TUESDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Don’t Elongate Your Tenure, Buhari Urges ECOWAS Leaders Criticises adoption of single currency as premature Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged ECOWAS leaders to adhere strictly to the tenure prescribed

in the constitution of their countries, saying given the prevailing economic crises in the subregion, they could not afford escalation of political disputes.

He also criticised the decision of the Francophone West African bloc of ECOWAS to unilaterally adopt the proposed ECO currency, describing it as premature.

Buhari, in a speech at the 57th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Niamey, Niger Republic capital, said Nigeria remained committed to the

implementation of a single currency plan.

He urged ECOWAS leaders not to elongate their stay in office beyond constitutional limits, saying they should

respect constitutional provisions and ensure free and fair elections.

The president said: “It is Continued on page 8

Sultan Demands End to Southern Kaduna Killings... Page 6 Tuesday 8 September, 2020 Vol 25. No 9283. Price: N250

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NNPC: AKK Pipeline Contract Not Inflated... Page 6

FG Appeals over Deregulation, Hope Rises for Infrastructure Funding Osinbajo says attendant hardship not intended Rewane: Subsidy removal, tariff increase will boost investments Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Omololu Ogunmade, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos The federal government yesterday stepped up efforts on two fronts to douse tensions generated by the double whammy of the increase in petrol pump price and electricity tariffs with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo saying

the hike in the cost of the two items was not to inflict pains on Nigerians.

A coterie of ministers also pleaded with Nigerians to show understanding of the delicate situation that led to the increase in the petrol price and electricity tariffs, saying despite the new cost regime, the cost of the two Continued on page 8

Akeredolu: My Performance Will Give Me Second Term

Funmi Ogundare in Lagos and James Sowole in Akure

Ondo State Governor and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the October 10 governorship election in the state, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday expressed optimism that he would retain his

position.

“We have done a lot of work that will speak for us, "Akeredolu, told ARISE NEWS, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, saying his performance in office would ensure his victory at the election.

Continued on page 8

ROYAL FATHERS GATHER… L-R: Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn-Garbai; Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai; and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, during Northern Traditional Rulers Council meeting in Kaduna…yesterday

Water Resources Bill is Done Deal, Says House Committee Chairman... Page 5

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NEWS Water Resources Bill is Done Deal, Says House Committee Chairman Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Dismisses Ortom, Soyinka, others' opposition as ignorant Udora Orizu in Abuja Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Sada Soli, has played down the opposition to the reintroduced Water Resources Bill, saying it won't change the determination of the legislature to pass it.

He also criticised opponents of the bill, including Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, whom he accused of speaking out of ignorance because they did not read the draft of the legislation before making comments.

The lawmaker, who represents Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency in Katsina State, vowed that the bill, which was earlier passed by the eighth House, won’t be stepped down.

The legislation titled: ‘A Bill for An Act to Establish a Regulatory Framework for the Water Resources Sector in Nigeria, Provide for the Equitable and Sustainable Redevelopment, Management, Use and Conservation of Nigeria’s Surface Water and Groundwater Resources and for Related Matter,' when passed into law, would bring all water sources under the control of the federal government. This has led to criticisms as various stakeholders have said the bill negates the right of Nigerians to natural resources and undermines the country's federalism.

Prominent leaders from Southern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, including Ortom and Soyinka, have kicked against the bill.

Also, socio-political organisations, including PANDEF, Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, have condemned the bill, saying it's an attempt by the federal government to secure the lands around the rivers in southern Nigeria to resettle the herdsmen after the failed Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) initiative.

Ortom had said the provisions of the bill were at variance with the Land Use Act, and that the bill was a “disguised landgrabbing legislation designed to grant pastoralists unhindered access to river basins, adjacent marine and coastal environments across the country.�

With the bill providing for the federal government to annex the banks of rivers that connect up to two states, concerns have been raised that the purpose of the promoters of the bill is to provide land for the herdsmen.

The fact that the key champions of the bill are legislators from the far north has fuelled this suspicion.

The bill's opponents said it was curious that when Nigerians are agitating for the federal government to cede more powers to states, it's allegedly embarking on land-grabbing.

A former senator, who spoke to THISDAY on condition of anonymity, recalled the role played by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who as the minority leader of the eighth Assembly, persuaded his colleagues to reconsider passing the bill. “We were shocked when Akpabio appeared for ministerial screening, the distinguished

Senate president told him that ‘now that you are on this side, you should go and liaise with the Minister of Water Resources to ensure that the Water Resources Bill is passed. That bill must be passed.’ When the Minister of Water Resources who was reappointed, also appeared before the Senate for the same screening, the minister said that his greatest regret in his first tenure was the non-passage of the bill. What did they see in this bill? What is special about this bill? Why the desperation to annex the waters and the land around the waters? There is a hidden agenda and sinister motive,� he stated.

A former member of the House also told THISDAY that the allegation of sinister motive on the part of the promoters of the bill should not be discountenanced.

He said: “As someone had pointed out, they want to confiscate the waterways and the surroundings and allocate to the herdsmen and claim that the government had also supported poultry farmers, maize farmers, cassava and fish farmers. “The federal government has seized the oil resources and they want to also seize the water resources, even when the clamour for resource control is becoming increasingly popular.

We understand that one of their major targets is the bank of River Benue. The suspicion is that they want to relocate herdsmen to the bank of the River Benue and other rivers in the south in the name of supporting livestock farming. They want to move herdsmen southwards because of the drying up of Lake Chad.

They are using the revenue to be generated by the federal government as a disguise to hoodwink us.�

But Soli told THISDAY that the bill is in the best interest of Nigerians and that Ortom, Soyinka and every other person having misconceptions about it.

Soli said there was no provision in the bill that empowers the federal government to usurp the position of the states or local governments.

He added that the bill has nothing to do with RUGA policy.

According to him, the bill couldn't be stepped down because the House has passed it already, adding that those who feel that there’s a motive to the bill should bring out the issues to the parliament and then amendment could be done. “The bill can’t be stepped down because the House has passed it already; the lawmakers that are saying that they will step it down or that it was introduced illegally is because, may be, they were not there on the floor of the House when the members were given the opportunity to look at the bill not once or twice.

Remember it was passed by the eighth Assembly. ''If people have something against the legislation, let them point it out and then it could be amended to conform to the wishes of Nigerians.

"If you didn’t understand something or have an idea about something, the easiest thing is that you will misconceive the whole idea.

"On the claims about the

bill being RUGA in disguise, people should not display their parochial mindset or because they have a deep-seated hatred for this government policy and then they will transfer it to whatever the government places before the parliament.

What has water resources got to do with RUGA? RUGA policy is a policy of the government, Water Resources Act stands alone. What is the connection?

"In the whole entire volume of that law that was passed, there was no mention of RUGA or grazing land or Fulani herdsmen.

These are deep-seated hatred of government policy. This is a law that has been existing in the House and Nigeria for too long. The bill has been there since 1985. It is a combination of about four Acts; they were repealed and consolidated in one so that the water sector can have one kind of law. It’s easier to implement and determine how things should operate.

''On the claims that the bill is concentrating more powers on the federal government, it’s a lie. All those that are displaying this ignorance on the bill, didn’t read it. Let them take the bill and read it. There’s nowhere in that bill that the federal government will usurp the position of the states or local governments. It is clearly stated in Section 50 of the bill the roles the federal, state and local governments will play. Unfortunately, our leaders that are saying this didn’t read this bill. ''Water Resources Bill is important because we’ve had it before. There was Water Resources Act of 1985; there’s River Basin Development Authorities Act; there’s Water Resources Institute Act, Hydrological Integrated Agency Act and these were laws that were brought together, improved to meet up with the development in the water sector and best practices around the

world. ''If people have something against the legislation, let them point it out, and then it could be amended to conform to the wishes of Nigerians. I have been asking people to tell me the section of that bill that they have a problem with. Not one could tell me. They are just speculating, saying RUGA this and that but there’s nothing talking about Rural Grazing Area in that bill.

That’s a complete display of ignorance about the bill.

"But people have their suspicion because they don’t like what this government brings on board, simple. If it is something of concern, of course, people will sit down and look at it.

It’s because they are lazy; they couldn’t read it to see how the principles will work and that’s why they are speculating all these shenanigans and confusing the general public.

"We need to harness, develop and protect our water resources.

Or will you just allow our water resources at the mercy of other sovereignty? These are the innovations the federal government is trying to bring by putting all these legislations together and have one common legislation for the water sector so that it’s easy to manage and protect.''

Soli urged critics of the bill to lobby the legislature for the amendment of the bill.

"Let the people approach the parliament and then we do the needful. If it goes to the Senate and they decide to hold public hearings then they should, but the House has done that. There was a technical committee where all the ministries of water resources came to the National Assembly and they were part of the public hearing and all representations were brought even in the borehole drillers. The government of Benue State was also at the public hearing.

LEADING THE SUB-REGION...

Minister of Foreign Aairs, Chief Georey Onyeama (left), and President Muhammadu Buhari at the 57th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Niamey, Niger‌yesterday

Military Sets up Drone Base in North-east to Combat Terrorism Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The military has commenced the construction of a base for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and other air assets in the North-east as part of efforts to deal with the security challenges in the North-east and the entire country.

This was coming as troops killed five insurgents in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said, in a statement by its Director of Public Relation, Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, that with the construction of the infrastructure for a newly-established unit, the 203 Combat Reconnaissance Group (203 CRG) in Gombe

State, would serve as the base for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other air assets.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, said in Gombe that the project would bring new capabilities to NAF’s operations thereby further enhancing its ability to contain threats to the nation and its citizens.

Abubakar said in response to the security imperatives in the North-east, NAF had expanded its facilities at the Headquarters of the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri, Borno State, as well as at NAF Base in Yola, Adamawa State, while a unit had been established in Damaturu, Yobe State. “These new units and

expansions, coupled with others carried out across the country, have undoubtedly, enhanced the capacity of NAF to ensure that Nigeria is secured and our citizens are able to pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear,� he added.

On the clash with insurgents in Borno State, an update issued by the Coordinator of the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj. Gen. John Enenche, said in continuation of the aggressive clearance operation to stamp out insurgents and other criminal elements from the North-east, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole killed five insurgents in Gwoza.

He said the troops, acting

on credible intelligence on the activities of BHT/ ISWAP terrorists at Hamdaga Makaranta town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of 192 Battalion supported by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole raided the location.

"The gallant troops overwhelmed them killing five, while others escaped with gunshots wounds. Troops also cleared nine identified isolated BHT/ISWAP structures and farmlands in the area.

"Furthermore, troops successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims comprising two females and five children.

Currently, the gallant troops have dominated the area with aggressive patrols," it said.

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NEWS

Sultan Demands End to Southern Kaduna Killings John Shiklam in Kaduna Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council

and Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa'ad Abubakar III, has condemned the killings in the Southern part of

FEC Approves 191 Memoranda on Policy, Contracts, Says SGF Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a total of 191 out of the 282 memoranda on policy and contracts forwarded to it by ministers within the last year.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, said yesterday at the first ministerial performance review retreat in Abuja that as of September 2, FEC granted memoranda, briefs and notes processed by the Cabinet Affairs Office under the Office of the SGF. He added that 50 of the 191 memos were policy-related, with 128 as project contracts and 13 council notes. The federal government has also provided technical support in the form of training to all ministries towards improving their capacity in cabinet documentation and processing.

The SGF also said the federal government had been unable to effectively track and monitor FECapproved policies, projects and programmes as earlier envisaged apparently due to the lockdown arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He assured cabinet members that the process

Kaduna State, describing the incidence as a “madness that must stop immediately.�

Speaking yesterday at the opening of a meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna, the Sultan called on sponsors of the killings to stop the dastardly act, declaring "enough is enough."

He said "no man in his right senses will go on a killing spree of innocent people under whatever guise.�

The monarch, who accused politicians of fuelling

the crisis, also called on Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used.

He said any politician who ignites violence does not mean well for the people and called on the people to shun such politicians.

"You keep on igniting killings based on ethnoreligious differences because it is the innocent children that are killed while those of the elites are protected,� he said.

Earlier, Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, had said the

Southern Kaduna crisis had lingered on for the past 40 years since the first Kasuwan Magani riot in Kajuru Local Government Area in 1980.

"Kaduna is a mini-Nigeria with over 52 ethnic groups, meaning that 10 per cent of Nigeria's ethnic groups are from Kaduna State. “The danger of it is that crimes committed by criminals for their own selfish motives are given ethno-religious interpretations," the governor said.

He added that his

administration has been striving to stop the killings, citing the location of a military base and a mobile police depot in the area as well as the deployment of the Air Force and Strike Force personnel as part of measures to stop the killings.

According to him, equipment like drones and GSM trackers are being used and had helped to neutralise thousands of the bandits in the state.

After the opening ceremony, the meeting went into a closed-door session.

would soon be accelerated by the Delivery Unit.

The retreat was a sequel to a presidential retreat that was held in August 2019 for minister-designates, permanent secretaries and top government functionaries to prepare and sensitise cabinet members on the policies, programmes and projects of government and the road map towards the delivery of its priorities and Next Level Agenda for 2019 – 2023.

Mustapha said the threeday retreat would be used to review the performance of each minister in delivering the priority projects assigned to them upon their appointment in 2019, identify key impediments to implementation and restrategise on how to deliver on the priority areas by taking into cognisance key underlying factors that have affected performance and delivery.

He said the report of the analysis and synthetisation of the assessment and the review of ministerial performance reports would be presented during the technical session.

The self-assessment template that was completed by all ministries was validated by the OSGF and its technical partners through engagements Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh (left), and Bayelsa State Governor, with the ministers.

Senator Douye Diri, during the governor’s courtesy visit to NIMASA’s corporate headquarters in Apapa, Lagos‌yesterday

SEEKING MARITIME SAFETY...

NNPC: AKK Pipeline Contract Not Inflated Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday dismissed the allegation that Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project was inflated to the tune of $1.527 billion.

The corporation, which listed the due processes the project underwent before final approval, described the allegation as false, baseless and unfounded.

A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Dr. Kennie Obateru, said NNPC was considering instituting legal actions against the medium that published the allegation and its collaborators.

He said the corporation brought the 'unfounded' accusation to the attention of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), which rejected the speculative analysis of the online medium as false and not portraying the

true position of BPP’s report on the subject. “This is clearly a concocted analysis aimed at attacking the character of the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, and the integrity of the Bureau of Public Procurements (BPP).

"Kyari did not become the GMD until July 2019 and he is being mentioned in a process that took place in 2017 by the account of the publication.

"This is rather unfortunate and malicious, considering that a further cut of $300 million of the contract value was achieved under the Kyari-led NNPC management leading to the recognition by the Federal Executive Council as an unprecedented action," it stated.

The statement explained that BPP, following a detailed review and analysis of the procurement bid confirmed that the unit costs for line pipes adopted by NNPC for the project were reasonable when compared with current

market prices for 40�, 36�, 20� and 14� steel pipes.

It added that it was on that basis that BPP confirmed and granted a certificate of no-objection dated August 11, 2017.

NNPC stated that AKK project underwent a transparent and open competitive tender process that resulted in the emergence of the most competitive bidders, wondering how a competitive tender process could be inflated. “Approval of all relevant authorities was obtained after intense scrutiny by the various agencies. This is a deliberate attempt to mislead the Nigerian public with baseless information,� the statement added.

The corporation said AKK pipeline project was one of the key landmark projects with transparent processes from inception to date, adding that the entire evaluation was carried out by NNPC and Infrastructure Concession

Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

The corporation cited the various stringent due process reviews and scrutiny, internally and externally, which AKK pipeline project went through.

According to the oil corporation, they include the conduct of project bankability study, at project’s conception in 2013, undertaken by Standard Chartered Bank to confirm appetite for attracting financing from international community and execution of project feasibility and Front End Engineering Design (FEED) by a reputable international company, ILF of Germany, in 2014.

"The details developed at this phase had enough engineering design details to enable a competitive class of estimate to be submitted by the contractors," it said.

It listed other processes as the advertisement of the project in both local and foreign print media in 2013, while after completion

of the FEED study by ILF in 2015, the pre-qualified bidders were issued tender documents.

It stated that the competitive tendering and evaluation of the bids by both NNPC and transaction advisers, Alpine and also by a team from ICRC, extensive review of the project design and the final cost in 2017 by the BPP, culminated in the issuance of a 'Certificate of No Objection' in August 2017.

NNPC added that it received due process certificates for the project, including Original Business Case and Final Business Case from ICRC and Local Content Compliance Certificate from Nigerian Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB) before presenting to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval in December 2017.

It added that there was a renegotiation of the contract when financing was not to be provided by the contractors

following a stalemate due to the inability of the company, awarded the contract to progress financing in 2019, leading to a further cut of $300 million of the contract value under the Kyari-led NNPC. The corporation stated that it set up a steering committee in July 2020 comprising key project stakeholders as NNPC, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, the Central Bank, Debt Management Office, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and a representative from the presidency to ensure transparency in the implementation of the project.

NNPC stated that after several failed attempts in the last 13 years to commence AKK project activities, the leadership of Kyari, within one year of stewardship, brought the project on track, leading to the award of the contract at a competitive price and eventual flag-off of construction in June.

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PAGE EIGHT FG APPEALS OVER DEREGULATION, HOPE RISES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING commodities are still cheaper in Nigeria than in any other African country.

But a former Chairman of the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Mustapha Chike-Obi, has punctured the popular belief that fixing the nation's refineries would translate into cheaper petrol for Nigerians.

Yesterday's interventions by Osinbajo and the ministers are the fourth since last week when the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) jacked up the ex-depot price of petrol from N138 per litre to N151, inducing a shift in the retail cost of the commodity from between N145-N148 to the extant N158-N162 band.

Earlier, a new tariff regime in the power sector, under which the price of a kilowatt per hour of electricity had more than doubled, had taken effect from September 1.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, had last Thursday shed light on why the federal government was forced to stop fuel subsidy,

saying it constituted a drain on the country’s meagre resources.

She had explained that all the decisions were geared towards weathering the current headwinds posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The presidency followed up with a statement on Sunday in which it said but for a myriad of economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the president would not have allowed the rise in the pump price of petrol to protect the vulnerable.

It stated that history would be kind to President Muhammadu Buhari for summoning the courage to make such a hard decision that would save Nigeria from economic ruination.

However, the vice president, at the opening of a three-day ministerial retreat in Abuja disclaimed insinuations that the Buhari administration was insensitive by hiking fuel price and electricity tariffs at the same time.

He explained that the fuel subsidy was removed to avert the return of fuel queues and

the attendant man-hour loss.

Osinbajo represented Buhari to declare open the retreat, following the president's trip to Niamey, Niger Republic capital to attend the ECOWAS Summit on COVID-19.

He said in view of the subsidy removal, fuel price would continue to rise as the cost of crude oil recovers in the international market.

He, however, explained that the government would not allow independent marketers to take advantage of the situation by arbitrarily hiking petrol price.

According to him, the current hike in fuel price is not a fresh development, but rather a product of deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector earlier in the year following the fall in the prices of crude oil in the international market because of the effects of COVID-19 on the global economy.

He said following the deregulation, the pump price of petrol would always rise when the prices of crude oil increase in the international market.

He added that notwithstanding

the attendant hike in the prices of refined petroleum products, the federal government could not return to the subsidy regime because government revenues have dropped by 60 per cent.

According to him, if the federal government should return to the subsidy regime, it could lead to a return to fuel queues.

Osinbajo stated that petrol subsidy had to be scrapped, because there was no allocation for it in the revised 2020 budget in view of the necessity to free funds for health, education and other social services.

He said: "The COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected economies globally, has compelled us to make some far-reaching adjustments that may cause some initial pain, but which is necessary for long-term gains.

As you all know, when oil prices collapsed at the height of the global lockdown, we deregulated the price of premium motor spirit (PMS) such that the benefit of lower prices was passed to consumers. This was welcome by all and sundry.

"The effect of regulation though

is that petrol prices will change with changes in global oil prices.

This means, quite regrettably, that as oil prices recover, we would see some increases in petrol prices.

"There are several negative consequences if the government should resume the business of fixing or subsidising petrol prices. First of all, it would mean a return to the costly subsidy regime. Today we have 60 per cent less revenues, we just cannot afford the cost. “The second danger is the potential return of fuel queues - which has, thankfully, become a thing of the past under this administration.

"Nigerians no longer have to endure long queues just to buy petrol, often at highly inflated prices. Also, as I hinted earlier, there is no provision for fuel subsidy in the revised 2020 budget, simply because we are not able to afford it if reasonable provisions must be made for health, education and other social services. We now have no choice."

However, the vice president

said the government would be alive to its responsibilities by ensuring that oil marketers do not take advantage of the development to arbitrarily increase the pump price of petrol.

He added that PPPRA has provided a price ceiling that marketers must not exceed and with the deregulation of the oil sector, more marketers are free to import petrol.

According to him, with more entrants into the market, the competition would increase that would kindle the law of supply and demand that would eventually force down the price of petrol.

He said: "Nevertheless, I want to assure our compatriots that government will remain alert to its responsibilities. The role of government now is to prevent marketers from raising prices arbitrarily or exploiting citizens.

This was why PPPRA made the announcement a few days ago setting the range of price that must not be exceeded by marketers.

the proposed currency, without a meeting, stipulated criteria had created disaffection and mistrust among member-states. “The premature adoption of the 'ECO' has unnecessarily heightened disaffection and mistrust among members of the emerging monetary union,� he said.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said Buhari encouraged “UEMOA (French acronym for the West African Economic and Monetary Union) to return to the roadmap on the common currency in the sub-region.�

The president urged all stakeholders to “bear in mind that those economic convergence criteria must be based on sound and sustainable macroeconomic fundamentals.�

He listed some key unresolved issues over a single currency plan to include: delinking the CFA franc of the UEMOA from the Euro; whether the UEMOA countries join as a bloc or individual countries; design of the exchange rate mechanism; stabilisation fund; policy harmonisation and exit strategy and reserve pooling.

The president appealed to his

colleagues to provide African solutions to African problems. “Foreign interference and so-called advice may not be in our best sub-regional interest,� he said, reiterating the “need for UEMOA to return to the agreed roadmap of the ECOWAS single currency by complying with the established framework under the roadmap and cooperate with other member-countries in achieving the objectives of the programme.�

Buhari also spoke on the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the summit was holding “under a very complex health pandemic, whose impact on the global health and economy has so far been devastating."

The president, who is ECOWAS Champion on COVID-19, with the task of mobilising and coordinating regional efforts against the pandemic, said the “outlook for our sub-region with COVID-19 hovering over us is gloomy indeed.�

He added: “Like the rest of the world, our sub-region is witnessing an economic downturn with negative growth that is headed towards deep recession and the outlook

continues to be uncertain.�

He also charged his colleagues on the “need to continue to work in concert with each other on several fronts to ease the negative effects of the pandemic. “We need to demonstrate our collective resolve to harness the opportunities that come with COVID-19, despite its overwhelming negative impact on lives and livelihoods,� he said.

Buhari said he was confident that where there are challenges, opportunities are also available to be seized upon through greater collaboration with each other.

"We must pool our resources together in unity to save our generation and generations to come from multiple challenges, including COVID-19 and related health issues. “We need to redouble our efforts in preparing our national economies to withstand impending shocks against prospective multi-sector challenges that await us in the sub-region," he said.

Buhari also appealed to his colleagues to “embrace our collective vision for the future with greater determination and innovative thinking and creativity.�

people had made up their minds that the central must have its second term.

Similarly, Akeredolu said the people had also made up their minds that he, from Ondo North should have another four years so that it could go to the south.

"So, Jegede is eminently qualified, he is a lawyer of repute, somebody I respect, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria like me. But for Agboola Ajayi, Ondo State is not for a neophyte,� he said.

Asked whether he is expecting a stiffer contest with Jegede, the governor said: " He is a worthy adversary. I don't see anything wrong with him.

He is somebody I have a lot of respect for. He is making a futile effort because he will soon realise that the timing is not right for him now. “He cannot on his own to disrupt the written agreement of who becomes the governor.

We have done a lot of work that will speak for us."

On what he would do differently when he is re-elected, he said: "We have a lot we are doing; we need to go deep into finding solutions to so many other problems we have in this state. I spoke about the infrastructural deficit. We are not where we should be yet

as a lot of work is still there to be done, a lot of roads and industries need to be constructed.

We have six industries working here. Is that all we need to have in Ondo State? No. We need to build more industries and encourage more investors to come into the state.

"Those are the challenges we are still going to face and I have in place two other industrial hubs that are coming up. I believe that people should allow us to see this through. We have had situations where governors come in and they don't believe that government is a continuum. “They disrupt everything that their predecessor has done. I didn't do it in my own time and I don't believe that it is right.

I am one of those that believe that if you allow for continuity, there will be consolidation. In the next four years, I believe it is not the time for us to rest, but for us to continue with the work we are set to do."

The governor said he has been working so that the state could have a deep-sea port which would be a great achievement for any government, adding that he has ensured exploration and mining of bitumen, so that Nigeria would not have to import it.

"I want to see it through. The

numerous projects, which my administration has been able to achieve over the years, is a landmark achievement," he added.

Continued on page 9

DON’T ELONGATE YOUR TENURE, BUHARI URGES ECOWAS LEADERS important that as leaders of our individual member-states of ECOWAS, we need to adhere to the constitutional provisions of our countries, particularly on term limits. This is one area that generates crisis and political tension in our sub-region. “As it is, the challenges facing the sub-region are enormous; from socio-economic matters to security issues, the ECOWAS sub-region cannot, therefore, afford another political crisis, in the guise of tenure elongation.

I urge us all to resist the temptation of seeking to perpetuate ourselves in power beyond the constitutional provisions. “I commend those in our midst that have resisted such temptations, for they will be deemed exceptional role models in their respective countries and the sub-region as a whole. “Related to this call for restraint is the need to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.

This must be the bedrock for democracy to be sustained in our sub-region, just as the need for adherence to the rule of law.�

On Mali, Buhari commended President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic and the

outgoing Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and the leadership of the ECOWAS Commission, as well as the chief mediator, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, “for effectively demonstrating a commitment to handling the political situation in that country.�

He said: “Nigeria remains resolutely committed to ECOWAS' decision for a civilianled transition government not exceeding 12 months. This is important because of the circumstances surrounding Mali where violent non-state actors and other negative tendencies reside and who can take advantage of the unstable political situation to overrun the country, thereby plunging it into greater danger that will affect the political stability of the whole sub-region. “While Nigeria understands the current political realities in Mali, the sub-region’s commitment to the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, must never be compromised. “An early return to democratic governance, which is transparent and civilian-led will commend

itself for Nigeria’s support for progressive relaxation of sanctions against Mali.�

Buhari also spoke on the security situation in West Africa, noting that terrorism continues to be the greatest security threat in the sub-region, complicating other national security challenges.

According to him, "As a subregion, we need to collaborate more by working hand-in-hand with each other to combat the root causes of the different security-related manifestations in our countries. “Nigeria is concerned with the rapidity at which terrorist groups in the Sahel and West Africa are working together against all of us. “We must urgently review these ugly developments to guarantee the safety and survival of our sub-region. “Our national security apparatus and the relevant units of ECOWAS must urgently be seized with these unfolding events across our sub-region and act decisively on the emergence of early warning signs.�

He said the decision of the French-speaking West African countries to ambush their Anglophone counterparts on

AKEREDOLU: MY PERFORMANCE WILL GIVE ME SECOND TERM He also slammed his predecessor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, whom he described as a spent force and a betrayer.

The APC candidate denied ever being an ally of Mimiko, adding that he would retain his seat without his support.

Mimiko is backing Akeredolu’s estranged deputy, Chief Agboola Ajayi, who is running on the platform of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

"Mimiko is not my ally. I ran against him in 2012. I ran against Jegede in 2015 with Mimiko supporting him. How can you call Mimiko my ally?

"The only thing is that I have treated him fairly. No other governor has treated his predecessors as fairly as I have treated Mimiko. Mimiko has his own traits," the governor stated.

Akeredolu also condemned the relationship between Ajayi and Mimiko, stating that they are united by the same bad behaviour.

He said: "If Agboola had done what he did and found solace and succour in Mimiko, that is unfortunate. It is because they shared the same traits. People who are prone to betraying others must come together.

They have an identical feather.

They want to work together. So why are we worrying ourselves

about them?

"Mimiko is not a political force anywhere. He left office and wanted to go to the Senate.

He did not even win his local government out of six local governments. So, what force is he?

"He is a spent force. He is dead politically and probably he needed some resurrection and some support. If Agboola has some money to waste, they can support him. Mimiko is nobody in the politics of Ondo State today and Agboola cannot resuscitate him.

"Let them do whatever they can do but for them to say I am nervous about forces, they say they are Third Force, third force from what? They don't exist. They exist in your news medium only.

"I can assure you. We are prepared. This is APC. When we are not in government, Mimiko with Jegede, we defeated them.

Why should we be afraid? We won convincingly. We defeated them in 14 local governments out of 18.

"Let me assure the people that are watching us today that we are going to win the entire 18 local governments. We are not boasting. We have worked and people have seen our work and our work will speak for us. We

are not a garden of betrayals.

"Mimiko can continue with what he is doing. He worked with Adefarati, he betrayed him; he worked with Agagu, he betrayed him. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we all supported him to become the governor, did he not betray us? And you call him my ally. We have never been in the same political camp.

"He is not my ally. I just brought Agboola from PDP to come and work with us. If he feels he wants to go back home, he has his record. Tell me any person, who had been in three political parties in one month. From APC to PDP and to one party called Z Labour Party. Is that a human being?

"You can see that he is an inconsistent person. Three political parties in one month."

However, Akeredolu said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, is qualified to be the governor of the state, describing him as a responsible and reasonable person.

But he said the time was not right for Jegede to contest being from Ondo Central where he (Mimiko) came from.

The governor said he (Akeredolu) ran against the tide in 2012 when he contested against Mimiko because the

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9

TUESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS FG APPEALS OVER DEREGULATION, HOPE RISES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING "The advantage we now have is that anyone can bring in petroleum products and compete with marketers, that way the price of petrol will keep coming down. “The other painful adjustment that we have had to make in recent days is a review of the electricity tariff regime. If there is one thing that we have heard over and over again, it is that Nigerians want consistent and reliable power supply.

"So, the power sector remains a critical priority for the administration. Protecting the poor and vulnerable, while ensuring improved service in the power sector, is also a major priority for the government.

And our policies, like the social investment programmes and other socio-economic schemes to benefit Nigerians, show that we remain focused on improving the welfare of the common man."

Osinbajo said like many Nigerians, he had not been happy with the quality of services being provided by the distribution companies (Discos), prompting the federal government to allow the Discos to make tariff adjustment as determined by guaranteed improvement in supply.

He said under this arrangement, only consumers with guaranteed power supply for 12 hours could have their tariffs adjusted, while those who experience supply below 12 hours would pay the old tariffs.

He added that following arbitrary estimated billing by Discos, a move aimed at metering five million Nigerians, with the meters produced by local manufacturers has begun.

According to him, the new metering arrangement would create jobs while the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been directed to strictly enforce capping regulation to ensure that unmetered consumers are not billed above their metered neighbours.

"The recent service-based tariff adjustment by the Discos has been a source of concern for many of us. Let me say frankly that like many Nigerians, I have been very unhappy about the quality of service given by the Discos.

"That is why we have directed that tariff adjustments be made only on the basis of guaranteed improvement in service. Under this new arrangement, only customers who are guaranteed a minimum of 12 hours of power and above can have their tariffs adjusted,� he said.

He also unveiled plans by the federal government to supply solar power system to five million homes within 12 months.

He said the plan would be beneficial to 25 million citizens with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) providing the financial backing for manufacturers, while the scheme would create 250,000 jobs.

According to him, the metering arrangement would also provide 50,000 jobs, thus bringing the job creation target in the sector to 300,000.

He said the electricity tariff adjustment was more about establishing a system to result in improved service for consumers at a fair and reasonable price, adding that the simultaneous fuel hike and increase in electricity tariff is a mere coincidence.

"There has been some concern expressed about the timing of these two necessary adjustments.

It is important to stress that it is a mere coincidence in the sense that the deregulation of PMS prices happened quite some time ago, it was announced on 18 March 2020 and the price moderation that took place at the beginning of this month was just part of the ongoing monthly adjustments to global crude oil prices.

"Similarly, the review of service-based electricity tariffs was scheduled to start at the beginning of July but was put on hold to enable further studies

and proper arrangements to be made," he said.

He disagreed with insinuations that the federal government is insensitive, saying the government would not deliberately inflict hardship on the people as he tasked ministers and other senior officials to effectively implement the economic sustainability plan.

"In order to mitigate the effects of the developments on Nigerians, CBN had created credit facilities to the tune of N100 billion for healthcare and N1 trillion for manufacturing.

"From January 2020 to date, over N191.87 billion has already been disbursed for 76 real sectors projects under the N1 trillion Real Sector Scheme; while 34 healthcare projects have been funded to the tune of N37.159 billion under the Healthcare Sector Intervention Facility. The facilities are meant to address some of the infrastructural gap in the healthcare and manufacturing sector as a fall out to the COVID-19 pandemic and to facilitate the attainment of the governors' five-year strategic plan," the vice president added.

Fuel Price, Electricity Tariffs in Nigeria, Lowest in Africa, Say Ministers Meanwhile, some ministers have appealed to Nigerians to show understanding over the hike in fuel price and electricity tariff, saying Buhari is not unmindful of the pains associated with higher prices at this time.

They, however, said in spite of the recent increases in the price of fuel, petrol price and electricity tariffs in Nigeria remain the lowest in the West/Central African sub-regions.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva; and Minister of Power, Alhaji Saleh Mamman, told reporters at a joint press conference in Abuja that the federal government could no longer afford fuel subsidy, as revenues and foreign exchange earnings have fallen by almost 60 per cent due to the downturn in the fortunes of the oil sector.

Also explaining what informed the hike in electricity tariff, Mohammed, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said in order to keep the industry going, the government has so far spent almost N1.7 trillion, especially by supplementing tariffs shortfalls.

He added that the government does not have the resources to continue along this path.

The minister, however, said the federal government would continue to seek ways to cushion the pains, especially for the most vulnerable Nigerians with cheaper and more efficient fuel in form of autogas.

According to him, the current price regime of petrol is in line with the deregulation of the downstream sector in March in accordance with prevailing market dynamics. ‘’With the price of crude inching up, the price of petrol locally is also bound to increase, hence the latest price of N162 per litre. If, per chance, the price of crude drops again, the price of petrol will also drop, and the benefits will also be passed on to the consumers. ‘’The angry reactions that have greeted the latest prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) are, therefore, unnecessary and totally mischievous. Gentlemen, the truth of the matter is that subsidising fuel is no longer feasible, especially under the prevailing economic conditions in the country," he stated.

The minister added that even though the federal government acted to mitigate the effect of the economic slowdown by adopting an Economic Sustainability Plan, it also had to make some difficult decisions to stop unsustainable practices weighing the economy

down.

Mohammed added that from 2006 to 2019, fuel subsidy gulped N10.413 trillion - an average of N743.8 billion per annum. ‘’According to figures provided by the NNPC, the breakdown of the 14-year subsidy is as follows: in 2006 subsidy was N257 billion; in 2007, subsidy was N272 billion; in 2008, subsidy was N631 billion; in 2009, N469 billion; in 2010, N667 billion; in 2011, N2.105 trillion; in 2012, N1.355 trillion; in 2013, N1.316 trillion; in 2014, N1.217 trillion; in 2015, N654 billion; in 2016, figure not available; in 2017 the subsidy was N144.3 billion; in 2018, N730.86 billion, and in 2019, subsidy was N595 billion," he stated.

Presenting a comparative analysis of petrol prices in the sub-regions (Naira equivalent per litre), Mohammed said in Nigeria it's N162 per litre; Ghana - N332; Benin Republic - N359; Togo N300; Niger - N346; Chad - N366; Cameroon - N449 and Burkina Faso - N433 per Litre.

In Mali, it's N476 per litre; Liberia - N257; Sierra Leone N281; Guinea - N363; Senegal - N549, while in other places, petrol sells for N211 per litre in Egypt and N168 in Saudi Arabia.

On electricity tariff adjustment

by Discos, Mohammed explained that the government does not have to borrow just to subsidise generation and distribution, which are both privatised.

He, however, stated that to protect the vulnerable, NERC has approved that tariff adjustments had to be made, but only on the basis of guaranteed improvement in service.

Mohammed also said despite the recent service-based tariff review, the cost of electricity in Nigeria is still cheaper than in many countries in Africa.

He advised Nigerians to renounce those who have latched onto the issue of petrol pricing and electricity tariff review to throw the country into chaos.

The minister of state for Petroleum said the huge effects of COVID-19 pushed the federal government to take tough decisions, appealing for understanding by Nigerians.

Fixing ReďŹ neries Won’t Lead to Cheaper Petrol Price, Chike-Obi Insists A former Chairman of AMCON, Chief Mustapha Chike-Obi, yesterday said contrary to popular belief, fixing refineries in the country would not automatically make the pump price of petrol more affordable.

Chike-Obi, the current Chairman of Fidelity Bank, who spoke on ARISE NEWS, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, added that there's no empirical evidence to support the belief that banning foreign imports and producing incountry would lead to a cheaper commodity.

Citing the ban on sugar, cement, textile, and flour as examples, he explained that the problem with the Nigerian economy is deeper than merely banning imports and embarking on local production.

He noted that there's no supporting infrastructure, including power and efficient transportation system to reduce the prices of goods produced locally.

Chike-Obi, who threw his weight behind the removal of subsidy on petrol and increase in electricity tariffs, said both decisions were in the right direction.

He admitted that the government and its agencies need to communicate more effectively with Nigerians to understand the benefits of deregulation.

He said: "There's never a good time for difficult reforms. There's always a reason to put it off. I think we need to separate the

reforms from the timing. The government has work to do in terms of building trust and communicating the reasons for its actions. “On a stand-alone basis, the reforms make sense. Nigeria can no longer afford to be paying triple subsidy on foreign exchange, electricity and petrol.

There's no time you remove them that people will not say, why didn't you wait. “This is the correct time to do it, though it affects a lot of people because the Nigerian revenue scenario is drying up and you don't wait for the fire to burn your house before calling for fire service.�

He added that while the current reforms are still “baby steps,� the federal government should be commended for taking tough measures.

According to him, “As for the refineries, the best analogy is cement. Everything to make cement, including gypsum, is in Nigeria here. Yet Nigerian cement is more expensive than their foreign alternative. “We had to ban the importation of bagged cement in order to allow the cement companies in Nigeria to thrive. So, the notion that if we refine petroleum in Nigeria, it will be cheaper than petroleum refined in Belgium or Denmark or Holland is not supported by any facts. “Our textile industries couldn't compete with their foreign alternatives. What we need to do is to address the root cause of our non-competitiveness.

Why everything we make in Nigeria is either lesser quality or more expensive than its foreign alternatives. “And those things are the cost of power, cost of transportation.

Transporting a container from China to Apapa is cheaper than transporting the same container from Apapa to Kano. “We need to address the infrastructure issues which again have come from bad management for the last 15-20 years. It's not a matter of any immediate government."

According to him, the federal government must now begin to efficiently deploy the resources freed from subsidy to the health, education and other priority areas, so that Nigerians would begin to see the positive impact of the removal of subsidies soon.

On the confusion surrounding the deregulation of the downstream sector, Chike-Obi advised that Nigerians "should not allow perfect be the enemy of good," saying, however, that whether Nigeria sells it crude oil abroad or in the country, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota would play a significant part.

He said: “The fact that they have taken a step or two towards deregulation is better than taking no steps at all. “All the people complaining about the perfect deregulation, I say to them to be patient. This government has now shown it is willing to look at reforms.

They are baby steps, but it is a good step. “You say we have crude oil in Nigeria, but many Nigerians don't realise that we have a production quota from OPEC. So, whether you give it to Nigerians or sell it for dollars, you can't produce more than the quota and they don't deduct what you use internally from your quota. “So, the problem is: is the best use of your crude oil (two million bpd) to subsidise Nigerians or its best use is use it to get as many dollars as you can get, to build, roads, schools and power.

That's the question facing us.�

Chike-Obi stated that the country could not afford to continue to subsidise petrol when schools are failing, the power supply is erratic, adding that the government must now begin to prioritise.

Rewane: Subsidy Removal, Tariff Increase will Boost Investments Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has said the removal of subsidy and increase in electricity tariffs would boost investments in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry, as well as the power sector.

Speaking yesterday on ARISE NEWS channel, Rewane said subsidy removal would encourage investments in private refineries such as the Dangote Refinery, while the tariffs increase would help the power companies to invest in metering, network expansion and also improve generation.

According to him, an electricity consumer in Ikoyi parts of Lagos spends about N25,000 on generators daily, while he would only pay about N8,000 under the new tariffs. “If you live in Ikoyi, you spend N25,000 to power the generator daily. But if you are under Eko Electricity Distribution Company, you will pay about N8,000. What has happened is that the affluent is subsidising the poor,� he explained.

On the issue of removal of the petrol subsidy, he said the measure would free revenues for the government to provide essential services and at the same time boost investments in the downstream sector. “Investments will increase.

It will boost investments in private refineries such as Dangote Refinery, while those who will buy our dilapidated refineries will also come. “Nobody is justifying any increase but where will the revenue come from? There is no appropriate time. If not now, when? If not you, who? “There is a time, you have to take hard decisions,� he added.

Fuel Subsidy Removal Raises Hope of Infrastructure Development, Analysts Say Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) recently announced a new Ex-depot price of N151.56 for petrol raising pump rice of the product to N161 per litre, a development that has continued to generate mixed reactions, especially following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the move is one most economic analysts agree is long overdue, largely because it signals federal government’s desire to stop the corruptionridden fuel subsidy regime which had benefitted only a few.

Subsidy payment had continued to increase over the years, hitting an N1. 149, 385 trillion in 2019-a year when only a mere $1 billion was provided in the budget-forcing a massive deficit government had to patch through borrowing.

This is the burden the government is shedding with the withdrawal of subsidy payments which has inevitably led to the increase in pump price.

The Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc and former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Mustapha Chike-Obi, supported the government’s action.

According to him, there is no better time to take such an action but now.

Chike-Obi said: “Look, there is never a good time for difficult reforms, there is always a reason to put it off. So I think we need to separate the reforms themselves from the timing, and I agree that the government has work to

do in terms of building trust and in also communicating the reasons for the actions better.

But the reforms themselves on the standalone basis, they make sense. “Nigeria can no longer afford the subsidies that it has been paying and I mention the triple subsidies on foreign exchange, electricity, and PMS, and there is no time you remove any of those subsidies that people will not say, well, why didn’t you wait, you could have waited and all that.�

Also, the Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Adetunji Oyebanji, welcomed government’s action in allowing the market to determine prices.

He said the policy would prevent the return of subsidies while allowing operators the opportunity to recover their costs, adding that it would in the long run, encourage investment and create jobs.

Nonetheless, with landing cost of petrol currently at N207.98, government would have to pay N62.98 subsidy per litre of petrol and the NNPC has to defray an estimated N3.149b per day under what is tagged “under-recovery.�

Therefore, the experts agree that this cannot be sustainable in a country such as Nigeria where the subsidy fund could do a lot to develop critical infrastructure to grow the economy.

The argument against subsidy payment is further buttressed by the current lopsided situation where Nigeria’s low fuel price has encouraged smuggling of the product to other West African countries where prices are far higher.

For instance, in Niger Republic which borders Katsina State, petrol sells for N346 per litre while in Cameroon it sells for N449. In Ghana it is N332 while in Benin Republic down south, it sells for N359 per litre.

According to data from www.globalpetrolprices.com, Nigeria is the only country in West Africa where petrol sells for less than N200 per litre, and this has allowed unscrupulous marketers promote smuggling of the product to the detriment of the country.

The argument that Nigeria is an oil producing country and should provide petrol at cheaper cost does not hold water since the country has relied largely on importation for local consumption.

Nigeria’s refineries have not worked at optimum capacity in the last two or three decades due to lack of adequate maintenance and corruption in public expenditure.

Nigeria now has the opportunity to invest the huge sums that would have gone into subsidy payment to into the four refineries to make petrol available locally, which is the only viable way the product can be cheaper.

Those who protested against removal of subsidy under the Goodluck Jonathan government did so because of lack of confidence in the ability of the administration to manage the surplus fund well, in view of the widespread perception of the his administration as corrupt and unwilling to stop the squandering of public resources.

There’s no doubt the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has amply demonstrated that public resources would no longer be imprudently managed and had shown a desire to invest in capital projects across the country.

Many would argue that some opposition political parties criticizing the Buhari administration as a result of the withdrawal of fuel subsidy are being hypocritical because they know it is the right thing to do.

10

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

DPO: How 17 Policemen, Civilians were Killed in Offa Bank Robbery Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, CSP Adamu Danjuma, yesterday narrated how 17 people, including nine policemen and eight civilians were killed in cold blood in the April 5, 2018 Offa bank armed robbery operation.

Danjuma while testifying at the resumed hearing of the trial of five accused persons charged for the robbery also said 21 AK47 rifles were stolen from the armoury of the police station during the robbery operation.

The police officer was the first eyewitness to testify before Justice Haleema Saleeman of a Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin.

He also narrated how he escaped being killed in the robbery operation.

The five accused persons standing trial for “Conspiracy, Armed robbery, Possession of Firearms and Ammunition and Murder” are : Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran.

They were all brought to court yesterday.

Danjuma, who was the fifth prosecution witness (PW5), said the suspected armed robbers destroyed the PoliceArmoury in Offa station and also used explosives to attack banks.

He gave the names of the police officers and men that were gunned down by the suspected robbers as Julius Pelemo (ASP), Yusuf Danjuma (Inspector), Grace Makinde (Inspector), and Oke

Kayode (Inspector).

Others are : Sergeants Mustapha Kolawole, Bilikisu Babawale, Abimbola Adedokun, Yootum Nakoma and Monday Isa. “On the said date at about 4:45 pm, I heard a gunshot from the direction of Captain Cook Eatery Junction in the town; after two minutes interval I heard sporadic shootings from that direction heading towards my police station.

Immediately, I came out of my office to the charge room (counter). The shootings were approaching the station.

“In response, I also fired gunshots into the air from my pistol. As a result, there was a temporary stoppage of shootings from outside. Suddenly, the shootings started coming in from different directions towards the station. A lady who was manning the pedestrian gate was shot in one of her arms making her abandon the place and ran for her dear life. The shootings continued.

“Thereafter, the robbers released explosives into the security tower of the station. Another explosive was released and it hit the main road and bored deep hole on the road. This melee disorganised the whole station. Then, the ammunition in my pistol had got exhausted.

This made me to run for cover at the back of the station’s mosque.

“At the back of the mosque, I sighted three of the armed robber chasing ASP Julius Pelemo to the back of the station’s fence.

Then, I heard the shout of the late Julius after a gunshot. I heard one of the robbers calling those

Nigeria’s COVID-19 Cases Rise By 155 to 55,160 Martins Ifijeh Nigeria has recorded 155 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 55,160 the number of confirmed cases in the country.

Announcing this yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Lagos recorded 42 new cases; Plateau, 25; Rivers, 16; Ebonyi, 10; Abia, Ogun and Federal

Capital Territory (FCT), nine each; Osun, seven; Katsina and Kaduna, six each; Ekiti and Taraba, four each; Edo, three; Anambra and Akwa Ibom, two each; while Kano recorded one case.

It said: “Nigeria has so far recorded 55,160 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 43,231 patients have been discharged, while 1,061 persons have died.”

Petrol Price Hike: Police Warn against Protest in Borno Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The Borno State Police command has warned against any form of protests in the state, insisting that there is still a ban on public rallies in the troubled state.

A statement issued yesterday by the Borno State Police Command, which was signed by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Edet Okon, said no form of protests or public rally would be condoned in the state.

The statement read: “The attention of Borno State Police Command has been drawn to plans by groups with sinister motives to disrupt the hard-earned peace in the state through violent protest purportedly against the hike in fuel and electricity prices and against working conditions of the state civil servants and N-POWER beneficiaries.”

The statement said: “In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police, Borno State, CP

Mohammed Ndatsu Aliyu wishes to state that such protest will not be condoned/allowed by the Command as this may sabotage efforts of the federal/ state governments and that of the security agencies to ensure that the emerging peace and security in the state is sustained.

“The command is using this opportunity to remind members of the public that there is a ban on public rallies and all forms of procession in the state, and this ban, at the moment still subsists.

“The command advises that all forms of grievances should be brought to the table for all parties to chew on.”

The statement noted that: “It is pertinent to note that the organised labour in the state, via a press release dated September 7, 2020 and titled: “The organised labour will not be distracted,” has disowned and frowned at any form of agitation/ protest.”

that ran after the late ASP to come over to the charge room (counter). One of them entered the Surveillance Office and shot dead a policewoman. Two of them ran to the charge room (counter).

“I now changed my position to the toilet near the back of the fence. At that place, I was able to communicate with the state Commissioner of Police; deputy commissioner, operations and the command’s spokesperson seeking for reinforcement. While this was happening, simultaneously, I was hearing gunshots at the banks’

direction in the town. “I was also hearing explosions and accompanying flames around the bank’s area.

“At an interval of between five and 10 minutes, I would hear shootings from the charge room, making it impossible for me to come out of the toilet. After a while, I heard shouts from the town that ‘olee they don go.’ “From the toilet, I headed straight for the charge room and then for the armoury to see the level of damage. “When I entered the armoury I discovered that they had broken the armoury

key. I went to my office and took my office padlock to lock the armoury.”

The police chief said three civilians killed in his station by the robbers were one suspect and two witnesses.

He continued, “while I was planning to take corpses of the deceased to the mortuary, the Administrative Officer of MOPOL came into the station with two police officers shot dead at their duty post in the banks. In addition, other people brought in corpses of civilians killed by the robbers.”

He said he was instrumental to the conveyance of the 17 corpses

to the General Hospital in Ilorin for autopsy and got their death certificates of the deceased.

Among the recovered exhibits, he said, are two expended 5.6mm black ammunition; four 5.6mm live ammunition; 39 expended 7.6mm ammunition; one expended 9mm ammunition; one live 5.6mm ammunition, four pellets and cartridge safety box labeled Ikoyi, Lagos, Ministry of Police Affairs.

Hearing of the case continues today.

DOUSING TENSION...

L-R: Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva; Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed; and Minister of Power, Mr. Saleh Mamman, during a joint press conference on the recent hike in petrol price and electricity tariffs, in Abuja...yesterday

Blasphemy: Don’t Execute Aminu, NBA Warns Ganduje Davidson Iriekpen The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has asked the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje not to sign the warrant for the execution of convicted musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu until he has exhausted his constitutional right of appeal against the judgment of the Sharia Court.

Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging on August 10 after he was found guilty of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad.

Despite the public outcry, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria had asked the Kano state government to execute the court judgment.

In response, Ganduje, said he would not hesitate to sign Sharif-Aminu’s death warrant if he failed to file an appeal within 30 days.

But in a statement issued yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rapuluchukwu Ernest Nduka, the NBA said since an appeal had been filed on the matter, Sharif-Aminu should be allowed to exhaust his constitutional right.

The lawyers’ body reiterated that every accused person is entitled to be given the requisite opportunity to exercise his constitutional right of appeal and his right to be represented by a lawyer of his choice.

“It is expected that the execution of the judgment and the signing of the warrant of

execution will be stayed in order to allow Sharif-Aminu exhaust his constitutional right of appeal.”

“The Nigerian Bar Association has now been informed by Kola Alapini that an appeal has now been filed on behalf of SharifAminu, challenging the sentence of the Upper Sharia Court.

“The said Appeal No. K/37CA/2020 was filed on the 3rd day of September 2020 and duly served on the Attorney General of Kano State. It has been confirmed that the Attorney General of Kano State has since received the said notice of appeal.”

The NBA statement added: “It will be recalled that on the 2nd day of September 2020, the Nigerian Bar Association went

on a fact-finding mission to the Federal Correctional Centre Kano, where the fact-finding team confirmed that SharifAminu had been denied access to lawyers and thus was unable to take steps in appealing the death sentence on him, by an Upper Sharia Court.

“The Nigerian Bar Association has now been informed by Kola Alapini that an Appeal has now been filed on behalf of Yahaya, challenging the sentence of the Upper Sharia Court. The said Appeal No. K/37CA/2020 was filed on the 3rd day of September 2020 and duly served on the Attorney General of Kano State. It has been confirmed that the Attorney General of Kano State has since received the said notice of appeal.”

Witness Insists Adoke’s $2.2m Loan Repayment Transaction Transparent Alex Enumah in Abuja A witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Rislanudeen Mohammed, yesterday insisted that the $2.2 million transaction in respect of the liquidation of a loan the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Bello Adoke (SAN), obtained from the bank was transparent.

Mohammed, who was a former Acting Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, stated this at the resumption of cross examination

by Adoke’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

The court had last month adjourned to yesterday for the continuation of cross examination of Mohammed who is the second witness of the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC is prosecuting Adoke and a businessman, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar on a 14-count amended criminal charge bordering on alleged money laundering and fraud.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mohamed had in his evidence last month told the court how Adoke obtained a loan of N300 million from the bank and the efforts he made before Adoke could pay back the loan.

He said that the money was finally liquidated after Adoke handed him the sum of $2.2 million and when converted to naira exceeded the principal loan.

However, responding to questions from Adoke’s lawyer, Agabi, the witness further told the court that he did not report the transaction to the bank or relevant

financial and anti-corruption agencies because the need did not arise.

Mohammed said that the $2.2million upon receipt from Adoke was kept with the Abuja branch manager, Mr. Nura Abdullahi, after which it was handed to a Bureau de Change (BDC) operator, Alhaji Usman Bello for conversion to Naira.

He further said that upon its conversion the money was then paid into Adoke’s account with the bank and subsequently used to liquidate the loan.

“I am fully aware of all the transactions in respect of the loan payment. I did not report any suspicion to the bank, EFCC, ICPC, NFIU and DSS because there was nothing suspicious.

“The bank did not reprimand me for the transaction because it

was transparent and I acted as agent of the bank when I collected the money.

He however stated that there was no record of the transaction, adding that Adoke did not have a dollar account for the $2.2 million to be paid into.

Earlier, the former bank MD admitted that his wife and daughter are shareholders of the Bureau de Change that converted the $2.2 million.

He also told the court that he new nothing about the second defendant, Aliyu Abubakar.

Another witness, Alhaji Usman Bello, in his testimony, told the court that although he had followed Rislanudeen to Adoke’s house, he did not see Adoke, adding that it was Rislanudeen that handed over the money to him to convert to Naira.

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Constitution Review: Afenifere Insists on Adoption of 2014 Confab Report Warns National Assembly against Water Resources Bill DejiElumoyeinAbuja Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has recommended the adoption of the reports of the 2014 national conference and restructuring of Nigeria as a basis of a meaningful new constitutional order for the country.

Afenifere made its position known in a communique issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, immediately after an online meeting of its national caucus presided over by its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

The organisation also faulted the Water Resources Bill, describing it as “so dangerous as it seeks to convert waterways to RUGA facilities for the federal government.”

“We ask that the Bill be dropped

immediately except there is an agenda to divide the country being pursued frenetically,” theYoruba group added.

According to Afenifere, the recommendations of the 2014 confab should be an alternative to constitution review which, it said, “has become a ritual every four years without tangible progress.”

The communique reads, “The meeting reviewed the latest invitation for memoranda by the Senate for constitutional review and observed that the exercise has become a ritual every four years without tangible progress. It would be sad if the country is being taken through another motion without movement in the midst of its constitutional disorder.

“We, therefore, recommend

the reports of the 2014 national conference and other profound positions on restructuring as a basis of a meaningful new constitutional order for Nigeria.

The mainly pro-federal reports have enough provisions to take Nigeria out of its present crisis.

“The meeting also discussed the Water Resources Bill rejected by the 8th National Assembly which has been revived surreptitiously by the House of Representatives and concluded that a dangerous agenda is being pursued by the Executive in wanting to

subvert the Land Use Act in the constitution that vests lands in the states in the govern.

“The meeting considered the recent increases in the prices of petroleum products and electricity as the most insensitive policies against people being ravaged

by a national pandemic without adequate support from their government. To ask Nigerians to pay more for these facilities is wicked and inhumane. We call on the people to use all constitutional and peaceful means to resist and reject the hikes.”

WTO: FG Rallies Support for Okonjo-Iweala The federal government has appealed for global support for its candidate for post of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, as the election processes commenced yesterday in Geneva.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Nigeria’s two-time Finance Minister and a development economist, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is vying for the job alongside candidates from Mexico, Egypt, Moldova, UK, Saudia Arabia, Kenya, and South Korea.

At a reception held in Geneva to garner support for Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebayo Adeniyi, described her as “a global icon with proven leadership skills that the WTO required”.

Adeniyi, who was represented by the Charge d’ Affairs of the Nigerian Trade Office in Geneva, Mr. Abdulhamid Adamu, listed some of Iweala’s achievements to include, spearheading negotiations and reforms that enhanced transparency of government accounts and strengthening institutions against corruption, among others.

NAN reported that in the first phase of the election process, Chair

of the WTO’s General Council, Ambassador David Walker, and his colleagues from the Dispute Settlement Body, Mr. Dacio Castillo as well as that of the Trade Policy Review Body, Mr. Harald Aspelund will commence consultations with all WTO members.

The consultation is geared towards assessing their preferences to determine, which candidate is best placed to attract consensus support.

At the end of the first phase of consultations, three candidates will be dropped thereby paving the way for five candidates to move to the next level.

Okonjo-Iweala in an interview with NAN expressed her readiness for the job, saying she possessed the required competence.

“I want our partners and the WTO members to know that I have the bundle of skills required to lead the organisation at this time and put it ahead and face it towards the future.

“I am hoping that they will support me.

“I have had constructive discussions with the WTO members and feel really good and confident but nothing is done until it’s done. So I don’t want to be overconfident,” she said.

774,000 Jobs: Beware of Scammers, Ekiti Tells Applicants Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Government has warned that people should beware of scammers as the registration for the Special Public Works Programme that is designed to employ 774,000 persons by recruiting 1,000 persons in each in the country’s 774 local government areas in the country, began yesterday.

The Chairman of Ekiti State Committee on Special Public Works Committee Programme, Mr. Biodun Omoleye, gave the warning yesterday in Ado-Ekiti when he clarified that no payment is required for the prospective applicants to get registered.

Omoleye said: “The exercise has commenced in all the local governments and registration

is on ward basis. People have been coming out to register. It is free. No payment is required for registration.”

The committee chairman said that the registration would be “a transparent exercise done in the open view. The recruitment exercise has no provision for online registration or registration by proxy.

“The community development officials of the council are helping and the National Directorate for Employment’s officials too are coordinating the exercise,” he said.

He reiterated that successful applicants would be engaged in public works such as clearing of drains, sweeping, cutting of hedges and roads verges, traffic control, environmental sanitation and beautification.

RECEIVING NEW LEGAL YEAR BLESSINGS...

L-R: A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Victor Ihekweazu; Chairman of Council of Legal Education, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN); Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins; and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs.Titilayo Akinlawon, after a Pontifical High Mass marking the commencement of new legal year by the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), Lagos Archdiocese, at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos...recently

Panic as Suspected Thugs Lay Siege to Ondo Assembly James Sowole in Akure Panic yesterday gripped workers of the Ondo State House of Assembly when they arrived at the Assembly Complex to resume duties only to find out that some political thugs had laid siege on the entrance.

The suspected thugs numbering over 100 were sighted at the main gate of the Assembly complex with their vehicles parked on the road leading to the complex.

It was gathered that the presence of the ‘political’ thugs was not unconnected with the rancour among members of the state Assembly, as some lawmakers were alleged to be the targets of the thugs.

However, the men of the state police command, who arrived at the venue, prevented the hoodlums from gaining access the complex.

The security men mounted barricades at the entrance of the

complex and scrutinised those going into the Assembly complex.

Speaking on the invasion of the legislative house, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Ogundeji Iroju, alleged that the suspected thugs were sent to attack him because they heard that he would be resuming at his office after the Ondo State High Court nullified his suspension.

Iroju was one of the lawmakers who were against the process to remove the state Deputy Governor,

Agboola Ajayi.

Reacting swiftly on the matter, the Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Bamidele Oleyelogun, said the people who came to the Assembly complex were not thugs.

The speaker said the men were members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) who were invited for a meeting on how to conduct themselves before, during and after the state gubernatorial election.

60 Injured as Gunmen’s Attempt to Abduct Lagos Monarch Fails Rebecca Ejifoma and Sunday Ehigiator No fewer than 60 persons were injured after a group of armed hoodlums suspected to be land grabbers invaded Isiu palace in Ikorodu area of Lagos State in an alleged attempt to abduct the newly-installed monarch, Oba Olukayode Raji.

The suspected gang members were said to have shot sporadically at the palace and members of the community.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the monarch was given the staff of office by the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Wale Ahmed, on August 24, 2020.

The king said his son was among those injured by the hoodlums who numbered in dozens and armed with several dangerous weapons during the September 6 incident.

Oba Raji narrated that: “Suddenly, we started seeing strange faces as many boys were

coming closer to the palace with different weapons in their hands.

“While they moved closer, they started shooting. One of my sons was wounded in the process. My house, my car and many people who came to pay homage to me were also wounded. More than 60 people were shot.”

He further divulged that those who sustained serious injuries have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

Oba Raji said he contacted the Divisional Police Officer and the

Area Commander for assistance.

According to him, “They responded very late, but later sent their officers to patrol the community. However, three suspects have been arrested so far.”

The monarch, however, called on community leaders and indigenes to join hands together and solve land matters to ensure peace within the communities.

He also urged the Lagos State Government to intervene by beefing up security in the area to avoid re-occurrence.

Water Resources Bill will Cause Civil War, HURIWA Warns Peter Uzoho Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has warned that the controversial Water Resources Bill recently re-introduced to the House of Representatives for passage “will cause civil war” in the country.

HURIWA also strongly condemned the current National Assembly members for “their penchant for introducing obnoxious, draconian and imperialistic anti-people’s legislations, with emphasis on

the re-introduction of the bill on Natural Resources,” which it said was aimed at stripping southern littoral states of their control of water resources.

In a statement issued yesterday and jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko, and the Director, National Media Affairs, Miss.

Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA said the bill, which lacked consensus and wide consultations with critical stakeholders, was ill-timed.

It said: “At a time when the country is bedeviled with an atmosphere of ethno-religious

suspicion, which has replaced our previous harmonious coexistence, bringing up a controversial bill such as the one on natural resources without consensus and wide consultations with critical stakeholders is ill-time even if it contains some good clauses.

“More so, it is coming under a presidency that has increasingly found it difficult to shake off the tag of being deeply parochial and sectional.

“Again, it trespasses into the terrain of land and water resources, and therefore, conflicts with powers conferred on state

governors by the Land Use law.

Additionally, it assumes a unitary federalism which runs counter to the current agitation for power devolution and restructuring in the country.”

HURIWA added that just like the Companies and Allied Maters Act (CAMA 2020), an otherwise necessary and important legislation that has become divisive, the National Water Resources Bill had also strayed into the country’s delicate fault-lines and lost in the brackish waters of Nigeria’s recurrent political criticisms.

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NEWS

Imo North Primary: APC Committee Accuses Party of Clearing Disqualified Aspirants Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The controversy that trailed the Imo North Senatorial primary by-election assumed another dimension yesterday as the screening committee accused the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining its authority by clearing six aspirants that were disqualified from contesting the primary.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena, had issued a statement after the screening committee and appeal committee had concluded their work that the APC cleared all aspirants who purchased expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the party’s primary election ahead of the October 31 concurrent legislative by-elections.

But, while addressing journalists yesterday at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja, the Chairman of Imo North Senatorial Screening Committee, Dr. Lawrence Chuku, accused the leadership of the party of clearing disqualified aspirants.

The primary election for the Imo North senatorial by-election held on Thursday last week saw the emergence of Mr. Ibezim Frank, who was declared winner

by Senator Ajibola Bashir-ledfaction of the committee, while

Senator Ifeanyi Araume was declared winner by Mr. Umar Nguma-led faction.

Chuku said, “we are the members of the Imo North Senatorial screening committee of the APC, appointed vide letters of appointment dated August 25, 2020 and duly inaugurated at the party’s headquarters on the 26th of August by the acting National Secretary, Senator John James Akpan- Udoedehe.

“Unfortunately, with utmost dismay, we noticed that our report, which cleared five aspirants and have six not cleared for very cogent and verifiable reasons were jettisoned.”

Chuku lamented that both the aspirants cleared and those not cleared were allowed to run for the senatorial primary, adding that embarrassingly, one of the aspirants not cleared was being touted as having emerged as one of the winners of the said “controversial primary election.”

He noted that out of the eleven aspirants, five were cleared by the Committee namely: Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Uchendu Chijioke, Edith Uwajimuogu, Bright Nwachukwu and Eze Okoros.

Chuku stressed that the six other aspirants that were disqualified for not meeting the basic requirements were: Hon.

Matthew Omegara, Achonu Nneji, Ibezim Frank, Uchenna Uba, Onuoha Chijioke and Iheanacho Ihim.

He said with Section 11 of the guidelines for the nomination of candidates, the roles and responsibilities of the screening committee, the committee did its job sincerely, honestly and diligently without fear or favour Chuku said Ibezim who is purported to be one of the possible flagbearers of the party was not cleared to contest the primary election because he did not submit any originals of his educational certificates or properly certified true copies for citing.

He said he was also not cleared because he presented a statutory declaration of age deposed to by one Emmanuel Ibezim, who happens to be his elder brother, while adding that the statutory age declaration was not signed by the declarant, which rendered the document invalid.

Chuku said Ibezim submitted another affidavit, stating the loss of his academic qualification certificates, which was not signed by the deponent, stressing that this also rendered the document invalid.

He added that the said unsigned affidavit did not have a police extract in support, to show that he reported to the law enforcement

authority.

“Mr. Frank Ibezim submitted the photocopies of his academic certificates which he said were missing namely, WAEC certificate, university degree and NYSC certificate, purportedly certified as true copies of the originals and we made the following observations.

“One person signed a signature on all the photocopies of his certificates and dated them for

a fee of N500, as though they were being certified as true copies.

“Nothing written on the academic certificates read ‘certified true copies. Nothing written on them showed who purportedly certified the certificates as true copies. Nothing written on them showed where they were certified in other to prove that the certifier had custody of the originals as required by law.”

Chuku pointed out that

Ibezim’s “invalid affidavit” of loss of certificates was dated in 2010 and he has had them for 10 years without signature and neither did he make any attempt to contact the issuing authorities to properly certify them.

He said as responsible party loyalists, they are committed to ensuring that the party does the right thing by putting the right foot forward to win the Imo North senatorial by-election.

Obaseki Misused His Chances for Re-election, Says Ize-Iyamu Adibe Emenyonu in Benin The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo State governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, yesterday said Governor Godwin Obaseki has toyed with his chances for re-election by failing to keep to his electoral promises.

Ize-Iyamu made the assertion during his ward-to-ward campaign at Ogwa, Esan West and Amahor, Igueben Local Government Areas of the state.

He said Obaseki, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), missed his chances of reelection when he betrayed the trust of the people of the state.

He added that it was because the governor could not give account of his stewardship to Edo people that he decided to cross-carpet to PDP where he felt he would not be held accountable for his actions.

“The governor did nothing for Edo people for almost four years and does not deserve a second term because he will also not work for the people,” he said, urging the electorate to vote massively for APC to restore Edo to the path of development.

“We will bring more roads and employ teachers in your schools.

“In the area of Manpower development, our women need more than wrappers, they

need money to support their businesses,” Ize-Iyamu said.

In his remarks, a former National Chairman of APC, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, said he withdrew his support for Obaseki because he failed to continue with the upgrade of infrastructure he met on ground.

Oshiomhole said Obaseki could not deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo people, a promise the Governor made during his electioneering campaign in 2016.

“Today, you are complaining of lack of good roads, no teachers, no water because he failed to continue with my work.”

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COMMENT

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

OMO-AGEGE AND THE SENATE The Deputy Senate President is poised to make a difference, writes Felix O. Okpe

S

enator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the Senate (DSP) first significant foray into public service was when he was appointed as Executive Assistant to Governor James Ibori of Delta State (2003-2005). The DSP, a lawyer, later served as Commissioner for Special Duties, and Secretary to the Delta State Government between 20052007.In 2015, he was elected to represent Delta Central Senatorial District at the Senate. He was re-elected to serve a second term in the Senate in 2019 and elected as DSP by his peers on inauguration day of the 9th Assembly. Omo-Agege made history as the first senator from Delta Central to serve a second term at the Senate and as DSP since the inception of the 4th republic. It was not until the last year of his first term at the Senate that I met the DSP for the first time in his home in Abuja in the company of mutual friend who introduced us. I was visiting from the United States at the time where I am a law professor. On that occasion, the DSP was engaging and happy to note my interest and knowledge about Nigerian politics and public service. However, it was not until we met again and had lunch at Harolds in London in April 2019 that he made the most impression on me. On assumption of office as DSP, he invited me to join his team giving me an opportunity to serve Delta Central and my country. Yet, this article represents my views on the implementation of his legislative agenda of the last 365 days. As a member of his team, I have observed in awed, the DSP’s disposition towards public accountability and performance evaluation in the execution of his legislative agenda. The office of the DSP is managed by an experienced administrator, Dr. Otive Igbuzor who functions as the Chief of Staff. The office comprises advisers, six operational departments and over 27 units advising and assisting the DSP on the execution of his legislative agenda.

The responsibilities of the advisers and assistants cover constituency matters, law, public policy, legislative drafting, constitutional review, education, electoral reforms, youths and sports development, inter-parliamentary issues, oil and gas, Niger Delta, women affairs, economic development, public engagement and political consensus building, to mention just a few. As a law maker, in championing these issues, the DSP exemplifies a policy of transparency and accountability. Given that the DSP ran for office with a promise to pursue policies and causes that will be effective in contributing to socio-economic development in Delta Central and the Niger Delta, the principle of transparency and accountability that the DSP espouses is not a political liability. To the contrary, the DSP’s notion of public accountability is foisted in the expectation that his performance as a representative of Delta Central and member of the leadership at the National Assembly, will produce the right results for the benefit of those he serves and make Nigeria a better participatory democracy. In analyzing the DSP’s political dispositions, the reader is invited to note that, the DSP is invested in the political and socio-economic agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressive Congress (APC). This was, perhaps, why the DSP was upfront with his frustrations with the inability of the leadership of the 8th Assembly to effectively collaborate and partner with the Buhari administration on policies and reforms that could have worked for a better Nigeria.

Poised to make a difference in the 9th Assemblyand to provide an effective representation to the good people of Delta Central, on assumption of office, the DSP approved and commissioned a monitoring and evaluation mechanism within his office to carry out a periodic assessment of his performance as a senator. There are two fundamental reasons for this approach by the DSP. Firstly, to demonstrate the DSP’s openness to answer questions whether he is doing things the most effective way in the delivery of his agenda.

Secondly, to find out through feedbacks from constituents and stakeholders, whether he is serving his constituency as intended.

Thus, the assessment of the DSP in his first 365 days in office reveal the execution of a robust legislative agenda that transcends his primary constituency. The DSP pursued policies and introduced bills that tackled issues such as sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, education, electoral reforms, judiciary reforms, improvement of democratic institutions, economic development in Delta Central and the Niger Delta, robust public engagements, banking and finance, unemployment and human capital development,

THE DSP IS DESIROUS OF IMPROVING THE WAY ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED IN NIGERIA THROUGH THE INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE LAW AND THE PROPER ENFORCEMENT OF THE ELECTORAL ACT

youths and sports development, inter-parliamentary engagement, primary health care, and community development. In the execution of his legislative agenda, the DSP emerged as one of the Senators of the 9th Assembly with the most bills introduced in the 9th Senate till date. The DSP proposed, sponsored, and introduced over 18 bills. A feat that is uncommon by any senator of his stature and pedigree. In the period under review, the DSP was most aggressive in electoral and judiciary reforms. On electoral reforms, the DSP introduced and sponsored the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2019. The intention behind this bill is to cover the pitfalls and the loopholes in the act to address its limitations exposed by judicial review. The proposed amendments by the DSP seeks to, amongst other things, require the law to provide for mandatory inspection of election materials, electronic transmission of voters’ accreditation, electronic voting, substitution of political parties’ nominees and provision for the death of a candidate before the declaration of election results. The underpinnings of the DSP’s policy of pursing electoral reforms is underscored by his interest to ensure that, the best reflections of government at all levels and democratic aspirations of the people are best expressed in a more credible electoral system. The DSP is desirous of improving the way elections are conducted in Nigeria through the instrumentality of the law and the proper enforcement of the electoral act. This is a step in the right direction because credible elections are fundamental to the success of any democracy. In another poignant move reminiscent of taking his appointment by the Senate to Chair the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) of the National Assembly seriously, the DSP assembled an in-house committee within his office led by a Special Adviser to assist him in carrying out this national assignment. The DSP’s positioning of the in-house committee to assist him on this assignment, with particular attention to legislative drafting, law, legal research, policy evaluation, constitutional interpretation, and public engagements is indicative of his motivation to succeed. In addition to the ongoing work of the CRC, within the last 365 days, the DSP has presented over 13 constitutional amendment bills at plenary for consideration by the Senate, all of which have passed through second reading. As of March 17, 2020 the Senate has formally referred the amendment bills presented by the DSP to the CRC. The constitutional amendment bills presented by the DSP during the period under review addressed pertinent issues critical to the survival and improvement of our democracy. The idea behind some of the bills was also to create opportunities for inclusion and constitutional reforms that establish better avenues for sustainable development and improved public institutions. In this regard, the DSP’s proposed bills seek to make provisions for a standardized system for conducting a national census, establishing a system backed by law to increase the participation of women and youths at the highest levels of government, proposing the establishment of separate election tribunals to address pre-election and election disputes to resolve the conflicting jurisprudence and forum shopping pertaining to election matters, and making the immunity clause in the constitution inapplicable for the protected public officers where the alleged offence involves the misappropriation of public funds belonging to the Federal, State, or Local Government or the sponsoring of political violence resulting in the death of a political opponent or a family member. On education, constituency matters, youths and sports development, and primary health care, the DSP made significant impacts that will stand the test of posterity. The DSP successfully introduced and sponsored the bill for the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic at Orogun in Delta State. When operational, as Federal institution, the proposed tertiary institution will create more educational opportunities for Deltans and Nigerians. The consequential development and employment opportunities the institution will create in Delta State and the Niger Delta cannot be over emphasized. In a move internationally acclaimed as a landmark legislation, the DSP successfully introduced and sponsored the Sexual Harassment Bill applicable in Nigerian tertiary institutions. rDr. Okpe is SSA to the Deputy President of the Senate on Policy Monitoring and Evaluation

NEMSA AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Contractors must be competent to deliver in line with speciďŹ cations and standards, writes Ofem Uket

T

he federal government has again stated that it will not hesitate to prosecute defaulters and non-compliant power and electrical contractors not genuinely certified by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) saying government must strengthen the enforcement of its laws for proper regulatory services to improve power supply.

It said there have been all kinds of power and electrical contractors not certified, using sub-standard materials to wire residential, office areas and complexes thereby subjecting users and consumers of electricity to fire outbreaks and disaster leading to loss of lives and property.

The Managing Director of Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Engr Peter O. Ewesormade in an exclusive media interface, reeled out federal government new guidelines and regulations directed at ensuring that local and foreign contractors in the electricity industry must be competent to deliver in line with specifications and standards. He said the agency will continue to enforce technical standards and regulations to sustain and maintain specifications of electric and construction guidelines as it carries out inspectorate services, with government readiness to launch new guidelines for mini-grid electricity being developed by its development partners through a support programme.

“The Federal Government shall not hesitate to prosecute and punish offenders and defaulters refusing to comply with the guidelines and regulations, not minding status and who is involved, especially at this point when major and indeed all players in the industry are monitored closely to ensure efficiency and capability to deliver�.

To play out fully on electricity technical control, the agency said it shall consistently organize seminars and conferences of stakeholders and the general public to sensitize and create awareness on the policy trust and guidelines of the power sector reforms with specific attention to the operations of NEMSA. However, certification in the power sector is a global trend, taking into account the fact that the execution of electricity projects, which includes installations, wiring etc., are highly technical and requires competence in the sector so as to eliminate all forms of barriers created by quacks in the industry.

Ewesor said no contractor will be allowed to carry out electrical installation without being certified by the agency, adding that the process of screening is conducted by the board of the agency composed of members with high technical capacity, though membership is drawn from across the public service including technocrats. According to him, Nigerians are fully aware of the fact that only qualified and certified contractors should be engaged in the services of installations and wiring

of both residential and office buildings. Stressing that contractors are divided into four major categories which of course require certain criteria to qualify into each of the categories outlined.

Clearly, NEMSA is empowered by the provisions of the law to ensure efficient protection of electrical installations, ensure safety, certification of equipment, conducting test to confirm the standard of equipment, before acceptability within the sector. It can be installation of meters, transformers and other power stations equipment as may be required.

Ironically, the power sector reforms have suffered huge setbacks before the coming of this administration. This prompted the present government to look into the activities and operations of the sector, with a view to engaging the services of competent and technical expertise to generate, transmit and distribute the amount of electricity that can be near adequate for consumers.

The result of this reforms among sectorial agencies of government involved in the network of the supply of electricity to consumers is the over 5, 000 megawatts that is currently being distributed for the very first time in the history of the country, where only about 3, 700 megawatts are distributed.

This success, however, can be said to be marginal as the country is said to be near adequate when it generates, transmits and distributes about 25, 000 megawatts, considering the huge population of the country.

There is high demand for the supply of electricity in Nigeria more than any other African country and some countries in Europe because of the peculiarity of the environment, where most of the people are technicians, artisans and small machinery utilization firms scattered all around the country.

Statistics show that there are over three million micro-industries in automobile sector alone across the country, needing steady supply of electricity, and at the moment the only means of power to processing micro-industries is the use of generator which has resulted into spending more money in the purchase of diesel and petrol, thereby increasing the cost of production, which has a corresponding increase in the cost of goods and services.

It has therefore become economically, socially and politically expedient to boost generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, to catch up with desired increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The federal government in collaboration with the state government must invest heavily on electricity to address the challenges of low productivity in our industries.

Unfortunately, state governments have demonstrated lack of interest and focus in the setting up and developing independent power plants that can contribute to stability in the supply of electricity; the states have always relied on the federal government to spoon-feed it, thereby inflicting heavy yoke and burden on the national economy.

15

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍśËœ 2020

EDITORIAL

NBA AND THE EL-RUFAI CONTROVERSY The feud within the Nigerian Bar Association is unnecessary

T

To the extent that social life is impossible without the shared values and moral beliefs which culture and faith provide, religion and ethnicity in other climes serve as building blocks towards national development.

Unfortunately, that is not the case in Nigeria today. That religion and ethnicity have become weapons of discord and all manner of mischief is what is playing out in the budding crisis within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), an association of all lawyers in the country.

The governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai was invited to give a keynote address to the 60th edition of NBA national conference. Some members kicked against the invitation on the ground that the governor, who is equally a lawyer, has in recent times allegedly exhibited traits that show disrespect for rule of law and fundamental human rights of the citizens THE FACE-OFF BETWEEN in his state. But THE NBA AND GOVERNOR the decision EL-RUFAI PROVIDES THE to withdraw NATION WITH A UNIQUE the invitation has led to the OPPORTUNITY TO FIND formation of a COMMON GROUNDS ON splinter NBA SOME OF THE PRESSING group by some CHALLENGES AFFLICTING lawyers from the northern THE COUNTRY part of the country. “What has been happening recently has exposed the inability of the NBA to manage and contain the heterogeneity of its members as well as their various interests,� said two of their promoters, Nuhu Ibrahim and Abdulbasit Suleiman. “It’s penal powers have been deployed discriminatively on the basis of ethnicity and regionalism. As a body of lawyers who have undergone training towards ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights and liberties, the NBA is supposed to live above sentiments, regionalism and discrimination on any basis and

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of any kind.�

While we understand the unfortunate ethnoreligious sentiment that may have led to this decision by some northern lawyers, we do not believe it is the right call. We are, however, comforted by the moves being made by the new leadership of the bar to resolve the issue and the stand by many respected northern lawyers to jettison the divisive move. Ordinarily, religious and ethnic identities give people a sense of belonging. In the 19th and earlier part of this century, religion and ethnicity played prominent nation-building roles in some countries in the Middle East and even in the United States and the United Kingdom. That they remain major impediments to the peace and progress of Nigeria is what should worry stakeholders.

We agree with these northern lawyers that the NBA should rise above primordial interests and resist the pressure of allowing religion and ethnicity to rubbish it. But two wrongs never make a right since what they are also canvassing in a professional body is an ethno-religious agenda. They are pushing the same agenda they are accusing others of. Now that a new leadership is on board, we hope they will resolve this crisis and other grievances thereof. The invitation to speak at a forum is a privilege and not a right and so, its withdrawal should not serve as an opportunity to factionalise the NBA. There must be an end to retrogressive politics. Members of the NBA who pride themselves as learned men should rise above such pettiness if they intend to be taken seriously.

At the end, those who pushed for El-Rufai to be stopped from addressing the conference might have scored a point, but it is a point that benefitted nobody. In the interest of the nation, we must eschew all forms of bitterness and acrimony from public engagements. The face-off between the NBA and Governor El-Rufai therefore provides the nation with a unique opportunity to find common grounds on some of the pressing challenges afflicting the country. This is not a time to claw back into our ethno-religious cocoons.

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

A CASE FOR MORE PUBLIC LIBRARIES

S

eptember 8th of every year is observed around the world as ‘International Literacy Day’ (ILD). Established in 1965 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the day is set aside to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. Its aim is also to raise the world’s consciousness of literacy issues facing the global community, and to endorse campaigns that help to increase literacy for all the people.

The library is one of the most critical forms of social infrastructure that we have, that can be used to promote literacy.

It is also one of the most undervalued! A Public Library is a non-profit library that is accessible by the general public, and is usually funded by the government or from public sources, such as taxes. The public Library has also been described as a “welfare centre, which provides useful services to the community by fostering education, promoting culture, recreation and dissemination of information to all sections of the society.�

As gateways to knowledge and culture, libraries play a fundamental role in society. The resources and services they offer create opportunities for learning, they support literacy and education, and they help shape the new ideas and perspectives that are central to a creative and innovative society. They also help ensure an authentic record of knowledge created and accumulated by past generations. Without libraries, it would be difficult to advance research and human knowledge, or preserve knowledge and heritage for future generations.

One significant and fundamental role of public libraries is education. Public libraries provide books and other materials for people to read and use. These materials are educational and lead to self-improvement. The educative role of public libraries also expands to include supporting both formal and informal education.

Promoting literacy is another important function of public libraries. Literacy refers to the ability to read and write. Public libraries continue to play a major role in fostering literacy in communities and societies, particularly among people that need special assistance in developing literacy skills.

Public libraries also help to promote lifelong learning.

Lifelong learning is the process of continuous and ongoing learning throughout a person’s life in order to enhance continuous development and improvement of an individual’s knowledge and skills. Due to the complex and rapidly changing environment, people need to acquire a variety of skills and knowledge, irrespective of their age, or social or economic status.

Public libraries do not only have educational roles and functions. They can also contribute to the country’s economic development. For example, public libraries can have a significant impact on economic productivity when they get involved in providing effective business services, resources and literacy programs to their business communities. Such businesses and organizations that use public libraries as a resource become more successful, thereby contributing to economic development in their communities.

One of the most important functions of the library is the preservation of our cultural heritage. Perhaps the most deep-rooted of our human instincts is the desire to preserve our culture for future generations. Libraries help to accomplish this objective. Libraries are rich repositories of historically and culturally significant collections, many of which are not available anywhere else. Without the services of a library, many works that are reflections of our cultural heritage would be lost to future generations.

What are some of the challenges facing public libraries in Nigeria today? One problem faced by public libraries in

Nigeria today is their scarcity. For instance, someone who lives somewhere in Festac Town, Lagos would have to travel a long distance to somewhere around Mile 2/Amuwo Odofin, in order to access the services of a Public Library. This Public Library (The Borno House Library, which functions under the Lagos State Library Board), seems to be the only functioning library in the entire Festac/Amuwo-Odofin area, if I am not mistaken. So, it will be appreciated if more public libraries are established across various communities/neighbourhoods.

Another problem is that many public libraries do need renovations. These public libraries are often unattractive and poorly maintained, while in most cases, the infrastructural facilities are inadequate. This could be because the library buildings and the systems that sustain them are underfunded, and probably neglected.

This problem can be tackled by improving funding for the Public Library system. More public support - such as through the contributions of philanthropists - can be of much benefit in this regard.

Other problems facing public libraries in Nigeria include that the books in stock at the libraries are usually outdated. It is quite rare to find new and current books or journals. Also, reference materials, where they exist, are usually old and dusty.

Audio-visual materials are also usually hard to come by. The quality of manpower is also frequently not up to expectations.

These and many other problems are currently plaguing the Public Library system in Nigeria.

A functional library is expected to stock all kinds of items that add to knowledge - from books to audio and visual materials, internet access, artefacts that advance the cultural and recreational needs of the society, etc. r%BOJFM *HIBLQF 'FTUBD 5PXO -BHPT

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TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 •T H I S D AY

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8,, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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18

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

POLITICS

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

In Adamawa, Fintiri Posits Self as Breath of Fresh Air Daji Sanni writes that against the backdrop of scathing criticism from the opposition, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State is pleasantly different from previous Chief Executives of the state

D

uring his campaign for office and after assuming control over the affairs of the Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri is set to give the people a breath of fresh air and make the state work again in line with his 11-Point agenda.

The governor swung into action to fulfill his promises of changing the narrative of poor development in the state by awarding some road projects including two flyovers at the cost of N18 billion.

These projects includes, Zumo Street and link 0.75 km, Mafia Road with two span bridges 1.2km, Mbamba Street 1.0km, Doctor Quarters Road 1.0 km, Nyibango -Yolde Pate Road with two span bridges 3.185 kilometers, Weekly Scope Road 2.1 kilometers all in Jimeta and Yola.

Others are Izala -Gwede Malam -Malam Rafa -Wayam Road 3.5km in Numan Local Government, construction of European Quarter Road in Hong Local Government 3.2 km, construction of Gulak Township Road in Madagali Local Government 6.6km, Construction of Jada Township Road 3.8km, Jada-Mbulo Road 0.4 km all in Jada Local Government as well as Michika Township Road 5.1km.

He also connected Michika and Madagali LGAs to the National Grid after experiencing perpetual darkness for more than eight years since the activities of Boko Haram insurgents took its toll on the area.

Barely two weeks after this approval Fintiri led officials of his government to Michika town and Gulak, the headquarters of Madagali local government to flag off the road projects awarded in the two local governments at the cost of over N2billion which marked the beginning of the construction of other roads across the state Speaking at different times in Michika and Gulak Fintiri reiterated his administration’s commitment to fulfill all his promises to the people of Adamawa state inline with his 11-Point agenda and bring equal development to all parts of the state inline with the principle of fairness, equity and justice.

He further explained that his administration will bring succour to the people of the areas who have been ravaged by the destruction from Boko Haram to enable them catch up with other parts of the state adding that, he was also committed to rebuilding infrastructure destroyed in all the areas affected by insurgency.

According to him in the last one year his administration has executed so many projects across the state especially in the areas of road construction, renovation of schools, hospitals among others and will continue until Adamawa drops its toga of a pariah state.

Even as he enumerated some of the projects executed in both local governments by his administration stressing that he has also secured an intervention fund from the Multi Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) for the construction of 32km Bazza-Mubi Road and Michika General Hospital.

Speaking earlier the state Commissioner for Works and Energy Development, Alhaji Adamu Atiku lauded Fintiri for approving the projects despite the lean resources stressing that, the project is long over due taking into consideration the twin effect of insurgency and environmental degradation suffered by the people of the areas.

He said the projects in both local governments which is 11.7 km was awarded to Triacta Nig limited at the cost of over N2billion will be completed in 14 and 8 months respectively as he assured of strict supervision in conformity with the contract agreements.

On his part the Managing Director of Triacta Nigeria Limited Engr. Elie Abu Faharat thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in his company and assured of quality work and completion within the time frame.

This was immediately followed by another flagging off of two flyovers with interchange line and underpass seen as the first ever in the

Fintiri

history of the North East. Constrctruction of The Weekly Scope and other roads awarded by the administration within the state capital were kicked started, as well.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of the flyovers, Fintiri justified his administration decision to embark on this projects .

He said, “This event marks a major milestone in the ‘Fresh Air’ administration’s commitment to actualizing our key campaign promise of vigorously undertaking an urban renewal that will make Jimeta, Yola and other towns in the state, befitting models to showcase in addition to the construction of these flyovers and underpass which are the flagship of our urban renewal development agenda. Work will continue on Weekly Scope Road among other townships roads already earmarked for construction.”

“The constructions of the flyovers and grade interchange in the heart of Jimeta is in anticipation of the capital ever expanding population and the attendant explosion in urban traffic. To those who have been counselling that we are biting more than we can chew with these projects, government assures total commitment to delivering of these projects and will not concede any inch to failure.

Even as he called for the understanding among residents of the state capital who

will have to bear with the discomfort and disruption of traffic flow while construction is going on.

Atiku-Abubakar said that the two flyovers was awarded at the cost of N5.8billion and N3.4billion respectively to Triacta Nig Limited to be completed in 12 calender months.

The governor also moved to flag off the road leading to Weekly Scope Newspaper and subsequently stormed Yola North to flag off five different roads totalling 3.185km awarded at the cost of N3.185bn where he emphasize that, his urban renewal programme cannot be complete without given considerable attention to the blue print and original plans of the state capital.

Returning back to the state from the North East governors forum recently , Fintiri headed straight to Numan to flag off Numan Township Road totalling 3.5 km awarded by his administration to Messrs Rocad and Co Construction Nigeria lLmited at the cost of N1.3bn.

Speaking at the event Fintiri described Numan as the stronghold of his Fresh Air administration, saying that the area among other parts of the state will continue to receive his administration’s attention especially in the area of infrastructural development adding that he will soon award contract for complete

In the last one year of governor Fintiri’s administration, he has improved the security situation of the state and eliminated all forms of criminalities, revamped the educational sector which has witnessed the implementation of free education from primary to secondary schools, introduction of school feeding programmes, payment of UBEC counterpart funds that led to massive renovation of schools. Other achievements in the education sector include payment of scholarship to Adamawa students in various tertiary institutions across the country

overhaul of Numan General Hospital and Villanova Government College Numan.

Atiku-Abubakar also collaborated the statement by saying that the project will go a long way to tackle the challenges of perennial flooding affecting residents of the area over the years.

The governor also flagged off roads projects in Hong, and Jada.

A big positive impact has been created in Adamawa because the numerous constructions have created employment for the youths, boost economic activities and reduced the rate of crime, the state has become very busy.

The various constructions going on in the state right now is causing serious traffic congestion especially within the state capital.

Residents have to spend several hours before getting to their place of work This development has since put the detractors of Fintiri in check, as they hardly have any criticism against his administration.

A few who refuse to see anything good in Fintiri have tagged the flag off of these roads construction as white elephant projects especially the flyovers, saying the Adamawa State residents do not need flyovers this moment but that the government should permanently address the flooding challenge bedeviling the state yearly by building culverts and more water channels, rather than building flyovers that add no value to the people currently.

They expressed doubt that the governor may not complete these projects before his tenure elapses going by the current financial challenges and huge debt load on the state with a low Internally Generated Revenue adding that if the governor does not complete these projects it will discredit him in the next general polls in 2023..

However in the last one year of governor Fintiri’s administration, he has improved the security situation of the state and eliminated all forms of criminalities, revamped the educational sector which has witnessed the implementation of free education from primary to secondary schools, introduction of school feeding programmes, payment of UBEC counterpart funds that led to massive renovation of schools.

Other achievements in the education sector include payment of scholarship to Adamawa students in various tertiary institutions across the country, completion of abandoned road projects awarded by Bindow’s administration, renovation of hospitals and granting of financial autonomy to local governments in the state among others.

The governor also awarded Bachure Roads which is nearing completion and awarded contract of the building of 2000 housing units for civil servants,and also connected Toungo LGA to the national grid which have been in perpetual darkness since its creation However, despite these achievements the governor continues to come under attacked from the opposition especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) that uses every opportunity to describe him as a failure and disappointment to the people of Adamawa state.

Speaking with journalists in Yola the Adamawa State Secretary of APC, Hon. Wafarmihi Therman in an assessment of Fintiri’s administration performance in one year rated Fintiri low, awarding him a score of between 25% and 35% “This is a temporary government in Adamawa state and they will soon be shown the way out in 2023 due to disappointing performance.

The people of Adamawa state voted for this government hoping that the government will performe better than Bindow but they did not only disappoint the people but ended up as the worst government ever in the history of the state and it seems to lack direction and coordination.”

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

POLITICS

Ekiti PDP, Still an Epicentre of Crisis Victor Ogunje writes that the gladiators battling for the soul of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State have taken a hard stance and may not easily yield to reconciliation

Fayose

T

he crisis rocking the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has no doubt shaken the foundation of the party. As it stands today, the party is deeply polarised with wide gulf between the two most prominent political gladiators, former Governor Ayodele Fayose and the Senator representing Ekiti South i the Senate, Mrs Biodun Olujimi.

The crux of the crisis is the unbridled desire by the duo to have full control of the party’s structure. These tendencies had sparked up unhealthy rivalry culminating in desperation to hijack power in the recently conducted ward , local government and state congresses in Ekiti State. The dogging crisis has made Ekiti PDP an epicentre of crisis.

As things currently stand, the PDP is ripped apart, with two State Chairmen in the centre paying obeisance to either Fayose or Olujimi, which makes the dream of winning the 2022 gubernational poll seem illusive and unattainable.

In a brazen manner, the two have gone for broke in this attritional war with no end in sight to the raging crisis. As of now, former Commissioner for Environment and Fayose’s man, Hon. Bisi Kolawole has emerged as a factional leader. Though, he is the one recognised by the Prince Uche Secondus-led National Working Committee, despite this, uneasy still lies the head that wears the crown.

Though, Fayose and his backers, including Segun Oni, whose gubernatorial ambition has gained traction between the two groups, know all is not well with the game being played by Senator Olujimi to outwit them. The fact that a parallel state congress was conducted, where former House of Representatives member, Hon. Kehinde Odebumbi emerged from Olujimi’s faction has made the game more herculean for Fayose and his people.

In Ekiti politics, Fayose remains the generalissimo and the ebullient in approach and style. He is astute and down to earth, but this doesn’t mean that Olujimi is a pushover.

The fact that she emerged winner in the last senatorial election despite Fayose’s opposition underscores her influence in her zone.

Prior to the election, Fayose who had suspected that Olujimi was flexing muscles with him on the leadership of the party. He mounted the rostrum and appeared in many radio and television stations where he overtly campaigned against the only PDP Senator from Ekiti.

Though, the Independent National Electoral Commission had initially announced the APC Senatorial candidate in the February 26, 2019 poll , Senator Dayo Adeyeye winner of the highly pulsating election . With vigour and bravery, Olujimi resorted to litigation and amazingly retrieved her mandate from the APC. The current bedlam between Fayose and Olujimi has shocked observers of Ekiti politics. These two personalities were known allies in the game. Fayose was instrumental to Olujimi becoming a member of House of Representatives in the 2004 by-election in Ekiti South Federal Constituency II. He thereafter appointed her a Deputy Governor

Olujimi

in 2005 to replace Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, who was impeached due to irreconcilable differences with Fayose.

Putting the record straight, Fayose also unilaterally ceded the senatorial ticket to Olujimi in 2015 and also did underground scheming for her to emerge the Senate Minority Leader under PDP. But in politics, nothing goes for nothing.

The gesture was a payback to Olujimi who was said to have deployed her influence in the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan presidency to kill zoning and consensus and sold Fayose’s candidacy to the then power -that -be in 2014 for Fayose to become governor.

But signs started emerging that the two had fallen out prior to the 2019 governorship election, when Fayose had endorsed his former Deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka as his successor. Olujimi, who had earlier showed interest in the governorship race stepped down and backed Adeyeye at the primary.

Since then, the duo have become arch enemies and the resonating effect of that disagreement is still playing out and unsettling the PDP .

The most dangerous of the step being taken by the dramatis personae is the fact that the group loyal to Olujimi has gone to court to challenge the conduct of the ward congress at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti. Though, the court dismissed the case on technical ground of non-joinder of those who were returned in the suit by claimants. he fact that the claimants appealed the verdict further corroborated the venom in the minds of those opposed to how the PDP was being run in Ekiti.

On March 7, 2020, the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Haruna Mani, who led the PDP electoral panel had stormed the state to conduct the ward congress against the wish of the majority, who had supported Olujimi’s leadership.

The bone of contention was that, the Mani-led committee came late to Ekiti to conduct the

Oni

election and this came after the SWC led by immediate past Chairman, Chief Gboyega Oguntuase had gone ahead to conduct the congress and returned those in Olujimi’s camp before Fayose played a smart one by embracing Mani and participated in the congress conducted at dusk.

In spite of the anger in Olujimi’s camp, Fayose smarting from the tacit recognition granted the ward congress conducted by Mani, had engineered his group and manipulated the NWC to conduct the local government and state congresses. This has further created a hardline position being maintained by the duo and put a cog in the wheel of reconciliation process.

Before the crisis escalated to this point, there was a clandestine trouble shooting effort by stakeholders that the executive positions in the Ekiti State PDP be shared across all strata in a 60:40 ratio between Fayose and Olujimi.

But with the level the issue has reached, it would be herculean for the two to share position as doing so will exacerbate the crisis and create more cacophony of confusion .

Those already recognised across board

by NWC have been legally armed to cause serious damage to the party and any attempt to demote them will trigger another round of litigation that will spell doom for the party. With this, it would be difficult for the party to resort to power sharing and bring the two feuding leaders together, except the court disbands the congresses conducted by Fayose.

Now, two chairmen have emerged and the question reverberating on people’s lips has been, who will step down between the two to restore normalcy in Ekiti PDP? Hon Kolawole, who emerged from Fayose’s camp , who also enjoys the backing of ex-governor Oni has been basking in euphoria of being recognised by NWC. But his rival , Hon Kehinde Odebunmi contended that there was no verifiable evidence

The backing of Fayose’s group by Prince Secondus is like a payback for Fayose, who had in 2018 sacrificed a national chairmanship aspirant from Ekiti and former Minister, Prof Tunde Adeniran and other interested aspirants from the southwest for the incumbent to emerge. This had actually helped Fayose to escape disgrace, because Olujimi seemed to enjoy the backing of majority in the party before the NWC pulled the rug off her feet.

A source in the Fayose’s camp said: “It was the NWC that saved Oga(Fayose) from disgrace.

In fact, Senator Olujimi has the backing of the majority, because the PDP members who were loyal to Fayose didn’t like the way he oppressed and pauperized everybody in his second term

to prove that the NWC supervised the election that produced Kolawole, describing Balogun , who claimed to have been deployed by NWC in Ekiti and two others as mere impostors.

The backing of Fayose’s group by Prince Secondus is like a payback for Fayose, who had in 2018 sacrificed a national chairmanship aspirant from Ekiti and former Minister, Prof Tunde Adeniran and other interested aspirants from the southwest for the incumbent to emerge. This had actually helped Fayose to escape disgrace, because Olujimi seemed to enjoy the backing of majority in the party before the NWC pulled the rug off her feet.

A source in the Fayose’s camp said: “It was the NWC that saved Oga(Fayose) from disgrace.

In fact, Senator Olujimi has the backing of the majority, because the PDP members who were loyal to Fayose didn’t like the way he oppressed and pauperized everybody in his second term and they were all out to take a pound of flesh with these congresses.”

At the state congress held at PETIM Estate, Adebayo area of Ado Ekiti, the presence of Segun Oni, who was earlier rumoured to be fraternising with Olujimi added credibility to the activities of the faction loyal to Fayose. The former governor even saw Oni’s presence as heartwarming going by his comment and the majority saw this as the last straw that would break Olujimi’s back in the whole game.

Addressing the supporters and dousing the pervading tension in the PDP, Fayose declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress will be defeated easily in Ekiti with unity and discipline among members of the PDP. Fayose emphasized that loyalty remains the best ingredient the party members as opposition must exhibit to be able to triumph over the Governor Kayode Fqyemi-led APC, saying Ekiti people have serious resentment for the ruling party.

Probably referring to how many had ditched and betrayed him in the struggle for the control of party’s structures, Fayose warned the party members against indiscipline and disloyalty that were common features among politicians.

“Let me tell our members that loyalty pays over time. Let us continue to be loyal. All delegates, we welcome and salute you.You could all see all that are set here for this congress. There is no crack in Ekiti PDP. I would have been surprised if Engr Segun Oni has not been here today.

“Let us found this party on discipline and truth. If we vote for you at the ward, council or state level and you misbehave, we will remove you .We have to be disciplined, facing an incumbent needs discipline, whoever wants to go is free to do so.

“Those with party positions, please, respect your leaders, because it will not be business as usual. We are prepared to support the new Exco for them to succeed. I am not looking for Senate or anything, but I am standing for the PDP in order not to get destroyed.

If you are elected, please, be responsible and respectful to leaders.”

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

20

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍśËœ 2020

FEATURES

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

For a Sustainable Youth Empowerment Adibe Emenyonu writes on the youth empowerment, environmental education and energy transition camp meeting for 120 youths, organised by Environmental Rights Action Friends of the Earth Nigeria for four Niger Delta States

Participants at the third Youth Environmental Camp Meeting 2020, organised by the Environmental Rights Action Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) in Benin City, Edo State

W

henever fossil fuel such as natural gas, oil and coal are burnt to produce energy, they emit heat trapping gases such as carbondioxide. This heat-trapping gases according to environmental experts is what drives recent day climate change.

The failure to address this, they maintained, catalysed the current climate crisis being experienced. This is because when emissions continue unrestrained, same environmental experts continued, "the atmosphere can warm up to 2.7° Fehrenheit which can be dangerous to human existence�.

The above became the major reasons why a shift from natural energy to renewable energy is recommended because of its clean nature devoid of greenhouse emissions.

Not only that, the use of renewable energy is becoming an innovation in terms of usage because of its cost effectiveness.

Renewable energy is derived from renewable sources as the name suggest which naturally replenished itself on human time scale like sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat.

Renewable energy never depletes because their sources are different from and fossil fuels such as crude oil, natural gas and coal. Because fossil fuels can run out and dangerous for the environment, it has become imperative to begin a switch to other energy sources, like renewable energy which according to experts, that are usually much more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels. Overall, they release very few chemicals, like carbon dioxide, that can harm the environment.

All this and more, became the motivation behind Environmental Rights Action, Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) to begin the training of youths on renewable energy in the Niger Delta, a region that has suffered environmental degradation because of the exploration and exploitation activities

going on there since the discovery of crude since 1958.

The training christened "Youth Environmental Camp Meeting� which began three years ago was also held in August this year providing a solid platform for youth networking and empowerment.

It was also aimed at equipping the youths and and other participants on topical environment issues relating to environmental protection, extractivism and post extractivism, energy transition and sustainable development at the local, national and international levels.

Aspects of the environmental education also featured a local youth organising in the communities and the formation of schools renewable clubs, in the selected secondary schools from the four states.

It also featured practical demonstrations on divers range of solar products and energy saving stoves, solar energy installations and repair.

Beneficiaries of the training which began about three years ago were derived from the Niger Delta States of Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa and Rivers.

"This programme aim is to catch them young for promotion of alternatives in renewable energy access for all in line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 7 and the need to enhance national energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources", Anthony Azubuike, Director/ Clerk, Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, National Assembly, Abuja.

Speaking on the theme of the event, "Extraction to Education" focuses on how to move from the present carbonised economy to a decarbonised one, Dr. Godwin Uyo Ojo, Executive Director, ERA/FoEN) said, that as leaders of tomorrow, the youths need to be properly equipped for the energy transition that government and politicians are currently grappling with and quite unable to resolve.

He said: "The programme has been

specifically designed to reachout to over 10,000 youths across a four year period from four states in the Niger Delta, namely, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States."

Ojo noted that the third Youth Environmental Camp Meeting has the theme: "From Extraction to Education".

According to him, since 2018, they have successfully trained over 6,000 youths on developing their business model, renewable energy entrepreneurship, repair and installation of solar gadgets and the fabrication of clean energy saving cook stoves.

Ojo added that ERA/FoEN had also trained over 300 secondary school teachers and produced Environmental Education and Renewable Energy Manual that is being deployed for training in the over 60 renewable energy school clubs set up across the four states.

He said the youths must stand in the gap and see that the climate change phenomenon as an opportunity to address a national and global problem, just as he charged them not to allow Nigeria to be a dumping ground for substandard renewable energy gadgets.

The ERA/FoEN boss also admonished the youth to resist the temptations of all forms of energy colonialism playing out in Nigeria and Africa because the nation stands the risk of energy colonialism if renewable technologies remain the exclusive preserve for industrialise nations.

The Executive Director who lamented that youths are mostly impacted by environmental degradation especially those from fence-line communities where extraction activities are frequent, however charged them to stand in the gap and see climate change phenomenon as an opportunity to address a national and global problem.

"As youths, I charge you to stand in the gap and see the climate change phenomenon as an opportunity to address a national and global problem.

I challenge you to see environmental

protection as your responsibility.

"Young people should have a problem solving mentality towards poverty, environmental degradation and climate change and see them as opportunities for campaign and advocacy, generation of ideas, creation of jobs, provision of renewable energy solutions in minigrids and off-grids system for rural electrification. The youths should be in the forefront in championing energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources", he declared.

In his goodwill message, Director General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, (NAPTIN), Ahmed Bolaji Nagode, said the institution is currently collaborating with ERA/FoEN in training some youths in the Niger Delta to be equipped with the requisite competence for their empowerment and contribution to social responsibilities.

Nagode said in 2019, 32 participants were trained on Solar PV and in 2020, they are expecting another 20 participants.

The empowerment programme/ youth camp meeting featured topics such as Renewable Energy and Climate Militating Measures, A Post-petroleum Economy: How Feasible? Nigerian Youth and the Actualisation of SGDs 2030 in relation to climate change and access to Justice, what can we do? The impact of climate change in Nigeria among others.

Speaking on their experiences, Gender Inugula, Emmanuel, Umukoro Ojakpvo, Amakree James, and Amadin Godwin from Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers and Edo States, said they are quite excited to be part of training programme offered

by ERA/FoEN, adding that their lives have never remained the same.

Inugula from Edo State who spoke on behalf of others thanked the non-profit body to keep up the good work while at the same time, urging the federal government to partner with them especially in the area of renewable energy so that more youths can be trained and be self employed.

21

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍśËœ 2020

ADEOLAAKINREMI With Fuel Subsidy Gone, It’s Essential Side Eects... that Buhari Finds Courage for Federalism

F

irst, let’s draw the similarity.

President Muhammadu Buhari and the governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, are from the same party. But they have different levels of courage and commitment. You might think this comparison is unfair. There’s a chance you’ll agree with me before long.

Yes, Osun is a rural state with a small population. It doesn’t have the same headache as Nigeria. But the state has its own complexities in the composition of its residents and tribes.

Indeed, the divisive and destructive policies of the previous government led by its former governor, Rauf Aregbesola, nearly made it impossible for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to return to power in the state.

For a refresher, in September 2018, the people of Osun State showed bravery by using their ballot papers against the APC. They voted overwhelmingly for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, but things changed very quickly as adjudication of cases in election matters shifted to courts.

Still, even though he came to power through a contentious election, Oyetola leaves no one in doubt as to where he’s headed in making necessary reform.

In a rare courage that is not common in politics, especially when you’re handed power by someone from the same party, Oyetola departed from the norm, siding with people instead of politics.

To create value, he started building consensus to deal with the moral deficit bequeathed him by his predecessor. He made up his mind to restore inclusiveness in his state, regardless of who voted for or against him.

His courage to reverse some depressive policy decisions of his predecessor from the same party is one good way to identify with the yearnings of the people.

We can now have a coherent picture of Osun State because of fundamental insight of its new leader.

If you’ve been paying attention to decisions made by the governor of Osun State in recent times, you’ll be asking the same question that I am asking, why is Buhari not courageous enough to implement his party manifesto on federalism?

Of course, Buhari can give us hundreds of reasons why things are slow or not working at all. In fact, his supporters will jump at it before him.

In the past, Buhari and his base have blamed the PDP for everything. They have blamed former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the 8th National Assembly.

In fact, Buhari told us that democracy is just too complex for decision making.

But Buhari is just a chameleon who does things to suit his own situation. The story of his refusal to let go the service chiefs despite obvious reasons to do so comes to heart.

Right now, as I think about happenings in the country whether on hike in fuel price, protests, pandemic, high food prices, electricity tariff or VAT and other things that combined to make people feel hopeless more and more, I am tempted to think of Buhari as a zombie president.

Exhausted and angry as they face a series of economic woes and healthcare crises, Nigerians once again are questioning what the future holds for them in their own country.

They have gone through this road before under past governments, so you’ll think Buhari will not let it happen to make a distinction between his government and what Nigeria has had.

But staple food like maize, bread, and

Buhari

rice are beyond the means of ordinary Nigerians, one more time.

Tragically, the government headed by Buhari doesn’t thrive on civic engagement.

Last week, when he reached out via his twitter handle with some ramblings, his words didn’t make much sense to his angry followers. “We are very mindful of the challenge of high food prices, at a time when the economy is already in a slowdown caused by the global coronavirus situation, and are doing everything in our power to bring down the prices of food items across the country,� he tweeted.

In clear words, Nigerians are struggling to find food to eat and Buhari is aware, but he’s blaming that on coronavirus.

What will Mr. Buhari take responsibility for?

Interestingly, President Buhari has a good chance of putting Nigeria on the path of fiscal federalism to devolve power to the states but he has ignored it repeatedly.

Curiously, in May 2019, Buhari made a statement on federalism. “It will be belabouring the point to say that true federalism is necessary at this juncture of our political and democratic evolution,� he said.

After that statement, Buhari has carried on with the government the same old way he met it—anti-federalism.

But the party he heads said in its manifesto that it will “initiate action to amend our constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties and responsibilities to states and local governments in order to entrench true federalism and the federal spirit.�

Where is the action?

Let me make this point on subsidy removal and its connection to federalism.

I am a pro-subsidy removal. First, I know subsidies on anything don’t get to the very people that need it, in most cases.

Second, removal of subsidies would free up a substantial amount of government revenue, allowing for substantial gains in economic efficiency and implementation of government projects.

For example, in the United States, both state and federal governments use

gasoline taxes to fund road construction and repair.

But removing subsidies at a time every country is finding ways with their social policies to solve pandemic problems is not smart. Buhari perhaps acted too late and too soon.

And though I am aware that removing energy subsidies is a precondition for an international loan in the pipeline, it is important to see the other side of removal of fuel subsidies on the domestic economy.

Firstly, the local prices of fuel will increase dramatically with this removal of subsidies. Second, Nigeria has fuel intensive industries and high oil prices would lead to increase in costs of production, and the cost will be shifted to consumers.

But if we are practicing federalism, where states manage their resources and fiscal federalism is in place, the impact will be lesser.

For example, in the U.S, gas prices vary so much from station to station, and neighborhood to neighborhood because each state decides what it charges as gasoline tax and that in addition to other variable costs determine the pump price of oil.

What is the implication of this?

It means if I live in a state with a low gasoline tax, I’ll be saving some bucks every time I drive to the gas station. And I can choose between gas station A and B after looking at the displayed price.

And just like gasoline tax, states are bound to implement other social and economic policies that will attract people or keep them out.

Naturally, people will go to a state that offers them a better life. This will increase competition among states to find ways to generate resources rather than have governors waste time and taxpayers’ money to travel to Abuja for allocation every now and then.

There’s something more important.

With federalism, the attention of residents is shifted to state governors and they can hold their feet to fire on policies.

In August, when president Buhari approved N13.3 billion for community policing, I saw a paradox. How can you do community policing when local governments are not having their own police and the fate of the state in terms of policing is tied to the federal government?

I am worried that N13.3 billion is a bad investment for community policing where there’s no federalism.

Does Buhari need to do anything extra to get us on the mood for federalism, a legacy that is still within his reach?

I’ll say no.

In 2015, when he came to power, Buhari did set up a committee led by the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to advise him on the shape of federalism for Nigeria.

The El Rufai-led committee succeeded.

It made recommendations on state police, resource control, devolution of power, fiscal federalism and revenue allocation and local government autonomy.

But Buhari didn’t act on it.

Right now, as I think about happenings in the country, whether on hike in fuel price, protests, pandemic, high food prices, electricity tariff or VAT and other things that combined to make people feel hopeless more and more, I am tempted to think of Buhari as a zombie president

Obaseki Vs Oshiomhole Finally, we are in September. In a few days we’ll know whether comrade Adams Oshiomhole will sink or survive. We all know the election in Edo is between him and the governor, Godwin Obaseki because his candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is not as confrontational as he’s with Obaseki.

According to Obaseki, “this election is a contest with Oshiomhole. We have dealt with him at the national level, we will bury him politically in this election; because he has no regard for Benin people, he has no regard for us in Oredo, and we will show him that he is nothing.� Will this come to pass?

COVID-19: Airport Access I think the Christian song, “Christian seek not yet repose...� will be a good song to sing as a reminder that coronavirus is still much with us for as long as we wait for the vaccine. With resumption of international flights, Nigeria needs to do more regarding observation of all necessary protocols for COVID-19. Airports are sweet spots for the spread of any virus because of the closeness of travelers to one another. When COVID-19 first reached Nigeria, it was at the airport. When Ebola came in 2014, It was at the airport. So let’s watch that space called the airport.

The Coming Outrage It has been long since a serious national protest happened in Nigeria.

Now, the Trade Union Congress and 79 other civil society organisations and labour unions have said they will hold nationwide protests and strike action to demand for reversal of the increment of the fuel price and electricity tariff. I am skeptical about how this will go and the result it will achieve. Sadly, there are two options for Nigerians on any national issues like this: to protest and vote against the government. But the two options are beyond reach. Peaceful protests in Nigeria hardly work and votes may not count. Depressing!

LASU’s Global Record For many reasons, Lagos State University’s record-breaking achievement in the recent global educationrankings is hearty. It is encouraging to see LASU listed as the second top university in Nigeria by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. There are many things the Times rankings consider in its overall decisions. In its assessment of almost 1,400 institutions worldwide, the global rankings judge researchintensive universities along the areas of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

That means LASU has upgraded its learning environment, improved on the quality of faculty and their research is being seen to influence innovation or contribute to advancement globally.

I’m not surprised at all. Back in the day, everyone wanted LASU’s Master of Business Administration (LASUMBA). It was the best in town.

One common sticker on the back of great cars in the city was LASUMBA. So LASU has always been great but leadership was a problem. I congratulate the leadership of LASU for this great optic for its graduates.

Of course, the University of Ibadan remains strong as the number numero uno of Africa in all areas. As a product of University of Ibadan and LASU, I am a proud alumnus!

TUESDAY, ΀˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

22

MARKET NEWS

Access Bank Appoints Usman as Independent Director Goddy Egene

Mr. Hassan Usman, as an the approval of the Central Chief Executive Officer of company focused on financial independent non-executive Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

New Frontier Development advisory, hospitality, real Usman is the Founder/ Limited, an investment estate and proprietary Access Bank Plc has appointed director of the bank following A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors.

Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 04- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Sep-2020, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

investments in start-ups and challenged companies in the SME space.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.92 0.93 2.35% ACAP Income Funds 0.78 0.78 10.26% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.61% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.99 3.07 21.75% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 2.50% Anchoria Equity Fund 100.75 101.09 -1.17% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.27 1.27 10.24% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 14.64 15.09 -4.40% ARM Discovery Fund 344.30 354.68 -0.33% ARM Ethical Fund 30.62 31.55 5.30% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.16 1.16 15.85% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.08 1.08 8.14% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.34% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 98.43 99.12 2.44% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.37% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.13 2.13 16.01% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 1.85 1.88 5.48% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.06% Paramount Equity Fund 11.56 11.77 -7.64% Women's Investment Fund 111.68 112.70 1.16% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.64% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 105.62 105.96 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 109.76 110.07 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 103.42 103.42 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.35% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.96 0.97 3.04% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.55 1.55 16.81% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 4.03% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 4.42% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,166.89 1,178.96 5.24% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,391.51 1,393.08 14.05% FBN Balanced Fund 153.07 154.11 4.26% FBN Halal Fund 107.49 107.50 7.49% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.47% . . .

FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 121.30 121.71 4.41% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 117.32 119.15 -9.84% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,164.51 3,199.75 4.07% Coral Income Fund 3,191.80 3,191.80 3.77% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 3.90% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.16% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.33 2.37 6.39% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 8.51% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 150.67 151.42 5.12% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.25 1.27 7.08% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,133.66 1,133.66 7.07% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.40 1.42 14.25% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.88 11.95 5.53% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.10% PACAM Equity Fund 1.11 1.12 PACAM EuroBond Fund 107.98 110.55 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 116.31 118.18 -5.19% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 6.62% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 6.17% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 4.91% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 0.56% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 5.70% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 4.43% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.12% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -2.00% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.20 1.20 3.74% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 109.18 109.18 4.77% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.16 1.18 -2.99% United Capital Bond Fund 1.85 1.85 6.89% United Capital Equity Fund 0.66 0.68 -5.69% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.53% United Capital Eurobond Fund 114.45 114.45 4.75% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.03 1.03 -2.23% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.46 10.57 1.68% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.65 11.72 0.07% Zenith Income Fund 24.54 24.54 10.22% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.54%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

117.93

5.15%

53.40

2.59%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.15 86.35 67.05

9.25 88.21 68.28

5.09% -8.59% -10.76%

Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva GrifďŹ n 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.14 4.29 12.09 N/A 11.14 181.63

3.18 4.37 12.19 N/A 11.34 183.63

-11.46% -27.16% -0.35% N/A 7.17% -3.40%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.03

15.02%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

LAWYER WEEKLY PULLOUT

A

NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai

08.09.2020

Co-Convener of New NBA, Mr. Nuhu Ibrahim

NBA,‘New NBA’and El Rufai

2/DASHBOARD

08.09.2020

LAWYER

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

08.09.2020

Pr

FCT, Abuja: Court with Jurisdiction on Matters Involving its Agencies PAGE 4

Olasupo Shasore SAN: Allegations in the P & ID v FRN Case PAGE 5

NBA,‘New NBA’and El Rufai QUOTABLES "We have a Bar that is not only united, but professional. It does not pander to ethnic or religious considerations.....It is something that we must always bear in mind, because the people who would like to divide us, will not let up.....And, we must not allow them to divide us." - Paul Usoro, SAN, Immediate Past President, Nigerian Bar Association "While reflecting on a conference with many errors in planning, which has brought hues and cries of foul which I once again apologise for, extending my hand of fellowship to all that are aggrieved on all sides of the debate.” - Dr Koyinsola Ajayi, SAN, Chairman, 2020 TCCP, Nigerian Bar Association

VP Osinbajo hails Supreme Court's Judgement Endorsing Virtual Proceedings PAGE 9

Nigerian Bar Association’s 2020 Presidential Election: A Matter of Justice, Character and Integrity PAGE 10

/3

08.09.2020

Fallout from NBA Conference

Ifa tin ŋè!

Ifa tin ŋè! (the words of the Ifa oracle are already coming to pass!). In my piece of 14/7/2020, “Before the NBA Elections”, I discussed the qualities of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) office holders as provided by Section 8(3) of the NBA Constitution, particularly Section 8(3)(e) which mentions the need for the quality of ‘proven integrity’ in all our officers. I went on to state that, if those vying for offices lack the requisite integrity and therefore, may have no regard for the rule of law: “Do such people have any moral standing to call out the Government or any of its agencies for disrespecting the rule of law, when they themselves are law breakers too?”

The recent invitation and disinvitation saga of Governor Nasir El Rufai to speak at the 2020 NBA AGC and the fallout therefrom, that is, some members of some Branches of the NBA in Northern Nigeria angling to start their own offshoot, the ‘New Nigerian Bar Association’ (NNBA), is just a sample of the problems that the NBA may face in the days to come.

I am not a fan of Governor El Rufai (and many of his counterparts/colleagues in Government for uncountable reasons), and while it is my prerogative to invite you to my party and decide to disinvite you, the question that lays sniggeringly on the lips of many is, where does the Executive Committee of an Association that breaches its own Constitution several times over, most especially during its elections, showing a total disregard for the rule of law which it is mandated to uphold, get off criticising and disinviting Governor El Rufai for showing contempt for the rule of law et al? Admittedly, some may argue that their objection to Governor El Rufai has to do with what they perceive to be his lackadaisical/nonchalant attitude concerning the loss of human lives in Southern Kaduna, but the bottom line is that, just as he may not have lived up to expectation regarding the lives of the people of Southern Kaduna which he swore to protect, likewise, it is also arguable that the NBA has also not lived up to upholding the rule of law as the Aim and Objectives of its Constitution have mandated it to do - therefore, that NBA is not in a position to judge Governor El Rufai.

And whether or not those who seek to form a parallel Association can or cannot be taken seriously, the sad part is that, this voice of dissent is coming from within the NBA, which we are told is a united Bar - really? It certainly doesn’t look like it.

We will probably see more of these types of disagreements with the NBA in various ramifications; and while the NBA Executive can always try to make peace with warring members, as it has been doing with the Northern Branches (with Mr Akpata meeting with them in Abuja last week), in terms of Government and the society at large, the complications may simply translate into some sort of gag on the NBA, that is, the inability of the NBA to take a clear stand when it is necessary, for fear of being condemned/ridiculed because of its own inadequacies.

The Clamour for the ‘New NBA’ Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution) certainly guarantees our right to freedom of association for the protection of our interests, and therefore, the proponents of NNBA are entitled to form their own group.

Governor El Rufai and President Obasanjo It is however, interesting to hear some of the arguments, that have fuelled this desire to form a parallel Bar Association. The disinvitation of Governor El Rufai which they believe goes against the principles of ‘audi alteram partem’ (let the other side be heard as well) embodied in Section 36(1) of the Constitution, tops the list of grouses. While I’m a firm believer in the right to fair hearing, we must not forget that the NBA is not a court of law or tribunal for the determination of people’s rights as stated in Section 36(1), unless of course, for issues like when Lawyers are brought before the Disciplinary Committee to defend allegations of infractions; and just as Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees the rights of the proponents of the NNBA to form their Association, so does it accord the NBA the right to decide whom it wants to associate with or have as a Speaker at its event. ‘Ba dole ba ne’ (Its not by force/not necessarily)!

Another grouse of the NNBA, is tribalism - that the North is not well represented in the major organs of the NBA. It is sad that this malaise of tribalism which has eaten so deep into the fabric of our society, has been extended to a professional

association like the NBA that should certainly know better; but, it would have been ideal if the protagonists of NNBA had provided specific details about these organs of the NBA where the North has been deliberately and unfairly excluded, so that the Akpata led administration can address it, as I do agree with their statement that the NBA “should live above sentiments, regionalism and discrimination on any basis and of any kind”. The truth of the matter is that, it was some Northern members of NBA NEC who suggested that Governor El Rufai be disinvited because of the Southern Kaduna matter; two Southern Senior Advocates defended the Governor’s invitation roundly; the matter was put to a vote, and majority - which said the Governor should be disinvited - carried the vote.

Strangely, in the ongoing outcry by Nigerians that most of the law enforcement/security agencies, NNPC and the heads of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary are all manned by Northerners contrary to Sections 14(3) and 42(1)(b) & (2) of the Constitution which provide for federal character and the right to freedom from discrimination respectively, these NNBA upholders of justice, human rights and the rule of law have been silent! What about the over 300 tribes in Nigeria who feel marginalised to an overwhelming extent by the North and to a lesser extent by the South West - have they opted out of Nigeria for this reason? However, the bright side of this saga is, with the NNBA, the Promoters will be free to populate its organs and positions with whoever they deem fit.

Another reason for the clamour for secession from the NBA, is that President Obasanjo and Governor Wike should also have been disinvited like Governor El Rufai. The allegations levelled against President Obasanjo regarding the massacre of the people of Odi in Bayelsa State, is also weighty, and I agree that he should have been tarred with the same brush as Governor El Rufai. While the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people (Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution), Section 33(1) guarantees every person’s right to life save in specified circumstances which do not include the occurrences in Odi or Southern Kaduna.

Governor Wike However, comparing incidents involving the loss of many precious human lives with Governor Wike allegedly demolishing the foundation of a Mosque which was yet to be built on a land that has been the subject-matter of a court dispute which is said to have so far been won by the Rivers State Government, or a hotel in Port Harcourt during the Covid-19 pandemic, is almost like comparing apples to oranges, in the sense that, while physical buildings can be rebuilt to an even better standard than what was destroyed and damages awarded to the injured parties by courts of competent jurisdiction, lost human lives can never be resurrected or replaced. In any event, Governor Wike is a Lawyer and a member of the NBA unlike the other two, and if he registered, it was his right to attend the conference, even if he was disinvited as a Speaker.

I even saw a write up, which scathingly mentioned the fact that Governor Wike declared Rivers State as a Christian State. Section 10 of the Constitution prohibits the adoption of State religions, but if 12 or so Northern States believe that they are above the

law and can breach the grundnorm by adopting Islam as their State religion, Governor Wike can also do the same. After all, what is good for the goose, is certainly good for the gander; at least, until the highest court of the land decides to implement Section 10 to the tee.

How will the NNBA Operate?

How and to what end does the NNBA hope to set up and operate? The NBA was not established by statute, but is registered as an Incorporated Trustee by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Will the CAC register a body with the name of NNBA which is not just similar to that of the NBA, but gives the impression that it is a better/new and improved version or possibly successor-in-title of the NBA? I think not. But, this problem is a minor one - the proponents can easily choose another name. Does the NNBA seek to be just a pressure group, or one that also has a say in the regulation of the legal profession like the NBA? The Legal Practitioners Act which regulates the profession, accords the NBA with some recognition - see the case of Nigeria Bar Association v Kehinde (2017) 11 NWLR (Pt.1576) 225. Will the Act be amended to recognise the NNBA too? Will the NNBA have its own Rules of Professional Conduct?

In conclusion, it seems that the reasons for the clamour by some Lawyers for the formation of the NNBA, are not particularly cogent enough to warrant such a move. However, it is the NNBA’s right to form another association, but dialogue and reconciliation to make a stronger NBA, may be a better option.

P.S. Nigeria should take a cue from Sudan’s transitional Government, which last week signed a peace agreement with rebels, ending about 30 years of Sharia Law imposed by the ousted government of Omar Al-Bashir by separating religion from the State, stating thus: “For Sudan to become a democratic country where the rights of all citizens are enshrined, the Constitution should be based on the principle of separation of religion and State....”. Why should Nigeria then be regressing, because our leaders choose to selfishly use religion as a divisive political tool to control the people for their own selfish gains, when the world has mostly embraced the secular system? Religion is one of the most major causes of disagreement in life - even at a dinner table amongst friends, let alone in a multi ethnic and multi religious society.

True democracy can never be achieved, if religion is not separated from the State.

Dear Editor Re: Citizen Aminu, Sharia and the Constitution

Dear Editor,

I am a Muslim, but I must say that some of the leaders of our faith prefer to keep their people in a perpetual primitive era and blindfold, because of their selfish and political reasons. Even if the Prophet (SAW) were to be alive today, he would not order the execution of Mr Aminu, but would forgive him. The Prophet (SAW) forgave others for more grievous acts, according to the Holy Quran

“...... THE QUESTION THAT LAYS SNIGGERINGLY ON THE LIPS OF MANY IS, WHERE DOES THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF AN ASSOCIATION THAT BREACHES ITS OWN CONSTITUTION SEVERAL TIMES OVER, MOST ESPECIALLY DURING ITS ELECTIONS, SHOWING A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR THE RULE OF LAW WHICH IT IS MANDATED TO UPHOLD, GET OFF CRITICISING AND DISINVITING GOVERNOR EL RUFAI.....” and Hadith. It is a pity that many Northern Lawyers and educated Northern elders etc have kept mum about this, while the agitation against the decision of the Sharia Court is coming from other quarters.

Thank you for your comprehensive and educative write up; it is brilliant for people of reasoning.

T.O.

Dear Editor,

Thank you for shedding light on this thorny issue. It is unbelievable that those that we look up to as being well versed in the matters of our religion, can make such decisions which are at total variance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAW), without a second thought that their perverse decision involves the wrongful deprivation of the life of an individual.

I have come to the conclusion that many of our leaders are simply selfish and evil, and I pray that Allah metes out the harshest punishment on them.

Many of our leaders, whether Muslim or Christian, are kleptomaniacs who have more or less stolen the country blind; and yet, they feel no shame in confirming an unconstitutional death sentence that is not supported by the teachings of Islam, on Sharif Aminu.

I salute your courage, in stating the true position of blasphemy in Islam. And, for the record, I am a Moslem and a Lawyer.

K.B.

Dear Editor,

Salam Alaikum. I hope the Governor reads your article today! I have enclosed an article from a Sharia Journal which corroborates your position.

You may well be saving a life today.

Well done.

A.A.R. The Article from the Sharia Journal is continued on Page 5.

Former NBA President, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN

4/LAW REPORT

FCT, Abuja: Court with Jurisdiction on Matters Involving its Agencies invited the court to consider the core issue of contention in the suit, which relates to land/property built on land. He submitted that claims for recovery of land, are excluded from the ambit of Section 2(a) of POPA. Regarding the third issue, the Appellant argued that the originating process (Statement of Claim), which was signed for Chief A.S. Awomolo, SAN by an unknown person was invalid and incurably so, as originating processes must be signed by a legal practitioner. In response to the submission, counsel for the 1st Respondent posited that the jurisdiction of court is activated by the originating process, which is the Writ of Summons and not the Statement of Claim – Order 4 Rule 1, 2 and 3 of the High Court of the FCT (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004. He contended that the Statement of Claim was based on a validly issued Writ of Summons, in accordance with the Rules of Court.

Arguing the fourth issue, counsel submitted for the Appellant that a court may grant less, but not more than is claimed by the litigant. He argued that the Court of Appeal granted unsolicited reliefs by declaring the 1st Respondent as the winning bidder of the property in dispute, and directing her to pay the bid amount of N10,100,000.00 and other legal charges. The 1st Respondent responded that the reliefs granted by the lower court were consequential, flowing from the reliefs sought.

With regard to the fifth issue, parties argued on the burden of proof and on whom the onus lies to prove.

Facts

The 1st Respondent was a Director of Library Services of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She served in the Federal Civil Service for 35 years, and retired on 15th January, 2004. While in service, she was allocated a three bedroom duplex at Block D44, Flat 3, Zone F Extension, Apo, Abuja, as her official quarters.

On 1st October 2003, the Federal Government commenced a monetisation policy of fringe benefits in the Civil Service, for the sale of Federal Government residential houses; by which policy the 1st Respondent was entitled to be accorded the right of first refusal, having lived on the property for over five years. The 1st Respondent indicated her interest in purchasing the house, and wrote to the Head of Service of the Federation through the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court.

Upon transfer of the purchase of houses to the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, they turned around the process by issuing sales guidelines and requesting the 1st Respondent to fill and submit a Form for expression of interest to purchase the said property.

The 1st Respondent completed and submitted the Form; however, by a letter dated 8th August, 2005, the 2nd Respondent rejected her application on the basis that she was not qualified to apply as a career civil servant, having retired on 15th January, 2004. She was invited to participate in a public bidding, as a member of the general public. The 1st Respondent decided to participate in the bidding, while contesting the decision of the 2nd Respondent.

After the bidding exercise, the 1st Respondent travelled to England for urgent medical attention and it was while recuperating there, that the 2nd Respondent announced the Appellant as the winner of the bidding exercise. When the 1st Respondent returned to Nigeria, she inquired to know about her application and was informed that her Form was misplaced. The 2nd Respondent thereby, issued her with another Form, which she filled and submitted with a bank draft.

The 1st Respondent received a Quit Notice on 21st April, 2006 and had to vacate the property. She therefore, commenced an action against the Appellant and other Respondents at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on 27th April, 2006.

By the claim, she sought among others, a Declaration that she is a beneficiary of the Monetisation Policy, having been in active service as at the time the policy took effect, and entitled to exercise her right of first refusal in respect of the property. She sought in the alternative, a Declaration that she is entitled to be given a fair consideration in the bidding exercise, having submitted her expression of interest Form and that the non-consideration of her application before awarding the said flat to the Appellant, rendered the public bidding null and void.

The trial court found for the Appellant and upheld the sale by the 2nd and 3rd Respondents on the basis that the 1st Respondent, who retired about four months before the commencement of sale of the houses, was not entitled to exercise the option of first refusal on the property. The appeal to the Court of Appeal was successful, with the appellate court granting the alternative prayer of the 1st Respondent and declaring her the winning Bidder of the property. The Appellant therefore, appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination The following issues were considered by the court in determining the appeal: 1. Whether the Court of Appeal had the jurisdiction to entertain the appeal before it, given the parties and the claim of the 1st Respondent before the High Court of the FCT. 2. Whether the provisions of Public Officers Protection Act would not render the 1st Respondent’s claim before the trial court incompetent and in turn, rob the Court of Appeal of jurisdiction to entertain the appeal and deliver the judgement in favour of the 1st Respondent.

3. Whether the Court of Appeal had the jurisdiction to entertain the appeal before it, having regard to the incompetent process, i.e. the Statement of Claim filed before the trial court and signed by an unknown person for the 1st Respondent’s counsel.

4. Whether the Court of Appeal had the jurisdiction in the circumstance, to grant reliefs that are contrary to the claim of the 1st Respondent and reliefs not sought in the Statement of Claim.

5. Whether having regard to the pleadings and evidence of parties, the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were right to consider the issue of proof and burden of proof with regard to the pleadings and evidence of parties.

The joint Brief of Argument filed by the 2nd and 3rd Respondents and the issues for determination formulated therein, were struck out by the court for being irregular. The Supreme Court opined that a Respondent, who did not file a Cross-appeal or Respondent’s Notice, cannot attack the judgement of the lower court or pray the appellate court to dismiss the judgement of the lower court.

Arguments Arguing the first issue, the Appellant submitted that given the parties and the claim, the High Court of the FCT and the Court of Appeal do not have the jurisdiction to entertain the claim and the appeal therefrom, since the claim primarily challenged the administrative action and decisions of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents in line with Sections 257(1) and 151(1)(p) and (r) of the 1999 Constitution. Counsel argued that the claim should have been filed at the Federal High Court. Responding, counsel for the 1st Respondent opined that the principal parties to the suit are the Appellant and the 2nd & 3rd Respondents, who are not agents of the Federal Government, but agents of the Federal Capital Territory with status of a State. Counsel relied on Section 299 of the

Honourable Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC

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

Olabode Rhodes-Vivour Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili Chima Centus Nweze Amina Adamu Augie Ejembi Eko Justices, Supreme Court SC.514/2015 Between Hajia Yinusa Bakari …

…

…

Appellant

And 1.

2.

3.

4.

Deaconess (Mrs.) Felicia Arinola Ogundipe The Minister, Federal Capital Territory Federal Capital Development Authority The Attorney-General of the Federation ... Respondents

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC)

1999 Constitution and the case of Okoyode v FCDA (2006) All FWLR (Pt. 298) 1200, in support of his submission.

On the second issue, the Appellant argued that the action challenged the administrative and executive decisions of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, both public institutions. He posited that the cause of action occurred in September/November, 2005

when the 1st Respondent was excluded from the bidding exercise; but the action was not instituted until 27th April, 2006 contrary to the provisions of Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act (POPA), which stipulates that actions against public officers must be brought within three months after the act complained of. Counsel for the 1st Respondent on his part,

“ABUJA.....HAS THE STATUS OF A STATE.....THE FEDERAL CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (FCDA).....IS A GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OF THE FCT, ABUJA......

THE HIGH COURT OF THE FCT IS THE COURT VESTED WITH JURISDICTION IN SUITS WHERE THE AGENTS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND AGENCIES OF THE FCT ARE PARTIES”

Court’s Judgement and Rationale On the first issue, the Supreme Court held that by virtue of Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution, Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria, has the status of a State. It is one of the States of the Federation. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, though a Minister of the Federal Government, occupies a similar position of Governor of a State. The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is established by Section 3 of the Federal Capital Territory Act; it is a Governmental Agency of the FCT, Abuja. Though the Federal High Court has exclusive jurisdiction to determine matters where one of the parties is the Federal Government or its agency as specified in Section 251(1)(a)-(s) of the 1999 Constitution, the High Court of the FCT is the court vested with jurisdiction in suits where the agents of the Federal Government and agencies of the FCT are parties. The claim in this instance relates to land and the question about implementation of the monetisation policy of the Federal Government by the FCDA. Thus, the High Court of the FCT has jurisdiction to determine the suit.

Deciding the second issue, the Apex Court held that, the action relates to recovery of land/house occupied by the 1st Respondent, from which she was thrown out. The law is settled that Section 2 of POPA does not apply to cases of recovery of land – SALAKO v LEDB (1953) 20 NLR 169.

On the issue of competence of the originating process, the Supreme Court observed that the 1st Respondent filed a Statement of Claim which was signed by an unknown person. However, the Appellant did not object to this defect at the trial court and the Court of Appeal, but raised it as an issue of jurisdiction at the Supreme Court for the first time. The law is that counsel may waive a defect in procedural law, and a right that has been waived is lost. Once the other party acts upon the waiver, the party waiving the right cannot go back on the waiver – CHIEF JOHN EZE v DR. C.I. OKECHUKWU & 7 ORS (2002) 14 SCM 105. The Appellant having waived her right to object to the defective process which touches on procedural jurisdiction, it would be most inequitable and unjust to the 1st Respondent to allow the complaint on appeal.

With regard to the submissions on issue four, the court held that a court does not have jurisdiction to grant a relief not claimed, or more than the Claimant can prove. However, a court has jurisdiction to give consequential Orders where necessary. The Court of Appeal examined the evidence on record and found that the only public bid for purchase of the flat was one submitted by the 1st Respondent, as her bid was the highest and accompanied by a bid bond by way of bank draft equal to 10% of the bid value regarded as non-refundable 10% deposit. It follows that the consequential order of the Court of Appeal, which flowed from the alternative prayer of the 1st Respondent, was correct.

Resolving the issue about who had the winning bid for the house, the Apex Court held that parties are bound by their pleadings, and the burden is on the Plaintiff to prove his assertions vide Section 131 of the Evidence Act. The 1st Respondent herein, pleaded and proved that she bidded for the house; thus, the burden shifted to the Appellant to disprove her assertion. On her part, the Appellant did not establish that she submitted any bid for the disputed flat, and the Court of Appeal was right not to have speculated on this point.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Appellant was not represented by counsel.

E. Fatogun with L.I. Ekweremadu for the 1st Respondent.

D. Anieh with U.J. Enweazu for the 2nd and 3rd Respondents.

4th Respondent was not represented by counsel.

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

08.09.2020

/5

Death Punishment for Blasphemy?

This article was forwarded by one of our readers, in response to the piece “Citizen Aminu, Sharia and the Constitution” written by the Editor of This Day Lawyer last week. The article was apparently published in a Sharia Journal, the name of which the sender did not disclose. It however, confirms the view of the Editor, that in Islam, blasphemy is not punishable by death

P

racticed in many Islamic countries, blasphemy laws are those limiting the freedom of speech and expression relating to irreverence toward holy personages and religious symbols, customs or beliefs.

Blasphemy laws are generally used to protect the religious beliefs of the majority, or of those who control the law. Blasphemy laws often systematically target disadvantaged sections of the community with severe penalties, including death. Those prosecuted by these laws are often minorities.

Countries such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen, and Mauritania claim to derive their blasphemy laws from Islamic Sharia. The authorities in some of these countries falsely assert that Sharia prescribes death as the proper punishment for blasphemy. Saudi Arabia’s blasphemy laws are an amalgam of rules from royal edicts and rulings (fatâwâ) from the Council of Senior Religious Scholars (which notably is appointed by the King and paid for by the Saudi government). Those opposed to these laws are often condemned as non-Muslims, who can be punished with death according to laws against apostasy. Such laws, however, are themselves a crime against Islam and humanity. Read what the Qur’ân says: ϭ˴΍ι˸Ώέ˶ ˸ ω˴ϝϯ ˴ Ի ϡ˴΍ ϱ˴ϕϭ˵ ϝ˵ϭϥ˴ ϭ˴΍ϩ˸Νέ˵ ϩ˸ ϡ˵ ˸ ϩ˴Νέ˸ ΍˱ Ν˴ϡϱ ˶ ϝ˱΍ “And patiently persevere in the face of all that these (enemies) say and withdraw from them in a graceful manner.” (73:10) The Qur’ân describes the practice of showing irreverence to God and His Messenger as acts of ignorance and instructs us as follows: “Take to forgiveness and ever forbear and enjoin (the doing of) good and turn away from (those who intentionally want to remain) ignorant” (7:199).

One can find fifty-five verses in the Holy Qur’ân that teach a Muslim how to behave in situations when his religion, his Prophet (pbuh), and his Holy Book are disgraced or mocked (cf. 3:186–187; 4:140; 6:68; 20:130; 23:96–97; 25:63; 28:55; 33:48; 50:39). There is no mention of punishment for blasphemy in those verses or anywhere else in the entire Qur’ωn; not even censorship is mentioned or endorsed. All these verses disqualify worldly punishment for blasphemy as Divine Law or Islamic law. We are told: ϭ˴ϕΩ˴ ˸ ϥ˴ίϝ˴ ˷ ˴ ω˴ϝϱ ˴ ϙ ˸ ϡ˵ ˸ ϑ˶ϱ ΍ϝ˸ϙΕ ˶ ΍˴ Ώ˶ ΃˴ϥ ˸ ·˶Ϋ΍˴ α˴ϡω˶ Ε ˸ ϡ˵ ˸ ΁ϱ˴΍Ε˶ ΍ϝϝ˷ϩ˴ ˶ ϱ˵ϙϑ ˸ έ˴ ˵ Ώ˶ϩ΍˴ ϭ˴ϱα ˵ Ε ˸ ϩ˴ ί˸ ΃˴ ˵ Ώ˶ϩ΍˴ ϑ˴ϝ΍˴ Ε˴ϕω˸ Ω˵ ϭ˵ ΍ ϡ˴ωϩ˴ ϡ˵ ˸ Ρ˴Εϯ ˴ ˷ Ի ϱ˴Υϭ˵ ν˵ϭ΍ ϑ˶ϱ Ρ˴Ωϱ ˶ Ι˳ ύ˴ϱέ˸ ϩ˶ ˶ ‫˶· ى‬ϥϙ ˴ ˷ ϡ˵ ˸ ·˶Ϋ΍˱ ϡ˶Ι ˷ ϝ˸ ϩ˵ ϡ˵ ˸ ‫˶· ن‬ϥ ˴ ˷ ΍ϝϝ˷ϩ˴ ˴ Ν˴΍ϡ˶ω ˵ ΍ϝ˸ϡϥ˵ ΍˴ ϑ˶ϕϱ ˶ ϥ˴ ϭ˴΍ϝ˸ϙ΍˴ ϑ˶έϱ ˶ ϥ˴ ϑ˶ϱ Ν˴ϩϥ˴ ϡ˴ ˷ ˴ Ν˴ϡϱ ˶ ω˱΍ “And He has already revealed to you in this Book (the commandment) that when you hear Allâh’s Messages being denied and being ridiculed you should not sit with such (absurd people) unless they engage in a topic other than that,

Yahaya Sharif Aminu for in case (you do not leave their company) you will be indeed like them. Allâh is going to assemble the hypocrites and the disbelievers in Gehenna one and all.” (4:140) The purpose of this verse is to emphasise the seriousness of religious matters, and to protect the believer against the demoralising influences of such company or gatherings where religion is mocked. The purpose is also to avoid confrontation and conflict. The purpose is not to avoid sincere religious discussions with nonbelievers, however; such discussions are allowed.

The Holy Qur’ân told the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims, who routinely faced the mockery of their faith by disbelievers, to “withdraw from them in a graceful manner” (73:10); this is the response to mockery that the Qur’ân suggests, and this is what the Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself practiced.

In his lifetime, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was subjected to verbal and physical humiliation (23:69–70). He narrowly escaped assassination by migrating to Medînah. He was accused of forgery (21:5), and he was stigmatised as a man “possessed” (23:70) and a “mad man” (68:2).

There are more than two hundred verses in the Qur’ân describing how the contemporaries of the Prophet (pbuh) repeatedly insulted and verbally abused him, insults that would now be called “blasphemy of the Prophet (pbuh) and Allah.”

Nowhere does the Qur’ân mention the punishment of lashing or death for these acts, nor does

it mention any other physical punishment by any other Prophet when mocked and disgraced.

The Holy Prophet’s (pbuh) personal reaction, as also the reaction of all his devoted Companions, while both in and out of power, was impeccable adherence to the Qur’ânic teachings. If blasphemy was punishable by death in Islam, then the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and his Followers would have been the first ones to order the killing of hundreds of his vanquished foes who had mercilessly mocked and abused him for years. Instead, the mockers and abusers did not face any punishment, and many of them later became his closest Companions.

Some Muslims assert that the verses that talk of grace and patience in the face of insults, were later abrogated when the Holy Prophet’s (pbuh) position became more advantageous. However, this false assertion would be blasphemous in itself, because it would indicate that punishment is meted out only in cases of numerical or other advantage, wrongly suggesting that cowardice had been the reason for restraint.

Unlike the Holy Qur’ân, the Holy Bible does endorse earthly punishment for blasphemy, indicating a possible influence for the views on blasphemy of many contemporary Muslims.

In Christian theology, the Gospel of Mark 3:29 describes blaspheming the Holy Spirit as an unforgivable eternal sin. Thomas Aquinas considered blasphemy a major unforgivable sin, more serious than murder. The Lutheran Book of Concord describes it as the greatest sin

“ONE CAN FIND FIFTYFIVE VERSES IN THE HOLY QUR’ÂN THAT TEACH A MUSLIM HOW TO BEHAVE IN SITUATIONS WHEN HIS RELIGION, HIS PROPHET (PBUH), AND HIS HOLY BOOK ARE DISGRACED OR MOCKED.....

NOWHERE DOES THE QUR’ÂN MENTION THE PUNISHMENT OF LASHING OR DEATH FOR THESE ACTS.....”

ever committed. The Baptist Confession of Faith, calls it a disgusting and detestable act.

The verdict of the Holy Bible on blasphemy is very clear: “And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him” (Lev. 24:16). Many classic Christian and Jewish texts support laws against those who blaspheme and vilify their religions, and blasphemers were sentenced to death during much of Christian history.

While ruling out worldly punishments for those who insult or mock Islam, the Holy Qur’ân enjoins a remarkable level of tolerance for other beliefs, including beliefs it regards as blatantly false.

The Holy Book forbids reviling those whom the nonbelievers call in respect and reverence; even false deities or the gods of disbelievers should not be mocked. Does any other Divine Book teach the same?

Olasupo Shasore SAN: Allegations in the P&ID v FRN Case In the last 24 hours, I have been urged to break my deliberate silence about the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to find recourse against the arbitral award procured

by P&ID based on a corrupt and fraudulent contract. My choice of silence has been the result of my own high sense of responsibility as well as my commitment to the professional duty, which I undertook in representing the Federal Government in this case. I am relieved that the corrupt and fraudulent foundation of this case is affirmed in the recent ruling, though 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.

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 these is consistent with the unfounded allegations that I failed to present the best available defense. 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 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.

Much issue has been made about the legal fees paid. 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.

Even though I reserve the right to respond to further falsehoods against me as they are published, I am however a truly patriotic Nigerian, and remain willing and committed to assisting Nigeria in the numerous stages

Olasupo Shasore SAN still required to successfully defend this dispute. My commitment and professional integrity to always act in the best interest of Nigeria, who has been victimized by fraud and corruption, remains unshaken Olasupo Shasore SAN

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NBA, ‘New NBA’ and El Rufai For six decades, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has held sway as the sole professional umbrella body to which every Nigerian Lawyer proudly belongs, from the day of Call to Bar. In its glorious days, when the NBA leadership sneezed, even the all-powerful military juntas caught a cold. Apart from a brief hiatus occasioned by the unfortunate Port Harcourt debacle in 1992, the Association had managed to fulfil its role as the voice of the voiceless, and the custodian the nation’s conscience. Are the developments in the Association in the past few weeks, spelling the death knell of the monopoly of the body which currently boasts of over 140,000 learned men and women? That cohesion which the NBA used to have, appears to be fast withering and waning, as a splinter group emerged a few weeks ago, calling itself the ‘New Nigerian Bar Association’. The challenge that senior members of the profession and the leadership on the NBA now have to deal with, is how to rein in the young boisterous Turks whose intents and purposes are yet to be fully understood. The inevitable question on lips of barmen and analysts of bar politics is, did the New NBA emerge as a result of the disinvitation of the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai who felt slighted by this? Or is it an ugly aftermath of the recently concluded 2020 NBA elections, which has resulted in controversial and unsavoury results that are still being contended? Raymond Nkannebe and Abdulrasheed Ibrahim interrogate the intricate issues in the unfolding saga in a Crossfire!

The Faulty Premise of the So-Called New NBA

Between NBA and El Rufai, a Walk on the Tight Rope

‘The decision to disinvite El Rufai, was not taken on the basis of ethnicity or religion’ - Raymond Nkannebe

“With that decision of disinvitation, the leadership of the NBA made a great blunder - Abdulrasheed Ibrahim

Background Recently, some supposed Lawyers from Northern Nigeria, namely, Nuhu Ibrahim, and Abdulbasit Suleiman basking in the euphoria of their self importance or perhaps, craving for cheap fame, but clearly actuated by rather parochial and conceited motives, declared their intention to float a “New Nigerian Bar Association” in a widely circulated press release over what they described as “the recent rumblings from the Nigerian Bar Association”.

“What has been happening recently has exposed the inability of the NBA to manage and contain the heterogeneity of its members, as well as their various interests. Its penal powers have been deployed discriminatively on the basis of ethnicity and regionalism”, part of the statement read.

The duo, no doubt, were making reference to the decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) - its highest decision making body, withdrawing the invitation it had earlier extended to the Kaduna State Governor, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, to be one of the Speakers at its 60th Annual General Conference, following a petition written against the Kaduna State politician and general outrage from lawyers, on account of his poor human rights record and alleged mismanagement of the Southern Kaduna crisis.

Ordinarily, one would think that a group who claim to “have undergone training towards ensuring the promotion and protection of Human rights and liberties” would appreciate such a bold decision by the NEC of the NBA, to the extent that it shows that the Association can rise to the demands of its members, as well as deploy its platform to censor untoward behaviour as well as exacting responsible leadership from Nigeria’s largely irresponsible political class.

But, that was not to be, howbeit unfortunately.

Any reading of the press statement gives the impression in the mind, of a group driven by primordial ethnic and religious sentiments, rather than the growth and development of the legal profession in Nigeria.

By going as far as identifying the ethnicity of the signatories to the petition written by Open Bar Initiative - a Civil Society Organisation with extensive advocacy in Bar-leadership accountability and improvement in the quality of the legal profession in Nigeria, and forcing a feud between them and the disinvited Governor, the group gave itself away as tribal champions who should not be seen or heard, angling to promote a splinter cosmopolitan organisation like the NBA, which in many respects, is a microcosm of Nigeria. Hear them: “No wonder, NBA NEC, which is the highest decision-making organ of the Association failed to uphold the fundamental principles of fair hearing which in itself, is the fundamental aspect of Rule of Law, on the allegations against the

NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata

Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, as were contained in a petition by Chidi Odinkalu Esq. a long time foe of His Excellency and a Lawyer of eastern extraction, but the NBA failed to extend the same treatment to Southern invitees who were also petitioned and are also alleged to have committed similar or more human rights abuses

“ANY READING OF THE PRESS STATEMENT, GIVES THE IMPRESSION IN THE MIND, OF A GROUP DRIVEN BY PRIMORDIAL ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS, RATHER THAN THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN NIGERIA”

than those alleged against Mallam El-Rufai”.

Issues The circumstances in which the Kaduna State Governor was disinvited have been clearly explained away by the immediate past President of the NBA, Paul Usoro, SAN, in a letter addressed to the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and other interest groups within the NBA, with due courtesies. The thrust of that narrative has also been corroborated by other attendees of the NEC meeting, to the effect that the disinvitation motion was put to vote, and was resolved in favour of those who wanted the Kaduna Governor withdrawn. In other words, it wasn’t the sole and capricious decision of one man with intent, solely to embarrass the embattled Governor.

It is also claimed with some force that the “NBA failed to extend the same treatment to Southern invitees who were also petitioned and are also alleged to have committed similar or more human rights abuses than those alleged against Mallam El-Rufai”. Wonders shall never end! While it may be argued that there were other panelists at the Conference who like ElRufai, have ugly human rights score sheet, it must be put in context that as at the time the NEC held its quarterly meeting, only one such petition lay before it, namely the one against El-Rufai. Thus, it couldn’t have embarked on a determination of what was not before it.

Admittedly, a number of petitions were also

raised in the wake of the dis-invitation of ElRufai, however, whatever their merits, it is my considered view that they were actuated by Shylock syndrome and sheer arrogance. Of course, the NEC didn’t get the ‘opportunity’ to consider those petitions even if on the surface, as the Annual Conference was already before it. Does that necessarily translate to the NEC being partial as touted? Not in the least, to my mind.

I think it must also be put in context that, the decision to disinvite El-Rufai was not taken, as far as one can verify, on the basis of his ethnicity or religion. Indeed, the NEC of the NBA is a body accommodating members of virtually all religious persuasions and ethnic identities. And the reason is not hard to seek: to attain the paramount goal of inclusion. Hence, no single group could claim that their head was shaven in their absence, as the Conveners of the “New Nigerian Bar” seemed to suggest.

To be sure, as pointed out by respected Senior Advocate and Rights Advocate, Mike Ozekhome, who was in attendance at the NEC meeting, the motion to disinvite the Governor was moved by a Northerner, and the few votes against it were recorded by Southerners. I do not think anything could be more suggestive of a process undertaken shorn of ethnic or religious considerations, as alleged.

Elsewhere, the group claims that “a cursory chronicle of the membership composition of major organs of the NBA would reveal lopsided representation despite having large numbers of Lawyers from all parts of the country, and especially Northern Nigeria who have diligently paid their Bar practicing fees and have distinguished themselves in the legal profession”. It is not clear whether what was intended here was leadership, or membership of the “major organs of the NBA”. However, whichever it is, it is not supported by verifiable facts.

Firstly, there is no barrier of whatever kind to becoming a member of any NBA organ.

Membership at all times remains voluntary, subject to the rules and processes of the individual NBA organ. It is therefore, false, to suggest that Northerners are exempted from membership of NBA organs. On the other hand, if what was intended was the leadership of these so-called NBA organs; that too would be erroneous. In recent years, the leadership of the NBA is zoned regionally to the East (including Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa); the South West (including Edo and Delta States) and the North (Arewa). In 2016, Mr. Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, SAN emerged the 33rd President of the Association after beating his closest rival, Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN in what was clearly a Northern affair. In line with this extant zonal arrangement, by 2022, the lot would once again fall on the North to field the next cont'd on page 8

Controversies That the outgoing Leadership of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has created a mother of all controversies by its invitation and disinvitation of Mallam Nasir El Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State to its this year virtual Annual General Conference, to me is very disappointing. By this singular act, the NBA leadership has not only divided the Lawyers on this issue, but also the non-Lawyers. The NBA is now on trial in court of the public opinion, as to the propriety of such action. I have always expressed the view that, as people that claim to be learned, we should always think deeply before we act or speak, so as to avoid a serious conflict in our midst that may irretrievably break us apart. While the NBA is trying to navigate itself out of a ocean of grievances that accompanied its just concluded elections of the National Officers, it was forum shopping for another conflict. Some Lawyers that are aggrieved by the outcome the elections are spitting fire and brimstone to threaten the monopoly of the Nigerian Bar Association, vis-as vis the right to the Freedom of Association as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The echo being generated by that debate was yet to subside, when that of the NBA’s invitation and disinvitation of El Rufai as one of the Guest Speakers to its 60th Annual General Conference came in like a sparkling light. Another floodgate of arguments and counter- arguments was opened amongst Lawyers and non-Lawyers.

I was mourning the loss of a younger brother, when a friend sent me a chat message asking for my view on the issue. I told him that as long as we continue to see ourselves as Northerners or Southerners, or as Fulani, Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba men and so on rather than as patriotic Nigerians, this country will not progress. In the cause of my search for the detail, I read through the statement released by the outgoing NBA President Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN that the decision had no ethnic or religious coloration or connotation. PUSAN went on that : “…The second point I must clarify is that, NBA NEC, by its decision was not passing any judgement on Mallam Nasir El Rufai.

NBA NEC is not in a position to pass such judgement without having all facts and hearing from all the sides, and it did not set out to pass such judgement. NEC merely made a judgement that it was not in the best interest of the Association to be engulfed in the controversy that trailed the invitation of Mallam El Rufai for the Conference, and that it was best if the safety-valve of disinviting the Governor, was applied. Indeed, NEC did not howsoever or at all, discuss the substance of the issue that has been raised against the Governor by the different groups and persons who clamoured for his being disinvited - and there was very considerable clamour in that regard. I perhaps

“..... ITS INVITATION AND DISINVITATION OF MALLAM NASIR EL RUFAI.....TO ME IS VERY DISAPPOINTING. BY THIS SINGULAR ACT, THE NBA LEADERSHIP HAS NOT ONLY DIVIDED THE LAWYERS ON THIS ISSUE, BUT ALSO THE NON-LAWYERS” Co-Convener of New NBA, Mr. Nuhu Ibrahim

need to mention that, prior to the NEC meeting I had personally taken urgent and strident steps, working with the TCCP, to douse the clamour, but we had no success”.

Upon reading the former NBA President’s statement, the question I asked myself was that, if the NBA leadership truly had no facts to pass such judgement, on what facts did it rely on to disinvite El Rufai as a Guest Speaker, when it had earlier invited him to its conference? Had NBA earlier exercised a wrong judgement by inviting him in the first place? Was his invitation and disinvitation a grand scheme to ridicule or humiliate him by the NBA? Was antecedent of El Rufai as a controversial personality unknown to the NBA, before he was penned down as speaker for the conference? It is a deceit to say that the decision had no ethnic or religious coloration, because by that decision, the NBA has created a bad precedent in the sense that, any group of Lawyers can wake up at anytime and write a petition to stall an arrangement already concluded by the NBA or any of its committees, even without hearing the other side. Are the reasons being canvassed by the NBA leadership for the disinvitation acceptable to many of its members? My answer to this is capital NO! We have seen several literary protests

by Lawyers and non-Lawyers in form of open letters and press releases, either commending or condemning the disinvitation.

The Muslim Groups too While the Muslim Shitte group led by the Mallam El-ZakZaky has commended the NBA for the

disinvitation, another Muslim group known as MURIC, condemned the action and called on the Muslim Lawyers to boycott the NBA virtual conference. There is no doubt that, most of the reactions have generated tribal and religious sentiments.

Some Lawyers expressed the views that El Rufai should have been brought back as a speaker, so that he could have been heard, some others said that there should be no going back on the NBA NEC decision. There are some NBA branches particularly in the North, that threatened to boycott the conference, if the decision wasn’t reversed. I’m very sure the NBA leadership must have found itself at crossroads, walking on a tight rope. In one of the published open letters to the outgoing NBA President written by A. U. Mustapha, SAN, protesting the disinvitation, he said : “…My response is principally dictated by the strange circumstance leading to and surrounding the said withdrawal of the invitation, which is based on a one sided allegation contained in a petition by the so-called Open Law Initiative which was believed and acted upon by the Annual General Conference Planning Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, without any reference to Governor El Rufai. The decision taken by the NBA to withdraw their invitation to Governor El Rufai on the basis of wild and unsubstantiated allegations contained in the Open Bar Initiative petition without any reference to the Governor, is not only a naked affront on the rule of law, but also a contradiction of the NBA’s motto which held itself out as the custodian, defender and

guardian Angel of the rule of law in Nigeria…”.

The NBA President, in his release, tried to convince everyone that NBA NEC did not pass any judgement on El Rufai by the disinvitation.

As much as I tried to comprehend the outgoing President’s press release on the disinvitation, it was the James Hardly Chase’s title “Believe This,You’ll Believe Anything” that continued to flash in my mind. I dare say that with that decision of disinvitation, the Leadership of the NBA made a great blunder. You either take it or leave it. I am of the view that the Organising Committee of the NBA Conference having exercised its discretion or judgement to pick El Rufai as one of the Guest Speakers and published same to the public, should not have entertained any idea or suggestion to disinvite him. El Rufai’s consent must have first been sought and had by the Organising Committee, before he was slated as a Guest Speaker. In the event of any petition against him subsequent to that, it should be an issue to have been strictly dealt with by the NBA National Officers and the Organising Committee of the Conference even if it was raised at the NBA NEC meeting, the President should have known better how to handle the situation.

Wrong Handling of the Situation For those who are well experienced in the NBA activities, is it all the petitions that are attended to by the NBA NEC as done in the case of cont'd on page 8

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08.09.2020

THE FAULTY PREMISE OF THE SO-CALLED NEW NBA

President. If that does not guarantee a sense of inclusion, one wonders what would!

Admittedly, in the history of the NBA, few leaders of the Association have emerged from the North, but it is also true for members of other ethnic nationalities who have watched the dominance of the Yoruba in the leadership position of the Association. This situation however, is informed by a number of factors not connected, at least in the opinion of this writer, to any strategic plot to keep out other regions from the leadership of the Association.

In the context of Northern Nigeria, her well documented history of low literacy is indeed, a factor, having produced its first Lawyer, only in the year 1955 in the late Abdulganiyu Abdulrazaq, SAN. It was therefore, only natural that it played catch up.

But, that is beside the point in so far as other ethnic nationalities that have not equally produced much of the past leadership of the Association, have not called for balkanization of the Bar - the apparent lopsidedness in the leadership of the Association having been structurally taken care of in the extant Constitution of the Association.

If for any reason, Northern Lawyers think they have not been adequately represented in the leadership composition of the NBA Sections which I imagine the Conveners allude to, then it must be stated that it takes more than mere payment of practicing fees to do so. As with the theme of the just concluded Annual Conference of the NBA, they may want to “Step Forward” and participate fully, so as to win the confidence and support of members of the disparate NBA Sections over time to produce its leadership. I have struggled to see how breaking away from the NBA would achieve that, to no success.

And so, whichever way it is interrogated, the so called New NBA proceeds from a faulty premise that cannot ground the needed support, to play sister-role to the NBA. In the year 1979 when the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) was established distinct from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), such decision was anchored on strong ideological grounds to liberalise the accountancy profession in Nigeria and to float a virile home-grown accountancy body, which would provide a path to a recognised professional qualification, which was of the highest international standard. It was not informed by a proxy ethno-religious

“.....YOU WONDER WHETHER NORTHERN NIGERIA BAR ASSOCIATION WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN AN APT NAME FOR THIS PROPOSED ORGANISATION THREATENING TO MAKE HEAVEN AND EARTH, ONE”

Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN

warfare levied on behalf of a politician with questionable and disturbing rights credentials.

On the question of whether the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap L11, LFN 2004 nominates mandatory membership of the NBA and the limits of such contention vis-a-vis the right to Freedom of Association and Assembly guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution (as altered) being advanced as a legal justification for the new NBA, I have seen and read a number of reactions from very senior members of the Association who, with tongue in cheek, seem to argue that there’s no mandatory membership of the NBA, and in the process, providing some sort of moral support to the clearly misguided Conveners.

Unsurprisingly, most of these commentators belong in the camp of those still suffering from chronic Post-Traumatic-Election-Syndrome wrought by the victory of Mr Olumide Akpata, at the recently held elections into the National Offices of the NBA. The threat of balkanisation from the Northern group therefore, provides a veritable opening for this group, to ventilate pent-up anger wrapped in the garb of altruism, which however, is not so difficult to see through.

Happily, as at today, the only relevant decision of our appellate courts that sit on

the question of the limits of membership of the NBA, is those of her Ladyship, Nimpar J.C.A in the case of Nigeria Bar Association v Kehinde (2017) 11 NWLR (Pt.1576) 225 where the erudite jurist put the point thus: “The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was established for the purpose of regulating the affairs and conduct of all legal practitioners in Nigeria, and upon being called to the Nigerian Bar, there is automatic membership to the NBA on a Lawyer. See Chinwo v Owhonada (2008) 3 NWLR (Pt.1074) 341. Hence, as long as one has elected to join and remain within the noble profession, he is a member, and ought to comply with the directive of the Association”.

Suffice to say that, until that decision is set aside by the Supreme Court, it remains the determinative position on the matter irrespective of the contrived jurisprudence of those seeking to substitute their emotion-laden ratiocinations for the binding precedent of the Court of Appeal.

Conclusion Let me conclude by borrowing the apt words of Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, that the move by the Conveners of the so called “New Nigerian Bar Association” is “wrong and dead on arrival”.

In any event, there is nothing Nationalistic in

the press statement issued in that regard, that could engender support of Nigerian Lawyers across the 125 branches of the NBA. Through and through, the statement was directed to only one group of Lawyers: those of Northern extraction. In their own words, “Members of this Association have commenced consultations with very Senior Lawyers of Northern Nigerian extraction and those practicing therein, with the view to constituting the Trustees and for purposes of fixing date for formal inauguration of the Association”.

Thus, in the estimation of the Conveners of this so-called “New Nigerian Bar”, Nigerian Lawyers from other parts of the country outside the North, are not fit for purpose either as members or Trustees. It is strictly an Arewa affair: such a fundamental flaw! Perhaps, if a Yoruba or an Igbo were to be in El Rufai’s shoes, maybe this sudden “New Bar” wouldn’t have been conceived. And, you wonder whether Northern Nigeria Bar Association wouldn’t have been an apt name for this proposed organisation threatening to make heaven and earth, one.

Raymond Nkannebe, Legal Practitioner, Lagos

BETWEEN NBA AND EL RUFAI, A WALK ON THE TIGHT ROPE cont'd from page 7

the disinvitation? Was the NBA leadership not thoughtful of the likely consequence of subjecting such issue to a debate at the NEC meeting? If the NBA could believe the story of those calling for the disinvitation and acted on it, why was the Association afraid of listening to El Rufai since he had agreed earlier to speak?

Except the allegation of “Sole Administratorship” being levelled against the outgoing NBA President is true, I think one of the best ways to have handled such issue by National Officers and the Organising Committee of the NBA Conference upon the receipt of the petition against El Rufai, was to tell the petitioners that they are in receipt of their petition but since the man had already been scheduled to speak in the conference, a copy of their petition would be sent to El Rufai with the NBA cover letter for him to get prepared to address those issues raised against him during the conference, where the petitioners will be allowed to ask him questions. Unfortunately, this was not the case and therefore, the outgoing NBA leadership should take the responsibility for the present mess the Association has found itself.

Inviting El –Rufai to speak at the NBA Conference is like bringing him into the Witness Box for proper Cross-Examination. The allegations against him are too overwhelming, that we all need to hear his own side of the story. Was he truly involved or taken sides with either of the Warring Parties as the Governor of that State? What role has he played to bring peace to the entire Kaduna State, particularly the Southern Kaduna? I do not think there is any right thinking person that will rejoice or be happy about what has been happening in that State, particularly in the Southern Kaduna that has for years, been turned to a war zone. It was an area I once lived, and still have friends and relatives there to date. Whenever I hear the area is

boiling, my mind is not at ease. I continue to ask for how long will these people continue to kill themselves?

We should all be concerned about how peace and stability will return to that area and other parts of the country, where security of lives and properties has become a serious challenge.

But, are the 1700 Lawyers said to be behind the petition for the disinvitation, helping the situation? NBA is an association that has many hypocrites in its midst, than those who are genuinely concerned about its unity. I find it difficult to understand those Lawyers that go about parading themselves as Human Rights activists, but do not believe in the principles of fair hearing. Is Fair Hearing alien to the Human Rights activism?

This is a period in which we have greatly missed the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, the real human right activist who once said Lawyers must “stand up for what is right”.

Why do people not reflect deeply before signing any petition?

Parallel Bar Association There was a particular year when some aggrieved Lawyers were going about gathering signatures to create a parallel bar association, they came to me and I declined on the ground that the solution to the NBA problems is not in creating another association, but to continue clamouring and agitating for a better reform of the existing NBA. I know some of those Lawyers today, now struggling for positions in the NBA. Serious allegations have been levelled against Governor El Rufai. A group that calls itself ‘Human Rights, Liberty Access and Peace Defenders’ Foundation (HURIDE) in a statement by its Chairman, Dede Uzor has this to say: “ ..The Governor of Kaduna State should resign or the State House of Assembly should immediately commence his impeachment process. He cannot exonerate himself from the continuous massacre and the genocide in Southern Kaduna. El Rufai still provides logistic and financial backing to those murderous Fulani

Herdsmen, to continue to kill innocent Christians in the Southern part of Kaduna. He is not hiding it. He accepted backing them...”.

Now, if such a grievous allegation was made against El Rufai or any other person to the NBA, will it be proper for the Association that prides itself as promoter of the rule of law to act on such allegation without allowing the person concerned to be heard? The NBA Leadership in the case of El Rufai, this time around got it extremely wrong.

In the last elections of the National Officers in which Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN took part and came third in the race for the presidency, he sent a powerful petition to the Trustees of the NBA, asking for the cancellation of the election. The BOT did not consider Deacon Adesina’s petition without hearing the response of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), and thereafter, in its wisdom concludes thus : “....We note that the elections were not perfect.

We reviewed your petition and note that, it raises serious issues. Nonetheless, our advice will be the overall interest of the Bar should be paramount on the mind of every Nigerian Lawyer, and to that extent, we urge that all Lawyers and no less the candidates be mindful of the need to promote a cohesive, united, and strong Bar. We regret that we are unable to advice that the election should be cancelled in the overall interest of the Bar”.

Can there any well thought decision than this? But, what did we have from the outgoing NBA Leadership’s decision on the petition for the disinvitation of a particular guest speaker?

Was the other side heard before the NBA NEC’s decision? Was that decision in the overall interest of the Bar? Can that decision promote a cohesive, united and strong Bar? The irony of the whole situation was that the outgoing NBA Leadership was looking for a perfect guest speaker in the world, where there is none. When you said you are looking for a leader that was never involved in what you call human rights abuses or violation of the rule of law, in what way is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo or Governor Wike better than Governor El-Rufai? There are Lawyers who often accuse government about being selective in the fight

against corruption, can they now agree that the NBA NEC was selective in the disinvitation of guest speakers that are seen as violators of the rule of law? The present NBA leadership’s blunder, has again justified the clamour that the composition of the NBA NEC is not democratic and needs to be revisited. As long as we continue to have a NBA NEC of which selection of 100 of its members is absolutely left in the hand of the President, so long will such NBA NEC be churning out decisions that are embarrassing to the rest of us. If the BOT had gone the way of the NBA NEC, I believe the tight rope on which the NBA has been walking may have broken or caught off by now, but I commend the BOT for its high level of wisdom, courage and foresight .

Conclusion It is very unfortunate that the present NBA leadership had bowed to the unnecessary pressure of those Lawyers who asked for the disinvitation of a Guest Speaker, after the invitation had been issued in the first place. Now that they have achieved what they wanted, they are going about jubilating about their victory, without caring about the negative impact such attitude may have on the unity of the NBA. The jubilation has showed the version of the human rights activists we have in this country, who do not believe in the principle of hearing the other side. Where are the advocates of No Media Trial (NMT)? We needed to hear from El Rufai on the grievous allegation against him, that he “provides logistic and financial backing to those murderous Fulani Herdsmen to continue to kill innocent Christians in the Southern part of Kaduna”. This issue should not have been allowed to be swept under the carpet, for the sake of unity of the NBA, if the outgoing NBA leadership was truly committed to the survival of a united and all inclusive Nigerian Bar Association.

Abdulrasheed Ibrahim

NEWS /9

08.09.2020

VP Osinbajo Hails Supreme Court's Judgement Endorsing Virtual Proceedings Virtual court proceedings, are now a reality that can no longer be wished away.

The recent Supreme Court judgement endorsing virtual court proceedings was the focus of the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who in his presentation as Keynote Speaker at a webinar said: “Our system of justice, another catastrophic round of technical decisions around the constitutionality of virtual proceedings.” The Vice President stated this last Thursday at a webinar on media coverage of virtual court proceedings in Nigeria, organised by the Gavel International Ltd. According to Prof.

Osinbajo, “We are at a point where at least, we know that virtual hearings are legal. This means that the Supreme Court is VDWLVÀHG WKDW DSSURSULDWH means can be found to ensure that hearings are public, and that the press and indeed, members of the public, can access the proceedings”.

“I think that an opportunity that this offers us, is to get rid of this issue of technicality as much as possible. And, I am so pleased that the Supreme Court did not even hesitate in saying that virtual

proceedings are legal. It is really a breath of fresh air, considering the ways that we tend to magnify the issue of technicality to the point where you wonder where justice is.”

Continuing, the Vice President said “I am hoping that the opportunity we have in virtual proceedings will also be an opportunity to dispense with several of the unnecessary technical rules that we have in our adjectival law, laws of procedure, evidence and all that. And hopefully, we are able to get to the heart of trials and the heart of the matter such that we are not bugged down unnecessarily by technicality”.

“Reporting of court proceedings is a crucial exercise of the right to fair hearing, a cornerstone of which is that hearings must be held in public.

How that right will be given full expression when court proceedings are within the encrypted FRQÀQHV RI YLUWXDO SODWforms, is really the subject of our conversion today.”

The Attorneys-General of Lagos and Ekiti States deserve our commendation, for bringing the matter before the Supreme Court. They asked the court to determine whether having regard

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN

to the constitutional requirement that court proceedings save for some exceptions must be held in public, and whether court hearings by the use of technology, by remote hearings of any kind, whether Zoom or WhatsApp, Microsoft Themes, Skype or any other audio-visual or video-conference platform, are constitutional.

The Supreme Court while dismissing the suit themselves as premature and speculative, nevertheless, said that

N40bn Misappropriation: Lawyer Issues NDDC Ultimatum to Disclose Beneficiaries A Constitutional Lawyer, Dr Kayode Ajulo, has given Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) a seven day ultimatum to disclose the names of those who misappropriated its N40 billion revenue and budget, or face a legal action.

He disclosed this in a letter dated 2nd September, 2020 addressed to the Acting Managing Director of NDCC, Prof.

Kemebradikumo Pondei.

Ajulo said pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), 2011, the names RI EHQHÀFLDULHV VKRXOG EH PDGH DYDLODEOH WR KLV ÀUP He asked the Commission to make the names available within seven days from the day of receipt of the letter, and failure to comply would compel him to take a legal action.

He said that the recent probe of NDDC by the National Assembly on the alleged misappropriation of N40 billion was worrisome, which was trailed by series

as things stood today, virtual proceedings were constitutional. This wise approach of the Court probably saved our system of justice another catastrophic round of technical decisions, around the constitutionality of virtual proceedings.

It may also be cautiously taken as a signal that the Supreme Court expects the lower courts to go down this new path, with as little attention to technicality as possible.

So, we are at a point where at least, we know

the proceedings.

Practice directions may have to indicate how, and in what order invitations would be issued especially to the public.

In 2018, a British court jailed for 18 months, the chair of the UK legal defence league, Mr Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Morrison). Now, here is a man who was broadcasting on social media outside of Crown Court in Leeds in the UK, where a trial was taking place.

He was accused of broadcasting live, and within hours of this broadcast, over half a million people had viewed the broadcast, and the court felt that his actions could have cost it over hundreds of thousands of pounds that virtual hearings are in re-running the trial, legal. This means that because of the prejudice the Supreme Court is that was introduced by VDWLVÀHG WKDW DSSURSULDWH reporting the case live, in means can be found to the manner that he did.

Moderated by Dr. ensure that hearings are Rueben Abati of Arise public, and that the press TV and Shola Soyele of and indeed, members of Channels TV, the webinar the public can access the also had critical intervenproceedings.

Just as the physical tions from discussants court can only sit a which included Chief determined number of Wole Olanipekun, SAN persons, so the virtual who was represented court, depending on the by his son, Mr Bode platform being used, Olanipekun, SAN, Deacon would probably have Dele Adesina, SAN, Mr a stated number of Richard Akinola and Dr persons who can access Chidi Odinkalu.

Ikere Ekiti NBA Visits Monarch, Promises to fight Drug, Sexual Abuses Raheem Akingbolu

Dr. Kayode Ajulo

of allegations.

According to him, at the Ad Hoc Committee on NDDC, the Acting Deputy Director, Projects, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, was reported to have stated that the budgets of the Commission had always been hijacked by NASS for personal gains.

He stated that his organisation needed the information as a law

ÀUP FRPPLWWHG WR WKH enthronement of the rule of law, good governance, accountability, transparency, anti-corruption and due process in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that N40 billion was alleged to have been misappropriated within three months at NDDC, during the probe of the Commission at the National Assembly.

Members of the Executive of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikere-Ekiti Branch, have paid an advocacy visit to the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, His Majesty, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu-Alagbado, in his palace.

According to a statement signed by the Association’s Publicity Secretary, Tolulope Olowoyo, the delegation was led by the Branch Chairperson, Kikelomo Owolabi, who introduced the members of the Association’s new executives to the monarch.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Owolabi briefed the monarch of the NBA Ikere Branch's work-plan for the year. The plan, she said, is centred around raising public awareness on issues relating to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Drug Abuse, and Human Trafficking, which have reached an alarming rate within our communities.

Owolabi stated that the public awareness and

NBA Ikere-Ekiti, Branch Chairperson, Kikelomo Owolabi

sensitisation will not only be held in Ikere Ekiti, the advocacy will reach all the six local government areas of the Ekiti South Senatorial District, within the purview of the NBA Ikere-Ekiti Branch.

Also Speaking, Secretary to the Branch, Ibironke Odetola, stated that; "The aim of the public awareness within the senatorial district, is to educate the citizenry on all issues relating to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the provisions of the laws, the rights of victims, and

how to stem these heinous crimes. She noted that there is a need to educate the younger generation about the effect of drug abuse, and to admonish parents to stop encouraging human trafficking in all forms".

Odetola further stated that, to enhance the effectiveness of the campaign, the Association seeks the full support of the Ogoga-InCouncil, being the custodian of culture and father of the community.

The Monarch, in his response, thanked the Branch for the visit, their innovative ideas, and assured the Branch of the Palace's support in achieving their goals.

He also enjoined all sons and daughters of Ikere-Ekiti to support the Branch in all its programmes, to ensure a better society for all.

On the entourage of the Chairperson were the Temitope Kolawole; Vice Chairman, Ibironke Odetola; Secretary, Hon. Sunday Asana; Legal Adviser, and Tolulope Olowoyo; Publicity Secretary.

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08.09.2020

Nigerian Bar Association’s 2020 Presidential Election: A Matter of Justice, Character and Integrity Dele Adesina, SAN, FCI Arb

Usoro, certainly did not see what many others saw. He failed to realise that election is a process culminating with voting. He ought not to have directed his mind only to the voting process, to the exclusion of the other various stages leading to the voting process.

Rule of Law in all its ramification presupposes that the Law is supreme and that everything must be done according to law, and the law in this instance includes the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association, 2015, as amended. Transparency in relation to the just concluded election, exists only in the fertile imagination of the out-gone President.

The result of these reckless actions on the part of the few who have vowed to secure the appointment of NBA President through sham elections may be delayed, but is never lost. However, it must be recognised by all our members that the character of any leader determines the character of the organisation that he leads, and that everything rises and falls with leadership. It is not surprising that Nigerian Bar Association has contributed nothing to nation-building, in the last few years.

Introduction

I

n my Petition dated August 2nd, 2020 to the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association, I drew attention to the flawed, illegal and unconstitutional process leading to the NBA Election of 29th – 30th of July, 2020 and the electronic fraud that characterised the Election proper. In that Petition, I stated inter alia that, as a past Chairman of NBA Ikeja Branch, past General Secretary of the Association, a Life Member of the National Executive Committee, and a Life Member of the Distinguished Body of Benchers, in addition to other areas of responsibility that I have had the privilege to serve, I can lay claim to being one of the builders of the Association. Consequently, I will hate to see the Association destroyed or destabilised in any way or form. I also stated in that Petition that my participation in the affairs of the NBA, is driven purely and absolutely by the desire to advance the interest and aspirations of the Association in particular, and our beloved Profession in general.

In drawing attention to the serial violation of the provisions of the NBA Constitution, the cyber fraud perpetrated and the misuse and abuse of powers which I submitted, characterised the election, I called for the cancellation of the Election.

Recognising that if the election process is wrongful, illegal and unconstitutional, the product must suffer the same fate.

Board of Trustees: Findings and Recommendations In a letter authored by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, dated 19th of August, 2020, it was stated that: “although you have petitioned to us, we must be clear that we have no judicial authority to give direction to the NBA, our position in the circumstance is at best, advisory. Nonetheless, we have read your Petition, and noted that it raises many general and specific allegations in relation to the Elections…. The Trustees have given careful consideration and deeply reflected on your Petition and all the responses, in particular, that of ECNBA. We note that the Elections were not perfect. We reviewed your Petition and note that it raises serious issues. Nonetheless our advice would be that the overall interest of the Bar should be paramount on the mind of every Nigerian Lawyer, and to that extent, we urge that all Lawyers and no less the Candidates, be mindful of the need to promote a cohesive, united and strong Bar. We regret that we are unable to advice that the election should be cancelled, in the overall interest of the Bar.” The Trustees further noted that “our elections continue to present challenges going back to 2016, and strongly recommend that a major transformation of our electoral process and framework must be undertaken, and we are happy to be assigned this very important responsibility…”.

In an earlier letter dated 17th of August, 2020 (an unsigned letter which I received via my email from the Chairman) the Trustees stated that “Nonetheless, we have read your Petition and admit that it is not frivolous. The NBA 2020 Election was marred by irregularities. The ECNBA admitted that the election platform failed, which is why they had to engage another I.T. Consultant. The ECNBA admitted that over 14,000 members could not vote, which is an extremely high number. The ECNBA should have made provision, to enable everyone to vote. This is an omission on their part. You have requested that the NBA 2020 Election be cancelled, but this will be unfair to those who have voted.”

The Letter continued: “we urge that all Lawyers and no less the Candidates, and in particular, your good-self, accept the Election with its inadequacies in good faith. We are very mindful in our advisory, on the need to keep the Bar cohesive, united and strong”.

The following are evident from the decision of the Board of Trustees: First, the Petition was not frivolous; Second, the Petition raised serious general and specific allegations; Third, the ECNBA had no defence to the serious issues raised in the Petition; Four, since 2016, NBA Elections have been the subject of serious disputations for which they the Trustees were disappointed; Five, that a strong recommendation for a major transformation of our electoral process and framework should be undertaken; and Six, that the Board of Trustees are willing to undertake the job of electoral transformation

Mr. Dele Adesina, SAN of the NBA. I know for a fact that, all the members of the Board of Trustees agreed and were united on the specific findings that the Election was flawed and imperfect. All of them were also united in their desire to terminate the narrative of sham elections in the NBA since 2016, hence, their willingness to undertake the responsibility of carrying out electoral transformation for the Association. They only differed on the consequences of their findings, which is whether to direct an outright cancellation and order a fresh election, or direct a bye-election for the 14,000 voters that were disenfranchised, or allow the election to stand as it is.

I believe it is an attempt to marry these different outcomes, that the Board of Trustees came to the advice that the overall interest of the Bar should be paramount on the mind of every Nigerian Lawyer. That the Board of Trustees urged all Lawyers including the Candidates, of the need to promote a cohesive, united and strong Bar and that.

The Petition Succeeded If my Petition will lead to the transformation of NBA electoral process that will free it from lawlessness, corrupt practices and other forms of cyber-crime for which NBA has become notably reputed since 2016 as promised by the Trustees, I will be satisfied. If my Petition will bring about a definite stop to a manipulated bi-annual electoral process with evidence of producing an appointed

“IF MY PETITION WILL ENTHRONE RESPECT FOR RULE OF LAW, RESPECT FOR DUE PROCESS , AND STOP MISUSE AND ABUSE OF POWER BY A FEW INDIVIDUALS WHO BELIEVE THAT THEY MUST GET WHAT THEY WANT FOR THE NBA AND NOT WHAT THE NBA WANTS, I WILL BE SATISFIED”

President or securing the election of a pre-determined President for the NBA, and make votes count in future NBA Elections, I will be satisfied. If my Petition will enthrone respect for rule of law, respect for due process, and stop misuse and abuse of power by a few individuals who believe that they must get what they want for the NBA and not what the NBA wants, I will be satisfied. If this Petition will inculcate and restore the glory, honour, honesty, dignity, integrity, moral and ethical principles on NBA leadership, particularly its Presidents, and make them do things right to re-establish the NBA as the conscience of the Nation once again, I will be more than satisfied.

As a Legal Practitioner of 38 years post-call and as a matter of practice and experience, I know that when allegation of facts succeeds in a civil claim and defence is held to have no probative value, granting of relief is automatic. When allegations of crime are proved in a criminal matter and defence is rejected, conviction also follows. In an Election Petition, where Grounds of Petition succeed, such as it has been held by four Trustees out of six in this matter, setting aside of that election is a necessary consequence of the findings. However, in this case, the Board of Trustees have advised in spite of the seriousness of their findings, that we accept the election in good faith because of the *“need to keep the Bar cohesive, united and strong”, in a typical Nigerian mentality.

It must be particularly noted that we raised serious reservations in our letter of 7th of July, 2020 to the ECNBA against the serial breach of the provisions of the Constitution relating to the electoral process and the hap-hazard manner of handling the process, the secrecy surrounding the appointment of the I.T Consultant, and the failure to demonstrate the process in order to ascertain the vulnerability and the integrity of the technology to be deployed for the election.

Similarly, Mr. Olumide Akpata also in a most vehement manner, raised serious reservations in his letter of 20th of July, 2020, to the ECNBA. Both letters were sturdily disregarded and ignored by the ECNBA. NBA and the Culture of Impunity The motto of NBA as enshrined in the Constitution of the Association is *Promoting the Rule of Law.* In his address to the Annual General Meeting of the NBA on 28th of August, 2020, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, said surprisingly *“Whatever one may say about those elections, one thing that cannot be taken away from it, is that that was the first ever of our National Elections where everyone was turned into Election monitors, as well as electoral and returning officers all rolled into one .... For most of our members and based on the comments I have received, this was an exhilarating experience in transparency.

The transparency was unparalleled, and we are expecting that subsequent Bar Elections will build on that quality of transparency”. My friend Mr

Moving Forward Like I said in my Statement of Tuesday, 25th August, 2020 and in my characteristic manner, “I was already planning to stop talking about what the devil has done regarding this election, and begin to talk about what God will do in response to the uncountable appeals and persuasions from highly respected members of the Profession”, including some of the members of the Board of Trustees that I hold in very high esteem. I am a builder and a peace-maker. I am never desperate about anything, neither do I pursue anything at all cost.

I have always allowed God to have His way, and establish His will concerning me. My Christian faith teaches me the virtue not to cry behind a closed door, to deprive myself the opportunity of seeing the seven doors that are wide open.

I want to plead with all sense of responsibility, to all my friends, colleagues and supporters who worked so hard with me nationwide during the electioneering process, those whose votes were either diverted, suppressed, stolen or who were out rightly disenfranchised, and all fair-minded members of the Association who believe that enough is enough and that this Bi-Annual show of shame must stop by pursuing this case to its logical conclusion, to please, let us put the July 2020 Presidential Election of the NBA behind us.

I have strongly stood against going to court in this matter despite serious pressure, even though I am fully persuaded that a simple Originating Summons will set aside this election, judging by the faulty process that lead to the Election.

The whole reason for my involvement in the process is to give service, and I believe it does not warrant my going to court so that I can give. After all, despite the effort of the aggrieved members to the election fraud of 2018 which resulted in filing both civil suits and criminal charges in court, the beneficiary of the election has just handed over few days ago. My decision to rest the case here is a product of a very careful consideration of all that I have stated above, including in particular, the fact that I am a peace maker and one of the builders of the Association with a view to preserving whatever is left of the Nigerian Bar Association.

After all, *“a living Dog is better than a dead Lion”.

Expression of Gratitude To all my colleagues both at the inner Bar and outer Bar, friends, members of various DASAN Committees, dedicated supporters and followers on various social media platforms, l once again wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and profound appreciation to each and everyone of you. Please, note that we have built a strong bond of friendship, brotherhood and sisterhood, thereby creating relationships and connections throughout the nation. I urge you all to continue in this spirit of friendship, and keep our connections active.

Conclusion Let me conclude with the statement made by Barack Obama, former President of the United States of America, when he visited Japan. He got to Hiroshima and remembered the events of World War II and the destruction and devastation wrought on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and said: “We have a responsibility to look directly into history and ask: What must we do differently to achieve a better result?” I do hope that the Board of Trustees appreciates the need to do things differently henceforth, in the NBA. Dele Adesina, SAN, FCI Arb, Monday 31st August, 2020

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08.09.2020

Revisions to Insolvent Liquidation Framework by CAMA 2020: The Refinements and the Flaws Exordium

company, during the specified vulnerable period, does anything or procures anything to be done which has the effect of giving a creditor, surety or guarantor undue advantage.

However and bizarrely, lawmakers omitted to insert the number of years within which transactions with connected persons may be vulnerable as fraudulent preferences: s.658(6) of CAMA 2020.

The provision says “the relevant time is the period of years ending with the onset of insolvency”.

T

his discourse examines the revisions made by the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 (CAMA 2020), to Nigeria’s insolvent liquidation framework.

Registered Office of Insolvent Company Section 407(2) of Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 (CAMA 1990) defined the registered or head office of a company for the purpose of winding-up as “the place which has longest been the registered office or head office of the company during the 6 months” preceding the process. Section 570(2) of CAMA 2020 has redefined same as “the place which has longest been the principal place of business of the company during the six months” preceding the process. This revision may give rise to disputations regarding a company’s factual principal place of business.

Transactions at an Undervalue Section 659 of CAMA 2020 has introduced provisions for avoidance of transactions at an undervalue, involving a company in liquidation or administration.

A transaction may be at an undervalue if it is entered into by the company at specified periods prior to insolvency/administration, and in which the company receives no consideration or receives consideration, the value of which is significantly less than what it has given.

Cash Flow Insolvency Commendably, the monetary threshold for cash flow insolvency has been increased to N200,000: s.572(a) of CAMA 2020. The previous amount was N2000: s.409(a) of CAMA 1990. The threshold for unregistered companies is now N100,000: s.699(d) (i) of CAMA 2020. The previous threshold was N100: s.532(d)(i) of CAMA 1990.

Avoidance of Transactions Section 577 of CAMA 2020, replicates s.414 of CAMA 1990. The section voids any attachment, sequestration, distress or execution put in force against a company after the commencement of winding-up. However, s.577 introduces a proviso stating that the avoidance provision does not apply to a fixed charge or any other validly created/perfected security interest, other than a floating charge. It is unclear what purpose this proviso serves, considering that the section targets execution creditors and has nothing to do with security interests. Interestingly, s.661 of CAMA 2020 embodies a similar avoidance provision for winding-up subject to supervision of courts, but has no similar proviso. This is also the case with s.666.

Fines/Penalties CAMA 2020 has revised certain trivial penalties which littered CAMA 1990. Some penalties are to be prescribed by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), via Regulations. For instance, s.601(5) replaces s.438(5) of CAMA 1990 which imposed a penalty of N25; s.617(3) replaces s.454(3) of CAMA 1990 which imposed a fine of N25; s.654(2) replaces s.491(2) of CAMA 1990 which imposed a penalty of N25; s.671(1) replaces s.505(1) of CAMA 1990 which imposed a penalty of N250; s.676(2) replaces s.509(2) of CAMA 1990 which imposed a fine not exceeding N2,500 on corporations and N500 on individuals; s.679(2) replaces s.512(2) of CAMA 1990 which imposed a fine of N100; s.682(4) replaces s.515(4) of CAMA 1990 which imposed a fine of N1000. These are commendable revisions, provided that the Regulations would impose reasonable penalties for the infractions.

While CAMA 2020 imposes jail terms for some infractions, lawmakers appeared to shy away from specifying the fines which are options to imprisonment. Rather, CAMA 2020 requires courts to impose fines “as they deem fit”, for the infractions e.g. Sections 669, 672(3), 676(2) and 677. This approach may create uncertainty and inexplicable differentials, in fines imposed by courts.

Surprisingly, s.583(5) of CAMA 2020 has increased the daily fine for default in submitting a company’s statement of affairs to an official receiver in compulsory liquidations, from N25 (in s.420(5) of CAMA 1990) to a paltry N100. In 1990, N25 was $184.75 (at the then exchange rate of N7.39 to $1). Presently, N100 is about $0.26 (at the rate of N380 to $1).

Payment into Companies Liquidation Account Section 428(2) of CAMA 1990 required a liquidator of a company wound up by the court, to pay monies received into a dedicated account. A liquidator was not permitted to retain an amount in excess of

Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission , Mr. Abubakar Garba

N500, or such amount as the CAC may approve for more than ten days. This amount has been increased in s.591(3) of CAMA 2020, to N50,000.

Application of Bankruptcy Rules Sections 492 and 493 of CAMA 1990 required the application of provisions of the Bankruptcy Act, 1979 in proving debts and in relation to the rights of creditors, provable debts, future and contingent liabilities in insolvent winding-up. Surprisingly, s.656 of CAMA 2020 has retained this reference to

“WHILE CAMA 2020 IMPOSES JAIL TERMS FOR SOME INFRACTIONS, LAWMAKERS APPEARED TO SHY AWAY FROM SPECIFYING THE FINES WHICH ARE OPTIONS TO IMPRISONMENT. RATHER, CAMA 2020 REQUIRES COURTS TO IMPOSE FINES “AS THEY DEEM FIT”, FOR THE INFRACTIONS.....

THIS APPROACH MAY CREATE UNCERTAINTY AND INEXPLICABLE DIFFERENTIALS, IN FINES IMPOSED BY COURTS”

the 41-year-old Bankruptcy Act, instead of setting out the rules/principles in CAMA 2020.

Section 656 of CAMA 2020 has introduced a proviso, stating that the section shall not affect the power of a secured creditor to realise or deal with his security during insolvent winding-up.

This proviso is needless considering that insolvent winding up does not interfere with security interests.

Preferential Payments CAMA 2020 has revised preferential debts under s.494 of CAMA 1990. References to the National Provident Fund Act, 1961 and Workman’s Compensation Decree, 1988 have been deleted. Deductions, contributions and obligations under the Pension Reform Act and the Employees’ Compensation Act have been included as preferential debts: Sections 657(1)(b) and (c) of CAMA 2020.

Section 657(4)(a) of CAMA 2020 replicates s.494(4) (a) of CAMA 1990. It provides for equal ranking of all preferential payments, and for payment in full. Where assets are insufficient, they are to abate in equal proportions. It also inserts a revision stating that preferential debts rank below expenses of winding-up. This revision is needless given that s.657(5) of CAMA 2020 (s.494(5) of CAMA 1990) gives costs and expenses of winding-up priority over preferential payments.

Ranking of Secured Creditors and Equity Holders Section 657(6)(b) of CAMA 2020 has a new provision which says that the claims of equity holders, shall rank last.

Curiously, s.657(6)(a) of CAMA 2020 ranks claims of secured creditors in priority over other claims/expenses. Ranking secured creditors is flawed, considering that secured creditors are never in competition with unsecured creditors in winding up. Only assets which belong to an insolvent company may be distributed in winding up. Assets subject to security do not belong to the company, in this context. The company only has an equity of redemption. If a secured creditor is under-secured, it may prove for the deficiency in the winding up as an unsecured creditor: Moor v Anglo-Italian Bank (1879) 10 Ch.D 681 at 689-690.

Fraudulent Preference Section 495(1) of CAMA 1990 made reference to the Bankruptcy Act 1979, for the definition of fraudulent preference. Commendably, Section 658 of CAMA 2020 provides a comprehensive definition of the infraction. A transaction may be avoided for constituting fraudulent preference if a

Disclaimer of Onerous Property Section 663(1) of CAMA 2020 has revised the provisions empowering a liquidator to disclaim onerous property in s.499(1) of CAMA 1990. In CAMA 1990, a liquidator desiring to disclaim a property for being “unsaleable or not readily saleable” had to show that inability to sell was because he was bound to perform any onerous act or pay money. This condition has been removed in s.663(1).

Suppliers of Utilities Section 665 of CAMA 2020 is a novel provision. It bars utilities suppliers from making the payment of outstanding charges which pre-date winding-up or administration a condition for supply of utilities during the procedure. Suppliers of utilities may require an officeholder to personally guarantee payment of supplies.

Offences Antecedent to or in the Course of Winding-up Section 668 of CAMA 2020 deals with offences closely linked to winding-up. It replicates s.502 of CAMA 1990. However, it is blighted by erroneous numbering. Section 502(1) of CAMA 1990 embodied s.502(1)(a) to s.502(1)(i), each of which contained a distinct offence. Section 502(1)(i) was further divided into sub-paragraphs (i) to (vii) i.e. s.502(1)(i)(i) to s.502(1)(i)(vii).

CAMA 2020 has erroneously renumbered sub-paragraph (i) of s.502(1)(i) (i.e. s.502(1)(i)(i)) as s.688(1)(j) instead of s.668(1)(i)(i). Having separated s.688(1)(i) from its seven sub-paragraphs, s.688(1)(i) in its present form is meaningless and embodies no offence. It provides thus: “within 12 months immediately preceding the commencement of the winding up or at any time thereafter”.

Section 688(1)(j) of CAMA 2020 is meant to be the first sub-paragraph of s.688(1)(i) i.e. s.688(1) (i)(i). However, it has been misnumbered as a paragraph under s.688(1) and its co sub-paragraphs have become its sub-paragraphs. Section 502(1)(i) of CAMA 1990 limited the offences in its seven sub-paragraphs, to those committed within 12 months before commencement of winding-up. The misnumbering has altered this position. Besides, there is no correlation between s.688(1)(j) and its six sub-paragraphs (i) to (vi).

Curiously, the proviso in s.668(1)(k) makes reference to s.688(1)(i)(v) and (vi) which are non-existent due to the misnumbering.

Prosecution of Delinquent Personnel Section 675(3) CAMA 2020 deals with the prosecution of delinquent officers or members of a company. It is meant to replicate s.508(3) of CAMA 1990. The latter part of s.675(3) has been broken into two sub-paragraphs, and this distorts the real thrust of the provision. In its previous form, the provision gave the Attorney-General the discretion to apply to court for an order conferring on him or any designated person, powers to investigate the affairs of a company being wound-up. The creation of sub-paragraphs is unnecessary, and reflects lack of understanding of the provision.

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08.09.2020

Of Rape, Rapists and False Rape Peddlers (Part 3) Introduction

W

e have so far x-rayed this vexed topic, doing a thematic and comparative analysis of same. We shall encore it today. My humble stand: Rape is reprehensible. It suffers moral turpitude. It is against the law. It inflicts everlasting punishment on the victim – mental, psychological, physical, spiritual. It must therefore, be adequately punished. There must also be restitution for rape victims. The reverse side of the coin is that, I detest false rape peddlers. Young ladies who go about lazily, to prey on innocent celebrities, high society figures and politically exposed persons.

They do this through simulated, but false accusations of rape. I have handled quite a number of such cases. The law must also punish them adequately. What is good for the goose, is good for the gander.

How Nigerian Courts Decry Rape (Continues) Last week, we saw how Nigerian courts treat rape cases. Let us read more.

In Edwin Ezigbo v The State (2012) 16 NWLR (Pt 1326) 1, the Supreme Court decried girl child rape in stringent words: “the facts revealed in this appeal are sordid, and can lead to a conclusion that a man can turn into a barbaric animal.

When the “criminal” was alleged to have committed the offence of rape, he was 32years. His two young victims: Ogechi Kelechi, 8 years old and Chioma, 6 years, were, by all standards, underage. What did the Appellant want to get out of these underage girls? Perhaps, the Appellant forgot that by nature, children, generally, are like animals.

They follow anyone who offers them food. That was why the Appellant, tactfully, induced the young girls with ice cream and zobo drinks, in order to translate his hidden criminal intention to reality, damning the consequences.

Honestly, for an adult man like the Appellant to have carnal knowledge of underage girls such as the Appellant’s victims, is very callous and animalistic. It is against the laws of all human beings, and it is against God and the State. Such small girls and indeed, all females of whatever age, need to be protected against callous acts of criminally likeminded people of the Appellant’s class. I wish the punishment was heavy, so as to serve as deterrent”.

Rape is Globally Decried The seriousness of the crime has made many nations across the globe enact and implement tough laws to curb the menace, even as far as meting out the death penalty sentence. The Supreme Court of India awarded death penalty to the four men convicted of fatal gang rape of Jyoti Singh in December 2012, a case that fuelled global outcry and radically overhauled the country's rape laws.

In Saudi Arabia, rape is punishable by death under circumstances of grievous and aggravated rape, or in the case of serial rapists.

In Bangladesh, the Supreme Court in 2015 ruled in an appeal challenging the mandatory death penalty for rape. It said that death sentence will remain as an option alongside life imprisonment, although depending on the gravity of the crime. In Japan, 20 years is the penalty for rape. If it is fatal rape at the scene of any other crime like robbery, then death penalty applies. In Iran, under Article 224 of the Islamic Penal Code, "fornication by force or reluctance is punishable by death". In Pakistan, gang rape, child molestation and rape are punishable by death. Statutory rape by a man of a girl under 16, especially gang rape, is also punishable by death.

And in Cuba, death penalty is the penalty for rape resulting in serious injury, especially by an offender previously convicted of the same crime or by an offender who knows that she/he suffers from a sexually transmitted disease. Rape of a child under the age of 12, is punishable by death.

Legal Requirement of “Penetration of the Vagina” in Rape Cases In Nigeria, for the offence of rape to be properly established, there must be corroborative evidence which usually comes from eye witnesses account or medical evidence. As regards eye witnesses’ corroboration, the law requires that such witnesses must have witnessed the actual penetration of the victim’s vagina.

Imagine that! How stupid! The law can be an ass. How can a rapist call a witness, to view his criminal act? However, as was held in NATASHA v STATE, the most important and essential ingredient of the offence of rape, is penetration In all jurisdictions of the world, the prosecution must prove that sexual penetration took place without the consent of the complainant.

These are seen as the physical elements of the offence, or actus reus. In the common law jurisdictions, the prosecution must also prove that the accused knew that the victim was not consenting, or was reckless about knowing whether there was such consent.

This is known as the mental element of the offence, or mens rea. The meaning of ‘unlawful carnal knowledge’ is expressly provided for in Section 6 of the Criminal Code, where it is defined as “carnal connection which takes place otherwise than between husband and wife.” The section also further states that an important element of carnal knowledge or carnal connection,

is penetration. This section rules out the possibility of a husband raping his wife, or vice versa. But, these have been shown to be possible. However, the slightest penetration of the vagina by the penis is sufficient. It is not necessary that the hymen was ruptured, or there was ejaculation. Only a woman or girl may be raped, as far as the wordings of the Code are concerned. Even though in recent times, there have been cases of men and boys claiming to be raped, the Criminal Code Act does not take cognisance of this fact.

According to Section 30 of the Criminal Code, a male person under the age of 12 years is presumed to be incapable of having carnal knowledge. This is an irrefutable presumption, which means that he cannot be guilty of the offence of rape or attempted rape, even if it is shown that he has reached puberty despite his age. He may however, be convicted of indecent assault. Since it is required that there must be genital penetration which a woman is incapable of doing, a woman would not be physically capable of committing the offence, but may be guilty of counselling or abetting rape.

Interestingly, although a woman may not be physically capable of committing rape against a man or another woman, she may however be charged and found guilty of the offence of rape (Prof Adeyemi Ijalaiye).

This implication is deduced under Section 7 of the Criminal Code which defines a principal offender as follows: “When an offence is committed, each of the following persons is deemed to have taken part in committing the offence and to be guilty of committing the offence and may be charged with actually committing it - a) Every person who actually does the act or makes the provision which constitutes the offence; b) Every person who does or omits to do an act for the purpose of enabling or aiding another person to commit the offence”.

The fact that both the Criminal and Penal Code only recognises vaginal penetration by a penis as rape, has several negative implications. Firstly, the law centres only women in its definition, ignoring male victims. This creates the impression that rape is a crime in which only a man can commit against a woman.

“AS REGARDS EYE WITNESSES’ CORROBORATION, THE LAW REQUIRES THAT SUCH WITNESSES MUST HAVE WITNESSED THE ACTUAL PENETRATION OF THE VICTIM’S VAGINA. IMAGINE THAT! HOW STUPID! THE LAW CAN BE AN ASS. HOW CAN A RAPIST CALL A WITNESS, TO VIEW HIS CRIMINAL ACT?”

In the case of POSU v THE STATE (2011) SC. 134/2010, the Supreme Court held that it was the duty of the prosecution to prove the ingredients – the actus reus and mens rea - of rape beyond reasonable doubt. Hence, the prosecution must prove that the accused had non-consensual sexual intercourse, involving vaginal penetration with the victim. He must also prove that the accused intended to have sexual intercourse with the victim without her consent, or acted recklessly by not caring whether the victim actually consented or not.

Also, in DPP v MORGAN (AC 182), the court held that a Defendant should be acquitted if he had a mistaken but honest belief of consent by the victim, even if the belief in consent was unreasonable. It is for the prosecution to prove that, the Defendant did not honestly believe the victim was consenting. From proving the physical act of vaginal penetration to the state of mind of the accused, this burden is extremely onerous, if not impossible, for the prosecution.

In ISA v KANO STATE (2016) LPELR-4001 (SC) it was held as regards the ingredients which the prosecution must prove, to sustain the conviction of the offence of rape as follows: “The law is settled and well-grounded that, the prosecution has the burden and duty to prove the accused person guilty of the following ingredients in order to sustain the conviction of the offence of rape: (a) that the accused had sexual intercourse with the prosecutrix; (b) that the act of sexual intercourse was done without her consent or that the consent was obtained by fraud, force, threat, intimidation, deceit or impersonation; (c) that the prosecutrix was not the wife of the accused; (d) that the accused had the mens rea, the intention to have sexual intercourse with the prosecutrix without her consent or that the accused acted recklessly not caring whether the prosecutrix consented or not. (e) that there was penetration”.

International Instruments on Rape As regards dignity of human persons, many laws guide the affairs of individuals who have been violated in one way or the other. The 1999 Constitution in Chapter IV provides for the protection of the dignity of individuals as follows: a. “No person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment, b. No person shall be held in slavery or servitude and, c. No person shall be required to perform forced or compulsory labour”.

The term human dignity became a relatively new concept, at the end of World War II. Dignity of a human person, was prompted as a result of the acts of violence and genocide emanating from the war. The UN Declaration on Human Rights provides that, all human beings are “born free and equal in dignity and rights”. The imputation of violation of the dignity on a person according to the Court of Appeal in UZOUKWU v EZEONU (1991) 6 NWLR (Pt 200) 708, would include mental harassment and physical brutalisation; while inhuman treatment typifies the lack of human sentiments, belittling of one’s societal status or character and the degradation of one’s value or position of a person. As an underlying principle of International Human Rights Law, human dignity is linked to the values of autonomy and equality (To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “Rape is one of the most terrible crimes on earth, and it happens every few minutes. The problem with groups who deal with rape, is that they try to educate women about how to defend themselves.

What really needs to be done, is teaching men not to rape. Go to the source and start there.” (Kurt Cobain)

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Quick Takes MTN, Cloud Service Support SMEs

CAPACITY BUILDING

L-R: Director General, Tourism and Transport, Cabo Verde, Francisco Martins; Director of Air Transport Services, Verena Vicente; Chairman, Board of Directors, Institute for Prevention and Investigation of Aeronautical and Marine Accident (IPIAAM); Minister of Tourism and Transport, Dr. Carlos Duarte Santos; Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) Commissioner, Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh, and Executive Director, IPIAAM, Cabo Verde, Engr. Jorge Manuel Rodrigues, during a meeting on capacity building and training to enhance expertise held in Cape Verde‌recently

FG Urged to Alter Petroleum Equalisation Fund Stories by Chineme Okafor in Abuja An oil and gas expert has advised the federal government to convert the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) into an infrastructure fund.

The PEF and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) are statutorily charged with two distinct roles in the sector, with PEF administering equalisation funds to petrol marketers while the PPPRA sets and administers the prices of petroleum products in the country.

Usually in the petrol pricing template of the PPPRA, an

ENERGY equalisation margin is built into every litre of petrol sold to Nigerians to enable the PEF ensure petrol prices are equal across the country.

The funds, mostly between N5 and N10 per litre is managed by the PEF under the now rested petrol subsidy regime. It was meant to fund the bridging claims and transportation costs of petrol marketers.

However, with petrol subsidy removal, experts such as the Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria

Council, Mr. Joe Nwakwue, advised that the PEF could be converted by the government to an infrastructure fund to support the country’s petroleum industry.

Nwakwue, said this in a presentation he made during a two-day online workshop on how the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) could help Nigeria’s oil sector when passed and signed into law.

The workshop was organised by the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC).

He also listed the needs for a new law for the oil sector, adding that the lack of will on the part of governments, industry resistance to review of the old law guiding

the industry as well as unhealthy politics over the proposed bill have held the industry back from growing in the last 19 years.

According him, the passage of the bill into a law will quickly re-purpose most of the existing institutions in the industry, but with deregulation which has already taken place without the law, “(price) equalisation will be sunset.� In this regard, Nwakwue said that the government could, “replace PEF with PIF - Petroleum Infrastructure fund.� He also said that the PPPRA will be left with, “no Continued on page 24

Achese: Why Oil Workers’ Union May Not Protest Petrol Price Hike Oil workers in Nigeria may not call for an industrial action against the recent increase in pump price of petrol, the National President of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Igwe Achese has said.

Achese, disclosed that the union, often tempestuous on issues such as government’s change of supposedly public interest policies, has considered the economic conditions of Nigerians which he noted has been impoverished, and in this regard may not protest the government’s recent stoppage of subsidy on petrol.

He said these during an online meeting by stakeholders to discuss the deregulation of Nigeria’s downstream oil industry.

The meeting was hosted by the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

His comments also came at a time members of the Independent

ENERGY Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) said they were doubtful of the government’s claims of deregulating the sector. IPMAN also claimed that within the alleged deregulation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) still enjoyed huge market advantages which are not available to other oil marketers. “For NUPENG and PEGASSSAN, we’re workers and we propel the industry. We know what it takes to extract, refine and sell (oil). We know the market environment well, but it is sad for Nigeria to keep talking about deregulation or not,� said Achese who noted that markets across the world have some elements of regulations to keep them in shape and curtail antitrust practices.

According to him: “In the Nigerian context, for more than 20 years, we’re talking about

refining petroleum products in-country. Years back, marketers buy products from the NNPC and few imports from abroad.

But today, Nigeria cannot refine one litre of crude oil. “The government is insensitive to the well-being of Nigerians in terms of making sure that products are refined in Nigeria.

South Korea has no crude but refine and export petroleum products. “How can a country say it is regulating the price of a product it is not refining? That is why marketers are saying that government cannot regulate the market for them. We cannot remain the way we are and think we can get it right.�

On the thoughts of the union about a possible industrial action against the government, Achese said: “The union feels that Nigerians are suffering and if we embark on strike, we will make it harder. Nigerians are also not ready for such actions; the only time we saw Nigerians

protest was in 2012 when the last government increased the pump price of petrol. “The truth is that Nigeria must come out of this shackle of importation. The story of refineries repairs is just on paper.

IPMAN and other marketers are right to say that the government cannot regulate prices for them. “The government has to fix the refineries because they promised to do that when they were seeking election. We must make sure that our refineries and depot systems are working. We must also make sure that the PIB is passed into law.�

In his presentation at the meeting, the Operations Controller of IPMAN, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, said his association do not believe the government’s deregulation claims, adding that the continued existence of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) formed parts of their doubts.

Continued on page 24

MTN Nigeria has revealed its willingness to collaborate with cloud technology service providers in order to provide support for small business enterprises in Nigeria as part of its response to the eect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

This was made known recently by the Chief Enterprise Business OďŹƒcer of MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, while addressing SME businessownersatTheRevvProgrammemasterclassthemed:“Setting Up Your Business for Success: The Technology Advantage.â€?

Saint-Nwafor who aďŹƒrmed that SMEs remained the bedrock of the economy, said: “We have the interest of SMEs at heart and whilst we do not provide all the services that are applicable, we are willing to partner with organisations that provide access to technology tools that are relevant to SMEs on a platform that makes it is easy for them to access at the right price.â€?

She stressed the need for stakeholders to align and ďŹ nd ways to close the gaps that currently exist for SMEs and assist them in this transformational journey from being digital migrants to becoming digital natives.

According to her, “The Revv Program is an initiative from MTN Nigeria to aid small businesses rethink and relearn their operations to enable them mitigate the eect of the COVID-19 pandemic using a four-prongedapproachthatincludesmasterclasses,accesstomarket, productivity tools support and advisory initiatives.â€?

SheadvisedthatSMEownersshouldleverageavailableopportunities to be acquainted with technology because every segment that will control a high percentage of consumption in the future will be online.

Wema, AIICO Provide Healthcare forWomen

Wema Bank, through its women proposition, SARA by Wema, has goneintoapartnershipwithAIICOInsurancePlc,anditssistercompany, AIICO Multishield HMO, to provide better healthcare services for women. In line with the SARA by Wema initiative, the partnership seeks to enhance the lifestyle and general well-being of women within the community.

In addition to the HMO plan that has been speciďŹ cally tailored to meet the health care needs of women, the partnership also features a hospital cash plan that enables women who have been hospitalised for a minimum of three days receive cash of N10, 000 per hospitalisation for up to ďŹ ve times a year, the bank explained in a statement.

This, according to Wema Bank, is to serve as compensation for income loss experienced during hospitalisation Speaking during the scheme’s virtual launch, the statement quoted the Divisional Head, Retail Business, Wema Bank, Dotun Ifebogun, to have said: “With the AIICO scheme, we will cover a series of healthcare services including obstetrics, gynecology and neonatal/ pediatric services. This covering is available to all our new and existing female customers.�

Also,theExecutiveDirector,RetailBusinessGroupofAIICOInsurance Plc, Mr. Olusola Ajayi, said “Women constitute a huge underserved segment of our society on insurance. Besides low awareness, cost and access are other challenges we have identiďŹ ed as reasons for their low insurance uptake. These are the things we seek to address with this strategic partnership with Wema Bank. We aim to reach more women with our low-cost and value-based Hospital Cash oering.â€?

ITFC, IsDB Support COVID-19 Fight

The International IslamicTrade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) are to support Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) based in Senegal with medical equipment and biomedical researchintheďŹ ghtagainstCOVID-19acrossanetworkoflaboratories inseveralSub-SaharanAfricancountries.Thisinterventionisfacilitated through the IsDB Reverse Linkage Mechanism and under the Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) program as part of the IsDB Group COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Program (3Rs). It would ensure IPD’s laboratories network across ten other African OIC member countries receive medical equipment and collaborate in their responses to COVID-19 through the sharing of knowledge and expertise.The ten countries are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Togo.

“There is nothing new in the fact that the country is today fighting multiple challenges along with COVID-19, including low earnings, nearcollapse of the oil market, floods, threats of terrorism and banditry�

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed

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T H I S D AY ˞ ͜˛ 2020

BUSINESSWORLD FG URGED TO ALTER PETROLEUM EQUALISATION FUND role in a de-regulated market.�

According to him, the need for reform of the oil sector had become urgent to weather negative global headwinds, address the future uncertainty with oil, fix the lack of growth of the industry and its impacts on the national economy as well as cutback low investment, capital flight and uncompetitiveness experienced in the industry. “Nigeria’s reform efforts have been stalled for 19 years,� said Nwakwue while adding that “industry resistance, lack of will by FGN, politics,� have been responsible for the stalling.

Notwithstanding, he noted that current efforts to pass the PIB are promising but need firm support and advocacy in its drafting to make it a worthy law which could address issues such as non-bankable gas sales agreement, non-competitive oil and gas handling tariffs, monopoly of gas transmission pipeline by the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) and gas flare which still exists.

With a good PIB, Nwakwue stated that operators in the sector will operate in a transparent, conducive and non-discriminatory business environment.

ACHESE: WHY OIL WORKERS’ UNION MAY NOT PROTEST PETROL PRICE HIKE “In IPMAN, we don’t believe that petrol has been deregulated because when you deregulate, you hands-off just the way you’ve hands-off kerosene and diesel (importation and sale); there is no need controlling the price of petrol. “PPPRA and the government are very smart about releasing the pricing template, and Nigerian consumers do not have evidence to know the situation. The NNPC unfairly put their price at N145 (per litre) in their stations and leave the IPMAN members to their fate; they know that N145 is not the ideal price to guarantee return to marketers. Because they have the monopoly of the instrument of government, they have cornered us.

There is no deregulation because there is no free access to all the instruments that will allow for liberalisation,� Osatuyi explained.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

NEWS

‘$10/b Production Cost Feasible with Sound Data Management’ Chineme Okafor in Abuja Oil majors in Nigeria have said the country can achieve its goal of cutting down the cost of producing a barrel of oil from its fields to $10 if the industry embraces sound data management practice.

According to them, democratising data on industry trends and forecasts could enable operators adopt processes and decisions that could held drive down their production costs during oil exploration and production.

They explained at a recent webinar organised by the Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that such practice would be necessary to keep the industry functional in a challenging era through excellent asset management.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of IDSL, Mr. Ferdinand Bariwei, stated that industry stakeholders would have to get involved in embracing comprehensive data management as a way to accelerate growth in the industry.

Bariwei, noted that plan of the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari,

Peter Uzoho The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has issued directives to deepen the utilisation of domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) commonly known as cooking gas, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Autogas as alternative fuels for Nigerians.

The Director of DPR, Mr. Sarki Auwalu, stated this in his interaction with stakeholders in

Peter Uzoho Hyde Energy Limited has unveiled new range of automotive lubricant products as part of the ongoing efforts to further expand its footprints in Nigeria.

The Hyde Energy range of lubricants launched at the virtual stakeholders’ forum recently cuts across synthetic, multi-grade and mono-grade oils to industrial oils and greases, were formulated and blended to the highest standards to meet the needs of consumers across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has commended the effort being made by the federal government to transform the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Acknowledging the latest decision of the government to allow market forces determine petrol prices in the country,

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Instead of the conventional focus on the drilling of new wells to enhance production, Bariwei advised that operators consider available data of operational fields to ensure cost-efficiency in such venture.

STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM

L-R: General Manager, Public Affairs Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Mr. Tunji Oketunbi; Commissioner/CEO, Engr. Akin Olateru and Chairman, LeagueofAirportsandAviationCorrespondents(LACC),Mr.Olusegun Koiki, duringaforumheldinLagos‌recently KOLAWOLE ALLI.

Lagos recently, saying that the directives were in furtherance of the federal government’s aspirations to provide affordable fuels and ensure domestic gas penetration and expansion in Nigeria while entrenching price freedom for Nigerians.

The director in a statement by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Paul Osu, further said that DPR had carried out nationwide audit of all retail outlets and categorized them

into three categories - 1, 2 and 3 – with a view to ascertain readiness for deployment of Add-On facilities for gas products.

Auwalu stated that about 9,000 retail outlets which represent 27 per cent of total number of retail outlets in Nigeria are in Category 1 and have been identified as suitable for immediate integration of Add-On facilities based on robust safety assessment and technical considerations by DPR.

He said the department had directed that all Category 1 Retail Outlet Operators are to commence immediate installation of modular Add-On facilities or full-scale stand-alone plants and update their DPR Operating licences accordingly.

He said all operators of retail outlets in categories 2 and 3 whose facilities do not meet the minimum requirements or do not have sufficient land area are encouraged to apply for

stand-alone LPG, CNG, LNG or Auto Gas facilities (full-scale or modular) under an incentivized regulatory regime.

Auwalu, disclosed that DPR had also approved the deployment of skid-mounted modularized/containerized LPG/Autogas handling systems and other intrinsically safe systems for gas storage and handling to promote affordability, accessibility, and availability of the products.

The consumers would use the new brand of Hyde Energy lubricants for their industrial and transport machines including but not limited to petrol and light diesel engines, industrial and heavy-duty diesel engines and special purpose engines.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of Hyde Energy, Mr. Oladimeji Edwards, said unveiling the new range of lubricants was in line with, “our vision to enrich customer experience, we commenced operations with a view to ensuring quality

and excellence in the products and service delivery we provide to all stakeholders�.

He said Hyde Energy was established in 2012 as an indigenous global petroleum company to meet the growing energy needs of Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to him “We have now expanded our portfolio and network to ensure we are providing revolutionary solutions and creating value throughout the oil and petroleum products value chain as we provide energy

to keep you going from one day to the next.�

Also speaking, the Regional Sales Manager and Head of Lubricants, Hyde Energy, Mr. Victor Nwakaku, said product and service offerings at Hyde Energy were designed based on the company’s deep understanding of the costumers and operating environment.

He further said: “At Hyde Energy, we have a strong belief that using the right lubricant is a vital element in auto care. This is why we have devoted our

time, expertise and innovation to creating a high quality range of lubricants suitable for all kinds of petrol and diesel automobile engines. “These lubricants are manufactured under the highest quality conditions using materials that meet global standards. We are confident in introducing the newly launched Luminor and Maximus series to the market, because they were conceived as industry solutions which will guarantee optimum engine performance.�

DAPPMAN Hails FG’s Commitment to Reposition Petroleum Downstream

Senior Correspondent Correspondents

invest in data management and democratisation.

This, he added would also enable them leverage advanced technologies for insights on how to achieve more with less resources.

Hyde Energy Unveils New Auto Lubricants

Peter Uzoho

Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă— Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă&#x; (Advertising)

and current data.

According to him, globally, other industries have identified the importance of data in pursuit of operational excellence; he thus encouraged oil operators in Nigeria to significantly

DPR Issues Directives to Deepen Domestic Gas Usage

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

to have the industry reduce the operating cost of oil to $10 per barrel was possible, explaining that reducing operating cost on oil would include understanding the key elements of cost through a proper analysis of historical

DAPPMAN, however, urged the federal government to take further step towards full deregulation of the downstream sector to enhance economic growth and development of the nation.

The government had in March this year, introduced a price modulation policy where international product prices and associated landing costs in Nigeria are used as input in the determination of final pricing to the local market by government through

the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and disclosed periodically.

In a statement, DAPPMAN Chairman, Mrs. Winifred Akpani, commended the government for consistently seeking ways to reposition the sector for effectiveness and profitability.

She said DAPPMAN remained in full support of the implementation of a fully deregulated regime, which will make the downstream sector’s operations more seamless,

enhance transparency, competitiveness and sustainable growth. “DAPPMAN is mindful of the commitment of the government and the functional organs managing the sector to ensuring value to every Nigerian and we salute them for this as we are indeed up against uncertain times. “However, we believe that full deregulation of the sector remains the most viable option for Nigeria to effectively navigate this period and ultimately safeguard

the future of our economy and wellbeing of 200 million Nigerians.�

According to Akpani, deregulation will open up the sector for fresh investments, market deepening, diversification, and expansion, culminating in stable demand and supply regimes which are critical to ensuring that consumers have uninterrupted access to affordable quality products without the huge financial burden currently borne by the government�.

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Sylva: Fuel Subsidy Removal Inevitable The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, in this interview sheds more light on issues surrounding the increase in the pump price of petrol. Emmanuel Addeh provides the excerpts: Can you give an overview of the recent rise in the pump price of petrol?

This is at the core of our daily lives. So every Nigerian is somehow affected one way or the other by this policy direction and I believe that today there’s a consensus that this policy direction is a necessary one. Successive governments in this country have all desired to achieve deregulation.

Some lacked the political will, at other times, the time was not very appropriate because the product you are talking about is very sensitive to the price of crude oil. When you say PMS, it is refined from crude oil and therefore whenever the crude oil price goes up, we will understand that the price of the refined goes up because the price of the fixed stock goes up. The derivatives from that fixed stock is also bound to go up. Therefore when the price of the fixed stock went down, this government was able to transfer some of that joy to the public. And we have never minced word that when the price goes up, we will be seeing some movement at the pump which is what is happening today.

We all know Mr. President’s alignment with the poor people in Nigeria. He has always been on the side of the poor people. And left to the president, I am very certain that we will never have increased pump price.

For this to happen, we must understand that this was an inevitable policy direction especially at this time of covid-19. Covid-19 saw oil prices at the zero zone, something that has never happened before. Some countries had to pay people to evacuate their crude oil, meaning they were selling their crude oil at minus.

Here in Nigeria, the price of our crude went down to less than $10. At that time our earnings were not able to support such, so it became inevitable because subsidy itself is a very tricky thing. We were subsidising at two ends, it’s like we were burning our candles at both ends. You are subsidising at the pump and subsidising the foreign exchange that is used to import this product. So, if you put all the subsidies together, it came to more than N1 trillion every year and who were we subsidising?

Years ago, all the controversies about subsidy, all the claims that people were making, no poor man was making any of those claims. It was the same rich people that were feeding fat from the subsidy. So, at the end of day, the rich people are the ones that benefit and the poor people continue to lose from even subsidy.

Thinking through it at this point, against the background that this country cannot continue to afford this subsidy of over a trillion naira, we decided that it was time to deregulate.

So, in essence, what would the removal of subsidy mean for Nigerians and the government?

What that meant was that government stood back from the business of importing and supplying products at the pump. And we feel that market forces should take over and demand and supply should take over. But government will now have to play its traditional role of protecting the consumer, so that nobody profiteers on the consumer.

So, today I can say that we and the people are on one side. We have to watch keenly so that the marketers will not charge the public too much.

So, we are on the same side right now. So, when people begin to blame government for higher prices, it’s not the right thing, because maybe they don’t understand that at this point, we are no longer fixing prices. That’s what deregulation means. We are no longer in the business of fixing those prices. We have stepped back and we are allowing market forces to determine the price at the pump.

Does it mean that the pump price of fuel will continue to rise or will it keep uctuating?

If you noticed, when the international price of crude oil went down earlier in the year, it reflected at the pump and when it goes up, it also reflects. It’s the same crude oil we are talking about. It is about the economic survival of this country and at the end of the day, I am sure all of us want this country to survive. There are certain things our country can ill-afford at this

feels it’s too expensive they approach another one.

Earlier, you mentioned the gas use plan.

What form will the gas roll-out programme take?

It’s a national project. We are not looking at a pilot programme. It’s one that will grow on a daily basis, starting with NNPC filling stations nationwide. NNPC owns filling stations across the nation. At the same time, some privately owned filling stations too are now joining the programme. They have requested to be admitted to the programme. So, in addition to the NNPC filling stations, we will have the skid-mounted gas , CNG, LPG, LNG very soon.

Very soon, the DPR will ask filling stations to upgrade or their licenses will not be renewed.

So, you upgrade your filling station to include dispensing gas or it will not be renewed. If we grow very fast, within a short time, we would have the capability in every filling or most of them across Nigeria. This programme will create a lot of job opportunities. There will be conversion kits sold everywhere. A company has even approached us to install the conversion kits in Nigeria. We are hoping that going forward, people will start importing those cars with that capability from the factory. So, the conversion is for the transition period.

Sylva time, look at where the price of crude oil is and we were able to achieve $45 through a lot of pains and cutting of our production. We have cut our daily production to 1.412 million bpd and that’s from over two million, almost half your earnings.

Before now, we were talking about 2.6 million bpd at crude oil price of over $100. We have seen that in this country, but not in this administration.

So, what is available to government has reduced considerately in terms of foreign exchange earnings and you know that crude oil accounts for over 90 per cent of our foreign exchange earnings. Where do you get the dollars to continue to import this product that you are selling at a loss? I believe it will come with a few pains initially. But when we get over this, we will all be happy that we took this decision for the survival of this country.

Is government providing alternatives since it seems the price of fuel is skyrocketing?

Government also realises that this policy will come with some pains to all of us, even myself.

If you have been reading the papers, you must have seen that I have already surrendered my vehicles to be converted to LPG, CNG because what government is trying to do is to introduce cheaper and cleaner fuels and we are very serious about it.

The roll-out will be very soon, towards the end of this month or next month to give an alternative to the consumer. So that if you go to the filling station today and the price of PMS (petrol) is too high, you can switch and buy LPG, CNG which will be cheaper. These are some of the alternatives to ensure our people do not collapse under the weight of higher pump prices.

Now the unfortunate thing about Nigerians is that we politicise everything. The same political party which was in government a few years ago, trying tooth and nail to achieve deregulation is the same party outside government that is now advocating subsidy. They are now criticising what they wanted to achieve themselves.

Is the government providing palliatives for the citizenry to cushion the impact of the rise?

We have become very used to the word palliatives.

On the issue of palliatives, we have had a lot.

We have had the PTF (Petroleum Trust Fund) palliatives, but it doesn’t exist today. Today, I don’t think there’s any government that has introduced as many palliatives as this government, the NPower, Trader Moni, school feeding etc, but we think that the solution to this thing should be a little bit more sustainable. And the sustainable solution is to create another kind of fuel that’s cheaper and cleaner. So, we are achieving two things at the same time, cheaper and cleaner fuel.

We are introducing the LNG, LPG and CNG, which are cheaper fuels.

If you create a toll gate, you must also create

a route which may not be as comfortable but an alternative so that people will have a choice. In this case we are introducing a better and cheaper fuel.

In the end, I do not think that people will even feel the increase because by the time you get used to gas to fuel your car at half the price of petrol, you probably won’t think of petrol anymore. Let us allow this policy to mature. These are just the teething problems. Down the line, Nigeria will be happier for it and this country will survive better economically.

Please, let us not be fixated on this initial pains.

It’s like a child who needs a surgery to survive.

You can avoid the pain of the surgery or allow the pain and allow the child to survive.

We are together in this. There’s no need to talk about new palliatives. The CBN has introduced more funds to more sectors than has ever happened in Nigeria at cheaper rates. These are sustainable palliatives that will outlive this administration.

Nigerians are confused that there appears to be no template for determining the prices, what is your take about that?

That question is almost taking us back to regulating the price. What we do not want to do is to go back to regulation because that gives the impression that the PPPRA is still fixing prices for the next month.

So, we are now like umpires on the same side.

We watch the price. If the price goes beyond our in-house estimate, because we take into consideration everything it takes to land this product in Nigeria and we use that as our template to watch the price. We are also introducing a complaint box in the ministry of petroleum. If a marketer is raising prices beyond a certain rate, you report to us. We have become the police.

Because our duty now is to ensure the public is not cheated. We are now on the same side to police the marketers and retailers to ensure they do not profiteer from the public. If we now have to go back giving you that month-on-month template, then I am afraid that will be are suggesting we go back to the regime we are coming back from.

What is your take on the disparity between the PPMC-announced prices and the pump price that the public buys this product?

What the PPMC announces is the ex-depot price. That’s not pump price. PPMC is now a commercial importer like others. So, if I import a product at X dollar and I can afford to sell at Y dollar according to market forces that is what the market situation requires. So, if a retailer buys from a wholesaler, what concerns you and I is the pump price, not the ex-depot price. Our own concern is more with the consumer.

If you think the pump price is being inflated, the PPPRA is there, you have to report. Then we become the police. The PPMC is a commercial venture and will sell at a profit. If any marketer

Is there a pilot scheme on the workability of this plan?

We have started a pilot scheme with the conversion of Keke Napep, tricycles in Port Harcourt and it’s working very well. Their colleagues are clamouring for it, it’s less noisy, even for generators.

These are opportunities that will come with the launch of the programme.

Being that a regulated market created all kinds of bureaucracies, what will be the new role of PEF and PPPRA post-deregulation?

I said we are now on one side. You need a strong policeman on your side and that’s the role of the PPPRA and even PEF because without the existence of PPPRA how do you police these people who will profiteer on you.

We are now on the same side. Without the existence of PEF, somebody will take petrol from Port Harcourt and go to Maiduguri and decide to sell at N500 per litre whereas someone in Port Harcourt can still buy it at that time for about N50 per litre. We still require the policing agencies, so to say. But PPPRA and PEF will not exist in the same way, because we are now in the process of passing the PIB. PEF and PPPRA will be brought under one umbrella or what we call the authority and will help police the pump price of petrol so that nobody will profiteer on Nigerians. They still have a role not very different, but it will be a different colour completely. But they will no longer exist as PEF or PPPRA but under another body called the authority.

How much have you saved since deregulation?

We announced at the same time in March that we had taken out the budgetary provision on deregulation which was around N500 billion.

That’s already money saved and moved to other areas. We rebased the budget because oil prices were coming down and one of the things that was unnecessary was provision for subsidy. We also took out the foreign exchange differentials because the official and parallel windows were merged. That means that we also took away that window that was subsidising foreign exchange.

With that, you can see the country already saved up to N1 trillion from deregulation. That’s why these savings will only begin to show later on, maybe in the budget for next year when we know we don’t have to bother with subsidy provision.

It will show up through capital projects. We are experiencing the initial bumps and teething problems which I think we can surmount. If we had subsidy, the money would be increasing and we won’t be able to determine where we are because if the oil prices should top $100 per barrel, you can imagine how much will be spent on subsidy. It’s something that all Nigerians should have consensus around. It’s something we have to do for the collective survival of our country.

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Benefits of Fuel Subsidy Removal Peter Uzoho writes on the benefits of the decision by the federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to heed to the demand to allow market forces determine the pricing of petroleum products

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he Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) last week announced an increase in petrol price of N151.56 to N162 per litre and directed all operators in the petrol retail business to comply immediately. The development was hinged on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, whereby market forces are to determine prices of petroleum products.

The new price with its cost-reflective nature is expected to help to improve product availability and attract investments to the sector as marketers now have increased margin.

Expectedly, due to the sensitive and controversial nature of petrol pricing in the nation’s polity, the announcement received mixed reactions. While the government and those sympathetic to its decisions and policies as well as operators in the Nigerian downstream petroleum sector have backed the hike in petrol price, some other Nigerians who feel that the increase would add to the hardship being experienced by the poor masses in this pandemic period, have kicked against the new price and called for its review.

Sometime in March, at the heat of the dwindling crude oil price and its negative impact on other economic activities, which plunged many countries, especially the oildependent ones into revenue crisis, the federal government had approved the deregulation of the petroleum sector.

In rare radical step, it had announced an end to the wasteful petrol subsidy and also ended the sole importer status of the NNPC, paving the way for private marketers to resume importation of petroleum products.

The government announced a reduction in petrol pump price from then N145 to N125 per litre, as a palliative to the scorching effects of Coronavirus on Nigerians.

The government had said prices of petrol going forward would be determined by market forces.

It had explained that the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA) would be giving monthly guidance on petrol prices through price modulation method, meaning that when crude price goes up, petrol price would go up, and when it comes down, petrol price would follow suit.

Since then, the PPPRA had been issuing petrol prices monthly, beginning with the first reduction from N145 to N125 on March 19, 2020, and later from N125 down to N123.50 per litre in April. In June, petrol pump price was further reduced to between N121.50 to N123.50. But petrol pump started going up again in July as the PPPRA announced an upward price of between N140.80 to N143.80; and it continued till the latest price increase.

However, these did not go on without marketers expressing concerns over the government’s continuous meddlesomeness with petrol pump price, which they believed should be allowed to float. They argued that such model was not in tandem with the principle of market forces that takes into account, the basic market fundamentals.

With the latest increase of petrol pump price which has an element of cost-reflectivity, the federal government has finally heeded to the demand of market forces.

BeneďŹ ts Both the government and marketers have justified the decision to increase the pump price of petrol, explaining that the decision took into consideration developments at the international oil market where prices of oil have been recording recoveries.

The federal government reiterated its position that subsidy on petrol had gone and would never return and that the cost of petroleum products would henceforth be determined by the vagaries of the international crude oil market.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, who advanced

Buhari government’s stand on the issue while speaking at a session, stressed that incurring further costs on under-recovery has now been stopped permanently.

According to her, “Specifically, in relation to the extractive industry, we took the opportunity to remove fuel subsidy that has been a significant drain on our resources and on the economy. “This we have been able to do by adopting a price modulation mechanism and the government has removed fuel subsidy provision from its revised 2020 budget and also from the Medium Term Economic Framework (MTEF) for 2021-2023. We don’t have plans to incur any expenditure on fuel subsidy. “What that means is that the price of refined products (petrol) will be determined by the global price of crude oil, so the price will keep changing according to how the global market operates.�

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva, said Nigeria was no longer in the business of fixing fuel prices, adding that global oil price crash had made removing the subsidies inevitable. “It is about the survival of our country.

There are certain things that the country can ill-afford at this time,� he said.

The minister however, urged Nigerians who could not afford to buy petrol at the current pump prices to embrace the use of alternatives to be provided by the federal government, noting that the government was not insensitive to reservations expressed by some Nigerians over the issue.

While declaring that removing subsidy was the way to go, he disclosed disclosing that the government was spending over N1trillion yearly on under-recovery, a development he described as unsustainable.

Sylva reiterated that in the next few weeks, the government would be rolling out the alternatives in the form of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which are cheaper and better alternatives. “In the end, I do not think that people will even feel the increase because by the time you get used to gas to fuel your car at half the price of petrol, you probably won’t think of petrol anymore. “Let us allow this policy to mature. These are just teething problems. Down the line, Nigeria will be happier for it and this country will

survive better economically,� he said.

He said announcing a template every month was no longer practicable, saying that it would give the impression that the downstream is still being regulated by the government. “So, we are now like umpires on the same side. We watch the price. If the price goes beyond our in-house estimate because we take into consideration everything it takes to land this product in Nigeria. “We are also introducing a complaint box in the ministry of petroleum. If a marketer is raising prices beyond a certain rate, you report to us. We have become the police. “Because our duty is to ensure the public is not cheated. We are now on the same side to police the marketers and retailers to ensure they do not profiteer from the public,� he stressed.

He said whenever crude oil price goes up, the price of fuel will also move accordingly, since the market is now deregulated.

Sylva added that left to President Muhammadu Buhari, the prices of petrol would not increase, noting that liberalising the market is now inevitable given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

He further explained: “It’s like we were burning our candles at both ends. You are subsidising at the pump and subsidising the foreign exchange. So, if you put all the subsidies together, it came to more than N1 trillion and who were we subsidising? “It is the same rich people that benefit from the subsidy and the poor people continue to lose from even subsidy. This country cannot continue to afford this subsidy.�

Sylva who said henceforth, market forces would determine prices, however, stressed that the government will continue to protect the consumers.

Her added: “We are no longer in the business of fixing those prices. We have stepped back and allowing market forces to determine the price at the pump. “When the international price of crude oil went down, it reflected at the pump and when it goes up, it also reflects. It’s the same crude oil we are talking about.�

Marketers’ Endorsement Meanwhile, petroleum products marketers and other stakeholders in the nation’s petroleum downstream sector, who spoke on the issue

across the country were unanimous in their views that the decision to allow market forces determine the price of petrol was not only healthy for the downstream sector but was also good for the Nigerian economy which has sacrificed so much to shoulder the now defunct burdensome subsidy system The Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Adetunji Oyebanji, said the association welcomed government’s action in allowing the market to determine prices, noting that this would prevent the return of subsidies while allowing operators the opportunity to recover their costs. He said this will, in the long run, encourage investment and create jobs.

He explained that though prices at the pump would need to be adjusted to reflect realities of the increase of ex-depot prices by the PPMC, the magnitude of the increase, timing and location would be determined by each individual company.

Oyebanji who expressed the views of his members in a statement, said, “Consistent with global best practices, MOMAN does not dictate prices to its members as this would be anti-competition in a fully deregulated market.�

The MOMAN chairman, however, called on the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to intensify its public awareness drive to educate the populace on the current realities. “The Ministry of Petroleum Resources should also be telling Nigerians that we can no longer afford subsidy. If we keep it, the investment in infrastructure, health, education, etc., will not be possible. We are borrowing so much to finance our budget.

We spent over a trillion naira on subsidy last year. It is unsustainable�, he said.

MOMAN’s position was re-echoed by a Director at NIPCO Plc and Chairman of SY Petroleum Limited, Alhaji Sani Yau, who emphasized that the price increase was reflective of trending realities in the sector, noting that deregulation will foster an eventual price reduction in the nearest future when other market fundamentals would converge to create the desired competitive market space.

A stakeholder in the sector and an independent marketer, Mr. John Agidigan, explained that before this increase, market forces had forced the price per litre down to N121, then up to N131 and later N148.

He explained that under a deregulated environment, prices are expected to rise and fall in response to the volatility of demand and supply.

According to him, the new deregulated regime would always ensure the availability of the product in the market at affordable price based on the supply, adding that this regime was better than what obtained in the past when Nigerians had to contend with extreme scarcity and its attendant challenges such as long queues at fuel stations.

Another stakeholder in the downstream sector, Aggrey Koleijo, said Nigerians must consider the benefits of the new pricing regime rather than just reacting to the price increase which could be reversed the moment market forces dictate otherwise.

He stated that the same market forces that brought about price reduction not long ago were still responsible for the hike and can still ensure a reduction, depending on the demand and supply activities within the industry.

Also, an oil and gas analyst, Dr. Mac Udiewe, said the price of fuel would surely go down in a few months’ time when supply of the product would increase geometrically with the entrance of products from private refineries such as the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries.

Other stakeholders, who responded, were unanimous in their conclusion that deregulation would ultimately favour consumers as soon as the industry stabilises and prices begin a downward trend.

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Between FG and Domestic Meter Manufacturers Peter Uzoho writes on the implication of a recent presidential approval to defer for one year, the 35 per cent levy on imported pre-paid electricity meters

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here is an ongoing disquiet among domestic manufacturers of pre-paid electricity meters over the recent approval by President Muhammadu Buhari to defer for one year, the 35 per cent adjustment tax imposed on fully-built unit (FBU) electricity meters HS Code 9028.30.00.00 to enable importers import about three million prepaid meters into the country.

The government said the approval was to enable quick supply of the meters through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, so that the wide metering gap in the country could be addressed in the shortest possible time as part of the ongoing efforts to pull the power sector from its current crisis.

The President had given the approval under the 2019 fiscal policy measures for the implementation of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) common external tariff (CET) 2017 – 2022.

The approval for the adjustment followed a request by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr. Zainab Ahmed, to support the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in rolling out three million electricity meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework.

MAP regulation is a gradual up scaling of the patronage of local manufacturers of electricity meters with an initial minimum local content of 30 percent with the potential of significant job creation in the area of meter assembly, installation and maintenance.

However, the decision has not gone down well with the local meter manufactures, who raised concerns on the approval and appealed to the President to rescind his decision, citing a number of consequences it would have on the nation’s ailing economy.

The domestic meter manufacturers under the aegis of Electricity Meter Manufacturers Association (EMMAN) in a statement warned that Nigeria risks loss of over $600 million to capital flight in favour of China in the presidential approval.

The domestic meter manufacturers said such approval was a disincentive and inimical to the development of local capacity in the downstream sector of the country’s power industry and apparently puts a question mark to the federal government’s local content pursuit.

The association said the directive was an incentive for mass importation of pre-paid meters as against upscaling of production capacity of made in Nigeria meters.

According to the association, the local manufacturers are not been patronised by Off-takers at the downstream sector of the power industry value chain because they are not prepared to cut corners, adding that it believes the presidential approval of tax deferment on importation of three million finished electricity meters would have negative effects on the power sector.

They warned that allowing such decision to run for a year would jeopardise government’s efforts at industrialising the country, stressing that the deferment might set back the development that was already on ground while the decision would dampen the hope of the local manufacturers as well as cripple the anticipated growth in the sector.

The association noted that as an in-depth manufacturer in the sector, it takes an average of three months to set up SKD (Semi Knock Down(SKD)/ Complete Knock Down(CKD) factory, advising the government that importers should be encouraged to set up factories so as to create a value chain that would provide employment opportunities to Nigerians.

Advancing the position of the association, a member of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the downstream sector of the power sector and Chairman of Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Limited (MEMMCOL), Mr. Kola Balogun, said that the 35 per cent levy was the only protection available to them in the sector which was not peculiar to the sector alone.

Balogun said the removal was an indication that the government was more disposed to

favour importation to the detriment of the nation’s local industry.

He said: “The implication of this is that over 600million US dollars would be exported to China to import the approved three million meters. This means we would further be developing another country’s economy and continue to increase unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment in our country.�

He said if the right policy was put in place, his company has the capacity to produce enough prepaid electricity meters to help close the wide metering gap in the country, adding that government could made that possible through some form of financial intervention.

According to him, “We are bold to emphatically say that, we at MEMMCOL, have the local capability to bridge the metering gap if the right policy is put in place. This can be by way of financial intervention by the government whereby certain agreed percentage of the cost of meter supply would be advanced to us like the importers do with the Chinese and upon completion of installation balance payment would be made to us. “We do not even mind to furnish a bank guarantee as our own commitment in such deal.�

Balogun said the right thing that should have been done by the government was to identify challenges facing local manufacturers and find a way to proffer solutions to them.

He said: “For instance, there is high tariff rates payable to import raw materials that are not readily available in the country, the duty payable on our raw materials ranges from five per cent per to 40 per cent plus other port charges. “These are like the ETLS of 0.5 per cent, CISS of one cent, VAT of 7.5 per cent and surcharge of seven per cent, whereas it is a one off payment of 10 per cent duty on the finished meters plus other port charges for importers and we sell at the same regulated prices. “You will agree with me that this is not fair to the manufacturers given the amount of investments manufacturers put in place in terms of technology transfer, plant and machinery, human capital development through training and retraining, research and development.�

The chairman stressed that the major reason most of the industries in the country had closed down was because of high production costs, thereby making manufacturing unviable and not encouraging.

Balogun, therefore, suggested that the way forward was backward integration whereby government would categorise the key local players in the sector and other sectors of the economy, according to their production processes by separating assemblers from manufacturers and issue certificates accordingly.

He listed the certificates to include Semi Knock

Down (SKD), Complete Knock Down (CKD), Original Equipment Manufacturer(OEM) and Original Brand/Design Manufacturer(OBM/ ODM).

The MEMMCOL boss said all the raw materials needed to manufacture would be made to attract zero per cent import tariff rate for OBM/OEM manufacturers while the relevant government offices would monitor the use of the gains from the import tariff policy to ensure that they plough it back into their investment.

This, he added, would develop the sector and the economy at large as well as encourage the manufacturers of the raw materials to come and set up their factories in the country.

While stressing that there would be no reasons for the country to import anymore, Balogun added that “We wish to use this medium to advise the federal government to send its delegate to verify our capability and replicate this across all our various sectors so as to be well informed before taking industrial decisions.�

Speaking to THISDAY on the matter, the Chief Executive Officer of Mojec Meters Manufacturing Company, Mrs. Chantelle Abdul, who expressed her understanding of government’s aggressive drive to ramp up meter supplies and close the wide metering gap via the MAP scheme, however, said the approval would definitely affect local meter manufacturers negatively.

According to her, “while you understand the structure (the deferment), it absolutely does affect local manufacturers, because it therefore means you are going to be importing than producing in the country.�

She wondered why Nigeria should still be importing meters even with the strong capacity of local manufacturers to meet the number of meters needed, explaining that the combined installed capacity of all meter manufacturers in the country is over six million. “But we do have enough installed capacity in the country. If the government will get behind the manufacturers, provide the Forex necessary, provide the financing necessary, make it easy to clear goods at the ports, the same meters produced in China can be produced in Nigeria. We can absolutely produce in Nigeria.

If you combine the installed capacity of all the manufacturers in the country today, it’s up to six million if not more. “So, there is no reason why we should even be importing meters. We should however get government to support the manufacturers so that we can be able to produce in-country,�

Abdul said.

She explained that supporting local meter manufacturers would not only help in boosting local production capacity, but would also help to improve the economic lives of Nigerians. “And more importantly, it will create jobs,

create livelihood for our people, make them be able to work, be responsible citizens and more importantly, have a disposable income to take care of their family, take care of their day-to-day basic needs. “But importation does not achieve or aid any of that. So in the desire to ramp up the proliferation of meters you cannot sabotage the economic welfare and the good of your people,� Abdul said.

Also quoted in the EMMAN statement, the President of Nigeria Consumer Protection Network (NCPM), Mr. Kunle Olubiyo, said there is an urgent need for the federal government to put in place a very strict regime of sanctions against Off-takers who have deliberately refused to accept indigenous technology and made-in-Nigeria pre-paid meters or pre-paid meters assembled in Nigeria.

Olubiyo noted that metering devices in the electricity sector provides the end users, the market players, participants and regulatory agencies a spectrum of energy, accountability, efficiency conservation and probity.

He said issues of customer centricity, customer satisfaction, value for money, customer behaviours, short-changing customers, liquidity challenges and prospects for reasonable returns on investments, amongst others, were all linked to effective metering and closures of the embarrassingly huge metering gaps.

Olubiyo said: “As important as the vexed issue of metering is, there are other variables and extraneous factors that if not eradicated or boldly addressed once and for all, the Nigerian electricity market will remained an elusive growth and a vicious circle of stagnation. “As electricity consumers, we have taken our time to present our position to the Federal Government of Nigeria; we have a five-page document tagged, ‘Conditions Precedent to Increase in Electricity Tariff’. “As a matter of fact, what we need now is a downward review of the presently discriminatory gas pricing methodology and disparity in the gas pricing business model with different pricing options for different Off-takers. “Electricity consumers are increasingly being made to pay for fixed cost, padded cost, over bloated indexes of hyper inflated cost of production of each units of electricity measured in kilowatt hour, etc�.

According to him, end users of electricity have been badly battered and impoverished by a cartel of energy cabals fiddling with the economic soul of Nigeria and holding the nation’s jugular down in perpetually counter-productive operations. “With just political will and sincerity of purposes, Nigerian government could change the narratives and not only make Nigeria great again but make her a more virile, robustly prosperous and globally competitive reindustrialised country,� he noted.

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If You Want to Get Toughest Jobs Done, Give them to Okonjo-Iweala Olalekan Adigun

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o much has been said and written about the person of Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala. She is one of the most popular women in Africa today and there are good reasons for that. This is not just due to her previous political appointments as two-time Minister of Finance and one-time Minister of Foreign Affairs of the largest and most populous black nation on earth, and we cannot equally say this is only because of her record as the Managing Director of the World Bank. Having followed Okonjo-Iweala’s activities since 2004 when she was heading Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance, I have come to observe she has always been bold to take up the toughest of jobs, tasks and implement the seemingly most difficult reforms – with effortless ease.

I thought it was only me observing this till I was recently proved wrong.

At this point, let me invite Mr Gordon Brown into the discussion. For some reasons, some of us may not know Mr Brown. Mr Brown is a British Statesman and public figure who served as Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010.

Aside from this, Mr Brown is a well-known friend of Africa (Nigeria especially). This explains why Mr Brown was among the first set of endorsements for Dr Okonjo-Iweala for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) sometime in July.

The British newspaper, The Times, captures it properly with the bold headline GORDON BROWN BACKS OKONJO-IWEALA TO LEAD WTO. This endorsement means a lot. First, having served as UK Prime Minister at the time Okonjo-Iweala was Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Mr Brown knows her competence in implementing tough reforms and handling complex development and budgeting challenges

Okonjo-Iweala. in a unique environment like Nigeria. As I said earlier, Brown is not a stranger to Africa’s murky socio-political environment and what it takes to implement reforms in payroll and pensions management. Quoting The Times, the former Prime Minister said that OkonjoIweala would make an “outstanding success� of running the Geneva-based organization which is currently facing some fundamental crises and in search of its soul.

Gordon Brown surely knows too well that the choice of the next DG of the organization is very crucial as the world grapples with the global economic disruption caused by Covid-19.

Secondly, Brown’s backing of Okoko-Iweala is altruistic. By endorsing Okonjo-Iweala, Brown allowed himself to be guided by the spirit of competence rather than nationalistic milieu and innuendos. He is well aware that Mr Liam Fox, his compatriot who previously served as UK Secretary of Trade is in the race with Okonjo-Iweala. Even at that, Mr

Brown does not seem rightly persuaded by ultra-nationalist arguments before endorsing the amazon from Nigeria. According to Brown, Okonjo-Iweala is well-respected “across the whole of the world�.

I understand some people may want to bring in British party politics into this matter at this point. “Oh, Gordon Brown won’t endorse Liam Fox because of his Labour affiliation� or similar arguments. This, to be honest, is either ridiculous or petty. As bitter as Nigerian politics can be, politicians of all orientations have endorsed Okonjo-Iweala. Even though she served under the government of the opposition party, the current government still went ahead to nominate and support her for the position. The reason for this is straightforward: she is perceived as competent irrespective of her political orientations or affiliations. If competence is what is required, then Okonjo-Iweala is the one the cap fits.

Earlier in July, Mr Patrick Lumumba, a Kenyan lawyer and global anti-corruption crusader, bypassed his fellow Kenyan, Amina Muhammed, to endorse Okonjo-Iweala. In Lumumba’s own words, he said: “Right now ‌Okonjo-Iweala is the candidate we should back, given her credentials.â€? (Italics mine).

Notice, Lumumba never bothered about Okonjo-Iweala’s country of origin. He is also not moved about the argument that his own country has a candidate for the same position Ngozi is running for. What he bothers about is who is most qualified for the job. All other things are details. This leads me to Brown’s striking evaluation of Okonjo-Iweala: she handles the toughest of jobs.

Okojo-Iweala has become adept at handling and delivering on seemingly complicated tasks and implementing life-threatening institutional reforms in fast-paced settings. She has mastered the art of making seemingly difficult problems

look simple with the ways she handles them.

Nobody ever thought it was possible to build a centralized database for payroll for public sector workers in Nigeria until Okonjo-Iweala came. Nobody thought it was going to be easy negotiating debt relief for Nigerian until Okonjo-Iweala made it possible in 2005.

Many Nigerians now take the benefits of Banking Reforms for granted but do not know it started while Okonjo-Iweala was Finance Minister.

The current pension system in operation in Nigeria today came through the table of Madam Okonjo-Iweala. What about the use of technology to fight corruption in the public sector? Many people seem to forget that existing initiatives like the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Integrated Personnel Payroll Identification System (IPPIS) which have saved the Nigerian government huge sums of dollars are the initiatives of Okonjo-Iweala.

Also, her foresight in making Nigeria learn how to save for the rainy days led to her to initiate the Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF) to cushion the effects of fluctuations in the international oil market and stabilise domestic prices.

These are not easy reforms to implement in any way. These are some of the though jobs handlined by this brilliant woman. These are legacy projects. No wonder Gordon Brown bypassed his compatriot to endorse her! With more of her rivals’ compatriots endorsing Okonjo-Iweala, the world is beginning to see politics differently. This time, it’s about giving the job to the person who knows how to do it the best. That person is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

I stand with Gordon Brown!

Adigun, a public affairs commentator, writes from Lagos. He tweets from @ MrLekanAdigun

Providing Lifeline to MSMEs Maduabuchi Ubani writes on efforts by stakeholders to ensuring sustainable growth for micro, small and medium scale enterprises in the country, amidst the global pandemic

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t is no longer news that when it comes to micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, they play an integral and invaluable role in the economic activities of the country. Recent projections estimated that by 2030, the global workforce would be about six million and two billion of them are projected to be employed within the informal MSME sector.

Not only is it a well-established fact that MSMEs make up over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s workforce, it is also important that projections and policies made around MSMEs should be ones that would encourage them to lead the nation’s economy to the promise land. This has become very paramount, especially during this global pandemic.

The recently released Labour Force Statistics by the National Bureau of Statistics showed an increased unemployment rate by 400 basis points, moving to 27.1 per cent in the wake of the COVID-19 virus in Nigeria.

Even a second quarter report of the impact of COVID-19 on MSMEs, led by FATE Foundation, showed that almost 95 per cent of the 1,900 businesses that were surveyed, were significantly impacted by the pandemic.

And so, in the bid to foster healthy partnerships for the growth of MSMEs in Nigeria, stakeholders recently came together to discuss how MSMEs in Nigeria could face the challenge posed by the virus and still maintain their relevance in the econ grand scheme of things.

These conversations which took place at a recent online pre-summit event of the 26th Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), jointly organised by the NESG, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget & National Planning in collaboration with FATE Foundation, enabled stakeholders to discuss the efficacy of ongoing programs and strategies to adopt in order to enable the resilience the Nigerian entrepreneurship ecosystem. While setting the floor open in her welcome address, Wolu Adetayo of NESG brought to the fore that the summit is one that seeks to engage stakeholders in conversations for action. The idea is to shape strategic partnerships, build resilience for Nigeria’s economy, and also ensure that Nigeria is put in a stronger position within the changing world order.

because we recognise that some sectors are more hit than others. “With partnership with credible organisations, we will be launching loans where people in some sectors will be able to find accessible financing. It’s not a grant structure, but a subsidized loan to these sectors. We recognize that there must be business development support for businesses, so we are creating linkages and support.�

For her , the conversations for action are also aimed at enabling stakeholders to deliberate on a broad thematic and sectorial issues with necessary outcomes that will help keep businesses sustained and put Nigeria’s economy on the path to growth. “We need all hands on deck to help to increase the access of the MSMEs,� Adetayo said. “It is in our collective interest as a nation, as a community, and in the interest of our economy that we focus on the MSMEs with funding support, business advisory, regulatory relief, data, infrastructure and other means of survival and sustainability. “With sustained effort from the private sector, active collaboration with the government and citizens, Nigeria’s MSMEs’ ecosystem will be able to draw the required investment that will make them a major contributor to economic development in the national interest.�

While it is gradually becoming clear that the virus may likely stay around for a little longer, it has also heightened the need for MSMEs to improvise and adjust. It is this ability to improvise that highlights the strength, resilience and true entrepreneurial traits if MSMEs. “There is the need for MSMEs to co-exist. That is what resilience means.� The visiting scholar, Centre for Public Policy Administration, Prof. Melvin Ayogu noted. “When we had the initial lockdown, people thought they could hunker down and continue with their lives after the COVID-19 must have passed away. But that’s not the case with the virus; it looks like it’s

here to stay for a little longer. And so, to co-exist with the resilience means MSMEs need to relearn how to do things.

He suggested that the best thing to do for the MSMEs is to reduce the shock to jumpstart the consumer spending, innovate around the supply chain shock induced by the pandemic. This is because MSMEs form the majority shareholders in the Nigeria’s labour force, and so, anything that improves the health, resilience and survival of the MSMEs component of the labour force is representative of the aggregate labour force in Nigeria.

Support from Government Of course, there is no denial that the intentional and pragmatic support of government when it comes to issues of MSMEs is one that cannot be over-emphasised. With the pandemic still hitting hard on businesses across the federation, the calculated support on government in assisting MSMEs becomes even paramount and apt.

In recent times, some state governments have drawn up engaging initiatives to cushion the effect of the pandemic on businesses and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. One of them is the Lagos State government. “Our concern is first job retention before job creation,� Executive Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Ms. Teju Abisoye stated. “With this in mind, we are concluding plans to roll out programmes that are post-COVID intervention. And they are sector-specific; this is

Demands of MSMEs Clearly, due to incidents like supply chain disruption and massive drop in demand for products, which was caused due to the pandemic, many MSMEs have been faced with new challenges.

With the new challenges come new demands which will assist MSMEs stay afloat.

According to the President, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Degun Agboade, grants not loans should be given to MSMEs. This is because many MSMEs have difficulties in navigating banks and trade-related procedures. He further harped on the need for government to remove unfavourable conditions that hamper MSMEs in the procurement process in Nigeria. “If the above issues are addressed, Nigeria MSMEs will not only be positioned for post-COVID survival, but will also be on the path of higher advantage.�

Access to Finance Even though due to the pandemic, banks have stepped up to restructure their loans so that MSMEs can have time to pay back and in smaller installments, financial experts opine that a lot still needs to be done on the part of MSMEs to access these loans. One of such is organisational structure. “MSMEs that keep record, have structure, provide proper governance and can show that they can flexibly address their market and also be able to sell would be able to get funding.� CEO/ Managing Director, Edfin Microfinance Bank, Mrs. Bunmi Lawson advised. “Most MSMEs say one of the critical issues they face is access to loans. But the truth is that MSMEs need to be structured for banks to be able to give loans.�

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Showing Leadership with Remote Learning During Pandemic Maduabuchi Ubani For 13 years, Wazobia Media has endeared itself to Nigerians as a provider of quality entertainment to all classes of people within the country, with the motto of being a truly indigenous media platform.

The media group has carved a niche for itself through its unique delivery of highly entertaining contents and productions that has earned it accolades and respect from various sections of the public across the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for the media organisation to go a step further in living up to its reputation of an indigenous media brand that exudes the Nigerian spirit of na we own. This, it has been doing, by making itself an enabler of inclusive learning during the period of school closure that became necessary to avoid the spread of the Corona virus among students.

The media group has over the last five months been running a remote learning programme for students in public secondary schools across Nigeria, using its platforms – Wazobia FM, Wazobia Max TV and Wazobia Television.

The programme, which started in partnership

with the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Ministry of Education, aims to afford students opportunity to receive learning on all the key subjects – English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Financial Accounting, Literature in English and Yoruba – from the comfort of their homes for the duration of the lockdown, such that they would not feel its impact in terms of disruption of their school curriculum.

It runs four hours every school day, on Wazobia 95.1 FM, from noon to 2 pm, Wazobia Max TV and Wazobia TV from 2 pm to 4 pm. It also has a WhatsApp segment that provides opportunity for call-in and messaging by students during the remote classes. The programme is one for which Wazobia Media has received a thumbs-up from the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders, because of its uniqueness, which emphasizes the ingenuity of the media group in proffering a solution to a national problem when it is needed most.

Commissioner for Education, Folashade Adefisayo, commended the organisation for aligning with the state government in providing an ingenious learning platform for students during a global

pandemic. She said due to lack of accessibility to online learning platforms by most students in the public-school sector, it became imperative to explore other communication channels with large followings and deeply rooted connections across various communities within the state.

Adefisayo said Wazobia Media was providing that alternative with the remote learning programme on its platforms.

The programme is another way the organisation is adding value to society, apart from provision of quality broadcasting for which it is well known.

Indeed, the organization has gone beyond adding value to demonstrate ability to take charge and lead from the front in time of a national emergency.

This contribution is significant because of the huge impact it is making on the educational pursuit of students in public schools who do not have access to online learning that private schools are providing, because of its cost.

There is also the fact that it has brought a big relief to families whose children would have remained idle, probably exposed to all manner of vices, if a programme of this nature had not been provided.

Co-founder/Chief Executive of Wazobia Media,

Tatiana Moussalli Nouri, drove home the value the media group was out to add for the duration of the schools’ closure with provision of the programme, shortly its take-off. “The educational broadcast by the Wazobia Media Brand is one driven by the commitment of the organisation in adding value through investments that are incalculable in educating students and members of the society,� she added. “The daily broadcast has redefined learning for students, especially during a global pandemic as this ingenious engagement has afforded millions of students across Nigeria the opportunity to excel at their forthcoming examinations.�

Despite the multi-level government policy on the ease of lockdown and the gradual re-opening of tertiary institutions on September 14, 2020, with the re-opening of primary and secondary schools tentatively fixed for September 21, the daily Lessons on Wazobia Media is one to be benefited from beyond the pandemic by students and parents looking to enjoy the benefits of free remote learning and after school lessons to brush-up on subjects taught in school as well as giving them an edge amongst their peers.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Increase in Electricity Tariff, PMS Bad for Housing Industry, Says NIOB Bennett Oghifo

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he housing industry would be adversely impacted by the recent increase in electricity tariff and by the upward review of the cost of premium motor spirit, popularly known as petrol, the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has said.

A statement by the National President of NIOB, Bldr. Kunle Awobodu said, “The federal government through its agencies might have adduced reasons for these increases, such as appropriate pricing based on

market forces, (but) the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) finds it necessary to explain the unintended effects of such increases on the construction industry that produces our housing and other infrastructure stock.”

NIOB said, “Increasing electricity and petroleum costs will further drive up production, distribution and transportation costs. The disposable incomes and purchasing power of Nigerians are further reduced.

Without appreciable construction activities, employment challenges remain hydraheaded.

“It is our considered view

that reversing the recent increases will do the critical masses and Nigeria’s economy and, especially the construction industry good. Increased construction activities will benefit both the government and the citizens.”

The Institute said the construction industry engages a lot of actors, including professionals, artisans, and business organisations such as contractors, materials manufacturers, equipment manufacturers or leasing organisations. Many of the organisations are small medium enterprises that remain the engine room of growth in

national economies. The use of the construction industry to grow national economies cannot be overemphasised.”

They said, “A cursory survey of some building materials manufacturers would reveal that many are closing shops on account of cost of production combined with the harrowing effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing energy costs will further asphyxiate the few that are still surviving. The implication of this scenario on improving our housing stock for example is better imagined.

The government or any other stakeholder may stimulate a

scenario for the production of some inputs such as doors for large number of housing projects. A shocker may be exposed: the capacity to even meet those elementary needs would be seen to remain low.

Meanwhile, what the nation needs at this time is ability to look inwards in line with the government espoused policy pronouncements and executive orders on local content.

“Bringing to fore the NIOB past market survey, a 50kg bag of cement rose from N1,600 to N2,000 and steel reinforcement bars ( locally manufactured TMT) from N135,000 to

N140,000 due to hike in fuel prices from N65 to N120 per Litre in 2012. The increase in fuel price from N120 to N145 in 2016 resulted in the rise of cement price to N2,300 per 50kg bag and steel bars to N180,000 per tonne.

“Just before this current upward review of fuel price to about N151.56, a 50kg bag of cement sold for N2,600 while steel bars was N230,000 per tonne.

Sadly, these two prominent building materials are being manufactured locally, thereby questioning the rationale behind backward integration and local content policies.”

Elochukwu: CBN Should Intervene in Infrastructure Fund to Health Facilities Some healthcare facilities are unable to access a N100 billion infrastructure intervention fund set up by the Central Bank of Nigeria to modernise operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, says Prince Elochukwu Adibo, Chief Executive Officer of El-Lab Limited, an ISO-certified medical laboratory. He speaks on other developmental issues

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ell us about EL-LAB Limited EL-LAB is among the first three indigenous medical laboratories in Nigeria to attain international accreditation known as ISO 15189, which is a standard to measure competence and the quality of work done in a medical laboratory, all over the world. We hit the mark in 2016 and right now we getting the accreditation renewed. We have gone through the processes and in a couple of weeks we will receive the renewed accreditation. The first one will expire in November. We are checked yearly to determine whether we are still conforming to standards set by the International Standards Organisation. In fact we are adding another accreditation within two months. The international accreditations buttress the fact that our laboratory is cut out for quality and committed to delivering the quality of service that Nigerians deserve and want to receive anywhere in the world. That is our focus and that is what we have been doing all these years.

Are the results of laboratory investigations done in your facility valid in any hospital anywhere in the world where Nigerians go for medical tourism?

That is absolutely correct, and that’s actually what we have been seeing and testimonies abound from foreign medical facilities. I have had calls and emails from doctors in the US, Europe, Egypt, Dubai (UAE), South Africa and India who are impressed with the quality of our work and the laboratory reports we have given to Nigerian patients who went on medical tourism to those countries. However, it is not an exciting testimony that doctors have to call from these countries to commend our work. I would rather love a situation where our people stay back in Nigeria to access quality healthcare of international standard. We want to have our results given to clinics in Nigeria, to do the needful. That brings me to the fact we can see what has happened in our country with respect to the pandemic. A lot of deficiencies in our health system have been exposed. The needs assessment study we conducted as a corporate body showed that over 40-60 per cent of the high-end laboratory investigations required in diagnosing certain medical conditions are still outsourced to facilities in Europe and India and the results are then returned to Nigeria.

What happens is that clinicians refer patients to the laboratories collaborating with them in this regard; samples are taken and sent overseas through the foreign courier companies operating in the country. Of course the patients won’t know that their samples are being sent overseas for analysis. You will be shocked at the volume of shipments of this nature done by the big three foreign courier companies operating in the country.

What is happening is contributing to the high cost of the tests, capital flight and sustenance of foreign medical laboratories to the detriment of our indigenous facilities. Added to this is the loss of

Elochukwu

opportunity to enhance and grow the skills of our own practitioners as well as loss of associated job opportunities. Most indigenous laboratories lose out because they lack the capacity to conduct the tests. For instance, our accreditation is restricted to a particular scope, and we still have limitations in the sort of investigations we are allowed to do. Currently, we are not able to do molecular genetic forensic investigations. It is a very painful thing, when you have the knowledge, skill and experience to do such investigations, but you lack the right equipment. You see, in Britain where I practiced before returning to Nigeria, I was exposed to such investigations.

In response to COVID-19, the Central Bank created a fund for private sector health facilities to acquire modern equipment. As an ISO-certified laboratory, has your facility made any effort to access the fund?

On March 25, 2020, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced the creation of a special N100 billion intervention fund to help private sector healthcare organisations such as hospitals, medical laboratories, and pharmaceutical manufacturing firms acquire modern equipment that would enable them boost drug production and also provide higher quality service and be able to offer more intricate clinical interventions, and by so doing substantially deepen the knowledge base of our practitioners in such areas that compel our people to engage in medical tourism. We were excited and happy to hear the announcement, but then the story changed as the typical Nigerian Factor got into the process. First, the word ‘intervention’ means getting in to close a gap. I mentioned earlier that we did a need assessment to identify critical infrastructure required by medical laboratories to conduct specialised investigations for clinicians in Nigeria with the hope of ending the practice of sending samples overseas for analysis and thereby save foreign exchange for the country.

Today in the world, most investigations are going molecular with respect to public health issues, diseases and infections such as COVID-19, Lassa

fever, tuberculosis, HIV, serological investigations, among others. We felt the CBN move would help end what we consider an intellectual slap and blight on our practitioners when such needed investigations are exported and the results returned to the country as if we lack the intellectual capacity to conduct them here in Nigeria. What we lack is necessary equipment to do these things.

The high-end laboratories set up in Nigeria by foreigners do not do investigations in the country.

Essentially, what they do is to consolidate batches of samples collected from patients referred to them by clinicians and send to their laboratories abroad for analysis, and then the results are returned to Nigeria. Nigerian medical laboratory scientists are not involved in the investigations and hence their knowledge-base is not deepened or broadened in the process because the experience that comes from hands-on involvement in the investigative analysis of the sample is denied to them. The foreign laboratories only do very basic tests here and ship the major samples abroad.

They simply make money while the expertise of Nigerian medical laboratory scientists suffers. We must not continue to condone this deleterious practice. We have the brain, training and passion as well as having the capability to be re-trained in these areas. The government and the CBN must reasonably and urgently walk the talk in respect of the intervention fund for the health sector.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular diagnostic test. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, the country had only three laboratories with capacity to conduct PCR analysis of samples.

Today, we have 64 laboratories in about 33 states.

In addition to the government-funded laboratories, some private sector facilities now have capacity for molecular test analysis. Notwithstanding this positive development, the number of molecular laboratories is still very low. As a country of 200 million people we still have insufficient laboratory capacity to meet the glaring need. One week after the CBN announced the fund, we applied for a loan to finance our expansion project. We wanted to set up a high-end molecular diagnostic laboratory that would meet present and future needs like deep human genomics investigation and HLA typing tests which are absolutely necessary for organ transplant interventions, to see whether there is a match between the donor and the recipient. Currently, HLA typing test is not being done in the country. The CBN initiative was a perfect answer to our desire. I approached four different banks – Zenith, UBA, Access and Sterling. The first three turned down our proposal but we are still in discussion with Sterling Bank.

The banks are simply not interested in giving out loans under the CBN scheme because the interest rate is too low and the moratorium is not attractive. Instead, they rather want to lend their own funds at high interest. They also insist on huge equity participation. For instance, if you need about N100 million, you are expected to provide about N25 million or more as equity in

addition to collateral that covers the balance of N75 million. The banks said they could not carry the risk involved 100 per cent as stipulated in the CBN guidelines. They also said the projected turnover should be in the billions. If we could generate that kind of turnover, why do we need the loan in the first place? It is quite obvious that credit analysts of the banks do not understand the dynamics of healthcare practice. They would not visit your facility to see how you operate; instead they just sit in the comfort of their air-conditioned offices and tell you that your proposal would not fly. Such armchair banking cannot grow the health sector. The health system is deteriorating, we are not closing the gap, we are not meeting the glaring needs and Nigerians are dying. It is wholly painful, agonising and traumatising to think about. Five months after the intervention fund was established, can the CBN publish the names of the healthcare facilities that have received loans under the scheme? We know ourselves, we know who deserves what and has capacity to utilise the funds judiciously. If the CBN gives money to EL-LAB, the whole world deserves to know what we are doing with it and how we are moving forward to expand capacity. There is absolutely no need for secrecy. The CBN should tell us what has happened after almost five months since it announced the intervention fund. Nigerians deserve to know the whole truth.

I have asked most of my colleagues, to know if any of them has accessed the CBN intervention fund, and the replies I got are in the negative.

So who has the CBN given the money it said it provided? As I said, we want to expand our capacity and set up a top-notch specialised Level-3 biosafety lab that will be able to do molecular testing for Lassa fever, COVID-19, other diseases and infections that are of major public health concern. When established, all the high-end tests for which samples are taken abroad at very high cost will then be done in Nigeria at much lower cost. We would be able to enhance the skills and expertise of indigenous medical laboratory science practitioners and have shorter turnaround time to get results. For instance, I have undergone four vital and excellent professional trainings in specialised areas in recent times, to prepare myself for these new things I am talking about. Several of my colleagues have also gone for trainings. We want to do more for our country, rather than just relocating abroad to practice. It is saddening that when our political leaders and privileged elite travel overseas for medical care, it is the same Nigerian professionals they did not support at home that they meet in the foreign hospitals they frequent in Britain, America and Dubai. These people complain about brain drain but they do nothing concrete to end it. I have the knowledge but cannot climb the Iroko tree with bare hands.

I need the right equipment. I thought the CBN intervention fund was created to meet this need, but now I have my doubts all because of the Nigerian Factor.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2020

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

Government’s Policies Weaken Home Developers’ Efforts to Bridge Housing Gap Bennett Oghifo

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ome ownership in Nigeria is drastically low, and efforts of some credible real estate developers to increase the housing stock are regularly stonewalled by lack of funding by banks and by curious policies of the government.

Home ownership in Nigeria, with a population put at 200 million people, is at a mere 25 per cent, compared to Kenya’s, which is 73%, South Africa, 56% and Indonesia, 84%.

A recent report by Ubosi Eleh and Co., a firm of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, says an analysis of data in the third quarter of last year shows that the nation’s housing industry grew only once since 2016.

The report says the decline is not unconnected with the paucity of funds made available to the sector for home building, stating that “data from the Central Bank of Nigeria suggested that loans granted to the real estate sector recorded seven consecutive

declines stretching back to the third quarter of 2017.

“The real estate performance remained sub-optimal during this period and recorded positive gross domestic product (GDP) growth just once in the past 15 quarters.”

Bank loans to the real estate sector fell in the second quarter of 2019 and total credit to the sector “declined 4.20 per cent quarter on quarter and 22.90 per cent year on year to N1.80 trillion in the second quarter of 2019.”

The report quoted the National Bureau of Statistics as stating that “credit dropped from N710 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2018 to N588 billion out of N16.25 trillion credit facilities given in the same period of 2019.

“These recessionary trends impacted negatively on firms in the housing industry as well, as shown by UACN Property Development Company which reported a decline of 42 per cent in revenue and made a pre-tax loss of N9.20 billion in full year 2018.”

Regardless of the downturn, some developers continued to

increase their housing stock with reputable companies standing their ground.

Within the period, new homes emerged across the country, specifically in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja, where the bulk of the homes have been built.

For instance, Lekki Gardens has contributed over 8,000 units since 2012 to help reduce the housing deficit in Nigeria.

Lekki Gardens is a leading real estate company pioneering luxury and affordable housing across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Nigeria needs a lot more industry players to take a leave from Lekki Gardens’ model to help support the government’s goals in this area.

The company has serviced consumers across different sections of the housing markets and has different classes of properties, including terrace duplexes, fully and semidetached, maisonettes and flats of different sizes (1–5 bedrooms).

Like the few real estate companies still weathering the storm in the sector, Lekki

Gardens employ many local personnel of global repute to drive their projects. The company’s intervention has led to the employment of over 10,000 people, directly and indirectly, according to officials.

However, there is a major concern about uptake, consid-

ering the low income capacity of most prospective home buyers. Mortgage interest rates, they said is too high, adding that this situation needed government intervention.

According to professionals in the sector, “These housing loans are ways for people to become homeowners. Yet, it

has not taken off in Nigeria.

Left to the private sector, Nigerian mortgages are not a viable option, as interest rates are in the double digits.

If you are paying 15% interest on a 35-year mortgage, you would have paid around five times the original value of the property.”

L-R: Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) Council member and NLNG Director, Mrs. Cordelia Agboti; NCF Chairman, Chief Ede Dafinone; NLNG GM, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams; Director of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Tiamiyu Sikiru; and DG NCF, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, at the presentation of Letter of Nomination for Finima Nature Park, established by NLNG, as a Ramsar Site of International Importance… recently

Nigeria’s Land Policy is Communist Approach in Capitalist Economy, Says Ojikutu Bennett Oghifo The Deputy Director, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Mr. Wale Ojikutu has said that Nigeria operates a defective Land Policy because of its communist approach in a capitalist economy.

Ojikutu stated this at the maiden Property Score Card webinar of the International Real Estate Federation, (FIABCI) Nigeria, held recently.

According to Mr. Ojikutu,

most people do not understand how land should be managed.

“We all know that land is the foundation of all human activity, it is the basis of all our wealth- food production, shelter, etc. It means that this asset must deserve proper administration, otherwise, there will be problem, and there will be chaos everywhere.”

He said the bedrock of any land administration is the land policy and that “the land policy we have in Nigeria is defective.

It is a communist approach in a capitalist economy. Therefore, we have a lot of problems. For example, on paper, the land belongs to the state and in the hearts of people, they own their land and that is why when government allocates land to an individual or corporate organisation, for them to take possession of the land, they need to settle the omoniles (those who claim ownership of the land).”

He said, “When you buy

BCPG Urges Lagos to Enforce Development Control in Osborne, Ikoyi Bennett Oghifo The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Ikoyi-Obalende Cell, has appealed to the Lagos State government to enforce development control at Osborne Estate II, Ikoyi, Lagos to prevent environmental problems that may arise in future.

Residents of the estate are concerned that a particular multi-floor building under construction in their community has gone beyond the limit and they want the state government to intervene.

Chairman of the residents’ association, Barrister Ezenwa Mbah said they complained to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, who visited to see what the problem was and that he promised to ask the developer to scale down, show the residents their building approval and put up signpost of what they are building, and that none of these had been done.

The BCPG said in a statement, the development caught their attention, describing it as a situation that could affect the lives and property of people in

the estate in future. “As soon as we got the call, members of the BCPG, Ikoyi-Obalende Cell, took a tour of the estate to see some ongoing developments.

According to the statement, signed by the Coordinator, QS. Tomi Ogundare, and Secretary, Arc. Bola Arilesere of BCPG Ikoyi- Obalende Cell, “The construction seemed impressive but poses an extremely alarming concern on density, social impact, environmental impact, infrastructural impact and possibly economic threats.”

The Guild said these concerns should have been considered before the state government issued Statutory Planning Approval to the developer. “Members of the Estate Association confirmed that when they requested to see the Approved Plans of the developments, the developer blatantly refused and has since been very uncooperative.

“The association even further confirmed that the developer got his development sites in the Estate sealed by dint of a call that was made by the association to the ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, only to have them unsealed by the same

ministry, after two days.”

The BCPG members said they highlighted key areas of concern, and drew the attention of the developer “to matter of density. The number of residents per square meter is in excess, in the context of that estate (Lagos has resized the estate to high density).

“Furthermore, the clumsing up of buildings in an attempt to jam pack as many residents as possible, compromises even fundamental functionalities like air space. The Infrastructure of the estate is not left out....

Amongst others, just consider road and drainage needs for such high density, vis - a - vis the flooding menace, which currently confronts the estate. In addition, the traffic management matter is another area of consideration. These are areas that ought to have been checked, studied, resolved and presented before Planning Approval should be issued.”

The group also drew attention to the “social, economic and environmental impact that threatens severe impact on lives in several ways, the Lagoon, which just borders the estate, and other critically important aspects.

from omonile, for you to get title, you must approach government for regularisation.

So, the nationalisation of land that we are talking about is not yielding fruit, rather we still have a kind of dual ownership.”

In Nigeria, he said, “We fail to recognise what we call the customary land right and that is causing a lot of problem, adding that another problem was that of cadastral and complete cadastral. That is gathering of spatial data. Less than 12 per cent of land in Nigeria is known to government- with title and in the Land Registry.

In that case, where you have very few property title, it then means that you are having

dead capital. The owners of such property can hardly make use of that property.

It can only brew fraudulent transaction, because if you cannot conduct search on a parcel of land, then it means that whatever people tell you is what you abide by and at the end of the day you go into litigation.”

He said, “Not having enough land information system is a real problem to us managing land in Nigeria, I have noticed that many states rush into geographic information system (GIS), but that is not the step to take. The first thing is to do is to embark on LIS (land information system), where you have inventory of all your parcels (of land). You

first of all parcelate all the land and then have a special data of all the land so that you can answer the question ‘who owns what and to what extent’, but we don’t have that. What we have now is a sporadic approach where on needing something from the bank, you go to your land, survey it and come to government for title.

This is not the best way. For us to enjoy the benefit of good land governance/management, we must apply the systemic approach of titling land. All the parcels must be titled. There is absolutely no land in Nigeria that has no owner. Public land must be recognised as public land and individual land and everything must be put in a database.”

Dawn Project Kick-start Tree Planting, Seeks Zero Emission Oluchi Chibuzor The DAWN Project has commenced the planting of over 250 indigenous trees in Lagos, targeted at raising awareness about climate change and emission of gases into the atmosphere.

The co -founder of The DAWN Project, Dr. Pamela Ajayi, disclosed this during a tree planting ceremony held at LUFASI Nature Park in Lagos, recently.

She revealed that The Dawn Project, as part of activities to celebrate World Environmental Health Day would host its first ever hybrid Webinar on 26th September 2020 that would see winners of a creative writing competition announced and prizes given on the same day.

“There is too little discussion and understanding about Zero Emissions as a whole in Nigeria and we hope to use the Webinar to raise a consciousness

about environmental issues in Nigeria. “Human activity, related to fossil fuel use in cars, factories, generators releases Green House Gases such as Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen etc into the atmosphere. And the quantities released are getting so large it is seriously damaging the environment causing climate change and compromising the health of individuals on the planet. The benefits the earth enjoyed during the Lockdown are rapidly dissipating too.

“In 2019, Nigerians bought 5,100 new cars, compared to the UK which bought 2,311,140.

In the same year, we imported between 800,000 and 1,200,000 used cars. Unfortunately, most of these used cars have the catalytic converters removed before they are sent to Nigeria or even after arriving here, which makes them more toxic with higher emission levels than cars abroad. It is our collective responsibility to work towards

achieving net zero emissions by reducing human-caused emissions so we can create a more sustainable future for the next generation,” she stated.

The programme, which is set to donate 250 trees to communities and individuals to ensure a widespread across the state, calls for interested participants to reach out to The Dawn on social media pages to arrange pickup of tree sapling from any part of Lagos.

Commenting on the initiative, the Managing Director of LUFASI Nature Park and collaborator of The Dawn Project, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, emphasised that it is absolutely important that everyone begins to take action to save the earth. “The coronavirus and other natural disasters that we have witnessed recently in different parts of the globe are all warnings and signs of the earth fighting back; the earth is not very forgiving,” he said.

32

T H I S D AY Ëž Íś, 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Survey Shows Improved Credit to Corporates in Q2 James Emejo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The overall availability of credit to the corporate sector increased in the second quarter (Q2) of 2020 and was expected to increase in the third quarter (Q3) 2020, a survey has shown.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stated this in its ‘Credit Conditions Survey Report for Q2 2020,’ that was posted on its website yesterday.

It showed that the proportion of loan applications approved in the Q2 2020 decreased, as lenders tightened their credit scoring criteria.

However, the survey anticipated that lenders would further tighten the credit scoring criteria but preempted the proportion of approved households’ loan applications in Q3 2020 to increase.

According to the survey, maximum Loan to Value (LTV) ratios

decreased in Q2 2020 and was expected to remain unchanged this quarter. It stated that lenders were not willing to lend at low LTV ratios (75% or less) in both Q2 and Q3 2020.

However, they were willing to lend at high LTV (more than 75%) in Q2 and Q3 2020. The average credit quality on new secured lending improved in Q2 2020 and was expected to improve further in Q3 2020. “Lenders reported that the overall spreads on secured lending rates to households relative to MPR narrowed in Q2 2020 and were expected to contract further in Q3 2020. Similarly, spreads for all lending types narrowed in the Q2 2020 and were expected to also narrow in the Q3 2020. “Household demand for house purchase loans decreased in Q2 2020 but it is expected to increase in Q3 2020. For Q2

2020, households demand for all lending types increased, but in Q3 2020, only prime and other lending to households were expected to increase while buy to let lending would decrease,� it added. It further showed that the availability of unsecured credit provided to households increased in Q2 2020 and was expected to increase further in Q3, 2020, adding that increased availability of funds and improving economic outlook were contributory factors for the increase. “As lenders’ resolve to tighten the credit scoring criterion for total unsecured loan applications in Q2 2020, the proportion of approved total loan applications for households decreased. Lenders expect to loosen the credit scoring criteria in Q3 2020 and anticipate that the proportion of approved loan applications will increase,� it added.

Union Bank Supports NGOs through ‘UnionBetta’ Donations Union Bank of Nigeria Plc said it has delivered on its promise to support charitable organisations with a portion of proceeds from the UnionBetta savings product.

Launched in 2016, UnionBetta is a sub-account which allows Union Bank customers earn attractive interest rates for saving as little as N5,000 monthly.

In return, the bank donates a percentage of the interest earned to select non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on behalf of its customers.

In selecting the recipients, priority is given to NGOs making impact in areas such as gender equality, education, talent development, and agriculture which are key pillars of Union Bank’s

citizenship efforts that align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) one, two, four, five and 11.

According to a statement from the bank, this year, N1.7 million was donated to 10 different charitable organisations to help support their activities. Some of the recipients included United Methodist Church of Nigeria Orphanage, Jalingo; Zinnok Initiative for Women & Children, Abia; Teens Dream Initiative, Kwara and Lagos Food Bank Initiative. Others include Uduak Charles Diaries, Akwa-Ibom; Flexisaf Foundation, Abuja and Adolescent Friendly Research Initiative & Care, Ekiti.

Speaking on this initiative, Union Bank’s Head of Retail Deposits, John Obichie, reiterated the Bank’s focus on creating value

for its customers and giving back to the underprivileged in the society.

According to him, “UnionBetta highlights our focus on supporting the average Nigerian. We are excited about this unique product, which presents an opportunity for our customers to save, enjoy competitive interest rates on their savings and support a worthy cause – a win-win situation for all parties concerned.

We thank our customers for believing in this vision and supporting our efforts to create lasting impact.�

While thanking Union Bank for its donation, Michael Sunbola, President of the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, said: “We thank Union Bank for its support and donation.

Kwara Partners Sterling Bank on Health Insurance Kwara State Government has commended Sterling Bank Plc for partnering the state government to actualise the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme (KSHIS), which was moribund despite its inauguration three years ago.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State stated this in Ilorin at the official re-launch of the scheme recently. He said the resuscitation of the scheme represented a direct response by the state government to ensure that Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was achieved in the state by 2030, which is access to good

health and well-being. He said the scheme will start as a test-run with at least 10,000 indigent citizens from across the 16 local government areas of the state.

The governor noted that the health insurance scheme would boost life expectancy of the people, promote good health and ultimately strengthen the economy, saying the scheme has the potential to prevent a sudden fall into poverty among indigent people as a result of any unforeseen health crisis.

Speaking on the partnership, Executive Director of Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said

the bank decided to partner with Kwara State government as part of its commitment to the development of the health sector, which is one of its focus areas.

According to Emefienim, the bank is focusing investments on five sectors of the economy, including Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy and Transportation (HEART) to make impact on the Nigerian economy.

He said, “Sterling Bank is working with Kwara State Government to pioneer a truly inclusive healthcare delivery model. There is no better time to do that than now.�

MTN Introduces New COVID-19 Campaign MTN is adding its voice to global efforts to raise awareness about the importance of wearing masks to fight the spread of COVID-19 with its recent launch of the #WearItForMe campaign across its markets.

A statement from the telco explained that as societies navigate the “new normal� brought about by the pandemic, wearing face coverings remains one of the most effective measures to slow its spread. However, many people refuse to wear them, wear them

incorrectly, or still underestimate their importance.n“COVID-19 has had profound health and socioeconomic impacts across the world. We empathise and mourn the lives lost to the pandemic.

And even though the outbreak appears to be slowing in Africa, now is not the time to be complacent,� MTN group president and CEO Ralph Mupita, said. “With increasing evidence that masks can limit the spread of COVID-19, and eventually eliminate the disease if worn

by 80-90% of the population, we need to do what we can to make a meaningful difference.

Wearing a mask is not only about protecting oneself, but about respecting and protecting others,� Mupita added.

To help drive this behaviour, MTN announced that it is committing its September 2020 marketing resources to encourage everyone to do more to save lives. #WearItForMe is the second phase of MTN’s Y’ello Hope COVID-19 response initiative.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ Ͳ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $43.42 a barrel on Friday, compared with $43.36 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

35

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

FMDQ Group CEO Urges Infrastructure Funding via Capital Market Goddy Egene The Chief Executive Officer, FMDQ Group, Mr. Bola Onadele.Koko, has stated that infrastructure development is critical for economic growth, reduced poverty, job creation as well as improving the wellbeing of the citizenry.

According to him, the debt capital market (DCM) provides a key avenue through which infrastructural growth can be

fostered to promote economic development.

Onadele stated this during a webinar recently facilitated to create a platform for expert discussions on infrastructure development in Nigeria leveraging the DCM. The webinar was in line with the Terms of Reference of the Infrastructure Finance Sub-Committee of the FMDQ Debt Capital Markets Development (DCMD) Project, to facilitate

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

the uptake of capital markets products as a means of financing infrastructure.

Onadele said at FMDQ, they recognise the increasing role of the inclusion of private capital in the Nigerian capital market which had hitherto been serviced only by public companies. “FMDQ Private Markets Limited was incorporated to enable private companies irrespective of size to access the market for funding and raise vital capital to

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

expand operations and function as efficiently as possible within their various sectors,� he said.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer, Chapel Hill Denham & Chair, Steering Committee, FMDQ DCMD Project, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, said: “It is absolutely clear that if any country wants to develop, the country develops primarily around the base of a deep and liquid domestic debt capital market and therefore, the role that FMDQ Group plays in

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

this respect is pivotal.�

In all, session discussed various impacting topics, which included: the opportunities and challenges of benchmarking the Nigerian debt infrastructure market; identifying the scope of de-risking tools in enhancing bankability of infrastructure projects, and government incentives and legislation reforms to unlock infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the stock market

O F

opened the week on negative note on profit taking after five a bullish performance last week.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) depreciated by 0.09 per cent to close at 25,582.23, while market capitalisation shed N12.2 billion to close at N13.4 trillion.

Also, activity level reduced as volume and value traded declined 39.5 per cent and 47.2 per cent to 254 million shares and N2.0 billion respectively.

0 9 / 0 9 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

IMAGES

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍśËœ 2020

Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

L-R: Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Mr. Fatai Adams; PDP governorship candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), and immediate past state PDP chairman, Chief Clement Faboyede, at the adoption of Jegede’s candidature by Nigeria Union of Tailors (NUT), Ondo State Chapter, in Akure...recently

L-R: Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Rivers State, Prof. Zaccaeus Adangor and State Commissioner for Information, Mr Paulinus Nsirim, during a conference on the legal implication of the strike action threatened

by Nigeria Labour Congress in Port Harcourt...recently

L-R: Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; Dr. Ahmad Gumi; Catholic Archbishop Matthew Manoso Ndagoso and other leaders of faith during the inauguration of the House of Kaduna Family, held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna...recently

R-L: Deputy Governor of Kogi, Chief Edward Onoja; Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi; Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje and other APC chieftains during the inauguration of Governor Akeredolu’s reelection campaign, in Akure...recently

L-R: Lagos State APC Chairman, Tunde Balogun; Secretary, Lanre Ogunyemi; and PRO, Seye Oladejo, during the press brieďŹ ng after bye-election primaries into the vacant political positions in Lagos State in Lagos.... recently PHOTO: AKINYELE ABAYOMI

L-R: Head of Accounts, Apapa General Hospital, Taiye Taiwo[ Head of Administration/Human Resources, Apapa General Hospital, Taiwo Ibilola Aramide; Chief Medical Director, Dr. Ajibola Keshinro; and Group Head, Corporate Communications, SIFAX Group, Olumuyiwa Akande during the donation of some items to the hospital by SIFAX Group l in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

The Couple, Flt. Lt. Dooyum Stephen Ugbor and his bride, Clara Kairi Ishaku during the solemnization of their holy matrimony at the Cathedral Church of The Advent, Life Camp, Abuja....recently

L-R; Father of the Groom, Air Commodore Philip Ugbor (rtd); His Spouse, Mrs. Ugbor; Wife of Taraba State Governor, Mrs. Ishyaku and the father of the bride, Governor Darius Ishyaku of Taraba State during the solemnization of Holy matrimony between their children at the Cathedral Church of The Advent, Life Camp, Abuja....recently

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

35

INTERNATIONAL

Khashoggi’s Murder: Saudi Scraps Death Sentences, Jails Eight No legal, moral legitimacy for judgment, says UN expert A Saudi court on Monday overturned five death sentences over journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder in a final ruling that jailed eight defendants to between

seven and 20 years, state media reported.

“Five of the convicts were given 20 years in prison and another three were jailed for 7-10 years,” the official Saudi

Ghana’s Akufo-Addo Emerges New ECOWAS Chairman The President of Ghana, Prof.

Nana Akufo-Addo, has emerged as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

He was elected president at the 57th ECOWAS Summit in Niamey, capital of Niger on Monday.

The Ghana Ministry of Information announced this via its Twitter handle.

“President @NAkufoAddo has just been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), at the ongoing 57th ECOWAS Summit, which is being held in Niamey, capital of Niger,” it tweeted.

During the summit, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), warned ECOWAS leaders against elongating their tenure in office beyond constitutional limits.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President made the call while presenting Nigeria’s General Statement.

The statement was titled “President Buhari urges ECOWAS leaders to resist temptation of tenure elongation.”

The statement quoted the President as saying that “It is important that as leaders of our individual member-states of ECOWAS, we need to adhere to the constitutional provisions of our countries, particularly on term limits. This is one area that generates crisis and political tension in our sub-region.

“As it is, the challenges facing the sub-region are enormous; from socio-economic matters to security issues, the ECOWAS sub-region cannot therefore afford another political crisis, in the guise of tenure elongation.

“I urge us all to resist the temptation of seeking to perpetuate ourselves in power beyond the constitutional provisions.

“I commend those in our midst that have resisted such temptations, for they will be deemed exceptional role models in their respective countries and the sub-region as a whole.

“Related to this call for restraint is the need to guarantee free, fair and credible elections. This must be the bedrock for democracy to be sustained in our sub-region, just as the need for adherence to the rule of law.”

Prince Harry Refunds £2.4m House Refurb Bill Prince Harry has paid back £2.4 million ($3.2 million) of British taxpayers’ money used to renovate his home at Windsor Castle, using cash from his recent Netflix deal, his spokesman said on Monday.

The Duke of Sussex, as he is formally known, and his wife, American former actress Meghan Markle, retired from royal duties earlier this year in a quest for “financial independence”.

In doing so, the couple said they were giving up their taxpayer-funded income, and promised to reimburse the public money used to renovate their Frogmore House home.

Harry’s spokesman said, “A contribution has been made to the Sovereign Grant by the Duke of Sussex.”

The money “fully covered” the renovation costs of the house, which belongs to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and will remain his and the duchess’ UK residence, he added.

Harry and Meghan spend much of their time in her native US. Britain’s domestic Press Association news agency said the payment was made

possible because of a deal the couple signed with Netflix, the streaming giant, announced last week.

No financial terms were disclosed but it was reported to be a multi-million-dollar deal over several years.

They promised to produce content that “informs but also gives hope”, as well as make “inspirational family programming” and “powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens”.

The Sovereign Grant, which amounted to £82 million ($108 million, 91 million euros) in 2018-19, is paid to the queen to cover her and family members’ official duties.

It also goes towards the upkeep of royal palaces.

Frogmore Cottage, a 19th-century Grade II listed building on the sprawling Windsor Castle estate, was transformed from five separate homes into a single property.

The couple moved there from Harry’s late mother Diana, princess of Wales’ former home at Kensington Palace, in west London, before the birth of their son, Archie, in April 2019.

Press Agency said, citing a spokesman for the public prosecutor.

None of the defendants were named in what was described as the final court ruling on the killing which had sparked an international outcry.

The verdict came after Khashoggi’s sons said in May they had “pardoned” the killers, a move condemned as a “parody of justice” by a UN expert.

The family’s pardon spared the lives of five unnamed people sentenced to death over the 2018 murder in a

December court ruling, which was lambasted by human rights groups after two top aides to the crown prince were exonerated.

Khashoggi — a royal family insider turned critic — was killed and dismembered at the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul in October 2018, in a case that tarnished the reputation of de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Khashoggi, a 59-year-old critic of the crown prince, was strangled and his body cut into pieces by a 15-man Saudi squad inside

the consulate, according to Turkish officials. His remains have not been found.

Riyadh has described the murder as a “rogue” operation, but both the CIA and a United Nations special envoy have directly linked Prince Mohammed to the killing, a charge the kingdom vehemently denies.

Meanwhile, a UN expert has dismissed the court, decrying especially that top officials who allegedly ordered his killing had walked free.

“The Saudi prosecutor performed one more act today

in this parody of justice.

But these verdicts carry no legal or moral legitimacy,” UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Agnes Callamard said in a tweet.

She denounced the fact that “the high-level officials who organised and embraced the execution … have walked free from the start”, and that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Ben Salman “has remained well protected against any kind of meaningful scrutiny in his country”.

Khashoggi

Mali: ECOWAS in Fresh Appeal for Quick Civilian Transition Keita must return home after treatment abroad, says military

The West African regional bloc ECOWAS on Monday issued a new appeal for Mali to make a “swift” transition to civilian rule following a military coup on August 18.

“It is our community’s duty to help Malians towards the swift re-establishment of all democratic institutions. The military junta must help us to help Mali,” President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, ECOWAS’ current chairman, said at the start of a summit.

Meanwhile, Mali’s ousted president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, has been given a maximum of three months to return home after receiving medical care abroad, the colonels who overthrew the 75-year-old leader last month have said.

Keita, who suffered a mini-stroke last week, flew out of Mali late on Saturday for treatment in the United Arab Emirates.

The time limit was agreed by

the new junta and the regional group, ECOWAS which has been mediating in the former French colony’s months-long crisis.

The ailing former leader was allowed a month away, to be extended to three months “solely on medical advice”, the junta, the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), said in a statement.

Keita was ousted two years into his second five-year term.

In the weeks before the coup,

he had been struggling with protests fuelled by his handling of a jihadist insurgency and failure to turn around Mali’s floundering economy.

The CNSP said ECOWAS agreed to ensure that Keita would return home as soon as his medical stay was completed.

Keita was briefly hospitalised in the Malian capital Bamako last week after suffering the mini-stroke: a transient ischaemic attack.

Russian Opposition Leader Out of Medically-induced Coma, Says Berlin Hospital Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who Germany says was poisoned by a weapons-grade Novichok nerve agent, is now out of a medically induced coma and is being weaned off mechanical ventilation, the Berlin hospital treating him said Monday.

“He is responding to verbal stimuli,” Charite hospital said in a statement, reporting that the 44-year-old’s condition “has improved”.

However, the hospital said it was too early to determine the long-term impact of the poisoning.

Navalny fell ill after boarding a plane in Siberia last month. He was initially treated in a local hospital before being flown to Berlin for treatment.

The German government said last week that toxicology tests have found “unequivocal evidence” that Novichok was

used on Navalny, prompting Chancellor Angela Merkel and her Western counterparts to demand answers from Russia.

Earlier Monday, Merkel’s spokesman underlined that she would not rule out consequences on the multi-billion-euro Nord Stream 2 pipeline project if Moscow failed to thoroughly investigate the case.

The Kremlin has however denounced attempts to blame

the poisoning on Russia as “absurd”.

Novichok is a military-grade poison that was developed by the Soviet government towards the end of the Cold War and can be deployed in an ultra-fine powder, liquid or vapour.

It was used against ex-double agent Sergei Skripal in Britain in 2018, a poisoning that the West believes was ordered by the Kremlin.

36

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Again, IG Warns Politicians against Undermining Edo, Ondo Gov Elections Electoral materials ready says INEC Chuks OkochaandKingsley Nwezeh inAbuja The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, yesterday warned politicians involved in the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States scheduled for September 19 and October 10, 2020, respectively to desist from acts capable of undermining the elections.

He also read the riot act to the commanders of the 79 Mobile Police Squadrons across the country to be deployed for the election to operate strictly within the dictates of the Electoral Act, exhibit high-level of professionalism, be non-partisan, and embrace a civil orientation to the electorate.

This is coming as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that the materials for the two elections are ready, promising to provide a level- playing field for all the parties.

Addressing a meeting of Police Mobile Squadron Commanders at the Police Force Headquarters in

Abuja, Adamu warned political gladiators in the two states to confine their activities within the dictates of the rule of law.

The IG said any attempt by any individual or group to undermine the electoral process on account of political interest would be identified and brought to justice.

“I strongly warn all political gladiators and the electorate in Edo and Ondo States to situate all their electioneering activities within the dictates of the rule of law.

“They should be guided by the reality that no political ambition of any individual is more critical than our common national interests,” he said.

Adamu further warned that “anyone, regardless of his or her political leaning, that attempts to test our will by threatening democratic values and national security on account of his or her electoral interests shall be promptly identified, isolated and brought to desired justice.”

He assured residents of Edo and Ondo States of the preparedness of the Nigerian Police, INEC and

other security agencies to ensure the success of the forthcoming elections in the two states.

The IG also drew the attention of the squadron commanders to the failure to enforce compliance with extant force order and directives in relation to indiscriminate mounting of roadblocks, engagement of personnel on illegal duties and other professional excesses.

He said the new policing vision was anchored on community

policing, which is driven by the principle of trust and partnership between the police and its citizens Meanwhile, INEC has disclosed that the materials for the two elections are ready, promising to provide a level- playing field for all the parties.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS), to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, made this known yesterday at a webinar organised in Abuja by the International Press

Centre (IPC) and the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).

Oyekanmi emphasised that INEC is not interested in the outcome of the elections but the credibility of the process.

According to him, “It is the duty of INEC to provide a level playing field; we are not interested in the outcome of the elections but the credibility of the process, to ensure that materials get to the polling

unit in good time.

“To be sure, INEC is ready for the election. Indeed, we are determined to conduct the election despite the current difficult circumstances. Out of the 14 activities listed in the timetable that we released in February, we have carried out 12. The only two left are the deadline for campaigns – 17th September and the election proper slated for 19th September.

Group Hails Military for Raids UNVEILING THE ANOINTED ONE... on Bandits in North-west L-R: Secretary of Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Lanre Ogunyemi; wife of senatorial candidate of APC and Sunday Okobi

The Concerned Professionals’ Congress (CPC), has urged Nigerians to give more support to the Nigerian military in the light of the successes recorded in the ongoing aggressive onslaughts against bandits in the North-west region of the country “where farmers are reportedly returning to their farms in droves.”

The CPC, in a joint statement made available to THISDAY yesterday by its Chief Media Strategist, Mr. Emeka Nwankpa and the Northern Regional Rapporteur, Mr. Kasim Baba Kasim, described as refreshing and encouraging the recent reports of large-scale degrading and neutralisation of bandits, cattle rustlers and illegal armed miners in Katsina State and its environs,

saying military activities have curbed insecurity in the region.

According to the group, the acting Director of Defence Media Operation, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, told journalists in Katsina that 148 bandits and 315 illegal armed miners were arrested just as 3,984 cows, 1,627 sheep/rams and three camels were recovered.

The CPC quoted Onyeuko as adding that after the series of search and rescue operations, the troops also rescued 107 kidnapped victims and arrested 20 collaborators and informants of the bandits, 13 rustled cattle marketers and 32 logistics suppliers.

“Also, 81 bandits’ camps and their logistics bases were destroyed, including the notorious Dangote Triangle in the area.

former Group Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Mrs. Feyisitan Abiru; her husband, Mr.Tokunbo Abiru; and Chairman of APC in Lagos State, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun, during Abiru’s unveiling as the APC candidate for Lagos East senatorial by-election, at the party’s secretariat, Acme road, Lagos.. yesterday

Insecurity: Sack Service Chiefs Now, Northern Elders Tell Buhari JohnShiklaminKaduna Worried by the worsening insecurity in the country, the Coalition of Northcentral Elders (CNCE), has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to restructure the country’s security architecture by sacking service chiefs with immediate effect.

The group noted that sacking the Service Chiefs was the way out in the wake of the unfolding fact that it is the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), that was issuing security alert, describing it as the first of such development

in the history of Nigeria.

The National Chairman of the group, Mr. Usman Bida, and its National Secretary, Mr. Moses Okudu, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, expressed disappointment in the assurances and rhetoric of President Buhari to tackle the problem, which they said was no longer appealing.

The group noted that alert on the presence Boko Haram elements in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), by NCS, was as a result of ‘intelligence failure’ on the part of

security agencies.

According to group, “we join other well-meaning Nigerians to call on Mr. President to immediately restructure the current security architecture in the country with the sacking of the service chiefs as the first steps.

“Nigerians are tired of rhetorics and promises of the security situation getting better.

“We are saddened that there is no state in the North Central that is free from terrorists’ attacks or that has not had its own fair share of the mindless killing of innocent citizens one time

or the other, a region that was the most peaceful in the entire North.

“When we were about to recover from the arrest of over 400 terrorists with dangerous weapons in Toto Local Government of Nasarawa State by the military, which was quite commendable, we are taken aback by the recent intelligence reports released

by Nigeria Customs Service of the presence of Boko Haram elements in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and some local government areas in Nasarawa and Niger states. This is a complete failure of intelligence.

Court Grants Bail to Seven Fuel Price Hike:You Are Pushing Nigerians to the Wall, PDP Tells Buhari Suspects Involved in Alleged Chuks OkochainAbuja downward review in the pump provocative, confrontational and slap on the sensibilities of totally unacceptable to Nigerians. Nigerians that after running a price of fuel.”

Invasion of Edo Assembly He said: “Our party holds that heavily corrupt oil trade and The party in a statement issued The Peoples Democratic Party Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

Edo State High Court in Benin-city yesterday granted bail to seven suspects facing trial for alleged invasion of the state House of Assembly complex on August 6, 2020.

The suspects: Wilfred Ogbewe, 52; Igbinobono Collins, 26; Salami Osayomore, 25; Odion Osayande,23; Morgan Uwanboe, 47; Ifeoluwa Oladele, 36, and Agbonrere Festus, 25, were arrested for allegedly invading the state House of Assembly premises in a manner that caused breach of peace.

The suspects were arrested by a team of policemen led by one Superintendent Dahiru Ibrahim from Abuja at the premises of the state Assembly on the said date.

Granting the bail, the presiding Judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwoba, admitted the suspects to bail in the sum of N500,000 with a surety

each in like sum.

Ikponmwoba said the surety must be gainfully employed and resides within the court’s jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the judge adjourned to September 8 for the judgment on their fundamental human rights Counsel to the applicants, Mr. Matthias Obayuwana, who filed a 24 paragraphs affidavit in support of his motion, submitted that the motion was aimed at enforcing the fundamental human rights to liberty and personal dignity, freedom from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of the applicants by the police authorities.

He submitted that the applicants were arrested while performing their lawful duties as members of the state vigilante, who were at the Assembly complex at the instance of state government to protect the place from being vandalised by hoodlums on that fateful day.

(PDP) yesterday cautioned that the President Muhammadu Buhari government is pushing Nigerians to the wall with “its arrogant display of insensitivity and total disregard to the demands by the citizens to effect an immediate

by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, described the attempt by the Buhari presidency to justify the ‘wicked’ increase in the pump price of fuel from N87 per litre under the PDP government to N160 as

the defence of such a humongous hike, which has worsened the hardship being suffered by Nigerians under the Buhari administration, is in bad taste, and should be rescinded immediately.

“It is indeed an unpardonable

subsidy regime, through which over N14 trillion had been allegedly frittered by its officials, the Buhari administration seeks to put the burden of high costs on innocent and already impoverished citizens.”

PDP Electoral Panel Submits Odey’s Name as Winner of Cross River North Senatorial Primary The Chairman of the Electoral Panel for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election for Cross River Northern Senatorial District by-election, Hon Olorogun Taleb Tebite, has reaffirmed that Dr. Stephen Odey won the primaries which held in Ogoja last Saturday.

Tebite who doubled as the returning officer for the election stated this yesterday at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja shortly after submitting the report of the

exercise to the party.

He maintained that the election was unprecedentedly peaceful and very transparent, adding that it was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“This is one of the most transparent primary elections I have witnessed.

We had six aspirants who were cleared for the election and three were present for the election namely Jarigbe Agom, Stephen Odey and Mary

Ijji. Election held under a peaceful and transparent atmosphere and a winner emerged through the process witnessed by INEC Abuja and INEC Calabar and security agencies”, Hon Tebite explained.

Continuing, he said: “Now there is a victor, others should join him and build a formidable front for the party ahead of the forthcoming election.”

Tebite commended the National Chairman of the party, Uche

Secondus, for always promoting a level-playing field for all and sundry, observing that such gesture was responsible for the peace and stability in the party.

On his part, the Secretary of the electoral panel and electoral officer for the primary election, Mr. Chuks Agwiti, said the exercise which saw the emergenceofOdeyasPDPcandidatein theOctober31by-electionwasconducted in strict compliance with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

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Magu’s Lawyer Urges Panel to Summon Malami to Prove Allegation Falana asks panel not to terminate Ricky Tarfa’s case Davidson Iriekpen The counsel to Mr. Ibrahim Magu, the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Wahab Shittu, has written another letter to the retired Justice Ayo Salami-led investigative panel, demanding that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, should appear before the panel to prove his allegations against his client.

This was coming as a human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has petitioned the panel not to recommend for termination, two criminal cases involving a senior lawyer, Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN), and his clients, pending before Lagos High Court.

Shittu, in a letter dated September 4 and addressed to Salami, said the appearance of AGF before the panel would ensure a fair hearing.

Citing Sections 5(c) and 6 of the Tribunals of Inquiry Act 2004, Shittu said the tribunal has “the power to summon any person in Nigeria to attend any meeting of the tribunal to give evidence or produce any document or other thing in his possession and to examine him as a witness or require him to produce any

document or other thing in his possession, subject to all just exceptions.”

He added that the request was in compliance with Section 36 of the constitution.

In a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, Malami, whose complaint led to the suspension of Magu and his current investigation by the presidential panel, had accused the suspended EFCC boss of corruption and insubordination.

Magu has repeatedly denied the allegations, describing them as baseless.

However, Buhari had in July approved the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Enquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act (Cap T21, LFN, 2004) for the investigation of the activities of EFCC from May 2015 to May 2020.

“Based on the foregoing, we humbly request that the Honourable Attorney-General who is the main accuser in these proceedings be graciously invited to give evidence in connection with the subject matter of this inquiry with specific reference to our client in the interest of fair hearing.

“Our client is entitled to be confronted with copies of allegations against him as well

Assets Transfer: Court Refuses to Hear Shoprite’s Application to Lift Injunction Davidson Iriekpen The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday declined hearing an application to lift a mareva injunction barring South African retail company,ShopriteCheckers(PTY) Limited, from transferring its assets.

The vacation judge at the court, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, said the matter was not urgent enough to be heard during the court’s ongoing vacation.

Shoprite is seeking to overturn a July 14, 2020 mareva injunction made

by Justice Mohammed Liman of the same court in favour of a Nigerian firm, A.I.C. Limited.

A.I.C. Limited, had in 2018 secured

a $10million judgment againstShoprite.

The firm obtained the mareva injunction against the backdrop of Shoprite’s announcement to pull out of Nigeria.

Justice Liman restrained Shoprite “from transferring, assigning, charging, disposing of its trademark, franchise and intellectual property in a manner that will alter, dissipate or remove these noncash assets and other assets, including but not limited to trade receivables, trade payables, payment for purchase of merchandise, from within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.”

AGA-Africa, NIPRD to Sensitise Public on Post COVID-19 Opportunities The Attorney General Alliance of Africa (AGA-Africa) in collaboration with the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) will present a two-day webinar themed ‘Port COVID-19 Challenges and Opportunities in the Pharma Industry: The Imperatives of Anti-Counterfeiting and Intellectual Property Rights’ The event is slated for September 10 and 11, 2020.

Special Guest of Honour is the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adeleke Mamora.

Panelists include the DG/ CEO, NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe; Registrar, Trademarks, FMITI, Mr. Shafiu Yauri, and Chief Executive, FCCPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera.

According to a statement by the organisers, the imperatives of

anti-counterfeiting and intellectual property rights more than ever must also be understood and protected at a time like this.

Legal practitioners, legislators, regulators, judges and the public need to be equipped in order to better position them to understand the challenges and opportunities in the Pharma Industry during and post-covid; and prepare them for the administration, investigation and enforcement of intellectual property rights in Nigeria. More so, the courts are also exploring virtualhearings/trialstoensurepartiescan obtainjusticeevenduringthepandemic whichpropelledtheonlinesymposium

by Attorney General Alliance| Africa (AGA|AFRICA) in conjunction with theNationalInstituteforPharmaceutical Research & Development (NIPRD/ The Institute).

as the opportunity to confront his main accuser (in this case, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation) to enable our client to raise issues concerning the allegations and cross-examine the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation on the substance and credibility of his allegations against our client,” he said.

Shittu also requested that his client should participate in the proceedings and be allowed to

cross-examine all witnesses.

The latest letter was one of many letters written by the lawyer to the panel, demanding fair hearing and provision of copies of relevant exhibits against his client from the proceedings of the committee.

He also accused the panel of violating his client’s constitutional right to a fair hearing, describing it as a violation of Buhari’s letter setting up the panel.

Meanwhile, Falana has petitioned the Salami panel, urging it not to recommend for termination two criminal cases involving a senior lawyer, Mr. Rickey Tarfa, and his clients pending before Lagos High Court.

Tarfa and his clients, Gnahoue Sourou Nazaire and Mr. Senou Modeste, were said to have petitioned the Justice Salami’s panel, seeking a review of the two cases pending before Lagos

State High Court on the basis that they were victims of Magu’s highhandedness.

But Falana warned that he may be forced to challenge the presidential panel in court if it grants the request.

In a petition dated September 4, 2020, Falana challenged the powers of the panel to entertain cases pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.

WOMEN AFFAIR...

L-R: A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Princess Ginica; the Iyaloja of Abuja, Mrs. Toyin Badmus; APC National Woman Leader, Hon. Stella Okotete; and the member representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, at the APC governorship campaign rally in Akure, Ondo State...weekend

Edo APC, PDP in Verbal War over Appointment of Party Agents Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city Ahead of the Edo State September 19 governorship, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, of attempting to smuggle the names of agents of some political parties to the Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) as those of the PDP. APC Campaign Council identified the parties as Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Labour Party (LP).

But in a swift reaction, the state Chairman of APM, Charles Ugiagbe, denied the allegation,

saying: “I don’t know what they are talking about, I am not aware of that for now. We have submitted the list of our agents to INEC.” Also, the PDP has denied the allegation, saying: “It is one of their (APC) baseless allegations as usual. We are talking about them bribing a national INEC commissioner to fill the name of agents with that of APC, they are

now talking of PDP doing same.

It is a baseless allegation.

A statement issued by the Chairman of the state APC Media Campaign Council, John Mayaki, in Benin-city yesterday, alleged that the list was doctored by the Government House for some parties who he alleged have been acting as stooges of the governor and the PDP.

Fiscal Commission Accuses MDAs of Not Remitting N1.2tn to FG The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) yesterday alleged that most ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government have failed to remit N1.2trillion to the Consolidated Revenue Funds (CRF) of the federal government.

Speaking yesterday at the opening session of a three-day management retreat for employees of the commission in Abuja, the Acting Chairman of FRC, Mr. Victor Muruako, said the

unremitted N1.2trillion could be used to fund part of this year’s budget.

He called for the strict enforcement of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, saying this could help to stop borrowings by government.

“Today, our records still show that most of the 122 agencies of government are in default of more than N1.2trillion which can fund a substantial portion of the Federal Government of Nigeria budget

deficit if remitted in line with FRA 2007.

“These sums are calculated from already submitted end of year audited accounts of the defaulting agencies, which means the monies can be traced and recovered.”

He said the FRC had insisted that if the government could implement the commission’s recommendations of reigning in more government owned corporations in the Schedule

of the FRA 2007, there might be no need for government to borrow to fund the budget.

Muruako said there was need to add more agencies to the net of payment of operating surplus.

He said almost all government organisations generate funds one way or the other, but they equally spend on items that were unnecessary, while government continues to seek for loans to fund its budget.

Shell Denies Spilling 45,000 Barrels of Crude Oil in Bayelsa The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has dismissed a report that it spilled 45,000 barrels of oil from an incident at its facility in Nun River in Angiama area of Bayelsa State in March 2020.

“The outcome of the government regulator-led Joint Investigation Visit into the spill incident of March 27, 2020 was published in a report that is available on the publicly accessible SPDC spill website and

the volume of oil spilled from the regrettable operational incident was 43 barrels,” SPDC’s Media Relations Manager, Bamidele Odugbesan, said in a statement issued yesterday Odugbesan said the spill JIV report wassignedoffbytheregulator,National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, representatives of the community, representatives of the Bayelsa State Government and the SPDC.

“Responding to an enquiry on its Twitter handle, NOSDRA had erroneously said 45,000 barrels of oil were spilled from the wellhead leak, but the agency admitted the error in a subsequent tweet where it claimed that the actual volume of oil spilled should be 45 barrels, even though the official report of the investigation into the incident stated that 43 barrels were spilled,” the statement said.

According to Odugbesan, no spill is acceptable to the SPDC and it works hard to prevent spills from occurring in its operations.

“Immediately the incident was reported on March 27, 2020, we took prompt steps to stop the spill and contain the spread within the SPDC JV wellhead slot right of way. The recovery of the spilled oil was completed on April 5, 2020,” he added.

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TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE SPEAKS

Why We Demolished Structures at Sport-city in Lagos Femi Solaja Following the public outcry over the recent demolition of structures within the National Stadium in Lagos, the Co-

chairman of the Ministerial Committee on the Complex, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd) has said that the exercise was done in the interest of the country.

Gattuso Tells Osimhen to Keep Working to Sustain Eye-catching Form Napoli manager, Gennaro Gattuso, has urged Victor Osimhen to continue with his eye-catching performances for the club.

The 21-year-old forward has been turning heads for the Parthenopeans since his big-money move from French side Lille in July.

The striker bagged an eight-minute hat-trick in their pre-season friendly against L’Aquila and continued his fine start to life at Stadio San Paolo against Teramo.

Gattuso, who has been

Victor Osimhen urged to continue training to sustain his eye-catching pre-season form

impressed with the centreforward, has advised the Super Eagles star not to soft-pedal on his form as he hopes he will replicate his pre-season performances when the 2020-21 campaign gets underway. “Osimhen is a quiet guy who has to work a lot. He has a lot of physicalities, but he doesn’t have to be satisfied,� Gattuso told Radio Kiss Kiss. “The goals he scores right now don’t count for anything, but he fits in very well with the team. He jokes with everyone and makes himself loved.�

Osimhen will hope to hit the ground running for Napoli in their opening Serie A game of the season against Parma on September 20.

The Ultimate Strikers Academy graduate started his European career with Bundesliga club Wolfsburg in 2017 before he teamed up with Belgian side Sporting Charleroi.

The forward’s impressive showings with Sporting earned him a move to Lille, where he enjoyed success during his one-year stay.

1960Bet Rebrands, Gets New Management Nigeria’s pioneer sports betting company, 1960Bet, has unveiled new management and new logo to reposition the brand.

A statement by the company’s Executive Director, Oluwatosin Ayoola explained that the new management is in position to give punters value for their money as well as to create a premium brand after a successful transition.

According to Ayoola, “We are very excited that a better than the former glory days of 1960Bet are here. 1960Bet is stepping up to a higher level never seen before in the industry in terms of making it easier for our customers to playand win, paying agent commissions into their bank account, paying winnings promptly, providing jobs and a profitable entrepreneurial platform for those seeking exciting money-spinning opportunities that we provide. “1960bet’s primary aim is to offer quality betting services to Nigerian sports lovers. As one of the biggest sports betting company in Nigeria, we cater for host of all major sports games – Virtual, Live-Betting, Lottery and Jackpot games just to increase betting options for punters,� the statement noted.

The new 1960Bet’s management is on the mission to take the company back to its position as the market leader

Last week, bulldozers rolled into the 48-year old edifice, demolishing over 120 structures including popular pubs like Ojez and Old Skool restaurants.

There was general condemnation for the actions considering the current hardship occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, Omatseye in an interview yesterday insisted that all the occupants were given notice of the demolition exercise but ignored it, thinking they will be able to make the committee stop the job of cleaning up the place. “We gave every affected individuals proper notification which is a normal thing between landlords and tenants and in this case there was even an extension of the process so that nothing is lost aside losing rented apartments. “It is also interesting to note that we had two categories of occupants, namely; Illegal ones with little or no case for their predicament and the legal ones operating illegally on government property. “After engaging all of them individually and collectively last year, we had resolved that all those with evidence of legality should not renew their tenancy

at the end of December last year and same thing applied to the other set who are here illegally. “The Committee was working with a timeline to go ahead with the exercise in the first quarter of this year but Covid-19 which led to the lockdown slowed down the process and that did not mean that we will not carry out the demolition to return the stadium back to its glory. “On a personal note, I sympathised with all those affected but it is one action that will benefit the sport sector in the long run,� explained the retired navy commodore.

The National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos has been abandoned since 2004 with virtually all aspects of the complex, including the mainbowl seats, tartan tracks, playing turf and the Media Centre in terrible state.

The state of the edify made some entrepreneurs to transform the ‘Sports City’ as its fondly referred to into business venture when numerous drink bars/ joints emerged to give the 48year old national monument a semblance of life.

It became a meeting point for business meetings during the day time and to lovers and corporate men and women, a

relaxation arena in the bid to avoid rush hour traffic madness in Lagos.

All the shops under the ramps leading to the mainbowl of the complex have been demolished while offices in same areas harbouring some sports associations affiliated to government were given the boot as well.

The most affected were the owners of the major businesses like popular Ojez Restaurant which operates behind covered stand of the Swimming pool area of the stadium and Old Skool located inside the Brai Ayonote Boxing Gym. The owners of these two businesses invested hundreds of millions of Naira into these ventures in the last couple of years.

However, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos Chapter buildings were spared as stakeholders in Nigeria’s sports even as they were not in the original Master Plan of the complex.

On assumption of office last year, Sports Minister, Sunday Dare made it clear that the stadium which has been abandoned for long was

not constructed for businesses outside sports.

Dare insisted at the inauguration of the Ministerial Task Force that part of its terms of reference was to return the stadia in the country to the business of sports. “Today, I inaugurated the task Force on the verification of the businesses in the National Stadium Surulere.

This is a first step towards the reopening of the stadium but also meant to restore some sanity to the stadium ahead of the concession,� the minister noted.

Dare said the measure was part of the larger plan to concession the stadium via a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The stadium was built during the regime of General Yakubu Gowon in December of 1972 towards the hosting of the 2nd African Games the following year.

Since then, it has played host to many important events including the African Cup of Nations in 1980 and 2000, FIFA Under-20 finals in 1999, African Athletics Championship. It also hosted some events of FESTAC in 1977.

Picture shows the destruction of structures under one of the lops leading into the main-bowl of the National Stadium in Lagos

and mitigate the challenges as well as cutting-edge competition of the Nigerian Sports betting industry.

The company has a huge customer base due to its ability to always give punters the best betting market options and odds. 1960Bet is licensed and regulated by the Lagos State Lotteries Board and other lottery regulatory bodies in the country.

It said further that 1960Bet is known for several Corporate Social Responsibility Projects and sponsorship programmes which include - Headline Sponsorship of Copa Lagos 2014, the resurgence of Boxing in Nigeria broadcast live on satellite TV (GOtv Boxing Night), Headline sponsorship of Nigerian football club, Stationery Stores FC, Sponsorship of 11 sports fans to Brazil 2014 World Cup. It is also said that it is involved in promoting grassroots football through the provision of sports kits to local football teams in various local government areas across the federation.

In line with restoring punters, agents and general public confidence, “the company is not only bringing in new management but also reshaping customers’ experience to make betting a far more rewarding hobby.

Lionel Messi returned to Barcelona training yesterday after his failed transfer move away from Camp Nou

Messi Returns to Barcelona Training Barcelona’s all-time top scorer Lionel Messi has returned to training following his failed attempt to force a move away from the club.

Messi, 33, submitted a transfer request on 25 August but said last Friday he would stay because it is “impossible� for any team to pay his release clause.

It is the first time the Argentine has trained with his team-mates

since the arrival of new manager Ronald Koeman.

Barcelona begin their La Liga campaign against Villarreal on 27 September.

Messi failed to attend the club’s testing for Covid-19 on 30 August and has been absent from training since sending a fax informing the club of his wish to exercise a clause in his contract which he believed

would allow him to leave for free with immediate effect.

Both Barcelona and La Liga insisted that clause was no longer valid - with any club wishing to buy him required to pay a release clause of 700m euros (ÂŁ624m).

La Liga president Javier Tebas said at the launch of the 2020-21 La Liga season on Monday he was “never seriously worried�

Messi would leave Barcelona this summer. “We want Messi to be with us. He is the best player in the history of football and we want him to end his career in La Liga,� said Tebas. “He has been with us for 20 years and we are so pleased he is staying with us and not going to another league.�

Stuttgart, Antwerp Join Chase for Taiwo Awoniyi Stuttgart, who have returned to the German Bundesliga for the new season, as well as Belgian club Antwerp have joined the race to sign Taiwo Awoniyi on loan from Liverpool.

Of

Scottish champions Celtic have also been linked with the striker.

Last season, Awoniyi, 23, played for Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga with impressed

officials even hinting on keeping for the new season.

Awoniyi has previously played in Belgium with Mouscron as well as KAA Gent.

The former Flying Eagles

and Golden Eaglets star will most certainly go on another loan deal from the Premier League champions as he is not expected to be granted a work permit in the UK.

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Tuesday September 8, 2020

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Price: N250

MISSILE Okunbo to Obaseki “If the election is free and fair, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, will win with a landslide margin. Obaseki is not a leader, and he lacks the temperament to lead people. He is deceitful. A governor who could not manage 24 members of his assembly from the same party has failed” – Businessman, Captain Hosa Okunbo, tipping Osagie Ize-Iyamu to win the Edo State governorship election.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Edo,Ondo,TheFrozenDaddyandPetrolTales

“S

o this is how we will just adjust to the new fuel price at the petrol stations, and government will get away with the imposition of greater hardship on the people?”

“No. Government is very clear. The fuel subsidy regime is not sustainable. The PPMC, NNPC and the PPPRA made that clear in April. What they said was that the Federal Government can no longer pay subsidies on petrol and that prices will be determined by market forces. In any case, there is no provision for subsidy payments in the 2020 budget” “How about the billions that were paid in July? About N535. 9 billion” “That payment was for the backlog of subsidy before the Government announced a new policy.

And Nigeria is not alone. In March, Saudi Aramco made a similar announcement. If you live in Saudi Arabia, you will buy petrol at market rates. In fact, by the 10th of every month, Saudi Aramco announces new fuel prices.”

“I beg. Spare me that. You people are always comparing apples and oranges. Suddenly so many people have become emergency economists. Market forces that have no human face. Selective market forces. Go and check the Saudi Arabia that you are quoting. What is the GDP or minimum wage there compared to Nigeria’s? What kind of leaders do they have? Are their refineries working or not? If our policy makers love market forces so much, so why are we not allowing market forces to determine the true value of the Naira? Why has the CBN not taken the bold step to unify the foreign exchange rates?”

“You see this is the problem with our people.

Nigerians like to talk from both sides of the mouth. You are criticizing the deregulation of the downstream sector, and the end of the subsidy regime, and yet you are saying the Naira should be allowed to find its own market value. If government does that, you will be one of the first to start protesting that the Naira was stronger in 2015, and that devaluation is punishing the people and businesses. I think we should just praise the government for its courage, and capacity to take bold decisions.”

“They have not done anything new. It is the timing that is bad. In 2012, the Jonathan administration did exactly the same thing. Offered the same explanations. But you people went and set up camp in Ojota to ask for freedom from high fuel prices. And what did the Jonathan administration do. Exactly the same scenario.

And yet it was an increase from N67 per litre to N97 per litre. When the price of crude oil dropped internationally, the government at the time then announced a downward review from N97 to N87. And yet you people went on to the streets. “Occupy Nigeria!” The Buhari government raised petrol price in 2016 from N87 to N145.

Nobody protested. Today, we have jumped from N148 per litre to N161 per litre. If care is not taken by December we may hit N200 per litre.

And yet nobody is in Ojota. Where are the Ojota democrats?”

“Nobody is stopping you from going to Ojota.

You can also go there and organize your own protests. Just be ready for the consequences.”

“What I even find shocking is that Nigerians are now begging the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress and other unions to speak up” “NLC and TUC have issued statements.”

“Which statements? Only yesterday, some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) went to picket the NLC Secretariat in Abuja. They called on the NLC President to declare a nationwide protest.”

“They could have been arrested. I hope they know that. For disrupting the public order, for inciting organized labour against the government

Mele Kyari, GMD, NNPC of the day and seeking to sabotage government.”

“This is the thing about you APC sympathizers.

Are you now looking for a government appointment?”

“That’s hate speech. This government has warned many times that people should avoid hate speech.”

“But in 2012, nobody talked about hate speech.

The PDP government engaged stakeholders. The House of Representatives investigated the payment of petrol subsidies to petroleum marketers. Fraud was uncovered. The Federal Government set up its own probe and technical committees.

The payments were reviewed. Suggestions were made as to what should be done. The refineries for example. If we get the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna working at optimal capacity, we would increase local refining and we won’t have to import refined petrol from offshore refineries. We can create jobs here and put an end to the inefficiency of the NNPC, and break its needless monopoly.”

“Forget it. Those refineries are better sold off as scrap. Did you not read the NNPC financial statements which indicated that those refineries lost over N423 billion in 2018, and over N50 billion in 5 months this year? Nothing will change.”

“But how about the Dangote Refinery that will process 650, 000 barrels of crude per day?

I understand the Bua Group is also setting up a refinery in partnership with the French conglomerate, Axens.”

“Yes, that will address the issue of more supply and create jobs. But the technology for setting up those refineries you talk about is not locally made. Even some levels of expertise would have to be procured from abroad. Dangote and Bua will also buy crude at international market rates.

So local refining does not mean fuel will be necessarily cheaper. Simple economics. Market reality.”

“Keep talking until people begin to die inside this your market of cruel forces. You people have increased VAT. You have increased electricity tariffs by over 100%. Inflation is 12.82%. Interest rate on savings is a miserable 1.25%. Prices of rice, beans, pepper and tomatoes have jumped up. A bag of rice that used to be N20, 000 is now N35, 000. Transport fares have increased. I hear even prostitutes and side chicks these days are also quoting market forces! They too are thinking of deregulating their market. Demand and supply.”

“Well, these are unusual times. COVID-19 has distorted everything. Nigeria has a revenue problem and a debt problem. But I am sure everything will be fine because Nigerians trust this government. Every Nigerian should be prepared

to make a sacrifice.”

“Did you just talk about trust and sacrifice?

And if I may ask: what sacrifice are Nigerian leaders making? Name one or two that you know.”

“Every conversation with you is always a wrestling match. I beg. Na you sabi. You can go to Ojota, if you like. I have said my own.”

“There is no point. They won’t listen. By the way, are you going to Benin to vote in the Gubernatorial election on September 19?”

“No. I have no such plans. I ain’t going nowhere.”

“You don’t want to go and support your brother?”

“Nope. I don’t want to be caught in any crossfire.

The way those guys are going, I foresee serious outbreak of violence if not on election day, then may be after.”

“You know after the Oba of Benin summoned a peace meeting in the palace last week, I thought all the gladiators will sheathe their swords. In Oredo last weekend, I was surprised when the papers reported that Governor Obaseki threatened to bury Comrade Adams Oshiomhole politically on September 19. The PDP Campaign Council Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih also attacked Oshiomhole and accused him of having organized a fire incident in 2012 to hide the truth about the Primary Six Certificate that he claims he has. This election is a contest with Oshiomhole, Obaseki said.

“They should leave Oshiomhole alone, I beg.

He is not a candidate in the election. And all of them should know what it means to disobey the Oba of Benin. They could be tagged an enemy of the palace!”

“Meaning what? Is this the first time a Bini man will be tagged Oghion Oba? Leave that matter. These politicians don’t care. Wasn’t that how Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu went to Akure, Ondo State to announce at a rally on Saturday that the PDP in the state is dead? Or how did he put it, something about a corpse inside a coffin.”

“That’s just political talk. How can an opposition party that has a candidate in the election, duly recognized by the Electoral Commission be said to be dead? We’d know which party is alive and which one is dead on election day. Ondo is October 10, right?”

“Yes. But the politics in Ondo State is likely to be as hot what we are seeing in Edo State. I don’t know whether you watched the interview the Governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu had on Arise TV on Monday.”

“Aketi?”

“Yes. He was firing from every cylinder in his system. He had very harsh words for Agboola Ajayi and former Governor Mimiko.”

“Was he also talking about death?”

“Well he said Mimiko is politically dead in Ondo State. He called him a spent force. But incidentally, the same day, some thugs stormed the Ondo State House of Assembly and took it over. That is not a good sign.”

“Don’t worry. It is all politics. It will pass.”

“I think we should worry about violence in politics and the rhetoric of hate. Especially now that Pastors are also beginning to sound and talk like the politicians, turning the pulpit into a bully arena. Any expression of intolerance should be monitored and checked.”

“And who is the Pastor who is now sounding like a politician?”

“Have you not been following the news? Have you not seen that trending video in which Pastor David Ibiyeomie of the Salvation Ministries abused and attacked the broadcaster, Daddy Freeze for criticizing Bishop David Oyedepo whom he calls his Daddy. He asked: who is his father?”

“Pastor Ibiyeomie must have been listening to

DJ Cuppy’s music… Oh Gelato!...Who is your Daddy?..”

“Except that Pastor was not joking. He called Daddy Freeze a bastard. He cursed the day he was born and threatened that if he ever dared to disrespect his own Daddy, his Papa in the Lord, Bishop Oyedepo again, he will die” “I thought that was too much. It was so distasteful, the way the Pastor went on and on. What did Daddy Freeze do? He merely expressed an opinion. He disagreed with Bishop Oyedepo’s advice that women should be totally submissive to their husbands. (Ephesians 5: 22).

There are others who responded in the same fashion and quoted other sections of the Bible.

Women wrote on twitter that a couple should both be submissive to one another. After all, the Bible asks men to also love their wives as Christ loved the church. (Ephesians 5: 25)” “Bishop Ibiyeomie apparently thinks that is blasphemy. He thinks, a Daddy Freeze, a broadcaster, should not disagree with a Prophet of the Lord. For his effrontery, he is now being threatened with a death sentence. Touch not my anointed. Daddy Freeze touched the anointed. He should report Pastor Ibiyeomie to the InspectorGeneral and ask for protection.”

“Really, so what is the difference between what Pastor Ibiyeomie has done and the death sentence passed on the musician in Kano State, I mean Yahaya Sharif-Aminu? I understand some people are even saying Aminu cannot be defended on appeal by a Muslim lawyer. It is the same thing.”

“Did you listen to that part where the pastor even said “broadcaster… he doesn’t even have a good job” “I laughed… Broadcasting is not a good job, the gospel according to Pastor Ibiyeomie! I think he owes all broadcasters an apology. How can he just dismiss a noble profession like that?”

“But the truth is that Pastor Ibiyeomie is himself a broadcaster. He probably doesn’t realize it. I used to attend the Salvation Ministries in Abuja.

The main sermon from Port Harcourt, with Pastor Ibiyeomie ministering was delivered through a broadcast channel. I just hope the Pastor is not going to turn around and claim that this particular video has been doctored, and does not truly reflect what he said. I just hope so.”

“Men of God should not use the pulpit to sound like politicians or play God. Pa-si-tor, ewo n ti epe?”

“If you are the owner of the pulpit, I guess you can pretty much say what you like. The real problem are the members of the Congregation.

People get so carried away, they don’t critically analyze what their Pastors say. They allow themselves to be held spell-bound. Did you not notice when the pastor said: “I curse the day you were born!”, how the congregation chorused in approval?”

“I was shocked. But this is probably why a law like the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, Section 839 (1), (2) is important. A part of it talks about public interest. It is certainly not in the interest of the public for religious leaders to turn their pulpits into a platform for intimidation, defamation, and harassment.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“The law speaks for itself and there are circumstances that may justify it, despite the objections of some people.”

“Please, please, p-lease. I don’t want to get into that conversation with you. I don’t want any Pastor to turn me into a target. I was born on a truly blessed day… Only God knows what some of these Pastors have on their tongues.”

“You are a coward.”

“Yes. I accept. I beg.”

“You should be like Daddy Freeze.”

“I am my own person. Thanks.”

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