application and code words in order to conceal their activities.

As detailed in the indictment, the defendants and other conspirators concealed the firearms, ammunition, rifle scopes, and other items in heavily wrapped packages and duffle bags, and inside sealed compressor units, placing those

items into a shipping container destined for Nigeria without obtaining the requisite licenses from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Further, as part of the conspiracy, one of the co-conspirators allegedly caused the submission of electronic export information to the US Government for the container which listed materially false information as to the identity of the exporter and the intermediate and ultimate consignee, as well as the ultimate destination of the container’s contents.

Presidency Replies Ortom, Says Buhari Didn’t Accept to Be Terrorists’ Negotiator Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Presidency yesterday disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari did not accept any invitation to be the negotiator of terrorist group, Boko Haram in 2012.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, made this known yesterday in an interview with BBC News Pidgin.

He was reacting to an allegation levelled against his principal by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, that Boko Haram terrorists once

named Buhari as their negotiator when former President Goodluck Jonathan reportedly moved to enter an agreement with the sect.

Shehu described the claim

by Ortom as false, adding that Buhari had on several occasions openly condemned the heinous activities of the insurgents.

In a separate interview also on BBC News Pidgin yesterday, Ortom claimed the President had been complicitous with Boko Haram fighters and bandits killing Nigerians in an alleged agenda to “Fulanise the country”.

“You remember in 2012 or

so. I was a minister at the time and we told Goodluck to try to negotiate with Boko Haram.

When we called them (Boko Haram fighters) to negotiate, they said, ‘No’, that Buhari will be their coordinator. Buhari was not President then,” the governor alleged.

Responding to the allegation, the presidential spokesman said, “People can make all sorts of claims; they can say all sorts of things. It would have mattered to the nation, to everyone, if at that point, then Muhammadu Buhari had accepted the invitation to go and be representative of Boko Haram.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

OPINION

FAYEMI AND THE BONDING IDEAL

Kayode Fayemi, chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, is well placed to push for bold change, writes Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

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he hot button in Nigeria today is to crow of secession. It does not matter if the jumpedup secessionist leader can in truth tell the boundaries of his dream nation. The really appalling aspect of the matter is that some of Nigeria’s so-called leading politicians have joined the bandwagon of preaching hate and violence in the promotion of ethnic and religious cleavages. It is remarkable for me that Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State as the incumbent chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is espousing the bonding ideal against all odds from the diverse divisive domains.

The need for me to do this piece arose following the criticisms directed at Governor Fayemi after he felicitated with former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida on the recent celebration of his 80th birthday. The burden Governor Fayemi bears today as “the governor of governors” transcends the hotheadedness of quondam activism. Against the background of dangerous divisions across the country, Governor Fayemi cannot but accommodate all interests within a potentially combustible nation.

At this time that the nation is being fecklessly torn apart by mundane ethnic concerns, bigotry, hate and terrorism, politicians in the mould of Governor Fayemi owe it as a duty to take charge of the central unifying role of bringing all together through shared values.

There is no gainsaying that the bonds established by Nigerians across ethnic and religious borders in the intervening years from amalgamation to independence and the civil war have grown beyond the flimsiness of a whimsical breakup. The point is that the need for a restructuring of Nigeria must be undertaken by a focused leader, and not by fly-by-night ethnic warlords no matter how well-intentioned. Governor Fayemi can stand to be counted as a champion of dialogue who would not be found wanting in getting Nigerians to talk across ethnic and religious lines towards finding a workable future for the beleaguered country.

Nigeria can in no way be singled out as the only diverse nation in the world. India, for instance, had its share of diversities and even mutinies, but it still holds

aloft the torch of democracy. Nigeria is now obviously saddled with a troubled democracy which some have even termed a dictatorship, but the future can better be managed through leaders who can get together by ensuring that the country’s destiny is determined through conference and not by force of arms.

Past leaders of stature all over the world such as Pandit Nehru of India and Nelson Mandela of South Africa are ready examples for new Nigerian leaders to emulate. Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore boldly made the mark of taking his then fledging nation from the Third to First world status.

Dr Mahathir of Malaysia repeated the feat.

This shows that it is possible for Nigeria to defeat all debacles and shoot well ahead in the comity of nations, without bending the knee to defeatism, if the current parochialism and prebendalism are put aside. The problems of the country ought to be seen as challenges that can be mastered by a committed leader, and followers who believe in the cause.

It needs to be stressed that it is not necessarily the law that makes the people to survive but the spirit. It is the willingness of the people to bond together based on shared values that strengthens the commonwealth. This way, the people who have been made to believe can always

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douse the evil seeds of discord. The lesson of course is to readily subjugate self in favour of the general good.

Governor Fayemi stands in good stead to get his brother governors to gravitate towards the common touch.

The railway track that travels all the way from Sokoto up North down to the South through Eha-Amufu, Umuahia and Port Harcourt must have over the years established so much binding mores amongst diverse Nigerians. The migration of Nigerians to all nooks and crannies of the nation even before the amalgamation has built together uncountable Nigerians who call anywhere they reside in the country home.

There was the case of the man who left a Southeastern town just after the Second World War to settle in a village in the Southwest. When his people from the Southeast came to take him “home” to the East in his grand old age he refused to be relocated, stressing that moving him from the land where he was known as “Baba Ode” amounted to lifting the land!

Nigeria urgently needs men now. It’s all so cheap and cool believing that one could easily withdraw to one’s ethnic enclave. These matters are easier said than done.

Once division starts, there is really no end to division. History cannot account for all the fatalities begotten from wars that ordinary dialogue could have stemmed in the first instance.

In the rousing words of Governor Fayemi, “Another Nigeria, a better Nigeria, a more united Nigeria that we can all stand up for and be proud of, is ahead of us. We all play a critical role for the ties we all have; we still have a long way to go, it is a journey not a destination. And in that journey, we will always find undulating lands, valleys, hills and potholes, but ultimately, what is important is to just continue on the journey. I know that God, in His infinite mercy will help us overcome these challenging times; we must continue to strengthen the ties that bind our country and these are ties that predated colonialism. In spite of the challenges, Nigeria will triumph.”

This is the way to go.

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CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATIONAL SECURITY urges wealthy nations to do more to boost developing countries’ fight against climate change

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his year alone, there have been devastating natural disasters in many parts of the world. From deadly heat waves to fatal mudslides; unrelenting floods to raging wildfires, the world keeps experiencing extreme conditions.

Experts have put these more frequent and unpredictably severe cases of disasters down to the consequences of greenhouse gas emissions, for which human activities are mainly to blame. To compound matters, the United States pulled out of the Paris Agreement under former President Donald Trump shortly after he took office in 2017. It took President Joe Biden’s victory to return the U.S to the table.

The Paris Agreement (or the Paris Accord) is a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted in 2015 and signed by 195 countries to cover climate change mitigation, adaptation and finance.

Here in Nigeria, the federal government has designated climate change as one of the environmental risks which constitute national security threats. Chapter three of Nigeria’s National Security Strategy (NSS) 2019 identified climate change as the most prominent environmental threat factor.

“The most prominent threat factor is climate change with the associated global warming which causes high sea levels, ocean surges and coastal floods. Climate change is associated with environmental degradation. Desertification in the North and both erosion and floods in the South threaten food security.”

National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno, whose Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), designed the NSS, has long harped on climate change threat to national security. In 2018, Monguno observed that, along with ethnoreligious conflicts, herder-farmer conflicts and bad politics, climate change presents imminent security challenge to the country.

More recently in June, at the second United Nations HighLevel Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of member states in New York, the NSA reiterated his position.

He stated that COVID-19, terrorism and climate change “are the greatest threats to human existence”.

Indeed, it is difficult not to make the connection between climate change and other environmental threats which stem from prevailing systemic defects in overall environmental factor management. While there are other push-and-pull

factors responsible for many of the conflicts and environmental disasters experienced in the country and beyond, climate change remains one of the key features. For instance, climate change has increased the rate of desert encroachment, which, in turn, is partly responsible for the loss of grazing reserves and obliteration of grazing routes.

This is a major factor in pastoralists-farmers conflicts.

Climate change has also contributed to excessive flooding across the country, causing huge human and economic losses.

In a World Bank Group report released in March 2018, Nigeria was mentioned as one of the countries to experience worsening impacts of climate change in three densely populated regions of the world. The report, titled Groundswell – Preparing for Internal Climate Migration, focused on the nexus between slow-onset climate change impacts, internal migration patterns and development in three developing regions of the world. It projected that over 140 million people could move within their countries’ borders by 2050 in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America, thereby creating a looming human crisis and threatening the development process.

Nigeria’s active involvement in climate change is therefore both instructive and imperative. To this end, the country has always maintained its commitment to global and regional cooperation in its approach to achieving environmental security and sustainability. The country has also promised to ensure participatory, technologybased environmental information management, as well as early warning systems which will be integrated into its national security architecture.

In April, President Muhammadu Buhari announced robust plans and initiatives by his administration to reverse the negative effects of climate change in Nigeria.

In his address to the United Nations Climate Action Summit with the theme, A Race We Can Win, A Race We Must Win, Buhari said collective action needed to be stepped up in the race against global warming. “It is now imperative that we must step-up our collective climate actions in line with the request of the Secretary-General.

I wish to reiterate Nigeria’s commitment to its obligation under the Paris Agreement, the aspirations enshrined in our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and ensure a resilient future that mainstreams climate risks in

our decision making.”

Making good of that promise two months later, Buhari approved the Revised National Climate Change Policy and the National Climate Change Programmes for Nigeria at the Federal Executive Council meeting.

Minister of Environment Mohammed Abubakar said the documents were revised to reflect “the inclusion of the Paris Agreement signed in 2015 and gender mainstreaming, which are very relevant to national response to climate change”. The Revised National Climate Change Policy and National Climate Change Programmes (action plan) are expected to run through 2021-2030.

However, for individual nations’ efforts to be effective there has to be a global recognition that climate change is a global security threat, especially among the world’s worst polluters. The goal of the landmark Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degree Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels, cannot be attained if roles and responsibilities are disproportional.

For instance, the agreement reaffirms that developed countries should take the lead in providing financial assistance to countries that are less endowed and more vulnerable.

There are also the issues of technology development and transfer and capacity building for improving resilience to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, while wealthy nations (such as the U.S, China, the EU and Japan) are deploying finance, technology and capacity building to achieve zero-carbon solutions, they seem to be leaving developing countries behind.

Ironically, these are the world’s worst polluters against the world’s most vulnerable countries in the Americas, Africa and Asia. For instance, Africa contributes a mere three per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, while the US and China combined are responsible for close to 40 per cent.

One of the topics on the agenda at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland in October, therefore, should be how to boost developing countries’ response mechanisms against climate change. t ;BLBSJ XSPUF GSPN "CVKB

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

15

LETTERS

NIGERIAN ARMY AND REPENTANT BOKO HARAM

I

t is my deduction that fake news is fecundated by prejudice; prejudices whether ethnic, political or religious. Nigeria’s social media dome is a hang-out for lies, malice and bigotry. Falsehood in this seemingly anonymous quarter is oxygenated by hate and bias. The canard of the Nigerian Army recruiting repentant Boko Haram insurgents, for example, has been rippling because it fits into the prevailing solitary narrative and slant.

It is really startling to see well-certificated Nigerians gobbling and vectoring fallacies because they suit their bias. These ones advertise ‘’certificated ignorance’’ with vanity titles on their bios.

How can anyone who has gone through the tedious mill of pedagogy and who makes pretensions to high academic qualifications resolve without a scintilla of proof that the nation’s military is absorbing terrorists? Is it a case of ‘’certificated ignorance’’ or deliberate mischief?

It makes absolutely no sense that a ‘’PhD holder’’ will choose to

believe the nattering of internet infestations but disregard obtrusive facts. In scholarship, there is methodology – a process in arriving at conclusions. Theories and arguments must be tested and verified. But why do some cast aside the diligence and thoroughness that come with education to promote falsehood?

The surrendering of some Boko Haram fighters has effectuated cynicism and suspicion among Nigerians.

Nigerians have a reason to be sceptical about the mass capitulation of the insurgents, especially as the military authorities handed some of them placards, saying ‘’Nigerians forgive us’’ and making drama of the entire matter.

Personally, I believe that performance was unnecessary. It is only counter-productive.

These are people who are unlettered and whose hands have been made unclean by the blood of the innocents they killed without provocation. It is customary to allow the surrendering of enemy forces. But I do

not think it is decent to make a lachrymal show out of the submission of suspected killers. That violates the sensibilities of their victims – widows, orphans and those who lost precious ones.

The surrendering of insurgents is a tactical breakthrough if only it will bring an end to the decade-old war in the north-east. But the war still rages, and already the government is rehabilitating and reinte-

grating these ‘’repentant outlaws’’. It is natural that Nigerians will want to proceed with cautious optimism and cynicism since terrorism is still much alive in the region.

Reacting to the pervasive apprehension over the reformation of insurgents, Lucky Irabor, chief of defence staff, asked Nigerians to trust the rehabilitation of the repentant insurgents. A statement issued by Benjamin Sawyerr, defence

SECONDUS AND POLITICS OF CONSPIRACY

O

f recent, the national chairman of the PDP was enmeshed in an intricate crisis that threatened to cut short his chairmanship position of the PDP. So many thought that Prince Uche Secondus would not survive it since his detractors are well connected and big sponsors of the party. To my mind, the national chairman of the party was wrongly accused for being responsible for the defection of the governors of Ebonyi and Cross River States to the ruling APC. This is unkind cut. If only the governors of Ebonyi and Cross Rivers State would speak for themselves, I am sure that they will put the reason for their decision elsewhere other than Uche Secondus. Uche Secondus since he became the national chairman of the PDP has worked so assiduously that he succeeded in reinvigorating the almost comatose PDP and repositioned it from the colossal failure it suffered in 2015 general elections. Kudos should be given to him instead of this pull him down syndrome that is gaining momentum. In the wake of the concerted efforts to force him to resign or removed as the national chairman of the party, his traducers put up all manner of allegations against him.

So when the PDP called for its National Executive Committee meeting, it was widely believed that Uche Secondus who has become a long distance runner will lose it. But in a mature and well received decision, it was decided that the PDP national convention that should have held in December be brought forward to October. By this decision, those who wanted the national chairman to be removed sucked their lips in regret.

Now an obscure court in Rivers State has made an ex-parte order that the national chairman of the PDP should stop acting in that capacity until a particular motion on notice is heard and determined. The conspiracy to remove Uche Secondus as the chairman of the PDP is unending. Having failed to remove him at the National Executive Committee meeting of the party, they have resorted to using the courts from the home state of the conspirators.

This is bad politics. Why would the conspirators want a man whose tenure in office would end this October leave office by all means? Why would these conspirators in their determined efforts to show Prince Uche Secondus the door expose the judiciary to ridicule?

Is the lady justice so

blindfolded that it cannot see? Can the court substitute the decision of the National Executive of the party? Uche Secondus was widely elected the National chairman of the PDP and he has been acting in that capacity ever since. So what powers or jurisdiction does the court have to issue an ex-parte order without notice to the affected person to stop (in the words of the court) from parading himself as the national chairman of the PDP when there is no contest about that position of the PDP chairmanship or the tenure of the chairman? Any serious lawyer will query the rationale behind granting such an order via an ex-parte motion.

The judiciary is a public institution and not the private estate of one man.

This may be the reason why Lord Denning in his Richard Dimbleby Lecture of November 20, 1980 said that “every judge on his appointment discards all politics and all prejudices.” Justice Frankfurter said that the courts should not “enter the political thicket.” The courts are now being used to play dirty politics and settle political scores because Uche Secondus must be pulled down. The courts have their limits. The Executive Committee of the PDP has already decided the issue of Uche Secondus tenure and that is final.

Anything outside of this

is nothing but amala or stomach politics.

Indeed, those who have gone to court to obtain this laughable order are mere foot soldiers acting under the instructions of their masters. What is their interest? Apart from being members of the PDP, have they shown any interest that is worthy of considerations? Not general or vague interest. Soon someone will issue a statement that he is not behind this latest attempt to wrest power from Uche Secondus.

Whether Brick House is involved or not, this latest move, is a slap on the Executive committee of the PDP that has already resolved the issues. This is politics taken too far. Whether these conspirators will succeed is buried in the belly of time. Brick House believes that it is instrumental to the emergence of Uche Secondus as the chairman of the PDP and therefore must remove him if it so wishes. This should not be so after all the interest of the PDP should override every other personal interest any other member of the party may have. If this latest move fails, one should not be surprised to see some urchins and big wigs of the PDP defecting to other parties. t $IJNF[JF &MFNVP 1PSU )BSDPVSU

spokesman, on Tuesday, said: “On the recent fear and apprehension making the rounds about the mass surrendering of Boko Haram/ISWAP ex-members, the CDS reassured Nigerians to trust the relevant agencies that have been tasked with responsibility of planning the rehabilitation of repented insurgents.”

Rehabilitation offers an exit path for insurgents seeking absolution. But Nigerians would like to see those who took up arms against the state, killing citizens pay for their crimes. It is a knotty convergence of expedient policy and moral justice.

But is the army recruiting repentant Boko Haram members? While the military through ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ has been rehabilitating insurgents, there is no official record of the enlistment of former insurgents into the army. We should give our armed forces some credit. It is acute mischief to spread injurious falsehood that has the potency of desiccating citizen/law enforcement cohesion.

The military is about the most organised of all Nigerian institutions – forged in discipline, formulaic procedures and principles. Over the years the army has come out to dispel the speculation that it is recruiting former insurgents. It had to double down on its position on Wednesday as the fiction remains animated.

Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesman, said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the NA does not have any repentant terrorist joining its ranks

and does not have any plan for that. There are teeming able-bodied Nigerians that are willing to join the NA to genuinely help in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes.

The campaign of falsehood embarked upon by some individuals who do not wish the nation well cannot distract its personnel from their resolve to bring an end to the violent crimes in the country.”

I have done some digging seeking answers from confidants in the military circles and some trusted sources, but there is no verisimilitude in the pesky rumour. At most, some former insurgents are used as informants and baits to capture ‘’bigger fishes’’. I also learnt that the surrendering of insurgents is purely intelligence-driven. There is more to it than meets the eye.

Fake news remains fossilised as long as the triggers are operative.

Ethnic, religious and political biases fecundate falsehood here.

The fake news of the army recruiting former Boko Haram insurgents dovetails with the ‘’northernisation of the military conspiracy theory’’. This falsehood has rippled for long because it fits perfectly into the prevailing ethnic and sectional prejudices.

The fight against banditry and insurgency is a collective effort.

We should not help in the propaganda of the enemy. Defend Nigeria t 'SFESJDL A.S 0OF/JHFSJB /XBCVGP GSFESJDLOXBCVGP! ZBIPP DPN

THE NDA ATTACK: THE UNANSWERED QUESTION

T

he recent attack of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna that led to the death of two innocent security personnel and abduction of an officer is reprehensible. Not a few Nigerians were shocked by the development while many others are in a dilemma given the heavy security within and outside the vicinity of the military institution.

Unfortunately, those who are responsible for safeguarding the lives and property of citizens are falling victims of this senseless act. The big question is, if the security agents are falling victims, what is the fate of ordinary citizens? If the mighty NDA is attacked what

else is left? If the defence academy could be so easily attacked, I repeat, then the Nigerian military has a question mark.

The situation is precariously getting worse. Nigerians never expected this even in our dreams. That is to say the Nigerian government and its security agents can’t defend the integrity of the nation in case of external invasion.

On this basis, I suggest a thorough investigation should be carried out to ascertain the truth of this attack because some Nigerians are of the opinion that the attack was planned.

6LBTIB 3BCJV .BHBNB 5PSP #BVDIJ 4UBUF

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SUNDAY AUGUST 29, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 29, 2021

BUSINESS

Editor: Festus Akanbi 08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

Unemployment: OPS Calls for Targeted Financing in Real Sector Amidst the worsening unemployment situation in the country, the Organised Private Sector, representedbythe/agos&hamberof&ommerceand,ndustry(/&&,) Nigeria(mployers&onsultative Association (N(&A), and the Nigerian Association of &hambers of &ommerce, ,ndustry, 0ines, and Agriculture (NA&&,0A) at the weekend rolled out a cocktail of suggestions to halt the disturbing trend in separate interviews with Festus Akanbi

A

sNigeriabattlestherealityof growing unemployment, members of the nation’s Organised Private Sector (OPS) have asked the federal government to unleash its development agencies on the real sector of the economy in terms of targeted Ànancing 7hey also called for an improved operating environment for business and a climate devoid of insecurity to lives and property 7he intervention of the OPS came on the heels of a Bloomberg report last week which rated Nigeria as having the third-highest unemployment rate at per cent, while South Africa has the highest rate among a list of 82 countries Namibia has the second-highest unemployment rate rises at per cent, the report said 7he 'irector-*eneral, /agos &hambers of &ommerce and ,ndustry (/&&,), 'r &hinyere Almona the 'irector-*eneral, Nigeria (mployers’ &onsultative Association, (N(&), 'r 7imothy Oyawale, and the 'irector-*eneral, the NigerianAssociation of &hambers of &ommerce, ,ndustry, 0ines, and Agriculture (NA&&,0A), Ambassador Ayo Olukanni, who spoke with our correspondent in separate interviews, said the Bloomberg report merely underscored the frightening dimension of the prevailing unemployment situation in Nigeria, hence the call for all hands to be on deck 7he /&&, '*,Almona, said the severity of the unemployment situation has made it necessary for the federal government to initiate policies through its development Ànance institutions like the Bank of ,ndustry, Bank of Agriculture, N(;,0 Bank, and the &BN to support the real sector with targeted Ànancing and infrastructural support )or the N(&A chief, there is an urgent need to ease the burden of business owners in a way to give them the conÀdence to generate employment, while the NA&&,0A '* said peace must return to the land before an improvement in the current employment situation can be achieved Targetted Financing in Real Sector NonNegotiable According to /&&, '*, ´the policy directive by the &BN in -uly 2 , directing banks to henceforth maintain a minimum /oan- to'eposit-5atio (/'5) of from September 2 , could have had a positive impact, to some e[tent, on the real sector 7his policy can have a multiplier eͿect, that will bring about an increase in employment and growth in the *'P µ She, therefore, suggested that ´Such interventions should be directed to sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, consumer credit, and general commerce,µ adding that ´other interventions by the &BN and other institutions should be expanded to have national coverage and fund them till when the beneÀciaries can sustain their operations µ Stressing the need to create an enabling environment to attract foreign investment, the /&&, boss said, ´7he growth target of 2 per cent for 2 2 reTuires investments in the real sector through )oreign 'irect ,nvestments ()',s) ´,n the Àrst Tuarter of 2 2 , we attracted only a total of billion and a total of 8 million in the second Tuarter ´:e need to create and sustain a more conducive business environment that continually

Oyawale

Almona

Olukanni

attracts more capital importation to the country 7he foreign capital wealth attracted to the country has a way of increasing the wealth of an economy which can translate to more business opportunities, more jobs, and more wealth creation in the long term µ She called for the establishment of industrial or enterprise hubs across the country for targeted S0(s operating in growth and advantaged sectors like fashion, technology, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare/pharmaceuticals, and agribusiness in the country ´7hese sectors can create jobs for the youth and boost our *ross 'omestic Product (*'P) 7hese hubs should be eTuipped with infrastructures such as power, water, access roads, and broadband Àbre optic, which will boost productivity for S0(,µ she stated She also made case for the tourism industry, which she said had suͿered terribly as a result of the &ovid- lockdown 7his development, she explained, resulted in job losses in the industry She, therefore, suggested that ´7he government should consider extending targeted support to players in this sector to revamp their operations and reabsorb disengaged employees 7his can be replicated to other job-rich sectors like agriculture, agro-processing, commerce, etc µ

business are even to survive to be competitive and for them to be able to break even in this environment where the ease of doing business is a luxury and in this environment where policies are very hostile against businesses ´)or everyone in the system, we know this is import-dependent economy to even get forex to do business is a herculean task ,t is an economy where those that are supposed to facilitate businesses-the regulatory bodies are the ones strangulating businesses 7his is an economy where the tax authorities are imposing and enforcing arbitrary taxation businesses are choking ´So, until we can create a conducive environment for business to thrive and create jobs in the Àrst instance, the issue of reducing unemployment will be a mirage,µ he said 7he N(&A boss believes that one of the ways of reducing unemployment is to create skills for our youths so that they won’t be running after white-collar jobs +e maintained, however, that ´skills acTuisition or empowerment are at a cost 7he scenario , have painted with regards to businesses does not encourage investment in skills empowerment rather it is a survival of the Àttest for businesses ´+owever, we want to say we recognise all the eͿorts of government in one way or the other but there is need to harmonise all their interventions so that we will be very sure of what is happening and who is doing what instead of every ministry doing one thing or the other and also working at cross purposes ´:e feel there could be a public-private sectors partnership so that government and the private sectors can support one another in the acTuisition of skills for our youths and that speaks to the model the N(&A and the ,7) have put in place, the technical skill development project ,t has been a success in the past years µ

has adverse eͿects on both the economy and the society +igh level of poverty, migration to other countries in search of greener pastures, reduction in national output, small and medium scale industries partially crippled as a result of economic and Àscal policies, lack of infrastructure, epileptic power supply are some of the reasons for the alarming rate of unemployment in the country ´7o address this situation, the primary issue that needs to be addressed is the insecurity of lives and properties 7he collective eͿorts of our military at securing lives would promote trading activities :hen this happens, the businessman in the South would not be scared to move his goods to other states SubseTuently, he would open more branches and employ hands to work with him ´

Soft Landing Needed for Businesses On his part, the N(&A '*, Oyawale, said Nigeria is in a very critical situation on account of unemployment more so, the greatest percentage of unemployment in Nigeria is youth unemployment +e pointed out that the energy that ordinarily should have been channelled towards productive purposes is being channelled into nefarious activities by these youths Oyawale said the problem of unemployment will continue to linger until government softens its stance for businesses +e lamented a situation whereby business owners are made to pay multiple taxes and face other unfavourable policies of the government ´*overnment should create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and through that, businesses will create jobs But even businesses in this environment are struggling 7hey are grasping for breath so, the primary eͿorts of

Improved Security Situation will Boost Business, Economic Activities 7he NA&&,0A '*, Olukanni, insisted that government cannot win the battle against unemployment unless peace returns to all the regions of the country +e said, ´7he problem of unemployment

Olukanni also believes that increasing the number of entrepreneurs would reduce unemployment. +e also believed that capacity-building training is key to closing the unemployment gap According to him, ´Skill acTuisition programmes would transform our youths from job seekers to job creators 7he government cannot provide jobs all alone for the teeming population, hence the need for collective eͿorts in combating the scourge,µ explaining that NA&&,0A as the national premier chamber is committed to capacity building as it is one of our core values +e agreed that the private sector also has a lot to oͿer to reduce unemployment, saying, ´,t is worthy to note that, the organised private sector is a key stakeholder in the Nigerian economy which accounts for more than per cent of jobs for the people NA&&,0A under the leadership of ,de -ohn & 8deagbala is making sure that it helps in reducing the youth unemployment rate through youth empowerment programmes 7his, we intend to do by establishing ,7 co-creation centres in diͿerent states of the federation µ According to a :orld Bank report in -une this year, over seven million Nigerians lost their jobs due to inÁationary pressures in 2 2 , taking the total number of poor people in the country to over 8 million ( of the total population)

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

ECONOMY

Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed

Statiscian-General of the Federation, DR. Simon Harry

Unravelling the NBS’ Q2 2021 GDP Report Puzzle Uche Uwaleke

T

o many close watchers of the Nigerian economy, the recently published National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) second quarter GDP report was an upside surprise. To some others, it was confounding to say the least. In it, the NBS had disclosed that ‘Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.01% (year-on-year) in real terms in the second quarter of 2021, marking three consecutive quarters of growth following the negative growth rates recorded in the second and third quarters of 2020’. While the surprise element is the unexpected and quantum leap from a weak 0.51% recorded in the previous quarter to over 5% in Q2 of 2021, the confusion stems from two seemingly contrasting statements in the report.

The Puzzle In one paragraph, the report stated that ‘the Q2 2021 growth rate was higher than the -6.10% growth rate recorded in Q2 2020 and the 0.51% recorded in Q1 2021 year on year, indicating the return of business and economic activity near levels seen prior to the nationwide implementation of COVID-19 related restrictions’. In another paragraph, it admitted that ‘nevertheless, quarter on quarter, real GDP grew at -0.79% in Q2 2021 compared to Q1 2021, reÁecting slightly slower economic activity than the preceding quarter due largely to seasonality’.

In other words, real GDP growth rate in Q2 2021 rose year-on-year but actually fell on a quarter-on-quarter basis- herein lays the puzzle. Little wonder a national newspaper of Friday, August 27 2021 had a front page story titled: ‘GDP rises 5% YoY, declines 0.8% QoQ’. What does one make of this seeming antithesis? The answer can be found in what is generally termed the ‘base eͿect’.

0DNLQJ 6HQVH RI ¶%DVH (;HFW· To be sure, the base eͿect arises whenever a current data point or point

of interest is expressed as a percentage of another data point or base.

Expectedly, comparisons using diͿerent base values will produce varying results. In line with International standards outlined under the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSTATS), the NBS computes GDP as ‘gross output minus intermediate consumption’. This data is provided on a year-on-year basis as well as quarter-on-quarter basis. The base eͿect, also applicable with respect to computation of inÁation rates, relates to GDP in the corresponding period of the previous quarter or year. If the growth rate was too low in the corresponding period, other factors remaining same, it is likely that the current rate will be high and vice versa.

This is partly the reason frontier and emerging economies record higher GDP growth rates than developed economies. Take the case of Indonesia for example, in the second quarter of 2021, the country is reported to have pulled out of economic recession with a very strong GDP growth rate of 7.07% which was the strongest in 17 years attributed in part to base eͿect.

It is also why war-ravaged economies appear to grow faster than stable economies following cessation of hostilities.

6SRWWLQJ %DVH (;HFW LQ 1%6 4 2021 GDP Numbers It is easy to spot the base eͿect in the Q2 2021 GDP numbers released by the NBS. The year 2020 recorded real GDP quarterly growth rates of 1.87%, -6.10%, -3.62% and 0.11% for the Àrst, second, third and fourth quarter periods respectively. The second quarter of 2020 witnessed the deepest contraction in economic activity in 2020 with real GDP growth rate of -6.01% year-on-year. This quarter also had the least number of economic activities recording positive growth. So, as the Nigerian economy gradually recovers, the dramatic

decline in Q2 of 2020 becomes the starting point for calculating 12-month growth rates giving rise to base eͿect in the 2021 Q2 numbers.

It is pertinent to note that the impressive Q2 2021 real GDP growth was recorded despite drop in average daily oil output from the previous quarter. Essentially growth was powered by the non-oil sector. The high performers include Transport (76.81%), Trade (22.49%) and Information & Telecoms (5.55%). In the case of these sectors, much as the resumption in economic activities played a huge part, the echo of 2020 could equally be noticed as Transport had contracted deeply by -57.25%, Trade had plunged signiÀcantly by -16.59% while Telecom was already high at 17.36% in Q2 of 2020 explaining in part why it printed at 5.55% in Q2 of 2021. So, there is evidence of the eͿect of the corresponding base or period of the previous year on current growth numbers.

As a corollary, despite positive real GDP growth rates recorded by Transport (76.81%), Real Estate (3.85%), Manufacturing (3.49%), Construction (3.70%) and Accommodation & Food Services (1.97%) on year-on-year basis, these sectors actually contracted on quarter-on-quarter basis recording -9.5%, -0.72%, -13.01%, -23.06% and -61.11% respectively. Regrettably, the trajectory of the Agric sector gives cause for concern. This is because the sector actually underperformed relative to the previous two quarters dropping from 3.42% year-on-year growth rate recorded in Q4 of 2020 to 2.28% in Q1 of 2021 and to 1.3% in Q2 of 2021. Given that the sector employs over 60 percent of the population, it is not di΀cult to see why unemployment rate is on the rise while food inÁation rate has remained sticky downwards.

for the third and fourth quarters of 2021 will likely be lower than the high rate recorded in the second quarter. This is because the real GDP growth rates in the corresponding periods in 2020 of -3.62% and 0.11% respectively were signiÀcantly higher than the -6.10% recorded in the second quarter of 2020. On the Áip side, barring any further decline in average daily oil production, the oil sector is most likely to record improved numbers buoyed by the base eͿect given that it shrunk by -13.69% and -19.76% in Q3 and Q4 of 2020 respectively compared to -6.63% contraction recorded in Q2 of 2020.

According to the NBS, the GDP growth rate Year to Date, (Jan to June 2021) came in at 2.70% compared to -2.70% recorded in the first half of 2020. At this rate the projection of 3% real GDP growth rate contained in the 2021 budget looks realistic.

:KDW WR ([SHFW LQ 4 DQG 4 If the base eͿect is a useful indicator, then the real GDP growth rates

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The Bottom Line All said, the Q2 2021 real GDP performance as reported by the NBS is cheering news for Nigeria that sends positive signal to local and foreign investors regarding the resilience of the Nigerian economy despite security challenges. This is especially so in view of the fact that longer-term trends such as the 12-month growth rate are considered more important than short-term changes reflected in the quarter-on-quarter numbers which are often volatile. Given that GDP growth is a necessary condition for economic development, it also raises the prospects of inclusive growth- that which promotes job creation and poverty reduction in the medium-to-long term. The challenge therefore should be how to ensure that this relatively strong GDP growth is not only sustained but is made inclusive.

19

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 29, 2021

BANKING

Driving Access Bank to Reap %HQHÀWV RI ,QIRUPHG 'HFLVLRQV As Access Bank Plc breaks more grounds in Nigeria and beyond, Festus Akanbi, in this piece writes that the bank is reaping from some informed decisions of its Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe

I

t was Steve Jobs, the charismatic pioneer of the personal computer era, who succinctly captures the uniqueness of good leadership in his popular quote, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”.

This perfectly captures the daring and “nothing-is-impossible” spirit of the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Mr, +erbert Wigwe, who eͿectively became the chief executive of the now leading Tier-1 bank in Nigeria on January 1, 2014, following the retirement of the founding chief executive, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

Although Wigwe had recorded some daring moves ever since he took control of the bank, perhaps the riskiest of them was the merger with the now-defunct Diamond Bank.

Right from the stage of the consummation of the merger with Diamond Bank, till the conclusion of the process on April 1, 2019, Wigwe’s focus and conÀdence over his action were never in doubt. It was a period many had feared that acquiring Diamond Bank with speculations about its exposures and crisis at that period would leave Access Bank bruised.

But for Wigwe, who has proven to have the ability to spot opportunities where others least expect, there was no going back on his plan to expose Access Bank to the technological edge and other opportunities inherent in Diamond Bank.

According to him, the board of the bank believed that the proposed combination of the two operations provided an exciting prospect for all stakeholders in both businesses and that the exercise would create a Ànancial institution with the scale, strength, and expertise to capitalise on the signiÀcant opportunities in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa more broadly.

Two years after the celebrated business merger, banking industry watchers say Access Bank is already reaping the beneÀts of such an informed decision.

Robust CSR Policy Also under the watchful eyes of Wigwe, Access Bank has continued to carve a niche for itself as a bank with robust corporate social responsibility projects scattered all over the country. It didn’t come as a surprise, therefore, when in 2019, the bank was ranked as the overall best company in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability in Nigeria for the year as published in Forbes Africa. The ranking was based on a result drawn from impact assessments of 910 organisations operating in Nigeria over the last 13 years.

Wigwe is a bank chief who believes that as the institution becomes bigger, so also its impacts in its immediate environment should increase. This, therefore, explains why the bank dedicates a minimum of one per cent of its ProÀt-Before-Tax to sustainability. The Bank also co-created the Àrst disability inclusion hub in Nigeria, initiated and led the development of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles, and has brought about social and economic beneÀts to host communities across Nigeria through its employee volunteering scheme.

It is therefore a delight to its customers that Access Bank Plc’s retail banking division is embarking on corporate social responsibility (CSR) project that will impact over 90,000 youths across the country.

The CSR initiative by the Retail Banking Division primarily fosters development in areas of academic and moral excellence, Ànancial literacy, reading culture, personal leadership, and infrastructural upgrade amongst secondary school students and over 90 schools across the nation.

SMEs Financing That Access Bank stands out as a formidable Ànancier of Small and Medium Enterprises projects in Nigeria is not in doubt.

Wigwe

Like a commander with a determined mindset, Wigwe has successfully led the bank to take a pre-eminent position in the area of SMEs Ànancing especially at a period when the economy is buͿeted by the twin problems of the Covid-19 scourge and the growing poverty in the land.

As a mark of its readiness to help build the nation, Access Bank, under Wigwe decided to invest in the youths following the devastation of the End-SARS protests in 2020. Consequently, the bank announced a N50 billion support in form of interest-free loans and grants to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support the rebuilding of businesses aͿected by EndSARS protests.

One cannot forget in a hurry how the peaceful EndSARS protests had degenerated into chaos with reports of vandalisation and looting of businesses across the country.

The bank said helping businesses recoup their losses was its ‘responsibility and duty.

“As one of Nigeria’s largest businesses serving every part of our society, it is our responsibility and duty to make a diͿerence. Corporates cannot simply stand by and send messages of solidarity, and go back to ‘business as usual’ without helping get their customers and communities back on track.

“There has been a setback on this journey and we feel the hurt of our nation. We are committed to restarting businesses quickly but even more important to ensure we come out of this stronger and more successful together,” a statement from the bank had said, Not done with the business of helping people, Wigwe later said Access Bank was committed to helping Nigerian businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic and set a course for recovery.

He made this known after the Bank secured loan support, worth up to $50 Million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

According to Wigwe, the funds will, “HelpAccess Bank Plc increase its liquidity to several Nigerian small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) navigating the economic challenges of COVID-19.

“In Nigeria, SMEs contribute over 45 per cent of national GDP, account for about 96 per cent of businesses and 84% of employment. Access Bank, therefore, recognises the importance of SMEs to economic stability and is going the extra mile to ensure that such businesses are adequately Ànanced to weather these testing times.”

Access Bank, Africa’s largest retail bank, serves more than 36 million customers across a network of 677 branches. $FFHVV %DQN DQG 1LJHULDQ :RPHQ Not leaving the womenfolks behind, Access Bank in 2020 unveiled the second edition of its Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton programme.

The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Africa 2020 Campaign is designed to provide female-owned businesses across Africa an opportunity to access Ànance and world-class business training as well as mentoring opportunities. This programme has been designed to create an enabling environment for female entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

Speaking at the launch of the second edition of this initiative, Ayona Trimnell, Group Head W Initiative, describedAccess Bank as a leading advocate for women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria.

“As a responsible Ànancial institution with a huge presence in other African countries, we want to give the same opportunity to other female entrepreneurs in Ghana, Rwanda, and Zambia as well as Sierra Leone, Gambia, & Congo to apply and participate in this year’s edition of the programme,” she stated.

Strong Retail Bank Under Wigwe’s leadership, nothing is

cast of stones, He believes the time is ripe to focus on retail business as the nation’s economy expands, Before its merger with the defunct Diamond Bank, Access Bank had built a solid wholesale business with a strong treasury and was renowned for strong risk management.

Diamond Bank had its strengths in microSMEs and individuals, with a strong digital institution of about 17 million customers.

Following the 2019 Access-Diamond merger, Access Bank became the largest bank in Nigeria by customer base and is continuously upgrading its systems to provide the same high level of service to its over 31 million customers post-merger.

Wigwe explained that the Bank has changed from being primarily focused on wholesale – where they only had to work majorly with large or medium corporations – to retail banking, ensuring payments are seamless from top to bottom.

This shift by Access Bank to retail banking operations has seen the Bank increase its credit facilities options. The primary objective of retail banks is to be the one-stop shop for Ànancial services for its consumers. In line with this, Access Bank oͿers services such as current accounts, savings accounts, investments, personal loans, and so on. Also, all of these services are fast and digitally-led.

A part of the Bank’s strategy is to provide customers with digital services, using certain key strategic levers like automation, connectivity, simplicity, and convenience. In this vein, Access Bank has leveraged technology to create instant and remote solutions to deploying digital services across all its subsidiaries.

In terms of its Ànancials, Access Bank under Wigwe has continued to put smiles on the faces of both shareholders and customers.

This is because, despite dislocations in the economy in the past few years, Access Bank has continued to record improvement in its operating performances. For instance, its Gross Earnings for 2020 were N764,717,441 a 15 percent improvement from its 2019 Àgure of N666,753,600 and its 2018 Àgure of N528,744,579.

The bank under the watch of Wigwe also recorded a 13 per cent sustained growth in its proÀt before tax within three years, 2018, 2019, and 2020. It recorded a PAT of N125,922, 129 in 2020 while it declared N111,925,523 and N103,187,703 for 2019 and 2018 respectively.

For its proÀt after tax, a 13 per cent growth was also recorded within three years. N106,009,695 for year 2020 while N94,056,603 and N94,981,086 were posted in 2019 and 2018 respectively.

Analysts said with the success recorded so far, there is every reason to be conÀdent that Access Bank will cross the N200billion PTA mark by the time its full-year 2021 result is ready.

7KH 0DQ :LJZH Wigwe started his professional career with Coopers & Lybrand Associates, an international Àrm of Chartered Accountants. He spent over 10 years at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, where he managed several portfolios, including Ànancial institutions, large corporates, and multinationals. He left Guaranty Trust Bank as an Executive Director to co-lead the transformation of Access Bank Plc in March 2002 as Deputy Managing Director. He was appointed Group Managing Director/CEO eͿective January 1, 2014.

Wigwe is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Executive Management Programme. He holds a master’s degree in Banking and International Finance from the University College of North Wales, a master’s degree in Financial Economics from the University of London, and a B.Sc. degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 29, 2021

AVIATION

Aviation Safety and Right Pricing of Ground Handling Services in Nigeria Chinedu Eze writes that ground handling services play a critical role in commercial aviation and contribute to the overall air safety in both scheduled and unscheduled operations. However, because their services are poorly priced, experts posit that their low Ànancial status may threaten safety and security at the airports ment, the realities then dawned on the handling companies that they have to seek for a prevalent tariͿ as obtained in other countries to meet their Ànancial obligations, sustain the quality of services they oͿer and also adequately pay their staͿ.

“As it is, the poor handling rate can no longer be overlooked if we want the future for the handling companies in this country. Yes, pricing is a function of demand and supply really, but no country in the world will leave the Àxing of prices in the hands of those that receive our services.

We discovered that when we were trying to do some things on the cargo pricing some time ago, the government summoned us. There are still laws that guide things we do,” Agboarumi said.

Ground handling company offloading an aircraft at the Cargo Terminal at the airport

N

o commercial aircraft can take oͿ from any airport without the critical role of ground handlers that provide passenger and cargo services, from passenger check-in, aircraft cleaning, and cargo movement. Because of their important roles, they have access to both open and restricted areas of the airport and are involved in the security architecture of every airport in the world where scheduled services take place.

In Nigeria, commercial airlines engage the services of ground handlers, which provide a wide range of services, from aircraft Áight, aircraft ground repositioning, preparation for and upon conclusion of a Áight, including both customer service and ramp service functions.

But due to poor pricing, the handling companies,thefederalgovernment and airport managers lose huge revenues when compared to earnings attracted by ground handling services in other parts of the world, including the West African sub-region.

Pricing Industry experts that specialise in ground handling services said Nigerian companies lose about N14.1 billion ($28,350,000) annually to inappropriate pricing of their services and taxes to the government that would have accrued from higher charges.

THISDAY learnt that the handling companies still charge between $300 to $1,000 to handle a narrow-body aircraft, rather than $1,400 to $1,600 charged in other African countries, while for the wide-body aircraft, they still charge about $3,000 instead of $5,000 that such services attract in sub-Saharan African countries.

There are indications that no fewer than 45 narrow-body aircraft on regional and international routes, which include Boeing B737, Airbus A320, ER 135, and ATR aircraft are handled daily at the nation’s international airports by the ground handling companies.

For wide-body aircraft like Boeing B767, A330, B777, and B747, at least 20 Áights are handled

daily by the ground handling companies.

For instance, the average handling rate in other West African countries for a narrow-body aircraft is $1,500, while it is about $300 to $1,000 per aircraft in Nigeria.

For wide-body aircraft, at least 20 are handled daily across the nation’s international airports by the handling companies, while 600 of such aircraft are handled monthly and 7,200 annually.

The handling companies handle 45 narrowbody aircraft daily, 1,350 monthly, and 16,200 annually.

(FRQRPLF %HQHÀWV This unfavourable situation has prompted stakeholders in the industry to warn that if the current rates being charged by both foreign and local airlines by the handling companies are not reviewed, the ground handlers may go under, while safety and security may also be jeopardised in the system.

They argued that the federal government is not deriving optimal economic beneÀts from international civil aviation through adequate payment for services oͿered by ground handling service providers even though the Nigerian aviation market is a force to reckon with in the West Africa sub-region and Africa as a whole because of the size of the economy and its population as well as the purchasing power of the middle class.

THISDAY learnt that the last time the ground handling tariͿ was reviewed in Nigeria was in 1999, but since then, airfares have skyrocketed, the dollar exchange rate has multiplied, giving vent to high inÁation and diminishing the value of the naira.

Safety and Security Experts noted that ground handling companies are barely surviving due to the low operating proÀt. They cannot aͿord to invest in innovative technology, modern equipment, recruit and retain quality manpower, and conduct training aimed at preventing incidents and accidents. They stressed that it is di΀cult to pay living wages to their staͿ, adding that if this continues, safety procedures would become a reactive exercise instead of being seen as a proactive measure.

They explained that there is a link between safety and operating revenue. According to them, while the handlers are fully committed to providing safe and secure ground handling operations, diminishing revenues due to low tariͿs combined with the increasing cost of doing business would continue to put material pressure on safety and security as well as the long-term sustainability of the ground handling companies.

Theyaddedthatalow-proÀtmarginattractslow employee remuneration and that staͿ members face Ànancial challenges and can become easy targets for criminals. The handlers said they want to enhance the security of the aerotropolis by paying living wages to staͿ.

Background The Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO), Mr. Basil Agboarumi, told THISDAY, “It is certainly unfortunate that this has been on and has been allowed to linger for this long. Let’s go back to the memory lane on why things are the way they are to date. For instance, SAHCO is one company that grew from the ashes of the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways. SAHCOL (as it was called then) was at that time the ground handling arm of Nigeria Airways. Then, the company was also the one doing handling for other foreign airlines operating in Nigeria. Nigeria Airways was also the one managing the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) arrangements with other countries.

Agboarumi noted that the world then was beginning to understand that the best way to perform better was for some of the loads on the airlines to be shelved so that the airlines could focus on Áying and other companies could then begin to oͿer services to the airlines.

During that period, the airlines could just pay some peanuts to the ground handling companies because the handling companies belonged to them. But when ground handling companies became independent entities, they needed to charge adequately for the services they render.

Payment for Services Agboarumi said that with such huge invest-

(;HFW RI 3RRU +DQGOLQJ 5DWHV RQ 2SHUDWLRQ The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi, warned that the poor tariͿ on ground handling services might begin to aͿect the quality of services rendered and also may erode other facets of airport services, knowing that ground handling operations are embedded in diͿerent aspects of Áight operations.

“NAHCO is a foremost ground handling company and we do not compromise in terms of safety and security of our operations. We are a customer-centric organisation, we are focused on our customers and how to deliver the services based on the level of agreement that we have with them.

“The challenge that we have is that over the last few years, our rates have been static and some have even gone down, meanwhile foreign exchange and cost of the living index have risen astronomically. We have been doing our best, ensuring that the safety and security of our customers are not compromised and we want to continue to be able to do that to any airline that we serve.

“In moving forward, we have to invest in our GSEs (ground equipment), facilities, and our people; we have done this and we will continue to do this, but within these astronomical costs that have not been matched with the right pricing, we need to review our rates. Can we continue to do that and survive as an organisation? The answer is no. Can we continue to oͿer the same level of services that we have been oͿering? The answer is no. We have done a Àve-year plan of where we need to invest; we will continue to do this. We know where the challenges are,” she said.

Demand The Association of Ground Handlers of Nigeria (AGHAN) has called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which undertakes the safety and economic regulation of the industry to review the tariͿ for ground handling services.

President of the association, Olaniyi Adigun, explained that the rate the handlers are even demanding “is the benchmark below which you can not oͿer these services safely. Even, in deregulated economies around the world, we have benchmarks that are given; some may not be announced while the others are announced. What we are saying is that you can charge whatever you want, but you must not go below a framework that will harm the industry, harm the business, and cause safety issues.

“The NCAA is a regulator in charge of safety and security. The NCAA is also the regulator of the economics of the industry. AGHAN has approached the NCAAfrom a safety perspective.

The regulation sets out boundaries by which an operator can operate and so many things.

So, when you say the industry is regulated, it doesn’t mean there are no boundaries, it is just that the boundaries are clear and you can come and operate, but when it is deregulated, the boundaries are formed, every part of it is spelt out,” he said.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 29, 2021

WOMEN ENTERPRENEURS KEHINDE OKOROAFOR

Wigs and Weaves Have Money Spinners in Nigeria Kehinde Okoroafor is a graduate of Economics. She is an entrepreneur, a humanitarian, and founder of Make Mee Elegant Foundation and Young Widows Mite, as well as CEO of Nextlevelhair Manufacturer, a hair manufacturing company here in Nigeria and Vietnam. She is passionate about helping and empowering widows and young women across the globe which has taken her to 12 countries freely empowering women. Okoroafor is a mother and mentor to so many young women and she is a deÀnition of a woman supporting women. She is a recipient of so many awards. In this interview with Oyinlola Sale, Okoroafor reveals to us the secret behind the success of Next Level Hair Manufacturer

W

hat is the story behind the Creation of Next Level Hair Manufacturer?

It was born out of passion, I always wanted to do something unique that will catch people’s attention.

We started this business 15 years ago and it all started as a passion but it became a reality at the end of the day, and along the line, we established our factory.

Compare and contrast the current state of Nigeria’s hair industry and the situation 20 years ago, what has changed?

Looking at the hair business 20 years ago, takes me to when we started this company, we had 15 staͿ, it was lucrative and the business was moving and within six months, we had 198 staͿ.

Then Chinese came into Nigeria with hair products and that changed the game of Nigeria’s hair industry and there began a big competition.

The dollar rate about 10 years ago was N150 to a dollar but now it is more expensive.

What does it take to set up a hair business-like . Next Level Hair Manufacturer, Is it Capital Intensive?

Setting up a hair manufacturing business is expensive, the machines are capital intensive and this business is human-intensive.

Manufacturing in Nigeria is not easy, it will drain you physically and mentally. There was a time for a whole year, I was running on a generator and that alone consumed all my proÀt.

What is the present state of Nigeria’s hair industry?

Nigeria’s booming hair industry is dominated by mostly Asian companies that supply synthetic and real human hair for everything from wigs to weaving.

However, in recent times local players are also slowly catching up in this highly competitive market.

Wigs and weaves have become the biggest moneymakers in Nigeria, in an industry dominated mostly by Asianbased companies.

What inspired you to establish the Make Mee Elegant Foundation and Young Widows Mite?

I love seeing women empowered, be their bosses and be independent.

I started the Make Mee Elegant Foundation nine years ago, empowering women and young girls.

However, I started Young Widows Mite Foundation four years ago, it was Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija that inspired me to establish the foundation.

Through this foundation, we give moral support to young widows and support them Ànancially.

The Make Mee Elegant Foundation, in collaboration with SunTrust Bank, has been able to give loans to women to start up a business.

My dream is to see that all women are

Okoroafor

independent.

I have empowered over 8000 young women and I’m still counting.

Now, when you started this business, what were some of your biggest fears?

Due to the competitors and the stereotype for made in Nigeria Brands, I was afraid if this will ever succeed.

I realised that it was just a stepping stone to greatness.

What are some of the challenges D;HFWLQJ WKH PDQXIDFWXULQJ VHFWRU" The manufacturing sector in the country is groaning under the yoke of the economic downturn in recent times.

This has caused some organisations to fold up, while others are relocating to neighbouring countries like Ghana, Togo, and so on where the cost of production and infrastructure are friendly.

Infrastructural deÀciency in Ni-

geria currently makes it di΀cult for the manufacturing sector to have an appreciable return on investment.

The roads are not motorable.

There is no constant electricity, which makes it mandatory for manufacturers to fuel their generating sets at their costs, yet pay electricity bills.

Products from China, though substandard and cheaper, are more acceptable to our people. As inferior as the Chinese organisations and their products are, it is di΀cult for local industries to compete with them.

Then add that to insecurity, you will agree with me that manufacturers are going through hard times in the country.

Now, can you elaborate on the opportunities in the hair industry?

A hair and beauty professional have the daily task of reinventing someone’s image, making others feel more beautiful, thus a job in this area is something challenging.

Not only it allows you to change someone else’s lives, boosting their confidence by making them look and feel great but also your own, through constant personal development.

Today’s hair and beauty professional is a representative of the always-growing, always-changing, and ever-engaging hair and beauty industry. If you are innovative and have the will and the ambition, there is no limit to your potential.

Now, what makes Next Level Hair Manufacturer unique from other hair brands?

We are known for high-quality hair products, consistency, and creativity.

What is your latest achievement and award so far?

Recognition as a worthy champion of Nigerian women award from the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

IMAGES

A

cross-section of dignitaries at the wedding of Ibrahim, son of the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Social InsuranceTrust Fund (NSITF), Alhaji Ahmed Rufai Mohammed, and, Zainab, daughter of Jarman Sokoto , Alhaji Ummaru Kwabo, in Abuja ... recently

Bride , Dr. Zainab Umaru Kwabo and Groom , Ibrahim Ahmed Rufai

L-R: Senator Abba Aji Muhammad Kashim, Groom, Ibrahim Ahmed Rufai and Alhaji Rufai Mohammed

PHOTOS: GODWIN OMOIGUI

L-R: Jiwaga State Governor, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar and Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal

L-R: Hajara Garba Ahmed and Hadiza Rufai Mohammed

L-R: Nasir Ghali and Nazir Bashir

L-R: George Onokwai, Muhammad Tahir, and Musa Osada

L -R: Victor Eburajolo; Andrew Okolo and Chief Oseni Elamah

L-R: Garba Ahmed and Turaki Ibrahim

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

23

IMAGES

L-R: Ahmed Hadi and Kashim Mohammed

L -R: Faruk Shehu; Sanni Umar and Garba Ahmed

L-R: Dr. Taofeek Ige and S. K. Obawede

L-R: T. Ibrahim and Muhammad Haba

L-R: Rabui Gwazo and Garba Ahmed

L-R: Ameer Uwais and Hilaluddeen Muhammad

L-R: Bola Daudu, Onalo Ojima, and Haladu Umar

L-R: Ali Muhammad and Zuberu Rilwan

L-R: Benard Idoka, Nelson Akerele, and Amos Odeh

L-R: Mukhtar Othman and Mustapha Wada

24

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • AUGUST 29, 2021

MARKET NEWS 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

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 26Aug-2021, unless otherwise stated.

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 Afrinvest Dollar 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 N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.47% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.30 3.46 -2.97% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.75% Anchoria Equity Fund 139.84 141.53 5.13% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.14 -14.22% 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 19.69 20.28 8.55% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 432.68 445.73 8.07% ARM Ethical Fund 38.31 39.46 13.63% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -0.98% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.97 0.98 -7.33% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.15% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.88 105.88 4.10% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,028.49 1,028.49 2.85% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 134.15 135.09 6.32% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.67% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.03 2.03 -8.58% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.13 2.17 -7.36% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 2.61% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.71% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 117.98 118.74 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.98 107.98 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.88% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.21 1.22 0.50% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.40 1.40 -11.46% 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 100.00 100.00 8.36% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 7.68% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,154.34 1,170.60 0.20% 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 1,406.81 1,406.81 12.06% FBN Balanced Fund 191.14 192.48 1.84% FBN Halal Fund 112.08 112.08 8.36% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.45% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

126.88 156.59

126.88 3.52% 159.91 3.58% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.96 1.59 1.19

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 5.75% 3.96 2.47% 1.62 4.43% 1.19 4.33% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price N/A N/A N/A

Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A

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 7.83% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.68 2.74 -6.11% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 152.59 152.87 -1.87% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.27 1.32 1.22% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 0.54% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.43 1.45 4.86% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,146.96 1,146.96 5.62% 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 11.44 11.48 9.04% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 9.30% 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 1.67 1.69 7.15% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.54 11.54 -5.09% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.01% PACAM Equity Fund 1.64 1.66 3.90% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.91 114.78 2.79% 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 131.71 134.29 8.88% 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 1.05 1.05 10.00% 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 3,293.40 3,328.25 2.54% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 232.53 232.53 3.42% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.22 1.24 4.24% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 306.44 306.44 4.00% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 224.59 227.91 2.90% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.74% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,388.31 10,534.58 -1.02% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.27 1.27 3.56% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 115.39 115.39 3.88% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 103.27 103.27 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.30 1.32 1.64% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 4.35% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 9.18% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.40% United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.95 119.95 4.79% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 3.79% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 6.05% 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 12.86 12.97 8.34% Zenith Ethical Fund 14.22 14.35 16.41% Zenith Income Fund 24.31 24.31 1.36% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.23%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

125.36 51.90

10.94% 2.86%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.35

13.45

1.04%

121.84 97.24 17.43 18.21

124.87 99.37 17.53 18.31

1.33% -1.99%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

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

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

3.90 5.54 17.50 1.00 19.67 156.87

3.94 5.62 17.60 1.00 19.87 158.87

3.27% -2.62% 7.83% 6.32% -4.14% -28.63%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.40

13.11%

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.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

29.8.2021

S

OLASUBOMI IGINLA-AINA HER TALE, TRIALS AND TRIUMPH She is an amazon whose leadership trait first shone when she emerged as students’ leader at the Obafemi Awolowo University. She was instrumental to the reinstatement of over ten rusticated students. Later, she pushed past borders, carrying her advocacy abroad while gaining recognition for her commitment to humanity. Olasubomi Iginla-Aina MBE, recently won a worldwide election to become a Director of the Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC)- the representative organ for all NGOs associated with the United Nations Department for Global Communication (UNDGC). In a rare encounter with Funke Olaode, Iginla-Aina unveils her plans for the new office - how she hopes to upscale her advocacy work to the rostrum of the global empowerment.

he walked majestically into the prestigious Buckingham Palace, home to the British Monarchy. Impeccably dressed from head-to-toe in red aso-oke matched with a golden pair of highheeled shoes, she was in high spirits. She was the cynosure of all eyes as she was among a few good ones to be honoured for their works. She beamed with smiles. Proudly Nigerian, she was aglow with the African spirit. A once-in-lifetime experience comes with a huge responsibility which she had inadvertently be groomed for.

Welcome to the world of Ambassador Olasubomi Iginla-Aina, Member of the British Empire (MBE), an honour bestowed on her by the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of her contribution to humanity. While she was still basking in the euphoria of being an MBE, next came a global recognition from the United Nations.

With almost 30 years of active engagement in international development projects, it’s no surprise that she won a worldwide election to become a Director of the Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC)-the representative organ for all NGOs associated with the United Nations Department for Global Communication (UNDGC). Alongside 17 other individuals who form the GNEC, they act as the liaison between the NGO community and the UN through the Department of Global Communication.

With her current position, Iginla-Aina will liaise with the UN on behalf of the global NGO community to achieve sustainable development goals.

Prior to her present position, she has been the CEO and Executive Director for Lightup Foundation, where she works with other Lightup directors to identify, plan and execute projects - promote collaboration, identify opportunities and share best practices to achieve the objectives of Lightup Foundation. IginlaAina founded Lightup Foundation while she was acting Students’ Union President of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (O.A.U) in 2000. “I had a strong passion for youth development, so I decided to contribute my own quota towards the fight against child abuse and the welfare of the less-privileged people in the society.”

Iginla-Aina has been a flagbearer in humanitarian causes, creditably representing Nigeria on the world stage and making Nigeria proud by her selfless, focused social work through the Lightup Foundation.

This ageless philanthropist and humanitarian activist peeled the layers on her childhood during this encounter.

“I am from Lagos State. My dad, Alade Iginla, was from Isale-Eko and my mother from Ikorodu. For me, growing up was quite a challenge. I was born into a polygamous family. I lived with my mom. I am the last of four children,” she began.

Iginla-Aina may be commanding national and international attention in her adult life, but as a child, she had her share of high and low moments.

“I was always coming last in my class. Mum knew I loved to play a lot, so she spoke to one Mr. Mensa, a Ghanaian teacher who provided extra

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

50

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

COVER

Inside Story of OAU Ex-Student Leader with Passion for Humanity tutorials for me after school hours. Mr. Mensa himself was playful and soon discovered my passion for play and restlessness, so he would introduce every topic to me playfully.

“I learnt so much from him within a short time, and in the next exams, I took the fifth position. When we got home, my mum was surprised. She later called me and told me that she would take me anywhere around the world if I eventually took the first position. I was excited about my mom’s promise. Sadly, mom died a few months later. I continued to live with my grandmother who also died a year after my mom’s death.”

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Iginla-Aina spirit wasn’t dampened.

Instead, it was fired up. From that moment, the leadership quality in her began to manifest. Her leadership trait began at Anglican Girls Grammar School (LAGGS), where she was the head girl. Igunla-Aina’s intellectual prowess continued as she shone brilliantly and was among the top ten selected for scholarship in Lagos State for ‘Intelligence and good conduct’.

“There are times that I would attend prize-giving day at school and I would be in front, collecting prizes for different subjects. After this, I would also be the recipient of the prize for the most talented student, with no parent there to cheer me up. I would go home on days like these with my hands full and my heart empty. Sometimes, I received cheers from a few neighbors who saw me walking home with gifts.”

Having come out with flying colours, Iginla-Aina proceeded to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U), Ile-Ife where she studied Architecture in 1996. Apart from her academic pursuit at Ife, Iginla-Aina also desired to test the murky water of politics.

“The political traits in me didn’t start today. While I was in secondary school, I kept telling my friends that I was going to study Architecture at the Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U.) and that I was going to become the President of the Students’ Union. They listened to me and watched me with great amazement but they never for once understood me.

“Now, from my part one at the university, I would mention to my roommates that I was going to become the President of the Students’ Union. They would look at me and laugh. They told me that, “Females don’t become presidents here”. But I continued to tell them that I would one day become the SUG President.”

“I remember one day we all woke up to hear the news that some Students’ Union Executives and some students had been killed during a cult attack. There was pandemonium on campus on that very day. I decided to visit the hospital to confirm what was going on.

“I got there and I was told that the students had been moved to the mortuary. I insisted I wanted to confirm what I was hearing for a strange reason, so I got to the mortuary and the attendant showed me the bodies of the dead students.

“I came out of the mortuary angry and right behind the mortuary building, reaffirmed within me that such injustice must not be allowed to continue and I must become the president of the SUG.” Ordinarily such a scene should discourage anyone from getting involved, but on the contrary, it only made her reaffirm her dedication to the cause. The student’s unrest at the O.A.U became a launching pad for her ambition of becoming the SUG president.

“I did not have money for a single poster but the strategies were mind-

Prince Williams (left), decorating Iginla-Aina as a Member of British Empire (MBE) at Buckingham Palace

blowing. I had no money to campaign.

After many challenges, I was denied funds from home because they didn’t want me to contest. Lecturers and popular people were campaigning for me without knowing me.

“I was a faceless candidate, I had no money for posters, and I used chalk to write my surname, “IGINLA” (which literally means, “big tree” in strategic places on campus and on trees. I later appealed to one of the business centers on campus to please write ‘IGINLA’ with landscape orientation on A4 paper and they produced black and white photocopies of this.

“The total amount for this was N100 which I agreed to pay after the election. No one knew whether I was a male or female except my close friends.”

She narrated that, while she wrote with chalk, a particular lecturer who teaches one of the special elective courses with thousands of students attending his lecture appealed to his students.

“He specifically said, ‘This guy is environmentally-friendly, instead of defacing the campus, he is writing with chalk, and when rain comes, it will be washed away’.

According to her, the lecturer said others made expensive posters, and that they would steal the students’ money when they got into the office. This was the basis for his plea.’’

She eventually won the election to become the Vice President of the Students’ Union and later the President. During the period she emerged as president, the longstanding problem of reinstating over ten rusticated students, including the SUG President became resolved.

“It has been close to 20 years since IginlaAina left O.A.U but the impact of her brief reign as president vibrated in 2018 when the UN Ambassador requested for character reference from her Vice Chancellor.

“My VC did not hesitate in sending pages

of his book to the secretary. He had actually written a book about his time as the VC of O.A.U., titled: “Water Must Flow Up Hill”. He had mentioned my name in two different pages (pages 187 and 188) that he reinstated the over ten rusticated students due to the way I was able to manage the situation.

“He mentioned the peaceful rally which was rather remarkable. When my VC spoke to me on the phone, I wept within me. He told me that despite the fact that I was always on his case, he saw sincerity in my entire advocacy, and he appreciated my honesty and charismatic leadership and told me, ‘Subomi, I re-instated Anthony Fashayo and others because of you’.

“The reinstatement of over ten rusticated students of O.A.U. was as a result of the cumulative efforts of so many students’ union officers/leaders before and during my tenure as well as the entire students’ body, Professor Rogers Makanjuola, some members of the school authority and many other people within the school and even other external influencers.”

Iginla-Aina moved to England in 2006 to join her husband. There, she continued with her social work as her desire to do the much she can for the youths and the disadvantaged people around her remains unquenchable.

Iginla-Aina also revealed that her driving force rests on helping midwives to have a better and brighter tomorrow, especially for those who thought that such hope is farfetched.

“As I continue in my mission, I also saw the need to have many more people do what I do so that the impact can be

widespread. This has led me to raise many more visionaries and volunteers to do social and humanitarian works.

“I have thus seen the need for us to be properly organised in order to bring efficiency into the things that we do. I have begun that with LightUp Foundation, and we are doing quite a lot to brush up other NGOS on having structures and accountability systems.

“I took a Masters’ degree in Law (LLM) in order to understand the legal framework within which NGOs operate and ensure that our enterprises are conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations of the countries where we operate.

“I am currently pursuing a PhD in the topic: ‘Africa Moving from Aid to Trade: United Nations and How the Body has assisted African Youth Entrepreneurial Development to Achieve the SDG Goals 8 and 9. What More Can Be Done with Nigeria as a Case Study’.

“This topic is focused on how the UN can achieve some of the Sustainable Development Goals. I believe my research knowledge will definitely be used to boost the global work of the Executive Committee as well as the youths of not only Nigeria but the continent of Africa.”

With her foot firmly rooted in helping humanity, she revealed why she contested for the membership of the Global NGO Executive Committee. “I sought a higher office with the intent of doing on a larger scale the things I have been doing for close to thirty years. I believe in working with the GNEC in a star-studded team of fellow visionaries.

“I hope that we should be able to push the frontiers of development agenda across the world in meeting up with the expectations of the electorate. I believe my strong organisational skills, experience and creative capacities will no doubt be a good resource for the work of the GNEC. “This will also be of immense benefit to organisations across the globe. I am happy to share my knowledge and expertise, to the benefit and empowerment of civil societies across the globe. I also hope to bring to the table ground-breaking ideas and solutions to help the Executive team.”

Enumerating her plans, she said “The first few months are critical for the work we have to do. Firstly, we need to understand what the current status of our world is in terms of civil society work especially with the impact of COVID-19. This sets the tune for our programme direction. Secondly, I will work hand-in-hand with the officers and other directors of GNEC to actualize the visions and goals of the Executive Committee for this dispensation.

“Without losing sight of my primary assignments in my personal capacity, we will push the Bag of Hope initiative a little further. We have toured seven out of 30 countries but we will do more in the next few months of my assumption of office. I am also consciously looking forward to working with UNDGC organisations on the global BOH tour. I see more things happening soon.”

Any benefit for the motherland in her capacity as a Nigerian and a member of the Global NGO Executive Committee? She responded: “I was elected as a member of the Global NGO Executive Committee to represent global interests. However, because I am passionate about Nigeria, I would be glad to contribute my quota towards the development of Nigeria in any way that I can, beginning with the empowerment of the third sector.

“I will basically work with NGOs in Nigeria to organise trainings and seminars that would generally empower beneficiaries, especially in areas pertaining to youth development, child abuse, and the empowerment of lessprivileged members of the society. With my high level involvement at a global stage, by the grace of God, I will ensure that decision-making is truly representative of the interests of the people. Therefore, I intend to work hand-in-hand with the relevant authorities to see this actualised,” she stated.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

51

GLITZ FOCUS

KEHINDE IYIOLA

THE ELEGANT SKILLS OF A PASSIONATE EVENT PLANNER Fourteen years ago, Kehinde Iyiola planned her first event with little or no resources. Today, the unassuming and elegant young lady is a leading event planner with a rich clientele that includes royalties and politicians, writes Vanessa Obioha

I always tell people that you cannot appreciate the process until you see the end result. What they see as rubbish becomes something to treasure at the end

Iyiola

T

wo things caught Kehinde Iyiola’s fancy as a child: event planning and fashion designing.

“I like craft, art and imagining things, designing, conceptualising and executing, arranging and putting things together. It is a passion for me and I do it effortlessly,” she began during a recent chat.

Her proclivity towards planning and designing can be traced to her mother.

Iyiola, who has a twin living in London, grew up watching her mother make beads for customers. Fascinated by the skill, she offered to spearhead the arrangement of the beads, although she had a knack for helping members of her family choose the right attire for occasions. Having four sisters made the task enjoyable and rewarding as she would reveal later. Her planning skills were also seen in housekeeping and cooking.

Yet, when it was time for her to study at the university, Iyiola found herself in the law field.

However, her organisational skills didn’t desert her. It was evident during her days at Lagos State University (LASU).

“While I was at LASU, I was a member of the Junior Chambers International (JCI) and I was very active, in terms of being at the forefront of organising things whenever there was an event involving the club.”

By her second year, she landed an ushering job with one of the high-profile event management companies in Nigeria, Elizabeth R, owned by the late Ibidunni Ighodalo.

Under the tutelage of Ighodalo whom she described as a sweet-natured woman, Iyiola honed her skills in fashion and designing. She started out making uniforms for the ushers before proceeding to design outfits for clients.

“That was never my passion,” she said.

“Although I used to do some drawings. I am very creative, in terms of imagining things and deciding how I wanted anything to look, and this drew me to fashion. But all I wanted to really do was event management. So after school, I registered my company, and ended up in this business.”

Encouraged by her mother, Iyiola’s first client turned out to be her sister.

“The first job I did was my sister’s wedding in 2007, and she actually paid me the sum of N250,000 to do the job. And till date, she takes pride in telling people that she paid me for my first job.”

Explaining further, she said her sister was confident in her knowledge and skills to put an event together, despite not having the resources and requisite tools.

“In fact, I put all my efforts into that event, which was held at LTV 8, Ikeja. After my sister’s wedding, I got two more wedding events from her friends, and that was how the journey began.”

Iyiola’s elevated status as a soughtafter event planner and owner of the event management company Finesse Events is dotted with trials and triumphs. Initially, not everyone trusted her with their events. She recalled a certain experience during the coronation of the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Fatai Aromire.

“I remember that while preparing for that event, the organising committee had loads of vendors that were bidding to get the job. But the then chairman of Apapa Local Government Council, Mr Ayo Joseph, (whose wedding I had also handled, after my sister’s wedding, and who has always pushed Finesse Events forward for every event), had insisted that the coronation was going to be handled by us.

“Initially, one of the members of the organising committee, Otunba Dapo Alli-

Balogun, who is the Oba’s cousin, had expressed his reservation about the event being given to us. According to him, he had not seen any of our jobs. But as God would have it, we got the brief to execute the job. On the day of the event, Otunba Alli Balogun searched for me because he was totally awe-struck by what he saw. When I met him, he apologised for doubting me, and he confessed that what he saw was beyond his expectation. From then onwards, he brought me closer, took me as his sister, gave me his events to handle and that has been it. Each of my events gives birth to different other events,” she enthused.

Her breakthrough job was when she organised a birthday party for the personal assistant to the then Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva. Both the Governor and his PA had attended a Christmas party of one of her clients and were completely blown away by the design and planning. Iyiola was immediately invited to Bayelsa for a meeting.

“She asked for an estimate of the cost. When

I told her I would work on it, she demanded an instant estimated cost. So I did the quotation and she transferred the money on the spot.

That was how we started the preparations and moved to Bayelsa for the event. After that event, we did all the events for the Bayelsa State government while Sylva served as the governor.”

The governor is just one of the names in the long list of her clients. Her clientele is mostly the cream of the society, high-ranked politicians and royalties. They include the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, King of Ogale, HRH Appolus Chu; and property magnate Sir Olu Okeowo, to mention a few.

Her clients are drawn to her attention to detail as well as the class and elegance she brings to her event. Iyiola has perfected her skill of transforming spaces into wonderland; meeting the taste of her clients. Her diligence and passion stand her out in the competitive market of event planning and management.

She attributed her staying power to her passion for the job.

“All you need to do is, project yourself well, put your best efforts in every job you get, notwithstanding the amount you are paid,” she advised. “The fact that you have collected the job, and committed yourself to do the job, you must go all out to deliver a good service. At the end of the day, it is the outlook that people will see, not the amount you were paid. People must understand that you are so privileged to market yourself in a circle of about 1500 people.

So you must give it your best and ensure the event is well delivered. If the event is properly handled, you will probably be able to knock down one or two potential clients.”

Iyiola understands that not all clients are the same. There are times when her efforts are not appreciated.

“I recall one particular event,” she said. “We had handled the birthday event of Governor Makinde’s father. Some years later, the old man died and we handled the burial ceremony, which had over 3,000 guests in attendance.

Governor Makinde was so impressed with the service we delivered that he sent me a cash gift to express his appreciation. I felt fulfilled because I saw the gesture as an expression of a true reward for labour. Meanwhile, there are some clients one would probably have made the same sacrifice for, put in so much effort to satisfy, and they will be unappreciative of the service one delivers.”

“In any case, the truth remains that once you get a brief, you have to go all out and deliver well, because you have a reputation to protect. There are clients who are not patient enough to see the outcome of the service you aim to deliver. They always want to interrupt the process. I always tell people that you cannot appreciate the process until you see the end result. What they see as rubbish becomes something to treasure at the end,” she stressed.

A founding member of Nigeria’s leading event management body Association of Professional Party Planners and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN), Iyiola added another feather to her cap this year.

She became the owner of a multipurpose event centre, White Stone located in Ikeja.

The opening ceremony pooled the classy and wealthy like Makinde and Shade Okoya, one of the wives of the billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, who described Iyiola as a hardworking lady during her speech.

The architectural edifice is a one-stop event space for people looking to make a bold and fashionable statement with their events. The halls are donned with glittering chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, moving headlights and exquisite seating arrangement for easy movement and accessibility. The facility also comes with accommodation for clients, particularly those coming from outside the state, a restaurant, a rooftop bar and a conference room. It is ideal for any kind of event, be it a birthday party or a wedding ceremony.

The event planner disclosed that the idea of having an event centre has always been in the pipeline since drew her first business plan in 2013. However, she gives all the glory to the Supreme One who gave her the vision — including the name — and guided her through the project.

With White Stone, Iyiola who is happily married with two children is stamping her foot in the event planning and management industry. From starting as a planning and decoration company, her services have expanded to rentals and a training school. Her dream is to see Finesse Events becoming a household name in the country.

52

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

HighLife

with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

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

Folorunsho Coker in Mike Adenuga the Game-Changer!

His Father’s Shoes Globacom Hits Town with Glo TV What are Nigerians good for? A common response would be “anything and everything!” And what about Mike Adenuga and his Globacom empire? A most likely response would be “the best of things!” Well, that latter response has a new addendum— the best of all things. This is the conclusion that smart people are coming to upon hearing the news of Globacom launching its own TV. Folks are bound to glow brightly with delight what with the latest move from Mike Adenuga. According to the reports, Globacom is ready to provide an alternative to the many TV mobile applications that are available to Nigerians with Glo TV. This wonderful news has been welcomed with cheers especially since the brand and its Chairman are known for revolutionising any industry they step into.

Thunderous Accolades as National Broadcasting Network TV Celebrates Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s Career

Coker

When folks insist that the apple has not fallen far from the tree in the life of a distinguished personality, they generally mean that such a person has inherited the best characteristics of their forebears. This is just the case with Folorunsho Coker who is just as illustrious as the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) as he is as the son of Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker, the late Baba Eto of Lagos and Bobagunwa of Igede-Ekiti. Recent events show that Folarin Coker is walking the same path of greatness as his late father.

The death of Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker, Baba Eto of Lagos, echoed across Lagos and Nigeria like a desolate cry. The man had lived a most prestigious life and left behind legacies that have been identified as difficult to imitate and impossible to surpass. But folks are modifying that assessment, thanks to the achievements of the late Baba Eto’s son, Folorunsho Coker.

As part of the celebration of his first year on the royal seat, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom has bestowed the title of Baba Eto of Ilara Kingdom on Folorunsho Coker. Along with several others, Oba Ogunsanwo raised the status of Coker several degrees up and set him on a path to mirror the accomplishments of his late father or possibly surpass them.

To those who know Folorunsho Coker, it can only be said that his father’s shoes are too big, or he’d be sporting many titles and the encomium of people big and small. Even before he was appointed DG of NTDC (a ministry reportedly created by his father), Coker had made a name for himself as one who laboured after international recognition of Nigeria’s arts, cultures and unique places.

For this reason, the man is one of the foremost figures in the promulgation of all things tourism, hospitality, arts and entertainment in Nigeria.

The Baba Eto title fits Folorunsho Coker and evidence the fact that he is a true son of his father.

Adenuga

From the company itself, Glo TV has been designed to be an “exciting product which ensures that access to television programming graduates from computer and television access to include mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers and are available on the go and real-time...” From any other company of Nigerian origin, that would be an advertisement that borders fantasy but coming from Globacom, it is about as solid as the company’s reputation gets.

As a company that doesn’t do half measures, Globacom has ensured Glo TV is on every online platform, from Android to IOS as well as the web for smart TVs. Moreover, there is the usual ‘some for the goose and some for the gander’ aspect about anything from Globacom. This time, that is taking the form of prepaid and postpaid options.

It’s apt to say that Globacom has been very pivotal to the immersive business stature and reputation of Adenuga. With the new Glo TV, Adenuga’s status as an innovative business person surges.

Dabiri-Erewa

Abike Dabiri-Erewa! A resounding name that thunders in the midst of women and men alike. An amazon she is; this is a fact that many people have become persuaded about after a brief observation of her works and accomplishments. A few days ago, a clip about her efforts at nation-building was released by the National Broadcasting Network TV (NABNTV). In it, Dabiri-Erewa was shown as

the public servant that she is.

Over the course of time, Dabiri-Erewa has advanced from being a broadcaster at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to becoming one of the nation’s notable public servants. It is needless to add that even during those 15 years anchoring the weekly NTA News line programme, Dabiri-Erewa stuck out like a bright colour of stocking. Unapologetically, she went completely political and showed everyone that one only needs a heart that burns for the people. And then she became Chairman/CEO of Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), stealing away the admiration of many.

Her journey from the NTA days to her towering persona on the floors of the House of Representatives was well-captured in the NABNTV documentary. This reminds folks Adenuga

that Dabiri-Erewa had not always been the Mother Tigress that she is today. Those were the days before she became consumed with a holy passion to see justice met in every area of government and society. No wonder she has always been on that side of the street, acting rather than preaching, amending rather than complaining.

According to the authorities at NABNTV, Dabiri-Erewa did not contribute anything to the documentary, not participating in any of their reviews of her life and work or encouraging them to deify her. Rather, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa is the first of many that the broadcasting network will be making documentaries about—serious nationbuilders, they call them. Who is it better to start with other than Hon. Abike Dabiri?

Fake News! We’re Not Selling Any of Captain’s Assets-Okunbo Family

Late Okunbo

Someone would argue that the world, as it is today, is more dangerous than the world of yesteryears. With technology granting any individual with a good internet connection a measure of omnipotence, there’s really nothing that is not thrown out into the untethered and

unguarded space that is the web. Fake news, for example.

A few days ago, reports started coming in regarding the assets of the late Chairman of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, Captain Idahosa Okunbo. According to the most popular of these reports, the family of the late billionaire businessman had decided to lessen the stress of managing his nearly boundless accumulation of wealth by selling off some of his assets.

Among the assets that are supposedly for sale is Okunbo’s super luxury hotel that is situated in the Asokoro area of Abuja, The Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments. This is a monster of an edifice with no fewer than 55 rooms of sprawling excellence. It has the typical components of a luxury hotel: bars, restaurants, swimming pools, spas, all the usual attachments. Except many grades higher than you would get anywhere

Party Across the Sea ...As Nigeria Ambassador, Demola Seriki Throws 60th Bash for Wife in Madrid The glittering city of Madrid, Spain, recently witnessed the kind of lavish celebration that only Nigerians can muster.

Even though it was muted for many reasons, the bash that Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Ademola Rasaq Seriki, threw in honour of his wife’s 60th birthday is enough to help Spaniards reassess their outlook on the curious and colourful.

There is no doubting the elegance that accompanies the wife of Ademola Seriki, Wosilat Okoya-Seriki. This taste and style has always inspired her husband, the Ambassador, to go out of his way to unite with her. This is no easy feat, that much is

Seriki

obvious, but for love, all difficulties are dry twigs. Thus, even as Mrs Wosilat clocked 60, Demola Seriki spared nothing to demonstrate his unquenchable love.

The dinner party was attended by friends and family, but that did not dim the colours of jubilation and satisfaction that permeated the air.

else for a facility that is only two years and about eight months old. Hence, for any person with a bit of money, this is the perfect spot to sink said funds.

This is why the reportofthefamilysellingoffthe hotel has been like a hurricane blowing across Nigeria.

It is not just ill-timed for the grieving family members, but a dent on the reputation of the Okunbos.

Thus, there have been several responses from the family denying the whole thing. They described the most popular report as “evil and reprehensible concoction of preposterous fallacy by a mischievous author/authors of the above piece under reference.”

While all this is going on, smart folks are wondering how the news came about in the first place? What are said mischievous authors trying to accomplish? Maybe this is one of those things that only time can resolve.

As the couple moved from one invited guest to the next, it was obvious that these ones were made to match with one rapturous event after another cementing their status as one of Nigeria’s loveliest couples that are over 60.

Perhaps, these are the best of times for Ambassador Ademola Seriki. A few months ago, his brother-in-law, billionaire industrialist, Chairman of the prestigious Eleganza Group and Aare of Lagos, Rasak Akanni Okoya, threw a similarly colourful bash for him on his 61st birthday. This turned out to be a prelude to the send forth ceremony which was even more colourful.

There is no point envying the Ambassador. In the past year, the man has climbed heights that his peers can only look up to. With the ageless Wosilat OkoyaSeriki by his side, it is difficult to imagine a huddle that he would not surpass. Indeed, these are the best of times for the Serikis.

53

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

HIGHLIFE Between Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and His Deputy, Kayode Alabi

AbdulRazaq

It is no secret that the Nigerian political arena is currently seeing a lot of makeshift gladiators relentlessly bashing into one

another. From Council-area Chairpersons to constituency representatives, Governors and exalted party Chairmen. The trend has taken many forms in Kwara State, but has always managed to involve the Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. This time, if the reports are true, then even the Kwara State Deputy Governor is oiling his club to confront AbdulRazaq.

According to the reports coming from Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his Deputy, Kayode Alabi have gotten into one pair of trousers. News bearers have it that bitterness and ill will has been festering between the two top citizens of Kwara State and this is only an opportune time to let it all out.

The pincer in the report comes from the allegation that it is Governor AbdulRazaq who is in an inferior position and therefore goes out of his way to avoid Deputy Governor Alabi. Usually, it is the

other way around but Kwara State has always been unique in many regards.

Last time, the reports were about a Kwara State Governor who dared to go against party members at the national leadership level. This time, the reports are about a Deputy Governor who can and continues to suppress his boss.

It was not so long ago that Alabi celebrated his 58th birthday, a time during which Governor AbdulRazaq hailed him as “a cerebral politician with dynamic ideas, an amiable personality, and a trusted partner in the Kwara project.”

Greater praises have rarely been rendered before. So, where is the enmity coming from?

How did they go from trusted partners to adversaries?

Then again, other folks have reported that there is no such rancour between Governor AbdulRazaq and Alabi. No matter. Time will tell.

Pillars of High Society Honour Kogi State SSG at Daughter’s Wedding These are fine times for fine people. In Kogi State, several young people were wedded last week and sent off by friends and family to begin life anew. Among these, a particular couple stood out: Titilayo Ayoade and Opeyemi Yusuf. No other matrimonial ceremony with the couples from Kogi State saw as many distinguished guests gathered together with glasses clinking and faces merry.

Friends and family poured in from every corner of the country to celebrate with the Secretary to the Kogi State Government (SSG), Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, as she handed off her daughter, Titilayo Ayoade, to young Opeyemi Yusuf. The matrimony was obviously something that was long in coming because all the guests were smiling from ear to ear.

Among the guests that had the brightest smiles were the wife of the Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ejura Onoja and her friend, Mrs. Nafisat Aliyu. These were accompanied

by some of the top officers of the Kogi State government who took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate one of their own.

The wedding was held at the RCCG Redemption Camp in Lagos State on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Before, during and after the ceremony, it was one canopy of jubilation after another. One could tell that the mother of the bride, Dr. Ayoade, is well-liked among her people.

To those who don’t know Dr. Ayoade, she came into power in 2016 as one of the highest appointments made by Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. Aside from appointing Dr. Ayoade to the office of Secretary to the State Government, about 20 other appointments were made. However, till date, none of these individuals had attracted as many friends to themselves as Dr Ayoade. Those who know the woman say that she is a happy person, a friend of the great and fast-rising.

Solebo

Friends, Family and Associates Celebrate Sandra Solebo as She Joins the Golden Club

Newly married couple, Titilayo Ayoade and husband, Opeyemi Yusuf

No wonder folks turned up for the wedding of her daughter in spite of the distance from Kogi State. Good seeds of friendship can only bear fruits of warmth.

Undoubtedly, Dr. Ayoade is one of the best ones.

Glad Tidings! Real Estate Guru, King Mohammed Adah, Celebrates Birthday with the Needy and Underprivileged

Adah

It is noteworthy that some of the most accomplished individuals in the world keep the lowest profiles. Such individuals, once

started on the path of charity and philanthropy to become paragons of their generations. Of such a stock of individuals is King Mohammed Adah (alias King Moh), one of the most celebrated real estate kingpins in the country. A few days ago, he celebrated his birthday and included the needy and underprivileged in that jubilation.

As he has made many impacts in the real estate industry and society as a whole, many people find it difficult to believe that King Moe Adah is only 44 years old. The days are long past where only the elderly are springs of greatness and graciousness, and to this effect, King Moe is one of the blazing stars of the current generation, although he has a penchant for riding under the radar.

As his immediate family and relatives, friends, colleagues, mentees and employees raised a glass in honour of his 44th year, King Moe was just as ecstatic as everyone else. Like

some of the best men before him, King Moe appreciated everyone who had raised a glass to him or said a word of thanksgiving and prayer for him. Far he has come but the man has not forgotten his earliest pursuits hence his inclusion of the needy and underprivileged in the celebrations.

Of course, to those who know King Moe, the prestigious real estate brand that he founded, Ochacho Real Homes is only second in status to his Ochacho Foundation, the symbol of his generosity and humanity.

Even though he is one of the most successful characters in the real estate business, King Moe doubles as one of the most diligent and outstanding. More of his funds flow in the direction of his foundation than people know.

But that is just the kind of man that he is.

Only 44 years old and yet so many lives impacted. That really is just the kind of man that King Moe Adah is.

New Lease of Life for Bunmi Ariyo Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has continued to feature in newlines and blogs. The man’s legacies clearly extend beyond his political ambitions. This time, it is not Ambode that is the subject of this gist, but another one of his legacies—his Personal Assistant, Bunmi Ariyo. With bountiful harvest after bountiful harvest, Bunmi Ariyo has finally decided to rest from public and political operations, taking respite from his family and home, and private ventures.

When Ambode was the main authority in Lagos, there was a cache of individuals who assisted him to bring his ambitions to light.

Bunmi Ariyo was one of such people, and he thrived under Ambode, working in the capacity of a Personal Assistant. However, it is alleged that Ariyo’s employment was so profitable to

Ambode that he began to function as Chief of Staff.

Regardless of the insinuations, Bunmi Ariyo became a semi-independent personality, winning to himself the acclaim and support characteristic of inherently influential people.

However, his role in Ambode’s administration was a launching pad that Ariyo put to use.

There’s almost no other figure that emerged from Ambode’s council of assistants who has been able to solidify his influence and affluence in recent times.

The most remarkable of Ariyo’s ventures after his service in Lagos State government is the acquisition of high-profile properties and land.

Although only reportedly in his mid-40s, Ariyo has purchased choice properties all around Lagos.

These include the ones he allegedly acquired in

Ikeja, Lagos: the extensive property from Opebi; the several he purchased in GRA, especially the massive one from a popular family —situated on a major street in GRA. What’s not to like about property acquisition and development?

This is why Ariyo can afford to take a hike from the public scene, and spend more time on private businesses—that is, on both his immediate family, and his immediate enterprises. This is a man that has it all going for him.

His new low-profile status is not without significance. Unlike those who take this path because they have no other choice, Bunmi Ariyo is still very relevant, and has only decided to take a step back to savour the extent and beauties of family life and the widening horizon of his businesses.

Was Sandra Solebo the face that launched a thousand ships? Just so.

Time moves oh so quickly.

One minute there’s a young man and a beautiful woman under the guava tree. The very next minute, the lady joins the golden club. This is just the case with the woman with the ageless face and figure, Sandra Solebo. Even at 50, time may have forgotten to knock at her door; only the rest of us are counting.

Even as the best characters of the early 2000s gradually pass into higher levels of Nigerian society, Sandra Solebo has refused to be anything but herself. To the loss of figure that comes with the golden years she says, ‘stay out!’ To the grinding weariness of monotonous existence, she persists and keeps her charm.

As folks gathered around to celebrate her 50th birthday, folks could not but sigh as they trained their eyes on one upon whose form you cannot find the vestiges of time.

For a number of years now, Sandra Solebo and her husband, Femi Solebo have withdrawn somewhat from public life and focused their all on enjoying their time together. This has created a gap in the spotlight that used to be occupied by the couple: one looking smarter than the nobility of old, the other putting all the ancient women of royal origin to shame. Was Sandra Solebo the face that launched a thousand ships?

Interestingly, while it may be true that you could still tell Sandra Solebo apart from her 20-somethings, it is just as true that she will not be a fraction less brilliant in her 50s.

Was Sandra Solebo the face that launched a thousand ships? The results of her 50’s photo shoot are there as reference.

54

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

NDA Attack: A Red Flag Irabor

COMMODORE KUNLE OLAWUNMI: COURAGE UNDER FIRE ‘Da ame tang iko’ in Ibibio loosely translates to “Guy, you dey talk o.”

I stumbled on his interview during the week. He looked quite unassuming and like all those unemployed and retired people still seeking relevance who usually clog our air waves spewing all sorts of crap.

Then he said, ‘I am a federal man, I have k…ld for federal” I dropped my plate of afang, sat down and listened well.

Mbok the guy talk o. He broke all the tables and when they asked him what if they come for his life, he just replied, ‘ I don’t care’.

Now I don’t know what to call this man.

Hero or villain? The things he said, if they are true then we are in real big trouble. For how can a few suddenly decide to turn this giant country to one side. But if they are not true, why is he saying all these?

It now behooves the government to look into his statements with a view to either debunking them or getting to the bottom of it. Whatever the case, the government has its back on the wall this time. Na wa.

JOS MASSACRE: A PLATEAU OF BLOOD I am not even joking this morning. The blood of all innocent Nigerians that have been spilled since forever and especially the blood of these recent ones in Plateau State will curse me if I joke with this matter.

Olawunmi

Sometimes, things happen that leave you in a state of shock and at the same make you scream ‘enough’. The recent attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy is one of such. It seems as if the more these bandits push, the more we give ground. Has it not reached the point where we can all say ‘enough’?

Each time something like this happens, we go round the same circle: the President keeps shut, Nigerians beg him to speak. Instead, he looks at us with his tooth pick. The army sets up a panel, the affected governor mouths some crap and the rest of us rush to social media and make all sorts of ignorant talks.

Finally, everything calms down and

we return to our normal lives, waiting for the next wahala. Suddenly like clockwork, it will happen again and we will start the same merry go round all over again; gaining nothing while the miscreants are gaining ground. We will just be fighting with ourselves, labelling the crimes – no na terrorist, na Boko Haram, na bandits, na herders, na Fulani want kill all of us, na igbo people wey dey find Biafra. While we bicker, those who should do something are busy looking for toothpicks to pick their teeth.

When we wanted to choose a new Army Chief, some of us had argued that the time to be looking at just infantry experience had passed. That kind of

war where we will all carry armoured tanks and personnel to an agreed point like Onyigbo market and the enemy will do the same and the Samanja RSM will shout “Oya, at the count of five, fire!” has passed.

What we are facing now is an adept well-articulated guerilla warfare coming at us from different fronts and as such we must respond accordingly.

This is a battle that can and should be fought and won on the altar of intelligence and technology.

Are our ogas’ listening? I doubt it. I really doubt it. It is until they enter our oga bedroom and question him, that is when we will realise that this is really no joke. Red flag.

What senselessness is all these. What are our lives now being turned into?

Nothingness. Why even play politics with this bloodletting? What kind of country is this?

Who are we?

My 12-year-old niece who was born in Qatar and who has lived all of her life outside of the country and who is very passionate about Nigeria called to ask me about the Jos massacre.

She said, “Uncle Joe, I need to call you on Zoom and see your face as you explain to me what is going on.” Her awareness of all things Nigeria is remarkable as she quite often calls intermittently to discuss the nation. She wants me to be Governor of Akwa Ibom, I say leave me o.

But today, I am staring at her with nothing to say. The questions I asked at the beginning of this write up were her questions? She’s pained and ashamed that she is a Nigerian.

I just dey look am. It’s a daily occurrence now. Hundreds killed wantonly all over the country. How do our leaders even sleep sef? What can I tell this little girl about her beloved nation?

If I had known I would have prayed to be switched at birth. This is no longer a country. Looking more like an abattoir.

Sad, really sad.

team is moving around as if it’s business as usual. The whole nation is on fire. No peace anywhere in the land. Insecurity, fear and avarice.

People are no longer proud to be called Nigerians. The only thing that is uniting the whole country today is the continued bloodletting that knows no tribe, religion or geographical boundaries. Should we hold on to this as the only uniting factor in our country?

Lord, please whatever you need to do, please do. Me I don’t even have an answer so I cannot advise you but you could not have contested four times to be president and be waiting for me in Shomolu to come and tell you what to do. I want to presume that in all those years you were on the road looking for our votes, you had some clarity as to where you would be headed if given the opportunity.

Lord, think legacy right now. Think about your place in history as you move. I am happy you have said, you will not want to leave office a failure. God will help you achieve this but you have to show some resolve too on your side. There is too much blood on the streets, I can no longer eat my Afang in peace. Do something!

Evans. I don’t want to call his full name in case he no like this write up. I can ask him the way Tinubu asked journalists “Is it your money?” when they asked him who get money for the bullion van. So, if Evans comes for me, I will also ask him “Is it your Evans?”

Well, Evans made sure we in the group got minute by minute coverage of your very beautiful coronation. It was beautiful. Your attire, the red overcoat, is simply exquisite. The fact that you are a very handsome man added so much colour and beauty to the whole ceremony.

Evans put himself in all the pictures at one point, I come think say maybe na him dem dey coronate sef. But I cannot yab him too much because without him, I would not have witnessed the very beautiful and scenic ceremony.

Kai, Itsekiri land is beautiful. Your tradition is a wonder to behold, the regatta was mesmerising. Evans try o.

He cover the thing pass CNN. He was so good that I didn’t even bother going to any media outlet to cover the thing. Even when OBJ came to kneel for you, Evans show me complete.

By the way, what was OBJ telling you as he knelt?

Congratulations Your Majesty and may your reign be long and very prosperous and thank you for removing the curse. It was a good first move. The second one should be the chieftaincy title for my brother, Evans, so he go let me eat food for Ken office. Abeg.

PRESIDENT BUHARI: KINDLY LISTEN TO ME You know there comes a time in a man’s life, where he will stand up and be a real man. He will take the bull by the horn and damn all consequences and speak. Lord, I don’t even know what title to call you sef. Abi na Alhaji, General, Mr or Chief.

Whatever it is, kindly sha listen to me.

What is the matter? Is the pressure too much? You appear too calm for these times. It’s almost as if this whole thing that is happening is not phasing you. Your

OLU OF WARRI’S BEAUTIFUL CORONATION I belong to a WhatsApp gym group called Rooftop and plenty of your subjects are on the group. Every day they will be disturbing me with pictures of them trying to carry weights and build muscles.

Muscles that will not come into any effective use in the fight against terrorism.

The one that used to pain me the most, is when they post videos of them trying to carry the heaviest barbells and farting in the process. Laugh will nearly kill me.

Anyways, your majesty, there is one of your subjects I want you to give the chieftaincy title in your reign. His name is

Lalong

Buhari

Olu of Warri

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

LOUD WHISPERS NIGERIAN DOCTORS – LET THEM GO Why are we crying that our doctors are going? Mbok let them go abeg, let them go and try themselves there and see if they can be better trained and imbibe international standards of practice, no be the kind thing we are seeing here.

Come and see them as they lined up somewhere in Abuja to be doing exam — or is it test — to get jobs in Saudi Arabia.

Come and see the suits and the shoes. You will really pity us in this country.

Seriously, with one of the worst doctorpatient ratios in the world, we should not be encouraging the few we have to leave. We should be making the operating environment much saner to enable them to practise their art of saving lives. But if we are waiting for that one, Molue go leave Lagos for Sambisa come back. We will still dey wait.

I see them as ambassadors; let them go out there and learn and see how intelligent people do things. I am sure they will come back and try to implement such things here. This is what happened during the first wave of brain drain when they all went to Saudi Arabia.

My uncle in-law, Dr Olude, was the first to go. He was a Commissioner for Health in Lagos and when this same Buhari came to take power, they arrested him and threw him inside cell o, just because he served.

When they released him, uncle ‘japa’.

Straight to Saudi, then Kuwait and retired in UAE. When he came back, he moved straight to Babcock where he taught till he died.

He brought back knowledge. That is my point. We are kuku still dying, so what is left. Let them go, we no go die finish.

Native Doctors will fill the gap. Let them go and learn and come back.

While we are at it, let the Minister of Health follow apply, make he go. Ngige too make he go. I don tire.

ATIKU ABUBAKAR: PLEASE, DON’T CONTEST My mentor and father, please do not be inspired by President Buhari’s story who ran for four times before winning and becoming the very best President Nigeria never had. Do not run again, person dey big pass something.

We are hearing feelers that you are getting ready to run again. Me that I know you very well, you will start from PDP, move to NLC, then touch NRC before you now land in APC and still carry last.

Abeg, we don’t need that kind of distraction anymore. Nigeria of today is in a season of anomie and we need new untainted leaders. We do not need the big heads that have been running circles around us. We need fresh legs and minds A breath of fresh air will not be too bad.

If we cannot pity ourselves and tell you people the home truth, you sef pity us na.

You on your own, just retire and become a coach.

The rape is too much, the virgin has been over violated, she really has nothing to offer again. Her breasts are now saggy and she has lost composure. It is over. She needs oxygen and no be your groupings that can do that at this time.

I am sorry I have to be harsh. But it is not only you sir that I am sending this brutal message to. All of you that went to that wedding last weekend and more, including the ones they did not give food to.

CHARLES SOLUDO: I AGREE WITH YOU This very brilliant man has been quoted as saying that Anambra is too complex for a Primary Six person to rule. I expand it to Nigeria is too complex for these levels of educational qualifications to rule.

We are all living witnesses to what has been happening since 1960. I don’t want to talk in the present tense before they come and say I am referring to them o. I have to be free to complete ‘Awo’ and ‘Aremu’ and I have to also be free to meet up with the Duchess in the other room — she has said if OBJ and Osinbajo attend the plays that she will finish me in the other room. Now OBJ has confirmed, na Osinbajo remain and God go bring am.

So, it is not when the famine wants to be over, that I will now go write the one that will distract them from Channels TV

CHIEF OLUSEGUN OBASANJO NAKED AT THE GLOVER This Baba is a mercurial character o.

Na expert in stealing the show. That was how he just walked with swagger towards the brand new Olu of Warri and just knelt in front of someone that is far younger than his last grandchild.

As he knelt, he whispered to Olu, “Just calm down, make dem take picture, I go stand up” Olu sef, great guy-man just understand the ‘paro’ himself just ‘kak’ there and pose for picture.

So, if you see a former President, Military Head of State, Civil War hero, international statesman and all-round influential man including Igboho’s mediator kneel anywhere in the world, it will be sure to capture the imagination of the people.

That is how that picture went viral and almost dislodged the whole ceremony in the face of the whole world.

This Sunday, Chief Obasanjo has confirmed that he will be attending

my play ‘Aremu’ which depicts his wonderful and very colourful life at the historic Glover memorial Hall in Lagos.

I have sent him a two-page letter on why he should not come and kneel for me.

Me, I no be gentleman at all o as Fela talk am. As he dey walk towards me, I will also be walking towards him. As he kneels down, me go prostrate flat for ground.

He go say “No, Edgar, stand up, let me do my thing.” I go answer am “Baba, mbok leave me o. Na school fees I dey find. No come spoil am for me. Stand up first, me go stand up after you.”

Aremu played to very enthusiastic crowds last week and would this week continue its wonderful run with Chief Obasanjo in full attendance. First Bank and Wema Bank with Akintoye Akindele’s Platform Capital did this for Nigerians. See you there.

Obasanjo

presenters who don’t know how to shout “shut up” when Commodore wan start to talk o and be bringing them to Shomolu.

My people, the first primary six-man wey rule us in the Second Republic, we see where he put us. The rest practically no go school except the short - short lesson dem send them go for Pakistan in the Army.

Atiku

One na after he rule us for about seven years, he come go back to school. The PhD holder come sleep, him wife take over.

Yar’adua I no know him qualifications.

Anyways, we have been ruled by barely literates and outright illiterates at almost all levels of governance since independence and this shows in policy

Soludo

formulation and execution.

It is not only qualification you need to be a brilliant leader you will say and I agree.

We don try illiterates see where we dey, make we try more learned people at all tiers and see na. After all, what do we lose?

Las las, we remain where we dey na. Abi? JIM IYKE – FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN This is my favourite actor o. He will just be speaking fake American accent and be jumping up and down the screen like he can fight and be pretending to be a playboy.

I have never seen an actor that so much loves being typecast. Na only one style acting, anywhere bele face. Every movie, he must fight, he must drive a car rough, he must speak with an American accent and he must love women. When that one don end, film don finish. No other style o. Just this one style. Mbok, you people should leave my Jim Iyke for me, that is how I like him.

So, during the week, someone sent a video clip of him going to fight one no name social media person. Up until that time, I had never heard of this skinny fellow. They say he was questioning our actor’s source of wealth, that he heard that our actor has started using international dry cleaners on his clothes and is changing cars the way this one is changing his dirty undies.

My people, trust my champion. He will never take this laying low. Na the same moves o. Fake American accent, fake gra gra and fight. He stormed the other guy’s house abi na studio, and was screaming and making like he can fight. People were holding him up and down but he was determined to be Jim Iyke and rushed at the skinny one who looked like he hadn’t eaten in 90 days.

I laughed so hard that tears came out of my eyes. See Jim, when you see scarecrow dey look for relevance, you no leave am and you sef, can’t you grow bigger than somethings? All these I will beat you, abeg is tiring.

Grow up bro. Your mates are there reading bedside stories for their grandchildren, you are here jumping all over the place with tight trousers, dey threaten unemployed blogger all over the place.

NOT SO BREAKING NEWS – TV PRESENTERS ARRESTED? I write on Thursdays and as I am writing I am seeing news feeds that the TV Presenters who conducted the Interview with the Commodore who said so many damning things have been arrested.

Well by the time you read this, it will be Sunday and things may have changed. So, I will be very careful with my position.

You see, going against the media, if that is the position, is exactly what those who attacked the NDA and other enemies of state want to achieve. They want to move public confidence away from the government by making these kinds of symbolic and strategic moves. This will push a lot of criticisms the way of government and begin to change public perception thereby eroding the governments’ capacity to pull strength from public cohesion in this fight.

The media should now be the government’s strategic partner in holding and gauging public opinion.

Government should even take selected media on a tour of NDA and also to the theatres’ of war so that they can see things for themselves. Arresting or trying to muzzle the press in any guise is so wrong. I wonder why we still indulge in this military era pastime. It doesn’t help any side.

If it is true that these boys have been arrested or if there are any media people being held for carrying out their legitimate duties, please this is a major plea for their release. Government should start learning how to engage the media constructively. It’s the best thing to do.

For the presenters, when next you have guests like Commodore, when you ask him a question and he begins to say he is a fed man, you will jump up and cover his mouth and say “abeg no vex, I get a new born baby for house.” Close his mouth on life TV o. Na where we find ourselves today.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Billionaire Businessman, Dr. Iyke Kanu Honoured It was the legendary Mahatma Gandhi who said “A man’s true wealth hereafter is the good he has done to his fellowmen.”

Indeed, billionaire businessman and Chairman of Icecos Energy Holdings Limited, Dr. Iyke Kanu is one of the few who have imbibed the message in Gandhi’s words with seriousness. Maybe this is the reason he is ever ready to contribute generously to humanity. Though he gives freely without creating unnecessary attention about it, his philanthropic gestures are so huge that they continue to be noticed by many. For his good deeds, he has been specially recognised at home and abroad. Recently, he was honoured by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) with a Special Recognition Award during the 2021 Annual FCT Nurses Week/Scientific Workshop held inside the auspicious Abuja International Conference Centre.

The NANNM week-long workshop with the theme ‘A Voice to Lead, a Vision for Future Healthcare’, ended with the award dinner under the chairmanship of Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the Nigeria Labour Congress and ITUC Global President, who was ably represented

by Comrade Olusegun Rotimi, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, was the Special Guest of Honour.

NANNM is the umbrella body for all the registered nurses and midwives across the country.

In her speech, the President of NANNM, Comrade Deborah Yusuf, noted that Dr. Kanu was honoured as an accomplished businessman and a professional who has made significant contributions and outstanding achievements to support, promote, improve and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.

Kanu sits atop the breathtaking luxury Golden Tulip Grand Palazzo Hotel, Owerri, amongst other blue chip conglomerates.

The Chairman of Classic International Magazine dedicated the award to God Almighty first, for the grace of life and sustenance; and secondly, to the healthcare sector of the economy, including the nurses, midwives, doctors, and others for their dedication to service especially at this trying time of COVID-19 pandemic.

Another Recognition for Otunba Segun Runsewe

Runsewe

Proverbs 22:29 says “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.’’

That the Director-General of the National Recently, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olufolarin Kayode Ogunsanwo of Ilara-Epe in Lagos proved to all that he is a man of great means, influence and power.

The monarch, who was a former Chairman of Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS), pooled those that matter to his first coronation anniversary. The week-long activities climaxed last Sunday when eminent personalities in the country stormed the town to add colour to the celebration. Prior to the event, he was said to have re-awakened the almost forgotten Aje festival, a traditional event that celebrates the god of wealth, trade and commerce in the town.

The special guest of the day, Ooni of Ife, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was ably represented by the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon and Vice-Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, HRM, Oba Francis Olusola Alao.

The ceremony kicked off on Tuesday, August 17, with a lecture at the Augustine University Auditorium, where stakeholders in government and traditional institutions converged to discuss salient issues that will speed up progress within the kingdom and the state at large.

The event also featured the installation of eminent Nigerians, including the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon.

Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, is one of the biggest cultural ambassadors the country has produced is not in doubt. The man literally breathes, eats and drinks culture; in fact, his passion for Nigeria’s culture is unprecedented. He has represented the country so well; and in the process, dined and wined with presidents, kings, diplomats and international business moguls across the world. The string of awards that litters his ornate office is evident of his success story in the sector.

No wonder, the Osun State-born cultural envoy was appointed recently by the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as Chairman of a nineman Tourism Intervention Advisory Committee.

This, it was gathered, is part of Bello’s efforts to change the narratives of the culture and tourism trade in Kogi State. The appointment, quite expectedly, was hailed by those who know the track record of Runsewe whose representation in the cultural sector has been considered as numero

uno.

Also, the appointment of Runsewe, who is also the President, Africa region, World Craft Council (WCC), took immediate effect a week after he led the 36 state Commissioners and Directors of Arts and Culture to a technical meeting on National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), in Ekiti State.

In his remarks, Runsewe who thanked the Governor for the appointment promised to work with other members of the committee to reposition culture and tourism in Kogi State, while also assuring the governor that his dreams for the state’s economy, particularly in culture and tourism would be a reference point in Nigeria.

If there is anything that gives him the greatest joy in life, it is the grace and ability to proclaim the good image of the country and to showcase its culture to the world. For him, it is a worthy sacrifice that he is ready to do for the rest of his life.

When Oba Olufolarin Kayode Ogunsanwo Pooled Heavyweights to His Kingdom

Femi Gbajabiamila and wife as Agba Akin and Yeye Agba Akin; Mr Folorunsho Folarin Coker as Baba Eto, and Surveyor JK Olayemi as Asoju Oba of the kingdom.

Ogunsanwo’s stay at the LIRS didn’t come to an end on a glorious note as the then governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode, terminated his appointment about 11 months into his leadership. At the time, those who could vouch for his honesty made efforts to save his job, but the game to ensure Ogunsanwo was shown the exit door was believed to be too strong to halt such that his supporters prevailed on him to throw in the towel. He listened to wise counsel and in no time, a house built by his adversaries on the sandy soil collapsed on them and he was vindicated.

Meanwhile, as a child of destiny who has greatness as an integral part of his journey, Ogunsanwo once again rose and made his way to the limelight for a second time in December 2019, as he was elected as Alara of Ilara Kingdom of Epe area of Lagos State.

Amidst orchestrated opposition, Ogunsanwo went ahead to be named Alaraelect, following the unanimous decision of the five kingmakers. He received the staff of office a few months after being elected by the kingmakers.

Ogunsanwo

Construction Giant, Sijibomi Ogundele’s Sad Moment It is sad when you lose a loved one. But you are consoled when you realise again that the deceased lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation, thereby making his or her memory live in your heart forever.

This feeling becomes more tellingly effective considering the reaction of Sijibomi Ogundele to the passing of his father, Pa Samson Idowu Ogundele at a Lagos hospital after a brief illness. The late technocrat worked with the multi-national company, John Holt as a General Manager and Regional Manager, North.

Family sources revealed that the deceased, who is survived by nine children, would be buried in December.

The younger Ogundele who is the

Managing Director of Sujimoto Construction Limited is a man given to hard work in his resolve to excel in whatever he ventures into.

The vibrant and intelligent man comes across as a restless spirit. He likes to set a target for himself at the beginning of every year. Once he sets his mind on a project, he pursues it with all his Godgiven talents. He had begun to show evidence of a giant in Nigeria’s real estate sector at 34.

Over the years, Ogundele has been able to make a lasting statement with his innovativeness in the industry. His sole objective is to redefine luxury in the Nigerian real estate industry and is gradually achieving his dreams. He has successfully established his name in the industry with eye-popping luxury buildings that have become the talk of the town.

Ogundele

Recognition for Ex-First Lady, Maryam Abacha

Kanu

Abacha

Love or hate her, Maryam Abacha, wife of late Nigeria’s Head of State, General Sani Abacha, successfully carved a niche for herself as First Lady, with several indelible footprints via her interventions that continue to touch millions of lives.

At 74, and many years after she left office, she still possesses the aura of a First Lady.

Though many are just appreciating her strides in healthcare, women empowerment, peace and stability, she is unfazed.

As the First Lady of Nigeria from 1993-1998, Maryam invested her time in health programmes as she called for massive funding for the health sector to reduce medical tourism and enable the masses to get access to free health care. She also founded the National Hospital Abuja (formerly known as

National Hospital for Women And Children).

In her quest for peace on African soil, she galvanised African First Ladies promoting the Peace Mission. She also promoted some programmes including Poverty Alleviation Programme, National Programme on Immunisation, the Family Support Programme, Family Support Basic Education Programme and Family Economic Advancement Programme.

In appreciation of the unsung heroine who gave her all in the development of the health sector in Nigeria, she was recently honoured with an award of excellence from the Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria at the award gala, where other prominent Nigerians who had made marks in different endeavours were also awarded.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

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GLITZ ENTERTAINMENT

Victor Olaotan: The ‘Lagos Boy’ Finally Goes Home Stories by Vanessa Obioha Victor Olaotan, the Nollywood thespian who played the enigmatic Fred Ade-Williams in the pioneering seasons of the longest-running TV drama series Tinsel died on Thursday, August 26. The actor who was involved in a ghastly accident while driving to a movie set around Apple Junction, in Festac in 2016 never regained himself. From being in a coma to transfer to a Turkish hospital where he received medical attention.

“He has tried. It is not easy to be trapped in your own body for five years. He can finally rest now,” his wife, Julia told Premium Times.

A thorough Lagos bred, Olaotan initially trained as a director but became an actor. He landed his first role in 1969 by featuring in a play by Laolu Ogunniyi titled ‘Candle in the Wind’ after going through some training in the theatre arts department of the University of Ibadan. In a 2013 interview with THISDAY, he disclosed that the play made him a kind of star in the western region as he played the lead role.

Sojourning in the United States for more than 20 years, Olaotan came back home in 2002 to continue his acting career when his mission to be in Hollywood was not successful.

Notwithstanding, the veteran actor enviably performed in Broadway shows in Lancaster and was among the crew of stage actors in the popular South African play, ‘Sizwe Banzi Is Dead’ which was produced by Jathol Fugard, Winston Ntshona, and John Kani in Canada.

Raised by a fashionista mother, he was also a model.

“My mum was a fashionista and she made sure her children looked good. Particularly me. My favourite wear was skinny jeans. This became an emblem for me that whenever I’m on stage, you would hear my friends hailing me ‘iji’,” he said in that interview.

While acting was his most renowned art, the late actor was also talented in singing. It was not uncommon to see him grabbing the mic and belting out popular folk songs in some classy bars in Lagos.

“I’m a Lagos boy and we have some kind of old songs we love to sing. There is this song that Lafiaji is the owner of the land. I love singing these songs when I’m at a bar or other functions.”

Femi Odugbemi, the founding producer of Tinsel who worked with the actor described him as a hugely talented thespian.

Efforts to get Olaotan back on his feet were met with one financial challenge or the other. In 2018, the actor openly sought financial aid from Nigerians.

Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist Femi Otedola who has always come to the rescue of ailing artists and entertainers took the financial responsibility. By 2020, members of the Tinsel cast like Linda Ejiofor-Sulaiman took to Instagram to beg Nigerians to save the life of the actor.

However, Olaotan was recently returned to Nigeria as a result of pecuniary challenges before his death. He was 69.

The late Victor Olaotan

Tis the Season of Breakups as Ekubo and His Fiancee Split

Alexx Ekubo and ex-fiancee, Fancy Acholomu

Barely a week after Nigerians were hit with the news of Paul Okoye and his wife Anita’s breakup, Nollywood actor and model, Alexx Ekubo’s relationship with Fancy Acholonu has hit the rocks.

The couple were one of the most admired in the Nollywood industry and publicised their engagement on social media in May, even creating a page for their wedding slated for November.

News of their split circulated on the internet last Wednesday and by Thursday, August 26, Acholonu who is based in the United States confirmed their separation in a now deleted Instagram post.

“Hey guys, I am writing to inform you all officially that I have ended my relationship and engagement and I have called off the wedding with Alexx Ekubo,” she wrote.

“I am aware this may be a shock to many people. I made the best decision for myself because it is important that everyone finds happiness and lives in their truth. At this

time, my family and I ask for you all to please respect our privacy. Thank you so much.”

Acholonu who turned 30 in July unfollowed Ekubo and deleted recent pictures of them together on Instagram.

Ekubo is yet to do the same.

It is quite unclear what led to her decision, although social media is replete with different reasons for their riven relationship.

Ekubo posted on Instagram on May 3 that he had proposed to Acholonu. The post had over 200,000 likes and over 19,000 comments. The couple created the page @ falexxforever which is no longer available on Instagram.

The first time Ekubo introduced Acholonu to his fans was in September 2016.

Like Ekubo, Acholonu is also a model. She is also a teacher and has three businesses to her name, the latest being The Fancy Kidz, an acting and modelling class for children.

BBNaija S6: Nomination Jitters Got the Best of Housemates

The BBNaija Shine Ya Eye housemates who have been looking forward to nominating Maria and Pere had their opportunity at the last nomination session. Pere, whose attitude pooled more foes than allies was the highest nominated housemate with 10 nominations. Peace who followed with five nods was saved by the Head of House for the week, Liquorose who replaced her with Cross. Queen got four while Maria, Sammie and JMK all got three nominations.

The intense night saw Cross fazed by the nomination. Being the first time he is experiencing the nomination, the sociable housemate couldn’t hide his feelings, although Liquorose later apologised to him. However, Cross tension seemed to be beyond the nomination. He was also affected by his feelings for Saskay. The female housemate has not fully requited his love for her.

Of all the housemates, Maria seemed to be affected by the nomination the most. Alongside Pere and JMK, they were given strikes for microphone infringement, thus barring them from HoH privileges.

In a discussion with Boma, she advised him to be wary of

the other housemates “They are smiling with me every day but they cannot stand me.”

Maria, suddenly surrounded by fake people. In her diary session with Big Brother, she revealed that WhiteMoney and Pere are fake. Pere on the other hand has decided to kill his feelings for her. He confirmed to Michael and Yousef that he was deliberately separating from her. Unlike Maria, he is taking the nomination in good strides.

Queen on the other hand is advised by WhiteMoney to keep her game on.

On social media, Cross and Maria look likely to be saved but the housemate’s fate that will probably shock people will be Pere. Following his altercation with WhiteMoney and the authoritative way he ruled during his HoH week, fans have been divided over his stay in the game. On one side are those who believe that he is the real content they signed for, while on the other side are fans of the show who simply can’t stand his attitude.

Pere

58

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 29, 2021

INTERNATIONAL Buhari’s Fulanisation Scheme: Manifestations and Foreign Policy Dimensions

S

eeking to discuss a Fulanisation Scheme that has not been officially or formally launched, raises one fundamental question: is there any official Fulanisation Policy or Scheme under President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) in Nigeria? The thrust of this column, Vie Internationale, is that neither PMB nor his government has come into the open to say that there is such an agenda. However, on the basis of the various actions of PMB and his administration, it is hypothesised and argued here that such an agenda necessarily exists, especially on the basis of deductive methodology. The hypothesis is justified with some empirical pointers.

More importantly, the hypothesis is further justified by PMB’s attitude of indifference, when allegations of such acts of Fulanisation are publicly raised before the eyes of PMB. This is an acquiescence on the basis of which we believe that PMB cannot but have a Fulanisation agenda, and an exegesis of which is carried out here, with emphasis on the manifestations, and the foreign policy dimensions.

Additionally, the exegesis is considered a desideratum because the agenda, denied or not, is not only creating much animosity between and among the peoples of Nigeria, it is also seriously threatening national cohesion. Fulanisation agenda has the potential to precipitate a new civil war in the country. A new civil war is not always limited to the domestic level, but generally also extended to the external level. Put differently, the battle fields can be geo-politically located within Nigeria, but mercenaries can come from outside. Aiding and abetting, especially in terms of funding, supply of arms and propaganda, can have international character. This is why every war always has a foreign policy dimension.

Thus, what really should we understand by PMB’s Fulanisation agenda or scheme? Why is the alleged agenda strongly resisted by the general public, particularly by southerners in Nigeria? Why is PMB consciously turning deaf ears to public hostility to the agenda? What are the foreign policy implications before and after Fulanisation? And, perhaps more importantly, what will happen if the issue of Fulanisation leads to a second civil war?

FulanisationandManifestations Many well-placed Nigerians have been showing great concerns about the alleged Fulanisation agenda. First, Mr. Bichi Obadiah, the Bauchi CAN Legal Representative, has raised the question of Sharia in the country. As he explained it,‘in fact, Sharia Commission has been created and Area Courts have been abolished and replaced with Sharia Courts… The provision of Sharia Courts and Sharia Commission without corresponding ecclesiastical Courts and Commission to attend to the yearning of Christian citizens, has served as (an expression of) great marginalization, discrimination.’

Second, apart from the foregoing religious manifestation, there is the alleged intrinsic demographic fraud. For example, Hon. Jonathan Asake, National President of the Southern Kaduna People Union (SOKAPU), strongly believes that PMB has a Fulanisation agenda, the purpose of which is to sub-plan indigenous communities in Nigeria and then bring the Fulani communities in, to change the demography of the country.

In his words,‘it is a sad situation in our beloved country, Nigeria, and unfortunate that our founding (fathers) will wake up and see the mess that is going on in the country that we found ourselves.

They will be heartbroken particularly by the spate of insecurity that has engulfed the country’(vide Amos Tauna,“There is Fulanisation Agenda in Nigeria -SOKAPU President Alleges,”Daily Post, 22 February, 2021. More disturbingly, Hon. Asake not only complained about cases when a governor could have the effrontery to tell the general public that it is a right for the killer Fulani to carry an AK-47 to defend themselves, but also about asking“where is the right of other citizens that are being killed? Do they also have the right to carry AK-47 to defend themselves?”Apparently, it is right for the bandits and the cattle herders to carry prohibited weapons but not right for all others that are law abiding. This is one major problem that requires being attended to.

More interestingly, Hon. Asake also recalled the situation in his community and some other communities in Southern Kaduna.

He said‘youths and vigilantes are being killed and when they respond by taking up machetes, sticks, bows and arrows to defend their communities against these killer Fulani herdsmen, they are oftentimes arrested and thrown into detention.’

With this type of development, he believes that‘there will be hunger in the land and when there is hunger in the land, there will be anger …, there will be a strike and people have to rise up and fight whatever thing that is making them hungry.’

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Buhari And perhaps most disturbingly on the issue of negotiations with bandits and insurgents, and particularly on the issue of amnesty, Hon. Asake has it that‘Sheikh Gumi is going round engaging the Fulani terrorists… His argument has been that amnesty was granted to the Niger Delta militants and that amnesty should be granted to the Fulani who are kidnapping, killing people and displacing many communities.’In his eyes, this should not be so.

Comparing the Fulani killing, on the basis of their herd, with the Niger Delta militants, on the basis of their complaints against the pollution and degradation of their natural environment, should not be done on the same platform. They are quite dissimilar in nature, objective and manifestations.

As argued by Hon, Asake,‘Niger Delta militants were agitating for their environmental rights. Their environment was degraded as a result of oil exploration activities in their region and while this oil is being exploited, the Niger Delta youths do not have jobs that are being given to them by government.’Additionally, he said the Niger Delta people are fishermen and could not go to the farm, they agitated so that they will get the attention of government…

[T]he kidnapping they were doing was mostly of expatriates working for foreign companies in an effort to get attention from the international community, but the Niger Delta militants never went into communities to kidnap their poor people or extort money from their people.’

Consequently, in his eyes,‘anybody trying to compare the Fulani herdsmen with the Niger Delta militants is being mischievous or is part of the agenda (Fulanisation) that is being played out.’What is noteworthy about the long quotations is not simply to suggest that there is a hidden Fulani agenda of government, but that the purpose of the agenda is to change the demographic character of the polity. This is why insecurity in Nigeria has been difficult to understand and why it has the potential to remain in Nigeria for quite a longer time to come.

Third, there is the apparent policy of protection of terrorists in the governance of Nigeria, especially from the time of President Goodluck Jonathan, who once told the people of Nigeria that there were Boko Haram agents and sympathizers in his government. Admittedly, if there were and there are still such criminals in government, why is it that this problem has not been officially taken up and also seriously addressed?

Besides, and perhaps more inquisitively, it has again been

Seeking to rule peacefully in a chaotic environment is problematic. Fulanisation, as an agenda, is what will eventually disintegrate Nigeria. PMB’s belief that Nigeria is indivisible and indissoluble is ideologically archaic: a group of people put pen to paper and says that Nigeria is indivisible and indissoluble. Another set of people is prevented from reviewing it, because the Constitution says Nigeria is indivisible and must therefore remain so.This is, at best, very myopic. Not knowing that countries that have sovereignly existed before Nigeria became independent have been disintegrated by war or peacefully and not knowing that Nigeria’s case cannot be different, especially if governance continues to be driven by hidden agenda, is a critical error of judgment. PMB must therefore, not only stop the governance of Nigeria by hypocrisy, as Fulanisation, now or in the distant future, cannot succeed and can only waste lives, but must also make haste slowly in the execution of his agenda. The likely scenario in the event of another civil war is that Northern Nigeria may have the support of the Arab and Islamic States.There may not be another North-South West alliance against the South East again. Southern Nigerians may have the support of Christians worldwide. The bottom line is that the whole world is now more resolved to fight terrorism, regardless of its origin. Most terrorist acts, if not all, have Islamic dynamics.

publicly alleged that Government, and particularly the military instrument of governance, is aiding and abetting boko haramism.

While former President of Nigeria, Chief and General Olusegun Obasanjo has also publicly said that there is a Fulanisation agenda under PMB in Nigeria, many others have simply corroborated that the military are actually aiding the agenda in different ways.

More recently, retired Navy Commodore Kunle Olawunmi has said that the so-called bandits are actually terrorists but, for various reasons not declared, they have always been called bandits, who are well known and are never arrested for prosecution. As he explained it in a television interview,‘in April this year (2021), the Government said they had arrested 400 Bureau de Change-related people that were sponsoring Boko Haram. They told us. Try them, we know them. Why can’t this government, if not that they are partisan, bring those people out for trial? They have not been brought to book. In fact, the policy is that of strategizing to grant them state pardon, probably with the ultimate objective to integrate them into the Nigerian military, and by so doing, empowering them to later do more to assist in the enforcement of the Fulanisation agenda.

And true enough, Commodore Olawunmi also made it clear that the invasion of the Nigerian Defence Academy on Tuesday, 24th August, 2021, could not have happened without the collaboration of insiders in the Academy. He recalled his experience as a member of the military intelligence team in 2017. In his words,‘I can’t come on air and start mentioning names of people that are presently in government that the boys we arrested mentioned. I was the Commandant of Defence Intelligence College and I know that at that time, there were things I cannot say. If you term them terrorists, it carries a lot of weight, and you can be reprimanded for that’(Daily Sun, Thursday, August 26, 2021, p.8). The point being made here is that there are terrorists in the government of PMB but little or no effort is made to deal with them. Rather than call them terrorists, they are simply referred to as‘’unknown gunmen,’whereas they are terrorists allegedly under government’s official protection.

Fourth, the observations of General Theophilus Y. Danjuma and Dr. Malaifa Obadiah, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, are also noteworthy. General Danjuma pointedly accused the Nigerian military of complicity in the killing of innocent Nigerians. In fact, he told Nigerians to take arms and defend themselves, on the basis of legitimate self-defence.

The revelation by Dr. Obadiah is particularly most critical. In a live television interview on 8 October, 2020 at about 8.45 am, Dr. Obadiah declared, on the basis of his own personal integrity as an Oxon PhD degree holder and as a Central Banker who is not required to talk carelessly, that he had the opportunity of meeting with some repentant Boko Haram Commanders, who had revealed that a currently serving Governor is one of the Commanders of Boko Haram. Dr. Obadiah said the game plan of the Boko Haram is in two phases. The first phase is to neutralize the rural areas. The second one is to annihilate the cities through house-to-house killing of prominent people. More disturbingly, he said that a war, currently in the making, will be declared in 2022. The main purpose of the war is to ensure continuity of stay in power of the Fulani. Thus, whatever policy agenda PMB may want to come out with cannot but be looked at suspiciously and rejected.

In fact, Chido Nwakanma sums up the problem when he wrote on‘’RUGA Two Years Later’’in his column, Public Sphere, in ThisDay on May 30, 2021 that‘the bullying and avariciousness of RUGA are clearing cobwebs that have blocked the sights of political leaders of Southern Nigeria. They can see the manipulations and intent of persons with whom they thought they were on the same journey.

The Igbo proverb speaks of two persons who set out on a ghosthunt only for one of the parties to realise that he was the target of the hunt.’

BuharimaniaandForeignPolicyDimensions However, the targeting of the hunt continued on Thursday, 19th August, 2021, when PMB complicated the controversy by approving 368 grazing routes in 25 States. The approval is not only in conflict with the laws already enacted in some constitutive States of Nigeria, that have proscribed open grazing, because of the belligerent and criminal operational mania of herding in Nigeria. It also raises the fundamental question of Buharimania.

Buharimania is the attitudinal disposition and style of PMB’s governance, either as a military dictator or as an elected president.

There is no difference in his dictatorial and democratic toga. It is essentially about doing things in his own unique way. He decides to do what he wants to do, while allowing everyone to think freely, comment freely and frolic around with one’s perception of his administration. He bothers less whether or not his image is negative or positive. This is why his official policies indisputably lend greater credence to the allegations of a Fulanisation agenda.

He first came up with the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) agenda. Ruga, ordinarily speaking, is the Fulani word for human settlement. As a policy, RUGA cannot but imply more than a grazing area, but also the inclusion of an area for human settlement. This is why the PMB administration says it is a policy that would‘create reserved communities where herders will live, grow and tend their cattle, produce milk and undertake other activities associated with the cattle business without having to move around in search of grazing land for their cows.’

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

Nigerian Defence Academy, an Icon Violated With the apparent incapacity or alleged collusion of the nation’s flawed security architecture, terrorists masquerading as bandits invaded and desecrated the elite Nigeria Defence Academy, Louis Achi writes

“I

f you want to humble an empire it makes sense to maim its cathedrals,” wrote TIME’s Nancy Gibbs in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US. “They are symbols of its faith, and when they crumple and burn, it tells us we are not so powerful and we can’t be safe,” Gibbs added, referring to the attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers, in Lower Manhattan, New York City, destroyed when 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group, al Qaeda, hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States.

But then as empires go, Nigeria is certainly not one. Except if, as increasingly shrill allegations are mounting from a section of its fractured elite, the template for a quirky internal realm is being surreptitiously laid.

By wittingly or unwittingly maiming an iconic cathedral of its statehood - a military-political totem, which is a symbol of the nation’s power, a martial citadel of knowledge, the terrorists have sent a clear message to Nigeria - that she is not so powerful and can’t be safe.

On Tuesday, August 24, terrorists, disingenuously labelled “armed bandits” or “unknown gunmen”, raided the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), in Kaduna State, killing two military personnel and abducting one - on whose head they demanded N200 million ransom. The officer was later found dead. The invaders reportedly made their way into the NDA premises camouflaged in military fatigues, overpowered the guards, and headed for the officers’ quarters.

NDA was established on February 5, 1964 in response to the Defence needs of independent Nigeria, to train officers for the armed forces. Before then, the institution was known as the Royal Military Forces Training College (RMFTC). After independence in 1960, it became known as the Nigerian Military Training College and later - NDA. The institution’s current Commandant is Major-General I.M Yusuf.

Following the attack, there were cacophonous responses from different layers of government which hinted at disorder. Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President proclaimed the NDA invasion was an opportunistic crime. Crime and criminals of course look out for opportunity to strike.

Hear him: “It is an opportunistic crime. It is political. Somebody wants to embarrass the government by doing this because we are coming from major

Yusuf successes.”

In the same breath, Shehu alluded there was no fact to support his assertion but that “In a political climate where people seek to make political capital out of this unfortunate incident, you don’t rule out anything. Investigation is ongoing,” he clarified.

Bringing perhaps a novel insight to the attack, President Muhammadu Buhari told befuddled Nigerians that the attack on NDA in Kaduna will encourage officers of the armed forces to put an end to criminality. In a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari said rather than dampen their morale the incident will buoy them to put an end to criminality. According to the president, “the heinous action would accelerate the total uprooting of evil in the polity”.

Apparently gaining more inspiration 48 hours ago, Adesina, came down hard on “Ungrateful, Unthankful, Ungracious,” Nigerians forgetful of the achievements

of President Buhari in checking the insecurity challenges he inherited.

Reacting on his facebook page, to negative public commentaries trailing the attack, he launched out at what he saw as a hateful polity which had become unmindful of the fact that bombs are no longer flying about as before.

According to Adesina, the attack “was deliberate, contrived, orchestrated, all to make government look bad, and pump discouragement into the military at a time they were poised to make a decisive end of the security challenges”. “…When there is a reversal in fortunes, no matter how temporary, as happened with the NDA attack this week, you see the predilections and propensities of the evil-hearts. They actually gloat, pretending to be concerned, while actually rejoicing that the house rat had urinated in the pot of soup. Miserable comforters!”

T the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, the attack looked

like insider collusion.

While promising that the military would not rule out this possibility in its ongoing investigation, Irabor called for the cooperation of former senior officers in the fight against terrorism and banditry in the North-east.

Curiously, what particularly irked the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in the attack aftermath were claims from a section of the media that military personnel monitoring the closed-circuit television at the military institution were fast asleep when the attack happened. So, 24 hours after the audacious attack, DHQ issued a rebuttal in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Benjamin Sawyerr.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces wishes to state categorically that the allegation is untrue and hence challenge the Cable Online to publish forthwith a verifiable proof of personnel sleeping during the incident. It is therefore imperative to caution the Cable Online media to guide against being used as a propaganda tool by enemies of our dear country.”

More importantly, DHQ stated that a board of enquiry has been constituted to ascertain the incidents that led to the security breach.

It cannot be denied that audacious banditry has scaled up in Northern Nigeria - adding to the region’s many security challenges, especially the bloody Boko Haram insurgency. But the invasion of the nation’s premier military academy transcends the rather convenient label of armed banditry. It should be properly called out as terrorism.

Several associated posers come to the fore. What is the mission objective of the invaders? Does the attack merely sync with Garba and Adesina’s postulation - to embarrass the Buhari administration?

What is the real message behind the abduction and ransom demand? Why was the abductee killed?

Why did this operation look almost like a picnic without a withering fightback by the academy security in place?

The 9/11 terrorist attack targeting the US triggered a massive response. What has been the military response a week after this insulting invasion? Have the culprits been captured?

The NDA falls within the ideological targets of Boko Haram terrorists. It is a school where Western education and values are taught. Stories have been bandied where culprits of bloody impunity have been caught but freed.

What will be the consequences for the invaders of NDA - if caught? Nigerians are watching.

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

Anti-Open Grazing Law: Is Uzodimma Playing ‘Judas’?

Uzodimma

The state of insecurity in southern Nigeria worsened since 2016 when armed invaders from the North and the neighbouringWest African countries disguised themselves as herdsmen and stormed the region.

When the level of insecurity in the region became alarming, the 17 southern governors, under the aegis of the Southern Governors’Forum, met in Asaba, Delta State capital, on May 11, 2021 to deliberate on the prevalent insecurity and other issues affecting the region.

In a 12-point communiqué after the meeting, dubbed the‘Asaba Declaration’, the forum resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigeria.

Eight weeks after their meeting, the southern governors shunned criticisms by the Presidency; Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, and the Attorney

General of the Federation/Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, and met again in Lagos on July 5 to reaffirm their stance on the Asaba Declaration.

The governors also gave themselves September 1, 2021 deadline for the implementation of Anti-Open Grazing Laws in all the southern states.

However, three days to the deadline, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is among the four southern governors that have not initiated the anti-open grazing laws in their states. Uzodimma obviously shocked his southern colleagues when he told journalists after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, onWednesday that he had no intention of enacting the anti-open grazing law.

“I don’t have any law in Imo State for anti-grazing. But what we have done is that we are regulating grazing activities in Imo State under a partnership between our

farmers and herders.They have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in my office and agreed to work together. And both parties are going about their businesses without interfering or causing any grievance or anger to each other.”

Uzodimma expects the lawless armed herders to abide by mere MoU instead of enacting enforceable anti-open grazing law.

Is Uzodinma pandering to the wishes of forces outside the state or playing‘Judas’?While these questions are waiting for answers, the Imo State governor should learn lessons from his Plateau State counterpart, Simon Lalong.

Lalong had blamed the killings of Benue farmers by herdsmen on the anti-open grazing law enacted by Governor Samuel Ortom, only for the armed invaders to later turn his state into a killing field.

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BRIEFINGNOTES Will PDP Crisis Consume Secondus?

After what appeared like a final resolution of the crisis besetting the Peoples Democratic Party with the governors and the Board of Trustees of the main opposition party abridging the tenure of Prince Uche Secondus as the National Chairman, the hawks still instigated his stepping aside based on court orders.

Ejiofor Alike writes that unless Secondus speedily vacates these orders, he may permanently forfeit his seat, just like Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, whose controversial removal as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress was fuelled by his suspension from the party in his ward in Edo State, which was upheld by the courts.

D

espite the resolution of the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by its governors and Board of Trustees (BoT) members, who abridged the tenure of Prince Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and also prevailed on them not to seek re-election, the hawks within the main opposition party, apparently led by a certain ‘Father Christmas’ still went ahead to obtain court order to suspend Secondus.

Crisis had hit the main opposition party following the call by some stakeholders for the resignation of Secondus over what they described as poor leadership.

However, to save the party and particularly, Secondus, who appeared to have been targeted by his governor and main political backer, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, the 13 governors of the party, BoT members, former Senate Presidents, former governors, and other leaders had on August 10, 2021, brought the party’s National convention forward from December 2021 to October.

They also prevailed on the NWC not to seek re-election at the October National Convention of the party.

While the intervention of the leaders of the party seemed to have calmed frayed nerves, indications that the crisis was far from over emerged barely one week later when Wike insisted on a live TV programme that he wanted Secondus and his team out because they would not be capable of leading the party to victory in the 2023 general election.

It was a public knowledge that Wike was the main backer of Secondus when he contested for the position in December 2017.

At the peak of the campaign, Wike had insisted that Secondus, a former acting chairman of the party, was the best candidate to lead the PDP in view of his experience and track record.

In one of the statements issued by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, the Rivers State governor had argued that the other candidates had no political presence in their respective states to drive the revival of the party, even though Prof.

Tunde Adeniran, who also contested, was also from a PDP-governed state, Ekiti during the period.

But speaking on a live TV programme

Secondus in Port Harcourt, a week after the recent intervention of the governors, Wike argued that Secondus and his team lacked the capacity to lead the party to victory in 2023.

“Leadership was the problem. The point is this, the current NWC, as it is today, cannot lead the party to victory. Nobody has said they have not done well, one way or the other, but we are talking about the challenges ahead.

“That is why we are pushing for the party to have other people to lead the party and to give it a different strength altogether. If you know APC, you know that you need a robust, determined leadership of the party (PDP) to make sure you match them word by word, action by action,” he reportedly said.

There were speculations that his onslaught against Secondus is to pave the way for his presidential ambition since the presidential or vice presidential candidate of the party and the party chairman cannot come from the same state.

But the governor had dismissed insinuation that he is nurturing a presidential ambition.

However, barely six days after his outburst, a Rivers State High Court, in an interim order dated August 23, 2021 and signed by Justice O. Gbasam and the Assistant Chief Registrar (Litigation), Patricia N. Victor Nwoka, restrained Secondus from parading himself as the PDP National Chairman.

The claimants/applicants are Ibeawuchi Ernest Alex, Dennis Nna Amadi, Emmanuel

Stephen and Umezirike Onucha, while the defendants are Secondus and PDP. In obedience to the Rivers State High Court order, Secondus abdicated his office and handed over to his deputy, Mr. Yemi Akinwonmi Though Wike could not be linked directly to the court action, it has certainly thrown the reconciliation moves commenced by the expanded PDP BoT and the governors elected on the platform of the party into jeopardy.

As the crisis deepened, it became obvious that only a speedy vacation of the court order could save Secondus from receiving the Oshiomhole treatment.

Oshiomhole’s troubles began with his controversial suspension in November 2019, by the Etsako Ward 10 chapter of the party in Edo State, led by Mr. Stephen Oshawo, for alleged anti-party activities.

The controversial suspension was upheld by different courts and to an extent, contributed to the crisis that rocked the party before the final dissolution of the NWC at the party’s emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2020.

For Secondus to survive the Oshiomhole’s treatment, he was expected to have quickly approach a superior court to quash the order or the same Rivers High Court to vacate its earlier decision.

But rather than approach the appropriate court, his supporters went to a Kebbi State High Court, which on Thursday, issued an interim order directing the suspended PDP chairman to resume office, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Following the court order, the embattled Secondus, on Friday, returned to his desk.

However, few hours after respite came his way, another high court in Cross River State ordered the national chairman of the main opposition party to stop parading himself as the Chairman of the main opposition party However, the multiple court orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction have raised some questions: Since the conflicting orders were given by the courts of coordinate jurisdiction, which of the three orders is superior? Will the crisis consume Secondus?

Events of the next few weeks will provide answers to these posers.

NOTES FOR FILE

When will Police Learn from #EndSAR Protests? fter suffering many decades of police brutality and extra-judicial killings, Nigerian youths came out in October 2020 to attack the Nigerian police officers and men, who had turned themselves into the enemies of the people and made mockery of the‘police is your friend’mantra.

By the account of the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, 57 civilians, 37 policemen and six soldiers were killed all over the country during the #EndSARS crisis.

While not justifying the killing of security agents, it is pertinent to point out that the minister failed to tell Nigerians that the number of security agents lost to the protest was a drop in the ocean when compared to the number of innocent Nigerians sent to their early graves by policemen over the years.

The Nigerian soldiers are notorious for killing

policemen and civilians at the slightest provocation, while policemen kill civilians at checking points without any consequences.

However, the #EndSARS protest turned violent when it was hijacked by hoodlums who attacked police stations, killed policemen, stole AK-47 rifles and set the stations ablaze.

Many Nigerians thought that the protests would teach policemen a lesson to treat their fellow citizens with dignity, but policemen have since resumed business as usual, with one Miss Gloria Okolie being their latest victim.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had on Tuesday faulted the detention of Okolie, by the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Fatima Mohammed, the commission’s Executive Secretary,

Mr. Tony Ojukwu, demanded that the detainee should be released immediately otherwise she should be charged to court to avail her of her right to fair hearing.

As at last count, Okolie was detained for 68 days without trial simply because her boyfriend, who was also in custody, is a suspected member of IPOB. She was used as maid and sex slave by the police officers and when her lawyer raised the alarm and showed evidence of N220,000 extorted from her, the police authorities quickly promised a probe.

In what seemed like their usual frame-up of citizens to justify their atrocities, the police suddenly alleged that her account was used to send money to IPOB. But the unanswered questions are: Who paid IPOB the money through her account? Who

extorted N220,000 from her for bail? Why have the police not charged her to court? Why was she being used as maid and sex slave?

“Ojukwu became more disturbed upon learning that the victim while being detained was used as a slave girl to the officers and was terribly abused, washing clothes, sent in errands to buy stuffs for officers, tortured by some of the officers in charge of her detention hence the need for her release without further delay,”the NHRC statement read in part.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public and Developmental Law, NBA-SPIDEL, has also threatened to drag the Inspector General of Police before the court for the continued detention of Okolie over her friendship with an alleged IPOB member.

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Candidate Soludo and the WAEC Fuss The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Anambra State governorship election, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has fired the first salvo in the war of words expected at the governorshipelectioncampaignswithhisattackontheeducationalattainmentsofothercandidates, writes David-Chyddy Eleke

T

he candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Anambra State governorship election, Prof.

Chukwuma Soludo, last week stirred the hornet’s nest when he attacked the educational attainments of other candidates

in the race.

Speaking at the inauguration the campaign council of the party in Awka, the state capital, Soludo while using the opportunity to market himself by praising the qualities of APGA candidates, said Anambra State was too important to be governed by people with the basic West African School Certificate (WASC) as educational qualification.

He said: “APGA has a star-studded team for this election, and it is the party with the best brains. Look at other political parties and their candidates, and you will find out that they have just First School Leaving Certificate and others WAEC as their highest qualification. Is it First School Leaving Certificate and WAEC that they will use to govern Anambra? Anambra has outgrown such kind of state and you cannot use those certificates to govern Anambra. Look at my running mate, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, a medical doctor. You can’t beat our team.”

Soludo was not the only one who saw the brightness of the party’s candidate as a plus, as the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Victor Oye who also spoke at the event, toed the same line of argument.

“Let those vying for governorship against Soludo bring their certificates let’s see. We have a candidate that has first class in every level of his education. He is a renowned professor of Economics and a former CBN governor,” Oye reportedly said.

Apparently referring to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Andy Ubah, who has not been recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oye said: “Let that candidate who is assembling governors from everywhere to come to Anambra come and show us his certificate first. He has none. We will remain steadfast and continue to pray and we hope that victory trumpet will sound on November 6. Soludo has won the election already and we are confident of it,” he added.

The comments by Soludo and Oye have however generated controversies in the state and outside, including on the social and traditional media. While some people have agreed with Soludo that the state is too sophisticated to be left in the hands of a poorly educated person, others have accused the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of attempting to intimidate other candidates with his educational accomplishments, even when they met the educational qualifications as stipulated in the Constitution.

For instance, the 1999 Constitution as amended is very clear on who can become a governor in the country. To be elected as governor of a state, one must must be educated to at least the School Certificate level or its equivalent, among other requirements.

What this means is that those who submitted School Certificate as their highest educational qualification are also qualified, especially if they meet the other stipulated requirements.

Reacting to the comments by Soludo and his party, the senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone and governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, challenged the APGA candidate to a debate on matters concerning governance. Ubah stated that having a PhD does not translate to one be-

Soludo ing good in governance, adding that native intelligence and human relations were some of the factors that could enhance good governance. He noted that he had these qualities.

In a statement personally signed, Ubah said: “In our quest to deepen our democracy which thrives on issue-based and constructive deliberations, I have watched with keen interest, the mudslinging and needlessly disruptive comment made by Prof. Soludo to the effect that a WAEC certificate holder cannot govern Anambra State.

“To the glory of God, having recently graduated with a 2.2 LL.B Hons from the prestigious Baze University, Abuja by dint of hard-work, I do not consider it necessary or feel the obsessive compulsion to flaunt my university degree as it is not a prerequisite to contest for governorship.

“Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, etc all rose to the apex of success without degrees. It is also worthy of note to let Soludo know that those money bags he is anticipating to bankroll his campaign in Anambra are also not degree holders. In the same vein, those that gave him employment both in the past and present are also not degree holders. I am speaking the mind of other aspirants because I believe that anybody that wants to govern Anambra has the right to contest and should not be tongue-lashed because of a basic requirement by INEC. “The truth is that politics has evolved beyond uncouth aspersions and mudslinging. Having taken my time to carefully observe, study and analyse this statement, I have come to the conclusion that there is no justification in his statement as I personally believe that my formidable track record of achievements and wealth of experience as a private investor have earned me tremendous knowledge, skills and capacity to understand the multiple expectations of Anambrarians.

“I sincerely retain the belief that the era

Ubah of ‘textbook grammatical grandstanding’ and theoretical politics is over in Anambra.

Our people now want a leader with practicable ideas and dynamism to move the state forward. Ideas that will proffer sustainable solutions to the socio-economic problems beclouding the state due to bad governance brought to the fore by the present government.

“In this regard, I am challenging Prof.

Soludo to an open public manifesto debate with me. Let us put our manifestos out before the court of public opinion and adjudication so as to let the people decide their preferred candidate whose agenda resonates with the layman and electorate.

I am calling on Prof. Soludo to unveil his manifesto and engage the people of Anambra State constructively and objectively. I wish to further state, my readiness to fully sponsor such a debate within the next seven days of presenting his manifesto.”

Another candidate, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has also reacted to the comment by Soludo.

Okonkwo, a Russian university-trained PhD holder spoke through the publicity secretary of his party, Mr. Afam Ofomata in a statment. He said the APGA candidate should rather rejoice that he has been enlisted in the race by INEC. “It is public knowledge that Soludo has never had anything to offer Ndi Anambra.

Prof. Soludo cannot comfortably point to any landmark project for the benefit of Ndi Anambra in his five years as CBN governor; even a project as ordinary as a hospital he raised money for in memory of his mother is abandoned.”

Meanwhile, some Anambra indigenes have reacted to the issue of qualification, with some tongue-lashing Ubah for challenging Soludo to a contest. A social media user, Chalky Eke chided Ifeanyi Ubah, saying: “Is it this law degree that Ifeanyi Ubah acquired through akwukwo mgbede (meaning evening education) that is intoxicating

him to the level of challenging a professor of Soludo’s standing to a debate? He should beware.”

Another WhatsApp user, Master Ikenna Ibe likened Ubah to the bird ‘Nwanza’, who after feeding to its fill, invited its ‘chi’ (creator), to a wrestling contest.

An APGA faithful, Mr. Emeka Asoanya however went comical when he said that Prof. Soludo should first come and debate with him (Asoanya), and convince him why he should engage Ubah.

Asoanya said he would be disappointed if Soludo accepted Ubah’s challenge, saying that would amount to dignifying him.

Mr. Chima Chriatian, a member of PDP, while reacting to the issue said: “It would be erroneous to deny the critical role played by knowledge, especially those acquired through formal education, in evaluating the competence of a prospective leader. But to insist that good governance cannot be delivered except one reaches the peak of academic pursuits also misses the point.

“We have seen utterly useless professors.

We have seen utterly useless school dropouts. We have also seen real game-changers on both sides of the academic divide. This close to the election, our focus should be on who has what plans for Ndi Anambra.

Ongoing certificate-measuring contest is distracting. It has trended long enough and should stop forthwith.”

Meanwhile, in a bid not to offend a larger population of the people of Anambra State, the Soludo Campaign organisation has commenced a fence-mending move, explaining that the comment was not meant to hurt, but out of love for the state. Deputy Director of Media in the Soludo Campaign organisation, Mr. Emeka Ozumba, said it was not true that Soludo meant to denigrate his opponents by referring to their lowly educational qualifications.

However, Soludo’s comments have set to the tone for the war of words expected as the campaign progresses.

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Repentant or Spies, Nigerians Wary of Surrendered Terrorists Vanessa Obioha writes that many unanswered questions and doubts surround the federal

government’s rehabilitation and reintegration plans for ex-insurgents

H

ow can a victim of a terrorist attack live with perpetrators as neighbours simply because they surrendered? Even the most religious of all Nigerians would certainly wish for the insurgents to face the law. Yet, the federal government wants Nigerians to forgive and forget the horrible images of unspeakable violence and crime committed by ex-terrorists through its various amnesty initiatives, particularly, Operation Safe Corridor.

The programme launched in 2016, seeks to rehabilitate, de-radicalise and reintegrate the surrendered low-risk ex-Boko Haram fighters into the society.

For more than a decade, Nigeria has been caught in a war with Boko Haram, a group formed by the late Mohammed Yusuf in 2002 who challenged western education in the North. The terrorist’s notoriety escalated in 2009 following the death of Yusuf.

They killed, maimed, abducted, kidnapped and raped their victims. The 2014 abduction of Chibok girls by the insurgents marked the beginning of mass abductions of students in the country.

Today, abduction of students is fast becoming a worrying trend. Bandits, and unknown gunmen adopt the strategy to hold both the government and individuals to ransom.

The fight against Boko Haram has not been as progressive as Nigerians wished. If anything, critics believe it’s stalemated.

The present administration had promised during its 2015 campaign to put an end to the insurgency but six years later, security challenges in Nigeria are at a staggering record and continue to dwarf the efforts of security agents.

To combat the insurgents, the Nigerian Army came up with OSC to lure members of the terrorist group to give up their arms.

From the onset, the decision was greeted with criticisms. But with the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan where the Taliban conquered the country following the United States’ withdrawal of troops after 20 years, Nigerians are worried that the country may fall into a similar path.

Already, security experts across the world raised concerns that the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan may lead to a resurgence of al-Qaeda and other jihadists groups across the globe.

The Senior Director for Counterterrorism in former US President Donald Trump’s administration, Mr. Chris Costa, called it a galvanising event for jihadists everywhere.

“I think al-Qaeda (sic) has an opportunity, and they’re going to take advantage of that opportunity,” the Associated Press had reported.

Al-Qaeda was responsible for the September 11 attacks on the US in 2001 and still maintains close ties with the Taliban.

In Nigeria, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are the known terrorist groups. It was in 2015 that the late leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau announced the group’s allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the self-proclaimed ‘caliph’ and leader of the Islamic State (IS, also known as ISIS or ISIL). ISWAP on the other hand is an offshoot of Boko Haram and the administrative arm of ISIS but the rivalry between the two led to the killing of Shekau in May this year. ISIS also pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda and participated in the 2003 Iraqi insurgency.

Therefore, resentment and fears have greeted the recent reintegration of over 1,000 insurgents into society. According to the Army spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Onyema

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya Nwachukwu, a chief bomb expert of the insurgents, Musa Adamu was one of those who surrendered. In total, 335 fighters, 746 adult women and children, including two of the abducted Chibok girls reportedly surrendered to the Nigerian troops at Konduga, Gwoza and Bama in Borno. Images of the terrorists carrying placards with the inscription: “Nigerians, please forgive us,” went viral.

It was as if the army expected Nigerians to embrace the terrorists through those words but mere placards do not in any way convey repentance. Nigerians are even more infuriated by the term ‘repentant terrorists’ used by the federal government to identify former members of the terrorist group Boko Haram who surrendered to the Nigerian Army.

To be sure, Merriam Webster dictionary defined the adjective ‘repentant’ as expressing repentance, an act of repenting. Repentance requires one to turn from sin and dedicate to the amendment of one’s life. It is to feel regret or contrition, to change one’s mind.

The questions now become how genuine is this repentance? Better still, are Nigerians, particularly victims of insurgency ready to forgive and forget as queried by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi who still has memories of the insurgents’ attack on the Bama community in 2014. The insurgents were reported to have killed 13 district heads and several ward heads in 16 LGAs in Borno.

“It is easy to forgive for the destruction of many lives and property, but difficult to forget the wanton loss of lives in the various communities of my chiefdom. Many people were killed along with their property for 12 years. And you people and the media expect us to forget and forgive the repentant terrorists?” the revered monarch queried.

President of the Senate, Dr. President Ahmad Lawan shared similar sentiments, warning that measures must be put in place to ensure that the repentant insurgents are ‘genuine’.

However, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who once said that the insurgents could act as spies, sang a different tune after he visited the President at the State House last Tuesday.

While acknowledging that over 100,000 people have been killed in the 12-year insurgency in the North-east, he disclosed that 2,600 Boko Haram members have so far surrendered, including their wives and children.

“The report of the surrendering of the insurgents and to me in particular and to the greater people of Borno State is a very welcome development unless we want to continue with an endless war. I see no reason why we should reject those who are willing to surrender.

“I was attacked for more than 40, 50 times.

I know the magnitude of this problem.

More than 100,000 people were killed and therefore, I am in total support of this ongoing surrender by the insurgents,” Zulum reportedly said.

Zulum’s pain pales in comparison to victims of Boko Haram who are not only dealing with loss and displacement but also poverty. Most families in the northern state depend on farm produce but with little financial assistance, they barely produce enough to subsist on.

More aggravating was the grand welcome given to the insurgents like the Biblical Prodigal Son by the army. It begets the question of whether similar benevolent

gestures have been extended to victims apart from the ineffective consolatory messages.

While Nigerians were still mulling over OSC, a UN report titled ‘The New Humanitarian’ that disclosed the government was carrying out a clandestine operation for senior jihadists fighters was published, triggering a flurry of emotions. Called Sulhu, a term used for peacekeeping in Islam, the programme targets “turbaned Rijal seen in the low-res YouTube videos, exultant in victory, killing without remorse,” as described in the report.

It also disclosed that the federal government reached out to these fighters in the bush to encourage them to abandon their goal of building a caliphate by force of arms and to defect.

Run by the Department of State Services (DSS), it offers a new beginning to these senior jihadists fighters, including one of the commanders of the Bama massacre. The report detailed how one of the repentant terrorists, Aliyu, a commander in the insurgent group, is enjoying a new life and used also to lure others to surrender to the government.

Under Sulhu, defectors are enrolled in a six-month “deradicalisation” course in the military’s demobilisation and reintegration centre in Mallam Sidi, in Gombe State. They are issued with a graduation certificate, signed by a high court judge, after renouncing their membership of the insurgent group.

Some now run their own businesses, from cap-making to chicken-rearing.

Expectedly, the programme has met differing opinions. On one side are security officials who said that the initiative opens door to a peace deal, while others view it as a reward for mass killers.

Again, the secrecy of Sulhu stirred suspicions. Why is the government keeping such operations hidden? Is there a secret agenda?

One of the reasons given by an Abujabased lawyer is that “There’s a lack of buy-in and a lot of pushback from sections of the military and political office holders, who don’t see the need for this process.”

The insurgents are known to have used anti-air craft weapons and other high-calibre war equipment, raising strong indications that they have powerful backers and sponsors.

It is therefore, strange that the federal government or security agents have never named a country or individuals sponsoring terrorists, despite having some of the top commanders in custody or as ‘repentant’ fighters.

Under the Nigerian constitution, terrorism is an act punishable by law; so, having the government decorate the repentant insurgents is unfathomable, especially considering the level of pain and sorrow these terrorists have caused many.

Are these repentant fighters spies? If the federal government needed proof, the recent attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna provided one.

News of the attack that happened in the early hours of Tuesday, August 24, had sent panic across the land. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, suspected insider collaboration. This is part of the dangers in reintegrating terrorists into the society.

Although the Army has consistently denied claims that some of the repentant fighters were integrated into the military, there is no doubt that these ex-fighters will not play a patriotic role if reintegrated into the society, given their orientation.

As Nigerians seek answers to burning questions, it is obvious that they do not want to live with terrorists; repentant or not.

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Two Years after, 14 Edo Lawmakers-elect Still in Limbo Adibe Emenyonu wonders why the judiciary is not making effort to quickly resolve the logjam over the

14 members-elect of the Edo State House of Assembly with two years to the end of their tenure

T

he Edo State House of Assembly is made up of 24- member seats, elected during the 2019 general election. But of the 24 seats, 14 were declared vacant while only 10 hold plenary.

The crisis started when 12 members of the assembly were inaugurated while 12 shunned the inauguration exercise, alleging that it was not properly convened.

However, the struggle for the control of the state lawmakers between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his former political boss, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was behind the crisis.

On July 18, 2019, the entire people of the state woke up to hear the inauguration of 10 members on the previous night. Two days later, two others showed up and were inaugurated by the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Audu Yahaya Omogbai.

They are Emmanuel Agbaje of Akoko-Edo II state Constituency and Yekini Idaye of AkokoEdo I Constituency, bringing the total number of the inaugurated lawmakers to 12. But in a dramatic turn, Uyi Ekhosuehi (Oredo East) and Henry Okaka (Owan East) abandoned the Obaseki group and joined the 12 that shunned the inauguration.

Those who shunned the inauguration exercise that was alleged to have been secretly convened by the governor at ungodly hours were Victor Edoror (Esan Central), Washington Osifo (Uhunmwonde), Vincent Uwadiae (Ovia North East II), Ugiagbe Dumez (Ovia North East I), Sunday Aghedo (Ovia South West) and Charles Ekhosuehi (Oredo East).

Others are: Crosby Eribo (Egor), Chris Okaeben (Oredo West), Kingsley Ugabi (Etsako East), Ganiyu Audu (Etsako West I), Seidu Oshiomhole (Etsako West II), Oshomah Ahmed (Etsako Central) and Eric Okaka (Owan East) The inaugurated members are: Frank Okiye (Esan North East II), Emma Okoduwa, (Esan North East I), Yekini Idaye (Akoko-Edo I), Emmanuel Agbaje (Akoko-Edo II), Marcus Onobu (Esan West), and Ephraim Aluebhosele (Igueben), Also inaugurated were Sunny Ojiezele (Esan South East), Roland Asoro (Orhionmwon I), Nosa Okunbor (Orhionmwon II), Henry Okuarobor (Ikpoba-Okha), Emmanuel Okoduwa (Esan North East I), and Michael Ohio-Ezomo (Owan West) Prior to the inauguration, 19 member-elect believed to be loyal to Oshiomhole backed a member-elect representing Esan Central state constituency, Mr Victor Edoror as speaker against Mr. Frank Okiye (Esan North East II), who was reportedly anointed by the governor for the job.

Attempts by both groups to harmonise their differences out of public view reportedly collapsed, leading to plots and counter plots.

While the pro-governor lawmakers urged their colleagues to make themselves available for inauguration after they had elected the speaker and other principal officers, the lawmakers backed by Oshiomhole insisted on a fresh inauguration before election of principal officers.

While some people blame Obaseki for the crisis in the assembly, others accused the members-elect of abandoning the inauguration and listening to their godfathers.

However, the 12 affected lawmakers-elect first protested to the party hierarchy.

The spokesman for pro-Oshiomhole members-elect, Osifo, had called for a proper/ re-inauguration of the seventh assembly. But the then Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu in a statement claimed the assembly was properly inaugurated at 3p.m., adding that it was about the same time the pro-Oshiomhole “ignored

Obaseki

Justice John Tsoho the inauguration” and were addressing journalists.

A member of the National Assembly representing Owan Federal Constituency, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere had raised the issue at the plenary for the party and the National Assembly to intervene.

The National Assembly constituted a committee to find a political solution to the logjam.

According to the findings of the separate committees by the two chambers, which were made public, the letter of proclamation from the governor was selectively communicated. In other words, while some got the letter, some were denied the letter.

To resolve the crisis, the two houses recommended that the governor should issue a fresh proclamation which should be properly communicated because, “(a) the inauguration was allegedly done at 10p.m. outside legislative hours; (b) that the proclamation letter from the governor, which should have been advertised in national dailies was back-dated, an indication the entire exercise was done to leave some persons out.”

The war of words by both camps thereafter continued to defy all known solutions, including the National Assembly’s recommendations, which canvassed re-inauguration of the assembly and takeover of Edo State House of Assembly’s legislative functions.

A wedge was however put to the National Assembly’s resolutions when a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State delivered a judgment on September 12, 2019 declaring that Obaseki’s proclamation of state House of Assembly was lawful. The court went further to affirm that the assembly was duly inaugurated and further held that the governor or any other person cannot issue another proclamation.

As the deadlock continued, two out of the earlier 12 members inaugurated left the Obaseki camp and joined the Oshiomhole-backed lawmakers.

This depleted the number of the pro-Obaseki supporters in the assembly to

10 members, while his opponent’s camp has 14 lawmakers-elect.

On December 14, 2019, the seats of 14 members were declared vacant by the speaker following their prolonged absence.

Declaring the seat vacant, the then Speaker, Hon. Frank Okiye, said they did not meet up with the 181-day sitting requirement for a member in a legislative calendar year.

Twelve of the seats, according to the assembly, were declared vacant because the members-elect did not present themselves for inauguration since the letter of proclamation of June 17, 2019, while two other members representing Oredo East and Owan East were declared vacant because the two members, Ekhowuehi Uyi and Eric Okaka Eric, failed to attend sitting after the day of inauguration.

This was backed by the judgment of a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

However, instead of approaching the Appeal Court to challenge the decision of the Federal High Court sitting at Port Harcourt, the 14 lawmakers went to Federal High sitting in Abuja, which is a court of coordinate jurisdiction.

The 14 affected members filed a suit No. FHC/ABJ/1582/19 at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the constitutionality of the declaration of their seats vacant.

The presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to declare the seats of the 14 lawmakerselect vacant. The order was sequel to an exparte motion brought before him by one D. D. Dodo on behalf of the 14 members-elect. He urged the parties to maintain status quo until the determination of the motion brought before court.

As it is, it appears all political solutions reached by the both parties to resolve the crisis have failed, leaving only the court to resolve it.

Obaseki alluded to that early this year when he declared that it was only the court that could resolve the matter.

The governor had played host to the

leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state who visited to congratulate him on his Supreme Court victory and at the same time pleaded with him to find a way to resolve the fate of the 14 members whose seats were declared vacant.

According to the governor, “Some characters said they sent congratulatory letters to me, and put it in all kinds of conditions (referring to the congratulatory message by the APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu who also urged him to accommodate the 14 lawmakers).

“How can you tell me to forgive those 14 lawmakers-elect who are responsible for sedition and treason in Nigeria? Of course, we are going to start charges.

“You see, what is bad is bad. Let’s stop covering up things so that people can learn and not do it again. We have gotten support from all of you and are very glad that your support gives us the confidence to continue to fight. Their matter rests with the court.”

With this, all eyes are on the judiciary to accelerate the hearings of all the motions pending in various court.

But the judiciary appears not to be tackling the issue as quickly as it deserves and this has denied a larger segment of the good people of Edo State representation at the state House of Assembly.

The absence of the 14 lawmakers-elect, no doubt has slowed down legislative sessions in the House. Till date, the lawmakers were yet to handle two key resolutions. One of them is the Asaba declaration of Southern Governors banning open grazing and asking the governors of the south to put up a legislation through their respective state assemblies. Today, Edo is among the states yet to do that because the governor has to transmit the Executive Bill for the House to deliberate with a view to passing it into law like other states.

The second issue is the legislative and judicial autonomy, which prompted several months of strike. Before the strike was called off, part of the resolutions was for an Executive Bill from governors to be passed into law by the state assemblies. Again, Edo State still remains among the states that have not done anything to that effect because there is no executive bill to work on.

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GAVEL

Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

Lawmakers Put MDAs on Their Toes Udora Orizu reports on how the House of Representatives tackled ministers and heads of revenue generating agencies of government, who defended the revenue estimates outlined in the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) submitted to them recently

I

n line with its commitment towards sustaining the restoration of the January to December budget cycle and open up more revenue sources to Ànance the country’s budget for 2022, the House of Representatives recently held an eight-day interactive session on the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) in Abuja with the various heads of revenue generating agencies of government, totalling 83.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on July 8 sent the 2022-2024 MTEF/FSP to the Senate and the House of Representatives for approval. The cover letter which accompanied the document was read at plenary by the presiding o΀cers of both chambers, Senator Ahmad Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Buhari in a letter, while seeking the expeditious consideration of the request, said that its timely passage would facilitate the early preparation of the 2022 budget based on approved parameters by both chambers.

Gbajabiamila had referred the document to the House Committee on Finance to consider as the lawmakers are on their two-month annual vacation.

Lawan on his part, gave the Senate Joint Committee on Finance National Planning, Foreign and Local Debt, Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions 24 hours to complete work on the report and submit it for consideration and approval.

This according to the duo was to enable the Executive commence work on the 2022 Appropriations Bill.

At the beginning of the interaction on August 16, the Ànance committee engaged the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; Director-General, Budget O΀ce of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze; Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris; and Director-General, Debt Management O΀ce, Patience Oniha.

Before interfacing with the agencies’ heads, the Committee Chairman, Hon. James Faleke, advised all federal government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to scale down on white elephant projects contained in their budget proposals, to shore up revenue for critical infrastructure and development of capital resources that have direct impact on the people.

He said the practice where the MDAs recycled unnecessary capital projects in the budget without due regards to essential projects that would engender sustainable development in the country was no longer tenable.

The lawmaker added that during the exercise, the committee would scrutinise the capital vote, line item by line item, and provide funds for agencies in-house capital requirements that were necessary bearing in mind the overall objectives of the MTEF/FSP. Corroborating Falake’s statement, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila, said the exercise required honest assessment of local and international economic dynamics that underpined decisions about budgeting, spending, and strategic planning.

Gbajabiamila who was represented by the House Leader, Hon. Ado Doguwa, added that it was not in the best interest of Nigeria to make plans based on projections that were unlikely to come to fruition.

In her presentation, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Ahmed, said the government planned to borrow about N5.62 trillion from internal and external sources to Ànance the deÀcit in its proposed 2022 budget of N13.98 trillion due to dwindling revenue.

Ahmed had noted that the perception of the naira being over-valued despite recent the adjustment by the Central Bank of Nigeria had compounded Nigeria’s risk aversion in the global capital market, which she said would further put pressure on the foreign exchange

Gbajabiamila market, stressing that foreign portfolio investors had yet to return to the Nigerian market.

The minister stated that while the government planned to borrow to fund the N5.62 trillion deÀcits in 2022, it will reduce capital expenditure by N259.315 billion, as the reduction would become necessary due to economic volatility occasioned by unstable global oil market as well as the eͿects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahmed said for capital expenditure next year, ministries, departments and agencies would get N1.76trillion as opposed to the N2.02trillion spent in 2021.

She also said the exchange rate had been pegged at N410.15 to a dollar per dollar and oil benchmark at $57 per barrel.

The minister noted that non-oil GDP continued to grow at 169.69 trillion, compared to oil GDP of 14.68 trillion included in the nominal GDP. Nominal consumption was 130.49 billion.

In her submission, the Director-General, Debt Management O΀ce, Oniha, while explaining some of the points in the presentation earlier made by the minister, had noted that the debt stock would keep increasing as revenue was declining.

Oniha said, “I think one of the things that have come out from the presentation from the honourable minister is, much as we have been conservative in projecting revenues, we still see that we are underperforming in revenue. So, it means that we are relying increasingly on borrowings to Ànance the

activities of the government. And if you look at the Àgures from last year when the budget was revised because of COVID-19, we can see that the borrowing levels are going higher.

“So, what that means is that the debt stock as expected will keep rising and debt service will also keep increasing, as shown in the presentation. I just thought I should highlight that this is primarily where the debt stock is growing from, and the debt service, which means that we are also servicing, taking from the revenue which has not grown as expected. I thought I should highlight that because there is a lot of concern about debts.”

But the lawmakers at another session two days later, expressed displeasure over the way some MDAs concealed their revenues, thereby denying the federal government the fund for budgeting.

Faleke criticised the way the country resorted to borrowing N5.62 trillion to Ànance deÀcit in the 2022 budget, while the MDAs starved the government of funds.

He said: “We are not you happy the way Nigeria is borrowing N5.62 trillion and we have some fund somewhere staying fallow without being used. For God sake, let us build this country together for the sake of all of us.”

He stressed that if the committee discovered that any of the agencies’ capital projects were unnecessary, they would be removed in a bid to get revenue for the country.

At another session, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) projected a medium term base crude oil price scenario of $57 per barrel for 2022; $61 for 2023 and $62 for 2024.

The Group Managing Director of the corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari, who made the disclosure in his presentation, had explained that the assumptions were arrived at after a careful appraisal of the three-year historical dated Brent oil price average of $59.07 per barrel premised on Platts spot prices.

On the perennial issue of smuggling of petroleum products, Kyari implored the National Assembly to come to the aid of the corporation in battling the menace.

He noted that the NNPC, based on the directive of the President, had mobilised some customs o΀cers, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the police as well as the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to Ànd workable solutions to the menace.

Also speaking on the propriety of establishing NNPC retail stations in neighbouring countries to curb the challenge of illegal haulage of petroleum products across the border, Kyari said the NNPC once considered the option.

However, he said the corporation had to jettison the idea when it became imperative that the measure would be counterproductive.

He explained that smugglers were not looking for o΀cially priced petroleum products.

To this end, he said going ahead to establish NNPC retail stations would not yield the desired results since the people who smuggled products across the borders were not interested in selling at the o΀cial prevailing prices at approved stations.

Other subsequent sessions had various MDAs and the lawmakers agreeing to disagree.

At one of the sessions, the lawmakers walked out the Pipeline Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) for allegedly doctoring Àgures on its daily output of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) and other petroleum products in the country.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. James Faleke, asked the agency to produce the records of all the daily output of petroleum products as well as the revenue remittances to the federal government unfailingly.

The committee at one of the sessions rejected the N1.3 trillion projected by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as revenue to be generated in 2022 Àscal year. It described the projection as too low for Nigerians, adding that they expected the agency’s proposal to be N2.5 trillion and above.

It also threatened to withhold 2022 budgetary allocation to the Corporate AͿairs Commission (CAC) over non-rendition of four years Ànancial statements.

In his closing remarks at the session, Faleke noted that the committee formed the urgent need for a meticulous budget process as it has been established that most agencies are in the habit of recycling projects without due consideration for need. He also accused the agencies of embarking on extra-budgetary spending contrary to the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Fiscal Responsibility Act. The lawmaker lamented that agencies have leveraged on their establishment Acts to spend their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) thereby denying the government the needed revenue. According to Faleke, some of these Acts are self-serving and against National interest, hence the need to expeditiously amend such Acts.

He further said that the agencies that are yet to appear before the committee will be re-invited to appear on resumption of the House of Representatives, failing which, their recommendations may include the removal of their capital and overhead from the 2022 budget.

SUNDAY AUGUST 29, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

29.08.2021

YUSUF GRILLO’S LESSONS IN VALUES AND DILIGENCE Even renowned for his lustrous achievements as he was in the art scene, Yusuf Grillo, who passed away four months shy of his 87th birthday, was a model of discipline and modesty, says

S

ome called him a master. Many even eulogised him as a“master of masters”. But the man, who would have turned 87 in December, would have none of that. To the very end, Yusuf Adebayo Cameron Grillo stuck to his life’s principles. To these, he remained steadfast up to the time he drew his last breath –“after a brief illness”– on Monday, August 23 at the Gbagada General Hospital in Lagos.

Like a monolith, he stood in a moral wasteland, refusing to bow before the Golden Calf of earthly transience and eschewing all grandiose titles.

“This is what I have been telling most people I know – we must suppress our EGO if we cannot mortify it!”the acclaimed luminary of the art scene was quoted to have said.“Some call me contrary, crazy, unconventional. Call me anything: as far as I am concerned, we are all different.

We have come into the world with different purposes, attitudes and beliefs. I cherish my individuality.”

Years back, as the year 2004 neared its end, the National Gallery of Art had sought his permission to commemorate his 70th birthday with a book.

Grillo predictably – albeit politely – declined the offer, reiterating:“I do not believe in celebrating my birthday, my person or name or whatever, but I have no objection to celebrating significant achievements. I once told a friend that I do not like celebrating what I am not responsible for achieving: it is not a victory! If I overcome challenges, I can celebrate, but a birthday? I am the last person responsible for it… If anybody deserves to be celebrated, it should be God.” At the insistence of the then Dr Paul Dike-led parastatal, he eventually gave his consent. But this was on the condition that the book would be based on his paintings and drawings or his ideas on art and art education.“It must have to do with the various aspects of my activities in the art world, in drawing, painting, mosaic, mural and recently stained glass which I am still busy doing,” he said.

Could this be why Grillo – even as one of the revered trendsetters of contemporary Nigerian art – remained not only the most reclusive and self-effacing but also the least documented among his peers? And to think that this same man celebrated birthdays with others, who chose to celebrate theirs, and was known to have deployed his resources to the promotion of the works of other artists!

Besides, wasn’t the Brazilian Quarters of Lagos, where he was born in 1934 – and subsequently raised – as the last of his Brazilian-returnee parents’11 children, legendary for its lavish revelries?

Yet, he would rather adhere to the precepts of his parents, which harped on both humility and uprightness as well as on the fulfilment of his duties to his fellow men.

A quirk of Fate steered his paths towards Aina Onabolu. Then, he was at the Christ Church Cathedral School in Lagos and Onabolu – the acclaimed father of Nigerian modern art – used to be an itinerant teacher, who not only volunteered his services at the primary school but also in such renowned Lagos secondary schools as the King’s College, Methodist Boys’High School and Baptist Academy.

It was Onabolu, who initiated Grillo into the mysteries of perspectives and three-dimensional art. Shortly afterwards, Akinola Lasekan, the

Yusuf Grillo

"If you cannot draw what is placed before you, you cannot draw what you imagine, no matter how fertile your imagination is." renowned cartoonist with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Daily Pilot, stepped in with his influences. Then, he would also later learn from Jacob Kolawole Oye, a London-trained editor of a government paper for children, called Dawottery.

Thus equipped, he became a steadfast lifelong devotee of art, who believed that those he called “picture makers or carvers”have no business in the profession.“I hold the view that if you cannot draw what is placed before you, you cannot draw what you imagine, no matter how fertile your imagination is,”he wrote in his contribution to the book Issues in Modern Art in Nigeria:

NGA Resource Materials Vol. 1 (edited by Simon Ikpakronyi).“Freedom comes only after rigorous discipline and students will be shown that they do not all have to be exhibition artists; there are many other areas of well rewarding occupations where a competent artist can go.”

But Grillo’s real path to both local and international recognition started when he became a student of the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology – often known as NCAST – when the institution was moved from Ibadan to Zaria.

It was while at NCAST in Zaria that he became one of the trendsetting members of the Zaria Art

Society, which paved the aesthetic direction for contemporary Nigerian art with the espousal of an ideology or concept it called“Natural Synthesis”.

No, the society did not invent the concept.

TThis, Grillo once stressed in an interview. It only went along with the flow.“It more or less provided the packaging,”the man who was the pioneer president of the Society of Nigerian Art explained.“Everybody... agreed that if you were a Yoruba, you didn’t have to throw away your Yoruba background. We envisioned a kind of Y synthesis that would bring out the art from our ‘tribal’enclaves and put them on the platform of national significance.”

Natural Synthesis, he added,“is so natural that one doesn’t need to talk about it. It is something tthat comes naturally with any sincere artist, any artist who is self-examining, any artist trying to discover himself. It has to be‘Natural Synthesis’if it has to be sincere.”

To further explain the concept, he had likened it to a well laid-out buffet table. From this ttable, the connoisseur would always take what appealed to him.“Your body process digests all [that you have eaten] and eliminates so much it doesn’t need.”

In the same vein, an artist could become so integrated with his work that it becomes easily identifiable as his. Of course, there was also the ffact that people could assimilate the same artworks differently according to their nature.

“It is your spirit. What you reject could be what another person assimilates.”

Beyond the years in Zaria, where he received a diploma in fine arts and a post-graduate diploma in education, Grillo also attended informal classes under Paul Mount at the Yaba Technical Institute in Lagos and later went further studies outside Nigeria in the UK, Germany and the US. Nonetheless, the“Natural Synthesis”principle remained the theme song of his decades-long studio practice. This fact was corroborated by an essay – published in the exhibition catalogue of Igi Araba (a retrospective of his works organised

by Arthouse, The Space) – written by the artist, critic and art historian Dr Kunle Filani.“Grillo’s creative adaptation of themes situates the universal in the local, while the indigenous is also made global,”Dr Filani wrote.“He espouses a humanistic philosophy that recognises human beings as social animals with a generic attitude to life. Grillo uses Yoruba culture as a humanising pedestal to unify divergent races, religions and societies.”

Perhaps, one of the most easily recognisable features of Grillo’s paintings was the use of blue colours – as a nod to the Yoruba textile tie-dye pigments – which is complemented by tints of blue and violet. There was also the generous use of perspective lines, which Grillo himself said was “a salute to Pa Aina Onabolu, whose main subject when he was teaching was PERSPECTIVE-ONE POINT (Parallel Perspective) and TWO POINTS (Angular Perspective).”And despite his Islamic faith, he was famous for his stained-glass paintings, which are based on biblical narratives, and adorn several churches.

Even after he departed from this earth-life – and the subsequent burial of his physical body the same day following the dictates of Islamic rites – the impressions of his exemplary honesty, integrity and sartorial preference for white short-sleeved suits would remain indelible in the consciousness of many.

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

67

GLITZ TRIBUTE

Life and Times of Pa Adesanya Abiodun ,VOMF 4PNPSJO pays glowing tribute to a great teacher, statesman, pedagogist, community leader and role model to many, Pa Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, father of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who passed away recently at the age of 89

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ributes have been pouring in from all walks of life since Pa Emmanuel Adesanya, father of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, passed away in the United Kingdom on August 2, at the age of 89.

Political leaders, faith-based and gender-based organisations, traditional leaders, private sector drivers, administrators, civil society organisations, professional institutions, trade organisations, students, traders and ordinary people alike have been paying condolence visits and sending commiseration messages to Governor Abiodun and his family over the demise of their late patriarch.

Pa Adesanya, during his lifetime, was an educationist and life coach par excellence. He was a statesman, pedagogist, community leader and role model to many. Thus, as the heartfelt condolences poured in, it is understood that some of the sympathisers may not have had an encounter with the late Pa Adesanya.

However, those who had come in contact with him, whether through biological and familial connection, impartation and moulding as his former students, or as life’s co-travellers, would attest to the values and virtues Pa Adesanya lived and died for.

Undoubtedly, one of the most qualified candidates for the job of describing the life and times of the late statesman is his governor-son himself, because what have so far resonated the most, when responding to messages of commiseration, are Governor Abiodun’s comments about what his late father stood for and one very important piece of advice he offered him upon emerging the governor of Ogun State.

On what his father stood for, Abiodun has said on several occasions since the death of his father that he learnt humility and love for education from his late father.

“My father taught at different levels of education. Education was his first love and teaching his ministry. He was disciplined and focused. He used his profession to affect lives positively. I learnt humility from my father because he always believed that life is transient and that we must impact positively on others,” Abiodun said of his father.

As regards the advice his father gave him that stuck, the governor often narrated how the late Pa Adesanya counselled him on looking after the welfare of workers and retirees.

“When he came for my swearingin ceremony, he said to me, ‘These pensioners, ensure that you make their payment on time. These teachers ensure you give them an opportunity to excel in their profession; provide for them that enabling environment, he said.’

And thirdly, he said, ‘The civil servants, ensure you pay their salaries as and when due, even before the end of the month.’ Those were the three my father asked of me and those things I take seriously.”

Perhaps one of the most thoughtprovoking messages during his condolence visit to Prince Abiodun was rendered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“The lesson from this is that one day

Late Dr. Abiodun.

we will be no more. It does not matter how long we live, but how well we lived.

What will people say about you? Baba lived a life of service to his community, God and his family. From what we have heard and what we know of Baba, we can testify that Baba gave his life to service.

He gave his life to service to his family, his community, his country and to God,” Obasanjo said.

Indeed, through the teaching profession, Pa Adesanya helped in shaping the society by producing eminent personalities who contributed and are still contributing to the socioeconomic development of the country and the world at large.

For President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr Abiodun, fondly called “Baba Teacher” lived for the principles of living for God, good of others and the country, and sharing knowledge that greatly impacted on entire Western Nigeria and the country.

The president expressed the belief that Dr. Abiodun’s passing, leaves “a strong legacy of service to humanity, further stirs the need for reflection

and making of right choices for living, particularly in working for the betterment of mankind.”

As the living continues to remember his family in prayers as the burial plans are being finalised, the Abiodun family of Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, has announced that the burial activities of their late patriarch, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, which will hold from Monday, September 6 to Thursday, September 9, 2021 in Iperu-Remo.

Born to the family of Pa Isaac Abiodun Okanrende and Madam Alice Olubowale Abiodun in Itasanyin, Iperu Remo on February 23, 1932, Dr Adesanya attended St. James’ Anglican School, Iperu between 1948 and 1950, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He then proceeded to St. Paul’s Grade III Teacher’s College, Abeokuta from 1951-1952.

Having started his teaching career as a Grade III teacher at St. Paul’s Anglican School, Odogbolu in 1953, Pa Adesanya then went to St. Luke’s Grade II Teacher Training College, Ibadan between 1955 and 1956. Three years later, he joined

the Joint Provincial Grade II Teacher Training College, Sagamu as Tutor. Baba had a stint as teacher at Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu, before returning to Joint Provincial College in 1962.

Between 1963 and 1966, Baba Adesanya attended the Obafemi Awolowo University (then University of Ife), Ile-Ife on Western Region scholarship, where he studied English Language and Literature. Upon graduation, he became Education Officer at the Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro between 1958 and 1970.

His classmate and friend of over 60 years, Otunba F.O. Abiona, also 89 years of age said of the late teachers’ teacher: “I will cherish the memories, I have with Emmanuel, I remember meeting Emmanuel for the first time as a co-candidate in the GCE Advanced Level at Moslem Modern School, Isolu, Ijebu-Ode in 1962. I also remember my relationship with him at the University of Ife (Ibadan Campus) in 1963, sharing the same dormitory and as a member of the First Eleven in the Dining Hall, where we were always part of the First Eleven Students to arrive in the Dining Hall to eat our food.”

Abiona, a retired College Principal, who is the Sooko of Idowa in Odogbolu local government area of the state surmised: “Emmanuel has lived well.

He loved his children and loved them so much. He has lived and accomplished his task.”

In 1971, Pa Adesanya went beyond teaching in the Secondary School as he became a lecturer at the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, where he spent the next 28 years, imparting knowledge and moulding future leaders before retiring in 1999.

At Adeyemi College of Education, Baba was Head, Department of English; Dean, School of Arts; Head, Department of Education Foundation and Counselling; Dean, School of Education; Director, Institute of Academic Extension Services; and Head, Department of Educational Foundation and Management.

Baba also held Master of Arts in Education (MA.ED) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Education (Guidance and Counselling), both from OAU. Until his death, the late Adesanya was a committed member of several professional and religious organisations, including: the Nigerian Association of Educational Psychologists; Counselling Association of Nigeria; Educational Foundations Association of Nigeria; Parish Church Council, St. James Church, Iperu; High Society of Fellows, Remo Anglican Diocese and Remo Anglican Diocese Board.

Baba also served his community in various capacities, including as Secretary, Iperu Palace Building Committee (2002-2003); Member, Governing Board, Remo Anglican College, Isara Remo (2004-2008); Member, Ikenne Local Government Scholarship Board (2001); and as Synod Delegate (2002-2005).

As he makes the final home journey on September 9, the world has utterly changed for his amiable wife of 65 years - Victoria Olaitan and children – Dapo, Sade, Seye and Seyi and grandchildren. May his soul rest in perfect peace. t 4PNPSJO JT $IJFG 1SFTT 4FDSFUBSZ UP (PWFSOPS %BQP "CJPEVO PG 0HVO 4UBUF

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 29, 2021

68

ENGAGEMENTS

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

From Kabul to Kaduna Chidi Amuta

S

eparated by great distance but proximal in influence and geostrategic thinking, Nigeria and Afghanistan are drifting closer. For most Nigerians, Afghanistan is not exactly their next favorite tourist destination. But aspects of Afghanistan’s undulating history of trouble making and theocratic fixations are beginning to resonate more with Nigeria and indeed the rest of the world where jihadist terror has become a permanent concern.

The strategic importance of the unfolding situation in Afghanistan for our terrorism situation may not immediately concern our security experts. But the two elements that make Afghanistan a country of permanent interest are present here: jihadist violence bred by atrocious governance in a faulty state. If we recognize the interplay of these two elements in our current security headache, we had better stay tuned to the news from Kabul.

In tandem with the last minute efforts of the US to wrap up what is unarguably a nasty withdrawal and evacuation process, ISSI-K terrorists have bombed the vicinity of Kabul airport, the immediate theatre of the evacuation effort. The attack and its large casualties is a quick reminder to the US and theTaliban that the calculus of power change in Afghanistan must include the presence of terror squads like ISIS and remnants of Al Queda. To the rest of the world, especially in places like Nigeria that are wracked by jihadist terror and governance instability, there is an even more harsh and direct message from Kabul: Jihadists everywhere are emboldened whenever jihadists in one place score a triumph over a perceived great power. At such moments, the good of sectarian puritanismseemstotriumphovertheevilofthesecular corrupt state. Jihadists everywhere jubilate through intensified violence campaigns. A latent terror virus finds oxygen and explodes to infect more places.

America’s carelessness has fed a familiar monster which is returning to torment the world.

FortheUSandtheBidenpresidencyinparticular,this avoidable nasty outcome may not bode well for the politicsoftheAfghanistanmisadventureinWashington.

The last minute janitorial oversights may yet cause the Democrats a few sleepless nights unless they can quickly and stoutly remind Americans that Mr. Biden was merely fulfilling an agreement entered into by the tardy Mr. Trump. And in any case, Americans are better off with keeping their dollars at home to pay for weekend shopping and medicare than burying it in sink holes in a hellhole of terror.

If the containment of terrorism or indeed its reduction was touted as a benefit of the 20-year Afghan mission, this latest attack underlines the falsity of the optimism. Of course terrorist episodes remained an active part of the Afghanistan ecosystem while the American occupation lasted. The several attacks on Kabul and its environs were conveniently attributed to the Taliban.

Now the Taliban is in power. It cannot possibly bomb itself and fellow Afghan citizens. ISIS-K has rudely stepped in to announce its stake as part of the present and future of a bad place. For theTaliban, the terrorist attack at Kabul airport poses an instant credibility problem of immense proportions. The resurgent Taliban that is still clawing its way back to powerinAfghanistanisbusymakinginitialnoisesabout a change of heart and a slightly reformed image. No one is certain whatTaliban 2.0 really is. It is uncertain if it has overtly abandoned the kind of terrorism that it used to support and sometimes sponsor. The old Taliban would ordinarily turn a blind eye to the kind of gruesome attack that has just taken place in Kabul.

In its original format and iteration, theTaliban remains anextremistfundamentalistmovementwithjihadism at its very foundation. From 1996 to 2000, the purist ShariadrivengovernmentoftheTalibandistinguished Afghanistan as a safe haven for all manner of terrorist franchises.ThechallengeofTaliban2.0istoredefineits relationship with terrorism.The attitude of the world will fall into place.

While the world awaits the full meaning of the unfolding Afghan quagmire, nations with known jihadist terrorism problems can already feel the psychological impact of the Afghanistan outcome.

Jihadistsallovertheworld,arelikelytobeemboldened by the Afghan outcome. Nigeria’s long running Boko Haram enterprise remains an ideological off shoot of bothTaliban and ISIS-type extremism and jihadism.

Such boldness is most likely to enhance the belief that the ultimate vindication of the jihadist campaign in dysfunctional secular states is to conquer and overthrow them. This audacity is reinforced by the

el-Rufai atrocious governance record of such failing or faulty states. For instance, the main thrust of international opinion on the reason behind Nigeria’s prolonged jihadist insurgency is the inherent dysfunction and corruption of the state. Says the London Economist: “Jihadists in north-eastern Nigeria are hard to beat because locals detest the central government and army officers sell their own men’s weapons to the guerillas and pocket the cash.”

In addition to deriving original inspiration from the Taliban,Nigeria’sBokoHaramsharestraitswithclassical Taliban. Like the Taliban, Boko Haram subscribes to a medieval version of Islam which abhors western education and modernization.They raze schools and kill teachers.They have the same attitude to the status of women, women’s education and basic freedoms.

They enslave women and prefer men with scraggy beards without grooming and have no room for freedom of expression, respect for the media and other manifestations of the open society. Jihad is its drivingforce.Divineordainedviolentretributionagainst infidels is its fuel while terrorist violence remains its principal vehicle.

Therefore, last Tuesday’s bandit attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) points in a bad direction in the nation’s expanding lethal handshake with jihadist terrorism. So far, two officers are dead while a third, who was abducted by the gunmen, faces an uncertain fate. In the process, the credibility of our military has taken a direct hit. The message is undisguised: a military establishment that cannot protect the officers and men in its premier national academy can hardly reassure the general populace of safety and security. Such a military establishment cannot justify its huge charge on the public purse or indeed its very professional capability. Why did the bandits target the NDA? Our attention should be on the historical and strategic importance of the DefenceAcademyinournationaldefenceandsecurity profile to date.

SinceitsestablishmentinFebruary1964,theNigerian Defence Academy has remained the nation’s apex citadelofmilitarytrainingandprofessionalexcellence.

Inthese57years,theAcademyhasbecomethebenchmark for establishing the seniority of a succession of officers who have come to lead the Nigerian military and indeed the nation for most of our history both for good and for ill.The NDA is our equivalent of Britain’s Sandhurst,America’sWestPointorIndia’sIndianMilitary Academy. It is the apex laboratory for the best training that our military can give to its officers, combining strategic, tactical, academic and practical combat training. The standard expectation is that the NDA would showcase the best capacities that our military can boast of. The terrorist attack on the institution is therefore a direct hit at the professional integrity and prestige of the military establishment.This is the first time that the security and professional credibility of the institution would be so brazenly breached and assailed.

Official Abuja has not helped itself or the citizenry with its responses to this incident.The usual attempt to find a political spin to anchor this incident has fallen flat on its nose.The attempt to politicize the incident by ascribing it to political opponents has come out as a tragic trivialization and an outright show of official foolishness.Toinsist,asthepresidenthimselfhasdone, that the incident will merely rouse the military into more serious action is simplistic and pedestrian. Nor will the enlightened public buy the claim that this is the handiwork of just casual criminals or political busy bodies.

The attack on the NDA is plainly what it is: a calculated strategic targeting of a symbolic national military institution by a dangerous and methodical insurgent adversary. That adversary knew what to target, when to strike and the class of casualties to inflict without suffering any itself. This is an enemy that understands news and the value of media. A military training formation that pleads surprise as an excuse for the loss of lives and compromise of its space is deficient. The enemy that struck the NDA seems fairly determined to strike at the vertebra of national security with a clear message.That message was delivered with devastating effect. It is a bad message of demonstrating the vulnerability of even our most respected and best protected national security institutions and high points.

We cannot diminish the import of this incident by ascribing it to bandits loosely defined as squads of opportunistic criminals out to extort money from government and individuals. That is simplistic, lazy and naïve. Opportunistic business minded bandits cannot be so foolish as to expect to make money out of an attack on a government military installation.The accountingprocessislongandlaborious.Noindividual will feel so pained as to dole out huge sums because the NDA was attacked and its officers abducted or killed. And in any case, why kill your captives if you need a ransom? Abducting a low level army officer in expectation of a ransom in hundreds of millions of Naira does not quite make sense.To do so in a city full oflowrisktargetswithimmensecommercialheftdoes not fit into the mind set of any entrepreneurial set of criminalswhowanttocarryoutsuccessfulabductions and live to enjoy the loot of an attractive ransom.

Only a jihadist minded set of gunmen would dare to attack a military institution of the level of the NDA where they should expect stiff resistance.The operation was carried out fully mindful of the symbolism of the NDA in relation to the risk.To have done it and inflicted casualties without suffering any themselves indicatessomedegreeoftrainingandpreparationthat should be of interest to serious investigators. And in any event, jihadist terrorists do not care about death since it guarantees them instant martyrdom and the ultimate reward of virgins and eternal happiness in heaven.

Itisfoolishforoursecuritypeopletocontinueseeing the bandits roaming most of the northern states as

free mercantile agents without either an ideological orpoliticalcompass.Thereisacontrarybeliefthatsees the so-called bandits as the roving department of the larger Boko Haram jihadist movement.They consist of operatives trained, indoctrinated and armed by the parent organization. As foot soldiers, they have shown very good weapons training. They are more mobilethanthemoreadministrativelymindedmaster organization.They operate in smaller formations and can spread out to a wider targeted or designated territory.Their political guidance and target selection seemstobecentrallycontrolled.Moreimportantly,the bandits seem to be a mobile fund -raising machinery of Boko Haram. They demand and collect ransom in large sums as against the small taxes and rates collected by the parent organization. Their ransom collectionsseemstobegearedtowardsreinvestment in new stocks of armaments and remittance to the parent organization for heavy logistics outlays. The funds are moved around through shadowy conduits including bureau de change operators and sundry unlicensed money changers.

Sensitive observers and analysts ought to have noted the ease with which some of their captives and abductees end up in Boko Haram camps should be of interest to our managers of violence. It would also be of further interest to security analysts to explore the relationship between the roving bandits of the northern ecosystem and the itinerant herdsmen accompanying cattle in the southern states who in the last six years have suddenly showed up with military grade assault rifles to terrorize communities, highways and settlements, robbing, killing and collecting ransom as well.

We should also be interested in the territorial focus of bandits and their operations.The axis of coverage nowspansKatsina,Zamfara,Kaduna,Nigerandpartsof Nassarawa states with active operational flanks out to Plateau and Benue states.The most intense theatre of bandit interest seems to be Kaduna state and Kaduna city.ThestrategicimportanceofKadunastateinmatters of sectarian violence and religion inspired instability havebeenapermanentpartofsuccessivedisruptions.

In addition to being the headquarters of the original northern region, Kaduna remains attractive as the location of a number of strategic military and civilian government institutions.The long standing historical restive relationship between native Hausa and settler Fulani populations has remained a matter of serious security interest in the story of our national insecurity.

It becomes a soft fault line for bandit infiltration and activity for ends that go beyond criminal extortion and ransom collection.

By most sensible intelligence estimates, there is a clear and present danger that Boko Haram and its affiliateterrorsquadshavetheireyestrainedonAbuja.

They have all shown a common interest in disrupting the business of the government in Abuja if only to demonstratetheircapacitytochallengetheprevailing sovereignty. There are very recent indications that Boko Haram is expanding its theatre of operation southwards. From its original base in the North East, Boko Haram activities have spread toYobe, Katsina, Zamfara and lately Niger State.The governor of Niger State recently revealed that Boko Haram has taken over control of five local governments in the state and was within two hours of Abuja.

The highway between Abuja and Kaduna has become a favourite operational thoroughfare and playground of all manner of bandits and gunmen.

Similarly, at the height of the Shiite campaign to free Mr. El Zakzakky, militants of the sect freely invaded Abuja and quickly turned the central business district of the city into a battle theatre of free exchange of fire with security forces.Taken together, therefore, there is apalpablebutlatentstrategicinstabilityaroundAbuja.

ThecityofAbujaseemssurroundedbybothsectarian and criminal armed threats united by a common interest in subversive disruption of the Nigerian state. Concerned interest groups and leadership factions in Nigeria have already begun to caution President Buhari to be mindful of the political risk of jihadist bandits and terror squads hovering around the northern precincts of the country. Opposition from partisan political adversaries can make Buhari uncomfortable. It is only the concerted onslaught of a coalition of Boko Haram militants and their bandit foot soldiers that pose a danger of overrunning Abuja and occupying Aso Rock Villa which they see as the citadel of an evil empire.

Inallofthis,thereareoverridingstrategicimplications that ought to challenge our security managers to reach beyond surface solutions. An internal security strategy that cannot see the interconnections among all jihadist forces operating to subvert the Nigerian state would fall flat on its face.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 29, 2021

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NEWSXTRA Taxpayers Can’t Disregard Rivers VAT Law, SANs Tell FIRS Say judgment stands subsisting until set aside Explain states’ power to collect, administer VAT Gboyega Akinsanmi

Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have faulted the directives of the Federal Inland Revenue Service that taxpayers should continue to pay their Value Added Tax (VAT) to it in order to avoid paying penalties for failure to do so.

The senior lawyers have, also, argued that the judgment of a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State that the FIRS has no constitutional authority to enforce and administer VAT still subsists until an appellate court decides otherwise.

A human right activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN); a former Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem

(SAN) and an erstwhile National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Babatunde Ogala (SAN) expressed these views in separate responses to THISDAY’s inquires yesterday.

Just after the federal high court had decided against the power of the FIRS to administer VAT, the Rivers State House of Assembly had duly passed the State the Valued Added Tax Bill, 2021.

Rivers State governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike had on August 19 signed the Value Added Tax bill into law, thereby confirming Rivers State as the authority to administer and enforce the Valued Added Tax Law No. 4 of 2021 consistent with the decision of a federal high court.

The FIRS, unable to get an order of court to stop the implementation of the law, resorted to issuing a directive to vary a court order.

In a statement by its Director of Communications and Liaison, Abdullahi Ahmad, it asked taxpayers to continue to pay their Value Added Tax to it in

order to avoid paying penalties if they failed to honour their tax obligations.

Concerned about the directive of the FIRS, Ozekhome first justified the decision of the Government of Rivers State to enact the VAT Law, which according to him, was strictly in compliance with the judgment

of the federal high court.

The senor advocate, also, pointed out that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended), by its express provisions “does not in any way specifically give any tier of government the exclusive power to legislate on VAT.”

On this ground, Ozekhome argued that the Rivers State VAT Law, 2021 “does not in any way contravene the provisions of the Constitution. The actions of the Government of Rivers State to enact its own VAT Law, 2021 were strictly in compliance with the judgment of the federal high court.

Glo Turns 18 Today, Rewards Customers

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Digital telecommunications solutions provider, Globacom, has said it will give its 50 million customers free airtime and data as it commemorates its 18th anniversary of seamless operations.

In a statement to celebrate its 18th anniversary yesterday, the telecom giant said prepaid customers would receive a gift of N200 airtime, which comprises six minutes of talk time.

The statement noted that customers could use for calls to other Glo customers while another gift of 200MB data for browsing as they please.

It said: “Since we rolled out services in 2003, we have pursued a vision to build Africa’s biggest and best telecommunications network. It has been our delight to fulfill this vision and consistently deliver innovative and quality telecoms solutions to enable our subscribers to achieve their aspirations.

“As we mark the 18th year of operation, we wish to appreciate the support of all our customers and stakeholders, including the government and regulators, for their continued faith in our business to significantly contribute to the sustainable development of the country”, the statement further stated.

Parents Reject New Lagos Mode College Feeding Fee The Coalition of Chairmen and Executives of Lagos State Model Colleges Parents’ Forum has rejected a proposal by the Lagos State Government increasing students’ feeding fee from N25,000 to N50,000.

The coalition described the plea by the Lagos State Ministry of Education that parents should accept N50,000 per term as feeding fee was insensitive and insincere.

In a statement by its chairman, Mr. Dapo Dawodu, the coalition said it later accepted N30,000 fee “as stated in letters sent to the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, State House of Assembly and the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Folashade

Adefisayo.

The statement maintained that the present N25,000 being paid by each student was being mismanaged.

The statement read in part: “The minimum wage is N30,000 and you expect a parent with three children at a model college to pay a total of N150, 000 plus other personal expenses.

“The coalition has presented parents unanimous decision of an upward review to N30, 000 which is inclusive of hostel requirements and ancillaries per student,” the statement said.

The coalition, therefore, requested that parents who are professionals should be included in kitchen management in the school kitchen affairs.

Faremi Appointed Youth Ambassador The West Africa Youth Council has appointed Ms. Janet Faremi and ambassador under its leadership.

In a letter by its President/ Chairperson, Amb. Emmanuel William, the council introduced Faremi with “Chassis Number: 5NMSG73D58H169745, Car name: HYUNDAI SANTAFE , Colour: Blue with Council Diplomatic Plate number EYC AMB 018.

“She is an appointed ambassador under the council’s leadership and is issued the diplomatic plate number of EYC AMB 018

for ease of movement within the region to enable him function appropriately, hold all diplomatic ties related with the council and for the ease of performance of his duties as an Ambassador of the ECOWAS Youth Council.”

Faremi

STEPPING HOUSING PROGRAMMES… L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, Assistant Director, Engineering Services, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mrs. Olubukola Dairo and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola during an inspection of LagosHOMS Sangotedo Schemes (Phase1&2) in Eti-Osa, Lagos State… recently

Defence HQ Justifies Invitation to Navy Commodore Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday denied that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) ordered the arrest of retired military personnel, Navy Commodore Kunle Olawunmi (rtd). The defence authorities made this denial in a statement media reports of the arrest of the retired officer, clarifying that DIA only invited him to

share his views on defence and national security.

Olawunmi appeared on a Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily, where he alleged that the federal government knew terror sponsors, but did nothing about it.

In its statement yesterday, the defence authorities clarified that the retired military officer, who is on the military reserve list, was only invited via SMS

by DIA’s authorities.

The statement explained the essence of Olawunmi’s invitation was “to further furnish it with pressing security information which he may be opportune to have knowledge about as now a professor of global security studies.

“The said proposed meeting between DIA and the retired senior naval officer was intended to get credible security tips to

add value to the fight against terrorism/insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes.

“This, in no way, constitutes any form of arrest as speculated.

It is very sad that a publication would capitalise on the harmless meeting between an agency and its veteran to paint the story in a manner which intend to portray the military as draconic government agency which is acting in a crude manner.”

NAAT Laments FG’s Failure to Implement MoU, Mulls Industrial Action Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) at the weekend lamented the failure of the federal government to implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) both parties signed in February.

Consequently,theassociationwarned that its members might be forced “to embark on industrial action if the federal government fails to commence implementation of the agreement they signed in February.”

The National President of NAAT, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma expressed

this concern at a session with journalists in Abuja Friday night, lamenting the federal government’s failure to honour the agreement they both signed.

At the session, Nwokoma explained that one of the promises made by the federal government was that it would pay their members arrears of minimum wage and its consequential adjustment in August.

He, thus, said: “We are going to have our National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in September. If between now and September the government does noth-

ing about payment of the minimum wage arrears and the renegotiation of agreement has not started, our NEC will come up with our next line of action which may be strike, the only languagethe government understands.”

Nwokoma said that the federal government made several offers in the MoU before it was signed but went to sleep as soon as the agreement was signed.

“Our issue now is not particularly withtheIPPIS,theissuewehavewiththe governmentisthat we signed a MoU with the federal government and thereafter it was not implemented.

We signed an MoU in February this year and till now the government has abandoned that agreement.

“For instance, the federal government told us that they are going to pay us arrears of minimum wage and its consequential adjustment in August. Up to date, nothing has happened about the agreement.

“Again, the federal government assured us that our circular for levels 14 and 15 is going to be released but till today, it has done nothing about it. They told us that our renegotiation will start but till now nothing has happened,” he said.

S’West Group Urges Sani Musa to Contest APC National Chairmanship Race Oluchi Chibuzor

A South-west pressure group, Lisabi Progressives Union, has prevailed on Senator Mohammed Sani Musa to contest the vacant position of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The National President, Mr. Lukman Adeleke made this call at a news conference in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, saying it decided to tip Musa for the contest after an

examination of the candidates who had been linked for the position.

Lukman said as a member of the progressives family, he would Adeleke the party’s resolve to present the best candidates for the presidency in 2023 and for the National chairmanship position.

According to him, it is the right time for the region to shun politics of bitterness and rally around a strong candidate that

will bring good governance to the region and the nation.

Adeleke said the group has concluded plans “to support Sani Musa who he described as youth-friendly and a bridge builder across the region.

“We have decided to prevail on Senator Mohammed Sani Musa to contest the Chairmanship position and we will offer him our support at the national convention, because politics is about building allies, not

enemies.

“We have examined the portfolio of our party members who have at one point or the other been linked with the chairmanship position and Sani Musa stands out among the rest.

“We are optimistic that Senator Musa will bring hope and restore sanity to our party. He’s young, energetic and competent to unite all our aggrieved members and secure victory for the party in 2023.

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SUNDAY AUGUST 29, 2021 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ AUGUST 29, 2021

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SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Resilient Chelsea Hold Liverpool at Anfield to Share Points ¢ȱ ȱ ȱśȬŖȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ Femi Solajawith agency report

C

helsea left Anfield with a precious point on Saturday evening, after playing the entire second half down to 10 men in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

The Reds started the game strongly, but the wind was knocked out of their sails on 22 minutes, when Kai Havertz met Mason Mount’s corner, flicking a looping header beyond Alisson Becker and into the far corner of the net.

Liverpool were awarded the chance to level proceedings when Reece James blocked a clear goalscoring opportunity on the line with his arm, earning himself a red card in the process, and Mohamed Salah tucked away the resulting spot-kick.

Jurgen Klopp’s side pushed for an early goal in the second half, and Diogo Jota came close with a header from Salah’s delicious cross, only for the ball to fly over the bar. Virgil van Dijk then had a pop, but Edouard Mendy was able to turn the shot away.

The Reds threw everything at the Chelsea backline, but the Blues stood firm, meaning both sides had to settle for a point at Anfield.

The result left the duo with seven points but West Ham United now lead the pack with a better goal difference.

Elsewhere, ten-man Arsenal were completely outplayed by Manchester City in a 5-0 defeat to send the Gunners to the bottom of the Premier League.

It is the first time since 1954 that the Gunners have lost their three opening games of the league season and this match was effectively over by half-time.

City captain Ilkay Gundogan and striker Ferran Torres scored in the first 12 minutes and any hope Arsenal had of an unlikely comeback was

Manchester City increased the pressure on Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta with yesterday’s 5-0 crushing of the Gunners at Etihad

ended when midfielder Granit Xhaka was sent off for lunging into a challenge on Joao Cancelo.

A trademark teasing run from £100m man Jack Grealish set up Gabriel Jesus for an easy third just before the break, then Rodri guided home a fourth from 20 yards just after it.

Such was his side’s total control that City manager Pep Guardiola had used all three substitutes within 16 minutes of the second half starting.

It turned into an extended keep-ball session for the hosts, who finished off the rout with Torres’ second six

minutes from time.

Guardiola’s counterpart and former assistant Mikel Arteta looked shell-shocked in the other technical area as Raheem Sterling - twice Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez wasted opportunities to increase the margin of victory still further.

By the end, Arsenal had managed a single shot - off target - and 19% possession.

They are still to score in the Premier League this season and immediately after the international break play Norwich, the team they replaced at the foot of the table.

PREMIER LEAGUE Man City

5-0

Arsenal

Aston Villa

1-1

Brentford

Brighton

0-2

Everton

Newcastle

2-2

Southampton

Norwich

1-2

Leicester

West Ham

2-2

Cry’ Palace

Liverpool

1-1

Chelsea

Ronaldo Leads EPL ‘s PARALYMPIC GAMES Nigeria’s Ejike, Ibrahim Win ParaMoney Men List Powerlifting Bronze Medals

Cristiano Ronaldo has now become the highest-paid player in the English Premier League, following his shock return to Manchester United at the weekend, Sky Italia reported yesterday.

The 36-year-old agreed on personal terms with United, which will see him sign a two-year deal worth £480,000 a week.

Ronaldo is now ahead of Lukaku, who also moved back to Chelsea this summer.

Once image rights and bonuses are taken into account, Lukaku will take home between £325,000 and £450,000-per-week. Kevin De Bruyne, who recently signed a new contract at Manchester City, is on £385,000-per-week.

De Bruyne’s new teammate, Jack Grealish, is paid £380,000-per-week including bonuses.

EPL’sTOP EARNERS Cristiano Ronaldo – £480,000-per-week Romelu Lukaku – £450,000-per-week (including bonuses) Kevin de Bruyne – £385,000-per-week Jack Grealish – £380,000-per-week (including bonuses) David De Gea – £375,000-per-week

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £350,000-perweek Raheem Sterling – £300,000-per-week Paul Pogba – £270,000-per-week Anthony Martial – £250,000-per-week Mo Salah – £220,00-per-week Harry Kane – £200,000-per-week Ben Chilwell – £190,000-per-week Virgil van Dijk – £180,000-per-week

Lucy Ejike, Nigeria’s World and Paralympic Games record holder in the women -61kg Para Powerlifting was on Saturday afternoon pushed down two steps to settle for bronze at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Ejike who successfully lifted 130kg in

DikkoThumps up 2020/21 NPFL Season Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Chairman, League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko has rated the just concluded 2020/2021 NPFL as the best ever Nigerian topflight season in history.

He made the assessment when he appeared at the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT Chapter Guest Forum in Abuja, asserting that the positives of the season far outweighed the negatives.

Dikko also gave plaudits to the Nigerian

league owners especially during the pandemic.

He said unlike other countries where most players took a pay cut, NPFL players received their full salaries.

The LMC Boss said the last league season recorded impressive statistics better than the previous ones, noting that the number of away wins recorded (36) was the highest since the NPFL took charge as owners and organisers of the Nigerian elite league.

her first attempt lost the pole position to old time rival Amalia Perez of Mexico who lifted 131kg in her final attempt to improve on the 125 and 126kg first and second attempts.

Kuziena Ruza of Uzbekistan took the silver with her final look lift of 130kg improving after failing to lift 126kg in her first and second attempts.

Ejike booked 135kg in her second and final chance but was flagged red by all three judges on both occasions.

Also yesterday, Nigerian para lifter, Olaitan Ibrahim picked bronze in the women’s - 67kg category with 119 best lift.

China’s Tan Yujiao won the gold with 133kg lift while Egypt’s Fatima Omar won the silver with 120kg lift.

Earlier in the day, Nigeria’s entry in the -71kg class, Innocent Nnamdi, failed to record any score having failed to lift the 200kg he booked in all three attempts.

TR

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“Whether in the executive wing, whether in the legislature, whether in party administration, we have the most experienced and competent individuals in this party. Therefore, PDP’s internal crisis management is far efficient and far better than APC and even the APC government itself” – Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, hailing the crisis management in PDP.

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A Plateau Bleeding Non-stop

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lateau state is back in the news again — and for the usual tragic reasons: maiming and killing in the name of God. In the last eight weeks, over 100 lives have been wasted in the state. Not by bandits or kidnappers, but by ethnic and religious warlords. On July 1, attacks left 34 people dead in Dogon Gaba. Between July 31 and August 1 in Bassa and Riyom LGAs, 17 people were killed. On August 14, travellers were attacked along Rukuba Road, Jos north, with the final death toll given as 35. Less than a fortnight later, 44 people were killed. It has become impossible to know the aggressor, so every incident has to be treated as an attack or reprisal. Whatever, the bleeding is non-stop.

Alhaji Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, made a sobering statement on Thursday but I would not be surprised if the message did not hit home. Speaking at the meeting of the intra-religious council in Abuja, Abubakar III lamented that the level of insecurity in the country has worsened such that a lot of the killings are no longer captured by the media. “In eastern Sokoto alone, there was a day we buried 76 persons who were killed in cold blood by criminals who came from nowhere. People didn’t hear about that one. There was another day we buried 48 persons in the same Sokoto, but you didn’t hear about it,” Abubakar said. For emphasis, these are human lives.

There are several messages contained in that statement if we take a critical look at the unending bloodbath in the land. One, life has become so cheap that 76 persons killed in a day may not even be considered newsworthy again, much less given a front-page or premium treatment in the media. Someone calls it the “fatigue factor”. Every day, you are reporting 40 killed, 60 killed, 100 killed. It gets to a point there needs to be an extra dimension for you to give it any serious treatment again. I was editor of THISDAY when the Boko Haram insurgency began. A bomb attack without any casualties was news back then. These days, the casualty figure needs to be high to be newsworthy.

Two, some killings are seen as more important than the other. I have studied the Nigerian media closely in the last few years and I can say our ethnic and religious divides have played a key role in the treatment of news. Things have degenerated to such a level that those killed have to be identified as Muslims or Christians, northerners or southerners before the story gets prominence, and the bias is very clear right from the headlines. When travellers were killed in Plateau state and there seemed to be a reprisal less than two weeks later, most newspapers treated the stories with regional bias. That is the state of the country we live in, the country we call our home. So it goes.

Three, where are the security agencies? What happened to intelligence gathering? The sultan asked: “How can people who do these things be unknown? Where are our intelligence agencies?

Don’t we have a proactive intelligence agency that will think ahead of the bandits?” Abubakar III is a retired general, so he knows one or two things about security more than I do.

He retired as a brigadier general in 2006 to ascend the throne of his forefathers. There was a time I used to defend President Goodluck Jonathan that he needed time to rebuild the security architecture to achieve results. President Muhammadu Buhari has been in office for over six years. I cannot honestly defend him.

Four — and this is linked to three — if

Buhari intelligence gathering has failed us so woefully, what is the federal government doing to clear the mess? The impression I get from talking to contacts in government is that the Department of State Services (DSS) does an awful lot in gathering intelligence and feeding it into the system but action is what is always lacking. I am not in a position to confirm or deny. But something is certainly not working: either intelligence gathering is poor or action is inadequate. Maybe both are poor and inadequate. I know that a single successful attack can belie a dozen aborted plots, but I am not even sure this is the case. The attacks are too easy and frequent.

Five, the presidential media team says the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) — in which a major was killed — was “deliberately orchestrated” to make the government look bad. I need some help here.

I thought part of the job description of banditterrorists is to embarrass the government? Or are they in business to make the government look good? Is presidency stylishly begging the bandits, or terrorists, or whatever they are called, to stop the embarrassment? “Please, guys, stop allowing yourselves to be used to embarrass our government.” This is so low and an assault on our intelligence. When you think some things are bad enough, they get worse.

I remember when Jonathan used to blame Boko Haram attacks on political forces who wanted to embarrass his government. My response was always a one-liner: please go after them if you have concrete evidence.

I don’t know how much confidence any government can inspire in citizens by appearing to be helpless. It is Nigerians that should be sounding helpless and the government would be inspiring confidence in them, not gallantly and gleefully displaying vulnerability on the pages of newspapers. This is the kind of lack of professionalism and seriousness that the sultan was hinting at in his lamentations at the meeting. These things appear to percolate in government perennially.

The bloodbath in Nigeria today, unfortunately, is flowing from multiple directions, not just Boko Haram. While it would appear the Boko Haram threat is not what it used to be since the death of Abubakar Shekau — even though the terrorism has not been extinguished — the bandits and kidnappers are not relenting by any chance. But while we can hope to overcome banditry and kidnapping through the might of the security agencies, the same tactics cannot be effective in tackling the kind of killings

in Plateau, Kaduna and Benue states, or the Modakeke crisis that almost resurfaced recently.

We are dealing with crimes that are built on historical ethnic hate.

Plateau, in particular, has been a killing field for decades. In September 2001, over 1,000 people were killed in six days. In November 2008, a dispute over local government elections led to the death of at least 700 people. In January 2010, another crisis erupted, leading to 400 deaths. Two months later, 300 were hacked to death in Dogo Nahawa, Zot and Ratsat, south of Jos. In December of the same year, 80 people were killed within two days as clashes erupted in Jos yet again. The following month, more than 200 were hacked to death or burnt alive in Jos for the umpteenth time. Permit me to stop the gory list here. The common factor in all cases: deep-seated ethno-religious hate.

Why am I so worried by the resurgence of ethnic violence in Plateau state? It may end up with knock-on effects on the volatile areas in the middle belt and we may be in for a protracted bloodbath. I hope, and pray, that we are not about to enter into another season of attacks and counterattacks as we have witnessed in the past. No kind of killing is good or acceptable, but the Plateau variant is borne out of pure hate and intolerance dating back decades. I am afraid the security agencies can only do so much. We can all see that since the deadly crisis between herders and farmers started in Benue in 2015, the state has not known peace. That is how hate works.

What is the way out? I don’t have a clue.

For whatever it is worth, though, we still have to beef up security as a first line of action.

Like the sultan suggested, security has to be intelligence-led and proactive. After the killing of travellers along Rukuba Road on August 14, I was so sure another round of carnage was just waiting to happen. You didn’t need to be a genius to predict it. What the government needed to do was de-escalate tensions and prevent another outbreak of violence. But here we are. Also, you would expect some basic conflict-management measures to be in place all along, including alternative dispute resolution and early warning system. But here we are.

Ultimately, I would suggest that the leaders of these communities have a conversation with their consciences. How much bloodshed before enough is enough? How long will ethnic hate control our lives? What will we gain from all these killings? What have we gained from the thousands upon thousands of lives that have been hacked to death in the past? How has it made our lives better? If we truly believe we were created by the same God, why should we be shedding the blood of fellow creatures? As I have said, the security agencies can only do their best but cannot tackle this hate at its roots.

The leaders have to become peace builders.

Guns cannot conquer hate. Only love can.

I am aware that some people think the best way is to break up the country, but a little look at the Nigerian map shows that this is practically impossible, not with Plateau state at least. I have pointed this out a number of times: there is no neat way of breaking up Nigeria. Even if we have to do it, we still need to learn to live in love and tolerance while we work out the break-up details. The government must also be seen to be fair and just. When people no longer trust the system to protect them and administer justice, anarchy is a natural consequence. If we eventually manage to contain banditry, kidnapping and terrorism with guns, we can never defeat ethnic hate with bullets.

And Four Other Things…

DOCTORS’ EXODUS In a country where health care delivery is so pathetic, the exodus of doctors is double jeopardy. We spend so much money training these doctors, compared to what private institutions charge, home and abroad. We must try harder to keep them. I know we cannot compete with Saudi Arabia salarywise. Someone said a professor of medicine earns N6m/month in Saudi Arabia, compared to N420,000 here. It’s like expecting Kano Pillars to compete with Man United salarywise. But we can incentivise our doctors and make their working conditions more conducive. They save lives. Not every doctor is desperate to leave but we are not making things easy for them. Contraindication.

NDA BREACH The attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Nigeria’s premier military training institution, in which an officer was killed and two others kidnapped, should rank as one of the lowest points in our history.

That the bandits could be so confident to plan and execute such an attack, and do it so successfully and with precision, tells us more about the state of our security than the headlines can suggest. Come to think of it, military barracks have been bombed or overrun by Boko Haram terrorists in the past, so maybe I am the one that has been in denial over the safety of military installations. To think civilians used to run to the barracks for safety in times of trouble! Shame.

CAGING CHANNELS The latest query from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to Channels Television would tend to suggest that the regulator wants every broadcast station to be modelled after NTA, which is just an extension of government. I am not a fan of Benue Governor Samuel Ortom because I know he is playing to the gallery most of the time, but, for goodness sake, there are people on the government side who say worse things on TV and NBC pretends not to be aware. At this rate, NBC will start appointing anchors for Channels TV. If the Nigerian media survived the ruthless and murderous military regimes, this intimidation by NBC is nothing but bread for us. Resilience.

JUDICIAL JUNGLE At what stage will the National Judicial Council (NJC) step in to stop the Nigerian judiciary from further ridiculing itself, especially as the 2023 elections draw nearer and nearer? The rate at which orders and injunctions are being procured across the federation should worry anyone who knows our jumbled way of doing things in Nigeria. The governorship primaries in Anambra state were more in the news for court injunctions than anything else, and now members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are getting an average of one court order per day over the chairmanship. This is not just a thing of shame to the judiciary, but also a big threat to the progress of our democracy. Rubbish.

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