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Edo Election Enters Home Stretch as APC, PDP Candidates Up the Ante Ize-Iyamu: The incumbent has betrayed our collective trust Obaseki: We still have 70% positive rating, 80% voters with us Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City As campaigning for the Edo State governorship election hits the home stretch, the two main

contenders have upped the ante in their war of words with each other, by underlining their motivations and stating why the other party may be dangerous for the state. The contest has been something

of a grudge match after the incumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in June to become the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) and square up to the APC nominee, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The dramatis personae are not about to yield an inch Continued on page 5

Obaseki

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FG on Red Alert, as Boko Haram Lay Siege on Abuja Tobi Soniyi Security agencies in the country have been put on red alert following an intelligence report that the Boko Haram sect might have begun to lay

siege on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The report stated that Boko Haram has established camps in and around the FCT, a development that constitutes serious security concern to the

seat of power.

The report is contained in an internal memo issued by the Comptroller Enforcement of the Nigerian Customs Service, H.A. Sabo on behalf of the Deputy Comptroller General

Enforcement, Investigation, and Inspection, signed and dated September 4, 2020.

As a result of this, all security agencies in the country have been ordered to be alert and security-conscious

at all times.

A copy of the intelligence report sighted by THISDAY reads: "Further reports have it that they are planning to attack some select targets within the territory.

“They are reported to have set up their camps in the following identified enclaves: Kunyam bush along airport road off DIA staff quarters, Continued on page 12

P&ID Faces Financial Ruin After Court Ruling Establishing Fraud Rejected $200m, oil bloc settlement, out of greed wanted $2bn How Malami, late Abba Kyari, Emefiele managed case Tobi Soniyi Process & Industrial Development Limited (P&ID) now faces a bleak financial future following the judgment of the United Kingdom Commercial Court, which established a prima facie case of fraud against the company in the failed Gas Supply Processing Agreement (GSPA) with Nigeria.

Apart from facing financial ruin, Interpol is said to have placed top officials of the company on watch list in Ireland and in the UK, and currently barred them from travelling out since they are likely to face criminal prosecution in several jurisdictions, including Nigeria, which has already commenced their criminal prosecution.

The company, P&ID would have walked away with about $800 million as a settlement agreement suggested by

then Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke. But former President Goodluck Jonathan refused to sanction the agreement.

Rather, the former president chose to hand over the case file to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, who defeated him in the 2015 presidential election.

However, when Buhari took over as president, negotiation with P&ID continued. And after the new Federal Executive Council under him reviewed the case, Nigeria offered to close down the matter by offering P&ID $200 million payout and an oil block as full and final settlement of the their claim.

But the company rejected the offer and demanded a whopping $2 billion for doing nothing, which Buhari turned down and called their bluff.

Continued on page 12

AKETI’S 2ND TERM QUEST...

L-R: Deputy Governorship candidate of APC in Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and Yobe State Governor who is also the caretaker chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mai Mala Buni at the Akure Township Stadium during Akeredolu's re-election flag-off

Heroes of the Fight Against COVID-19 (2nd of Three Part Series) See THISDAY Style

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Okowa Extols Delta Traditional Council Chair on 61st Anniversary As state intensifies family planning campaign Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers and Obi of Owa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Emmanuel Efeizomor II, on the 61st anniversary of his coronation today. Okowa, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba, described Efeizomor as a man of peace and extraordinary humility, who had impacted positively on his people and Delta State. He said the monarch's reign had brought immeasurable transformation and peace to Owa kingdom and beyond.

In another development, the state stepped up its family planning awareness drive, with a one-day train-thetrainer workshop at Model Primary Health Centre, Asaba, in Oshimili South Local Government Area. The training workshop came on the heels of recent concerns expressed by the governor about the negative consequences of a fast growing population without a corresponding level of growth in the economy.

While thanking God Almighty for the life of Efeizomor, who is one of the longest serving kings in the world, Okowa said, “It is under your reign that Owa Kingdom produced the Primate of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria and the Governor of Delta. “You have done your best to positively impact the development of your kingdom and the state; your humility and friendliness have made you a role model that is loved by all. Through dint of hard work and focus, you have continued to grow Owa-land as well as ensured that peace

continues to prevail across the kingdom and its neighbours. “As Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, we watch with satisfaction how, as a peace-builder par excellence, you masterfully galvanise your colleagues toward peace, security and support to the government of our dear state. And, as a government, we appreciate your good counsel at all times and all you and your colleagues are doing at the grassroots to make governance easier.�

The governor prayed God to grant the monarch many more years on the ancient throne of his forefathers.

Meanwhile, the state held a family planning enlightenment campaign in Asaba, where the Family Planning Officer in charge of the area, Mrs Odegala Eseoghene, and Chief Nursing Officers, Mrs Mary-Ann Okwechime and Mrs Gillian Ogude, spoke on family planning services and challenges thrown up by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Okowa had recently lamented the consequences of population explosion without corresponding economic growth. He observed at an event in Asaba to mark the 29th anniversary of Delta State that it was only through the adoption of modern family planning methods that the country could keep its population growth at a manageable pace.

Okowa said, “We have a lot of natural resources in the country, but when the level of economic growth is less than the growth in our population, then we cannot move forward. “I am not saying people should not give birth, but there is the need to educate the people to give birth to the number of children they can

comfortably care for. “If we continue the way we are going and, incidentally, we hit 500 million in population by the year 2050, I wonder what the situation will look like in Nigeria.�

Similarly, Bishop of Asaba Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Right Rev. Justus Mogekwu, advised the people to change with the times, saying the country's economy, financial and social status of people should be

taken into consideration in deciding on the number of children parents or families should have.

Mogekwu said, “We believe that children are like the arrows in the quiver of a mighty man‌ “As you know, there are many kinds of quivers; there are quivers that can take five arrows, there are quivers that can take 10 and there are those that can take only three arrows, depending on

its capacity. “It is foolish to equip quiver for three arrows with 20 arrows, you will tear it. So our stand is, let's accept that children are gift from God but we must also accept that God demands discipline. God says, let your moderation be known unto all men. So it is not proper if you continue breeding without self-control, because self-control is also God's demand on His people.

You must exercise self-control;

we must take cognizance of our quiver as conscribed by the ability to hold arrows. “Economically, financially, and socially, you cannot give birth to five children when you have no capacity to look after one child. “So, family planning in the sense of not committing abortion, but in the sense of preventing excessive breeding of children, this is something that must be taken into consideration.�

MY 52 WEEKS SCORECARD...

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (left) and Ogun State Goverrnor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, presenting a compendium of his administration's achievements in 52 weeks to the Vice President in Abuja... Thursday

EDO ELECTION ENTERS HOME STRETCH AS APC, PDP CANDIDATES UP THE ANTE as they intensify campaign, trade accusations and counteraccusations in what is bound to a defining election in the state.

In two separate interviews with THISDAY, Ize-Iyamu and Obaseki took a swipe at each other, in an effort to play up their strengths.

But the leaderships of PDP and APC, yesterday, commended His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, for stepping in to calm the increasingly political atmosphere in the state ahead of the September 19 governorship poll. The Edo paramount ruler had recently invited all the interested parties to a roundtable, where he supervised what many considered a forced truce.

Speaking on a cocktail of issues pertaining to the election, Ize-Iyamu contended, in the chat with THISDAY, that the verdict in the state today was that the incumbent governor had failed in all the critical parameters of

governance and the people would rather try a different hand.

The APC candidate stated, “The truth, as the data from the complaints of our people have shown, is that the last four years have been really bad for our state. We have seen a government completely distracted by needless wars of self-aggrandisement and a complete lack of administrative control, which resulted in endless internal squabbles between aides, many of whom lost faith in the governor and his style of leadership.

All of these depleted state resources, oftentimes through questionable means, and took a great toll on governance. “Not a single teacher was hired in four years, despite the fact that schools in our rural communities suffer acute shortage of teachers and other personnel. A government that failed to prioritise the education of our children, particularly at the primary level, the bedrock and foundation of all other

levels of learning, has failed in its mandate and betrayed the trust of the people. There are no ifs and buts. “As you must already be aware, the word ‘SIMPLE’ in my manifesto is an acronym for Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructural Development and Urban Renewal, Manpower Development and Training, Public-Private Partnership, Leadership by Example, and Employment creation and social empowerment scheme. “I have outlined specific plans and programmes to engender progress in all these critical areas and replace the inertia of the last four years with real growth and development.�

Addressing the security situation in the state, which he claimed was deeply concerning, Ize-Iyamu said, “Violent crimes are on the rise.

There is almost an unchecked spate of kidnapping. Our people in rural and urban communities no longer feel safe in their homes.

“As you know, security and welfare is the primary responsibility of government, because people have to be alive and well to enjoy other policies and programmes of government. A secure environment is also key to commerce and the attraction of investments.�

Ize-Iyamu also spoke on what his government would look like. “From day one, my administration will commence steps to rebuild the state’s security infrastructure,� he stated, adding, “We have identified some low hanging fruits that can yield immediate results. “For instance, the incumbent government raised security vote to an estimate of over N700 million monthly, but, sadly, hands only N5 million to the Police, as support fund for their operations in the state.

Evidently, this is a drop too tiny in a mighty ocean. “This is something my administration will immediately scale up

significantly. Apart from this, we are also going to explore other areas of sustainable funding for the Police and other security agencies in Edo State to strengthen patrol, surveillance and other crime prevention measures.�

But in yet a different interview, Obaseki dismissed the assertions of his opponent, insisting that he not only maintains 70 per cent positive rating, but also over 80 per cent of the electorate are with him.

The governor said, “I know THISDAY has an Intelligence Team. You can send them to the field to collect data on how the people feel about my team and I. I am certain you will get the verdict that the people love all we have done for them. We have a 70 per cent positive rating. “The people know that we are serving them. We are humane and have a human face. We have liberated them from thugs, oppressive extortionists and others, who used to prey on the people.

It is these few people – these

oppressors – who we have freed our people from that are complaining.�

Dismissing insinuations that he had lost touch with the people, Obaseki said, “This is absolutely false.

Like I always say, you don’t have to take my word for it.

If your paper should send men for an independent and unbiased survey, you will find out that we have 80 per cent of the voters and the people committed to my re-election. “We also have a groundswell of support from Edo people in the Diaspora, both within Nigeria and outside the country. Therefore, it is in my best interest that the process is peaceful and calm, so all these people can go out, exercise their franchise, and re-elect me. “On the contrary, it is the APC who know for a fact that they don’t control up to 20 per cent of the electorate in the state and are heading for certain defeat that is stoking violence, causing chaos, Continued on page 8

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Covid-19 Vaccine Shouldn’t Be for Highest Bidder, Says Osinbajo Explains the problem with debt relief for Africa Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, at the virtual 2020 EURAFRICA Forum said, the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine should be done in an equitable and affordable manner and not based on highest bidder basis.

Osinbajo, who also made a case for debt relief for Africa, said while the G20 initiative on debt relief was a welcome development that would no doubt bring some relief to relevant African countries, it however, remained inadequate, because it never addressed the problem of commercial debt service obligations.

The summit themed, “Towards a realistic EuroAfrican partnership during and beyond the COVID-19 era�, featured presentation from notable global leaders including the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, and the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, Mr. Ulisses Correia Silva, among others speakers.

The EurAfrican Forum aims to foster stronger collaboration between Europe and Africa, and to also promote a shared green and inclusive growth, among other objectives.

However, speaking on the need for an equitable distribution of vaccines that would help to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, Osinbajo, in a statement by Mr. Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Office of the Vice President, said the first thing that comes to mind “is to ensure widespread and equitable access to a COVID-19 vaccine. “Europe should work closely with Africa to ensure that when a vaccine is finally deployed, it should not be on the basis of the highest bidder

but rather made available at an affordable and in an accessible manner. “This is a matter that should not be taken for granted. We saw during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, in richer parts of the world, that orders for test kits and reagents by African countries were deemed too small and tended to be ignored.�

Arguing further in support of Africa and developing countries in general, the Vice President called on the European Union to support the initiatives aimed at promoting vaccine access to poorer countries.

According to him, “Although Nigeria does not have the resources or means to pre-pay for a COVID-19 vaccine, we are fortunate to be a GAVI-supported country and we urge the EU to lend support to GAVI’s effort to ensure equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines under the COVAX initiative. This way, poorer countries and their citizens will get the vaccines that they need at the same time as the rest of the world.�

He emphasised the need to review the state of partnership between Africa and Europe, adding that the summit offered an opportunity for both continents to share perspectives on matters of mutual interest. “A global crisis calls for global partnerships. If COVID-19 exists in any part of the world, it remains a significant threat to every part of the world. “The partnership between Africa and the European Union is good platform for both sides to work together on economic recovery and rebuilding of health systems. It is also equally important that we become

even stronger advocates for closer international cooperation to tackle the fall out of COVID-19,� he stated.

Speaking on Nigeria’s efforts in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, he noted that Nigeria’s “priority is to ward off a deep recession�, adding that, “We developed an Economic Sustainability Plan, consisting of measures to support local businesses, retain and create jobs and to improve the circumstances of

the most vulnerable. “The Plan bolsters our health interventions and promotes the use labourintensive methods in key areas like agriculture, light manufacturing, housing, and facilities management.�

However, raising the issue of debt relief for Africa in the era of COVID-19, Osinbajo said given the continent’s previous structural vulnerabilities and limitations, debt relief involving commercial debts was desirable.

“We continue to experience huge financing gaps, huge debt servicing obligations and foreign exchange shortages. It is clear then that we need all the help we can get. The Debt Servicing Support Initiative of the G20 is welcome and will no doubt bring some relief to relevant African countries. However, it remains inadequate, because it does not address the problem of commercial debt service obligations. “The share of commercial

debt is almost two thirds of debt service in Africa, so, any debt relief arrangement not involving this segment is unlikely to succeed. “Getting relief on commercial debt servicing will require the cooperation of bondholders and ratings agencies, which is why the African Union Special Envoys on COVID-19 are engaging with them actively. Nigeria calls on the EU to lend its weight to this initiative, which is very important for Africa.�

REVIEWING CAMPAIGN STRATEGY...

Oyo State Governor and National Campaign Chairman, Engr Seyi Makinde (right) and the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, during a meeting of the party’s National Campaign Council on Ondo Governorship Election, held in Ibadan... weekend

EDO ELECTION ENTERS HOME STRETCH AS APC, PDP CANDIDATES UP THE ANTE attacking innocent citizens, residents and members of the PDP. They are also planning other underhand, illegal, criminal and undemocratic tactics to derail the process.�

Meanwhile, the PDP National Campaign Council for Edo State governorship election commended the Oba of Benin for his fatherly intervention to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election in the state. The council promised to play by the rules. Secretary, Publicity Sub-Committee of the PDP National Campaign Council, Kola Ologbondiyan, said, “Our campaign as well as our teeming members and supporters across the state assure that as a law-abiding and well-known peaceful political party, we had always and will continue to conduct our activities and campaign in very peaceful and orderly manner, which has endeared us to the majority of the Edo people. “Indeed, our campaign and party members tremendously

value the forthright admonitions, reprimands, counsel and direction by the royal father, which is a reinforcement of our party’s established and unwavering commitment towards peaceful electoral process, particularly in the Edo State governorship election, despite the provocations and unwarranted attacks.�

PDP said it was elated by the charge on credible and issue-based campaign, guided by manifestos and geared towards the development of the state. It added that the party was happy because such had been the fulcrum and mainstay of its campaign.

Ologbondiyan stated, “Ours has been a campaign established on the personal integrity and sterling performance of our candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki, particularly his development programmes and projects in all critical sectors across the nooks and crannies of Edo State, for which the people are eager to re-elect him as

their governor.�

According to him, with the support for its candidate across the state, in addition to the fact that Edo has always been home to the PDP, the candidate does not have need for any underhand measure or resort to violence in this election.

The PDP spokesman explained, “This is why our candidate, the performing governor of Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy, Philip Shuaibu, have continued to receive rousing solidarity from all the segments of the voting population across Edo State, and the tide of the election is clear to all.�

The party’s national campaign said, “We also urge all stakeholders to allow their actions to be guided by the admonitions of the Oba of Benin as well as other royal fathers in the state, before, during and after the election.�

The Edo State chapter of APC also hailed the Oba of Benin for his peace moves

ahead of the election, saying his royal intervention has cooled the Edo political temperature. APC maintained that the revered Oba's pep talk underscored the party’s stand all along that violence has no place in the civilised electioneering of selling programmes and ideas. It added that a popular party and candidate had no cause to resort to violence.

A statement by National Vice Chairman of the APC governorship campaign, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, the said, “Yet again, we the Edo, should all be proud that in Oba Ewuare, we have a wise, polished, accomplished, visionary and leader, who can counsel his subjects with royal firmness, from the patrician to the pauper; and earn the respect of them all.�

While praying for a long reign, more wisdom, and good health for the foremost monarch, APC stated, “As long as our revered Oba lives, we know Edo will never go to seeds. That is why we

pray, and will continue to pray, for his long, long reign.�

The APC campaign alleged that from the interaction with the Oba, it was clear where the violence was coming from.

It said the party hoped the other side would take the Oba's wise counsel, drop violence and thuggery, and embrace peaceful electioneering, where both sides could freely sell their ideas.

Obahiagbon said, “We have said it before and we are saying it again, we condemn any iota of violence on the campaign stump. We, the Edo APC, absolutely don't need it. Our candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is popular. “His programmes, presented as the SIMPLE agenda, resonate with the masses of Edo people. To crown it all, our APC is a mass movement, entrenched throughout the length and breadth of Edo State. Why should we then visit violence on our own people?�

APC counselled the Edo

PDP and Obaseki on peace, stressing that there is life after elections.

The party stated, “We advise Governor Obaseki to solemnly ponder the Oba's advice to think of life after office, since he wouldn't be governor forever. We also call on Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu to honour his pledge to the Oba, to tell his armed thugs to 'take it easy.'

That done, we can go out and freely campaign to the Edo people on ideas and programmes.

"Let's all go out and sell our ideas. Violence helps nobody.

Let the party with better and superior programmes win, and from what we have done on the campaign trail so far, the better side will be us on September 19. On that day, Pastor Ize-Iyamu will sweep the polls, not because of the rippling muscles of gun-toting thugs but because of the cutting edge of his ideas.�

The full interviews with Ize-Iyamu and Obaseki are published on pages 96-99.

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Finally, International Flights Resume Chinedu Eze After many postponements since the country's airspace was closed for scheduled international services over six months ago to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Nigeria resumed international flight operations on Saturday. The flights kicked off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, with the maximum number of arriving passengers for each airport put at 1, 280.

At the Lagos airport, passengers in their numbers were seen wearing their facemasks and observing social distancing at the entrance gates of the terminals and inside the terminal building, as the first flight to arrive, Middle East Airlines, prepared to board outbound travellers. The Lebanon bound flight, the first commercial flight to take off from the airport since the shutdown, followed COVID-19 protocol rules in processing passengers.

Manager, South-West Airports, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Victoria Shina-Aba, who spoke to journalists at the airport, said it had been six months and 13 days since MMIA was closed to international flights. Shina-Aba, however, disclosed that while the airport was on lockdown, it processed 192 evacuation or special flights and 1,404 cargo flights. She said the airport had come back to life, stressing that necessary measures have been put in place to restore confidence in travelling.

Shina-Aba explained that in line with COVID-19 protocols, departing passengers were no longer expected to come to the airport with many people, as non-travelling passengers could only stay at the drop off zone of the terminal.

She said, “We have been able to demarcate the gates.

The first gate is for crew and staff only. The B and C gates are for passengers. We have

another gate for elderly and special people. At each of these gates, we have water provided for passengers to wash their hands.

We have bag-sanitising stations where passengers get their bags sanitized. Then the temperatures of the passengers are taken. “At the passenger gate, we have infra-red cameras that can capture many people at the same time. If you try to access the place without facemasks, it will indicate that your facemask is not on. We have signs everywhere telling people what to do. The security will not allow passengers without facemasks in. We have sanitisers at the gates. “If you have a temperature higher than the normal, the Port Health will take you to a place that have been provided just to sit down for a while and check you again after some minutes. If you are okay, you will be allowed to travel.�

The manager said FAAN had done social distance markings, saying people queue according

to the markings and passengers and staff do not have direct contact. She assured that FAAN staff were always on stand-by to disinfect items touched regularly by passengers and boarding was done in batches.

Shna-Aba disclosed that the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had developed protocols for passengers.

She said, “Passengers should have tested for COVID-19 at most 96 hours before arrival. Passengers are supposed to register with a provided portal and pay for another COVID-19 test seven days after arrival. They are to fill a form that will include their itinerary, country of departure, and other travel histories. This is also provided on the same portal. “After this, they will get a barcode. At port health, they will check your temperature, the barcode and COVID-19 status.

The barcode is for Port Health

to monitor and ensure people still go back for the tests.�

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) explained flight schedule for airlines thus: On Mondays, flights that will be operated at the Lagos airport include Turkish Airlines, Air Senegal, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar, AWA, Emirates, and British Airways (BA), while BA, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Asky and Air Cote d'Ivoire will operate at Abuja airport.

Flights at the Lagos airport on Tuesdays include BA, Asky, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air Cote d'Ivoire, while BA, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, AWA, and Turkish Airlines will operate from Abuja airport.

Delta, Emirates, Turkish, Air Senegal, Ethiopian Airlines, AWA, Kenya Airways, and MEA would operate at the Lagos airport on Wednesdays, while BA, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Asky, Air Cote d'Ivoire and AWA will operate in Abuja.

For Thursdays, BA, Delta,

Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airline, Virgin, Qatar, and AWA will operate in the Lagos airport, while BA, Egypt Air, Emirates, AWA, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Air Cote d'Ivoire will operate in Abuja airport.

On Fridays, Air Senegal, Asky, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, AWA, Kenya Airways and MEA will operate from Lagos Airport while BA, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, AWA and Middle East Airlines will operate in Abuja airport.

On Saturdays, BA, Delta, Qatar, AWA, Kenya Airways, MEA and Air Cote d'Ivoire will operate from Lagos Airport while BA, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, AWA, MEA and Turkish Airlines will operate from Abuja airport.

Delta, Air Senegal, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, AWA, Kenya Airways and Turkish Airlines will operate from the Lagos airport on Sundays, while BA, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Asky and Air Cote d'Ivoire will operate from Abuja airport.

the liability award. There was no basis to proceed to the damages hearing since the liability, had already been set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction. “Indeed, Nigeria continues to rely on this order in the proceedings in the United States. In addition, I obtained an injunction restraining the parties and the tribunal from proceeding with the arbitration," he explained.

He also defended the legal fee paid to him saying there was nothing excessive about it.

"This was payment to two law firms and not exceptional or unusual in the context of such a dispute. In fact, in order to extract the best possible case for Nigeria, it was from these fees that expenses were paid to ensure attendance at hearings and meetings in the UK by witnesses for Nigeria," he added.

He however pledged his readiness to assist Nigeria in setting aside the award saying, he knew right from the onset that it was a case of fraud.

Justice Cranston held that Nigeria acted reasonably well and that the delay in bringing the allocation was not deliberate.

According to him, the balance of fairness necessitated that Nigeria be given the opportunity to argue her case to set aside the judgment.

The judge said: "With that as background, I find persuasive Mr. Howard’s submission that the fairness factor does have an impact in challenges, where there is strong prima facie evidence of fraud, certainly of the throughgoing character alleged in this case.

"Not only is the integrity of the arbitration system threatened,

but that of the court as well, since to enforce an award in such circumstances would implicate it in the fraudulent scheme. Conclusion on the Kalmneft factors."

The judge further held that the delay in the case was extraordinary and weighed heavily on the side of the balance against an extension.

"In my view, however, other factors bring it down in favour of an extension. As I have explained, the delay is not in my view the result of a deliberate decision made, because of some perceived advantage, and in all the circumstances, Nigeria has acted reasonably", the judge noted.

He held that given the strong prima facie case of fraud, which Nigeria had established, "The position is along the lines of that identified in Terna, where Popplewell J identified the substantial injustice an applicant would suffer in respect of the underlying dispute if deprived of the opportunity of making a challenge should an extension of time be refused: Terna Bahrain Holding Company WLL v Bin Kamil Al Shamsi [2012] EWHC 3283 (Comm), [2013] 1 Lloyd's Rep 86, [33]."

His Lordship further held that, "For the reasons I have given, P&ID has contributed to the delay, and it will not by reason of the delay suffer irremediable prejudice in addition to the mere loss of time if the application is permitted to proceed.

"Although not a primary factor, fairness in the broadest sense favours an extension in this case. For the reasons given, I grant Nigeria’s applications for an extension of time and relief."

P&ID FACES FINANCIAL RUIN AFTER COURT RULING ESTABLISHING FRAUD Convinced they had boxed Nigeria into an obnoxious corner, the directors of the company refused the deal and chose instead to up the ante by asking that Nigeria pay them billions of US dollars for a project they did not implement and indeed lacked the capacity to carry out.

Since it already had a judgment of $6.6 billion, it decided to pursue the arbitral award and enforcement, which by this this time had shot up to $9.6 billion, and felt it had a better chance of getting more money from Nigeria.

To share from the $9.6 billion judgment fraudulently awarded against Nigeria, a sovereign debt hedge fund managed by VR Capital Group reportedly bought a 25% stake in the company.

The hedge fund was notorious for obtaining judgment.

But a deft decision by the late Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to jettison all negotiations and prove the fraud, which the contract was ab inito, changed the country’s fortune thereafter.

Also, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, after reviewing the case file reportedly told the president that the whole exercise was a fraud and advised that Nigeria seek a legal redress.

Buhari, thus, charged Malami, the late Kyari and Emefiele to handle the matter. The trio, however, decided to change strategy from appeasement to full declaration of war.

First, they decided to sack all lawyers previously engaged and instead hired a shrewd new legal team, Mishcon De Reya Shaistah Akhtar, a partner with the firm, to lead the legal team alongside Mark Howard QC of Brick Court Chambers, they applied to the court for an extension of time to challenge the arbitral award.

Suffice it to say Emefiele’s deep involvement was because some of CBN’s assets overseas were particularly at risk of being sold to liquidate the arbitral award.

Eventually, Nigeria’s effort to challenge the award paid off, when the Commercial Court in London, granted her request to stay execution of the judgment.

While granting permission to appeal the case, the UK Commercial Court asked the Nigerian Government to deposit $200m (N72.2bn) into the court's account within 60 days for the

stay of execution to take effect.

That order effectively halted P&ID from enforcing the judgment granted by the Arbitration Tribunal, a development that paved the way for Nigeria to contest the $9.6bn (about N3.25 trillion) granted the Irish firm.

Buoyed by that decision, Nigeria moved into action by filing a brief, detailing all the fraudulent practices that characterised the agreement and how those, who should have helped the country to avoid liability, compromised themselves.

Enter the EFCC The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was also mandated to investigate the fraud.

Contrary to claims by the counsel to the suspended Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, that the judgment granting Nigeria extension of time to challenge the judgment was a vindication of his client, Magu, the EFCC was given the mandate to investigate the fraud since 2015 but failed to act on time.

But Malami's argument is that had the commission acted with dispatch, the award might not have been made against Nigeria in the first place. It was not until after the arbitral award that EFCC swung into action.

Hedge Fund, VR Capital Group Meanwhile, it is not only P&ID that is facing financial ruin as a result of the judgment, Hedge Fund Managers, which bought 25 per cent equity shares in the hope of a handsome pay day is equally facing bankruptcy.

There are other middlemen in the huge international syndicate that specialise in defrauding countries through bogus lawsuits under the pretext of breach of contract.

The Central Bank Governor, who has played a key role in managing Nigeria’s challenge of the arbitral award had earlier in his reaction to the London Court ruling said, it was not time to celebrate yet.

He claimed that the nation’s primary concern was to defeat the criminal syndicate with the phony contracts and get them out of country.

The Background P&ID,

yesterday,

said

it

welcomed the decision of the English Commercial Court granting Nigeria's application for extension of time to challenge the $9.6 billion arbitral award for the failed GSPA. A spokesperson for the company, Ryan Grillo, in an email said, “P&ID welcomes the opportunity to refute Nigeria’s false allegations and wild conspiracy theories at trial, and has every confidence that the English Commercial Court will resolve the case justly and expeditiously.�

Also, yesterday, counsel to the federal government at arbitration tribunal, Olasupo Shasore, SAN said he was relieved by the fact that the corrupt and fraudulent foundation of the case was affirmed in the judgment.

He however said, "I am disappointed that part of the case made for that result was a case against me based on demonstrably false statements, unfounded innuendoes and spiteful personal attacks on my professional conduct and reputation."

Justice Ross Cranston, while upholding Nigeria's application for extension of time to apply to set aside the award held that Nigeria successfully established a prima facie case of fraud against P&ID. The judge, in his judgment, made a scathing rebuke of Shasore.

He said: "However, what persuades me of a prima facie case of dishonesty in Mr. Shasore’s conduct of the arbitration are his payments of US$100,000 each to Ms. Adelore and Mr. Oguine.

"Ms Adelore occupied Ms Taiga’s position at the Ministry as the senior lawyer, and Mr. Oguine was her counterpart at the NNPC. Their salaries as public servants, according to the Attorney General, Mr. Malami, were some US$5000 per annum. “Mr. Mill submitted that these payments had nothing to do with P&ID. Moreover, Mr. Shasore had volunteered the information about them to the EFCC and described them as gifts. The argument that Mr. Shasore volunteered the payments goes nowhere, since once the EFCC had information from the bank accounts; it was difficult to deny them. “As to Mr Shasore’s account that these were gifts, that does not seem to me a complete and honest explanation for why he should make these payments to these senior public servants."

In a statement issued in his defence, Shasore said he did his best in the circumstance.

"I was instructed in this matter and accepted the instructions on behalf of my firm and to the knowledge of my partners in late 2012 and I made every effort to defend and vindicate my client at every stage with very few tools and with minimal support from within the government itself.

"I represented Nigeria up until the liability stage in the arbitration. I did not represent Nigeria in the damages stage of the arbitration, which means I was not involved when the huge sum of damages was awarded against Nigeria.

"The complete records will show the series of steps that I took to defend Nigeria and the several results, which I secured in that effort at various stages.

None of this is consistent with the unfounded allegations that I failed to present the best available defence.

"With very little or no cooperation from relevant government officials at the time, I filed a jurisdiction objection that potentially could and should indeed have terminated the case in favour of Nigeria, because it was clear to us from the beginning that the contract was a scheme against Nigeria.

"When the then Nigerian officials failed to supply documents or any witness to defend their case, I fought liability by enlisting the support of the legal adviser of NNPC, who gave evidence to the best of his knowledge, when everyone else with knowledge refused to do so. I instructed the UK firm of Stephenson Harwood, a respected international arbitration team and a leading Barrister to attempt to set aside the award on liability in England.

"We overcame numerous hurdles and faced a hostile tribunal, which relied on the testimony of a principal witness, who had died before the hearing and whose testimony should have been discounted. It is on record that I fought hard for the tribunal to dispense with that evidence. I am happy that the falsity of that testimony has now been recorded in the High Court in England. “Indeed this was the ground on which I took the matter to the Federal High Court in Nigeria, which was the proper seat of the arbitration and successfully obtained an order setting aside

FG ON RED ALERT, AS BOKO HARAM LAY SIEGE ON ABUJA Abuja, Robochi/Gwagwalada forest, Kwaku forest Kuje -Abuja, Unaisha forest in Tata Local Government of Nasarawa State, Gegu Forest close to Idu town in Kogi State.�

But, while reacting to the development, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Garba Shehu, though confirmed the fact that the customs had generated some intelligence that raised security concerns.

This, he however, claimed was discretely communicated to the concerned quarters without the need for an official memo, which he was sure was not authorised by the higher authority in the customs.

"The Comptroller General of

the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hamid Ali (Rtd) has confirmed that the intelligence arm of the agency made certain discoveries of security nature and in line with their duty to the nation, they have drawn the attention of security and intelligence agencies to what they found.

"He has, however, not authorised the issuance of any internal memo to his commands on the subject of their discovery."

The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has repeatedly claimed that it had decimated the terrorists group even though the insurgents continue to attack both troops and civilians in the North East part of Nigeria.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

13

EDITORIAL

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

DSS, IPOB AND THE ENUGU KILLINGS Security agencies are unwittingly aggravating long-running troubles by their mode of operations

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housands of commuters were recently stranded in Enugu and environs as commercial bus drivers withdrew their services to protest the alleged killing of two of their colleagues in a bloody clash between Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members and security agents.

The violent clash which took place at Emene, on outskirts of the state capital penultimate Sunday, disrupted church services and created fear and panic with innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.

According to reports, some security agents had invaded a school premises where members of the outlawed IPOB were holding a meeting. In the ensuing heated argument, The security guns were fired.

While the Enugu agencies must State Commissioner understand that of Police, Ahmed we operate a Abdulrahman said full democracy only four persons which guarantees lost their lives, two maximum of them security men, IPOB members expression claimed that 21 of of citizens’ members were fundamental rights their gunned down with especially the scores of others injured. rights to hold public Whatever may be the gatherings and exact number of casualties, the Emene violence debates was the latest of the frequent clashes between security agents and IPOB members, banned since 2018 after being designated as a ‘terrorist organisation.’

Founded in 2012 by Nnamdi Kanu, the proscribed group was pressing for an independent state of Biafra for the people of old Eastern Region of Nigeria through a referendum. From his hidden abode abroad, Kanu and supporters back home have repeatedly raised their voices sometimes to incite. That their continuous agitation for ‘Biafra’ does not resonate well with the elite corps of the Igbo and the rest of Nigeria is not in doubt. But remnants of the group have distanced themselves from the recent violence that

Letters to the Editor

claimed innocent lives.

While we do not support the activities of the group, we must condemn the highhanded approach from the authorities.

Indeed, many Nigerians are blaming the increasing violence in the country on the overzealousness of some security officials.

Only last week, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, otherwise known as Shi’ites, alleged that three of its members were gunned down by the police in Kaduna State. The group claimed that a team of policemen attacked a gathering of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria holding the annual ‘Ashura mourning’ session in the state. Besides, in the last few months, security agencies have resorted to inviting and intimidating critics of government, disrupting peaceful protests and creating the impression that Nigeria is a police state.

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

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

n the case of IPOB, it is difficult to identify who the group speaks for.As we argued in the past, whatever may be their agitation, we do not believe those touting ‘Biafra’ have adopted the right approach. But we enjoin the security agencies to handle with care their activities by ensuring that minimum force is used to disperse protesters whenever IPOB members gather so as to prevent any unnecessary escalation and in the process draw sympathy for their cause. Sadly, that is already happening in the South-east and it is important to deny the group the legitimacy it craves.

The security agencies must understand that we operate a full democracy which guarantees maximum expression of citizens’ fundamental rights especially the rights to hold public gatherings and debates. The citing of dubious security reports to scuttle and abridge the civic rights of citizens is a relic of decades of military autocracy. Security is now the myth and cultic mystery with which Nigerians are always blackmailed.

IPOB members of course must understand that they are not above the law. Whatever may be their legitimate political grievances, such can be channelled through their representatives in the National Assembly.

The idea of hiding under the quest for secession to draw attention to the development deficits in any part of the country is wrong and counter-productive. But in as much as we condemn blackmail in any form as a weapon for seeking political or economic goals, it is troubling that security agencies are unwittingly escalating violence by their mode of operations. This is why we urge a thorough investigation to unravel the cause of the killings in Enugu, even as we commiserate with the families of the dead.

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

ASUU-FG C RISIS A ND NIGERIAN S TUDENTS

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larifications need to be made on the full meaning of ASUU and what the body represents.

ASUU stands for Academic Staff Union of Universities and not Association of Students' Union of Universities and as such it's established mainly to fight for the interest of university lecturers. Pressure group has been unanimously described as a group of individuals sharing common interests, who come together on the basis of shared opinions and bonded interest in order to influence governmental policies and decisions as it affects their group-specific interest.

Just like the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) fights basically to promote the interest of doctors and surgeons across the country and not for their patients,

and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) struggles to protect the interest of lawyers, advocates and solicitors in the country and not of their clients, ASUU also exists fundamentally to protect the common interests of all affiliated university lecturers. Is it not surprisingly unintelligible to read contradictory comments and unguided statements being said on different social media handles about the 'selfishness' of ASUU as mostly perpetuated by Nigerian students.

Having established the fact that ASUU is a pressure group and seeks to protect the interest of her members, why then should we call it a selfish body when they're not created for the interest of the Nigerian students in the first instance? Many students only read blogs on social

media without embarking on background check to authenticate the news being disseminated on the disagreement between ASUU and the federal government. They say ASUU is only fighting for her pocket and I ask, should they fight for students' pocket when our interest varies from theirs?

Apart from the obscure IPPIS saga many believed is the cause of the crisis between ASUU and FG, how many are informed of the 2009 Agreement, 2012 Universities NEEDS Assessment and the 2017 Negotiations between FG and ASUU before the ongoing 2020 ASUU indefinite strike?

What does National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Association of University Students (NAUS), among other students/

youth associations represent when we keep expecting ASUU to fight for or represent our interest? Most students do not even understand the reason behind the existence of these wings as many thought they're merely political tools for our so-called unconcerned politicians. Students’ bodies that are supposedly fighting for the common interests of the students turned themselves to instrument of political oppression and victimisation while the students they represent care less.

We all know the economic hardship the ongoing global pandemic has foisted on all and sundry. It's clearly overt how many households struggle to live from hand to mouth and how individuals mostly artisans, traders and workshops’ owners hardly earn meagre anything to cater for their daily needs. Have you ever wondered the kind of life university lecturers are living during this period of lockdown

amidst industrial action without being paid their basic entitlement for over five months?

According to ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, "What we need from government is sincerity.

If government is sincere with us and we come to a satisfactory understanding, we are not strike mongers; we don’t enjoy being on strike either.

We only use it as a last resort. It is because successive governments do not listen to persuasive argument and do not honour agreements.” It's no gainsaying that many Nigerians already see ASUU as strike mongers and I blame media houses for not exposing the realities between both parties.

––Alamu Azeez, University of Ilorin

(See concluding part on www. thisdaylive.com)

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

OPINION

A F EELING OF VIOLATION Nigeria needs leaders with big hearts, argues Aloy Ejimakor

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igeria was expected to be better after it’s tragic, genocidal Civil War came to a dramatic close in 1970. It was called a civil war just because it was fought amongst compatriots. Yet, in concept, execution and dimension, there was nothing civil about it. It was vicious, attritional and sans any compatriot spirit.

There was no guarantee that Igbos or Biafrans would survive the war or its aftermaths. Yet, in the end, and counting to today, the very instinct for self-preservation and an unparalleled spirit of private enterprise plus quantum street wisdom ensured that the people not only survived, they reconciled and moved on, hanging their hopes on a better Nigeria.

But today, and more than at any other time since the end of that war, Nigeria is pedaling back to the same evils that brought that war. Those that feel that they have conquered the federation and its opportunities have no qualms and thus incapable appreciating the permanent damage they are doing to the diminishing prospects for One Nigeria.

With the way post-war Nigeria was unilaterally structured to the advantage of one part and the ebullience with which such advantage is now being pursued, it will be naive and duplicitous to think that there will be absence of dissent. Like nature itself, dissent does not exist in a vacuum. It erupts as a natural reaction to injustice of state against citizen. In such instance, it is the state (not the dissenter) that is stoking the fire of dissent, of separatism.

A nation enjoys healthy and unifying democracy only if its leaders are willing to go beyond the narrow interests of their ethnic stock and direct their vision to the common good.

This is the main reason self-determination passions waned throughout the Obasanjo, Yar'Adua and Jonathan eras but soared exponentially in the present era. The first salvo was fired by the President himself when he uttered that infamous

97versus5 percent, a declaration that quickly gained traction and merciless implementation to this day.

When tribalism is the most powerful drive in a diverse society, democracy and national unity suffer or merely exist as shadows of themselves, or worse - by fiat and state violence.

Good leaders have to have enough big heart to accommodate all. They have to be able to walk away from their little tribal enclaves to embrace all hues. They have to find compromises and common grounds that can build a system that accommodates all.

Unfortunately, however, Nigeria has been thrust into a crucial moment where how you voted in the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections (plus the tribe you belong to) are the most important considerations for enjoying the most basic rights of citizenship. Even murderous terrorists, some of them foreign, are treated better. In such a scenario, there is going to be a backlash, a popular resistance, best exemplified by an Nnamdi Kanu that is not too cowed to tell you it cannot be that way.

It is sad that the vision of the moment seems to be of a Nigeria that is feudal and terroristic, with a criminal version of federalism and an ethnic patriarchy aimed at enforcing a fraudulent unity on their own terms. This sad reality is the greater danger

Like nature itself, dissent does not exist in a vacuum. It erupts as a natural reaction to injustice of state against citizen

to the oneness of Nigeria than Nnamdi Kanu and the devoted millions that follow him. To be sure, Kanu was, in all ramifications, a committed Nigerian patriot until his hands were forced.

We saw this same wave in 1967 and it got nobody nowhere. Not the losers, not the winners. As it now seems, everybody - losers or winners - have become losers because the same 1967 mentality of we-versus-them (97versus5) was suddenly exhumed and recast in a new wave of extremism driven by the Nigerian State itself. And to make it worse, when you dissent - even without arms - you die. If you’re lucky, you get maimed for life, jailed or end up in exile.

This is what Nigeria's founding fathers feared more than 50 years ago. This is what propelled them to find some compatriot comfort only in a pure federation that guaranteed quantum autonomy to the regions. And this is why, when the first evils erupted, Aburi was proposed as the only sensible and ultimate solution. So, even as regional autonomy was destroyed and Aburi was rejected, their spirits abided and lived on for a day like this.

Thus, Nigeria as presently constituted, is the reason for Biafra - the abiding spirit that is propelling the phenomenon of Nnamdi Kanu. So, to think that Kanu will relent without weighty concessions smacks of infantile arrogance and crass naivety. It is a fact of history that gutsy and idealistic men like him are built of the sterner stuff; sterner than military tanks; sterner than any oppressor. And now, they are in the millions and still counting.

Therefore, the phenomenon of Biafra is not driven by any other thing than a similar spirit that had propelled Nigeria to Independence. You can’t proscribe a spirit; you can’t call it treason or terrorism; and you can’t suppress it by levying lethal violence at the slightest whim. Your only sensible option is to engage it with dialogue and compromise.

––Ejimakor, a lawyer, wrote from Alaigbo.

Osunkeye: Celebrating A Boardroom Colossus Sola Oni pays tribute to Olusegun Osunkeye, boardroom guru, at age 80

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ome individuals, by divine providence, attract unsolicited fame. They work quietly and assiduously without expectation of recognition and commendation. They devote talent, energy and time to impact positively on humanity, to make the world a better place. But they are reticent about their achievements.

These are great achievers that God creates for every generation, and like gold shine everywhere.

In the timeless words of Henry Longfellow, “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.” In the pantheon of silent achievers is the boardroom colossus, Chief Olusegun Oladipo Osunkeye, the Babalaje of Egbaland, Chairman, Osunkeye and Associates and Pilot Securities Limited, who will clock 80 on Monday, September 7, 2020. It is not a poetic excess to describe Osunkeye as a class in his own. He is the first among his equals, generous but prudent, a debonair persona but highly engaging with unassailable facts on any issue.

The overriding factors that define his lifestyle and have put him on the public space for upward of 40 years are integrity, skills and perseverance. I had known him by reputation since my undergraduate days over 30 years ago. During my career at The Guardian, he remained one of the leading lights in the real sector. I became more familiar with his activities when I joined The Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1997. Nestle Nigeria Plc, under Osunkeye, was a global name. Due to Nestle’s consistent stellar performance under his leadership, the company won the much coveted The Nigerian Stock Exchange Annual President’s Merit Award several times. After I left The Exchange, our paths never crossed until I saw him at a classy wedding in ceremony in Lagos, of a daughter of one of his fans, the Founder of a flourishing Agricultural and Forestry Support firm, Mr Olawale Oyedele. Immediately I introduced myself, he recalled and said “Sola Oni of The Nigerian Stock Exchange”. He was quite happy to see me, offered me his complimentary card and asked about my welfare. He was impressed that apart from being a financial journalist and Public Relations Consultant, I have become a Chartered Stockbroker. He said I should get in touch. Ever since, I began to have close access to him. Olusegun Osunkeye is a household name in Nigeria, yet he is not a noise maker. He believes that your work must speak for you.

During my first visit to him in his serene corporate office at Ikeja, GRA, where his staff work round the clock, he served me tea and insisted that I was his visitor. He noticed that I was not comfortable with this approach and quickly educated me that it was not at variance with African way of treating a visitor, irrespective of age disparity.

While we were drinking tea, I told him to let me write his biography. He smiled and said more than 10 people had made such a request but he turned down all. “Most of the biographies

published and launched in Nigeria are dumped somewhere after the launching. Many Nigerians don’t cultivate reading habit. I really don’t see the need for that. It doesn’t affect my contributions to knowledge”. He showed me a copy of biography of one of the late Nigerian business moguls which was just delivered to him and asked rhetorically: how many Nigerians have patience to read this book? We discussed on granting interviews occasionally on national issues. “Sola, I don’t need any form of publicity. I enjoy my private life and I don’t want to discuss my family,” he said in a measured tone. He speaks with professional and intellectual candour on any subject. Ironically, the fearless Osunkeye, an unwilling newsmaker is a delight to every crack reporter. His appearance at any function often causes stir and automatically elevates the standard of the event.

Despite his deliberate avoidance of publicity, Osunkeye cannot be ignored at any forum. He is generous and has an insatiable desire to uplift the downtrodden. He once told me how he joyfully paid an artisan N1000 for a service of N100. “I love to make people like him happy. The money meant a lot to him and his family. He was happy. He did not expect such. I pay every professional for the service rendered, no matter how close we are.

I don’t overstretch my goodwill and I don’t believe in all these charity”, he told me and we both laughed.

Born on 7th September, 1940, at Agege , Lagos State, he attended King’s College, Lagos, 1954-58 and trained at Messrs Akintola Williams and Co. His erudition became more manifest when he was under the tutelage of Chief Akinola Williams who acknowledged him as the most engaging trainee at the time.

Osunkeye later proceeded to College of Commerce, Wednesbury, England, 1963-65 and International Management Development Institute, Lawusanne, Switzerland, 1980. A defining moment of his career was 1965, when he recorded double victory for passing the final examination of ACCA and the finals of the UK Institute of Taxation. The iconic Chartered Accountant who spent 41 years of his robust working career at Nestle Nigeria Plc, was promoted Managing Director of the company in 1988 and emerged the Chief Executive Officer in 1991, the first Nigerian to hold the exalted position to date. His eight-year tenure as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer saw the company’s turnover grew from N609 million in 1991 to N7 billion in 1999, and profit before tax jumped from N98 million to N1.6 billion during the same period. His best-in-the-class performance won the heart of the company’s foreign investors, especially, from Switzerland and encouraged them to make significant investment in Nigeria.

As a justification for Osunkeye’s positive influence on the foreign investors about Nigeria’s business environment and skills and competencies of its people, his boss, Alex Jost, had in a personal letter to him in 2010 said “...I often refer to my experience in your market, where the company (Nestle Nigeria), managed

by you was able to - despite a hash business climate- to uphold in all respects a standard of quality which matched the best in the Nestle Universe...” Osunkeye retired as the Chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc in 2013. He had also served as the Chairman, Larfage Africa Plc, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ikeja Branch; National Vice President, MAN; President, Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria and past President, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), among others. Osunkeye as a corporate Prophet was not only revered outside his home, but by his own people. In recognition of his monumental contributions to Nigeria’s corporate growth and development, the federal government of Nigeria bestowed him with the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2003, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2011 and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2014. He never allowed his functions in the corporate space to becloud his service in the ecumenical world.

Osunkeye started as an altar boy at a very young age in Anglican Communion. No wonder, he was proclaimed and installed as a Diocesan Father of the Diocese of Lagos West in May, 2014. The philanthropist is happily married to his darling wife, Chief (Mrs) Abosede Osunkeye, his best friend and the distinguished couple had celebrated more than five decades of unblemished holy wedlock. Their children are all professionals of distinction, spanning banking, accountancy and stockbroking, pharmacy, marketing and law. On the social ladder, Osunkeye belonged to many topnotch clubs. But for the protocols of COVID-19 pandemic which has moderated social activities globally, Osunkeye deserves a red carpet and drum-rolling celebration.

At 80, the ebullient Osunkeye maintains solid physical built, dresses corporate, still working, learning new skills in the age of new normal and participating in Zooms and allied meeting as well as social activities at an age when some of his contemporaries battle with senility. He does not only continue mentoring young ones, including his staff but serves as a facilitator at Lagos Business School of Pan African University, supports research at the University of Lagos and Ajayi Crowther University, where he is a foundation member of the Governing Council. A Chartered Insurer and one of his corporate apostles, Mr Oyedele, eulogized him in baritone: “We are privileged to be his students in corporate governance, boardroom ethics.

The two lessons that I personally learnt from Chief Olusegun Osunkeye are: every problem has an expiry date and invest everything you have in patience. It pays at the end”. A timeless testimonial!

––Oni, PR Consultant and Chartered Stockbroker, is the CEO, Sofunix Investment and Communications.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

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LETTERS

FUEL PRICE INCREASE AND THE PEOPLE ‘‘I get worried when people go against the sale of the refineries. I get worried because those who maintain such positions are ignorant and not in tune with current realities or the state of the refineries. What is in a national asset that does not return value on investment?’ -Joseph Nwakuwe, Chairman of Society for Petroleum Engineers.

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igerians are angry, disenchanted and disillusioned with the President Muhammad Buhari-led administration over the recent increase in the electricity tariff and the pump price of petrol. While the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC) raised the tariff by over 100 % from N30.23 for 1 kilowatt unit per hour to N62.23 per Kw/hr, the Pipeline Products Marketing Company(PPMC)

Timipre-Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources jerked up the fuel price to N161 per litre, from N148 per litre. This was the third time in three months! For an oil-producing country, and

with the hindsight that the cost of consumables is indirectly tied to fuel price, the increases lack any human face.

Worse still, coming at a

time that people are still battling with the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, when virtually the cost of living has skyrocketed, it smirks of insensitivity on the part of the government to inflict more pains on the hapless citizens. In other climes governments have come up with various palliatives, as buffers to cushion the deleterious damage the disease has caused.

Against this dark backdrop, many Nigerians now recall with glee that under former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua the cost of petrol was at N65 per litre, diesel stood at N112 per litre and other essential items cost far less than we have it today. For instance, a bag of rice then was N3,500 but now it stands at N25,000 or thereabout, depending on the type.

The equations make no economic sense. How do we explain the fact that the nation’s three comatose

THE MEDIA AND POLITICS OF COVID-19 VACCINE

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n editorial headlined "COVID-19 vaccine trials beyond Nigeria’s rhetoric", in the August 17, 2020 of a national newspaper gushed, "Russia has taken everyone by surprise with its SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine, already named Sputnik-V. Just after two months, the vaccine has scaled phase three hurdle and President Putin plans a roll out for January 1, 2021."

The article further enthused, "In other countries, it takes as much as five to 10 years to get a vaccine ready."

First of all it's misleading to say Russia's vaccine scaled phase three hurdle.

Secondly, vaccines can take between two to 10 years to be approved for use. Russia has no track record of producing vaccines at a supersonic speed.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, emotions have continued to go haywire and clouding reasoning, especially as regards the treatment of the disease. Unfortunately, the media that should report truth are also caught by the coronavirus pandemic emotion bug.

The truth is that Russia breached a major scientific protocol. It prematurely approved a vaccine for use without completing the normal process vaccines undergo before they are considered safe for public use.

There are three phases of a vaccine or drug trial.

The vaccine has undergone the first two phases but has not yet undergone the third phase. Yet, President Vladimir Putin has thumped his chest that his country is the "first" to produce a vaccine against the coronavirus.

The vaccine race is now what political leaders want to use for grandstanding, and for some maybe to save their presidency. For one, Ameri-

cans are not happy with the way President Donald Trump has handled the coronavirus in the US, with elections just around the corner. So, to help his reelection bid Trump has pushed with Operation Warp Speed, to fast track the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. Like Trump, Russians are not also happy with Putin's handling of the coronavirus. So, he latched on the vaccine to score a political point. It's like writing an exam with other candidates and telling everyone there that you have finished, while you are still at it.

Russia has not published any paper on the vaccine. The evidence is limited because the scope of usage is small. It could make other countries that are in various stages of development of vaccines to say "If Russia is doing it, we too will do it." And this could spell doom for the rigorous safety checks vaccines and drugs have to go through before they are used by the general population. According to Reuters, director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Peter Marks, said he will resign if because of the upcoming elections Trump approves a COVID-19 vaccine before it is proven to be effective and safe.

There have been examples of where vaccines went awry.

For instance, in 1976, following an outbreak of swine flu in the US, President Gerald Ford said everyone in the country would be vaccinated. But some of those who got the vaccine came down with Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can lead to temporary paralysis.

Similarly, in 2016 the Philippines wanted to vaccinate children against dengue. But it was stopped when they found that the vaccine, Dengvaxia, was associated with a risk of

severe disease in some people who were not previously exposed to the disease.

Even for drugs, we can still recall in 1996 when Pfizer tested an unlicensed drug, trovafloxacin (Trovan) to treat children who had meningitis in Kano. Some of the children who took the experimental drug died, some became deaf and mute, and some developed brain damage. Pfizer was sued. After a 15-year legal battle it settled out-of-court, paying out $75m.

A body in Moscow called Association of Clinical Trials Organizations (ACTO), which speaks for the world's top drugmakers in Russia, advised postponing the approval of the Russian vaccine until the final phase is concluded. The initial stage of developing a vaccine, involves identification of candidate vaccines. Next is the PreClinical studies stage where animals are used to test the vaccine to see if the vaccine can stimulate immunogenicity, that is, being able to produce an immune response. Many vaccine candidates don't make it past this stage.

If a candidate vaccine scales this hurdle, an application for investigational new drug is made to the country's food and drug agency.

If the application is approved the vaccine undergoes three phases of testing with humans. In Phase one, a small group of people is given the vaccine, usually between 20-80. This stage could be non-blinded, that means those getting the vaccine and those giving the vaccine know the vaccine or the placebo.

Phase two involves a larger group of people. They are randomized controlled trials, with a placebo group, usually single-blinded. This means those recruited for the study don't know whether they are getting the vaccine or the

placebo, which could just be saline water. But the researchers know which one they are giving. This is to reduce bias with the study.

If a candidate vaccine scales the second stage, it moves to phase three. Here, tens of thousands of people are recruited for the study.

The more people used the better. So that side effects will not be missed. It's again randomized controlled trial, with placebo, and doubleblinded. This means that both the participants and the researchers don't know who got the placebo and who got the vaccine.

Then there is the Phase four, which is optional. Here the manufacturer can do trials to find out more about the vaccine. Drugs also go through these stages.

To be sure, in the US, FDA in certain cases can issue emergency use authorization which allows unapproved medical products to be used, usually in life-threatening situations. But that has not been the case with Russia's vaccine. Instead, it went wholesale with the approval of the vaccine as if it has passed through all the safety checks. Less than 100 people have officially received this vaccine.

Some Russians are scandalized by this unsavoury action by the Russian government.

For ACTO Executive Director Svetlana Zavidova "The rules for conducting clinical trials are written in blood. They can’t be violated."

There is an urgent need to find a lasting solution to the coronavirus scourge. But putting politics over health could undermine confidence in the whole process. The media should not make themselves willing agents of propaganda by politicians. –Dr Cosmas Odoemena, medical practitioner, Lagos.

refineries located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri recorded a combined loss of N50 billion in five months from January to May of this year? That is according to Energymix Report of May 30, 2020.

Yet, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reportedly spent over N535. 9 billion on subsidy and Federation Account Allocation Committee in the first quarter of 2020 when no drop of fuel was produced!

This was disclosed by the corporation in its monthly financial and operations in July, 2020. Nwakuwe said the refineries post an average of N10 billion on a monthly basis, saying the country cannot afford to record losses in that huge number. ‘‘That is the loss figure recorded by the refineries on a monthly basis.’’ The situation informed the oil expert’s warning that should the country fail to sell the refineries now, they may not get value for it anymore.

He reiterated the fact that the amount of money spent on the endless rehabilitation of the refineries was no longer sustainable.

It would be recalled that when ex-President Goodluck Jonathan's administration increased fuel price from N67 to N97 in 2012, it sparked off mass outrage with the Save Nigeria Group led by Pastor Tunde Bakare at the popular Gani Fawenhimi park. “My government was severely criticized for increasing the pump price of petroleum from N67 to N97 at a time that global crude price was going for over 100 dollars.

The pump price was later reduced to N87 when the price of crude oil dropped and they attacked us that it was supposed to be lower.

Those who criticized my administration are not talking again now that the global crude oil is about 53 dollars per barrel and the pump price of petrol is N143,� said Jonathan in October 2017. But now it has jumped to N161 per litre.

Expectedly, the scary economic situation has triggered various reactions. Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and his party, the PDP say that the increase would lead to more economic hardship

V

for the people and want it reversed. But the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) maintains that the Buhari-led government was working for the overall interest of Nigeria.

In fact, some of them are blaming the PDP for Nigeria’s current woes and asking affected party members to return the looted subsidies.

Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC wants organized labour to mobilize Nigerians and shut down the country!

These include the Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC), Trade Union Congress(TUC), Nigerian Union of Teachers(NUT), NUPENG, PENGASSAN, the NBA, NMA and ASUU and other Civil Society Organizations(CSOs). One would say that what is good for the good should be sweet for the gander. If they did it against Jonathan, why not against Buhari? But people are afraid of him! But why? Is it all because of his military background or that freedom of expression is being muzzled under him?

For me, it goes far beyond all that. Many of us have not been groomed to place the national interest above our personal and pecuniary interests. Still blaming the PDP for our current woes is an admission of leadership failure, after five years in the saddle. True leaders do not give excuses for failure but find the reasons to succeed.

Both Lee Kuan Yew (of blessed memory) of Singapore and Paul Kagame of Rwanda never met their countries in a state of paradise. Instead of blaming past administrations for the redolent rot in the system they rolled up their sleeves and did the needful, with uncommon vision, passion, courage and commitment.

What the recurring ugly decimal of fuel price, electricity tariff, labour matters, salaries and sundry taxes, mostly controlled by a powerful centre teaches us is to restructure this country, once and for all. Let the federating units utilize their resources based on the most pressing needs of their people and do so in their best interest, as well. We have had enough of this self-deceit! ––Ayo Oyoze Baje, Lagos.

Don't Get Bitten

ery few things are sacred in politics although the right to vote should be one of them. The more votes cast the better the democratic system should work but it's only one vote per person unlike the suggestion from Donald Trump, "Let them send it in and let them go vote, and if their system's as good as they say it is, then obviously they won't be able to vote."

This is either criminal or should be.

Given his concerns about the validity of postal voting

he should not be asking people to put it to the test.

Testing a system by trying to break it is a proper approach when testing the strength of a metal beam but testing which snakes are poisonous by letting them bite you isn't advised and it is quite possible his poisonous rhetoric might come back to bite him in the election.

Trust the electoral system, after all it elected you last time and that wasn't a mistake, or was it?

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͞˜ 2020

BUSINESS

Buhari

Wabba

Editor: Kunle Aderinokun 08033204315, 08111813084 Email:kunle.aderinoku@thisdaylive.com

Momoh

The New Electricity Tariff Increase Emmanuel Addeh examines the recent hike in electricity tariffs and the various debates surrounding it

I

t was long in coming, but any committed observer of the Nigerian electricity supply industry knew it was only a matter of time before something would give in the country’s search for reliable power supply.

There was no doubt that the sector needed a tweaking, if not a complete overhaul. But the argument was which one should come first? Improved service by the operators in the value chain or increased tariffs to be paid by power consumers.

After years of going back and forth, the decision makers, including the federal government, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and indeed the Distribution Companies (Discos) on Tuesday finally hiked the unit price of electricity for a section of the country’s customers.

With a history of tariff postponements too numerous to detail because of its sensitive nature, being political, economic and social decision, the clamour for a cost-reflective tariff regime has been long-drawn.

A History of Vacillations Earlier in the year, NERC asked operators in the power sector, including electricity generation and distribution companies, to submit performance improvement plans (PIP) committing them to a higher quality of service.

The agency said the existing tariff regime would be retained, while the performance improvement plan would form the basis for future tariff review.

Although the regulator did not say when the new electricity tariff would be executed, it was apparently in preparation for last

week’s increase.

Indeed, as part of the announcements and reversals, on December 31, 2019, NERC disclosed its plans to immediately review electricity tariffs in the country from January 1.

The order, titled “December 2019 MYTO Minor Review Order� for the 11 electricity distribution companies (DISCos), was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. James Momoh, and the Commissioner for Legal, License & Compliance, Dr. Dafe Akpeneye.

But, the commission sometime later, said the new tariff regime would not take effect until April 1, 2020 to allow it sufficient time to consult all the interest groups following misgivings by many Nigerians.

By the time April 1, 2020 arrived, the coronavirus pandemic had happened, causing all kinds of shutdowns and lockdowns, leaving behind all kinds of uncertainties.

It was again postponed till July 1, which was another failed attempt at reviewing the tariffs after a meeting between the leadership of the National Assembly, NERC and Discos.

The lawmakers claimed that while the tariff increase was necessary, the timing was bad as Nigerians were still reeling from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the time, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, promised to meet with the president to thrash out the matter, during which it was agreed that the review should be deferred to the first quarter of next year.

Aside Lawan, who made the proposal for the postponement to the first quarter as the new take-off of the tariffs, Speaker,

House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila had also said that though well-intended, the timing was wrong.

If it took off at the time like it just did, it would mean that the federal government would no longer pay subsidy on electricity as it did with the liberalisation of the prices of petroleum products.

Before the hike, the tariff represented about 60 per cent of the actual cost-reflective tariff with the government making up for the shortfalls through subsidies to generation companies (Gencos) and gas suppliers.

But the Discos have always argued that most investors will not come into a market that is not cost-reflective and beleaguered by uncertainty.

Taking the Bull by the Horns However, with the mounting pressure on government revenues and continuous push by international financial bodies like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Nigeria to end its subsidy regimes on all sectors, President Muhammadu Buhari, finally caved in and approved the review.

Before the increase, THISDAY exclusively reported that effecting the new tariff. which formally commenced on September 1, 2020, was one of the preconditions given by the World Bank for a $1.5 billion loan for Nigeria.

The president eventually signed off on the new planned electricity prices , which, it was learnt, will be reviewed every quarter.

Of the $1.5billion World Bank loan to be approved for Nigeria, $750million had been earmarked for the power sector and is one of the preconditions for approval of

the loan, plus the removal of fuel subsidy which has already been achieved and unification of exchange rate by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Following the report of the planned increase, in a statement that ended up confusing Nigerians rather than clarifying issues, NERC said increases would not be arbitrary and urged the public to disregard the report.

Hours later, NERC did not only confirm the THISDAY exclusive report , it also laid out a plan for the increase which it clearly stated would be a service-based tariff (SBT) regime , but noted that the “poor� would not be affected by the expected increase.

NERC insisted that there would never be a good time for the review, stating that it will ensure that Discos improve on the quality of service as well as a 10day deadline to install meters for power consumers who pay upfront. “There will never be a good time to review the tariff. The interest here is to ensure that Nigerians are migrated to a threshold where there will be continuous improvement in the quality of service delivery. “The proposed serviced-based tariff review which comes into effect by 1st September 2020 will only affect customers that live in areas where their Discos promise to provide them electricity for at least 12 hours. “The SBT will operate a progressive regime-the customers that receive the highest quality of service (12-24 hours per day) will pay the highest tariff. Customers that receive under 12 hours of service per day will continue paying their current tariff, i.e no increase on September 1,�

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͞˜ 2020

BUSINESS 7KH 1HZ (OHFWULFLW\ 7DULÍž ,QFUHDVH the chief regulator noted.

NERC insisted that SBT was designed to protect the poor, noting that only the wealthy customers in the areas that receive over 12 hours service will experience a tariff increase.

It noted that the service-based tariff will relieve the government of paying electricity subsidy on the rich and allow it to divert scarce resources to more pressing sectors, including education and healthcare. “The tariff review is only expected to affect less than the richest 25 per cent of the population living in the most prosperous areas of the country. The richest 10 per cent of the population will cover as much as 50 per cent of tariff increase� it added.

It said that the service reflective regime is built around the incremental improvement in the quality of supply, stating that depending on the historical supply pattern, customers will observe increased hours of supply as the Discos migrate them to higher service bands . “Ultimately, customers will pay for service commensurate to the number of hours they receive,� NERC maintained.

NERC said with the improved tariff, incidences of customers contributing to buying poles, transformers and wires will reduce because Discos will embrace their responsibilities in full and respond swiftly to complaints on damaged equipment. “NERC has developed and communicated clear punitive mechanisms that will be used against Discos if they do not meet their obligations. “In line with the Meter Asset Provider (MAP), 2018, regulation, there are two options for payment and obtaining meters, instalment payment which attracts a monthly meter service charge and upfront or one-off. “ Customers who elect to be metered under the upfront payment are being metered within a maximum of 10 days.

In other cases customers will be advised on when meters will be installed on their premises� the commission said.

NERC gave the assurance that the days of arbitrary billing will be a thing of the past as customers without meters will be billed as comparable to metered customers in the same area. “NERC is responsible for meting out punishment to Discos if they do not meet the obligations to customers . The relevant punishment will be communicated through each Disco� it noted.

Regulator Explains Reasons for Hike NERC stated that the said expected review was embarked upon, since customers did not object but demanded better quality of service during public hearings the commission said it held throughout the country.

It said that the commission took the decision after it reviewed the application filed by the Discos, taking into consideration the outcome of the public consultation held in February and March and thereafter approved new user tariffs from September. “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 average availability of power over a month period.

It noted that 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. “Unmetered customers within service bands A,B and C thus benefiting from a supply availability in excess of an average of 12 hrs per days 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. “The commission orders that you shall continue to maintain the lifeline tariff of N4.kW for all customers consuming less than 50kw per hour of energy per month as a safeguard for the less privileged members o the society� NERC added.

On the objectives of the order, NERC

Electricity Meter

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 further maintained that the new guidelines will provide a path to a transition to full servicebased cost reflective tariff by July 2021 and reclassify 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 putting into consideration the country’s rate of inflation for July 2020 as obtained from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which was 12.82 per cent.

However, it disclosed that there will be a “tariff freeze� for customers in bands D,E, saying that customers on this band 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)�

categorised into Bands A to E with the tariff increase in descending order�, he said. “Customers under Band A who will enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of power supply are expected to pay N56 per kilowatt-hour while customers on Band B with minimum 16 hours supply shall pay N54 per kilowatt-hour’’, Abdullahi said.

KEDC added that customers on B and C who would be enjoying not less than 12 hours of supply shall pay N50 per kilowatt hour, adding that increase for customers who fall under B, D, and E had been frozen until further directive from NERC. As for Ikeja Electric, a residential customer on single phase receiving a minimum of 12 hours of supply will now pay N42.73 per kilowatt-hour, up from N21.30 per kWh. On their part, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), said a residential customer on single-phase receiving a minimum of 12 hours of supply will now pay N43.01 per kWh, up from N24 per kWh. For the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), a residential customer on single-phase receiving between 12 to 16 hours of supply will now be charged N45.69 per kWh, up from N24.30 per kWh. A residential customer receiving a minimum of 12 hours of supply from Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IEDC) will now pay N53.97 per kWh, up from N24.97 per kWh.

Excited Discos React to Tariff Review For the 11 Discos, the news of the review was a big relief to a long-drawn battle to ensure that the chicken came before the egg, with the public insisting that service must improve first.

In explaining how it will work, Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KEDC) in a statement by the Head, Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, said the new tariff regime was not a blanket increase. “Under the service based tariff, feeders from where customers receive power supply to their neighbourhoods have been

Protests Trail Increase The increase has come with protests from almost every quarters, apart from probably the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and those connected to the current administration one way or the other.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) condemned the plan to increase the electricity, with its Pesident,Mr Ayuba Wabba, saying that such an action would only add more pains to Nigerians amidst the covid-19 pandemic.

According to him, “each hike in electricity tariff in Nigeria is trailed by huge leap in

the hours of darkness, de-metering of more Nigerians, exponential rise in incidences of estimated billing, and increased burden on citizens for the procurement of equipment and facilities for public electricity supply amidst other devious methods by Discos to cheat, exploit and despoil poor Nigerians.�

Reacting to the development , former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku, said he rejected the hike, saying it was “ill-timed and ill-advised� “I reject the increased electricity tariffs.

Coming out of the lockdown, Nigerians need a stimulus, not an impetuous disregard for the challenges they face. Many Nigerians have not earned an income for months, due to no fault of theirs. This increase is ill-timed and ill-advised�, he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also rejected the fresh increase in the price of fuel to N151 per litre and electricity tariff to N66 per kwh under the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government.

The opposition party described the action as callous, cruel and punishing in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, who demanded an immediate reversal of the prices to avert a national crisis. “The party demands an immediate reversal of the prices to avert a national crisis, as the increase will result in upsurge in costs of goods and services and worsen the biting hardship being faced by Nigerians, who are already impoverished and overburdened by APC-imposed high cost of living in the last five years� PDP said.

In taking a position, The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) said the action will add to cost of production with the attendant implication for the consumers.

But if the tariff increase stays, as it is wont, since the federal government is not willing to budge, will it mean better and reliable supply of electricity to Nigerians? In the next few months Nigerians will decide whether the hike was ill-informed.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͞˜ 2020

BUSINESS /ECONOMY

Financial Inclusion: PSB to the Rescue?

The Central Bank of Nigeria is getting more aggressive in executing its plan to get all Nigerians served by the nation’s financial sector. It has launched what it called Payment Service Banks (PSB), a banking model that will leverage technology to promote financial inclusion and enhance access to financial services to the rural poor, low-income earners and financially excluded of the society. Bamidele Famoofo writes

T

he ultimate goal of the Central Bank of Nigeria under the leadership of Mr. Godwin Emefiele, is to achieve a 20 per cent financial exclusion rate by 2020.

As at October, 2019, the CBN said exclusion rate dropped to 36.8 percent from 46.3 percent as at when it started implementing its policy to enhance financial inclusion in Nigeria which was introduced in 2012.

The purpose of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), according to the CBN, was to provide Payment Service Banks across Nigeria with the aim of breaking the traditional barrier preventing financial inclusion and promoting low cost, secure and convenient financial services across the country.

The Bank in August officially launched the PSB service with licenses given to three operators to blaze the trail.

Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, CBN, Kevin Amugo, said PSBs are envisioned to facilitate high-volume lowvalue transactions in remittance services, micro savings and withdrawal services in a secured technology-driven environment to further deepen financial inclusion and help in attaining the policy objective of 20 per cent exclusion rate by 2020.

Mode of Operation Payment service banks refer to a new category of the bank with smaller-scale operations and the absence of credit risk and foreign exchange operations. In addition to operating current and savings accounts they can also offer payments and remittance services, issue debit and prepaid cards, deploy ATMs and other technology-enabled banking services.

The PSBs are to facilitate high volume low-value transactions in remittance services, micro-savings and withdrawal services in a secured technology-driven environment to further deepen financial inclusion.

PSBs, according to a reviewed guideline issued by the CBN to regulate their operations, will be permitted to accept deposits from individuals and small businesses, which shall be covered by the deposit insurance scheme; carry out payments and remittances (including inbound cross-border personal remittances) services through various channels within Nigeria; sale of foreign currencies realised from inbound cross-border personal remittances to authorised foreign exchange dealers; issue debit and pre-paid cards on its name; operate electronic wallet; render financial advisory services; invest in FGN and CBN securities; and carry out such other activities as may be prescribed by the CBN from time to time.

Meanwhile, PSBs are not allowed to accept foreign exchange deposits and to accept any closed scheme electronic value (airtime) as a form of deposit or payment.

They are not also permitted to grant any form of loans, advances and guarantees to customers (directly or indirectly).

Eligible promoters As specified by the rules guiding the new industry, banking agents; telecommunications companies (Telcos), through subsidiaries are allowed to take play. Others would be players include retail chains

EmeďŹ ele

(supermarkets, downstream petroleum marketing companies); postal services providers and courier companies; Mobile Money Operators (MMOs that desire to convert to PSBs shall comply with the requirement of this Guideline); switching companies ; financial technology companies (Fintech); financial holding companies; and any other entity on the merit of its application subject to the approval of the CBN. “Where the promoter of a PSB is a regulated entity, it shall be required to obtain approval or a ‘no objection letter’ from its primary regulator and submit same at the licensing application stage to the CBN,� the apex bank added.

Capital Requirements The minimum capital requirement for any interested person(s) to operate a PSB is N5billion, according to a circular to all stakeholders on the guidelines for licensing and regulation of the PSBs issued by the CBN. In addition, would-be operators will pay N500, 000 as a non-refundable application fee, N2 million non-refundable licensing fee, and N1 million change of name fee. “Promoters should note that in compliance with Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, the investment of the share capital deposit shall be subject to availability of investment instruments.

Upon the grant of a licence or otherwise,

the CBN shall refund the sum deposited to the applicant, together with the investment income, if any, after deducting administrative expenses and tax on the income.� The circular read.

Why PSBs? According to the apex bank, the essence of the regulation is to leverage technology to promote financial inclusion an enhance access to financial services to the rural poor, low-income earners and financially excluded of the society. “In view of the challenges to effective outreach to rural communities as well as the need to complement the services provided by other licensed entities, the apex bank issues this regulation to provide for the licensing and operations of Payment Service Banks in the country,� the CBN guideline disclosed in part. “PSBs are expected to leverage on mobile and digital channels to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic activities at the grassroots through the provision of financial services.

Accordingly, PSBs are envisioned to facilitate high-volume low-value transactions in remittance services, micro-savings and withdrawal services in a secured technology-driven environment to further deepen financial inclusion and help in attaining the policy objective of 20 per cent exclusion rate by 2020,� Amugo also revealed.

The Blaze Trailers The CBN said it gave a final approval to three PSBs to operate following their compliance with the licensing requirements it rolled out.

This was disclosed in a tweet by the Central Bank of Nigeria through their official Twitter handle on Friday, August 28, 2020.

The Payment Service Banks that were newly granted final approval by the CBN are Hope PSB, Moneymaster PSB and 9 PSB. The final approval is coming after the CBN issued an updated and revised guideline for the licensing and regulation of Payment Service Banks in Nigeria on August 27, 2020. The first guideline for the PSBs was issued on October 26, 2018.

The tweet from the Central Bank of Nigeria reads, ‘’Three Payment Service Banks (PSB) have also been granted final approval to operate as PSBs following compliance with licensing requirements.�

The CBN, having disclosed that the licensing of the new PSBs will strengthen Nigeria’s financial inclusion drive leveraging mobile and digital channels, has expressed its commitment towards the implementation of policies that will engender a diverse financial system that meets the needs of all stakeholders.

The bank however said that it will continue to monitor developments in the sector and grant additional PSB licenses in due course.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͞˜ 2020

BUSINESS /MONEY

CBN Headquarter, Abuja

Assessing CBN’s Interest Rate Cap on Savings Deposits The Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent review of interest charge on savings deposits has the potential to spur growth as well put the banks on the back foot, writes James Emejo

F

or quite a while, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had come under increasing pressure to intervene in interest rate charges particularly lending rates by banks, which never appeared to respond to downward adjustments in monetary policy rate.

The clichÊ that whatever goes up doesn’t come down seemed to have permeated every sphere of the economy, as prices hardly adjusted downwards even when other variables point to that effect.

Severally at the monetary policy committee meetings, the CBN had always been heckled with questions on how it intended to ensure that some monetary policy reviews including interest rate cuts also reflected in lending pattern by banks.

The fact that banks have obligations to make profits for their shareholders is often a consideration, which could not be ignored on the one hand, but the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had also referred to the constitutional role of the industry to support the growth and development of the economy on the other hand.

The CBN in further pursuit of its mandate to ensure price stability as well as stimulate economic growth last week took the banking industry by surprise by reviewing 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.

The policy, which took effect from September 1, stated that 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 policy decision which was conveyed in a circular to all banks which was signed by CBN Director of Banking Supervision, Mr. Bello Hassan, further predicated the move on the “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.�

One of the biggest challenges to businesses and growth had been the high costs of borrowing in the economy particularly from commercial banks which are often reluctant to extend credit to the real sector especially SMEs which remained critical for economic transformation.

However, the several recent policy measures by the apex bank had seen interbank lending rates crash in times with marked reduction in cost of funds.

However, analysts who spoke with THISDAY on the latest review of savings deposit charges by banks have highlighted the implications of the policy going forward.

They pointed out that the review had the potential to reduce lending rates, boost investment by channeling affordable credit to SMEs and thereby creating enjoyment opportunities.

The analysts also believed that the policy will ensure that banks no longer enjoyed the benefits of sitting on huge deposits as they will be compelled to lend to the real sector at lower rates.

They observed that though higher interest rates help people to save more for higher income, this could as well make borrowing more expensive and negatively impact on the level of investment.

Speaking to THISDAY on the development, the acting Managing Director/Chief Executive, UCML Capital Limited, Mr. Egie Akpata, described the policy as a game-changer for industry profits, adding that there will be massive exodus of investors to money market funds which pay higher interest rates of between three per cent to five per cent.

He added that the new directive will discourage people from keeping money in savings account as well as compel them to rather invest in other money market instruments and the productive sector.

Akpata noted that savings account interest rate which has by the latest CBN directive dropped from about 3.75 per cent to 1.25 per cent was not entirely bad as this was still better than the 1.15 per cent on 91-day Treasury Bill.

Also commenting on the significance of the review on deposits rates charges, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Credent Investment Managers Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, said expansionary policies are required to boost growth adding that though the CBN

had not taken the step to further drop MPR, it has nevertheless, increased Loan to Deposit ratios (LDR) in the past in a bid to ensure banks lend more to MSMEs. He said: “The move from CBN is designed to channel funds away from sitting idly in savings accounts into the real sector. “For customers, it means that the returns they get from their bank savings will reduce from about 4 per cent down to 1.25 per cent and banks would pay out less in interest expense and this in turn should in theory allow for a reduction in lending rate to the real sector�

Shelling pointed out that, “The use of this moral suasion by the CBN will likely see investors channel funds into the capital markets in order to get returns above the current inflation rate. “It would also mean that banks are no longer enjoying the benefits of sitting on huge deposits and would be compelled to lend to the real sector at lower rates.�

According to him, what the economy needs right now is for businesses to boom. One of the major factors that limits the growth of businesses is access to cheap finance.

On his part, economist and former Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said some banks were indeed paying lower rate than 1.25 per cent while others paid nothing.

He said though the review “does not amount to much in naira term, it is better than keeping funds with banks and customers were paid nothing for their savings.�

He said the present era was characterised by “very low interest payments on deposits by deposit money banks, which does not translate to low lending rates.�

According to him, the CBN came up the minimum of 10 per cent MPR payment as savings account interest.

This means that at any time, savings account holders will be paid at least 10 per cent of the prevailing MPR which is currently 12.5 per cent. “As at today, no savings account holder will receive less than 1.25 per cent per annum interest on their average monthly balance.�

However, an Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at University of Port Harcourt, Anthony Onoja, told THISDAY that with the ease of access to funds, investors especially the SMEs can easily borrow to start up new businesses or expand existing businesses thus creating more job opportunities and increase in disposable incomes in the economy.

According to him, when there is huge savings deposit in the economy, this would naturally crash interest rate and banks have more funds to lend to investors.

He said the policy will equally go a long way in boosting aggregate demand as well as promotion of exports adding that, “If these happen the likelihood of sliding into recession which looms in Nigeria now can be averted.�

Nevertheless, the CBN’s intervention is in tandem with Emefiele’s five-year roadmap to stabilise the economy.

One of the cardinal pillars of his economic liberation policy is to “leverage monetary policy tools in supporting a low inflation environment, while seeking to maintain stability in our exchange rate.

Emefiele had said: “We would also strive to continue to sustain a positive interest rate regime to the delight of our important stakeholders. “Monetary policy measures embarked upon by the CBN will be geared towards containing inflationary pressures and supporting improved productivity in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.�

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͞˜ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEY

(PHÀHOH 5HEXLOGV ,QYHVWRU &RQÀGHQFH %HJLQV &OHDULQJ ); %DFNORJ Obinna Chima writes about major steps taken by the banking sector regulator to rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s financial market

A

majorconcernamongForeign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in Nigeria since the twin shocks of the oil price and COVID-19 had been the repatriation of their funds. Owing to this, some investors became nervous and decided to sit on their funds until the coast is clear. This contributed to the slowdown in capital importation into the country in recent time.

But, despite the challenge, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, kept on assuring foreign investors in the country of the safety of their funds despite the forex scarcity. And in line with the earlier promise, the CBN last week started the sale of forex to banks to clear the backlog of demand in the market, which was put at $2 billion.

THISDAY gathered that the apex bank adopted the strategy of a combination of spot and 150-day forward sales to clear the accumulated FX demand.

While the central bank is clearing the forex backlog, on the chaotic parallel market, the naira strengthened to N430 to a dollar same week as against about N480 to a dollar it had been trading in the past days, majorly due to a pronouncement of plan to re-start the sale of the greenback to Bureau De Change (BDC) operators.

However, the clearing of the forex backlog which commenced last Monday, has seen the bank selling $25 million daily and is expected to continue weekly until it is completely sorted out, THISDAY learnt. “As it is now, all the foreign portfolio investors are relaxed because of the intervention by the apex bank. They (CBN) have promised us that it would be weekly until everything is cleared,� a source told THISDAY. CBN Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, who confirmed the clearance, said: “We have always said that once we understand the depth of the situation fully, we would start intervening. So, we have started clearing the FX backlog.�

THISDAY also gathered that in order to stimulate FX liquidity, CBN has also been intervening at the Investors and Exporters’ (I&E) window, where on Tuesday and Wednesday it sold $5 million respectively and may continue on that path this week.

Emefiele had assured foreign investors in the country of the safety of their funds despite the scarcity of forex the country is presently facing due to the significant drop in oil revenue.

Speaking at a recent media briefing in Abuja, Emefiele had allayed fears expressed by some foreign investors, just as he guaranteed those interested in repatriating their funds that their monies were safe.

Recalling that the country faced a similar situation between 2015 and 2016, he said the central bank had put in place measures to ensure an orderly exit for those interested in doing so.

The CBN governor explained: “In 2015 and 2016, we faced the same situation. What did we do? We called a meeting of the correspondent banks and development partners. We told them that none of them would lose their money in Nigeria. “And I am happy that we went through that without anybody losing his money in Nigeria. We made sure those that wanted to go were able to take their monies out because things turned around and we also put in place policies that made it possible for them to take their monies out. “We always like to support an orderly exit, but not an exit where everybody rushes to the door at the same time. If there is a fire in this room and everybody rushes to the door at the same time, I am sure the fatalities would be more than if we all go out through the door

EmeďŹ ele

Gwadabe

in an orderly manner; and that is what we are appealing to everybody. “If you have Letters of Credit or dollar obligations, we are asking you to be patient. There may be some delay, but I am giving 100 per cent assurance to everybody that they would not lose a cent of their monies if they desire to take their monies out. But we are seeking the patience and understanding of everybody.�

this is a show of confidence,� Garuba added.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, FMDQ Group, Mr. Bola Onadele, explained that the outbreak of the COVID-19 brought about a collapse in crude oil price, which went as low as $10, and led to dislocation in the FX market.

According to him, whenever there’s market dislocation, the regulator easily would think of how to stabilise the system to ensure that there is no collapse. “So, what CBN did was to take control of the market. Now that the apex bank has seen that there is stability in crude oil price, which we know has a high correlation with the FX market in Nigeria, CBN has started taking action. “The first one is to clear the backlog. What has happened is that when CBN took control of the market, it couldn’t satisfy all the demand. So, CBN has commenced sales to the corporates, selling spot and forward,� he added.

He said the intervention by the central bank has calmed the market and strengthened investors’ confidence.

Onadele said: “Since this pandemic started, we must acknowledge that CBN kept the futures market and guaranteed the rates, and that is commendable. “You have also seen that in the retail market, the apex bank has also supported that market and you can see that the parallel market rate is dropping. In actual fact, a lot of people that had been sitting on dollar position are now selling. “The expectation is that the banks would also support the market liquidity by selling.

So, the more everyone sells, the naira would continue to strengthen. All the other markets would benefit if the FX market ramps up again and so we should continue to support the central bank.�

Analysts Hail Move The co-founder of Cardinal Stone Partners Limited, a Lagos-based investment firm, Mr. Mohammed Garuba, said clearing the backlog of forex demand in the financial market has restored confidence in the market.

Garuba said: “I can confirm to you that the CBN started clearing the backlog on Monday, August 31. “It was a big shock to the market and a very pleasant surprise. On Monday, CBN supplied just $10 million, Tuesday it did $25 million and another $25 million today (Wednesday). “The one they did on Monday gave CBN clarity on the total outstanding demand. So, the bank was able to get the total volume and demand. Now, CBN knows the amount of backlog and now has full clarity on accumulated demand to date.�

According to him, the fact that CBN has started clearing the FX backlog is giving confidence to the market. “Most of these monies would not come back because interest rates are too low to attract them back. So, why waste money when you know the person would not come back? CBN is not interested in increasing interest rates aggressively to destroy the economy,� he said.

However, the Cardinal Stone boss anticipated that the stock market might record some depreciation in the short-term because of the development. “But I believe that this strategy adopted by CBN might make sense because the FPIs come in and hit you when you least expected. If we would see FPIs come into the country again, they would be honest, long-term investors who are coming to seek good returns and I think that message has been passed. “CBN kept to its words. It had said there would be an orderly clearance of the FX backlog and luckily they have lived up to that expectation. They shocked the market by doing this when we least expected. So, I think they are also doing this ahead of the World Bank funds and

Naira Strengthens at Parallel Market However, the expected resumption of forex sales to BDCs saw the naira improving significantly at the parallel market as it appreciated by about 9.3 per cent.

Currency dealers attributed the development to the planned resumption of forex sales by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operators of Bureau De Change (BDC), which according to them is expected to bolster dollar liquidity in the market.

The apex bank is expected to resume forex sales to BDCs tomorrow. It had announced

its intention to resume forex sales to the retail segment of the market, but was forced to postpone it because of the extension of the date for resumption of international flights to September 5.

President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said the announcement of the plan to resume forex sales to the currency dealers was the major factor that led to the gain recorded by the nation’s currency against the greenback.

He said: “The plan to resume forex sales to BDCs was what broke the camel’s back. Dollar supply to BDCs is a potent weapon to fight against speculation. For those still speculating in the market, they are already burning their fingers and taking losses. “So, my advice is that when you don’t have a genuine and effective need to use dollars, stop stockpiling the currency. From what we are seeing, this trajectory is going to continue and I advise members of the public to always buy when you have a purpose for it and not buying to keep. “What we saw in the market in the past few weeks was not a true reflection of the value of the naira against the dollar. We saw, even during the lockdown when flights were not flying, everybody literally became a forex dealer. It is unfortunate. That cannot happen in other countries. When you don’t need to make payments abroad, what are you hoarding dollars for? It’s unfortunate.�

He expressed optimism that once his members re-commence business by Monday, the naira exchange rate at the parallel market would improve further. “With just a pronouncement, you can see the impact. So, once we are back, we expect the naira to appreciate further,� he added.

The currency dealer foresees the naira strengthening further to “between N415 to N420 to a dollar next week,� saying “the trajectory is expected to continue towards the unified rate of the BDC and Investors and Exporters window, which is about N386 to a dollar.�

Gwadabe added: “That is the target that all the operators in the forex market, that is the BDCs, the banks, the I & E window, are targeting. So, speculators like I told you would continue to count their losses. This is not the time to hoard, to speculate or even to undermine the dexterity of CBN management.�

He also urged security agents to check the illegal movement of dollar cash with the resumption of international flights on September 5.

CBN had in a circular dated August 27, 2020, addressed to all authorised dealers, BDC operators and members of the public, said the resumption of forex sales was part of efforts to enhance accessibility of the greenback, particularly to travellers following the announcement of the limited resumption of international flights.

Purchase of forex by BDCs shall be on Monday, and Wednesdays in the first instance, it had stated.

According to the apex bank, BDCs are expected to “ensure that their accounts with the banks are duly funded with the equivalent naira proceeds on Fridays and Tuesdays accordingly.�

The CBN Governor recently stressed that the CBN will continue to pursue unification of exchange rate around the NAFEX, commonly known as the I& E window. “Now, talking about the parallel market, we have always said that the parallel market, or what people always refer to as the black market, is a market for people who want to do dealings that are not recognised by the authorities,� he added.

Going forward, it is expected that measures adopted by the central bank to address the situation will restore confidence in the country’s financial markets as well as bring comfort to foreign investors.

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BUSINESS/ENERGY

Fuel Price Hike: Where Are 2012 Activists in 2020?

With the federal government approving the hike in the pump price of petrol and electricity tariffs, not a few Nigerians are bothered by the absent voice of 2012 protesters-in-chief. Bayo Akinloye reports

O

n September 2, an announcement was made to the public that the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, had been increased to N151.56 per litre.

Hitherto, petrol was sold between N148 and N150 per litre, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) through its retail outlets sold it at N145 per litre in August.

Earlier, on August 28, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced the September 1 take-off date for the new electricity tariffs regime approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The hike in electricity tariff and the pump price of petrol have come while millions of Nigerians are still reeling under the havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is a storm of opposition brewing as the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are consulting their civil society allies to go on strike. In fact, a pocket of protests was reported in Osun State on Friday, giving the federal government a five-day ultimatum to rescind the decision to increase the price of petrol.

There have been various reports and anecdotes indicating that Nigerians are now poorer than ever before despite the Nigerian president saying that the government can lift one million people out of poverty each year. This year must have seen more people fall into penury.

While many acknowledge the present gloom, others are wondering why yesterday’s activists who fought tooth and nail against the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to remove the country’s fuel subsidy have kept quiet in the face of grinding poverty now being worsened by the hike in the pump price of petrol and electricity tariffs.

The announcement in January 2012, of the removal of fuel subsidy by the government of Jonathan, was resisted by many Nigerians as protests began in Lagos with music and dance at the famed Gani Fawehinmi Park. The goal of the protest was to force the government of Jonathan to return the petrol price to the original N65 per liter from N120. In the end, everybody settled for N97.

Among those who spoke during the protests was Pastor Tunde Bakare. “Whether they remove subsidy or not, we’ll still be in problem: if they remove subsidy, they’ll share the money. They’ve already shared it before collecting it.

They say over N400bn will go to Jonathan’s government; over N400bn will go to state governments; over N200bn will go to local governments,� he had said. “They have already spent the money before they earn it. They are just fooling Kolade to come and supervise an empty collection.�

Considered a fiery advocate for good governance, Femi Falana (SAN) told the fired-up crowd at Ojota, “Governor of the Central Bank, Sanusi, came to Lagos and said if we don’t remove fuel subsidy Nigeria will collapse. This country is not going to collapse. Those who are going to collapse are those who are cheating the Nigerian people.�

In tow, was Femi Kuti, who stated, “When my father was fighting, I was 13 years old. I am 50 in six months. My son is 16. We still have no electricity. We still have no health care. People are poor. People are dying because of N10,000 in this country and people are stealing....�

Then, there was Fela Durotoye, who motivated the crowd by saying, “Democracy is government of the people, for the people and by the people. Who are the people of Nigeria? If we have democracy, you must listen to the voice of the people.�

Many are now wondering: where are the characters who played a major role in forcing the hands of the government then to reverse its unpopular decision?

A prominent Nigerian lawyer, Monday Ubani, in an interview with SaharaReporters in July, explained, “Many of activists who fought in 2012 are in bed with this present government; they may not be forceful enough to take any position considered inimical to the interest of the elites in power. “Nobody wants to be thrown into detention. This is a government where the DSS feel empowered to say they cannot obey any court in the East.�

Not a few people are wont to agree with Ubani; at least they can point to what has befallen the publisher

Bakare

Falana

Kuti

Olaleye

of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore.

However, many more feel that most of the protesters-in-chief of 2012 are now feeding fat on the government’s patronage in political and economical terms.

Another reason, according to political observers, is that labour unions and civil organisations have become taciturn.

On 5 January 2012, the NLC had issued an ultimatum to the Jonathan administration in unmistakable terms vowing to halt the economy of the country by Monday, 9 January 2012. “We are shutting down the Nigerian airspace to local and international flights from Sunday night,� said Denja Yakub of NLC. “If a revolution will solve our problems, why not, what is going on already shows that our people are prepared for a revolution. But we will not ask for a revolution that will bring back the military, they are a part of the problem.�

It appears, as some have claimed, there is no urgency about the socio-economic ills plaguing the country.

Besides that, many others agree on the fact that the apparent lack of a virile opposition is responsible for

the continued outcry of the masses not to be heard by the Buhari administration.

They claim that if there is organised and vibrant opposition, the government should be preparing for another showdown that will match the 2012 Occupy Nigeria protests.

Perhaps, some say, Nigerians are even too weary to kick against the hike in the pump price of petrol and electricity tariffs.

As many Nigerians live on less than $2 per day, cheap petrol is considered the main benefit Nigerians receive from their government. In the coming days, it will be seen how exactly Nigerians will react to the latest announcements that affect their lives and livelihoods.

The TUC President, Quadri Olaleye, in a statement, might have summed up everything when he said, “They (the government) have developed a thick skin that our pleas and cries no longer mean anything to them. No government has raped this country like the present one. “Ironically, it has enjoyed our understanding the most. They beat us and when we cry, they send security operatives after us or force us to pay a fine of N5m for ‘hate speech’. Our patience has run out.�

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NEWS

Acting News Editor ÌÙãÏÑË ÕÓØÝËØ×Ó E-mail: ÑÌÙãÏÑ˲ËÕÓØÝËØ×Ó̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט͸΀͹ͽͺͻͽ΁ͺͽͻ ̙Ý×Ý ÙØÖã̚

Water Resources Bill Will Take Away Governors’ Powers under 1999 Constitution, Warns NCF Asks Gbajabiamila to apologise to Nigerians A’Ibom urges lawmakers to reject the bill

Gboyega Akinsanmi in Lagos and Udora Orizu in Abuja The National Consultative Front (NCFront) yesterday warned that the Waters Resources Bill 2020, if it becomes law, would take away the powers of state governors in the

federation, especially Lagos State and all states in the Niger Delta, under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Likewise, the Akwa Ibom State Government rejected the bill in entirety, warning that it was a fundamental issue that would not

only stoke disaffection nationwide, but also breed profound distrust capable of destabilising the strained unity of the federation.

The group made the demand in a statement by its Head, Public Affairs Bureau, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, alleging that the National Assembly

“is determined to do the interest of the president against the national interest.”

The bill, which was first initiated as an executive bill during the first term of President Muhammadu Buhari, had suffered setbacks when the eighth National Assembly under

IN PLANET PROJECT’S HONOUR L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Planet Project Limited, Mr. Biodun Otunola; Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Toyin Fayinka and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ibile Holdings Limited, Mr. Biodun Amokomowo at the commencement of inter-state transport services at Oshodi Transport Interchange Terminal III... recently.

Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara rejected it on the grounds that it was divisive, illegal and obnoxious.

Barely two years after the eighth parliament rejected it unanimously, the Chairman of the House Committee on Business and Rules, Dr. Abubakar Fulata brought the bill back as a private bill. Fulata was elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamawa State, Northeast.

In its statement yesterday, the NCFront said it was worrisome that the 9th National Assembly leadership “is determined to do whatever it perceives as the interest of the Buhari Presidency, even if it is against the national interest.”

Within this context, the movement claimed that the reintroduction of the bill by the Chairman of the Committee on Business and Rules breached the rules of the lower chamber, even legislative best practice globally.

It lamented that despite noticing the anomaly and observing that the same bill was rejected by the 8th National Assembly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, still allowed it to proceed to the third hearing.

The movement observed that its research revealed that the bill, against the House Rules, was neither gazetted nor had its clean copies circulated to members, and ordinarily should not be allowed for consideration in an ideal context.

It added that the listing of the bill without passing through first reading was a clear violation of the House Rules, which the speaker “is expected to be the custodian and which he should never have allowed in the first place.

“Even if the bill had followed due process, it would still have been unpatriotic to reintroduce a Bill that tore the country asunder, when it was first introduced as an executive bill because of its implications for national unity and cohesion.

“The bill that seeks to vest all surface and underground waters in the federal government extending to four kilometers is either based on ignorance of the geography of Nigeria or insensitive to the Nigerian peoples as a result of some yet to be determined evil motives and machinations.”

It, therefore, warned that if it became law eventually, the bill would have profound implications for the unity of the federation, fueling suspicion that those behind it had a hidden agenda for sponsoring it for the second time after its initial rejection.

“Firstly, for states in the Niger Delta, like Bayelsa state and others, such a bill will effectively take away the powers of the state governors and chairmen of Local Government Councils under the Land Use Act to administer land for the benefit of the citizens in their states which is part and parcel of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 (as amended).

CSOs Fault N’Assembly for Suspending NDDC, Chinese Loan Probes Gboyega Akinsanmi Thirty-nine civil society organisations (CSOs) have faulted the leadership of the National Assembly for suspending investigation into various sovereign loans obtained from the Export–Import Bank of China and spending of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), among others.

The CSOs, therefore, lamented the intermittent closure of the parliament in the wake of COVID-19 outbreaks while asking its leadership to, as a matter of urgency, direct

all ad-hoc and standing committees that suspended investigative hearings to resume their oversight functions in national interest.

They expressed this concern in a three-page statement at the weekend, describing the decision of the parliament to suspend hearings at this critical time as ill-advised, ill-timed and absolutely unhelpful.

The groups that signed the statement include Femi Falana Chambers, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Socio-Economic

Right and Accountability Project (SERAP), Zero-Corruption Coalition (ZCC), Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA), among others.

The parliament had initiated investigations into the mismanagement of public funds by various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) including the terms of various loans obtained from China, breach of the procurement process and recovery of stolen public assets.

On August 19, however, the House of Representatives suspended activities of its standing and ad hoc committees, including

Fuel Price Hike: CUPP Consults Labour Unions, CSOs for Possible Mass Action Tobi Soniyi The Coalition of United Political Parties yesterday said it has begun mobilising organised groups for a consensus for a nationwide civil mass action against increase in electric tariff and prices of petroleum products.

A statement issued by CUPP and signed by its National Spokesperson Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and co-spokesperson, Comrade Mark Adebayo, said the group is reaching out to labour movements and civil society organisations, activists and religious organizations.

“If the consultations yield a positive result, the CUPP Human Mobilisation Unit will be announcing a date for civil action in collaboration with these organised

groups”, the group said.

CUPP said its patriotic effort was geared towards convincing these organisations on the need for a national civil action to protest and resist the increasing anti people’s policies ‘especially the painful increase in fuel pump price and electricity tariff coupled with the growing corruption and insecurity that have taken over Nigeria.’

The statement said: “This is to inform the Nigerian public/ citizens that the Human Mobilisation Unit of the opposition coalition in furtherance of its patriotic objective of serving as a great defender of Nigeria peoples interest and led by Barr. Kenneth Udeze, the CUPP Head of Human Mobilisation unit/ Action Alliance National Chairman has activated the

units public mobilisation mandate in view of the recent two most painful anti people’s actions of the APC Federal Government, the increment in electricity tariff and pump price of fuel.

“The unit’s activities which have been activated from today include contacting and reaching out to key national labour, civil society, political, ethnic, religious and organised groups starting with the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Academic Staff Union of Universities, the Nigerian Bar Association and all other professional bodies.”

The group also said it was making contact with Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wolé Soyinka, market women, bicycle riders and others.

panels investigating finances of the federal government, thereby sparking protracted controversies and suspicion.

In their joint statement, the CSOs condemned the decision of the parliament to drop legislative activities at a time when its role is more critical than ever before.

They observed that citizens, who were rattled by the revelations coming out of those hearings, were waiting with keen interest for their conclusions and outcomes.

The CSOs said it was good to see these activities continue even into the vacation of the

lawmakers.

They said it was shocking to read the directive by the leadership of the parliament to suspend all legislative activities including those investigative hearings that had captivated the nation.

They observed that the legislative leadership relied on established global practice of suspending legislative activities while the institution of the legislature is on break.

On any ground, the CSOs said, there was no justification or reason given for the illogical step taken by the House of Representatives

to suspend committee activities.

They also emphasised the need for the National Assembly to expedite action on reform of electoral laws; review the 1999 Constitution; consider the 2021 Appropriation Bill, and attend to numerous other pending legislative assignments.

The CSOs observed: “Even if this decision was taken with good intentions, it is ill-advised, ill-timed and unhelpful. It fuels all forms of conspiracy theories and interpretation of collusion and attempts to cover up fraud.”

Nigeria Revenue Formula Cumbersome, Says Tinubu James Sowole in Akure The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) , Ahmed Tinubu yesterday advocated the review of Nigeria’s revenue formula, which he described as cumbersome.

Tinubu made the call in Akure, Ondo State while speaking at the inauguration of the Ondo State Inland Revenue Service Building tagged “Revenue House” located on Igbatoro Road in the state capital.

Tinubu, who commended the efforts of the Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at improving the Internally Generated Revenue of the state, said potentials of each state in the South West must be harnessed in order to solve other problems.

“You can equally use the synergy with the Odua investment to

collaborate not only on Amotekun syndrome. Amotekun is a creation of necessity for hoodlums caused by unemployment, frustrating and hunger.

“If everybody is engaged Amotekun will be a pet. If you work with Odua Investment look at the area of collaboration. I know Ondo for great potential for gas, energy and tourism to feed this country.

“If the fiscal element of our Nigerian economy is strictly well supervised, we can turn our population to prosperity instead of our liability.”

He appealed to governors in the South West geopolitical zone particularly as three of them have finance related background, to apply synergy used in founding Oodua Investment to address the problems Describing Ondo State as a great potential for energy, economy

and agriculture, Tinubu said when the potentials were fully utilized and youths were engaged, social unrest in the region would become history He encouraged the state residents to see prompt payment of their taxes as obligation saying no nation could develop without the contributions from its citizens Speaking earlier, Akeredolu, who said his administration inherited a moribound Board of Internal Revenue with highest N700 million collection, said with a new vigour, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), had risen to o we N2 billion.

Akeredolu said the IGR collection had been automated which has made payment easier for payers.

He disclosed that the Revenue House, which was completed on schedule, costs the government N800 million.

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SEPTEMBER 6, ͰͮͰͮ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

THEALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

The Financial Costs of Buhari’s Cluelessness Sunny Amadi

A

t least three major UK-based companies appear set to deliver a fatal blow to Nigeria’s economy due to the cluelessness of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. P&ID is already an infamous example of how having an inept leader is about to cause Nigeria to lose almost $10 billion from our foreign reserves, or other foreign assets, simply because Buhari did not set up his cabinet for six months after being sworn in, and left government to his unelected cabal, who were more interested in lining their pockets.

Additionally, Buhari erroneously thought the P&ID contract was signed under former President Goodluck Jonathan. So he dragged his foot and instead approached a US court for a subpoena, which he got, to search for hidden accounts held by Jonathan. Alas, he found none (because none exists), and it was belatedly brought to his attention that the contract was signed under former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and specifically by Rilwan Lukman, who ironically was a crony of Buhari. And now, due to a mix of tribalism and ineptitude, Nigeria is stuck with a $9.6 billion judgment debt.

And then there is the Azura power purchase agreement (PPAs) and loan guarantee, which former President Jonathan wisely refused to sign, but which, unlike the former president, Buhari agreed to sign. By signing an indemnity clause for a World Bank loan, President Buhari has now saddled Nigeria with a compulsory monthly payment of $30 million a month, whether or not the plant takes off and delivers as scheduled.

And now, for the latest one. Another European company, Eurafic Power Limited, has secured a judgment debt against Nigeria because the Buhari administration mishandled a simple contractual agreement.

As you read it, they are in the process of placing a lien on 33 assets Nigeria has in the United Kingdom.

Why do these gaffes keep on occurring and reoccurring on Buhari’s watch? This is not the first time this is happening. Nigerians in their 40s and above would remember that in 1984, General Buhari also unilaterally and without thought to the consequences, cancelled the Lagos Metro-Line project of the Lateef Jakande-led civilian administration, and incurred a judgment debt to Nigeria of the whole sum of the contract, as punitive damages.

In other words, we paid for the project, and we still did not get the project. It is precisely because of Buhari’s ineptitude that Nigeria went from being the world’s third fastest growing economy, in 2015, to the world headquarters for extreme poverty today. Buhari is a plague, a cancer, a cankerworm and a disaster that should never have befallen Nigeria or any other nation on Earth.

And these unforced errors are taking a toll on Nigeria’s finances. The rats have sensed that we are sinking under Buhari and are abandoning ship. There has been an unprecedented exit of foreign investment from Nigeria. We have lost our place as West Africa’s top recipient of Foreign

Buhari Direct Investment to Ghana. And the reason for this is not #COVID19.

Ghana also suffered from the coronavirus. By the end of the second quarter of 2020, foreign investment inflow into Nigeria was N143.65 billion. That may look good on paper until you factor in the fact that outflow stood at N287.57 billion. The inconvenient truth is that Nigeria experiences a negative FDI flow of N143.92 billion.

And the government’s recent actions show that the penny has not dropped for them. Rather than stimulate the economy, they are taking measures that will ensure the ruination of the economy. America plans a new $2 trillion stimulus for citizens in the wake of #COVID19 (this is in addition to the $2 trillion they have already given). Ghana has been paying utility bills for citizens for months. And Nigeria’s answer to COVID19 is increasing electric and fuel prices? Instead of a September to remember, Buhari has given Nigerians a September to dismember their hopes, dreams and aspirations. Nigeria badly needs a new occupant in Aso Rock!

On September 1, 2020, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission,

THE PUBLIC SPHERE with Chido Nwakanma

NERC, increased electricity tariffs and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulations Agency, PPPRA, also increased fuel prices. In a country that is already the world headquarters for extreme poverty. How much more can Nigerians take?

This is the same country that wanted to spend $500 million renovating the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). If the government has such careless money to throw around on an unnecessary expenditure (who even listens to NTA), then why burden citizens with such burdens as this recent increase in tariffs?

And to make matters worse, the All Progressives Congress released a statement blaming the Peoples Democratic Party for the new fuel price increase. Five years in power and they are still bowling? When will these people ever take responsibility for their actions?

Meanwhile, true to his Taqiyya nature, Buhari lied during the 2015 campaigns that he would sell off our Presidential jets and cut down on the running costs of the Presidency. This is his fifth year in power, and he has not sold even one plane. Instead, his children use Presidential jets to attend private functions! Imagine what would happen if ex-President Jonathan had done that!

And to crown it all, you have a President that cannot manage his own home (his wife and his relations fight publicly at Aso Rock), that can’t manage the Boko Haram war, or the economy, or our relationship with Ghana, yet he wants to use CAMA to manage the affairs of churches that are managing their affairs better than his? Is Buhari even okay at all? It makes more sense for him to call on the churches he wants to manage to come and manage both him and his government. Who should be managing who? This is a man who signed a document where his name was written wrong. You can’t manage your name, and you want to manage their game?

All of these remind me of something former President Jonathan said on Wednesday, December 10, 2014: “The choice before Nigerians in the coming elections is simple: A choice between going forward or going backwards; between the new ways and the old ways; between freedom and repression; between a record of visible achievements and beneficial reforms - and desperate power-seekers with empty promises.”

Was Dr Goodluck Jonathan wrong? Nigerians are now in a position to make an informed judgment.

Reno’s Nuggets

The very first income you enjoy in life is your mother’s breast.

Two of them. Not one. Again, I repeat, not one! From the day you were born, nature was teaching you never to rely on a single source of income. If one breast does not produce milk, the other will. If your mother had only one breast, and that single breast fails to produce breast milk, you would have perished. The reason you are perishing now is because you are depending on only one breast, in the form of salary. You need multiple breasts to suck on. If salary fails, then you suck the breast of business! #FreeLeahSharibu #RenosNuggets

@ChidoNigeria https://www.facebook.com/chido.nwakanma

A First Look at the e-Custom Concession

A

fter years of doodling on the prospect, Nigeria on September 2 voted for automation of processes at the ports as the Federal Executive Council approved a 20-year concession for the E-Custom project by a consortium of firms. The project attracts a headline figure of $3.1b, but the country would not need to spend a kobo. The concessionaire would invest the sum over the 20-year lifespan of the Public-Private Partnership project.

Instead of spending, the Federal Government says the project will generate revenues in multiples of the approved expenditure.

Finance, Budget, and National Planning Minister Zainab Ahmed said FEC approved the project following a memo she presented to the Council.

She said: “The purpose of the memo we presented to Council was for a project that will enable the complete automation of the Nigeria Custom Service processes and procedures using the application of information technology in all aspects of Customs administration.”

Minister Zainab Ahmed added: “So, Council today ratified Mr President’s approval for the PPP concession for 20 years to Messrs E-Customs HC Project Limited as a concessionaire for the delivery of customs modernisation project.

“This is a project that will not have a direct cost to the government. The investors are providing the financings, and this revenue will be deployed in three phases. They will look over the investment in the concessionary period of 20 years.”

Like most people, I prefer to take these huge figures in byte sizes. Renowned Japanese consultant Kenichi Ohmae advised in The Mind of The Strategist that we break down these things into their constituent units for clarity, then rearrange them. What then is the simple arithmetic of the E-Custom concession?

The Federal Government has approved a cost of $3.1b for the project. The breakdown is a capital investment of $1.2billion in three phases over three years or the average of $400million annually. On the cost side, the government approved for the

concessionaire operational cost of $1.9b over 20 years. It translates to a handsome $95million annually.

What does Nigeria get in return? The projection is that the concession will yield $176billion in 20 years. On paper, this is excellent.

It translates to $8.8billion or N3.5trillion annually. In contrast, the Nigeria Customs Service projects revenue of N957billion for 2020.

At the exchange rate of N400-$, it will fetch $2.39billion.

The Nigerian Customs Automation Scheme, led by Bionica Technologies, is a presidential initiative on customs modernisation, e-customs project, and the establishment of a digital/ paperless customs administration. It will change the mode of administration and results from the running of Nigeria’s 82 border stations significantly. Yes, 82 customs points in Nigeria!

The Customs Automation Scheme will deliver a single-window model of cargo clearance. Experts say the benefits include paperless customs administration, E-payment of customs duty, E-container loading, and electronic risk-board inspection. There is also a single platform link to all other government agencies and E-permit exchange among operators.

The scheme will reduce delays, bottlenecks and corruption within the ports. More crucially, it will increase productivity, national security and revenue generation by the Customs.

Bionica Technologies W.A. Limited is the lead partner of the consortium to manage the concession. Other partners include Bergmans Security Consultant and Supplies Ltd, Paramount Group, Huawei Technology, Smiths Detection, Larsen & Toubro Group and Nuctech of China.

President Muhammadu Buhari approved the concession in September. It follows the success of the consortium in a competitive bidding process conducted in 2016. Ninety-four (94) companies responded to the request for bids by the Nigeria Customs Service. The service pre-qualified 15 companies and invited them to make presentations on their solutions. Bionica Technologies W.A. Limited topped.

The Nigeria Customs Service commenced a modernisation process in 2013. The goal remains to change the narrative of

poor or under-performance associated with the service. The Customs Automation Programme will guarantee the evolution of integrated border management module with a centralised and automated Customs Risk Management system. The system would run real-time scanning. It will also ensure full automation of all customs procedures and business. Integral to the system is the complete automation of Customs operations using the latest smart technologies supplied by Original Equipment Manufacturers. There would also be strategic capacity development for the personnel of the service.

Stakeholders in the maritime sector agree on the imperative of leveraging technology to drive efficiency and productivity at the ports. They support the programme introduced in 2016 as part of the seaport reform plan adopted by the Federal Executive Council.

Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency affirms that port automation and digital solutions are potential game-changers not only for cargo throughput but also profitability. Peterside cites a global benchmarking study conducted by SAP which found that ports that leverage technology to drive productivity improvements enjoy 36% higher operating margins than their peers. The result informs part of the resolve of the Federal Government to institute a single-window operation in Nigerian ports.

The NCS has been modernising since 2013 and has made some remarkable progress. For instance, it announced in 2019 increased revenue of N1.125trillion due to electronic payment of duties and taxes generated from January to October 2019. The Bionica Consortium asserts that a fully automated system would increase the revenue exponentially.

Job creation is another feature of the port automation programme of great interest to stakeholders. It will also minimise smuggling as well as build partnerships with investors. There is a guarantee of external finance having no direct cost to the NCS for all projects.

Read the concluding article online www.thisdaylive.com

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

06.09.2020

H

is audacity of hope, his perspicacity of vision and his solemnity of passion are nonpareil. He imbues one with dreams and empowers with kindness. He’s a verdant shade for a scorching sun.

Above all, he’s Henry Okolie-

HENRY OKOLIE-ABOH

MY STORY AND MY VICTORY Visionary and vibrant, a man of verve and vitality, Henry Okolie-Aboh, President of Westfield Energy Resources Limited, rules his world and conquers other frontiers. Composed, cosmopolitan and convivial, his face irradiates his golden heart. Shrewd and systematic, Okolie-Aboh is a businessman extraordinaire, who has against many odds risen above the ashes of pain, penury and perdition. One of Nigeria’s biggest entrepreneurs, the effervescent oil mogul, who clocks 50, as Funke Olaode uncovers, is a character of golden moments

Aboh.

“Welcome!” he choruses genially in a characteristic conviviality. His creamcoloured, crispy moderate agbada catches the eye with a matching pair of pure leather shoes. His eyeballs sparkle behind the glasses as a warm smile form on his face. That’s vintage Okolie-Aboh. Spick and span, he’s always dressed to the nines.

But there’s more to the Presiden of Westfield Energy Resources Limited than his looks.

For a starter, he’s an extraordinary businessman; extraordinary, because of his beginning. extraordinary, because of his dreams and drive to excel; extraordinary because of his wealth and wisdom. For one thousand and one reasons, Okolie-Aboh stands out among his peers. The native of Uli, Anambra State, is a global player in the oil and gas industry. His passion for philanthropy is a testament of his illustriousness.

Born on September 6, 1970, by a father who was an electrician in Federal Government College, Maiduguri and a mother, who was a petty trader, the oil magnate is the second of eight children.

He’s a golden boy with vision, vibrancy, verve and vitality and rules his world while conquering other frontiers. Composed, cosmopolitan and convivial, his golden heart radiates love and purpose. As a businessman extraordinaire, he’s beaten many odds.

Talking about his roots, Okolie-Aboh recalls: “My father moved to the northern region right after the civil war.”

Explaining the reason for that, he adds: “I understand at that time the Igbo were trying to rediscover themselves and find a means of livelihood. There were no jobs in the east.”

So, his father, who first made the move among his family, headed to Maiduguri in Borno State where he was employed as an electrician at the Federal Government College in 1973. Two years later, in 1975, he, his mother, and younger brother joined him.

“So, that was how we got to live in Maiduguri,” Okolie-Aboh reveals with a tinge of nostalgia in his pupils.

It’s not difficult to imagine his heart palpitating as he recalls the moments of anguish that plagued his family due to penury.

“As a family, Maiduguri for me at that point was rough,” he begins.

“My parents came from a very humble background and survival was a struggle.

Resources were very scarce. Three square meals a day at that time was a huge luxury.

I never had the privilege of going to nursery school because my parents could not afford it.”

During that seemingly hopeless period, there was a sliver of hope.

“We lived within the confines of Federal Government College, Maiduguri at that time.

Living there very early in life, mixing up with the students helped me immeasurably,” Okolie-Aboh admits.

“I was still in primary school but I knew quite a lot of the students at that time which influenced me growing up.”

As a child, Okolie-Aboh and his siblings were no strangers to excruciating labour.

“We did all sorts (of work) to support the family,” recounts Okoli-Aboh.

“My parents had farms on the school’s premises and we had to support the family

ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY Y NEWSPA P PER ˞ ʹ˜ 2020

COVER

Inside My Life of Two Different 25 years by y farming. g My y elder sister, Eunice, Brother Simeon and I hawked all sorts from bread, cold drinks, etc., at motor parks to support pp the family.� y That came at a p price: they y sometimes had to miss school. Yet, he relished the joy of childhood. “We had p pets like birds and rabbits,� the oil magnate g says y with delight. g “We played p y street soccer and other sports p with neighbours. g So overall, Maiduguri at that time was really, y really y fun.�

For his primary p y education, he attended Wulari 1 Primary y School and Army y Children School. Thereafter, he attended Federal Government College, g Maiduguri g and the University y of Jos. He graduated with BSc in Mathematics. “At that time the desire of every y young y g child is to read medicine, law, accountancy, or engineering,� g g says y Okolie-Aboh responding p g to the question q of why he studied Mathematics. “For me, it was accidental,� he says about studying y g Mathematics. “I didn’t make the cut-off mark to study y Medicine. I was offered Mathematics which I g gladly y accepted p because I was not willing g to stay y at home for an extra year y to re-sit JAMB.�

In retrospect, p he’s glad g he didn’t have to study y Medicine. “Mathematics is a beautiful subject.

I enjoyed j y it! It allows for analytical thinking.� g He adds, “Mathematics is like a springboard p g for me. With a degree g in Mathematics, y you could do a lot of things g and g going g into banking g was a natural transition because you y could learn a lot of things g so easily.� y He started his p professional career with Ordrec Investments Limited in 1996. Later, he worked as a relationship p offi f cer with FSB International Bank Plc and Guaranty y Trust Bank Plc. At FSB, he worked as a team leader in ENSEC at its energy g division managing g g the accounts of first-class oil service companies. p At ENSEC, Henry y worked at the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone acquiring q a wealth of experience p in free zone operations, p p project j management g and supply pp y chain management. g With his team, he procured p materials and supported pp the operations p of companies p like Chevron, Mobil, Shell, Total, Agip g p and others like the Nigerian g LNG at that time.

Having g started his professional p career as a banker, Okolie-Aboh wanted more.

He was more than concerned about earning g a livelihood. “I wanted to get g into business.�

During g that period, p he lost his father and a lot of responsibilities p rested on his shoulders to support pp his mother by catering g for his siblings. g “I have an older sister and five fi younger y g brothers and two sisters. My y mom is still alive, very strong. She is 73 this year.� y However, in 2005, at 35, he floated Westfi tfield Energy gy y Resources Limited, thus, becoming g one of the y youngest g CEOs. Over the past p 15 years, y his company p y has experienced p impressive p growth g becoming g a household name in Nigeria’s g upstream p sector which later extended to West Africa.

The company p y is actively y involved in engineering, g g oil and gas g equipment q p procurement, construction, and p installation, with offfices in Nigeria g and Houston in the United States. Intrepid p and ambitious, Okolie-Aboh has attended various training g in subsea oil and gas g exploitation p at Harvard Business School in Massachusetts, US. The resourceful and visionary y entrepreneur p has successfully y established other firms that included Transcore Geoscience Limited and Westfi tfield Subsea Limited.

His secret? “It was my determination,� he simply discloses. “Even though g going g g into business was an effortless decision for me, setting g and putting p g up p structures was a huge g struggle gg because the resources were not available.�

For him, it was a struggle from day one. “Yes, it was tough,� says Okolie-Aboh matter-of-factly. y “But nothing g good g comes easy!� y He had to work for everything;

sometimes he p put in 18 hours each day y being g his company’s p y website developer, p accountant, business development p and sales offficer.

Because of his audacity y and integrity, some people p believed in his enterprise. p “Prince Clem Agba, g the current Minister of State for Budget g and National Planning g was then the materials superintendent p at Chevron.

He gave g us opportunities pp because we were one of the Nigerian g companies p that were delivering materials on time,� says y the businessman.

He adds, “What has worked for me is the fact that I p put honesty y fi first. For every y one that I have transacted with I am always y fair to them.

I wouldn’t want to take undue advantage g of anyone y even in my y negotiations g with people. p p For example, p I set up p Westtfield in 2005 just j after I moved to the United States with my y wife in 2003. “My y fi first p purchase order or contract was a $500 jjob from Chevron and I didn’t have that. But I was able to use my y wife’s savings to be able to fulfi lfill the contract in 2005. “The next jjob that I got g was about $5,000 and I needed about $3,800 to execute that job. j I borrowed money y from three of my y friends, one even g gave me from his credit to be able to fulfil that job. j But for everyone that I collected money from I paid p back. “The third was a job j of about $28,000 and I needed quite q a lot of money y to fulfill it.

I sent out a purchase p order to the company p y in the State of Nevada in faith. I think it was Honeywell. y They y shipped pp the g goods to me without putting p a dime down and I delivered to Chevron.�

Honeywell y ended up p giving g g him the credit references that he used to raise over half a million dollars lines of credit with several US manufacturers and distributors of oil and gas equipment. p On September p 6, Okolie-Aboh turns 50.

He’s g grateful to God, family, y and friends for the life he’s lived so far and their support. pp “For me, I’ve always y looked up p to this landmark because I have a lot of friends, most of whom are older than me. They y give g this impression p that clocking g 50 is Eldorado. Also, I hear that life begins g at 40. But at 50 you y become a man,� the business g guru acknowledges. g “I am g grateful to God: I look back and see my y network of friends, family y and, of course, the lives that I have touched. I am also excited to see people p are glad g when my y name is mentioned. “My y father’s goodwill g helped p me in growing g up p especially p y during g the defi fining g moments of my y career. The likes of my y cousins, Sabestine and Koto; Sylva y that I lived with in Lagos g before I got g a job. j The likes of Dr. ABC Orjiako, j Ossy y Igbonwelundu and the late Dr. KDC Ukaigwe. g “These gentlemen,� g he admits, “and many y other people p p that I come in contact with in my y early y life were people p p that directly y or indirectly helped me and I remain appreciative.� pp Married for 21 years y to his beautiful and darling g wife, Adaora, the marriage g is blessed with two adorable children, Kenenna and Anuli. “She is a very y intelligent, g strong g and opinionated p person. p I saw in her a woman that I was sure would g give me p peace of mind. She has always y been there for me,� Okolie-Aboh. “My y wife and children are very y important p keys y to my y success. She has been a very strong pillar of support.� pp Besides being g an astute g global oil p player, y Okolie-Aboh is also a p philanthropist. p In 2011, he was appointed pp as a member of the Board of Trustees, Daniel Orjiako Memorial Foundation Inc. “My y dad, Anthony y Aguemezie g Okolie-Aboh, was a very y compassionate p man. He came from a very y humble background g but he touched many y lives.

A lot of the p people p that I came in contact with early y in life were people that he assisted one way y or the other. “The measure of a man is not in how big g his bank account balance is. It’s in how many y lives a man’s able to touch. I want to see myself y have at least one signature g p project j for the p people p of Uli. At the end of my y time on earth, I want to be able to have something g in my y community y in Uli, that people p p will say y Henry y did this or built this ediifice for the common good g of all,� says y the oil magnate. g As he admits, the fi first 25 years of his life were “tough g and rough.� g “The last 25 years,� y Okolie-Aboh enthuses “have been super.� p “I look up p to God for many y more glorious g years ahead. I am trusting y g God to give g me the wherewithal to consolidate on the attainments of the last years,� y he reveals.

Besides building g successful enterprises, Okolie-Aboh loves to teach. “I love teaching. g I am still trusting g God that when I fi finish this whole hustle of trying y g to make money, that I will go back in my retirement

O ol Ok o ie ie-A -AAbo -Abo bohh

p probably y jjust go g back to my y village g q quietly.

Incidentally, y there is a university y in Uli, Anambra State University y campus. p “I will jjust g go there to teach entrepreneurship, p p use my y life’s experience p to teach the younger y g generation. g Imparting p knowledge is something that I love to do.

I am trusting g God for life, good g health and the means. God has shown me favours and opened p doors I could not imagine g in my y wildest dream. I am eternally y grateful,� the unassuming business tycoon y says. y At 50, Okolie-Aboh has rededicated himself to ‘hustle’ and humanity.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ʹ˜ 2020

83

GLITZ FOCUS

Lilian Visinoni

Young And Ready to Save the Earth

writes about a group of young professionals who are championing the cause for a cleaner environment Visioni

F

rom Sweden to Morocco, young people are amplifying their voices on environmental and climate issues. They are on the streets, classrooms urging leaders and citizens to protect the earth from further damage.

In Nigeria, a group of young professionals are leading the cause

for a cleaner earth.

Known as Humanity Nigeria, a non-profit organisation, the team of over 140 youths from different backgrounds are challenging the status quo and creating awareness on environmental issues. “We are deeply amazed and concerned about the massive and increasing amount of plastic wastes in our environment and the fact that one way or the other, we all contributed to it. Thus, we all must

come together, work together, for the sake of the Earth, to free our environments and our Earth, from plastic bottle wastes.

This is why we rose as catalysts to bring this to pass as quickly as possible,� explained 24-yearold undergraduate Lilian Visinoni, who is a director at the organisation.

She added that the level of enlightenment in Nigeria regarding the environment is

relatively low, and as such, the earth and its environment are constantly in danger. “Our environment is currently suffering from excessive plastic bottle wastes and other forms of environmental pollution because of the very low level of enlightenment among the populace. And year after year, our environment suffers more degradation as a result of continuous neglect and abuse.�

Identifying the major environmental threats in Nigeria as plastic wastes pollution, oil-spillage, and deforestation, Visinoni warned that if they are not nipped in the bud, the human race will be brought to its knees.

To achieve this, the one-yearold organisation rolled out some campaigns. When it officially launched last year, it started with a ‘Save the Earth’ global campaign for a clean environment. There were only 25 members at the time.

For this year, they are planning the Earth Festival Nigeria which Visinoni superintends. “The Earth Festival Nigeria is a novel idea. It was formed out of the need to raise a global voice for a clean environment by bringing young people together to celebrate youthfulness while reminding the world of the need to keep the earth safe for all.�

Themed ‘Earth For All’, Visinoni stated that the singular driving force for the festival is to ensure that Nigeria is among countries lending their voice for a cleaner environment. “We need to raise a global voice for the care of the earth, a voice by young Nigerians, from Nigeria, from Africa, so that in the roll call of environmentally friendly nations, Nigeria will come top and be globally respected.

And with the global respect for Nigeria as an environmentally conscious and active country, more young Nigerians can stand and take charge in leading more environmental campaigns for the benefit of all.�

As a way of encouraging young persons to join their cause, the team will be embarking on a World Guinness Record Challenge.

They will be bringing together over 10,000 young volunteers from across the 36 States in Nigeria to help in picking five million pieces of plastic bottle wastes from gutters, streets, and canals to set the Guinness World Record for the highest number of plastic bottle wastes picked by a team in five days.

She calls it an ambitious task to draw global attention and get people to take the environment seriously.

Moreover, they have been able to get support and endorsement from some influential personalities in society.

The initial idea was to get rid of one million plastic bottles in three days but when the pandemic happened, they had to re-strategize.

The Earth Festival Nigeria which was birthed in February is scheduled for September 22 to 27, while the Guinness World Record Challenge will kick off on September 22 to 26.

Also, there will be a Lagos State Public Participation Day scheduled for September 26.

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2020 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

High Life Abike Dabiri: A Political Amazon with a Difference

M

any women have made their marks in history.

As queens and warriors and housewives and chambermaids, the ancient phenomenon of giving a woman an inch and watching her fill a kilometre is still as riveting today as it was in the days of Marie Curie, Queen Boudicca, Catherine the Great, and Cleopatra.

Today, Abike Dabiri-Erewa is the eye of the needle, the foremost Nigerian woman in Diaspora. That Nigerians are not always having the time of their lives outside the shores of their native country is a fact well-known.

As Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa is the frontline archon tasked with ensuring that these overseas folks don’t lose their lives, dignity, or identity in their pursuits.

These things considering, DabiriErewa is doing a fine job. Playing the twin roles of an Amazon and a Robin Hood, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa has made a tradition out of delivering Nigerians in diaspora from embarrassing, often lifethreatening binds.

Two names immediately come to mind in this respect: Mallam Ibrahim Ibrahim and Zainab Habib Aliyu—who were imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for unproven crimes, but are back home now, all credits to Dabiri-Erewa’s dispensation of the NiDCOM charge.

What about the case of the Nigerian students that were reportedly killed in Northern Cyprus? Although stories keep pouring in from different angles about the incident, Dabiri-Erewa has remained an unyielding voice against that country’s reportedly callous constitution, as well as the unaccountable deaths of Nigerians seeking education and a better life over there.

Dabiri-Erewa is one of the few who are calling for preventive and precautionary measures against further butchering of the children of Mother Nigeria, especially in countries like Northern Cyprus, who are not recognised by the United Nations.

But it’s not always about quagmires and Nigerians in precarious positions with Hon. Dabiri-Erewa. Not at all.

She is always on the lookout for those making Nigeria proud, and celebrating them in whatever way she can. Folks like Bukayo Saka—an Arsenal football club player—and David Olutokunbo Alaba— who plays for Bayern Munich—have enjoyed Dabiri-Erewa’s commendation and praise.

Dabiri

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

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

Amazing Triumphs, Grace of Senator Oluremi Tinubu At 60

There was a time in Nigerian history when women occupied precarious political positions. Not to mention those who were on the frontlines and in the thick of things, even those who were wives and assistants felt the lumber of a skewed administrative system.

Some women got lost in the currents, others had their passions wilted. Oluremi Tinubu went on to be a Senator of the Federal Republic and continues to grow strong.

Her 60th birthday is on the horizon and has already begun to get the attention of all and sundry.

Many people know Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, and chieftain of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Most folks are aware of the fact that this man is the ’Lion himself’ in matters of influence and political smarts. What only a few are aware of is that his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is also a lioness of influence, and the main symbol of continuity in their big family.

Between 1999 and 2007, Senator Remi Tinubu was the undisputed first lady of Lagos

State. When her husband retired from this position and moved onto the bigger stage of national policy-making, it was assumed that the wife would fade away with grace and style. But no, she said.

A few years after she was Lagos’ first lady, Oluremi Tinubu became a senator representing Lagos Central at the National Assembly. Of course, there is much more to Senator Oluremi Tinubu than meets the eye. Although she holds a BSc degree in Education from the University of Ife, as well as a National Certificate of Education in Botany and Zoology from the Adeyemi College of Education, Senator Tinubu has found a way to balance her educationist talents with her natural bent for administration.

This balance was brought to bear while she was Lagos State first lady, especially in her establishment of the New Era Foundation, which was dedicated to establishing centres for “all-round development of young ones and promoting public awareness on environmental health and community service.”

Although she will clock 60 in a few weeks,

Tinubu

Senator Oluremi Tinubu is still as bright a star as she was two or three decades ago. Her fire has not burnt out but continues to drive out the darkness of underdevelopment and mediocrity.

It takes such a person as Senator Oluremi Tinubu to represent Lagos Central constituency three consecutive times. That’s strength and smarts, beauty and grace, the lioness of Bourdillion—Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Tony Elumelu Bereaved...

Loses His Go-to Guy

Elumelu

The English poet, scholar and soldier, John Donne, was neither the first person to lose a friend to death nor the last. What he was is one of the very few who have been able to wipe tears away and face that final curtain. “Death be not proud”, he said, “though some have called you mighty and dreadful, you are not so.”

Even now, we dare to say that Death is not mighty—but that it is dreadful is something we cannot hide. A few days ago, Emeka Iweriebor of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) was reported to have passed away. In one respect, Iweriebor’s demise is a huge loss for Tony Elumelu, his friend and longtime colleague. In many other ways, it is a fissure on the foundation of Nigerian banking and corporation.

Ultimately, no other member of the UBA family feels his death as much as Tony Elumelu. According to the latter, Iweriebor was both a brother and a friend, who “earnestly drove the launch of UBA Group operations in over ten African countries and single-handedly obtaining banking licences in some of these countries.”

Iweriebor was the typical go-to person, who gave all of himself to what he believed in, and all of his time, knowledge and knowhow to those he believed in. Elumelu pointed out in his heartfelt tribute that Iweriebor wore “many hats” and made dedication and devotion a run-of-the-mill attitude.

Governorship Tale Trails Inuwa Waya, Managing Director NNPC Trading This is still the year 2020 and preparations for gubernatorial elections are underway. For States like Kano who will be balloting in 2023, 2020 isn’t too early. In fact, there are already debates—within most political parties—as to which region the primary candidate will emerge. Even more stupefying than these calculations are the names of candidates that are already being published.

To the surprise of all and sundry, Inuwa Ibrahim Waya—who is currently the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Trading.

It is not yet known whether or not taking long breaks from the corporate marketplace and venturing into politics is the latest thing.

But after a renowned banker retired from his post to compete for a senatorial position, notes have begun to be taken. Apparently, following rumours and printed banners, NNPC Trading MD, Inuwa Waya, is going for broke in 2023, under the auspices of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

If the rumours are true, then Inuwa Waya intends to redirect his interests and

Medayese

Waya

This Iweriebor reportedly did by “playing strategic leadership roles for almost 2 decades of selfless service.” Although the late Emeka Iweriebor worked the machines behind the curtains of many of UBA’s success stories, he was a leader through and through. Between 2014 and January 2020, he was the UBA CEO for Central East & Southern Africa, Deputy CEO for UBA Africa, regional CEO for UBA Africa (Francophone), and CEO for UBA East and Southern Africa, as well as Executive Director at UBA Group.

Emeka Iweriebor was a man of guts and gumption. He was innately driven and made a culture of driving others to excellence. For folks who were former colleagues, the news of Iweriebor’s passing is a scar that might never heal. For others with whom Emeka Iweriebor shared a friendship and camaraderie, folks like Tony Elumelu who called him “The Execution” by virtue of his commitment to work, the world is dimmer and duller.

With the passing of Emeka Iweriebor, light has passed, much darkness remains.

attention from NNPC and focus—probably entirely—on the political landscape of Kano State. Considering Waya’s accomplishments in his current MD-ship at NNPC Trading, anything is possible.

For those who aren’t aware, Inuwa Waya is one of the most noteworthy personalities of NNPC. Short of the Executive Directors, Waya is another superstar that made an early debut on the corporate scene and has long since gone on to win many plaques and awards. Just last year, Waya was honored with the Foreign Investment Network (FIN) Oil & Gas Outstanding Personality in recognition of his contributions to the oil & gas industry across the globe.

By way of qualifications, Inuwa Waya holds an LLB from the Ahmadu Bello University, an LLM (Petroleum Law, Policy and Economics) from the University of Dundee, Scotland, and a Postgraduate Diploma (Management of the International Energy Industry) from the College of Petroleum Studies, Oxford, England.

Definitely not a terrible portfolio for a gubernatorial aspirant.

Note that Waya’s alleged interest in the Kano State Governorship seat has not been confirmed—or denied—by him. Although there are posters that have him running under the banner of the APC, nothing is set on stone yet.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2020 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Ex-Banker Alex Otti Revives Political Ambition For a long time, Alex Otti’s name was synonymous with banking. He did so well as a banker that he rose to the enviable position of managing director of the rested Diamond Bank Plc. But to the chagrin of his fans, he resigned from his plumb job as the MD of the bank to venture into politics. His resignation had been greeted with mixed feelings In particular, the fears in some quarters were that the Abia State-born gentleman is too polished for the murky waters of Nigerian politics. But he seemed to have thought it out, and was resolved to contest for governor of Abia State in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. He couldn’t have been happier when he emerged the governorship candidate of his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

To realise his ambition, he toured every nook and cranny of the state to campaign. As fate would have it, he was able to worm himself into the hearts of his people in the state. He was defeated in the 2015 governorship election.

No doubt, he suffered what many described as baptism of fire at the polls when he was forced to bow for the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s candidate, Dr. Ikpeazu. He subsequently approached an election tribunal to seek redress.

Luckily, he got some reprieve at the tribunal. But sadly, it was later overturned by the Supreme Court.

Since his loss at the apex court, many had foreclosed the possibility of him staging a comeback to the political arena. But emerging development seems to suggest that the former banker has revamped his political ambition ahead of 2023. He is reportedly warming up to throw his hat into the ring again for the number one job of the state, possibly under a different political party.

Otti attended the University of Port Harcourt and graduated with first class in Economics in 1988.

While at the university, he distinguished himself by graduating not only as the best student of the Faculty of Social Sciences, but also as the ‘Overall Best Graduating Student’ for that year.

He not only excelled academically but also proved his Otti mettle by taking on various roles such as the position of the news editor for the school newsletter, UniPort Mirror.

In addition, he was the treasurer for the University Chapter of the Nigerian Economic Students’ Association (NESA) in 1986 and subsequently became the president of the association the following year.

An alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School, Otti has attended various international courses, including the Executive Development Programmes of the Columbia Business and Stanford Business School and Wharton Business School (University of Pennsylvania).

Highly respected for his wealth of knowledge, Otti is on the board of several companies and is also on the Board of two of Nigeria’s leading universities.

In 2009, he was conferred with an honorary doctorate by Babcock University; and in 2012, he was awarded a doctoral degree by the UniPort.

Family Keeps Billionaire Deinde Fernandez’s Memory Alive

Fernadez

Like all mortals, Chief Antonio Deinde Fernandez bade bye to mother earth five years ago, precisely September 1, 2015 at the age of 86.

He was said to have battled an undisclosed ailment for some months before he lost the struggle to stay alive. In reference to the Biblical saying that “the memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot,” the family of the late billionaire, particularly his daughter, Teju Phillips, has continued to keep his memories alive.

Society Watch gathered that the former Lagos State commissioner hosted a few friends on the occasion of the anniversary of her father’s death last week. During the brief event, prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

In life, the late billionaire, a mining tycoon, who was appointed the representative of the Central African Republic, at the United Nations in 1997, lived big and had a larger-than-life image. When the news of his passing broke, many were shellshocked.

It was not because the flamboyant businessman didn’t live a fulfilled life or that he

didn’t live to old age, but it was because his colourful lifestyle even beat a kingly living.

Perhaps, this explains his several aliases like Olori Oluwo, Olori Ogboni Agba, ambassador extraordinaire. He created his own world and literally lived it alone.

Described as reclusive, he lived big wherever he landed in any part of the world; and he had almost an incomparable taste for the good things of life.

The Lagos State-born plenipotentiary, whose roots were traced to Brazil, had become wealthy very early in life and remained so till he breathed his last.

He had imposing mansions all over the world and owned a number of private jets and yachts too. The multilingual and exceptional businessman owned a French castle in France, which was once used by Napoleon Bonaparte, the emperor of France.

First Bank Chairman Ibukun Awosika’s Newfound Love Undoubtedly, Ibukunoluwa Awosika, Chairman, First Bank Plc., is a glittering star in the nation’s banking firmament. She is also one of the few and high-flying women doing Nigeria, nay Africa proud.

Today, the Oyo State-born banker, author and renowned motivational speaker has successfully etched her name in gold in the industry.

Hence, she is constantly in the limelight.

Over the years, her success stories have earned her a pride of place not only in Nigeria but beyond.

So, not a few were pleasantly surprised when she became the first female bank chairman in Nigeria. Indeed, her fame has grown to iconic proportions also because of her other sterling qualities.

But no one could have foreseen that she would one day use movie as a platform for

preaching the desired change in society, while also fighting the cause of the womenfolk.

So, she left many mouths agape, last week, when she was unveiled in a new movie by the award-winning movie producer, Kunle Afolayan.

The film titled, ‘Citation,’ features the worldclass business mogul tackling the ordeals faced by female students in Nigerian universities.

Awosika plays the role of the university faculty dean, heading the senate hearing panel of a female postgraduate student (Moremi), played

by Temi Otedola, who has been a victim of sexual harassment.

One does not need to go far to confirm if she loves this her newfound love, as she relished the new experience of her debut in the acting world on her official Instagram account saying, “It is not in all situations that we get a chance to do more than talk, about an issue that we are passionate about.

The challenges that the female gender faces in her

Awosika

pursuit to be her best are multidimensional.

“When great institutions all come together, with an award-winning producer to take on a global issue, it seemed like a good risk worth taking as well as a great adventure into a field I had never experienced.

Joy in the Villa as Buhari’s Daughter Weds Marwa’s Stepson As Congratulatory messages keep pouring in from well-wishers on both traditional and social media following the union between President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Hannan, and her beau, Mohammed Turad, new findings shed more light on the groom’s illustrious pedigree.

The lovebirds are the centre of attention of high society, after their nuptials which took place at Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.

It turned out to be a special distinction with the wedding being the first to take place at Nigeria’s seat of power, albeit due to strict protocols as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For weeks, the dashing Mohammed has been unveiled by the media as a special adviser to Babatunde Fashola, minister of works and housing. But not many know that Mohammed is the son of Munira, the wife of former governor of Lagos State, Buba Marwa, from

Hanan Buhari and Turad Sha’aban

her first marriage.

Sources revealed that Munira left her marriage to Alhaji Mahmud Sani Sha’aban

who represented Zaria in the House of Representives between 2003 and 2007.

Turad’s father, who holds the title of Dan Buram of Zazzau was also a former governorship candidate in Kaduna on two occasions. The groom whose father is a close friend of President Buhari holds the title of Wakillin Tudun Wadan Zazzau, and is a graduate of Finance and Management as well as two Masters Degrees from Dubai and the United Kingdom. He has previously worked at the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

The wedding ceremony held on Friday at the presidential villa, Aso Rock.

Sha’aban is also an ex-governorship candidate in Kaduna under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Hanan is a photography graduate from Ravensbourne University in England.

Auto Merchant Raymond Oladugba’s New Idea

Oladugba

Behind every success story, there is a story of struggle, motivation and inspiration. Indeed, staying successful is a mark of excellence gained from hard work, passion and motivation.

This, no doubt, best describes Raymond Oladugba, a Nigerian auto merchant.

The chief executive officer of Oloworay Autos, an automobile company that deals in both standard and luxury cars with branches scattered across the country, has continued to impact his society positively through his job creation efforts and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

In continuation of this, the business magnate has established a Nongovernmental organization that will help road accident victims in Nigeria.

The vibrant auto boss was said to have begun to nurture this dream after he survived an auto crash sometime ago.

He is also said to be in talks with all relevant agencies put in place to cater for the need of abandoned accident victims on the road.

Speaking on the objectives of the NGO, he said it would provide aid to road accident victims, help to get immediate attention of hospitals to increase the chances of survival of victims, create awareness on the actions to be taken on victims of road accident before the arrival of any collaborating agency.

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2020 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Why COVID-19 Spared Africa I first saw the angry retort from people on the BBC write-up trying to understand the low incidence of COVID-19 in Africa relative to the outside world.

You know me, I don’t like getting carried away like that, so I looked for the article to read myself. First, its core was based in South Africa where it admitted that the death rate there was seven times lower than that of the UK. They further agreed that all over Africa the incidence of COVID-19 has been markedly very low. They say na poverty na him be the defence.

So the assertion is that due to an

earlier ravage of other coronaviruses and influenza due to very poor living conditions, the treatment at that time may have conferred certain immunity this time around. My take is that make dem no worry themselves.

God in his infinite mercy knows how to protect the unprotected. Going by our squalid conditions and weak healthcare delivery system, by now the whole of Africa should have been decimated. Shebi God has seen the evil of the NDDC people who were spending trillions on face masks and fainting, coupled with all sorts of selfmade wahala we find ourselves, he let us

dodge this one.

So, these BBC people, please concentrate on your side, the thing is still ravaging that side. Let your researchers continue the good work for that side, for here we still dey with open defaecation and other such bad lifestyle choices occasioned by poor leadership. You people are not allowing us concentrate on more deadly illnesses because of this your COVID-19 that even our ajebutter governors are recovering almost immediately. We get bigger problems, no be COVID-19 dey do us now. Mbok, what is the mortality rate for malaria, abi na cholera? Pls, leave us alone.

TIWA SAVAGE – PLEASE, ARREST HER

These Ghana people have touched a raw nerve. Even they are now trying Nigerians. See how much we have fallen that our speaker had to fly to their tiny country to do what? Buhari should have summoned their president and asked him to meet with the chairman of the Ibeju Lekki Local Government because that is the size of their economy to give him very strict warnings.

Is it not this same Ghana that used to cry when OBJ lock the land borders? Today, because we are ‘shaming’ ourselves globally. They too want to stand up and be maltreating our people. I have written about this very recently and will not dwell on it any longer. But to say that I do not see any reason for Femi Gbajabiamila to carry him beards to that place, it is humiliating.

We should deal with the situation offsite – impose sanctions. Abi is it that bad, that we cannot impose sanctions on them? Are we that weak now? Mbok, for me I have called on all my brethren here in Shomolu to impose a total ban on giving business to their prostitutes here in Shomolu and you will see the effects on their Diaspora receipts. You will see, that is how to do things, not our number four citizen jumping on a plane and rushing there like he doesn’t have any better thing to do with his time. Just don’t go and carry COVID-19, better come back and let’s deal with them in a more constructive and structured manner.

Ghana, see Ghana o. kai.

should go and rest. In fact, he should go and sit down. What presidency, he no dey tire? We are not looking for his type in 2023.

What we are looking for are leaders with vision, leaders that will understand global economic shifts, with the right penetration and outlook that can steer the ship of state towards effectively addressing the challenges of the nation.

Please where in this description did you see Chief Kalu’s face in that talk?

People like that should just retire and be writing books on a long life in public service with no real service in it. Please, don’t let me vex this morning, everybody is positioning and Oga too with all his ‘corner corner’ is positioning too. Need to go eat abeg, I am hungry.

I am sure one oga in that DSS as he sees this title will quickly carry him glasses to read well and be asking who is this Duke of Shomolu. Mbok, no vex, na just tactic to make Nigerians who like drama to come and read the piece. Na style of writing o, baba no vex. Anyhow, that is how we started seeing reports that these two have been invited for whatever reasons. Me, I don’t use to believe things like that o, so I took it with a pinch of salt, and thankfully so, I saw another report denying that this ever happened.

You see for Don Jazzy, me I really don’t care. I no too like am because he will be doing like person that just wake up every time. He will be wearing pyjamas and be singing like say na him get Shomolu but Tiwa, oh my Tiwa, that girl is beautiful. A nightingale.

Every time I watch her videos or watch her on stage, I will be asking myself which kind of life did I come that I cannot make this bewitching beauty my wife. Her looks, her carriage and her beauty are all just enthralling and I beg anybody who want to arrest her to kindly go ahead as this will give me the opportunity to bail her and finally get her attention. So this is my clarion call to all arresting authorities including LASTMA and even Fire Brigade, please arrest Tiwa Savage immediately.

The only thing I will beg for is for the arrest to happen after my tenant pays her rent and after I don pay GTB the money I dey owe them so that I will have enough balance to not only bail her but fly her to Uyo for a romantic weekend with bowls and bowls of freshly-made afang.

Is somebody listening? Can this be done urgently? It’s my right as a freeborn Nigerian. Arrest her now!

GOVERNOR OKOWA’S GREAT DRESS SENSE

Oga please do not go and be drinking tea and get carried away o. Please be focused and tell them the hard truth.

Nowadays, you do not even know what to believe in the media. Reports have been circulating that bro is saying that if we want him to serve, he is ready. Then as I was about to write this morning, I saw another report quoting an unnamed foreign intelligence agency saying that Chief Kalu, Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Lawan stand better chances of emerging president.

Na lie, na him steward write the report.

Which foreign agency? Nothing like that.

Na him steward. For me, Chief Kalu

Let me send a gentle salutation to this my brother, Chief Okowa, governor of Delta State. Since he came out victorious against COVID-19, I have not had the time to congratulate him. Well done, Your Excellency, and we thank God for the ‘speedy recover.’

The other day when I wrote about your colleague across the Niger and his ‘strange’ dress style, you came to mind.

I remember meeting you at an event in Ughelli the other day and noticed your clean sweet outfit. Nothing touches me more than a well-dressed public figure.

Ever since, I have been watching your dress sense and must say that I am really impressed especially with the simplicity of the designs, the attention to detail and much more importantly, the way you carry these outfits, all making you a complete gentleman.

Make I stop for here before people will say I am looking for contract or that they pay me to write. I just felt like juxtaposing your turnout with the other one that is daily looking like a pantomime and a moving fashion ‘problem.’ Anyways hope you are having fun and I hope the small COVID-19 wahala did not disrupt activities in the other room. I don run o.

Savage

Gbajabiamila

Kalu

GBAJABIAMILA IN GHANA – PLEASE, TELL THEM FEW HOME TRUTHS

PRESIDENT ORJI KALU? NOT ON YOUR LIFE!

Ehaire

OWOLABI JAIYESINMI’S SENATORIAL AMBITION HANGING

BY THREAD That is how my brother Owoja called me that he was contesting the vacant senate seat. The one Senator Pepe left behind after losing the fight against COVID-19. I was happy o but my joy was short-lived because I quickly did small research and saw that it was the same post the Polaris Bank MD just resigned for. Knowing the way Lagos politics is played, I just knew that Owoja didn’t stand a chance. For that Baba to resign from the bank and also learning that he was Commissioner of Finance in Lagos, then it is very clear that the establishment has spoken.

So young reform-minded people like Owoja with the energy and verve to attempt structural change can only just wait until this baba receives the call from our lord almighty. But wait again, Owoja calls back that he is doing his photo shoot and that he was off to Abuja to collect the form, I come dey fear.

Is something about to change in APC? Are they going to move away from their traditional ‘selection’ process and engender true democracy where the former Polaris MD and the young entrepreneur and visionary Owoja will square off? That will be the day, when the people of Lagos will be allowed to listen to both parties, ask them desirable questions and format a performance and monitoring matrix that will keep the people they voted for beholden to them as against a tiny cabal.

I was truly dreaming, for Owoja called back the next day to say, he could not get the form. So, it is looking like once again, we would be saddled with a ‘selected’ candidate who will not owe us any answers and will be running with the master plan that has been written for him by those who have made him. People like Owoja will have to wait and continue to wait until only God knows. That is life in Lagos.

Jaiyesinmi’

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

06.09.2020

FROM LAGOS TO PRETORIA, THEY LOVE FELA, HIS WOMEN

Cover continued on Page 88

Fela and the Kalakuta Queens Sanmari Marais

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

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ARTS & REVIEW\\DRAMA

FROM LAGOS TO PRETORIA, THEY LOVE FELA, HIS WOMEN Bolanle Austen-Peters Production’s high-octane musical based on the lives the women, who eventually became Fela’s wives, premieres on YouTube on September 7 in a first-of-its-kind collaboration with South African State Theatre. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

B

eyond its expected coup d'oeil at the anti-establishment world of the Kalakuta Republic, Bolanle AustenPeters Productions’ Fela and His Kalakuta Queens also reenacts the inimitable oomph of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Is it any wonder that the musical, long after its successful tours of Lagos and Abuja as well as Cairo, Egypt and Pretoria, South Africa, still resonates with theatre-going audiences?

For the South African State Theatre, its planned live premiere of the musical on its YouTube channel from tomorrow (Monday, September 7) by 7 pm, in association with Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP), is in sync with its “Pan-African outlook”.

Thus, the state theatre, which is an agency of the South African Department of Arts and Culture, blazes the trail as the first foreign theatre company to not just feature a production by a Nigerian theatre company on its online platform, but also monetise it. Previously known as the Pretoria State Theatre until 1999, it is unarguably the continent’s largest theatre complex.

On the Broadway-style musical production, its many interpolations of Fela’s spontaneous concerts and his patented anti-establishment rants – known as 'Yabis' – into the storyline makes it an experience worth looking forward to. Of course, the real spotlight is on the 27 women, who eventually became his wives, and whose adulation of the late music icon as a fetish object was legendary.

The latter explains their unwavering loyalty during A scene from the production with their years with Fela. He remains the production’s unique Fela’s frequent face-offs with the repressive Nigerian selling point, the catalyst which lends coherence to the relevance military regimes. It also explains their childlike commitment to his of the pelvic-gyrating half-clad maidens. The production may protest music. Indeed, the story of Fela’s Shrine would lose much be seen as an opportunity to bring them back into the industry’s of its tang without these virtual mythical figures, who cocooned consciousness and engrave their names in music idiom’s annals. themselves in his delusional world and whose lives could have Not even the expected moulting of the cast – or even a possible been hard to imagine outside the subversive hotbed known as the tweaking of the storyline – should make the musical any less Kalakuta Republic. electrifying. This first-of-its-kind streaming to a non-Nigerian So, what is it about this reefer-smoking pied piper in pantsuits audience remains a must-see event. With a first-rate cast, led by that still elicits awe among the dewy-eyed habitués of his Shrine, the multi-instrumentalist musician Laitan Adeniji, a.k.a. Heavy long after his unexpected death on August 2, 1997? Could it be that Wind, the South African audience should expect the full value for his jeremiads still strike a familiar chord in these dire times? Or, their 70-rand tickets. could it be his oddball reputation, which was further burnished The audience is in addition expected to unearth the late music by the mixture of his traditional Yoruba culture with his radical legend’s mind-liberating philosophy from beneath the crust of political thought into one ideological cauldron pot? eccentricity. Indeed, there is a lot more about Fela than his freeEven a mere tangential allusion to his personality, which earned flowing profanities and decadent lifestyle. Otherwise sober adults him the respect of such high-profile figures as the French President have been known to exult in the hypnotic rhythms of his patented Emmanuel Macron and Nigeria’s vice-president Yemi Osinbajo, musical idiom at his famous gigs. That is beside the fact that many positions the stage production among the elite shows recent have on account of his popularity preferred to, albeit temporarily, memory. It is not difficult, therefore, to figure out why a storyline stifle their prudish whims or old-fashioned ideas. developed around the late musician’s consorts only concerns itself

Fela – one of the three sons of an anti-colonial activist mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and a protestant cleric dad, Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti – was a quintessential oddball.

He had opted instead for music at the Trinity College of Music in London when in 1958 he was sent there to study medicine. More than a decade later, while touring the US with his band in 1969, he met the Black Panther Party partisan Sandra Smith (later Izsadore) and embraced the Black Power movement ideas, which cloaked his growing rage in an ideological garb.

Though not quite coherent in its expression, his eventual Afro-centric ideology seeped into his lyrics, which soon won him a community of adepts. Many of these lived in the dank recesses of his self-styled “Republic”. This ideology also explains his choice of such names as “Afrika ’70” and “Egypt ’80” for his band, whose core-philosophy has remained largely unaltered for decades now since he departed this earth-life.

As one of Nigeria’s most influential figures of his time, it was not surprising that a personality cult developed around him and inevitably rubbed off on his musical male progenies. As for the frenzied rhythms and anti-establishment lyrics of his Afrobeat genre, they were sometimes appropriated as anthems for mass protests.

A close-up on the Fela’s Kalakuta Republic. This is where his fans, a curious mix of aficionados and dewy-eyed enthusiasts drawn from across all strata of the society, congregate to savour the phrasal liveliness of the songs and dances. This is also a place where many foreign visitors, including world-renowned musicians, have made stopovers to pay their homage to the then Nigeria's most popular musician as well as its most acerbic social critic.

Meanwhile, Fela and the Kalkuta Queens, which was produced and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, promises a unique insight into this enigmatic “Republic”, where these women made history.

It also showcases “the unique fashion, dance and African identity of the women, and unmasking common misconception about them,” according to a press statement issued by the production company.

BOOK FAIR

At 2020 Nigerian Int’l Book Fair, ExpertsTask Publishers onTechnology Yinka Olatunbosun At the opening ceremony of the 19th Nigerian International Book Fair on the virtual space, experts canvassed the need for the country’s challenged book industry to embrace technology amid Covid-19 to realise its full potential. This year’s book fair conference has as theme ‘Information Technology as Panacea for the Book Industry Sustainability amidst Covid-19 Pandemic.’

Activities that usually mark the fair at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the University of Lagos such as conference, book exhibition, Authors Groove in collaboration with Association of Nigerian Authors and many more will now hold online via Zoom.

According to the Chairman of Nigerian Publishers Association and main organizer of the fair, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo, “The world wasn’t exactly prepared for the devastating effect that followed the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’ve had to adjust nonetheless.

Several companies had to shut down and others surprisingly or maybe not surprisingly, thrived. Most of the companies that thrived are those that embraced technology or those that continued their operations virtually.

“For instance, Zoom Video Conferencing experienced an overnight success amid the COVID-19 pandemic because of the surge in Zoom users due to the compulsory stay-home policy. Before the pandemic, Eric Yuan, the founder of Zoom, saw that one day, people would need to hold meetings without meeting physically.

And with technology, he made it possible. I know many of us in the book industry appreciate the joy of holding a paperback.

“In fact, some might enjoy the smell of old books in a room. But it is becoming clearer that we do not only have to acknowledge the role of Information Technology in sustaining the book industry,

we also have to gladly embrace the tide.”

Although Adedapo expressed regret that the fair could not hold in its traditional way, he was glad that the virtual option was available to make the 2020 edition a success. The fair which kicked-off on September 1 will run till Monday September 7.

“When we started planning for the 2020 edition of the Nigeria International Book Fair sometimes last year, we scheduled it to hold in May, not expecting that a global pandemic will overtake the world.

We are so disappointed not to be welcoming you in person to this year’s International Book Fair. However, I am so pleased to welcome you to 2020 Nigerian Book Fair, our first virtual book fair. COVID - 19 has impacted every aspect of our lives and over the past 5 months we’ve really been exploring and accelerating the potential of online events. We will like to thank all players in the book industry for their support and encouragement as we find new ways to engage with you in this virtual world.”

While presenting his keynote speech via virtual means, President of International Book Association, Mr. Hugo Setzer, also harped on how technology had altered the way published should think their Chairman, Nigerian Publishers Association, Gbadega Adedapo business and adapt to the changing times to be relevant. to consider. One of the things publishers around the world ask “The theme of your fair is perfectly chosen, and perhaps a little me is about the future of publishing. I wish I knew the future of provocative,” Setzer said. “It is constructive and forward-looking. It anything, but I am positive, and one thing is certain: now is the does not dwell on the difficult times now, but looks at how our sector time to embrace digital can adapt to overcome our current challenges.

Setzer had spoken to many publishers and publishers’ associa“On the other hand, I have to say that I am reluctant to use the tions around the world over the last six months and some of these word “panacea”. Panacea was the Greek goddess of healing and is conversations are recorded in IPA’s interview series online. associated with universal remedy. But we have to be careful, since no all-healing medicine has been found yet. Yes, I agree that information Readers should continued online www.thisdaylive.com technology and digitization are very important innovations we have

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ EPTEMBER 6, 2020

INTERNATIONAL Reciprocity and Dynamics of Mésentente in Nigeria-Ghana Relations: Beyond the Diplomacy of Consequences

T

here are three immediate and critical irritants in Nigeria’s relationship with Ghana: applicability of reciprocity in the relationship; misunderstanding between the government of Nigeria and Ghana, on the one hand, and between the people of Nigeria and Ghana, on the other; and relevance or irrelevance of diplomacy as means of settlement

of the misunderstanding. The irritants are a direct resultant from the closure of the trading shops of Nigerians in Ghana, allegedly for non-payment of the sum of $1 million as capital investment or levy to qualify to do business in Ghana. In Telephone : 0807-688-2846 the eyes of Nigerians doing business in Ghana, the policy is very e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com discriminatory and mainly targeted at Nigerians.

Without doubt, there is a recidivist mésentente between the two countries, which has prompted the mistreatment of Nigerians in Ghana. The misunderstanding dates back to 1931 when the people of Ghana first kicked against foreigners, and particularly, Nigerians. The mistreatment to which Nigerians are today subjected in Ghana is therefore not new and cannot be objectively resolved without a clear understanding of the genesis and issues involved.

There are four main issues that are more profound than the three critical irritants. The first is about the status of an ECOWAS Community Citizen in Ghana or in Nigeria. In other words, is a Community Citizen a foreigner in Ghana? ACommunity Citizen is defined as any bonafide citizen of a Member State of the ECOWAS, and therefore, enjoys the right of free movement in the ECOWAS region and the right of establishment in any Member State of choice. The misunderstanding arises because Nigerians in Ghana do not see themselves as foreigners in Ghana to which the controversial law applies.

Asecond issue is the two-level hostility against Nigerians in Ghana: the people and the government. The people’s hostility is more critical than that of the Government of Ghana. In fact, it is the people’s hostility that drives that of the Government. For instance, when the government’s inter-ministerial committee (comprising the Immigration, Police, Customs, Ministry of Trade, Internal Onyeama, Minister for Foreign Affairs Revenue, etc) locked shops belonging to Nigerians in 2018, the Nigerian High Commission intervened and secured a temporary Reciprocity is an important instrument for the conduct and understanding. But apparently not satisfied, the Ghana Union of management of international relations. It can have a positive Traders Associations (GUTA) came back in 2019 to compel closure and a negative meaning, depending on the context of its use. of the shops again. In fact, the Roundabout (the mobile phone Etymologically, it is first derived from a Latin word, ‘reciprocus,’ accessories market) where Nigerians are dominant were forcefully and later from French words, réciprocité and réciproque, in 1766. At closed by the GUTAfrom December 2, 2019 to July 15, 2020. The the time of coinage, the meaning ascribed to it was ‘return action’ implication of this cannot but be the need for a two-pronged or ‘response’, ‘reaction’ or ‘exchange’. This meaning did not fully foreign policy response to address the governmental and people’s explain the nature and purpose of reciprocity, especially in terms of grievances. its modality. Emphasis has only been placed on reciprocity as an act Athird issue is the nature of Government’s and people’s grievof reciprocal or reactive treatment. ances, as distinct from their actions. The Government of Ghana In geometry, reciprocity is the mutual relationship between appears to want to attract Blacks and Africans in the Diaspora to points and straight lines in a plane. In sociology of international Ghana and force out Nigerians who have been accused of engage- relations, reciprocity is a relationship between people(s) or States in ment in criminal activities and for which some of them have been which there is either mutual dependence on one another. It refers deported to Nigeria. The grievance of the GUTAis that imported to an exchange of rights and privileges or obligations. From the goods by foreign entrepreneurs are cheaper than the locally-properspective of psychology, reciprocity is the manner of responses, duced goods, thus making business less profitable for Ghanaians. and not specifically about the act, to the action of others. And more Afourth source of critical anger for the Government of Ghana is interestingly in international economic relations, reciprocity is the closure of Nigeria’s international borders, which is considered about the granting of mutual advantages which are generally not helpful to the economic interest of Ghana. Making life difficult provided for in commercial agreements, as in ‘most favoured for Nigerian businessman in Ghana is a means of complaint and nation clauses,’ avoidance of double taxation clauses,’ etc. protest against Nigeria’s closure.

It is useful to note that Part IV of the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs specifically provided for non-reciprocity in the commercial relations between the developed and the developing countries.

Nature of Reciprocity Reciprocity is only applicable between and among the developed In reaction to Ghana’s hostility, many Nigerians have called for world. Paragraph 5 of the 14 September 1973 Declaration of Tokyo the application of the principle of reciprocity. Reciprocity is a major on non-reciprocity particularly refers. issue in Nigeria’s foreign policy-making in terms of whether or In fact, Professor Bolaji Akinwande Akinyemi’s theory of not to apply it in Nigeria’s relationships with African countries. ‘consultation doctrine’ is nothing more than an expression of Nigeria has a policy of good neigbourliness and takes Africa as reciprocity in another form. When Muammar Gaddafi had serious the centrepiece of her foreign policy, but the African neighbours of disagreement with the United States and needed Nigeria’s support Nigeria do not show the same good neighbourliness to Nigerians, a situation that has prompted increasing calls for the application of against the United States in his belief in African solidarity, Professor Akinyemi came up with the doctrine of consultation, according the rule of reciprocity in Nigeria’s foreign policy. True, the Government is not, strictly speaking, opposed to its application, but places to which the Libyan leader needed to have first consulted with more emphasis on the need for stability and good rapprochement, Nigeria before expecting to have Nigeria’s support.

Chief Ojo Maduekwe’s own doctrine of diplomacy of but which has not enabled the protection of Nigerians living consequences or ‘reciprocal niceness’ is also not different. As Ojo abroad. The mistreatment of Nigerians in Ghana has raised many Maduekwe put it, ‘if you are nice to us, we will be nice to you. If questions about the applicability of reciprocity in Nigeria-Ghana you are hostile to us, we will also be hostile to you.’ In this case, relations.

VIE INTERNATIONALE

Bola A. Akinterinwa

Government needs to look at the nexus between and amongst Professor Ibrahim Gambari’s foreign policy concentricism, Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji’s redefinition of it, Senator Ike Nwachukwu’s economic diplomacy, Chief Ojo Maduekwe’s citizen diplomacy, and Professor Bolaji Akinyemi’s diplomacy of Concert of Medium Powers. Gambari’s theory of concentricism deals with prioritisation of operational areas. Adeniji wants the prioritisation to be on the identification of national interests in the prioritised concentric circles. In this regard, the concern and interest cannot but be economic diplomacy and dividends. The beneficiaries, according to Adeniji, should be the people of Nigeria.

This is also what Maduekwe is talking about with his citizen diplomacy.Thus, Nigeria’s foreign policy should seek to articulate specific objectives in every given concentric circle, organise and involve citizen diplomats to complement official diplomacy, and ensure that majority of Nigerians are the beneficiaries. In sum, foreign policy concentricism is the operational theatre. Economic diplomacy should be a technical objective. Citizen diplomacy should be an implementation medium, while the Concert of Medium Powers should not only be a long-term strategic focus, but also an instrument for the making of a Greater Nigeria

there cannot but be consequences for any initiated action of hostility against Nigeria’s interest.

Again, while reciprocity in the context of Professor Akinyemi’s and Chief Maduekwe’s doctrines has a negative connotation, reciprocity, in the context of trade agreements, such as in Lomé Conventions, is essentially about preferential and privileged treatment: reduction of tariffs, relaxation of travel restrictions and visa requirements, and agreements on extradition. Thus, there is positive and negative reciprocity in terms of its nature and purpose. But how is this applicable in the context of the controversy surrounding mistreatment of Nigerians in Ghana and the resultant misunderstanding between the Governments of Ghana and Nigeria?

Grosso modo, all bilateral relations are either characterised by crises of mésentente or entente (misunderstanding and understanding), on the one hand, and crises of conflicting foreign policy interests and mismanagement, on the other. For reasons of psychology of human differences, people hold different opinions on the same issue and interests of people or states often conflict. It is useful to note here that, in the continuum of misunderstanding, crisis is always at the lowest level.

When interests conflict with one another, efforts are first made to address them by diplomacy, meaning non-use of force. Diplomatic approaches are considered to be at this level of crisis, at least, from a polemological perspective. When success cannot be achieved at the level of crisis, it naturally degenerates into the next level of conflict in which case, there is limited use of force. In this continuum is also war, which can be cold or hot. Cold War is about killing the enemy softly through frustration and undermining the progress and stability of the enemy, use of propaganda against it, promotion of quiet destruction and proxy wars, etc. Hot wars refer to shooting battles. At whatever level of analysis one is interested, the constant factor remains misunderstanding, which cannot but exist in any given relationship, be it inter-personal, institutional or inter-state.

Thus, Nigeria-Ghana relations cannot be different. What is, more often than not, different is the causal factor for the existence of a misunderstanding or dynamics.

Besides, it is often quickly believed that Nigeria and Ghana have many things in common, especially in terms of their shared colonial background: English language as lingua franca, shared educational system, common geo-political location, first coup d’état almost at the same time in 1966 (January 15 for Nigeria and February 25 for Ghana), shared foreign policy of pan-Africanism and Non-Alignment, etc. This factor of shared values is tenable, but the shared values by both countries have not prevented the existence of misunderstandings. Deportation of citizens in 1957, 1969, 1983 and 1985 are cases in point.

William Shakespeare has explained this observation differently in his Macbeth when he talked about ‘the near in blood, the nearer bloody.’ In other words, the nearer (blood relations) or closer (acquaintance) a State is to you, the more dangerous he or she or the State can be, the more also threats he or she or the State can pose to one’s survival, and the more the misunderstandings to be expected. This means that there is the need for caution in every given warm relationship. It is against this background that the bilateral ties between Nigeria and Ghana can first be explained and understood.

True enough, there have been many crises and irritants in the relationship since 1960, currently reaching its crescendo, and compelling some politologists, policy makers, and foreign policy scholars to be calling for the application of the rule of reciprocity in the conduct and management of the relationship, regardless of whatever may be the diplomatic consequences.

Dynamics and Consequences

Apart from the well known dynamics of trade, security cooperation, exchange of official visits, and factors of ECOWAS regionalism, emphasis is placed on the irritant dynamics that shape the relationship. The first dynamic is Ghana’s foundation of hostility, which was laid in the period from 1957 through the early 1980s. The hostility was first at the instance of the people, before the Government of Ghana was brought into it. Foreigners were perceived by the people to be the obstacle to Ghana’s entrepreneurial development. In fact, foreign entrepreneurs in Ghana have products that were and are still cheaper than those produced by Ghanaians, hence the calls on their Government for discriminatory fiscal and tariff policies against foreigners. The genesis can be traced to the pre-independence era.

In 1935, the local business people of Akyem Abuakwa had to establish the National Crusade for the Protection of Ghanaian Enterprise in self-defence against the foreign entrepreneurs. Again, on August 23, 1957 the Convention People’s Party, under President Kwame Nkrumah, passed the Deportation Act which empowered Government to expel any foreigner considered to be ‘a threat to the nation.’ It was under this Act that some Nigerians, considered as members of the opposition Muslim Association Party, were deported to Nigeria. Consequently, it is not the current law put in place and demanding the payment of $1m that is the immediate cause of the current hullaballoo in the relationship. The 1957 deportation act was in conflict with Kwame Nkrumah’s sermon of pan-Africanism and political unity of the continent.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

90

CICERO

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

IN THE ARENA

Beyond the Stagey Edo Palace Embrace With critical discourse, enduring democratic and progressive issues boldly thrown to the dogs, the September 19 governorship election in Edo State may turn out a farce, writes Louis Achi

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ithout exception, the central character cast of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 19, view possible loss of the electoral contest as a fundamental existential threat. With perhaps less intensity, this is the same for their sponsoring parties. In explicit communication, body language, overt and covert actions so far, this fact cannot be denied. And worse, it is largely true.

Former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and nimble strategist Adams Oshiomhole, who nailed ‘godfatherism’ in the state – and quirkily reincarnated it – is one of the key players in the September 19 showdown.

Unyielding Governor Godwin Obaseki of the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oshiohmole’s estranged protégé, is another sturdy player, eying reelection having controversially swapped parties with his eyes locked on the ball.

Then there is the shrewd Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was in 2016, the candidate of the PDP, when he engaged in a very rancorous battle with his new sponsor and godfather, Oshiomhole.

Outside the big two parties, others largely remain fringe players.

The presumed fact that political Siberia beckons losers in the impendINEC National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu ing electoral contest has apparently provided considerable incendiary inspiration for North Senatorial District. That widely reported acts the core gladiators to discard civilised engagement of violence have transpired in these areas suggest templates and opt for ‘war’ footing. their susceptibility during the election period to With the unitarist tilt of Nigeria’s federalism, further acts of violence. many even expect that the governing central govFurther, identifiable hostilities in Edo State, with ernment would deploy forces to settle the battle. attendant loss of lives and property are mounting But this is debatable. In all these, the democratic significantly and bode ill. interest, safety and priority of Edo State have When two policemen died last week, in an seemingly taken the back seat. accident involving the campaign convoy of OshAccording to YIAGA Africa, an election observaiomhole, while on his way to Usen in Ovia Southtion group, which last week issued a preliminary West Local Government Area, Victor Oshioke, report on the pre-election period titled, “2020 media aide to the former APC national chairman Edo Election: An Election defined by Strongman described the accident as an assassination attempt.

Tactics and Violence,” the pre-election period has The accident forced the candidate of the APC, been characterised by ‘violent, verbal and physical Ize-Iyamu, to call off his rally at Usen. In a noteattacks, hate speech, identity-based violence’ and worthy move, Obaseki condoled with Oshiomhole things of that nature.

It further observed that from the forcible removal and Ize-Iyamu over the crash and death of the security aides as well as others that sustained of opponents’ campaign posters through nameinjury. calling at campaign rallies to vandalism and the “I received the news of the accident with shock burning of the houses of targeted political oppoand commiserate with the former governor of nents and wanton deployment of thugs, the period has been one long nightmare for the citizens of the Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the candidate of the APC in the forthcoming governorstate. ship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu over the very Even more specifically, the YIAGA Africa Report unfortunate incident involving their security aides has listed, ‘potential hotspots and flashpoints of and top chieftains of the party in the campaign violence’. These include: Etsako West; Etsako East; team,” he said.

Etsako Central; Owan West and Akoko-Edo in Edo

Mindful of the implications of the spiraling violence for his realm and larger Edo arena, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, last week rebuked politicians in the state, particularly Governor Obaseki of PDP and Pastor Ize-Iyamu of APC, for the pre-election violence and belligerent electioneering utterances, threatening to tear the state apart ahead of the September 19 election.

“The utterances, statements and activities that I hear are most immature,” the venerable monarch had told the two leading candidates and their promoters, including former governors John OdigieOyegun and Adams Oshiomhole, during a peace meeting he convened in his palace in Benin.

His words: “I have noted that Benin’s politics has been in the news for quite sometimes for all the wrong reasons. I have been having sleepless nights for some days. We are all from Edo State. We are no strangers.

“Why do you want lives to be lost by arming thugs, who will later hide the guns? Enough is enough. Let the September 19 governorship election in Edo State be peaceful. Be mature and be proud of Edo State. Do not make Edo State a laughing stock.”

Recalling the 2015 presidential election, Oba Ewuare noted that Jonathan’s conceding victory to Buhari changed the prediction of the international community that Nigeria would break up due to the 2015 elections.

In their responses, Obaseki and Ize-Iyamu respectively assured the worried monarch that they would promote peace and promised to ensure their supporters conducted themselves in a peaceful manner henceforth. Then both gladiators embraced each other – a gesture many felt was purely dodgy and changed little from an essentially weaponised contest.

Curiously, even cautionary warnings by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare a state of emergency if the state of violence scales up has failed to check increasing impunity by the gung-ho gladiators.

Despite the stern warning by the police, as expressed by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo and other security agencies, pretty few people have actually been brought to book as acts of violence and counter violence spiral.

The emerging perception is that the politicians have scripted their own rules and are operating by a weird standard of justice and self-help.

Clearly, the task of rescuing Edo State falls on the elite of Edo, who must raise the bar and insist on civilised conduct from all the key players and also demand that electoral outcomes must flow from constitutionally prescribed processes.

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

A

Oba Ewuare II

Thumps Up to Oba of Benin

s the father of all, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, last week, lived up to his place of honour, when he invited political actors from the two main parties to a truce meeting ahead of the September 19 governorship election.

The two leading political parties, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) have been at each other’s throat for a while, in what has heightened the spectre of violence in the state, preparatory to the election.

While the candidates of both parties, Godwin Obaseki and Osagie Ize-Iyamu, had not sufficiently addressed

the violence often left in the trail of their campaigns, the development had also created genuine concerns amongst the people, particularly the insinuation that the degree of violence could create apathy during the poll.

This was why the Oba of Benin seized the initiative by inviting the gladiators on both sides of the divide and urged them to eschew violence in the overall interest of the people of Edo, whose heritage must be guarded jealously.

The Oba stood up to the occasion and appealed to both sides to see the bigger picture. Given his place in the system, it appears his intervention meant a lot to many, at least, from the feedback. It is only hoped that the message is clear enough to both parties and that going forward, Edo has seen the last of its violent political rivals.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

BRIEFINGNOTES Zulum: From Borno’s Rubbles Emerges a Gem From his style to ideas, background, education, exposure, worldview and general personal disposition, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, is arguably one of the promising faces of the future, writes Michael Olugbode

T

he choice of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election and subsequently winning to become the governor of Borno State could be said to be divine, if indeed, the saying that the voice of the people is the voice of God, is true.

He was not a firebrand politician and never had a political structure but his performance in the big but few tasks that were given to him warmed him to the hearts of the people of the state.

He is a people’s choice. His predecessor, Kashim Shettima, in order not to run into political landmine while choosing a successor decided to rely on all stakeholders and the overwhelming support was Zulum. And Shettima tagged along with it.

The decision to go with Zulum according to Shettima tested him and he had to face “the test of choosing between my personal interest, my friendships, and my political associations, all on one side and on the other, my conscience and the future of Borno State.”

According to him, “Borno has witnessed a long period of gloom and doom. Our peculiar experiences in Borno State have to my mind, made the task of choosing a potential governor a difficult one. It was a task, which required and forced me to set aside personal interest and consider the greater interest of our dear state. Borno is greater than Kashim Shettima and Borno is greater than any one of us.

“Making the choice of my potential successor was beyond my thinking alone. Such a choice required a combination of very deep thoughts and wisdom. I, therefore, had to undertake very extensive consultations. I consulted to the extents never reached in the recent political history of Borno State....”

One may want to ask who is this Zulum that the people of Borno cannot resist? Zulum came from a humble background. He had to join his father in tilling the ground at a tender age in Loskuri village in Mafa local government area of the state.

Zulum He, at a point in time, had to trek seven kilometers daily to reach his father’s farm from their home. He combined farming with his primary and secondary school in Mafa and Monguno from 1975 to 1980 and 1980 to 1985, respectively. He had to take the decision to work for his education, when he was in Class 5 in secondary school.

He once said: “From 1984 to around 1999 (16 years) I became a commercial driver of taxis, particularly Peugeot 404. At some point, I also drove buses carrying passengers to different villages, and neighbouring states. At a later time, I drove commercial pickup trucks carrying firewood from forests. While working as commercial driver, I learned how to fix any vehicle I drove.

“In 1986, I gained admission into Ramat Polytechnic in Maiduguri, owned by the state government, to study for a National Diploma in Irrigation Engineering, and lived with relatives off-campus in Kofa Biyu, a densely-populated area.

“I trekked for eight kilometers from Kofa Biyu to Ramat Polytechnic and back whenever I had lectures. But I was already used to long walks, all my life, as I couldn’t afford transport to school. “Whenever I drove taxis and returned the vehicles to owners, I used what I got for my basic school needs. I later also became a commercial operator of grinding machine, and I owned one in Mafa, and during weekends, I went there to serve customers.”

Zulum obtained his ND in 1988, and in 1989, joined the Borno State Civil Service civil as an Assistant Technical Officer

in the state’s Ministry of Agriculture. In 1990, he moved into Borno State Unified Local Government Service as Senior Field Overseer.

But he would also lament that: “While working, the salary couldn’t cater for my needs and some dependants. So, I continued commercial driving to augment my income.

“It was still as a commercial driver that in 1990, I secured admission into University of Maiduguri for a degree in Agricultural Engineering. I graduated in 1994. After three years, I got admission into the University of Ibadan for an MSc in Agricultural Engineering.

“An experience after gaining admission in Ibadan will always remain memorable, as my registration was delayed for three weeks, because I could not pay my registration fees. I did not have the money, when I departed Maiduguri, but I believed I could get some work to do in Lagos.

“For three weeks, I lived in Alaba Rago working with commercial vehicles and there I raised the money for my tuition.

I went to Ibadan, paid my fees and started. I graduated in 1998, returned to the civil service as a Senior Agricultural Engineer and later Principal Water Engineer,” he noted.

After obtaining a Masters Degree, Zulum said, he joined the University of Maiduguri in 1998 as an assistant lecturer. From 2005 to 2009, he obtained PhD in Soil and Water Engineering from University of Maiduguri, rising through the ranks, at some point to Deputy Dean and Acting Dean of the Faculty of

Agricultural Engineering.

He continued lecturing in UNIMAID, even after his appointment as rector at Ramat Polytechnic in 2011 by Governor Kashim Shettima. As rector, he oversaw great developments, ensuring the erection of capital infrastructure using internally generated revenue and attracting interventions from federal agencies.

His milestone achievements paved the way for his appointment as the inaugural Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, a position he held from 2015 until he became the governorship candidate of APC towards the 2019 election.

He became the governor of Borno State through the goodwill he gained by virtue of his performances in tasks he was given and which took him from grass to grace.

Since he became the governor, he had not lost touch with the people, who took him to the helm.

He had fought for them in conference rooms and on the streets. He has been called on undiplomatic all in the effort to bring security and comfort to his subjects, he has traversed so many terrains, difficult, suicidal or otherwise to visit his subjects and bring succour to them.

There had been two attempts on his life folowing attacks on his convoy but he never stopped working. He is not satisfied with staying at the office at the Government House, but chose to reopen the Governor’s office at the Secretariat, which he intermittently work from. Zulum, in order to tackle insecurity and to be closer to the people, created a liaison office on the near deadly Maiduguri-Damaturu road.

He has created the Rapid Response Squad to tackle insecurity in the state, apart from employing the services of local hunters and vigilantes.

His support for already established military and security outfits has never waned. In fact, he has been assisting them financially and with logistics.

To tackle insecurity, he had gone the full hog. At a time, he declared an official day of statewide fasting and prayers (Monday, February 24, 2020) to seek divine intervention for the military’s peace building efforts to succeed. Muslims and Christians in Borno and beyond responded to the governor’s call with a fast that Monday. To match prayers with action, since he came to power, he had approved the procurement and deployment of almost 400 Toyota Hilux vehicles to the fight against Boko Haram. These vehicles are critical to the operations of the military, other security forces and volunteers in the fight against Boko Haram. The Borno State Government regularly supports these operational vehicles with fuel and maintenance.

He also support families of soldiers, especially those killed in combat. The governor makes it a habit to pay morale boosting visits and to offer welfare support to military formations in all his many humanitarian trips across the 27 local government areas in Borno. At the Government House in Maiduguri, Zulum accords special treatment to military commanders and heads of other security establishments. With or without appointments, military heads walk to Zulum’s office anytime the need arises, and the governor suspends everything else. He attends to requests, often for ‘logistics’, brought by security heads, and he is particular about the military.

So much is the governor’s commitment that the Chief of Army Staff, Buratai, on Sunday, May 24, 2020, publicly described Zulum’s support for the military as “immeasurable.”

NOTES FOR FILE

Covid-19 Still on the Prowl

SGF and PTF chair, Boss Mustapha briefs President Muhammadu Buhari

Gradually, life is returning to normalcy especially, with the phased opening up of the economy, which advanced last week with the near full reopening of schools as well as the extension of the curfew from midnight to 4am the next day.

A majority of the hitherto shut down businesses are also getting their grooves back, courtesy of the latest review of the measures earlier taken by government in the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But while this is good news and a welcome development, it goes without saying, the fact that government is embracing some of these decisions

is no indication that the deadly virus is gone and as such, life could return to what it used to be.

Yes, there’s no doubting the fact that the virus has been contained to a very large extent and the curve reasonable flattened, but the fact of the matter is that the virus is still in effect and as deadly as it has always been.

People must, therefore, take nothing for granted but continue to observe all the safety protocols as advised by experts in collective interest. The virus is still on the prowl and only those who know this fact, heed the warnings and are circumspect would survive its deadly stings.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

CICERO/TRIBUTE

The National Incident Commander is 64 With a major nationalassignmentonhis hands,Secretary totheGovernmentofthe Federation, BossGidahyelda Mustapha, has a lot to be grateful for on his 64th birthday, which held last Friday, writes Shola Oyeyipo

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side the fact that his responsibility as the SGF is very strategic and demanding for proper governance, his present job as the Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, which saddles him with the responsibility of mitigating the effects of the global Coronavirus pandemic, has placed an even bigger responsibility on his shoulders.

That much, his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged in his birthday greetings to Mustapha in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu.

The President affirmed that Mustapha has provided strong and commendable leadership as rallying point for the Federal Executive Council, and “demonstrated high level patriotism by accepting the onerous position of chairing the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.”

The president, therefore, congratulated him and the team for “steadily guiding Nigerians in the midst of health and economic uncertainties.”

According to Shehu, “As the SGF turns 64, the President notes, with gratitude, his sacrifices and selfless service to the nation for close to four decades, taking a stand for democracy and good governance at an early age, and working assiduously to raise structures and support causes that project the ideals of a liberal and accommodating nation, like serving in the Constituent Assembly in 1989, working on many committees and heading several government agencies.”

The president was not alone in recognising the SGF’s meritorious services to Nigeria at various times and in different capacities. The All Progres- Mustapha sives Congress (APC), Federal Executive Council (FEC), Director in charge of Administration till 1983 when he family, friends, professional and political associates and left to join Messrs Onagoruwa and Co in Lagos. He was a lot of other well-wishers paid glowing tributes to one later appointed Principal Counsel in the firm of Messrs outstanding Nigerian, who has contributed significantly Mustapha and Associates. to nation building in his 64 years.

Some other aspects of his expertise are in preparation A lawyer, management consultant, politician, busiof banking documents such as debentures, guarantees, nessman and boardroom expert, it won’t be out of place to mortgages, bonds and loan syndications. say that the Adamawa State-born politician has seen it all.

He was appointed as a member of Interim ManageHe laid the foundation for the what he is today from ment Committee (IMC) of the defunct Petroleum Hong Secondary School, in Hong Adamawa State; North (Special) Trust Fund (PTF), where he served between East College of Arts and Sciences, Maiduguri, Borno State; 2000 and 2007. There, his duty was to produce up-to-date sat for WASC and HSC in 1976; earned his Bachelor of comprehensive project and programme report, including Law (LL.B) from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in location, coverage and whether performed, performing 1979 and was called to the Nigerian bar in 1980. He also or abandoned, production of the final report of assets and had his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). liabilities, examination of the administrative structure His legal interest spans privatisation, commercialisaand cost-effectiveness of PTF projects and services among tion and liberalisation of public companies/corporate and other things. government parastatals.

After about seven years at the PTF, Mustapha After his NYSC, he had a short stint at Sotesa Nigeria returned to his legal profession as Principal Partner of Limited, an Italian consultancy firm, as Executive the law firm, Adroit Lex and at a point, he was the Social

Secretary and Chairman at the Yola branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

He ventured into politics and was a member of the Constituent Assembly (19881989); Chairman People’s Solidarity Party, Gongola State (1989-1990); state chairman, Social Democratic Party, Gongola State (19901991); gubernatorial candidate for SDP in Adamawa State in 1991 and deputy National Chairman, the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) from 2010 to 2013. He served as the Deputy Director-General of the party’s presidential campaign organisation in 2007.

Lately, through the multi-sectoral and inter-governmental taskforce inaugurated on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, to mitigate spread of the Coronavirus, the SGF has made frantic efforts to slow the spread of the virus and has proven beyond every doubt, that he was worthy of the assignment.

With help from the Ministers of Health, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Aviation, Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, Education, Information, Environment, Minister of State for Health, the Director-General, Department of State Security (DSS); Director-General, National Centre for Disease Control and WHO representative in Nigeria, the country has recorded noteworthy success in tracking infected persons and in providing premium healthcare to the sick.

While still in his birthday celebration mood, Mustapha told Nigerians that President Buhari Thursday approved the extension of the six-month mandate of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF), due to expire on September till the end of December 2020.

He said the extension was granted after the federal government reviewed the four weeks of transition into the third phase of the National Response to COVID-19, which ende with effect from 12.01 am on Friday, September 4.

Those familiar with the operations of the federal government have acknowledged that the SGF has introduced professionalism into his duties as the secretary to the federal government.

In the civil service, he has insisted on adherence to clear rules and regulations governing appointments, promotion and discipline of workers as against the previously growing trend, where chief executives of federal government agencies were removed and replaced arbitrarily.

Clearly, history will be kind to Mustapha as one SGF, who served diligently and tenaciously with commitment.

The changes he has brought to that office will not only be enduring but a guide to after him.

Remembering Elder Folarin Coker Ajibade Fasina-Thomas

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hangba fo! The mold is broken! The masterpiece is shattered. When will the immortal potter cast another edition of the incredible “Baba Eto’’!

Were he to eulogise the sparkly Nathaniel Folarin Coker, the fascinating Baba Eto, a student of Plato, the Greek philosopher, would have dished out ornate rhetorics taught according to Platonic rules. And for a man, who has a propensity to put smooth finishes on his speeches with fitting anecdotes, public speaking was a specialty!

Baba Eto regaled us with stories we were not privileged to hear or know about; and when he had his audience spellbound, he interjected with his familiar idiomatic expression: E o ti ri nkankan. You haven’t seen anything yet!

There is no room for gaucherie in his speeches, which he gave in large doses while proposing the toast of “Absentee (Departed) Members” at the monthly Elders’ Forum at Island Club, Onikan, Lagos; or occasionally at the weekly sittings of The Fish Group of Yoruba Tennis Club, also at Onikan, Lagos.

His oratorical deftness complemented his sartorial sleekness. He summoned either for appropriate service whenever needed. Folarin Coker was natty in bespoke English suits in his younger days; and Baba Eto kept the tradition in his twilight days, resplendent as always in his white agbada.

He was an accomplished author and a biographer, who remained the delight of biographers while he lived.

I have had the privilege of compering the programmes of many of Elderman Folarin Coker’s books. At one of such occasions, excerpts of my introduction of the great man ran as follows: “One generic term that became

associated with Elderman Folarin Coker over the years was the saying ‘E o ti ri nkankan’, which, when translated into English means ‘You haven’t seen anything yet;’ or as the Americans would say, ‘You ain’t seen nutting yet.”

“And how true! Elderman Folarin Coker’s fertile mind is always at work. He possesses an old, accomplished hand in the business of biography writing.

He has written and contributed to the biographies of eminent Nigerians more than any writer of his age.

“When he presented the chart-bursting IYA EKO, the exciting story on the life and times of personable Lady Oyinkan Abayomi, I asked the question, what propels a man to keep writing and publishing books at an advanced age of 80 years plus? I should have taken him for his words that I certainly haven’t seen anything yet… more of his books are currently in the works.

“Elderman Coker’s passion for writing is astounding.

The power of his writing is formidable and his easy style of writing makes his books endearing.

“According to Webster, whatever makes men good Christians makes them good citizens. Elderman Folarin Coker served God and his church to the best of his ability. He has also acquitted himself in his service to his country and the society in which he lived.

“The Cathedral Church of Christ appreciated his services and honored him with the coveted Cathedral Parish Award (CPA).

His meritorious service to the nation has also not escaped the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which accordingly bestowed on him the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

“Elderman Coker is a recipient of the highest award of Grand Commander of the Order of the Peacock (GCOP) for distinguished members of the Island Club.

“At the Yoruba Tennis Club, Elderman Folarin Coker is a past Chairman; and now a Trustee and Vice Patron.”

Coker Elderman Folarin Coker has written his own obituary in so many words and actions. He will be greatly missed in all the spheres of life he touched. But he will not be easily forgotten, because he wrote things worth reading and his deeds are worth writing about.

A toast to our departed brother… Greetings! Greetings!! Greetings!!!

–––Fasina-Thomas wrote from the US

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R ˞ ʹ˜ 2020

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TOURISM

Stakeholders Design New Roadmap For Nigeria’s Tourism Development

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he Nigerian tourism sector, though ignored, over the years has been one of resilience; underfunded despite being one of the largest employers of labour with multiplier effects, some stakeholders are keen on developing a new roadmap for the growth of domestic tourism.

According to the group, Collaborative Tourism Practitioners, the roadmap unfolded recently during a webinar, is expected to serve as the fulcrum for turning the sector into a money-spinner and a means of diversifying the nation’s economy from oil.

The group in its document, ‘Collaborative tourism practitioners’ roadmap for development of domestic tourism in Nigeria,’ noted that Nigeria as a country was blessed with diverse potentials dotting the 774 local government areas, spanning 923,768 square kilometers and supported by over 200 million population made of a growing middle class and vibrant youth force, which make the country a rich market to be explored by both investors and tourists.

It also noted that for meaningful development to take place in the sector, a bottom-to-top approach mechanism must be adopted and that the Nigerian domestic scene must also be aligned with what obtains in global tourism.

Based on this, the Chairman of the group, Olawanle Akinboboye, disclosed that the central theme for Nigeria’s tourism as recommended by the group should be “cultural and heritage tourism,� on which other sub-themes revolve.

Akinboboye said, ‘“That is our

strength. We want to be known as the cultural capital of the world as no other country has such abundant and unique cultural heritage as we do. “So, we need to build our destination on that central theme and then other aspects would evolve around it.’�

He further stated that it was only when this was done and Nigeria becomes noted for its cultural heritage just as East African countries are noted for safari and wildlife that real development can be achieved.

Therefore, he said, the group developed a tourism roadmap for the development of tourism in Nigeria, adding that anybody is welcome to participate in the new move, as the document made public, is expected to form the basis for participation and investment by interested entrepreneurs and stakeholders.

The document further stated that Nigerians should focus more on developing tourist destinations as opposed to tourist attractions, arguing that “attractions� are not what ignite the interest of the tourists in a country but the “destinations� which offer the tourists opportunities to explore and spend money on the activities generated by the destinations.

It would be recalled that Sterling Bank had earlier made N5 billion seed fund available for investment in tourism.

Following this, investors with bankable proposals are expected to benefit from the initial disbursement of between N250,000 and N500,000 funding for approved projects.

The funding is expected to be increased as the project progresses.

Members include Akinboboye, Isaac and Nneka Moses, Efetobo Awhana, Dr. Mohammad Adamu, and Brian Ebden

Akinboboye

AMPEC says Anyiam-Osigwe-led NEC is Validly Elected to Lead Association of Movie Producers

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he Association of Movie Producers Electoral Committee (AMPEC) has reconfirmed the validity of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe-led National Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), saying it was the only-legally recognized executives that were elected at the national election that held in Asaba on August 29, 2020.

The Chair of AMPEC, Sunny Macdon W., in a statement dated September 2, 2020, said the clarifications became necessary in order to draw the attention of the public to the activities of some individuals who “are parading themselves as newly-elected national excos of the association.�

He said that while the association was aware of the development, it was calling on the general public to disregard their claims, “as the only legally-recognised executives are those that were voted for and sworn in after the election in Asaba, Delta State.�

Anyiam-Osigwe

According to him, “We therefore extend our warm congratulations to the winners on their success and encourage other contestants who were not as lucky to support the winners in line with the undertaking (to accept the

outcomes of the exercise) signed in Lagos by all the contestants on the 26th of August, 2020.�

The AMPEC chair said “it has become pertinent for us in AMPEC in the light of the controversy surrounding the recently conducted Association Of Movie Producers (AMP) elections on August 29, 2020 to officially set the records straight concerning the polls and results obtained. “The AMP national election took place as planned on Saturday, August 29 2020 at Vienna International Hotel, Asaba, Delta. “The event enjoyed robust participation with over 18 state chapters and 170 members taking part in the process. The Chairman Board of Trustees, Chief Zeb Ejiro, who kickstarted the election process and the Outgoing President, Ralph Nwadike were also in attendance. “The election was keenly contested by various candidates and after a free, fair and peaceful process, the following results were announced by AMPEC:

President-Peace Anyiam Osigwe socred167 votes to emerge as winner while Myrk Parish got 3 votes with 3 void votes; Vice president-Queen Blessing 165 scored votes to emerge as winner while Rose Okwoli got 4 votes while 4 votes were void. “For the position of National secretary, Ifeanyi Ezekwe scored 19 votes while Baba Agba garnered 149 votes to emerge as winner with 4 void votes; for the position of Financial Secretary, Ukeaja Chioma got 20 votes while Anthony Chukwuma scored 144 votes to emerge as winner. 9 votes were void. “For the position of Publicity Secretary, Sam Obeakemeh got 30 votes to lose to Nzeh Frank White who received 132 votes while 11 votes were void; while for the position of Provost, Vitus Nnebue garnered156 votes to emerge as winner as against his opponent’s 9 votes while 6 votes were void.�

The AMPEC chair advised that abiding by the undertaking entered into by the contestants ahead of the election to accept the outcomes of the exercise was the only way to make AMP great again.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

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CICERO/REPORT

AbdulRazaq Administration Setting New Health Insurance Initiative in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

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ince the assumption of office on May 29, 2019, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has left no one in doubt that the development of the health sector and other sectors will witness a new paradigm shift in the quest to make life more enjoyable so as to meet the Sustainable Develop-

ment Goals.

This, the administration believes will usher in new lease of life, thereby bringing health care delivery to the doorsteps of the populace. It is also believed that since health is wealth, no government can add values to the socio-economic well-being of the populace unless such government takes a pragmatic approach to the health sector so as to take care of the yearnings and aspirations of the governed.

In doing this, the current administration in Kwara State set the ball rolling by embarking on massive rehabilitation of the health sector with adherence to the world standard in order to assist the people to have access to qualitative and standard health care delivery in all the state’s health institutions.

Apart from this, the administration has taken it upon itself to see that all the international donor agencies that had stayed away from the state for past few years were contacted and all the unpaid counterparts funding were redeemed so as to allow all the supports capable of boosting the health sector come to the state for the overall benefits of the populace.

It will be noted further that the administration has recruited medical personnel and other health workers that would ensure good health care delivery to the people while drugs and other materials were purchased to see that people that visit hospitals and health clinics have access to drugs so as to heal whatever sickness that they might be suffering from.

These are laid-down foundations that propelled the new government to take a further step in its bid to improve the health sector and also to bringing health care delivery to the doorsteps of Kwarans.

However, on September 4, 2020, it was a new dawn for the people of Kwara State as the present administration successfully brought health care delivery to the doorsteps of Kwarans with the official launch of the first phase of the state health insurance scheme.

Though the scheme was known to the state as far back as 2007 when the former governor of the state and immediate past senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki launched the scheme in Shonga town in Edu local government council area of the state, the launch of the scheme then allowed indigent people of the state to have access to community health insurance scheme with the payment of N200 by every household in the state.

During the period under review, the scheme spread to other local government councils of the state, and this reduced infant mortality among the people of various communities in the state.

The administration of former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed continued with the scheme as thousands of indigent people of the state benefited from the scheme.

The development, however, was to allow people in various towns and villages that could not meet the tertiary health sector mandate occasioned by higher charges have access to good health care delivery with just a token.

But, the present administration of governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq saw a great benefit of this scheme and fashioned out this scheme for the overall benefit of the common people in the state. Since the present administration believes in health for all and bringing health care delivery to the doorsteps of the rural populace, it has been working round the clock since the assumption of office to achieve the goal.

The new initiative of the administration in the launching of the health insurance scheme was a mission accomplished so as to ensure the rural populace have free access to health care delivery without any problems as this would go a long way of improving the socioeconomic growth of the people.

In this new scheme tagged, ‘Go Live’ (Access Care), every worker in both private and public sectors would be paying N9,000 per head while those unskilled workers like traders, vulcanizers, tailors, welders, among others will pay N6,000 per head. All these would cover the medical treatment of affected persons without any hindrance.

The state government has partnered international agencies like PharmAccess, and the Netherlands in the provision of technical assistance to the scheme while qualified medical workers have been on the ground to take care of the beneficiaries in the state.

life expectancy of our people, promotes good health, and ultimately strengthens the economy. It has the potential to prevent families from a sudden fall into poverty as a result of an unforeseen health crisis.

“The insurance scheme takes care of basic health issues before they become complicated. Studies have shown that most of the health issues found in secondary and tertiary health institutions arose majorly because they were not tackled on time.

“I, therefore, urge people in the formal and informal sectors — who are to pay a token as their own premium —to enrol in the scheme. It is cheap, affordable, accessible, and is supported by carefully selected functional facilities and committed medical experts in the state.”

In her remarks at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, said the launch at a time of global health emergency and dwindling resources underscores the governor’s commitment to offering the people the most basic health services.

She said, “The launch of the scheme today provides one of the most sustainable and long term solutions to addressing our existing and future health challenges.

“The scheme will make basic healthcare available and accessible to every inhabitant of the state, irrespective of their socioeconomic status.”

Jetawo-Winter added, “Our governor has made funding available for the implementation of the scheme covering all activities of the agency. This has helped to provide infrastructure and equipment, and also build the capacity of staff needed to drive the scheme.

“On the supply side, in revamping our health sector, our governor has also committed to improving availability of health services by rehabilitating over 100 facilities in communities across the three senatorial districts of the state. This project has commenced and is ongoing. This is truly unprecedented and remarkable at a time like this in the history of the world.”

She commended the First Lady of the state, Dr. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the leadership and members of the House of Assembly, and cabinet members for their support to push through the scheme.

She also commended the partner bodies for their contributions, specifically mentioning the Netherlands, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch Embassy in Nigeria, the Dutch Health Insurance Fund, AbdulRazaq and the PharmAccess Foundation in Nigeria and the The government has also rehabilitated all the health in- Netherlands.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Raji Rasaq, stitutions in the state so as to enable the scheme to meet lauded the giant stride of AbdulRazaq-led administration the world standard as this will assist the beneficiaries in the quest to make health care delivery for all in the to have good medical attention and thereby boost the state. well-being of the populace. Already, the administration He said that his love and support for the health sector has targeted 10,000 enrolees across the state as the first have brought a new lease of life to the people of the phase of the scheme takes off in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Ilorin recently, state.

Dr. Rasaq, however, said the launch of the health insurthe state Governor AbdulRazaq said the launch of the ance scheme would go a long way to bringing health health insurance initiative would boost life expectancy care to the doorsteps of Kwarans without any hindrance. and help the economy.

In her goodwill message, the Ambassador, Business, He said, “At least 10,000 indigents are covered in and Development of Netherlands, Ministry of Foreign Afthe first phase of the insurance that is 100 percent free fairs, Steven Collet said, “Today you have made history for the vulnerable while the state works to onboard in Kwara State by launching the state health insurance premium-paying persons in the formal and informal scheme that will benefit the people of the state. sectors of the economy.”

“By launching the scheme, you have shown that the The governor stated that the 10,000 were captured in a statewide pilot registration of indigents for the scheme most effective way for Kwara State, and indeed Nigeria, in March 2020. AbdulRazaq said the launch was another to tackle coronavirus, other illnesses, and future outbreak is to invest in healthcare systems.” major step in his administration’s efforts to achieve the Also, the CEO of the PharmAccess Foundation, SDGs and called on residents to take full advantage of Monique Dolfing Vogelenzang, said the launch showed the scheme. that the Kwara State government is taking a lead in “A major agenda of this administration is to ensure healthcare funding at a time of the global pandemic, that Kwara State ticks all the right boxes and achieves the SDGs by 2030. This is beyond empty slogans. Yester- urging citizens to take full advantage of the scheme.

The governor officially presented ID cards to some of day, we began the disbursement of Owo Isowo to 21,623 the beneficiaries at the launch which was attended by petty traders under our social investment programme.

“The KWASSIP, which also includes safety nets for the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Salihu Danladi; House of Assembly members; cabinet aged and vulnerable, seeks to end extreme poverty in members; and top officials from the Ministry of Health; our state,” he said. and representatives of the development partners.

The governor added, “The launching today of this The governor, however, at the event presented ID cards health insurance scheme is a direct response of the of the scheme to beneficiaries from the three senatorial administration to the goal 3 of the SGDs which is access districts: Fatimah Suleiman (Kwara Central); Abdullahi to good health and well-being. We are starting this Idris Ahmed (North); and Adekunle Jumoke (South). scheme by onboarding at least 10,000 indigents as a test Also, virtual goodwill messages sent by the Deputy run.

Governor, Kayode Alabi; Danladi; wife of the state “These indigents have had their premium fully paid. governor, Dr. AbdulRazaq; House Committee Chairman This means the health insurance is 100% free for the on Health, Owolabi Rasaq; and representatives of the indigents. We hope to enrol many more indigents in the Dutch government, PharmAccess, the Dutch Health coming years. I commend our partners for their support Insurance Foundation, among others. and the leadership and staff of the health sector in By and large, with this new initiative of the administraKwara State for their hard work. tion in the provision of health insurance scheme for the “I specifically commend the leadership of the Kwara teeming populace of the state, a new dawn is set in the State Health Insurance Agency for seeing this through.

We are also proud as an administration to have made the desire and commitment of the administration to take the health sector into a next level as the slogan of the ruling necessary investments in that regard.”

He noted further, “Health insurance scheme boosts the APC in the country exemplified.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͞˜ 2020

GAVEL

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

Stepping Into Nigeria, Ghana’s Diplomatic Row Speaker, Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, last week, met with his Ghanaian counterpart, Mike Oquaye, with a view to dousing diplomatic tension between the two West African nations, report Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu

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n August 2019, the federal government shut the nation’s land borders as part of its effort to strengthen her economy and address other trans-border security concerns.

The sudden but strategically planned action, being coordinated by the Office of the National SecurityAdviser (ONSA), however, sent shocking waves to Nigeria’s neighbouring countries.

The federal government claimed Nigeria had been confronted with numerous trans-border economic and security challenges, which it said, include banditry, kidnapping, smuggling, illegal migrants and proliferation of light weapons, among others.

It added that preference for foreign goods, especially, food items such as rice, has continuously impoverished the country’s farmers and adversely affected domestic policies of government, supporting the agricultural sector to enhance food security.

Following the sudden closure of Nigerian borders, which had adversely impacted on the economies of neighbouring countries, Ghanaian government commenced implementation of its own economic policies believed to be targeted at Nigerians living in Ghana – a retaliatory measure of sort, as there was no end in sight as to when Nigeria would rescind its decision, which shut its borders against its neighbours.

How the Economic War Started Aftermath of the closure of Nigerian borders, the Inter-Governmental Task Force constituted by the Ghanaian government, in its bid to regulate retail trade, arrested and detained 37 Nigerian traders and locked up about 10 shops on Tip Toe Lane at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Ghana in August 2019, on the pretext that they were yet to regularise their business concerns as prescribed by law.

Also, on Sunday, December 1, 2019, over 600 shops belonging to foreign traders, particularly Nigerians at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Accra, Ghana, were locked up by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).

House Intervention The House of Representatives’ attention was however drawn to the plights of Nigerians living in Ghana, who were groaning under the obnoxious retaliatory policies threatening their means of livelihood.

Chairman, House committee on Diaspora Matters, Hon Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, had at plenary expressed concern over the plight of Nigerian traders in Ghana, whose nationals are allegedly keen on ridding its markets of foreign traders doing retail businesses in the country.

The lawmaker had through a motion of urgent national importance, said attacks on Nigerian traders would become another case of xenophobia attack with loss of lives, as GUTAhad decided to take laws into their hands since, according to them, the government had failed to enforce the GIPC law 865 Articles 27 and 28, which bars foreigners from doing retail businesses in Ghana.

The House, after adopting the motion, mandated the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and House Committee on Diaspora Matters to investigate the matter and urgently prevent a repeat of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in Ghana.

The intervention of the House would later yield some results as the Ghanaian authorities decided to unlock over 600 shops belonging to Nigerian traders in Ghana after six months.

Demolition of Nigeria’s Diplomatic Building Back in June, one of Nigeria’s diplomatic buildings was provocatively pulled down by Ghanaian government, which forced the House to advocate appropriate reciprocity, describing the demolition as a direct attack on Nigeria as a sovereign nation.

The Speaker, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, who spoke on behalf of the House during an interactive session with the Minister of ForeignAffairs, Geoffrey Onyema, over the breach of the country’s sovereignty in Ghana, said Nigeria should move away from this idea of gentleman big-brother, whom everyone can just trample on and nothing is done.

He called for retaliatory measures against those who trample upon the diplomatic rights and privileges of Nigerians and Nigeria in foreign land, while lamenting that the situation has become a recurring decimal in the nation’s foreign policy engagements. He said many countries within Africa have taken the liberty of hurting Nigerians, while Nigeria looks the other way in the name of brotherhood.

Gbajabiamila said, “We all have a responsibility to make sure that we uphold the honour and integrity of the country that we serve.

The Minister has explained what happened and what they have done or doing, but I think we should look at it from the premise that it was the Nigerian State that was attacked, not just a building. “Reciprocity is a legitimate instrument in foreign policy. And we can employ it, because if such had happened here in Nigeria, the individual will first approach the court to enforce his rights, and I want to believe that Ghana is a democratic country, where laws apply, but this person didn’t use the law to do this. So, it’s purely a predetermined attack on the Nigerian State. ‘’So, let’s face it, if the American Embassy was demolished, do you think the US will be asking for apologies and indemnity or

Gbajabiamila with Oquaye the UK, Canada or any other Western country? They won’t ask for apology. Others may say this is a sibling rivalry that is going on between Nigeria and Ghana, and we did nothing. “But we must take a stand, because this has gone beyond court processes as the minister said. This diminishes Nigeria as a state, because it’s not a land dispute between Nigeria and any individual, but a diplomatic dispute between Nigeria and Ghana, which should be handled accordingly, because the person who did this did it under the colour of their law. ‘’South Africa did it, we kept quiet, Ghana has done it, and still doing it, but we want to show diplomatic maturity of asking for apology and claim damages. If this had happened to the British High Commission in Ghana, all hell would have been let loose. I’m telling you this as a matter of fact.’’ Meanwhile, on June 25, 2020, Gbajabiamila, in a statement said the government of Ghana would rebuild the demolished building belonging to the Nigerian embassy in the country’s capital. The Speaker said this after a telephone conversation with his Ghanaian counterpart, Hon Mike Oquaye.

The Controversial GIPC Act The dust generated by Ghana’s action over the demolition of Nigeria’s embassy was yet to settle, when the country’s authorities, three weeks ago shut down Nigerians businesses in Ghana, demanding a payment of $1 million from each trader before they could continue with their businesses.

Before the over 600 shops belonging to Nigerians were unlocked after six months, the Ghanaian parliament had amended the GIPC Act, which increased the minimum capital base for foreign owned businesses to $1 million.

Despite the fact that Nigerian traders were able to meet the requirements, their shops were still locked by the Ghanaian authorities, a development, which infuriated the Nigerian government, and vowing not to accept any further affront from Ghana, especially, after the country’s embassy was demolished in Accra, the capital of Ghana few months ago.

Residency Permit Debacle Ghana Immigration Service has also introduced huge fees far higher than the fees charged by the Nigerian Immigration Service.

These include the compulsory non-citizen ID card (US$120, US$ 60 for yearly renewal); medical examinations, including for COVID-19, which is newly introduced (about US$ 120), and payment for residency permit (US$ 400 compared to the N700,000 being paid by Ghanaians for residency card in Nigeria). But the Ghanaian government claimed the fee is for all foreigners.

Deportation of Nigerians As if that wasn’t enough, the Ghanaian government embarked on aggressive and incessant deportation of Nigerians from Ghana.

Between January 2018 and February 2019, 825 Nigerians were deported from Ghana. It however insisted it only deported 700 Nigerians, who were found to have been involved in criminal activities such as fraud, prostitution, armed robbery, etc.

The Gbajabiamila Intervention The renewed hostilities against Nigerians in Ghana however

forced Gbajabiamila, last week, to lead a delegation to meet with the Speaker of Ghanaian parliament, Hon. Mike Oquaye, on a legislative diplomatic mission to douse tension between both countries.

The Speaker during the meeting with Ghanaian lawmakers and some top government officials, he called on Ghanaian authorities to revisit the component of the law that requires a capital base of $1 million for businesses to start, saying as Africans, Ghana should encourage brotherliness.

He advocated an amicable settlement of trade disputes through arbitration and fair judicial processes, saying he would be glad to champion a law to improve the bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and Ghana. ‘’First, amicable settlement of trade disputes through arbitration and fair judicial processes. In this context, we do believe that while it is the sovereign right of the government of Ghana to pass and implement the GIPCAct, we would implore you to explore alternative and less aggressive options of engaging, sanctioning and relating with our traders and business people, who operate in your country, pay taxes and contribute to the development of both our nations. “Second, we would encourage you to revisit the component of the law that requires a capital base of $1,000,000. We are all Africans, we all have towns and villages, and we know only too well that majority of our traders across the continent are petty traders. The prospect of them being able to raise a capital base of $1,000,000 before they can trade in goods that may be worth less than $1,000 clearly is a major challenge. “Third, one of the things we are all proud about and the common surname that we all bear is ‘ECOWAS’ and as you know, by virtue of being ECOWAS countries, our nations and our citizens should be able to live, work and thrive in any of our nations without any form of hindrance or discrimination. “It is in this light we would encourage that we explore how the principles and the application of ECOWAS protocols – which we are both signatories to – may perhaps conflict with the application of the GIPC Act, especially, vis-Ă -vis the recent adoption of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACfTA) by African nations; and also the movement towards a single currency in the West African sub-region.â€?

Ghanaian Speaker’s Response The Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament, Hon Mike Oquaye, in his response, expressed confidence for an amicable resolution of the issues. According to him, “Ghana and Nigeria are like the tongue and the teeth, they must interact, and sometimes the teeth may do havoc, and yet it never regrets the taste that the tongue gives to it.

That’s what happens if we don’t interact. “Even when we step on one another’s feet, in the process we should come to realise that there’s a need to continue to be together and we, therefore, welcome you, thank you very much for your keenness in responding to my call that we should meet and you took a quick step in arranging to be here today. I trust in the next two days we will bring a beautiful reunion to our two nations.�

While it was not a bad idea for the leadership of the House to seek amicable resolution to the diplomatic faceoff between both countries, the hostilities against Nigerians living in Ghana and by extension other neighbouring countries may persist if Nigerian borders remain shut.

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Ize-Iyamu

There’re No ‘Ifs’ and ‘Buts’, Obaseki Has Failed Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress party in the September 19 governorship election in Edo State, is warming up good for the D-Day. With the campaigns in fever pitch, the grassroots politician addresses some of the issues that appear the concerns of the voting majority in an interview with THISDAY on Sunday. Excerpts:

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our agenda has been sloganised as SIMPLE. What does this social contract entails?

As spelled out in my manifesto, the SIMPLE agenda, my reason for seeking public office as Governor, is summarily to launch Edo State on the path of sustainable economic growth and development. This encompasses several aspects: infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, security, and the improvement of municipal services, such as the provision of water and electricity.

The truth, as the data from the complaints of our people have shown, is that the last four years have been really bad for our state.

We have seen a government completely distracted by needless wars of self-aggrandizement and a complete lack of administrative control, which resulted in endless internal squabbles between aides, many of whom lost faith in the governor and his style of leadership. All of these depleted state resources, oftentimes through questionable means, and took a great toll on governance.

Not a single teacher was hired in four years despite the fact that schools in our rural communities suffer acute shortage of teachers and other personnel. A government that failed to prioritise the education of our children, particularly at the primary level, the bedrock and foundation of all other levels of learning, has failed in its mandate and betrayed the trust of the people. There are no ifs and

buts.

As you must already be aware, the word ‘SIMPLE’ in my manifesto is an acronym for Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructural Development and Urban Renewal, Manpower Development and Training, Public-Private Partnership, Leadership by Example, and Employment creation and social empowerment scheme. I have outlined specific plans and programmes to engender progress in all these critical areas and replace the inertia of the last four years with real growth and development.

How has the campaign been going? What are the signs you’re picking up?

The campaign has turned out far better than I expected. The turnout has been enormous and the support, overwhelming.

The hospitality we have received everywhere I take my SIMPLE Agenda has been very heartwarming. From the market women, the youths, the children, the men, the women up to our traditional fathers and lawmakers, some of them elected on the platform of the PDP, and other influential personalities — they have all given me their blessing. Indeed, the people are ready to embrace good governance and kick incompetence, mediocrity and irresponsibility out of Edo State for good.

What will you be doing differently on day one in office if

elected?

The security situation in Edo State today is deeply concerning.

Violent crimes are on the rise. There is almost an unchecked spate of kidnappings. Our people in rural and urban communities no longer feel safe in their homes. As you know, security and welfare is the primary responsibility of government, because people have to be alive and well to enjoy other policies and programmes of government. A secured environment is also key to commerce and the attraction of investments.

From day one, my administration will commence steps to rebuilding the state’s security infrastructure. We have identified some low hanging fruits that can yield immediate results. For instance, the incumbent government raised security vote to an estimate of over 700million naira monthly, but sadly, hands only 5 million naira to the Police, as support fund for their operations in the state. Evidently, this is a drop too tiny in a mighty ocean.

This is something my administration will immediately scale up significantly. Apart from this, we are also going to explore other areas of sustainable funding for the Police and other security agencies in Edo State to strengthen patrol, surveillance and other crime prevention measures.

Furthermore, we are going to repair the relationship between the state government and the traditional rulers, as well as other community-based leadership, closest to the people. This is not only

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t 5)&3& 3& /0 A*'4 "/% A#654 0#"4&,* )"4 '"*-&% t crucial to the formulation of policies that address the true needs of the people, it also helps for local intelligence gathering, to better secure the state and farmlands in rural communities.

The disdain and neglect the present administration has shown the traditional institution in the state is ill advised. They should be supported and partnered. Some of our traditional rulers have sustained local vigilante groups and the Police have attested to their effectiveness in the investigation and prevention of crime. The government must support all these laudable initiatives with investments. It should be a welcome partnership backed with resources, since it is a worthwhile grassroots effort to assist the government in achieving its most fundamental duty: citizen security.

The PDP has accused you of instigating violence, is this true?

They say a man that is drowning would most likely want to bring others down with him. That is simply how to describe the unfortunate, yet, self-imposed position of the PDP right about now.

Every step they have taken with Godwin Obaseki as their candidate has been futile.

For this, when they see us thriving and flourishing with our campaign, they become sated with spite, envy, and cruelty, and as such, they tend to pander to mudslinging, name-calling, propaganda and false allegations, even to the extent of insidiously plotting to shoot their own vehicle and accuse us of doing that. They are flustered and frustrated, but the list is almost getting endless with the PDP deepening its neck in the calabash of violence it crafted.

You can as well take the example of the seven thugs arrested during the Edo Assembly invasion, led by the governor and his deputy. These young men were arraigned, days ago, for illegal possession of firearms; and in the process, they let the cat out of the bag. There are reports of confessions that they were hired by the PDP, even though that is unsurprising, given their mission at the Edo Assembly Complex, where they were nabbed.

There is also the Apana shootings carried out by thugs loyal to the PDP. So, who is really causing violence in Edo? At Igueben, their thugs, for whatever reasons best known to them, opened fire on each other and shot an innocent man in the process. These are all easily verifiable facts. So, there is no question on who is instigating violence in the state.

The PDP is jittery hence these cowardly attacks and resort to violence. They have seen their own defeat. It becomes clearer each day that they simply cannot win the election.

One of the campaign issues against your candidacy is that you might bring back godfatherism into Edo State if elected.

Yet, the people are against godfatherism. How does that sit with you?

I have always made it known every now and then, that I stand against godfatherism, and would never condone it. I challenge those who have been accusing me of having a godfather to come out and point out who the godfather is. Godfatherism is inimical to good governance, it is a clog in the wheel of responsible and exemplary leadership, and this would never be present in my government.

Although my years in politics have seen me build strong ties with a number of persons, it is a common fact that I am a man of conviction and would never submit myself to an arrangement in any guise or form of godfatherism.

As a matter of fact, I led the political movement that revolutionised elections in Edo State and established the one man, one vote mantra.

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and a number of persons in our state are living witnesses to this fact. Godfatherism is inexistent in the political realm of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. That is an assurance and you can hold me to it.

What do the Edo people stand to gain from your governorship if elected?

A leadership that is sincere, competent, and true to their needs.

The challenges we face today are some of the greatest of our lifetime. A significant contributory factor to this fact is the global economic downturn caused by the novel coronavirus disease that has hamstrung the global economy. Testy times require sturdy and capable hands at the helm, not an amateur and rudderless leadership, the sort that runs for office without any manifesto or guide, and only rushes to manufacture one at the eve of elections for another term.

As aforementioned, we will rebuild the state security infrastructure, because our people deserve to go about their lawful businesses without fear for their lives. My administration will create real jobs, not phony ones that exist only on paper, through investments in the agriculture sector.

The incumbent spent over two billion naira in Sobe under an initiative called the Agripreneur programme meant to supposedly transform our farmers into billionaires. The result of that investment is out; you can drive to Sobe to see the land and interact with the farmers in that community to hear what they have to say.

In July, Edo farmers staged a massive protest in Abuja, demanding a probe of the N144billion loan for agricpreneur project, because the money was diverted. Agriculture is the highest employer of labour in Nigeria. Yet, in Edo State, the governor has mismanaged the sector, and impoverished our farmers. I am going to reverse all of these.

Access to healthcare remains a problem in many rural communities. This government promised to build a primary health center in all 192 wards of the state. In four years, he only managed to build 20. Edo people living in these communities have to travel several kilometers just to see a doctor.

Some come all the way to the capital city of Benin, where unfortunately, they have to pay through their nose, because the governor, after politicising the Benin Specialist Hospital and kept it under lock and key for no other reason except bitter and petty

politics, handed it to some private individuals, who are charging the people steep prices, in a hospital built with public funds.

My administration will change all of these. We will harness the resource potential of the state across all the three senatorial districts, invite and keep investors through positive reforms and infrastructure development, and facilitate the establishment of industries that will put our youths to work and increase the revenue pool of the state.

And for the fact that he has declared his support for me, retracting his former statement, presupposes that I have never been found wanting in integrity at any point in time. I have always stood for the truth at all times, and honesty remains an uncompromising policy and value to me. So, the people have nothing to worry about when it comes to my integrity. It has never been found wanting nor has it ever suffered any blemish and it would always remain so.

This campaign has been very divisive. But since unity is a critical element in development, what are your plans to unite the people of Edo State if elected governor?

It is unfortunate that the incumbent governor has been running a divisive campaign premised on lies, blackmail, and name-calling.

Unable to win the support of the people, because of his poor performance, he has been trying to ensue chaos and set the people against one another through ethnic and religious rhetoric.

Weeks back, the Otaru of Auchi did me the great honour of bestowing on me the traditional ‘Itsemakhoma’ title of Auchi, which means ‘this is our own’, in recognition of my achievements, love for the people irrespective of where they are from, and track record of performance. It was a great gesture welcomed by all. Surprisingly, however, Governor Obaseki and his propagandists started to spread a baseless and irresponsible report that I was colluding with the ‘Fulanis’ to bring RUGA to Edo State.

This is just one of many instances. And this is because he has neither achievements nor a manifesto to sell. So, he thinks the only way to win is to divide the people along ethnic and religious lines. It is unfortunate but he cannot succeed.

The governor’s shameful divisive tactics aside, the reality is that our people are united in their desire of a leadership that is good, responsible, and inclusive. They want a governor, who will act as the leader of all, not just for a certain group or class. And that is the kind of leadership we are offering.

Recall that as the DG to the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole re-election campaign, we achieved the historic feat of winning in all 18 LGAs of the state. We couldn’t have achieved this if we did not represent the aspirations of all Edo people and prioritised their needs, irrespective of what part of the state they come from, or who they identify with.

I am going to build on this and ensure the qualities of good leadership. That includes transparency, and of course, commitment to set out goals. With this, bounds are closed and the whole state is pacing, in peace and harmony, towards development and achievements.

Allegations that your party planned to rig the election using security agencies, as was the case in Kogi State are rife.

Sadly, there has been no serious effort to debunk these claims.

Should it be taken as true?

Like I mentioned earlier, the PDP is like a wounded dog, whose folly drives it berserk, looking for who to inflict such injury upon, so they could be equal. This is just one of their many futile propaganda against my campaign to curry the favour of the people and puncture my campaign. But again, just like it is habitual of them, they have failed in this attempt.

A popular party and candidate don’t need any rigging plans or violence. As a matter of fact, we are doing everything to ensure that the election is hitch-free, because we want it to be glaring to the whole world that the expected embarrassing defeat, that the PDP will suffer, is fair and square – they have already been rejected by the people of Edo State.

Oshiomhole once said he did not appoint you into his cabinet despite the fact that you helped him to win the election, because ‘you lie too much’. Now, what has changed? Trust is important in governance, why should the electorate believe that you are trustworthy if your main backer says otherwise?

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has made it known that he made those statements in 2016, because he was just seeking means to de-market me at the time to help the candidate of his party. He has since retracted the comments and apologised. There is nothing more to it.

What about the allegation that you were using thugs and threats of violence to intimidate supporters of your opponent?

Yet another futile propaganda intended to smear my campaign to give them some illicit edge. But how can that work, when the governor, in four full years, woefully failed to prove himself, and gain that legitimate edge, with a superlative performance? Now, a four-year opportunity is gone down the drain with a dreadful failure, and all the governor and his camp can dream up is whipping up the spectre of fear and violence?

My campaign and I have always made it clear that we stand for peace, not violence. I have a publicly available campaign manifesto that we are evangelising in all nooks and crannies of the state. Our hope of victory is solely on the goodwill of our people.

Will you agree to a debate with Governor Godwin Obaseki?

Why not? That would offer me an opportunity to communicate my agenda to the people of Edo State, as someone on the mission to bring back Edo into boom and bloom, unlike the doom and gloom of the Obaseki years. Yes, I heartily welcome a debate.

Can you address the N700 million campaign fund fraud allegation?

The 700million naira was a privately sourced campaign fund for the Goodluck Jonathan presidential campaign in 2015, dispatched to Edo State, for earmarked party activities. As the DG of the Presidential Campaign Committee in Edo State, I went with other PDP leaders to the bank to acknowledge that the fund arrived Edo State.

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SUNDAY INTERVIEW

Godwin Obaseki

Obaseki

We’ve Liberated the People from Thugs, Oppressive Extortionists, Others Perhaps, it is trite to assume that the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, is facing his fiercest political battle right now. His first attempt at the governorship in 2016 could be said to have yielded with ease as his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole literally backed him into the Government House. But in seeking re-election, the game has changed. He is now in opposing camp with his friend and benefactor. But none of these worries him, as he is confident in the home support as well as the strength of his record. He pours out his mind to THISDAY on Sunday. Excerpts:

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ets start from the beginning, why should the people of Edo State re-elect you?

When I came into office, I had a social contract with my people and the underlying principle of that contract is to work for them and protect their best interests. To put their interest, yearnings and aspirations first, underpinned the focus of my administration.

For the past three years and nine months, I have, by the grace of Almighty God and the support of my people, done my best to uphold their interest against all else. It is consequent on these that I believe that my people have rallied in large numbers to support me, giving me the assurance that they would troop out en masse to re-elect me on September 19, 2020.

Tell us why you fell out with Comrade Oshiomhole?

When I became governor, we had an understanding on how we were going to run the state. We had agreed to put an end to the use of non-state actors in revenue collection. These persons had been harassing women in markets. We had young men, who didn’t respect the enigies and onogies; they took over land assets and sold a plot to three to five people.

They went about with guns and constituted nuisance. Some people also came and promised young people jobs abroad, only for the young people to make journeys to Europe through Libya and the Mediterranean Sea. The whole place was crisis-ridden. Nobody wanted to come down to Edo to invest.

I said we couldn’t continue this way. We needed to change the

status quo. I barred thugs (Agberos) from the road and markets and ensured that they stopped harassing market women and other persons in the state. But some of the leaders said they would have none of that, because according to them, they helped me into office.

They didn’t help me. The people voted for me and God helped me.

As for sharing of the state’s money, I insisted that we must use the money for the people and change their lives with it. Crude oil prices were and are still low. There was a lot to do. Debts had pilled up. There was work on ground to be done and if we used the available funds to entertain the politicians, there would be nothing left to work for the people.

I said no to them. I came to serve God and my people. Whatever is available to us, we would manage it to work for the people.

And today, many of our people are happy. Pensioners get their pay

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t 8& 7& -*#&3"5&% 5)& 1&01-& '30. 5)6(4 0113&44*7& &95035*0/*454 05)&34 t ContinuedfromPg.98 at the end of every month. They don’t protest anymore. As at the time I assumed office, they were always in Ring Road adorned in black attire, crying that they had not been paid.

These are old people with families. I asked how would we be sharing money in government while we haven’t addressed this sort of challenge.

I came to work pro bono for government for seven years.

Oshiomhole said this by himself. I don’t see him as my godfather. He helped me just as I helped him even before he became a governor. I called people, raised money and helped him to become governor.

That relationship is not godfather-godson relationship.

When I said I wanted to run for office, he reciprocated and helped me. We moved together to campaign. I staked my money and got friends to fund my election. He didn’t pick me up from the roadside, gave me clothing and put me in Government House. That was not the case.

From what he did from the point he became National Chairman of the APC, he doesn’t seem as the same person I worked with before. It also goes to show that he had been hiding these tendencies from us before now.

When we analysed his actions, it dawned on us that this was what he meant all these while when he was fighting godfathers. He called late Tony Anenih a godfather and said a lot about him. We agreed with him. At the point he became the National Chairman, he became worse than a godfather; he became a political bully. Nobody could talk where he was.

Who asked you to share government’s money and to whom?

I believe all you need to do if you want an answer to this question is to take a cursory look at the brutal political battles we have had to fight in the last two years and pick out the dramatis personae in this and ask them why they are at war with us. If you read in-between the lines, you will find out who these people are.

Also, some of these people who are at war with us over the state’s resources and some of their foot soldiers, who they refer to as their ‘infantry division’ in these fights, have not hidden the reason for their grudge. The social media is replete with their videos.

They have complained that we have deployed Point of Sale (PoS) machines across the state to collect revenue for the government, even in markets. They have been unequivocal that this is the reason for the bitter battle. Need I say more to help you find out who these people really are?

You personally supervised the vandalism of the State House of Assembly complex in the name of wanting to renovate it, which left a sour taste in the mouths of many, why did you go to that extent in fighting political rivals?

First and foremost, you need to recognise the principle of separation of powers between the legislature and the executive.

So, it is wrong to give the impression that it is the executive that takes the decision for the legislature. Long before these individuals, whose seats have been declared vacant made the lawless move of trying to stage a coup, the lawmakers had moved their sitting to the old Legislative Chamber, as a result of the need to carry out maintenance on the Anthony Enahoro Complex.

It was, perhaps, because the complex was inactive due to the fact that maintenance was slowly beginning that these individuals tried to carry out the desecration of democracy. That would probably be reason the legislators accelerated the process of renovating the place to prevent such illegal activities.

In essence, the action of these lawless individuals might have motivated the leadership of the House to accelerate the renovation work at the complex. In any case, it must be stated that even this decision to speed up work at the complex was not made by me but by the leadership of the House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Francis Okiye.

But you would agree that your proclamation at night and the subsequent inauguration of nine out of 24 members of the assembly set off the crisis in the state. Was it necessary to secretly exclude others?

You may need some enlightenment on what a proclamation actually is. A proclamation is a document issued by the governor that provides the legal basis for the inaugural sitting of a legislative house.

So, the talk of proclamation at night really does not arise. The facts are that the proclamation was issued, and by me, and the House sat and elected its principal officers and all other members-elect were subsequently invited by their colleagues to be sworn-in. They stayed away from office on the instruction of their godfather, who relocated them to Abuja. They refused to come to represent their constituents, who voted them to provide legislative representation.

Again, I may need to restate here that you need to understand the principle of separation of powers between the executive and the legislature. Though I issued the proclamation according to the provisions of our constitution, the decision to hold the inaugural sitting was independently taken by the House of Assembly.

It may also be worthy of mention here that the proclamation I issued has been validated by a court judgment, in Suit no. PHC/ PH/CS/159/19: Hon. Yekini O. Idiaye and Anor vs the Clerk of the National Assembly and 5 Ors, where the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt gave a final judgment on the 12th of September, 2019 and held that the Edo State House of Assembly was properly inaugurated on the 17th day of June, 2019 and that the House is sitting and carrying out its functions.

Allegations against you are rife, including that you didn’t

complete some of the projects started by your predecessor in office. Is this true and if yes, why?

This is absolutely false. Most of the projects of the previous administration are outcome of my work as Chairman, Economic Team in the previous administration, and we continued many of them. In some cases, where some of these projects were not being properly executed, some structural adjustments were made to correct them and ensure the sustainability of the projects.

So why did you not continue with projects like the Storm Water project and the Edo Specialist Hospital left unfinished by your predecessor? You were a central part of that administration that initiated them and even negotiated the funds from World Bank?

The projects are ongoing. It is completely false that we abandoned them. Though some of the projects had some structural defects, we have amended these and continued work on them.

For instance, the Edo Specialist Hospital is functional today and as I speak, it is treating patients. The Storm Water Project is ongoing as well. All these claims are repeated lies by the opposition, which has no substantive criticism against this administration.

Talking about the refinery project you embarked on, what stage is the project now and what is delaying the completion?

Thank you very much for this question. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private sector investor, on the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical project. I am glad to announce to you that the project is over 70 per cent complete. We contributed N700m as project support fund for the project to accelerate its realisation. The pace of work has been phenomenal. We are excited that this noble milestone has been achieved by the government, and in such a short period of time.

The presidency recently sent emissaries to Edo State to inspect the project and get a first-hand assessment of the level of work done and they were impressed with what they saw and the extent of local content contribution to the realisation of the project.

The project is designed in such a way that it houses a fabrication yard, which would be a training ground for youths in Edo State and create local capacity for refinery building and installation.

The MoU with the Chinese consortium working on the project also includes a clause for the building of a Department of Petroleum Engineering in the state-owned university, Ambrose Alli University, to deepen the local content drive of my administration in the oil and gas industry.

Your opponent alleged that while you’re good at signing MoUs, your government does not always turn them into concrete projects. Is this so?

There are numerous projects that we have delivered in the last three years and nine months with our MoUs, which is the initial step which any serious government uses to engage private investors and development partners for project development.

Some of the projects we have executed through MoUs include the state’s broadband network infrastructure project, for which MoU was signed with MainOne, Nigeria’s leading cable company, for the

laying of 400km fibre-optic cables to drive internet connectivity. This would, among other things, boost the state’s technology ecosystem.

We also have the MoU between Mixta Africa and the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) on behalf of the state government, for the development of the 1,451-unit Emotan Garden Estate project, which sits on a 70-hectare land in Upper Sokponba axis of Benin City. The first phase of the estate is 100 percent complete and homeowners have moved into their properties. Work is progressing on the second phase.

Aside this, there is the much-celebrated MoU with Ossiomo Independent Power Plant for the 55MW CCTEC-Ossiomo Power Project, to provide electricity to public facilities such as the State Secretariat, Government House, Ogbemudia Stadium, hospitals and many more public facilities. The project is ready for commissioning.

There is a major MoU with a Chinese Consortium for the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Project, for which a 6000bpd Modular Refinery plant is on the verge of completion. The project is to be expanded to a 30,000bpd plant. The project is expected to meet 20 per cent of Nigeria’s diesel demands and make Nigeria self-sufficient in Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) also known as black oil, used in industries.

Then we have the MoU signed between EDPA and EDLP Nigeria Limited for the development of discount malls across the state. The first of such malls is operational at the Sokponba Road axis of the state. More are to be built in Ugbowo, Ugbiyoko and Ekpoma in the state. Fresh produce from local farmers are mopped up by these malls and sold at the malls.

All these are concrete and verifiable. You can come to Benin and see these for yourself.There are other MoU projects that are still in the works such as the Benin Enterprise Park. The Anchor investor is ready to move into site, but for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which slowed the pace of work.

There is also the Benin River Port, where a lot of work is ongoing to prepare the necessary infrastructure to give rise to the project. We await regulatory nod to proceed. The artery road is being dualised and a lot more is happening in the background. Marine Police base is ready and eight gunboats have been purchased and donated to the Police. Ekehuan Road, the main artery to the port site is being dualised to ease movement.

We do MoUs because we understand the language of publicprivate partnerships and that has made all the difference in the way we deliver our legacy projects and advance the task of industrialising the state.

You are also accused of abandoning the Gelegele Port, which is said to have become a kidnapping den. Why? They were also saying this about the Edo Modular Refinery, the 55MW Ossiomo Independent Power Plant until the evidence on the ground wowed them. These persons do not know how large projects come about. They think big projects grow out of the ground. There are lots of things to be done to get the project going.

A lot of things go on into the life cycle of a project.

As for the Benin River Port, which you call the Gelegele Port, the project is very much on course.

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NEWSXTRA Akanbi Asks Christian Leaders to Unite against CAMA Chibuzor Oluchi The General Overseer of God’s Mercy Revival Ministries (GOMERM), Dr. James Akanbi at the weekend urged General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Pastor Williams Kumuyi and General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye to unite against the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.

Akanbi, a pentecostal revivalist in Lagos State, observed that the legislation, which President Muhammadu Buhari signed recently, “is no doubt a gang up from the pit of hell against the Church of Christ in Nigeria.”

He expressed this concern at a news conference he addressed in Lagos on Friday on the shortcoming of the legislation, saying CAMA was a confirmation of the suspicion that the Buhari presidency was looking for every means to cow

the church.

On this ground, Akanbi tasked fathers of faith across the country “to stand up, seek an appointment with the president immediately and go to his office to express their objections and opposition to the law.

“There is a gang up of hell against the church of Christ in Nigeria. Pastor William F. Kumuyi, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Foursquare Gospel Church, Methodist Church Nigeria and the Catholic Church must come together against the legislation.

“This is not a matter for CAN alone. This is not a matter for the Pentecostals alone now. It is a matter for both Pentecostals and the Orthodox churches.

“This is not the time for anyone to go and sit passively somewhere.

All of them must come together, book an appointment with the president and go and drop their

objections on his table,” the cleric explained.

Explaining that financial probity and accountability, which the law seeks to achieve was not bad in itself, the cleric said the way the federal government went about the matter showed it had an ulterior motive.

He said the federal government “has been extremely insincere.

That’s the honest truth. And it has gone a long way to establish the fact of the suspicion which the church has against the government which is that it has a hidden agenda against the church in Nigeria.

“Ordinarily, the CAMA 2020 itself should not have been bad.

Nobody is against transparency, or financial integrity, and the establishment of a kind of governance procedure that will see to full transparency on financial matters.

“Nobody is fighting that in any way or accessibility to the

figures. Nobody is fighting the fact of looking at the figures and giving advice where necessary.

That’s certainly not the problem.

“The main problem why the church is shouting out and which the church finds very offensive is the removal clause in Section 839 (1) and (2) of the law. Yes, there was some legal procedure put

in the law before removal. But it is vague. And the fact stands that the church cannot trust the federal government in this regard.

“A kangaroo arrangement can still be made and removal is done with little or no recourse to the proper procedure. Why, for instance, would a sweeping authority be given to the super-

vising minister to remove? That shows something is very wrong.

“It appears that they are looking for a way to remove the heads, and for me, I will say they are really hunting for some individuals. There are lots of churches in Nigeria. They are looking for key leaders just to be able to cow the church of God,” he said.

Judge Asks Journalists to Report Court Proceeding Accurately Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court Abuja has urged journalists covering the trial of Ochuko, the wife of a former Managing Director, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Haruna Momoh for alleged corrupt acts to report the trial accurately.

The judge made the appeal last week after the counsel to the accused person, Ade Adedeji (SAN) drew his attention to publications in the print and electronic media which he said contained facts which did not transpire at the hearing of the case.

Adedeji had told the judge that

the publication were sensational, misleading information and capable of affecting the defendants’ rights to fair hearing and the presumption of innocence.

The senior counsel had told the judge that the testimony of the 1st prosecution witness, Mrs Jane Asuquo, of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was reported inaccurately.

He said that whereas the witness did not say that the accused person had 50 bank accounts, the report in the media said so.

He argued that the witness

Magu: Abuja Pastor Seeks N5bn Damages against FCMB Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Overseer of the Divine Hand of God Church, Prophet Emmanuel Omale, has dragged the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) before a Federal Capital Territory High Court seeking N5 billion damages for alleged false accusation.

This followed an allegation that the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, had travelled with Omale to Dubai for the purpose of purchasing a property in the name of the pastor.

The pastor, who has since denied the allegation, was also alleged to have received N500 million in his FCMB account, though, the bank was said to have stated later that the amount was posted into his account in error.

A suit filed at the FCT High Court by Omale’s counsel, Chief Goddy Uche, is seeking a “declaration of this honourable court that the defendant in its banker-customer relationship with the first” claimant owes the claimants a fiduciary duty of care.

The pastor also seeks, “A declaration of this honourable court that the defendant negligently

breached the fiduciary duty of care it owes the claimants by its false automated report to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) of a suspicious credit inflow of N573, 228, 040. 41 (Five Hundred and Seventy-Three Million Naira, Two Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Forty Naira, and 41 kobo) into the first claimant’s corporate current account number 4867430l9 with the defendant.”

Omale is seeking “the sum of N5, 000, 000, 000 (five billion naira), being exemplary, aggravated, special and general damages against the defendant for the negligent breach of its fiduciary duty of care to the claimants by its false automated report to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) of a suspicious credit inflow of N573, 228, 040. 41 (Five Hundred and Seventy-three Million Naira, Two Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Forty Naira and 41 kobo) into the first claimant’s corporate current account number 486743019 with the defendant, which has occasioned grave damages to the claimants.”

In the writ of summons dated September 4, 2020, FCMB is expected to enter appearance within 30 days.

did not say anything about the children of the 1st defendant maintaining any accounts to which any money was ever paid among other misinformation carried by the media. He urged the judge to caution the media accordingly.

The judge agreed with the submissions of the senior lawyer which the prosecution counsel did not oppose and warned the media to exercise restraint and professionalism in reporting the proceedings in the case.

The judge further directed the counsel for the 1st defendant to file an affidavit attaching the publications complained of for record purposes.

CONGUGAL BLISS L-R: The groom and a Customer Service Technician Support, Ensure Services, Mr. Sylvester Adeyemi and his wife, Mrs. Anita Adeyemi during their traditional wedding at Ota... recently

COVID-19: Erring Airlines Face $3,500 Fine Per Passenger Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government yesterday disclosed that it would fine any international airline that contravened its provisional quarantine protocol the sum of $3,500 per passenger.

The apex government, also, disclosed that the protocol for passengers arriving in the country effectively came into force yesterday with the reopening of the country’s international airspace.

This was contained in the protocol, which the Chairman of Presidential Task Force on

COVID -19, Boss Mustapha with an emphasis that the public health measures were applicable to all passengers entering or leaving Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The protocol revealed that airlines would be fined $3,500 per passenger for failure to comply with the pre-boarding requirements.

Although Nigerians abroad such aircraft would be allowed entry, the protocol stated that they would be subjected to a mandatory quarantine of eight to 14 days (depending on results of COVID-19 PCR test done from

day seven of arrival) at a facility approved by the government and at cost to the passenger.

The protocol said passengers, who test negative for COVID -19 after seven days, would observe self-isolation on the eighth day while travellers reporting or developing symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival, or during screening would not be allowed to self-quarantine and will be placed in institutional quarantine.

The protocol said: “If any of the passengers that is deported tests positive for COVID-19, all his close primary contacts will be required to undergo enhanced

screening and a follow-up PCR test if necessary.”

The protocol, also, required that all persons arriving in Nigeria go through the routine port health screening and present electronic or print-out evidence of pre-boarding PCR test results and evidence of payment/appointment for a repeat PCR test in-country.

It, also, required that all intending travellers to Nigeria should be tested negative for COVID-19

by PCR in country of departure pre-boarding, while the PCR test must be done within 96 hours before departure and preferably within 72 hours pre-boarding.

Two Aspirants Emerge APC Candidates for Imo North Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) may be in for another crisis as factions emerged from the committee set up to conduct the primaries for Imo North senatorial election by the caretaker committee of the party, declaring two aspirants as candidates of the party in the forthcoming by-election.

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni had appointed a seven-man committee led by Senator Ajibola Bashiru as Chairman, Chief Samuel Ogbuku as Secretary, Senator Jibrin Gada, Hon. Bello Kumo, Alhaji

Umar Gana, Mohammed Saba and Prince Godfrey Ejim as members of the election committee for Imo North Senatorial by-election.

With media reports that a parallel primary election was held in Imo North to elect the party’s candidate, the party leadership was forced to issue a statement that it only recognised the Bashiru-led committee, which it said has been vested with the power to announce the winner of the ordinary election.

But there was confusion the next day, Friday, when the Bashiru-led committee submitted

its report to the committee and declared Mr. Frank Ibezim as winner, while the Gana-led faction declared Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as the winner.

Briefing journalists at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, Bashiru commended local APC leaders for their support in providing logistics as well as the people that worked with the committee in the 64 wards of the six local government areas, which he said made the election free, fair and without rancor.

The chairman noted that the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC), the police and other security agencies monitored the primary election, adding that the committee did not receive any adverse report of violent incidents.

“Although we had a sevenman committee, since yesterday afternoon (Thursday), I have not set my eyes on three members of the committee and as you know the rule of committee, it is operated by a simple majority.

I am the chairman and I have a secretary and 2 other members with me, which helped us to form a quorum to be able to do our work.

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Gunmen Invade Katsina Home, Rape, Kill 14-year-old Girl Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Unknown gunmen have invaded the home of one Babangida Idris in Shimfida, a rustic village in Batsari Local Government Area (LGA), the epicentre of banditry and criminality in Katsina State.

The gunmen, according to eyewitnesses, raped Aisha in her father’s residence before her assailants eventually killed her. The incident occurred on Wednesday

when the parents of the victim were not at home.

An eyewitness account claimed that the hoodlums, who apparently were on a mission to rob the household, met the 14-year-old Aisha, who was taking her bath.

According to the eyewitness, when they saw her in the bathroom, the miscreants “raped the young girl. Perhaps in an attempt to hide their crime, the assailants clamped down on her with machete and

ended the life of the minor.”

In an emotion-laden telephone conversation with THISDAY, Idris, the father of the victim, confirmed the gory incident, noting that the gunmen stormed his residence about 8:37 p.m. on Wednesday.

He said the incident occurred when all other members of the family were not around, saying the only person at home at the time of the attack was her 9-year-old younger brother.

Saraki, Fayemi, Abiodun Back Compendium on Foremost Nigerians A former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his Ogun State counterpart, Mr. Dapo Abiodun have backed the trans-generational compendium to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nigeria.

The 350-page coffee table book, Nigeria@60: Foremost Nigerians of the Last 60years, is written by a former Society Editor of Thisday, Lanre Alfred. It will hit bookshelves across the nation and beyond in October.

In his prologue entitled‘Enriching the History of a Giant’, Saraki wrote that Nigeria’s greatness, which he said, had been tested in several ways.

He said: “This book is definitelygoing to add fresh pages to the body of literature and biographical

work on this great country.

“As someone, who loves reading biographies, the author’sdecision to tell the Nigerian story through the account of the contributions and achievements of selected citizens remainsinteresting and another attraction for me.

“This unique attempt at recounting our national history alsoseeks to put on display the roles of the selected players in national development over the years. It also presents a challenge for those key players, who are alive to strive to improve on their roles while also giving the rest of the citizenry the opportunity to honestly and genuinely assess the account and the roles it ascribes to these individuals.”

Interestingly, Saraki said Nigeria has been the country whose huge resources and dynamic, resourceful,

creative, ebullient and hard-working people represent the hope of the black man to stand on an even dais with the most developed part of the world.

According to him, Nigeria is a country that has carried the burden of the rest of Africa during difficult times as she did during the period of the apartheid system in South Africa and the liberation struggles in other parts of Southern Africa.

Saraki added that though Nigeria might not have fully fulfilled the aspirations of her citizens and the rest of the world, she has continued to play a major role in stabilizing her region and the continent at large.

He, thus, said he welcomed any attempt to give a good account of Nigeria’s existence as an

Idris said: “I went to Jibia with Aisha’s mother when the hoodlums invaded our residence on Wednesday, September 2. It was only Aisha and her younger brother, Adamu that were inside the house during the attack.

“Adamu told me that the attackers, upon entering the house asked after me but he told them that we travelled and as of that time, Aisha was taking her bath. They moved straight to the bathroom and raped

her thereafter killed her.”

However, the State Police Command said it would not leave any stone unturned in tackling the prevailing cases of rape and other nefarious activities afflicting the state, promising to bring Aisha’s assailants to book.

At a session with journalists, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sanusi Buba disclosed that the police command had arrested 140 suspected rapists in 87 reported cases and had charged

them to court for prosecution after preliminary investigation.

Buba said: “On the fight against the menace of rape bedeviling the state, a total of 140 suspected rapists were arrested in 87 reported cases and all were charged to court for prosecution”.

He reiterated that the command was collaborating with traditional and religious leaders, parents and other critical stakeholders to end the alarming rate of rape afflicting the state.

Buhari, Fayemi Pay Tribute to Afolabi Ojo President Muhammadu Buhari and Ekiti State Governor Kayode have both paid tribute to renowned academic and administrator, Prof Afolabi Ojo (KSG,CON), who passed away last week at the age of 90 in Lagos.

According to a statement issued

by Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, President Buhari joins the academia, indigenes and government of Ekiti State to commiserate with family, friends and associates of the scholar, who was a founding staff of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria.

“The president believes the retired professor of Geography lived an exemplary life, showing the world the reward of discipline, focus and dedication by climbing the academic ladder over many years

and becoming a renowned author and administrator, which brought many national and international awards his way. The President prays that the almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort his family,” the statement said.

Also speaking on the demise of Ojo, Fayemi said he was a distinguished Ekiti-born scholar and a leading light in the country’s education sector.

In his condolence message, Fayemi said there was no doubt the late Ojo was an academic of repute as he was at the forefront of research in the academia, with over 140 books and articles to his credit.

The governor added that it was not a coincidence that the late professor utilised his experience and exposure to become one of the brains behind the take-off of

Ojo

distance learning in Nigeria between 1980 and 1981 as pioneer VC of NOUN. He said: “Remarkably, the deceased started his life-long career as a teacher in 1946 in Ado-Ekiti and rose through the dint of hard work to become a Professor of Geography in 1970, appointed Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences in 1972 and later, Dean, Faculty of Administration from 1976-77, and was a Project Director at the UN University, Tokyo.”

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NEWSXTRA EFCC Orders Former N’Assembly Commissioners to Return Vehicles Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC) has directed former National Commissioners of National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to return all official vehicles that they went away with after the expiration of their tenure of office.

The implication, it was gathered is that the EFCC was questioning the propriety of the presiding officers’ approval that directed the former National commissioners to retire and go away with their official 508 Peugeot vehicles.

An Abuja High Court had

earlier in July issued a warrant of arrest on the former Clerk of National Assembly, Ataba Sani Omolori following an exparte motion by the EFCC alleging non response to their invitation and indictment in a statement of the former chairman and secretary of the NASC. It was gathered that the former Clerk of the National Assembly, who willingly submitted himself to the EFCC after retirement, made statements that led to the recall of the former secretary.

Information and documents sighted at the NASC secretariat in Utako, Abuja, showed that the

former Clerk of National Assembly conveyed the approval of the Presiding Officers of the Senate and House of Representatives for the National Assembly Commissioners to go away with their last official vehicles in line with the extant practice at the National Assembly and as requested by the outgone National Assembly Commissioners.

To this effect, Omolori authored a letter dated July 28 2019 with reference: NASS/ CNA/160/Vol13/582, titled: ‘Re: Request For Your Clarification Of The Pool Vehicles Of The

Outgoing Members Of National Assembly Service Commission’ to the Secretary of NASC. The letter read in part: “I write with reference to your letter NASC/CNA/43/11/37 dated 17th July 2018 on the above subject and to confirm that officers, who retired from the National Assembly Service Commission at the level of Secretary or Director have always been allowed to go away with last official vehicles either on payment of fixed prices or for free.

“Further, I wish to convey to you, the no objection of the Presiding Officers to allow the

present National Assembly Service Commissioners/Secretary go away with their last official vehicles – Peugeot 508. The Procurement Directorate is also being advised to conclude the auctioning of the Hilux to the Commissioners to enable them pay the auction price and possess the vehicles accordingly.”

But the EFCC in a counter directive, in a letter dated August 20 2020, to the acting secretary of NASC, signed by Ahmad Sa’ad Abubakar, Zonal Head, Abuja for the Acting Executive Chairman said, “We refer to the case of alleged conspiracy and

criminal conversion of Public Property involving the erstwhile chairman and commissioners of your commission.

“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to inform the under-listed former commissioners to return the official vehicles – 508 Cars attached to them on or before September 3, 2020 and to those, who have already disposed their cars, your office should value it on its appropriate government value price for repayment to government pending the conclusion of the investigation into the matter,” the EFCC letter directed.

Odey Emerges PDP C’River North Senatorial Candidate AMPEC: Anyiam-Osigwe NEC Validly elected to Lead Movie Producers Bassey Inyang in Calabar

A former Chairman of Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Stephen Odey has emerged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Cross River North senatorial district in the just concluded bye-election.

Odey polled 450 votes to defeat his closest rival and member of the House of Representatives, Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who garnered 90 votes.

The exercise, which took place at Ogoja council headquarters, was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The chairman of the electoral panel, Hon. Olorogun Taleb Tebite, described the process as peaceful and orderly.

He declared Odey as the winner of the primary election having scored the highest number of votes.

One of the INEC officials who observed the primaries, Mr. Amula Timotheus expressed satisfaction with the exercise.

He said the exercise was conducted in line with INEC guidelines and was therefore, satisfactory.

On his part, the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.

The governor, who spoke moments after casting his vote lauded the peaceful atmosphere under which the election was held.

He also commended INEC for playing their observatory role adequately.

Governor Ayade said the election was a family affair as all the candidates are members of the PDP family in the state.

The Association of Movie Producers Electoral Committee (AMPEC) has confirmed the validity of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe-led National Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), saying it was the only legally recognised executives that were elected at the national election that held in Asaba on August 29, 2020.

The Chairman of AMPEC, Sunny Macdon W., in a statement dated September 2, 2020, said the clarifications became necessary in order to draw the attention of the public to the activities of some individuals who “are parading themselves as newly-elected national excos of the association.”

He said that while the association was aware of the development, it was calling on the general public

to disregard their claims, “as the only legally-recognised executives are those that were voted for and sworn in after the election in Asaba, Delta State.”

According to him, “We therefore extend our warm congratulations to the winners on their success and encourage other contestants who were not as lucky to support the winners in line with the undertaking (to accept the outcomes of the exercise) signed in Lagos by all the contestants on the 26th of August, 2020.”

The AMPEC chair said “it has become pertinent for us in AMPEC in the light of the controversy surrounding the recently conducted Association Of Movie Producers (AMP) elections on August 29, 2020 to officially set the records

straight concerning the polls and results obtained.

“The AMP national election took place as planned on Saturday, August 29 2020 at Vienna International Hotel, Asaba, Delta.

“The event enjoyed robust participation with over 18 state chapters and 170 members taking part in the process. The Chairman Board of Trustees, Chief Zeb Ejiro, who kickstarted the election process and the Outgoing President, Ralph Nwadike were also in attendance.

“The election was keenly contested by various candidates and after a free, fair and peaceful process, the following results were announced by AMPEC: PresidentPeace Anyiam Osigwe socred167 votes to emerge as winner while Myrk Parish got 3 votes with 3 void votes; Vice president-Queen

Blessing 165 scored votes to emerge as winner while Rose Okwoli got 4 votes while 4 votes were void.

“For the position of National secretary, Ifeanyi Ezekwe scored 19 votes while Baba Agba garnered 149 votes to emerge as winner with 4 void votes; for the position of Financial Secretary, Ukeaja Chioma got 20 votes while Anthony Chukwuma scored 144 votes to emerge as winner. 9 votes were void.

“For the position of Publicity Secretary, Sam Obeakemeh got 30 votes to lose to Nzeh Frank White who received 132 votes while 11 votes were void; while for the position of Provost, Vitus Nnebue garnered156 votes to emerge as winner as against his opponent’s 9 votes while 6 votes were void.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

ENGAGEMENTS

Faith, Iniquity and the State

T

he separation of faith (church, mosque etc.) and state lies at the foundation of the modern secular state. Theocratic states have an easier ride because the freedoms of individuals, the conduct of corporations and the transactions of communal life are integral to the dictates of the dominant theism.

In a theocracy, the business of governance can be relatively easy because God has handed down a ready made blueprint for the conducts of princes and principalities. It is all written in whatever holy book that applies.

Once separated, faith and the state guard their respective precincts with considerable militancy. Trouble always comes when the state, for reasons flowing from the wisdom of state, trespasses into the realm of faith and religion. The reverse is rare but nonetheless equally dangerous.

On the festering controversy over the new Corporate Affairs Commission revised law, the Buhari administration may have gotten itself into avoidable trouble for reasons hard to understand. Only regime high priests seem to understand why the government insisted on this misadventure at this time. An earlier intention to regulate the activities of our festering coterie of Non Governmental Organisations, including religious organisations, by an act of parliament hit the granite wall of public opposition and legal ambush. By some act of executive ingenuity, however, the original intent has now reappeared as clauses in the recently revised Companies and Allied Matters(CAMA) law. The ink had not quite dried from Mr. Buhari’s pen when government megaphones rose in high praise of the new law. Thereafter, public minded lawyers and religious oligarchs took a closer look at the revised CAMA law and found the old anti-NGO law hidden untidily in there. Old wine in a new skin! The offensive part is that it contains clauses that allow government a back door to cross the ancient barrier between faith (church, mosque) and the state.

Ordinarily, an overdue revision of a jaded companies registration and regulation law should be welcome news. After all, ease of doing business and an enlightened regime of regulation of business practices are part of the new catechism of capitalist reform around the world. A cut and paste government like the one we have has little choice but to appear to be doing something in the right direction.

Predictably, the business community has noted the provisions of the new law and largely nodded in hesitant agreement. I suspect that the high priests of the business community may not have had time to pay much attention to the gamut of good intentions in the new law. What has instead dominated the headlines are the raw nerves of religious sensitivity that the new law has touched. The trouble is with those provisions that open up religious and social organisations to the peering eyes and possible ugly hands of governmental officialdom.

The relevant provisions of the new CAMA law as they affect religious organisations unmistakably aim at bringing these organisations under increased government regulation and even scrutiny. They are now required to have registered trustees who can be sanctioned, removed or replaced by the relevant government agency, namely, the Ministry of Trade through the instrumentality of the CAC. The organisations are to become financially accountable to their respective boards of trustees.

In the event of discord among the trustees on grounds of corporate governance disagreements, government can appoint an interim administrator, manager or board of trustees to run the affairs of the affected organization. If in the estimation of the relevant government agency, there is duplication of aims and objectives among these organisations, government can merge those with similar objectives.

It is hard to fault the overriding need to bring religious and other non governmental organisations under some regulatory framework with government oversight. While acknowledging that faith belongs in the private domain of social life, organized religion is a social phenomenon whose practice directly bears on the harmonious relations among citizens. It involves interactions among citizens and between groups of citizens that may not hold the same beliefs. As subscribers to organized religion, citizens enter into relationships with one another and with other citizens.

Religious activities also make demands on other segments of society. Churches and mosques generate noise, traffic congestion, parking disorder and sometimes involve conducts and activities that may affect the freedoms of other citizens. Government remains the only agency that can intercede and arbitrate in all such situations.

Most importantly, organized religion partakes in the values that govern the larger society. Religious practice and their patron organisations in a capitalist society incorporate the profit ethic and a certain transactional ethos. Churches and some mosques generate revenue, acquire real estate, establish business concerns in the form of schools, universities, bakeries, air charter companies etc. Once they extend beyond the confines of individual salvation and exert themselves in the affairs of “this world”, they attract the controlling hands of the secular state.

The topicality of the religious ferment in Nigeria has arisen because our religious organisations have also come to display some of the excesses of the capitalist ethos. What has become worrisome of late is the growing oligarchy of religious entrepreneurs especially of the Christian persuasion with Hollywood style life styles: multiple private jets, yachts, luxury villas around the world and a deficit of transparency and inclusiveness in the running of these mega churches. Most of them have become

Buhari private family dominions protected from members’ scrutiny by the spiritual firewall of biblical curses and apocalyptic repercussions for those who dare ask prying questions about mammon.

Similarly, their Moslem counterparts have used their spiritual linkages to Islamic holy places in the Middle East to access opportunities for incredible wealth and influence that sometimes trespasses into political terrains. Some in the latter faith have embraced the fellowship of violence and fanatical terror that has haunted parts of the Arab world in the recent past. No one knows how much religious funding goes into sustaining movements like Boko Haram in the North East and the Shiites in and around Kaduna state.

In addition to conspicuous consumption, exhibitionism and an exploitative relationship between religious entrepreneurs and the multitude of their congregations, some religious leaders are also taking advantage of their positions for political advantage and visibility. These excesses are the factors that have invited the attention of government to the realm of religious organisations especially of the pentecostal ‘prosperity’ church variety. These churches have since emerged as formidable private financial fiefdoms owned and controlled by their founders and overseers who run them more like medieval family estates.

Some religious organisations have graduated into multinational corporations with outreaches and branches across national boundaries. In this expansive mode, our religious organisations have become outlets and agencies of competing international and national interests. Such international reach sometimes implicates the more influential faith organisations in major diplomatic calculations involving different countries. Strategic interests sometimes recruit and incorporate religious organisations or use them to extend or expand their interests both here and around the world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for instance, is interested and reaches out routinely to the Islamic high priesthood in Nigeria for instance. The Shiite Mullahs of Iran are not indifferent to the plight and activities of their sectarian faction in Nigeria.

Similarly, the Vatican looks out for the welfare of Nigeria’s considerable Catholic population just as the Anglican Church of England is interested in what happens to its hierarchy and the entire Anglican communion here and elsewhere.

As a fact of political reality, major religious organisations control and command large followership and in the process become politically consequential. Faith and its tremendous followership is a political force all over the world. Our political leadership make it a point of duty to either attend the friday Muslim prayers or pay ceremonial visits to the enclaves of major Pentecostal churches as a way of enhancing their political followership. The political clout of religion becomes matrixed in the general calculus of democratic outcomes in times of electoral contest.

It is therefore imperative that any responsible state should at least establish ground rules for the regulation of the conduct of religious organisations both for purposes of corporate governance accountability but also for reasons of ensuring the supremacy of the state over the rampaging dominion of faith. Whether or not we admit it, religion is a major national security issue.

However, the nature and scope of the state’s intervention in the affairs of religious organisations is a treacherous terrain. The realm of faith does not lend itself to mechanical organizational tidiness or interpretation. The dividing line between divine blessing and enterprise is hazy in matters of success and failure in any enterprise including religion. Quite often, the foundation and subsequent prosperity of the largest congregation may be the fruit of one man’s inspiration and vision. He nurtures it, grows it, develops the business model until it becomes a thriving faith industry and successful business empire. In the process, the organization acquires a life of its own with a hierarchy that is

peculiar to itself and an organizational model that produces the results it seeks. The argument is therefore that it would be undue interference in the work of God for the government to seek to foist its own corporate governance templates on such a religious organization.

The corollary argument is that most of the leading companies of today were also founded by the dreams and vision of an individual. The authenticity of Bill Gate’s vision or Elon Musk’s courage or indeed Mark Zukerberg’s audacity does not stop the Securities and Exchange Department or the Internal Revenue Service from regulating the conducts of Microsoft, Tesla or Facebook. Between these global multinationals and the spiritual enterprises run by T.D. Jakes, Enoch Adeboye or David Oyedepo, the difference is only one of article of trade. In either case, the prerogative of regulation belongs squarely to the sovereign states where these practices take place.

Arguments based on invoking the divinity of religion to justify their sometimes autocratic corporate governance practices are neither here nor there. As a fact of the supremacy of sovereign authority over all social organisations, the responsibility of government to regulate the conduct of religious organistions is not subject to fruitless disputation. What ought to be interrogated is the nature and extent of such regulatory oversight. The same Nigerian churches crying wolf over the new CAMA amendment pay their taxes and are subject to regulatory oversight in foreign jurisdictions like the United States and the United Kingdom where they have established branches. Some of them have either been subjected to heavy fines and penalties or other sanctions.

What needs to happen is for Nigerian religious entrepreneurs to compare the provisions of the new law with what obtains in these other jurisdictions where they are compelled to comply. Only such a comparative analysis can convince the public and the authorities that they are indeed serious in their objections to the new CAMA provisions.

The new provisions of CAMA would probably have passed without much controversy under a different political dispensation. In Buhari’s Nigeria, even the most well intended piece of legislation or policy measure is bound to assume a contentious and divisive character. This president has enshrined unnecessary division and dichotomy into directive principles of state policy.

Everything bears the stamp of dichotomy: North versus South, Christian versus Moslem, APC versus PDP, Buharists versus non-Buharists etc. Suspicion has replaced trust in the language of normal communal interaction and social exchange. The language of national discourse has broken down and given way to the idiom of hate and acrimony.

More importantly, Nigeria is no ordinary place in matters of religion and faith. Our people breathe and live religion. People are either Moslems, Christians or superstitious animists steeped in the ancient covens of primordial origins. Somehow, obsessive religiosity has come to fill the vacant space left in the consciousness of our people by the absence of national loyalty and patriotic fervour. Either as Moslems or Christians, Nigerians are more likely to kill or die for their faith than for the nation.

In recent times, the exploitation of religious differences by the presiding political leadership has weaponized the two dominant faiths into opposing armies with undisguised militancy. At no other time has this trend been so sharpened as under the Buhari presidency. Mr. Buhari’s body language, his sickening lopsided key appointments and tacit endorsement of the activities of murderous Fulani gangs disguised as herdsmen has put the Christian population on a defensive edge. A prevailing atmosphere of fear has fuelled a wild conspiracy theory of a grand Islamization plot hatched at the highest levels of government and political leadership. Hollow and unfounded as these tales may seem, in the ears and minds of a largely fanatical populace, it would be futile to underestimate the threat this poses to public peace, social harmony and national cohesion.

This is the atmosphere in which every proposition, legislation or appointment by this government is being perceived and interpreted. Whether it is the Water Resources Bill or the revised CAMA, the same halo of monumental suspicion and devious conspiracy envelopes all things emanating from the Buhari government. The only way to strip government actions and legislations of the curse of divisiveness is to reinvent the entire orientation and devices of the government. I am afraid this president is too far gone in his tenure and is too ossified in his native entrenchments to beat a convincing retreat.

On the immediate matter of the new CAMA and the faith establishment, therefore, it is wiser to restrict the regulatory ambit of government to matters of trusteeship and neutral arbitration in the event of serious governance disputes that could derail the spiritual mission of the faith organisations. The matter of mergers on grounds of duplicated objectives is illiterate. All religious organisations are established with a common objective: to prepare man as a candidate for salvation. The National Assembly has an urgent task to mitigate the extremes of the new law by removing threats to the independence of the religious establishment in matters of their freedom to determine their leadership and succession.

Even in situations of apparent internal conflict, the government has no business getting involved. In terms of recognizing the peculiar nature of the faith enterprise, the relevant clauses in the revised CAMA reflect embarrassing laziness. The real central philosophical task is to return to the principle of the separation of faith and the state in a way to respect the sacred while reiterating and respecting the sovereign precedence of the state.

Sunday September 6, 2020

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Price: N400

MISSILE

NCF on Water Resources Bill “The bill that seeks to vest all surface and underground waters in the federal government extending to four kilometers is either based on ignorance of the geography of Nigeria or insensitive to the Nigerian peoples as a result of some yet to be determined evil motives and machinations.”

– The National Consultative Front (NCFront) calling on the National Assembly to drop the Waters Resources Bill 2020 in the national interest.

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Buhari’s Shock Therapy for Nigerians

Y

ou campaign in poetry. You govern in prose. Former governor of New York, Mario Matthew Cuomo, now of blessed memory, said those immortal words 35 years ago. Poetry is relatively short and flowery; prose is much longer and less flowery. Yoruba would render the same thing Cuomo said as “enu dun r’ofo” i.e. “it always looks easy to make a delicious meal with words of mouth”. Anyone can talk a good game. When the All Progressives Congress (APC) was seeking to displace the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Aso Rock Villa in 2015, poetry was the easiest part of the job. Five years on and the prose is damning.

They are doing what they used to pummel the PDP for.

This year alone, we have witnessed what would otherwise be abominations to President Muhammadu Buhari: devaluation of the naira, increase in fuel price and a rise in electricity tariffs. VAT has gone up from 5 percent to 7.5 percent. Bank account holders are paying stamp duty for receiving deposits above certain amounts. Air travellers have been slammed with a 100 percent increase in passenger service charge while Abuja-Kaduna train fare has been doubled as well. In their previous lives, Buhari and the APC would have led street protests against the PDP about the soaring cost of living. It seems the reality has finally dawned on Buhari that bitter pills are inevitable.

Many Nigerians have actually come to accept that the country is not really rich as assumed and tough economic measures have to be taken to save us from total collapse. This is not a very popular opinion, certainly, but the economic experts are not opposed to the shock therapy. In fact, the few I have spoken with are praising Buhari for finally taking the hard decisions after five years in office. They think that if previous governments had chosen this path, we would have suffered the pains and be enjoying the gains by now. They believe the funds burnt on fuel subsidies, probably six trillion naira in the last 10 years, could have been better spent on roads, education and healthcare.

Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi, former MD of Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) who is not known to be a fan of Buhari, tweeted: “The gradual dismantling of subsidies by the Buhari Administration is well advised. It was unsustainable, and this policy adjustment though late in coming is the proper economic decision. We must not oppose good policies in the name of political opposition.” Mr Atedo Peterside, also a known critic of Buhari’s economic policies, only said the federal government “should get out of the business of making pronouncements on the price of petrol”. You are not likely to hear any liberal economist oppose the shock therapy.

Nevertheless, there are no easy ways out of this economic mess that we have found ourselves. Even before the devastation brought by COVID-19, we were struggling.

We have relied on oil revenue for too long; shifting attention to the productive bases of the economy — particularly agriculture and industry — is never going to yield results overnight. It takes time. We need policy consistency and massive private investment for us to attain a comfortable level in the

Buhari non-oil sector in the long term. We rely too much on crude oil to fund our budgets.

COVID-19 has now thrown the economy into its worst state since 2016. Something just has to give — and adjustment pains are inevitable.

Definitely, the ordinary people will feel the pains of these reforms the most. Transport costs will go up. While electricity tariffs were not increased in residential areas classified as low income, prices of goods and services will certainly go up as a result of the affected sectors, and the masses will feel the heat. Food costs will go up. All these are inescapable.

We cannot leave the vulnerable Nigerians in the lurch and think there would be no consequences. Conversely, the political elite would continue to enjoy the good of the land.

Their privileges are always unaffected. That makes it very difficult to preach sacrifice to the people and assure them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Indeed, Nigerians have heard all that before. Buhari’s shock therapy is, thus, not the ultimate solution. We need fiscal discipline at all levels of government. We need accountability. We need transparency.

We need prudence. Government needs to trim fat. While retrenchment is not an option at this time, at least certain excesses on the expenditure side can be scaled down. The pains of reforms would only be worth it if Nigerians begin to see good roads, decent hospitals, better education and higher standards of living in the years ahead. Unfortunately, Nigerians have heard unfulfilled promises for so long that they have developed immunity against hope.

Still, government needs to market reforms to the people in a better way and not assume that because Nigerians have been showing understanding and patience all along, there is nothing to worry about any more. You don’t implement these tough economic decisions without first trying to build support. What are the palliatives to protect the poor?

What is the level of engagement with the opposition? It appears the government has become complacent in this aspect. It seems the assumption is that Nigerians will take the changes without resistance. Indeed, the debate in the wake of the latest increase in fuel prices is why people are not protesting.

Many commentators have been asking why Nigerians are not kicking against the “shock

therapy” — a term used to describe a series of tough economic reforms suddenly introduced by a government particularly at a time of hardship or disasters. The most common suggestion is that those who organised the protests against previous governments are now in power and can, therefore, not organise or encourage protests against themselves. But it is not accurate to say those who organised the previous protests are now in government; some are actually outside government and are still very active in the civil society movements.

Maybe they are not convinced there is a need for aluta.

Or could it be that Nigerians themselves have lost the will to protest? Could it be that people are more concerned now about how to eke out a living than going on the streets and singing solidarity songs? I am not really convinced by this argument. I do not think anything has changed fundamentally about the attitude of Nigerians to the withdrawal of subsidies. The first response is always resistance to subsidy cuts. I think people still want cheaper fuel and cheaper electricity.

I don’t think anything has changed about what Nigerians want. Maybe we are now so divided— along political, ethnic and religious lines — that finding a common mobilising force is harder. I can’t know.

Maybe there is something else. In my life so far, particularly since I started going to the bathroom by myself, I would say only twice have I witnessed an increase in fuel price that did not elicit street protests and strikes. The first was in January 1986 when Gen Ibrahim Babangida announced an increase in the prices of petroleum products. That was his first budget as military president. I remember he also created a national emergency fund (not sure that was the name) in which civil servants were asked to contribute a part of their salaries. It was their “patriotic” contribution to save the economy which was in dire straits then as a result of low oil prices and foreign exchange crunch.

The second instance was when Buhari raised petrol price in May 2016. It was a significant leap from N87 per litre to N145.

There were no protests, beyond media articles.

The economy was down in any case. People were wondering why there were no protests and my instinct then was that Buhari was enjoying a prolonged honeymoon. Or, perhaps, Nigerians trusted him more with the management of the nation’s resources.

He was seen as an honest man who would not steal or enrich himself. Some said if he increased fuel price, then it must be in the interest of the country, not because he was going to derive any personal benefit from it. The goodwill was there, I would say.

It is also possible that most Nigerians have bought into the logic of deregulation. I can’t say. Many may have come to see that they actually pay more for self-generated electricity, in addition to suffering the noise pollution.

So maybe those ones have no appetite for protest. Whatever the situation is, there are some facts we cannot dispute: our finances are in a bad place. Oil revenues are badly hit. We keep borrowing. We are spending our little revenue on servicing debts. And the reality too cannot be disputed: the load will disproportionately be on the heads of poor Nigerians. What will the government do about this? We need a clear statement and a re-assuring palliative plan.

And Four Other Things…

P&ID RESPITE Nigeria won a major victory in seeking to upturn the arbitration award to P&ID Ltd over a failed gas processing contract. We had reneged on a settlement in 2015 and had also gone asleep when the quantum award of $6.6 billion plus 7 percent interest was issued in January 2017. But following the fraud investigation by the EFCC under Mr Ibrahim Magu’s leadership, a UK court has given us an extension of time to attack the award. This puts the enforcement of the arbitration judgment on hold. Let’s pray we will not bungle the next phase: using the new evidence of fraud to get the tribunal to set aside the award, now estimated at $10 billion. It is not yet uhuru. Crucial.

NIGERIA-GHANA UNFRIENDLY A little bit of rivalry is not too bad for neighbours with ambitions. It has to be healthy, though, for it to be meaningful.

The cold war between Nigeria and Ghana is unhealthy. The imposition of $1 million registration fee on “West African immigrants” who want to set up business in Ghana is clearly targeted at Nigerians, although the Ghanaians also argue that shutting the Nigerian border has hurt their economy too and violated the ECOWAS treaty. The treaty, it must be said, does not allow illegal trade, so there must be joint efforts to crack down on smuggling. We also need to pay attention to Nigerians who are into criminal activities in Ghana. Let’s address all these issues jointly. Amity.

CURTAILING COVID-19 Plateau state has been recording an unusually high number of COVID-19 cases at a time some states seem to be doing better. The key question: what is going on in Plateau? It would appear that rather than anything else — including the suggestion that Plateau’s cold weather might be allowing the coronavirus to spread — the increased testing by the government might be responsible for the high figures. Since most people who have COVID-19 are thought to be asymptomatic, mass testing is an effective way of curtailing the spread and curbing fatalities. It is even more dangerous as asymptomatic young people can easily pass it to adults, who may not survive it.

Complicated.

LIONEL’S MESS Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers to walk on Planet Earth, caused some earthquake recently when he told Barcelona — the club he joined in 2000 at the age of 13 — that he wanted to leave. For a player who is on a reported salary of $640,000 per week and is adored by Barcelona’s fans across the world, he just cannot walk away as he was wanted to. He finally changed his mind on Friday. From a business perspective, you can’t be valued at €700 million by any club and expect them to let you go for nothing. From a football perspective, you don’t expect Barcelona to let go of their alltime highest scorer and serial winner just like that. Not surprised the move failed. Misfired.

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