TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER 2020

NERC Sets Rules for Operators as New Tariffs Take off To penalise Discos, TCN for power rejection, under-supply Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday issued guidelines to stop the

blame game between the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Distribution Companies (Discos) over the latter's alleged incessant rejection of power.

The new guidelines came as the revised electricity tariffs to be paid by some electricity consumers, earlier approved by President Muhammadu Buhari and the NERC, commence

today.

Under the guidelines, NERC said that, “the federal government under the Power Sector Recovery Plan (PSRP) financial plan has committed

to funding the revenue gap arising from the difference between the cost reflective tariffs determined by the commission and the actual end-user tariff during the

transition to the cost-reflective tariff.”

In documents containing the official communication between NERC and the Discos, Continued on page 36

Stock Market Sustains Gains with N330bn in August... Page 6 Tuesday 1 September, 2020 Vol 25. No 9276. Price: N250

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APC Excited, PDP Shocked as S'Court Affirms Bello's Election... Page 5

Buhari Laments How Bitter Squabbles Cost APC Governorship, Legislative Seats Osinbajo chairs committee to foster cordiality among executive, legislature, party Omololu Ogunmade and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed concern about how bitter and unnecessary bickering cost the All Progressives Congress (APC) many governorship and legislative seats in past elections.

He spoke at the State House, Abuja, while inaugurating the Tripartite Consultative Committee of the Executive,

Legislature and Leadership of the APC. Membership of the committee, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is drawn from the executive, legislature and the APC. The president who said the APC has a clear majority of memberships of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, added that the executive-legislative Continued on page 36

IG Pledges Neutrality, Professionalism in Edo, Ondo Gov Elections

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, yesterday assured Nigerians that the police would remain neutral and professional in the conduct of the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States scheduled for September 19 and October 10, 2020, respectively.

He said the police were

committed to the maintenance of law and order in the forthcoming polls in the two states.

The IG, during a meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs) in Abuja to brainstorm on measures to ensure the conduct of a hitch-free election, stated that the police would deploy all resources to ensure a level-playing field for all Continued on page 36

BUSINESS AT ELYSEE PALACE...

President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron (left), and Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, during the group chairman’s visit to the French president in Paris…yesterday

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

Atiku Urges N’Assembly to Reject Fresh Loan Requests

Chuks Okocha in Abuja A former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has written to the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, requesting the National Assembly to reject any new loan request meant for “projects that are not viable.�

In the letter to Lawan, received on August 25, Atiku, who was

the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential election, urged the federal lawmakers to also halt approval for loans that are not incomegenerating or production-based.

He said Nigeria risked insolvency if it continued to borrow money, adding that previous loans were spent on

N'Assembly Seeks Northern Elders’ Input into Constitution Review Deji Elumoye in Abuja The National Assembly has urged the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) to join it in the drive to amend the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) by forwarding its memorandum to it.

The NEF, at a news conference on Sunday by its spokesman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, had stated that rather than embarking on another constitutional review, the federal legislators should collaborate with the executive to fight banditry and insurgency facing the country.

But responding to NEF's position yesterday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Ajibola Basiru, advised the forum to send a memorandum detailing its position to the Constitution Review Committee.

He said: "Their views can be encapsulated in a memorandum to the Constitution Review Committee. The thematic areas advertised for constitutional reforms cut across some of the concerns they raised and therefore we shall be glad to engage them through a proper legislative channel rather than news media".

Basiru wondered if it was

wrong for the National Assembly to embark on the review of the constitution even if former attempts in the past had failed.

According to him, "even though they are entitled to their views, the question to ask is; does it mean that if former legislatures cum executive (administrations) have possibly or allegedly failed in this regard, then it can never be achieved?

"Their statement even implied an agreement by them that there is a need for fundamental restructuring exercise, which is the purpose of the present endeavour of the 9th National Assembly.".

A former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, also said it was wrong for the NEF to call the proposed constitutional review exercise a jamboree, adding that some achievements were recorded during the past review.

She said: "We made some impact the last time. That was where we got autonomy for the state assemblies and the judiciary.

If we make small strides, you will find out that in no time, these alterations will be almost done.

And except we keep striving to do them, they will just linger and nothing will be done. I do not agree with them on that score".

non-viable projects.

According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2020 stood at $79.3 billion out of which external debt was $27.6 billion.

In a Freedom of Information (FoI) request dated August 3, 2020, Falana & Falana Chambers, the law firm of human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), had asked the DMO to provide information on “external loan of $76 billion.�

But in its response dated August 12, DMO explained that Nigeria’s external loan is

$27.6 billion and not $76 billion.

The foreign creditors include the World Bank, Africa Development Bank and the Exim Bank of China.

Lawan had also said in June that federal lawmakers approved about $28 billion loan requests for President Muhammadu Buhari in the last one year.

But in his letter to the Senate president, a copy of which was made public yesterday, the former vice president said Nigerians should not sit back and watch while the nation teeters towards financial peril.

He said: “On May 29, 2015, Nigeria’s total national debt stood approximately at N12 trillion. As of August 2020, our national debt has tripled to N28.63 trillion. Even more alarming is the fact that the foreign debt portion of our national debt has risen from less than $10 billion on May 29, 2015, to almost $30 billion in August 2020. “A further cause for concern is the fact that not all of these debts are necessary. A study of the use to which these monies have been put to will show that much of it has gone towards

items or projects that are nonproductive or viable.�

Atiku added that the future of Nigeria’s youth and unborn generations had been placed in what could very well be bondage-like conditions. “As such, in view of your role as a check on the excesses of other arms of government, may I suggest that going forward, the National Assembly should refuse to approve any new loan requests, where such loans are to be spent on projects or items that are not income-generating or production-based, or indeed viable,� he said.

GO GOES TO THE VILLA...

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye (left), and President Muhammadu Buhari during the pastor’s visit to the president in Abuja‌yesterday

APC Excited, PDP Shocked as S’Court Affirms Bello’s Election

Chuks Okocha, Alex Enumah in Abuja and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Mixed reactions greeted yesterday’s Supreme Court judgment affirming the victory of Kogi State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello, in the last governorship election in the state.

While Bello and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), hailed the judgment, describing it as an affirmation of the landmark victory entrusted to the governor by the people of the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed shock by the judgment, saying that it did not satisfy the quest by Nigerians to end electoral violence.

The main opposition party, however, said it would leave the final judgment in the hands of God. The apex court upheld Bello's election after dismissing two separate appeals challenging his return as governor for lacking in merit.

The appeals are that of the PDP and its governorship candidate, Mr. Musa Wada, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Ms. Natasha Akpoti.

The apex court had last week dismissed that of the Democratic People's Party (DPP), following its withdrawal by the appellants.

In a unanimous judgment read

by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, the Supreme Court held that the cases of the appellants were devoid of merit as they failed to prove allegations made in their separate petitions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Bello winner of the November 16, 2019

governorship election, having scored the majority of votes cast in the election.

Bello polled a total of 406,222 votes to defeat Wada who came second with 189,704.

However, citing substantial non-compliance with the constitution and other extant laws as well as rigging and violence, four contestants had approached the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to nullify the victory of Bello.

But the tribunal, in separate judgments, delivered in May 2020, dismissed the petitions of the Action People's Party (APP), DPP and SDP while that of the PDP was dismissed by a majority of two-to-one.

Similarly, the Court of Appeal in judgments delivered on July 4, unanimously dismissed the four petitions for lacking in merit, thereby forcing the DPP, SDP and PDP to approach the apex court to set aside the concurrent judgments that returned Bello as governor.

Delivering ruling in the PDP's appeal, the apex court in the lead judgment prepared by Justice Inyang Okoro but read

by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, held that PDP and Wada failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt allegations made in their appeal against the respondents: INEC, Bello and the APC. Justice Abba-Aji said having gone through the five issues raised for determination by the appellants, the apex court came to the conclusion that the appellate court was in order to have dismissed the appeal.

She held that the issues of non-compliance and corruption raised were not proved because

the appellants failed to call witnesses to support their case.

The court held that failure of the appellants to call polling units agents was fatal to their case, adding that the appellants called only 24 out of the 729 polling agents in the seven local government areas (LGAs) whose election results were in dispute.

The court agreed with the respondents that the appellants dumped documents on the court having failed to call relevant witnesses to speak to the documents.

"Let me make it abundantly clear that the election jurisprudence in Nigeria has not changed. He who asserts has abiding duty to prove beyond reasonable doubt.

"In a situation like this petition, polling agents who witnessed the alleged rigging and other malpractices are the appropriate people as witnesses.

"The failure of the appellants to call the polling agents as witnesses in this matter is fatal to their case," she said.

Another factor the court held was also fatal to the case of PDP and its candidate was their failure to join security agencies whom they accused of harassment, intimidation and threat as parties in the case.

The court faulted the evidence of the forensic expert on grounds that he failed to prove that he was an expert in the work he was engaged to do.

"Having found no merit in the case of the appellants, the same appeal is hereby dismissed at no cost to any of the parties," the apex court held.

In their own appeal, SDP and its governorship candidate, in

addition to claims of electoral irregularities that allegedly marred the election, sought for the disqualification of Bello and his party, on grounds of alleged forgery and falsehood by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Edward Onoja.

Onoja was accused of giving false information of a fundamental nature as well as forging documents attached to his form CF 001 submitted to INEC in aid of his qualification for the position of deputy governor.

Delivering judgment in the appeal, however, the apex court held that "there was no reason to interfere with the judgments of the Court of Appeal and tribunal."

According to the court, the appellants did not provide particulars of forgery to support the claim of forgery against the deputy governor.

The apex court held that there was no evidence of rigging or evidence that the respondents connived among themselves to rig the election.

On the issue of exclusion, Justice Abba-Aji noted that the appellants blew hot and cold at the same time when they in one breath said that the name of the SDP was not on the result sheet while in another said it was written in longhand.

In dismissing the SDP appeal, the apex court held that the appellants failed to establish unlawful exclusion from the November 16 poll because it did not tender a single ballot paper used in the election.

Like the case of the PDP, the apex court also held that the SDP failed to call witnesses to prove allegations of non-compliance and electoral fraud, adding that their

case was based on hearsay that cannot be accorded any probative value.

The apex court accordingly dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

Reacting to the judgment, the APC described it as a victory for democracy and the people of Kogi State.

It called on opposition parties to join hands with the APC government to develop the state.

The Chairman of the APC in the state, Mr. Abdulahi Bello, described the Supreme Court’s verdict as a well-deserved victory.

"Our doors are open and we are ready to involve everyone in moving the state forward to the next level of development and prosperity," he told THISDAY. The governor also described the judgment as an affirmation of the landmark victory entrusted to him by the people.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Onogwu Muhammed, the governor said the apex court's decision was an affirmation of the identical positions on the matters taken by the tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

The governor praised the panel and appreciated the court for its uprightness and erudition.

He called on the other parties and their candidates to eschew bitterness and division and join hands with him to take Kogi State to the next level.

Similarly, the Director-General of Bello/Onoja Campaign Organisation, Senator Smart Adeyemi, described the ruling as well-deserved and a victory to democracy.

Adeyemi, who is representing Kogi West in the Senate, said

it was a thing of joy that the highest court in the land had upheld the victory of Bello as the opposition could not prove allegations of violence in both the senatorial and governorship elections.

Adeyemi who spoke with journalists on phone after the court session urged the opposition to call the governor to congratulate him on the victory as well as join hands with him in the task of developing the state.

Also, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Kolawole, described the victory of Bello as historic.

He said the dismissal of all the cases were long envisaged as many of the points canvassed by the petitioners were based on hearsay.

But the PDP expressed shock over the judgment, saying that it did not inspire the quest

by Nigerians to end electoral violence.

The National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said in a statement yesterday that though the party has accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court, the judgment fell short of the expectation of people of Kogi State and Nigerians in general, who were expecting the court to remedy the injustices, manipulations, violence and killings that marred the election.

He said: "Indeed, the judgment has not inspired hope in our national quest to ensure that our elections are violent-free as well as deter unpatriotic individuals who resort to violence and killing to gain access to power, as heavily witnessed in the Kogi election."

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Stock Market Sustains Gains with N330bn in August Goddy Egene The equities market continued to sustain its positive performance, gaining N330 billion in August compared to N113 billion recorded in the previous month.

Having opened the second half (H2) of the year with a growth of 0.8 per cent in July, the stock market witnessed a better performance in August with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share

Index (ASI), rising by 2.56 per cent to close at 25,327.13 while market capitalisation added N330 billion.

The NSE ASI rose from 24,693.73 to close at 25,327.13 while market capitalisation rose from N12.882 trillion to N13.212 trillion.

Low prices of stocks and expectations for half (H1) year corporate results had attracted more investors to the market in July, which led to the positive start of the H2 of 2020.

Maersk Bows to Pressure, Suspends Controversial Surcharge on Cargoes Eromosele Abiodun Following protests by the federal government and the organised private sector over the indiscriminate charges slammed on Nigerian-bound cargoes, multinational shipping firm, Maersk Line, has suspended the penalty.

In a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello, which was signed by the Managing Director of Maersk Nigeria, Lara Lana, the company instructed its commercial department to stop applying the Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) from today.

MAERSK in the letter stated that “our principals in our head office have informed us of your letter with subject reference increase in peak season surcharge. “We would like to thank you for the supporting document you shared, shedding light on the meeting between the ECSA and UASC.�

However, other major shipping firms such as Cosco, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag Lloyd and Evergreen shipping are yet to announce their decision on the matter.

Led by the NSC, the OPS, under the aegis of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and major stakeholders in the shipping community, had met in Lagos recently to form a

common front to resist the arbitrary charges.

This followed a letter written to the European Community Shippers Association (ECSA) by the NSC on behalf of the Nigerian government, describing the surcharges as economic sabotage.

The Union of African Shippers’ Council (UASC), subsequently backed NSC’s calls for the immediate suspension of the surcharge, calling it a violation of previous UASC/European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA) agreement.

The 2020 peak period charges of between $1,000 and $1,500 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) by shipping firms, is over 400 per cent increase from the previous $200 freight charge per TEU during peak period.

Bello, at the meeting with the OPS, had said the charges were scary, adding that if a Nigeriabound container is charged as much as $1,000, the national economy is in trouble.

He expressed worry that the surcharge was introduced at a time when the nation was trying to get out of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The charges, Bello stated, would lead to a spiral inflation rate on the economy, adding that “cargoes will be abandoned at the ports. It means job losses and many shippers will be put out of business."

The charges, he said, were "astronomic, unjustified, not notified and discriminatory. This is against fair trade facilitation rules."

In August, the anticipation for the full opening of the economy improved quarterly results of companies and dividends payment by some companies helped to sustain the bullish trend; hence, a growth of 2.56 per cent in one month and a reduction of the year-to-date decline to 5.6 per cent.

Commenting on the performance of the market, the Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Chief Onyenwechukwu Ezeagu, attributed the gains to the gradual easing of the lockdown, the gradual retuning of active economic agents and the fact that some of the results of quoted companies for the second quarter (Q2) were positive. “The various cash injections following the COVID-19 palliative by governments and donor agencies helped to give impetus to the economy and by extension and vigour to the capital market. With the reintroduction of FX window options by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), it is expected that the market will continue in

its recovery trajectory,� Ezeagu said.

A leading market operator and Group Managing Director of Emerging Africa Capital Group, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sanni, also said the interest shown by investors was partly because most of them began to anticipate the full opening of the economy signalled by gradual reopening over the last few weeks as well as the downward trend in COVID-19 statistics. “In August, investors expressed their interest in defensive and growth stocks with strong potential for future growth, irrespective of the economic slowdown.

In particular, demand for manufacturing and banking stocks helped the benchmark ASI to close higher. The positive momentum and sentiment towards companies that pay interim dividends and repositioning in the consumer and industrial goods segments kept the market on an upward,� she said.

Sanni added that the strength of the quarterly earnings report of many small companies that

showed promises attracted some investors as well, thereby influencing the growth recorded in the month under review.

The Head of Research at United Capital Plc, Mr. Wale Olusi, said the Nigerian equity market sustained the bullish trend in August as investors continue to cherry-pick on oversold stocks amid a sustained decline in the yield environment. “Despite uncertainties in the horizon, the uptrend in the market is driven by cheap market valuation, especially in the oil and gas and expectations for the yet-to-be-released results of tier 1 banks as investors' position ahead of interim dividend payment.

Lastly, sustained reduction in yields on treasury bills, which continues to approach one per cent, account for the interest in the stock market as investors opt for riskier assets to make alpha returns,� he said.

According to him, sectoral analysis showed that four out of five sectors' indices under United Capital Plc’s coverage closed the month in the green territory.

“The NSE Oil and Gas sector index led the gainers' campaign, rising by 10 per cent, followed by the NSE Insurance sector index that appreciated by 8.2 per cent.

The NSE Consumer Goods index gained 6.1 per cent, while NSE Banking index rose 5.5 per cent. On the flip side, the NSE Industrial Goods sector was the month's sole loser, shedding 2.4 per cent,�

Olusi stated.

For individual stocks, the top price gainers in August were led by University Press Plc with 48.6 per cent. FTN Cocoa Process Plc followed with 30 per cent just as LASACO Assurance Plc and AXA Mansard Plc chalked up 29.1 per cent and 27.7 per cent respectively.

Other top price gainers included: Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc ( 24.1 per cent); Unilever Nigeria Plc (22.5 per cent); Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc (20.2 per cent); Nigerian Breweries Plc (19.4 per cent); Fidson Healthcare Plc (17.8 per cent); Cadbury Nigeria Plc (17.4 per cent) and FCMB Group Plc (15.2 per cent).

GUBERNATORIAL VISIT‌ L-R: Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite; Taraba State Governor, Mr. Darius Ishaku; and state Liaison OďŹƒcer, Mr. Dauda Maikomo, during the governor's courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja‌ yesterday. kingsley adeboye

Aviation Workers Protest over Planned Concession of Airports Chinedu Eze in Lagos, Kasim Sumaina in Abuja and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Aviation workers yesterday embarked on a protest that disrupted activities at the offices of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over the plan by the federal government to lease the four major airports in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

In Lagos, the workers shut FAAN’s offices from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m and marched on the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) and the international terminal of the airport from Freedom Square located in front of FAAN office.

At about 6 a.m. the security officers manning the different gates into the FAAN premises were excused by the union members, who padlocked the gates.

Leaders of the four unions, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air

Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Pensioners (NUP), gathered the protesting workers to address them on why the unions decided to oppose the concession of the airports.

The Secretary General, NUATE, Mr. Ocheme Aba, told the workers that the concession project would not favour the workers as it would lead to job losses.

He reiterated that the concession process had not been transparent since it started.

Chairman of FAAN branch of ATSSSAN, Mr. Ahmed Danjuma, described the concession as a one-man project by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

According to him, the planned concession is being facilitated clandestinely in connivance with the Infrastructure, Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

ANAP Secretary, Mr. Abdulrazak Saidu, stated that the concession so far embarked on in the industry had been

marred by controversies.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in a statement signed by the National President, Dr. Ayuba Wabba, said that “the unwholesome and unpatriotic attitude of giving away our prized national property to private sector operatives is not only unjust and immoral but also in ultra-violation of Chapter 2, Section 16 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.�

In Abuja, the aviation workers embarked on a peaceful demonstration at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Speaking during the protest, the Chairman of the NUATE, Mr. Ahmed Yusuf, said: “We are protesting because while we were in a lockdown, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, surprisingly received the outline business case (OBC) certificate for the concession of the four most viable airports out of the 22 airports in Nigeria. This came as a surprise and an insincere act.

It lacked transparency and the

staff members were not carried along."

He added that the unions had suggested Greenfield concession where the concessionaire will acquire a virgin land, build, operate and transfer the airports, stating that this will create more jobs during and after construction and drive competition.

On his part, the Abuja chapter Chairman of ATTSSAN, Mr. Samuel Wuyep, said: “The unions have never agreed that the concession should happen.

We oppose it and we will continue to oppose it.

"Procedurally, there are certain steps to take, we just went through the first step and the minister abandoned it and when to obtain a certificate from ICRC. There is no transparency in it."

In Kano State, four of the FAAN’s unions protested at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, carrying placards.

Some of the placards read: “We say no to airport concession;

yes to FAAN Pension Scheme.

When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.�

The Chairman of NUATE, Mohammed Zakaria, said the concession of the airports would lead to a massive job loss in the aviation industry.

The protesters recalled what happened to the staff of NEPA, Nigeria Airways and NITEL when the establishments were privatised. “We want to continue as FAAN. The government owns everything but we are saying no to concession,� he said, adding that airports' concession poses security threats to the nation while resulting in loss of revenues to the government.

ANAP North-east Chairman, Hassan Aliyu, suggested that there are a lot of virgin lands in several states, adding that if the ‘investors’ want to build ‘first-class airports’ in the country, they should go there and invest.

The protesters also rejected the directive to move all staff

who retired from April 1, 2014 to PenCom. They said FAAN had not remitted any money to PenCom. Chairman of Air Transport Service and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Mr. Sama’ila Muhammad Alkali, said the protest was organised to reject the movement of FAAN Staff to contributory pensions. “FAAN is owing it over N200 billion; if you move us to PenCom, where will it get the money to pay us? They should first arrange money on the ground; let every staff know their entitlements. “We spent our time and energy to build the airports, the so-called investors cannot just come and take over the facilities and enrich themselves without involving the key stakeholders.� “The Outline Business Case (OBC) was prepared since 2017 and only made available this August after they have concluded every aspect of the deal. They are telling us lies,�

Aliyu stated.

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POLITICS

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

Does El-Rufai’s Disinvitation Preempt a More Activist NBA? Udora Orizu writes that the decision of Nigerian Bar Association to withdrew the invitation it gave to Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to speak at its 2020 edition of NBA Annual General Conference indicates a more activist, decisive NBA in the future

El-Rufai

O

n August 29, the 60th Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference finally came to end, but this year’s edition will be one for the books, as it generated controversy over the invitation extended to the Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai as one of its speakers.

Following furore over the decision of the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to invite the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to speak at its 2020 Annual General Conference, the NBA on August 21st finally withdrew its invitation to El-Rufai as a panelist at the virtual conference which was scheduled to hold from August 26 to 29.

The just concluded conference themed “Stepping Forward” and the question is: “Who is a Nigerian? A Debate on National Identity” with a special session focusing on the topic: “Am I a Nigerian – A Debate on National Identity, The Indigeneship-Citizenship Conundrum” had the Kaduna State governor and other eminent Nigerians such as Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and so many others selected as speakers at the virtual conference.

The withdrawal of el-Rufai followed protests by many lawyers who cited alleged injustice for victims of Southern Kaduna attacks, and accusations by human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), that El-Rufai was promoting impunity through disobedience to court orders. The lawyers opined that such a leader who doesn’t have regard for the rule of law and justice does not deserve the NBA platform to address any national issue.

Petitions also greeted the announcement of the governor as a speaker with over 3,150 signatures, rejecting his nomination.

Announcing the withdrawal of the invitation, the NBA in a Tweet last Thursday via its Twitter handle @NigBarAssoc, wrote, “The National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association at its ongoing meeting resolves that the invitation to the Kaduna State Governor, H.E. Nasir el-Rufai, by the 2020 Annual General Conference Planning committee be withdrawn and decision communicated to the Governor.”

Also in a separate letter titled, ‘Request to Withdraw the Offer of Platform at the 2020 Annual General Conference of the NBA to Mallam Nasir el-Rufai,’ addressed to the Chairman, Technical Committee on Conference Planning, NBA, Prof.

Koyinsola Ajayi, some lawyers said the governor must not be allowed to speak at the conference.

The letter, which was signed by Silas Onu and Auta Nyada, listed 10 allegations against el-Rufai and his son, Bello, who is a Special Adviser to Kaduna Central lawmaker, Senator Uba Sani, accused the duo of poor human rights record as well as his inability to stop the killings, particularly in southern Kaduna.

Human right lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, had also in a letter to the Chairman, Technical Committee, Conference Planning Committee, Nigerian Bar

Usoro

Association, Professor Konyinsola Ajayi SAN, called on the association to remove el-Rufai’s name on the list of speakers for the event over the Southern Kaduna crisis.

Falana reminded the committee that a similar decision was taken in 2006, when lawyers were mobilised to boycott all courts in the country to protest the disobedience of court orders by some officials and agencies of the Federal Government and the administration of the Federal Capital Territory under the leadership of el-Rufai.

Bowing to the demands of his colleagues, the outgoing NBA President, Mr Paul Usoro (SAN), described El-Rufai as a friend but explained that why the association withdrew the invitation it once gave to El-Rufai, to speak at the conference was because the majority of the association’s members objected to the governor’s presence at the conference.

Usoro also apologised to El-Rufai for “the unintended embarrassment” which the invitation withdrawal might have caused him. The apology was contained in Usoro’s August 21, 2020 letter addressed to the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mr Asishana Okauru.

Usoro stated in his letter that El-Rufai was invited as a panelist at the conference without the input of the NBA NEC as a body. While noting that he voted against the motion for the withdrawal of the invitation, however, stated that the NEC’s decision had nothing to do with ethnicity or the substance of the allegations levelled against El-Rufai.

Following the withdrawal of the invitation extended to El-Rufai by the NBA National Executive Council, the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) asked the association to dis-invite Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and former President Olusegun Obasanjo or they will boycott the conference.

But, Usoro asked the Muslim lawyers to nominate another northern Muslim governor to replace El-Rufai.

In his message to the group, he explained that there is no ethnic and religious consideration in the decision to drop El-Rufai.

He said that neither the NBA nor NEC was set out to sit in judgment against El-Rufai and so, did not deny him a fair hearing.

“I have received several messages from our members that have attributed ethnic and religious considerations to the decision. That is not correct and is very far from the truth. Neither the NBA nor NEC belongs to any religious or ethnic group.

Akpata

We are lawyers and professionals dedicated to the ideals and the promotion and preservation of the rule of law, and we belong to one indivisible family of the NBA. I implore all our members to please not view this issue however from an ethnic or religious perspective. We are one united NBA with no religious or ethnic bias or predisposition and shall ever so remain.’’ ‘’NBA will be willing to have any other northern Muslim governor feature in its conference. The issue as I understand and see it is localised to El-Rufai and not northern governors and/or Muslims. I guarantee that if we have any other northern Muslim governor who is ready to be featured at the AGC, he’ll be given a slot.’’

Responding, MULAN, is a statement by its General Secretary, Ismaila Alaasa said their understanding was that the NBA did not want to allow any person tainted with disregard for rule of law to use its platform, and so wanted the same standard to apply to others slated to speak at the conference.

“In this respect, our view is that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who never had any regard for the Supreme Court or respect for citizens’ rights cannot be allowed to speak at the conference. The same brush tars Governor Nyesom Wike who has unapologetically abused the rights of citizens, including demolition of hotel or other property without a court order in Rivers State and he is not entitled to speak on our platform. We don’t want to attach any ethnic or religious colouring to the decision of the NEC. We believe that the Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) has enough clout to get untainted persons as speakers apart from El-Rufai, Wike and Obasanjo.’’

According to MULAN, the nomination of another Northern governor as a replacement for El-Rufai will send a very wrong signal to objective observers and therefore it is not advisable.

The Muslim lawyers further demanded that, using the standard by which Mr El-Rufai was disinvited, “Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom should also be on the list of Speakesr to delist.”

It said Blair’s country “has sufficiently indicted him in Sir John Chilcot’s Iraq Inquiry Report (1House o Commons (UK), “The Report of the Iraq Inquiry”, (UK: Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 2016) in which he was said to have ‘deliberately exacerbated the threat posed by Saddam Hussein when there was no imminent threat. He did that to justify his joining the USA

The insistence of the NBA to stand against El-Rufai clearly shows that in the future, there’s likely to be a more activist and decisive NBA that will have a stronger voice in things that are happening in the judiciary, and the country in general and also be able to take certain stance to create change

in attacking Iraq and killing millions of innocent people.”

MULAN said dis-inviting the three personalities to speak at the NBA Conference would do a great deal of damage control and show the whole World watching the ensuing drama that in the NBA, the rule of law and Human Rights are colour blind and know no class, tribe or religious affiliation.

Following the El-Rufai snub some aggrieved northern members of the Nigerian Bar Association have pulled out of the group; alleging that the legal body is biased.

The lawyers say they have constituted a new group called New Nigerian Bar Association (NNBA).

In a statement, the new association said recent developments within NBA have generated increased concern which necessitated their withdrawal from the association. It said the incidents have exposed the inability of the NBA to manage and contain the heterogeneity of its members as well as their various interests.

The new association said NBA mandatory membership is against the provisions of the constitution which recognises freedom of membership of every association, as provided in section 40.

The lawyers said their interests are no longer taken into consideration in major decisions of the NBA hence the formation of the new association.

The statement reads, ‘’Its penal powers has been deployed discriminatively on the basis of ethnicity and regionalism, As a body of lawyers who have undergone training towards ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights and liberties, the NBA is supposed to live above sentiments, regionalism and discrimination on any basis and of any kind. Therefore, the NBA cannot afford to be seen not to be upholding the rights and freedom of its own members if at all, it should be seen to be practising what it preaches.’’ ‘’The New Nigerian Bar Association have been watching the activities of the NBA, an association we all looked forward to joining with high hopes before being called to the Nigerian Bar, forcing idiosyncrasies of few on the majority of its members, especially in recent times.

No wonder, NBA NEC, which is the highest decision-making organ of the association failed to uphold the fundamental principles of fair hearing which in itself, is the fundamental aspect of Rule of Law, on the allegations against the Executive Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai as were contained in a petition by Chidi Odinkalu Esq. a long time foe of His Excellency and a lawyer of eastern Nigeria extraction, but the NBA failed to extend the same treatment to Southern invitees who were also petitioned and are also alleged to have committed similar or more human rights abuses than those alleged against Mallam El-Rufai.’’

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

13

T H I S D AY Ëž TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

POLITICS

Survey Predicts Use of Strong Arm Tactics,Violence in Edo Chuks Okocha scrutinises the survey by Yiaha Africa, a civil society group, which suggests that the Edo state gubernatorial election would be deďŹ ned by strong arm tactics and violence

Itodo

Yakubu

Obaseki

Ize-Iyamu

A

in Edo North Senatorial district. In Edo South, Oredo, Orhionmwon, Egor, Ovia North East, and Ikpoba-Okha LGAs while in Edo Central Senatorial district, Esan Central, Esan North East and Esan West are potential hotspots.

Yiaga Africa said in the report that attitudes towards INEC in Edo are very polarized, explaining that “Forty-six percent of respondents’ lack confidence in INEC’s ability to promote credible elections, 50% question the electoral umpires’ independence and 44% doubt the institutions’ preparedness for election. “Despite, the COVID-19 epidemic and the ongoing political crisis, an overwhelming majority of registered voters (85%) report being likely to vote in the September 19 elections.

The survey report said that despite the COVID-19 epidemic and the ongoing political crisis, an overwhelming majority of registered voters (85%) are likely to vote in the September 19 elections. Furthermore, 54% of all respondents are optimistic that the elections will be credible, and a plurality (42%) believe the quality of elections will increase relative to the 2019 presidential elections.

However, spate of violence and insecurity may discourage voters from turning up to vote on election day.

But based on the results from the preelection survey, Yiaga Africa recommends that INEC, Presidential Task Force and State Task Force should ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 guidance enunciated in INEC policy on voting amidst COVID-19 and other health safety protocols. The report explained that Polling officials should be required to undergo COVID-19 testing before and after election. Public engagement on new health protocols and Voters Code of Conduct should be intensified across LGAs and communities.

The survey said that given the pervasive threat to safety and security in the Edo election, Yiaga Africa urges the federal and state government to desist from partisan use of the police and security forces to manipulate the electoral process. Security agencies, it said should neutralize existing security threats in Edo state to enable the voters exercise their

constitutional right to vote in a peaceful and secured environment.

These threats include; hate speech, disruption of campaigns by thugs, vandalism, assassination attempts on political stakeholders, proliferations of arms and weapons in places like Ikpoba/Okha, Oredo and Orhionmwon LGA etc. More proactive and preemptive interventions like peace meetings, peace accords, curtailment of proliferation and use of firearms and other weapons, appropriate sanctions for those implicated in thuggery and violence. If caution is not exercised, the September 19 may be determined by violence not voters.

According to the Yiaga survey, INEC should take concrete steps to address the perceptions of its lack of independence, impartiality and professionalism through proactive disclose of election-related information; effective management of election day logistics; consistency in the application of electoral guidelines and lastly, transparency in the results collation and transmission process.

Yiaga said the conduct and outcome of the upcoming governorship election in Edo state will have important implications for elections and democracy in Nigeria for several reasons.

To begin with, the Edo governorship poll is the first state-wide election to be conducted

by INEC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second, Edo is the only state in the South South geopolitical zone that, until recently, was controlled by the ruling APC and so for the APC it is a battle to recapture lost ground and the opposition PDP, a struggle to retain reclaimed territory. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the state has been embroiled in a political standoff between the current governor Obaseki and his ‘political godfather’ and former governor of the state Adams Oshiomhole.

The political standoff has led to a politically charged campaign period and many fear that as the election draw nearer, opposing camps will engage in violence and vote rigging in order to win the election.

The survey. Yiaga Africa explained that

with these issues in mind that it through its Watching The Vote projec undertook the Pre-election Observation (PREO) to assess stakeholder preparations for the elections, monitor political campaigns and track early warning signs of violence.

The PREO methodology entailed deployment of 24 Long Term Observers (LTOs) in all 18 LGAs of Edo state and a pre-election survey with a random sample of 657 phone-owing adult Nigerians (18 years and above) residing in Edo State.

The PREO seeks to achieve the following goals; r 'JSTU UP QSPWJEF IJHI RVBMJUZ FWJEFODFE based information in the run-up to the Edo governorship contest that can inform suitable interventions to promote the credibility of the electoral process and safety of the electorate. r 4FDPOE UP QSPWJEF B TDJFOUJà D HBVHF PG the opinions of the electorate regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the campaign and election environment, including INEC’s ability to organize elections during the pandemic and citizens’ willingness to engage in electionrelated activities. r 5IJSE UP BTTFTT UIF FMFDUPSBUFT BUUJUVEFT towards, and experience with, election violence, votebuying, and INEC’s election preparedness and to understand how these issues may impact voter turnout and perceptions of election credibility.

There are five key findings that emerged from the survey: r 'JSTU XIJMF B NBKPSJUZ PG SFTQPOEFOUT support INEC’s decision to hold Nigeria’s first off-cycle governorship election during the COVID-19 pandemic, 42% remain concerned that voters and election officials could contract the virus on election-day, and a further 40% are dissatisfied with INEC’s effectiveness in communicating the new COVID-19 voting guidelines. r 4FDPOE XJUIJO &EP T QPMJUJDBMMZ DIBSHFE pre-election context a majority of respondents expressed concerns that political parties (56%) and security officials (48%) would use violence during the elections. Approximately one-inten respondents have directly experienced violence and intimidation related to the elections, while over one-third have heard political candidates using hate speech on the campaign trail. r 5IJSE BUUJUVEFT UPXBSET */&$ JO &EP BSF very polarized. Forty-six percent of respondents’ lack confidence in INEC’s ability to promote credible elections, 50% question the electoral umpires’ independence and 44% doubt the institutions’ preparedness for election. r 'PVSUI EFTQJUF UIF $07*% FQJEFNJD and the ongoing political crisis, an overwhelming majority of registered voters (85%) are likely to vote in the September 19 elections. r 'JOBMMZ B TMJN NBKPSJUZ PG BMM SFTQPOEFOUT (54%) are optimistic that the elections will be credible, and a plurality (42%) believe the quality of the governorship elections will increase relative to the 2019 presidential elections.

head of the September 19, 2020 governorship elections in Edo state, the civil sociery group, Yiaga Africa said that it deployed 24 Long Term Observers (LTOs) in the 18 LGAs of Edo state to systematically observe and gather information on the pre-election environment as well as early warning signs of electoral violence.

The group further said that NOIPolls was also engaged by Yiaga Africa to conduct a survey to empirically gauge their opinions about the impact of COVI9-19 pandemic and the campaign environment on the credibility of the governorship elections.

The survey, it said assesses citizens knowledge and exposure to information on the pandemic, and confidence in state institutions and electoral stakeholders. This report summarizes some of the main findings from the Pre-election Observation and survey and proffers recommendations for promoting the credibility of the upcoming elections.

According to outcome of survey signed by the Executive Director, Samson Itodo, although approximately seven-in-ten respondents (68%) support INEC’s decision to hold Nigeria’s first off-cycle governorship election during the COVID-19 pandemic, a plurality (42%) remain concerned that voters and election officials could contract the virus on election-day.

Respondents, the survey said were evenly split on INEC’s effectiveness in communicating the new COVID-19 voting guidelines, and more than a quarter of those surveyed (27%) report having been exposed to information about COVID-19 voting procedures from political parties and candidates.

The Long Term Observers (LTO) findings reveal that there was little or no voter information campaign on INEC’s guidelines on voting during COVID-19 in Esan North South East, Ovia South West, Igueben, Akoko Edo, Etsako West, Etsako East LGAs. The report of the survey, Yiaga said that respondents expressed major concerns about violence carried out by political parties (56%) and security officials (48%) during the elections.

With more than 3 weeks to go before the governorship election, approximately one-in-ten respondents have directly experienced violence and intimidation related to the elections, while over one-third have heard political candidates using hate speech on the campaign trail. This was corroborated by field reports from the Yiaga Africa LTOs who reported incidents of violence mostly perpetrated by supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party.

Citing specific instances, the Yiaga Africa report said that “At a PDP rally in Apana Community in Etsako West LGA, clashes between the supporters of PDP and APC led to violent attacks and vandalism. At least one incident of SGBV was recorded in Orhionmwon, Oredo, Ikpoba/Okha, Etsako Central, Owan West, Esan West and Ovia North East LGA.�

According to the survey, the potential hotspots and flashpoints of violence, where the electoral battles are expected to be the fiercest include; Etsako West, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Owan West and Akoko-Edo

Yiaga said the conduct and outcome of the upcoming governorship election in Edo state will have important implications for elections and democracy in Nigeria for several reasons. To begin with, the Edo governorship poll is the first state-wide election to be conducted

by INEC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, Edo is the only state in the South South geopolitical zone that, until recently, was controlled by the ruling APC and so for the APC it is a battle to recapture lost ground and the opposition PDP, a struggle to retain reclaimed territory. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the state has been embroiled in a political standoff between the current governor Obaseki and his ‘political godfather’ and former governor of the state Adams Oshiomhole

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

14

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻËœ 2020

COMMENT

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

GREAT INSTITUTIONS, GREAT PEOPLE Victor C. Ariole argues that many institutions are suffering from lack of leadership

T

here is an Igbo adage that says: “When you keep a big elephant, you attach a great personality to it; when one attempts misbehaving the other will bring it to order�. Until my mature age, I had found it difficult to understand it because it was communicated so compactly.

While the West believes so much in creating great institutions that could not be easily mismanaged or destroyed by human beings, Africa believes that it is a wholistic set-up. Both human beings and the law establishing the institution matter. The other interpretation people attach to it could not easily be seen as philosophically tenable; that is, when a great personality dies, you use big elephant to send him off to the great beyond. In effect, it can only happen if that person kept his integrity safe while alive.

University of Lagos just experienced similar occurrence; and providence, whether in personalities or in inherent institutional law, seems to have responded in trying to steady it to avoid great damage. One prays that it gets well steadied, and that other institutions could learn from it. However, like French philosophers would say, if you neglect the spirit of the letters that are presented in drafting any law, then chaos is expected to follow. Nigerians could be wondering as they listen or read what some people, often assumed to be well educated or learned, say about the problems, or processes of due process, tearing the duo that are attached to the great institution.

Suffice it to say that most of Nigerian institutions are embroiled in such misrepresentation of their duties towards the institutions they man or are supposed to guard to avoid misunderstanding.

Nigeria as a great country is in dire need of great handlers of its institutions to get it steadied in the pursuance of its mission of “promptly intervening on behalf of the African people whether in the continent or in the Diaspora�. Like someone said on Channels TV, USA has used its population of about 340 million to prove its leadership in North America, Brazil with about 230 million to prove it in South America, China with over one billion to prove it among the Asian tigers, Egypt with about 90 million to prove it among the Arabs, so how could Nigeria with 200 million do it for Africans in the sub-Sahara?

Like Matthew Ozah stated in her column trying to adulate the Speaker of the House, for calling for a review of jumbo pay and perks draining Nigeria’s fiscal space, with no commensurate performance of the beneficiaries, hence leading to abuse of power; it seems to be pervasive in most of Nigerian institutions.

Institutions must be made to operate optimally, and the measuring tools are there to upbraid or rebuke them if they are not doing so, as long as they are given free hand and are made to be transparent in their operations. I have always opposed over-centralised management of Nigeria’s great assets.

The trichotomy in the universities is uncalled for. Whether expressed or implied, the abuse of power and demand for more perks are the pains the institutions are suffering. The people who ought to protect the institutions from further stress

THE STRUCTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE IS SUCH THAT WHEN POLITICS IS MADE TO TAKE THE SHINE, ITS PURPOSES ARE DEFEATED

and pains are not as great as the institutions they are asked to handle.

Those who represent the government on the boards of governing councils want their own perks. They could say otherwise but if the ICPC intervenes in knowing their worth before and after such tenure, Nigerians would marvel at their great abuse of power. I am yet to see any chairman of any board of federal government institution that is not thinking of what to give back to his/her political party or his/her personal aggrandisement. Compare Unimaid and Unilag for a start and see for yourself.

The ASUU that barks like a dog with no teeth, so as to help the ocean to remain clean and transparent in order to keep providing for the livelihood of its members always claims that its members are starved of pay as their salary can never take them home, compared to their counterparts elsewhere. The poor students who cannot pay even N1million a session, as the current charges of less that N100,000 is overwhelming to them, remain helpless in the whole chessboard of power.

In all that, the government quickly worked out a process of distancing the vice chancellor from among the other academics by giving him or her perks that show that he or she is a slave master and must ignore the pursuit of knowledge that respects no master till the expected Omniscience responds to the knowledge search of the academic (Quite paradoxical but real). True pursuit of knowledge allows arguments and independence of minds, till the minds reach a consensus that helps in the advancement of humanity and the greater well-being of human beings; like the current debates and dissensions on the best vaccine to be made available for human beings so as to defeat Corona Virus (Covid-19).

The structure of the university governance is such that when politics is made to take the shine, its purposes are defeated. This, in effect, is what some non-academic in the system are not aligning themselves well, with.

Politics of non-academic content should be made to lie low in an academic environment. The set-up of the council of federal universities admits that. Nine government appointees including chairman and ministry representatives, six or seven from the university senate depending on how many DVCs are there, two or three from the university congregation which must include a professor, and one from the convocation who is also university mission minded person. In all, they ought to be people who are very much aware of what universities stand for. Universities are not local institutions. They are more of international institutions in a local setting to project local, national and international knowledge contents for greater impact in a global dispensation that craves for the survival of the human race, currently threatened by climate change and dwindling bio-diversity. Hence, the knowledge search, for solution of human and environmental survival, must not be thwarted by politics or legalese. r"SJPMF JT 1SPGFTTPS PG 'SFODI BOE 'SBODPQIPOF 4UVEJFT 6OJWFSTJUZ PG -BHPT

FOR THE GROWTH OF AFRICAN HISTORY Africa’s history is overdue for comprehensive update, argues Bobson Gbinije

“H

istory is the life of the times, the torch of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life and the messenger of antiquity Cicero (106-43BC) De oratore In his magnum opus and literary tour de force titled Heauton Timoroumentos, the philosopher and essayist Publius Terentius Afer said: “Humo sum; humani nihil ame alienum puto� (I am a man; and nothing human is foreign to me). It is this drive to ensure that nothing human is foreign to man that gave birth to history. History is an authentic chronicle and a verifiable documentation of ancient and modern events.

The matrix of history is buttressed and consolidated by inputs from oral tradition of folklores, preserved by memories and recounted to the existing generation to document for posterity. The elements of written, divinatory and numerological submissions, etc., also contribute as resource archives from which historians, historiographers and archaeologists can get factual information.

Before the art of writing was introduced, man, from the Paleolithic through the Mesolithic to the Neolithic ages used primitive means to document events.

Fundamental and remarkably eventful occurrences in history like the Nile Valley Civilization, the Cretan Civilization, the Sumerian Civilization, the rise of Babylon, Assyria, Chaldea, Phonecia, Persia, the Roman Empire, the early history of Greece and Christianity were documented in history. But the art of writing and documentation did not arrive in Africa until the 16th century, when European historians, from a European perspective, had already documented most of Africa’s history.

Although the king of the ancient Mali Empire, Mansa Kankan Musa (1307-1337 A.D) set up the Sankore University in Timbuktu in 1310 A.D, it was a university for the propagation of Islamic studies (Arabic education), as against what was prevalent, the Western education and the art of writing.

This exposed Africa’s early history to the whims and caprices of history dabblers, sentimentality, historical prejudices, myths, tribal jingoism,

misplaced patriotism, falsehoods, judgmental fallacies, arrant controversies and apocryphal submissions, making African history and anthology of incongruities. When our African historians came on stage, they depended largely on the historical plinth already created by European or foreign historians.

Where they had to get the factual basis of the history of their own people, it was sometimes coloured by their own prejudices, fabrications and intellectual bankruptcy. African history is to some extent a splendid documentation of falsehood, laced with lies, inconsistent with reason, at variance with logic and grossly out of tune with facts.

African history records that the Ashanti people who were Akan- speaking people subject to the then Denkyra State came out of Lake Bosomtwi, a small crater lake in central Ashanti. And to further consolidate the bases of their unity, Ashanti caused a “golden stool� in which the spirit of Ashanti ancestors was supposed to be hidden to descend on the knees of Osei Tutu, the ruler of Kumasi.

The assembled Ashanti rulers acclaimed Osei Tutu as their superior and invested him with powers over all the Ashanti people.

One version of Africa history records that the Yoruba’s migrated from the east in about the 10th or 11th century, that their ancestors belonged to the Quresh tribe of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and that their first father was Lamrud or Namrud who had an idol-priest called Ya-harba. The word Yaharba is an Arabic word-meaning warrior or army general. When Islam was introduced in Mecca in the 7th century Lamrud, Ya-harba and their supporters refused to embrace Islam. The Islamic Jihadists took up arms against Lamrud and his pagan supporters. In the ensuing battle Lamrud was defeated and they fled the city, crossing the red sea to Africa. They got to Egypt in 648A.D; they moved to Tripoli, Algeria and Morocco.

During this journey the idol-priest, Ya-harbar, consulted his oracle, and they were told to follow the oracle’s direction. They followed the oracle’s direction until they arrived at Ile-Ife in 900A.D. During the journey to IIe-Ife Lamrud and his idol-priest, Ya-harba, died on the way. It

was therefore Oduduwa who led the Yoruba to IIe-Ife. This is why Oduduwa and not Lamrud or Ya-harba is referred to today as the father of the Yoruba. Even though Ya-harba could not reach IIe-Ife his people decided to immortalise his name by calling their settlement Ya-harba, which was later converted to Yoruba. One other version says the Yoruba progenitor, Oduduwa fell from heaven.

Some years ago, the Oba of Benin, Omo Noba Nedo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa launched his book titled “I Remain Sir, Your Obedient Servant.�

He opened the Pandora’s box of Yourba/Benin history, when he claimed that the Yoruba migrated from Benin where prince Ekaladerhan (Yoruba’s Oduduwa) escaped from execution, and that after a horrendous and marathon journey through the thick forest he arrived at IIe—Ife, where he became their king.

When the Binis discovered that tradition made it obligatorily imperative for him to come back home, they requested for him. But he turned down the request and in turn sent his son Oranmiyan to commence the present dynasty in Benin.

This historical submission drew the ire of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II. He said that the Oba of Benin whose dynasty began in the last decade of the 12th century was an Ife Prince lent to the Bini people at their request after the reign of the Ogisos ended in Benin.

The Ife monarch asserted that Oduduwa descended directly from heaven through a chain to where is today known as Ife in the company of four hundred deities. They both however agree that Oranmiyan was the son sent by Ekaladerhan (bini), Oduduwa (Yoruba) and whose son, Eweka, born of a Benin woman, became the progenitor of all Benin Obas.

It is not the concern of this writer to look at which of the submission is plausible, true or false.

But to observe that there is a trend in African history, which is based on a tribal renaissance-a kind of Risorgimento that stimulates a rewriting of history. This is a prevailing situation across Nigeria and nay Africa.

Why did the Oba of Benin wait for so long to

rewrite a part of Benin history? Is it possible for Ekaladerhan to have trekked such a long distance to Ife and through a thick forest? So nobody accompanied the Bini Ekaladerhan? And why would a man or fugitive from justice be called back to come and become a king? How is it possible for Oduduwa to have fallen from heaven?

These are glaring cases of half-truths, philistanization of history and deliberate mythologization of the origin of a people. The case of a ‘golden stool’ being invoked from heaven for the Osei Tutu of Ashanti and the Ashanti people haven come out of a lake are sheer myths, frills and thrills on the edge of perfidious manipulations. History is supposed to be a pedantic hallmark, a check valve, a vertical and horizontal integrator of a people’s life and a factual record of past events.

A reliance on the facts of history enables people to understand themselves and strategize for the future. History is a barometric format and a lodestone to the future. It is the intrinsic paradigm, steer man, master, cicerone and conductor of a people’s development.

In Warri, Delta state, the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri, have been sunken in dastardly fratricidal and internecine wars over the ownership of Warri.

The collective troika have doctored, falsified and even created history to justify their ownership claims.

The story is the same in virtually every family, tribe and community, etc., in Nigeria nay Africa. This is partly so, because the economic, socio-political metamorphosis of a people entails renewed renascence where the elements of pride, power, position and growth becomes issues in the front burner of their discourse.

It is so critically crucial to them that they in most cases resort to rewriting of history to enable them to be put in proper and advantageous stead in the comity of peoples, states and nations. But a history written with such background is always fraught with bias, concooned in pyrrhonism, silhouetted in the configurations and contours of asymmetrical and nebulous mĂŠlange. r$IJFG (CJOJKF B TPDJBM DSJUJD XSPUF GSPN 8BSSJ %FMUB 4UBUF

15

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻËœ 2020

EDITORIAL

TIME TO REFORM THE JUDICIARY A reform that will quicken the dispensation of justice is welcome

T

he recent call by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for a merit-based approach to the appointment of judges is a self-indictment.

And so is the lamentation by President Muhammadu Buhari about one of the fundamental problems rendering the Nigerian justice delivery system largely ineffectual today: ‘Terribly slow pace’ of dispensing justice in criminal matters, as he aptly put it. For an administration that promised judicial reform more than five years ago, we hope they will finally walk the talk. For years, it has been common knowledge that justice in Nigerian courts is slow in coming or worse, out-rightly denied. It is therefore high time all stakeholders sat down to salvage the judiciary.

The essence of the legal maxim, ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’ is that a situation in which opportunity FOR AN ADMINISTRATION for legal redress is available to an THAT PROMISED injured person JUDICIAL REFORM MORE but comes with THAN FIVE YEARS AGO, little or no hope of justice being WE HOPE THEY WILL FINALLY WALK THE TALK served on time, is as good as useless.

But now that Osinbajo and Buhari appear to have a consensus on the necessity for reforms in the judicial sector, we hope they will move from rhetoric to action. Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference, the president had also canvassed a continuous improvement on the selection processes for appointment of the men and women who serve on the bench.

That is a challenge for the leadership of the judiciary. Section 255 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) states that to qualify for appointment as a judge of a high court, the person must have been called to the bar for 10 years. Meanwhile, the National Judicial Council (NJC) guidelines specifically

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identify the following as those qualified to be appointed as judges: Legal practitioners in private practice; legal practitioners in public service who are legal officers; chief registrar of court and chief magistrate. Other prerequisites include that the candidates be of good character and reputation, be of unquestionable integrity, possess sound knowledge of law, etc.

However, as lofty as the foregoing requirements may seem, the NJC has consistently breached them when appointing judges by introducing cronyism. Those who make the list now are relations of powerful politicians and prominent lawyers or sitting/ retired judges.

Besides, there are serious questions about some of the guidelines. For instance, at the appellate levels, judges are elevated to higher bench based on seniority and vacancies from geographical zones and not on merit. It is not important if the justice in question is lazy or is of dubious character. The same procedure is applied in promoting high court judges to the Court of Appeal. Merit is sacrificed for seniority.

Perhaps the greatest challenge comes from the fact that the judiciary has proved incapable at reforming itself. Even though judges are not happy that determining a case takes so many years, they are unwilling to introduce practical measures to tackle the challenge. When they were lucky to have a reformist Chief Justice of Nigeria in Justice Maryam Mukhtar, the first and only woman CJN, the moment she retired, they jettisoned the rules of procedures she introduced to fast track criminal and corruption cases. The time limit in the determination of election cases for which President Buhari credited the judiciary was in fact a constitutional amendment brought by politicians themselves.

But the questions the president posed at the NBA forum are critical: “Why can’t we have term limit for criminal cases? Why can’t we have a rule that will say a criminal trial all the way to the supreme court must not exceed 12 months?�

We hope the NJC will muster the courage to address those questions.

DAILY TRUST, FFK AND BREAK OF TRUST

he story is told of how Tortoise had, in one of his escapades, stolen yam from the barn of the wealthiest village farmer. When the theft was discovered and Tortoise apprehended, the irate farmer paraded Tortoise round the village with a crowd of floggers and singers. Tortoise must by this be punished for all his crimes against humanity.

After a whole day’s roadshow, shaming Tortoise, farmer tied him to the stakes early in the morning. He put a whip near him so anyone going to work must help deliver as many whips as pleased his heart! So they did all day long and, consequently, Tortoise played host to countless episodes of painful whips.

But the tides turned by evening when the villagers were returning from the day’s business. Seeing Tortoise still tied to the stakes, nobody felt the urge to flog any more. Many did not expect to meet Tortoise still paying for the offence he committed at the close of a second day running. And, soon, the comments began to change.

Now, villagers wondered exactly how many yams Tortoise stole to merit the volume of debasement he had received! Some began to wonder if the farmer himself had never stolen before. Didn’t he steal some of the yam seeds he began his now fruitful farming career with? Others wanted to know if it was farmer’s wife Tortoise stole or farmer’s daughter that was raped and not “ordinary� yams stolen.

Some even undertook to express the quantity of yams Tortoise stole as a fraction of farmer’s whole barn. The numerator was pitifully small against the denominator, someone noted. Yet others wondered if the theft really took place. I mean, does farmer have the full video? No

audio please, the full video. Some concluded that even the accusation of stealing may have itself been bankrolled!

Wasn’t the accusing farmhand seen with lots of tubers in his basket the day after he broke the story of Tortoise’s alleged theft? The complaints got louder.

And so our ever wise elders would say, “The going is for the Tortoise, the return is for the farmer.� Those wise heads don’t waste words. The spring of pity often wells up in favour of the offender. Man has always found his own fallibility as a strong ground to extend pardon to others; anything contrary usually backfires. I doubt that farmer lived happily ever after even when him that had been wronged at the start.

This scenario is about to play out in the case against Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister under the Obasanjo civilian regime. Fani-Kayode, popularly called FFK, had shocked the world with his outburst against a Daily Trust reporter, Mr. Eyo Charles, during a press conference in Calabar, last week.

I have never met FFK personally, nor can I be considered anywhere near being called his fan. On the contrary, I have often found him too overbearing in his conduct.

But, having read three caustic releases by Daily Trust on the Calabar incident mentioned earlier, it would seem every writer of worth in their organisation has been given marching orders to whip FFK to his heart’s satisfaction.

And, whip they have.

Most of the responses from Daily Trust have been gruesome pieces of brute invectives and name-calling.

None I have read impressed me in any journalistic subtlety expected of the genre they’ve been asked to engage in this all-out against FFK. Simply put, they aren’t saying

anything new nor have they done so in style that bears quoting because of inherent literary quality and brilliance.

You may argue that an angry man has no time to excite the intellect with quotable diction and linguistic sophistry.

Yet, that’s what writing for a newspaper and the public should be about. “Not just what, but how said,� we were taught in the English and Literature Department of the prestigious University of Benin. Gripped by ire erupting like geyser, we still should bear our language to titillate the mind and yet sting with the sharp pain of unpoisoned satire.

And to think that FFK has even apologised twice, with the second instance generally acclaimed to have sounded truly contrite, it is easy to tell that further pounding is misguided.

We understand the need for espirit de corps reactions from colleagues and bosses. Yet, while Daily Trust chooses to collect her kilograms of flesh from their present corporate enemy, they should spare a thought for their image too. Sometimes, how you handle others tells more about who you are than who they are!

The collective outcry against the treatment meted out by FFK to Mr. Eyo Charles, coming in forms of unsolicited and unpaid write ups, privately voiced videos and soundbites from well-meaning Nigerians ought to assuage the anger of Daily Trust and through a loud silence salute the public and fellow members of the press for having done the needful valiantly on their behalf. To do otherwise may be foolhardy.

Let the return not be for the farmer. r.JDIBFM 0NPSFHCFF #FOJO $JUZ

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TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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Quick Takes FirstBank Sponsors The Voice Nigeria

MOU SIGNING

L-R: Commissioner Commerce,Industry andTourism, Yobe State, Alhaji Barma Shettima; MD/CEO NEXIM Bank, Mr.Abba Bello, and Executive Director, Business Development, NEXIM Bank, Mrs.Stella Okotete, during an MOU signing ceremony between NEXIM Bank and Yobe State Government in Abuja... recently

Sylva Switches to Gas as Fuel for Official Cars, Urges Others to Follow Suit Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva has given up his official vehicles to be remodelled to use gas as fuel instead of petrol.

He said the move would enable him encourage Nigerians to switch to gas as alternative to petrol for their vehicles.

Sylva disclosed at the recent quarterly meeting of his ministry that he has handed over his vehicles to the relevant committee of the National Gas Expansion

ENERGY Programme (NGEP) to remodel them to use gas.

He urged the various agencies of the ministry such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) amongst others to emulate his gesture and help the country quickly adopt gas as fuel for transportation. “I am glad that we have started

on a positive note with the commencement of the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Program (NGFCP), the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), the flag off of the National Gas Transportation Code, the marginal field bid round, the flag off of the construction of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, and the committee on gas sector-wide review of the domestic gas pricing framework,�

Sylva said at the meeting.

According to him: “These programmes and activities are geared

towards achieving the mandate handed to us by Mr. President.

It is therefore my earnest hope that we will carefully drive these programmes and activities to a logical conclusion. “On this note, I hereby declare the NGEP as the flagship program of the ministry based on the outstanding work the committee is doing. “I have surrendered my vehicles to the NGEP to convert all to dual fuel with use of either Continued on page 18

‘Second Quarter GDP May Be Nigeria’s Worst Performance in 2020’ Dike Onwuamaeze Agusto & Co, a pan-African rating agency has predicted that the recently released Nigeria’s second quarter (Q2) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures might turn out to the country’s worst performance this year.

The Lagos-based firm stated this in its August 2020, Economic Newsletter titled: “The Nigerian Q2 GDP COVID Contraction & 2020 Forecasts,� obtained yesterday.

The firm ascribed the sharp contraction of the real GDP by 6.10 per cent year-on-year in Q2, when compared to the 1.87 per cent growth rate recorded in Q1, to the distortions in economic activities and the collapse in oil prices during the second quarter as a result of lockdown measures implemented both domestically and internationally owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also noted that the resilience of the Nigerian economy during

ECONOMY the review quarter, compared to several economies such as the United States suffered a downturn of 9.5 per cent year-on-year in Q2, while the United Kingdom’s economy plunged by 21.7% year-on-year in Q2.

It added: “We are cautiously optimistic that we believe that Nigeria’s growth rate reflects the relatively lax implementation of lockdown measures across the country, especially in states outside of the nation’s economic powerhouses. “Avoiding the worst of the pandemic in terms of infections and mortality has also helped mitigate the contractions while buoying consumer confidence ahead of the second half. “Overall, the -6.10 per cent growth rate recorded in Q2 brings half year 2020 GDP growth rate to -2.18 per cent. At Agusto & Co., we maintain our forecast scenarios of -4.5 per cent in the

best-case and -7 per cent in the worst-case for full year 2020.�

Its optimistic view notwithstanding, the Agusto & Co., maintained that the country’s economic outlook remained tapered in view of Nigeria’s persistent foreign exchange shortages, amidst the fragile oil market and reform inertia on the part of the government. “There’s an estimated $7 billion of unmet dollar demand – with the backlog comprising of a $2 billion demand by manufacturers and $5 billion by foreign investors seeking to exit the Nigerian market. The reluctance to push ahead with tough reforms such as unifying the exchange rates is weighing heavily on sentiment, with the World Bank delaying its approval of Nigeria’s $1.5 billion loan request until October. “Our view is that foreign exchange shortages will persist throughout the second half of the year, inhibiting growth as manufacturers increasingly struggle to source sufficient

dollars to pay for imports – even as activities pick up,� Agusto & Co said.

It highlighted that the second quarter of 2020 was the first negative growth experienced in the non-oil segment of the GDP since Q3 2017. “The non-oil sector accounted for 91.07 per cent of overall GDP in Q2 2020, a slight increase compared to the share recorded in Q1 2020 of 90.5 per cent.

The largest contractions were witnessed in transport and storage, with a negative growth of 49.23 per cent; accommodation and food services at -40.2 per cent; construction at -31.77 per cent and Real Estate at -21.99 per cent year-on-year. “The contractions in these sectors were largely driven by the effects of the lockdown measures especially with the ban on interstate travel (road and air) which affected local commute, travel and hotel lodging services,�

Continued on page 18

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its lead sponsorship of theTVreality musical talent show,TheVoice Nigeria, Season three.

The talent show which is organised by Unity Nigeria, was created to discover, nurture and bring to the fore musical talents amongst the next generation of Nigerian youth. The Voice Nigeria would be produced for the ďŹ rst time in Nigeria and would be aired on DSTV channel (Africa Magic) Startimes and terrestrial TV channel (AIT), amongst other leading television stations in the outside the country.

Nigerians can expect to see the very best talents on stage in the course of the competition.

The musical talent hunt show would start with blind auditions to be submitted upon being shortlisted after a successful registration, then battle auditions which then move out of the rooms and straight into the arenas, with hopefuls having to perform in front of an arena audience from the start in the hope of making it through to the next stage. It would be hosted by Denola Adepetun, Nancy Isime, Toke Makinwa and the coaches are Dare Art Alade, Folarin Falana, Yemi Alade and Aituaje Iruobe. The registration for audition opened from August 25th and would last till September 19, 2020.

Speaking on the talent hunt show, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Folake Ani-Mumuney said: “We are delighted to be the lead sponsor of The Voice Nigeria, this partnership is hinged on our Brand’s passion to empower and invest in our youths.

ARC Appoints Non-Executive Directors

TheAfricanRiskCapacityLimited(ARCLtd)GovernanceCommittee has appointed two new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). They are Ms. Sarata Kone-Thiam and Ms. Lade’ A. Araba. They are to join its Board of Directors thereby completing the Board complement of seven individuals in line with structure.

The new directors are joining a group of other industry experts led by Mr. Abdoulie Janneh in serving as Directors to steer ARC Limited towards a more sustainable future through sound, ethical, legal, governance and financial management policies and practices towards the advancement of its mission. “In just over 6 years of operations, 56 policies have been signed by the ARC Member States with $83 million paid in premiums for cumulative insurance coverage of $641 million and the protection of 64.1 million vulnerable population in participating countries. “From this, ARC Ltd made $60 million payouts to the governments of Senegal, Mauritania and Malawi and the START Network following droughts episodes in 2014, 2015 and 2019.

These funds have gone towards assisting over 2, 480, 500 million people whose livelihoods rely on agriculture, preventing the loss of hard-earned developmental gains in addition to 1, 295, 189 livestock,� the organisation explained in a statement.

Afreximbank Wins Award

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Africa’s foremost multilateral trade finance institution, has been announced winner of the Debt Deal of the Year Award at the 14th Annual African Banker Awards 2020 held virtually. The awards recognise institutions and individuals driving growth and development in Africa and creating new economic opportunities for citizens and communities across the continent.

The Debt Deal of the Year Award was granted to Afreximbank for a ₏1 billion syndicated senior loan facility arranged with Credit Suisse for Nigeria’s Bank of Industry. The funds have supported the Bank of Industry’s work expanding, diversifying and modernising Nigeria’s industrial sector. Having originally been sized at ₏750 million, the debt raising was successfully upsized to ₏1 billion through a general syndication that secured liquidity from over 20 investors.

InitsroleasCoordinatingMandatedLeadArrangerandBookrunner, Afreximbank played an integral role in attracting a wide diversity of investors ranging from African and non-African banks and ďŹ nancial institutions as well as development ďŹ nance institutions, a statement explained.

“There is a committee that has been set up, which is working with other stakeholders, to come up with a single form to be used by all the capital market Director General, SEC Mr. Lamido Yuguda

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻ, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD SYLVA SWITCHES TO GAS AS FUEL FOR OFFICIAL CARS, URGES OTHERS TO FOLLOW SUIT

ANALYSIS

SMEsUrgedtoEmbraceTechnology,FinancialPlanningforSurvival Nume Ekeghe

AutoLPG or AutoCNG.�

Sylva further stated that on that premise, “I now have the moral backing to direct that all CEOs and their able lieutenants do same by converting all their official vehicles to run on Autogas as a demonstration to the Nigerian people that indeed government meant it when we declare this year “The Year of Gas�.�

Responding to questions on the import of Sylva’s gesture, his Technical Adviser (TA) on Gas Business and Policy Implementation, Mr. Justice Derefaka, noted that it was encouraging for the NGEP and its works.

Derefaka who is also the Program Manager for the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Programme (NGFCP) and NGEP Autogas, stated that NGEP committee created four project units which Autogas for automobiles and other prime movers, domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) expansion, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for electricity and Gas Based Industries (GBI) revitalisation to make its work scope clearer.

The Vice President Business Development (West), Sigma Pensions Limited, Mrs. Mabel George, has urged operators of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) to leverage technology as well imbibe good financial planning to survive the economic downturn posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

George made the call during the ConnectNigeria Virtual business fair where thousands of SMEs converged to learn, connect and showcase their business, held recently.

She also urged businesses to reevaluate their propositions to adapt to the changing business environment and practices in order to survive the pandemic and its aftermath.

She added: “You need to rethink the way you do business, you need to take a back seat to review the economy and sectors and see how you can add a positive stint to what is going on in the economy. That is the only way you show that you are resilient and that is the only way you can transit from what ‘SECOND QUARTER you were doing before to what GDP MAY BE NIGERIA’S you are going to be doing now.

WORST PERFORMANCE “You need to look at your IN 2020’ business and how it has been and then build a business that it said.

It also noted that the oil sector would last, not just a business GDP contracted by 6.63 per cent year-on-year in Q2 2020, a sharp fall compared to the preceding quarter in which the oil sector grew by 5.06 per cent year-on-year. Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja It attributed the contraction in oil GDP to the dual decline in The implementation of the production volumes and crude oil Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry prices recorded during the quarter. Content Development (NOG“Notably, oil production dipped ICD) Act has saved Nigeria the by 0.26mbpd from an average of sum of $2bn in the Engineering 2.07mbpd recorded in Q1 2020 to Procurement and Construction 1.81mbpd in Q2 2020, representing (EPC) contract for Nigeria a decline in production volume LNG Train 7 Project. of circa 14 per cent. “The global Executive Secretary of the oil market was pushed to the Nigerian Content Developdoldrums at the onset of Q2, with ment and Monitoring Board Brent crude price, a major global (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, benchmark averaging $29.7 per dropped the hint at the 2020 barrel over the quarter as compared annual capacity building to the $50.3 per barrel average price workshop organised by the recorded in Q1,� the company agency for the judiciary. said, adding that, “in terms of The online workshop drew contribution to overall GDP, the participants, including Justices oil sector accounted for 8.93 per of the Supreme Court, Appeal cent. This is a decline compared Court, National Industrial to the 9.50 per cent contribution Court, Federal High Court recorded in Q1 2020 and 8.82 per and external solicitors. cent in Q2 2019.�

Wabote, stated that contrary to wrong insinuations held in

you are building for efficiency but a business that is designed for resilience and is able to take whatever shocks coming.�

Also, on the need to adapt to technology, she said: “You also need to adapt to technological.

I cannot over emphasise it that

technology is king at point in time. People are now doing businesses from home and transacting from home so you need to adapt to technology, take advantage of it and let your businesses move forward. Because technology is what would drive this world.�

Speaking further on other strategies SMEs should imbibe, she stressed the need for them to learn how to gather and use data as well have a diligent financial planning She said: “Data is king, with the right data we are able to

predict, make simulations and are able to plan how we are going to work and how we are going to function during and post the pandemic. Data gathering puts you in a better standing compared to people who do not work with data.�

ENHANCING AIR SAFETY

Commissioner/CEO, Accident Investigation Bureau, Engr. Akin Olateru (left) and Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),Capt. Musa Nuhu,duringtheinaugurationofan11-manCommitteetoincreaseairsafetyintheaviationindustryinAbuja...recently

Local Content: Nigeria Saves $2bn on LNG Train 7 EPC some quarters, ample evidence had proven that sustainable local content practice reduces the cost of oil and gas projects in addition to creating job opportunities and economic prosperity.

He gave example with the LNG Train 7 EPC bid, where Saipem Contracting Nigeria and its consortium won the contract with a much lower bid than its competitor, leveraging its commitment to local content and investments in Nigeria in the last 50 years.

He said: �In the LNG Train 7 project contract which was recently concluded and awarded, the difference in price between Saipem that had established itself in Nigeria and the second lowest bidder that was coming from outside the country was US$2bn. “That’s a huge sum of

money that this country would have lost if not for the drive for the development of local content. “The other consortium had no footprint in-country and it proposed to put extra $2bn on the back of the project to develop local capacity to execute the project. This is evidence of cost savings associated with the development of local content.�

Admitting that developing local content and building capacity would always entail some costs at the beginning, the Wabote insisted that such costs ultimately gets reduced overtime and creates much needed jobs and stability in the polity.

He also clarified that the focus of Nigerian Content implementation is not ‘Nigerianisation’, rather it

encourages domiciliation of capacities and promotion of foreign direct investments and home grown investments.

On the possibility of recording 100 percent Nigerian content in the sector, the NCDMB boss clarified that the aspiration is neither possible nor desirable, especially for a developing country like Nigeria. “You still need foreign direct investments. The industry is a very vast business, with high intensive technology.

You still need to leave some space for foreign participation and investment to grow the industry. “But you are going to see 70 percent. That is our aspiration, growing from five percent which was the level when Nigerian content started,� he said.

The Chief Justice of Ni-

geria, Hon Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed who was represented by Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola described the implementation of local content policies across the globe as an apparatus through which citizens of oil rich countries derive value from crude oil resources.

The Director of Legal Services, NCDMB, Mr Mohammed Umar, stated that no matter how good laws are, without the support of the judiciary, it becomes difficult to succeed.

He said that the essence of the programme was to enable the judges have a good understanding of the local content law, so that when matters around the act come before them, they will be in a good position to dispense justice.

Dangote Refinery Restates Commitment to Host Community Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

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Dangote Oil Refinery has reiterated its commitment to working closely with its host community, especially in the area of training and provision of job opportunities for youths in the areas of operations.

Speaking during the commencement of a skills acquisition programme for another batch of youths in Ibeju-Lekki community in Lagos State, the company’s Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects and Portfolio Development, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, said that the programme was aimed at curbing unemployment among the youths.

On the rationale behind

the training, Edwin noted that apart from fostering better relations with the host community, the move was also meant to take the young people from the area away from the labour market.

According to him, the programme cuts across a wide range of vocational skills including welding, electrical technician, plumbing, auto mechanic, radio and television repairs, refrigerator and AC repairs, building and furniture making.

Edwin said the initiative was in line with the vision of Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, to provide employment opportunities for youths, especially those found within the company’s

host communities.

He said addressing Nigeria’s unemployment crisis requires providing platforms for youths to learn various vocational trades that would enable them to develop themselves and also become employers of labour. “We know that there are a lot of graduates out there looking for jobs and that is why you should focus and take this training by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) seriously. “We will train you; we will equip you, and also ensure that you will be employable or become entrepreneurs,� he told the beneficiaries.

Many indigent youths in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State who benefited from the

first batch of the vocational training programme organised

by Dangote Oil Refinery, also lauded the organisation.

Some of the youths who took part in the first batch of the programme which started in 2019, said they had secured jobs with the company, while the others said they were doing well in their various trades.

Speaking about the impact of the training on him and family members, Mr Balogun Owolabi, Epe local government, one of the beneficiaries, noted that he can now feed and pick his bills.

He stressed that the training he acquired in refrigerator and air conditioner repair from the Dangote Refinery

vocational training programme had transformed his life and that of his family members.

According to him, the company offered him employment few months after graduating from the vocational training. “A few months after graduating from the training programme, I was called upon by the company to take up an employment at the project site� he said. Owolabi described being offered an employment as the best thing that had ever happened to him.

He encouraged other youths in the community who are feeling reluctant to participate in the training programme to make themselves available as they stand to benefit much from the programme.

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Derefaka: FG Leveraging Gas as Alternative Fuel for Nigerians Mr. Justice Derefaka who is the Program Manager for both the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Program and the Autogas, part of the National Gas Expansion Project, in this interview says the federal government is working hard to enthrone gas as the go-to fuel for transportation, electricity, cooking and other uses which could support Nigeria’s domestic economy. Chineme Okafor brings the excerpts: What was the basis of the recent performance appraisal meeting the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva held with agencies and personnel under his watch?

Governments are purposive organisations; they have strategies, visions, missions, goals, and objectives. These aspirations need to be translated into deliverables such as services and jobs. Hence, governments, like business, are engaged in the production of goods and services by combining primary factors of production; being, land, labour and capital. Also, you need to know and see that performance evaluation of Ministries, Departments and agencies (MDAs) is one of the key focus of the present administration. This is predicated on the fact that evaluating performance and results helps to understand better why some policies work and others do not. By producing and promoting evidence, policy evaluation supports the quality of decision-making, providing tailored advice to improve policy formulation and implementation.

As you may know a robust policy evaluation and its strategic use throughout the policy cycle can foster a range of governance objectives such as policies, value for money, and accountability and overall transparency of the policy-making process. More generally, it can minimise the risk of policy failure. So, for us in the ministry of petroleum resources, the rationale behind the ministerial mandate performance scorecard review session was primarily carried out to measure government’s results and the performance of the resources required to achieve them, to promote evidence-informed policymaking and to support budgetary governance.

Was it necessary when parastatals and personnel frequently report to the minister?

Don’t forget, robust policy-evaluation systems imply that evaluations are part and parcel of the policy cycle; which is that ministerial mandate performance scorecard review session are carried out rigorously and systematically, that the results are used by decisions-makers, and that information is readily available to the public. Moreover, it is important that we do this as mechanisms for policy evaluation are considered during the policy-formulation and design phase and integrated into the overall approach, and that the agreed approach includes mechanisms to ensure that all relevant information and data needed for effective policy evaluation can be collected during the implementation phase.

In a nutshell, the review is the structured and objective assessment of the present, future, ongoing or completed policy or reform initiative. The aim is to determine, inter alia, the relevance and fulfilment of objectives along with the initiative’s efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability.

Contrary to policy monitoring which is essentially a descriptive exercise.

So, what did you do there?

What we did at the review; we clearly sought to analyse linkages between policy interventions and effects. It strives to create deeper understanding of observed policy success or failure. For us at the ministry, this not only supports better decisionmaking; it specifically promotes learning, as it helps to understand why and how a policy was or has the potential to be successful or not. The review requires deep exploration and explanation, in order to identify, and provide responses to challenges and barriers affecting sound governance and policymaking. It is of particular interest to us willing to produce and use evidence to enhance decision-making. Plus, accountability, as it provides citizens and other stakeholders with information whether the efforts carried out by the ministry, including allocated financial resources, are producing the expected results.

The government seems keen on promoting gas, it now has the NGEP added to the NGFCP which you are its program manager, what

progress in Autogas utilisation. This will imply that all engine imports or manufactured domestically must comply.

In the days ahead building up to the roll out, parastatals under the ministry of petroleum resources will be presenting designated vehicles for dual fuel conversion.

Derefaka about this new venture?

National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) is a programme put in place by the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources in furtherance of the domestic gas expansion programme of the current administration. It is designed to reinforce and expand domestic gas supply and stimulate demand in the country through the effective and efficient mobilisation and utilisation of all available assets, resources and infrastructure in the country.

Some of the terms of reference of the NGEP are to establish a comprehensive data bank of all gas relevant assets, infrastructure and facilities both public and private in the country, identify the volumes of un-committed gas in-country and their locations (public and private) which could be used towards achieving the objectives of the programme, recommend policy and legislative instruments that will aid in the deepening of in-country production of all gas accessories across the country. And, the deliverables of the programme include, development of a strong domestic gas-based economy by leveraging on the nation’s abundant gas potentials, promotion of gas as replacement fuel which will also save the nation the much-needed forex expended on imported fuels and provide alternatives to PMS, AGO and DPK for Nigerians.

The NGEP offers a unique opportunity in unlocking all gas molecules as a favourable combination of solution to a mirage of issues in the country ranging from energy poverty being a stark reality for millions of Nigerians every day, how carbon intensive energy usage is damaging our environment and potentially changing our climate, how our cities are becoming unbearable due to outdoor pollution.

Isn’t this similar to what the NGFCP is expected to do?

No, the framework objectives of the NGEP include to ensure that infrastructure is in place to allow continuous availability of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas); make LPG affordable to both urban and rural users, position LPG as an alternative for the eventual replacement of firewood and kerosene as domestic cooking fuel, reduce deforestation in Northern Nigeria, curb desertification, reduce health risks and other environmental issues, as well as ensure safety of use.

Are there measurable impacts that your secretariat expects from the NGEP? In terms of impact, the NGEP will create over

12 million direct and indirect jobs and human capacity development nationwide hence the minister declaring it the flagship program of the ministry at the review session.

Some of the key programmes of the NGEP will include Autogas development for automobiles and other prime movers, domestic LPG penetration, Gas Based Industries (GBI) revitalization, in-country gas accessories manufacturing and ease of doing business in the gas sector.

And, how far gone are you in accomplishing these?

The committee has identified Autogas development as a key deliverable of the NGEP. Consequently, plans have reached advanced stage in line with ministerial directive and support for the development of LPG, CNG and LNG co-location in NNPC owned and operated mega stations in the 36 states and Abuja.

Under this arrangement retail outlets will offer a full complement of gas products as transportation fuels in addition to existing white products as cheaper cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternatives. The NNPC and mega retail outlets owners and equipment providers are fully onboard in this objective and measures are in place to achieve a roll out of this programme by end of September 2020 using select NNPC owned outlets as pilots.

The committee is also engaging large fleet owners, Nigerian Governors Forum, ALGON, conversion companies and dispensing facility owners to collaborate in the conversion and establishment of refueling facilities nationwide leveraging on already existing pipelines and mother stations with a view to easing the cost burden of conversion which is a major impediment to auto gas development.

In order to bridge the gas facility deficit, companies engaged in virtual gas movement have been mobilised as well to ensure the development of a virtual gas grid that can serve the emerging domestic gas market. Several of these companies have expressed ability and preparedness to meet the October 1 roll out timeline.

It is also worthy of note that the committee initiated the draft of a dual fuel engine importation and domestic manufacturing policy with the objective of pushing through the endorsement of government as an executive order with effect from January 2021. This will compel all engine imported or manufactured domestically to comply with the dual fuel requirement as it is done in many other countries that have made significant

How about domestic LPG penetration, this could be impact Nigerians better?

Yes, the committee is taking measures to expand domestic LPG availability through the engagement of NLNG for additional 250,000MT currently exported for the domestic market, promotion of development of additional production platforms in the Delta-Edo axis by the NPDC/SEPLAT/ASTAYAVIYAK. The NPDC Oredo production platform is expected to come on board by October 2020.

The resuscitation of the Warri refinery LPG production facility and 7 kilometres pipeline; the GMD of the NNPC has given funding assurance on this project. The additional volumes will ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG based on anticipated increase following our demand trigger initiatives.

A major demand trigger initiative is the establishment of Micro Distribution Centres (MDC) for LPG across the country to bridge the supply and accessories gap between the market and consumers.

Efforts are also at advanced stage to ensure that some MDCs are in place for the October 1 roll out. The NGEP committee is focused on extending the MDC pilot scheme currently existing in some barracks in Abuja to all military and paramilitary barracks nationwide. Efforts are ongoing to engage the managers of the Chevron Escravos gas to secure commitment of some LPG volumes for the domestic market.

Would you clarify the NGEP’s plans for Gas Based Industries (GBI) revitalisation?

Yes, the committee is committed to the development of Nigerian gas-based industries from textile manufacturing to production of polymer resins and so extensive engagements were undertaken with the manufacturers association and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to sensitize on this initiative. It is worthy of note that the polymer resins produced by Indorama is to serve as raw material for RUNGAS prime, the first LPG cylinder production facility with 400,000 units per annum composite cylinder manufacturing capacity at Polaku Bayelsa state. The plant is currently under construction in partnership with NCDMB, after a groundbreaking ceremony by the minister some days back.

The committee’s central objective here is the creation of the enabling environment for gasbased industries to thrive through the easing of availability restrictions and its attendant cost implications. Also engaging our attention is the removal of investment bottlenecks. These have combined over the years to stifle investments in the sector.

The committee has kickstarted a public awareness campaign on the ministerial initiative and programmes through a series of coordinated press releases and media spotlights which will be accentuated as the Programme progresses building up to the roll out.

The roll out is planned to be a media focus launch of series of programmes and commissioning ceremonies commencing on 1st October 2020 and spread throughout the first and second week of October. Nigeria, with significantly larger gas reserves, has the potential to achieve even bigger success compared to Trinidad and Tobago.

The world is gradually turning away from oil to gas to drive their economies. Our collective efforts to make gas a critical catalyst to our economic development should be a priority and approach should include the diversification of our economy, efficient management of revenues, commitment to local value addition in the gas industry. In the long run, a sustained decline in the price of oil may not be a bad thing for Nigeria as this may push us to diversify our economy using gas.

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Understanding NNPC’s Insurance Scheme Peter Uzoho writes that the $179 million allegation on insurance policy against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation is

T

he latest allegation of the involvement of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the purported $179 million insurance policy saga is an attempt by those who do not mean well for the country to distract the attention from the giant strides being recorded it under its Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari.

It was gathered that most of the allegations and issues raised in the allegation were insurance industry related and within the purview of the Regulatory Authority – National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

A report also stressed that the regulator alone is competent to give information and answers to such alleged breaches and issues of under-utilization and low retention capacity.

On the claim that ‘$179 million premium allegedly paid by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Joint Ventures (JVs)’, it disclosed that the investigation showed that since 2013 to the current insurance year (2020/2021), the premium paid by NNPC has been reducing consistently notwithstanding that the assets value have been increasing through acquisition of new assets and new investments.

It pointed out that from a premium of $79.8million and asset value of $50.3billion in 2014/2015 insurance year, the premium has been on downward trend to $39.6million, with an increased asset value of $68.9billion for 2020/2021 insurance year.

Also on the ‘Alleged breaches on insurance business by industry practitioners; low retention capacity of dollar denominated insurance business and the effect on Nigerian economy,’ it was gathered that the NNPC is a responsible corporate entity that values and respects all extant laws in its operations including those regulating insurance of assets and liabilities.

According to the findings, the contracting process and strategy of NNPC insurance placement was in compliance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007, Bureau of Public Procurement Guidelines, the Insurance Act, NNPC Policy and Procedures Guidelines to mention but a few.

The investigation further revealed that Based on the robustness, integrity and credibility of NNPC insurance contracting process, NNPC has not had cause to resort to litigation in claims recoveries in the last 10 years.

In addition, it stated that the NNPC has never received any query from any regulatory agency on compliance to process and procedure, rather, they (NNPC) have always obtained approvals where necessary and received recommendations from regulatory agencies.

It described the NNPC insurance procurement process as very robust, open, transparent and competitive in full compliance with the provisions of Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007, and the Corporation’s Supply Chain Guidelines.

Furthermore, it stressed that for the insurance of NNPC’s Oil and Assets and Liabilities, the bidding process usually result in the selection of insurance companies that passed the technical evaluation with one as the Lead Primary Underwriter having scored the highest technical evaluation score.

It noted that it is the responsibility of the lead primary underwriter to appoint an international reinsurance broker and conduct a bidding process in the London Commercial Market with a view to securing a competitive pricing for NNPC, and that the process is designed to guarantee the selection of underwriter with the lowest responsive bid.

In addition, it pointed out that the lead primary underwriter also leads the oil assets and liabilities account with other approved consortium of Nigerian insurance companies for the insurance placement in line with NAICOM regulation, Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD) 2010, and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) guidelines. He explained that Reinsurance is statutory and the exclusive preserve of the primary insurers. “While Section 6(i)(c) and 8(j) of the Insurance Act (2003) underscores the importance

Kyari of reinsurance in the business of insurance, Sections 65(7) and 72(4) permits the insurance or reinsurance of assets overseas subject to the provisions of the Insurance Act and approval of the Commission (NAICOM). “Therefore, there is no geographical limitation to the purchase and placement of insurance because of the international nature of insurance business. “Importantly, NNPC insurance division is manned by some of the most qualified and experienced personnel in the insurance industry. Therefore, they ensure that adequate insurance cover at the most competitive price is in place for the organization,� the report said.

Again, on ‘Alleged huge unsettled life insurance claims, poor handling of Group Life insurance schemes, its effects on the motivation and productivity of working class citizens and non-payment/un-allowed deductions on entitlements of the surviving families,’ it stated that NNPC maintains very robust

NNPC is also required to publicly disclose taxes and payments; ensure comprehensive disclosure of taxes and payments made to all EITI implementing countries; and publicly disclose beneďŹ cial owners and take steps to identify the beneďŹ cial owners of direct business partners, including Joint Ventures and contractors

cover for both human and material assets of NNPC. According to the report, their GLA scheme is very effective and professionally managed such that they collect all discharged claims to the satisfaction of next of kin(s) of deceased employees.

To further buttress his points against the allegations leveled against the NNPC, the report presented a historical table of NNPC GLA scheme from 2010 to 2019, stating the ten years Group Life Assurance, the policy year, the premium paid, the claims collected, as well as the claim ratio.

According to the statistical presentations, in 2010, 2,690,358,369.15 was paid as premium, 1,883,520,803.66, claim was collected with 70.01 per cent ration; in 2011, 2,420,175,694.38 premium was paid, 2,095,020,730.08 claim was collected at 86.56 per cent claim ratio; and in 2012, a premium of 2,039,842,864.56 was paid, 1,518,618,813.03 claim was collected at 74.45 per cent ratio.

However, in 2013, 2,661,006,363.43 was paid as premium, 2,742,995,283.21 was collected as claim, at 103.08 per cent ratio; in 2014, 2,657,201,652.62 premium was paid, 2,364,917,319.85 claim was collected at 89.00 per cent; in 2015, 2,357,612,772.34 was paid as premium, 2,941,339,107.72 was collected as claim at 124.76 per cent ratio.

Again, in 2016, a total premium of 2,456,308,901.43 was paid, a total claim of 2,369,346,574.15 was collected at 96.46 per cent ratio; in 2017, 2,372,291,238.87 annual premium was paid, 2,832,584,833.20 annual claim was collected at 119.40 per cent ratio; and in 2018, 3,018,707,771.41 was paid as annual premium, 2,475,661,073.20 was collected as annual claim at 82.00 per cent ratio.

Also, in 2019, the investigation showed that a total annual premium of 3,018,787,111.41 was paid, a total claim of 2,670,453,514.70 at 88.46 per cent ratio.

However, while the NNPC as an organisation run by human beings may not be perfect in itself, throwing up unfounded allegations on the corporation by mischief makers will never bring any progress to the country.

At best, such campaign of calumny against

the national oil company that has business partners across the world, will only end up de-marketing the nation.

NNPC, especially under the current leadership of Kyari has refused to be distracted by such unfounded allegations and is only concerned with improving the performance of the corporation for increased value to the nation. Kyari, despite the fruitless efforts of the corporation’s traducers to pull it down, is focused on entrenching transparency and accountability in the corporation, reduce waste and cut cost of operation in business. This, no doubt is to enable the corporation generate more revenue rather than more cost to the nation.

Sometime in June this year, the NNPC displayed its avowed commitment to transparency and accountability by making public for the first time in history its audited account, a move that received wide commendation from analysts and industry watchers.

Just recently, NNPC took another bold step in its push for more transparency by formally joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) as a partner company.

The new status would require NNPC to among other things, publicly declare support for the EITI principles and, by promoting transparency throughout the extractive industries, help public debate and provide opportunities for sustainable development.

NNPC is also required to publicly disclose taxes and payments; ensure comprehensive disclosure of taxes and payments made to all EITI implementing countries; and publicly disclose beneficial owners and take steps to identify the beneficial owners of direct business partners, including Joint Ventures and contractors.

The corporation will also engage in rigorous procurement processes, including due diligence in respect to partners and vendors; deliver natural resources in a manner that benefits societies and communities; and ensure that company processes are appropriate to deliver the data required for high standards of accountability. “NNPC plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy. Joining the EITI as a supporting company is a welcome step in the NNPC’s journey towards achieving greater transparency and to help ensure that Nigeria’s citizens benefit from their natural resource wealth,�

EITI Board Chair, Hon. Helen Clark had said about the development.

Kyari, the chief initiator of the move, affirmed his company’s commitment to the EITI, saying, “Becoming an EITI supporting company aligns with NNPC’s corporate vision and principles of transparency, accountability and performance excellence. “Our partnership with NEITI (Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative) and EITI strengthens our commitment towards commodity trading transparency, contract transparency and systematic disclosure of revenues and payments. “We are on a journey towards greater transparency and look forward to deepening our collaboration with the EITI to further this work.�

Also commenting on the move, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mr. Waziri Adio, commended NNPC’s move to support the EITI, stressing that “NNPC joining the EITI as a supporting company is a major inflection point in the quest for transparency – for the company, for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, and for the country as a whole�.

Adio added: “This is so given how critical NNPC is to the sector and to the country.

NEITI welcomes this bold commitment. We will continue to work and walk with NNPC to translate its espoused commitments to transparency and accountability into concrete and sustained actions and results.�

Interestingly, while all these pleasant stories come out from the NNPC, the unpatriotic elements, who never see anything good from the corporation, will never notice them, as they are bent on finding loopholes where there is none to paint the national oil company black.

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Between Nigeria and World Bank Feyi Fawehinmi demanded that the I&E window somehow reflect the parallel market rate. The CBN’s position on this has always been that the parallel market only serves seven per cent of Nigeria’s forex demand (it is not difficult to pick hole in this CBN position, though) and as such makes no sense to use it as any kind of official rate.

A few weeks ago, reports began to appear in local and International outlets suggesting that the US$1.5 billion loan Nigeria had arranged with the World Bank had been delayed owing to concerns the Bank had over Nigeria’s commitment to reforms mainly around the country’s currency regime.

Reuters reported that: “They are not convinced about the reforms,� a source close to the government said. All three sources declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the negotiations. The source added that the currency was the core issue.

World Bank loans are often contingent upon reforms. It has not outlined any demands, but said previously that it was “recommending� a more unified, flexible exchange rate. Fuel subsidies and electricity tariffs are also being discussed.

A short history of a loan The now much delayed loan began its life in late February this year when the World Bank reached out to Nigeria, informally, offering it a loan to deal with the coming impact of the coronavirus. By March 23rd, the World Bank made a presentation to Nigeria on the loan’s conditions and what it thought it might be needed for. This was a short 4-page presentation with the summary of it being that the loan would be to support Nigeria’s response to the pandemic. The presentation barely made mention of a healthcare response let alone anything to do with economic reforms.

On April 6th, the World Bank made a more detailed presentation (18 pages) to Nigeria which began to hint at reforms of Nigeria’s I&E foreign exchange (window) market. But while this loan was ostensibly to support Nigeria’s response to the pandemic, the presentation curiously made no mention of a healthcare response, as one might reasonably expect. At any rate, in Nigeria’s defense, the pandemic was not the country’s doing and it was the World Bank who approached Nigeria and not the other way round.

By this point, a target date for disbursement of the loan was set at June 2020 and beyond the mention of the I&E window in the presentation, no other reforms were required as a condition for disbursement. The World Bank does not typically require macroeconomic reforms - it often subcontracts that function to the IMF through the Letter of Assessment instrument which allows it to leverage on the IMF’s expertise in that area.

By April 28th, the IMF had concluded its own separate assessment of Nigeria’s situation

Buhari and approved its request for a Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) of US$3.4 billion. This was a record amount and was disbursed to Nigeria in one tranche specifically to aid the country’s response to the pandemic. In advance of the IMF’s approval, the United States’ Executive Director at the IMF, Mark Rosen, had written to Nigeria on April 26th promising the United States’ full support for Nigeria’s request, a commitment which was kept.

Even though an email from the World Bank’s country director to Nigeria’s Central Bank (CBN) spoke of ‘quick disbursing financing’, the loan remained elusive and by May 28th, another message from the World Bank was received by Nigeria with a whole new list of conditions including demands that Nigeria’s PPPRA - the body which sets the price of petrol - should make its pricing formula public.

It also asked the CBN to commit to an exchange rate within 2 percent of the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) rate. To the CBN’s

credit, it moved fairly quickly and by July had implemented the NAFEX requirement (Nigeria’s Finance Minister got the request from the CBN and approved it the same day.)

The sound of goalposts moving Rather than approve the loan, the World Bank then came up with a new demand - the CBN had to clear the backlog of foreign exchange demand which it calculated at $6 billion. The CBN’s own calculations put the backlog at US$2 billion while in a separate calculation, the IMF put the figure at $2.5 billion. To be clear, the backlog from foreign dividends, such as the one that recently embarrassed Nigeria’s largest bank, as well as those from correspondent banks is not included in CBN’s calculations. Still, it will be a stretch to imagine that even with those numbers included the number would reach the World Bank’s $6 billion figure. The World Bank then brought up the issue of Nigeria’s notorious parallel market where rates are always higher than official markets. It

What’s going on?

It is difficult to understand why the World Bank appears to be leading Nigeria on a merry dance over a relatively small loan amount that is less than half of what the IMF already approved and disbursed. One can consider a scenario where the funds were actually to help with Nigeria’s response to the pandemic and it had not yet been released by the end of August. Nigeria has fortunately been spared the worst scenario from the virus for reasons that remain unclear. Yet, had the worst happened, how might the World Bank defend withholding a loan to help with the country’s pandemic response on account of reforms to the country’s foreign exchange regime?

The IMF’s country assessment is usually valid for 6 months and the World Bank typically relies on it for that period. Yet it has simply ignored the IMF’s position this time and continued to move the goalposts.

One speculation is that the World Bank is unhappy that foreign portfolio investors are now stuck in the country unable to get the dollars they need to exit their positions and leave the country.

But this is also not the first time the World Bank will lead Nigeria on such a dance that ultimately ends in disappointment. In 2016 there were extensive talks about a loan which went on and on and ended with no funds being disbursed.

Most disturbing is that the World Bank now seems to be using the media to selectively leak information to the public designed to paint a picture of the country’s resistance to reforms as the sole reason for the delay.

It is not hard to find fault with much of what Nigeria does as a policy response and the World Bank is right to ask the country for reforms at any time, if only on behalf of Nigerians who would otherwise be ignored by their government. Yet, to lead the country on an endless dance over something as serious as a response to a global pandemic is, to put it mildly, in very poor taste.

And it really ought to be upfront as to what it wants from the country. Without delay t$VMMFE GSPN GBZFBOEGSBTFS TVCTUBDL DPN

Edo Modular Refinery as Catalysts for Job Creation Gabriel Oziegbe Players in the petroleum industry have expressed optimism that the 5500bpd Edo Modular Refinery presently under construction in Ologbo in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area will be a big boost to the economy of the state and that of the country.

They said apart from reducing the pressure for demand on foreign exchange to buy finished products from overseas, it will create employment opportunities for the citizens of the state.

The Modular Refinery, which is the outcome of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration and a Chinese consortium, is 70 per cent completed, according to the latest development.

When completed, it would produce from its feedstock 50 per cent of diesel (500,000 litres), 25 per cent of naphtha (300,000 litres), and 20 percent of fuel oil (200,000 litres).

The crude will be sourced from the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company’s (NPDC) facility – Oil Mining Lease (OML) 111, near Benin City.

Speaking on the viability of the refinery when completed, a top player in the Edo State branch of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Daniel Ojo, said the refinery would cater to the petroleum needs of the people of Edo and its environ.

Ojo added that states that have crude oil in the Niger Delta region should establish modular refinery to crash the cost of petroleum products in the country.

He said, “If it is completed, the economic benefit is huge. Before now, the Benin Depot of NNPC used to be very busy and it created a lot of busi-

Edo Modular ReďŹ nery project, which is 95 per cent (mechanical works) completed in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State ness opportunities for people who come to buy products. If the modular refinery is completed in Ologbo, it will attract a lot of businesses beyond petroleum products. “The petroleum business cuts across and this will be a boost to the economy of the state and Nigeria. It will also lead to a reduction in the prices of petroleum products because of its availability and demand and supply factor. It brings about rapid growth.

We wish that the government encourages the establishment of two or three refineries in each state around the Niger Delta region where the crude is got from. It can work in areas where there are creeks and that is why its establishment in Ologbo

is good. It can also work in Ovia where there are also creeks. There will be an economic boost.�

Also, the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Edo State, Comrade Eddy Ossai, said the modular refinery goes beyond Edo, adding that it will also boost the country’s economy. “This will be a very big boost on the state economy because automatically the Internally Generated Revenue will jerk up. Besides, there will massively job opportunities for citizens. It will be a plus for the government and the oil and gas sector in the state. “It will also help us to conserve our foreign reserve by reducing the demand for dollars to purchase finished petroleum products from other

countries. So, it goes beyond Edo State,� he added.

The latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that unemployment in Edo State has dropped drastically from 25.1 per cent in the 3rd Quarter of 2018 to 19 per cent in the 2nd Quarter of 2020, according to Friday’s report from the National Bureau of Statistics.

The last labour force survey conducted was in the 3rd quarter of 2018, which produced an unemployment rate of 23.1 per cent and an underemployment rate of 20.1 per cent for the entire country.

But while other states witnessed a rise in unemployment, Edo witnessed a sharp decline from 25.1 per cent to 19 per cent within 20 months.

This did not come as a surprise, as Governor Obaseki has in the last three years eight months provided an avenue for job creation in fulfilment of his promise to create over 200,000 jobs for the people of the state.

The NBS, in its ‘Labour Force Statistics: Unemployment and Underemployment Report’ released on Friday, said underemployment rate increased from 20.1 per cent in Q3 2018 to 28.6 per cent in Q2 2020.

It said, “For the period under review, Q2 2020, the unemployment rate among young people (15-34 years) was 34.9 per cent, up from 29.7 per cent, while the rate of underemployment for the same age group rose to 28.2 percent from 25.7 per cent in Q3 2018. These rates were the highest when compared to other age groupings.�

The NBS said the number of persons in the economically active or working-age population (15 – 64 years of age) increased to 116,871,186 from 115,492,969 in Q3 2018.

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Total Incorporates Nigeria in 2050 Zero Carbon Emissions Plan Peter Uzoho Multinational oil and gas company, Total Group, said it has incorporated Nigeria in its plan of achieving zero carbon emissions in production activities by 2050, as part of its drive to address global climate challenge as a responsible energy major.

The Managing Director of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mike Sangster, disclosed this recently, in his presentation at the virtual Nigeria Energy Transformation Summit (NEITS) organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria, with the theme: “Changing Global Energy Landscape: Strategies for Industry Sustainability�. “At the group level, Total’s ambition is to become the responsible energy major and to get to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. This consists of three major steps: Net Zero on Operations by 2050 or sooner (scope 1+2), Net Zero in Europe by 2050 or sooner (scope 1+2+3), 60 per cent or more Net Carbon

Intensity reduction by 2050 (scope 1+2+3),� Sangster said.

According to him, in order to achieve these objectives, Total has identified some key initiatives such as promoting the use of natural gas, biogas and hydrogen.

These, he explained as, “investing in low carbon electricity, mainly from renewables, investing in low cost oil and biofuels, investing in carbon sinks that are essential to achieving carbon neutrality, either nature-based solutions or carbon capture and storage. “I hope I have convinced you that Total is strongly positioning for sustainability�

Sangster noted that the company would also apply the foregoing approach in Nigeria with a focus on gas and low cost oil.

He added that the company remained keen to continue to invest in Nigeria and to contribute constructively to the ongoing debate about the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

He advised that whatever comes out as the new petroleum

law must provide attractive terms and a win-win solution for the country and investors in the industry.

Sangster said: “We welcome the efforts being made by the authorities to define a long-term framework for the oil and gas industry that provides clarity and certainty. But it must also provide attractive terms and a win-win solution for the country and investors in order to entice sufficient capital in an ever more competitive world. “A progressive, win-win PIB could be the catalyst needed for a new wave of investment in

Nigeria instead of other countries and hence contribute to the sustainability of the oil and gas industry. “It is my expectation that this summit will come up with ideas and implementable decisions which can guide both industry and government in repositioning Nigeria’s oil and gas industry for sustainability.�

Commenting on energy transition, Sangster said that Total would continue to strike balance between enabling the energy transition by investing in new energies such as solar and wind power and continuing to

provide oil and gas to meet the needs of customers and society.

He maintained that Total wants to be part of the solution to climate change with a commitment to delivering affordable and clean energy to the population.

Sangster added: “We have made important investments locally in this area and implemented several initiatives that are already impacting the Nigerian energy landscape positively. “Some of these include: over 1.5 million people in Nigeria have been impacted from sale of 400,000 Total solar lamps

since 2013, according to Global LightingOff-grid Association estimates. Worldwide, 10 million people have been impacted. Out of our 577 service stations across the country, more than 77 have been solarised as at the end of January 2020. “It is an ongoing programme and our target is to ensure that our stations all become solarized.

We have also deployed over 150 residential solar solutions across the country. Our investment in the NLNG from the beginning till now, is partly derived from our commitment to the production of cleaner and better energy.�

Michael and Cecilia Ibru Varsity to Host Urhobo Innovation Hub Sylvester Idowu in Warrior President of Michael and Cecilia Ibru Foundation, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru has lauded the Urhobo Innovation Hub initiative.

She assured that the university arm of the Foundation would host the hub.

Ibru gave the assurance when the Convener of the Urhobo Economic and Investment Group, Mr. Kingsley Ubiebi, paid her a visit at the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, to present resolutions reached during the 2nd edition of the Urhobo Economic and Investment Summit.

Stating that the innovation hub was a welcome initiative and vision that was birthed at the right time, she noted that “the hub will serve as a panacea

to reduce youth restiveness, insecurity, crime rate, and other social vices that have bedevilled Urhobo land.�

She urged relevant stakeholders, leaders, sons and daughters in Urhoboland both at home and in the diaspora to support the laudable idea towards replicating it across all Urhobo Local Government Areas and other localities where Urhobos are based.

In his remarks, Ubiebi, noted that “During the 2nd edition of the Urhobo Economic and Investment Summit, Urhobo Leaders, Stakeholders and Patriotic Sons and Daughters of Urhoboland agreed on the need for the formation of Urhobo Innovation Hub which is a dedicated centre for creativity, innovation and transformation accessible to all Urhobo persons both locally and globally.

Guinea Insurance Records N1.29bn Premium Ebere Nwoji Guinea Insurance Plc recently held its 62nd Annual General Meeting virtually announcing a Gross Premium Written of N1.29 billion in 2019, as against the N1.24 billion in 2018.

This represents a modest growth of 4.02 per cent The company’s Gross Premium Income had decreased by 2.05 percent from N1.20 billion in 2018 to N1.17 billion in 2019.

Net Premium Income also decreased slightly by 0.27 percent from N904.9 million in 2018 to N902.4 million in 2019. The company, said due to operational efficiency in terms of people, processes and technology, it was able to grow its investment income for the period under review by 50.5 per cent from N139 million in 2018 to N210 million in 2019.

In his remark, Guinea Insurance Chairman, Godson Ugochukwu, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the company’s shareholders as they continued

to keep the faith with Guinea Insurance albeit harsh economic realities.

On steps taken by the company to meet up with the recapitalisation exercise and its deadline, Godson stated “We are sure not to be left behind, discussions are ongoing and our preparedness has reached an advanced stage but could not be discussed prematurely.

We are also looking the way of merger and the Company is in discussion with core investors.�

Also speaking, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Guinea Insurance, Ademola Abidogun said: “It is the intention of our board and management to identify opportunities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continually leverage Information Communication Technology to create veritable and easily accessible platforms that will not only deliver services real-time and in a seamless manner but also, will deliver on the numbers.

COURTESYVISIT

L-R: CMO/Co-Founder TAJ Bank, Mr. Sherif Idi; Nollywood Actor, Ali Nuhu; COO/Founder TAJ Bank, Mr. Hamid Joda, and Nollywood Actor, Uzee Usman, duringacourtesyvisittothebank’sheadquartersinAbuja...recently

MamadorEmpowersNigerianWomen,PioneersVirtual‘AugustMeeting’ Femi Solaja In keeping with the times as occasioned by the covid-19 pandemic, PZ Wilmar through its premium brand, Mamador, successfully hosted the first ever virtual August Women Meeting.

The August Women Meeting which was a week-long series of activities came to a successful conclusion last week.

The August Women Meeting is a women gathering recognised amongst the Igbo community as the annual homecoming congress.

This women gathering has been used over the years, as an opportunity for the Igbo womenfolk in diaspora and in the cities to travel back to their villages to meet with their local counterparts to discuss matters pertaining to community development, as well as other cultural and socioeconomic initiatives. However,

the COVID-19 pandemic posed a major threat to the gathering for this year’s August Women Meeting, owing to the fact that many are keeping safe and unable to travel, especially those in diaspora.

To this end, a statement explained that the Mamador brand took it upon itself to create an opportunity for the women to gather online as it organised the very first virtual August Women Meeting in history. Speaking on this initiative the Marketing Manager, PZ Wilmar, Chioma Mbanugo congratulated the brand on the success of Mamador August Women Meeting. “Understanding the importance and significance of the August Women Meeting, not just the cultural aspect, we felt it was necessary to host an online version. Times are fast changing; we now live in a world where

distance shouldn’t be a barrier to our collective growth and development. “This August Women Meeting has always provided women with the opportunity to gather and foster community growth and development, as well as support each other whichever way they can. That is why I am very delighted that we have been able to achieve likewise with our first ever Mamador August Women Meeting,� she added.

The Mamador August Women Meeting which was also supported by Morning Fresh dishwashing liquid, kicked off with a cooking master class hosted by Chef and Mamador brand ambassador, Ify Mogekwu, where the audiences were taught how to prepare some Igbo delicacies and how to keep their dishes squeaky clean with Morning fresh’s superior grease

cutting power, after which there was the empowerment session themed Women: The vessels for transformation. The session, which was moderated by super star actress and also Mamador brand ambassador, Ufuoma McDermott had guest speakers which included, veteran actresses, Ngozi Nwosu and Chioma Akpotha, where the role of women and building consciousness to their capabilities in transforming the nation in all sectors was discussed.

The event which was well attended across various social media platforms, climaxed with a thanksgiving celebration as it is synonymous with the August Women Meeting, the audience were treated to live performance from a cultural dance troupe, signaling the end of a successful virtual August Women Meeting.

LG Electronics Launches VRF Solution Maduabuchi Ubani LG Electronics (LG) has launched a compact variable refrigerant flow (VRF) solution using R32 refrigeran.

According to a statement, choosing an air conditioner, the efficiency, load, design, among others are all factors that one cannot overlook, but firstly, it has to fit. “As being experienced from the pain points of major contractors and installers in and around the globe, as more and more VRF solutions, are being used even in relatively smaller buildings, finding a product that allows flexibility

in terms of installation is the key. “Especially for residential buildings, condominiums, and small offices where any small space to use is precious, space for the unsightly VRF solution will be something you would not be able to spare,� the statement added. It noted that, “the volume only at around 0.26m3, the dimensions are 834 x 330 x 950 (height x depth x width), much smaller than that of existing VRFs among the same class.�

This, it stated, was ade possible with the newly adapted singlefan structure, with not only the volume but the weight, was also

reduced by around 23 per cent.

It pointed out that as an outdoor unit, VRFs are usually placed at the outdoor balcony or spaces should have been spared for the placement. “Now, with the reduction in size, installers and building consultants have greater flexibility starting from the building designing to installation stage. “Also, considering the striking difference in the height of the product, Multi V S can easily be camouflaged from external view as it is about the height of the balcony railings, posting better external view,� it added.

Commenting on the new

solution, LG’s Sales Manager of Air Solution Division, Mr. Saheed Adeyemi said: “The new Multi V S can provide much more flexibility in terms of installation with its compact size and light weight but does not fail to offer high efficiency. “We believe the Multi V S will see increase in demand as it is the optimal option not only for residential buildings but also for small offices and condominiums with limited space. “Known for its original technologies, LG will continue to strengthen and innovate its research and development to lead the overall HVAC industry.�

LAWYER

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

President Muhammadu Buhari

New CAMA, New Challenges

01.09.2020

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01.09.2020

Citizen Aminu, Sharia and the Constitution What is a Constitution?

According to the Black's Law Dictionary 9th Edition, a Constitution is "The fundamental and organic law of a nation or State that establishes the institutions and apparatus of government, defines the scope of governmental sovereign powers, and guarantees individual civil rights and civil liberties". “A Constitution.......is not a mere Act or law---- " -per Aboki JCA in AGF v Abubakar 2007 8 N.W.L.R. Part 1035 Page 117 at 144. "A Constitution is a unique legal document, it enshrines special kind of norms and stands at the top of the normative pyramid" - per Musdapher CJN (as he then was) in Marwa v Nyako 2012 6 N.W. L. R. Part 1296 Page 199 at 290.

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution) is the supreme law of our land and grundnorm; it protects our rights and freedoms, and limits the powers of government through the doctrine of separation of powers, which should act as a system of checks and balances within the three main organs of Government - the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary - if the said doctrine is implemented as its proponent, Baron de Montesquieu, meant that it should be.

The Constitution has binding force on all authorities and persons throughout Nigeria (Section 1(1)), and if any other law is inconsistent with its provisions, the Constitution shall prevail and such other law shall be void to the extent of its inconsistency (Section I(3) of the Constitution).

So, why then has Section 10 of the Constitution (which is binding on all authorities in Nigeria including State Governments) providing thus: "The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion", been thrown into the dustbin by many, including Government? "The word" shall" when used in a statutory provision imports that a thing must be done, and when the negative phrase “shall not" is used, it implies that something must not be done. It is a form of a command or mandate - see Ugwu v Ararume 2007 12 N.W.L.R. Part 1048 Page 367 at 441-442 per Tobi JSC. Why then, is it that Section 10 of the Constitution is being observed in its breach, so much so that, some States have adopted religions as their State religions? If Section 10 of the Constitution unequivocally states that no State shall adopt a State religion, isn’t it unconstitutional for the Northern States to adopt Islam, and a particular State in the South South which was said to have proclaimed itself as a Christian State, adopt Christianity too?

It most definitely is.

We cannot argue that the enforcement of Sharia law in a State, does not strictly mean that such a State has adopted a State religion, because Sharia is not applicable to non-Muslims. In the context of how the Northern States are enforcing Sharia law, it is obvious that Islam is their State religion.

For instance, I recall that in Kano in 2013, 240,000 bottles of beer were destroyed, while drinking bars were bombed, not even taking into consideration the fact that there are those who are resident in Kano who are not of the Islamic faith, and are at liberty to consume alcoholic beverages if they so desire.

Yahaya Sharif Aminu The other day, I saw that Kano State musician, Yahaya Sharif Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging for using derogatory expressions against Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), in a song which he sent around on WhatsApp earlier this year. The song is considered to be blasphemous, at least

by Muslim faithfuls in Kano - and this satisfies one of the elements of the offence of insult to religion as provided in both the Criminal Code and Penal Code.

I will never support the insult of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) or Jesus Christ or any religion; and, while it is true that Sections 38 and 39(1) of the Constitution guarantee our right to freedom of thought and expression respectively, I cannot understand why any religious faithful should/ would blaspheme against their own religion (or another’s), let alone seek to defame or make a mockery of it, especially knowing the stand of his/her religion and other religious faithfuls on blasphemy.

However, it is interesting to note that though the Holy Quran disapproves of those who blaspheme, nowhere in the whole of this Holy Book is there a prescription of the death penalty for blasphemy, unlike the Holy Bible in Leviticus

24:16 which says “Anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord is to be put to death.

The entire assembly must stone them”. In fact, the Quran enjoins Muslims thus: “And overlook their annoying talk, and put your trust in Allah” (Quran 33:49). Muslims are enjoined to ignore the words of blasphemers, and to avoid their company (Quran 4:141). An incident is mentioned in the Quran, in which Abdullah bin Ubay blasphemed against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), to the extent that Abdullah’s son came to the Prophet (PBUH) to ask permission to kill his own father because he felt so insulted by his father’s utterances. The Prophet (PBUH) did not allow it. In fact, on the death of Abdullah, the Prophet himself (PBUH) led the funeral prayer.

We are not in a religious State, but a secular democracy, and therefore, there is a need to examine the constitutionality of the decision handed down by the Sharia Court vis-a-vis sections like 1(1), (3), 10, 38 and 39(1) of the Constitution, in a country that is secular in nature and whose laws - whether the Criminal Code (applicable in Southern Nigeria) or the Penal Code (applicable in Northern Nigeria) - make provisions for the offence of blasphemy/ insult to religion.

Blasphemy The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines blasphemy as “behaviour or language that is offensive or shows a lack of respect for God or religion”. Section 204 of the Criminal Code provides for blasphemy thus: Insult to religion: “Any person who does an act which any class of persons consider as a public insult on their religion, with the intention that they should consider the act such an insult, and any person who does an unlawful act with the knowledge that any class of persons will consider it such an insult, is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable to imprisonment for two years”.

The Penal Code which is applicable to Mr. Sharif Aminu who resides in Kano, in Sections 210 and 213 also makes similar provisions to that of the Criminal Code for the offence of Insult to religion, and prescribes a punishment of a maximum of two years imprisonment or a fine or both, on conviction for committing the offence.

Trend of Thought Even though Section 38(1) of the Constitution allows all persons to propagate their own religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance, Section 38(4) makes some form of limitation by seemingly making such practice voluntary by providing inter alia thus: “Nothing in this section shall entitle any person to form, take part in the activity.....”. This means that even though Mr. Sharif Aminu is a Muslim, the Constitution allows him the freedom of thought and association

Yahaya Sharif Aminu

(Section 40 of the Constitution) etc. The fact that Mr Sharif Aminu was constrained to appear in a Sharia Court, is not just unconstitutional for this reason, but is undeniable proof that Kano State has adopted a State religion, albeit that it is said to apply only to Muslims. I submit that Muslims also enjoy the same freedoms that are guaranteed every person under our Constitution, and since the Constitution is supreme, they cannot be forced to be charged before a Sharia Court, even if they are Muslim and the court had the jurisdiction to hear the matter. If Mr Sharif Aminu was in Lagos, Muslim or not, he would have been prosecuted before a Magistrates Court.

Secondly, Sections 262, 267, 277 and 282 of the Constitution do not confer criminal jurisdiction on the Sharia or Customary Courts, like Sections 233, 241(1), 251 confer on the State High Courts and Federal High Court; and we are all aware that without the requisite jurisdiction, any proceedings conducted in a court which lacks jurisdiction, are null and void and of no effect - Madukuolu v Nkemdilim 1962 2 S.C.N.L.R 341. I therefore submit that the criminal proceedings against Mr Sharif Aminu are null and void, and the death sentence pronounced on him is of no effect (no offence to the Sharia Court). The confirmation of the death sentence of Mr. Sharif Aminu by the Governor of Kano State is not just unconstitutional, but reprehensible, since he must be aware of all these constraints, considering the fact that the State has an Attorney-General whose responsibility it is to have advised the Governor accordingly. How can a person in such a position of high authority, play to the gallery with the lives of citizens whom he has sworn to protect?

Thirdly, statute which is recognised as a primary source of Nigerian law, has prescribed a maximum of a two year sentence with or without a fine, for committing the offence of blasphemy/insult to religion. How then, can a pronouncement of the death sentence from a court which has not been conferred the requisite jurisdiction by the grundnorm to entertain such matters, then stand? I submit that, by virtue of the Constitution, the Sharia Court is not the proper venue for the prosecution of Mr. Sharif Aminu; he should have been arraigned before a Kano State Magistrates Court, which obviously has the jurisdiction to entertain such misdemeanours.

All this contempt for the rule of law in the name of religion, has no place in a constitutional democracy like ours. Likewise, for the Christians. Take for example the new CAMA saga, it is mostly the non-orthodox Christians who have made a big outcry against Section 839 of the new Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). Why should Churches not be monitored and sanctioned, if there is mis-management? Why should there

“FOR THE SHARIA AND CUSTOMARY COURTS TO BE ABLE TO EXERCISE CRIMINAL JURISDICTION, THERE MUST BE A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO THAT EFFECT. I HOPE SUCH AMENDMENT NEVER OCCURS...... TOO MUCH EMPHASIS HAS BEEN PLACED ON RELIGION, TO THE DETRIMENT OF NIGERIANS.....”

not be transparency and accountability as global best practice demands, especially as most of the Church funds are generated from members (Other People’s Money)? Surely, if your Church is being administered properly, there is nothing to fear.

Conclusion For the Sharia and Customary Courts to be able to exercise criminal jurisdiction, there must be a constitutional amendment to that effect. I hope such amendment never occurs. More importantly, this may be as good a time as any for the issue of Section 10, the adoption of State religions and the enforcement of Criminal Sharia law to be challenged properly up to the highest court of the land, once and for all. Some have argued that the imposition of Sharia law in Northern Nigeria, offends the right to freedom of movement of every Nigerian citizen - especially of non-Muslims who may want to reside there - guaranteed by Section 41(1) of the Constitution.

Section 10 of the Constitution must be strictly adhered to, in the interest of a peaceful and progressive Nigeria. The practice of religion is a personal matter, and must remain so. Too much emphasis has been placed on religion, to the detriment of Nigerians - and it’s all about the Muslims and the Christians - Muslim/Christian ticket etc - nothing about Ifa/Amadioha ticket. Our country is a multi-ethnic multi-religious one, and to fulfil one of the main objectives of the Constitution which is to promote equality amongst Nigerians, no religion - whether Islam or Christianity which are considered to be the majority religions - must be given pre-eminence, especially as such preeminence is discriminatory and offends Section 42(1)(b) of the Constitution. The only situation in which adopting a State or National religion works, is one in which everybody practices the same religion. This is certainly not the case, in Nigeria.

LAW REPORT/3

When Trial Court’s Jurisdiction will not be Circumscribed by the Plaintiff’s Claim Respondent’s failure to produce the document of title, it had failed to prove its entitlement to the disputed land. He argued that, there was no evidence of traditional history on the record of proceedings to support the claim for a declaration of title, and the lower courts erred in holding that the Respondent established its title by evidence of traditional history.

In response, counsel argued for the Respondent that it established its ownership of the land in dispute, by pleading and giving evidence of the traditional history of the land and the unbroken chain of devolution from the original owner. She concluded that the Respondent discharged the burden of proof laid upon it by law, while the evidence of the Appellants was found unreliable as it was replete with contradictions.

Facts

The 1st and 2nd Appellants were formerly priests of the Respondent church, previously known as Saviour’s Church of Nigeria. The 1st and 2nd Appellants resigned in 1977, but after their resignation, they refused to quit the church premises.

Rather, they set-up another church as the Saviour’s Apostolic Church and operated from the Respondent’s premises. The Respondent therefore, commenced an action at the High Court of Anambra State claiming, inter alia, a declaration that it was entitled to a Statutory Right of Occupancy over the premises.

The Respondent pleaded and gave evidence that the land was granted to a certain John Ekweozor (deceased) in 1952 by Awka Local Government Council, for the establishment of a church. The Respondent averred that, in 1961, the church was incorporated as Saviour’s Church of Nigeria at the Corporate Affairs Commission and issued a certificate with registration No.558. In 1986, the name of the church was changed to Saviour’s Apostolic Church of Nigeria, and another certificate was issued to it with the same registration number. It was further stated that the Respondent is interchangeably referred to as “The Saviour’s Apostolic Church” or the “Saviour’s Apostolic Church of Nigeria Eastern State” (with or without “THE”).

The Appellants, on the other hand, alleged that the Saviour’s Apostolic Church has been in possession of the church premises and that there is no church by the name Saviour’s Apostolic Church of Nigeria in Awka. The Appellants claimed further that, a narrow part of the land in dispute was initially granted to the late John Ekweozor but the entire land was granted to the 1st Appellant as a personal gift by the Ezi-Akwa Elders through their attorney via a memorandum in 1972.

At the conclusion of trial, the court delivered judgement in favour of the Respondent. The Appellants unsuccessfully appealed to the Court of Appeal, and this led to a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

Honourable Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 13th day of March, 2020

Issues for Determination In resolving the appeal, the Supreme Court considered the following issues – 1. Whether the action was competent having been commenced at the High Court of Anambra State by the Respondent, instead of Saviour’s Church of Nigeria.

2. Whether the Respondent discharged the burden of proof placed on it, in line with the provisions of the Evidence Act. Arguments Arguing the first issue, the Counsel for the Appellants submitted that the suit ought to have been heard and determined by the Federal High Court and not the High Court of Anambra State, as it is not just a land matter but a suit that principally revolves around the operation of the associations incorporated under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (‘CAMA”). He argued that when the jurisdiction of a trial court is challenged, the court has the duty to consider the entire case of the Plaintiff without limiting itself to the reliefs. He cited the case of A.S.T.C. v QUORUM CONSORTIUM LTD. (2009) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1145) 25-26 in support of this position. He contended further that, from the facts and evidence on record, the incorporated entity called Saviour’s Church of Nigeria is not the same as Saviour’s Apostolic Church of Nigeria. The subject-matter of the dispute was vested in Saviour’s Church of Nigeria and the action ought to have been commenced in that name, and not in the name of the Respondent who lacked locus standi to institute and maintain the action. It was argued that, the issue of change of name of Saviour’s Church of Nigeria was imported by the trial court and affirmed by the Court of Appeal, as same was not canvassed by the parties.

Countering the submission above, counsel for the Respondent argued that the reliefs sought by the Respondent were clearly within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Anambra State, as the claims were essentially for declaration of title to land, damages for trespass and injunctive order. She contended that the issue concerning CAMA, was a new angle which the Appellants were trying to set up. Counsel cited and relied on the case of AKUNEZIRI v OKENWA (2000) 15 NWLR (Pt. 691) 526. She argued further that, the Respondent led evidence in respect of the pleaded facts as to the change of name and the use of the names interchangeably.

Regarding the second issue, it was argued on behalf of the Appellants that the Respondent predicated its entitlement to the land in dispute on a grant by Awka Local Government Council, and averred that a document evidencing the said grant was issued to it. The Appellants submitted that, the only acceptable evidence to prove the grant or allocation is a certified true copy of the document of grant or title in line with Section 85(1), 89 and 105 of the Evidence Act. He cited the case of ILONA v IDAKWO (2003) 11 NWLR (Pt.830) 53 at 84. Further, he posited that given the

Before Their Lordships

Olabode Rhodes-Vivour Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili Chima Centus Nweze Amina Adamu Augie Ejembi Eko Justices, Supreme Court SC.416/2014 Between 1.

2.

3.

Apostle Peter Ekweozor Rev. K. Oyema The Registered Trustees of the Saviour’s Apostolic Church…

…

…Appellants

And The Registered Trustees of the Saviour’s Apostolic Church of Nigeria…

…Respondent

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC)

“JURISDICTION OF A COURT INCLUDING THE TRIAL COURT, IS DETERMINED BY THE PLAINTIFF’S CLAIM AS DISCLOSED IN THE WRIT OF SUMMONS AND STATEMENT OF CLAIM. HOWEVER, WHEN EVIDENCE HAS BEEN TAKEN BEFORE THE ISSUE IS RAISED, THE COURT MAY REFER TO ANY PART THEREOF NECESSARY”

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Resolving the first issue, especially as it relates to the jurisdiction of the trial court, the Apex Court held that the jurisdiction of the trial court is determined by the Plaintiff’s claim as disclosed in the writ of summons and statement of claim. However, when evidence has been taken before raising the issue of jurisdiction, the court may refer to any part thereof necessary.

The court considered the Respondent’s reliefs before the trial court, and the issues joined by the parties. It also considered Section 39(1) and (2) of the Land Use Act, 1978 which confers jurisdiction in respect of proceedings as to land, the subject of a Statutory Right of Occupancy and questions as to compensation payable for improvements on land, on the High Court. The court concluded that, the issues as to the operation of CAMA which will take the suit to the domain of the Federal High Court, were not in contest at the trial court. The parties understood the battle line to be ownership of the church land at Awka and the buildings thereon. An Appellant is not allowed under the guise of arguing his appeal, to set up a new case different from what was pursued at the trial court; an issue, new or alien to that argued during trial is incompetent for consideration on appeal, even where leave is sought and obtained. A new issue to be raised on appeal must be one which takes the contest outside the subject-matter of the litigation or one that has the effect, as in this instance, of totally changing the character of the dispute between parties. The issue of registration of the Respondent or the operation of the CAMA were not in contest at the trial court, and was not pronounced upon by the court – ABDULRAHEEM v OLUFEAGBA (2006) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1008) 265. More so, where there a claim falls within the jurisdiction of two courts, the court with jurisdiction over the main claim (in this case the land dispute), is the proper court to determine the matter.

Further, the Supreme Court held that the primary duty of court is to fully consider conscientiously the totality of the evidence of parties based on the issues in dispute, before handing down its decision.

From the pleaded facts, evidence, submissions of counsel and the opinions of the lower courts, it can be seen that the Respondent pleaded and discharged the burden of proving its incorporation as well as the subsequent change of name by tendering Exhibits B and C, the certificates of incorporation and giving evidence on same, which was not challenged by the Appellants. It follows that the decision of the lower court that the Respondent has the locus standi to sue, cannot be disturbed - FATUNBI v OLANLOYE (2004) 6-7 SC 68.

In respect of the second issue, the court held that the burden of proof in civil cases has two distinct facets, the legal burden of establishing a case which is static and the evidential burden which oscillates as the evidence preponderates. There cannot be a burden of proof, where there are no issues in dispute between the parties. Considering the findings of the lower courts, the Respondent established its title by pleading and giving evidence of the traditional history of the land. The Respondent established an unbroken chain of devolution from the original owners, to its present ownership. In contrast, the pleadings of the Appellants, the evidence of their witness and cross-examination were contradictory. The court also found that the Appellants claimed exclusive ownership of the land in dispute by gift, but failed to adduce evidence to justify the claim which leaves the Respondent’s claim without a challenge.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Ogwu James Onoja, SAN with Noah Abdul, Esq., M.A. Ebute, Esq. and Mimi Ayua Esq. for the Appellants.

Chief (Mrs.) A.J. Offiah, SAN with Ikechukwu Onuama, Esq. and Daniel Aloh, Esq. for the Respondent.

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

4/ COVER

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New CAMA, Even though the Company and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA) addresses some of the deficiencies in the old one, the new Act recently assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari has generated fresh controversies and raised new challenges, for both the business community and faith based organisations. While the corporate world believes the new CAMA would potentially hamper the ease of doing business in Nigeria, some religious organisations are up in arms against its implementation. What really are the issues in this contentious piece of legislation? Pastor and Learned Senior Advocate, Femi Atoyebi and Chuks Nwana analyse certain aspects of the law, and CAMA 2020’s potential impact, generally Pastor Femi Atoyebi, SAN Introduction

I

n the past one week or so, so much furore has greeted the signing into law of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 by the President, Mohammadu Buhari on 07 August, 2020. I therefore, feel compelled to add my voice to these from the perspective of a senior Lawyer and a Pentecostal Pastor of about three decades.

I also run a “Not – For – Profit” organisation which seeks to help men and fathers become more alive to their responsibilities to their wives, children and the society at large.

CAMA The Act comprises a total of 870 sections spread over 604 pages. Only a few sections of these deal with “Not – For – Profit” organisations. I do not pretend to know all about the provisions of the Act. Neither do I plan to deal with all of its provisions. What I will attempt to do in this write-up, is to limit my comments and guidance to the “Not – For – Profit” organisations provisions and the differing comments (sometimes near violent in nature) that have greeted it.

I would like to point out by way of a general comment, that the Act is not perfect. That being said, I am yet to see an Act that is perfect.

However, every Practitioner and user of it will agree that, it is long overdue for review.

These comments are made easier, because they is focused on just the few sections. These are Sections 823 to 839. In summary, Sections 823 to 835 provide for the registration of voluntary organisations such as religious, educational, customary, social, cultural, sporting, charitable, etc, by their trustees who shall not be less than two in number, the qualifications of such persons to hold office as trustees, replacement of trustees and or their objects, etc. As those sections do not come into play in the raging feud, I do not intend to dwell on them. Section 838 provides for how to deal with the income and or assets of the Association namely, that it shall be applied in and towards the declared objectives of the Association as contained in its Constitution.

The ‘offensive’ Section seems to be Section 839 of the Act (See Section 839 CAMA).

It should be pointed out that the Act did not specifically mention Church, Mosque or any particular religion. The Act primarily seeks to introduce long overdue reforms into Companies Affairs and specifically, among other aspects, in the area of ease of doing business.

The Grouse of Some Sections of the Christian Community The fears expressed by some sections of the Christian community, is that Section 839 of the Act is a surreptitious attempt by government to control the church and stifle it. If indeed, there is a covert plan to harm or destroy the

Abubakar Garba, Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission

Church by any government; past, present or future - the concerns would be legitimate, and as a member and a leader of the Christian community, I will not stand by idly and watch.

However, if such allegation is based on Section

“......IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY WAS ASLEEP OR CHOSE TO IGNORE PARTICIPATION IN THE PROCESS.....I HAD COUNSELLED AT THE TIME THAT, “FIGHTING” A LAW IS UNDERTAKEN WHILE IT IS BEING ENACTED AND NOT AFTER IT’S PROMULGATION, BUT DURING THE PROCESS OF ENACTING IT”

839 of CAMA, regrettably, I am unable to agree with the proponents of such a theory for a host of reasons.

Firstly, the Act seeks to regulate the conduct of businesses of all classes as it is the responsibility of government, which includes companies of all descriptions, associations, including charitable organisations such as churches, mosques, educational institutions, social clubs and all.

It is the same laws that regulate the operations of Banks and Financial Institutions by, among others, restricting the term of office of its CEO to ten years, increase the capital base, etc. When the capital base was increased, some banks did not like it because they were unable to meet it and had to fold up or merge with other banks to remain afloat. In hindsight, that was a step in the right direction for our banking institutions.

There has also been the argument that, it was the Presidency that was responsible for the Act. I do not know who sponsored the Bill and I cannot hold brief for the government, but as a Lawyer, I am aware that it was an Act of the National Assembly (NASS) by which is meant, all our representatives across the length and breadth of Nigeria enacted the law and it was signed by Mr President when it was placed before him. It is no gainsaying that the NASS is comprised of people of all faiths, beliefs and prejudices, including Moslem clerics and Pastors, etc. This is the way we have all chosen to make our laws, and invariably, some interest groups

will not always be happy with some laws or sections of it.

The process of making a law under the Presidential system that we run, is such that it affords everyone the opportunity to lend their voices to or against any law during the ‘making’ process. Firstly, it is widely circulated and then open to members of the public and particular interest groups, to make presentations as to why they consider a portion or whole of it repugnant or objectionable. The Bill then goes through first, second and third readings before a technical committee meets to finalise it, and then passed on to the President for his assent. As a Lawyer, I am aware that these procedural steps were followed in this case, and several interest groups made representations to the NASS. What worries me here is that, it would appear that the Christian community was asleep or chose to ignore participation in the process. I was privileged to have served at some point in time as the National Legal Adviser to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) when Pastor Ayo Oritsejeafor was President, and when the Association was having similar issues with a particular law, I had counselled at the time that, “fighting” a law is undertaken while it is being enacted and not after it’s promulgation, but during the process of enacting it. I suggested at the time, that either PFN or CAN or the whole Christian community set up a standing Committee to be made up of Christian Lawyers, legislators, professionals, etc, who would monitor what laws were being planned and to get actively involved in the process, by pushing its own agenda. I further suggested that as a community, Christians could even further their own agenda by sponsoring bills that could aid their vision as well. I am certain we have an array of the very best materials in these areas. Regrettably, I am unsure if this was done for, if it was, the story might have been different today. I suppose it is not too late.

Of particular concern to me is the objection by a section of the church leadership in the country that has been so vocal, and even threatening government on the performance of its constitutional duty to make laws for our country. As I alluded earlier, as a Christian and a Pastor, I do not see what disadvantage the church will suffer from the provisions of Section 839 of CAMA, over and above other religious and charitable organisations. I have seen and read some distortions on the relevant provisions to the effect that churches would be liable to taxes, but I cannot find any such provision in the Act. By law, Not-For-Profit organisations are not taxable; whether that be a church, mosque or whatever. My wife and I run a few. However, if we decide to diversify any of our charitable organisations funds into a commercial venture whereby we make a profit, we would become liable to tax and

01.09.2020

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New Challenges it would make no difference that the parent body is a charitable organisation. The taxable income would be limited to the business aspect of the organisation, so, if I decide to go into the business of printing from my charitable organisation and make profit, that income would be taxable.

Now, to the argument that Section 839(1) is designed to take over churches. The section provides for the suspension of trustees of an association and to appoint an interim manager over its affairs (administrative), under certain specified conditions. I would have tended to agree with that argument if that section ends there, but it does not, rather, it has three other sub-sections under (1) and additional 10 other sub-sections, all of which have to be read communally and not in isolation under the rules of interpretation of Statutes. I will suggest that every Christian who has one misgiving or the other go and read it, even if a layman, and if necessary, consult a Lawyer. No one should rely solely on what someone’s views are, but we must educate ourselves so we can proffer sound argument on any point. With profound respect to the proponents of this argument, I am unable to agree with them.

On the face of it, the Section does not say so, and in the interpretation of statutes, it is not permissible to import into a law what it does not say, especially where the words employed are clear and unambiguous. Secondly, no specific reference was made to churches, mosques, or a particular faith.

Sub-section (a) of Section 839 provides an instructive condition precedent to the suspension of the trustees and interim take-over of an association, and it is that IF there has been any misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the association, or IF it is necessary or desirable for the protection of the property of the association or ensuring its proper application towards its set objectives.

Sub-section (c) states that this power may be exercised, if the affairs of the association are being run fraudulently. To further allay the fears in some quarters, sub-section (2) then provides that an order of court would be required to do this, and in approaching the court by the Petitioner or the Registrar-General (RG), the application must be supported by 20% of the association, who shall also present all reasonable evidence of their allegations to the court. It is ambiguous whether the 20% here speaks to the trustees or the larger organisation, which could be hundreds of thousands. I submit that, common sense can only suggest that it is referring to 20% of the trustees.

For the avoidance of doubt, I am a strong proponent of accountability and transparency in both private and public lives, and more so, in religious settings which are to exemplify what their followers must seek to imbibe, because basically, this accords with what the Christian religion teaches. See: 1Cor.4:1-2, 2Cor.8:20-21.

Paul says in 2Cor.8:20-21 thus: 21 “Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us.

22 “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”

The Bible is replete with verses enjoining us to be accountable as stewards of the manifold blessings of God, and this is precisely what most serious churches teach and try to live by, which is why several people are attracted to some of them in the first place; and as long as we keep to the tenets of the Bible, which is our Constitution as Christians, (which that section seeks to replicate and enforce), we

“THE ONLY OTHER REMEDY AVAILABLE TO ANY ORGANISATION THAT IS UNHAPPY WITH THE LAW, IS TO APPLY TO DE-REGISTER AS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT. HAPPILY, UNDER THE ACT, IT IS NOT MANDATORY FOR AN NGO SUCH AS A RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION TO BE REGISTERED.......”

Pastor Femi Atoyebi, SAN

should have nothing to fear.

Basis of Regulation of Not-for-Profit Organisations When a person or group of persons apply to register a charitable organisation otherwise known as “Not-for- Profit” organisation, the implications are that he is undertaking a venture that would benefit the society and therefore, government would confer on it some privileges such as exemption from taxes. In consideration, whatever funds that come into it are for the public, and not for personal use. Consequently, the organisation is accountable to government, so, government must regulate the organisation to ensure that its funds are properly applied in and or towards its declared objectives. This is a sacred duty government owes to its citizens, and it would amount to gross abdication of that responsibility if government fails to do so. Every responsible citizen pays tax as he is obliged to do, but if government decides to exempt some because of the value they add to the society, that organisation has both legal and moral obligations to be accountable for funds contributed to it. This is the international best practice all over the world. In my view, this should be a given and not open to debate.

Assuming for a moment that bad motive is behind the law in question, it would be literally impossible for any church that’s complying with the law to fall victim of it.

There is no nation on earth that can be run without laws. The alternative would be chaos and violence. To my mind, all that those sections seek to do, is to ensure probity, accountability and transparency by all associations operating in the country; whether they be churches, mosques, social or academic; so long as they are not for profit and are non-tax paying. They cannot eat their cake and have it. In the last few years, we have seen fracas in some churches with members of the laity throwing chairs at the clergy in the church for what they perceived as financial recklessness on the part of the former, and it took the authorities to wade in and prevent a breakdown of law and order. Several

other such incidents are either not known or reported and it is therefore, incumbent on any responsible government to put in place laws that would drive sanity into the system.

I shudder to ask why the largest churches which are largely orthodox such as the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion in Nigeria for example, are not complaining about the law. Certainly, they have the highest number of adherents and if they are comfortable with the law, we should be asking the right questions. Only this August, the UK Charity Commission was reported to have taken over the management of a popular Nigerian church in the UK, for what it described as breaches of the Charity Commission’s laws and Regulations. It wasn’t the first, and I do not think it will be the last. The same rules apply in the US to charitable organisations, including churches. Internationally acclaimed preachers in the US have been and are being indicted regularly under identical laws, and the heavens did not fall.

Many may remember that only late last year or so, the sitting American President’s NGO, Donald J. Trump Organisation, was indicted for mismanagement of its funds and ordered to refund about $2m to public coffers.

Additional disciplinary measures were also taken against the organisation.

Why should Nigeria or any association be an exception? I can see none. The world has become a global village, and transparency and accountability have become the twin pillars upon which it is being built. I have no doubt that the Nigerian church and its leadership as I know it, has no problem with accountability and transparency as they comply with similar laws in Europe and the Western world at large, where they have churches. I believe that what those who have misgivings need, is proper education by their Lawyers.

It would be instructive to hear from those opposed to the law to point out the material differences between the parallel laws in the UK and the US which they obey dutifully, and CAMA that they are so venomously opposed

to. This will help us to better appreciate their positions, and ascertain if there are any marked differences in the laws. From my knowledge of those laws, there is no material difference with ours. Perhaps, they should also explain why they abide by the laws in those countries and do not want to in Nigeria.

Now the Law has been enacted, what next?

No matter what position we all take on the matter, the fact remains that it is now the law of our land and as law-abiding citizens, we have a civic duty to obey it, with dire consequences for disobedience. Objections to some of its provisions, ought to have been taken long before now. But, this does not mean that aggrieved parties are left without remedies.

Firstly, they can approach the NASS for an amendment of the sections they are unhappy with. However, as previously articulated in this paper, it will be a difficult task in these circumstances to find justification to seek its removal from the law or, to have it expunged because one is unable to justify why a breach of it should not be punished, being what the Act seeks to prevent or punish as provided in Section 839 (1 & 2).

The only other remedy available to any organisation that is unhappy with the law, is to apply to de-register as a Not-for-Profit. Happily under the Act, it is not mandatory for an NGO such as a religious organisation to be registered, because under the Act, an organisation can voluntarily choose not to register or opt out of registration, and thereafter, government will not be able to regulate it. However, once it is de-registered, it loses all its privileges, including but not limited to its tax exempt status.

Self-Regulation is Key I would like to end this write up with a word of admonition. The issue of regulating “Not-For-Profit” organisations is not new in Nigeria, and the idea was first floated by the Jonathan administration which was actually responsible for drafting the original provisions. I cont'd on page 6

01.09.2020

6/COVER cont'd from page 5

NEW CAMA, NEW CHALLENGES

was privileged to have a copy of that draft law, and I dare say that it was much more detailed and maybe, draconian than this abridged version.

For instance, it proposed to limit the age of a serving General Overseer/Superintendent of a church to 70 years, which personally, I did not consider right, as such matters should be left for the particular organisations to determine in their respective Constitutions.

A few years ago, the Vice President delivered a paper to the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) of which he is a member, on the occasion of our annual dinner in Lagos, the object of which was to challenge us to self-regulate. As a privileged group of Lawyers, my colleagues and I were thoroughly inspired and challenged by the speech. We all left the dinner, seriously thinking how to heed the golden advice. He reviewed the history of the world’s leading monarchs and ruling classes, including the British and Dutch monarchs, and noted that from their inception, they recognised that they are a privileged class of people. They also recognised that to continue to enjoy these privileges, they needed to self-regulate their behaviour in line with what is universally acceptable, namely; that it must be accountable, transparent, and that they must all be subject to the rule of law like everyone else, failing which, they stood the risk of losing their privileges.

As the British monarch exemplifies the values of the British people, members of the family must at all times conduct themselves in a manner that is compatible with their status.

The same goes for the political class all over the world or, should I say in civilised climes.

Where a member of any ruling class behaves in a manner that is inconsistent with his status, such a person sticks out like sore thumbs and risks losing his privileged position in no time.

Conclusion The time has come for the Church to self-regulate its affairs by being accountable in matters of administration and finance, and to make the conduct of its business transparent, so that there would be no need to be regulated by government. More importantly, the government and other private institutions would look up to church organisations for leadership in the areas of accountability and transparency. Until that is done and seen to be done, any responsible government would consider it its duty to ensure that it runs, not like an independent association within the Republic, but as one that is subject to its laws. For government not to wade in, in such circumstances, would be to invite every other interest group in the country to seek autonomy in it’s affairs within the State. The only plausible consequence, in such circumstances, would be utter chaos.

In that regard, God forbid!

Pastor Femi Atoyebi, SAN

CAMA Will Enhance Corporate Governance

Mr. Chuks Nwana

view of the present value of the Naira. In some situations, the innovations in the laws always reflect the preponderance of judicial opinion, either in Nigeria or from common law jurisdictions around the world.

It has come to be recognised that a proper and efficient legal framework is essential for business to thrive in an emerging economy, and for this reason, this present Government has aggressively promoted the ease of doing business in Nigeria, and sought to have favourable rating under the United Nations chart on friendly environments for investment of capital. It became obvious that the 1990 Act was insufficient to meet the evolving business environment where the world has become a global village, and international capital only goes to an environment where it is wanted.

The new law is an attempt to approximate international best practices, but it has nevertheless, generated concerned observations particularly where some provisions have not taken into account our peculiar local circumstances.

The New Section 18(2) CAMA I intend to dwell essentially on the provisions of Section 18(2) of the new law, which makes it possible for a single shareholder to incorporate a company. Hitherto, the law required a minimum of two shareholders for the incorporation of a company, and that was the prevalent attitude in many jurisdictions. Over time and for practical and expedient purposes, companies can now be incorporated with just one person, so that issues of compatibility and sometimes corporate warfare can be avoided. In almost all civil and common law jurisdictions, it has become the standard for companies to have a

Chuks Nwana Background The latest company law amendment to the existing legislation, has generated a lot of interest and opinions in the public space. Generally our company law has not been proactive as it has been unable to pre-empt the changes that happen every day and new processes of doing business. This reaction explains why Nigeria has been slow to keep pace in the fast and dynamic world of corporate evolutions, and so, we have had an amendment to the Companies Act Ordinance of 1912 in 1968 , subsequently updated in 1990 up until the latest codification. In other jurisdictions company law amendments occur at least every ten years. It is common knowledge that the corporate world is in a state of constant flux and changes happen on a regular basis, and government decided that a wholesale overhaul of the law will be better than ad hoc amendments .

In effect, some of the provisions become very obsolete in a matter of years as can be seen in some of the penalty provisions under the previous Act which are ridiculous in

"....... PROVISIONS OF SECTION 18(2) OF THE NEW LAW......

COMPANIES CAN NOW BE INCORPORATED WITH JUST ONE PERSON, SO THAT ISSUES OF COMPATIBILITY AND SOMETIMES CORPORATE WARFARE CAN BE AVOIDED�

sole shareholder, and Nigeria finally joined the bandwagon. The provision of this section is also elastic enough to include companies that have a sole shareholder that is a company.

Under the common law and statute, shares are considered to be personal assets or chattels like cars and clothes that inheres in an individual or corporate entity and over which they enjoy certain rights including alienation, sale, transfer or gift . Individual shares in a company enjoy the attributes of a personal property that can be freely transmitted to other persons, either testate or intestate. Under the repealed Act, the whole essence of having more than one shareholder was for the company to be sustainable in one way or the other, when any of the shareholders passes away. This was the logic behind family companies where perpetual succession was guaranteed not only by law, but by an operational device which allowed the company to go on with the other members of the family when the progenitor is no longer around. For the reasons referred to above, sole shareholding is attractive for easy and fast corporate engagement, especially in advanced societies where the process and regulation in respect of transmission of shares upon death is seamless, and driven by technology.

Under our existing probate and succession laws, where a person dies his/her assets devolves on his personal representatives where he has written a will and has disclosed the sole shareholding in a company, or in the absence of a will, the assets both personal and real remain in abeyance until letters of administration are obtained .

The purpose of this contribution is to draw attention to the chaos, lack of data and confusion that obtains in most probate registries in Nigeria.

With the possible exception of maybe one or two States, the probate registries belong to the Stone Age. Consequently, it takes an average of more than two years to obtain letters of probate or administration, and where they are obtained, they may be mired in bruising legal disputations which may not be resolved for several years. The available records and statistics show that about 80% of chieftaincy, land, estate, probate and succession issues in superior courts of record, go all the way to the Supreme court and may never get resolved until after about 15 years. It is therefore easy to imagine that where the family is even aware of the existence of the company , the issues about and around vesting or transmitting the shares to the personal representatives or administrators will take many, many years because of the slow and lethargic process of processing applications for grant of letters of probate or administration. Anyone versatile in probate and asset investigation knows that sole shareholding in a company will be difficult to discover, especially where the shareholder dies suddenly. The effect of this unsavoury situation is that the company will be in limbo and the registry will be holding details of companies that have ceased to exist in practical terms, and which vision has died with the sole share holder. This is

the main reason why several businesses do not survive the death of their founder. It was for this reason that the law provided for two or more shareholders, so that the surviving shareholder(s) can continue with the vision especially in emerging economies where the macroeconomic structures are absent.

I draw attention to the validity of the Supreme court decision in TIKA TORE PRESS v ABINA (1973) 4 S.C. 53 where the court held that personal representatives do not assume automatic membership or shareholding of a company until the formal registration as a member, and can therefore, not exercise any rights of membership to attend any meetings, vote or even earn dividend . It is recognised however, that this position may not be tenable if the articles of association of the company provide otherwise.

The important issue in this context, is whether a sole shareholder can get into a contract with himself to provide for rites of transmission of shares upon his demise, if we understand that an articles of association is actually supposed to be a contract between members of the company, and not one person. Section 155(5) of the 1990 Act, is in my view, actually a statutory repeal of the Supreme Court decision to the effect that, personal representatives are entitled to receive dividends, bonuses and the like, only after they have been formally registered as members of the company with the letters of probate or administration.

Shares are not automatically transmitted, and shareholders are either the shareholder, the personal representatives or to any other person to whom shares have been transferred by operation of law.

In some situations the personal representatives may not be interested in continuing with the line of business, and in the absence of any other shareholder who could acquire the shares, the company dies a natural death. I consider that in the particular situation of Nigeria, it cannot really be the intendment of the law that companies with single shareholders should die, the moment the shareholder ceases to exist.

May I also add that, there are potentials to use a one man shareholding as an instrument for fraud when it becomes necessary to lift the veil, as tracking a sole shareholder may be almost impossible.

It is my view, and under the Nigerian situation, that sole shareholding will only serve a transactional and narrow purpose, and businessmen are better advised to ruminate carefully on the consequences of having a company that dies a day after their death.

Perhaps, we may need to undertake a big digital overhaul of our data base and the probate registry, to ensure that grant of letters of probate and administration can be achieved within 90 days in a network that is connected to the Corporate Affairs Commission databank.

This overhaul and efficient processing of applications must be part of the objectives of easing the pains of conducting business in Nigeria.

Without prejudice to what the judicial attitude may ultimately be to these new provisions, the electronic filing of documents and some virtual meetings have been validated by the Evidence Act, and we can project that the courts will not unsettle the compliance with the digital age.

The situation of where a company is also the shareholder does not present a situation as challenging as that of an individual shareholder, because the company sole shareholder (provided that an individual is not the sole share holder in the holding company) will have perpetual succession and the company will be sustained, as against where the death of an individual share holder may result in the involuntary death of the company.

Conclusion In the final analysis, the new Companies Act is a curious blend of keeping pace with international developments in the area of corporate governance, establishing a friendlier legal framework to satisfy the interest of businesses, and to ease business transactions, but at the same time, it is very important to pay attention to local sensibilities and actually drive the process with profound attention to our customary and digital situation.

Chuks Nwana

01.09.2020

NEWS/7

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Justice Essien: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Refuse Prof Ogundipe's Ex-Parte Motionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Peter Taiwo Justice J.I. Essen of the National Industrial Court reacted to a news report that he refused an ex-parte motion filed by Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who was 'removed' as University of Lagos Vice Chancellor.

The Judge spoke, while hearing applications for the formal withdrawal of two suits filed by parties to the Vice Chancellorship controversy in the university.

"I was surprised when a colleague of mine drew my attention to the news, that I had heard this motion and refused it.

The situation is very bad, because it is a misrepresentation of court proceedings."

Ogundipe who has now been suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari, had earlier complained to the court through his counsel Messrs Tayo

Oyetibo, SAN and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, that some newspaper publications quoted one of the Defendants in the suit, as their source of information.

"My Lord we are greatly disappointed in the newspaper publication last week that my lord had refused this motion which never come up before this court", the Claimantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s counsel said.

The Judge, in response, noted that if he had sat on the matter, he "would have done substantial justice to the case", being a Professor of Law who left teaching to become a judicial officer.

He urged UNILAG authorities to resolve the controversy amicably, adding that controversy â&#x20AC;&#x153;is not good for the image of a universityâ&#x20AC;?.

One of the suits was filed by Ogundipe, to challenge his removal by the Governing Council

then under the chairmanship of the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN. The other was filed by the UNILAG Senate to challenge Ogundipe's removal, and his replacement with Prof.

Theophilus Soyombo by the Governing Council.

Oyetibo applied for the withdrawal of Ogundipe's suit, while Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN applied for the withdrawal of the Senate's suit.

There was no objection by Mr Tola Oshobi, SAN, who represented Babalakin in both cases, following which Justice Essien struck out both suits.

The Judge said he was glad that the parties elected to withdraw the suit, thereby saving him from having to make pronouncements which would have generated media reactions.

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Kidnap: Evans Never Opted Out of Having a Lawyer Present Peter Taiwo An Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Idowu Haruna, during cross-examination in a trial within trial involving alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias Evans, was accused by defence counsel to have paraded the Defendant the very next day after his arrest, as a kidnapper, without first giving a formal Police statement.

The statement was made in a proceedings were Evans alongside co-Defendants, Joseph Emeka, Chiemeka Arinze and Udeme Ukpong, are alleged to have attempted the kidnapping of Chief Vincent Obianodo, the Chairman of the Young Shall Grow Motors.

Evansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mr. Victor Okpara further stated during cross-examination "His capture was celebrated nationwide, he was paraded on June 11, 2017, and you immediately concluded that you had arrested a notorious kidnapper before his statement was taken.

"The statement of the Defendant was only recorded for the first time on July 1, 2017. His statement was taken without his Lawyer being present. "I can also confront you with photographs alleging serious beating of the first Defendant (Evans), while he was in your custody", he said.

The IPO responding to the defence counselâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statement, admitted that Evans' statement was not taken immediately, he was arrested at his Magodo, residence in Lagos.

Idowu further stated that he had written Evans' statement, and had read it aloud to him.

The IPO noted that Evans, in his statement, did not say that he will opt out of having a Lawyer present.

Idowu also admitted that he had never heard of the legal options which could have been available to Evans, such as the Legal Aid Council and Justice of the Peace.

The defence counsel further queried, "You claim to be a crack detective, and in all the other cases

there were video recordings of his alleged confessions.

"I put it to you, that there was a deliberate attempt not to video-record his interview".

The IPO said, "Immediately the first Defendant was arrested, he gave numerous information on other gang members and his victimsâ&#x20AC;?. "It took us a lot of time to be able to investigate and get information on this case, we had to liaise with the Divisional Police Officer of Festac. That is where he gave his statement".

The Defendants are currently facing a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempt to kidnap and sales and transfer of firearms.

According to the prosecution, Evans and his three co-defendants committed the offences on Aug. 27, 2013 at Third Ave., Festac, Town Lagos. Evans and his accomplices, are alleged to have killed Mr Chijioke Ngozi, and attempted to kill and kidnap Obianodo.

8/

01.09.2020

Of Rape, Rapists and False Rape Peddlers (Part 2) Introduction

T

here is an upward upsurge of increase of rape cases in Nigeria; and there seems to be no end to the menace. There is no day in the country without a reported case of sexual violence, especially rape.

Sexual violence victims, are also becoming more emboldened in reporting such crimes. We have however, seen cases of young ladies attempting to make a career of tagging celebrities and politically exposed persons (PEP) with false rape accusations.

Such must be discouraged. Today, we shall continue our discourse of this vexed issue, from the angle of the criminal laws governing rape.

The Criminal Code Act (continues) What the Criminal Code Act insists on is consent between two willing adults, devoid of any fraud, deceit, force or threats. The law contemplates free, express and unequivocal consent from a woman (even if married), before any man can have sexual relations with her. Thus, whenever a man has sexual intercourse with a woman with her consent, but which was obtained fraudulently, deceitfully, or forcefully, or without her consent at all, the crime of rape would be deemed to have occurred.

Section 358 of the Criminal Code imposes the maximum punishment of life imprisonment, with, or without caning, on any person convicted of rape.

Section 359 of the Criminal Code (CC) also criminalises attempted rape: “Any person who attempts to commit the offence of rape is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years, with or without caning.”

Section 360 CC also criminalises “indecent or unlawful sexual assault” on a woman, thus: “Any person who unlawfully and indecently assaults a woman or girl is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable to imprisonment for two years”.

From the above, it is clear that rape is not only immoral, but also illegal. However, the CC definition of rape is now grossly inadequate, in the light of contemporary trends. This is because it does not contemplate spousal rape, or a situation whereby a woman withdraws consent midway through sexual intercourse (post-penetration rape). The CC also fails to contemplate the possibility of men being subject to rape by men or women. The CC should therefore be amended to accommodate the more recent dimensions to the crime of rape.

Rape and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 (VAPPA) Section 1 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 (VAPPA) provides: “A person commits rape if: a. He or she intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with any other part of his body or anything else. b. The other person does not consent to the penetration; or c.The consent is obtained by force or means of threat or intimidation of any kind or by fear of harm or by means of false or fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act or use of any substance or additive capable of taking away the will of such person or in the case of a married person, by impersonating his or her spouse.”

The above definition of rape is more comprehensive, and represents the modern trends. Specifically, the Act for the first time in Nigeria, recognises the possibility of men being victims of rape, through the “anus or mouth”. With another person’s “part of (his) body or anything”. The VAPPA also widens the scope of rape by going beyond vaginal rape to criminalise anal and oral rape.

Similarly, VAPPA expands the scope of rape beyond penile or penis penetration alone. Other avenues of penetration are now recognised to include vagina, anus or mouth which could be “penetrated” without a man or woman’s consent. This could be done by means of a penis, cucumber, dildo, vibrator, strap on, stick, etc. In such cases, rape would be said to have occurred.

Section 1(2)(c) of VAPPA also criminalises and punishes the act of “gang rape” for a minimum of 20 years’ imprisonment.

Section 1(3) of VAPPA has a novel provision for the compensation of rape victims; while Section 1(4) provides for the publication of a register of convicted sexual offenders, which shall be open to members of the public. The essence of this provision is to create a culture of shaming convicted rapists, so as to deter intending rapists and warn members of the public to be wary of them.

Despite the novel and revolutionary provisions of the VAPPA, it does not have a nationwide application. In fact, as at 2018, the then Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, declared that only three States in Nigeria, (Anambra, Ebonyi and Oyo) States had domesticated the Act. This means these are the only States in which these provisions apply.

The Penal Code Act The Penal Code is the criminal law that applies to the Northern part of Nigeria, and the FCT, as against the Criminal Code, which operates in the Southern part. Section 282 of the Penal Code (PC)

defines the crime of rape thus: “(I) A man is said to commit rape who, except in the case referred to in subsection (2) of this section, has sexual intercourse with a woman in any of the following circumstances(a) without her consent; (b) against her will; (c) with her consent, when her consent has been obtained by putting her in fear of death or of hurt; (d) with her consent, when the man knows that he is not her husband and that her consent is given because she believes that he is another man to whom she is or believes herself to be lawfully married.”

The above provision merely restates the CC position, with some omissions. The most glaring omission in the definition of rape under the PC as against the CC is that under the PC, unlike the CC, sexual intercourse with an unmarried woman’s consent, but which was fraudulently obtained, is not viewed as rape.

Under the PC, even where the girl is the wife of a person, such person will still be guilty of rape if she has not attained puberty.

The case of the former Governor of Zamfara State who allegedly married a 13 year old girl from Egypt, comes in here. In such instance, since the girl had not attained puberty and he had carnal knowledge of her, he would have been guilty of rape if he had been charged to court after shedding his gubernatorial immunity under Section 308 of the Constitution.

Similarly, just like the CC, the definition of rape under the Penal Code is limited, and does not accommodate some more recent global strands of rape and sexual violence. To this end, it is recommended that both the CC and PC should be amended to cater for some of these contemporary trends.

Section 258 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State has similar provisions.

In all three laws, rape is narrowly constrained as occurring only when the vagina of the woman is penetrated (“res in rem”). This was judicially held in NATASHA v STATE thus: “The most important and essential ingredient of the offence, is penetration. The Court will deem that sexual intercourse is complete, upon proof of penetration of the penis into the vagina. Any or even the slightest penetration will be sufficient to constitute the act of sexual intercourse”.

The Child Rights Act 2003.

Section 31of the Child’s Rights Act provides as follows:

“GOING BY UNICEF STATISTICS, THE ELEVEN STATES YET TO RATIFY THE CHILD RIGHTS ACT ARE ADAMAWA, BAUCHI, BORNO, GOMBE, JIGAWA, KANO, KATSINA, KEBBI, YOBE, SOKOTO AND ZAMFARA"

( 1) No person, shall have sexual intercourse with a child.

(2) A person who contravenes the provision of subsection (1) of this Section commits an offence of rape and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

(3) Where a person is charged with an offence under this Section, it is immaterial that: (a) the offender believed the person to be of or above the age of eighteen years ; or (b) the sexual intercourse was with the consent of the child.

From the above definition, any sexual intercourse with a child would be categorised as rape. It is a strict liability offence. It makes no difference, that the child consented to such sexual intercourse.

This is because a child is not legally empowered, to consent to sexual intercourse. The fact that the offender believes that the child was above the age of eighteen, will not exculpate the offender. Thus, it makes no difference that the child looks bigger, older or more mature than his or her age. What is material, is that the child is less than eighteen years; and any sexual intercourse with such a child would amount to rape with the attendant punishment of life imprisonment under the Act. The Act is clearly a protectionist legislation, aimed at shielding children from adult sexual predators. The Act also lacks nationwide application. In fact, as at 2019, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office, Mr. Bhanu Pathak, lamented: “Only 25 States have enacted the law so far. The States which are yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act are from the northern part of Nigeria. I call on all these States to domesticate the Nigeria Child Rights Law, to provide a legal framework for the protection of the rights of children in their respective States”.

Accordingly, 11 States in Nigeria are yet to domesticate the Child’s Rights Act. Going by UNICEF statistics, the eleven States yet to ratify the Child Rights Act are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Yobe, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

Why? To continue endanger our innocent children? Haba!

How Nigerian Courts decry Rape The severity of the offence of rape, is one that cannot be overemphasised. Nigerian courts frown on it seriously. In Popoola v State (2013) 17 NWLR (PT 1382) 100, the Apex Court illuminated: “the offence appeared to be heinous and heartless.

The sentence meted out by the trial court amounts to abdicating its role as a judicial officer. I condemn such type of sentence. The sentence is unnecessarily lenient and loose”.

The apex court went on: “I join my learned brother in expressing disappointment, that the Appellant was given a lenient term of five years in prison. I think that the severity of punishment for rape, with particular reference to statutory variety, should rank next to capital punishment”.

(To be continued) THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Rape, mutilation, abuse, and theft are the natural outcome of a world in which force rules, in which human beings are objects.

(Chris Hedges)

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ T H I S D AY

23

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TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢T H I S D AY

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ T H I S D AY

25

26

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻ, 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

FG to Construct Solar Dryers for Farmers to Boost Food Security Hammed Shittu Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;

Piqued by post-harvest challenges faced by farmers, the federal government has finalised arrangement to construct eight solar dryers with four in each of the federal constituencies in the country. This, the government believes would go a long way to assist the farmers to dry their farm produce, thereby enhancing hygienic food production and security in the country.

Chairman, House of Reps Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Abdulganiyu Olododo, dropped the hint to journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, on the sidelines of the flag-off of the training on pilot post-seasonal intervention programme in his constituency held at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin

Olododo who also represent Ilorin east/Ilorin south federal constituency of the state said,â&#x20AC;?already, two of the solar dryers are ready for use in the federal constituency of the state.â&#x20AC;?

The lawmaker reiterated the need to diversify the economy so as agriculture would play a leading role.

He said that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we cannot be left behind and there is no other time than now to acquire the skills needed in Agribusiness, that is why we involved NSPRI and other consultant to train you people on post seasonal management of roots and cereals and also on how to do business in agriculture.â&#x20AC;? Olododo said one of the strategies towards increasing food production was to empower the farmers with skills which include the modern ways of drying agricultural produce and that was the reason he brought

the intervention programme to his people in Ilorin East/ Ilorin South Federal Constituency.

He stated that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As part of revamping economic activities of my constituency and Kwara state, increasing agricultural production and post-harvest management would be targeted for poverty alleviation, job creation, food security and improved livelihood. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the failures of agricultural policies for addressing developmental challenges in developing countries particularly Nigeria is the lopsidedness of concentrating efforts on production at the expense of post-harvest activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yet, it is the agricultural activities such as storage and small scale processing after harvest that involves massive human engagement, which creates more small scale and family based business.

MARKET INDICATORS

EkitiPartnersMAX.ng As part of efforts to address the safety and security concerns in associated with motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, the Ekiti State government has entered into a partnership with Metro Africa Xpress (MAX.ng), one of the leading mobility platform focused on Nigeria and West Africa.

Ekiti State is working with MAX.ng to transform informal motorcycle and tricycle transportation (also called Keke) in the state.

A statement explained that the state has partnered with MAX. ng to deploy MetroGov, a secure urban mobility platform that uses next-generation technology to

provide identity management, remote monitoring, crime prevention, digital payments, and financial audit solutions.

It stated that Ekiti State was taking the lead in securing and digitising transportation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The state has an estimated population of three million people and over 100,000 motorcycle and tricycle operators across the state. As part of the recently launched Ekiti State Mobility Transformation Project (ESMOT), the state aims to formalise the transportation industry while delivering safety, security, insurance, vehicle financing and other essential support services

to transport operators. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By deploying MetroGov, the government seeks to accelerate its transformation plan for the transport industry. The MetroGov platform provides digital identities for drivers and a platform for vehicle registration and tracking. Motorcycle operators would also be trained and licensed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Operators registered on the platform would eventually gain access to affordable health insurance, life insurance, and vehicle financing. The platform would also enable increased transparency by providing data for more effective revenue collection to drive infrastructure development in the state,â&#x20AC;? it explained.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

Cititrust Financial Services Wins Award Cititrust Financial Services Limited (CFS Limited), a subsidiary of CFS Group Plc, has been adjudged and presented an award as the best Africa most innovative loan/ investment brand of the year. CFS Limited emerged tops in the category following the report of the editorial board of the African Brands Magazine that conducted research on several Fintech brands.

The award which was formally presented to CFS Limited over the weekend, comes on the heels of recent similar awards won by the company. Speaking on the award, the Managing Director of CFS Limited, Mr. Charles

Olaluwoye said it was gratifying to be recognised for such an award. According to him, CFS Limited was taking decisive steps in building a quality brand that is dedicated to delivering quality services at all times.

Olaluwoye added â&#x20AC;&#x153;This award is a further attestation to our consistent and excellent innovation and technological drive in service delivery. As a corporate organisation, our focus is to build a sustainable business concern that is resilient, innovative to continually deliver value to customers as well as to investors.â&#x20AC;?

The Innovative Fintech Brands Africa 2020 research is a consumerled survey and represents the

most comprehensive Fintech brand study in Africa. The study is independently conducted by the Africa Brands Awards, Fast Track Brand Communication & Strategy, and Geopoll, the leader in providing fast, high quality research from emerging markets with strategic analysis and insights. The Fintech Brand Africa Awards which celebrates Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fintech innovators and leaders is organised by the leading financial technology and brands marketing publication in Africa, The Africa Brands Magazine and the award is an initiative founded on the idea that Fintech can unleash unprecedented economic growth in Africa.

FoodCo Launches â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Quick Shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ugo Aliogo FoodCo Nigeria Limited, has launched its first purpose-built convenience outlets, tagged: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;FoodCo Quick Shop,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; with two new outlets in Ibadan, Oyo State. This extends the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footprints to 11 across the country.

Speaking on the launch, Chief Executive Officer, FoodCo Nigeria Limited, Ade SunBasorun, stated that the two new outlets were designed to bring organised retail â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;closer home,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; in order to address the challenges of proximity, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and limited options for top quality products customers typically contend with while shopping

in neighbourhood stores.â&#x20AC;?

Sun-Basorun expressed delight about the launch of the two outlets, adding that â&#x20AC;&#x153;our model neighbourhood convenience stores where community members can readily dash in for their everyday essentials such as groceries, fruits and vegetables, toiletries, meals and pastries.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We continue to make these investments, despite the challenging economic climate particularly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, because we are a proud Nigerian brand vested in the growth of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organised retail sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After 38 years of serving this market, we have come to share a bond with our customers and

understand their yearning for easy access to the convenience and friendly service that organized retail offers, which also informs our strides. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consumer goods ecosystem is constantly evolving and the huge working-class populations as well as the young demography amongst other factors are springboards that are enabling sectoral growth of the retail space. In addition, the industry is expanding access to market opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses across the country. This places a burden on operators to harness the opportunities in order to deepen the growth of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s formal retail sector.â&#x20AC;?

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

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

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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

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

Vienna, Austria, 31 August 2020--The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $45.33 a barrel on Friday, compared with $45.81 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Ardova CEO Assures Shareholders of Improved Value Goddy Egene The Chief Executive Officer, Ardova Plc, Olumide Adeosun, has said the company remains committed to delivering improved profitability and value for shareholders in 2020 and beyond. Adeosun stated this while addressing shareholders at the 41st annual general meeting (AGM), held virtually in Lagos last week.

According to him, following the

entry of the new management in 2019, their vision was to create an energy firm that will become the brand of choice for consumers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our strategy to deliver on this goal is to be laser-focused in increasing operational efficiency and leveraging our core assets to maximise growth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On this premise, we divested from our non-core subsidiaries, a strategic move that quickly resulted in a cleaner balance sheet and a healthy platform

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from which our resulting growth stems. It is against this backdrop that we delivered a 31 per cent year-on-year growth in revenue and a 520 per cent year-on-year growth in profitability,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He said their 2019 financial results mark the start of their repositioning plan, adding:â&#x20AC;?

We will continue to be deliberate about building an energy company designed for the future, and our performance

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over the latter half of 2019 shows that moving forward on this course will set us on the right path to our long-term goals.

In his address to the shareholders, Chairman of Ardova Plc, Abdul Wasiu Sowami, said the change in strategy introduced by the new management had begun to yield returns.

He explained that despite what was a challenging economic environment, the evolution of their business model to one fo-

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cused on improving operational efficiencies, leveraging existing core assets and positioning the company to be at the forefront of renewable energy distribution in Nigeria has led to significant improvement in our top and bottom-line. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will continue to focus on delivering value to our shareholders as we continue to drive the growth and profitability of our business,â&#x20AC;? he said.

According to Sowami, key

O F

highlights for 2019 financial year indicates an increase in shareholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; funds by 15.6 per cent year-on-year, to N17.5 billion compared with N15.1 billion in 2018 as a result of a 38 per cent growth in retained earnings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The company also improved its operational efficiency and increased its volumes and margins for all its products, resulting in total volume growth of 37.4 per cent from N804.7million in 2018 to N1.1 billion in 2019,â&#x20AC;? he said.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Lafarge Confab Participants: Nigeria Needs Intense Public, Private Partnerships to Achieve SDGs Bennett Oghifo

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he advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has presented an extraordinary moment that requires keen collaboration to find creative and innovative ways to build more equal, inclusive and resilient societies.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on SDGs, Princess Adefulire, stated this in her keynote address during the first of four sustainability webinar series by Lafarge Africa.

Adefulire, who was represented by her Senior Technical Advisor, Dr. Bala Yusuf, re-affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the SDGs in a post-COVID era, adding “We must urgently build-back, if we are to be on track to achieve the SDGs by 2030. The theme of this Webinar ‘The Decade of Action: Advancing the SDGs in a post pandemic era’ “is suitable, timely and a clear manifestation of your collective commitment to the achievement of the SDGs in Nigeria and Africa at large.

She laid the framework for discussions, stating that in September 2015, World Leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a successor development framework to the Millennium Development Goals. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development envisions a present and a future that is economically sustainable, socially inclusive

and environmentally resilient.

This vision is expressed through the 17 SDGs; 169 targets and 230 Key Performance Indicators.

Put it simply, the SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, safeguard the planet and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030.

“We need the expertise and financial resources of all – the public and private sectors, development partners, scientific community, and the wider civic society. It is only then that we can forge productive partnerships that can deliver the 2030 Agenda for sustainable Development.”

The four webinars in terms of Lafarge Africa’s Sustainability webinar series began on Wednesday, August 19 and will end on the 9th of this month. The first week of the webinar had thought leaders and speakers focus on ‘Environmental and Social Governance: A transformative approach toward accelerating the SDGs’; the second, which took place last week, was on “Co-creating value through best practices in Private Public Partnership and impact assessment for the SDGs”; the third will take place tomorrow and the theme is “Corporate Social Investments, Shared Value and National Development - Which Way Forward?”; the last webinar will take place next week and its focus will be “Roadmaps to Progressing the SDGs: opportunities in Circular Economy and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics.”

Last week’s webinar, which

was the second, had in attendance thought leaders and speakers including, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, represented by his Technical Adviser, Mahmud Mohammed; His Highness, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, UN SDG Advocate; Sanda Ojiambo, Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact; Magali Anderson, Chief Sustainability Officer, LafargeHolcim; Professor Chris Ogbechie, Professor of Strategic Management, and Deputy Dean Lagos Business School, and Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Communication, Public Affairs, and Sustainable Development Director, Lafarge Africa, who were moderators. The host was Khaled El-Dokani, Country Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on SDGs said one of the most effective ways to building resilient societies was by strengthening existing partnerships between the public and private sectors and other critical stakeholders. “We have seen classical demonstrations of these partnerships in the fight against COVID-19. The Lafarge Africa Sustainability Series is in line with our idea of the Private Sector Advisory Group on SDGs, which is to create a strategic platform for galvanising ideas, mobilising expertise and financial resources in support of the achievement of the SDGs in Nigeria.”

She said financing sustainable development was not just about mobilising capital for specific projects and programmes. “It

is equally about ensuring the organised private sector becomes adapted to financing for sustainable development, by altering the way in which private finance operates so that its own processes are both sustainable and support sustainability.”

Making reference to the Nigeria iSDG Report (2019), she said funding remained a critical challenge to overcome. “As such, there is need to work fast in scaling-up efforts to expand the fiscal space for SDGs implementation in Nigeria. In this ‘Decade of Action’, there is need to look into ways of mobilising additional resources and minimising wastage in the application of scarce public resources. There is need to draw on non-traditional sources of public finance - Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), impact investments and strategic Bonds as appropriate.”

She said funding alone is insuf-

ficient to guarantee the attainment of the SDGs in Nigeria, quoting the recent IMF Report (2020) on SDGs spending in Nigeria which noted that “…beyond resources, improving coordination and strengthening governance is critical to delivering on the SDGs. Progress will require a whole-of-government approach, supported by strong coordination between the federal, state, and local governments.”

As carefully enumerated in Nigeria’s 2020 Voluntary National Review Report, going forward in a post-COVID era, we need to; Judiciously use the re-aligned National Statistical System (NSS) to effectively track and monitor the implementation of the SDGs on annual basis.

This will inform targeted SDGs’ interventions across the country, she said. “Consciously use the Nigeria iSDG simulation model to develop the next National

Development Plan (2021-2025) and support the domestication of the Planning Model across the 36 states; Design and implement the Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFF) for the SDGs. This will provide a snap-shot of all the existing and potential financing sources for the SDGs in Nigeria, and unlock innovative financing mechanisms to support the implementation of the SDGs. She said there was need to work closely with state and non-state actors to cascade and strengthen advocacy for the SDGs across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria; Effectively mobilise and engage all the key segments of the society – the United Nations system; diplomatic community; organised private sector; civil society; academia; philanthropists; foundations and concerned citizens - in a ‘whole-of-society’ for the achievement of the SDGs.

Lafarge officials at World Environment Day celebration… recently

Our Core Value is to Provide Affordable, Quality Housing for All The Managing Director of Curves and Curvature Limited, Mr. Oluwole Oloruntobi, updates Fadekemi Ajakaiye on the company’s role in providing affordable housing solutions for Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora

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ell us about your company My name is Oluwole Oloruntobi.

I’m the Managing Director of curves and curvatures limited, also known as C&C Homes. We’re into real estate investment and property development. Our core value is to ensure that Nigerians at home and in Diaspora have access to quality homes at a very affordable price. This is very important to us- quality and affordable homes in Nigeria. That is what we do, and that is who I am.

which is located in Lekki, beside Beechwood estate and in Akure, Ondo State.

Why did you choose real estate?

Yes, it is based on my interest as a person.

Real estate is something I have always looked forward to, right from my University days. I believe it is one of the key things that influences ones impact in life. Food, clothing, and shelter are the three basic needs of every individual in the world. Real estate covers the need for shelter, which is important to everybody. It was born out of interest.

You use Eco-friendly bricks, is it only for Hill City Park?

It is currently only for Hill City Park Estate. We are still evolving into innovation and creativity. The technology behind the eco-bricks is outstanding, and one of the best in Nigeria today. We use Eco-bricks to build in Hill City Park and, it has been a success all through, as a lot of people keep appreciating our works.

How long have you been doing this now?

Personally, I have been in the real estate industry for almost a decade. I had experiences with other organisations before coming up with Curves and Curvatures Limited, and I have practiced all over Nigeria, including Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ondo, Lagos State, and others.

What aspect of real estate do you specialise in?

We are majorly into property development.

We acquire virgin lands, we develop them, and we sell to Nigerians at home and in diaspora.

Our clients are those in Nigeria and Nigerians all over the world.

Tell us more about Hill City Park?

Hill City Park estate is a good real estate opportunity in the industry. It is an eco-friendly estate, as all the buildings are built with eco-bricks. The estate has 24 hours security, good road network, electricity, and a good drainage system. It is an on-going project that we are committed to deliver on, just like others.

Oloruntobi

What projects do you offer in real estate?

We have the Hill City Park- which has two projects within it. Hill City Park is the mother estate. Within it, we have Project 64 24, which is already delivered, with people living there. We also have the bricks planet project which is almost to 80% complete. The Hill City Park is by the New Auditorium, off Lagos –Ibadan Expressway. We also have Kingston Park, located at the Ibafo New town Extension, off Lagos Ibadan ExpressWay as well. It is a 15 minutes’ drive to Alausa, Ikeja.

These are some of the new projects that we are currently building. They have different prototypes ranging from bungalows to terrace duplexes and detached duplexes. Another project is the Vibrant home which is located in Lekki. We are building a luxury three-bedroom bungalow with a penthouse and servant house. It is also an on-going project. We also have properties in Abuja by the TY Danjuma Academy, which is located in Gwagwalada Abuja.

Other projects include the Palms Spring Estate,

Why eco-friendly bricks?

The eco-bricks have a lot of advantages. First, it is 100% stronger than the regular cement bricks.

Secondly, it is weather friendly. Being weatherfriendly, I mean when it is hot outside, it is cool inside; and when it is cold outside (probably during the harmattan season), it is warm inside eco-bricks. So it is a fantastic one. We produce it ourselves on the site location, to ensure the quality is top-notch.

What is your Payment plan for Hill City Park Estate?

We have a payment plan ranging from 6 months to a maximum of 36 months without interest. So, our clients can pay in installments. As I said, our

vision is to ensure that Nigerians have affordable and quality homes. Yes, we are making a profit, but it is not all about profit-making. What we are doing is born out of passion, to contribute our quota to the housing deficit in Nigeria.

What structure do you have in Curves and Curvature in terms of company culture and marketing strategy?

First, we are a household name, and secondly, we get most of our clients through referrals.

When clients are satisfied, they naturally tell people about it. Referrals have been our major selling point. Although one cannot completely satisfy everybody, I can say that at least 85% of our clients are satisfied and bring a lot of their friends and relatives from all over the world, not just in Nigeria. As I said earlier, we have several Nigerians in Diaspora who are our clients today.

You have been in the real estate industry for up to a decade now. What advice will you give entrepreneurs who intend to go into the real estate industry?

A lot of people only see real estate as a money-spinner but in reality, that is not always the case. For those who want to go into the real estate industry, I think they should develop the passion, and have a good vision that is beyond the money. Once you get it right as an entrepreneur (which is often not as easy as it seems), the sky is just the beginning, not just the limit. However, making money should not be the motivating factor.

The passion has to come first because challenges would arise, and when there is no passion, those challenges can make you give up. But when you’re passionate, even when the challenges come, you will think of solutions and forge ahead.

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FEATURES

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

Capacity Building, Palliatives for Police Widows Olawale Ajimotokan reports on the provision of palliatives and the offer of capacity building by the Abuja branch of a women NGO in support of police widows, whose husbands were killed in line of duty

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he NECA's Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) exhibited humanity and fulfilled its corporate social responsibility recently when it provided succour to 90 widows of some policemen, who were killed during active service to the country.

All the beneficiaries gathered at the multi- purpose hall of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) secretariat in Abuja, to receive the palliatives jointly provided with the Nigeria Breweries.

The occasion also had in attendance the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Hajia Fatima Adamu and the wife of the FCT Police Commissioner, Mrs Fatima Ciroma and some spouses of senior officers of the police service, including wives of the DIG Operations, Hajia Idiat Ali and DIG Supplies and Logistics, Mrs Comfort Baraya.

NNEW was established in 2005 as a cooperation project with the objective of promoting entrepreneurship among women in Nigeria. It provides its members with access to information on business and socio-economic matters, opportunities for capacity building through training and finance through business promoting organisations.

The NGO was represented at the ceremony by its Vice President, Mrs Jacquelyn Olua and Secretary, Mrs Adeola Remi-John.

Olua, who spoke on behalf of the President, Mrs Amina Zanaka, said NNEW decided to provide palliatives to POWA because it recognised the gallantry of the policemen who lost their lives while in active service and the need to cater for the widows they left behind.

She noted that apart from handling out palliatives to the widows, the NGO is also hoping to train the women so that they will be in position to sustain themselves even further.

Olua said that NNEW is also planning to conduct capacity building and evaluate the widows' financial status to see how loans can be advanced to them. ''NNEW was established by a group women to encourage and empower women to prosper in entrepreneurship in order to raise their social economic standard and to affect the community.

We decided to empower the widows with palliatives during the current pandemic

Lâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;R: A Police widow, Hajiya Amina receiving palliatives from the Vice President of Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), Mrs. Jacquelyn Olua and POWA President, Hajiya Fatima Adamu during the distribution of palliatives to widows of Police OďŹ&#x192;cers Women Association (POWA) in Abuja PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI as we dont want them to feel left behind in this period. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition, we want the widows to be in position to provide a living for themselves economically. We are grateful to NBL for recognising what we have been doing among women and in turn deciding to reach out to the widows,'' Olua said.

She added that the NGO is out to assist women to build their esteem and to engage in business and other ventures legally to be able to sustain themselves economically and prop the society.

Some of the widows, thanked the NNEW and NBL for the gesture, which they said will benefit their families.

One of them, Mrs Ali Isa Ibrahim, who

hawks kerosene at Karamajiji at Airport Road, Abuja said she would appreciate if the gesture can be constant, as that would enable her to adequately fend for her two children.

Her gesture was reinforced by Easter Nancy, who resides at Mopol Barracks, Abuja. Easter sells a local drink called Kunu and is catering for three children, following the death of her husband.

The Head External and Public Affairs, NBL, Uzodinma Odenigbo, thanked POWA for giving them the platform to reach out to widows of the servicemen, who have paid the ultimate price with their lives.

He also appreciated the support of the group of professional women en-

trepreneurs for making this possible, while promising to partner with them in future endeavours. ''NBL which has been in existence for over 74 years has not lost the fact that we could not have been existing without the support of Nigerians. This is why we recognise that this is an opportunity for us to stand with all Nigerians cutting across the country. ''We also recognise that the pandemic has had very harsh effects on the country.

We are only coming out of the lockdown, which has affected economic activities and we resolve to promote many initiatives in support of Nigerians in many locations across the six geo political zones,'' Odenigbo said.

Africa itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Time to Make Big Polluters Pay Philip Jakpor and Helen Neima

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ass mobilisations and marches happening across the globe makes these times very interesting. From the United States, to Europe, Asia and Africa people are saying enough is enough and demanding an end to global systemic injustice.

Ironically, these marches are happening at that time of the year when ideally, hundreds of government delegates and climate justice activists from all over the world usually converge on Bonn in Germany to assess the strategies and progress of the Paris Agreement in dealing with the climate change crisis. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting will not hold; no thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic that has engulfed the whole world.

Rather than bemoan the situation and do nothing, activists who were initially billed to attend the Bonn Intersessional, decided to strategize on how to reinforce the call to Make Big Polluters Pay which was first launched at the

UN Secretary Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Climate Summit held in New York in September 2019.

At the summit, more than 220 organisations and 199,000 people from nearly 70 countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including from the African regionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;called on world leaders to hold liable the industries and corporations that have knowingly fueled and continue to aggravate the climate crisis.

And this call is already having an impactâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;recently, two jusridictions in the United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Minnesota and Washington D.C.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;filed lawsuits against fossil fuel industry actors including Chevron, Shell, BP and Exxon Mobil.

While impacts of climate change differ from region to region, Africa, which contributes the least to the crisis, carries the biggest burden in form of inundations from rising sea levels and the resultant loss of livelihoods.

From Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Niger Delta where fossil fuel extraction has led to dead fish littering the coastlines, to South Africa where tribal lands have been poisoned by coal mining, local community people are becoming more vulnerable to climate impacts including

illnesses and social conflicts.

A classic example is the Cyclone Idai â&#x20AC;&#x201C;the worst tropical storm to visit Africa.

When the storm hit the continent in 2018 the epicenter was Beira in central Mozambique. But it left a trail of destruction in Madagascar, Malawi and Zimbabwe killing at least 1,303 people and affected more than 3 million others.

The magnitude of that disaster bewildered people of the continent and was seen as foreshadow of what is to come. After that, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been the worst drought in South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history brought on by diminished rainfall, the apocalyptic locust attacks in Kenya and Uganda that now threatens food security in East Africa, and many more happenings hitherto strange to the African continent.

Because of these, climate justice activists are mobilizing signatures to press home their demands that governments in the region take them seriously to hold Big Polluters liable and make them pay. The sign-on letter details the fact that transnational corporations have for decades misled the world about

the consequences of their products and business practices, exploited local communities, seized our lands and resources, and taken control of our food systemsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all for their own benefit.

It narrated further that the Big Polluters have left Africa exposed and ill-equipped for any crisis hence the need to hold them responsible, criminally, financially, and civilly.

This is now the time for decision makers in Africa to play critical roles in making big polluters pay, and for protection of the lives and livelihoods of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people, especially those at the grassroots and frontline communities, from those that see and treat them as disposable. We join our brothers and sisters across the entire Africa and the world to say enough is enough. It is time to Make Big Polluters Pay! ... Philip Jakpor is the Director of Programmes, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa while Helen Neima is Regional Director, Corporate Accountability Climate Campaign.

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Lease of Hope for Nigerians in South Africa Ikenna Ekwerike reports that amid the ravaging global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, needy Nigerians in South Africa are not without hope as the Nigerian Union, South Africa, is stepping in as pillar of support

The relief items ready to be handed out

A cross section of Nigerians waiting to get the relief items

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hen Nigerian students studying in South Africa were travelling back in January after the Christmas and New Year holidays, they clearly, never knew that a global health pandemic that would shut down the entire world was lurking somewhere in the dark.

Five months and counting, South Africa, like several other countries, is still on lockdown as hopeful measure to contain the raging COVID-19 disease, which has spread across the globe after its first outbreak in Wuhan, China. The grim news of a national lockdown in South Africa came like a lightning bolt. Almost everyone was caught off-guard. It, particularly, left international students and daily income earners completely stranded, dejected and despairing.

South Africa confirmed its first case of the virus on March 5, 2020, in the KwaZuluNatal Province after a man from Hilton town, upon his return from Italy, tested positive. Thus began the silent attack of the invisible giant in the Rainbow nation that has since claimed many lives. South Africa, currently, has the highest infection and death rates from COVID-19 related symptoms in Africa.

To fight back, the South African government, on 23 March announced an initial 21-day national lockdown from 26 March to 16 April 2020. But contrary to expectations, rate of new infections remained rather high despite the measure. Consequently, one week before the end of the lockdown, President Cyril Ramaphosa, announced a further extension ofthe total lockdown by two weeks. He highlighted that the spread of the virus had slowed but cautioned that a premature end to the lockdown would have a ripple effect on the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health facilities and people at large. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We risk reversing the gains we have made over the last few weeks, and rendering meaningless the great sacrifice we have all made,â&#x20AC;? Ramaphosa had pleaded.

The message was very clear; even to the blind. Figures of new infections soared globally. Epicentre of the virus had just moved from China to Italy; Britain and the U.S were already recording heavy casualties.

With no hope of possible vaccine in sight, death toll skyrocketed; nations shut their borders; the world had been brought to an abrupt stop.

Miles away from home, Nigerian petty traders who live from hand to mouth and students in South Africa could only hope it was just a dream. But, no; the rude reality struck violently like the flash of lightning in a stormy dark night.Hostels became prison yards; rooms, cells. Stepping out of the house meant going to buy food or medicine. Occasionally, bland eyes peered vacuously from tightly shut windowpanes,like an eagle in a cage, into the deserted streets.

No more were the usual screech of car tyres

NUSA president general, Hon. Adetola Olubajo, handing out the food items to needy Nigerians rustling angrily on the asphalt roads heard; the only familiar sound was silence.

Since the lockdown is being implemented not only in South Africa but across other countries including Nigeria, many parents who are self-employed or work in the private sector could no longer send money to their children. The experience was not different for majority of other Nigerians in South Africa who depend on their small businesses that have remained closed to survive. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, it became difficult for them, at least, to feed. They had been plunged into â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hunger pandemicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; right in the heat of the steep and dreary COVID-19 tunnel.

But, somehow, light found them right in the middle of that tunnel rather than at the usual end of it when the Nigerian Union in South Africa, NUSA, under the leadership of Hon. Adetola Olubajo, rolled out the NUSA national lockdown relief programme.

Coordinated by the national leadership of the union, the relief programme, which is on-going, first took off in May through direct contact distribution of food items to most needy Nigerians living across the

nine South African Provinces.

But when the president, Olubajo, who was in the frontline of the distribution contracted the virus in the process, the team devised a safer strategy to protect other members from also getting infected with the virus.

They adopted the use of shopping vouchers which were sent to the people in need.

Describing their motivation to engage in the programme as purely humanitarian, Olubajo, in a telephone interview said the project and funds for it were strictly the responsibility of their union without any external assistance or partnership. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We identified the needs of our people based on their SOS call and we raised money from our board of trustees and other members to feed families during the COVID-19 lockdown,â&#x20AC;? he said.

But for how long will NUSA continue to feed families of petty traders whose businesses have closed down as a result of the long unanticipated COVID-19 lockdown? The need to begin to fish for themselves again and how this could be made possible was, obviously, the greatest concern for many.

NUSA seemed prepared, also, to lend them

a helping hand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a programme in the pipeline which is headed by our BoT chairman. It is called economic team, wherein we get the statistics in terms of the negative impacts on the petty traders, those at the lowest level of the economy. Then we are able to extend a take-off grant to them,â&#x20AC;? Olubajo revealed.

Meanwhile, NUSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acting secretary general, Hon. Collins Thomas Mgbo, said the sacrifice the union had made and was still making even at the risk of their own lives was worth it.

According to him: â&#x20AC;&#x153;our major objective is the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa. It is our responsibility that whenever Nigerians are in any kind of difficulty that we step in as an organised structure to help alleviate that problem.â&#x20AC;?

Another official of the union, Mr Buchi Okoli, assistant general secretary, Pietermaritzburg Ward in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, expressed optimism that with more funds, many more Nigerians whose livelihoods have been badly affected by the COVID-19 lockdown would be reached and helped to bounce back. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The union, unfortunately could not roll out this initiative on a scale as wide as it desires as a result of financial constraintsâ&#x20AC;?.

To ensure accountability and promote transparency, beneficiaries were required to do an audio or video message of the items bought and send back to the officials for proper documentation. Some beneficiaries who spoke to THISDAY via telephone calls confirmed they received the vouchers.

Choosing to remain unnamed, a middle aged man with a wife and three kids who operates a Nigerian restaurant in Pietermaritzburg said he was very grateful that â&#x20AC;&#x153;this favour located me.â&#x20AC;? A student at the University of KwaZulu-Natalwho identified himself simply as Tayo called it the selfless Nigerian community spirit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If politicians and those in government at home would selflessly look out for those who had trusted and elected them like NUSA has done, we all would be very proud of being Nigerians,â&#x20AC;? he added.

While Nigerians in South Africa have remained resilient in the face of COVID-19, reports say that quite a number have, nonetheless, bowed to the overpowering might of thecowardly giant. With announcement of the move to alert level two of the lockdown from Monday, August 17, by PresideintRamaphosa on Saturday night, 15 August, a lot moreeconomic and social activities are expected to pick up again in earnest.

Although an upsurge in new infections is predicted, yet, the streets of South Africa are starting to hum with life again even as the government has assured citizens of its firm resolveto keep fighting to flatten the curve.

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MARKET NEWS

Dangote Cement Shops for N50bn to Support Short term Funding Goddy Egene Dangote Cement Plc is issuing Series

17 and 18 Commercial Paper to raise N50 billion under its N150 billion CP Issuance Programme.

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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sharesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the

The offer opened yesterday and is expected to close on Thursday, September 3, 2020. The series 17

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 28Aug-2020, unless otherwise stated.

CP has a tenor of 177 days and yield of 4.0 per cent, while the 18 series CP has a tenor of 268 days

and a yield of 5.0 per cent.

According to the company, the proceeds would be used to

fund short-term working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.92 0.93 2.34% ACAP Income Funds 0.78 0.78 10.23% 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 5.80% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.99 3.07 21.68% 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 3.32% Anchoria Equity Fund 98.99 99.33 -2.97% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 14.41 14.84 -5.93% ARM Discovery Fund 340.95 351.23 -1.30% ARM Ethical Fund 30.44 31.36 4.67% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.15 1.15 15.17% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.08 1.09 8.37% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.44% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 96.89 97.57 0.84% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.66% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.13 2.13 16.77% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 1.86 1.88 6.15% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.36% Paramount Equity Fund 11.33 11.54 -9.46% Women's Investment Fund 110.56 111.51 0.12% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.61% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 105.17 105.50 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 109.21 109.51 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 102.73 102.73 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 3.33% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.95 0.96 1.98% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.55 1.55 16.86% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,391.77 1,393.45 14.07% FBN Balanced Fund 151.85 152.88 3.43% FBN Halal Fund 107.37 107.38 7.37% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.50% . . .

FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 120.69 121.11 3.91% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 114.93 116.72 -11.68% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.40% Legacy Debt Fund 3.81 3.81 4.32% Legacy Equity Fund 1.13 1.16 0.19% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.12 1.12 3.34% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,132.36 3,166.60 3.00% Coral Income Fund 3,188.76 3,188.76 3.68% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 4.07% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.16% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 113.17 120.41 8.43%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.12% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.13 2.17 -2.56% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 8.58% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 150.27 151.02 4.84% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@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 1.25 1.27 7.08% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,131.77 1,131.77 6.90% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.38 1.41 13.36% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.86 11.93 5.35% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.74% PACAM Equity Fund 1.09 1.09 PACAM EuroBond Fund 107.83 110.38 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 114.73 117.07 -5.32% 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 1.02 1.02 6.62% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 5.60% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 4.78% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -0.56% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 5.55% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 4.09% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.17% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -3.14% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 4.00% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 5.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.15 1.17 -3.58% United Capital Bond Fund 1.85 1.85 6.74% United Capital Equity Fund 0.65 0.67 -7.00% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.67% United Capital Eurobond Fund 114.32 114.32 4.64% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.02 1.03 -2.35% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.20 10.31 -0.83% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.62 11.69 -0.16% Zenith Income Fund 24.54 24.54 10.22% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.54%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

117.93

5.15%

53.40

2.59%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.06 86.55 67.50

9.16 88.37 68.71

4.03% -8.40% -10.18%

Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva GrifďŹ n 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

3.06 4.23 11.95 1.00 11.09 182.79

3.10 4.31 12.05 1.00 11.29 184.79

-13.73% -28.24% -1.48% 2.68% 6.70% -2.82%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.03

15.02%

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 managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and FMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

36

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

PAGE THIRTY SIX BUHARI LAMENTS HOW BITTER SQUABBLES COST APC GOVERNORSHIP, LEGISLATIVE SEATS relationship in this tenure has so far been smooth.

However, he said the party was always embattled as a result of frequent acrimony, which he said often cost APC elective offices.

The president spoke against the backdrop of intra-party squabbles in some state chapters of the party, which have led to its loss of both executive and legislative seats to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara and Rivers States.

Besides, the party's is facing a tough challenge in retaining Edo and Ondo States in the forthcoming governorship elections due to a war of attrition among its members.

In Edo State, the face-off between the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, led to the factionalisation of the party and the crisis in the state House of Assembly leading to the non-inauguration of 12 lawmakers-elect loyal to Oshiomhole, until their â&#x20AC;&#x153;inaugurationâ&#x20AC;? some weeks ago.

The crisis also forced the governor, along with his supporters, including top party members, to defect to PDP after APC disqualified him from the race for its ticket.

Obaseki is running on PDP's ticket in the election.

However, the president said yesterday that the essence of inaugurating the committee was to ensure that such unhealthy relationships in the party were averted.

He said: "Our party commands a clear majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives. The vice president, the distinguished Senate President, the Rt. Hon. Speaker and I, all belong to APC and working relationship between the executive and the legislature has been excellent so far.

"Our joint responsibility is to keep things that way and see where we can improve our communication and coordination.

"But we must admit to ourselves that our party has been too often embroiled in bitter, and on occasions, totally unnecessary squabbles, causing us seats in the legislative and gubernatorial elections.

"This never should have happened. We are here to make sure such occurrences never happen again. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must now ensure regular consultations between the party and government," he stated.

Buhari who described himself as a firm believer in the principle of separation of powers, said notwithstanding, checks and balances could be applied without exhibiting rivalry and bitterness.

"I am a firm believer in the doctrine of separation of powers, which is fundamental to our constitutional democracy, but our practice should be harmonious checks and balances, devoid of bitterness and petty rivalry," he added.

The president said he would be awaiting feedback from the committee, adding that its success will add value to the government.

He expressed faith in the committee as a platform with the capacity to improve governance and move the party forward.

He also tasked the party leaders to be alive to their responsibilities, saying the onus lay on them all to fulfill their electoral promises.

"As one government, we must further align ourselves and be alive to our electoral promises. We need to nurture our party, which is the platform that will take us and our country forward.

"Your Excellencies, Distinguished Senate President,

Rt. Hon. Speaker, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am placing great faith in this consultative committee to help improve our governance and achievements to the people of Nigeria.

"I expect regular feedback on your activities and I am as always ready to lead and find solutions.

"With these remarks, I formally inaugurate the consultative committee.

Your success will directly enhance the success of this administration and greatly improve the conditions of our people," he added.

Besides Osinbajo, others on the committee are Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie OmoAgege and Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase.

Other members are Chairman of APC Caretaker Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; Senate Majority Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi and House Majority Leader, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa.

Also on the committee are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; the Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and Secretary of the APC's Caretaker Committee, Senator Akpan Udoedehe.

Reacting to the inauguration of the committee, Lawan described yesterday as historic, saying that the inauguration would enhance governance.

He added that the committee would function without compromising the integrity of the legislature.

According to him, the legislature will remain committed to the task of checking the excesses of the legislature.

He said: "Today is a historic

day for us as an administration.

The essence of this consultative forum is for governance to be enhanced.

"The legislature, the executive arm of government and of course, the party in power have seen the need to bring everybody on board so that we are able to consult widely before major issues are tabled before the citizens of this country.

"Specifically, what we intend to achieve is to improve the quality of governance and service delivery to Nigerians.

We have promised Nigerians and Nigerians voted for the All Progressives Congress at all levels.

"So, it is incumbent upon us at all levels and as a party, to ensure we meet the expectations and aspirations of Nigerians. Just like Mr. President expressed, we believe that the constitution rightly provides for the separation of powers and we believe in that.

"The legislature will always on its own ensure we oversight and we check possible excesses of the executive arm of government."

He commended the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) caucus in the National Assembly, saying, "we have so far enjoyed support and cooperation and partnership of our colleagues from other political parties, particularly the PDP, and we commend them for that."

Gbajabiamila also said inaugurating the committee had become compelling because the ruling party, despite having its members in different arms of government, could not afford to speak with discordant tunes.

He echoed Lawan that a healthy relationship could be forged between the executive and the legislature without compromising their constitutional responsibilities.

"You cannot be in government and not speak with one voice, that's discordant tunes.

"There have been a lot of issues. Moving forward, there will be wrinkles in a democracy. There will be a tug of war here and there, especially when you have opposition and when you are in a constitutional democracy and so, we have to ensure as a party that we speak with one voice without sacrificing constitutional responsibilities, principles of checks and balances and separation of powers.

"They can go side-byside and still operate in a harmonious relationship.

"It does not mean that because you have separation of powers and checks and balances, therefore there must always be discordant tunes; no, those two can go hand in hand. You don't have to sacrifice one on the altar of the other," Gbajabiamila said.

Mustapha, on his part, said the Buhari administration had laid another foundation to advance democracy and governance by the move.

"Like it has been rightly observed by the Senate president, that a consultative forum has been inaugurated today does not mean the legislature is going to be compromised or in any way impact negatively on the activities of the executive.

'The essence, essentially, is to create a synergy between the party, which is the platform on which we were elected and the mandate of the party, which we are exercising.

"It is expected that at the end of the tenure of this administration, we will account to the people of Nigeria as to the mandate that they willingly and overwhelmingly entrusted in our hands in securing victory at the presidency, senatorial

and the legislative elections.

"So, I believe today is another milestone that we will evolve the act of governance in a collaborative manner," Mustapha added.

The APC said the constitution and inauguration of the committee would ensure good governance and accelerated the implementation of the Next Level agenda.

It added that it would also fast-track the nine peoplefocused priority areas that this administration is focusing on.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena, in a statement issued yesterday, said Nigerians were the ultimate beneficiaries as this would translate to the delivery of dividends of democracy and fast-track the implementation of the administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policies and programmes that would positively and directly improve the lot of citizens.

"With the constitution of the consultative committee, all hands are on deck to ensure the achievement of the administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive to among others, improve access to quality education, affordable healthcare, building a thriving and sustainable economy, creating jobs, enhancing social inclusion and poverty reduction, diversifying the economy, expanding and improving critical infrastructure, fighting corruption, improving governance, ensuring social cohesion and security for all, among others.

"The calibre of deserving personalities chosen as members of the consultative committee speaks to the seriousness of the president in ensuring synergy, cooperation and functional relations between the executive, legislature and the APC and the governing party," APC explained.

Situation Room, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, who led other civil society groups to the meeting, called on the police to provide information whenever the need arises.

Nwankwo pledged the support of the CSOs for the police in ensuring peaceful elections in the two states.

He called for more participation of policewomen

in election monitoring.

In her remarks, Co-convener, CSO Situation Room, Mrs. Esther Uzoma, noted that women were better managers of crisis situations.

Also yesterday, the police stated that as part of the ongoing implementation and operationalisation of the national security policy on community policing, the

IG had approved the second edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers.

The conference and retreat themed: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Implementing and Operationalising Community Policing in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;? is scheduled to hold in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, between November 16 and 19.

cost-reflective tariffs by July 2021 and re-classify as well as disaggregate customer clusters on the basis of commitment to quality of service.

Upon evaluation, NERC said it considered and approved five tariff service bands representing relative quality of service experience.

It told the power distributors that it arrived at the new rates after considering the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rate of inflation for July 2020 as obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which was 12.82 per cent.

NERC further pegged the applicable exchange rate of N383.80 and gas price of $2.50/mmbtu and gas transportation cost of $.80 mmbtu.

However, it said there would be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;tariff freezeâ&#x20AC;? for customers in bands D, E, directing that they shall be charged tariffs obtainable prior to the take-off of the new rates pending when power improves.

"Following consultations on directions on tariff policy, the commission hereby approves a deferment of the applicable tariffs for customers in service band D and E ( less than 12

hours per day over a month),â&#x20AC;? it added.

NERC explained that where there is a failure to deliver a committed service level over the evaluated period of 60 days, the rates payable by customers should be retroactively adjusted in line with quality of service delivered over the same period of time.

It said under the current framework, the minimum market remittance threshold for Discos would be determined after deducting the revenue deficit arising from tariff shortfall from aggregate Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Limited and Market Operators' (MOs) market invoices.

The regulator stated that the Discos should be availed the opportunity to earn their revenue requirement only upon fully meeting payment obligations, including repayment of CBN -NEM facility, 100 per cent settlement of MO invoices and full settlement of 83 per cent of NBET's monthly invoices, being the minimum remittance threshold prescribed in the order.

IG PLEDGES NEUTRALITY, PROFESSIONALISM IN EDO, ONDO GOV ELECTIONS parties.

Adamu said in view of the potential for violence in the elections, the police had deployed intelligence resources to generate threat analysis, which would be used to protect the electoral process in both states in order to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

Adamu said the

police acknowledged the contributions of CSOs as key actors in the electioneering process, hence the need for the interactive sessions in view of the upcoming elections.

"The objective is to share knowledge and compare knowledge, especially with regards to experiences with election security in Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We shall have discussions

on key indicators of key election security threats, especially arming and movements of political thugs, use of inciting statements during political campaigns, the high likelihood of violence, the issue of misinformation and disinformation aimed at heating up the polity,â&#x20AC;? he added.

The Convener, Civil Society

NERC SETS RULES FOR OPERATORS AS NEW TARIFFS TAKE OFF which detailed the reviewed rules, obtained by THISDAY, the regulator said any rejection of power by either the Discos or under-supply by the TCN would now attract a â&#x20AC;&#x153;capacity charge.â&#x20AC;?

TCN has always complained that the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power supply situation is worsening because of the rejection of electricity allocation

by Discos, noting that the problem persisted because the distributors can drop load and increase it at will without being penalised. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where it is established that the TCN is unable to deliver Discos' load allocation, TCN shall be liable to pay for associated capacity charge. Where Discos fail to take its entire load allocation due to constraints in its network, the Disco shall be liable to pay capacity charge as allocated in its vesting contracts,â&#x20AC;? NERC stated.

The new order instructed the Discos on the modalities for billing customers who fall under different classifications with the commencement of the new tariffs, saying that Nigerians who receive less than 12-hour supply of electricity will not be affected in the latest increase until

service improves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This order shall take effect from September 1, 2020 and shall cease to have an effect on the issuance of a new minor review order or an extraordinary tariff review order by the commission,â&#x20AC;?

NERC stated.

It said the commission took the decision after it reviewed the application filed by the Discos, taking into consideration the outcome of the public consultations held in February and March and thereafter approved the new tariff regime that will cover from September to June 2025. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The order reflects the impact of changes in macroeconomic parameters and revenue requirements and a revised tariff design that aligns rates paid by customers with the quality of services as measured by the average availability of power over a month period. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pursuant to the objective of incentivising a continuous improvement of service for all customers, there shall be no tariff reviews for customers experiencing an average power supply availability of less than 12 hours per day over a period

of one month. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unmetered customers within service bands A,B and C thus benefiting from a supply availability in excess of an average of 12 hours per day over a period of one month as affected by this tariff order shall be protected by the provision of order on capping of estimated bills in the NESI and federal government intervention on accelerated metering of all customers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The commission orders that you shall continue to maintain the lifeline tariff of N4 per kW for all customers consuming less than 50kw per hour of energy per month as a safeguard for the less privileged members of the society,â&#x20AC;? NERC added.

On the objectives of the order, NERC noted that it seeks to ensure that prices are fair to customers and sufficient to fully recover the efficient cost of operation, including a reasonable return on capital invested in business by the Discos.

The power sector regulator said the new guidelines would provide a path to a transition to full service-based

TOP GAINERS 11PLC FTNCOCOA ROYALEXCHANGE VITAFOAM LAFARGE TOP LOSERS C&I LEASING UPDC REDSTAR

NGN NGN 17.50 192.50 0.02 0.26 0.02 0.28 0.24 5.71 0.40 11.95 NGN 0.40 3.60 0.07 0.85 0.20 3.65 MBENEFIT 0.01 0.20 NEM 0.08 2.07 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â&#x201A;Ś1,256.80 Volume: 302 million shares Value: N2.627 billion Deals: 3,854 As at yesterday 31/8/2020 See details on Page 27

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37

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

CBN Pacifies Bank Customers, Reviews Interest on Savings Deposits Obinna Chima As part of efforts to pacify bank customers, the Central Bank of

Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed the minimum interest payable on savings deposits as provided in its Guide to Charges by Banks,

Nigeria’s COVID-19 Cases Rise By 143 to 54,008 Martins Ifijeh Nigeria has recorded 143 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 54,008 the number of confirmed cases in the country.

Announcing this yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Plateau recorded 35 new cases; Kaduna, 21; Lagos, 19; Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 13;

Ebonyi, nine; Adamawa, Enugu and Katsina, seven each; Edo, six; Kwara, five; Osun, three; Anambra, Niger, Ogun and Kano, two each; while Benue, Borno and Sokoto recorded one each.

It said: “So far, 54,008 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded.

41,638 patients have been discharged, while 1,013 persons have died.”

Other Financial and Non-bank Financial Institutions issued in December 2019.

With this, effective today, interest on local currency savings deposits shall be negotiable subject to a minimum of 10 per cent per annum of Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), as against the 30 per cent it was previously.

The CBN stated this in a letter to all banks dated August 31, 2020, signed by its Director of Banking Supervision, Bello Hassan, a copy of which was obtained yesterday.

The central bank stated that it took the decision because it had noted, “with satisfaction the recent declining trend in market rates in

the banking sector following the implementation of policies aimed amongst others, at stimulating credit flow to the real sector.”

It added in the three-paragraph letter: “In line with recent market developments, the Bank has reviewed the minimum interest payable on savings deposits as provided in its Guide to Charges

by Banks, Other Financial and Non-bank Financial Institutions issued in December 2019.

“Consequently, all deposit money banks are hereby informed that effective September 1, 2020, interest on local currency savings deposits shall be negotiable subject to a minimum of 10 per cent per

annum of Monetary Policy Rate.”

The apex bank had last December, announced the downward review of charges for electronic banking transactions; review of other bank charges to align with market development and the inclusion of new sections on accountability/responsibility and a sanction regime to directly address instances of excess, unapproved or arbitrary charges.

Some of the major highlights of the Guide to Bank Charges introduced then, included the removal of Card Maintenance Fee (CAMF) on all cards linked to current accounts, a maximum of N1 per mille

for customer induced debit transactions to third parties and transfers or lodgments to the customers’ account in other bank on current accounts only; reduction in the amount payable for cash withdrawals from other banks’ Automated Teller Machines (Remote-on-us), as well as from N65 to N35, after the third withdrawal within one month. Other reductions included then were Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) which is now pegged at maximum of one per cent of the APG value in the first year and 0.5 per cent for subsequent years on contingent liabilities.

US Missions Resume Consular Operations Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The United States government has announced that all its missions resumed consular operations effective from August 28.

The US mission in a statement posted on its website yesterday directed that all its missions and posts should give K visa priority.

It stated: “Effective August 28, as it becomes safe to resume more consular operations at each US mission, posts are authorised to give

K visa cases high priority.

“Applicants should check the website of their nearest US Embassy or Consulate for updates on what services that post is currently able to offer.

“The I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé (e) is typically valid for four months; however, consular officers may revalidate the I-129F petition in four month increments.

“For most cases impacted by the suspension of routine visa services or COVID-19 travel restrictions it will not be necessary to file a new I-129F petition.”

Two Persons Dead, One Missing in Lagos Boat Mishap Two persons have been confirmed dead in a boat mishap that occurred yesterday around Offin Ibeshe, Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

The General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, confirmed this in a statement, saying that the victims were going to a relative’s funeral.

The statement was titled, “4 Rescued 2 Dead 1 Missing in Ibeshe Fishing Boat Mishap”.

Emmanuel noted that the boat mishap occurred about 7pm.

He said the fishing boat involved was conveying seven passengers – five adults including the boat captain and two toddlers – when the incident happened.

“The boat from Makoko Community capsized into the Lagos lagoon while heading to Offin area in Ikorodu,” he said.

The LASWA boss added, “Further inquires revealed that the cause of the incidence was the rough water current usually recorded around the area.

Lagos Health Commissioner, Abayomi Recovers from COVID-19 Martins Ifijeh The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has recovered from COVID-19.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, made this known yesterday.

Abayomi had on August 24 announced that he tested positive for the virus.

Announcing Abayomi’s recovery, Omotosho tweeted, “It is with gratitude to God that I announce the recovery and subsequent negative test for COVID-19 of the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi.

“Following the mandatory isolation, the commissioner retook a COVID-19 PCR test which returned negative yesterday evening.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Incident Commander, is excited by the news and urges Lagosians to realise that COVID-19 is still with us; they should keep obeying the guidelines- watching their hands, wearing face masks and avoiding large gatherings, among others.

“He will be returning to his full duties gradually and remains resolute in delivering the mandate of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom he says stood by him steadfastly in these trying times and is very appreciative of.

COURTESY VISIT...

L-R: Passport Control Officer, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kwara State Command, Franklin Ijauka; Comptroller of NIS, Kwara State Command, Jerry Inalegwu; Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; elder statesman, Chief Rex Kola Olawoye; and Assistant Comptroller of NIS, Adekunle Lawal; during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller of NIS, Kwara State Command to Government House, Ilorin... yesterday

Drop Water Bill, NLC Tells National Assembly The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned the National Assembly leadership against resurrecting or passing the Water Resources Bill into law “because of the danger it portends to national unity.”

The congress said the National Assembly should not ambush Nigerians by surreptitiously bringing back the bill, which seeks to vest the control of all water sources across the country in the President.

NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, noted that the bill was earlier rejected in 2018 with good reasons.

Wabba, in a statement in Abuja issued yesterday, titled, ‘Do not ambush Nigerians,’ said the nation had enough challenges than to court fresh and costly controversy.

He stated, “Information in the public domain has it that the National Assembly leadership is working surreptitiously with vested interests outside the

assembly anxious to pass the bill without due legislative process.

“Although the National Assembly is constitutionally vested with law-making, we warn against the National Assembly ambushing Nigerians.

“We equally warn against legislative abuse or betrayal of Nigerians as this is what it will amount to if the bill is passed or caused to be passed without public engagement and scrutiny.

Already, the sentiments expressed

against this bill are too grave to be brushed off.”

Against the backdrop of the strong sentiments expressed against the bill from nearly all sections of the country, the NLC president strongly advised that the bill should not be resurrected.

He said, “In the light of this, we state unambiguously that the National Assembly should listen to the voice of reason by resting this bill.

ASUU Kicks against Reopening of Public Universities The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared that public universities were not ready to re-open despite the National Universities Commission (NUC) asking them to prepare for resumption according to COVID-19 safety protocols.

The union also questioned non-remittance of check-off dues from members’ salaries under the

Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for about four months.

Addressing reporters at the minicampus of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, the Coordinator of the Lagos Zone of ASUU, Prof. Olusiji Sowande, warned that it would be “suicidal” for universities to resume in an environment devoid of facilities

to observe safe physical and social distancing amid the pandemic.

ASUU said no concrete steps had been taken by the governments in any of the country’s public universities to safeguard the health of their members and students from the COVID-19 pandemic should the universities resume as directed

by NUC. Olusiji, who addressed reporters

in company of branch chairmen from the zone – including Dr. Joel Okewale (OOU); Dr. Adebayo Oni (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta); Isaac Oyewumi(Lagos University, Ojo); Tunji Ettu (Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, Ijagun); and Dele Ashiru of the University of Lagos, noted that hostel accommodation was inadequate for students.

Buhari Approves Transfer of NIMC to Communications Ministry Emma Okonji President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the transfer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy for effective supervision and seamless management of the nation’s data and strategic information.

The development was as a result of the synergy created by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami amongst agencies under the ministry in the past one year to push the quest for digital economy forward.

A statement from the minister’s spokesperson, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, noted that Buhari’s approval of

the transfer was “to ensure that synergy and effective ministry supervisory mechanism is put in place to coordinate, monitor and track the progress of federal government’s digital transformation initiatives.”

She said the approval was based on the president’s consideration for the critical role of NIMC towards the realisation of the objectives

of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria (NDEPS).

Explaining the confidence repose in the minister to supervise NIMC in conjunction with other agencies, Suleiman said within his first year in office, Pantami resolved the ICT sector’s decadelong dilemma of Right of Way (RoW) charges.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

FG Mulls Six-month Travel Ban on Passengers without COVID-19 Result Olawale Ajimotokan and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has vowed to impose stiff sanctions, including suspension from all travels for up to six months or denial of foreign travels for all passengers who arrive the country without COVID-19 result.

The government has also confirmed that the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the country in the past three weeks has dropped.

The National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 , Dr. Sani Aliyu,

made the threat at the briefing of the PTF in Abuja yesterday.

He explained that the protocols were in place for the reopening of international airspace in manner that will guarantee the safety of international travellers from September 5.

He reiterated that airlines that allow passengers without the PCR result to board will be sanctioned when they arrive the country, while the details of passengers that decline to do the test after day seven and up till day 14 will be forwarded to the immigration service and the Department of State Services (DSS) for appropriate

action.

Aliyu said all intending travellers to Nigeria must present COVID-19 negative results that must be done by a certified laboratory 48 hours before boarding.

He also warned that passengers with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will not be allowed to board even if their PCR result is negative.

Passengers, according to him, will then self-isolate for seven days after leaving the airport , and after the seventh day, they will present themselves to the sample collection centre to confirm

AfDB: Adesina to Be Sworn-in Today The re-elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, will today be sworn-in to serve a five-year term.

The ceremony, according to the AfDB in a statement yesterday, will be held virtually at 9a.m.

Adesina, Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, was re-elected last week after getting 100 per cent votes of all regional and nonregional members of the bank.

The election took place on the final day of the 2020 Annual

Meetings of the multilateral bank held virtually, and the Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Bank, Mrs. Niale Kaba, Minister of National Planning of Côte d’Ivoire announced his victory, making him the first Nigerian to be elected and re-elected to serve as the bank’s president.

Adesina’s first term in office focused on new agenda for the Bank Group based on five development priorities known as the High 5s: Light up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialise Africa; Integrate Africa; and

Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

During his initial five-year term, the bank was able to impact the lives of 335 million Africans, including 18 million people with access to electricity; 141 million people benefiting from improved agricultural technologies for food security; 15 million people benefiting from access to finance from private investments; 101 million people provided with access to improved transport; and 60 million people gaining access to water and sanitation.

Osun to Reopen Schools on September 21 Osun State Government has announced a new schedule for the reopening of schools in the state, disclosing that the resumption of schools has been tentatively set for September 21, 2020.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, stated this in a statement issued yesterday at the end of this week’s State Executive Council meeting.

The state government noted that while stakeholders are expected to continue to put protocols in place towards the reopening of schools, according to the guidelines set by the Federal Ministry of Education, all schools in the state are set to resume in phases with effect from

Adefaye Named Provost of NIJ The General Manager/Editorin-Chief of the Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, has been appointed as Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Ikeja.

A statement issued in Lagos yesterday by a former Ogun governor and the Chairman of the Governing Council of the NIJ, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said Adefaye would serve as Provost of the institution with effect from September 1, 2020, pending the appointment of a new Provost.

He succeeds the former Provost, Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, who has served out his term meritoriously.

Adefaye was a former two-term president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

The NIJ is a Nigerian monotechnic institute located at Ogba in Ikeja, Lagos State.

It is a diploma-awarding monotechnic established in 1963 by the International Press Institute (IPI).

September 21 for an abridged third term of the 2019/2020 academic session.

The statement read in part: “Having conducted an assessment of schools within the State to ascertain the level of preparations for reopening, the government has scheduled schools to resume from the COVID-19 break on September

21st for an abridged third term of the 2019/2020 academic session, which is expected to end on October 30, 2020.

“To make up for lost grounds caused by the COVID-19 induced lockdown, a new academic session (2020/2021 session) is scheduled to commence on November 9, 2020.

their status. ‘’You will exit self-isolation if your result is negative. At the moment we don’t have the infrastructure at the airport to commence testing but we hope in the coming months we will be able to make suitable arrangements and we might even have rapid diagnostic tests that will allow us to have real time access to results straightaway,’’ Aliyu said.

The federal government has also confirmed that the exiting secondary students who tested positive for COVID-19 have resumed classes having now tested negative for the virus and discharged from treatment centres.

The Minister of State for Education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba made the disclosure while giving updates at the PTF briefing.

Nwajiuba revealed that four of the students were from from Gombe State, one from Kwara State and three from Bayelsa State.

He also said discussion was ongoing regarding the reopening of tertiary institutions, stressing that they have received feedbacks from all the universities about their state of preparedness, which is being tabled before the PTF.

Fayemi Appoints Eight New Commissioners, Drops Two Victor OgunjeinAdoEkiti As part of the drives to inject new blood with fresh ideas into his cabinet, the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday inaugurated eight newly appointed commissioners, while he also dropped two from his cabinet.

The governor also appointed seven Special Advisers; four of them were part of those who were dropped as commissioners.

The former commissioners, who didn’t make the Special Advisers’ list, included Dr. Mojisola YayaKolade of the Ministry of Health, and Hon Gbenga Agbeyo of the Ministry of Environment.

Swearing in the commissioners and Special Advisers in Ado-Ekiti,

Fayemi urged them to see their new public service roles as an opportunity to serve and not an avenue to enrich themselves.

The governor also expressed his immense appreciation to the outgoing executive members for their meritorious service and contributions, especially by committing half of their salaries to the COVID-19 relief fund.

The newly inaugurated commissioners are: Akin Omole (Information and Values Orientation); Dr. Oyebanji Filani (Health); Mr. Akin Oyebode (Finance and Economic Development); Olabode Adetoyi (Agriculture and Food Security); Otunba Oladiran Adesua (Housing and Urban Development); Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye (Education,

Science and Technology); Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade (Women Affairs and Social Development); Princess Iyabode Fakunle-Okhiemen (Environment and Natural Resources), and Aare Muyiwa Olumilua, who was moved to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industries.

The Special Advisers are: Mrs Moji Fafure (Gender Empowerment and Social Mobilisation); Prof. Francesca Aladejana (Basic, Secondary and Vocational/Technical Education); (Mr. Foluso Daramola (Governor’s Office); Chief Olusoga Davies (Political Matters); Chief Folorunso Olabode (Community and Rural Development); Tope Ogunleye (Special Projects), and Mr. Ayoola Owolabi (Investment, Trade and Industries).

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NEWSXTRA

Kaduna Govt Justifies Prosecution of Odinkalu, Maikori John Shiklam in Kaduna The Kaduna State Government has said statements that could incite violence should not be categorised as freedom of speech.

The government is currently in court with a former Chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, and the President of Chocolate City Entertainment, Audu Maikori, who were both accused of inciting the public against the government.

A group of lawyers had petitioned the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), seeking the withdrawal of the invitation of Governor Nasir el-Rufai as a speaker at the annual conference of the association.

The petitioners had accused the governor of violating human rights, citing the cases of Odinkalu and Maikori as examples of breach of rights to freedom of speech.

But in a statement issued yesterday, Kaduna’s AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner of

Justice, Aisha Dikko, said the government has never disregarded court processes.

She also accused the petitioners of personalising an issue, which the state government is handling.

“A government that goes to court as the proper arena for deciding cases cannot be reasonably accused of not respecting the rule of law. Those who assert the contrary have the burden of showing how the rule of law can be advanced without the courts and whether society

is better served by permitting license, or confusing incitement with freedom of speech,” the statement read.

“In the case with Odinkalu, the government said on the February 16, 2019 while on Channels TV, he made serious allegations against the governor of Kaduna State which were capable of inciting disturbance and the breakdown of law and order in the state.

“Consequently, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice filed an application before the Chief Magistrate Court No.1

Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna State with case No. KMD/27DC/2019 for the issuance of criminal summons against Chidi Odinkalu for committing the offences of inciting disturbance, injurious falsehood, public nuisance and furnishing false information punishable under sections 77, 373, 104 and 150 respectively of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017 “The DPP applied for an order of the court for the police to investigate the allegations against Mr. Odinkalu and report

the outcome of the investigations to the court, an application that was granted by the court which ordered the police to investigate the case.”

The government said a counter action filed by Odinkalu had stalled the trial before the chief magistrate court (1) in Kaduna.

On Luka Binniyat and Audu Maikori, she said “both cases are before the Kaduna State High Court 2 with Charges Nos. KDH/KAD/41C/2017 and No. KDH/KAD/38C/2017 respectively”.

Borno Monarch: B’Haram Killed 13 District Heads, Several Ward Heads

Heavy Data Users to Enjoy EnhancedValue on Glo Network

Michael Olugbade in Maiduguri

Grand masters of data, Globacom, has moved to address the needs of heavy data subscribers for reliable and affordable internet service with the introduction of Glo Mega Data Plans.

The company said in a statement released in Lagos that the new plans are meant for Home Broadband users such as Small Office Home Office (SOHO) and SME customers as well as high end customers who have the need for higher data benefits with longer validity periods.

The Glo Mega Data plans start from N30,000 and go all the way to N100,000, while validity ranges from 30 days to one year.

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai Elkanemi, has lamented that 13 district heads and several ward heads (Bulamas) were killed in his emirate at the peak of the ongoing Boko Haram crisis by the terrorist group.

The monarch made the disclosure in Maiduguri at the weekend during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Senate Committee on Special Duties led by Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf, representing Taraba Central, who were in Borno State to assess the performance of the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

He further lamented that the decade-old crisis had also displaced thousands of people who are now taking refuge in

displaced persons’ camps across the state.

The traditional ruler claimed that the Boko Haram crisis started in the state in July 2009 following a disagreement between the Izala and Yusufiya Islamic sects.

Elkanemi lamented that the crisis later snowballed into attacks of police stations and carting away of ammunition in police formations.

According to him, “Gradually, they moved their operations from Maiduguri to local government area headquarters and other towns within the state. In the course of their operations, the emirate council lost about 13 district heads in addition to many ward heads, who were killed in their respective domains.

“The activities of the criminal

elements had not deterred our district and village heads of being proactive in reporting their activities to the security agencies.”

The monarch called on the federal government to channel more funds to the NEDC, considering the huge humanitarian crisis created by the Boko Haram terrorists, who destroyed private and public structures across the state.

He said: “I want to call for more funding for the commission to enable it facilitate the reconstruction of destroyed communities and intervention programmes toward empowering all IDPs. The call became necessary in view of the huge destruction and losses incurred in the state as a result of the crises in the last 11 years.”

Ortom Urges EFCC to Probe Contracts for RUGA Settlements George Okoh in Makurdi Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the failed contracts awarded for the construction of Ruga settlements in some parts of the country.

Ortom made the call yesterday at the Benue Peoples’ House in Makurdi when he received the new leadership of Mdzough u Tiv led by its President General, a retired Controller of Prisons, Mr. Iorbee Ihagh.

The governor stated that though contracts for

the establishment of Ruga settlements were hurriedly awarded, the plan was roundly rejected by Nigerians, hence the need to probe what happened to the funds released for the projects.

He also restated his call on the National Assembly to reject the planned National Water Resources Bill which seeks to give the federal government through its agencies the power to control all water sources (surface and underground) as well as river banks.

Ortom said he would personally take legal action if the bill is passed, as according to him, until the Land Use Act which vests

land under the control of state governors is repealed and the constitution amended, the federal government lacks the powers to take over waterways and natural resources at river banks.

The governor congratulated the new officials of Mdzough u Tiv, and wished its members a successful tenure, promising to collaborate with them in developing the state.

Earlier, the President General of Mzough u Tiv, Ihagh, told the governor that the organisation had reviewed its constitution to pave the way for more meaningful progress in Tiv land.

Court Orders IG to Produce Detained Bayelsa Governorship Candidate Alex Enumah in Abuja The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday ordered the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, to produce before it on Wednesday (tomorrow), a governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Vijah Opuama, who has been detained by the police since August 15, 2020.

Opuama, the Liberation Movement’s governorship candidate in the November 16, 2019 election was said to have been arrested by the police on the premises of the state’s Governorship Election Petitions

Tribunal in Abuja, on August 15, 2020, while waiting for judgment to be delivered on his petition challenging the outcome of the disputed poll.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo made the order directing the IG to produce him in court on Wednesday and also directed the police boss to show cause why the detainee should not be released unconditionally.

He gave the orders shortly after Opuama’s ex parte application was moved by his lawyer, Mr. Michael Odey.

The judge said although the veracity of the claims contained in Opuama’s application could

not be verified until the police responded to them, it was of concern that the police could detain the suspect beyond the constitutionally-permitted 24 hours period without granting him an administrative bail or charging him with any offence before any court of competent jurisdiction which he said were many in Abuja.

He, therefore, ordered that the respondents (the IG as the 1st respondent, and the Assistant Commissioner of Police heading the IG’s Monitoring Unit, as the 2nd defendant) “shall show cause why the applicant should not be released unconditionally”.

“With the Covid-19 situation, millions of people rely on the internet to work or study from home, carry out most business and social transactions, hold meetings, seminars, religious worship, among other activities. We have introduced this package to cater to such heavy data users”, Globacom said.

A breakdown of the offer shows that the N30,000 plan gives the subscriber 225GB with a validity of 30 days, while the N36,000 plan gives 300GB and also has 30 days’ validity.

The N50,000 plan comes with 425GB and is valid for 90 days, just as a subscriber who opts for

the N60,000 pack will get 525GB of data valid for 120 days.

It gets even more interesting for the subscriber if he or she goes for the N75,000 plan or the N100,000 option. While the former gives 675GB with 120 days’ validity, the latter comes with a humongous 1TB of data valid for one full year.

“These fantastic data plans are available for both existing and new Glo subscribers”, the company stated, adding that the plans are auto-renewable and can be gifted or shared with others on the Glo network as the subscriber desires.

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

SPECIAL REPORT

SPECIAL REPORT

FIGHTING FOR

NIGERIA: HEROES OF THE BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19 Obinna Chima, Kunle Aderinokun and Martins IďŹ jeh

C

ontrary to the projections of some foreign opinion molders that by now bodies would have littered the streets of Nigeria and indeed, many parts of Africa, as a result of the stings of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria, like many African countries, has WKXV IDU GHĂ&#x20AC;HG WKH RGGV DQG KDV GRQH relatively well in managing the pandemic VLQFH WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW LQGH[ FDVH ZDV UHFRUGHG some 187 days ago in Lagos.

This, according to THISDAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special report on the pandemic, was made possible by the patriotic and humanitarian intervention of some individuals and corporate bodies, many analysts said had become heroes of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battle against the ravaging virus.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, had on February 27 announced WKDW WKH FRXQWU\ KDG FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPHG D FDVH LQ DQ ,WDOLDQ PDQ ZKR Ă HZ LQWR WKH FRXQWU\ from Turkey three days earlier.

7R FRPSRXQG LVVXHV WKH ,WDOLDQ LQGH[ case had met some Nigerians both in Lagos and Ogun States before he fell ill and subsequently tested positive for the virus.

That announcement threw the nation LQWR D SDQLF PRGH WKH QH[W PRUQLQJ with many Nigerians fearing that the worst could happen. To them, it was a nobrainer that Nigeria was going to be hard hit considering the poor state of its health sector and the citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attitude to health protocols.

In fairness to a majority of Nigerians, all they could see were the devastation, tears and sorrows that COVID-19 was leaving behind in many nations, including China,

Spain and Italy at the time. It appeared the country would have no shot at managing the virus.

The years of neglect of the health sector began to confront Nigerians and the international organisations, which on many occasions had clamoured for the prioritisation of the health sector as a EXÍżHU DJDLQVW SURVSHFWLYH SDQGHPLFV OLNH the coronavirus.

But against all odds, some Nigerians and institutions rose to the challenge.

They hurriedly took up leadership roles to ensure the country did not only mitigate the impact of the outbreak, but also managed community spread of the disease, which was clear was going to be H[SHULHQFHG LQ WKH FRXQWU\ From the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; to Ehanire; up to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, the private sector and other foresighted governors, an endless pool of Nigerians rose to the challenge, and so far, the country has done relatively well in managing the virus as against initial thoughts that bodies would be littering the streets due to complications that were to arise from the pandemic. $V D PDWWHU RI IDFW WKH GHYDVWDWLQJ HÍżHFW in other climes and the severe limitation of healthcare resources available in Nigeria, such as laboratory testing capacity inspired the private sector to step in to KHOS WKH JRYHUQPHQW WR Ă&#x20AC;JKW WKH YLUXV On March 26, the Coalition Against COVID-19, known as CACOVID, was formed. Led by Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealthiest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the coalition is backed by Access Bank Group, Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and others.

The mission is to mobilise privatesector leadership and resources to support

health facilities to respond to the crisis and also to use the reach of CACOVID members to increase awareness about the pandemic.

7KH JURXS D PL[ RI FRUSRUDWLRQV philanthropists and donors, has provided thousands of beds to Lagos, Kano, Rivers, Abuja, Enugu and Borno States, amongst others, and has set up testing facilities and treatment centres in some states.

The idea is to get private labs involved in testing to speed up the process. The ultimate goal is to test at least two million people, the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website notes. Total donation to the CACOVID relief fund is over $55.7m as of April 6, with Dangote and the central bank donating $5.1m each.

Other major private players such as Segun Agbaje (Guaranty Trust Bank), Jim Ovia (Zenith Bank), Herbert Wigwe (Access Bank), Tony Elumelu (United Bank for Africa), Abdulsamad Rabiu of BUA Group, Oba Otudeko (First Bank), Femi Otedola of Amperion Power, billionaire businessman Mike Adenuga of Globacom and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation provided $2.59m each.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and some oil companies have pledged $30m to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to improve patient care, medical supplies and equipment.

In this special report, THISDAY celebrates these individuals and institutions who have dedicated WKHPVHOYHV WR VHOĂ HVV VHUYLFH WR Nigerians and humanity.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Prior to the start of the pandemic in Lagos, not many residents believed the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was not working enough to address the myriads of economic, infrastructural and human development challenges facing Lagosians.

To some, he was only a motivational speaker who for nine months since his inauguration, had not addressed some of the rudimentary governance LVVXHV KH VDLG KH ZDV LQ D KXUU\ WR Ă&#x20AC;[ once inaugurated. From the Apapa gridlock to the dilapidated roads, to the environmental challenges, the list of pressing challenges Lagos residents were

Sanwo-Olu

41

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

SPECIAL REPORT

Abayomi

Mustapha

Ehanire

Ihekweazu

H[SHFWLQJ WR EH WDFNOHG ZDV HQGOHVV But Lagos residents saw the other side of the governor when the state was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which at the time was causing devastation in many countries, especially in cities with a dense population like Lagos, however, with a better healthcare system.

He rose to the challenge; got a brush up of the nature of the pandemic and quickly assumed the role of incident commander.

He immediately went to work by deploying the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources to Ă&#x20AC;[LQJ KHDOWKFDUH ORRSKROHV DQG logistical challenges. He made a tough economic decision by locking down the state; started massive training of health personnel and championed daily enlightenment campaigns to educate the over 23 million residents on what was coming.

Sanwo-Olu saw the future and was determined to stop it. From the records of the few cases of COVID-19 at the onset of the pandemic, the state started seeing tens and hundreds of cases. By June, it peaked to the point that RYHU FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPHG FDVHV ZHUH being announced daily in the state.

However, through his management of the virus, the state is having a deep slope of cases with the last four days recording 26, 17, 21 and 27 incidences respectively. Many SHRSOH LQFOXGLQJ H[SHUWV KDG thought by now bodies would be littering the streets with millions of infections recorded, but 187 days into the outbreak, the state still has below 20,000 cases of infection.

Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, the chairman of the task force, some KHDOWK H[SHUWV UDLVHG FRQFHUQV WKDW the position should have been given to an epidemiologist or at best a SXEOLF KHDOWK H[SHUW ZKR XQGHUVWRRG outbreaks of the COVID-19 magnitude. %XW Ă&#x20AC;YH PRQWKV GRZQ WKH OLQH the leadership skill of the SGF has become a template to many countries that also set up presidential task forces against the pandemic.

From the initial belief that Nigeria was going to be hard hit by the virus due to the population and the poor healthcare system in the country, Mustapha has been able to lead the country through testing, dissemination of information and El-Rufai management of the disease, among others. When the history of how COVID-19 was defeated in Nigeria will be told, his name will be imposingly cited.

Chikwe Ihekweazu

If Nigeria is to fail in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, one person that would easily be blamed is the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, as his agency is the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body Nigerians depend on for prevention and management of all forms of disease outbreaks.

To be clear, just as the Nigerian military is responsible for the protection of the country against wars and terrorism, the NCDC under the Fayemi watch of Ihekweazu is responsible for the health security of the nation.

But while many â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;centres for disease controlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in many countries, including Akin Abayomi â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am happy to have Prof. Akin those of the United States, Russia, Abayomi as the Commissioner for ,WDO\ 6SDLQ 0H[LFR %UD]LO DQG D KRVW Health at this point in our lives, of others have not done much to keep when we are being threatened the COVID-19 cases in their nations by the COVID-19 pandemic that minimal, that of Nigeria has done has killed hundreds of thousands relatively well so far.

Ihekweazuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quest for data, of people. As early as December 2019, he had told me this virus was transparency and teamwork has coming; he suggested to me all led to the centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acceptability even that we needed to put in place to LQ RWKHUZLVH GLÎ&#x20AC;FXOW VWDWHV LQ WKH country â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an attitude that has helped mitigate the impact.â&#x20AC;?

These were the words of Sanwo- in the management of cases across Olu to Abayomi, who has brought the country. He is one of the brains WR EHDU KLV ZHDOWK RI H[SHULHQFH DV behind the imminent victory against D ELRVHFXULW\ H[SHUW LQ PDQDJLQJ COVID-19.

COVID-19 in Nigeria.

To be fair, many of the protocols Osagie Ehanire Ugwuanyi and policies being implemented Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the against COVID-19 in the country Federal Ministry of Health, headed were the brainchild of the virology by Dr. Osagie Ehanire, did not get the professor; a development that made much-needed attention it deserved, a Lagos a model state for the nation situation that could partly be blamed DQG RWKHU VWDWHV LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW IRU SRRU KHDOWKFDUH FXUUHQWO\ VXÍżHUHG the pandemic.

by Nigerians. But since the start of the Abayomi, who is Lagosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Deputy pandemic, the minister has stepped Incident Commander on COVID-19, up his game, pushing for attention to played a prominent role in the the ministry, especially in the area of defeat of Ebola viral disease in 2014 disease outbreaks, with major focus and many virologists believe he has on COVID-19.

WKH ZHDOWK RI H[SHULHQFH WR PDQDJH 7KURXJK KLV JRRGZLOO LQĂ XHQFH this present pandemic in the state. and leadership, he has been able +H ZDV UHFHQWO\ FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPHG SRVLWLYH to rally many political, religious for the virus but has recovered. and business leaders to support the Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW &29,' D PRYH that has ensured the country has so Boss Mustapha When President Muhammadu far not lacked the requisite facilities Buhari set up the Presidential and equipment needed for the Task Force on COVID-19 in March management of the pandemic. He and made the Secretary to the has also used his goodwill to push Okowa for international support against

42

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

SPECIAL REPORT the pandemic. He is one of the heroes of COVID-19 in the last 187 days.

who knows the name of the game, is the governor and in charge of the supervision of the situation.

Nasir el-Rufai The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam 1DVLU HO 5XIDL ZDV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW WR FDWFK WKH COVID-19 bug in the state. To, however, ensure it did not spread around the entire state, he instituted the longest lockdown in the country.

While other states were having lockdown fatigue and opening up for movements despite the rise in cases, elRufai insisted he was not going to open up the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy till it was relatively safe to do so, an action he took at the detriment of the economy. To him, it was KHDOWK Ă&#x20AC;UVW 7KURXJK KLV OHDGHUVKLS WKH stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s COVID-19 cases have remained UHODWLYHO\ ORZ GHVSLWH KDYLQJ D KLJK LQĂ X[ of infected Almajiris, who were mostly repatriated to the state from Kano State.

THE CACOVID TEAM Godwin EmeďŹ ele

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) *RYHUQRU 0U *RGZLQ (PHĂ&#x20AC;HOH KDV earned his stripes as one of the heroes of WKH FRXQWU\¡V HÍżRUWV WR FRQWDLQ &29,' ,Q OLQH ZLWK WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW UHVSRQGHU approach, the CBN has been proactive LQ PLWLJDWLQJ WKH HÍżHFWV RI WKH SDQGHPLF RQ WKH HFRQRP\ ,PPHGLDWHO\ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW COVID-19 case was recorded in Lagos, WKH (PHĂ&#x20AC;HOH OHG &%1 WRRN GHFLVLYH actions and unfolded a raft of measures to moderate the impact of the virus on households, businesses as well as the economy. ,Q DGGLWLRQ (PHĂ&#x20AC;HOH ZDV DOVR instrumental to the formation of the Kayode Fayemi private-sector-led Coalition Against Ekiti State under Governor Kayode COVID-19 (CACOVID), which was Fayemi was rated a couple of months ago able to mobilise billions of naira and as second to Lagos in terms of response to has immensely supported the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the pandemic, a rating informed solely by &29,' Ă&#x20AC;JKW E\ VHWWLQJ XS KHDOWKFDUH smart leadership and the capacity to lead facilities across the country as well as in WKURXJK SHUVRQDO H[DPSOHV Fayemi, who just came out of the distributing palliatives to states. $V SDUW RI HÍżRUWV WR FXVKLRQ &29,' infection too, not only kept the numbers impact on households and SMEs, the CBN low through close monitoring, the LPPHGLDWHO\ DQQRXQFHG DQ H[WHQVLRQ provision of palliatives, which came RI WKH PRUDWRULXP RQ WKH DSH[ EDQN¡V with money to the vulnerable, he also interventions programmes, created a stood his state out in the management of N50 billion targeted credit facility and COVID-19. credit support for the healthcare industry; As the Chairman of Nigeria Governorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Forum (NGF), Fayemi also used his introduced a N100 billion healthcare RÎ&#x20AC;FH WR LQWHUIDFH ZLWK KLV FROOHDJXHV intervention to support operators in by comparing notes and improving the the sector and provided N1 trillion in lot of their people. In that capacity, he loans to boost local manufacturing and interfaced, on behalf of his colleagues, production across critical sectors. It also with the federal government to coordinate established the health sector grant to promote research in the development of policy formulation and implementation. vaccines, among other policy measures.

The health sector facility has provided Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi loans to pharmaceutical companies to Enugu is another state with H[SDQG RSHQ WKHLU GUXJ PDQXIDFWXULQJ impressively low cases of COVID-19, plants in the country and also for hospitals courtesy Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi DQG KHDOWKFDUH SUDFWLWLRQHUV WR H[SDQG because he understood what was coming build health facilities. and took no prisoners in curbing the $V SDUW RI HÍżRUWV WR VWLPXODWH spread of the virus. infrastructural development across the Like his colleague in Ekiti, Ugwuanyi country, the CBN, working with the personally implemented the safety Ă&#x20AC;VFDO DXWKRULWLHV KDV FRQFOXGHG SODQV protocols every day during the lockdown to establish a N15 trillion infrastructure DV KH PRYHG IURP SODFH WR SODFH DQG RÎ&#x20AC;FH development company (Infraco).

WR RÎ&#x20AC;FH PDNLQJ VXUH FRPPXQLW\ VSUHDG RI WKH YLUXV ZDV HÍżHFWLYHO\ SUHYHQWHG Today, the result of that feat is evident Herbert Wigwe Chief Herbert Wigwe is one of the in the state, as it remains relatively low in terms of the number of cases recorded. KHURHV LQ 1LJHULD¡V &29,' Ă&#x20AC;JKW +H However, he has refused to rest on his is a leading member of the CACOVID. oars because he is not convinced yet that Being the Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs in the country, he was also helpful the battle is over. in mobilising his colleagues in the banking industry towards actualising the goals of Ifeanyi Okowa Perhaps, it is by providence that the private sector coalition. CACOVID Delta State is under the leadership of a has sustained public awareness about the medical doctor, who did not need anyone pathogen, supported the health sector H[SODLQLQJ WKH SRVVLEOH ZHLJKW RI WKH by building medical tents, isolation and HÍżHFW RI WKH SDQGHPLF LI DOORZHG WR KDYH treatment centres as well as in providing a free ride in the state. And from the word palliatives to the vulnerable. Through his go, Senator Okowa set up a capable task HOW Foundation, he has also supported force directly overseen by him and went vulnerable Nigerians whose livelihoods ZHUH DÍżHFWHG E\ WKH SDQGHPLF to work.

and chairman of Mankind United to Support Total Education (MUSTE), a philanthropic organisation focused on providing scholarships for the less privileged, has headed numerous Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO). In addition, he is the founder of the Youth (PSRZHUPHQW ,&7 )RXQGDWLRQ which focuses on improving the socioeconomic welfare of Nigerian youths by inspiring and motivating them to embrace Information and communication technology.

He helped positioned Zenith Bank as one of the largest and most SURĂ&#x20AC;WDEOH LQ $IULFD ZLWKLQ KLV WZR decades of leadership.

Tony Elumelu

Tony Elumelu, economist, EmeďŹ ele entrepreneur and philanthropist is D KHUR RI WKH &29,' Ă&#x20AC;JKW +H and his United Bank for Africa Plc, which he chairs, donated generously WR WKH &29,' Ă&#x20AC;JKW $ VLJQLĂ&#x20AC;FDQW member of CACOVID, Elumelu is the chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank for Africa, Transcorp and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Through his foundation, an Africa-based and African-funded philanthropic organisation, he has empowered thousands of budding entrepreneurs across Africa.

Segun Agbaje Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank *7%DQN LV D KHUR RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW COVID-19. He is an active member Wigwe of CACOVID. The bank, which he leads, funded the establishment of the isolation centre in Onikan, Lagos in collaboration with the Lagos State government.

Agbaje started his career at Ernst & Young in San Francisco and joined GTBank 1991. He rose through WKH UDQNV WR EHFRPH DQ H[HFXWLYH director in January 2000, and deputy managing director in August 2002.

Agbaje became GTBankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s managing director in April 2011 following the death of Mr. Tayo Aderinokun. He was elected to the board of directors and audit committee of PepsiCo HÍżHFWLYH -XO\

Aliko Dangote

The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been playing a major role in the Ovia FRXQWU\¡V &29,' Ă&#x20AC;JKW +H LV a leading member of CACOVID. Besides that, through his Aliko Dangote Foundation, he ensured WKDW WKH HÍżRUWV RI WKH IHGHUDO government in the COVID-19 Ă&#x20AC;JKW JRW WKH QHFHVVDU\ WHFKQLFDO operational and funding support.

In addition, the Aliko Dangote Foundation partnered 54Gene, a molecular diagnostics company, which specialised in research and GLDJQRVWLFV WR VHW XS D WHVW GD\ Interestingly, too, supports from capacity laboratory in Kano State.

GLÍżHUHQW TXDUWHUV FDPH WKH ZD\ RI 'HOWD Jim Ovia The foundation also supported the Chief Jim Ovia, the founder and rapid response teams in their work State, possibly because the governor leveraged his contacts as donations from chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, is a to identify suspected COVID-19 far and near kept coming in to assist in the prominent member of the CACOVID cases across the healthcare centres funding committee and a hero of in Kano as well as provided capacity Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW &29,' Today, Delta is one of the few states that &29,' Ă&#x20AC;JKW +LV FRQWULEXWLRQ building platforms for health could boast of a controlled rate of infection towards the containment of COVID-19 is workers in Kano.

Elumelu with the lowest numbers because a man, immense. Ovia, who is also the founder

43

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

SPECIAL REPORT Johnson, a seasoned US-trained interventionist cardiologist, An industrialist and Founder, immediately set up critical care units BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad H[FOXVLYH IRU &29,' SDWLHQWV LQ Rabiu, has so far donated close to N7 the world-class hospital. Through ELOOLRQ WR VXSSRUW WKH Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW the initiative, his hospital became the the pandemic. He singlehandedly Ă&#x20AC;UVW SULYDWH KHDOWK IDFLOLW\ LQ 1LJHULD ferried equipment into Nigeria to to admit and manage COVID-19 support Lagos, Edo, Kano, Kwara, patients with the permission of the Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Rivers federal and Lagos State governments. and Adamawa.

By the end of March, some During one of the donations, he Nigerians whose COVID-19 cases said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This donation will not only had been complicated by their provide additional needed funds to XQGHUO\LQJ LOOQHVVHV VWDUWHG Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ the government and the NCDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solace in First Cardiology Consultant HÍżRUW EXW ZLOO DOVR VHUYH WR SURWHFW with many now reunited with their healthcare and medical workers families after being successfully RQ WKH IURQWOLQH RI Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ WKH treated. His hospital hopes to help pandemic.â&#x20AC;? the country to reduce the mortality Just recently, he donated three new rate of COVID-19.

Gupta emergency response ambulances to the Delta State Government.

Abdul Samad Rabiu

Agbaje

Yemi Onabowale

Femi Otedola The philanthropist, who is a leading member of CACOVID, is DOVR DQRWKHU KHUR LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW WKH SDQGHPLF %HVLGHV KLV Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO contribution, his input in terms of strategy also ensured that the private-sector-led initiative achieved its target. Worthy of mention too was his whopping N5billion donation to Save The Children, in support of the United Kingdom based charityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intervention in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s North East, arguably the highest donation ever to charity in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s History.

Raj Gupta Dangote

Mr. Raj Gupta, a member of the CACOVID funding committee, is the chairman of African Industries, popularly called African Steel. The company is into steel milling and processing services in Nigeria.

The African Steel Group, a diverse Nigerian group focused on the development of the steel industry in the country, currently operates in HLJKW GLÍżHUHQW ORFDWLRQV ZLWKLQ WKH FRXQWU\ DQG H[SRUWV LWV SURGXFWV mainly to other West African nations.

John Coumantaros

Rabiu

Mr. John Coumantaros is the chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria.

Coumantaros, who is a member of the funding committee of CACOVID, LV D KHUR RI WKH &29,' Ă&#x20AC;JKW Born in 1961, he is the son of George S. Coumantaros, who founded FMN in 1960. Coumantaros has a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in history from Yale University.

Yemi Johnson

Otedola

In January when the world was coming to terms with the possibility of COVID-19 becoming a global nightmare, the Medical Director DQG &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2Î&#x20AC;FHU RI )LUVW Cardiology Consultant, Dr. Yemi Johnson, already saw the future.

He knew people with certain health conditions like diabetes, hypertension and respiratory diseases, among others, were at the risk of heart complications if they contract the virus. And he knew it was only a matter of time for the GLVHDVH WR Ă&#x20AC;QG LWV ZD\ LQWR 1LJHULD and infect the class of persons with underlying ailments.

To mitigate the looming threat,

Dr. Yemi Onabowale, who is the &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2Î&#x20AC;FHU RI 5HGGLQJWRQ Hospital Group, is the brain behind $UPRXUHG 6KLHOG 0HGLFDO &RPSOH[ and Reddington Zainelab â&#x20AC;&#x201C; two world-class facilities for COVID-19 testing and management of the disease.

The twin facilities, according to the Lagos State Health Commissioner, Abayomi, are the only ones to have so far scored 100 per cent at the end of the inspection for accreditation as every equipment and protocol in the facilities met all requirements set out by the state government.

Many healthcare professionals at the launch were not surprised by the commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assertion, especially because the pioneer of the initiative, Coumantaros Onabowale, has over the years H[KLELWHG D SHQFKDQW IRU DFFXUDF\ professionalism and world-class delivery of healthcare services.

7KH WZLQ IDFLOLWLHV DUH WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW private health institution in Nigeria WR RÍżHU ERWK WHVWLQJ DQG WUHDWPHQW RI cases of the virus. They are also the Ă&#x20AC;UVW WR GHOLYHU &29,' WHVW UHVXOWV within 24 hours of taking samples.

Other institutions deliver results within two to 10 days.

2QDERZDOH WKH PHGLFDO H[SHUW DQG business mogul, who often prefers to work behind the scene, has vowed that the COVID-19 facility will help both the federal and Lagos State governments mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Nigerians. The story of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battle against COVID-19 pandemic cannot be written without Onabowale playing a prominent role Johnson as a hero.

GeoďŹ&#x20AC;rey Onyema If there is one man whose job description has doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and especially since the closure of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s airspace on March 23, it is WKH 0LQLVWHU RI )RUHLJQ $ÍżDLUV &KLHI Godfrey Onyema. In one breath, he has to look after Nigerians under lockdown abroad, in another, he is plotting how to bring home stranded 1LJHULDQV ZKR KDYH EHHQ DÍżHFWHG E\ abrupt international travel restrictions in countries where they were at the time. Along with the Chairman and &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2Î&#x20AC;FHU 1LJHULD LQ Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri, he has successfully prosecuted both jobs.

Onabowale

44

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

SPECIAL REPORT Along the line of duty, Onyema contracted COVID-19, a development that made him take a 14-day break from his job to attend to his health. Of the 186 days since Nigeria recorded LWV Ă&#x20AC;UVW FDVH RI &29,' WKRVH days are perhaps the only days he thought of himself as against 172 other days dedicated to Nigeria and diplomatic issues.

Sani Aliyu It was no surprise to Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Dr. Sani Aliyu as the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

As the immediate past DirectorGeneral of the National Agency for Onyema Aliyu the Control of AIDS (NACA), he pronouncement to the letter. championed interventions that led to As the Minister of Aviation, Senator WKH GUDVWLF UHGXFWLRQ RI +,9 $,'6 Hadi Sirika, had one of the toughest jobs in Nigeria, taking the country from during the heat of the pandemic, which the second highest burden globally to was to ensure the pronouncements on fourth, just after South Africa, India and air travel restrictions were carried out Mozambique. to the letter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; failure of which would +LV H[SHULHQFH DV DQ LQIHFWLRXV KDYH UHVXOWHG LQ WKRXVDQGV RI H[WUD GLVHDVH H[SHUW KDV DOVR EHHQ EURXJKW WR COVID-19 cases from people coming EHDU LQ Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ &29,' +H KDV EHHQ into the country. Airlines that tried to working round the clock to see that the circumvent these rules got his hammer.

FRXQWU\ HÍżHFWLYHO\ PRQLWRUV FRQWURO $W WKH H[SHQVH RI UHYHQXH WR WKH DQG SURÍżHU VROXWLRQV RQ KRZ WR UHGXFH country, he took the health of Nigerians the numbers, a job he successfully as a priority. carried out as NACA DG when he led +H ZDV RQH RI WKH PRVW YLOLĂ&#x20AC;HG the agency.

JRYHUQPHQW RÎ&#x20AC;FLDOV RQ 7ZLWWHU IRU

Hadi Sirika Two of the decisions that have kept Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s COVID-19 cases relatively low are the timely closure of international airspace by the federal government and the insistence to follow that

refusing to prevail on the federal government to open international Ă LJKWV %XW RQO\ DW WKH ULJKW WLPH DQG DIWHU KHDOWK WUDYHO SURWRFROV KDG EHHQ developed, he made the announcement for the opening of the international airspace by September 5.

Ene-Obong

THISDAY DOME Treatment and Care Centre

Sirika

Shonubi

45

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

SPECIAL REPORT Abasi Ene-Obong

Bello

At the start of the pandemic, one of the obvious gaps Nigeria had was its lack of capacity to conduct high number of COVID-19 testing; a situation that was LQ QR VPDOO PHDVXUH KDPSHULQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;JKW against the pandemic.

7R Ă&#x20AC;[ WKLV JHQH DQ $IULFDQ JHQRPLFV VWDUW XS ZLWK RÎ&#x20AC;FHV LQ /DJRV DQG Washington DC, decided to launch a WHVWLQJ IXQG WR UDLVH FDVK WR H[SDQG WHVWLQJ XS WR SHU GD\ ,W Ă&#x20AC;UVW GRQDWHG $150,000 and then secured $350, 000 from other partners, including Union Bank. Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, who is the brain behind the initiative, is the CEO of 54gene.

Today, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s testing capacity has improved, courtesy of Ene-Obong whose 54gene technology has now been deployed across the country. He has also helped in other capacities to address challenges faced E\ WKH 1LJHULDQ JRYHUQPHQW LQ Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ the outbreak.

UHVRXUFHV WRZDUGV WKH Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW WKH spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

Through his FATE Foundation Philanthropy Coalition for COVID-19 (FPCC), whose initial target was to raise N250 million in support of Dr. Aliyu Modibbo RQJRLQJ QDWLRQDO DQG ORFDO HÍżRUWV WR $V &KDLUPDQ )&7 0LQLVWHULDO ([SHUW strengthen public health infrastructure Advisory Commmittee on Covid-19, Dr. in anticipation of further strains and Aliyu Modibbo went beyond the call of the pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic, committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mandate. The committee was the organisation surpassed its target inaugurated by the FCT Minister to raise and as at July, 2020 it had received cash KXPDQ Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO DQG PDWHULDO UHVRXUFHV donations of N368,747,207.

WR FRPSOHPHQW WKH HÍżRUWV RI WKH )&7$ With this fund, the Foundation went However, the committee raised enough on to collaborate with the Lagos State funds to complete the 506-bed treatment JRYHUQPHQW WR UHQRYDWH DQ H[LVWLQJ centre for COVID-19 patients at the ward to a 20-Bed COVID-19 Isolation unoccupied Railway School facility at Idu Ward at the National Orthopaedic terminal at no cost to the FCTA. Hospital Igbobi (NOHI), Lagos, donated beds, monitors and critical personal Fola Adeola protective equipment. The Foundation Fola Adeola, a co-founder of GTBank also partnered Stanbic IBTC and Sterling is another individual who committed his Bank to set up more isolation wards.

COVID-19 patients. He also ensured other treatment centres in Asokoro Hospital, and that of Karu. Because of hius initiatives, the FCT has unoccupied bed spaces for COVID-19 patients.

Tope Shonubi 7RSH 6KRQXEL LV WKH ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 6DKDUD *URXS +H ZDV RQH RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW Nigerians to rise to the challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He donated medical equipment worth billions of naira to the federal government as well as other public health institutions to help LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW WKH SDQGHPLF +H also donated state-of-the-art equipment WR 7+,6'$< 'RPH LQ $EXMD IRU HÍżHFWLYH treatment of COVID-19 patients. Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s COVID-19 history will not be complete without a mention of his role in tackling the pandemic.

Modibbo

Adeola

THE VILLAINS Yahaya Bello

Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is one leader who failed himself, his people and the country. Rather than join KDQGV ZLWK RWKHU OHDGHUV LQ Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ WKH COVID-19 pandemic, Bello embarked on a false campaign to show there was no positive patient in his state. He IRXJKW RÍż WKH 1LJHULD &HQWUH IRU 'LVHDVH Control, NCDC, threatened to quarantine WKH DJHQF\¡V RÎ&#x20AC;FLDOV VHQW WR KLV VWDWH discouraged tests, and consistently denied evidence of anybody in his domain THISDAY Group believed to be positive.

Although THISDAY Group has the Bello made himself a poor face of Kogi mandate to report news around Nigeria in time of crisis; he attended every public and beyond, it went out of its way to event within or outside of the state without VXSSRUW WKH Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW &29,' wearing a facemask. On social media, by donating one of its Abuja facilities, KH VKDGRZHG ER[HG WKH FRURQDYLUXV the THISDAY Dome, to the federal creating the impression that the pandemic government as testing and isolation centre; was a farce. It is to his discredit that for one of the biggest treatment facilities in the admitting a patient with COVID-19 country. symptoms, the Federal Medical Centre, Speaking during the handing over of the Lokoja was vandalised by thugs believed facility to the federal government, Ehanire to be agents of his administration. The described it as the best COVID-19 isolation vandals have not been brought to justice. and treatment centre in the country.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the most comprehensive of Ben Ayade our treatment centres. It is fully equipped Cross River State Governor, Professor to treat mild, severe and even critical Ben Ayade, is one other governor who &29,' FDVHV ,W KDV YHQWLODWRUV R[\JHQ insists that their state is free of the virus concentrators, dialysis machines, among even as speculations are rife about rising others.â&#x20AC;?

The facility, which houses 300 bed spaces has the capacity to accommodate 200 more EHGV 7KH KLVWRU\ RI 1LJHULD¡V Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW COVID-19 cannot be written without a mention of the laudable role THISDAY played.

deaths suspected to be COVID-19 related in his domain.

Refusing to cooperate with the NCDC over the need for testing in the state, Ayade, who has a doctorate in environmental microbiology, questioned the need for social distancing, saying WKDW PDVNV DUH VXÎ&#x20AC;FLHQW SURWHFWLRQ ´<RX donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need social distancing when you are properly protected because for your mucal glands that secrete the mucus, and the mucins already form a network of coats to attack the virus,â&#x20AC;? he said in a video that went viral on social media on April 9.

Of course, a leading virologist Prof.

Oyewale Tomori, the former vicechancellor of Redeemerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University, dismissed Ayadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s submission as contradictory and â&#x20AC;&#x153;bullshit.â&#x20AC;?

After running battles with the state branch of Nigeria Medical Association 10$ WKH JRYHUQRU Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ VXFFXPEHG to the pressure for testing in May but the NCDC complained that it was not receiving as much cooperation as it should despite the medical associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insistence that some of the deaths in the state might have resulted from COVID-19.

For his red herring over this public health challenge, Ayade is on record as a YLOODLQ LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;JKW DJDLQVW WKH YLUXV

Mohammed Bello

Obaigbena

FCT Minister Mohammed Bello, understanding the importance of Abuja as the federal capital, has since the outbreak of the pandemic been concerned that the territory would not lack facilities for isolation and treatment. Towards this end, he provided the administrative and bureaucratic support THISDAY and its partners required to set up the 300-bed THISDAY Dome Isolation Centre.

In addition, Minister Bello inaugurated WKH )&7 0LQLVWHULDO ([SHUW $GYLVRU\ Council to generate resources outside of JRYHUQPHQW WR DXJPHQW WKH HÍżRUWV RI WKH Federal Capital Territory Abuja, FCTA. The success of that initiative was a 506bed isolation and treatment centre for Bello

Ayade

46

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

TRIBUTE

The Ike Nwachukwu Legacy Godknows Igali One of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most outstanding militarydiplomats, General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu, turns 80 years today, September 1, 2020. Born in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Garden Cityâ&#x20AC;? of PortHarcourt, this urbane-debonair-cavalier and gentlemanly former military officer, stands tall and celebrated as the man with the midaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s touch, who brought aggressive economic engagement to define Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy.

A Soldier and National Service Ike Omar Sanda who joined the Nigerian army in 1963 alongside other very eminent military leaders such as Generals Y.Y. Kure, late A.B. Mamman, amongst others, is renowned for his patriotism. While speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in Ibadan in December 2017, General Nwachukwu said â&#x20AC;&#x153;I fought in the Nigerian civil war as a Federal Army Officer, principally because I believe in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unity. That belief remains my conviction that all Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious or regional origin have the right to live, work and prosper anywhere and everywhere in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;?.

It is the currency nowadays to hear many in foreign relations circles talk about â&#x20AC;&#x153;economic diplomacyâ&#x20AC;? often with varying levels of understanding and claims of its origin, considering how this phenomenon has helped nations bolster their economic fortunes.

However, on hindsight, it is humbling that Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affirmative drive towards attainment of this policy thrust was during the years 1987 to 1989, a period that saw a military officer who served as Foreign Minister of the largest black nation in the world. Although, the source and scope of this concept could somewhat be evasive and sometimes constantly changing, what was clear to all in Nigeria and around the world was that, Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most populous state was arguably amongst the first to give a clear expression and content to this term. Hitherto, it is rarely used and if that occurred, was largely nebulous and opaque. Gladly today, even those who were skeptical about such thoughts are in the first line in espousing what they tended to reject and write off.

No one can gainsay the beauty of public service especially at very high levels, which, when reflected upon, could have experiences and lessons to draw from, by succeeding generations. This is the backdrop against which a terse reflection of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey in its quest for sustainable development using the instrumentality of economic diplomacy is hinged. Who were Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pioneering actors of this concept? And how did she become a reference point in the subject of economic diplomacy? How has she faired ever since?

For Nwachukwu, a national service that was originally intended to be within the precincts of defending the territorial integrity of the Nigerian state, became unwittingly deflected and gratefully so, to the world of diplomacy, statecraft and political leadership. Put on a proper scale looking back, it becomes much difficult to put strict lines of separation on where each of these roles begin and end. It is obvious therefore, that the functions which any well-meaning citizen of a country has to carry out at various times could most times be co-equal in importance. This was the guiding philosophy of Nwachukwu who saw each posting within the military for a span of over thirty years. During this period, he rose steadily to become a Major-General, and performed other ad hoc leadership assignments; all dwelling within same sacred ambits of national service.

Whether in the more familiar territory of military service where he also rose to become Provost General of the Nigerian Army, or in civil governance as Governor of Abia State (1986-1987), Diplomacy or partisan politics as an elected Senator representing Imo North (1990-1993), the retired Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cornerstone of personal fulfillment was his contribution to the process of building a viable nation. Rather outstanding, in all these, was his induction into the nuances and finesse of Diplomatic Service as the number one image-maker of Nigeria. This was profoundly peculiar.

Nwachukwu

of some of the best brains and most refined persons which a country can put together at any time. This is understandably the single and uppermost reason that a countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy and what it has to offer in the international scene are merely a reflection of its domestic circumstances. In the reverse order, as is commonly said in military circles, the world will appreciate a country more within the ambits of its economic strength, social wellbeing and internal peace within its borders.

So, the diplomatic service must necessarily encapsulate the best human manpower that could go outside its borders to project and defend its interest. It is therefore expected that no country will mortgage such awesome responsibilities to anything but the very best.

Upon resuming at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then at 23 Marina Road in Lagos, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s erstwhile capital, as Foreign Minister, General Nwachukwu had without doubt, expected to meet a corp of very able and well formal professionals. Gladly, in the course of his military service, he had several useful opportunities to comingle and be part of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military-diplomatic assets. While serving in the Nigerian Army, for instance, the retired General had great engagements on issues of international peace, security and human welfare. Also, as part of his military training (though essentially an infantry officer), he had undertaken studies at the Institute of Humanitarian Law, San Romero Italy, which is the United Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peace Academy. Beyond that, he also had trainings at several high-level policy formulation institutions, not leaving out the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State.

Arriving therefore in the foreign ministry, he was determined to make a difference and leave a mark for the overall wellbeing of the country. No doubt, his training at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Royal Canadian School of Infantry and the famous School of Infantry, Warminster, United Kingdom had prepared him for a rewarding public service, not only of security, but also of broad public policy involvement. More importantly, his thrust of policy as Foreign Minister therefore had to be in tune with the realities of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political and social circumstances. After all, that is the raison dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;etres of interstate relations.

Induction into Diplomacy and Diplomatic Service

Preparation for Economic Diplomacy

In most countries around the world, the Diplomatic Service is often an apex assemblage

As if a dress rehearsed for a new function, General Nwachukwuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last non-military appointment before coming to the Foreign

Ministry was in the Ministry of Labour where he dealt with issues of employment generation, wealth creation, human capital development and economic growth. He particularly had a very close contact with the teeming army of young people who needed to be given meaningful livelihood both for themselves and the succeeding generations of Nigerians.

At a stage, he was impulsed to create the National Directorate to Employment (NDE) which till today remains the flagship for resolving problems of vocational training for young people and employment generation.

Indeed, this brought him to terms with the realities of the Nigerian economy at the time.

As Minister of Labour, and as such, member of the Economic Committee of the Federal Executive Council, he used the platform to be more abreast with actualities of growth and progress, as the ascent of all policies of government had to be directed towards creating opportunities and inclusiveness thus seeking growth for younger people and the private sector. In no little way did he get closer to the reality that the private sector must be the driver of growth that takes the lead in opening up the overall potentials of the country.

A major advantage which he had over several other colleagues in the military government was the fact that the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, had absolute confidence in the options and solutions on a broad range of issues which came as a result of the inner reflections of the Foreign Affairs Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s troubled mind on the future of the country.

A case in point was the immediate approval that greeted the recommendation that sought the creation of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), one that came even before the thought was completed communicated.

The experience was not any different upon the Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deployment as the helmsman in the Foreign Affairs Ministry when he sought the Head of Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessing on Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s need for a foreign policy that should hinge on mercantilist, pro-private sector, and proeconomic adventurism in a bid to institutionalize â&#x20AC;&#x153;a complementarityâ&#x20AC;? between government and the private sector capable of driving the national economy and in so doing, engender economic growth as well as strengthen the respect, prestige and influence of the country in the international arena. All these were not only greeted with the required support and approvals, but an assurance of governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fullest support.

Conceptualising Economic Diplomacy

As it is expected on arrival at any department or agency, meetings are usually convened for the new boss with top echelon. In this case, it was with the diplomatic high brass. This comprised amongst others, some of the first generation of career ambassadors the country had produced. Most of these were those who remained from the pioneer set which started the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foreign Service when it was still part of the Prime Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office in 1957.

These early birds had received very sound training in some of the best academic and diplomatic institutions in the world. Majority of them were therefore expectedly ultraconservative and wont to defining foreign policy and inter-state relations mainly from the political prism. In fact, it is often said within international relations orbits that the prestige and aura of the sovereign and of the state is better enjoyed when the king stays out of the market place. To them, even the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trade Attachesâ&#x20AC;? which some older democracies had in Embassies, were expected to merely perform routine functions, mostly tied to processing of documentation.

No doubt, diplomacy had always included the defense of trading rights, merchant ships and protection of citizens who were out on their private commercial missions in other countries. Indeed, for many who read European history at some point, much of the course of relations between countries of that region, was in pursuit of what was best for the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic and social interests. It is now common knowledge that Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventure to the outside world whether by the Portuguese in the 15th century and their Spanish neighbours in the 15th and 16th centuries, or later by the Dutch, the French, the English, the Belgians, etc always had strong elements of economic nexus.

Europe wanted trade routes and produce from other countries to advance their economic interests especially when the industry revolution started over 300 years ago. In the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent history leading up to the infamous Berlin Conference of 1884/1885, and the colonial conquest of all of Africa and developing countries, the political agenda of Europe always dove-tailed with the commercial imperative.

As a matter of fact, in some cases, â&#x20AC;&#x153;chartered companiesâ&#x20AC;? such as Royal Niger Company (now United Africa Company) were given exclusive royal rights to colonize countries and administer them on behalf of their sovereign.

Against this backdrop and the new national economic realities, the new Foreign Affairs Minister, on arrival, used the opportunity to explain to the leadership of the ministry, starting from the then Permanent Secretaries, Amb. Ignatius Olisemeka Emeka, as well as Ms. Judith Atta both of whom he had previously enjoyed very excellent relationship with. While the latter, being a great educationist, was well known within educational circles, the former who was Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassador to the United States and later Israel, was fairly well acquainted to over the years. The realities of the economic circumstances at the time dictated the need for Nigeria to give primacy to robust economic activism in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy.

Prior to Nwachukwuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assumption in the ministry, the government of President Ibrahim Babangida, unlike those just before him, had to weather very tough economic situations on account of a sharp fall in oil prices. It would be recalled that in the preceding years, crude oil had reached relatively high prices.

Rightly or wrongly, some top government functionaries were quoted to have boasted that Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problem was â&#x20AC;&#x153;how to spend the money which she had.â&#x20AC;? However, during that time, oil prices had crashed to the lowest levels and the country was confronted with accepting the very unpopular decision suggested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Structural Adjustment Programmeâ&#x20AC;?. While agreeing to adjust the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circumstances, however, President Babangida was not ready to accept an imposed economic regime or â&#x20AC;&#x153;conditionality.â&#x20AC;? This was where bringing in the private sector to bolster the efforts of the government became inevitable, thus introducing the private sector fully into the corridors of diplomacy. r*HBMJ JT B SFUJSFE DBSFFS EJQMPNBU BOE 'FEFSBM 1FSNBOFOU 4FDSFUBSZ /05& 3FBE UIF GVMM BSUJDMF JO UIF POMJOF FEJUJPO PG 5)*4%": XXX UIJTEBZMJWF DPN

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Ë&#x153; ÍšË&#x153; ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Aruna Quadriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arrival in Germany Sparks Interests in Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tennis Bundesliga The organisers of the elite table tennis league in Germany, Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) have said that the arrival of Nigerian star Aruna Quadri has increased interests in the league by Germans.

The Nigerian will be making his debut on Sunday, September 6for his club - TTC RhĂśnSprudel Fulda-Maberzell away to TSV Bad KĂśnigshofen and there have been excitement in Germany over Quadriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival According to the spokesperson of TTBL, Patrick Wichmann, Quadriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transfer

has attracted the attention of table tennis fans in Germany. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very happy to have Quadri in the TTBL. As a league, we have felt the national interest that the transfer has attracted, but of course also the international media response. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quadri is a worldwide table tennis brand. Therefore we are very happy to have him in the TTBL and are looking forward to his debut on Sunday September 6. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In TTC RhĂśnSprudel Fulda-Maberzell he had to replace Croatiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Tomislav Pucar, who played two seasons with the team.

Now it will be exciting to see how fast Quadri gets used to the level in the strongest league in Europe,â&#x20AC;? Wichmann stressed.

Also in the preview of the league scheduled to kick-off

this weekend, TTBL described Quadri as an exciting player that Germans are looking forward to watching him play against the best in the league. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fact that the TTBL is considered the strongest league in Europe is due to

the numerous top stars who appear at the tables year after year. The fans can look forward to one or the other new face in the new season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the most exciting transfers was made by the TTC RhĂśnSprudel Fulda-

Maberzell, which ranks 20th in the world with Quadri Aruna. The Nigerian will appear for the first time in the TTBL and should compensate for the departure of Tomislav Pucar,â&#x20AC;? the statement said.

Italian Serie A Baptism for Osimhen on Sept 19 Femi Solaja with agency report Super Eagles forward and Napoli new signee, Victor Osimhen will taste Italian Serie A action for the first time when the 2020-21 season begins on September 19, the Italian FA confirmed yesterday.

The 2019/20 Italian topflight season was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic just like all other leagues in Europe and around the world in early March. But the season was concluded without fans in the stands.

But Osimhen who dumped French Ligue 1 team Lille after posting a wonderful season teamed up with Gennaro Gattusoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men in Naples in the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record transfer during the summer window.

Now, the Under-17 FIFA World Cup winner with Nigeria in 2015 is set to continue from where he stopped in France in the Italian Serie A this weekend.

Already, he has given Napoli fans a snippet of what to expect by firing a hat trick in a warm up game and enjoying the fresh air that the club has offered his fledgling career.

With both England and Spain starting their new domestic seasons on September 12, the Italians have insisted they want to fall in line with the start of the German Bundesliga.

Fixtures are to be released tomorrow, September 2 when

Juventusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new boss Andrea Pirlo will see the path ahead as he looks to make it 10 straight league titles for the club.

The 2019-20 Serie A season was officially wrapped up on August 1 before Atalanta, Juventus, Inter and Napoli continued with Champions League and Europa League participation.

Only Inter Milan progressed, reaching the Europa League final where they were beaten

by Sevilla in Germany on August 21.

Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Inter Milan are keen to see their opening match of the new league postponed so as to give them more recovery time following their late finish in comparison to rivals.

Despite Juventusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; unrelenting dominance in Serie Aover the last nine seasons, there will be plenty of intrigues in the new campaign as Andrea Pirlo prepares for his first managerial role.

He had been expected to gain experience with the youth team but nine days after being unveiled in that position he was promoted to the first team following the sacking of Maurizio Sarri.

Pirlo has managed to get down to work on the training field with his players and there will be plenty of Juventus fans counting down the days until he takes charge of his first official league match.

US Open: Top Seed Pliskova, Kvitova, Kerber Move into Round 2 Top seed Karolina Pliskova made a confident start to her US Open campaign with a 6-4 6-0 win over Ukraineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anhelina Kalinina in New York.

The Czech, 28, recovered from dropping serve in the first game to later string together eight games in a row, needing just 21 minutes to take the second set.

Pliskova, top-ranked in the absence of Ashleigh Barty and Simona Halep, faces Franceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Caroline Garcia next.

Also through are exWimbledon champions Petra Kvitova and Angelique

Kerber.

German 17th seed Kerber, playing her first match since Januaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Australian Open, beat Australian Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4 6-4.

Czech sixth seed Kvitova overcame Romanian IrinaCamelia Begu 6-3 6-2, hitting 23 winners in an assured performance.

Other women in action on day one at Flushing Meadows - where the tournament is being held behind closed doors - include Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 champion Naomi Osaka and American teenager Coco Gauff.

Aruna Quadri...switched to the German league last month

Victor Osimhen (left) looking forward to his ďŹ rst game in the Italian Serie A this weekend

Barca Presidential Candidate Confirms Messiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exit OfďŹ&#x201A;oading Suarez to cost the Catalan clubâ&#x201A;Ź14m Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona this summer and is â&#x20AC;&#x153;likelyâ&#x20AC;? to move to Manchester City, according to presidential candidate Toni Freixa.

There had been speculation that the Argentine, who stunned the footballing world by handing in a transfer request at the club last week, might change his mind if current president Josip Maria Bartomeu quit his role, but according to one of the men gunning to take the position, that will not be the case.

Pep Guardiolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side are presently leading the chase for the six-time Ballon dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Or winner, who believes he has a clause in his contract eligible to allow him to leave on a free transfer, despite La Liga ruling otherwise.

Man City face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Inter for the superstarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

signature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the race for which is set to hot up in light of the Freixaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s words and the news that Messi did not show for training on Monday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As I have heard from several sides, the decision the player has come to is one that has matured over several years and is irrevocable. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that there is any going back,â&#x20AC;? he told Goal.

Freixa explained that the 33-year-oldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire to leave is driven by the fact that Barcelona have fallen from their pedestal as one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading sides.

Not only did they surrender their Primera Division title to Real Madrid in a limp fashion after the suspension of play due to coronavirus, but they embarrassed themselves on the Champions League stage as they suffered a humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.

Furthermore, reports suggest

new coach Ronald Koeman has not endeared himself to the players by freezing long-time team-mate Luis Suarez out of his plans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Messi is a player who strives for maximum success,â&#x20AC;? Freixa explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He alone cannot achieve maximum success, he needs a team for that. He does not have one. Since the treble in 2015, Champions League success is missing. That is what concerns him. His decision is due to the negative sporting development of the team in recent years.â&#x20AC;?

It is probable that Messi winds up reuniting with former Barca coach Guardiola in England. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think a move to Man City is likely,â&#x20AC;? Freixa said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With Pep, Messi experienced his most brilliant years in Barcelona. It would only be logical if both of them worked together again.

City, like almost all English clubs, also has the financial means to build a team that can win anything.â&#x20AC;?

He sees this crossroads, however, as an opportunity for Barcelona to move forward into a new era.

Meanwhile, Roland Koeman, the new coach of Barcelona may push the financially struggling side to the brink of bankruptcy.

Apart from the club having to settle the yet-to-officially sacked former coach Quique SetiĂŠn, they will also need to pay Uruguayan striker, Luis Suarez â&#x201A;Ź14m to terminate his contract which has one more year to end.

Breaking contracts is not the best job in the world for a club struggling with financial difficulties.

Suarez bagged 21 goals and registered 11 assists across all competitions last season.

Tuesday September 1, 2020

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MISSILE Atiku to N’Assembly

“On May 29, 2015, Nigeria’s total national debt stood approximately at N12 trillion.

As of August 2020, our national debt has tripled to N28.63 trillion. Even more alarming is the fact that the foreign debt portion of our national debt has risen from less than $10 billion on May 29, 2015, to almost $30 billion in August 2020.

A further cause for concern is the fact that not all of these debts are necessary” – Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, asking the National Assembly to reject any new loan request meant for projects that are not viable.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI The Southern Kaduna Question T abati1990@gmail.com

he renewed interest in the crisis that continues to rock Southern Kaduna would be helpful if it produces a genuine effort at resolving the problem and ensuring lasting peace in that part of the country that remains troubled, divided and to all intents and purposes, a killing field. It was reported that between July 21 and July 24, about 43 persons were killed across communities in Southern Kaduna, and over a period of seven months, about 178 persons lost their lives. What makes the situation tragic is that the killers often served notice of the impending attacks and carried out their threats, for hours on end in many cases, unhindered, unchecked, unrestrained. Even when the state government imposed a 24-hour curfew, the killings still continued. Homes were often burnt down. Women were raped. Innocent children were caught in the cross-fire. Farmlands were razed to the ground resulting in economic hardship. The Southern Kaduna question is an open-ended story of a people’s unending search for peace. The area known as Southern Kaduna is both a geographical and political category, but the context of the perpetual crisis is rooted in history. It is the story of a people, living together for more than a century and yet unable to find accommodation as a result of historical rivalries, politics of ownership, identity, ethnicity, economy and religion. What we are dealing with basically is autochthony: politics of origin, identity and space, linked with a crisis of belonging that serves as a catalyst for conflict and violence. Conflicts are not an African creation; they are a global phenomenon.

But what matters is how each country addresses its ontological uncertainties through the application of peace-building, conflict-resolution, as well as vertical and horizontal, inter-communal, integration mechanisms.

During the colonial era, the area known as Southern Kaduna was part of the Zaria Province.

It was not just home to over 30 ethnic nationalities, the people were predominantly non-Muslims, but with the seat of power in Zazzau (as Zaria was formerly known), it meant that the various ethnic nationalities: Atyap, Adara, Agbiri, Kagoma etc. found themselves under the control of the HausaFulani, the majority group in the Northern part of the province. Over the years, the Hausa-Fulani hegemony established an emirate system to which the indigenous people of Southern Kaduna paid taxes, and to whose rules and directives they were subjected. Non-Muslims were marginalized, forced into hard labour and expected to convert to Islam.

Their lands also provided good grazing fields for Hausa-Fulani herders. The British authorities conveniently took advantage of this situation, but the marginalized people of the South, who now had the Hausa-Fulani living among them and occupying a higher rung of the social ladder, and gradually taking control of space, began to resent the new reality. When missionaries began to arrive in the area in larger numbers, the indigenous people embraced Christianity with great fervor, a kind of revolt against the Emirate system which they had come to view suspiciously as a symbol of oppression.

In May 1946, the Atyap of Zangon-Kataf rebelled when the Emir increased taxes. They also began to agitate for control over their own affairs. In 1967, they got their own District Head. Like the Atyaps, the other indigenous ethnic nationalities also resisted the dominance of the Hausa-Fulani.

A major source of conflict has been ownership of farmlands and the right of access to land. The Hausa-Fulani in Southern Kaduna, over the years also enjoyed better patronage from the colonial and post-colonial authorities at regional and federal levels.

With regard to land, the indigenous people never accepted the argument by the Muslim Hausa-Fulani that “Everything belongs to Allah. Every piece of

El-Rufai land belongs to Allah and not you, it is not for you infidels but for Allah” that is “Komai na Allah ǯȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȄ This definition of real property

by Muslim members of the community did not appeal to the Christians. Africans generally have a fanatical attachment to land, the reason the possession of it or the outright ownership of it is a potent source of conflict across the continent.

In Kasuwan-Magani (1980) and Gure-Kahugu (1984), conflict arose over land.

There is an existing rich literature on the various causes of conflict in Southern Kaduna, but central to it all is the politics of division, them vs. us, your own vs my own, that has kept the people divided. Oftentimes, the main cause of the conflict is an attempt by one group to dominate the other or resist the other. In 1987, the Kafanchan riots began in a College of Education and the main problem was religion. The riot in the Zangon Kataf area in 1992 was all about disagreements over the location of a market. In May 2000, the riots spread from Southern Kaduna to other parts of Kaduna State. In virtually every incident, religion is always a major issue as seen in 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, and now in 2020, and as further evidenced by the number of churches that are burnt and Christian leaders that are killed. It has been argued that the Hausa-Fulani seem to have an upper hand in the various conflicts because they receive the support of herdsmen from across the Sahel, Niger, Mali, Chad and other places, who at certain seasons migrate to Nigeria to graze cattle. It is more of the truth however that the Southern Kaduna narrative is complex. Like the British colonialists, modern-day politicians – first the military and later civilians have exploited the situation for their own narrow gains. Intellectual hegemons on both sides of the divide have authorized sectional and jaundiced narratives to protect their people’s interests. Muslims insist for example that they have also been victims in the hands of non-Muslims, and that no one should complain about revenge killings. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Pentecostal Bishops Forum of Northern Nigeria insist that the attack on Christians in Southern Kaduna amounts to a violation of the right of Christians to enjoy the freedoms of belief and association, and that the Nigerian state is complicit in this regard. Ethnic nationalists protest about what they classify as genocide or ethnic cleansing in Southern Kaduna.

In the wake of the last round of killings in the area, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria declared a period of mourning and prayers from August 22 – September 30, 2020. Christian stakeholders have petitioned the United Nations Human Rights Council, the UK Parliament and

the US Congress.

What seems certain perhaps is the fact that there are no saints in the killing fields of Southern Kaduna. It will be recalled that the 1987 Kafanchan riots began when a Christian group decided to put up a provocative banner: “Welcome to Jesus Campus” at the Kafanchan College of Education!

The Southern Kaduna question is, as I see it, a reflection of the national question as much as it is a dimension of the dilemma of “religion, politics and power in Northern Nigeria”. It further speaks to the crisis of state failure and capture. Successive administrations have set up panels of inquiry on killings in Southern Kaduna. White Papers have been issued and despite the fact that the trend remains the same, the various recommendations are never implemented. Political leaders take sides in the conflict, thus failing to show leadership. They make inflammatory statements which embolden the criminals they claim are behind the killings.

When the night raids occur, the security agencies usually fail to show up, and when they do, great havoc would have been committed, with tragic consequences. Those who lost their loved ones and property in fact allege that security agents openly encourage and assist the bandits. The effect is that many communities in Southern Kaduna are now contemplating taking up arms to defend themselves.

The reign of impunity and the failure of the state to act, when replaced by a resort to self-help, is a prescription for anomie. The people of Southern Kaduna, particularly the Christian communities are losing interest in the Nigerian state. They see their present travails as a re-enactment of the oppression, marginalization and abuse that they suffered under the old Emirate system.

The international community has expressed concern about the human rights implications of the insecurity in various parts of the country.

Many families have been displaced across the North. The Internally Displaced Persons camps are over-stretched. The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), the umbrella body of the people of Southern Kaduna, has received great support and solidarity from other ethnic groups in the country including the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, the Southern and Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze, and the Afenifere, with each group stressing the national implications of the reign of violence in different parts of the country.

The incumbent Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai has been blamed by some critics for mismanaging the crisis in the Southern part of the state he governs. As we have seen, he has a lot more to do. He is dealing with a century-old problem, fed by memory, mutual unwillingness to embrace peace, ego, class, religion, and ethnicity.

Following the latest round of conflicts, Governor Nasir el-Rufai summoned a State Security Council meeting and has also met with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria. He has expressed his government’s willingness to work together with the security agencies to ensure peace in Southern Kaduna. Other Governors before him made similar promises. He has also asked the leaders and the people of the area to make up their minds to live together in peace, and seek to resolve their differences through lawful means. As Governor, he must take the lead in that regard. In 2016, he offered compensation to members of the Hausa-Fulani community who lost property in a similar incident. He must take steps to also assist non-Muslims. How many churches, or markets is the Governor willing to help rebuild? How much compensation would the state offer those who lost their farmlands and other properties?

The people do not trust the state government.

Concrete steps should be taken to gain their trust.

As if in response to the Governor’s call for unity, however, a Peace Summit was held the other

day by Atyap, and Hausa-Fulani communities in Zangon-Kataf Local Government where the community leaders agreed to end hostilities. They agreed to set up a Standing Peace Committee.

They also signed a 14-point resolution. It is not often that Muslims and Christians in Southern Kaduna sit together at a round-table for peace talks, so that is a welcome development. A similar meeting should be held in every local government in the region. The ordinary people: the farmers, the herdsmen and others should be part of that conversation. The major problem we often have in our communities is the lack of vertical integration.

The elites are so high up, so class conscious.

Even when they claim to be representing the people’s interests, the people believe that they are just representing themselves or the class that they belong to. Most of our so-called Nigerian big men are so alienated from the people, they have no idea what the people want. To build peace, there must be trust. To build trust, there must be a meeting of minds. The people who are targeted for attacks are not necessarily the men in high places who collect sitting allowances even when they attend Peace Summits, they are the farmers on whose farmland a herdsman grazes his cattle and destroys the crops, they are the market women who are raped, the young men and women who are abused. They must have a voice in this conversation.

One other latest development in this connection is the statement made about the Southern Kaduna situation by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo at the 60th Annual General Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA). It was good to hear from the Vice President. The Presidency has so far been too bureaucratic and academic about the security situation in the country. But Professor Osinbajo spoke from the heart. He apologized to the people of Southern Kaduna and empathized with them. He pointed out that as far back as 2001, he had been involved in the peace-building process in Kaduna State through the Macedonia Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organization. He disclosed that the Federal Government is setting up a military base in Southern Kaduna. A combined team from the Army and the Navy has also been deployed to check the reign of impunity in the affected areas. “We won’t sweep underlying issues under the carpet”, he promised.

It is good to hear someone so high up refer to the underlying issues at the centre of the Southern Kaduna crisis. Those underlying issues are hydraheaded as the drift of this commentary, should by now indicate, but one major issue is the deployment of security personnel. Many of these security agents have become part of the problem because they identify with camps in the conflict. No bandit has ever been prosecuted for causing mayhem in Southern Kaduna because the security agent who has been deployed to apprehend, or stop him, identifies with him and his ideology. What is the point in sending a Hausa-Fulani Muslim soldier or policeman to arrest a Hausa-Fulani bandit? That is one underlying issue that needs to be addressed. The Nigerian State, by its own omissions, promotes impunity. The Southern Kaduna is not a peculiar problem that is beyond human solution. Nigerian leaders should focus on the structural basis of ethnic conflicts and the stress factors associated with internal colonialism under a democratic dispensation. Why should anyone ever feel like the other, the outsider, the marginalized in their own space under a democratic dispensation? Lessons can be learnt from disputes in other parts of Nigeria: Ijaw-Itsekiri in Delta State, Nupe-Yoruba in Kwara, Ife-Modakeke in Osun, Jukun-Tiv conflicts in Benue/Taraba States and the many recommendations of various panels of inquiry on Southern Kaduna which no one has ever bothered to implement.

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