2023: PDP Considers Repeating Joint N’East/S’East Presidential Ticket 2nd term governors fighting for party’s structure Wike allegedly still rooting for Tambuwal Chuks Okocha in Abuja With Wednesday’s Supreme Court judgment, which drew the curtains on the 2019 presidential election petition, stakeholders in the opposition
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had since returned to the drawing board to review the future of the party ahead of the 2023 and might be considering repeating the joint Northeast/Southeast
presidential ticket model of the 2019 general election. The development, which had also necessitated a series of meetings, one of which birthed the idea of relaxing the party’s zoning law for both
the Northeast and Southeast, came as a result of the new graph-plotting by the PDP leadership in the light of the current political standpoint. THISDAY gathered last night that some stakeholders
within the party had started to advocate a fluid zoning arrangement between the northeast and southeast, the two zones that have not produced the President of the country, either as an elected
civilian or military head of state. The idea, it was further gathered, was mooted to give a sense of belonging to both Continued on page 5
Daura Emir to Osinbajo: Your Loyalty to Buhari is Tested… Page 5 Sunday 3 November, 2019 Vol 24. No 8973
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Obaseki: Attack on Oba of Lagos, Others Shameful, Unfortunate Thugs acted on deputy gov’s order, says Oshiomhole's CPS Makanjuola installed as first Edo varsity chancellor Adibe Emenyonu in Benin Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, last night condemned the attack on him,
the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the first Chancellor of the Edo University, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola as well as other guests at the residence
of a former governor of the State and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
But Oshiomhole, who was thoroughly embarrassed by the development and apologised profusely, however, claimed the thugs acted on the orders
of the deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu. Curiously, moments before the attacks, Oshiomhole had spoken glowingly about the
governor and hailed him for sustaining his legacies at a ceremony, which witnessed Continued on page 5
Rochas Okorocha: APC May Go with President Buhari in 2023 Says ruling party is losing it
Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano A former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, on Saturday in Kano, expressed fear that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) might lose its current grip of power in 2023 if nothing was urgently done to reposition its leadership. Speaking against the backdrop of the protracted feud between the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomole and Governor Godwin Obasaki of Edo State, Okorocha, who spoke to reporters at Kano Government House, Kano on Saturday, warned against crisis within the ranks of the APC leadership, adding that the ruling party had begun to lose it. The former governor, who also addressed the issue of border closure, said whether or not anyone liked, the move was a price the nation might have to pay at some point, either now or in the future, if it truly desired to be self-reliant and guarantee the food security Continued on page 5
ALL FOR RAJ GUPTA AT 50... L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; the Celebrant, CEO, African Industries and Manufacturers of Steel and Glass Products, Mr. Raj Gupta; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the 50th birthday celebration of Mr. Gupta at the Eko Hotel, Lagos...yesterday etop ukutt
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Daura Emir to Osinbajo: Your Loyalty to Buhari is Tested The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar, at the weekend, commended the loyalty of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to President Muhammadu Buhari and described their relationship as unequalled in the history of the country. Farouk, who stated this
on Saturday in Daura at the turbanning ceremony of Alhaji Musa Haro as Dan Madamin Daura said, the honesty and commitment shown by the Vice President and his relationship with President Buhari, was what Nigeria required to attain greatness.
According to the Emir, who commended the commitment of the duo to the transformation of the country, "I want to specifically commend the Vice President for his loyalty, his commitment and dedication towards the transformation of Nigeria to
its present state. "We are fully aware of the situation President Buhari and his deputy, Osinbajo, met the country but today, things are changing for the better because of their efforts. "This is attributable to the excellent working relationship
between President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo. Prof. Osinbajo is the most honest person and leader Nigeria has produced in recent times. "His relationship has remained cordial with Buhari largely, because of his honesty, I commend
you, Vice President. I am particularly happy with the Vice President for the way he has shown loyalty to President Buhari. Daura Emirate is extremely grateful, for your commitment and confidence transforming Nigeria despite the challenges."
governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, who is said to be interested in the 2023 presidential election on the understanding that ‘if Atiku is not contesting’. He was sure of inheriting the political structures of the Turaki, if he would not contest. Then, there is the question of the former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwanso. Within the PDP cycles, he was still said to be interested in contesting the 2023 presidential election and was allegedly being prevailed upon by a former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion and some other former governors of the party. Within the PDP, there is the understanding that the APC won the presidential election because of the personality of President Buhari and his Almajiri supporters. But come 2023, Buhari would not be contesting again having served out his constitutional two terms.
They believed that without the personality of Buhari, anyone put forward by the APC or any other party would be defeated by the PDP. So, in the permutations of the PDP, attention would be on anyone that has money to finance his campaign as Atiku did in 2019. It is said that Atiku has the capacity to fund his campaign. This is what the PDP will be looking out for in 2023 and why Atiku still stands a good chance considering his performance against incumbent Buhari in the 2019 election despite the lacklustre support from the PDP governors who for whatever reasons, particularly the Southeast governors, instead of supporting him were busy cutting deals with Buhari. But some reckoned that age would be a major determinant between Atiku and other aspirants. The former vice will be about 77 years at the time.
because we have more than 3000 entry points in this country. If we close the border, what have we done with some other bushes that surround Cotonou, Cameroon and other places? “I think border closure means that we should begin to look inward on better ways to feed ourselves. By creating that kind of atmosphere, people will now begin to understand why we should be self-reliant and ensure food security. “Any time you see us eat a bag of rice produced in China, it simply means that you have created jobs for people in China while we are here as a consuming nation. So, whether we want to face this now or later, we must pay this price, either by this generation or the generation to come.� He added that, “To say so means that there is nothing wrong to encourage local production. What I consider very afraid of is that if you travel
from Sokoto to Kano, Lagos, Owerri, Ogun and Ondo and see any smoke coming out from the roof, that smoke is not a smoke for production, it is a smoke for consumption. “It is either the smoke for pepper soup or smoke for fried fish or smoke for Jollof rice. This nation, for too long, has been a consuming nation and not a productive nation. This also has made our own problems more worrisome, because we are not economically independent. We depend on other countries for virtually everything that we eat and use and that is not good for our youths and the generation yet unborn. “So, border closure a creation of awareness for us to begin to consume what we produce. So, we should take a more practical approach in ensuring that we encourage the youths and the people to look inwards and produce those things that we import.�
institution was not established for political motives but to train and nurture future leaders, even as he commended pioneer graduates of the institution and urged them to be good ambassadors. However, as part of the activities marking the ceremony, Obaseki, who installed Makanjuola as the chancellor of the university, also decorated him with Honorary Degree of Doctors of Science, (Honoris Causa) of the Edo University. Obaseki said the state government was keen about supporting the development of the school and providing an enabling environment for the institution to rise to become a leading ivory tower in Nigeria and consequently announced N1 million cash gift for each of the five first class graduating students of the institution. On his part, Makanjuola commended the institution for finding him worthy to be installed as Chancellor and promised to live up to the confidence reposed in him. He described the facilities at the university to be among the best in the country, adding that the university's vocational skills centre would equip students with entrepreneurial skills, which would make them employers of labour after graduation. Acting Pro-Chancellor of the
university, Prof T.O.K Audu, commended the founder of the institution, Oshiomhole, noting that the existence of the university had brought about economic buoyancy within the host community. Audu said the 1st convocation was a milestone achievement in the history of the university, noting that it climaxed the journey that started in the 2015/2016 academic session. The Vice Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, on his part, said the five students that made first class had been offered automatic employment with the university and an opportunity for the students to undertake their Post Graduate study at the University of Sunderland, United Kingdom under a student and staff exchange programme. He noted that the five students were also offered job opportunities at a financial institution in the country, adding that N5 million was given to two graduands, Mohammad Aweni and Godwin Evbuomwan, who produced the best business plan under the university's entrepreneurship awards. The ceremony had commenced earlier on Friday with the institution's first convocation lecture delivered by the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
2023: PDP CONSIDERS REPEATING JOINT N'EAST/S'EAST PRESIDENTIAL TICKET zones as there is the likelihood that the All Progressives Congress (APC) might zone its presidential ticket to either the Southwest or Northeast or allow it to remain fluid as a free for all challenge. According to a top PDP source, "An official position on this has not been taken but it will not be far from what I have said. There is the likelihood of a fluid presidential zoning to be between the Southeast and the Northeast. This is a delicate option that would be used to assuage tension between the two zones "We are conscious that President Muhammadu Buhari will not be contesting in 2023 and his absence will leave a big vacuum in APC, so we’ll do everything that will keep our members and stakeholders in check against defection to seek their aspirations in another party", the PDP source stated. According to him, "Even
before the Supreme Court decision that dismissed our petitions, we knew it would happen. Most of them had sheathed their presidential ambition, waiting for the verdict to come as it did. "Before, the party was divided into two noticeable camps. It is just a matter of where you belong. Within the PDP, the party is already divided into two camps: the second term governors’ camp and the Rivers State Governor, Nyeson Wike’s camp. The two camps are fighting deadly and bitter over the control of the party’s machinery. "It is a fact that Wike almost single-handedly installed the present national chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus. This is evident to any keen observer, where the leadership of the party belongs, " he added. As a result, the source explained that there was fierce
battle over the control of the party’s structure between Nyeson Wike and other governors, otherwise known as the second term governors of the party in Sokoto, Benue, Taraba, Ebonyi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Delta and Rivers States. Although all of them belong to the second term group, they are up in arms against their colleague from Rivers State, Wike, ostensibly because of the 2023 elections. The source said Wike was still plotting to bring back the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal to contest the 2023 presidential elections. Wike was one of the main supporters of the presidential aspiration of Tambuwal. The Sokoto governor, who lost to Atiku at the PDP Port Harcourt convention, lost basically because some believed he was inexperienced and was
therefore asked to contest and complete his second term as governor. But with second term election as governor of Sokoto State, the ball is now in his court to declare for a presidential run. And it is being seen that Wike, who supported him the last time, might likely support him again. That is the essence of the perceived plot by Wike to control the party machinery. The source explained that with the way the PDP minority leadership of the House of Representatives emerged, it showed that Wike would not have his way easily without a fight, the reason his preferred candidate for the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, was defeated by Ndudi Elumelu, with the support of other second term governors of the party. Within, the first term governors of PDP, there is the
ROCHAS OKOROCHA: APC MAY GO WITH PRESIDENT BUHARI IN 2023 of her people. “A political party should be a group of people, who share common political interests and beliefs; people, who pursue a common goal or common objective for the good of the common man. That will be my understanding of a political party. But any political party that is full of internal crisis is no longer a political party in the real sense of a political party. “This idea of crisis and idea of commotions show that the said party does not have a common ideology. If the ideology is one and you believe in one thing, there should not be reason for disagreement at that level. You might have a minor disagreement, but when it comes to the issue of do-or-die, it is no longer a political party. “So, let us see what we can do in this country to redefine what we mean by internal democracy. This is why people have options; this is why we don’t believe in
one party system. We must have different political parties and identify the one that is in line with your vision – the one that is line with his political belief. “What has been our challenge in Nigeria is that we don’t really have a common vision and common ideology for our political parties. So, it is just what we call Agidi and Goro combination. People come from all different beliefs, meet up in one place and form a political party. “So, until we have such a political party that is more like a family in their belief, then, we are still growing our democracy. Talking about what is happening in Edo State, it is unfortunate but a true political party cannot work against itself. So, I want to advise that they reconcile and relax their differences. The truth is that a party that is divided against itself can never stand. “I have said this earlier, APC is a party that we hurriedly put together when we were
governors, because we felt that the government at that time was not living up to expectations and we wanted to make sure that we brought about change at that time. “That is why we came together and formed the All Progressives Congress and we ensured that the party got power in 2015. That was how it was then and we achieved that. Right now, I think we should continue with the same pace that we started with in 2015 election but that doesn't seem to be the case. “President Muhammadu Buhari gave character to APC. He brought his integrity to bear on the party. He made the party what it is in the northern part of the country and the masses of the North, who saw him as a true leader, and we all rode on that to achieve that victory, but after the credibility of Buhari into this party, there seems to be no alternative in the same
manner that will drive this party to 2023 victory. “This is why I expressed my concern that if we are not very careful, APC might go with Buhari in 2023, and that will be a very unfortunate situation for the founding fathers of APC. The party needs to show purposeful leadership, show character,� he said. On the closure of the nation’s border as part of measures to address growing insecurity, Okorocha advocated more practical approach in enforcing the border closure policy by the federal government. According to him, more proactive action needed to be taken to monitor smuggling of goods from illegal borders in the bushes around neighbouring countries. “The border closure has become a very funny issue. But what I don’t know is whether we are achieving results on the intention for border closure,
OBASEKI: ATTACK ON OBA OF LAGOS, OTHERS SHAMEFUL, UNFORTUNATE the installation of the Chairman of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, as Chancellor of the university as well as his decoration with Honorary Degree of Doctors of Science, (Honoris Causa). Addressing journalists after the attacks, the governor took exception to the resort to violence, noting that it was both shameful and unfortunate for such an attack to take place at the residence of the National Chairman of the ruling party in the state and at the national level. "It is very unfortunate that we can't feel safe in the house of our National Chairman. I am not sure that if I visit the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) they will attack me the way they did in the house of the APC National Chairman. "It is unfortunate that things have degenerated to this extent. But we will continue to sue for peace. We cannot afford to lose the gains of the last three years. We will continue to pursue peace,� he added. But Oshiomhole, who also described the incident at the gate of his residence as unfortunate, first apologised to Obaseki, Oba Akiolu, and Makanjuola, all of whom he claimed to hold in high esteem, before accusing the deputy governor of instigating the attack.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Simon Ebegbulem, Oshiomhole said the tension in the community began last Friday, when the deputy governor imported thugs into the community with a view to intimidating political opponents. He said the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who delivered a lecture at the convocation ceremony on Friday, had insisted that the thugs who were disturbing the public must stop the noisemaking before he could commence his lecture, albeit with the help of the security agents. Ebegbulem said Oshiomhole left the event through the back to avoid being attacked by the thugs, who had laid siege at the entrance gate of the university. But on Saturday, which was the main event, he said everyone including the governor, himself, and other guests were already in the hall when at about 11:30am, the deputy governor stormed the University with over 200 commercial bike riders known as Okada riders and thugs. "Security operatives accosted them at the gate and denied them entrance. The thugs started threatening the security operatives, who insisted the deputy governor could enter the venue but they will not allow the thugs to gain access.
Following their threats, the security operatives tear-gassed the thugs to dispersed then while the deputy governor joined other dignitaries at the venue. This created tension already in the small community, “ he explained. According to the statement, after the event yesterday, Oshiomhole invited the Oba of Lagos, the Chancellor, Obaseki and others for lunch at his country home, which is right opposite the university. "Comrade left instructions at the gate that he was expecting these respected leaders. So, when the visitors came, the governor drove in a bus with other officials but following the incident that occurred earlier, where thugs sponsored by the deputy governor invaded the university, Iyamho youths barricaded the gate of the national chairman with a view to protecting him against any harm. “Unfortunately, these youths sighted Andrew Momodu, Osaigbovo Iyoha in the bus which conveyed the governor to Oshiomhole's residence. They decided to stop them from entering the compound because these were the same people who led the thugs that attacked Oshiomhole's residence in Benin City penultimate week. "While this confusion was on, the thugs brought by
the deputy governor started destroying the vehicles belonging to Oshiomhole's kinsmen. I want to state clearly that the vehicles destroyed were not in the convoy of the governor. The thugs targeted the vehicles belonging to Oshiomhole's relations and friends and destroyed them. Thank God for the intervention of soldiers and other security operatives, who came to restore peace. "This would not have happened if not for the thugs loyal to the deputy governor, who invaded the community. However, Comrade Oshiomhole expresses his sincere apologies to the governor, the revered Oba of Lagos and the Chancellor over the unfortunate incident". Earlier before the attacks, Oshiomhole, who had commended Obaseki for sustaining his development legacies, noted that the governor had done well in sustaining the development of the Edo University Iyamho, saying the institution has been positioned to become a world-class ivory tower. He also hailed Obaseki for the choice of a well-accomplished individual as the Chancellor for the University, noting that Nigeria could be better if emphasis was placed on quality education. The former governor said the
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Exposed: How Customs Paraded 2016 Seized Rice Containers as 2019 Seizures, Alleges Masters Energy A recent claim by the Nigeria Customs Service that it seized 33 containers of rice from Masters Energy, whereas the seizure was made in 2016 shows that several other claims of seizures made by the service over the years leave much to be desired, writes Eromosele Abiodun
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s customary to Nigeria’s security services, the Nigeria Customs Service paraded containers of rice it claimed to have seized last October. Customs’ Comptroller-General, Col. Hameed Ali (retd), while parading 54 containers of spoilt rice and other commodities, including fake pharmaceutical products and vegetable oil worth about N2.7 billion in Lagos, said: “One significant finding about this seizure is that all the rice have expired or about to expire.� The retired army colonel claimed the rice was re-bagged as local products, though they were from China and Thailand. A closer look at the bags shows that they bore Masters Energy with GRA Ikeja, Lagos and another, Dr. Chang by Yunfei International Trading Co Limited in Jabi, Abuja as companies and addresses, respectively. However, as the dust had yet to settle over the claim by the customs that 33 of the 54 containers were rotten rice, the issue drew the ire of industry stakeholders and observers, who maintained that the rice was seized in 2016 and had rotten in custody. Ali had while addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday stated that 33 containers of expired and spoilt rice, alongside 11 containers of unregistered pharmaceutical products, two containers of used tires, four containers of refined vegetable oil in retail packs, were seized at the Tin-Can Island ports by the Tin-Can Customs Command. Masters Energy Commodities Trading Limited and others would be investigated over connections to the seized expired bags of rice, he had threatened. Ali stated that in all, 54 containers comprising of 15 by 40ft and 39 by 20ft containers with a duty paid value of N2,713,865,051.00 were seized in line with the provisions of the Customs & Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004 section 46 and 161. “One significant finding of this seizure is that all the rice are expired or about to expire. Also remarkable is the seizures of Tramadol variants and unregistered performanceenhancing drugs among the pharmaceutical. “You will recall that in the past, the service has raised the alarm and drew the attention of the general public to the fact that most of the imported rice is expired. “Some of the rice allegedly imported from overseas had Nigerian addresses, and the service will be going after these addresses to investigate their connections to the importation of these expired rice. Some of the addresses include Masters Energy Commodities Trading Limited located at 31A, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos and 103, Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja. We will be going after these addresses and investigating their connections with these expired bags of rice in 33 containers. “I want to commend officers and men of the Tin-Can Island Port Command of the NCS for a job well done. I am also aware of the commands contribution to the Service revenue collection drive. Statistics in my office shows the command has so far collected N286,742,551,443.00 from January 2019 till date. I, therefore, urge the Command to keep up the good work and possibly surpass its target,� explained the Customs boss.
Seizure That Never Was However, a source in Masters Energy told THISDAY that the product was impounded in 2016, wondering what the Customs hoped to achieve by parading same items as imported spoilt goods three years later. THISDAY learnt that Masters Energy Commodity Trading Limited had without being compelled to, petitioned the House Committee on Customs Excise and Tariff, that its agent made false declaration in order to cut tariff for the 30 containers of rice. It had also indicated willingness to pay but the NCS curiously turned down their request. The letter, signed by the then Managing Director, Mr. Chukwudi Otigba, said: “Sometimes in May 2016, we entered into a business transaction with a Thailand company known as Asia Inter Trade Rice Export Co Limited, for the importation of 30 containers of Thai Parboiled Rice to be delivered at the Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos as contained in the bill of laden. “We contracted Destiny Impex Limited, a clearing company registered and licensed by customs with registration number‌. As our clearing agent to clear the 30 containers of rice in accordance with Customs tariff and classifications.â€? During the parade of the seized containers last week, Ali neither mentioned when the consignment was intercepted nor who imported the rice, as all efforts to ascertain the date of interception proved abortive. This, analysts asserted, was deliberately done to make it look like the closure of the border was yielding positive results. In a swift response to Customs’ claims, lawyer to Masters Energy, Monday Ubani, said there was no truth in Ali’s claims. Ubani stated, “I do not know how many of you listened to this piece of news yesterday in various television channels and radio stations where the Comptroller General, Retired Col Ahmed Ali, showed 54 containers of spoilt rice and other commodities including fake pharmaceutical products
Ali and other customs oďŹƒcials inspecting a container load of expired and rotten bags of rice and vegetable oil allegedly worth 2.7 billion Naira in Lagos. According to him “One significant finding about this seizure is that all the rice have expired or about to expireâ€?. The retired army colonel said that the rice was re-bagged as local ones even they were coming all the way from China and Thailand. There is no single truth in what Col. Ahmed Ali was trying to make the whole world to believe in the said press conference. “If you Google, you will find out that sometime in 2016 it was widely reported in the news that about 30 containers of rice belonging and imported by Masters Energy Commodity Trading Limited through Nigerian port, Tin Can Island, Apapa were impounded for failure to pay the correct tariff when clearing them by the Customs’ licensed agent. It was even reported that Masters Energy then petitioned the House Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff that its agent Messrs Destiny Impex Limited, a clearing company registered and licensed by the Customs made a false declaration in order to cut tariffs for the 30 containers of rice. “The company indicated willingness to pay the correct tariff as the agent was paid full money but decided to cut down the tariffs in order to avoid paying full value of the tariffs. This request was turned down and the company was later informed through anonymous source that the same rice had been shared to the internally displaced persons’ homes in northern Nigeria. It is important we point out here that this parboiled rice was purchased from Thailand from a company known as Asia Inter Trade Rice Export Co, Limited with a disclosed address and there is bill of lading to that effect.â€? He disclosed further that the quantity the company imported were 60 containers but 30 containers were seized due to the under declaration by the agent while the remaining 30 containers arrived later at the port by which time the federal government had put rice as one of the famous 41 Items that will not enjoy forex of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Because of the policy the remaining 30 containers remained uncleared and abandoned. Ubani added: “We have letter from Customs Authority asking Masters Energy to seek the approval of Central Bank of Nigeria before they could clear the remaining rice. These events took place in 2016. “The issues begging for questions really with this emergency press briefing by the retired colonel are as follows: Why was it convenient for the Comptroller General to
As the dust had yet to settle over the claim by the customs that 33 of the 54 containers were rotten rice, the issue drew the ire of industry stakeholders and observers, who maintained that the rice was seized in 2016 and had rotten in custody
withhold the date of the said interception? These containers belonging to Masters Energy was impounded since 2016. “What point did the comptroller-ceneral of Customs want to achieve by this emergency press briefing in 2019 over a seizure that was made in 2016 and already in the news? Is it to prove to the gullible Nigerians that Nigerian Customs Service that is under ‘heavy fire’ for its excesses is really working and saving Nigeria’s economy? “What was also intended to be achieved by saying that the rice has expired or about to expire when it failed to disclose when the seizure was done and whether the life span of rice was supposed to be forever?� Continuing, he said, “That Nigeria should clap for the comptroller-general, who has wasted such quantity of rice that should have been donated to the internally displaced people in Nigeria, who are dying of hunger every day? Why do we choose to run government by sheer propaganda in this Internet age where lies and falsehood can easily be detected by discernible minds?�
Controversy Galore The NCS seems to like controversy. This is because before the disputed seizure was announced last week, a directive by the customs management in Abuja had unsettled shipping agents and stakeholders in the maritime sector, The CG of Customs had recently directed that 100 percent examination should be conducted on cargoes destined for inland ports in the country including the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP). He said: “All importation are to be unsealed, opened, examined to ascertain the contents and resealed before exiting the mother port. Such consignment shall be escorted by the FOU Escort Personnel to their various destinations without compromise.� But shippers and importers in the country, who have benefited from the services of these inland ports, especially KIDP, raised concerns over the order saying it negates international best practices. The stakeholders, which also include freight forwarders, asserted that the directive would amount to multiple screening or examination of cargoes meant for the inland ports since officials of federal agencies such as the NCS are also at the dry ports to carry out proper examination of the cargoes. Speaking on the matter, the President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Tony Uju Nwabunike, cautioned the NCS, saying that such a directive will affect trade facilitation. He said: “I think we (ANLCA) should look into the principles and guidelines that cover transit cargoes to see if it is proper, but we will send a position to the government through the Customs on the issue. We think if there is any reason to take that decision, they should go through the principles of import guidelines as they affect dry ports. “So many of our members that are into exports have said if that is the case, there is no need for a second examination of cargoes. The Customs, from the grapevine, said they just want to open to know what is inside the containers and re-seal them. But whichever way it is, it will be much clearer in a number of days now.�
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SUNDAY COMMENT
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
REPOSITIONING TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR RESEARCH TETfund decision is a smart move. To break the frontiers of knowledge, researches are inevitable
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esearch is a key ingredient of advancement in virtually every sphere of human endeavour. With it, proper planning is enhanced, fresh discoveries are made and the frontiers of knowledge are expanded. The fast developing parts of the globe could point to strong empirical enquiries as major factors for achieving their current levels of development. To be counted among the truly progressive countries of the world, Nigeria needs to rise above its current below average attitude towards research and invest more on it. For optimal outcomes, the commitment of both the public and private sectors to this cause is required. The nation’s educational institutions, particularly universities, as centres of learning, should be at the vanguard. It is in the light of this proposition that the ongoing intervention by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) deserves a studious attention. The agency whose contributions to Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education are largely visible, has now declared that it would change its focus from physical infrastructure to researches, publication of journals, training and re-training of academics, and the overall safeguarding of intellectual standards in the ivory towers. While we commend the idea, it also presupposes that members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would have to embrace scholarship rather than unionism. Of the N161 billion approved late last year for its operations in 2019, each public university is entitled to N785.8 million, while each public polytechnic and college of education could access N536.7 and N510 million respectively. The amounts, though clearly insufficient, could nonetheless address some crucial challenges. The steps taken so far this year by TETFund in that regard appear painstaking.
To be counted among the truly progressive countries of the world, Nigeria needs to rise above its current below average attitude towards research and invest more on it
Letters to the Editor
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he issue of tollgate spilled out into the air and took possession of the land when the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola disclosed that the federal government is working on modalities for the reintroduction of cashless toll plazas; other logistics include acquiring more land that will provide up to 10- lane plazas. My brow became clouded like a cloudy sky as I listened to the minister’s statement with rapt attention. In a flash, I came to the understanding that it was still a proposal and not a policy statement. I asked rhetorically, why would the government want to reintroduce tollgate? The answers came to me in barrels: Perhaps the toll would bring market demand for the process of selecting worthwhile road projects. Perhaps
Its calls in July and August for concept notes to access the 2019 National Research Fund (NRF) grants yielded over 3000 submissions which were scrutinised by the NRF Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC).
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S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE
T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI , PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS ERIC OJEH, PATRICK EIMIUHI ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
he 405 prospective principal investigators whose notes have been shortlisted are now expected to proceed to the next phase, namely the preparation and forwarding of the full proposals for their specified research project(s). This stage will, according to TETFund, be followed by the evaluation and ranking of the applications by the NRFS&MC. The rigour, in addition to its economic wisdom, should also ensure adequate supervision and scholarly equilibrium. Hopefully, the successful requests will be determined by the availability and volume of funds allocated for the purpose and also the budget requirements of each package. While appreciating the attempts of TETFund to keep to schedule and inject sanity into the programme, it must not lose sight of past shortcomings and the hurdles ahead. There have been cases of misappropriation of research or training monies disbursed to unscrupulous lecturers who see the funds as their own “national cake.” Also, reports exist about beneficiary institutions that fail to release part of the grants to the awardees. That led TETFund to send the grants directly to the researchers some time ago. Another area of concern is the degree of compliance to the laid down guidelines. Defaulting organisations and individuals should face appropriate sanctions rather than benefit from new allocations. Some beneficiaries even remain in their host nations at the expiration of their explorations, contrary to the contractual agreements. So, since the transactions are based largely on trust, conscious confidence building becomes inevitable. The present effort by TETFund to boost the capacity of our post-secondary school establishments for competitiveness is a wake-up call to all stakeholders. Government at all levels should prioritise intellectual studies and investigations by, for instance, expediting actions that could increase education tax collection and utilisation. That would further empower entities like TETFund to facilitate the repositioning of Nigeria’s higher educational institutions to satisfy the demands of today. Universities and polytechnics in advanced countries and elsewhere are platforms for problem-solving, viable and result-oriented academic probes. Ours must not continue to lag behind.
TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.
The Return of Toll Gate the tollgate reintroduction will serve broader goals for growth and economic development. Perhaps the tolled roads would add significantly to road capacity. Perhaps, the reintroduction is a way of generating income for the maintenance of federal roads. Perhaps limited funds are available for construction and maintenance. Perhaps the reintroduction is an effective financing mechanism that will present Nigeria with resources to embark on a strategic shift in sustainable transportation infrastructure. Perhaps, the revenue streams are shrinking and are not enough to maintain the federal roads at the moment and borrowing to build and operate transportation infrastructure is not sustainable as our public debt is going through the roof. So, many reasons for the
reintroduction flooded my mind. I came to the conclusion that the issue is like an antelope entangled in a creeper. Who will bell the antelope? When former President Olusegun Obasanjo increased the fuel pump from N26 to N42 in June,2003 his morsel of consolation was the removal of tollgate having built the toll fare into petroleum pump price. It was strangely pleasing but that was a palliative measure. What will be the soothing measure this time around? The options available are numerous: let the federal government continue the commendable rail transport expansion. Rail transport remains the cheapest and the most efficient of all modes of transportation globally. It will reduce the high cost of maintenance as it
carries more than 80 per cent of domestic freight and passengers. Similarly, in land waterways is one of the oldest means of transportation, it is the most economical, energy efficient and environmental friendly means of transporting goods from place to place. We are blessed with a coastline of about 870km and about 3,000 kilometer of inland water ways. One wonders why we are not making use of the opportunity nature offered us. The resistance to tollgates fare is expected as there is a perception that the government will not utilize the collected funds to maintain the road. Most people would agree 100 per cent with our minister of works if we can have a system where an electronic toll collection technology that eliminates tokens at the tollgate, where sensors in the tollgate record a car passing through and the toll is then charged to the tag’s owner’s account. But is this possible? I have eliminated the word impossibility
from my dictionary. It is as sure that transport fare will increase as motorists will put the burden on the commuters. The spiral effect is that there will be an increase in the price of goods and services. What then is the permanent solution? It is important that planners of tollgate return first determine the critical needs, and then shop for toll funding to support them. But quite frankly the government needs publicprivate partnership to make it work. If we have to be honest, most of the federal roads in the nooks and crannies of the country are lying on sick bed and need doctors to urgently salvage them. Who are these doctors? They are those in the position of authorities who will do the needful and prevent the untimely death of innocent souls before embarking on a turnpike. ––Olusanya Anjorin, Lagos.
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NEWS
Acting News Editor Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: gboyega.akinsanmi@thisdaylive.com, 08081986590
Strange Disease Hits Katsina, Kills 115, 1,000 Hospitalised KSPHDA, Matazu LGA give conflicting death figures Francis Sardauna in Katsina A strange disease suspected to be yellow fever has struck some communities in Matazu Local Government Area, Katsina State, allegedly resulting in the death of no fewer than 115 in the last 27 days. However, the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHDA) and Matazu Local Government Area have disagreed that the
disease has killed 115 persons, respectively reporting 18 and 36 cases of death. Concerned stakeholders raised the alarm yesterday when THISDAY visited some communities that were worst hit, calling for concerted efforts to end the scourge of the strange disease in the state. The disease had first broke out in Kogari and Ungwan Sarka communities about one month ago when five victims
suddenly lost consciousness before they were rushed to the healthcare centre of the local government. Some survivors had claimed that the disease started with severe headache and later came up with some symptoms of fever with regular vomiting spotted with blood. The Katsina State Government had immunised over six million people against yellow fever when the deadly disease
broke out in some communities in Dan-Musa Local Government area. Apart from the cases of death recorded in the local government, about 1,000 already infected with the strange disease have been admitted in Musawa General Hospital and Matazu Healthcare Clinic, among others, undergoing treatment. One of the concerned residents and a former councillor
GATEWAY TO EDUCATION...
L-R: Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Salisu Shuaib; Rector of the Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic, Sapade, Dr. Isaiah Oyeyinka; Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun; Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Sidi Osho and the Consultant to Ogun State Governor on General Matters, Hon. Biyi Adeleye at the inauguration of the Mechanical Engineering Complex of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapade, Remo in Ogun State.
of Kogari Ward, Mr. Sule Ibrahim confirmed the outbreak yesterday in Matazu, claiming that no fewer than 115 people had died of the disease and about 1,000 have been hospitalised. In his ward alone, Ibrahim noted that the disease had affected people in three polling units of Kogari and Ungwar Sarka wards, which he said, had resulted in the death of some residents. He said: “About 115 people have died as a result of this disease. The victims always experience severe fever, headache. After the headache and fever, vomiting will come with blood. “About 1,000 people are receiving treatment at Matazu Healthcare Centre, Musawa General Hospital, Jikamshi Healthcare Clinic, Ungwar Sarka Dispensary and many other private clinics in these communities,” the former councillor explained. Ibrahim, therefore, appealed to the federal and state governments “to come to the aid of the affected communities because our people are dying everyday as a result of the strange disease.” Speaking with THISDAY at Matazu Healthcare Clinic, one of the victims, Jumai Al-hassan said: “I am having severe fever and headache. I am also vomiting with blood.” However, at a session with
THISDAY, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Matazu Local Government, Mr. Kabir Faruq disagreed that the disease had killed 115. Faruq, who spoke through the Vice Chairman of the caretaker committee, Mr. Tanimu Abdulkadir said only 36 cases of death were recorded in the local government as a result of the strange disease. He said: “Four weeks ago, an illness was reported by the councillor of Kogari ward in three polling units of the area. Victims of the disease often experience high fever and headache. After sometimes, the eyes of the victims will yellow and then start vomiting blood.” The chairman added that the local government has expended a sum of N370, 000 for procurement of emergency drugs and vaccinations to treat the victims both at home and hospitals. But the Executive Secretary of Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, said only 18 people died of the strange illness as investigation was ongoing to unravel the disease. “We have 45 cases of that suspected illness. Out of it, we have 18 dead. Out of the 11 samples we collected, five are negative while the remaining six we are waiting for the result because we have taken the samples to Lagos.
Fight Terrorism with Caution, Ladan Advises African Govts Tobi Soniyi in Kampala, Uganda The Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Professor Muhammed Ladan has called on African countries to resist the temptation to unleash terror on human rights in the name of fighting terrorism. He made the call at the fourth African Judicial Dialogue organised by the African Court on Human and People’s Rights in Kampala, Uganda between October 30
and November 1 The dialogue brought together over 300 delegates, including chief justices, presidents of supreme and constitutional courts as well as representatives of regional and international judicial bodies and other relevant stakeholders from the member states of the African Union (AU). The dialogue, a biennial event of the AU, was designed to improve networking amongst judicial officers, exchange of information and best practices and the proper
administration of justice on the continent. At the dialogue, Ladan noted that even though terrorists denied other people their freedom, governments across Africa should accord suspected terrorists all their rights and conduct their trial in accordance with the law. He observed that in recent years, the measures adopted by states to counter terrorism had themselves often posed serious challenges to human rights and the rule of law. He cited the United Nations Resolution 60/288, where
Military Detonates Explosives on Road Linking Borno to Yobe Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Operatives of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police have exhumed and detonated three explosive devices on a road linking Borno to Yobe, thereby averting major disaster that could have claimed lives. This was contained in a statement the Media Coordinator, Nigerian Army Operation, Col. Aminu Iliyasu issued yesterday, disclosing that the explosives were planted along the road. The statement explained that the troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison in collaboration with the Explosive Ordnance Device Team of the Nigerian Police
discovered and safely detonated three large Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Yobe state. It noted that the troops continued “to discharge their constitutional mandate with high sense of professionalism and responsiveness across the theatre of operations. “In their unrelenting effort to clear major routes of Boko Haram criminals’ improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for safe commuting by citizens in the North East, troops of 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison in conjunction with Explosive Ordnance Devices (EOD) Team discovered and safely detonated three large IEDs along Buni Gari-Kamuya Road, linking
Borno and Yobe States. “The IEDs were believed to have been planted by retreating Boko Haram criminals. In a similar operation, troops of 153 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with troops of 22 Brigade Garrison, Nigerian Army Special Forces and elements of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) supported by Air Task Force (ATF), Operation Lafiya Dole encountered a pocket of Boko Haram criminals at Kerenoa, Marte LGA of Borno State. “The visibly shocked insurgents fled their enclave on sighting the robust advancing troops, abandoning one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) as they scamper in disarray.”
the UN General Assembly identified the “conditions conductive to the spread of terrorism” to include “prolonged unresolved conflicts, dehumanization of victims of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, lack of the rule of law and violations of human rights, ethnic, national and religious discrimination, political exclusion, socio-economic marginalization and lack of good governance” but emphasized that “none of these conditions can excuse or justify acts of terrorism.”
He warned that except governments respected and adopted the principle of rule of law when investigating and prosecuting terrorism acts, they would be guilty of the same offence they accused the terrorists of. He also advised governments to make sure that whatever measures taken to combat terrorism comply with their obligations under international law, in particular human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law and make every effort to develop and
maintain an effective and rule of law-based national criminal justice system. He said: “It is clear that, unless states are prepared to respect the humanity and legal norms which they accuse insurgents of desecrating, they will lose their moral claim and community support to win the war on insurgency/ terror. “In this way, it is the very lack of reciprocity which allows states to continue their battle against insurgent/ terrorist groups.”
Succession Politics Threatens Akeredolu’s Re-election Adedayo Akinwale
Different interest groups in the All Progressives Congress (APC) have opposed the reelection bid of Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu citing his anti-party activities during the 2019 general election that cost the party two senatorial seats and five federal legislative seats. Prominent among the groups are the Unity Forum led by former Deputy Governor in the state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi and Change Agent Foundation international (CAFI) by former Commissioner for Regional Integration in Osun State Bola Ilori. While Ilori’s group has started campaigning against Akeredolu’s re-election statewide, Olanusi’s group has claimed that the governor never worked for the victory of the APC during the 2019 general election.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Gbolahan Ayegbusi yesterday, Olanusi’s group condemned Akeredolu’s congratulatory messages on the decision of the Supreme Court that upheld the election of President Muhammadu Buhari, describing them as being insincere. The forum said Akeredolu and the Chairman of Ondo APC, Mr. Ade Adetimehin lacked the moral rectitude to congratulate President Buhari, whom they worked against during the 2019 presidential election. It added that both Akeredolu and Adetimehin “have no moral rectitude to congratulate the President who they never worked for his re-election. “We call on Akeredolu to face the business of governance and channel his energy in the direction of ensuring that things change for the better while his
tenure lasts. “If every other party member had towed the path of the governor in the last presidential election, President Muhammadu Buhari today would have become history in Nigeria. “Instead of sending congratulatory messages to the president, they should go and mourn with their Action Alliance which they worked for. “We have never had it this bad in Ondo state and we want to urge the government of the day to focus on what is important and stop giving the APC a bad name within the state. “It is true that Akeredolu’s tenure is winding down but that doesn’t mean he cannot right the wrongs of his administration in the little time remaining. This is not time to be playing to the gallery at the federal level.”
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OPINION Challenge of Youth And Sports Charles Onunaiju argues that the ministry should broaden its vision beyond sports to ICT and related areas
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ince the appointment of Mr. Sunday Dare as the Minister for Youth and Sports development, he has visited several sport facilities, hosted meetings of several sports governing bodies, assessed and talked up performances of several athletes and vowed to lift up sports. In the short period, since his appointment, Mr. Dare has elevated sports administration to national visibility but all these seemed at the detriment of his core mandate of youth development. It is likely that the misnamed Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is at the root of the misunderstanding since every minister in the ministry views youth and sports development as essentially conterminous. Youth development is broader and reaches deeper to the challenge of harnessing the bulging youth population and creatively tapping their potential dividends in various sectors of national productive endeavors, for which sports is only one. In this regards, the minister of youth and sports development cannot afford to be only the minister of sports. The sports sector actually only engages a small fraction of the youth population and cannot, therefore be the only and exclusive parameter for measuring youth development. Since arriving as the youth and sports development minister, Mr. Dare has not visited any tech or digital hub, where youths are active in exploring the vast field of information and communication technology (ICT). This ubiquitous but incoherent sector in which youths are playing central and pivotal roles is in desperate need for coordination and official incentive. On the surface, it may look like the official brief of the ministry of science and technology but any meaningful effort at youth development must seek wide coordination and outreach to other ministries for effective mainstreaming of youth affairs in national development. The vast field of information technology and the increasing digitization of almost every aspect of lives certainly have youths in the front-line and to harness their exuberance and inexhaustible creative energy in this sector means that the ministry of youth development must play a pivotal and strategic role. Establishing tech and digital hubs in coordination with other relevant government departments and agencies is central to any meaningful effort at youth development. The widespread of cybercrimes in which many youths are caught in the web means that critical vacuum exists in the information technology sector in which the youth potentialities have not been positively tapped,
leaving room for them to channel their creative energy in the sector to crimes and other negative undertakings. No serious and responsible ministry of youth development would watch or look the other way as the youth stream into crimes, while critical ICT sector yawns in under-utilization. Even though sports have become a national festival and stir national emotions, government policy must not be tailored to assuage the vanity of momentary sports victories that do not have any corresponding inputs in raising the material and tangible national aggregates, the ultimate variable in raising quality of lives of the people. Mr. Sunday Dare’s promise to raise the profile of other sports, along with the national favourite, which is football, is commendable. But his job is not even half done if he refuses to appreciate the potential dividends if the youth bulge is more widely harnessed in other strategic sectors in which national emotions may not be visibly stirred but concrete outcomes are assured in raising the national aggregates through inclusive economic development. The quality of education that the youths receive means that the ministry cannot feign ignorance as its trajectories take a plunge.
The ministry should find ways to create and nurture ICT hubs, agric hubs, technology hubs that would harness the talents of artisans in automobile repairs, plumbing, tiling, furniture, ceramics and so many others where youths are making contributions but without any official incentive
Minister of youth development must seek to make vital inputs in designing education policy in which youths are the largest stakeholders. Across the board and in all sectors of the national life from agriculture, rural development, productivity, employment, youths are critical stakeholders. As agriculture gets more attention, the ministry of youth development can revive nationwide the young farmers club and see in which ways to create the requisite incentive for youth’s robust participation in agriculture. Agriculture can absorb more youths in real productive enterprises with value multiplying effects than sports. The value chain in sports is very marginal and except for the flashes of momentary cheers that sport victories inspire, its contributions to the tangible national aggregates is modest. This does not suggest that sports should not be accorded a place of pride in the national priorities but a minister for youths and sports development, cannot take sports as his only field of endeavor while the more strategic and challenging mandate of youth development is left to falter. For the mandate of youth development ministry to justify its existence, the ministry does not need any summit, seminar or conference but to find ways to create and nurture ICT hubs, agric hubs, technology hubs that would harness the talents of artisans in automobile repairs, plumbing, tiling, furniture, ceramics and so many others where youths are making contributions but without any official incentive. It is easy for Mr. Dare to relapse to the comfort zone of sports administration but his challenge is to step out to the uncharted course of providing a constructive road map to harnessing the bulging youth population into a national resource for building an inclusive economy and ensuring social stability. The framework of youth development is expansive and can seamlessly integrate into varieties of sectors, where they can play vital roles. Mr. Sunday Dare can break with the simplistic straitjacket that narrowly views sports as the only endeavor in which youth can play roles. This view does not correspond to the existing reality as youths lead the way in the new world of information technology and digitization. Mr. Dare can visit some of the burgeoning informal tech hubs across the country just like Mr. Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook did, when he recently visited Nigeria and it is in these important sectors that is the future of Nigerian youths. ––Onunaiju is Director, Centre for China Studies, Utako Abuja.
The Kogi and Bayelsa Elections The INEC should ensure the elections are fair and credible, writes Ayo Oyoze Baje
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t the heart of heightened tension and apprehension to the governorship elections coming up in both Kogi and Bayelsa States on November 16, 2019, is how well and impartial theIndependent Electoral Commission (INEC) handles the exercise. It is no doubt a two-horse race between the candidates of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) and the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the two states. Incidentally, while the incumbent Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello belongs to the APC and will slug it out with Mr Musa Wada of the PDP, the tussle in Bayelsa State is between Mr. Lyon Pereworimini of the APC and Mr. Diri Duoye of the PDP. Not unexpectedly, the prominent candidates are trading blame, bothering on alleged attempts at vote-buying, arms build –up and threats of the use of force by political thugs to cow the opposition. Such insinuations are not new to Nigeria’s volatile political space. But for democratic ethos to be sustained and indeed strengthened the people’s votes must count. That is what matters most and INEC must ensure that, as a truly unbiased umpire. INEC has its statutory functions well spelt out in Section15, Part 1of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). So it is in Section 2 of the Electoral Act 2010.The subsisting laws empower INEC to conduct elections into elective political offices. These include executive offices such as that of the president, vice president, governors and their deputy. Also listed are elections into legislative offices such as the Senate and House of Representatives. This background underscores the importance of the functions of INEC. The onus lies squarely on its shoulders to conduct free, fair and credible elections. It should be on record that specifically in June, 1993 the then National Electoral Commission under the chairmanship of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu gave Nigeria such widely adjudged credible elections. The commission used the Option A4 voting system and Open Ballot System. Most unfortunately, that milestone election which should have served as a template for subsequent ones was crudely annulled by the military junta in power. The rest, as they say is history. In specific term, the current Mahmoud Yakubu-led INEC has the golden opportunity to redeem its image with the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in the two states. And this is because it has been at the receiving end of accusations of its inability
to curtail insidious and unpatriotic electoral crimes such as vote-buying, use of brute force by some paid thugs to carry out ballot box snatching and destruction during some previous elections. So far, it seems to be putting its best foot forward. For instance, only recently the top hierarchy of INEC met with the top-notch of Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) all geared towards having peaceful and people-oriented elections that would eventually express their democratic franchise. Both representatives of the NPF and NSCDC- Kabir Quarzo and Peter Maigeri have given assurance to that effect. That is a proactive measure to forestall the use of dubious permanent and ad-hoc workers by desperate politicians. Card readers will be used for accreditation of voters, while collation and transmission of results will be manual in line with the extant laws. Similarly, INEC has held its quarterly meeting with political parties to review their performances during the previous elections and retool areas that have some challenges to be sorted out. The commission will hold one election in Bayelsa (the governorship election), while it has scheduled two for Kogi (governorship and senatorial election in Kogi West Senatorial District). Yakubu explained that the decision is to make it more economical. After the INEC Chairman’s meeting with the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioners in Bayelsa and Kogi- Mr Monday Tom and James Apam - assurance has been given that Nigeria will once again boast of free and credible and internationally acclaimed elections that would be in sync with the wishes of the majority of the voters. To move forward, we have to use the Root Cause Analytical Approach to find out where we get it all wrong. Put in its proper perspective, over the years, electoral anomalies such as under-age voting in parts of the north, multiple registration, non-serialization of ballot papers as well as deliberate delay in the display of the voter register took the centre stage especially in the 2007 polls. Indeed, so questionable was the outcome of the polls that the independent observers of the election and the international community cried blue murder. There were reported incidents of the carting away of electoral materials between Abuja and Edo State. The same sordid scenario played itself out in parts of Delta State. The then INEC worsened matters by the
controversial disqualification of candidates who refused to appear before its screening committee. That was contrary to Section 32(1-5) of the former Electoral Act, 2006. Matters got to an ugly head on the day of the election when some eligible voters could not locate their names on the voter register and were therefore, disenfranchised. Some candidates’ names, party logos and photographs were missing from the ballot papers. There were several reported incidents of mishandling of logistics characterized by late arrival of electoral materials, even keeping the voters waiting till 2.00pm! In addition to multiple thumb printing by paid fraudsters, snatching of ballot boxes by some top government functionaries went on with spree. Yet, rigging of election in collusion with security forces and declaring results from Abuja instead of the state capitals took place in clear violation of the electoral act. Between then and now, how far have we really fared? That is the million-naira question. Some political analysts believe that under Jega there were some significant improvements. They cite the computerization of the electoral system, the coding of ballot papers, ballot boxes and polling units. Its conduct of gubernatorial polls in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States recorded increasingly fair elections. But it is not yet Uhuru. For instance, the often delayed updating of the voter register and the distribution of the much-needed permanent voter cards (PVC) has been widely criticized. Still, some flaws persist. There is voter apathy, as was reported with evidence in several states during the last-held gubernatorial and presidential elections. Also, the way and manner candidates go about their smear campaigns, couched in outright insults and innuendoes despite signed peace pacts, gives cause for concern. Mass voter education should be an on-going exercise. But the real concern is the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill into law. Without it, the wishes of the voters may not be fully expressed. Another critical issue is the desperation of politicians to win and hang on to power at all costs- not to serve the people but because of the mouth-watering apparatchiks of political office. Will the forthcoming elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states make the desired difference?
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LETTERS Removal of Illegal Structures In The FCT
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t is gladdening to see the recent a positive turn of events in Abuja, most notably around the popular Nyanya market along the Nyanya/Keffi Expressway, as well as the Dutse Alhaji market on the road connecting Bwari and Dutse Alhaji to the arterial Kubwa/Zuba Expressway. The Ministerial Task Team on Traffic Decongestion, headed by an astute journalist, Mr. Ikharo Attah, and supported by other officials of the FCT Administration and the security agencies, in line with their mandate, have restored some level of sanity and decongested traffic along these roads. The Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, in line with the desire to ensure that the areas surrounding the Nyanya and Dutse Alhaji market are free of commercial activities and also everything around the area will conform with the provision of the Abuja master plan, decided that his personal security details and other officials of the development control department should go along with the task team to clear the unauthorized structures. Before now, the activities of traders around the popular Nyanya market, a suburb of the FCT, as well as the Dutse Alhaji market, constituted serious nightmare to Abuja residents, especially motorists and other residents around the area.
FCT Minister, Mohammed Musa-Bello In the case of the Nyanya Market, which is usually at its busiest on Wednesdays, the activities of traders on the road shoulders who were also encroaching into the highway, made navigation by motorists and other pedestrians around the area a near impossibility. These activities remained on the increase, despite several efforts to prevent the roadside traders from interfering with the very critical Nyanya/Keffi Expressway that connects
the FCT to some of the very densely populated areas in nearby Nasarawa State such as Mararaba, One Man Village, New Nyanya, Ado, Masaka and even parts of the FCT like Jikwoyi, Orozo, Karshi, among others. However, with the enforcement activities of the ministerial task team now in full gear, things are beginning to take a turn for the better. A recent visit to the Nyanya market showed that some
of the major impediments like market stalls and roadside traders which usually constituted heavy obstructions of traffic flow along the road are gradually being removed, making motoring around the area a complete delight. Heavy duty vehicles which usually also parked around the area are also disappearing on the orders of the task team, further freeing up vehicular traffic around the area. Before now, vehicles belonging to big conglomerates were seen fully loaded with goods like cement and parked under the bridges, apparently waiting to be called by their customers to supply them items like bags of cement. So in essence, they had turned a very critical spot on the ever busy Nyanya/Keffi expressway to an extension of their operating base, further constricting the motoring space and endangering the lives of road users. There was also the pathetic case of an illegal toilet facility that was being erected by certain persons who decided to encroach on the space freed up by the task team around the Nyanya market. It was gathered that the illegal developers deceived the market operators into believing that they had approval from the local authorities. But kudos must go to the task team who moved swiftly to demolish the illegal structures. Enforcement activities such as these are necessary
Sharing Loot in Oyo State
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ome years ago, the federal government and the UN organized a polio eradication programme across Nigeria. To ensure that the eradication exercise reached as many children in Nigeria as possible, the organizers trained a pool of facilitators. Their job was to go from house to house to administer Vitamin A on Nigerian children. But most of the people who were entrusted with the task of taking these vaccines and vials to the children did not follow their instructional manuals. Instead, they allegedly engaged in many sharp and underhand practices which undermined the polio eradication programme and brought the exercise to international shame. This was the story as narrated by Jadesola Ajibola, one of the field officers who took part in that UN/Federal government of Nigeria polio eradication exercise. Ajibola related in very graphic terms how many field officers threw away most of the vaccines. According to Ajibola, others simply opened the Vitamin A vials, swallowed as many as they could and ticked the forms randomly to give the impression that they had indeed administered the vaccines and Vitamin A they were supposed to take to children in the hinterlands of Oyo State.
Ajibola told this story to participants at the training of trainers, ToT, session for the verification exercise of the $322.5million Abacha loot being distributed to the poorest of the poor in Nigeria. The Abacha loot verification exercise was organized by the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) in collaboration with the Africa Network for Environment & Economic Justice (ANEEJ) October 21, with verification proper taking place nationwide for the entire week in perspective. It had one theme: making very sure that the Abacha loot disbursement was verily made to the poor. It involved field monitors and data collectors who would monitor the cash disbursement exercise of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme of the federal government. With the return of the last tranche of the $322.5million of the loot to Nigeria from Switzerland, there had been widespread criticism and skepticism from across board. Stakeholders and interest groups were wary that the distribution of the returned loot was going to be re-looted via the distribution exercise. Yet others believed that the monies being distributed had a political end to them, especially as distribution nearly resumed towards the onset of the 2019 electioneering campaigns in Nigeria.
Therefore, in telling this story to participants at the ToT for the verification of the distribution of the returned Abacha loot in Oyo State, Ajibola was basically summarizing the inner fears of the millions who believe that the monies were not really being distributed to the poor, and apparently to appeal to the field monitors not to engage in practices that would bring the monitoring exercise to disrepute. A Nigeria Oxford Poverty and Human Development Index (OPHI), credited to the Oxford Department of International Development, (2017) has said that along the three dimensions of poverty assessment – education(school attendance, number of school years), health(child mortality and nutrition) and in standard of living (electricity, sanitation, potable drinking water and security) – only 20 Nigerian states marginally met its indicators. They are such states like Lagos, Osun, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Delta, Ogun Ekiti, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Kwara, Ogun, Kogi, Enugu, and the FCT. Other states like Zamfara, Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Taraba, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano and Borno did not even meet the indicators for a proper poverty assessment. From the above therefore, getting to know that the returned loot is being put in the hands of these hapless
Nigerians became a very serious matter to watch. For instance in Oyo State - where the curious Ajibola story came from, there are many local government areas. We were to observe a trend with the field officers deployed to carry out the verification exercise of the disbursement of the loot. Most took personal ownership of the process. Ige Adebimpe, 36 said she was aware of the Ajibola story. According to her, the distribution of the Abacha loot to the poor people of Oyo State appeared too good to be true, and therefore the exercise was an opportunity to see first-hand and participate to verify that some part of the returned loot actually got in the hands of the poorest in Oyo State. But it was actually at the Ido local government secretariat in Oyo State that the magnitude of the verification exercise came up and to understand why the polio vaccination process/exercise seems to have failed. Among the local government councils, most were inaccessible - some of the roads were unmotorable, others were located on the hills, for others it would take up to a whole day to reach the recipients. ––Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, CEO, Bob MajiriOghene Communications (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)
to ensure that the city run smoothly in line with the Abuja master plan and the vision of its founding fathers and Abuja residents have a major role to play by reporting such illegalities to the appropriate authorities. What is fundamental here is that any structure that is being erected must be done in line with the Abuja master plan. Much as the toilet will contribute to ending open defecation around the area which is good, you cannot however build such by the road side because when you put a sewer system by the road side, it will not only be hazardous to the health of those around the area but will also paint Abuja the capital city in bad light. Motorists passing by will not also be safe also. So, it is gladdening to see these concerted efforts by the FCT Administration to restore sanity along the axis of the city. It is noteworthy that this same area had been cleared a month ago in line with the FCT Minister’s directive, but unfortunately, certain persons, because of their selfish interests decided to erect an illegal toilet facility. If dreams of Abuja’s found-
ing fathers must be realized, then such impunity cannot be allowed to continue Other lessons to be gleaned from these recent developments around the Nyanya and Dutse Alhaji market of the FCT are that that the FCT Administration wants every attempt to erect structures of any kind or to conduct other businesses, to be done in line with the master plan. Simply put those seeking to put up structures should endeavor to get approval from the Development Control Department of the FCT. Those seeking to do businesses in the FCT must also conduct their activities in shops provided within the markets or plazas as opposed to erecting illegal stalls on the road sides in flagrant violation of the Abuja master plan. The FCT Minister has repeatedly disclosed that his return this second term is one where there will be intense enforcement of the extant laws of the FCT. So, let us learn to follow the rules and help the minister to make Abuja a better place. If we want Abuja to be like Dubai, we must learn to obey the rules that govern development in the city. ––Danladi Akilu, Abuja.
Nigeria And The Dutch Disease
N
igeria is the highest producer of cassava but spends N600 million on importing starch. This sad reality has been on the rise for a while. In Akwa Ibom the government has set up a cassava plant but how far would that help to ameliorate the situation? Across the board in other sectors, there are songs of lamentations. In the 1960s Nigeria produced more than one third of the tomato required in West Africa but recently we had a tomato crisis with prices skyrocketing. In 1973 Nigeria had the largest yield of cocoa, harvesting close to 500,000 tonnes but today we have not been able to double the capacity. In the 50s Nigeria did well in oil palm but today latecomers to the oil palm business like Malaysia do over 18million litres. As at 1890 Nigeria was exporting close to 500,000 tonnes of oil palm shipped out by the Germans and other traders. It is shocking that we were inundated by the God of small things like Arundhati Roy would call it. The discovery of crude oil in Oloibiri has always been a wedge on our thinking faculty. The Dutch disease has also set in; this has caused a relegation of hitherto thriving sectors for the easy oil money. When oil became viable in the 70s as a result of the Yom Kippur war with a threefold increase, rather than investing for the future we walked the wide road of corruption, which is a dual carriageway
to economic abyss and societal poverty. The corruption was so much that every governor but two was convicted for corruption. Nigeria was flowing with oil money and life was good; this made the Ghanaians come in in droves to seek succor from their economic woes. But we obviously were not thinking of the future, our hitherto economic sectors that were viable were ditched for quick money. A glut in the oil market sparked the wave of recession and our first attack was the menial workers from Ghana. But once the Ghanaians left we saw that our economic realities were caused by our lack of fiscal discipline and our inept understanding of financial dictum. Our oil became our albatross. We couldn’t fly any longer. What followed was a quick slip into coups and monetary disaster, the naira became valueless and the structural adjustment program further destroyed the structure of our economy. Despite its promises the government is yet to fully diversify and except we do that the economy cannot thrive. We must be able to produce other products like starch and televisions. America we all celebrate has over 300 sectors in their economy as true economic viability comes from having variegated economic sectors. Nigeria should develop many alternatives to oil, it is time to innovate and follow steps that would bring people out of poverty. It can be done. ––Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com
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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2019 •T H I S D AY
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2019 • T H I S D AY
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N ÍťËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL Prognoses of a Possible Disintegrated Nigeria by War: The Foreign Policy Challenge
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ointers to a possible disintegration of Nigeria by war are on the increase day by day. In other words, there is currently a crisis of insecurity and political lull in the governance of Nigeria under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB). The situation is, in terms of polemology, gradually moving from a crisis situation to that of a conflict situation with the possible use of force. In the event of use of force, disintegration is most likely to be the final outcome and Nigeria may not exist as it is thereafter. Disintegration of any nation can be precipitated by jots of nationalism, which Arthur N. Waldron said, in 1985, ‘in general, is a powerful and comprehensible idea, yet, while it defines general situations, it is not very useful in explicating specific events.’ Political developments in the Nigeria of today are increasingly become very specific in articulation. Generally speaking, disintegration can be prompted by poverty, cultural invasion, social breakdown, economic imperialism, bipartisan politics in the sense of engagement in what is good for the party and not the people, and by other threats of a particular or a general nature. In the very case of Nigeria, the threats are more of the nature of cultural invasion and bipartisan politics in the sense of what is good for the party in power and not what is good for national unity and survival. Political chicanery is one major issue. Besides, integration policies are also perceived structures of disintegration, especially in terms of their design and operations. And true enough, it is the very nature of the Nigerian federation that is currently generating centripetal and centrifugal debates in the country. It is the position of Vie Internationale that the dynamics of a likely disintegration of Nigeria are largely associated with the people’s perceptions of politics of dishonesty in the governance of Nigeria, and the deepening of a discrimination- and ethnically-based nationalism, which, in the words of Walter Conner, ‘is likely to reinforce trends towards political fragmentation, particularly in the Third World, even as the momentum of integration and interdependence continue apace’ (vide Lewis W. Snider, “Political Disintegration in Developing Countries: Theoretical Orientations and Empirical Evidence,� www. tandfondline.com). Threats to Nigeria’s national unity can be rightly said to be known generally: Boko Haram’s quest for an Islamic State of Nigeria, the quest for a State of Biafra, bad governance, fiddling with the politics of political restructuring, international conspiracy and religious fundamentalism, as well as political chicanery. These are classical threats that have been managed with ulterior selfish interests until now. The trending threat, which is quite fundamental and which appears to be at the epicentre of the whole crisis and possible conflict, is the perceived ‘Fulanisation Agenda.’ It is an agenda that really appears to be the most critical dynamic of the perceived impending war-driven disintegration of Nigeria, the dynamics of which are not far-fetched.
International Dynamics of Disintegration
The geo-political status of Nigeria in international relations is an important dynamic of the impending disintegration of Nigeria, which is hardly explicated or factored into foreign policy calculations. The truth is that no country likes any other country perceived to be better than it. It takes more courage, rather than sincerity of purpose, to accept the rising profile of a rival. In other words, Nigeria’s profile in international relations is admired, but with jealousy, and particularly in Africa. Nigeria’s active policy stand on matters directly affecting Africa’s interests is not liked in the developed world and in many parts of Africa. Nigeria has been, more or less, serving as a counter-weight to the policies of many developed countries on and in Africa, and therefore, no one wants a powerful Nigeria that will have the capacity to permanently constitute an impediment in the protection of its interests in Africa either considered bilaterally, plurilaterally, or multilaterally. International friendship with Nigeria is, grosso modo, that of a hide-and-seek game and mutual deceit at times.
VIE INTERNATIONALE with
Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846
e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com
Buhari And without scintilla of doubt, Nigeria’s vibrant population is a factor of strength that any country can ignore only to its own peril. Nigeria is not, simply put, only having the biggest population in Africa, but more interestingly, also playing host to the biggest population of black people in the world. This means that, in terms of correct foreign policy and strategic calculations, Nigeria ought to be made the world capital of the black people, their integrity, their values. The world is much aware of this great potential. But which country, developed or not, wants Nigeria to have that global position? What is in their interest is to have a giant without teeth to bite. No one wants Nigeria to acquire the capacity and capability to become a good and effective challenger. For instance, to what extent is Nigeria’s policy of protection of black dignity internationally appreciated or accommodated? Nigeria was strong enough, under the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, to the extent that the country nationalised the British Petroleum and the Barclays Bank in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was on the basis of strength that Nigeria adopted the policy of ‘No Compromise with Apartheid,’ in 1963 and that Nigeria also formulated exceptions to the United Nations principle of non-intervention in the affairs falling under the domestic preserve of other sovereign states. In fact, it is on record that Nigeria denied landing permission to visiting aircraft of former US Secretary of State. With this type of profile, why should anyone expect Nigeria to be liked positively? Nigeria can only be truly tolerated, not more, by the United States. In the same vein, there is the French connection. Nigeria has Francophone neighbours all of which have close entente with
It is expected, therefore, that the force to be used by the Fulani to acquire land, and the counter-force to be used by the owners of land to stop such forceful acquisition, cannot but fall under the rule of legitimate self-defence. Any forceful acquisition of land, even by Government, has the potential to lead to war and disintegration of Nigeria, because order and counter-order always amount to an encounter and disorder. Consequently the scenario and foreign policy challenge cannot be farfetched.Regarding scenarios,the war inYoruba land may be fought,less with weapons, but more spiritually. Unlike the 1967-1970 model in which the Biafrans fought all others, the second war will essentially be between the North and the South. In terms of foreign policy, the challenge will be quite daunting, because it is internationally believed that Nigeria will never have peace until Nigeria is divided into Muslim north and Christian south. This was how the Muammar GaddaďŹ put it before he died. Again are Saudi Arabia and Iran not aiding and abetting Islamic agenda in Nigeria? God may know, but this is where the foreign policy challenge lies
France. Relationship between the neighbours and France is considered to be preferential. As a result, France does not want Nigeria to be able to effectively act to the detriment of French interest in the neighbouring countries. On the contrary, and for the same reasons, Nigeria does not even want France to be actively present in the same neighbouring countries, considered to be within Nigeria’s sphere of influence. As a matter of fact, the immediate neighbouring countries are considered to fall within the innermost circle of Nigeria’s foreign policy of concentricism. More important, the Franco-Nigerian dispute over France’s atomic tests in the Reganne area of the Sahara desert in 1960 is a case in point. The dispute led to the severance of Franco-Nigerian diplomatic ties in 1961, even though it was only France that had a mission in Lagos by then. Nigeria would not have a diplomatic mission in Paris until 1966. The break in ties prompted France to prevent Nigeria’s associate membership of the then European Economic Community. And perhaps more interestingly, Nigeria’s policy stand so much angered France that the country supported the Biafran spirit and war against Nigeria when it broke out in 1967. The French Prime Minister by then, Mr. Michel DebrÊ, made it clear that if the Biafran rebels could not live happily in a united Nigeria, they should be able to become happy in a divided Nigeria that would enable a separate existence for them. That France might have objectively changed position is, at best, a matter of speculation. And most interestingly, observed strategic calculation of the developed countries is essentially to have the oil producing areas of Nigeria become autonomous and independent of Nigeria, in such a way that privileged ties can be evolved and maintained with them. It will not only be easier to manage the relationship in terms of territorial scope, but also in terms of reduced corporate social responsibility or magnitude of assistance to be provided. The point being made from the foregoing is that, in the consideration of the various threats to the survival of Nigeria as a sovereign nation-state, the factor of foreign interest cannot be underestimated. If disintegration is to be averted and if the external environment is to be used as a possible antidote, Nigeria’s foreign policy calculations need a very urgent review in light of the emerging new Cold War and the New World Order also in the making. At the Nigerian domestic level, the threats are not taken with the seriousness they require. They are simply taken with kid gloves.
Domestic Dynamics
There are two main dynamics of disintegration at the domestic level: politicising critical questions and manu militari rigidity of policy response, on the one hand, and alleged ‘Fulanisation Agenda,’ on the other hand. As regards politicisation, when issues are generally raised by competent and non-partisan observers, they are generally and simply given a political coloration. The observers are labelled and given names that are truly not theirs. In fact, in an attempt to defend government, objectivity of purpose is necessarily, but most unfortunately, lost on the altar of subjectivity and disintegration. The case of Barrister Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, is quite relevant. So are the many calls for disintegration equally important, because of the visible and declining interest in the corporate existence of Nigeria. The declining interest is primarily because of the mania of political governance of the country. We can espy the example of the Yoruba Youth Council for illustration purposes. The Ondo State chapter of the Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) called on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2018, for the disintegration of Nigeria (vide www.nigerianwatch). In a statement by its Chairman, Pastor Benson Akinwunmi, a statement issued to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day, the YYC noted that ‘the Nigeria project is a failed one. It’s been bad, but now, it is worse and we don’t believe in the actualisation anymore.’ This statement and call for disintegration is a resultant of frustration and the YYC is not alone in the many calls. Another group, Voice of Reason (VoR), comprising professionals and academics, has called on PMB that Nigeria will disintegrate if he fails to address national issues. As told by Mr. Olufemi Adegoke, Chairman of the group, ‘many problems in the polity have been identified as being worthy of statesman-like deliberation and contemplation. All these issues, if not properly addressed, would lead to chaos and finally, the disintegration of the country.’ Mr. Adegoke has it further that ‘the arrest and subsequent detention of Omoyele Sowore, the erstwhile presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, for “the crime of a call for revolution,� which is neither known to Nigerian statutes on criminal law, nor to the Constitution of the country, is a worrisome development... The VoR wants PMB to respect the Rule of Law, to stop the use of policemen as bodyguards, and in their place, ex-service men may be made available for citizens and officials who require bodyguards functions and are ready to pay the appropriate fees.’ Beyond these calls, how have the calls been handled? (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)
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BUSINESS
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Thousands of vehicles in one of Cotonou, Benin Republic’s car marts, usually smuggled into Nigeria, but can’t ďŹ nd their way into the country due to border closure
Border Closure and War against Smuggling Smuggling of goods, which was the major reasons for the recent closure of Nigeria’s land borders, poses serious threat to the economy, discourages investments and destroys innovation, writes Obinna Chima
T
heimpactofthedecisionbythe federal government to close all its land borders two months ago to tackle smuggling is one of the most-talked-about issues in the sub-region today. Reports show that those in the business of smuggling have continued to suffer huge losses. Even though commentators have continued to weigh the merits and demerits of the government’s action, both the fiscal and monetary policy authorities strongly believe that it would positively impact the Nigerian economy. This is just as it has been disclosed that since the borders were closed, the government has seized over N2.3 trillion worth of contraband. The exercise, code-named Exercise Swift Response, is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police Force and the Army. Clearly, monetary policy transmission mechanism in Nigeria is inhibited due to numerous factors, especially the menace of smugglers. For instance, despite efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through its development finance activities to raise domestic production, especially in rice production, the menace of smuggling has continued to affect local production. On the other hand, the activities of smugglers have negative implication on Nigeria’s quest to
raise the badly-needed non-oil revenue to finance its budget. According to a recent BBC report, the action of the federal government is affecting trade across the sub-region. The report further disclosed that that the bustling borders have come to a standstill, with goods rotting and queues of lorries waiting at checkpoints in the hope the crossings will reopen. It pointed out that Nigeria’s neighbours are angry, saying the smuggling of rice mainly prompted the federal government’s action. “It seems Nigeria was fed up about the flouting of its ban on the importation of rice over its land borders. Smugglers bringing in rice from Benin appeared to be making a killing. The biggest contraband route was between Cotonou, Benin’s biggest city, and Nigeria’s commercial hub Lagos, which is just a few hours’ drive away,� the BBC report added. According to the World Bank, Benin’s economy is heavily reliant on the informal re-export and transit trade with Nigeria, which accounts for about 20 per cent of its GDP, or national income. And about 80 per cent of imports into Benin are destined for Nigeria, the bank had stated. “Nigeria is only allowing in foreign rice through its ports - where since 2013 it has imposed a tax of 70 per cent. The move is intended not only to raise revenue, but also to encourage the local production of rice. But smugglers have been taking advantage of the fact that it is cheaper to import rice to Nigeria’s neighbours.
“And Nigerians’ appetite for rice is almost insatiable in a country where the grain is a staple. There was a time was when it was considered an elitist meal consumed only on Sundays. But now its affordability - plus the love for jollof rice - has made it a national dish,� it added. Furthermore, the BBC report pointed out that the Nigerian government’s action was not just about rice, saying, “Benin is also a major corridor for second-hand cars to Nigeria, where there is a ban on importing cars that are more than 15 years old.� Official figures are difficult to come by, but Luxembourg-based shipping company BIM e-solutions says an average of 10,000 cars arrive at the Cotonou port from Europe monthly, it stated. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, said the country’s traders had incurred huge losses because their goods had been detained for weeks at the Nigeria-Benin border. Also, Benin’s Agriculture Minister Gaston Dossouhoui, described the situation as “a distressing sight� when he visited markets in the town of Grand Popo. “It’s very difficult for our producers. It’s a disaster,� he was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying. In an effort to mollify its powerful neighbour, Niger has since imposed its own ban on the exportation of rice to Nigeria. The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.), recently said tax revenues had gone up as cargo destined for Benin
was now arriving at Nigerian ports. “One day in September, a record N9.2 billion was collected, which had “never happened before�, he said. “After the closure of the border and since then, we have maintained an average of about N4.7 billion to N5.8 billion on a daily basis, which is far more than we used to collect.� Boost for Domestic Product To the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the gains of the border closure include boosting domestic trade, job creation and enhancing Nigeria’s economic policies. Though he said he was not an advocate of permanent border closure, Emefiele added that before the borders would eventually be re-opened, affected countries must be effectively engaged with a view to agreeing on certain terms and conditions. Answering questions from State House correspondents in Abuja after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari before the president’s departure to Saudi Arabia recently, Emefiele illustrated how some businesses, which he said had almost collapsed before the border closure, suddenly became productive barely a week after the closure. He narrated the experiences of rice millers and members of the Poultry Association of Nigeria whom he said had before the closure called him to lament about low sales, only to witness a sharp
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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťËœ ͺ͸͚Î
Ëš Border Closure and War against Smuggling
Cont’d from pg. 20 and persons across our borders. “We can recall that the ECOWAS Parliament in a recent resolution called on Nigeria to reopen these borders. “Whilst we prefer to build bridges of regional integration, we agree with the government of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, that all member states have a bounden duty to comply fully with the letters and spirit of the Revised Protocol. “That way, national and regional economies and the high aim of regional integration would be safe rather than unduly threatened by the action of Member States who breach the Protocol,� Ovie Omo-Agege added His views on the need to curb threats posed by influx of small arms, illegal activities of veterans of various armed conflicts and flagrant breach of ECOWAS Protocols prohibiting the trans-shipment of imported goods through other ECOWAS countries’ borders was supported by Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora, NGO and Civil Societies, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab-Ahmed
rise in demand shortly after the closure. He described smuggling of foreign products into the country as a major impediment to the growth of local industries and businesses, adding that rice and poultry businesses had been booming optimally since the borders were closed. According to Emefiele, the closure of the borders has not only boosted businesses in the urban areas, rural areas are also bubbling because businesses such as grain production are now productive as farmers have maximised profits since the closure. He said: “Recently, and this is the absolute truth. About two weeks before the border closure, the chairman of the Rice Processors Association, incidentally, he owns Umza Rice in Kano, called me and said that all the rice millers and processors were carrying in their warehouses nothing less than 25,000 metric tonnes of milled rice in their warehouses; that this rice had been unsold because of smuggling and dumping of rice through the Republic of Benin and other border posts that we have in the country and that he would want us to do something about it. “Secondly, we also have members of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, who also complained that they have thousands of crates of eggs that they could not sell together with even some of the processed chickens that they could not sell, also arising from the problem of smuggling and dumping of poultry products into Nigeria.� He said he was told that after some meetings that were held in addition to those engagements that the CBN also held with the president, the border was closed subsequently. A week after the borders were closed, he narrated, the same Rice Millers’ Association called to tell the bank that all the rice that they had in their warehouses had all been sold. “Indeed, a lot of people have been depositing money in their accounts and they have even been telling them ‘please hold on don’t even pay money yet until we finish processing your rice,� he said. Emefiele said the poultry association had told him that they had sold all their eggs. “They have sold all their processed chickens and that demand is rising. So, when you asked: what is the benefit, the benefit of the border closure on the economy of Nigeria? (I just used two products – poultry and rice) that it has helped to create jobs for our people. It has helped to bring our integrated rice milling that we have in the country back to business again and they are making money,� he said. The CBN governor said the rural communities were bubbling because there were activities and rice farmers were able to sell their paddy, adding that the poultry business was also doing well even as maize farmers, who produced maize from which feeds were produced were also doing business. “These are the benefits,� he emphasised. Emefiele urged the federal government to list out terms and conditions to be met by Nigerian
EmeďŹ ele
neighbours before the borders are re-opened. According to him, such terms and conditions must include the kinds of commodities that can be shipped to their countries, pointing out that such commodities must be meant only for their local consumption. He added that situations where certain commodities, after being shipped to such countries, head for Nigeria would not be acceptable as they undermine the country’s economic policies, threaten the productivity of domestic industries and the desire for job creation. According to him: “We are not saying that the borders should be closed in perpetuity, but before the borders are re-opened, there must be concrete engagements with countries that are involved in using their ports and countries as landing ports for bringing in goods that are smuggled into Nigeria. “That engagement must be held so that we agree on the basis under which: what are the kinds of products that they can land in their countries because if they land those products in their countries, and it is meant for their own local consumption, it is understandable. “But the fact that those products are landed in their countries and then trans-shipment of smuggled items into Nigeria is something that I am sure you all agree as Nigerians we should not allow to happen because it undermines our economic policy. It undermines our own desire to make sure that industries are alive and jobs are created in Nigeria.� FG’s Position However, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, recently explained that the border was closed because of the frequency of rice smuggling into the country, pointing out that the president saw the unwholesome development as a threat to Nigeria’s pursuit of food sufficiency. According to the minister, the decision to close the borders was the fallout of a concrete search for a permanent solution to smuggling across the Nigerian borders. Onyema added that the president believed that smuggling must be decisively dealt with particularly at this moment when Nigeria is no longer depleting its foreign reserves to secure foreign exchange for rice importation. “The fact that our citizens can now work in rural areas, farming, it is a threat to our country to allow this smuggling to persist on that scale,� he said, adding: “The president talked about the amount of money we now save by no longer having to spend our foreign reserves to buy foreign rice.� He explained that the measures were to allow the security forces to develop a strategy, to know exactly how the smugglers operate and where they operate from. Also, the NCS said the joint security exercise at the borders would continue indefinitely until the security agencies develop the capacity to man the borders effectively. The National Public Relations Officer of the
NCS, Mr. Joseph Attah, while commenting on the matter, recently told THISDAY that, “I don’t know why people think that we should be a country of all comers; anybody can just come into our country through anywhere both approved and unapproved. We are facing increased security challenges; shouldn’t the security services come together and build their capacity to police these routs?� He said the exercise would continue until the security services were satisfied they had fully developed the capacity to effectively man the borders. On what informed the exercise, he said, “In the face of increase in security challenges in the country such as terrorism, arms smuggling, dangerous drugs and proliferation of light weapons, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) put all the security agencies together to conduct an intensive patrol along our borders. The necessity for this is to ensure that our national economy and security interest are not compromised.� National Assembly’s Backing Also, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, said the action of the federal government had the backing of the National Assembly. Omo-Agege, said the initiative was in national interest and enjoys the backing of federal lawmakers. He emphasised that there was no rationale for breaching ECOWAS’ protocol, attacking Nigerians or allowing unjustified risks against Nigeria’s security and economic well-being. He stressed the need for government to be pro-active to ensure citizens’ safety, adding that it focused on integration of the 15-member states’ citizens through measures that include policy harmonisation, peace and security, infrastructure development, and good governance in member states. He added: “There are however areas the parliament needs to take a closer and firmer look at; paramount is the issue of intra-regional, as well as intra-national security of member states. “For example, there needs to a harmony between the central economic integration tenet of free movement of persons as guaranteed by Protocol A/P.1/5/79, and the rights of individual member nations to protect their interests where internal security is threatened as guaranteed in Article 10 of the ECOWAS Protocol on movement of persons which frowns at the presence of persons from another/other member country(ies) prejudicing the rules and regulations of host countries. Together with other relevant Articles of the Protocol, it guarantees the right of such host countries to take measures to redress such anomalies. “A good example is the current conversation on Nigeria’s action, consistent with the provisions of Article 10 and its sovereign right, of temporarily closing her land borders in response to serious irregularities attending the movement of goods
Discordant Tunes But, the Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, has called on the government to address the root cause of rice smuggling, rather than the border closure policy of the government. He argued that the action of the government would not be a sustainable solution. “A lot of imports that come to the sub region come first to Nigeria and from here the imports are distributed to other countries and all that have stopped. We have people trading their products on the ETLS (products registered to be traded in the sub region), the closure of the border has stopped trading activities in the ETLS. Of course there are some benefits, but we need to count the costs. “The gap analysis between domestic production and domestic consumption for rice is between 2.5 to three million metric tonnes annually, so how do you feed those persons? The price of local rice is expensive and the quality is not good and we have not sufficiently supported those capacities,� he argued. Also, in his reaction, the National President of the National Council of Managing Director of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero, had argued that borders should not be closed, saying Nigeria was not at war. He said: “We signed an ECOWAS protocol for free movement of people. Has Nigeria complied with the procedures of ECOWAS protocol? You don’t just close borders like that because the borders are actually entry point. It is just like you are closing your airports or closing your seaports. “Nigeria has three entry points, which are airport, seaport and border stations and all these are legal stations in line with the provisions of the law and we have ECOWAS protocol and the protocol is talking about free movement of persons and goods and you have signed this protocol. If you want to do any closure, it must be a country-to-country negotiations and the issue should be done according to information, which is contained in World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements.� But the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which noted that action has been having adverse effects on the economies of some countries in the sub-region, called for a timely resolution of the matter. Director, African Department, IMF, Mr. Abebe Selassie, explained, “So we’re very hopeful that discussions will resolve the challenges that this illegal trade is fostering. To be sure, if the border closure was to be sustained for a long time, it’s going to definitely have an impact on Benin and Niger, which, of course, rely quite extensively on their big brother next door. So, we hope that there will be a resolution to that closure issue.� Indeed, the problem of smuggling and its impacts are far reaching, affecting national revenue, businesses and households. The menace has assumed an alarming proportion and turned out to be a parallel economy, which is depriving the country of its rightful levies including excise and customs duty worth hundreds of billions of naira. As a result of smugglers’ activities, thousands of industrial units have been rendered sick as smuggled goods flood open markets. Nigeria is facing the challenge of enormous revenue leakages and black money — its size estimated to be three time the regular economy. The way out is for the federal government to engage the countries affected and set the rules as well as penalty for offenders, before re-opening the borders.
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BUSINESS/BRAND & MARKETING
How Dangote Emerged 2019 Most Valuable Brand Raheem Akingbolu reviews the rating of the Top 50 Brands in Nigeria, reckoning that the emergence of Dangote as the Most Valuable Brand, has simply confirmed various national and international reviews that have adjudged the brand as the leading brand in Nigeria and one of the best from Africa
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ew months ago, brand owners and analysts were on the lookout for the 2019 edition of the Top 100 brands in Africa with the hope that there would be improvement forAfrican indigenous brands over last year’s rating. Regrettably, the rating pattern was not exactly different from what happened last year. Save for Dangote and perhaps MTN that appear to be flexing muscles with the global brands operating in the continent, many African brands didn’t go far in the rating. According to the organisers, the Brand Africa 100 rankings are based on a survey among a representative sample of respondents 18 years and older, conducted in 25 countries across Africa. It was further stated that the process covers all African economic regions, collectively these countries account for an estimated 80 per cent of the continent’s population and 75 per cent of the GDP. However, when consumers were prompted to recall the most admired African brand, Dangote retained the number one position. In 2018, Dangote brand was named the most valuable brand among the top 50 brands in Nigeria for 2018 by Brand Nigeria. Further analysis of the ranking indicates that overall, the 2018/19 Brand Africa 100 list, which is calculated from15,000 brand mentions, illustrates a very diversified range of brands in Africa and shows year-on-year consistency with 80 per cent of the top 100 brands having being in the top 100 Most Admired Brands in previous years. Few days ago, the promoters of Top 50 Brands in Nigeria, released this year’s list and Dangote industry again took the lead, following its 2018 feat. The declaration made the Nigerian brand double as Most Valuable overall and Nigerian brand in the 2019 review. Dangote, a proudly Nigerian brand is the most diversified and largest conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest in the continent. Dangote Cement, a member of the group is the most capitalised company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Dangote is expected to deliver its 650,000 barrel per day capacity crude oil refinery with the world
Dangote
tallest atmospheric tower in the coming year Top 50 Brands 2019 Every year at Top 50 Brands Nigeria, the organisers present a list of 50 top corporate brands that have exceeded others in delivering their promise and have clearly become market leaders in their category and beyond.
According to the promoters of the award, the top brands this year are those that have been able to analyse needs, see opportunities in them by creating solutions, while communicating same to the consumers. They have become so good at it that the consumers often refer to them by the name of the need they met. This has become a critical differentiator that separates them from the others. “The achievements and growth of these brands have also become a critical point of positive narrative that enhances the value, reputation and perception of the Nigeria brand. And vital indicators that attracts capital and foreign direct investments. The outcomes of this annual report has also created healthy competition among top corporate brands in Nigeria. The annual ranking is gradually becoming like a report card with which top brands know their positioning and how they are faring in the market. Since this is all about consumer’s perception (which influences buying decisions), the valuation of the organisation therefore starts from the consumer’s point of view, using the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM Index). Uppermost among these variables is the Top on the Mind (TOM) Survey. It is a test of consumer’s knowledge, understanding, acceptability, or simply their affinity with these brands. Respondents were asked to mention top 10 brands (companies) that easily come to their mind. It has been observed that consumers often mentioned brands they patronise, respect or see often. Other variables, according to the organisations are; innovation, category leadership, quality elements and national spread. Others are; online engagement and corporate social responsibility (CSR). With Dangote on top of the chart, MTN Nigeria maintained its second placement in this annual ranking, while Globacom, another Nigerian brand is on the third position this year with 75.2 BSM points. Coca-cola Nigeria emerged on the fourth position and Dufil Prima, makers of the popular Indomie noodles came fifth.
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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťËœ ͺ͸͚Î
Dahir-Umar
AISHA DAHIR-UMAR
Infrastructure is Adequately Suited for Pension Funds As Nigeria grapples with dearth of critical infrastructure, which where exists, is deplorable, the everincreasing pension funds, appear to be the needed succour. In this interview with Kunle Aderinokun, the Acting Director-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Hajia Aisha Dahir-Umar, provides insights on how the nation can leverage pension assets for infrastructure development. DahirUmar also speaks on some other areas of concern in the pension industry. Excerpts:
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an you give the current value of Pension Assets?
The net assets value (value of pension funds net of fees and other charges) of pension fund asset was N9.44 trillion as at 31 August, 2019. Specifically, pension fund assets were invested in 11 asset classes among which include quoted ordinary shares, FGN securities, state govt. bonds, corporate debt securities and supranational bonds etc.
Pension funds remain crucial for the country’s infrastructural development till date. What portion of the funds has been committed to infrastructure? Total pension fund Investment in Infrastructure as at 31 August, 2019 was N160.36 billion (Sukuk Bond N70.99 billion, Infrastructure Funds N30.69 billion, Infrastructure Bond N10.18 billion, Green Bond N13.07 billion andAgency Bond N9.96 billion, and Corporate Green bond N25.42 billion). This amount represents 1.70 per cent
of the total pension assets as at 31 August, 2019 The Sukuk was deployed for road infrastructure while the Infrastructure Funds consist of Investments in ARM Harith Fund that invested in the Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant (IPP) Project in Edo State and Afri plus Fund that invested in the Constructions of 1,200 hostel rooms in University of Calabar, Cross Rivers State. On the other hand, the proceed of the Infrastructure Bond (Viathan Infrastructure Bond) was invested in power projects (Akute Power Plant, Island Power Plant, Pipp Genco and Gasco Marine Limited) in Lagos State. Pension assets in Nigeria are currently the largest available pool of patient capital. Infrastructure is adequately suited for pension funds and is a potential avenue for pension funds to reap higher and consistent returns on investment, if adequate policies, structures and regulations are instituted. Several countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa have successfully utilised part of the accumulated pension funds by investing in new infrastructure projects or renewing dilapidated ones. Globally, productive investments in infrastructure are majorly made possible by long term
funds/savings such as pension funds. The commission continues to engage relevant stakeholders (government agencies, private sector participants, multilateral development finance organisations) in developing infrastructure assets that meet requirements for pension fund investment.
Recently, there was a report that PenCom directed PFAs to invest a minimum of 60 per cent of their infrastructure funds in projects in Nigeria. This is laudable! Is PenCom collaborating or partnering with agencies like InfraCredit, Nigeria’s premier infrastructure credit guarantee company, to ensure optimum utilisation and success of these funds, ultimately protecting pension assets? It is pertinent to clarify that the commission as a regulator is responsible for establishing rules, guidelines and standards for pension fund investments by licensed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). Consequently, making investment decisions on the percentage allocated to Infrastructure is the sole responsibility of PFAs, which have to make investment decisions in line with
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PenCom Will Not Compromise on Major Investment Objectives regulations set by the commission. The commission is one of the agencies implementing the Financial Sector Strategy (FSS) 2020 and has been collaborating with all the relevant agencies including private organisations such as the Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company (InfraCredit), towards achieving its targets on the initiatives, including investment of pension assets for the development of infrastructure in Nigeria. The FSS2020 along with the commission and InfraCredit are working to build acceptable investment models that would encourage pension fund participation in infrastructure financing. The commission has recorded a number of successes as a result of its collaborative initiatives with stakeholders including InfraCredit and is further committed to sustaining all existing collaborative relationships.
under-remittance of pension contributions into employees Retirement Savings Accounts. The Team has a Regime of Sanctions which guides the administrative steps to be taken when complaints are received. The process followed in the Regime of Sanctions are Letter of advice, Caution letter, Sanction letter and Legal action. Accordingly, we appeal to all stakeholders, including the media and employees to forward to the Commission the names and addresses of employers that are not in compliance with the provisions of the PRA 2014.
How many pension law offenders have so far been prosecuted since the enactment of the Pension Reform Act 2014? The commission has been prosecuting recalcitrant employers who failed to remit its employees’ pension contribution into their RSAs. As at date, the Commission had instituted legal actions against 191 recalcitrant employers. Out of that number, 79 had opted to settle out of court with the Commission, 35 Judgments have been obtained while 77 are at different stages in the courts.
In their show of conďŹ dence in the domestic bond market, the PFAs fully subscribed to a 10 -year N10 billion Guaranteed Infrastructure Bond (called the Viathan Bond), which 21 per cent of its proceed was used to ďŹ nance the construction of a compressed natural gas (CNG) plant in Ogun State earlier in the year. Arguably, that was the ďŹ rst time the nation witnessed pension fund coming into play in infrastructure ďŹ nancing. It was unprecedented! What more and when should we expect to happen in this regard? Licensed PFAs have continued to make investment decisions in line with the Regulation on Investment of Pension Assets (the Regulation) which allowed pension fund assets to be used for Infrastructure Financing. However, there are limited Infrastructure Bonds and Funds available for pension funds to invest. It is expected that PFAs would continue to make pension funds available for infrastructure financing as long as the products offered are viable bankable and meet the requirements of the Regulation. The commission would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to encourage the development of appropriate instruments for pension fund investments, with focus on infrastructure financing. In as much as the commission is desirous of encouraging pension fund investments in infrastructure and housing, it will not compromise on the major objectives of pension fund investments, which are safety of the assets and maintenance of fair (real) returns on investments.
How do you see the impact of IFRS 9 on pension fund administration? IFRS 9 is an International Financial Reporting standard issued by the International Accounting Standard Board and adopted by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. The major area of the Standard that deals with reporting pension funds are the accounting treatment of impairments as well as classification and measurement of financial assets. The pension funds in Nigeria have complied with this standard in their various financial reports to stakeholders and regulators. At the initial stage of IFRS implementation by the pension industry, there were fears about its adoption due to perceived lack of understanding by the public on fair value measurements or disclosures, particularly in classifying debt instruments, which had only two options. However, these fears were addressed by the issuance of another portion of IFRS 9 which addressed aspects of applying fair value options in financial reports. Early reaction to market information on the adoption of IFRS 9 indicates an overall positive response to the IFRS 9. The adoption of the Standard will promote accountability, transparency and good corporate governance that will impact positively on various stakeholders. Furthermore, the adoption of IFRS by the pension industry would help to provide accurate information on the financial position and financial performance of pension funds.
Compliance to pension regulations by employers, particularly in the private sector remains a challenge. How much has the commission done to enforce obedience? The commission has a framework for compliance with the provisions of Pension Reform Act 2014 (PRA 2014). The framework outlined the strategies to be adopted by the commission. The strategies include appointment of recovery agents to recover unremitted pension contributions and penalties from defaulting employers, Issuance of Pension Clearance Certificates, Compliance Monitoring through onsite inspection of employ-
What are the challenges of the new pension regime- that is, contributory pension scheme?
Dahir-Umar
ers, Public Awareness and Engagement and Collaboration with social partners and relevant stakeholders. The details of the implementation of each of the strategies are as follows: Appointment of Recovery Agents: To ensure compliance by employers of labour with respect to remittance of pension contributions, the Commission developed a Framework for Recovery of Outstanding Pension Contributions with Penalty from defaulting employers. Based on the Framework, the Commission had engaged recovery agents for the review of the pension records of employers and recovery of unremitted pension contributions plus penalty. The recovery exercise which has been largely successful, has boosted the confidence of contributors and by extension encouraged non-participating employees/employers to embrace the Scheme. Through this initiative, the sum of N16.37 billion representing principal contribution (N8.37 billion) and penalty (N8.00 billion) have been recovered from defaulting employers. Both the principal contributions and penalty have been credited into the workers’ Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs). The penalty is meant to compensate for the income that would have been earned if the contributions were remitted as and when due.
The commission is also prosecuting recalcitrant employers who failed to remit its employees’ pension contribution into their RSAs. Issuance of Pension Clearance Certificates: The Commission commenced the issuance of Pension Clearance Certificates to organizations in 2012. The certificates are renewable annually and serve as a confirmation of compliance with the provisions of the PRA 2014 by an employer. The Certificate is one of the key requirements for doing business with Federal Government Ministries, Departments andAgencies (MDAs). From January to September 2019, the Commission has received applications from 17,400 organizations out of which 16,603 organizations were issued certificates. The 16,603 organizations that were issued certificates remitted the sum of N89.45 billion into the RSAs of 272,974 employees. The Commission has a transparent, efficient and effective process that ensures timely issuance of Certificates to qualified applicants. The Commission is on the verge of automating the process of issuing Pension Clearance Certificate.
Compliance Monitoring through onsite inspection of employers: The Commission has continued to monitor compliance with the PRA 2014 by private sector employers through the Risk Management andAnalysis System (RMAS) as well as through complaints received from employees. Defaulting employers are engaged in line with the Regime of Sanctions and On-site Inspection by the Commission. The engagements are aimed at ensuring that employees opened RSAs and pension contributions (plus penalty) are remitted to the RSAs. In that regard, the Commission had engaged 1,490 private sector employers. These efforts have proven very useful in ensuring private sector compliance with the PRA 2014 as most of the affected organizations have provided evidences of remitting pension contributions to their employees’ RSAs. Public Awareness and Engagement: The commission has continued to engage in sensitization workshops on the workings of the CPS for the Organized Private Sectors. In this regard, several interactive sessions on the Scheme have been held with the private sector employers. The sessions have been very useful in providing a platform for the Commission to enlighten private sector, address their concerns/fears and obtain useful feedback that would improve compliance. Collaboration with Social Partners and Relevant Stakeholders: The commission has been engaging and collaborating with Social Partners like the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Union of Pensioners etc. The interactive sessions, provides the platforms for the Commission to interact with critical stakeholders in the OPS on the implementation of the Scheme. Also, the sessions provide opportunity for the Commission to keep stakeholders abreast of developments, address concerns, clarify issues and discuss the expectations of contributors, with a view to improving compliance with the provisions of the PRA 2014. The interactions further allay the fears of contributors about the Scheme. In addition, the commission obtained useful feedbacks from the OPS on the implementation of the CPS through the sessions. Meanwhile, the commission has a fully functional complaints monitoring and resolution team which attends to complaints on non/late/
In the light of the challenges of the Defined Benefits Scheme, the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004 was enacted. TheAct established the National Pension Commission to ensure proper supervision and regulation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and the Defined Benefits Scheme as well as the administrative structures established pursuant to its provisions. The main objective of the reform is to ensure prompt payment of retirement and terminal benefits. Though the CPS has been largely successful since its introduction fifteen years ago, there are some challenges that the commission is constantly seeking ways to address. Notable amongst these challenges are; inadequate enlightenment on the CPS; delay in payment to Federal Government retirees; database and technology issues (multiple PINs); inadequate retirement and financial planning, low public awareness; low compliance by state governments and delay/non-remittance of contributions by the private sector. At the centre of the challenges in the implementation of the CPS is the low level of public awareness and knowledge on the workings and benefits of the CPS. The commission, in collaboration with other critical stakeholders such as the organized labour unions continue to make spirited efforts to enlighten the general public on the tenets of the CPS. It might interest you to note that the commission, through various platforms such as the conventional and social media, continues to educate the public while at the same time respond positively to requests from various organisations for enlightenment session on the CPS. Delays in payment of pension benefits to FGN retirees owing to budgetary inadequacies is another onerous challenge bedevilling the smooth implementation of the CPS. The Commission has been engaging all relevant stakeholders with a view to ensuring adequate budgetary provisions and timely release of funds so as to reduce the backlog of outstanding accrued rights. These efforts have resulted in significant improvement in the funds released over the past year. It is expected that with the renewed commitment of the Federal Government to defray these liabilities, more timely payments will be achieved. The issue of multiple registration has also been a challenge under the CPS. The Commission has however, deployed the Enhanced Contributor Registration System (ECRS) to address the deficiencies of the Contributor Registration System. The ECRS is an electronic platform for the submission of requests by Pension FundAdministrators (PFAs) for the registration of contributors and issuance of Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). It provides a more dynamic and user friendly interface and has also been integrated with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for authentication of the uniqueness of individuals seeking to register under the CPS. The deployment of the ECRS will greatly enhance the integrity of contributors’ data and also provide a platform for the Registration of Micro Pension Plan Participants and Cross Border individuals. Ultimately, it would facilitate the opening of the transfer window which would enable contributors to move their RSAs from their current PFA to another, should they desire such transfer.
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Ëš
R-L: MD, Fina Trust MicroďŹ nance Bank Ltd, Mr. Deji Popoola; Chairman of the bank, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC, Mr. Ishara Nanayakkara; and Country Director, LOLC Group, Mr. Ashan Nissanka, during the exchange of agreement documents at the foreign investment / equity closing ceremony between Fina Trust MicroďŹ nance Bank and LOLC Group of Sri Lanka, in Lagos...recently
Blazing the Trail with )', LQ 0LFURÀQDQFH Bank Recapitalisation Microfinance banks operating in Nigeria have until April 1, 2020 to recapitalise either by raising fresh capital or merger with other willing operators in the industry to be able to continue to do business according to a directive issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. One of the banks, Fina Trust Microfinance Bank, has blazed the trail with its partnership with Sri Lanka’s LOLC, one of Asia’s best, to raise the required capital, reports Bamidele Famoofo
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ometime in 2019, the CBN through a circular, announced a new capital structure for microfinance banks, whichcutsacrossallcategories.The increase ranged from 150 and 900 per cent. According to the CBN, the unit banks will need not less than N200million to continue to operate, while State MFBs will now require N1billion instead of the N100million current capital base. Also for any of the two categories to upgrade to a national player, it will need to raise its capital base to N5billion. At the moment it requires only N2billion to run a national MFB in Nigeria. In a circular to all MfBs signed by Director, Financial Policy and Regulation department, CBN, Mr. Kevin Amugo, the apex bank stated that the capital requirement of the MfBs was raised in order to curb the challenges of capital inadequacy facing the sector, while repositioning it to meet critical targets in the microfinance policy. The apex bank said it has reviewed the state of health of the sub-sector and is of the view that the MfBs, as presently constituted, would be unable to meet the critical targets set out in the microfinance policy, hence the need for specific reforms to strengthen the subsector and reposition the institutions towards improved performance. The new minimum capital requirement takes immediate effect for new applications while existing MfBs shall be required fully to comply with effect from April 1, 2020. It would be recalled that the state of health
of micro finance banks has been a major worry for the CBN and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Specifically in September 2018, the CBN said it would revoke 154 microfinance banks’ license over insolvency issues. The apex bank claimed that 62 of the microfinance banks had already closed shop; 74 insolvent; and 12 terminally distressed; while six voluntarily liquidated. The NDIC said it has previously paid billions of naira to depositors in failed micro finance banks. For instance, in 2016, the NDIC said it had paid N2.9 billion to 81,328 insured depositors of failed MfBs across the country as at December 2015. It said a total of 187 MfBs, whose licences were withdrawn by CBN were closed within the same financial year. Also, at the end of September 2017, the corporation claimed to have paid a cumulative sum of N2.88 billion to 525, 009 depositors of closed MfBs. Fina Trust Blazes the Trail Fina Trust Microfinance Bank Limited last week signed a deal with Sri Lanka’s most vibrant Microfinance Bank (LOLC), ahead of the April 2020 deadline issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria for Microfinance Banks to raise enough cash to boost their capital base for them to remain in business. Fina Trust told THISDAY that the LOLC Group from Sri Lanka injected about N2billion in equity into the bank, which operates statewide in Lagos. The MfB is one of the leading state microfinance
banks in Nigeria with head office on Toyin Street, Ikeja and branches in Agege and Ikorodu, serving the needs of micro and SME clients in its market. “By this investment, Fina Trust Microfinance Bank is adequately capitalised to meet the new capital requirement regulation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), ahead of the April 2020 deadline and arguably the most capitalised of the MfBs,� a source revealed. The Country Director of LOLC Group, a foremost Asian micro finance and leasing trailblazer, Mr. Ashan Nissanka, said the group was excited to invest in Nigeria as the investment was an access into sub-Saharan Africa through the largest market in the region. LOLC Group has presence in more than 15 countries across Asia, MENA region. As part of the investment, LOLC Group is supporting the bank with strong micro finance skills and expertise that have been tested in the Asian market. Managing Director/CEO of Fina Trust Microfinance Bank, Mr. Deji Popoola, noted the investment came with a competitive edge for the bank through a funding cost efficiency, competitive process, system and technology, as well as innovative microfinance product offering. Popoola was particularly appreciative of the LOLC family and the advisers who birthed the transaction. The advisers to the transaction include Nolton Bravos/Sthenic Finance, Suits & Advisors, Banwo & Ighodalo and G. Elias & Co. Chairman of Fina Trust, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, explained LOLC came into the equation as partners when the bank, which had been in business for
10 years, reached the limit of the capital invested because of Nigeria’s huge market. According to him, the bank needed a partner in LOLC to achieve three things. “First is to bring in a bit more money to grow and expand the business to national level which was our target from the beginning. The second thing is that we need a bit more of technology and expertise and the third thing is for them to share with us the experiences they have had on other continents. Those were very critical points for us looking for a partner. We were not just looking for the money but we wanted people who would bring in technology, expertise and experience that will help us grow the business together across Africa.� Ighodalo confirmed LOLC ticked all of the three boxes. “They brought in some capital, a little of which we will use to buy off some existing shareholders of the bank but most of it would be used to grow the business. It will help establish our foot prints across Africa after rising to a status national microfinance bank in Nigeria.� Nothing that, “LOLC has done this successfully in some other countries of the world, the chairman said, “We don’t need to reinvent the wheels since they already have the technology, processes and expertise that made them successful in countries like Sri Lanka, Cambodia, India, Myanmar and the other places where they are operating.� “What is very important to us is that like us, they are willing to grow and develop institutions, making sure we transit small players hopefully into big players. Our principle here is to grow small businesses that will in turn grow the economy,� he added. Operational Structure From inception, the plan of the CBN is to encourage the private sector to establish microfinance banks that are well-capitalised, technically sound, and oriented towards lending, based on the cash flow and character of clients. The banks were in two broad categories namely, unit and state microfinance banks. MFBs licensed to operate as a unit bank (a.k.a. community banks) MFBs licensed to operate as unit banks are allowed to operate as community- based banks. The unit banks operate branches and/ or cash centres subject to meeting the prescribed prudential requirements and availability of free funds for opening branches/cash centres. The minimum paid-up capital for this category of banks was N20.0 million for each branch. On the other hand, MFBs licensed to operate in a state is authorised to operate in all parts of the state with a minimum paid-up capital of N1.0billion. “The recognition of these two categories of banks does not preclude them from aspiring to having a national coverage, subject to their meeting the prudential requirements. This is to ensure an orderly spread and coverage of the market and to avoid, in particular, concentration in areas already having large numbers of financial institutions�, the CBN disclosed. Also an existing NGO, which intends to operate an MfB can either incorporate a subsidiary MfB, while still carrying out its NGO operations, or fully convert into an MfB. As at September 30, 2018, there are 882 licensed microfinance banks operating in Nigeria, according to information made available by the CBN. Analysts Speak Given the developing worrisome trend in the microfinance industry in Nigeria, experts are of the opinion that micro finance banks needs to be strengthened to be able to contribute their quota in the economy as small depositors who are mostly customers to micro finance banks are losing money. Experts also said the corporate governance architecture of the micro finance banks must be strengthened in addition to the minimum capital raise. “With sufficient capital, these microfinance banks will be in a stronger position to engage competent staff and invest in the right technology. The development will also enhance their corporate governance. This CBN directive will no doubt sanitise the microfinance sector and further stabilise the financial system,� an expert said. He noted that “the reality is that many of the unit microfinance banks in particular with a minimum capital base of N20 million are financially sick with very high non-performing loans. The weak capital base hinders their ability to engage professionals in their operations as well as put proper risk management framework in place. Little wonder many of them are closing shop and their licenses being withdrawn by the CBN.� Managing Partner at Trispeed Consulting, Mr. Rislanudeen Muhammad, acknowledged that a good number of the micro finance banks had weak capital due to years of high non- performing loans, adding that a strong capital base was important to enable them remain on sound health and also have capacity to perform their financial intermediary services.
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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťËœ ͺ͸͚Î
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Border Closure: Answering the Tariff Question Aside the impact on food inflation, the continued closure of Nigeria’s land borders goes against the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) free movement between member countries and questions the government’s commitment to the AFCFTA free-trade agreement, which it reluctantly signed up to in July this year. The government may also do well to review the prohibitive tariffs that fuel smuggling, writes Eromosele Abiodun
O
ver two months ago, precisely on August 19, 2019, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) announced that it will, in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) otherArmed Forces as well as othersecurityandintelligenceagenciesbeconducting a joint border security exercise, codenamed, “EXSWIFT RESPONSE.� Customs Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah, who made this known in a statement stated that the exercise was part of measures to secure Nigeria’s land and maritime borders. The joint exercise, he stated, was being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and will take place in 4 geopolitical zones, namely; South-South, South-West, North-Central and NorthWest. According to him, “It is expected that the exercise will promote interagency cooperation and increase preparedness to address trans-border security challenges such as terrorism, armed banditry, smuggling, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, amongst others. “The exercise will also involve the movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment within the affected parts of the country. Therefore, we call on members of the public not to panic and should continue to engage in their normal duties. The overall objective is to ensure a peaceful and secured country in the interest of our National Security.� However, things took a different twist a day or two after the customs announcement when President Buhari in faraway Japan during the 7th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD7), announced to the world that contrary to what the customs claimed, the borders were closed because of rice smuggling. Meanwhile, neither Buhari nor the NCS has said when the borders will be re-opened. Unanswered Questions This has led to many questions been asked in many quarters as to what the government want to achieve with the exercise given that if the border is re-opened today smuggling will continue even on a higher scale. Stakeholders have therefore stressed that rather than close the border indefinitely, the government should remove the incentives that encourage smuggling. Experts have argued at several forum that government was encouraging smuggling with its prohibitive tariffs. It is not only rice that attracts crazy tariff, Nigeria’s automotive policy has the unenviable record of some of the highest tariff anywhere in the world. The same thing goes for Nigerian ship-owners. The President of Nigerian Ship-owners Association (NISA), Mallam Aminu Umar, told THISDAY last week that Nigeria’s flag administration do not exist because of the federal government punitive tariffs. According to him, “You cannot buy a vessel and flag it Nigeria because the government will go after you with all manner of tariffs. It may interest you to know that foreign vessels don’t pay these charges. So why will anyone think of carrying the Nigerian flag? It will also interest you to know that 80 per cent of the cargoes in West African ports are Nigerian cargoes. But shippers prefer to do transshipment because the government policy is such that you are charged a huge tariff when the cargoes come first to Nigeria.� An auto dealer also told THISDAY recently that car smuggling was lucrative because of the tariff imposed on car importation. Specifically, he said, “To clear a Land Cruiser today, you need N15 million, a Prado, N16 million and a G-wagon N21 million. Where in the world do you impose 75 per cent tariff on cars imported into your country when your next door neighbor has tariff of about 7 per cent.� It is not just consumers that are suffering the high tariff of rice. Terminal operators are the worst hit. When the ports were concessioned in 2006, the government factored rice, cement and sugar into the charges to be paid by the concessionaires. But since the policy of ban on importation of cement, sugar and rice, items which forms bulk of cargos that come to the terminals, they are required to stick with the initial agreement. The issue of rice that the president said led to the border being shut did not start yesterday. It has been a thorny matter that was allowed to fester until it got out of hands. Like the auto, cement and others, Nigeria has the highest tariff on rice importation anywhere in the world. As a matter of fact, rice importation through the land
Seme border
borders is prohibited. As against what was obtainable in the past, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) no longer issue Form ‘M’ for rice importation as rice is among the 41 items that cannot access forex through the official window. To encourage local production, the government imposed 100 per cent tariff on rice imported into the country, this is what the smugglers are taking advantage of. In 2014, the government of Benin lowered its tariff on rice imports from 35 per cent to 7 per cent while Cameroon imposed zero tariff on rice imports from 10 per cent initially. Experts have also argued that the border closure goes against the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) free movement between member countries. The federal government’s action experts say questions its commitment to the AfCFTA free-trade agreement, which it reluctantly signed up to in July this year. Jibia Border Question Meanwhile, despite the closure of Nigerian land borders by the federal government in the last three months, smuggling still persists at the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic, THISDAY investigation has revealed. THISDAY gathered that at the border between Jibia in Katsina State and Niger Republic, smugglers have resorted to the use of illegal routes to ferry in bags of foreign rice, bales of second-hand clothing and other contrabands. But the NCS has dismissed the observation, calling for either a photograph or video evidence to prove the allegation. NCS also said it would be impossible for smugglers to operate at any of the country’s borders. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Customs Service, Joseph Attah, said it would be impossible for smugglers to move around easily in any Nigerian border because of the security presence at the borders. He said officers manning the borders were drawn from security services, which include the police, air force, army, Customs and the Department of State Services (DSS). Investigation revealed that while strict compliance appears to reign at the main border post between the two countries, illegal businesses still thrived at some bush paths and sundry illegal entry points where unscrupulous security operatives, work hand-in-glove with smugglers to smuggle contraband goods into the country But when THISDAY visited the border town of Jibia, it was observed that there were some illegal routes that commercial drivers and motorcyclists
were using to transport goods and passengers into the country.It was gathered that rice smugglers were also taking advantage of the lax security to bring their wares into the country, but at much higher price than before. Some of the illegal routes the smugglers used to ferry in the contrabands from Niger Republic to Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State include Sabon Gari, Dan-Harau, Alele, Makada and Maidabaro roads despite heavy security at the borders. The smugglers, it was learnt, go through the laborious route of offloading the contrabands few meters away from the official border security post and use J-5 buses, Gulf 4 and 5 vehicles and motorcycles to ferry the items from their hideouts into Jibia for onward transportation to their warehouses in Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara, Jigawa States and some other parts of the country. Residents of the border town told THISDAY that the smugglers were being aided by security personnel, including soldiers, policemen, Customs and immigration officials, who allegedly collected money from the smugglers to allow them a free passage at the 13 checkpoints between Jibia and Katsina metropolis. A motorcyclist involved in smuggling, who pleaded anonymity, told THISDAY that those of them engaged in the business understood the risks and dangers involved, but affirmed that they would not encounter any problem unless they refused to cooperate with security operatives at the checkpoints. “Unless one refused to pay the bribe for each category of items or when it is time for the officials to sacrifice you to prove that they are working – that is when they will arrest you in the name of smuggling,� he explained. A commercial driver simply identified as Sule, who specialised in smuggling, said business had been booming for them because they do convey a bag of rice from Maradi (Niger Republic) to Katsina at the cost of N3,000 each. “We used to charge rice merchants N3,000 for each bag of rice carried from Maradi to Katsina State. Although, we do follow bush paths and sometimes custom officers do arrest us. But once we give them some monies they allow us to pass even though some of them are very stubborn,� he stated. He, however, lamented that the border closure had contributed negatively to the socio-economic imbalance of the state and the country in general. When contacted, the NCS Commander in charge of Sector 4 Command of the National Border Drill Operation, Bashir Abubakar, said about 50 suspected smugglers had so far been apprehended and 14
trucks of contrabands intercepted. He lamented that Jibia border has always been one of their major flashpoints since the commencement of the operation two months ago because of the “mental behaviourâ€? of the inhabitants of the area. “We have seen that people of that area are not in good terms with government security agencies and it has been a history,â€? he added. On the allegation that his officers were extorting money from smugglers, Abubakar said: “I will not say yes, it is true, but at the same time I will not deny because we are all human beings and there is no Nigerian that changes name in terms of issues of integrity and character. “Think of anywhere in the world, there are bag eggs and good eggs. The same thing applies to various agencies in Nigeria – both government and private agencies, but anyone found wanting will be punished.â€? He added that lack of adequate operational vehicles and banditry has affected their ability to carry out the operation in all the villages in the state. The Sector 4 Command of the National Border Drill Operation covers Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States. Officers on the joint exercise were drawn from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Army, Nigeria Immigration Service, DSS and Nigerian Air Force. Rising Food Prices The action has resulted to a spike in food prices. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the annual consumer-inflation rate rise to 11.2 per cent in September, after falling to a 3 1/2-year low in the preceding month, food-price growth accelerated for the first time in four months, rising 1.3 per cent from August. A sample of trading activity in major market revealed that prices of some basic food items have skyrocketed, with traders and consumers complaining of limited stocks. Frozen poultry is the most affected in Lagos as a kilogramme of frozen chicken, which sold for N1,200, now costs N1,600 while a kilogramme of frozen turkey now sells at N1,700. A trader at Alaba Rago, a major market in Lagos, Tawa Ibrahim, said that the border closure was affecting his business. She said: “Lake Rice (locally produced rice) would have been a better alternative for us, but we are not getting it to buy‌ Even the volume of okra needed to feed this nation cannot be produced in Nigeria. We rely so much on Cotonou for okra. That is why its price has also shot up since the border was closed. A big basket of okra, which sold for N4,000 or N5,000, is now N8,000.â€?
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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2019 •T H I S D AY
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2019 • T H I S D AY
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 3, 2019
SUNDAYINTERVIEW Bode George
George...It’s sacrilegious to compare Tinubu to Awolowo
It is Sacrilegious to Compare BolaTinubutoObafemiAwolowo t I Don’t Trust Results That’ll Come out of Kogi, Bayelsa Elections t Judiciary’s Role in Electoral System Is Absolute Nonsense t PDP Aspirants Sell Their Tickets to Lagos ‘Emperor’ Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, former National Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and erstwhile military governor of Ondo State, spoke on some topical national concerns and the future of the country. Gboyega Akinsanmi presents the excerpts
F
or two decades in Lagos, PDP has tried unsuccessfully to wrest power from the ruling party. Why has the party always failed to win Lagos governorship elections compared to other South-West states? It is very right to find out why and how we have not been able to win Lagos State since 1999. It is due to a combination of some factors. First, it is partly our fault. Second, it is partly because the system is rotten. The procedure of electing public office holders is rotten. It needs to be completely dusted, reviewed, renewed and modernized.
Third, in a land where there is much poverty, many people have lost their souls, they look forward to hand-outs or stipends they will get from politicians because they think they must survive and their children must eat. How did Nigeria get to this level of political mess? It all started during the crisis between 1998 and 1999 in Lagos State. Who won the governorship primaries? People started saying all sorts of things. You cannot trust this aspirant. He has been with Gen. Sani Abacha. He contested under United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), Abacha’s political party. As a result, we
cannot trust him. And this man lied to the elders that he had been an agent of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) abroad. I was in the Presidential Villa. I was with Gen. Oladipupo Diya. We knew those who came and lobbied to be deputy governor during those dark times. Suddenly, they resurfaced with claims that they were the ones who fought this and who fought that. I think my memoir will be quite rich, to tell the truth. I am saying all this because it is not unconnected to the same question you first asked. He emerged with the belief that this was a genuine man as against ‘Omoluabi of Lagos’. The first thing they
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 3, 2019
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SUNDAY INTERVIEW
t 8& /&&% 50 4$3"1 */&$ t did in their first term was to set up a company called Alpha Beta. In the history of any civilized country, it had never happened that a consultant will collect taxes on behalf of the government. Nowhere in the world had this happened. These people are still alive. But the younger generation must read about this. Do you subscribe to Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe’s statement that Bola Tinubu has achieved more than Obafemi Awolowo? It is absolutely sacrilegious to compare Pa Obafemi Awolowo to Bola Tinubu. It is an infamy. How do you compare a Volkswagen to a Mercedes? Is it because he wants to praise-sing? Then, he is not a Christian. Even in Pa Awolowo’s times, he did not have a company collecting revenues for him. They started it. That is the source of their wealth. Think of 10 percent of the collection. Lagos collects between N30 billion and N40 billion every month. He takes 10 percent of that. I am generating this story because the man, who was managing the company, broke it. The man said they owed him N45 billion. If they owed the managing director N45 billion, what about the executive chairman? Let us look at the record of Pa Awolowo’s performance briefly. He governed the Western Region from Ibadan as the headquarters. The territory Pa Awolowo governed comprised Ajegunle the boundary, the whole of FESTAC, the whole of Badagry, the whole of Alimosho, the whole of Mushin, the whole of Ibeju-Lekki, the whole of Ikorodu and the whole of Epe. In Lagos, Fadeyi was the end of the Western Region that Pa Awolowo governed. The region also covered Warri, some parts of Bayelsa, Oke Ogun in Oyo State and many places. Pa Awolowo was the premier over all these places then. Think of his achievements. Think of his commitment. Think of his civilized approach to governance. I have been on both sides. When I sit down and look at some issues sometimes, I tell myself that it is a pity that I did not meet Pa Awolowo. It is like I am reading about someone from another planet. When I became the military governor of Ondo State, I ordered (for) all books written by Pa Awolowo. I read them all. That is why I encouraged all governors, who want to succeed to read Pa Awolowo’s ‘Procedures of Managing Government’. If they follow it, they can never fail. That was the kind of concept I brought. They were committed. They were candid. Of course, they made their mistakes because they were human. But when you compare their output to failure, they scored Grade A. Lagos is just a subset of the region Pa Awolowo governed. How does Nigeria fix the process of electing political office holders? The democratic procedure of electing our lawmakers, our governors and our senators is unimaginable. In every aspect of it, the procedure is flawed. That is why some political leaders have capitalized on the weak system to perpetually oil those who are in charge. The first time I went to my polling unit and voted, after voting at the polling unit, they would announce the results. Before they got to the collation centre, they had added seven in the front of the number. Why should we have a system whereby human beings will be the one collating election results? This is the 21st century. People were physically carrying results. I am an electrical engineer. I am also a technologist. Some people say we do not have technology in this country. Who says that? If somebody removes money from your account, you get an alert. If somebody deposits money in your account, you get an alert. Is that not data processing? Why is it possible in developed countries? And these people claim they have no server. I am talking about the ills that have become so embedded in the system. In the last elections, I do not want to excuse our party. I have mentioned a massive amount of money. I have identified corruption and flawed electoral procedures. Does it mean that the PDP has always lost governorship elections in Lagos because of the flawed electoral procedure? Not really. But it contributed to it (the failure to win governorship elections). Another challenge we have is our party members. Some will come and pretend they are party loyalists. They collect the tickets, go to the emperor and trade (the tickets) with money. It is the monetary part that concerns them rather than commitment and loyalty to their party. These are the things that I have seen in the last 20 years. It does not seem impossible because nothing has a beginning that will not have an end. And the end is coming. The last time we had an imposition and that really affected our performance in the governorship election. It was alleged that Jimi Agbaje frustrated the PDP in the last Lagos governorship election. Is it true that he sold out? As an elder, I will not comment on that. When a family has squabbles, you do not go to the marketplace to undress yourselves. Every family has squabbles. It was a party affair. At the appropriate time, we will come out with facts to prevent recurrence after post-mortem analysis. With these challenges, what are the elders doing to reposition the PDP? Let me say this: the founding fathers of the PDP came out with certain plans. If we had kept to these plans, things would not have gone this way. At the time we started, we said we would rule for 50 years (Vincent Ogbulafor, the party’s former national chairman said 60 years in 2008). But the human frailty, the greed in human beings, the lacklustre and the manipulation of the
George...It’s sacrilegious to compare Tinubu to Awolowo zoning system affected us. You are driving on the highway, then you put your gear in overdrive and cruise on. You need to be very careful because you can hit a bump or roundabout. We were cruising. We hit a tornado which was unexpected. And we were bounced out. Thank God we did not die. Now, there is a need for the leadership of the PDP to sit, do an assessment and rebuild. It is not just where we stopped. People say ‘let us go’. Nothing happened. If any company has that kind of management, it will not be long the company will pack up. This is what we have been saying. There is a need for the elders – those who have been there since 1998 and those who are currently there now – to come together and rebuild our party. PDP is still my party. It is our concern. I am not saying we have reached our El Dorado. I am not saying we continue as though nothing was wrong. A number of things were wrong with the PDP. I am suggesting the way to correct that. We must agree we have problems. In the recent time, Garba Shehu, spokesman for the President, said Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party state. I said this was a wake-up call for our party. What did he see? We must go inside and do serious talking. Otherwise, that observation will become the belief of the electorate. To what extent are the younger elements, especially the governors deviating from the norms? Are the governors rallying round one another in states the party is not in control? In my part of the world, we always use an adage to solve riddles. You saw a hunchback man carrying a load and you told the hunchback man that his load was tilting to one side. It was the load you were looking at and not the man. I will not say more than that because I still love this party and because I am an irredentist Yoruba man. I am very proud of my heritage. I am very proud of my upbringing. I will not go to the marketplace to disrobe our party. We have problems with that. I know we still have enough time to deal with our problems. That is why the party must, as a matter of urgency, call an emergency meeting of all the elders, those who are the original founding fathers and those who are still there now. Let us shut the door and talk. We have to shut the door and tell ourselves home truths. That is my take on this issue. I do not want to go out now and start talking about what is in the public. Some people got angry and left. Some came back. Some have said they would never come back. Some left because they were looking for greener pasture. The moment APC is in crisis they will opt for another party. We are not sure where we are going. But I believe if the current managers of the PDP will take to this advice, call meetings zone by zone, area by area or state by state and we talk, we will find a solution. Do you think PDP can win the forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections? I have not been directly involved. I have been getting snippets. But I am very concerned. I was told that some left the PDP. Some have come back when they found out they were moving out of the frying pan into the fire. I will be lying if I say I am directly
involved. Dickson is my genuine committee brother. I wish him well. I heard some things about what is going on there. I have tried to send people there. That is what I can do. I believe the managers of the PDP are working to calm the nerves of the aggrieved members. We cannot have an association where everything is going on well. That is why the managers of the PDP are there. I have spoken with the Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde. He is the one leading the campaign in Kogi. I have prayed for him and advised him. The APC is divided heavily in Kogi State. But remember what I told you: the procedure of electioneering in Nigeria is archaic. It is flawed. It is absolutely a sham. In India, recently, 800 million people voted. This is not the Indian population. India is the biggest democracy in the world. The number of ethnic groups in India can form Nigeria. They conducted the election and no candidate went to court. It took them two weeks to do the final collation. There was no crisis. There was no tribunal. Why is our own process different? This is where the younger generation comes in. When were in schools, computers were as big as this room. With all these new technologies, what are the problems? Why can’t we use new technologies and remove human intervention in the system of our election? That is why I do not trust those results they are going to bring. Anything manually done cannot be efficient. It cannot be correct. You will see what will happen. They will now go to the tribunal. The judge will now tell you this one won and that one lost. Then, why did you allow people to go out and vote? Let the judiciary just decide whether you are the one to be or not. Is anything wrong with the role of the judiciary in the electoral system? For me, it is absolute nonsense. Is it the judiciary that determines who won and who lost elections in this country? That is why all these people like the emperor want to have full control of who becomes this and who becomes that. Recently, I was shocked: they wanted to appoint justices into the Supreme Court. I was told Olubunmi Oyewole was nominated again to the Supreme Court. He was number 32 in Lagos State. After he did the hatchet job for Bola Tinubu, they wanted to appoint him the chief judge of Osun State with those who are senior to him. Suddenly, they manipulated the system. We wrote a petition that this would not happen. Later, they took him to the court of appeal. Now, they want to make him a justice of the Supreme Court. Why can’t they look at his antecedents? Why can’t they look at the judgment he has given before? ßHow experienced is this young man? I singled him out because I suffered under him. Facts are before him. But he manipulated them. Go and read the final judgment of the justices of the Supreme Court on my case. He manipulated the whole facts. He turned logic upside down. I am not a lawyer. But at least, I was in school. I read up to a very high level. So, those are the kinds of character we have on the bench. What are we doing in Nigeria?
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˜ ˞ NOVEMBER 3, 2019
MARKET NEWS
German Fund Acquires 39% Stake in Royal Exchange Insurance Goddy Egene
the German Government by KfW said the investment would and managed by Swiss based spur its growth by increasing Royal Exchange General impact investment manager, its underwriting capacity in the Insurance Company (REGIC) Blue Orchard Finance Limited. agriculture insurance space. Royal Exchange Plc had last Commenting on the Limited, a subsidiary of Royal Exchange Plc, has said the July disclosed the acquisition acquisition, Senior Vice-President process of the acquisition of moves by IIF and in a notification Private Equity at BlueOrchard, its 39.25 per cent equity stake to the Nigerian Stock Exchange Ernesto Costa, had said: “The by InsuResilience Investment (NSE), last Thursday, the history, team and commitment of Fund (IIF) has been concluded. company said the acquisition had REGIC to agriculture insurance The IIF was set up on behalf of been concluded. The company make it a great addition to our A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 31shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Oct-2019, unless otherwise stated.
portfolio. REGIC is uniquely resilience of small scale farmers positioned to capture the to climate change.“ opportunity presented by 30 Also commenting, Chairman million underinsured small of Royal Exchange Plc, Kenny scale farmers in Nigeria. We Odogwu, said: “REGIC has are thrilled to partner with and entered into strategic alliances support REGIC with capital, with various stakeholders in technical assistance and our the agricultural space to drive international network in the insurance within that sector of agriculture insurance space, the economy. Agriculture and with the objective to increase the retail insurance, we believe is Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors. Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return. NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.
the future of insurance and at Royal Exchange, we will continue to develop products and services to ensure that we remain relevant in this space. REGIC is determined to take advantage of growth initiatives available in the industry, while leveraging on technology to expand its revenue base and stronger bottom-line.�
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 136.37 138.71 -13.16% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 14.13% Nigeria International Debt Fund 291.60 291.60 8.12% 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 0.88 0.88 4.23% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 33.67% 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 12.22% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.40 2.43 8.08% 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 14.06 14.48 -15.28% ARM Discovery Fund 327.60 337.48 -8.14% ARM Ethical Fund 28.10 28.95 -0.48% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.74% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 91.10 91.74 -9.97% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.18% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.12 0.10 12.15% Paramount Equity Fund 11.95 12.05 1.18% Women's Investment Fund 107.27 107.99 3.61% 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 11.56% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 93.87 94.51 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 94.26 95.09 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 11.25% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.86 0.86 0.12% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.30 1.30 15.69% 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 11.79% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 11.99% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,140.35 1,148.52 14.66% 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 1,218.16 1,218.91 14.46% FBN Balanced Fund 137.47 138.33 -3.72% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.38% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 118.24 118.54 8.68% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 118.79 119.09 9.44% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 120.66 122.19 -19.56% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.80% Legacy Debt Fund 3.58 3.58 10.42% Legacy Equity Fund 1.02 1.04 -16.16% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.07 1.07 4.24% 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 2,965.53 2,994.88 -0.63% Coral Income Fund 3,043.46 3,043.46 11.05% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 12.82% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.40% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 111.71 112.10 3.70% 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 11.48% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.14 2.17 -0.69% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 14.78% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 139.65 139.78 11.75% 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 1.16 1.18 5.10% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,104.87 1,104.87 10.97% 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 1.30 1.32 5.39% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.17 12.22 8.73% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.95% PACAM Equity Fund 1.00 1.00 PACAM EuroBond Fund 101.79 103.76 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 123.25 123.90 2.12% 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 1.01 1.01 11.51% 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 2,405.25 2,416.22 3.87% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 207.63 207.63 11.57% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.83 0.84 -12.11% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 270.00 270.11 11.28% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 147.15 148.67 -9.84% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.87% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,413.73 7,492.63 -12.73% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.15 1.15 6.14% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 101.24 101.24 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.15 1.16 -0.55% United Capital Bond Fund 1.70 1.70 15.79% United Capital Equity Fund 0.66 0.68 -7.42% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.44% United Capital Eurobond Fund 110.68 110.68 8.37% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.06 5.29% 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 9.73 9.87 -13.81% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.24 11.41 -10.20% Zenith Income Fund 22.54 22.54 11.50% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.03%
REITS NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
5.40 117.80 53.38
-44.85% 6.01% 3.17%
Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
8.05 83.73 67.68
8.15 85.54 68.96
-18.86% -25.84% -21.02%
Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund 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 Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund
funds@vetiva.com Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
3.11 5.13 11.40 10.26 157.84
3.15 5.21 11.50 10.46 159.84
-22.06% -32.56% -21.85% -16.87% 18.89%
NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
108.40
17.40%
INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund
The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.
A
WEEKLY PULL-OUT
03.11.2019
Ex-Beauty Queen Shirley Alero Aghotse
My Journey From Pageantry to the Pulpit ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com
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Alero Aghotse
How l Changed From Society Girl to Jesus Girl It only took a moment for the panel of judges to be convinced. The sparkling glint in her eyes, the gait, and grace of her enchanting figure ensured that. As in telepathic communication, the judges came to the same conclusion: Shirley Alero Aghotse is Miss Tourism Nigeria. That was in 2006. Fastforward to 2019: Shirley who has been there, done that remains a remarkable figure with an intriguing life story. In this interview with Funke Olaode, Shirley reveals her reinvention from the pageantry to the pulpit
 I
It’s been 13 years since you emerged as the ďŹ rst Miss Tourism Nigeria. What was it like being a queen? t is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that thrust me into maturity faster than the average person, and a very good platform that I leveraged on.
How did affect your life? Any memorable moments? It put me in the spotlight and being in the spotlight has its advantages and disadvantages. But as a private person, I make a conscious effort to strike the balance, and I guard my private space jealously. The most memorable moments of my reign was when I cohosted the Commonwealth Tourism Ministers, with President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ambassador Franklin Ogbuewu- Minister of Tourism, and when I became fourth runner-up at Miss Tourism World. What was growing up like? I’m a daughter of Zion, passionate about winning souls for Christ, and a witness to the fact that Jesus Christ delivers people from satanic bondage. Growing up was fun, from the ancient city of Benin, to Christmas and Harmattan in Abraka, swimming in Ethiope River, pitanger fruits and the scents of queen of the night flower, to the busy, yet peaceful streets of Ibadan, to the bustling and rowdy Lagos and the phobia of using the pedestrian bridge that I am yet to overcome, to the simple and evolving Asaba town. I grew up in many towns with my loving family. Let me not bore you with the stories.
Aghotse
After your reign, nothing has been heard from you. What’s been happening? After my reign, I made a conscious effort to limit activities that might deter me from achieving my set goals, and one of them was to temporarily stop attending all the Lagos parties because I had to concentrate on the things that were most important to me. I went back to school to get a BSc (Ed) degree in
Business Education and Accounting, after which I started my ACCA. Then I went for an MSc degree in Finance and Accounting at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom which is one of the top 20 schools in the UK and top 50 in the world, my graduation ceremony is on the 10 January 2013. Furthermore, I run an NGO, a jewellery line and a company that is into construction, oil and gas, tourism and consultancy. Thus I cannot afford to be everywhere at the same time. And to God be all the glory.
You began a new life recently; from pageantry to the pulpit. How did that journey begin? It began since I was a child, but I didn’t know what it was. However, the Lord in His infinite mercy who knew me before I was formed, orchestrated my journey in a way that I fulfill a purpose. He redirected me in 2009, and I gave my life to Christ under the Leadership of Pastor Paul Adefarasin (House on the Rock Lagos), and I was called into full-time ministry in 2015. What was your biggest fear in taking that spiritual step? Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field, there was no fear except occasional self-doubt which the Holy Spirit took away. However, people around me were worried about finances, since I was called into full-time ministry, they felt my educational qualification and experience would go to waste. But Yahweh asked me to trust Him, and I do trust Him. He has never put me to shame. I’m not as rich as I used to be but richer than I have and could ever be. Besides, the secular world has a large chunk of the population, and it is only fair that few people are dedicated to Yahweh 100 percent. Becoming a minister as a young lady with opportunities can be considered a misstep. What was your family’s reaction to your new-found faith? They had a different opinion. But it is well. All is well that ends well. Considering your trajectory as a well-educated, exposed and widely
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COVER
Make-up Or Not, Holy Spirit Doesn’t Discriminat travelled ex-beauty queen, do you sometimes struggle with your inner voice? Absolutely, the flesh will always revolt, but I always remember that to be carnallyminded is enmity with God. It gets better with time.
What has changed about you since you embraced a new life? At the beginning of the ministry, the euphoria of having access to the Holy Spirit and rigour of spiritual warfare made me concentrate more on my spiritual being, and make-up was the least of my worries, and it was not a problem since I had attended Deeper Life as a child at some point. However, I realized that the Holy Spirit didn’t discriminate against anyone: make-up or no make-up when He moves during ministration. So I didn’t see moderate make-up as a sin. But He grieved me whenever I dressed inappropriately. So I am particular about what I wear. I wore make-up for the first time in four years on 21 September 2019 for the launch of my new book, Maro. I understand that my body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and I use it to glorify Him. How is it striking a balance between being a society girl and a pastor? There is really no balance to strike because I am no more a society girl. I am now a ‘Jesus girl’. In addition, the Lord is a Master planner and He knew the experience needed for the work He sent me to the earth to do, and He made sure I acquired them, just like Moses in the Bible. All things work together for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. I understand people from all strata and relate with them accordingly because of my exposure, and it helps a lot in ministry diplomacy and life in general. This also shows that the Lord can use anyone. What is the name of your ministry? Is your main calling or focus strictly ‘healing’? Grace Riches Army Ministry, our mantle is of righteousness, holiness, judgement, and Jesus is coming, focused on healing and deliverance. You also floated an NGO a long time ago. What motivated you? Rebirth Renaissance and Advancement Initiative of Nigeria (Rebirth RAIN) was floated in 2009. When I was in the university I saw how some students struggled to pay school fees, and this led some of them into ‘runs’ (prostitution), cultism, ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ and other vices, and it broke my heart. Also, an organization that awarded scholarships, were focused on brilliant students, plus the bureaucracy involved, and factors such as inability to pay school fees and hunger will always affect anyone’s grades, and this made it difficult for the average disadvantaged student to get a scholarship. In Rebirth RAIN, we award scholarships to stranded students without bureaucracy, and we conceal their identity for the sake of dignity. So it is as good as their parents paying it. And we have sponsored a number of students. Yes, it has been impactful. What’s your new book all about? What inspired you to be an author? I read and write a lot to the glory of God, just that this is the first time I am publishing. I was inspired by personal and people’s experiences. Maro is a fiction, and the story is about a young orphan that had it rough growing up with her foster grannie in Ibadan, one of the major cities in Nigeria, but she sought solace in education; her supposed one-way ticket to Utopia. She finally got into the University of Lagos after a series of obstacles which included a teenage pregnancy that almost destroyed her. The story explores the relationship she had
Aghotse
The future is in God’s hand. If Jesus tarries, we would keep winning souls for Christ all over the world and the gate of hell will not prevail against the church of Jesus Christ, and Nigeria will heal and will be celebrated by all very soon with her family, friends, neighbours, teachers, and her first love, Korede, the playboy. It is a romance story seen through the eyes of an African woman, and it brings to fore the vulnerable thin lines between love and betrayal, fate and faith, resilience and redemption.
The spiritual world is timeconsuming and taxing. What are the challenges? So, you know! Well, the battles and
challenges are the Lord’s. I am only a vessel. However, as a Prayer Warrior, I am at alert 24/7. I am always praying, I’m the lady that is always mumbling under her breath, even in the banking hall because I’m always speaking in tongues. It’s no longer a routine but a lifestyle.
You almost made the first class in Business Administration at Abraka and went on to pursue another degree in a university in the UK. Your performance was impressive that a lecturer wanted you to pursue a career back in England. You didn’t. Don’t you see this as a lost opportunity? I studied Business Education and Accounting (BSc/Ed) at Delta State University, and I have an MSc in Finance and Accounting from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom. I have acquired the knowledge and it is useful to me. However, nothing beats walking with God. For example, if you are someone that dreams by the mercy of God, and you see a masquerade pursuing you in your dream, would your certificate rescue you? The spiritual controls the physical. Jesus Christ’s covenant is the most potent, and the name of Jesus controls everything and every being, and I’m proud to be an associate. How do you sustain yourself in fulltime ministry?
Yes, it is full time. I improvise within the ambit of my calling. For example, funds derived through sales of Maro book is for Ministry and RebirthRAIN. The Lord does supply all my needs.
A new life comes with new things. Do you still relate to your friend of old? Not all of them, though they are always in my prayers, a spiritual person must understand times and seasons, there is always a season of separation when called by God, it happened to Moses, Joseph, Elijah, Apostle Paul and other apostles and prophets of old, and it is still happening. If you could change the hands of clock, what would you have done differently? Nothing happens without my FatherYahweh’s approval, however I wish I never deviated from the things of God. On a last note, what does the future hold for you? The future is in God’s hand. If Jesus tarries, we would keep winning souls for Christ all over the world and the gate of hell will not prevail against the church of Jesus Christ, and Nigeria will heal and will be celebrated by all very soon.
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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3, 2019 •T H I S D AY
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍŽÍąËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
61
HIGHLIFE
Ambode, Obasa Ti Continues
Abode
There are very many interesting things about goats. They do not make a difference between males and females when spotting excellent goalies. They are relentless, reeking busybodies. Of more concern to us is that when they eat, they eat in peace and quiet. And when they argue among themselves, quarrel or lock their horns, they bleat their throats sour. Ambode and Obasa have been making waves for a while now. Naturally, when it is the business of good honest folks, you hear nothing about it. But put affluent politicians on the very same pedestal and you have a ruckus akin to our ceremony of bleating goats. Baa baa baa tiff, have you any wool? Indeed it has. It was not much of a surprise when the quarrel between former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Nigerian lawyer, politician, member of All Progressives Congress and incumbent Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly broke into the open. Especially, this is not the first time these men are locking horns. Their bloody tiff has been festering for a long time, even during Ambode’s tenure as
governor of Lagos state. Not too long after his vacating government seat, it was alleged that Ambode Allegedly gave 500 million for some members to impeach the speaker. For those who have always wondered, here’s a paltry estimate of the cost of a Seat. Those close to the former governor denied the story, especially since Obasa got to keep his Scepter and Rod. The matter is not altogether different this time, only that the stakes are high – literally and figuratively. Recently, a Lagos High Court in Ikeja ordered the House of Assembly Speaker to appear before it in connection with the ongoing probe of procurement of 820 buses by the administration of baba Ambode. It would not be interesting if that were all. But Nigerian politics does not disappoint. The court proceedings have endeavoured to complicate the whole thing under judicial jargon but here’s the gist: whatever was procured was clearly captured within the Appropriation Act of 2018 and even approved by the same House. In fact, Ambode maintained that the same lawyers who now accuse him of procuring the said buses outside the budget approved it in the first place. The dance goes on.
Mr. Money Kunle Soname Stages Lavish 90th Birthday for Mom
T
he life of a man is a congregation of everything that he has been through and all he has to show for it. But more than all that, the things he values give a pretty intimate representation of who he is and can be. Although he needs no introduction – you will see why much later – we welcome Kunle Soname. There are men of weight and substance who are Nigerians, but quite a few have managed to crawl into the hearts and homes of Nigerian youths and not be politicians. Although Ogbeni Soname is a suspiciously closet politician, he was already astride our hearts before he caught inuenza politica. For those outside the pool, Soname is the owner of Bet9ja, the leading digital sports betting company that gives sports lovers in Nigeria the opportunity to place bets on various games and stand a chance to win cash if the bet is successful, and the misfortune of losing cash when it isn’t. For all those Ijebus who have wondered where their capitals went... Kunle Soname is also a popular guy outside lotto and sports betting. He has been recognized as the first Nigerian national to own a foreign club
- a second division Portuguese football club side called Clube Desportivo Feirense, which he acquired in 2016 and owns a whopping 70 percent. Of course, Soname does not stop there. His illustrious company, Bet9ja was the sponsor of the just concluded Big Brother Naija, a show that is rumored to have garnered the owl attention of more than 100 million Nigerians. Compare this with the last presidential elections and see how inuential this man is. Most recently though, Soname proved to all that money was made to be spent much the same way as loving parents are meant to be celebrated. It was the 90th birthday of his mother, Madam Rachel Abisola Soname. 90 years is a long, long time. And so our guy invited fellow movers and shakers to the ceremony. The event which took place at Obafemi Awolowo Recreation Centre is a launching pad experience for whoever wishes to attain the height of wealth. With personalities such as King of the World Beat, King Sunny Ade gracing the ceremony, what’s not to like? If Mama is not tired, may she live even longer.
Soname
Not yet Uhuru for Stella Oduah
Oduah
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How Celebrities Abandon Mompha, Instagram Money Man Success has been likened to many things. It has been called a flame that attracts the attention of moths. It has been called the house at the edge of a valley whose prerogative is simply to gravitate everything else towards itself. The verity in these imaginative metaphors is being proven on a regular basis, sometimes in families where breadwinners lose a source of living and in the same breath their source of love. Whenever success leaves, it leaves emptiness behind that brooks little or no admiration for old lovers and friends. Just ask Mompha. Reality has hit the ground running in the case of renowned social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, who is otherwise known as Mompha. Recently, this Instagram money man was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged involvement in internet-related fraud and money laundering. The Dubai-based attention-magnet was detained on his way back to the Dubai Emirates. One wonders why they did not apprehend him when he was resting in some lavish home, as is his custom. In any case, the EFCC tweeted that Mompha allegedly perpetrates his fraudulent activities under the guise of being a bureau de change operator and is always seen with his little son flaunting huge amounts of foreign currencies on his social media platforms. There is something to be said for his excellent skills of parenting here. As expected, there were mixed feelings from Nigerians over this arrest. Over time, Mompha who has “never been caught on camera unfreshâ€? has garnered quite a following and some of these were quite outspoken in their support for him. His wealth is nothing out of the ordinary, they claim; so what if he was caught with five wristwatches with a total worth of over N20 million? Other Nigerians were not so liberal in their assessment of the whole wahala. Some were insistent that justice be done for Mompha and his ilk, if it may be that others learn from this mess and stick to legit hard work and less soft work. Righteous anger or righteous jealousy, we may yet ďŹ nd out. However, the Nigerians we are most concerned about are the high-iers. Unfortunately, many of these – including the lovely Nollywood sensation, Iyabo Ojo – have abandoned our resident Instagram Blinger, going so far as to delete his pictures on Instagram. Not even Jaruma – who got a â‚Ś3 million PUSH gift from Mompha has commented on his arrest. Silence everywhere. And so the wind has blown, and the posterior is exposed; where are the splashy rus that once crowded it?
Mompha
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍŽÍąËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651
Kunle Soname Celebrates Mother at 90 Kunle Soname, the owner of Bet9ja, a leading online sport-betting platform, is one of the few businessmen in the country who have enjoyed immense blessings from their Creator. But if you ask him to talk about the two most important people in his life, he will, with great relish, mention his mother and wife. Little wonder, he is ever ready to go to any length to celebrate them. Last week, the highly connected man threw an elaborate party in honour of his mother, Madam Racheal Abisola Soname, JP, who glided to the club of nonagenarians at the ancient city of IkenneRemo, Ogun State. The birthday shindig, it was gathered, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Recreational Centre, Ikenne, with ace Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade (KSA) and Queen Ayo Balogun on the bandstands. The party was attended by top politicians, highflying businessmen, and businesswomen as well as eminent personalities across the country.
Billionaire Femi Otedola Adds Another Year If it is possible for you to secure, for instance, a five-minute interview appointment with his aged mother, you will definitely be regaled with very interesting tales about the circumstances surrounding his conception and birth, among other riveting narratives. The encounter with Otedola’s mom will further delight your audience if she offers you, with the benefit of hindsight, the untold story of why she and her late husband, Pa Michael Otedola, a former governor of Lagos, preferred to name him Oluwafemi, which literally means ‘God loves me’. More than five decades after Femi Otedola’s, there is enough proof that he is truly living up to the description of his first name, typical of one whom God has continually lavished favour on. Indeed, his paths in life have been laced with roses. First, as a husband, his wife cannot wish for a better lover, soul mate. Also, as a father, he is wonderful. He has been able to raise his children in such a way that they give him the utmost joy today. Even in his business, his competitors agree that he is blessed with the Midas touch! A well-loved man, Otedola is
acknowledged as one of the few billionaires who give back to society as a priority. He is generous to a fault. So, whenever his birthday is approaching, his family, friends, and others who have benefitted from his large-heartedness and benevolence always see the day as another golden opportunity to celebrate him. The eulogies, no doubt, usually come in torrents. Society Watch gathered that they often do this out of deep respect for the man with the very creative moniker, Ote$. Surprisingly, however, as he turns a year older tomorrow, Otedola does not seem to see the day as significantly different from the others. Reason: he owes his Creator praise and thanks every day for His abundant blessings in his life. So, is that what he will spend the whole of tomorrow doing? Maybe, especially because if he had his way, the day would have gone unannounced. That his essential Otedola! Earlier in life, he craved success and worked very hard to be successful. His life is a challenge to those who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth but abused the privilege due to a lack of discipline.
Otedola
Is Godswill Akpabio Out To Undermine President Buhari?
Akpabio
Is Godswill Akpabio out to undermine the authorities of his current political benefactor, President Muhammadu Buhari? How can a man who’s being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission now become a champion of anti-corruption crusade? During his eight-year reign in Akwa Ibom State, the former governor had a field day doing as he liked. He monkeyed around and the citizens he superintended over could only grumble in whimpers. Let’s get back to the questions raised at the outset. Here’s providing some background: President Buhari in August announced the appointment of the Board of NDDC with Chief Bernard Okumagba as managing director and Chief Odubu as the chairman subject to senate clearance.
On October 29, the names of the newly appointed board members were forwarded to the senate for clearance in a week’s time. However, on that same day to the utter consternation of Nigerians, Akpabio ran to ChannelsTV and announced the appointment of a threeman NDDC interim management committee led by one Mrs. Joy Ghene Nuieh as the acting managing director. What’s Akpabio’s agenda in setting up the interim management committee? How can an interim management committee be set up when the senate just cleared the board members ready for an inauguration? What would the interim management committee achieve within one week? Concerned Niger Deltans are at the moment very angry with Akpabio, a man infamous for his selfaggrandizement.
Osun Former Deputy Speaker Akintunde Adegboye Rejoices For the immediate past Deputy Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Akintunde Adegboye, it was no doubt prayers answered when he turned 60 on October 19. The celebration of the attainment of the diamond age of Adegboye, an engineer, lawyer, and journalist, began with a prayer on Friday, October 18, at the Osogbo Central Mosque, Ososgbo, Osun State. The imam, it was gathered, eulogized the celebrator whom he described as a man who lives his life in service of Soname
humanity. He was also described as an honest lover of his people. The respected politician also used the occasion to present certificates to some indigenes who had completed the computer training organized by him. As part of the birthday activities, he also visited some motherless babies’ homes, where he gave the babies some gift items. The birthday shindig was rounded off with a reception, where a popular musician, Gbenga Falope, entertained the guests.
In attendance were the Governor of the State of Osun, Gboyega Oyetola and his amiable wife, Kafayat; a former Deputy Governor of the State, Otunba Titi Laoye Tomori; Speaker of the State House of Assembly; Rt.Hon.Timothy Owoeye; a former Speaker, Rt.Hon. Najeem Salaam. Others were the state APC Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun; Elder Lowo Adebiyi; Alh. Olatunde Badmus; Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi, and Orangun of OkeIla, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍŽÍąËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
SOCIETY WATCH
Folorunsho Alakija’s Religious Fervour If there is anyone who believes so much in the words of Harry Golden that “The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work�, it is no other than Africa’s richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija. Indeed, if you have a chance encounter with her and you tell her she has got to this enviable position in life, based on luck, she will most probably shake her head vigorously and declare that it is all due to hard work and above all absolute grace of God. In recognition of her own “unmerited favour� the billionaire has taken her religious fervour far above any other thing in her life. While many of her peers care less about worshipping their creator, Alakija has now founded a ministry named Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International. During a three-day national crusade held at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos between October 24 and 26, not a few were amazed seeing her preaching the word of God and winning more souls to the vineyard of God. She tells anyone who cares to know that it is her own way of appreciating God for all He has done for her, especially when you consider the fact that she had her own fair share of life’s vicissitudes.
Alakija
Again, Gibraltar Boss, Olu Okeowo Shines On Saturday, October 26, the University of Lagos Alumni Association held its 50th Gala Night at the highbrow Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, amidst pomp and circumstance. The highlight of the colourful event was the recognition and honour of a few individuals who have contributed immensely to the uplift of the university in the past years. Among the dignitaries who were specially awarded the 2019 University of Lagos Distinguished Alumni Awards was property merchant, Sir Olu Okeowo. The Gibraltar Construction Company boss, while receiving the award, reiterated his commitment to continue to positively impact his immediate environment.
It will be recalled that the billionaire property mogul once donated a multimillion-naira building named after him to the Physiotherapist Department of the University of Lagos College of Medicine, Idi Araba, Lagos, making him one of the biggest donors in the annals of the college. He is not new to such honours, as he had also been awarded an honorary Doctorate degree of Science (Honoris Causa) by the Wesley University, Ondo, Ondo State during its eighth graduation and convocation ceremony. No doubt, the Knight of John Wesley Church seems to believe so much in the words of an English writer, John Bunyan, who said: “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.� Okeowo
Serial Contender, Owolabi Salis Fakunmoju’s Bloated Ego Owolabi Salis Fakunmoju is well recognized as a successful immigration lawyer in New York City, United States of America. Without a doubt, the Lagos Stateborn legal practitioner is brilliant, a situation that accounts for the volume of briefs he handles at his chambers in Brooklyn. It is also a fact that he has done well for himself by providing legal advice and representation for many in the busy city of New York. However, in spite of his great achievements in life, Fakos, as he is widely known, has never hidden the fact that his greatest ambition is to someday become the number citizen of his state. He doesn’t mouth this alone. How? It all began in 2007 when he threw his hat into the ring under the umbrella of the Action Party of Nigeria for the number job of the state. He had then contested against the likes of Babatunde Fashola, and Musiiliu Obanikoro, among others. A political tyro, he lost in the bid to govern the state then. Following his loss, he ran back to his US base to lick his wounds. But like a stubborn hopeful, he returned in 2011 when he contested for a seat in the Senate. Sadly, it turned out an effort in futility. Just when many had thought that he had learnt his lessons, the legal practitioner, again, ran for governor on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN. It was another unsuccessful attempt. Goaded by what some people have described as a bloated ego, he came back in the last governorship election under the umbrella of Action for Democracy. But his balloon of hope was deflated. Following his loss, he approached the election petition tribunal to challenge the victory of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu. But in the views of political observers, Fakunmoju, who is now described as a serial contestant, should have realized that “his time is not yet ripe to govern the state�.
Siju Iluyomade’s Undying Passion for Humanity
Iluyomade
Again, beautiful Siju Iluyomade, a lawyer, preacher and public speaker, has proved her mettle as a great builder of the
nation. The unrepentant philanthropist has also continued to wow with her capacity to galvanize women to come out of their cocoons and develop their full potentialities as nation builders. In line with her avowed commitment to the cause of the womenfolk and nationbuilding, Iluyomade launched a movement, Arise Women Conference, many years ago. Like in the previous years, Iluyomade, using this platform, made a big statement with this year’s edition tagged, ‘Arise and Bloom’, where she brought together top female personalities from all strata of life at the auditorium of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, City Of David Parish, Oniru, Lekki, Lagos. The well-attended conference hosted by popular Actress, Kemi Akindoju, featured singer Teni Akpata and a worship session by gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey. Through their oratorical powers, a number of speakers including the Chairman of First Bank Plc, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; Mrs. Olufunke Adetuberu, Founder, Mending Lives Foundation, and Mrs. Omolara
Omolewa Ahmed, urged the women to bloom and show the world their potentialities as nation builders. Other attendants were Dr. Stella Okoli, Managing Director, Emzor Pharma Ltd; Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady, Lagos State; Bamidele Abiodun , First Lady, Ogun State; Mero Almakura representing First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari; Dame Abimbola Fashola, former First Lady, Lagos State; Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister Of Women Affairs; Erelu Bisi Fayemi, First Lady Ekiti State; Besty Obaseki, First Lady, Edo State; Olufolake Abdulrazak, First Lady, Kwara State; Deaconess Martha Udom Emmanuel, First Lady, Akwa Ibom State; Sarah Adebisi Sosan, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State; Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire and Funmi Tejuosho, former Lagos lawmaker. Those close to her can confirm that she lives her life for others. She is regarded as a voice and a campaigner for the improvement and empowerment of women, using her Arise Women Conference.
Salis
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ÍŽÍąËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡
LOUD WHISPERS
with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)
Lagos State House of Assembly – Hear The Bitter Truth You see the thing with this level of democracy is that, since it is almost grassroots you get some people in who do not really understand the rudiments of politics. This is not a jab but hard fact. Let me help them, in international politics at the height of the cold war, there was something they called ‘Mutual Assured Destruction’, this was the point both superpowers had reached during the arms race. The USSR and the United States had reached a point where they could both destroy not only each other but also the rest of the world. So they now decided to have a dĂŠtente and from that moment onwards they both began to stand down and tensions dropped. So my brothers in the House, let me tell you that this probe and
indeed all attempts at getting the big head of Ambode on the chopping block may lead us to that point of ‘MAD’ – I no call una mad o before they summon me and whip by craw craw filled buttocks in front of female journalists MAD was the acronym used to describe the situation at the time. So now this inordinate ambition to fulfil your campaign promises of hanging Ambode just might lead us to that position. You see already, the man is fighting back. He has gone to court and if you read his prayers, you will see that this one is not joke. Mbok, whoever send you, please go and tell them that this thing will soon become ‘mad’. The man will certainly not go down alone if he is going down at all. You cannot be shooting
arrows and not expect the man to fight back na. Shebi you have said, you do not want him again and he has gone jeje and you are still chasing him. Is he the only person to have served Lagos after all Jakande is still alive let’s also probe him na. What exactly did Ambode even do sef? Please my brothers in the House, leave this matter and let us face the real challenges that beset Lagos state. In case you have not noticed, flood is carrying our wives away o. By the time you go and take your bath in preparation for action in the other room before you jump in, you will just see your wife and your bed floating towards the Lagos lagoon. That is the real problem and not Ambode’s big head. Stand down.
SANWO-OLU – ‘PONTIUS PILATE?’ I went to Benin for my new Play Emotan for just few days and by the time I came back, gentleman governor of Lagos had been renamed. I heard that they had started calling him Pontius Pilate because as they say he was pointing too much. This is a new one o, this social media will not kill person with laughter. Just as I was getting around the thing, I started seeing new pictures claiming that the governor had stopped pointing as a result of the public outcry. He was now holding his hands close to himself. In fact in one picture you could see him hold his ‘thing’ the way footballers hold and guard theirs when they are about to defend against a free kick. Well I hope oga is taking all these with a huge sense of humour, cos it shows that Lagosians being what they are will always find a way of relieving themselves. But seriously, this is not why I came to see His Excellency on this page but to totally agree with his assertion that the prefix ‘Your Excellency’ must be earned. He has hit the nail on the head, you cannot be jumping up and down and be expecting people to be calling you Excellency when you are nothing but come and see the way they will be frowning at public functions when they are being introduced and the ‘Your Excellency’ is forgotten. They will quickly send their orderly to you to whisper in your ear that you forgot to put Your ‘Excellency’ meanwhile they have EFCC invitation letter in their pockets. Everybody na Your Excellency from those whose only claim to the title is warming the beds of His Excellency to even Agbero in the parks who have some form of authority or positioning. We are a truly lost society and only such clarity as that espoused by this gentleman can begin to assist us in finding a way out of this morass. Well done my brother, saw you the other day at Chidi Ajaere’s mother’s funeral and waved at you, you just look me commot eye. I was the one that came to carry the extra small chops on your table when I realized that you guys were not eating and as my own no belleful me
na, I ask permission to carry and you wave your hand say go ahead. Thank you for that day and God bless. DAVIDO – BE A SPORTSMAN Ok so two young misguided girls went on social media to proclaim that this superstar had impregnated one of them and must show up to take ownership. This coming just a few hours after the great man had just announced the birth of his new born baby from his latest ‘baby mama’. You see why I envy some of these young ones. They can do almost anything. If I announce new baby mama or baby, you can be sure that I would have to employ a new food taster in Shomolu. I tell you. That is why some people have learnt the ancient Ibibio act of ‘jumping out’. Let me teach you. When playing away game, even with the so-called protection, you must learn how to jump out otherwise, na you and Nnamdi Azikiwe would be discussing the way forward for Nigeria wherever he is. Kai. So as expected the video went viral and people started calling for Davido’s head. This video was easy to believe especially if you consider the track record of this don juan. People want to break his head and all hell broke loose. Thankfully, some hours later the girls came back to retract claiming it was a prank. But see my problem, some goons allegedly close to the star went in search of the girls, ‘arrested’ them and shot a video of them while in handcuffs. You see where arbitrariness is taking us in this country. You see how lawlessness cascades through all facets of society. So person crack expensive joke, say sorry and the next thing na handcuff. When I say these things people will just be shouting Edgar. We are slowly getting to a point of anarchy in this country. So because we cannot stop smuggling even with the largest Customs force in black Africa, we close borders. Banks cannot recover their loans through approved constituted judicial processes; they go through the back door by getting CBN to consider a policy that allows them to grab monies from any other account in any other bank forgetting that this goes
straight against the entrenched principles of arbitration and fair play. Young female students can’t get their lecturers dirty paws off their perky breasts and knowing that there is no justice in the structures run to BBC, a woman is raped by her pastor twenty years ago and instead of first going to the police rushes to social media and whips up a digital mob. Today, Davido instead of going through the prescribed processes to clear his name or seek justice, his boys go get handcuffs. The thing there is that we never can tell how far this arbitrariness will go or how it will end if we don’t pull back. The fact that the girls had recanted and apologized did not deter the tattooed bullies who felt they were in their right and serving their master well. Thankfully as I write, I have learnt that Davido has ordered their release and have asked them to go and sin no more. I will not say thank you to him for he should have known better. Even if we no longer have confidence in our institutions, we still should make it a point of duty to use every opportunity we have to strengthen it. Thank you.
retired such that it is army that will now be checking people’s identity cards leaving the insurgency in the North East to who? Guguru defence? You see these things can make a full-grown man cry. This is lack of direction and focus especially in the face of clear and present danger as we are seeing in the more volatile parts of the country. This is the same army that is struggling to contain all the insurgency that now wants to unleash troops on 180m people. Please na, what is really going on in this country, what is going on? When someone is still trying to be shouting, ‘I love Nigeria’ this kind of thing will now be thrown up and be frustrating the person further. So as I battle with road safety, police, customs running everywhere looking for cars to impound, guguru defence., yellow fever, Lastma, what is that Lagos state government own, the ones that wear white on black, yes VIO , I will now come and add army to that list again? Make person kuku just siddon for house and be watching TV na, because any attempt to go out might end you up in Golgotha. Nigeria we hail thee. I just tire.
NIGERIAN ARMY – ARE YOU LOSING FOCUS? First it was spiritual warfare and now it is this operation asking people to show Identification cards or whatever it is. Last night as I was driving home, tired after a long trip to Abeokuta to meet with the great Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on my upcoming play on him – Aremu, I stumbled on a soldier beating up a motorist just at the Yaba tech junction. This pained me o especially the fact that there was nothing we all could do but wait for the soldier to finish his national assignment and then we contribute money to take the poor boy to the chemist. It is this type that Buratai wants to unleash on civil society to check ID card? Mbok if this is allowed then we are in for a serious turbulence. I thank God the House of Representatives is trying to do something about it. This is my cry about strengthening our institutions. Have we disbanded the police? Have they all been
ALIKO DANGOTE – DON’T TRY IT I have just seen a video where the great Aliko says he would like to copy Bill Gates who has given out 95% of his wealth to charity. Mbok, the only advice I want to give Dangote this rainy morning is, don’t try it o, you will suffer. Don’t go and be doing copy copy with people that don’t have problem. You will just suffer. I know that talk is just talk so I will not give myself headache. A man living in this kind of jungle without the buffers and access your kind of wealth is giving you will really suffer o. You that have been used to better life will now come and be eating Agege bread? You will just purge. You will now come and leave those bulletproof jeeps and be driving Tokunbo or God forbid enter keke- Marwa? Kai, it’s LASTMA that will first make you regret the action. My brother if poverty is really hungering you, just disguise and come and spend one week with me here in Shomolu, I will
Sanwo-Olu
Dangote
Bakare
Obono-Obla
Abode
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NOVEMBER 03, 2019˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R
LOUD WHISPERS show you real poverty and what a tiny part of your wealth can do to help mankind. It is bad o my brother and for some of us, we really need people like you to remain wealthy so that you can intervene without the red tape and challenges government faces in securing the people. Anyways, if you still insist on giving out your wealth, mbok let me know the criteria and where the queue is, let me go and join fast, me I don tire. FREEZE – LEAVE ADEBOYE ALONE Ok sir, I think it is enough. You have made your point and you can’t be seriously wanting to build a career out of punching and disrespecting Pastor Adeboye. Enough is enough. Go and form your own and build it according to your own principles, I am sure all the slay queens and Dubai based miscreants you have been cavorting with, will find Christ through your preaching. Please this whole thing is getting to ridiculous proportions. Comparing Davido’s prayers with that of Adeboye in an attempt at ridiculing that one. You see, me I really do not like Pastor Adeboye and others like him because of how they run and administer that huge financial behemoth but give them some respect, they have built enduring institutions which today provide jobs, empower people and also provide some level of succor to the people. If the man is using the Bible to confuse people as you keep saying, then allow the Bible to fight na. Please concentrate on building your own. I am tired. I am not following you again, the whole thing is getting boring. Every day, if it is not Adeboye, it is Bakare or Oyedepo. When Martin Luther railed against the Catholic Church, he left to form his own and today you see what that has led to in Christendom. It’s not to be carrying jerry curl hair, with a huge amount of superiority complex and be attempting to embarrass people without really giving us a credible alternative. Please count be out, I am no longer your follower. I no do again. Kindly look for something much more constructive to do. Sell bread or something. Kai. PASTOR BAKARE HITS THE BULL’S-EYE I yabbed this baba recently on this same page and today I want to hail him. No vex, I no get principles. His latest statement on vomiting really hit the nail on the head. People must at some point vomit o. They must vomit to be well. Those days when you were nauseated after indulging in too much eating you must vomit or ( is it throw up?) to feel better. The pastor in his characteristic manner has asserted that for there to be fulfilment and progress some people must vomit. You must have noticed that I am not mentioning names, na because I don’t want to run into turbulence wey never concern me just yet. The baba has spoken but who will provide the laxative? That is the question that needs to be answered in this our country. Who will provide the laxative? The answer my people like they say, is blowing in the wind. The answer is blowing in the wind. Kai. CHRISLAND SCHOOL – BETTER LEARN FROM THIS ONE My daughter Annette attends this school. She is all of thirteen, big boned and very womanly. Everyday, I will be watching her progress with all the curves coming out in the right places but her mind is still where it should be - innocent. One day as I went to pick her from school, I decided to go buy her lunch at the nearby Tastee Fried Chicken. They didn’t have the POS so I decided to go with her to the nearest ATM to get cash. As she walked in front of me, I could see men turn and some even whistled and one okada man had the courage to even park his bike to call her over. I almost killed the man with slap. So you could imagine my fear when I saw and heard of this Adenekan man who they say is a staff at this same school being convicted for assaulting a child who I hear was below 5 years. Cold catch me o. At first I did not believe as I carefully followed the story. I thought there was a mistake, maybe the child was hallucinating until the ‘beast’ was convicted and sentenced to 60 years then my fear came home to roost. The question in my mind now is how many of such still lurk within the school system and the
very very scary o. Na beg. Not only because I am a parent that I am calling out Chrisland but because I am a scared and the call out is not only to Chrisland but to all schools who have our children and wards under their supervision. Kai.
Adegboyega-Adenekan
Adeboye
MRS BETSY OBASEKI – A WOMAN AND A HALF Let me first acknowledge my dear friend Chile Udemgba for borrowing this phrase from her. Na she dey do a Woman and A half Initiatives that celebrate true women of valour. That done, the crux of the matter, Mrs Obaseki is a true woman and a half and I want us all to stand up and give her a resounding standing ovation. Let me give you guys the gist. On designing Emotan, I approached my brother and big lord, Mr. Ike Chioke of Afrinvest to assist with support.The big Igbo prince to dodge said, why don’t I open you up to the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Obaseki? My first retort was that, please my brother I no get power for all that wahala. I remember how it took me over six months to see the Ekiti one for five minutes that nothing came out of while I was still in BGL. He insisted that this was a different First Lady who still kept her day’s job at the Bank of Industry and that he was very sure that it would be a ‘walk in’. Well he gave me her number and I called for one week no reply. I say, na so he dey be. But one day, she called and apologized and asked me to come see her. I went o. I know
her office very well o, I have plenty friends there,Yinka, Flora, Stanley even Uche who is my sister. I met a very unassuming but very beautiful lady in every sense of the word. She was very astute and a no-nonsense but in a simple approachable manner. I liked her instantly. She listened very carefully and agreed to work with me in delivering this very powerful story of Emotan. She not only did that, but also lent her weight during the showing in Benin City during the last NAFEST. When she walked into the hall as the show was flowing, I wanted to cry but Shomolu man cannot cry but instead, I hug my daughter Zara sitting beside me and when I wanted to go greet her, the protocol woman wanted to stop me, I say, ‘my sister I am the Duke of Shomolu, let me through’. I did not know whether to prostrate or kneel down as she stretched her hand towards me, I just knew I was shaking a very special lady. Thank you so much Your Excellency and remember that I will still give you that bowl of Afang. Just you wait. God bless you.
Betsy-Obaseki
fact that the system did not root out this imbecile is causing my fear. These schools - all of them lay a lot of premium on the school fees which keep going up regularly and obviously at least from what we are seeing here, they are not doing enough to protect these children. How could someone like Adenekan be in the system and even had money to hire SAN to defend himself and the school did not find him? Fear is
really catching me o and all right-thinking parents. My daughter and millions like her are walking around innocently in schools that should protect and assure them of a bright future but what we are seeing is really scary. I beg these schools to kindly remove their eyes from school fees and profits for a second and begin to put structures in place that would better protect our children. This thing we are hearing is
OBONO-OBLA – COMMON COME BACK! They say the man has run away and has been declared wanted, but he is out there shouting that they want to humiliate him. Is he bigger than all the people he was alleged to have humiliated and deprived of their freedom and future? Now it is his turn and he has run away and he is issuing worthless statements. I heard a lot about this honcho when he was a big-headed sheriff in town. They said he moved around town like he was the Commander in Chief and amassed so much power that even Buhari nearly fear am. I always knew that the day of reckoning was coming especially since he did not ‘belong’, you should know what I mean. Mbok wherever you are? Better come back and answer questions that you need to answer with that your big head. I will not say much for now. How could you mess up such an opportunity graciously given you to serve? Well, I will not pronounce you guilty until the courts decide but where are you na? Come quick, let’s finish with this on time na and face other things. IKOYI PRISONS – NIGERIA’S ALCATRAZ This boy who got himself imprisoned to get this scoop get mind o. Me, because of what go and enter police cell and prison to be doing Investigative Journalism? God forbid. That boy try. If you have gone anywhere near any of these institutions, you will understand my fear. But this boy went in through the system to bring out this story. He try and I hail am. Anybody wey send me that kind message will receive slap, I tell you. Have you ever been into cell before? I nearly enter one in Panti when one girl went to report me that I owed her money o. It was the company I was working for who was owing her and as º, they sent for me there o. Mbok, by the time it took for me to drive from Victoria Island to Yaba, the case had turned to attempted murder. They had collected my phones, seized my car and prepared detention order that would keep me and from there straight to Magistrates’ Court to be remanded. Mbok see me o. I first fear but later I realised the game and I played it well and came out. They were just doing shakara so that I will commit to a payment plan. But before I dribble my way out, I saw things. I even went near the cells and na him this boy will say we should come and do investigative journalism and enter? No be me o. I will rather do investigative journalism and enter brothel to better understand the business and what drives the practitioners in a bid to fight for the regulation of the business. Yes that one is up my street. Well, some people have to make these kinds of sacrifices to make the society sane and because of him the authorities have decided to look into the matter with the hope that they will make things happen. Well done bro and I hope you have gone to get adequate medical attention especially for rabies. It cannot be easy. PATRICK ODEY – THE IMMORTAL The news of the passing of Patey hit us at the Command Alumni with a thud. He was our favourite ‘bully’, the huge teddy bear that made life quite exciting in those heyday at Command. He was big, he was charismatic and he was just that – Pateeyyyyyyyyyyy. When he walked past, we would all line up in a guard of honour and shout – Pattteeeeyyyyyyyyy and woe betide you if you didn’t join the chorus line, senior or junior. Patey will show you why he was Patey. We all loved him and willingly subjected ourselves to his authority. Today he is no more. Passed away in faraway America but we will never forget him. Ejiro, my fellow compatriot and one of the moving spirits of our set (84) Alumni had asked for a minute silence for Patey on the group and we all complied, even me o. Rest in peace my compatriot even as you go and prepare a place for us in the great Ipaja bush in heaven. God keep you in his wonderful bosom and give your immediate family the strength to bear this huge loss. pateyyyyyyyyyyyy
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ARTS & REVIEW A
PUBLICATION
A GLAMOUROUS REVIVAL OF VILLAGE HEADMASTER AT 50 PAGE 69
03.11.2019
ART X 2019
CitizenX by Segun Aiyesan Acrylic on cretextured canvas-4x4ft-2019 from Thought Pyramid Gallery
EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 3, 2019
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ARTS & REVIEW\\VISUAL ARTS
Hair-Salon by Henry Mzili-Mujunga, 2018_-540x371 from Circle Art Gallery
ART
Monjisola by Moufoulli Bello 140-x110-cm-2018, from SMO Gallery
2019
OF GALLANT GALLERIES, AUDACIOUS ARTISTS AND SOLID STATEMENTS Yinka Olatunbosun writes that the 2019 edition of ART X Lagos is a wholesome gathering that has broken the barrier of culture and nationality to make authentic statements on contemporary African art
A
rt aficionados are on a roller-coaster ride through countries across Africa and beyond through the works of artists and galleries present at this edition of West Africa's premier art fair, Art X Lagos. Away from its traditional venue, the fun is only heightened at its new spot, the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino grounds in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event has remained a simmering pot of artistic offerings that are fresh, contemporary and impactful. Positioning itself, not just as an art and multi-cultural event, Art X Lagos is a refreshing family event and it is more interesting as it gives room for graffiti, interactive media art, video art and the thrilling experience with the virtual reality world. The atmosphere of controlled audience allows each one to engage with the works and some of the artists. For this 2019 edition, the exhibiting galleries include Addis Fine Art (Ethiopia), Afri Art Gallery (Uganda), Arthouse- The Space (Nigeria), Artyrama (Nigeria), Circle Art Gallery (Kenya), Ed Cross Fine Art (UK), Everard Read (SA), Galerie Cecile Fakhoury (Cote d'Ivoire), Galerie MAM Douala (Cameroon), Galerie Voss (Germany), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), Goodman Gallery (South Africa), Nike Art Gallery (Nigeria), OOA Contemporary Art Gallery (Spain), Retro Africa (Nigeria), SMAC Gallery (South Africa), SMO Contemporary Art (Nigeria), TAFETA (United Kingdom), Thought Pyramid Art Centre (Nigeria), Tiwani Contemporary (United Kingdom) Bloom Art (Nigeria) and Mydrim Gallery. It is common to find the same people coming into the fair for the two days, because with the number of visitors around, it is hard
to spend enough time with the works. Sometimes, the opportunity to see artists and curators, especially the globe-trotting ones, is just at the fair. Fancy running into the Nigeria-born Abe Odedina, who left Nigeria to study as an architect but has only returned to his homeland as an artist. “It wasn’t until a trip to Brazil when I saw the vigour of the popular art that started a series of change in me that led to the idea of wanting to make art directly,” he explained. Speaking on what informs his work and how he engages the viewer, he added: “A central part of my practice is trying to find a legitimate way to communicate. When you look at my work, you feel you can get to grips with it that it opens up in front of you.” For Ayesha Feisal, capturing the essence and the spirit is the focus of her work. “I do that through the use of colour to capture light within the works,” the artist said. Soaked in the world of his works, Evans Mbugua is very people-centred and this is reflected in his artistic style. “My artistic expression is inspired by people who I live with, the people I meet. I want to celebrate these people,” he said. But he is not the only one who is inspired by his society, Boris Nzebo also maintained that “art means learning to reinvent everything. It’s a way to observe our environment and surroundings.” Another artist, Othman Wahaab, vents his anger in a creative way. “People have different capacity on how they acquire things,” he said. “When I am angry, I work better, it affects my work. I think we are born artists. We all have the capacity to express ourselves through one medium or another.” For the Access Bank Art X Prize winner, it will be a case of “All Eyes on Me" as she will be showing for the first time, the amazing winning work, a multi-media piece titled, “It Is All in My Head” in the 2020 edition of the Art X Lagos. Etinosa is a self-taught documentary photographer, based in
Abuja. Originally from Benin City, Etinosa considers photography as a medium of expression; a tool to drive social change and well, a hobby-turned work. Etinosa leverages on the power of visual storytelling to create awareness, educate and inform people about causes and issues she is passionate about. “It explores the coping mechanisms of survivors of terrorism and violent conflicts in Nigeria. I use the project to advocate for a long-term access to psycho-social support for the victims which will in turn improve their mental health,’’ she began. Drawing upon a documentary film on a serial refugee living in Jordan, Etinosa realised that many victims of violent conflicts deal with trauma and are often misunderstood. After watching the documentary, she drew a parallel between what the docu-drama treated and what is happening in some parts of Nigeria. Some of the exhibiting galleries have set the internet abuzz with colourful pieces such as the one from the Beninese artist, Moufouli Bello whose paintings address the representation of the black woman and question the gendered society in Benin. SMO Contemporary Art also brings back to his root, Emeka Udemba who runs a vibrant art studio in Germany. Udemba has exhibited in Switzerland, Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Italy, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, Nigeria and Indonesia. Perhaps, he is best remembered as the curator for the Molue Mobile Museum of Contemporary Arts in partnership with Goethe-Institut. Another artist whose works are on display at the SMO Contemporary Art booth is Data Oruwari. Data is a Nigerian-raised and Brooklyn-based visual artist, creative strategy consultant, user experience designer and energy healing enthusiast.
“I combine my interests in the healing arts with my love for the visual arts to create highly-detailed, hand-rendered sacred works of art that serve to heal and reconnect humanity with spirituality from an African perspective,” she explained on her webpage. “I draw inspiration from African mythology, the visionary art movement and contemporary tattoo dot work techniques.” Meanwhile, SMO Contemporary Art has an electronic catalogue, in which information on the artists and their works can easily be accessed. Bronze pieces aficionados would love the Mydrim Gallery’s offering of Ayobami Barber's piece, “Ola Edu I" at the newly added ART X Modern section. Bringing nolstagia to the fair, Mydrim is also parading some works by one of the most influential African painters and sculptors in 20th century, Ben Enwonwu and the master artist, Demas Nwoko and of course a founding member of the Zaria Art Society, Yusuf Grillo. This year’s edition has witnessed an increase in the number of participating galleries with 23 larger booths. At the Contemporary section of the fair, the works of Jimoh Braimoh, Ngozi Schommers, Kassou Seydou and Kehinde Balogun. ART X Talks will wrap up today with the theme, “Collective Live” featuring Reni Folawiyo (collector) and Kathryn Weir (curator). Also, in memory of the first curator of Art X Lagos, Bisi Silva, the second session, titled, “The Progress of Love: Bisi Silva Remembered” will feature Antawan Byrd, N'Gone Fall and Emeka Ogboh. Away from the exhibits and artists, the food court is a blend of local and international cuisine this year. The interactive project exploring the theme, “Play” inside the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace is curated by A Whitespace Creative Agency.
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ARTS & REVIEW\\DRAMA
The Village Headmaster cast in performance
A GLAMOUROUS REVIVAL OF VILLAGE HEADMASTER AT 50 Yinka Olatunbosun
G
ood memories were spontaneously evoked recently when the Nigeria Police band at the orchestra pit, Terra Arena launched forth the soundtrack to the classic Nigerian television drama series The Village Headmaster. Many hummed along while others stared in amazement at the display of nostalgia in the auditorium. It was the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Village Headmaster, which was created by the late Ambassador Segun Olusola for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). The night's compère, Yemi Shodimu set the ball rolling with his curtain-raiser performance. Many had found exciting the energetic performance by Crown Troupe of Africa titled, “Our Area". With the opening song, “Nigeria go better”, the cast made their way to the stage in green and white costumes. Relying heavily on chorused lines, Segun Adefila's experimental theatre took the audi-
ence off-guard with its animated portrayal of harsh social realities, dark humour and minimalist approach to stage design. From bus to religious parody, the satirical play is very contemporary in its treatment of the themes of governance, corruption and humanity. The mother of all television drama series in Nigeria, “The Village Headmaster” written in English and partly pidgin-English was created as a unifying television content with an unparalleled cross-over appeal. Both young and old as well as rich and poor stayed glued to the television screen throughout the 70s and 80s which were the peak periods in the history of the drama. In his opening remarks, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who was represented by the DG, NTA, Yakubu Mohammed acknowledged the role played by the cast and crew of Village Headmaster in nation building. “The Village Headmaster is the first indigenous drama series that showcased the top of Nigerian actors, scriptwriters, producers and directors. Apart from serving as a mirror reflecting the typical village setting, the series became a veritable tool for culture
re-engineering with its emphasis on virtues of honesty, tolerance and loyalty,”he said. Reflecting on the quality of the script, depiction of characters and the overall professionalism, he remarked that most television and video productions in Nigeria owe a lot to the benchmark set by Village Headmaster. “Without any fear of contradiction, I can say that what we now know as Nollywood can trace its genesis to The Village Headmaster and much later Cock Crow at Dawn, Mirror in the Sun and others. Village Headmaster was the most watched indigenous piece that was important to behavioural change. In it, Nigerians saw themselves reflected in television. Every viewer saw a bit of himself or herself or his neighbour, son or daughter. It was a reflection of the family and society. As we gather here this evening to celebrate the 50 years of Village Headmaster, let us recall the contribution of those pioneers who have passed on but who are here with us in spirit.” A minute of applause was observed for the “unforgettable” cast and crew of the Village Headmaster including the late Femi Robinson, Oba Funsho Adeolu, Akin Olasemo, Ted Mukoro and Justus Esiri, among others. To the
surprise of many, some of the screen veterans featured in the command performance of the Village Headmaster titled, “No Vacuum". They are Ibidun Allison as Amebo, Comish Ekiye, Jimi Johnson, Asuquo Ukwak alongside other centre-stage actors such as Chris Iheowa and Jide Alabi who gave a show-stopping performance of the “Hausa man" role. The dated, yet regal, costumes helped to situate the drama as a traditional piece with themes that are relevant to today's national discourse. The power tussle in the village of Oja portrayed by the characters replicates the nature of Nigeria’s political system. It was a night of sterling performances from every cast member which moved the DG, NTA, Mohammed to make a direct plea to the production team and relevant authorities. “I saw a television set for the first time in 1978 in Zaria where I had gone for an interview,” he recalled. “It was black and white and that was significant. The first programme I watched on that television was The Village Headmaster. We need a new Village Headmaster series. Give it to us. How you do it, I don’t know. But I know you can do it. The challenge is yours.”
ENCOUNTER
Samuel A. Perry: The Man behind the Character of Broda Shaggi Yinka Olatunbosun
"H
ello, How are you? Any question of the day? Oya hit me.” Those words should sound familiar to the fans of this actor and internet sensation known as Broda Shaggi. Born Samuel Animashaun Perry and raised by a drama-teaching father, this graduate of the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos joined the ranks of stars whose popularity had been amplified by the social media. In admiration of his internet series, Broda Shaggi, known acts such as Helen Paul now take to the global space to share their comical episodes. Perry, a multi-disciplinary artist, is a singer, actor, screenwriter and director. Recently, he was at a cocktail with many Nollywood Stars milling around when this
reporter decided to unmask him. First, he didn’t look as intimidating as his Brother Shaggi persona. He is also a man of very few words, which sounds strange to any who has been following his garrulous alter-ego in Broda Shaggi. He went through the journey that took him to internet stardom. “I have spent a lot of my acting career on stage and I have choreographed dances for stage plays. That was before music and social media based acting,” he disclosed. No doubt, quite a number of emerging stars have leveraged on the social media to show their skills while their popularity is heightened. For Perry, the internet helps him to reach a wider range of audience. From playing roles such as Inspector Perry and Akanni Ibadan, the comedianactor has stuck with the Broda Shaggi character because it became an instantaneous hit. Though Broda Shaggi is known for strong language, young audience find it a thrill. “The character is one that we see everyday whether you are old or young; rich or poor,”
he explained. “The touts usually have different characters. Some are very calm, funny and jovial. I’m just trying to use this character to tell this story of this people that there is beauty in ‘razness’. From the character, you can tell that Broda Shaggi is quite informed. So, it is something that people can relate to.” The actor didn’t deny the fact that many fans still see him as Broda Shaggi long after he had shed the character. “I have been able to differentiate my personal life from my characters. Although when I started, almost everyone thought I was a real tout,” he continued. “I have been doing movies before I started comedy online, taking on supporting roles also known as “waka pass.” Through Broda Shaggi, I have been able to express my talent in films and series.” Though he acts like a street urchin from the notorious Lagos mainland neighbourhood of Mushin, he has never lived there. He was living in the up-market Lekki when the character of Broda Shaggi was conceived.
Shaggie “The role came naturally to me,” he insisted in spite of the persistent question on how he is able to own that character with such plausibility.
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EVENTS
O
lu Ayetoro Gbede, Oba David Sunday Ehindero last weekend honoured notable sons and daughters of the community with chieftaincy titles. Friends and associates of Major-General Funso Owonibi,whowasconferredwithMayegun 1 of Ayetoro Gbede, were at the event to celebrate with him Photos: Julius Atoi Major General Funso Owonibi (rtd) and his wife, Funmilayo
L-R: Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN) (L) and Chief Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN)
L-R Asiwaju Olatuni Fadairo; Oba Samuel Adegbola
The Olu of Ayetoro-Gbede, Oba D S Ehidero and his Olori
Olori Olusola Adedoyin-Alao and her husband Oba Francis Olushola Alao
L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Prof Mike Ikupolati and Femi Mokikan
L-R: Mrs. Modupe Jemibewon and husband Maj Gen David Jemibewon (rtd)
L-R: Mr. Ola Oyelola and Col. Segun Oloruntoba (rtd.)
L-R: Dare Ihimodu; Dr. Mike Ayo Bello; Chief Ojo and Mrs. Bumi Dan Kunle
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EVENTS
L-R: Mrs Folashade Toluyemi and husband Toluyemi Johnson
L-R: Mrs Adeagbo Omonike and Mrs Akinyode Simbiat
L-R: Alhaji Aishat Atofarat; Mrs Owonibi Fumilayo and Dr (Mrs) Omobolanle Olonisakin
L-R: Air Vice Marshal Tayo Ogutoyibo and Rear Admiral Sanni (Rtd)
L-R: Cd J S Ayodele (rtd) and Maj A T Jibrin (rtd)
L-R: Chief and Mrs. Ade Joseph Medupin
L-R: Boye Bello and Olayemi Irefin
L-R, Col. Mike Davir (rtd); Air Vice Marshal Abosede and Baba Y. Idde
Olu Ayetoro Gbede, Oba DS Ehindero presents Staff of Mayegun 1 to Major-Gen. Funso Owonibi
L-R: General E F Abejirin (RTD); Funso Fayemi and Gen J O S Oshanupin.
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IMAGES
I
t was a joyful moment when Professor Ayo Akindele celebrated his 80th birthday in a grand style with family members, friends and well-wishers at his residence in Lagos. Below are photographs of the personalities that attended the event. Photographs: Akinyele Abayomi
Celebrant, Professor Ayo Akindele and his wife, Anne Modupe
L-R: Adetunji Fadairo, SAN and Admiral Adebimpe Adewunmi (rtd)
L-R: Professor Bola Akinterinwa and Victor Abiodun
L-R: Professor Ebenezer Ogunlana and Bola Adewale
Mr. Jimi Agbje and his wife, Abiola
L-R: Mr. Aminu and Mr. Ogunseye
L-R: Olori Yinka Ayankoya and Mrs Kehind Kester
L-R: Chief Najimu Adenji and Bill Ogundipe
L-R: Moji Pinheiro and Mrs Olatorera Igbon
L-R: Princess Adejumoke Atiba-Brigges and Mrs. Titilola Ademiju
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CICERO
Editor:Olawale Olaleye Email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819
IN THE ARENA
Containing the Epidemic of ‘Detention’ Centres Government must properly prosecute the operators of illegal detention centres across the country, writes Olawale Olaleye
T
he images and stories of the experiences of many of the inmates are like a déjà vu – gunning for a quick recall of the slave trade history. They spoke to man’s inhumanity to man especially when one has to deal with the reality that they had endured the alleged suffering for many years. They writhed in pains, anguish and humiliation, whilst their tormentors smiled away their subjugation. Sadly, nothing so far has justified this illegality apart from the fact that the operators of these satanic centres insisted that inmates were brought in out of the freewill of their folks. Not in the foreseeable future did any one of the inmates think help would come so soon. But it did a few weeks back, starting, not surprisingly, with a BBC expose on the Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State detention centre hitherto believed to be an Islamic study centre. However, reports, a fortnight ago, that President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered a nationwide raid of illegal detention centres in the name of Islamic or rehabilitation centres, further breathed some relief on the horizon. This, of course, came in the wake of recent discoveries of different detention centres in many parts of the country, including Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Kwara States. The President also sounded a serious note of warning that his administration had zero tolerance for criminality and human rights abuses such as the enslavement of children, men and women in fake rehabilitation centres. What started with a raid on September 26, in Rigasa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where over 300 male children and adults were reportedly rescued from a torture home soon opened up other discoveries from whence gory details of inhumanities were narrated with emotion-evoking voices! The incident, of course, culminated in the Inmates in one of the detention centres arrest of seven teachers at the centre, including its proprietor, Mallam Ismaila Abubakar, who insisted he did students confessed to being abused homosexually, while some nothing wrong other than teach the detainees Islam. said they were subjected to the daily recitation of the Holy Quran Less than two weeks after this development, the Kaduna and prayers with torture. State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, led men of the State Police One of those who were saved by the police alleged that Command to raid another torture home, known as the Mallam some of their fellow inmates had even died, whilst one of the Niga Rehabilitation Centre, at the same Rigasa, Igabi Local sexually abused alleged to having had about five abortions for Government Area of the state. the operator of the centre and his children who took turns to During this operation, 147 captives including men, women abuse her sexually. The abortions, she claimed, were done locally and children were also rescued. The detainees comprised of with herbs. How more inhuman to someone else’s children can 125 males and 22 females, among whom four were said to be anyone be, sadly, in God’s name? foreigners from Cameroon and Niger Republics. And typical of It was therefore in view of this development that President enslavement, most of them were found in chains. Buhari gave the order for nationwide raid of such centres and Whilst the horrendous news from some of Kaduna’s detenalso commended the police for acting swiftly upon tipoff. tion centres was yet to subside, another yet illegal Islamic camp Although some of the operators of the centres had been situated at Gaa-Odota (Idi-roko) of Ilorin West Local Government reportedly arrested, the images presented by these discoveries Area of Kwara State, was discovered. At this centre, 108 inmates, suggested that government must ensure proper investigation of comprising 103 males and five females were rescued. the abuses and make sure that everyone involved in the illegality Unfortunately, the narrations of the experiences of all the faces the full wrath of the law. The allegations were too grave to victims, even though from different locations, were almost the merely scoff at. same. Some of the victims as young as five years old said they What could also be deduced from the discoveries so far is had been held captive for many years. They said they were that there could still be more detention centres in many parts of tortured, sexually abused and starved. Many of them, with the country. Therefore, government must launch a nationwide visible injuries, had metal chains around their ankles. campaign to expose these agents of the devil and their work The police also hinted that some of the inmates were from by soliciting for cooperation from members of the public, who Burkina Faso, Mali and other African countries and that the would offer information and be protected through confidential-
ity. Truth is that no one can quantify the extent of damage that this development had caused the country; that in this age and time, such enslavement still existed in a nation of laws and constitutionality and yet, government had no clue it had gone on for many years. It is also commendable that government was already taking the pains to reunite some of the people with their folks. What is of the essence in entire approach is the genuine rehabilitation of these detainees, some of who had lost touch with realities and might have been made monsters by no choice of theirs. Even more compelling is their health care. There is a serious need to attend to their health, given the condition of where they had been kept for many years and had not received any serious medical attention especially, that a majority of them had one injury or the other that they now carry about. Since certain infections could be contagious, it therefore behooves government that while it desires to reintegrate them with their folks, they do not bring along with them what could crush a large population by taking the medical angle very seriously. But what’s crucial, in the final analysis, is that a very instructive and in fact, telling example is made of the ones already arrested by properly prosecuting them. Illegal detention centres cannot form part of the challenges that the Nigerian people have to deal with at this time, when government could make that go away in a jiffy.
P O L I T I CA L N OT E S
Tinubu: Putting EFCC on the Spot
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Tinubu
ast week, the trio of Deji Adeyanju, convener, Concerned Nigerians; Ariyo-Dare Atoye of the Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution and Adebayo Raphael of the Free Nigeria Movement stirred the hornet’s nest. They submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), asking it to investigate the two bullion vans that were sighted at the residence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu during the general election early in the year. Curiously, this development might turn out a tough one for the commission and for many reasons. But if the EFCC had been hiding behind the fact that no one had petitioned it on the matter before hence the reason it
could not act. It is yet to be seen what more is there to say again with the petition. But one thing is certain and it is the fact that the movement of the kind of money that would require the use of two bullion vans is definitely an infraction of the Money Laundering Act. Although there have been arguments that the vans could be conveying something else, which is true, like frozen chickens or exquisite election souvenirs. That’s for those pondering possible defence to advance. However, it would not be forgotten so soon that when accosted during the election, Tinubu didn’t deny moving money with the vans; he only asked if he stole anyone’s money. Whatever it is, a petition has been submitted and the people have a right to know. All eyes on the EFCC!
THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 3, 2019
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BRIEFINGNOTES Can Atiku Run for Presidency at 76? With the Supreme Court judgment putting paid to the 2019 presidential election petition last Wednesday, what possibly is the next political move of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar? Chuks Okocha asks
A
lhaji Atiku Abubakar, what next? This is a multi million naira question begging for answers. What will be the political future of the Adamawa State-born politician? Will he contest the 2023 presidential elections or retire from politics for good? For the records, Atiku Abubakar had attempted the presidential elections in the country a few times. He was the presidential candidate of the Action Congress in 2007, and when the party transformed to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), he contested in 2011. Again, he contested in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but came third. He later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and was again defeated by the APC presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. With the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment, which dismissed his petition, the question doing the rounds now amongst Nigerians is, will the Turaki Adamawa contest the 2023 presidential election and if he would, on which political party’s platform will he consider contesting again? But if he would contest again, which is most likely, what are the political permutations in the PDP to determine his decision and future? Will the PDP offer him the next opportunity? Are there other politicians within the PDP that could or would challenge him? Yes, there are a few, amongst them, the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who came second during the 2019 PDP primaries. Also, among those that contested against Atiku was former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who came third among others. A former governor of Kano State, Senator Rafiu Kwankwanso, also contested against him but came fourth. So, this time around, will Atiku contest and even if he would contest the 2023 presidential ticket, how is he sure that the PDP would give him the chance to fly its presidential flag? This is because there are many political permutations already on ground, which could be inimical to his decision, going forward. Even before the Supreme Court gave the final verdict on his ambition, many presidential hopefuls were believed to be warming up and ready to throw their hats in the ring. They were only waiting for the final verdict, which came Wednesday October 30. To many PDP observers, they were not surprised. They knew it would happen, not because Atiku didn’t have a case, but because the judiciary had been so intimidated that the outcome was predictable. Most of them had therefore sheath their presidential ambition waiting for the verdict to come as it did. Hitherto, the party was divided into two noticeable camps. It was just a matter of where you belong. The party was divided into two camps of the second term governors and the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike. The two camps had been fighting bitter over the control of the party machinery. It was on record that Wike almost single-handedly installed the present national chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus. It would only take a keen observer to know where the leadership of the party, that is, the National Working Committee NWC belongs. As a result of the battle to control the PDP leadership, the governors of the party no longer frequent the everbusy national secretariat due to the perception, rightly or wrongly, that the party belongs to Wike. The second term governors are from Sokoto, Benue, Taraba, Ebonyi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Delta and Rivers States. Though all of them are running the second lap of their race, they are up in arms against their colleague from Rivers State ostensibly, because of the 2023 permutations. It is being speculated that Wike was still plotting to bring back the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambawaal to contest the 2023 presidential elections. Wike was one of the main supporters of Tambawal’s presidential aspiration.
Atiku...still coming Tambuwal, who lost to Atiku at the PDP Port Harcourt convention, lost basically, because some believed he was too inexperienced for the job. He was therefore asked to contest and complete his second term as governor. So, he has won as a second term as governor of Sokoto State, so the ball appears now in his camp to declare for a presidential election. And it is being seen that Wike, who supported him, might likely support him again. That, first, is the reason behind the perceived plot to control the party machinery. Again, the way the PDP minority leadership of the House of Representatives emerged also showed that Wike would not have his way easily without a fight. This was because, his choice person for the position, Kingsley Chinda, was defeated by Ndudi Elumelu, who secured the support of other second term governors in the party. Then, there is the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, who is said to be interested in the 2023 presidential election on the understanding that if Afiku was not contesting. He is likely to inherit Turaki’s political structures, if is not contesting. Then, there is the Kwankwanso factor. Within the PDP circle, he is still said to be interested in the 2023 presidential election and was allegedly encouraged into the race by a former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion and other former governors of the party, loyal to him. Within the PDP, there is the understanding that the APC won the presidential election, because of the personality of Muhammadu Buhari and his amajiri supporters. But come 2023, Buhari would not be contesting again and the field would be free for all. They believe that without the personality of Buhari, that anyone put forward would be defeated by the PDP. So, in the permutations of the PDP, attention would be on anyone that has money to finance his campaign as Atiku did in 2019. It is believed that Atiku has the capacity to fund his campaign. This is what the PDP will be looking out for in
2023. This is where Afiku might come in again. But again, age might be a major determinant between Atiku and Tambuwal. The former vice will be about 77 years while Tambuwal would be in his mid fifties. Now, by 2023, Atiku would be 76 going to 77. Will Nigerians want another old man? Importantly, will sentiment and political expediency support presidency remaining in the North especially if the north chooses to play up its strength of numbers? Another veritable ground for the test of where the PDP candidate might come from is in whoever emerges the chairman of the PDP governors’ forum, a post currently held by outgoing Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State. He is expected to quit in February next year, when he completes his second term in office. This is where another problem will yet come among the PDP governors. Already, some of the PDP forces are gradually throwing up the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, because of his industry. But some others are challenging him, insisting that it should be based on seniority. They argued that it was seniority that saw Godswill Akpabio, Olusegun Mimiko, Ibrahim Dankwanmbo, Ayo Fayose and Dickson becoming the chairman of the party’s governors’ forum. But a second term governor from the south is said to be behind Makinde. These are some of the battles on the ground that Atiku might have to surmount before the next move, bearing in mind that both the Southeast and Northeast have not produced the President of the country. In all these permutations, one thing that is unknown to many observers is that Atiku has not abandoned his political machinery. He still oils it regularly and has an office in Jabi, Abuja. And for what purposes if anyone cares to ask? The decision of Atiku’s next political move will, to a great extent, depend on what is happening in the party now and who controls the party leadership. For now, Wike has an upper hand and has not hidden whom he is supporting. Indeed, only time will tell.
NOTES FOR FILE
Bakare, Take a Stand, Please!
Bakare
Founder of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, last week, sent some jabs to a quarter many believed was familiar. He called some of those aspiring to the presidency in 2023 ‘presidential hope-fools’. Then, he went on to disparage some ‘nameless persons’ he claimed lived on a popular street in Lagos, Bourdilon, saying they would vomit whatever they stole before leaving. Leaving for where? He didn’t say. Yes, a fiery pastor, who speaks fluently without fear or favour, Pastor Tunde Bakare’s political ambition already conflicts his position on other issues of national concern and so, seizing the opportunity of the pulpit to pummel his supposed political opponents is not only a desecration of the pulpit but an abuse of his position as a man of God. Like the Yoruba would say, “If he wants to be Oshoko, let
it be so and if he chooses to be Oshaka, it is also welcome. What is not acceptable is to want to be Oshakashoko at the same time”. Talking is his turf and he does it so well, but he is definitely abusing his anointing under the pretext of lashing out at the enemies of Nigeria, whereas they are people seem to pose threat to his political ambition. He is slowly but gradually going out of line, just because he appointed himself the next in line as Nigeria’s 16th president? God is indeed patient! Well, it is okay to choose one. But it is not allowed to stand astride and throw missiles on the political turf, while enjoying the covering of the church solely for political machinations. Mba, even God is unhappy with such religious mischiefs.
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 3, 2019
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Amaechi after inspecting one of the bullet trains in China
The Changing Face of Transportation The Ministry of Transport under Mr. Rotimi Amaechi is making remarkable progress amid staggering uncertainty in the body polity, writes Shola Oyeyipo
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hen the President Muhammadu Buhari administration came into power in 2015, quite a number of Nigerians expected some radical changes in some critical sectors of the economy and one such sector that seems to have so much to show for is the transportation sector. While the Abuja-Kaduna rail, Lagos-Ibadan and other rail projects will go down in history as some of the biggest achievements of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, the milestone recorded in maritime transport, most importantly, the repositioning of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron in Akwa Ibom, has received accolades across the sector. At every opportunity, when the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, gets the opportunity to expatiate on what his leadership was able to do differently at the ministry, apart from the aforementioned, he always enlists the fact that in the aspect of the inland waterways, the ports have been re-organised for efficiency. In the aviation sector, which was directly under him in the first term of Buhari, two of the four international terminal buildings in Port Harcourt and Abuja airports have been completed. Presently, the Kano and Lagos airports are at various stages of completion. Though Amaechi has said the Buhari administration was divided on whether the government should invest in national carrier and then sell the equity later or to simply get investors and give them the franchise of Nigeria Airways or Air Nigeria, whichever way the pendulum eventually swings, it is a matter still on the government’s table. But Amaechi has continued to boast that the current administration had achieved a lot in ensuring the safety of the nation’s airspace. Apparently armed with the records of his achievements and what needed to be done to further accentuate the progresses recorded in the transport ministry under him, Amaechi implored the Joint Committee of the Senate on Maritime Transport and House of Representatives on Ports and Harbour, Inland Waterways and Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, to make substantial amount of money available to his capital intensive ministry so as to be able to make progress. Though out of the President Buhari N10.33trn 2019 budget, N123 billion was set aside for the Ministry of Transportation, when he addressed the federal lawmakers during the 2020 budget presentation on Monday, October 21, 2019, the minister explained why more money was required in his ministry to accomplish some major projects, which according to him, have the capability to positively impact the economy. According to Amaechi, Nigeria requires billions of dollars to address the rail infrastructure, particularly those ones like the Lagos to Kano, Lagos to Calabar and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri that are expected to be completed before the end of April 2020. Talking about the Lagos to Kano line, which is presently
ongoing with the Lagos-Abeokuta-Ibadan phase, he said: “We are actually close to the end, it is just the challenges we are having around Lagos and its cosmopolitan nature. We have finished from Iju to Ibadan. All we are doing now is to complete the stations. We hope that before April, we would have finished everything about Iju to the Seaport in Lagos. Now, Lagos to Kano is between 8.3 to 8.7 billion dollars. For that, we are getting a loan from the China Exim Bank.” While he did not shy away from underscoring his preference for either Port Harcourt to Maiduguri or Lagos to Calabar rail routes, being that both are located in his South-south region, the transport minister said the Lagos-Kano route was the most viable, because it has the capacity to generate 30 million tons of cargo, that would help pay back the loan. While he said study on the Lagos to Calabar railroad was not available yet, Amaechi stated that available study shows that the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri route would only attract 11 million tons of cargo. “Lagos to Kano; that we already have funds because it was the first project by Obasanjo. It is about 8.7 billion dollars. Lagos to Calabar is 11.1 billion dollars. Port Harcourt to Maiduguri is 14.2 billion dollars. Put them all together. “So, if you ask me, as the Minister of Transport, I want this thing to pass through my village, but the money is just not there. However, one of the reasons why we are going to Sochi, Russia is to negotiate for loan for either Port Harcourt to Maiduguri or Lagos to Calabar,” Amaechi told the lawmakers. He said since the Chinese government was saying they didn’t have enough money for other projects, because they wanted to finish the ones they started, government was already looking for money to fund the other projects, because President Buhari was of the opinion that completing infrastructure projects was the first step to economic growth. For clarity, the Lagos to Kano is Lagos-Abeokuta-IbadanOgbomosho-Ilorin-Minna-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano. At Osogbo, it links up to a stop in Ekiti. Lagos to Calabar is Lagos through Ore, Akure, Agbor, Asaba and Onitsha; and it continues from Benin to Ughelli, Warri, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, instead of going straight to Uyo, you tee back to Aba, Aba to Uyo, Uyo to Calabar. That is Lagos to Calabar. For Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, there are two alignments there, Port Harcourt-Owerri-Nnewi-Awka-Enugu-Abakaliki. The second alignment is Port Harcourt-Aba-Umuahia-EnuguMakurdi-Lafia-Jos-Akwanga. There will a tee off to connect to Abuja so that there could be a connection between West and East. It continues to Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Yola-DamaturuMaiduguri. He hinted that since the difference between standard gauge (120km/hr) and narrow gauge (100km/hr) is speed, if the needed $14bn was not available to build the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, the old one could be rehabilitated. The rehabilitation, according to him, would entail removing the tracks and replacing them with new ones. For Warri-Itakpe, the minister assured that it would be com-
pleted early next year, saying, “That one is nearing completion. It should be completed by January or February; March latest. But that is not the problem. The problem is Abuja to Itakpe with the Seaport in Warri. We have signed all the documents; we are waiting for the Chinese.” On concerns for speedy completion of projects, he said if money was available, the projects were done in what they called ‘gangs’. While a gang takes Ibadan to Osogbo, another gang will take Osogbo to Ilorin, another gang will take Ilorin to Minna, another gang will take from Minna to Abuja, another gang will take from Abuja to Kaduna, another one from Kaduna to Kano. “We are yet to get the money, we just went to China, allow them, when they sign the agreement we will come to the National Assembly to give you what they call borrowing plan, when they approve the borrowing plan, they will give the money to us,” Amaechi said. As regards maintenance and sustainability when the rails are completed, he told the legislators that over 150 Nigerians had been sent to two universities in China, in a programme funded by the Chinese government, to go and study railway engineering. He said: “They have gone. We hope that in four years they will graduate. Those who will do masters and PhD will do that and come back and teach in the university we are establishing here. We are establishing a Transportation University in Daura. The project is also not funded by us and will be managed by the company building it for years, before we have lecturers to take over. We are making sure that we have manpower to take over from the Chinese.” When he arrived from China on October 20, a day before he met the federal lawmakers, Amaechi, who said his sojourn to the country was to get more locomotives and coaches, revealed that 20 new coaches for the Abuja-Kaduna and the Lagos-Ibadan rail lines would arrive Nigeria in about six weeks. Having had a test run of the newly built trains and motored cars in China, Amaechi confirmed that the trains were better improved and of higher technology than what obtained previously. He added that more trains were still being built for Nigeria and the next batch would be delivered as soon as they are ready. In the overall, Amaechi is optimistic that what is critical to the sustenance of the Nigerian railway system was what is being done in China. “We are training our people. The Chinese won’t live here forever. They have to go. So, our own engineers will take over; and I met with some of those Nigerian engineers during my China trip. “We hope that in the coming years, they will come back and then we can stop the Chinese maintenance contract in both Kaduna-Abuja and Lagos-Ibadan,” Amaechi said. Where all these monies go into the transportation sector, the tendency that the economy would be reinvigorated and by extension, the political economy in general owing to its spiraling effect is not negotiable.
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 3, 2019
CICERO/TRIBUTE
Mobolaji Johnson, a Governor-General Passes
Johnson being assisted to his seat
Johnson and his wife with the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu (right)
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž NOVEMBER 3, 2019
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CICERO/TRIBUTE Ëž Ëœ Ě“ Ëž At death, 45 years after he was governor of the state of Aquatic Splendor, Nigerians have continued to pay glowing tributes to the architect of modern Lagos State, the late Brigadier General Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson, who passed on in the week, writes Shola Oyeyipo
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ince Lagos State was created in 1975, it has had a total of 15 governors altogether. Out of this number, only five had passed. They are Commodore Adekunle Shamusideen, Navy Captain Okhai, Michael Akhigbe, Sir Michael Otedola and the latest on that list, the first military governor of the state, Brigadier General Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson. The amiable late military General, who was first appointed as the military administrator by the late military Head of State, Major General Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, and later as governor of Lagos State by his successor, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) joined his ancestors on Wednesday, October 30 at the age of 83. Immediately after his son, Deji, confirmed his demise, notable Nigerians, including President Muhammadu Buhari had started pouring in tributes for the deceased soldier and gentleman, who remained a significant part of the history of Lagos State till he breathed his last. Born February 9, 1936, Johnson came to the saddle as Lagos governor from May 1967 to July 1975, during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon. His wife, Funmi, had died in 2016. He was however survived by many children and several grandchildren. In 1966, after the abortive coup d’etat that put paid to the first Nigerian civilian administration, he became military administrator of Lagos State before he was named governor in 1975. Johnson was born to the family of Joshua Motola Johnson and his mother, Gbemisola Johnson (nĂŠe Dudley-Coker). His father was of Egba heritage and was a member of the Royal West African Frontier Force during World War II. President Buhari was one of the early mourners. In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari condoled with government and people of Lagos State over the death of the late Johnson. President Buhari also commiserated with family members, friends and associates of the former governor, whom he said: “Had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, starting as a cadet in 1959 and retiring in 1975,â€? as a General. According to the Nigerian leader, who was also in the military, the late Johnson “laid solid foundation for the development of infrastructure in the state and provided a good framework for the civil serviceâ€?, adding that “Johnson’s footprints in promoting education and building durable health system will always be remembered.â€?
Brig.Gen. Johnson (1936 - 2019) While President Buhari prayed that God would accept Johnson’s soul, he called on all leaders of the state and the people to uphold the legacies of discipline and the selfless service bequeathed on the state. The incumbent Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu was rather sad over the death of Mobolaji Johnson after a brief undisclosed illness. Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Gboyega Akosile, in a statement signed on behalf of his principal, described the late Army General as “a complete gentleman and officer.� The governor, who went back memory lane to revisit Johnson’s era as the first military Governor of Lagos State, also underscored the fact that it was a period that laid the foundation for the infrastructure development of the state, stating that he was “A dedicated Lagosian.� According to Sanwo-Olu, “General Johnson contributed immensely to the development of Lagos state in particular and the nation in general.� “Although General Mobolaji Johnson has gone to be with his Lord and Creator, the memories of great accomplishments he left behind will linger on forever. One remembers how the late General Johnson’s administration worked with other seasoned professionals to establish five Government Colleges and Housing Estates, which
Johnson with governor Babatunde Fashola (right)
Former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left), with his wife, Bolanle (right), watch with admiration as Brig. Gen. Johnson, rtd. (2nd right) read through his birthday card with his ďŹ rst Son, Mr. Seyi
were commissioned by the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, within one year of his administration. This, to me, is the hallmark of service and has remained a benchmark for successive administrations in the state.� Describing him as a man of vision with a mission to see a modern Lagos evolve, Sanwo-Olu said the vision had started to manifest in what is seen today as every successive administration strives to build on the developmental structure and foundation of good governance laid by the late General Johnson. Urging Lagosians to immortalise the deceased by ensuring that good governance spreads to every facet of the society, the governor stated that, “We must ensure that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy. Development must touch the lives of the people directly. This is the best way to immortalise the late Mobolaji Johnson, because this is virtue he lived for.� On his part, a prominent Lagos politician, who has held various offices in the state and the country, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, said, “It is indeed a big loss to Lagos, Nigeria and humanity. A fine soldier and gentleman, he was one of the founding fathers of modern Lagos State. “A state they fought for and created in order to give indigenous people of the state a sense of pride and ownership within the Nigerian state. He set a standard of service that became a model for all his successors. He was a man of cklass and decency. He will be missed dearly�. It wasn’t a ruling party or government affair all alone, Johnson belonged to every Lagosian and as such, when the tributes started coming in, a chieftain and governorship candidate of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje, joined others to express his deep sorrow over the death of the General. He said he was a man of impeccable and unassailable character who laid the foundation for modern Lagos. Describing his death as painful, Agbaje said, Lagos State was blessed to have at its inception such a visionary, selfless and creative mind that helped to nurture it. “He was a unique administrator with a catalogue of enduring structures and legacies during his tenure as the military governor of a place that served the twin capacities of a brand-new state and the nation’s Federal Capital,� Agbaje recalled, stressing that “He will be remembered as a gentleman’s gentleman and a benevolent officer, who refused to abuse his office. His laudable achievements in Lagos will forever remain memorable. General Mobolaji Johnson leaves behind a good name indeed.� He said further that the late Johnson was, “A sympathetic soldier, an astute businessman, a philanthropist per excellence, who was in a class of his own,� and prayed God to grant the state and his family the fortitude to bear the pain of his demise. According to him, despite Johnson’s vantage position and vast resources at his disposal, the General remained an incorruptible, altruistic and creative administrator, a fact attested by probe panels that cleared him after the military putsch of General Murtala Muhammed swept away the General Yakubu Gowon regime that appointed the former governor. The PDP chieftain reckoned that, “He engineered many of the enduring infrastructure and roads that remain the hallmark of Lagos State in these five decades of its inception.� Urging the country’s political class to imbibe the selflessness that earmarked Johnson’s regime, Agbaje lamented that the country would have recorded greater developments had leaders continued along the patriotic paths laid by the likes of the late General. The late Lagos military governor, for instance, has recorded against his name, the construction of 60.7-kilometre international express road (Lagos–Badagry Expressway) linking Nigeria with the neighbouring countries like Benin, Ghana and Togo; the Toikin Bridge that links Epe to Ikorodu, the Eko Bridge, and several other network of roads and bridges that constitute immensely to making Lagos one of the most developed states in the country. He also embarked on the reclamation of the Lagos Bar Beach shoreline before the Murtala Mohammed coup of 1975. As much as he may be commended, one of the low points in his days was the decision to demolition the Ajele cemetery and the consequent disinterment of people buried at the cemetery. Notable among corpses affected by rather unpopular decision were, that of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, James Pinson Labulo Davies, Madam Tinubu, Thomas Babington Macaulay, and several others. The action was met with stiff opposition and lots of criticisms by many opinionated Lagosians back then. The likes of Prof J.D.Y. Peel contended that the demolition deprived Lagosians, not only of a precious green space in the heart of the city but of the memorials of their forebears. Nigerian Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka tagged his government’s action as “the violation of that ancestral place� noting that “the order came from the military governor (Mobolaji Johnson): ‘Dig up those dead and forgotten ancestors and plant a modern council building – with all its lucrative corollaries on that somnolent spot.� In any case, Mobolaji Johnson will remain a name to be reckoned as a former governor in the annals of the history of Nigeria and Lagos in particular. He would forever be recognised as a development-oriented leader, who some present leaders, especially governors, should emulate, because despite the fact that he left the saddle about 45 years ago, his imprints are yet indelible.
THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 3, 2019
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FROMTHECOURT
When High Court Dared the Supreme Court Davidson Iriekpen questions the decision of the Ekiti State High Court, which ordered the reopening of a 19-year-old legal dispute over the relocation of the headquarters of a local government already decided by the Supreme Court
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n what could be described as judicial rascality, a 19-year-old legal dispute that was resolved a few months ago by the Supreme Court, has again found its way back to the Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti to start afresh. The apex court had on December 14, 2018, ordered the Ekiti State Government to relocate the headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area. The five-man bench of the court unanimously ordered the state government to immediately restore the headquarters of the local government to Eda-Oniyo, from where it was relocated to Iye-Ekiti shortly after the state was created on October 1, 1996. On October 1, 1996, the Federal Military Government created among others, Ekiti State with Ilejemeje Local Government Area as one of its 16 local government areas. The headquarters of the LG was located in Eda-Oniyo with the backing of the States Creation (Transitional Provisions) Decree No. 36 of 1996. But three months later, by a radio announcement, the Ekiti State Government led by then military governor, Col. Inua Mohammed Bawa, notified the public of the relocation of the local government from Eda-Oniyo to Iye-Ekiti. The Eleda of Eda-Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola was said to have on behalf of the people of Eda-Oniyo protested to the office of the Head of State, which informed him that it did not authorise the movement of the local government to Iye-Ekiti and continued to recognise Eda-Oniyo as the headquarters of Ilejemeje local government. When the protests failed, the traditional ruler, representing the people of Eda-Oniyo, filed an action in the High Court of Ekiti State in 1999 against the governor of the state, Attorney General and the Chairman of the LG. He sought, among others, declaratory orders that by virtue of the State Creation (Transitional Provisions) Decree No. 72 Vol. 83 of 1996, and the Local Government (Basic Constitutional Provisions) Decree of 1997 and 1998, the headquarters of Ilejemeje LG was Eda-Oniyo. He also sought a declaration that the relocation of the headquarters for Eda-Oniyo to Iye-Ekiti as illegal, null and void. The mornach also sought an order restraining the defendants from recognising Iye-Ekiti as the headquarters of the LG and a perpetual injunction restraining them from carrying out the administration of the LG from any other town apart from Eda-Oniyo. The High Court ruled in 2001 in favour of Oba Awolola, but the Ekiti State Government had appealed against the judgment and won at the Court of Appeal. To challenge the decision of the Court of Appeal, Oba Awolola, through his lawyer, Mr. Oluwadamilare Awokoya, filed the appeal marked SC.194/2008 before the Supreme Court. In its judgement on December 14, 2018, the apex court ordered the Ekiti State Government to relocate the headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area. The five-man bench of the court unanimously ordered the state government to immediately restore the headquarters of the local government to Eda-Oniyo from where it was relocated to Iye-Ekiti shortly after the state was created on October 1, 1996. Justice Paul Galinje, who read the lead judgment, held that the establishment of the headquarters of the local government in Eda-Oniyo was backed by statute and could not be relocated elsewhere without the promulgation of a new law. He said the act of relocating the LG headquarters from Eda-Oniyo to Iye-Ekiti by the Ekiti State Government “has no legal basis”. “The location of the headquarters of Ilejemeje LG in Eda-Oniyo is a product of statute and no law has been promulgated to relocate it to any other place,” he ruled. The court consequently set aside the Court of Appeal’s judgment and affirmed that of the High Court. Agreeing with Oba Awolola’s lawyer, the apex court ruled that non-filing of the suit at the High Court within three months, when the dispute arose in 1996 as stipulated in the Public Officers Protection Law of Ekiti State did not render the suit incompetent. Incompliance with the apex court’s judgment, Ekiti State Government on October 21, issued a proclaimation for the relocation of the council headquarters from Iye Ekiti to Eda Oniyo Ekiti. Addressing a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, the state Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, said the state took the step following the advice of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapohunda and the report of a fact-finding committee, which advised that by virtue of the Supreme Court’s pronouncement, that it would be “illegal, irregular, unconstitutional, null
CJN Tanko Muhammad and void” to recognise Iye-Ekiti as the headquarters of the council. He consequently directed the Chairman of the council, Hon Sunday Awolola, and the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Prof. Adio Folayan, to prepare a schedule for the relocation of the council to the new town. “The decision of the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land is sacrosanct and inviolable and is binding on the government,” adding that by virtue of the pronouncement, all government departments, institutions, organisations, public functionaries, corporate bodies and others are expected to cooperate with government to facilitate smooth relocation. “That by virtue of the judgment, Eda-Oniyo is the only legally recognised headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state. That the headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government and its machinery are hereby relocated by Ekiti State Government from Iye-Ekiti to Eda Oniyo Ekiti,” he said. Just when the process was on, a fresh suit, penultimate week appeared again before an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, where the case started in 1999, challenging the Supreme Court’s judgment. Rather than summarily shutting down the fresh suit as an affront and abuse of court process, the judge of the court, Justice Abiodun Adesodun, urged parties in the suit to maintain status quo pending its judgment on November 19. The judge described the action of the state government “executive rascality and self help,” since according to him, the matter is already pending before his court. Adesodun, while ruling on an application by Iye-Ekiti community, said the state government and the state Attorney General ought to have waited for determination of the suit before his court before making such proclamation. Some of the documents sighted by THISDAY revealed that dissatisfied by the Supreme Court verdict, the people of Iye-Ekiti, through their lawyer, Taiwo Kupolati, approached the high court seeking among others, an order restraining the state government from moving the council headquarters from Iye Ekiti to Eda Oniyo Ekiti. He contended that Iye-Ekiti community was not joined in the suit leading to the Supreme Court judgment, noting that there was no statute backing the proclamation
of the government on the relocation. But observers have described his suit as frivolous and a gross abuse of court process. They wondered why the lawyer would claim that Iye-Ekiti community was not joined in the suit leading to the Supreme Court judgment, when the state government in order to retain the LG headquarters in Iye-Ekiti, appealed against the judgment of the High Court which had ordered that the council headquarters be relocated to Eda Oniyo Ekiti. They equally stated that assuming that the claimant (Iye Ekiti) has genuine grievances against the Supreme Court judgment, the appropriate thing is to go back to the apex court for review, not the High Court. Analysts are wondering where the principle of superiority of courts has gone for the High Court to dare the Supreme Court to hear afresh a matter it had already determined. One elementary rule of Nigeria’s judiciary is that the decisions of the apex court are sancrosanct and binding on all persons and authorities including all courts with subordinate jurisdiction. This is why they are worried over the disturbing trend in the justice sector, where some courts subvert the principle of stare decisis, one of the most sacred pillars in the administration of justice. The principle is a legal doctrine that obligates courts to follow historical cases, when making a ruling on a similar case. It ensures that cases with similar scenarios and facts are binding on courts with subordinate jurisdictions. “One of the dangers in the country’s democratic experiment is seeing the impunity we have on other arms of government creeping into the judiciary, which was seen as revered. While the Supreme Court has often ruled that there must be an end to litigation, courts below do not always respect that decision or admonition. And this is very dangerous,” says a public affairs analyst, who did not want her name in print. “The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. It is the final place where people seek redress. The tradition is that when the court resolves or decides a dispute – that is where it ends. The best any aggrieved parties can do, especially when they do not properly comprehend or disagree with decision of the court is to go back and seek interpretation. Certainly not to go back to the High Court either to seek interpretation or commence the matter afresh,” says Ferdinard Obieze.
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 3, 2019
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George Muoghalu
Water Transportation Can Ease Apapa Gridlock The economic potential of the Inland Water Transportation are enormous, and the employment opportunities are also enormous. These are some of the views expressed by the former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress and newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigeria Inland Water Authority, Chief George Muoghalu, when he spoke to journalists on the vision and plans of the federal government to reposition water transportation in the country. Onyebuchi Ezigbo presents the excerpts:
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calibre, the quality of persons that came goes to show you the importance attached to it and the importance of water transport within our sub-region.
ow do you view your recent appointment as the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority? I thank Mr. President for giving me the opportunity to serve the nation in another capacity with a firm commitment that I won’t fail the confidence bestowed on me; I won’t fail you, I won’t fail Nigeria and I am determined to leave a mark by the time I finish my tenure. As you are all aware I have just been appointed the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) with headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi state but with offices across the country. For me it is a very great responsibility and I want to be remembered at the end of my tenure for what I have contributed to build on successes and achievements from my predecessors. The important thing here is that I am amongst those Nigerians that believe it will always be well with our nation and what is required is real dedication. We need to re-dedicate ourselves to serving with commitment; we need to demonstrate our love for the country by the kind of service we render for the overall benefit of mankind and the great people of Nigeria. So, for me, it is a new dawn. What should Nigerians expect from NIWA in terms of contribution to the growth of the economy? Before I answer your question, I will like to send my gratitude to Rotimi Ameachi, the Minister of Transport and Senator Gbemi Saraki, the Minister for state of Transportation for finding me worthy to recommend to the President for this appointment. Having said that, as we all know, the National Inland Waterways Authority is more of a regulatory agency as its responsibility reflects its name – in-charge of the waterways. I am one of the people, who believe that if we exploit the waterways of Nigeria, it has great potential in the aspect of transport. The simplest you can say now is that it is going to reduce the burden on the roads. If our waterways are opened, the channels are free and secure, you can even expand the scope of passenger traffic, using waterways, because it is economical and it goes round the country and most importantly, if you consider that a good percentage of goods that arrived at Lagos seaport today if one say it is about 50-60 percentage of the influx of goods into the country, one won’t be so wrong. Most of them are going to the South East and these goods today are transported by road. Most of these containerised goods put a lot of pressure on the roads, but if we have a clear waterway transport system, all these goods can be received in Lagos and moved to the River ports. We have a completed River port today in Onitsha. We have an ongoing Jetty being built in Oguta. We have a completed River Port in Baro. Some of these goods that are going to the North can be moved by river port in Baro and others to Onitsha and the other areas where we have functional Jetties like Cross River, Port Harcourt and Warri. First, we will open up the waterways and once these waterways are opened, you will see that communities, settlements will start to develop along these routes. It reduces tremendously the pressure you have on the roads. If the agency engages a critical stakeholder like Dangote for example, you can come to a point where cement rather than move them on the roads, you move them by the rivers and waterways and then the cement will still get to where it is destined to go to and will succeed in reducing the pressure on Nigerian roads which is key. We can also develop it to a point where passenger movement can still be enhanced, which will also create alternative transport systems. The beautiful thing here is that it provides opportunity for massive employment. Yes, it is capital intensive, we have to make huge human capital investment to make it very functional but I think it is one area that if we make very functional and open it up, will help in developing our country. It is my intention to engage critical stakeholders so that we all can discuss these issues, so that we all can come to a point of understanding and see the potential that lies fallow that we can explore for the benefit of our nation and get people to be involved. So, there is quite a lot we can do. However, as an agency, there are also some challenges, because it isn’t as easy as we are saying it. At times, you talk about the dredging of the channels, the security challenges on our waterways but these are issues that can be addressed and as we get along. We will seek collaborations with sister agencies to resolve these issues and water transportation system will be the favourite of the Nigerian people, which I believe will help our economy quite a lot. For example, if you look at the gridlock we are suffering today in Apapa, if we had a very viable, functional waterway, a good number of these goods that are stuck there; building up demurrage, frustrating importers and what have you, the goods will go by the river ports. I am aware if not 100 per cent or 90 per cent of the materials being used to construct the second Niger bridge, by Julius Berger are being brought in by the river port to Onitsha. So, if Julius Berger can do it why not the next person? You can engage critical stakeholders, who will now invest in that aspect of our
How can NIWA partner key importers and industrialists in a way that they could mutually contribute towards developing that sector? Let me give you an example. Today, I had a meeting with a very big industrialist from the East, who is into iron rod manufacturing and because of the Apapa gridlock and the challenges, he has many consignments tied up in Lagos to the extent that the few he has cleared he paid demurrage of N494 million and as we speak, some of his containers are still there. So, we discussed the issue of water transportation but these are people, who don’t know that they could partner NIWA and some of these challenges could be reduced. His factory is located in Onitsha. So, if we can open up our channels, if we can partner him, for example, his consignment can be landing in Lagos and moved straight to Onitsha river port and all those challenges he has will be a thing of the past, because at the moment, he is being grounded, because the pressure on him was high. No industry can survive with such a pressure but a lot of people don’t know the potential and the capacity of NIWA in this regard and that is why I said we are under reported, so, we need to say who we are, we need to come to the front burner because if you don’t say who you are, nobody will sail that path. By the time we come out, people will now elevate us, ask question and we will now create enabling environment to discuss with them and win their confidence for them to now think of investing in water transportation. But the basic fact here is that my team and I have come to terms with the fact that there is the urgent need to open up the Nigerian waterways.
Muoghalu economy just like how they are doing on road transport, you can get them to understand the potential in river transport, provide them the enabling environment, the required support and it becomes as viable as road transport. What challenges are you likely to deal with to keep the sector afloat? One of the things I observed within my few days in the agency is the fact that the agency is critically under-reported and you can’t get critical stakeholders to be involved, you can’t get them to buy into your vision if they don’t know the place. So, I have a clear assignment I have given to myself and my team is that you have to bring NIWA to the knowledge of Nigerians. Let them understand NIWA, understand our responsibilities, understand the potential that lie within and also make them see the challenge, because we can sufficiently get support, we can be encouraged, we can even get advice from unexpected sources if they know what you are doing. Have you asked yourself a simple question, because one thing with me is that when I am confronted with a responsibility I try to look inward, I try to look at our history. Before the civil war, our roads were few but even at that time, there was serious movement of cargo; the groundnut of the North, the oil palm of the East, cocoa from the West and things like that moving to Lagos and vice versa. Have you thought about the fact that a good percentage of these goods then were moved by river? So what happened? Because the moment we laid so much emphasis on road transport, we lost interest in water transport, because I remember back then clearly that we used to see logs of woods being carried from Sapele, Bonny and those areas down to Lagos by the waterways. Most of the times, they hardly go by roads, because those weights then as no surfaced dressed roads could carry them. So you find out that these things can still be done again, in fact, we have the opportunity to improve on that. The economic potential is enormous. The employment opportunities are also enormous. So, these are some of the challenges and prospects I have seen. Another challenge, which I have seen and which is not peculiar to NIWA, is that of funding. The volume of resources available to government today in all sectors has been reduced drastically and will continue to reduce so it requires every agency to think inwards and see to what extent you can partner the private sector, because once you can get the private sector to buy into what you are doing, then they can bring external investment which will reduces a lot of burden on you and they can only do this if they know what you are doing. The issue of security, for example, a global summit just finished a few days ago in Abuja, which I attended with a lot of security agencies and a lot of other people. Over 79 countries were represented at the summit, because the issue of security for the waterways isn’t a peculiar Nigerian problem; it is an international problem and everyone was part of it; everyone was involved. So, at that security summit, the attendance, the
You have enumerated the importance of the waterways to the Nigerian economy, what measures are you taking to ensuring that the waterways compete favourably in terms of movement of goods and services? First of all, I have to do an on-the-spot assessment to be able to know the challenges and problems of each of these river ports. Yes, reports have been sent to me, which I am still reading and in a matter of days or weeks I intend to undertake a comprehensive tour of all these areas, where we have river ports, so we can be able to assess their status; so we can know how to put in them for maximum use. My intention is not to compete with any sister agency but to complement each other. The important thing is that I am looking at the beneficiaries at the end of the day and they are the Nigerian people. So, if I can get the Nigerian people to benefit by making the waterways functionally effective and then running side by side with the rail transport that the government is investing in and the road infrastructure that is being further developed and repairs being made; I think each one will complement one another. Once these things are working hand-in-hand, I am sure we will be in a better state. In what way can the drenching of River Niger and River Benue assist your plans? It will assist a lot. When you dredge the river, it creates depth and allows bigger vessels to access the ports. Dredging is a very integral part of any waterways. You also talk about the river plane that has to do with silting of the channels and creating a pathway for the water to flow. These are all parts of the process. I am not saying that any project has been abandoned, not to my knowledge, because I am still going to look at my books. If I tell you that with one week of my appointment I have read all my books and files, then I have started by telling you a lie. I have not! Reports are coming in. On Tuesday, I will meet with all the Area Managers in Lokoja, so, they can give me on-the-spot briefing and let them know I am coming to visit them because whatever you tell me I am coming to verify. By the time we meet, we will be able to assess individually and see all the challenges and put them on the table. It is a collective thing. Where we have security advantage we use it and where we have challenges we address it. You are obviously on sabbatical as a member of the ruling party. But how is this not going to conflict your political standing? It is all about politics, everything in life is about politics, because you are dealing with people. If you say yes, I am going to leave party administration for some time, you never can predict tomorrow. Don’t forget I have been in the party administration for over 20 years uninterrupted since 1999. I started as national secretary of AP and I have remained there up till date. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it and what is on ground now is this responsibility that has been given to me. I want to make a mark. I want the government to say it did well by choosing me to run this agency. The moment I am able to achieve that, I am a happy person.
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Senators Godswill Akpabio and Tayo Alasoadura during their budget defence
Of Senate Confirmation of NDDC Board and Elumelu-led Opposition in the House The Senate, last week, commenced the screening of nominees for NDDC Board as minority party members squared up in the House, report Deji Elumoye and Adedayo Akinwale
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he Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been in the news for different reasons lately. While the Presidency hinted of its plan to carry out forensic audit of the Commission, the Senate through its committee on Public Accounts had cause to probe the alleged jerking up of the contract for the clearance of water hyacinths on the Niger Delta waterways from N2.5 billion to N65 billion. Just last week, the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, set up an interim committee to run the affairs of the NDDC. Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari had forwarded a letter dated October 18 to the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, requesting for the confirmation of a 16-man Board for the NDDC. With the reading of the President’s letter at Senate plenary last Tuesday, it was referred to the Senate committee on Niger Delta Affairs, headed by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, which had since screened 15 out of the 16 nominees while the remaining nominee is expected to be screened tomorrow,
Monday, ahead of the resumption of plenary on Tuesday. Also, last week, the Senate Appropriations committee headed by Senator Barau Jibril commenced the budget defence sessions with the various sub-committees, which is also expected to end by Tuesday. At the House of Representatives, last week, key players in the Minority leadership tussle appeared to have put the past behind them and the Ninth House is therefore set for a robust opposition and constructive criticism. Unlike 2015, when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to achieve its choice of Principal Officers in the Eighth Assembly, the then Senate President, Bukola Saraki emerged against the party’s choice of Ahmed Lawan, the incumbent Senate President. In the same way, Yakubu Dogara emerged against the party’s choice of Femi Gbajabiamila, the current Speaker of the House of Representatives. But the ruling party got its political permutations right this time around and had its way in the Ninth Assembly as its choice of Principal Officers emerged. However, the main opposition party,
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), got its hands burnt, when its choice of Minority Leader of the Ninth House, Hon Kingsley Chinda, failed to emerge, as the members asserted their independence by electing Hon Ndudi Elumelu instead. The PDP had written to the Speaker and nominated Chinda as the Minority Leader, Chukwuka Onyema as Deputy Minority Leader, Yakubu Barde as Minority Whip, and Muraina Ajibola as Deputy Minority Whip. Nevertheless, Hon Gbajabiamila read a letter said to have been signed by 99 of the 146 members of the various minority parties in the House and announced Ndudi Elumelu as Minority Leader; Toby Okechukwu as Deputy Minority Leader; Gideon Gwani as Minority Whip; and Adesegun Adekoya as Deputy Minority Whip. At the end of the day, 111 out of 127 lawmakers nominated Elumelu for the job. So, even before normal activities resumed on the floor of the House, the battle line was already drawn. Interestingly, the PDP that had claimed to have rebranded, repositioned and rejuvenated overreacted
and subsequently suspended Elumelu, and six other members of the party for “indiscipline, insubordination and disobedience�. Without mincing words, the opposition party in the ninth House got off on a wrong footing due to imposition from the ruling party and that set the opposition lawmakers slightly aback. But the recent turn of events in the green chamber has however shown that Chinda has tactically withdrawn from the leadership tussle in the House and the key players in the leadership melee have put the past behind them. This was why, last week, two different press statements were issued by Chinda and his group, where it referred to the group has Minority Caucus and himself as the leader of the Minority Caucus and not Minority leader. This was a clear indication that the minority leadership fuss in the green chamber might have been laid to rest. With the party’s suspension of Elumelu and others still subsisting, it is high time the party recoiled into its shell by lifting the suspension. While the suspension does not diminish the positions of those suspended in the
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Of Senate ConďŹ rmation of NDDC Board and Elumelu-led Opposition in the House
Nwaoboshi House, the party would be the greatest beneficiary if it presented a united front in the green chamber. Morseo, considering the way Elumelu emerged, the PDP caucus is poised to provide robust opposition and a constructive criticism in the Ninth House as most key players in the earlier leadership tussle had decided to sheathe the sword. Besides, Elumelu’s role during the celebrated power probe in the House gives more credence to the kind of leadership to be expected in the green chamber, whereby constructive criticism would be provided without being seen as anti-government. During deliberation on the 2020 budget, Elumelu, in his contribution, lamented that, “to effectively manage the family is no longer attainable. When you tell a farmer or a civil servant that we are actually reducing the inflationary rate, to them, what informs the reduction in inflationary rate is that there is value to their take home. But, I don’t think that is the case today as Nigerians are suffering. “Workers before now can spend N500 on transport on a daily basis, but I can tell you that is no longer the case. In most instances, you see people earning N10,000 and spending N2,000 on transportation daily, that is difficult for them. And my worry is that one, we will wake up, see people on the street facing us and asking us to pack our load and get out of the chamber, because Nigerians are suffering and things are difficult.� Against this background, he said opposition in the House would subject the N10.3 trillion 2020 budget to thorough legislative scrutiny to ensure that it reflects the general aspiration of over 200 million Nigerians. The Minority Leader did not stop at that, in a recent statement, he frowned at reports that certain committees barred the media from covering their budget defence sessions. He was of the opinion that budget defence must be in the open and transparent so that Nigerians are fully carried along in all the processes leading to budgetary decisions in all critical sectors To this end, the minority has directed all opposition members in various committees to ensure strict compliance with
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Ndudi Elumelu the democratic principles of transparency, accountability and prudence in the budget planning, as well as in the implementation oversight of both the capital and recurrent components. Elumelu maintained that though the House had resolved to pass the budget before the end of the year, the details, particularly the capital expenditure items and implementation modules must meet the yearning of Nigerians before the budget is passed into law. He said the opposition recognised the fact that Nigerians look up to them to protect their interest on critical issues that directly affect their lives, particularly on budget planning and implementation in key sectors. “Given the sorry state of our infrastructure, the opposition must ensure that the votes earmarked by Mr. President for the rehabilitation of roads, power infrastructure, health services, agriculture, water resources, education, among other critical sectors are thoroughly scrutinised to guarantee full implementation as well as reflect the federal character principle across board. “Consequently, the details of the N2.46 trillion capital budget must be dissected and adjusted accordingly to ensure that critical needs of Nigerians are adequately accommodated, as well as to plug waste and eliminate budget-
ary corruption at every stage.� The minority leader further assured that the opposition would take critical look at all revenue projections from Value Added Tax (VAT) and other tax regimes so as to ensure equity and fairness and to guarantee that the masses are not overburdened in the process. He said the opposition would fully monitor the implementation of special intervention funds for the unemployed, welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East and other parts of the country to ensure that the money is not diverted as witnessed in the past under a former Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF). Elumelu raised a motion of national importance at the resumption of plenary last Tuesday where he urged the House to stop the planned Operation Positive Identification (OPI) by the army. He argued that the operation would strip Nigerians of their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of movement. He insisted that the operation by the Army is a recipe for possible militarilisation of Nigerians, as such plan by the army would lead to the infringement on fundamental rights of Nigerians, as enshrined in the 1999 constitution (as amended). The Minority leader noted that the
He insisted that the operation by the Army is a recipe for possible militarilisation of Nigerians, as such plan by the army would lead to the infringement on fundamental rights of Nigerians, as enshrined in the 1999 constitution (as amended)
nationwide operation would also amount to an indirect imposition of a state of emergency across the country by the Army. Elumelu said such proposed military operations that involves direct contact and regulating of civilians could result in abuses and serious safety issues, especially at this time the nation is battling with the scourge of victimisation and extrajudicial killings. In his contribution, Hon. Ahamadu Jaha commended Elumelu for raising such motion. He said travelling from Abuja to Maiduguri before took not less 14 hours under normal circumstances, and asked how many days it would take if the army should commence the operation. “While I’m in support of the motion, I will like to emphasise that if our security Chiefs are out of idea, they should let Nigerians know about that so that they can voluntarily give way for other people who have new ideas on how to fight insecurity in this country. “Lastly, we better face the reality, we have a lot to do with these military men particularly in the North east, they should go and be providing offensive operation, offensive attacks to Boko Haram in north east; banditry in North West and other parts of the country. This is not an idea at all. I condemn it in totality.� Also, Hon. Toby Okechukwu said that the army was simply trying to engage in an exercise that is not within their purview. He said it is a known fact that they are short of manpower, while wondering why the army is now deploying the little manpower they have on Nigerians. The House, therefore, resolved that the army should therefore develop pro-people strategy in confronting our security challenges instead of measures that would further victimise the people The House further urged President Muhammadu Buhari, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to review the situation and stop the army from commencing planned operation scheduled for November 1, 2019, to make way for further consultation. Such, is the kind of constructive and robust engagement the ninth House would be witnessing with the Elumeluled opposition in the green chamber.
T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 3, 2019
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with DEMOLA OJO demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com
SOCIAL MEDIA BITS
Last week, the CBN governor made a case for continued border closure, the EFCC made more arrests, and a popular pastor sent an APC stalwart a cryptic message...
A
mong many other trending topics on social media last week, the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission once again came under the spotlight. The EFCC’s Twitter handle regularly posts updates about its actions, especially the arrest of suspected fraudsters. But the EFCC is - more often than not – condemned rather than commended by a mostly young population who believe that commission turns a blind eye to politicians especially, and other powerful Nigerians who they believe feed fat on the commonwealth, openly flaunting questionable wealth. The anti-crime body’s usual response is that it acts on petitions brought forward by citizens. Taking on the challenge, popular social activist Deji Adeyanju, submitted a petition to the EFCC against former Lagos Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
It should be recalled that on the eve of the general elections in February this year, two bullion vans were sighted at the Bourdillion residence of the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress. But according to Sahara Reporters, the petition is currently “lying fallow” at the office of the anti-graft agency and is “just hanging somewhere”, with no effort or desire by the leadership of the commission to consider the petition for its merit or lack of it. Meanwhile, the EFCC detained 16 Kwara State local government chairmen who were suspended by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The council chiefs allegedly shared N100m out of a controversial N4 billion loan as well as allocating to themselves 10 per cent of the states’ internally generated revenue. Also making the news was the EFCC arresting a Lagos-based entertainment
NOVEMBER 3, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER
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SOCIAL MEDIA BITS personality on money laundering charges. In the midst of all these, Acting EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, refused to answer questions on the petition against Tinubu. Addressing a press briefing on internet fraud at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Magu was asked what he was doing about the petition. He responded; “Do you expect me to respond on the petition?” But the focus on Asiwaju Tinubu refuses to disappear, especially as prominent pastor, Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly, sent a cryptic message his way. Speaking on the floods that have bedevilled Lagos nin recent weeks and months, Bakare said, “That’s why potholes are killing you...you can’t drive now anymore because what is meant for road has been stolen since democracy began, they are living larger than life having jets here, having jets there, having house in Bourdillon...” Not done, he declared: “You will not go without vomiting what you have stolen.” In truth, this just seems like the early stages of a combat between two of the
many individuals with aspirations of being Nigeria’s president. The current president was in Saudi Arabia last week and one of the things on the agenda was imploring Saudi Arabia to help rebuild Nigeria’s sickly infrastructure, especially regarding oil facilities. Less than a week after making an appeal to Russia-based Lukoil to bring its expertise and funding into the entire facet of Nigeria’s fossil fuel industry, President Muhammadu Buhari has made a similar plea to Saudi Arabia’s Aramco. “Nigerian officials are ready to collaborate with you, they will identify their priorities and invite you for a meeting in the country so that you can go round to inspect the refineries and other oil facilities.” Meanwhile Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has said that if border closure is sustained for the next two years, the issues of insurgency, banditry and kidnapping will be totally eradicated. What he didn’t add is that it might also help in resuscitating the refineries among other things, right?
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NEWSXTRA NBA Demands Immediate Release of Abducted A’Court Justice ‘This should not only unnerve and agitate all of us but must also jolt our collective conscience’
Tobi Soniyi The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday condemned ‘the horrifying and criminal’ abduction of Justice Chioma Iheme-Nwosu, PhD, Justice of the Court of Appeal and called for her immediate release and safe return to her family. In a statement issued yesterday, NBA President, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN said the police owed their colleague and her police orderly, who was killed during her abduction, a duty to arrest the perpetrators. NBA said Justice IhemeNwosu JCA’s car was intercepted and disabled in a Rambo-style, by dare-devil criminals, who executed her orderly with the proficiency of marksmen right in the heart of Benin City and then abducted her in broad daylight at about 11.30am. The association said the abduction of Justice IhemeNwosu and the killing of her orderly must not end up as part of crime statistics. “The law enforcement agencies owe their assassinated colleague, Iheme-Nwosu, JCA’s orderly the debt and
responsibility of fishing out and meting justice to the criminals, who so brutally and heinously murdered him and abducted His Lordship,� the statement stated. He noted that as at the time of issuing the statement, His Lordship’s whereabouts and safety were unknown and of grave concern to all well meaning persons. NBA said: “We owe ourselves the responsibility of stopping these criminals now. They must not go unpunished. We must start our redemption by ensuring the safe return of Iheme-Nwosu, JCA. Nothing must happen to His Lordship and her abductors must not escape justice.� NBA described the kidnap of the appellate court judge as utterly reprehensible, which “should not only unnerve and agitate all of us but must also jolt our collective conscience.� The association said incidences of kidnap had become one too many and should be condemned by everyone. It noted that it should be a taboo for criminals to breach and tamper with the safety of
Katsina Generates N6.3b in Nine Months Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Board of Internal Revenue yesterday disclosed that it had generated N6.3 billion as internally generated revenue (IGR) between January and September 2019. The revenue board, also, disclosed that the closure of the country’s land borders by the Federal Government did not affect the state’s revenue generation. The Chairman of the board, Aminu Abdulmumini made the disclosure at a news conference he addressed yesterday, saying the state government had given the board a target of N8.1 billion in 2019.
The board chairman noted that the generated sum had exceeded the set target of N6.09 billion for September by three per cent. He said the revenue raised did not include the N291.7 million collected by about 26 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the state as at September. Abdulmumini, however, noted that the MDAs collections are far below the N1.8 billion revenue target set for them by the state government in 2019. According to him, the State House of Assembly has already passed a Revenue Harmonisation Law that would allow the board to collect revenues on behalf of all the MDAs.
judges generally. “We made this point in the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) Release following the recent kidnap of Honorable Justice Abdu Dogo of the Federal High Court. Given the sensitive nature of judges’ assignments, it behooves on us to make criminal attacks on them most unprofitable for the criminals lest justice
becomes imperiled and shackled. “This point assumes greater importance in this season, when Justices of the Court of Appeal are crisscrossing the Nigerian nation to sit on and dispense justice in election petition matters. “The Court of Appeal, as most would know, is the court of last resort for all
House of Assembly and National Assembly election matters and we have plenty of these at this time. “Given the sensitive nature of those petitions, these Court of Appeal panels are mostly constituted and made up of Justices who are deployed outside of their normal duty stations. “Some of the venues
for these Court of Appeal Tribunals are in cities that are inaccessible by air or not easily accessible by air, which means our Justices are left with no option but to travel to these locations by road. And, in that process, Their Lordships are exposed to great harm and danger in the hands of underworld men and women.
WE’RE ALL BEREAVED...
Minister of Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Chief Adeniyi Coker during Fashola’s condolence visit to the family of the late first Military Governor of Lagos State, Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson at Ilupeju, Lagos‌ yesterday
Dickson Accuses IOCs of Environmental Terrorism Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Mr Seriake Dickson yesterday accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the state of environmental terrorism, which had claimed lives of several residents of the state. Dickson, also, alleged that for over 50 years, the people of Bayelsa had been subjected to the gravest level of pollution without respite arising from the activities of oil multinationals operating in the state. He made the allegation
after receiving an interim report from the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC) at Dappa Biriye Conference Centre in Yenagoa yesterday. Dickson, who appreciated the Chairman of the commission, Bishop John Sentamu and his members, urged them to continue to mobilise international support against the degradation of the environment and the livelihood of Bayelsa residents. Describing the situation as tragic, the governor said for him, the matter was beyond his
constitutional duty of protecting the people of the state, but a personal one, since he had been personally affected by the phenomenon. According to the governor, a simple blood sample taken from anyone resident and living in the polluted parts of the state will return very shocking results. He said: “This is one of the world’s most tragic and ignored stories of what we do to each other as human beings. This is part of documenting our story. It is not just a part of my mandate
to protect my people in all ramifications, but far more than that, this is personal. The lives of Bayelsa people matter a lot. From now on, any activity involving our people or adversely affecting our people should be reported. Let the world continue to know that what we have talked about for decades is real. “Beyond increasing the bank accounts of their shareholders, special interests and all, is the human story. This is part of the story that so many interests do not want us to talk about.
CBN Urges Nigerians to Embrace Micro, Macro Stability Policies Oyakhilome Foundation Offers Free Education to 400 Children Igbawase Ukumba in LaďŹ a The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday urged Nigerians to embrace its micro and macro policies aimed at entrenching economic stability in the country. CBN’s Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, made the call at a two-day sensitization fair the apex bank organised in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, for low income earners. Okorafor, who was represented at the sensitization fair by a deputy director, Veronica Aqua, noted that the bank’s goal was “to stimulate economic development for the people to live a better and more fulfilled lives.
“The idea of the fair is for the low income to come together, interact and create synergy towards enhancing access to finance, increase productivity, generate employment, create wealth and engender sustainable growth.� He explained that objective of the fair, which he said, was “to create awareness about the CBN activities as it concerns economic development initiative of the bank with a view of explaining the opportunities available and how every citizen can take advantage of them.� “The various initiatives of the CBN based on monetary policy, modernization of the payment system, development financing programme, and
financial literacy are designed to revamp, reposition and reengineering vital sectors of the economy.� Okorafor gave some of the CBN initiatives to include Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF), Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSME), Micro Finance Policy and Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS). Other initiatives of the apex bank are Electronic Payment System (alternative payment channels), Mobile Banking, Right of Consumers Services, Financial Inclusion, Biometric Verification Number (BVN) and Pursuit of Sound and Stable Financial System.
Daji Sani in Yola The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) has offered free basic education to 400 vulnerable children from conflict-ridden communities in Adamawa State. The foundation also built a multi-million Naira school and health care facilities to offer free education and healthcare delivery to vulnerable children and communities affected by conflicts in the state. The Chairperson of the Association of Widows, Adamawa Chapter, Mrs. Hilda Makonto disclosed this at an interactive session with journalists in Yola, the Adamawa capital yesterday.
Makonto noted that the location where the school and health centre was built in Demsa Local Government Area (LGA) “is the area mostly affected by farmers-herdsmen conflict, which destroyed more than 10,000 lives and properties worth millions of Naira. Makonto said she witnessed the inauguration of the facilities penultimate Thursday, adding that the facilities would be beneficial to children of indigent parents who were either affected by Boko Haram insurgency or farmersherdsmen conflict. “Many of us lost our husbands to insurgency and farmersherdsmen conflict and some children lost both parents living
with no one to care for them. But we thank God for sending the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation to care for them.� “This gesture is divinely oriented because God had heard their lingering cries for help such as this for indigent children to go to a world class schools like this one so as to bridge gap between children of the poor and rich in the country,� she said. She said the widows “are concerned because their children are major benefactors. We thank Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Found of COFI for giving children of indigent and vulnerable groups the opportunity to have good education and free medical care at no cost.
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NEWSXTRA Rice Consumers, Producers Disagree on Border Closure Prices of rice rise by 41.66 % in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The consumers and producers of rice in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States have disagreed on the decision of the federal government to close all land borders in the country, citing its negative and positive impact. The consumers claimed that the prices of rice had risen by 40.66 per cent, lamenting that the federal government took the decision without measures in place to cushion the effects of unprecedented increase in rice prices. However, the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) faulted the claims of the consumers, insisting that the decision of the federal government would protect rice producers and boost rice production in the country. They expressed divergent views about the impact of the
border closure in separate interviews with THISDAY with the consumers claiming that the border closure had brought them under the burden of high food prices. In August, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered closed Nigeria’s land border with Benin, preventing the import of goods. The decision had significantly affected trade in foodstuffs, especially rice, which had already been affected by various past import restrictions. On October 14, Buhari had ordered closed all of Nigeria’s borders with Benin, as well as those with all other countries, for the same reasons. With the market for smuggled food now restricted, domestic food prices—already high—have gone up and the economy of neighboring Benin—a staging area for smuggling into Nigeria—has been devastated.
Buhari had defended the decision of the federal government to close the land borders nationwide, justifying it as parts of his administration’s effort “to tackle smuggling and associated corruption, but also to spur the domestic agricultural industry. However, in interviews with THISDAY at the weekend, the consumers berated the federal government for inflicting pain on them for hastily closing all the land borders with its neighbouring countries without putting measures in place to cushion the effects One of the consumers, Alhaji Shehu Abdullahi, who spoke with THISDAY in Sokoto, said that the decision should
have been taken in phase “to mitigate the cursory effect of price increase. As you can see the federal government acted in a hurry. And its decision is dictatorial.� A retailer of basic foodstuffs in Sokoto, Mr. Stephen Ademola lamented that some scrupulous element “have taken the advantage of the border closure by exorbitantly increased the price of staple food especially rice.� He added that the federal government should have put machineries in place such as taskforce to control the price of food commodities before taken the decision. Ademola urged the federal government to set up a com-
mittee to regulate price of food commodities and that customs should stop intimidating those doing legitimate business along the border towns, saying trading “is their source of livelihood.� In different markets in three border councils in Sokoto, two in Zamfara and five in Katsina, THISDAY checks revealed that rice prices had risen from N12,000 or N13,000 in July to N17,000 or N18,000 in October. THISDAY checks also showed that local rice, which cost N12,000 in August, had become more expensive with its prices ranging from N15,000 to N16,000, depending on the brand. By implication, the prices of
foreign rice have risen by 41.6 percent between August and October while that of local rice increased by average 25 percent in cases and 33.33 percent in other cases. Some residents, who resident in border communities in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara, claimed that the border closure “has crippled their businesses, thereby affecting their livelihood and means of survival.� Isa, Sabon Birnin, Illela, Tangaza and Gudu LGAs in Sokoto State, border Niger Republic; Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs in Zamfara State as well as Daura and Jibia LGAs in Katsina State share border with Niger Republic.
Institute of Directors Honours Oando Chairman Ugo Aliogo
The Chairman of Oando Plc, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Alake of Egba Land, its Chief Compliance and Company Secretary, Ms. Ayotola Jagun and General Manager, Operations, Oando Energy Resources, Mr. Anthony Sawyer have received recognition from reputable institutions nationwide. Besides the recognition of its top management staff, Oando has recorded profit in its latest financial report, consolidating its leadership as the foremost indigenous oil multinational. This was contained in a statement from the Oando Corporate Communications Office, saying the recognition “is a proof that Oando is being managed by reputable professionals with years of industry experience.� The statement said Oba Gbadebo received an investiture as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Directors (IoD) at the institute’s 2019 Fellows Investiture Night. It added that the monarch “sits on the board of notable organisations including Oando Plc, Global Haulage Resources Limited, Dolphin Travels amongst others.
“He was appointed as a nonExecutive Director of Oando since April 2006 and has led the company through major milestones including the company’s acquisition of five drilling rigs between 2007 to 2009; the construction of major pipeline projects through its midstream subsidiary; the completion of a reverse takeover of Exile Resources to become Oando Energy Resources in 2012; the landmark acquisition of ConocoPhillips Nigeria and the divestment of its downstream and midstream naira earning businesses.� Also, the statement said Jagun was inducted into a blue-ribbon council in an advisory capacity to Executive Members of the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum. She had served as a keynote speaker at the recently concluded Institute of Chartered Secretaries Lagos 2019 Conference where she is holds the prestigious title of a fellow. Reacting to her appointment, Jagun said; “I am humbled and honoured by opportunity to serve women at the Bar and Bench by advocating on causes that impact on their position, well-being and progress in their chosen profession.
Enugu Awards Contracts for N3.2bn Projects The Enugu State Government has awarded contracts for another set of development projects totaling over N3.2 billion in keeping with its renewed vigour to provide massive infrastructure in the state. The state government awarded the contracts barely two weeks after it announced the award of contracts for urban and rural development projects at a whopping sum of N1.7 billion. The Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Aroh disclosed this at a press briefing at the Government House, Enugu after a meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) yesterday.
He said the council, upon the request from the state’s Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP-2), approved the asphalting of 26.665 kilometre Ukpabi-Nimbo-Ugbene AjimaEziani road in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area at the sum of N1,090,631,422.12. Aroh added that the council also considered and approved the request from RAMP-2 for asphalting of another intercommunity link road, the NekeMbu-Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti road - a 22.443 kilometre road that connects Isi-Uzo and Udenu Local Government Area at the cost of N913,434,678.045.
FUNDING MEDICAL SCHOLARS...
L-R: Keynote Speaker, Mr. Ahmed Popoola; Chairman of the Occasion, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti; Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad and Founder/Member, Board of Trustees, Fajim Medicare Foundation, Prof. Fatimah Abdulkareem at the public launch/1st annual undergraduate medical scholarship award ceremony in Lagos‌ yesterday ETOP UKUTT
Mobolaji Johnson Pioneer of Modern Lagos, Says Fashola
Japanese Govt Confers Udoma with Highest Honour
Segun James
Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja
The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN has expressed deep sadness and condoled with the government and people of Lagos State over the death of the state’s first Military Governor, Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson. Fashola, the 13th governor of Lagos State, described Johnson as an illustrious pioneer, a man of singular vision, integrity and unwavering duty whose loss “is one that is shared by an entire nation.� He said Johnson was “a dedicated soldier and public servant and a loving husband and father. As the first governor of the newly created Lagos State in 1967, he faced immediate challenges in leading a restive federal capital territory. “He handled those challenges with tremendous courage and unwavering grace,� Fashola said. The minister noted that the late elder statesman established a strong administrative structure for the state. Fashola said: “Beyond governing a state which was at the heart of a divisive national civil war, Johnson was an administrative trailblazer.
“Along with key civil servants like Adeyemi-Bero and Folarin Coker, he laid a template for civil service practices and procedures which set Lagos State apart as a centre of excellence.� He recalled his appeal during the unveiling of the biography of the late Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson titled, Lagos State: My Life of Service with Integrity, in 2010 that past leaders should document their periods of Stewardship. Fashola said such documentation that showed the great infrastructure strides like how the Lagos City Hall was built, how the Badagry Expressway was constructed, how the Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Complex was built, among several others would serve as inspiration to future leaders that things were successfully done before and could still be done again. Fashola said he would personally miss the wise counsel and support of Johnson. “During my own tenure as Lagos State Governor, Johnson was always ready with counsel and advice. If there was any public event or occasion regarding the welfare of the state, his towering figure was certain to be found present.
The Government of Japan has named former Minister of National Planning and Budget, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, as one of the foreign recipients of the 2019 Autumn Imperial Decorations. This was revealed in a statement the Embassy of Japan issued in Abuja yesterday, saying Udoma would receive “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star’’, one of the highest orders awarded in the name of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. The statement said Udoma was nominated for the award in recognition of his contributions towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and Nigeria. The statement said: “Senator Udoma, an accomplished lawyer who served as the Minister of Budget and National Planning of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2019, and Honorary Consul of Japan at Lagos from 2011 to 2015, is the first Nigerian ever to receive the Order of the Rising Sun award from the government of Japan.� “The Order of the Rising Sun,
Gold and Silver Star is one of the highest orders under the Order of the Rising Sun, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. “The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the government of Japan, with the badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun. ‘’The order is awarded in the name of his Majesty the Emperor of Japan and is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in the international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment. ‘’The Order of the Rising Sun comprises as follows: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun; the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star; the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon; the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette; the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays and the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays.’’ The Japanese government said Udoma had played an important role for many years in improving the Japan-Nigeria relationship.
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SUNDAYSPORTS Iwobi’s Everton Host Wounded Spurs
Edited by Demola Ojo Email: demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com
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he table does not lie after 10 matches and 16th versus 11th in the Premier League says everything about the underachievement of two teams harbouring far greater ambitions. Everton have won their last two games at Goodison Park in league and cup yet, having suffered another avoidable loss at Brighton last weekend, even if controversial, it feels Marco Silva remains only one bad home defeat away from a full-blown crisis. Tottenham suffered their fifth defeat of the campaign on Merseyside last Sunday but showed enough quality on the counterattack at Liverpool to encourage Mauricio Pochettino. The two teams who have endured disappointing campaigns to date will face off today when Everton welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Goodison Park. The hosts go into the weekend sitting only two places and two points above the relegation zone, while Spurs are also in the bottom half having won just twice in the Everton hopes Iwobi will help them get past Tottenham with a sterling performance today league since the opening day of the season. generally required to guarantee 12 points from their opening 10 Today will be the first time these the two sides met last weekend. The Londoners will hope for safety. games of a season, and it is their two teams have met while both have It is no exaggeration to suggest away form which is the biggest been in the bottom half since April a happier trip south from their that Tottenham have been in relreason behind that. 2004, and for Spurs time is running second Merseyside visit in as many egation form for more than eight Only Everton and Norwich have out to turn their form around if they weeks, but they have picked up months now, then, and another picked up fewer points on the want to at least salvage a top-four just one point from their last three league games and have only won defeat on today would be their road this season, and remarkably challenge this term. 19th of the calendar year across Tottenham’s wait for an away Eight points already separate six of their last 22 in the top flight. Indeed, Spurs have amassed only all competitions - their most since Premier League win stretches all Mauricio Pochettino’s side from 2008. the way back to January, since the Champions League spots, while 23 points from those 22 games - an Incidentally, 2008 was also the when they have accrued a measly leaders Liverpool are a full 16 points average which, spread over a 38last time they failed to pick up two points from the 33 on offer. clear of Spurs 10 games into the game season, would leave them more than their current tally of Indeed, Spurs’ only two away season following their victory when just short of the 40-point mark
league victories in 2019 as a whole came against Cardiff City and Fulham, meaning that you have to go back to their last visit to Everton - in December 2018 - for their most recent win away to a team currently in the top flight. It is a woeful record for a side that reached the final of the Champions League last season, but they will be hoping that a return to Goodison - where they won 6-2 just before Christmas last year - will spark a much-needed end to their troubles on the road. It certainly looks like a good opportunity to get back to winning ways on paper, with Spurs unbeaten in their last 13 league games against Everton in a run which stretches back to December 2012. Only the bottom three have conceded more goals than the Toffees after 10 games of the season, while their run of five defeats and just one win from their last six league games leaves them rock bottom of the form table too. While Everton’s general form has been poor of late, they have won seven of their last nine home league games and have kept clean sheets in seven of their last 10. Nine of their 10 points this season have come in front of their own fans. Coupled with Tottenham’s travel sickness, that provides a significant reason for Everton to be optimistic, although they may also need some of the luck which deserted them against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. The Toffees led 2-1 heading into the final 10 minutes at the Amex, only to controversially concede a VAR-awarded penalty before Lucas Digne’s 94th-minute own goal compounded their misery.
Tokyo 2020: Omidiran Nwakali: Olympic Eagles To Pick Tokyo 2020 Olympics Ticket Bemoans Falcons’ Crash, Exonerates Ruth David From Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Former executive committee member of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaja Ayo Omidiran has bemoaned the elimination of the Super Falcons from next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, by Cote D’Ivoire in the African qualifier. The Falcons were eliminated after the Ivoirians eked out a 1-1 result in Lagos, after the first leg in Abidjan ended goalless. It was the third consecutive time the team would fail to qualify for the Olympic Games football event. But Omidiran, the immediate past chairperson of the Women Football Development Committee of the NFF, attributed the Falcons’ exit to systemic problems affecting the growth of the game in the country even as she exonerated the former NFF Head of Women Football Department, Ruth David as the cause of the team’s exit. “I am surprised that Ruth David was blamed for the inability of Falcons to qualify. How can she be the cause when she is not the coach or one of the players? She is a civil servant, who takes directives in all she does about the national teams.
“Ruth is not the nemesis that some people ascribed to her. She is an asset to women football development. As far as I am concerned she is not and will never be the problem of Nigeria women football. Her commitment and passion for women football development is total. She is very experienced and exposed to the game and you can’t just wash away such an asset,� Omidiran, a former member of the House of Representatives said. Omidiran noted that she was familiar with David when the latter was the team secretary when Omidiran was a board member and recently as chairperson of the women football development committee. The former proprietor of Omidiran Babes football club of Osogbo said former coach Thomas Dernnaby’s sudden resignation and the players’ inability to convert chances against the Ivoirians in Lagos after a goalless draw in Abidjan cost Nigeria their Olympic Games ticket She also pointed out that other African countries were catching up in women football, stating that there are no longer minnows in the game.
Kelechi Nwakali says the Olympic Eagles are in Egypt to successfully defend the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations title Nigeria won in Senegal four years ago. Imama Amapakabo’s charges are among the eight teams that will compete at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations starting this week in Cairo, Egypt. The defending champions will compete in Group B along with Cote d’lvoire, Zambia and South Africa. �I believe the team is ready, the
mindset is to win the competition and pick the Olympic ticket,� Nwakali stated in a short video interview posted on the Youtube channel of the Nigeria Football Federation. “We have a good blend in the team. We have a lot of foreign-based players in the team, as well as players based here in Nigeria. We just have to prepare well for the competition. “Also, as defending champions that is a big motivation for us to try and win the competition again.
“Cote d’l voice, South Africa and Zambia are no pushovers, but we have what it takes to make it from the group. “We are not going to put pressure on ourselves. We are going to take each game as they come, but the objective is to pick Olympic ticket and win the competition.� The top three teams in the competition will qualify to represent Africa in the Men’s Football Tournament of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Springboks Beat England to Win Rugby World Cup dirt on a horrible night for Eddie Jones’s men. England had trailed 12-6 at the interval after taking a hammering in the scrum and making a series of handling errors. And despite four penalties from captain Owen Farrell they never looked like closing that gap as the Springboks produced an outstanding display to match those of 1995 in Johannesburg and 2007 in Paris. Those were iconic moments for a nation besotted with rugby and when Siya Kolisi lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy aloft as the first black man to captain the Springboks they will have the final South Africa have a record equalling third part of a triptych that World Cup
South Africa broke English hearts with a ruthless display of power rugby to seize their third Rugby World Cup in devastating fashion. Twenty two points from the boot of nerveless fly-half Handre Pollard and second-half tries from wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe ground England into the Yokohama
will endure forever in the country’s collective memory. For England it was a chastening end to a campaign that had promised to end the 16-year wait for the World Cup glory.
RESULTS Bournemouth 1 – 0 Man United Arsenal 1 – 1 Wolves Aston Villa 1 – 2 Liverpool Brighton 2 – 0 Norwich Man City 2 – 1 Southampton ShefďŹ eld United 3 – 0 Burnley West Ham 2 – 3 Newcastle Watford 1 – 2 Chelsea Espanyol 1 – 2 Valencia Levante 3 – 1 Barcelona Sevilla 1 – 1 Atl Madrid Roma 2 – 1 Napoli Bologna 1 – 2 Inter Crystal Palace v Leicester 3pm Everton v Tottenham 5:30pm
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Obi to Nigerians “Everybody calls you his excellency, that since you came, things have changed, even, when you know that nothing has changed...It is just that we have a government that has criminalised the society and people celebrate criminality. So, nobody could say to them, stop” – Former Anambra State Governor and PDP presidential running mate in the 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, explaining how people in power are often shielded from the reality.
NDUKAORJINMO/BBC GUEST COLUMNIST
Nigeria’s Border Crisis Fuelled by Rice
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going the other way. Many sell cheap subsidised Nigerian petrol in neighbouring countries. In July, the head of Nigeria’s national petroleum company, Maikanti Baru, said petrol smugglers were taking about 10 million litres (two million gallons) out of the country each day.
igeria, one of Africa’s superpowers, closed all its land borders two months ago to tackle smuggling but the unprecedented move is affecting trade across the region. Bustling borders have come to a standstill, with goods rotting and queues of lorries waiting at checkpoints in the hope the crossings will reopen. The closures were imposed without warning on 21 August - and Nigeria’s neighbours are angry.
How has West Africa been affected?
What prompted the move? Mainly rice. It seems Nigeria was fed up about the flouting of its ban on the importation of rice over its land borders. Smugglers bringing in rice from Benin appeared to be making a killing. The biggest contraband route was between Cotonou, Benin’s biggest city, and Nigeria’s commercial hub Lagos, which is just a few hours’ drive away. According to the World Bank, Benin’s economy is heavily reliant on the informal re-export and transit trade with Nigeria, which accounts for about 20% of its GDP, or national income. And about 80% of imports into Benin are destined for Nigeria, the bank says. Nigeria banned the importation of rice from Benin in 2004 and from all its neighbours in 2016, but that has not stopped the trade.
Why is rice so lucrative? Nigeria is only allowing in foreign rice through its ports - where since 2013 it has imposed a tax of 70%. The move is intended not only to raise revenue but also to encourage the local production of rice. But smugglers have been taking advantage of the fact that it is cheaper to import rice to Nigeria’s neighbours. According to the Nigerian maritime site Ships and Ports, in 2014 Benin lowered its tariffs on rice imports from 35% to 7% while Cameroon erased it completely from 10%. Neighbouring Benin then recorded an Rice import from Thailand (metric tonnes)
President Muhammadu Buhari
astronomical rise in imports from Thailand, the world’s second-largest producer. At its height, each of Benin’s 11.5 million citizens would have had to consume at least 150kg (330lb) of rice from Thailand alone. So it seems pretty clear that the rice was making its way into Nigeria to meet the shortfall in local production for a country of almost 200 million people. And Nigerians’ appetite for rice is almost insatiable in a country where the grain is a staple. There was a time was when it was considered an elitist meal consumed only on Sundays. But now its affordability - plus the love for jollof rice - has made it a national dish.
Is it just about rice?
Many goods come in through the port of Lagos and are transported by road throughout the region by hundreds of thousands of lorries. Nigeria’s immediate neighbours Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon - as well as Ghana and Togo have been hit by the crisis. Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said the country’s traders had incurred huge losses because their goods had been detained for weeks at the Nigeria-Benin border. She advised the Nigerian government to “find ways of isolating the issues and the countries that it has problems with, so that Ghana’s exports can enter Nigeria’s market without being lumped up with all these issues that have emerged”. In Benin, photographer Yanick Folly posted images of baskets of tomatoes, lined up and decaying near the border. Benin’s Agriculture Minister Gaston Dossouhoui described it as “a distressing sight” when he visited markets in the town of Grand Popo. “It’s very difficult for our producers. It’s a disaster,” he was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying. In an effort to mollify its powerful neighbour, Niger has since imposed its own ban on the exportation of rice to Nigeria. But it is the border communities, where traders often criss-cross for market days, that are suffering. BBC Hausa reporter Tchima Illa Issoufou in Niger said traders in two border towns she visited were unable to do business as most were not able to cross the border. And a long line of lorries, most heavy with goods, stands at Maradi close to the border with Nigeria.
No. Benin is also a major corridor for secondhand cars to Nigeria, where there is a ban on importing cars that are more than 15 years old. Official figures are difficult to come by, but Luxembourg-based shipping company BIM e-solutions says an average of 10,000 cars arrive at the Cotonou port from Europe monthly. According to the Nigeria Customs Service, Is the move illegal? many are smuggled across the border. The authorities also want to tackle smugglers The border closure goes against an agreement Price of petrol $ (Selected African countries)
that guarantees free movement between the 15 members of the West African regional bloc Ecowas. However it is legal for an Ecowas member state to restrict the importation of certain food and agricultural products - and in 2004 Benin and Nigeria agreed to ban 29 foreign products from being imported into Nigeria. Yet Nigeria’s actions have many questioning its commitment to the historic AfCFTA freetrade agreement, which it signed up to in July that lays the foundation for the creation of the world’s largest free trade area and is intended to boost trade between African countries. There are those who describe Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s protectionist attitude as “Trumpian”. But Kalu Aja, a financial analyst in Lagos, says the very fact that Mr Buhari signed AfCTA is proof that he is different from his US counterpart Donald Trump. “Buhari is not being protectionist but seeking to protect the gains made in local agriculture, in rice especially,” he told the BBC. “Keep in mind the sea borders are still open, tariffs have not gone up. Trump cut taxes, then cut regulations then imposed tariffs on China, Canada etc.”
How has Nigeria been affected? In the southern state of Rivers, some traders at the rice depot section of the Mile 1 market in Port Harcourt have packed up and gone home. They say the dramatic closure of the borders gave them no time to stock up. And prices have gone up too. Foreign rice now sells for 60% more, while locally produced rice has increased by almost 100%. But there has been the up side. Nigeria customs chief Hameed Ali recently told MPs that tax revenues had gone up as cargo destined for Benin was now arriving at Nigerian ports. One day in September, a record 9.2bn naira ($25m, £20m) was collected, which had “never happened before”, he said. “After the closure of the border and since then, we have maintained an average of about 4.7bn naira to 5.8bn naira on a daily basis, which is far more than we used to collect.”
What happens next? No-one knows. Nigeria has not said how long it will keep the borders shut to commercial traffic. In August, Benin’s President Patrice Talon pleaded with Mr Buhari, on the sidelines of a summit in Japan, for the reopening saying: “Our people are suffering.” But Nigeria’s customs boss has been quoted as saying the borders will remain closed, blaming neighbouring countries for not doing more to stamp out smuggling. Some point to corruption at border points as the main culprit behind the smuggling, which implicates Nigerian officials as much as those of its neighbours. However, as its crude oil exports are not being affected, Nigeria’s borders might remain closed for a while.
Source: Thai Rice Exporters Association
Source: GlobalPetrolPrices
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