SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2019

Dangote: First Phase of Apapa-Toll Gate Road Ready Before Year End Emefiele urges corporates to float infrastructure bonds Obinna Chima The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said the first phase of the on-going road construction from the Apapa port to Toll

Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will be ready before the end of December.

Dangote said this yesterday during an inspection of the construction work, which is expected to pass

through Apapa port, Tincan, Mile 2, Oshodi, Anthony, Oworonshoki, up to the toll gate.

The Dangote president was accompanied by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria,

Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who advised the private sector to raise infrastructure bonds at concessionary rates. Emefiele said this was to support the federal government’s infrastructural development

drive.

Speaking during an interview with journalists at the Toyota Bus Stop end of the road, Dangote, Africa’s richest man, explained that the construction work, which

started some months ago, was under the Presidential Order Number 7. The order allows companies to build roads and have the money Continued on page 8

Intriques as NDDC’s 2019 Budget Presentation to N’Assembly Suffers Setback… Page 86 Sunday 24 November, 2019 Vol 24. No 8994

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PDP Challenges Buhari to Address Electoral Violence, Rigging Says third term not an issue because he can’t get it Accuses APC, FG of truncating democracy Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday challenged President Muhammadu Buhari

to address the issues of violence, killings and alteration of election results by the All Progressives Congress (APC), under his watch and end

attempts to divert from the real issue using the alleged unconstitutional third term he could never get.

Reiterating that the issue

of third term was already a dead end, which his touted respect for the constitution would never give life to, the PDP also accused the APC

and the Buhari government of driving towards truncating the nation’s 20 years democratic gains, citing the recent Bayelsa and Kogi States elections as

evident.

However, with respect to its misfortunes and internal crisis, Continued on age 8

Onyema: US Govt Yet to Communicate Indictment to FG, Says AGF Malami As US court orders Air Peace boss’ arrest over fraud, money laundering Freezes $14.2m in bank accounts Onyema dismisses allegations as strange, unfounded Eghagha: I’ll vigorously defend myself Tobi Soniyi and Chinedu Eze The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, has said the United States is to notify the Nigerian authorities of the indictment of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Chief Allen Onyema, in the United States on allegations of fraud and money laundering.

Malami told THISDAY last night by telephone that the U.S. government had neither officially communicated Onyema’s indictment to Nigeria nor requested his arrest or extradition based on a mutual legal agreement on

criminal matters between the two countries.

The AGF’s comments are the first official reaction to the indictment. This is coming on the heels of a report that a United States District Court in the Northern District of Georgia had issued a warrant of arrest against Onyema after his indictment on money laundering and bank fraud charges in the U.S. According to court documents obtained by an online newspaper, PREMIUM TIMES, the warrant was signed by an American magistrate, Justin Anand, on November 19.

It authorised the U.S. Marshals Continued on page 5

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Former Governor Of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Celebrant/Publisher of Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Ibru and Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY Media Group/Arise TV, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, during Maiden Ibru's 70th birthday reception at Federal Palace Hotels,Victoria Island in Lagos...yesterday kunle ogunfuyi

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ÍşÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

PAGE FIVE ONYEMA: US GOVT YET TO COMMUNICATE INDICTMENT TO FG, SAYS AGF MALAMI Service to immediately take Onyema into custody for questioning.

Consequently, the report also said, the United States authorities had frozen about $14.2 million in different bank accounts linked to companies registered by Onyema.

But Malami said he was yet to receive any communication or request for Onyema’s arrest or extradition to the United States following his indictment by a grand jury in Atlanta Georgia. “We have not received any request from the United States based on existing Mutual Legal Assistance between both countries,� the AGF stated.

Asked whether Nigeria would accede to a such request if received, Malami said, “It would be subjected to justifiable, objective legal analysis and review to evaluate the evidence, just like any other such request based on MLA between Nigeria and United States,� he declared.

Article I of the Mutual Legal Assistance states as follows – Scope of Assistance 1. The Contracting Parties shall, upon request and in accordance with the provisions of this Treaty, provide mutual assistance in connection with the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of crimes, and in proceedings related to criminal matters.

2. Such assistance shall include: a) taking the testimony or statements of persons; b) providing documents, records, and articles of evidence; c) serving documents; d) locating and identifying persons; e) transferring persons in custody for testimony or other purposes; f) executing requests for searches and seizures; g) tracing, identifying, and immobilizing criminally obtained assets; h) assisting in proceedings related to forfeiture, restitution, and collection of fines; and i) any other form of assistance not prohibited by the laws of the Requested State.

3. Assistance shall be provided without regard to whether the conduct which is the subject of the investigation, prosecution, or proceedings in the Requesting State would constitute a crime under the laws of the Requested State.

a) b) c)

d)

the Requested State may deny assistance if: a request is not in compliance with the provisions of this Treaty: the request relates to a political offense: the request relates to an offense under military law which would not be an offense under ordinary criminal law: or the execution of the request would be contrary to the Constitution of the Requested State or would prejudice the security or other essential national interests of that state.

However, Onyema has denied the allegations against him, describing them as strange and unfounded. A statement by his solicitors, A.O. Alegeh & Co. Legal Practitioners, denied all the allegations and vowed that their client would defend himself against all allegations in the court of law.

Executive Director of Air Peace Limited, Ejiroghene Egbagha, who was charged alongside Onyema, has also vowed to defend herself against the fraud charges, insisting they are untrue.

The latest development is believed to be the fallout of a mutual legal assistance agreement entered into by the U.S. and Nigeria, which allows the two countries to extradite suspects facing criminal charges. Although it is unclear whether the US authorities have sought the extradition of Onyema as part of efforts to execute the warrant of arrest issued against him.

Already, some bank accounts linked to his company in the US and Canada have been frozen with their substantial balances as part of the investigation.

The court documents showed that $4,017,852.51 was seized from JP Morgan Chase Bank account number ending with 5512 held in the name of Springfield Aviation Company, LLC. According to the document, another $4,593,842.05 in the Bank of Montreal, Canada, with account number ending with 7523 in the name of Springfield Aviation Inc. was also seized.

Similarly, the US government claimed it had traced and seized $5,634,842.04 in Bank of Montreal with account number ending with 515 in the name of

Bluestream Aero Services, Inc. Curiously, however, the US law enforcement authorities indicated in the charge document that efforts had commenced to secure final forfeiture of the funds, even when trial had not begun.

According to the statement by Onyema’s lawyer, “We hereby state that he (Onyema) strongly denies and will vigorously defend himself against the allegations made against him by the US Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, in relation to purchase of aircraft, aircraft spares and aircraft maintenance. “None of the allegations involve any third party funds but relate to his funds utilised in the airline business. There is no allegation that any Bank (in the United States, Nigeria or elsewhere), Company or individual suffered any financial or any loss whatsoever.�

The lawyers also noted that Onyema “has a track record built on honesty and integrity and will take all necessary steps to clear his good name and hard earned reputation. He looks forward to an opportunity to rebut these allegations in court.�

Earlier, while personally denying the allegations, Onyema said they were contrary to his character as a person and as a businessman.

He said, “I can confirm to you that all allegations are false and are in no way in line with my character as a person and as a business man whose only aim has been to build Nigeria and improve wellbeing. “As the press statement clearly stated, these are indictments that only contain charges. I am innocent of all charges and the US government will find no dirt on me, because I have never conducted business with any illegalities. “Rest assured that I also have my lawyers on this and these mere allegations will be refuted.

I never laundered money in my life, neither have I committed bank fraud anywhere in the world. Every Kobo I transferred to the US for aircraft purchase went through the Central Bank of Nigeria LC regime and all were used for the same purpose. “The American companies that received the funds are still in business. I never took a penny from any US bank or Nigerian bank. I am willing to defend my innocence in the US courts.�

Likewise, solicitors to

Eghagha, while denying the allegations, said she will strongly defend herself. They said the allegations, which they termed spurious, could not destroy her hard-earned reputation.

The lawyers said in a statement, “Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha has built her reputation as a seasoned, honest and responsible person and will take all necessary steps to clear her good name and hard earned reputation. She looks forward to an opportunity to rebut these allegations in court.�

The US Department of Justice had on Friday stated in a statement signed by U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak, “Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema, 56, of Lagos, Nigeria, and Ejiroghene Eghagha, 37, of Lagos, Nigeria, were indicted on November 19, 2019, on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud. Additionally, Onyema was charged with 27 counts of money laundering, and Eghagha was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft. “Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud.

We will diligently protect the integrity of our banking system from being corrupted by criminals, even when they disguise themselves in a cloak of international business.�

The Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, Robert J. Murphy, while commenting on the indictments, also stated, “Allen Onyema’s status as a wealthy businessman turned out to be a fraud. He corrupted the U.S. banking system, but his trail of deceit and trickery came to a skidding halt. DEA would like to thank the many law enforcement partners and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office who aided in making this investigation a success.�

Similarly, IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office, Thomas J. Holloman, said, “This case is a prime example of why IRS-CI seeks to partner and leverage its

expertise in an effort to thwart those seeking to exploit our nation’s financial system. “With the importance of our banking system to the movement of money around the world, those attempting to use intricate schemes to commit bank fraud through the use of falsified documents and other means should know that the odds are now heavily stacked against them as law enforcement is combining its talents to protect the sanctity and integrity of the nation’s financial system.�

On his part, Special Agent in Charge, Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in Georgia and Alabama, said, “Onyema set up various innocent sounding multimillion dollar asset purchases which were nothing more than alleged fronts for his scam. “I’m proud to be part of a team of law enforcement agencies that come together to identify and attack criminals that attempt to profit from the exploitation of our nation’s financial systems.�

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the indictment and other information presented in court read: “Onyema, a Nigerian citizen and businessman, is the founder and Chairman of several organisations that purport to promote peace across Nigeria, including the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Centre for Non-Violence and Peace Development, and All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited. “Beginning in 2010, Onyema began travelling frequently to Atlanta, where he opened several personal and business bank accounts. Between 2010 and 2018, over $44.9 million was allegedly transferred into his Atlanta-based accounts from foreign sources. “Onyema is also the CEO and Chairman of Nigerian airline Air Peace, which he founded in 2013. In years following the founding of Air Peace, he traveled to the United States and purchased multiple airplanes for the airline.

However, over $3 million of the funds used to purchase the aircraft allegedly came from bank accounts for Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Center for Non-Violence and Peace Development, All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited, and Every Child

Article II – Central Authorities 1. Each Contracting Party shall designate a Central Authority to make and receive requests pursuant to this Treaty.

2. For the United states of America, the Central Authority shall be the Attorney General or a person designated by him.

For the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Central Authority shall be the Attorney General of the Federation or a person designated by him.

3. The Central Authorities shall communicate directly with each other for the purposes of this Treaty.

Article III – Limitations on Assistance 1. The Central Authority of

APAPA ROAD PROJECT IN FOCUS...

L-R: President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin EmeďŹ ele, during inspection ongoing construction project at Oshodi -Apapa Expressway ...yesterday mubo peters

Limited. “Beginning in approximately May 2016, Onyema, together with Eghagha, allegedly used a series of export letters of credit to cause banks to transfer more than $20 million into Atlantabased bank accounts controlled

by Onyema. “The letters of credit were purportedly to fund the purchase of five separate Boeing 737 passenger planes

by Air Peace. The letters were supported by documents such as purchase agreements, bills of sale, and appraisals proving that Air Peace was purchasing the aircraft from Springfield Aviation Company LLC, a business registered in Georgia. “However, the supporting documents were fake.

Springfield Aviation Company LLC, which is owned by Onyema and managed by a person with no connection to the aviation business, never owned the aircraft, and the company that allegedly drafted the appraisals did not exist. “Eghagha allegedly participated in this scheme as well, directing the Springfield Aviation manager to sign and send false documents to banks and even using the manager’s identity to further the fraud.

After Onyema received the money in the United States, he allegedly laundered over $16 million of the proceeds of the fraud by transferring it to other accounts. “Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. “The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Commerce, and Department of Treasury are investigating this case. “Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett L. Bradford, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Section and Lead Strike Force Attorney, Irina K. Dutcher, and Christopher J. Huber, Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section, are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Office of International Affairs. “This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligencedriven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. “These prosecutor-led colocated Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. “The specific mission of the Atlanta Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and money laundering organizations designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets or Regional Priority Organization Targets and their affiliates impacting the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia.�

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NEWS PDP CHALLENGES BUHARI TO ADDRESS ELECTORAL VIOLENCE, RIGGING more PDP stakeholders have begun to call for the full implementation of the party’s Post-Election Review Committee report chaired by former Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.

While challenging Buhari, PDP, in a statement by the its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, noted that if President Buhari sought to uphold the constitution, he should have used the APC NEC meeting to directly and strongly condemn his party’s resort to violence, killing, forceful invasion of polling units and alteration of results to seize power in the November 16th Kogi and Bayelsa States governorship election as well as the Kogi West Senatorial election.

"President Buhari by now ought to have summoned his service chiefs and ordered a presidential investigation into the violence and observed infractions in the elections, including the deployment of a Police helicopter to teargas voters. It is important to state that such a failure however registers grave meanings to Nigerians."

The opposition party also said it was unfortunate that instead of taking concrete and decisive steps to bringing the perpetrators of the heinous crimes in Kogi and Bayelsa to book and give assurances of electoral reforms, President Buhari was rather concerned about an impossible third term.

"Our party notes that from President Buhari’s speech, it is clear that he is more interested in the survival of the murderous APC than the survival of democracy, which his party is doing all to truncate since the impunity that was introduced by the APC to manipulate greater part of the 2019 Presidential elections", PDP stated.

The PDP therefore urged Nigerians to note the president’s well-informed fears that the APC might not survive his tenure.

"Such is a bitter truth of the inevitable mortality of a devious platform upon which Nigerians experienced the worst form of suppression, deprivation and cruelty ever in the history of our nation. Indeed, there is no hope for APC. "The APC is a party that has brought so much division, bloodletting and hardship to Nigeria, so much that compatriots resorted to suicide and slavery mission abroad as options. Such platform can only thrive for a while.

"It is therefore advisable for Mr. President to abandon the true and unambiguous picture of the fate of his dying party and concentrate on ways to address the problems brought by his administration on Nigerians.

"Instead of attempting to spur a public discourse out of unattainable third term or seeking to mend an already derelict APC, Mr. President should know that Nigerians' expectation of him, in this second and, of course, last term, is the restoration of rule of law and a legacy of electoral reforms that will guarantee free, fair and credible election in Nigeria. Anything short of this is unacceptable," the statement stated.

APC Truncating Democracy On plans to truncate democracy, the PDP said after a further review of the November 16 elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States, it had become clearer that the Buhari-led government and the APC did not want democracy to thrive in Nigeria, adding that the party and Nigerians in general had forcefully rejected the results bandied

by INEC in the elections.

In a different statement Saturday evening by Ologbondiyan, the PDP said, "We also reject the proposed Kogi West Senatorial rerun election, which has already been desecrated by the manipulations in the main

election.

"As long as the figures in the main election are fundamentally flawed, the proposed rerun cannot reflect the wishes of the electorate and Nigerians are wondering if it will make any sense to participate in an electoral process that is already deficient.

"Nigerians across board have completely lost faith in the nation’s electoral process given that Independent National Electoral Commission under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has been annexed and cannot conduct any free, fair and credible election.

"For us in the PDP and, we believe, to majority of Nigerians as well, Professor Yakubu is the worst electoral umpire in the political history of our nation".

PDP also claimed the police and the military high commands have been reduced to tools of election brutality to ensure that votes do not count.

"Even the Police high command has openly admitted that the police is incapable of protecting voters and votes, thus validating the reported involvement of security agents in the brutalisation of voters and disruption of electoral process.

"More distressing is the fact that Nigerians, particularly our members and supporters in Kogi and Bayelsa states, are still in trauma over the murderous November 16 elections. A lot of our people have been killed and our members are still grieving", the main opposition party said.

The PDP posited that there were reports in the public space that the APC-controlled federal government did not want Senator Dino Malaye in the Senate just because of his forthrightness in defending the interest of the people.

"Nigerians recall with shock how, at the presentation of the 2020 budget, Mr. President reportedly asked Senator Malaye ‘you, you mean you

are still in this chamber?’ A question which meaning cannot be farfetched!

"Our party has been made aware of how INEC and security apparatus have been instructed to use all means to stop Senator Dino from returning to the Senate. INEC had also blatantly refused to consider Senator Melaye’s petitions regarding the November 16 election." evertheless, the PDP said that it remained strong and undeterred, adding, the party was aware of that fact that millions of Nigerians looked unto it for strength and direction in their quest for freedom and preservation of their rights, adding, "For this, we will remain resilient till the end.�

Ekweremadu-led Post-Election Review Committee Report Meanwhile, following its recent internal challenges, more stakeholders had called for the full implementation of the Ekweremadu-led PostElection Review Committee report.

Although the party and observers had alleged widespread electoral malpractices and violence in the recent Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections, many also believed that internal wrangling occasioned by the governorship primaries also contributed to the PDP losses, especially in Bayelsa State.

It was in view of this that the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) recommended the setting-up of a committee, in the like of the Ekweremadu Panel to probe the party’s losses in the Kogi and Bayelsa elections.

But a member of the BoT, who pleaded anonymity, said what went wrong in Bayelsa and Kogi elections, could have been prevented if the party leadership had religiously implemented the recommendations of the Ekweremadu. “This is not just about

Bayelsa and Kogi States.

Our party needs total reorganisation in line with the recommendations of Ekweremadu Panel. This fire brigade approach on Bayelsa and Kogi will not do us any good. What happened in the two states is not different from what happened all over in the 2015 elections and cost us the presidency.�

Ekweremadu Panel was inaugurated on May 5, 2015 to identify the remote and immediate causes of PDP’s poor performance in the general election, trace the origin and process of the seeming decline of the party in its electoral performance, and take a critical look at the preparations and build-up of the PDP to the elections as well as determine its adequacies and lapses.

The Committee’s ninepoint terms of reference also included to review and determine the adequacy of the structures for the 2015 general election and how the structures actually functioned; ascertain the degree of anti-party activities, compromises and outright sabotage that might have contributed to the misfortunes of the party at the elections; and to propose a roadmap for the party to recover its past glory.

Although the Panel recommended farreaching reforms, only its recommendation to zone the party’s ticket for the 2019 presidential election to the North appeared to have been implemented, precipitating the choice of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s candidate.

Submitting the report to then Acting National Chairman, Uche Secondus, at the Wadata Plaza on September 30, 2015, Ekweremadu said, “It is also recommended to the party to strictly apply the zoning principle at all levels. “In particular, since the last President of PDP extraction came from the southern part of Nigeria, it is recommended that PDP’s presidential candidate in

the 2019 general election should come from the northern part of the country. “This is in accordance with the popular views expressed in the submissions to the committee. This will also assuage any ill feelings in the North over any perceived breach of the party’s zoning principle.�

The panel also recommended direct primaries, saying the delegates’ mode had been grossly abused. “Furthermore, it is recommended that the party adopts direct primary as the sole means of electing PDP candidates for any election at all levels.

He said the committee also proposed a nationwide biometric membership registration to align the party’s records with modern technology and further boost the integrity of its membership records as a precursor to other reforms recommended.

Giving more details, Ekweremadu explained that, “We have made extensive recommendations, the core of which is to end impunity, uphold justice, entrench internal democracy, enhance party administration, promote transparency and accountability, and return the party to its true owners – the people – in accordance with our party slogan and founding principles. “The Committee’s work looked at critical areas and issues such as party structure and administration, party finance, legal framework, primary elections, party’s candidates, conflict resolution, campaign organisations, campaign finance, Election Day activities, post-election management, third Party groups/support groups, among others. “The use of delegates has been grossly compromised and abused, and should therefore be discontinued forthwith to return true ownership of the party to the people,� he explained.

you can imagine a situation where people have been complaining about the ease of transporting their goods out of the Apapa port. “I am very delighted that Alhaji Dangote has taken the initiative. After clearing goods at the ports, there should be a solid road where these trucks can pass through to make life easy for people. These roads certainly would open up Nigeria and Lagos. “Talking again about local content, this is 100 per cent local content. Alhaji Dangote uses his cement on this road, the rods, I understand, are coming from African Foundries that smelt waste steel, which is converted into iron bars and are being used for the road.�

The CBN governor added: “Let me say this, for those who may be interested, the federal government has

been discussing issues around rebuilding the road infrastructure and we are looking at the opportunity of raising infrastructure bond to fund some of these roads. “But because of the paucity of funds, we are encouraging private sector people to come in and raise infrastructure bonds at concessionary rates, with which they can build roads to support the efforts of government in developing this country. “That is the only way this country can grow.

This is what we need for our country so that Nigeria can regain its lost grounds.

This is the right time for Nigeria to make progress in the area of infrastructure. “When Alhaji invited me here, I was delighted because these are the kind of things we need to see and we need to talk about.�

DANGOTE: FIRST PHASE OF APAPA-TOLL GATE ROAD READY BEFORE YEAR END spent deducted from their three-year taxes.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the initiative and called on other corporate organisations to be involved in infrastructure development.

Dangote stated, “We started the road right from the port at Apapa. We are building 10 lanes – five lanes on each side – and there is drainage on both sides and streetlight. It is a concrete road. It is the first heavy concrete road that is up to about 35 kilometres.

We would also maintain it for five years. This road will last up to 100 years. “Government gave us 36 months to complete this project, but I can assure you that we would finish it in 15 months. We should be able to finish before the end of next year. “I can assure you that this

portion of the road that is under construction would be completed before the end of the year.�

He added, “We want to go a little bit further before we inform Mr. President. But in the coming days, we are going to inform the Minister of Finance and Minister of Works and Housing about the progress so far.�

According to Dangote, the road, when completed, would help address the challenges faced by businesses in clearing goods from the ports. “In 2018 and part of 2019, we paid over N30 billion as demurrage for goods that we imported into the country. So, you can imagine what the smaller companies would have paid. We have lost a lot of revenue because to get out of Apapa is not easy,� he said.

The President of Dangote

Group said the whole project was expected to cost about N73 billion.

He said, “The Federal Ministry of Works is very happy with what we are doing and their engineers are here with us. This is a road that would be a showcase, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa. “Mr. President has approved almost 800 kilometres of roads to be done under this Presidential Order Number 7. But the government really needs to advertise some of these things they are doing, because people need to know what is happening here. “When you look at majority of the roads under construction in Nigeria, some of them started 15 years ago and till now are still under construction. “We are looking at this

as an intervention and we should not leave everything to the government. We think other private individuals should do same. If they are paying taxes, they should join in rebuilding these roads.�

In his own remarks, Emefiele thanked Mr. President for signing the Executive Order Number 7, which opened the opportunity for private companies, such as Dangote and others, to intervene to rebuild infrastructure in the country. He also thanked Dangote Group for taking the initiative.

He described the construction work as a model road.

Emefiele stated, “These are the kind of roads we see when we travel abroad.

It is a good thing for this country. When we talk about the Ease of Doing Business,

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 24, 2019

FORTHERECORD

Reviewing Nigeria’s 20 Years of Democracy Kayode Fayemi gives a incisive insight into Nigeria’s 20 years of democratic journey in a speech delivered at a meeting in Washington DC, the United States, and titled: “Twenty Years of Democratisation in Nigeria: Successes and Challenges”

L

et me thank the leadership of the United States Institute of Peace - President Nancy Lindborg, Ambassador Johnnie Carson and the team for the continuing interest in Nigeria’s democratic journey and particularly for the privilege of speaking at this important event. It is always a pleasure to return from the blast furnace of Nigerian politics to the rarefied atmosphere of intellectual engagements.

All over the world, democracy seems to be facing an existential crisis. In his latest book, Ill Winds (2019), my teacher and friend, Larry Diamond captures the essence of this crisis. He writes, “After three decades in which democracy was spreading and another in which it was stagnating and slowly eroding, we are now witnessing a global retreat from freedom. In every region of the world, autocrats are seizing the initiative, democrats are on the defensive, and the space for competitive politics and free expression is shrinking. Established democracies are facing relentless scandals, sweeping citizen disaffection, and existential threats to their survival.”

There is no Nigerian exceptionalism to the picture painted by Professor Diamond, but the Nigerian picture exemplifies why democracy is a journey full of potholes, hills, valleys, undulating lands rather than a destination with a clear road-map.

In the period preceding Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999, especially since the annulment of the June 12 1993 election, I spent my time literally at the barricades, seeking to democratise and humanise power in Nigeria. In the last decade, I have become one of many placed in positions of power, holding power in trust, and seeking to deploy power in the service of public good.

Therefore, in addressing the question of successes and failures of our democracy in the last two decades, my reflections this morning really centres around understanding the relationship between fighting against and fighting for.

While much of what we did during the years in the democracy struggle was constructed as a struggle against unaccountable power, it was also a struggle for accountable power, a struggle for life, for liberty and for the pursuit of happiness - as the American credo would have it.

Our resistance at the barricades was consequently not only to stop power from violating the commonwealth and the people’s will, but also one geared towards putting it in the service of the common good to create a life more abundant.

The context and process of that journey to democratisation is however as important as the eventual outcome. Whether we agree about the successes and challenges, I believe our discussion this morning should not simply be one of transition from military rule to political society, but the extent to which we are able to achieve full citizens’ participation in our democracy. Our discussion should also focus on the making of leaders and citizens in a good society.

Without active citizen participation, the legitimacy of our political institutions will continue to decline.

For this reason, I believe strongly that political leaders - be they politicians or activists - should worry because their ability to lead effectively is being seriously undermined by the desertion of the average citizens from the public space, deepening our crisis of legitimacy and empowering alternatives to democracy - especially populist demagoguery.

Yet this lack of legitimacy cuts both ways: when we the people withdraw our trust in leaders or discountenance politicians, we make our democratic institutions less effective and risk making ourselves ungovernable. In spite of the progress made so far in Nigeria, this risk cannot be over-emphasised. But, first, the context of our transition!

1999: False Dawn or Little Beginnings

While the elections of 1999 were generally welcomed both in Nigeria and abroad as a crucial turning point, the optimism in some quarters was more cautious. Considering our long history of military tyranny, it seemed prudent to emphasize the distinction between holding elections and implementing genuine democratization of structures and systems that had been shaped by totalitarian instincts for almost two decades.

At the time, I was personally of the view that real democratization would require more than voting; it

rather than authentic democratic governance.

I have once argued that, in essence, the nature of the transition did not ensure a transformation of the political culture that would have led to a complete overhaul of our systems and structures; it merely effected a re-arrangement of the political space. (Fayemi: 1999).

The politico-cultural fundamentals that inform the conduct of elites remained the same. The widespread euphoria that accompanied the exit of the military and the entry of a civilian government prevented a sober appreciation of how entrenched the military had become in all aspects of Nigerian life. Many of the challenges that our democracy is experiencing now cannot be extricated from that complicated history and from the residue of its military provenance..

Regardless, it is important not to understate or devalue what occurred in 1999. A transition did happen. However lofty the expectations of the citizenry may have been regarding the advent of democracy, no realistic student of power dynamics could have imagined that democracy would flower so quickly in Nigeria given the long decades of military rule, which had warped public consciousness and institutional instincts. It is, therefore, far more useful to see the 1999 transition as a case of humble beginnings and baby steps on the way to democratic maturity rather than a false dawn.

The Journey so far

Fayemi while delivering his speech would require a complete rethinking of how our society was organized.

(Fayemi:1999). Yet, among the many qualities of democracy, free and fair election is one of the most important. Without committing what scholars have described as the “fallacy of electoralism”, we can say: no election, no democracy and within that context, Nigerians were right to have embraced the exit of the military and the return of the ballot.

In any case, for the democracy movement at the time, it was a case of anything but the military. The assortment of activists and politicians mainly wanted the military out of power. The politics of taking over power was a secondary consideration. As such, the pro-democracy movement was in no shape to comply with the organizational demands of a nationwide campaign for power.

There were also genuine disagreements over the way forward by key elements of the movement. Some favoured entry into the field to contest for power in the post-military era. Others wanted a continued struggle to realize far-reaching constitutional reforms. While some opted out entirely, preferring to boycott the transition process until their demands for deeper constitutional and structural changes were implemented.

Thus divided by significant disagreements on tactics and strategy, the movement could not reconstitute itself into an effective political actor.

Moreover, at the end of military dictatorship, the movement was too weak, exhausted by the stress of confrontation and the enormous toll that the struggle had taken, to really mount a realistic political challenge.

For these reasons, when the shape of the 4t h Republic emerged, it seemed that those who had worked the most to enthrone democracy were sidelined while those that had been beneficiaries of and collaborators with military regimes took center stage.

On hindsight, it may be said that the pro-democracy movement suffered from a lack of strategic definition in terms of articulating the next phase of the struggle. We were so pre-occupied with getting the military out of power that we did not have the time to devise appropriate tactical and strategic responses to that very eventuality.

In the event, the all-consuming haste to get the military out of power also framed some of the troubling birth defects of the 4t h Republic, chief among them being the fact that the constitution – the guiding document of the republic was not generated through a popular democratic process but by a conclave that edited past constitutions. Indeed, the 4t h Republic commenced before anyone actually saw the constitution.

But at the time, the overriding imperative was to get the military out of power. Concerns about the provenance of the constitution were deemed nitpicky or churlish worries that could prolong military rule. No one wanted to give the military an excuse to stay a day longer especially when the regime at the time was minded to make a swift exit.

The late Chief Bola Ige once observed that what occurred in 1999 was not a transition from military dictatorship to democracy but from military rule to civilian rule. By this he meant that 1999 had not ushered in democratization in one blow but rather a phase of demilitarization that would ultimately lead to democracy.

My own sense of the transition in 1999 was that it had been shaped significantly by the manner of Abacha’s exit and the arrival of General Abdulsalam Abubakar who eventually handed over to the elected civilian government. The dominance of the ruling party’s hierarchy by retired army generals and civilians with close links to military elites set the tone for party formation and resulted in an authoritarian presidential leadership

The last two decades of democratisation in Nigeria has witnessed significant social, economic and political changes.

Although the record is mixed and the debate rages on between ‘Naija-optimists’ and ‘Naija-pessimists’, there seems to be a more vibrant industry of ‘Naija-pessimism’ out there that leaves no room for ‘Naija-realism’.

Indeed, one often shudders at the various epithets used to describe the condition of the Nigerian state in political science and popular literature - failed, collapsed, incapable, proforma democracy, to mention but a few. Some scholars have also responded to many of the dark prognoses on the Nigerian state by describing them as the ‘collapse thesis’.

My intention within the short time allotted to me is not to indulge in philosophical and/or theoretical postulations about the Nigerian condition. However accurate these scholarly prognoses are, they remain incomplete in their inadequate analysis of the process and dynamics of change and in their focus on outcomes.

As argued elsewhere, both optimists and pessimists of the Nigerian condition focus on outcomes, linking these outcomes in a linear relationship with particular reforms and assuming static environments’. The truth is that significant variations often exist in between these broad generalisations when we move away from outcomes and focus on the quality, texture, tenor and content of democratic and governance reform in Nigeria.

Equally, we must move away from a focus on judgments pegged to macro-reforms on big-ticket issues - democratisation, privatisation, anti-corruption and insecurity – that we try to measure in large, dramatic shifts. Opportunities to accelerate change and strengthen governance structures are often missed in the context of this almost exclusive macro/country level focus.

Worse, this focus may deepen the challenges inherent in the process of change, by discounting the significance in all instances of partial reforms. Rather than focus on dramatic reform or revolutionary change, it is important to understand that social change in Africa requires a longer term perspective not amenable to the typical binaries of success and failure.

What has become clear to close watchers of political reform in the last two decades is that while macro-level/country level analyses are important, it is the complex mix of evolving factors at more micro-levels that also determine outcomes. Most times, scholars of democratisation ignore partial reform, inconclusive contests, transition reversals and democratic subversions, failing to recognise that failure in one instance may result in more enduring reforms.

Such analyses focus on macro-transitions while ignoring changes in bits, parts or segments of the sub-national systems.

The dialectics of reform in Nigeria, and indeed in the whole of Africa has demonstrated in the last two decades that rarely does transformation come from a single, big shift but rather as a cumulative effect of small, incremental shifts and improvements.

In this vein, societal transformation in the past two decades of our democratisation has led to the emergence of new social forces, changed the importance of others and consequently altered the relationships among various social and political actors.

So, to different degrees and with different forms of agency people are engaging the state and insisting, both in violent and peaceful ways that the state must respond to society. What the concept and practices of democratic reform have also alerted us to, in very complex ways are the fundamental ways in which government is only one of the actors, even if the most critical actor, in governance.

––Fayemi is the current Governor of Ekiti State.

(See the concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

NOVEMBER 24, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

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SUNDAY COMMENT

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

2023: OUR POLITICIANS SHOULD PERISH THE THOUGHT A country is not measured by the number of elections, but by the standard of living of its people

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ess than six months into the current term of office, it is as if the campaigns for the 2023 general election have started in Nigeria, especially at the presidential and gubernatorial levels. Yet this is happening at a period majority of citizens fret reasonably over searing poverty and insecurity; and when those in power in the states and Abuja have barely put in place structures of governance. This needless campaigns, albeit surreptitiously, have become a source of distraction for those who ordinarily should be more concerned about tackling head-on the many social and economic problems besetting the nation.

It all started with the debate over which zone should take the presidency in both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). And then there were insensate campaigns of a possible third term for the incumbent. What worries is that in all the cold calculations, there is nothing about the welfare of Nigerians or any attempt at addressing the problems of the day. It is lost on our politicians that a country is not measured by the number of elections it has held but by the standard of living of its people. Meanwhile, things taken for granted by relatively poorer countries are luxuries to us in Nigeria today. Many of the states are finding it difficult to meet basic obligations while millions of Nigerians can no longer sleep with their eyes closed.

A major problem in the country’s development process seems to be the simple fact that successive policymakers have not been futuristic enough. Being futuristic is about how to address the pressing challenges of the people, not cold calculations about who holds what positions. This lack of foresight has invariably led to the virtual collapse of the nation’s economic and social infrastructure. We are therefore of the strong opinion

that for a nation as economically and socially challenged as ours, it is a classic case of work-avoidance that the main issue on the agenda of our public officials is the 2023 presidential and gubernatorial elections that are still more than three years away.

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It is a classic case of workavoidance that the main issue on the agenda of our public officials is the 2023 presidential and gubernatorial elections that are still more than three years away

Letters to the Editor

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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

ations, like individuals, have dreams. But there must be clear plans to achieve them. In the present context, the only plan for which our politicians engage most of their time is how to capture power essentially to advance personal goals. For instance, we are only a few weeks to the year 2020 yet all the dreams envisioned for our country more than three decades ago have become a mirage. That is because there was no real commitment to them. Practically all sectors of our national life are comatose.

If proper cognisance had been taken of population growth and the future demand for electricity, we would perhaps not be in the sorry state we find ourselves. If it had been properly envisaged that the volume of goods and persons to be transported around the nation would be so much, it would have long been appreciated that road transportation also would not be adequate. And perhaps rail transportation would not have been allowed to die, even though the current administration deserves commendation for the attention in that direction.

This lack of vision manifests in so many areas of the nation’s development. Not only is it visible in the area of urgent planning, it is also noticeable in the provision of water and electricity services, healthcare delivery and other social sectors. In education, there are clear indications that we are never prepared for the growth of the population. Classrooms, where they exist, are congested.

This planlessness also manifests in the difficulty of secondary school leavers gaining admission into the universities.

Given the foregoing, our politicians must understand that democracy entails much more than periodic elections. It is about all the elements of constitutional life from the rule of law to minority rights to good governance. Elections are meant to promote the fulfillment of such important goals as economic development, human rights, social inclusion and welfare, etc. They are not supposed to be an end in themselves as they seem to be in Nigeria today.We therefore call on our leaders, at all levels, to concentrate on their jobs and forget about all the permutations about 2023.

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.

FUOYE on The Path of Academic Excellence

ederal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, is one of the universities established by Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 to promote the frontiers of knowledge in Nigeria. University education is critical for advancing knowledge and providing solutions to critical problems affecting national development.

Prior to the appointment of Prof. Kayode Soremekun, FUOYE was facing myriads of challenges in planning and administration. Effective educational planning is key for attaining quality and standard in university education.

Prof. Soremekun appointment as Vice Chancellor of

FUOYE led to his exit from University of Lagos, not an unceremonious exit as purported by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Akure chapter. His appointment as a professor of Political Science in University of Lagos is still in good standing. He has taught political science in Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Lagos, Covenant University and National Open University of Nigeria.

The exit of professors when appointed vice chancellors in another university has been a culture in the education system. Therefore, no amount of resistance will deter him from carrying out development programme

in Fuoye. Prof. Soremekun brings his wealth of experience in university education management from Unilag to bear in Fuoye. In a short while, his team consisting of Mr. Olatunbosun Odunsanya, Director of Administration, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Ikechukwu Areh, Director of Procurement Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mrs Olayinka Adeniran-Ajayi, Acting Registrar and other principal officers has worked assiduously to place Fuoye on path of academic excellence.

Prof. Soremekun strategic planning has led to the establishment of commercial ventures, endowment fund and other alternative sources of fund generation for the

university. He places priority in staff welfare, promotion and reward for hard work. Both academic staff and non-academic staff are benefiting immensely from his compensatory style to hard work. He is positioning Fuoye to greatness in research, teaching and consulting. He is focused on making Fuoye a leading citadel for commercial research in Nigeria that would be committed in helping private companies, public companies and multinational companies address localized industrial problems affecting their productivity.

Achieving all of these strides did not come without resistance, conflict and disagreement by concerned unions, persons and groups.

Management scientist affirms that organizational change driven

by change in management is bound to be resisted by employees.

This is the case of Prof.

Soremekun experience in Fuoye.

But in all, he has gained victory and success over all trials of litigation, petitions and accusations leveled against him and the university management. He is striving to ensure continuity in the succession planning and development programme of the university.

More importantly, long term succession planning and development is critical to attainment of long-term goal of building Fuoye to be a commercial research hub for private companies, public companies and multinational companies in Nigeria.

––Pedro Ukokobili, Lagos.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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NOVEMBER 24, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

NEWS Amaechi Explains Delay In Completion of Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project

Acting News Editor Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: gboyega.akinsanmi@thisdaylive.com,08081986590 (sms only)

Kasim Sumaina in Ibadan

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi on Saturday in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State capital disclosed that the delay in completion of the ongoing Lagos-Ibadan rail project was as a result of urban renewal, noting that such should not be the case

of Ibadan-Kano project.

The minister, while speaking to the press shortly after inspecting the pace of work from Iju, Lagos to Ibadan, said that by his assessment there was a huge improvement in the work.

He said: “We are dealing with urban renewal, we are building new flyover, overhead

bridges, underpasses, pipes, sewage and we pray that we don’t meet it in Ibadan to Kano.

“If we will meet anything like that, it won’t be in the magnitude of Lagos because it was a total chaos and we didn’t get the kind of support we needed initially but now we have it.

“The support could be the

people and the fact is that some people are still in court over this because lands were taken from them. We are confronting the challenges of stealing. We are beginning to hear about stealing. It wasn’t there at all for those who live in Lagos and Ibadan but now we are hearing that people are stealing our equipment.”

HONOUR WELL DESERVED...

L-R: Former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR and the Convocation Lecturer; Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu; Deputy Gov. of Enugu State, Dr. Cecelia Ezeilo and Former Gov. Peter Obi at the 6th and 7th Convocation ceremony of Godfrey Okoye University Ugwuomu campus, Enugu state yesterday.

The minister said that there had been an improvement in terms of work done so far.

“We will all agree that there is huge improvement.

From the 20th of December when we will carry out the next inspection, we will get to the last station in Moniya which means that focus will no longer be on the track but on the completion of the stations and communication and signal.

Once we get communication and signaling, we are out of Lagos-Ibadan.”

Speaking on the delay in completing the stations, Amaechi maintained that the argument is that, “CCECC is willing to complete the stations but the equipment have not arrived from China and our argument is that they should get some things from Nigeria.

“Before, they wanted to import glasses and doors as if we don’t have in Nigeria, the pressure we are putting is now making them buy the glasses and doors in Nigeria and they are installing which will quicken the process.”

He further revealed that the contractors were still expecting pipes and other things and they requested that we give them one or two months to complete the stations.

“They said by the time we come for inspection on the 20th

of December, the track will get to the last station at Ibadan and the issue will now be the completion of stations, communications and signaling so that we can commence test running on the 30th of November.

“We don’t have enough coaches and locomotives but we will start with as many as we can take pending when the 20 locomotives that we imported arrive. They will arrive end of December or latest second week in January, 2020.”

He said that contractors would be leaving site latest April 2020.

He said: “We are no longer giving ourselves the time, the contractors are the ones giving us the time. The initial contract was from Ebute Meta but because we wanted it to end at the seaports, we extended it and that is where the challenges are.

“The fact is that they can get to Ebute Meta soon but getting there without getting to Apapa will not achieve much because we need to clear the gridlock and the easiest way to do it is to get the track to seaport, that way, cargoes will be loaded to wagons and taken to Ibadan and thank God we have gotten contract for Ibadan-Kano, as soon as we get the money, we will start work and the gridlock will be cleared,” Amaechi said.

Jonathan, Ugwuanyi, Obi Urge Universities not to Limit Education to Academic Alone Former President Goodluck Ebere Jonathan, GCFR has called on universities nationwide not to lose sight of their basic tasks of character and intellectual foundations of the youth.

He spoke yesterday as the Guest Lecturer at the 6th and 7th Convocation ceremony of the Godfery Okoye University Ugwuomu campus, Enugu.

Jonathan, who described education

as a great agent of transformation and sustainable development, thanked the church for her contributions to education.

He encouraged all those responsible for education to see it as a sacred duty. He reminded the students that character formation was as important as educational attainment. Speaking at the event, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who eulogized Jonathan as the patriarch

of democracy in Nigeria, thanked him for his inspiring presence.

The governor who thanked the institution for finding him worthy for the award of honorary Doctorate Degree on Political Science, assured the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and other missionary and voluntary agencies of government’s support in their efforts to contribute to ennobling societal activities as in education.

Speaking to the press after the

event, the Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Mr. Peter Obi said he was always delighted to attend education-related events.

He thanked the university for its contribution to education.

He also commended Jonathan for the support he has continued to give to education, which he described as the “greatest capital for future competition.”

He also thanked Ugwuanyi

for his purposeful and responsive leadership as demonstrated by the ongoing road construction to the permanent site of the university.

Obi reminded the students that whilst pursuing intellectual goals, they must also be conscious of their morals, for, according to him, their certificates attest academic as well as moral worthiness.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Rev. Fr. Prof Christian Anieke

who reeled out the achievements of the university in ten years, assured the commitment of the university to its goal of holistic formation.

The convocation witnessed the award of honorary doctorate degrees on the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto; and the former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission, Prof Julius Okojie.

Aliyu: Nigerians Should Be Grateful to Buhari for Rejecting 3rd Term

Buhari: Time for Nigeria to Take Advantage of Technology

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

A former governor of Niger State, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu has said that Nigerians should be grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for declaring that he would not seek a third term in office.

Aliyu made the remark in Minna on Saturday when he represented former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida at the finals of the 34th edition of the Niger State Quranic recitation held at the emirs palace ground in the Niger state capital.

Aliyu said the open declaration Buhari had removed a lot of tension from the land.

He noted that the rumour mill had been filled with the alleged third

term bid of the president but said the open declaration had saved the country a lot of problem.

While speaking at the All Progressives Congress’s National Executive Council meeting, in Abuja, Buhari had sworn by the Holy book that he would not seek a third term in office.

He also promised to respect the constitution of the country and asked the party to start searching for a successor in 15 months time.

Aliyu described the declaration as “heart warming” adding that “it will bring stability and peace to the polity”.

He condemned all those who were fanning embers of discord and animosity between him and the state government saying “some

of these people come to have dinner with me, they record our conversations and go back to play it to the government to seek favour.”

Aliyu also charged Muslim faithful to encourage their girl child to acquire both western and Islamic education saying it has been proven that the girl child plays vital role in the family and the society.

Chief host and Emir of Minna Dr Umar Farouq Bahago in an address urged the state government to play more positive role in the hosting of the Quranic recitation.

Bahago appreciated the moral and financial contributions of Muslim faithful to the organisation of the programme even as he prayed that they would get their rewards in heaven.

President Muhammadu Buhari has identified the importance of technology globally, saying that with the development, Nigeria cannot remain where it is today in terms of development.

The president spoke yesterday at the graduation ceremony of Senior Executive Course (SEC) 41 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos. Represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) Buhari said that Nigeria could not afford to remain where she is going by what is available in technology today.

He said: “The opportunities are great. We can simply leap-frog

and there is so much room for leap – frogging and we don’t have to evolve through the decades again.

We are already positioned to take advantage of technology to move the development further.

“Agriculture is another sector that is being transformed by digital technology. There are about 530 varieties of 37 crops developed out of 2014. Cassava yields have increased by 60% in the past decades. It is clear that agriculture cannot remain at the subsistence level again it is in many parts of the country.”

Buhari advised NIPSS generally, not the graduating 66 participants, that the problem of Nigeria has never been a shortage of ideas.

“There is no policy that is not

somewhere that has not been thought of. But it is just lying down somewhere, but the problem has been that of implementation.

“That is the reason by my respective view that NIPSS must graduate from a think – tank ‘to a do – tank.’ It is time.

According to him, policy is not the issue but at a point the implementation of recommendation is the issue.

“So, I want to urge NIPSS that our consequent studies must be based on the need to attain some level of understanding on how to implement, on how to get things done. And once you are able to get this done, I am sure, substantial difference will be made”, the president added.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24, 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 24, 2019

OPINION Why Our Elections May Still Be Dirty Adewale Kupoluyi writes that decent and committed Nigerians should be encouraged to venture into politics

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reliminary reports from the last gubernatorial polls in Bayelsa and Kogi States show that the elections were generally marred by massive violence, rigging, and vote-buying. This development is a sad reminder that our electoral process may not be improving despite efforts being made by the electoral management body and other stakeholders to ensure that votes count and that credible leaders emerge in the country. The issue of electoral violence and malpractice has become a recurring decimal in the nation. The truth is that politicians are not solely responsible for this. Political parties, law enforcement agents, and the electorate have a share in the blame.

The way we see politics in our country is not only do-or-die, but it has also been taken as a full-time profession that should be given all it takes to get into power. Politics is not seen as an avenue to get into public office and render selfless service to one’s fatherland.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had stated that despite the efforts by the commission and political parties to promote peaceful elections, including several engagements with stakeholders and signing of peace accords, reports were indicating that the process was in several places compromised and that politicians stock-piled arms.

Over 31,000 policemen and 87 gunboats were deployed to prevent violence in Bayelsa State alone, as police helicopters hovered over the capital while soldiers and anti-riot police mounted roadblocks at major points. In Kogi, a total of 35,200 police were deployed to protect the 1.5 million registered voters.

The leading candidates, David Lyon of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Douye Diri, a former senator of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while in Kogi, incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello of APC was seeking re-election against Musa Wada of PDP and 22 other candidates. In both states, INEC has declared APC candidates winners while the Kogi West senatorial election is inconclusive.

Counting the losses, an official of a popular radio station was allegedly shot dead and many were injured during an attack on a political rally in Bayelsa; and in Kogi, a campaign office was completely razed down. Not only that; two persons were reportedly killed by stray bullets at the Adankolo polling unit in Lokoja. Electoral materials were hijacked in two wards in Odu and Community High School in Ayingba. There were reports that two people were feared killed in the Abocho community as sporadic shootings took place in Emewe Okapada, Ajiyolo communities, and the Egume Police Station Polling Unit in Dekina. It was learned that some masked armed men stormed the Aikpele-Ajaka Polling Unit. APDP chieftain and women leader of the Wada/Aro

Governorship Campaign Council, Mrs. Acheju Abuh of Ochadamu Ward was reportedly burnt alive by some thugs suspected to be supporters of APC, who locked her in and set fire to her house after spraying it with petrol. Thugs paraded the streets, fully armed without restrictions. There were ballot snatching and abduction of INEC officials in the Lokoja Club House, Ajayi Crowther Memorial College, Barrack area, and Takete, just to mention a few.

Aleading election observer, the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGAAfrica) has called for the cancellation of the polls in Kogi, saying it had received reports of voter inducement and vote-buying in polling units such as Adavi, Ankpa, Itale, Idah, Yagba East, Kogi West, and Ajaokuta councils. Voters were paid as much as N5,000 and in Aluaja, Iyano Ward in Ibaji LGA, as INEC officials were said to be given N15,000, and security agents got N50,000. In Bayelsa, corps members were feared missing as thugs attacked polling units, and angry residents set voting materials ablaze in one of the wards in the Ogbia Local Government Area, Otuoke, where former President Goodluck Jonathan hails from.

Expressing his disappointment over the late arrival of INEC officials and election materials in Otuoke, Jonathan said he was at his polling unit early without anyone to attend to him, stating that Nigeria had no justification not to get its electoral processes right, adding that many smaller African countries had been able to maintain a good electoral system, as Governor Seriake Dickson also accused security agencies of connivance in the poll. This ugly trend may continue unless urgent measures are put in place to address the declining credibility attached to our polls. Inability to apprehend and punish those found guilty of abetting, perpetration, sponsoring electoral violence, and engaging in vote-buying remain a big obstacle.

Another major source of worry is the level of poverty in the land.

This seems to be the most crucial factor that is aiding this malaise. It is common knowledge that many Nigerians live below the poverty line and are seriously hungry to resist falling for electoral offences. Politi-

The much-awaited electoral offences commission should be made operational while politicians found engaging in inappropriate acts should be sanctioned appropriately to serve as a deterrent to others

cians and political leaders, who are largely responsible for the plight of the nation, would explore the same economic situation in the country to make the electorate sell their votes by inducing them with money. For them, politics is a huge investment for a bountiful harvest.

In Nigeria, many people go into politics because of what they can benefit from and not to serve the populace. It is for this reason that most voters become easy prey to a few Naira notes splashed on them by the same politicians responsible for their misfortune.

The cycle of poverty, economic and political slavery then continues unabated. If nothing serious is done to nip this cankerworm in the bud, we are likely to see more of such rot in our polity. By next year, more gubernatorial elections would be held in states like Edo and Ondo. Tension is already building up in these states between the incumbents and their godfathers that have not been on the same page. The year 2023 is not too far a period for the general elections. Already, politicians have started campaigning using various platforms, groups, and structures.

To move away from dirty politics, INEC should intensify efforts at educating and enlightening the people on the dangers of vote-buying, electoral violence, and malpractice. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) should be more impactful in imbibing the right attitudinal change on Nigerians. The much-awaited electoral offences commission should be made operational while politicians found engaging in these acts should be sanctioned appropriately to serve as a deterrent to others. We should be able to vote without declaring any public holiday. The amended electoral bill should be passed into law to make technology use part of our very expensive electoral process by discouraging manual voting and collation that breed avoidable rigging, fraud, and violence.

Political parties should let internal democracy take roots in their operations. Proper orientation should be given to aspirants on the need to appreciate the real essence of patriotism, nationalism, and public service. The high rate of unemployment requires quick intervention by the government and non-state actors. Apart from financial inducement, many youths and young persons are used as thugs. After elections, many of them are dumped and to survive, they are left to venture into all manners of crime. More importantly, decent, hardworking and committed Nigerians with enviable track-records and pedigree should venture in politics in the interest of our dear country. The nonchalant attitude by fine men and women, not to participate in Nigerian politics, has been the nation’s albatross. This lukewarm disposition and apathy should stop for our politics to become better, more attractive, orderly, and less violent.

––Kupoluyi wrote from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Government, Private Sector and Civil Society Partnership is needed among the three sectors for growth and development, writes Otive Igbuzor

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he challenge of development is arguably one of the greatest challenges that have dominated world history. Human beings have always been concerned about how to improve their condition of living and better confront the forces of nature and the environment. Over the years, a lot of progress has been made on how to deal with the challenges of development and improve the standard and condition of living of human beings.

Development theorists and practitioners are agreed that partnership among government, private sector and civil society is the most effective way to achieve sustainable economic and social benefits and achieve the sustainable development goals.

The development of society requires the partnership between government, private sector and civil society. But first, we look at the development of society and the trisector model.

Human beings have always been concerned about how to improve their condition of living and better confront the forces of nature and the environment. Over the years, a lot of progress has been made on how to deal with the challenges of development and improve the standard and condition of living of human beings. It has been well established that every society has the capacity to develop and all societies strive for development.

But the concept of development is a very controversial one. We have argued elsewhere that the definitions and interpretations of development are influenced by history, discipline, ideological orientation and training. Chambers defines development as “good change”. This definition envisages that development is synonymous with progress. This progress should entail an all-encompassing improvement, a process that builds on itself and involve both individuals and social change. Kamghampati argues that development requires growth and structural change, some measure of distributive equity, modernization in social and cultural attitudes, a degree of political transformation and stability, an improvement in health and education so that population growth stabilizes, and an increase in urban living and employment. In our

view, development always involves change that affects various facets of life including economic, social and political spheres.

Sustainable development means that development is achieved without excess environmental degradation, in a way that both protects the rights and opportunities of coming generations and contributes to compatible approaches.

The past five decades have witnessed monumental changes in the world. Global economic wealth has increased sevenfold and average incomes have tripled. Yet, poverty has increased to record high levels. The major problem is that wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few people while majority of the people live in abject poverty. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its 1998 report documented that the three richest people in the world had assets that exceed the combined Gross Domestic Product of the 48 least developed countries.

As at the start of 2014, Oxfam calculated that the richest 85 people on planet earth owned as much as the poorest half of humanity. Between March, 2013 and March, 2014, these 85 people grew $668 million richer each day. If Bill Gates were to spend $1 million every single day, it will take him 218 years to spend it all. In reality though, he would never run out of money: even at a modest return of just two per cent would make him $4.2 million each day in interest alone.

By 2015, the number has decreased to 80 richest people having the same wealth as the poorest 50 per cent. By 2018, Oxfam showed that only 26 richest people on earth had the same net wealth as the poorest half of the world’s population (3.8 billion) people. The 2019 Oxfam report showed that billionaire fortunes increased by 12 per cent in 2018- or $2.5 billion a day while the 3.8 billion people who make up the poorest half of humanity saw their wealth decline by 11 per cent. Meanwhile, the number of billionaires has almost doubled since the financial crisis, with a new billionaire created every two days between 2017 and 2018, yet wealthy individuals and corporations are paying lower rates of tax than they have in decades.

In the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, income inequality is at its highest level in the last 50 years. The average income of the richest 10 per cent of the population is about nine times that of the poorest 10 per cent.

Some scholars have advanced several reasons for the growing inequality in the world including globalization and technological progress. But experiences of different countries have shown that it is more of deliberate political and economic choices driven by market fundamentalism and the capture of power by economic elites.

It has been documented that there is a strong link between gender inequality and economic inequality. Studies show that in more economically unequal societies, fewer women complete higher education, fewer women are represented in the legislature and the pay gap between women and men is wider.

Meanwhile, it has been recognised that the three sectors: government, private sector and civil society have great roles to play in the development of society and that this needs to be done in partnership. But it must be understood that the three sectors have different motivations, approaches and experiences.

The motivation for government is provision of services to all citizens; the motivation of the private sector is profit while the motivation of civil society is the protection of specialised groups and the vulnerable (the poor, persons with disability, persons living with HIV/AIDS, women, children, trafficked persons, etc).

The approach of government is utilisation of bureaucracy with emphasis on the political rather than the economic and rational.

––Excerpts from an address at the annual conference of the Nigeria Network of NGOS by Dr Igbuzor, Chief of Staff to Deputy President of the Senate.

(See concluding part on www.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 24, 2019

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LETTERS Curbing The Menace of Open Defecation

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pen defecation has been a common practice in many nations, towns and villages for centuries. It is a practice whereby a person defecates in an open area unmindful that it’s unhealthy and unhygienic.

Out of about one billion people that still practice open defecation worldwide, about 49 million are Nigerians while 600 million reside in India. It is, however, estimated that around 68 million Nigerians are likely to be added between now and 2025, if concerted efforts were not made to arrest the problem.

Open defecation is fundamental aspect of sanitation, and it reflects the level of development in any society where it is rampant. It is a bad practice with grievous implications on human health, dignity and security, the environment and socialeconomic development. The profoundly damaging health and developmental consequences of this menace has often been overshadowed by other aspect of our socioeconomic life that is also in decay.

According to the World Health Organisation, (WHO) 2.5 billion of the world's seven billion people do not have proper sanitation while 1.1 billion people still defecate

Ehanire, Minister of Health in the open, a ratio of one in 10 persons.

Basic sanitation, which has been a concern from the earliest stages of human settlements, is described as having access to facilities for the safe disposal of human waste (faeces and urine) as well as having the ability to maintain hygienic conditions are critical to health, survival,

and development.

Therefore, it is not surprising that many countries and cities, and in particular those with high population are challenged in providing adequate sanitation for their entire populations because the growth rate has overburdened the existing urban management system.

This puts many people

at risk of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related diseases. Serious waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea occur when open defecation or poor sanitation permits human waste to pollute water supplies.

According to a 2016 statistics

by WASH watch, diarrhea caused by poor sanitation and unsafe water kills 315,000 children every year.

Similarly, a 2003 International Labour Organisation (ILO) report reveals that disease transmission at work mostly caused by poor sanitation and hygiene practices causes 17% of all workplace deaths, while loss of productivity due to illnesses caused by lack of sanitation and poor hygiene practices is estimated to cost many countries up to 5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Also, the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation, posited that at least 1.8 billion people world-wide are estimated to drink water that is contaminated through poor sanitary habit. An even greater number drink water which is delivered through a system without adequate protection against sanitary hazards.

Furthermore, studies have shown that the countries where open defecation is

The Bayelsa and Kogi Governorship Elections

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ovember 16th is the posthumous birthday of two of Africa’s most illustrious sons – Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe and Professor Chinua Achebe, men who did the nation proud in their lifetime.

It was also the day that the gubernatorial elections were held in Bayelsa and Kogi States. The elections were anything but free and fair. They were tragically characterized by killings, voter intimidation, intimidation of the youth corpers who acted as ad hoc members of staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, ballot box snatching, sporadic shootings, amongst other numerous ills.

In Kogi State, four people were said to have died, a later figure put it at six. Even though there was no report of any murder in Bayelsa, the election was at best a farce and comedy of errors.

A huge electoral upset was caused in Bayelsa State as the ruling All Progressives Congress has finally had a foothold in the oil-rich state.

The division within the ranks of the PDP and the lacklustre performance of the incumbent, Seriake Dickson made the surprise victory possible.

Dickson proved to be a sore loser as he accused former President Goodluck Jonathan of working in cahoots with the Peoples Democratic Party of which he is still a member.

Kogi State was even worse.

The incumbent who didn’t really perform well – salaries for the civil servants are being owed stretching over 24 months, there is hardly any government presence in the state where the nation’s first Governor-General Lord Frederick Lugard resided before he came down south.

Nobody knows how the current youngest governor in the country spent the bailout funds that the federal government gave to him. On the eve of the election, the Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba was got rid of to pave the way for Bello’s extremely powerful Chief of Staff, Edward Onoja to become the new deputy governor. Onoja whom Achuba described as the man behind the throne during the first term publicly gifted the Attah of Igala a brand new Rolls Royce Phantom, obviously from the state government coffers. The victory of Bello is a pointer to the power of incumbency as even a non-performer can get another shot at governance.

It was hilarious that the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai begged the Kogites to forgive and forget their plight under Bello.

How ridiculous!

It is sad that in the 21st century, politicians don’t run issue- based campaigns – rather they appeal to the emotions of the masses and exploit the poverty which their anti-people policies created to dole out a few wads which the Plebians hurriedly scramble

for to merely assuage their hunger. Debates which are a permanent feature in western politics hardly take place here.

Our politicians generally have no ideological bent. It doesn’t matter the party they belong to as all most of them are battling for is the base stomach infrastructure.

Nigeria has enjoyed an unbroken 20 years of democracy and it beats my imagination why we are still so pristine when it comes to electoral matters. There is the need for the nation to shift to the e-voting method. Virtually all developed nations and a sizeable number of developing countries have adopted this cost-cutting and time reduction method. In the United States for instance, the citizens vote without any disruption in their day- to- day activities.

No public holiday is declared because they place a high premium on the precious commodity called time which can never be regained when lost.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan had this to say on e-voting, “If people these days can transfer billions of dollars from one bank to the other, using electronic means, then I believe that we can do electronic voting perfectly and that will ensure that the use of thugs during elections would be eliminated.”

The introduction of e-voting will make the votes of the hapless masses count which will deepen the trust in the democratic process taking into

consideration the social contract as espoused by John Locke.

Nigerians in the Diaspora are well over five million and they constitute an important segment of the Nigerian society. They remit billions of dollars annually and many have investments back home which generate employment for their brothers and sisters.

They shouldn’t be excluded from the democratic process simply because they aren’t resident here. It was bad governance and corrupt leadership that pushed the majority of them into economic asylum.

They are critical stakeholders as most of them have dual citizenships. Senegal recently relaxed their electorate laws to allow their diaspora brothers and sisters vote in their last election. The e-voting will make that possible as it can be done online in the twinkle of an eye.

We recall when Jonathan said his victory is not worth the blood of any Nigerian in his concession speech to Buhari in 2015. Electoral reforms will ensure that never again will any Nigerian lose his or her life because of a four -year mandate. I recommend that the electoral reforms committee report by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais be adopted.

We are in the 21st century and our elections should reflect digital thinking and execution.

May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace!

––Tony Ademiluyi, Lagos.

most widely practiced are the same countries with the highest mortality rate of children under five, high levels of under nutrition and poverty, and large wealth disparities.

A 2012 World Bank report reveals that Nigeria loses N455billion annually due to poor sanitation. This is 1.3 per cent of the national GDP. It should also be understood that an individual produces 200 gram of shit every day.

One can imagine the volume of shit that goes in to the river and those that end up on our source of water and food when there is flood.

Worryingly, according to WHO, one gram faeces of an infected person can have up to 10,000,000 viruses, 1,000,000 bacteria and 1000 parasite cyst and 100 parasite eggs.

Hygienic lifestyle helps in creating a strong economy, as well as improving health and protecting people’s safety and dignity, particularly women’s and girls’. Therefore, aside from the health risks inherent in lack of proper human waste disposal, it also has significant impacts on dignity and security, the

environment, and social and economic development.

In many Nigerian cities, it is common to see people defecate openly along the road, especially at night.

Walking along the railroad tracks even gives one more panoramic view of things as people - male and female engage in mass open defecation. On the streets, behind bushes, in groves of trees, in rivers or streams, inside gutters, dump sites, in motor parks, markets, people use faeces to litter the environment with impunity.

Even some of the fanciest areas are not exempted. In many parts of the country, communities located near the rail track or canals are the guiltiest of open defecation.

In a bid to raise awareness of sanitation issues and sewerage and make a case for sanitation for all that the World Toilet Day is celebrated on 19thNovember of every year.

–Tayo Ogunbiyi, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

Hate Speech: Why Death Penalty?

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he continent of Africa harbours countries with the most ethnic diversity. On top of the list is Papua New Guinea with over a thousand ethic groups.

Other African countries on the list are Tanzania, Uganda, Liberia, and of course, Nigeria, with over 370 ethnic groups and over half a thousand indigenous languages.

That is how the Nigerian society is structured along multiethnic lines, with diversity in character, religion, socio-economic status, political affiliations among other values.

It is against this background that some argue that the multiplicity of ethnic groups in Nigeria, among other factors, is responsible for the unavoidable and ever increasing presence of hate speech in Nigeria, particularly in the Nigerian social media space. But that argument cannot stand.

This is because, if countries like India – with more ethnic groups than Nigeria, a population that’s almost six times that of Nigeria - and yet do not complain about similar issues as much as we do, the problem is not with the diversity but how we are unable to manage our diversity to our advantage.

Based on a research conducted by HeartUmight- a student- based anti-hate speech organization in 2019, over 48% of the hate speech online since 2017 is inclined towards ethnicity.

It is no longer news to say that ethnic-based hate speech

has rubbed us of our core values of peaceful coexistence and collectivism. Hence, any effort to curb it should be applauded.

The decision of the Nigerian Senate to device a mean of curbing hate speech is good in all sense of word, but, proposing death penalty or jail terms or N10 million fine for offenders is out of place.

Instead of this strict legal approach, it is reasonable to think of adopting the model used by the HeartUmight students and active citizens network where sensitization are carried out online and offline to create sound awareness of such speeches and the need to deviate from them as well as identify key hate words through studies and strategically countering them.

The federal government of Nigeria can also consider Public-Private Partnership to establish a working partnership with nongovernmental organizations like the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), HeartUmight, etc., and government agencies like the National Orientation Agency to address such issues of national concern.

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan once said: “Diversity is the spice of life.”

If fair strategies are not employed in eradicating the growing hateful narrations and violent extremisms in Nigeria, any attempt to do otherwise may be considered as a political plot to silence the masses.

–– Sule Matthew, PRNigeria Centre, Kano.

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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2019 •T H I S D AY

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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N ÍşÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERNATIONAL Israeli Settlements and Misinterpretation of International Law: How United States Promotes Global Insecurity

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here is law and international law of politics and there is also politics and international politics of law. While law, be it municipal or international, is about legality and illegality of actions and human, institutional and state attitudinal behaviours, and particularly in terms of jurisprudence and codification processes, politics is essentially about the protection of certain interests during the codification and implementation of law. It is as a result of politicisation of law that Russia and other Eastern European countries often talk about international law according to the Western school of thought, as distinct from the Eastern European conception of it.

True enough,, Western influence in the making of international law is immense. However, in spite of the differences in perspective, there is no disputing the fact that law is law when signatories to an accord, regardless of its type, voluntarily sign, ratify or accede to such an agreement. In other words, for as long as such an agreement has entered into force, duties and obligations are created for signatories and are, therefore, compelled to execute their obligations in the spirit of pacta sunt servanda, that is, sanctity of agreements.

The critical problem as at today is that, what is increasingly becoming the hallmark of the emerging New World Order is the deepening politicisation of international law to the detriment of law of international politics and law of nations, which is meant to ensure orderly behaviour, peaceful coexistence, non-recourse to use of force in conflict resolution, and promotion of multilateral cooperation in international relations. If the official attitudinal behaviour of States is not regulated, there cannot but be chaos in the conduct and management of international Affairs.

More important, it is useful to note that international law is superior to municipal law, regardless of the pretensions of the Dualist School. The Monist School of thought readily accepts the supranational status of international law by quickly accepting to implement the obligations created by international agreements to which the signatories have voluntarily consented. The Dualist School does not accept automatically the immediate or direct implementation of any obligation created internationally.

Nigeria belongs to this School. This is why Nigeria’s Constitution provides for initial domestication before any enforcement of an international obligation. But, even at that, the mere fact that Nigeria and other Dualist States have to take necessary measures to facilitate the implementation of international obligations also necessarily admits of the superiority of international law, otherwise referred to as Law of Nations.

The problem as at today is that the United States, under President Donald Trump, is consciously misinterpreting and misrepresenting international law as applied to the territories occupied by Israel, following the 1967 Six-day War and the 1973 Yom Kippour War. The obvious rationale for doing so is political and selfish interests aimed at re-election. The foreseeable implications cannot be the bastardisation of international law to allow for destruction of multilateralism, pave way for unilateralism and a New World Order redefined by the United States. In this regard, the re-election of Donald Trump constitutes a potential danger to the maintenance of global peace and security. In further explicating this point, an overview of the Israelo-Arab dispute and the Palestinian Question, as well as US foreign policy on it, is necessary at this juncture.

Israeli Settlements and Background

Israeli settlements in the West Bank should be understood in the context of the 1917 William Balfour Declaration, which provided for a homeland for both the Palestinians and the Israelis. At the end of World War II, the promise was fulfilled at the level of the Jews, who quickly established the State of Israel and which was immediately recognised by the United States.

The Palestinians who were against the partitioning of Palestine to accommodate a place for the Israelis, and who also pledged to push the Israelis to the sea, rather than accept the creation of an Israeli State on their land, went into war with Israeli, which they could not win. The war was not simply a war on Israel, but particularly on the United States, a pillar of support for the Jewish state.

Again, a second war, generally referred to as the Six-day War, took place in 1967 and the Arabs were beautifully defeated. And

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Netayanhu, PM of Israel perhaps more interestingly, the 1973 Yom Kippour War took place and the Arabs, for the third time, lost the battle and the war in regret. The implication of the losses is clear: war dividends.

Israel embarked of effective occupation of the land areas it conquered. This was the genesis of the occupation of West Bank and the international controversies surrounding it. It is also the rationale for Israeli occupation of Jerusalem which was internationally divided in 1948 into West and East to pave way for a possible capital for a would-be Palestinian State.

Since the Israelis were victorious in the three wars launched against them, they took advantage of their victory by not only attaching the territories conquered, but also populating them with the people of Israel, contrary to international law. In the period from 1999 to 2017, total Jewish settlements in the West Bank, increased gradually: 177,411 in 1999; 192,976 the following year; 226,852 in 2003, excluding East Jerusalem and 362,945 with that of East Jerusalem; 401,820 in 2004, including East Jerusalem; 249,901 in the year 2005; 313,928 in 2010; 388,285 in 2015; 401,556 in 2016; and 416,693 in 2017.

Of the 136 Jewish settlements in the West Bank, four of them are notable, because of their city status: Modi’in Illit with a Jewish population of 70,081 in 2017; Beitar Illit with 54,557 Jews; Ma’ale Adumin with 37,817 Jews; and Ariel with 19,626. All these figures should be taken as indicative as the Government of Israel tries as much as possible to be secretive about the exact number of Israelis in the settlement areas. In 2000, for example, the Nahal settlements were not reported: the population of 753 people in Elisha and the 44 people in Gvaot, as well as those in unknown localities, were not recorded.

As we shall see hereafter, the West Bank was divided into three parts: A, B, and C by the Oslo Accords. In the mania of the Chimurenga Policy in Zimbabwe, which divided the whole farming land of Zimbabwe into five categories, in which

There are three possible ways of understanding the conscious misrepresentation of international law by the DonaldTrump administration. First, US foreign policy on the matter has been, at best, ambiguous: in 1978 President Jimmy Carter maintained that the Israeli settlements were inconsistent with international law. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan argued to the contrary, a situation that prompted the use of‘illegitimacy’rather than‘illegality’in US foreign policy lexicon since then, and one major reason for protecting Israel against international sanctions. Second,The US knows the truth about the illegality of the settlements but wants to give more room for more settlements, in such a way that when Palestinians take over the West Bank, the Israeli settlers will still have roofs over their heads there.The situational reality of the time will be managed.Third, Donald Trump desperately wants re-election by hook or by crook, by seeking to appeal to the conscience of the American Jews for votes, especially that he is now suffering from the Ukrainian president’s virus

the first three are the most fertile and reserved for the White Zimbabweans, and leaving the other two categories for the poor black Zimbabweans, a policy that President Robert Mugabe also had to fight tooth and nail when elected, the division of the West Bank into three areas is not different in design and objective.

Without doubt, Area C not only plays host to the Israeli military installations, but also contains most of the natural resources and open spaces in the West Bank. 99% of the area is not made accessible to the Palestinians. As explained by the World Bank, the non-access of the Palestinians to the area has prevented them from having the opportunity of halving their budget deficit, as well as expanding their economy by a third. In fact, Danny Rubinstein put the problem this way: ‘much land in Area C is undeveloped. Israel, however, does not permit Palestinian construction for residential, commercial or industrial purposes.’ As considered by the Oslo Accords, ‘Area C means areas of the West Bank outside Areas A and B, which, except for the issues that will be negotiated in the permanent status negotiations, will be gradually transferred to Palestinian jurisdiction in accordance with this agreement.’ The truth about this point is that, as at 1972, there were only 1,000 Israeli settlers in what is now regarded as Area C. However, the number increased to 110,000 in 1993, that is, in a period of two decades, there was an average increase of 5,238 settlers on a yearly basis. This simply means that Israel has little or no regard for whatever the Geneva Conventions might have to say, even if, as shown hereunder, they are considered as belonging to international customary law.

And perhaps most disturbingly, a 2013 European Union report had it that ‘Israeli policies have undermined the Palestinian presence in Area C with a deterioration in basic services, such as water supplies, education and shelter. Nearly 70% of the Palestinian villages are not connected to the water network that serves settlers. Palestinians cannot build in Area C without an Army permit. Building applications are expensive and have a 5% approval rate. As a result, most Palestinians who build there do so illegally.’ And true, ‘Israel demolishes about 200 buildings per year in Area C.’ Since the adoption of demolition orders on Palestinian-owned structures began in 1988, 14,000 demolition orders had been approved, but as of January 2015, only about 20% of them had been executed.

It is against this background that the position of international law should be reviewed and that the observation of the United Nations that Israeli settlers have been allocated about 790 square meters per capita, compared to the 60 square meters per capita allotted the Palestinians, should be understood.

International Law and Israeli Settlements

Israeli settlements do conflict with the four Geneva Conventions done in August 1949: the Convention on armed forces on land, armed forces on sea, prisoners of war, and civilians.

Geneva Convention IV, under which Israeli settlements clearly fall, contains Rule 130 which prohibits ‘Transfer of Own Civilian Population into Occupied Territory.’ Specifically, Article 49, paragraph 6, says ‘the Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies.’ More interestingly, Article 85(4)(a) of the Additional Protocol I, done in 1977, stipulates further that ‘the transfer, directly or indirectly, by the Occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies is a grave breach of the Protocol.’ Again, in the eyes of the 1998 Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Israeli settlements in the West Bank are more than a ‘grave breach’ of the Protocol. The Statute provides in its Article 8(2)(b)(viii) that ‘the transfer, directly or indirectly, by the Occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies’ constitutes a ‘war crime’ in international armed conflicts. This is also the position of Article 22(2)(b) of the 1991 ILC Draft Code of Crimes against the Peace and Security of Mankind, which views the establishment of settlers in an occupied territory as an ‘exceptionally serious war crime.’ Most importantly, there is also the Oslo II Accord aimed at securing the possibility of a self-governing Palestinian Government, but not an independent State of Palestine. In this regard, efforts at peace making and achieving this objective are first traceable to the Declaration of Principles on the Interim SelfGovernment Arrangement, signed on September 13, 1993 by the then Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin and the Palestine Liberation Organisation negotiator, Mahmoud Abbas, as agreed to in The White House. Additionally, it is traceable to the 28 September 1995 Taba Accords, also called the Oslo Accords, which were negotiated in the Taba Resort in Egypt and also signed in Washington DC. It is an interim agreement on the issue of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip settlements.

The Oslo accords partitioned the West Bank into three main areas: A, B, and C. In the specific context of security, Israel was required to redeploy from six cities in Area A to enable the Palestinians to have exclusive security control over the area.

Area A covers about 18% of the land area of the West Bank and is placed under the exclusive competence of the Palestinians. It can be rightly argued in this case that Israel does not consider Area A as part of its own territorial. It is therefore a constitutive region of a would-be State of Palestine.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

BUSINESS

Hadiza Bala-Usman

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

Idahosa Wells Okunbo

$133.24m Fees: Why Dismantle of SAA is in Nigeria’s Interest The cost of doing business in Nigerian ports ranks amongst the highest in the world. Why? N5.34 trillion is required to clear the 822,868 containers annually, while shipping companies’ charges alone stand at N738.112 billion annually. This is aside from other charges by NIMASA and other government agencies, explaining why the Nigerian Ports Authority’s decision to dismantle the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA), operated on behalf of the Nigerian Navy by a private company, OMS Limited, which attracts another N50 billion ($133.24million) charges annually, is in Nigeria’s best interest, writes Eromosele Abiodun

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hileitisaknown fact that international shipping is competitive and intricate, the confusion in the Nigerian maritime industry over shipping companies’ charges has over the years raised dust with stakeholders at daggers drawn as to who is right or wrong. Last year, customs brokers plying their trade at Lagos ports declared war on terminal operators and shipping companies over the N4billion demurrage accrued from the shelved strike by truck drivers. Also early last year, truckers shunned lifting of cargoes at the ports in protest over alleged extortion by security agencies. Resulting in over N4 billion accrued as demurrages and storage charges that importers had to clear.

THISDAY investigations revealed that N668million demurrage was incurred daily

for the duration of the strike, which translated to N4billion. The humongous amount resulted in a running battle between clearing agents, importers on one hand and the service providers on the other. While the clearing agents were calling for waivers over the strike period, the terminal operators remained indifferent.

According to a manager in one of the container terminals in Lagos, the terminal operators collected demurrage accrued during the period.

The cost of doing business in Nigeria ports ranks amongst the highest in the world with the ports notorious for high demurrage charges as a result of a delay in cargo clearing process; High insurance premium of vessels coming to Nigeria and trucks conveying containers to and from the ports and higher shipping and terminal charges.

This is aside from the total annual freight cost estimated at between $5 billion and $6 billion annually, according to the Ministry of Transportation.

According to the World Bank in its 2017Annual

Ease of Doing Business Report, Nigeria ranks 145 among 185 countries with Mauritius ranking 32 as the best in Africa. From the report, Trading Across Borders, an indicator for measuring a country’s ports effectiveness ranked Nigeria very low at 183 out of 185 countries.

Numbers released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) showed that averagely, container traffic at the nation’s seaports across the country (Lagos Port Complex, Tincan Island Port, Delta Port, Onne Port, Rivers Port, and Calabar Port) stands at 822,868 annually.

THISDAY findings from customs agents revealed that it takes about N6.5 million to clear and transport a 20-foot container laden with cargo worth N36.42 million ($100,000) imported into Nigeria from China.

Of this amount, about N5.3 million (representing 82.1 per cent) is paid to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as Import Duty, Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS), ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), Port Development Surcharge and Value Added Tax (VAT),

shipping companies are responsible for 13.8 per cent of the port cost (N897,000); terminal operators 1.8 per cent (N117,000); transporters 1.1 per cent (N71,500) and clearing agents (N78,000).

This means that N5.34 trillion is required to clear the 822,868 containers annually, while the shipping companies charges stands at N738.112 billion annually.

Alarmed by this development, the federal government engaged the shipping companies for almost two years, negotiating a reduction in port cost. Last month, the government, through its port economic regulator, the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), announced that it is to sign a landmark agreement with shipping companies that will see charges by shipping companies reduced by 35 per cent or N258.38 billion annually.

Ending Port Cost Amidst the cheering news of the MoU signing came a bombshell revelation that the NPA has informed the Nigerian Navy of its decision to cancel what was hitherto unknown to many

20

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

BUSINESS $133.24m Fees: Why Dismantle of SAA is in Nigeria’s Interest shippers, the SecuredAnchorageArea where fees of over N50 billion is being charged by a private company, OMS Limited, to secure ships calling at the Nigerian ports. While stakeholders were alarmed the majority of the shipping companies, who were at the verge of lowering their cost, through the MoU with the government rejoiced when THISDAY broke the news.

Analysts and stakeholders have also applauded the NPA’s decision. They posited that the dismantling of the safe anchorage area is in national interest adding that the Nigerian economy will be the ultimate beneficiary. While OMS has taken steps to retain the lucrative business, the NPA has said there is no going back. The Managing Director, Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman, while reacting to claims that the NPA intends to give the business to another company, stated categorically, “NPA believes that there is no need for privately managed SAA, the Nigerian government through NN, NIMASA and NPA should secure the waterways at zero cost to the shipowner. We need to consciously reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria and such charges are what translates into an additional cost of calling in our ports.

More so with the ongoing deployment of the maritime security project being implemented

by NIMASA costing the government billions of USD why do we need anything called SAA run by a private company with a cost to vessel owners? The NIMASA project is to secure all our waterways, which includes any locations Vessels choose to anchor.�

NPA Exposes OMS THISDAY investigation on why the SAAwas A ship at anchorage dismantled revealed that a committee report showed that the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office dismantle the facility.�

Responding to issues raised by APOSSIN in (UKHO) published the Secure Anchorage Area in its admiralty chart No.1381 of Lagos Ports, its petition, the NPA in the document said it did indicating that the anchorage being operated not in any way interfere with the functions of by the Nigerian Ports Authority is ill-equipped, the Nigerian Navy. “The mandate of the Nigerian Navy according thereby giving an impression that it is not secured, to the law is to provide security in Nigeria’s forced the NPA to amend the British Admiralty Territorial Waters (including the Economic Chart 1381, nailing the SAA. This was contained in a document in response Exclusive Zone). The authority submits that to a petition presented before the National theAnchorage is an integral part of a seaport and Assembly by a group named Association of that by virtue of its enabling law; the Nigerian Professionals for Safety in Shipping in Nigeria Ports Authority Act, it is the responsibility of the (APOSSIN) over NPA’s position on the SAA authority to chart, designate, own, operate and manage Ports Anchorage Areas except where exclusively obtained by THISDAY. The UKHO claim, according to the document, such responsibility is entrusted to a third party is contrary to the assessment of the same facility by in accordance with Section 9 of the Ports Act. “It is pertinent to state that the Secure Anchorthe International Maritime Organisation (IMO), age Area lies within the Lagos Pilotage District which commended NPA for the standard of of the NPA as entrenched in the Ports Act and facilities and security at the location.

The document noted, “Sequel to an investiga- as declared by the Honourable Minister of tion conducted, NPAfound out that the said SAA Transportation. The authority did not transfer was authorised by NIMASA who published a that responsibility to the Nigerian Navy nor to Marine Notice on the existence of the SAA as the Private Security Outfit concerned-OMSL,� an Additional Security Service Facilities for the it stated.

The document explained further: “The auprovision of dedicated 24/7 watch to vessels thority reiterates that the Secured Anchorage seeking extra protection while at the anchorage offshore Lagos. Furthermore, the authority found Area falls within its Lagos Pilotage District. that the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with the The authority submits further that even if UKHO published the SAAin itsAdmiralty chart the security of the nation’s maritime domain No.1381 of Lagos Ports Limits & Approaches statutorily vested on the Nigerian Navy, which is denied, the activities being carried out by dated 10th March 2011. “The authority also observed that some OMSL in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, false information in the charts indicated that is port-related and falls within the functions of the Anchorage being operated by the authority the authority. “It is pertinent to state that by virtue of Section is ill-equipped, thereby giving the impression 7 (d) and (e) of the Nigerian Ports Authority that it is not secured. This is contrary to the asAct, it is the responsibility of the authority to: sessment of the same facility by the IMO, which commended NPA for the standard of facilities (d) “provide for the approaches to all ports and the territorial waters of Nigeria such pilotage and security at the location. “It is pertinent to state that without prejudice services and lights, marks and other navigational to the powers of the Nigeria Navy, delineation services and aids, including cleaning, deepening of an anchorage area is the responsibility of the and improving of all waterways� (e) “provide NPA. In addition, the publication of Notices facilities for berthing, towing, mooring or dryto Mariners on vessels calling at the Nigerian docking of ships in entering or leaving a port Ports as regard the port limits and approaches or its approaches�. “The authority submits that the Secured is the responsibility of NPA and not NIMASA. Anchorage Area is being operated by OMSL, “It is in the light of the above observations, coupled with high cost for vessels coming to a Private Sector Entity, but with logistical support Nigeria arising from the exorbitant charges being from the Nigerian Navy. The authority wishes collected by the OMSL that the NPA vide its to state that sometime in 2014, it procured and letters reference dated 24th October 2017 and 25th handed over to the Nigerian Navy three (3) October 2016 respectively sought the intervention state-of-the-art brand new Patrol Boats for of the Honorable Minister of Transportation to usage by the Nigerian Navy to safeguard the Lagos Anchorage and offshore waters within

the Lagos Pilotage District.�

OMS Fights Back But OMS is not going down without a fight; the company has insisted that it has done nothing wrong with the running of the SAA claiming that shipping companies are ‘happy’ to pay $2,500 per day.

Its owner, Capt Idahosa Wells Okunbo, in a published statement explained, “My attention has been drawn to various publications in the media on the issuance of Marine Notice (October 2019) by the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to maritime stakeholders on the discontinuance of OMS operations in the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA). Before then, there have been other publications alleging a fraudulent “N263b� payment to OMS. nbelievable given our impeccable record of patriotic services to our fatherland, reports in the media(obviously sponsored) of humongous payments are spurious, evil and fallacious. They do not in any way reflect the true position of the SAA transactions and our contractual engagement with the Nigerian Navy. The publications were certainly intended to malign, demean and impugn my hard-earned reputation, as well as that of OMS.�

He added, “For the purpose of setting the records straight, so that unwary members of the public are not fed with jaundiced and misleading views, I have found it expedient to present the facts as they are: 1. We are not, have NEVER been fraudulent in our operations since we entered into a contractual relationship with the Nigerian Navy on maritime security. “The so-called N263b payment exists only in the warped imagination of those that cooked up the figures. 2. Contrary to the erroneous impressions created by NPA on SAA charges, we have actually saved our country more money that would have been lost to vandals and bandits by bearing risks on behalf of anchoring ships transiting or making port calls to Lagos. 3. OMS as an indigenous company has a broad objective of promoting local content in the maritime industry and has been collaborating with the Nigerian Navy in carrying out its statutory duty to promote, co-ordinate, enforce maritime laws and safety regulations in Nigerian waters. “This collaboration for the past 12 years has significantly improved security in Nigeria’s maritime domain. 4. At the height of piracy, armed robbery at sea and the proliferation of

illegal arms importation into Nigeria through the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Navy invited OMS to the meetings of a Steering Committee composed of NPA, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other maritime stakeholders, for a discussion on how to improve security within the Lagos Harbour Approaches. 5.

The main decision at the end of the Steering Committee meetings was the creation of fresh demarcations for better governance of the sea area. “These fresh demarcations are Traffic Separation Scheme, (TSS), Ship-To-Ship transfer operations (STS) Area and the SAAwhich were subsequently published as Marine Notice by both the NPA and NIMASA. 6. On the basis of these publications, OMS was then encouraged to undertake significant investment to procure platforms to be utilised within the SAA and went further to develop and submit a business plan of 20 years for a return on investment to the Nigerian Navy for OMS operations in the SAA. The business plan was approved by the Nigerian Navy and was described (by the Navy) as a “laudable initiative and highly commended as a positive contribution of the private sector in support of government efforts to make Lagos waters safe and secure for legitimate businesses to thrive.�

It continued: “The Nigerian Navy, subsequently, informed the NPA of its collaboration with OMS on the SAA project and stated that the project complements the Navy’s “efforts to secure our maritime space and gives added comfort to operators in the region�. 8. The advent of the SAA, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, on 27 February 2013, provided dedicated security patrol services for vessels that demanded extra protection while waiting for offshore Lagos for berth allocation or conducting STS transfer operations. “This service is rendered purely on demand and was never made compulsory for vessels making port calls to Lagos, neither does its operation obstruct any agency of government from performing its statutory function or collection of levies that are due to the government. 10. It is noteworthy that by a Marine Notice of April 2014, the NPA, in approving the operations of the SAA, informed maritime stakeholders that SAA is one of the areas approved by the NPA for Ship-to-Ship (STS) and Ship-to-Rig (STR) operations offshore Lagos.�

21

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

BUSINESS/ECONOMY agricultural produce stood at 8.88 percent in October 2019 on a year-on-year basis, slower by -0.07 percentage points when compared with 8.94 percent recorded in September 2019.

On month-on-month basis, the core sub-index increased by 0.74 per cent in October 2019, or -0.15 percentage points slower than the rate recorded in September 2019 (0.89 percent). The highest increases were recorded in prices of cleaning, repair and hire of clothing, hospital services, major household appliances, repair of household appliance, glassware, tableware and household utensils, and garments. The average 12-month annual rate of change of the index was 9.25 percent for the twelve-month period ending October 2019; this is -0.08 percentage points slower than 9.34 percent recorded in September 2019.

In analysing price movements under this section, NBS noted that the CPI was weighted by consumption expenditure patterns which differ across states.Accordingly, the weight assigned to a particular food or non-food item may differ from state to state making direct interstate comparisons of consumption baskets potentially misleading and inadvisable.

EmeďŹ ele

Ination by State In October 2019, all items inflation rate, on year on year basis was highest in Kebbi (15.20per cent), Bauchi (13.97per cent) and Ondo (13.74per cent), while Kwara (9.69per cent), Katsina (9.29per cent) and Bayelsa (9.07per cent) recorded the slowest rise in headline year on year inflation rate.

On month-on-month basis however, October 2019All items inflation rate was highest in Benue (2.20per cent), Bauchi (1.87per cent) and Cross River(1.80percent).Anambrarecordedtheslowest rise at 0.28 per cent, while Bayelsa and Ebonyi saw decline in the headline month-on-month index by -0.13 per cent and -0.35 per cent respectively.

NBS explained that in analysing price movements under this section; the CPI is weighted by consumption expenditure patterns which differ across states. ‘’ Accordingly, the weight assigned to a particular food or non-food item may differ from state to state making direct interstate comparisons of consumption baskets potentially misleading and inadvisable.’’ Food inflation rate on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kebbi (17.53per cent), Ondo (17.01per cent) and Ogun (17.00per cent), while Kogi (12.12per cent), Katsina (11.18per cent) and Bayelsa (9.55per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

On month on month basis however, October 2019 food inflation rate was highest in Oyo (2.56per cent), Osun (2.52per cent) and Lagos (2.05per cent) while Enugu (0.24per cent) and Abuja (0.14per cent) saw the slowest increases in month on month food inflation rate. Bayelsa state, at -0.35 percent, recorded price deflation or negative inflation (that is, a decrease in the general price level of food or a negative food inflation rate).

,V 6LQJOH GLJLW ,QĂ DWLRQ 6WLOO $FKLHYDEOH" Headline inflation figure, which has been on the decline for some months, witnessed a reversal since end-September and the trend continued as consumer price index (CPI), which measures inflation increased to 11.61 per cent in October, increasing by 0.36 percentage points compared to 11.24 per cent recorded in the preceding month.

The trend may have posed a big challenge to achieving single digit inflation by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Bamidele Famoofo reports

W

heninAugust2019 the consumer price index, (CPI) which measures inflationdropped to 11.02 percent from 11.08 in July 2019, the chance of achieving a single digit inflation figure by the monetary policy authorities was very bright. But only just a month later, that hope appeared to be waning as the figure resumed an uptick.

Inflation increased by 11.24 percent (year-onyear) in September 2019, 0.22 percent points higher than the rate recorded in August 2019 (11.02) percent.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), increases in September were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yielded the headline index. ‘’On month-on-month basis, the headline index increased by 1.04 percent in September 2019, this is 0.05 per cent rate higher than the rate recorded in August 2019 (0.99) per cent. The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve months period ending September 2019 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 11.268 per cent, showing 0.003 percent point from 11.271 per cent recorded in

August 2019,’’ NBS disclosed.

The figure further increased by 0.14 basis points above 0.22 per cent recorded in September as inflation increased to 11.61 percent (year-on-year) in October 2019. This is 0.36 percentage points higher than the rate recorded in September 2019 (11.24 percent).

Just like in September, increases were recorded in all COICOPdivisions that yielded the headline index.

Nigeria’s statistics bureau revealed: ‘’On month-on-month basis, the headline index increased by 1.07 per cent in October 2019, or 0.03 percentage points higher than the rate recorded in September 2019 (1.04 per cent). The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve months period ending October 2019 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 11.30 per cent, showing 0.03 percentage point increase from 11.27 percent recorded in September 2019.’’ The urban inflation rate in October stood at 12.20 per cent (year-on-year) in October 2019 from 11.78 per cent recorded in September 2019, while the rural inflation rate was recorded at 11.07 per cent in October 2019 from 10.77 per cent in September 2019. On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.15 per cent in October 2019, up by 0.02 percentage points from

1.13 per cent recorded in September 2019, while the rural index rose by 0.99 per cent in October 2019, up by 0.03 percentage points from the rate recorded in September 2019 (0.96 per cent). The corresponding twelve-month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index was 11.68 per cent in October 2019. This is higher than 11.63 per cent reported in September 2019, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in October 2019 was 10.95 per cent compared to 10.94 per cent recorded in September 2019.

On a year-on-year basis, the composite food index rose by 14.09 percent in October 2019 compared to 13.51 percent in September 2019.

This rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of meat, oils and fats, bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, fish and vegetables. On a month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 1.33 per cent in October 2019, up by 0.03 percentage points from 1.30 per cent recorded in September 2019. The average annual rate of change of the Food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending October 2019 over the previous twelve-month average was 13.54 percent, equivalent to 0.07 percentage points higher than the average annual rate of change recorded in September 2019 (13.47 percent).

The ‘’All items less farm produce’’ or Core inflation rate, which excludes the prices of volatile

Ination Target Emefiele said monetary policy measures embarked upon by the CBN in the next five years will be geared towards containing inflationary pressures and supporting improved productivity in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors of the economy.

OneofthethingstheCBNwantstodotoachieve its single digit rate target is to work with other stakeholders in the economy to bring down the cost of food items, which it said, had considerable weight in the Consumer Price Index basket.

Emefiele noted that decisions by the monetary policy committee on inflation and interest rates will be dependent on insights generated from data on key economic variables. The CBN said it will continue to sustain a positive interest rate to the delight of its important stakeholders.

The CBN helmsman made it clear that his ultimate objective was to anchor the public’s inflation expectation at single digit in the medium to long run.

Meanwhile central bank said it was not unmindful of the challenges it will have battle with to achieve its target on inflation vis-Ă -vis a double digit economic growth. Emefiele identified the fragile growth of the economy as a major domestic threat to achieving its five-year growth target. He said the recovery of the economy from recession in 2017 was yet to deliver a significant benefit in terms of job creation, and there had not also been a substantial increase in credit to the private sector.

External factors which pose big threats to achieving economic goals set by the CBN as highlighted by Emefiele include the lingering trade war between the United States and China, U.S and Mexico and subdued growth in the Eurozone. Rising volatility in the crude oil market occasioned by the rapid increase in the supply of Shale Oil by the United States, remains a potential hindrance for growth in Nigeria.

22

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

L-R: Coordinator, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Tayo Fasunhanmi; Regional Manager, Recharge, West 1, Globacom, Mr. Ikechukwu Onuekwusi; winner of Keke tricycle, Chief Abiola Egbelade; Oyo State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola and Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola at the presentation of prizes to winners in Globacom’s subscriber empowerment promo tagged My Own Don Beta in Ibadan...recently

Glo’s Life-changing Promo Draws Resounding Accolades Globacom’s ‘My Own Don Beta Promo’ train moved to Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State after having successful draws in different parts of Lagos, where lucky winners emerged. A couple of the lucky winners at the Ibadan promo expressed delight for the economic impact that the Globacom’s largesse would make in their lives, Bamidele Famoofo reports

A

limi James Adeniyi believes in miracles.

He is a pastor. But his first reaction when a recent miracle appeared like an apparition in his life, was not to shout “hallelujah.� On the day he got a call that he had won a prize in the ongoing My Own Don Beta promo of Nigeria’s telecommunications giant, Globacom, Pastor Alimi did not instantly jump for joy. Just as the Bible admonished, he was finicky in ascertaining the authenticity before wholeheartedly clutching the good news. “I thought it was a scam when I got a call that I won an Industrial Sewing Machine,� the pastor with Living Faith Church, Winners Chapel, Ibadan, recalled. “I decided to call Glo to confirm it and they said it was true.� His joy was ethereal and pure. To borrow the popular expression in Globacom’s payoff line, it was an unlimited feeling of unadulterated joy.

Chief Abiola Egbelade had a similar reaction.

He did not know what to make of the call from 121 informing him that he had won a prize. “I was surprised when I got the call from 121 (Globacom’s customer care number), I did not believe it because most times calls do come from fake promo agents calling to tell you to pay money to claim prizes in non-existing promos�, the Isese leader of Ibadan origin, who won a Keke tricycle, said.

Also another winner, Mr. Timothy Issac

Wale, an ND 2 student of Business Administration, Ibadan Polytechnic, said, “At first, I didn’t believe it when I got a call from Glo, but subsequent calls and invitation to the venue convinced me and I am here today receiving my Keke at Bodija Market, Ibadan.

To God be the glory, Glo has done well for me. I am so excited. I will use the Keke for commercial purpose to make money.�

People tend to be sceptical about consumer promos, especially when they promise mouth-watering prizes. To start with, consumer promos are like lottery – the odds against laying your hands on the grand prizes are high. But that is not the main reason for the scepticism. Many don’t believe that they are real. After a long experience of disappointments, people rarely trust businesses that organise promos to deliver on promises made.

Globacom realised that its good corporate image is no safeguard against this malaise of public incredulity. This awareness informed the company’s approach to its consumer promos and general business practices. It adopted pragmatism and transparency of the processes as the instruments for reassuring members of the public of the promo’s integrity.

Recharge and Win Big, also known as My Own Don Beta, is the latest in Glo’s consumer empowerment initiatives. The promo gives subscribers on the company’s network opportunities to win life-changing prizes. The items it made available are those

that can make the winners instant entrepreneurs.

The prizes are brand new tricycles, otherwise known as keke, industrial sewing machines, generators and grinding machines. Old and new Globacom subscribers, who recharge with a minimum of N200 can win any of the items.

According to the digital transformation leader, the promo is designed to make entrepreneurs out of the people rather than dishing out money to winners. It does this by giving the people trade-establishment tools that would help them set up their own businesses. This, the company believes, would have a direct impact on their life situations.

Given the excitement that had followed the presentation of the prizes of the reward promo in cities across Nigeria, there was understandable ecstasy in the sprawling city of Ibadan on Wednesday as winners gathered in large numbers to receive their prizes. The presentation was witnessed by a large and excited crowd at the popular Bodija Market in the heart of the bustling capital city.

On hand were dignitaries, including the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment, Honourable Kehinde Ayoola, the Iyalode of Ibadanland, Chief (Mrs) Theresa Oyekanmi, and the Chairman of Bodija Market Traders Association, Alhaji Lamidi Musedeeq, Nollywood actors Yemi Solade and Odunlade Adekola also graced the occasion with their presence.

Also on hand was the representative of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Tayo Fasunhanmi.

The commissioner, Honourable Ayoola,

was effusive in showering encomiums on Globacom for the empowerment programme which he noted complements what the state government is doing. “This largesse from Globacom shows that the company appreciates the fact that people are using the network and you are giving back to society. It is a good thing�, he said, while urging Nigerians to patronise Globacom to enable the company to do more.

The winners and their relatives, some of whom had expressed disbelief when informed about their winnings, were delighted that the information was real. They expressed their delight during the presentation of the prizes.

Mr. Ojedele Solomon, a corps member serving in Oyo State, said he did not believe the information that he had won a generating set. He thought someone was playing a prank on him until he received persistent calls from Globacom. “I never believed it when I was called.

People in my neighbourhood also told me not to believe, that it’s a scam. It was when they started calling me endlessly, especially with Glo customer care number, that I decided to go to Glo office where I did verification and was confirmed as a winner of a generator,� he said.

Mr. Adeleye Adeyemi, a police officer serving in Ibadan, said he received the call informing him that he won a tricycle with mixed feelings.

He knew that Globacom had done such feats before, yet he was reluctant to give his details to the customer care staff who called him.

Most of the prize winners appreciate the economic empowerment objective of the reward promo. Adeyemi said he would use the tricycle to augment his family’s income.

Mr. Babatunde Agbebaku, who won an industrial sewing machine, said: “I still can’t believe it. I will make good use of the machine, especially for business. I want Glo to keep empowering Nigerians.�

Solomon, the corps member and Education and Political Science graduate of Osun State University, said he would use the generating set he won to make himself comfortable.

Some like Chief Egbelade, who won a Keke tricycle, just want to enjoy their good fortune and celebrate the company that made it possible. “I will not use the tricycle for commercial purpose. I will cruise it around the city so that everyone will see what Globacom has done,� he said.

The prize presentation also featured the draw for the next set of 130 winners of prizes such as generators, grinding machines, sewing machines and tricycles, who will be receiving their prizes in Kano.

Most of the remarks at the ceremony lauded Globacom for its fidelity to its corporate goals of making quality telecoms services affordable to its subscribers in and outside Nigeria and touching lives through direct economic empowerment and corporate social responsibility activities.

The event burnished the reputation of the grandmasters of data as a business that just wants to make life convenient for its customers.

Comments by Other Winners Mr. Olasupo Gbolahan Qudus, a student said: “I was so happy when I was called by Glo and I got to know that I won a grinding machine in ‘My Own Don Beta’ promo. I will give the machine to my mother and that will be another opportunity for her to add to her daily income. I want to thank Glo for this prize, I won’t forget today. Thank you.� “I am 21 years old and a 500 level student of Crop Production and Soil Science at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. I was surprised, but very happy when I got a call from Glo. I was told that I was one of the lucky winners of a generator.

I was not aware that a promo was going on, I just recharged my line normally, and after a few days, I got a call from Glo that I won a generator. The generator will be very useful to me, I intend to start a business centre soon and it will help to power the business when there’s no electricity supply from PHCN. I am very grateful to Glo,’’ Olusina Emmanuel enthused.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

23

BUSINESS/CONSUMER

e-Commerce Growth and Jumia’s Performance Index With a population of over 180 million people of which 62 per cent are youths, the Nigeria e-commerce market has continued to witness evolution and growth in the last few years, reports Raheem Akingbolu

A

t the beginning, the campaign about cashless policy meant but little to most Nigerians, who thought it was a tall dream because of poor infrastructure, poor debit (credit) card transaction culture and low internet penetration. Today, the country’s economy is gradually becoming cashless, as digital payment and electronic banking are implemented in phases across various sectors, even among the players in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), sector of the market. Besides, the adoption of electronic transactions is continuously increasing, with ATM transactions dominating the volume of electronic transactions and the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System Instant Payment dominating in value.

Meanwhile, the demand for electronic transactions has attracted payment facilitators from Europe and Asia, who are investing in Nigerian electronic infrastructure projects. As a result of this, online commerce and financial technology in Nigeria is strengthened by fast growing youth populations, expanding consumer power, and increased smartphone penetration. According to McKinsey, the current eCommerce spending in Nigeria is around $12 billion, and is projected to reach $75 billion in revenues per annum.

But like every new thing, embracing eCommerce as alternative shopping experience was, at the beginning, tough for Nigerians.

In the last few years, both the operators and consumers have recorded both their good and low moments. While it has eased the mode of transaction, there have also been stories of scammers and attacks on delivery agents.

But today, despite the hitches, it is obvious that consumers who buy into the system are growing in folds every day. Trust has not only been built, but many Nigerians have also seen it as the easiest way to shop.

The recent upturn in e-commerce enterprises across Africa is believed to be revolutionising not just the retail market but also business in general. The growth potential of this niche, as demonstrated by several e-commerce firms showcases the enormous opportunity under tapped.

As one of the continent’s leading IT markets, Nigeria has seen a rapid surge in the development of ecommerce businesses.

Competitions In the last seven years or thereabout, consumption spending in Africa had stood at over $1 trillion from $364 billion in 2000.

This, analysts have described as an impressive jump. According to them, if the internet penetration factor, which is in on the rise with a good 50 per cent of the continent expected to have access to the Internet by 2025, one can imagine the impact of this on online shopping McKinsey report had recently predicted that online shopping could account for 10 per cent of aggregate retail sales in the continent.

This works out to $75 billion a year of total retail spend.

This figure is expected to shoot up in the coming years. As a result of such prediction, e-commerce pundits are looking to Africa to deliver the next revolution in wealth creation through a burst of e-commerce activities,

“E-commerce marketplaces are very powerful engines to drive payment. Everywhere in the world some of the leading payment companies were borne out of and grown by market places,� “We are following the same path to ultimately create the leading payments system in Africa,� Poignonnec said.

with Nigeria on top of the list.

With Nigerians and other part of Africa, fully waking up to the potentials and advantages offered by e-commerce, top global brands have found the market indispensable.

Though Jumia and Konga top the chart in the market, there are more players in the Nigerian space including Payporte, Vconnect, Kara, Fashpa, Gloo.ng, Obeezi and Wakanow, and a host of others. They have collectively pushed the frontiers for Internet businesses in the country, getting over 500,000 online orders every 24 hours in Nigeria.

Jumia’s Q3 report as case study According to Q3 report released by Jumia, the active customers of its e-commerce platform, jumped 56 percent to 5.5 million in the third quarter of 2019 from 3.5 million over the same period a year ago, as orders nearly doubled to 7 million. The growth in customer base is the strongest in five quarters according to the company’s historical financial statements, which bodes well for future revenue growth.

According to the company’s results released on Nov. 13, 2019 revenue rose 19 per cent to 40 million Euros, even though the period

also recorded some losses for Jumia, which targets to be profitable by 2022.

The firm’s Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) remained negative in the period, a large portion of the loss was attributed to an “increase in fulfilment expenses due to more cross-border goods transactions�, the company’s management team said over an investor conference call. Since its founding in 2012, the e-commerce firm’s costly model of delivery and the relentless pursuit of growth in 14 African markets have come at the cost of recurring losses.

One thing that will also interest analysts in the results presentation was the stellar growth recorded by JumiaPay, the firm’s in-house digital payments platform.

Total payment volume on JumiaPay increased by 95 percent to 32 million Euros from 16.4 million Euros in the third quarter of 2018, while the number of transactions spiked by 262 percent over the same period, much to the delight of CEO Sacha Poignonnec. “We are focused on driving the adoption and penetration of JumiaPay within our own ecosystem,� Poignonnec said during the investor call.

Growth Trajectory Since its launch, JumiaPay has spread across six countries and is targeting a larger share of the electronic payments market, according to Poignonnec who also said the payment platform’s bright future has been somewhat validated by the backing of global card giant, MasterCard, which invested 50 million euros in the firm before an initial public offering in New York.

The traction being made by the payment solution is significant for two reasons. First is that it means its ambition to generate more revenue from digital payment products is truly on and could even happen faster than expected. It also gives Jumia a leeway out of an expensive and problematic cash-ondelivery option which hinders efficiency and could be ridden with security lapses- as e-commerce firms in Nigeria have come to find.

Analysts believe JumiaPay is following in the steps of US-based Paypal, Alipay in China and Latin American fintech firm, MercadoPago. All three companies were established by and started out as the in-house payment platforms for Ebay, Alibaba and MercadoLibre respectively.

By leveraging the market place of their parent companies, digital payment platforms have often thrived, just the way JumiaPay is finding out now, even though it is believed that it hasn’t even scratched the surface in terms of usage.

That’s because, JumiaPay’s total payment volume, though up from 8.3 percent in the third quarter of 2018, was only 11.6 per cent of the parent company’s total sales (referred to as Gross Merchandise Value, GMV in online retailing) of 275 million euros in the third quarter 2019.

24

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

NAHCO FTZ Working against Free Trade Zone’s Vision With increase in the threat of global and domestic terrorism, proliferation of arms, money laundering, drug trafficking human trafficking amongst other acts of economic sabotage and potential threats to national security, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos, and the Nigerian Free Trade Zone industry have come under scrutiny. There is a revelation of violations of Nigeria’s extant laws and regulations at the MMIA ranging from, but not limited to illegal Free Trade Zone operations, smuggling activities, illegal access from airside to landside and vice-versa through gates in the airport that are concealed from relevant government agencies. Adedayo Adejobi reports

W

ith a daily passenger and cargo throughputofover 50 flights, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos (MMIA) is no doubt the major airport serving as a major hub of country and also the West African sub-region.

A compromised security and safety architecture portends danger to the entire nation.

NAHCOFreeTradeZone(NFTZ) whichislocated in the Cargo terminal of the MMIAis a subsidiary of theNigerianAviationHandlingCompany(NAHCO) Plc, a major aviation ground handling Company.

Outwardly, the premises bear no semblance of much activity, but behind the façade and also at night, varying degrees of unwholesome activities take place.

THISDAYinvestigation, reports and documents obtained from sources within the Presidency have indicated that NFTZ, a subsidiary of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, is in breach of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Nigerian Customs, Immigration, NigeriaDrugLawandEnforcementAgency,Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, and Aviation Security regulations and corporate governance structure, which compromise national security and are threats to the nation’s economy.

THISDAY checks revealed that in a petition written to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in July 2019, Mr. BabaYusuf, the erstwhile managing director/ chief executiveofficerofNAHCOFreeTradeZoneNFTZ, had alleged that during his tenure, he discovered some gross violations of various extant government laws and corporate governance stipulations, which compromise national security and promote economic sabotage. These violations include illegally operating non-free trade zone businesses in a free trade zone, smuggling activities, cargo diversion to avoid payment of Customs Duties resulting in the protracted unutilised airway bills issues leading to the loss of billions of naira that should accrue to government as revenue; illegal access and crossings from airside to landside and vice-versa through gates in the airport that are concealed from relevant government agencies, etc. Yusuf has also copied the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, relevantministriesandvariousagenciesandarmsof government including committees of the National Assembly and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

The petition read in part , “This petition, therefore is to bring to the notice of the relevant agencies of government the germane facts of what is going on behind the façade of NAHCO so that the necessary actions can be taken to enforce the rule of law and bring sanity, mitigate the evident risks and ensure fullcompliancewithregulationsthatwillprotectour nationalborders,stopeconomicsabotageandsecure a key national gateway; the Murtala Muhammed InternationalAirportfrompotential acts ofterrorism and other threats to national security.â€?

According to him, “I took some initial steps to curtail/stopthenefariousactivities,whichtriggered some tacit internal resistance and threat to my life.�

The concluding part of the petition read: “The impact of the various violations of the NEPZA Act and NEPZA regulations on our national economy, safety and security are also clear. The dangers of allowing such illegalities of fostering national economic sabotage, financial crimes and compromising national security as evidenced in this petition should be immediately estopped by NEPZA, NCS, NCAA,AVSEC, FAAN and indeed all the relevant agencies of government to mitigate and avoid the eminent risks and dangers. Taking time to investigate the issues raised and taking the necessary actions will also strengthen our laws and

Buhari

Hadi Sirika

send clear signals to operators in various regulated environments that there is zero tolerance for refusal to follow laws and regulations.�

THISDAY investigations and information gathered from some sources in some ministries and agencies of government that were copied in the petition, show that NEPZA knew about most of these infractions for over five years and yet as regulatorsdidnotdoanythingtostoptheviolations.

There are also indications that some agencies of government are trying as much as they can to cover-up the issues in order to avoid sanctions, and to allow NAHCO to continue the unwholesome activities albeit in different ways.

understand why or how the regulator allows such a breach to start and continue unabated.

THISDAY gathered from the petition that during the approval process of approval of the Free Trade Zone, the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Professor Nwanze Okidegbe, raised concerns and set conditions precedent to the approval for NFTZ as part of his recommendations to the then President.

The Principal Secretary to the former President, Mr. Hassan Tukur also re-echoed those concerns of the CEAin his memo to the president. Those conditions, THISDAY gathered, were not met before the FTZ licencewasgrantedtoNAHCO,presumablywiththe understandingthattheconditionswouldbesatisfied during or after setup of the Free Trade Zone, which has resulted in the current worrisome situation at NAHCO Free Trade Zone.

Some of the conditions precedent include: the need for a more rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by NFTZ to evaluate the full and negative, real and potential impact of setting up NFTZ at the aforementioned location; the need to adequately address security issues as part of due diligence for the feasibility of NFTZ given the high sensitivity of the NFTZ location.

Others include: that additional measures must be developed and entrenched to ensure that the proposed NFTZ will not be abused or misused and that stringent measures were to be developed and a commitment signed by the NFTZ leadership that NFTZ will not be used as avenue for capital flight and money laundering, or engage in activities that compromise national security; the need for a more rigorous projection of the economic benefits that will accrue to show viability and sustainability of the NFTZ compared to the projections earlier presented

by NAHCO, and a more detailed masterplan was also required to show specifics in terms of the area, infrastructureandoperationaldesigntodemonstrate the capacity of NAHCO to be given the FTZ status.

In the petition, Yusuf, who claimed he was the chief executive for only seven months (July 2018 to February 2019), “Indeed, the conditions precedent to the approval of the NFTZ, which raised salient issues of security, safety, accountability, government economicandfinancialimpacts,etc.havemanifested as going concerns and threats, which have now put the integrity and relevance of the NFTZ and operations to question.�

NFTZ and NAHCO have breached the NEPZA Act and NEPZARegulations as well NCS, FAAN and NCAAregulations. Section 1(3) of the NEPZA ActNo.63of1992.Expertsnotethattheconsequence of this violation is the revocation of the operating license.

Some Instances of Economic Sabotage The entire cargo operations area of NAHCO has beendeclaredafreetradezonesince2014–NAHCO is illegally operating non-free trade zone activities within the designated free trade zone approved by the Presidency THISDAY confirmed that for the past five years, theNAHCOexport,import,bulkbreakingareaand the NAHCO office complex measuring over two hectareshavebeendeclaredaFreeTradeZonebythe thenPresidentGoodluckJonathan.ButInvestigations showed that NAHCO Free Trade Zone had been operating only within the 5,730sqm trans-shipment warehouses that were approved as an extension of the original free trade zone. NFTZ never operated in the original land designated as Free Trade Zone, but rather NAHCO Plc is illegally conducting its core non-free trade zone cargo operations in the FTZ in flagrant violation of the NEPZAAct,1992, NEPZAregulations of 2004 and Nigeria Customs Service regulations on Fee Trade Zones.

Even though the entire cargo warehouses of NAHCOareNigeriaCustomsBondedWarehouses, From THISDAY findings, it appears that for the past five years, the Nigeria Customs Services, the FederalAirportsAuthority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria CivilAviationAuthority (NCAA) and otherrelevantgovernmentagencieswerenotaware that the aforementioned NAHCO operations area had been declared a free trade zone and therefore all the activities happening the area have been going on illegally without the knowledge of the Nigeria Customs. NAHCO and NEPZA have concealed this fact from the Nigeria Customs and all other relevant government agencies. Aviation and economic analysts have said this was tantamount to economic sabotage.

Therefore,NEPZA,asregulatorandadministrator of the NFTZ should not have allowed NFTZ to be operating customs territory operations in the areas declaredfreezonebythethenpresident. Onecannot

Many analysts believe allowing such gross violations of safety and security regulations could also negatively impact the ICAO certification of the MMIA, which we all were applauding some weeks ago to the credit of President Muhammadu Buhari and his team.

Other major issues raised in the petition include some video clips, which has surfaced and made available to THISDAY, evidencing that contraband andothersmugglingactivitiestookplaceattheNFTZ location. Smuggling is clearly an act of economic sabotage.

NEPZA’sweaknessasadministratorsoffreetrade zones in Nigeria, in ensuring full compliance and supervision even in cases where they are aware of theviolationsspeaksvolumeontheneedtoexamine carefully NEPZA’s effectiveness and efficiency as a regulator of free trade zones.

Records also show that NFTZ collected money from a free trade zone enterprise, supposedly “fees duetoNEPZA�,itratherkeptthemoneyasrevenue.

When the enterprise raised objection to the payment which led to NEPZA writing to NAHCO to immediatelyremitthemoneycollected,usingthename of government, into the federal government TSA account.Almost one year after that instruction from NEPZA, NAHCO is yet to comply with directive.

On further investigation, THISDAYgathered that for the past five years, NFTZ has been collecting rent fees from another enterprise within the free zone without any form of payment to the federal government. This is a contravention of Section 13(1) & (2) under the NEPZAAct. 63 of 1992. The sanction for this violation, experts says, is revocation of licence. The enterprise is not operating as a free zone entity, and it is not paying any form of statutory fees to government for operating in the free zone over the years, neither has NFTZ been paying any income or fees to NEPZA from the rent income collected and/or based on the particular enterprise operations. This is a clear violation of extant rules and also act of economic sabotage. NEPZA was aware of the infraction for more than four years.

With these and more, there is no better narrative that explains succinctly that the refusal to pay statutory government fees is economic sabotage.

Documents show that FAAN and NCAA, as the operatorsandregulatorsoftheMurtalaMohammed InternationalAirport were not carried along during the consideration and approval of the Free Trade Zone status. Despite three different letters from NEPZAto NAHCO asking for a “letter of consent from FAAN, being the bonafide owner of the land, categorically stating they have no objection and/ or conveying their support for the application for the Free Zone status on the leased premises�, the letter of no objection was not granted by FAAN. FAAN and NCAA were not even aware that a process of Free Zone was ongoing in the airport they operate as lessors, whereby the lessee could even possibly use the lease documents as leverage to secure funding or investments. The issues raised in the petition are indeed very worrisome, more so they were backed with evidences.

But inhisreactiontoinquiryonthepetition, Lagos Zonal Office Director, NEPZA, Mr. Garba Hayatu, told THISDAY ‘’ I am aware of some petitions .May be the petition as written and the headquarters was copied. I am in the zonal office.�

He argued: “I don’t think the petition has basis but since he has petitioned, they should go ahead and do whatever is necessary. I think the authority is handling it. THISDAY should investigate and do what is needful. It may also go the authority headquarters to discuss with them.’’ Compromised and Threatened National Security THISDAYauthoritativelygatheredthattherewere two back-door accesses at the NFTZ trans-shipment warehouses through which movement of people and goods take place from airside to landside, com-

25

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

FMDQ: FIC Markets Sheds N2.6tn in October Investment nosedived at the FMDQ Fixed Income and Currency (FIC) markets in the month of October, 2019 as investors reduced their level of patronage in the short to medium-term money instruments to the tune of N2.57trillion compared to the turnover recorded in September, Bamidele Famoofo reports

I

nvestors at the Fixed Income and Currency markets of the FMDQ platform reduced their commitment to the markets by N2.57trillion in October, representing a decrease of 13.39 percent compared to N19.2trillion they invested in the markets in September.

According to a monthly report on the performance of the markets published by FMDQ, investors showed preference for short-tenor instruments to quickly recover their investments from the markets in the review period.

Turnover in the FIC markets in October stood at N16.63trillion, recording a drop of 13.39 per cent month on month. But turnover on year-on-year basis grew by 24.57 per cent or N3.28trillion in comparison to N13.35trillion turnover recorded in October 2018. “Turnover in the Fixed Income and Currency (FIC) markets for the month ended October 31, 2019 was N16.63trillion, representing a MoM1 decrease of 13.39per cent (N2.57trillion) on the turnover recorded in September 2019 (N19.20trillion) despite representing a YoY2 increase of 24.57per cent (N3.28trillion) in comparison to the turnover recorded in October 2018 (N13.35trillion),’’ a statement from FMDQ disclosed.

Treasury bills (T.bills) and foreign exchange (FX) product segments continued as the major drivers of turnover in the review period, jointly accounting for 71.41 per cent of the total FIC market turnover recorded in October 2019, but representing a month-onmonth decrease of 701bps compared to their joint contribution as recorded in September 2019 (78.42per cent).

Total foreign exchange market turnover in October 2019 was $13.97billion (N5.06trillion), representing a 22.90 per cent ($4.15billion) month-on-month decrease from the turnover recorded in September 2019. Analysis of FX market turnover by trade type indicated monthon-month decreases across all trade type categories, with member-CBN trades recording the highest percentage month-on-month decrease at 30.85 per cent ($1.13billion), while member-client trades recorded the highest month on month decrease in dollar (nominal) terms, at $2.81billion (24.97per cent). Additionally, analysis by product type indicates that the month-on-month decrease in FX turnover was mainly driven by the 21.80 per cent ($2.46billion) decrease in FX Spot turnover. Similarly, FX Derivatives turnover recorded a month on month decrease of 24.73 per cent ($1.69billion) driven by the 38.02 per cent ($1.14billion) month-on-month decrease in FX Swaps turnover.

In October 2019, the Naira-settled OTC FX Futures Contract (NGUS OCT 30 2019) with a total open contract value of $1.19billion matured and was settled, and a new contract, NGUS NOV 25 2020 for $1.00billion at $/N366.22 was introduced. This brings the total value of open OTC FX Futures Contracts to c. $9.74billion, while

FMDQ CEO, Mr. Bola Onadele.Koko

the total value of contracts settled since inception to date stands at c. $20.77billion.

In October 2019, the CBN Official Spot rate for US$/N remained constant at $/N307.00. Similarly, the parallel market rate remained constant at $/N360.00, while the Naira depreciated against the US Dollar at the Investors’ and Exporters’ (“I&E�) FX Window by $/ N0.43 to close at $/N362.66 in October 2019 ($/N362.23 in September 2019) Fixed Income Market (T.bills and FGN4bonds).

In October 2019, total OMO5 bills outstanding was N14.87trillion; representing a month-on-month decrease of 2.30 percent (N0.35trillion), whilst average T.bills outstanding remained constant at N2.58trillion.

However, average FGN bonds outstanding increased month on

NAHCO FTZ Working against Free Trade Zone’s Vision ing out through the front entrance of NFTZ. The same route is used for the movement of people and goods through the warehouses and directly to the airside, where the cargo aircrafts are parked. This is basically an illegal border creation and crossing, which has been going on for the past five years, without requisite approval and provisions.

The same illegal accesses can be used to access the Presidential Wing, International terminal and local terminals of the MMIA with potential grave security and safety risks and concerns.

Theoperatorsandregulatorsoftheairportsecurity and operations namely NCAA, AVSEC, FAAN, Nigeria Immigration Services, NDLEA, etc. were not aware of the existence and usage of these illegal access doors. Indeed, no permission was given by NCAAand/ or FAAN for the access doors to be left open. If approval was given, then FAAN AVSEC would have been manning the gate. Granting approval would have been impossible given the location of these exit points.

The consequences of the aforementioned illegal back doors are that, the geographical location of NFTZ’s core operations currently on the airside and the aforementioned violations have disqualified the status of FTZ operations at that location due to strategic, operations, security and safety reasons.

ToomanyloopholesintheNFTZoperationsmake it possible and easy to smuggle contrabands such as money, drugs like cocaine and tramadol, arms and ammunitions, diversion of cargo to avoid payment of Duties etc.

With these discoveries and more, the precarious situation could dent the MMIA’s compliance with ICAO’s (International CivilAviation Organization) Annex 17 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation “Security: Safeguarding International Civil Aviation againstActs of Unlawful Interference� to which Nigeria is a signatory.

Yusuf referred specifically to sections 3.5 “Air Traffic Service Providers� of Chapter 3; Chapter 4: “Preventive Security measures�; 4.2.1- 4.2.9; 4.6.14.6.11; 4.8.1- 4.8.3, it is clear and instructive to note that there are clear violations of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Regulations (CAR).

Violation of Human Resource Provisions of NEPZA Act and NEPZA Regulations Speaking on violations of human resource provisions of NEPZA Act and regulations, Yusuf said: ‘‘Since inception five years ago, NFTZ is not in compliance with Part 8 of the operational guidelines of the NEPZA Act No 63 of 1992 (Regulation on Employment of Human Resources, Insurance and Social Security). The NEPZAmonitoring team had repeatedly over the years asked the NFTZ to comply with FTZ HR regulations but NFTZ refused to comply. By refusing to review the HR structure and management system five years after starting operations NFTZ has deliberately violated NEPZA regulations.�

Reaction When THISDAY contacted Yusuf, the former NFTZ MD/ CEO, comments, he confirmed that he wrotethepetition.He,however,declinedtocomment on the issue out of respect for the President Buhari and other institutions of Government, especially giventhatthemattercouldbeunderinvestigation.He said he would rather allow the federal government to take decisions.

However, when confronted with the allegations levied against NAHCO FTZ, the spokesman of the agency, TayoAjakaiye, feigned ignorance about the petition and asked to be presented with a copy. “ I am not in copy of the document. You may wish to providemewithacopy.Iwouldbegrateful,�hesaid.

But he added: “You said the allegations border on

month by 0.79 percent (N0.07trn) to close at N8.90trillion in October 2019 from N8.83trillion reported in September 2019.

Trading intensity for T.bills decreased to 0.39 in October 2019 from 0.48 recorded in September 2019, however, trading intensity for FGN bonds remained constant at 0.11 in October 2019. YTD6 Trading intensity for T.bills and FGN bonds stood at 4.47 and 1.33 respectively compared to 4.39 and 1.29 recorded in the corresponding period in 2018.

In October 2019, T.bills within the 6 – 12months maturity bracket were the most actively traded among the short-term securities (i.e.

1M – 2Y) accounting for 41.23 percent of the total fixed income market turnover, while FGN bonds within the 7 – 10 years maturity bracket were the most actively traded among the medium to long-term securities (i.e. 2Y – 30Y), accounting for 4.74 percent of the total Fixed Income market turnover. Weighted average yields on the short, medium and long-term fixed income maturities decreased by 0.06 percent, 0.16 percent and 0.36 percent respectively in October 2019. This can be attributed to the sustained interest in fixed income securities by foreign portfolio investors and local institutional investors due to favourable real returns compared to other asset classes. However, inflation-adjusted yield remained positive across all tenors in the period under review.

Money Market (Repurchase Agreements /Buy-Backs and Unsecured Placements/Takings). Total turnover in the Money Market increased month on month by 18.00 percent (N0.57trn) to N3.74trillion in October 2019, driven majorly by the Repurchase Agreements/ Buy-Backs segment which recorded a month on month increase of 15.09 percent (N0.44trn) in turnover to N3.32trillion in October 2019 from N2.89trillion in September 2019.

Turnover in Unsecured Placements/Takings in October 2019 was N0.41trillion, representing a 48.19 percent (N0.13trn) month on month increase from the N0.28trillion recorded in September 2019, and a year on year increase of 516.02 percent (N0.35trn) from the turnover recorded in October 2018 (N0.07trn). This can be attributed to the increased liquidity in the inter-bank market.

Improved liquidity in the financial system is evidenced by the decrease of the average O/N7 and OBB8 rates by 490bps and 460bps respectively to an average of 7.01 percent and 6.23 percent in October 2019 from 11.91 percent and 10.83 percent in September 2019 Market Surveillance.

Total number of executed trades reported on the Bloomberg E-Bond Trading System in October 2019 was 9,731, representing a 26.43 percent (3,495) month on month decrease in the number of executed trades in September 2019 (13,226), driven by the 28.20 percent (3,394) and 8.49 percent (101) month on month decreases in T.bills and FGN bonds’ trades respectively.

Cont’d from Pg. 24

some malpractices; which malpractices? When you give me the specific allegation, I would be able to giveaspecificresponse.Sinceyousaidyoustumbled on the petition, you may wish to tell me who it was addressed to; which date it carried, and/or when it was received by the investigating authority. I think that is just normal journalistic protocol. More important to me, however, is that let me know what the specific allegation is. Then I can respond.�

Risks of AllowingViolations and Breaches of Laws and Regulations With such violations and compromises of airport security, MMIAsecurity architecture, imaginations are safe to run wild on the possibilities.

An example is that of the terrorist attack of the Russian passenger plane Metrojet flight 9268, 23 minutes into its journey from Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt to St. Petersburg in Russia on 31st October 2015. ISIL claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack.On17thNovember,2015,theRussianFederal Security Service announced that they were sure that it was a terrorist attack, caused by an improvised bomb containing the equivalent of 1kg of TNT that detonated during the flight. On 24th January, 2016, Reuters reported, from an unnamed source, that a mechanic was suspected of planting a bomb, which he had been given by his cousin, who was a member of ISIL. Two policemen and a baggage handler were suspected of helping the mechanic.

This is just one example amongst other instances of the devastating consequences of airports that allowed breaches in security and safety protocols to go unchecked.

To further contemplate the likely risks and impact of the consequence of allowing such violations to continueuncheckedistolookatitfromthemagnitude of passenger and cargo throughput of the MMIA. AccordingtotheNigerianBureauofStatistics(NBS),

in 2018, 3,045,383 passenger throughput (arrival and departure) was recorded at MMIA, while over 129,091,516.40kg reflecting 78 per cent of the total of 164,938,399.43 kg national cargo throughput (import and export) was recorded for 2018. With this volume of economic activities and with the worrisome revelation of compromise of the national economy (especially the non-oil sector), safety of the airport and importantly national security, it is scary that over four months after the petitioner has raised the alarms, no indication of any serious actions that have been taken based on outcome of investigations by relevant government agencies.

It is worthy to note that around July 2016, the EconomicandFinancialCrimesCommission(EFCC) investigated NAHCO Plc on issues bordering on alleged breach of corporate governance, financial crimesandboardroompowertussle,whichledtothe resignationoftheChairmanofNAHCOPlc,Mallam Suleiman Yahyah, and subsequent restructuring of the board of directors. With the current revelations, it appears that NAHCO is still enmeshed in issues that require serious attention.

A Call to Action Grave infractions of this enormity, carried out by a corporate entity such as NAHCO, is not without sanctions under our relevant laws. And sinceNAHCO,beinganinanimatebeing,obviously the alter ego of those behind the company by the elementaryknowledgeofcompanylawthatislifting the veil, will definitely be held accountable as well. It behoves on the federal government take this matter of economic sabotage and national security threat seriously. It must immediately launch a robust and independentinvestigationwithaviewtoconfirming the facts and taking the necessary actions to bring perpetrators to book and to safeguard our economy and national security.

26

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

SUNDAY INTERVIEW GODWIN EMEFIELE

Our Policies are Focused on Job Creation, Supporting Economic Growth Governor , Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in this interview, monitored on AriseTV, said the policies and interventions of the apex bank are geared towards supporting economic growth and job creation. Emefiele also reiterated his support for the federal government’s decision to close all the country’s land borders, saying it should only be re-opened when the affected countries reach an agreement.

Obinna Chima brings the excerpts:

Y

ou have been variously described by many as the unseen hand behind the Nigerian economy and somebody who directs the affairs of monetary policy in the country.

Are you a man, whose career one recognises as both a central banker and former bank chief executive?

Yes, you are correct. Before I came on board, I had spent 27 years in the banking industry and my career peaked at the time I became the chief executive of Zenith Bank and I am here now for more than five years and I believe we still have a lot of work to do. However, whether you call it as an unseen hand, I think it is not really about that. It is about making Nigeria, being the largest country in Africa and the most populated in the continent, not to miss the opportunity at this time to move forward. We have a leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is totally committed to the development and rediscovery of Nigeria and I think he deserves all the support, particularly from people like us that he has great confidence in. What we are doing here is to say that Nigeria must make progress.

Is it CBN’s responsibility to create jobs?

It is everybody’s responsibility. Whatever policy you put in place, they must be policies that impact the lives of Nigerians.

You have mentioned President Muhammadu Buhari quite a number of times and I am wondering whether the continuous threat to central bank’s independence all over the world is not a concern to you and I am just wondering where you draw the line so as to ensure that the government does not impair the central bank’s independence?

The central bank is an entity within the larger entity called Nigeria. So, when you talk about interference, by virtue of the fact that the central bank is putting in place, policies that would help to engender growth, policies that would help to create job, there is no conflict in that and in fact, it has nothing to do with the independence of the CBN. The independence of the CBN is enshrined in the amended CBN Act of 2007, and nothing is altering or in any way, affecting the independence of the CBN. When you say your mandate as CBN is price and monetary stability, it must be price and monetary stability that is conducive to growth, conducive to creating jobs and conducive to ensuring that industries remain alive, whereas the primacy of your mandate, which is price and monetary stability remains in tack.

But the concern is always to ensure that the central bank does not serve political interest, but rather have the common good

EmeďŹ ele

in mind?

I take you back again. Whether you are a president or a CBN governor, you have been placed in a position by God to serve your people and put in place policies that would enhance the lives of your people. So, if by that you feel that the central bank is moving out of its realm, I don’t agree with you. What is important is that we have a country and an economy that must grow, and an economy where its people must be seen to live well and that is what we are doing and it has nothing to do with any conflict or intervention.

Is part of your fear not to allow politicians take measures that would lead to inationary pressure?

The issue is that inflation is a canker-worm that we must all fight. When you allow inflation to take over, purchasing power will go down

and will be totally eroded and that will affect people’s ability to live well in Nigeria. Politicians are actors in the economy and I can tell you that the primary mandate of the CBN is to put in place policies that would control inflation. And that we will do. We are not going to put the blame on the control of inflation on anybody. If the politician likes, because he is an actor, let him do whatever he likes. But, we will do what we need to do to make it impossible for him to take certain actions that would affect the level of prices in the country. That is our job and we will do it.

closure, supply of certain basic items have gone down, while demand has either risen or has been flat. So demand has outstripped supply and by that you are facing a demand-pull inflation.And I have to speak now as a Nigerian. If prices of goods have gone up because we closed the borders, so that jobs can be created for our people, so that our industries can come back alive again, and prices are up by 0.3 basis points in one month, for me I am not going to lose sleep. All we need to do is for us to work hard to boost supply, so that prices can come down because supply has gone up to be able to match demand. I don’t have any apology to people, who feel the border closure has resulted to price increase. The reason is because it is creating jobs. Is it rice? Is it tomatoes or poultry?

Before the border closure, I received a call from the president of Rice Farmers Association. He said, ‘Governor, because President Buhari said we should all go into the production of rice for the good of our country, so that we can feed ourselves and conserve forex, you have used the banks to make intervention funds available to us and we have expanded our factories.’ After expanding their factories, before the border closure, most of them were carrying nothing less than 20,000 metric tonnes of milled rice, par boiled rice that they couldn’t sell. After that, the President of the Rice Farmers Association called again to say, ‘Governor, you gave us Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, it may be difficult for us to repay, because we have paddy that cannot be sold because the millers are not buying.’ Poultry farmers called us and said they were carrying thousands of crates of eggs that could not be sold.

Do you know eggs were being smuggled into this country? Tomatoes were being smuggled into this country? So, what are we producing if we could smuggle eggs into this country? All these were killing domestic industries and making people lose their jobs. So, you talked about inflation going up, those prices would moderate. I am so certain that they would moderate because efforts are being made to boost supply. I granted an interview recently in Benin, Edo State, where I said the borders should be kept closed even for two years or whatever is to be done to prevent dumping and smuggling, and see what would happen to Boko Haram, kidnapping and this country will blossom.

So, you also advised the government to close the borders?

At 11.6 per cent, ination in Nigeria rose to the highest level in more than a year.

What is your reaction to that?

I did. I am not going to pretend about that.

In any case, it was not me alone. I understand that the security chiefs said arms were being smuggled into this country were all coming in through these borders. So, arms coming in also contributed to the reasons we said the borders should be shut and let’s see what will happen.

I have read a couple of reports where some attributed the rise in inflation to the border closure and I laughed. If inflation is up as a result of border closure, it means that as a result of the border

You talked about manufacturers and I can tell you that some of them have said the biggest challenge they are facing is not

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

27

We Must Stand against Action of Any Neighbouring Country Undermining Our Economy the border closure, but electricity, ease of doing business and multiple taxation.What do you think?

We must give credit to the government. The federal government is doing everything to make sure the ease of doing business improves. The ease of doing business is being taken very seriously.

Three years ago, we moved up 24 points, just two weeks ago, we moved again. So, the ease of doing business indices is moving up in Nigeria and we are doing well. In terms of electricity, the government is doing everything to solve electricity problem. But what I am trying to say is that let’s imagine electricity is a problem.

What it does is that it makes the cost of goods to become more expensive and compared to the imported alternative, it becomes more expensive.

Then, those of us in position of authority have the responsibility of providing jobs for our people.

So, we should keep those industries alive and also make sure that they continue to employ people. And how do you do that? Compared to the alternative of import, you raise your tariffs, you raise import duties so as to keep local industries alive. And I have always said that in Nigeria we have raised duties several times, it never worked.

Why? Because of the activities of our neighboring countries that dump and smuggle these items through our borders. So, how will our policies work? How would we create jobs for our people?

How would we get our industries to work in Nigeria if we allow these people to undermine our economic policies? I am a Nigerian, I have a responsibility to make sure Nigerians have jobs, I have a responsibility to make sure Nigerian industries remain alive. That is why I am here, otherwise I have no business being here.

Let me take you up once again on the issue of manufacturing, you have manufacturers that are making efforts. For example, Innoson is a car manufacturer in this country and I don’t see the government driving Innoson cars, I don’t see the president of Nigeria driving a car that is made in Nigeria.

I don’t see them going across West Africa and Africa pushing the idea of Nigerian cars being sold into those countries. Why is that so?

Well, you are correct and all I can say is that we will try as much as possible as Nigerians and as people placed in position of policy to see to it that we use Nigerian made goods. We have to begin to say that we must use Nigerian goods and you could see that even at central bank, we are making an effort. We held a meeting three weeks ago with the armed forces of Nigeria, because we found out that their uniforms were contracted to Nigerians who go to China to sew them, not only to get the textiles from China, they get the textiles, sew them there and bring them back to the country. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) sews and bring NYSC uniforms from abroad and we are saying no, we should start by patronising our own Nigerian garment companies. Those garment companies will in turn patronise Nigerian textile industries, and with that, we create jobs in the textile industry, we create jobs for the cotton farmers, we create jobs for the fashion designers that will certainly grow our industries.And I believe we don’t have a choice, but to go in those directions. I am sure in the course of time, you will see me, appear at a function, where I will be wearing a wholly made Nigerian textile fabric that will be so elegantly prepared by our textile designer, so that we can really begin to move in this direction.

What is your reaction to the concerns that there isn’t credit available to businesses and the banks are not lending money?

If you said this before June this year, I would have agreed with you. But today, given the policies that we have put in place, the kind of regulations and prudential guidelines that we have put in place for the banking industry, I will not agree with that statement. Before June, there were different means in which the regulator can use to get the banks to catalyse the economy because they play a primary responsibility as intermediaries by taking monies from surplus to deficit sectors.

So, what the central bank used to do before

government can fend for everybody.

I think the main concern is that often times, you have governments that believe the way to make the country prosper is to borrow and spend and that I think is where your advice as an expert comes in‌ It depends on what government wants to do.

Government can either raise revenue and spend or borrow to spend. But where is government spending on? To what extent has that spending been impacting positively the lives of the people?

The government appears to be doing so much, because it appears that most of the things the government is trying to achieve are things the private sector ought to be doing?

You are correct, government has no business being in business. We all learnt that in business schools. But what is government doing? It is not as if government is in business, government is providing infrastructure, road, making sure that community hospitals are alive again. Then, the private sector has a lot of role to play. Yes, building roads and tolling roads, and you can see government has listened to the advice that they must toll roads, give it to credible private sector who will build the roads, collect the revenue and run an enterprise that is in their area of specialisation.

EmeďŹ ele

June was moral suasion. We used moral suasion and it didn’t work. We went into Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in May and we were looking at the industry loans and we found out that most of the times when we analysed industry loans, it was at best flat and in fact, in some cases industry loans were dropping. And the MPC said we must do something to see credit grow.

Given that we have used moral persuasion and all sort of cajoling and it didn’t work, we had to put in prudential. In June, when we looked at the numbers the industry loans to deposit ratio (LDR) was 57 per cent and we said the banks must lend. In this case, using prudential measure meant that we had to insist that LDR must be minimum ratio of 60 per cent by September 30th, which was a three per cent increase and this translated to almost N1.6 trillion. And we said by September ending, in any bank we find any shortfall, we will take the money from the bank and lock it up in a zero interest asset where you are not going to make any money. By June 2019, industry loan was N15.4 trillion and by September 30th when we looked at it, it had risen to N16.4 trillion. Today, you can see that the capital market is back alive again, you can see that banks are lending money, and we are trying to say that we all have shared responsibility to help grow the economy.

So, when you say banks are not lending, that is not true. I just felt I should debunk that and let you know what had been done to grow industry credit.

And you are absolutely convinced that the effects of these policies are having impact on the real economy in Nigeria?

It will because we are testing it on a daily basis.

Our banking supervision department looks at the numbers on a bank-to-bank basis and sometimes ask for details in cases where the loans have gone up. We are convinced because we believe that by doing this, consumer credit will be back again, mortgage credit will be back alive again, not just the industries and not just corporates.

But most of the bank lending goes to the government.

What I am trying to say is this, we have begun to see a shift in lending from investing in treasury bills to more funds being channeled to the private sector and with time, it will improve further. I want to believe that as we get into December and the first quarter of next year, it will reflect positively on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), because consumer demand would have been stimulated, which will ultimately help to stimulate growth.

But a lot people are of the view that the central bank appears to be driving towards

welfarism, considering some of its policies, such as its programme for poor farmers.

What’s your take?

You just said the big issue is access to credit, and we are saying that every Nigerian with a good idea to do a business should be entitled to credit, it should be easy for him as long as it is not a bad credit, he should be able to raise credit.

We initiated the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme where we, directly through the banks and through our participating financial institutions, make loans available to farmers so that they can go into farming and we are helping to positively impact the lives of those in rural communities.

Nigeria is not all about our urban centres, close to 65 per cent of our population, conservatively, are in the rural areas. And if you say you want to grow and change the lives of some people, you must have at the back of your mind that we have about 65 per cent population in the rural areas that we need to improve their lives. And that is why you would see that some of our policies have been to improve lives. Development and growth of Nigeria should not be centred around urban centres. So, where we really do need a lot of attention is in the rural areas, because by doing so, we improve wealth in our rural communities and by doing that, we improve wealth in Nigeria.

You talked about hospitals, they are all under-equipped; you talked about the roads, that are all in bad state in Nigeria and electricity has not worked and is not working‌ Relative to the past, electricity situation in the country is better than it was before. The situation of electricity today in my view, the number of hours people enjoy electricity, it may be a subjective view, is more than it has been in the past. I know and you can see it, our railways are working, and government is spending money on railways.

There have been concerns raised about the amount of money that the banks charge for the use of cards. How do you react to this ?

In as much as I believe that banks are entitled to charge for services provided, we also do not believe at the central bank that those must be extortionist in nature. From time to time, we keep receiving complains about certain excessive charges and the rest of them, and what we do is that we get our Consumer Protection Department together with our Banking Supervision Department, to engage the banks and get those funds reversed back to those customers. If they were not legitimately charged. We will continue to do that. But banks do deserve to earn some charges or fees for certain services they render and we cannot doubt that.

Part of CBN’s role is to advise the government. Many people have argued that government’s borrowing has been on the rise. What do you think?

What is your ďŹ nal message to Nigerians who doubt the central bank’s policies, the border closure, and other initiatives of the CBN?

Let me say this, government has a responsibility to care for the people. The government is like a father in the house, the responsibility of that father is to fend for that family and the children.

By the way, our debt to GDP ratio today is about 20 per cent and it is among the lowest you can find in any part of the world. So, when people say government should not borrow, the only other option that government will have is to raise revenue. Government says it will raise revenue and people say we don’t want to pay taxes. Okay, you don’t want to pay taxes, you don’t want government to raise revenue, yet you want government to build hospitals, build your roads,youwantgovernmenttotakeelectricityand infrastructure to your community. It can’t work, government must do either of the two - either it raises revenue or take loans. But I am telling you that this government is mindful of the size of its debt. And I repeat, our debt to GDP is low, but the big issue is revenue and debt service is high because revenue is low. Debt service to revenue is at its ultimate high and that is why we should work together to see what we cannot only to broaden the revenue base, but also in some cases raise revenue. People must pay their taxes so that

Let me first assure everyone that the independence of the Central Bank of Nigeria as far as the CBN Act of 2007 (as amended), is intact and that we are working, but at the same time, we have a responsibility to work as the monetary policy arm of government to support growth and development. Yes, we are concerned about the level of joblessness and slow growth in the economy, the growth is fragile, relative to population growth rate and everything is being done. And that’s why you see us doing things sometimes out of the ordinary; it is to see that our policies create jobs.

Our policies must be those that will ultimately result in the growth of the economy so as to make the country good for everybody. On the border closure, I repeat, I am not saying that the border should remain closed forever, but I am also saying that we must engage and on very concrete terms and make sure that those engagements, and the outcome are the implementation of policies that are workable. When we make economic policy in our country that should create jobs, that will get our industries back alive again, we should not and we must stand against the action of any neighboring country that undermines the efficacy of our own economic policies.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

28

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Q3:2019 GDP Report: Sustained Expansion in the ICT Sector Li s Economic Growth to 2.3% Q3:2019 GDP Report: Sustained Expansion in the ICT Sector Li s Economic Growth to 2.3%

The Q3:2019 GDP report published by the Naonal Bureau of Sta s cs (NBS) revealed so recovery in econo ic gro th at 2.3% o (vs 2.1% Q2:2019 as revised) the highest since Q4:201 , driven by a slo but increasing gro th in the non oil sector. Gro th in the oil sector slo ed at .5% o in Q3:2019 (vs .2% Q2:2019). We a ribute this to a ea base given a 5.2% o increase in oil producon to 2.04 bpd, also higher by 1.0% on a Q o Q basis. Si ilar to the previous quarter, oil sector gro th in Q2:2019 as revised to .2% fro 5.2% due to an up ard ad ust ent in oil produc on to 2.02 b d fro 1.99 b d given slight i prove ent during the period. The non oil sector drove gro th in Q3:2019, follo ing a s ll ea but increasing gro th at 1.9% o (vs 1. % Q2:2019), buoyed by a broad based i prove ent in a or sub sectors.

Broad based Improvement in the Agriculture Sector The Gro th in the agriculture sector expanded to 2.3% o in Q3:2019 (vs 1. % Q2:2019), although s ll slo er than 3.2% gro th recorded in Q1:2019. The a or sub sectors recorded broad based increase follo ing a faster rise in crop produc on at 2.4% o (vs 1.9% Q2:2019) and a 0.02% recovery in livestoc sub sector (vs 0.01% Q2:2019). The expansion in the agriculture sector re ects i proved ac vies due to the onset of harvest season during the quarter. Ho ever, the sector re ains threatened ith persistent security issues

a ec ng produc on in Northern Nigeria, although e expect i proved perfor ance for the rest of the year.

Posi ve Momentum in the Manu acturing Sector The anufacturing sector exited contrac on, gro ing at 1.1% o in Q3:2019 (vs 1.0% Q2:2019) driven by i proved perfor ance across board. Surprisingly, the ce ent sub sector recorded a strong perfor ance in the quarter, ith a sharp rise of .9% o (vs 1. % Q2:2019), the highest since Q3:201 . The food, beverage and tobacco sub sector also expanded faster to 3.0% o rela ve to 1.2% in Q2:2019. While, the contrac on in the tex le, apparel and foot ear sub sector i proved to 1.1% o (vs 1.4% Q2:2019). We believe the li in the anufacturing sector irrors i proved consu er spending in the quarter due to the i ple entaon of the 2019 budget, although perfor ance of publicly listed anufacturing co panies re ains lac lustre. We expect sustained i prove ent in the sector in Q4:2019 to be driven by the seasonal boost in de and, rela vely stable exchange rates as ell as the expecta on of the ne iniu age i ple enta on.

Sustained Weakness in Trade and Real Estate Sectors Dampen Services Growth Gro th in the services sector oderated for the second consecu ve quarter to 1. % o in Q3:2019 (vs 1.9% Q2:2019). There as i proved perfor ance in the CT sector rela ve to the slo do n seen in the previous quarter as gro th stood at 9.9% o (vs 9.0% Q2:2019). Si ilarly, the teleco unica ons sector expanded, aintaining its double digit gro th at 12.2% o (vs 11.3% Q2:2019). The trade sub sector re ained under ater for the second consecu ve quarter, further dipping to 1.5% (vs 0.3% Q2:2019) partly

re ec ng pressures in the a e of the closure of land borders bet een Nigeria and neighbouring countries in the quarter. The nancial services sub sector recovered fro its year long recession, gro ing at 1.1% (vs 2.2% Q2:2019) hile the contrac on in the real estate sub sector i proved at 2.3% (vs 3. % Q2:2019). Gro th in construc on re ects i prove ent in the ce ent sub sector, rising by 2.4% o in Q3:2019 (vs 0. % Q2:2019).

Outlook: Real GDP Growth Unchanged at 2.2% in FY:2019 Not ithstanding i proved gro th seen in the quarter, e aintain our gro th forecast for 2019 although e expect i proved oil produc on to support gro th a id slo er rise in the non oil sector. n the agriculture sector, there is scope for i prove ent due to the harvest season in Q4:2019 but prolonged security issues con nue to cloud perfor ance in the sector. We expect a tepid but sustained recovery in the anufacturing sector due to s ll ea but slo ly i proving consu er spending hile gro th in the trade sub sector re ains partly threatened by the G͛s decision to close the land borders and is expected to eigh on the services sector despite oderate gro th in the CT sub sector. n the oil sector, e expect gro th to be sustained, bac ed by a lo er 201 base and our expecta on of be er output in Q4:2019. We expect gro th in oil produc on o , ith slight Q o Q increase given persistent challenges to oil producon. Notably, a further deteriora on in security as ell as a ea er than expected perfor ance in oil produc on and oil price are the a or do nside ris s to our expecta ons. Structural constraints, given slo pace of refor s in priority sectors, and i proved scal condi ons re ain a concern. The current pace of gro th considering the sluggish perfor ance of the elas c and interest rate sensi-

ve sectors presents no respite to the high une ploy ent rate at 23.1% and increasing level of poverty in the econo y.

October 2019 CPI Report: Consumer Prices Remain S cky Upwards eadings fro the October CP report published this ee revealed a sustained uptrend in consu er prices across board. The headline in a on rate spi ed to 11. % o in October (Septe ber 2019: 11.2%), rising for the second consecu ve onth and the highest increase since May 201 . This increase can be a ributed to the 3bps up c in M o M in a on to 1.1%, the second consecu ve rise in the a e of the land border closure. Expectedly, food prices rose faster to 14.1% o in October (Septe ber 2019: 13.5%) although on a M o M basis, the index slightly increased by 3bps to 1.3%, buc ing expecta ons of a odera on due to seasonali es, all things being equal. The M o M rise in food in a on is the rst recorded since October 201 and higher than the ve year average of 0. %, this is signi cant given the usual expecta on of a do ntrend during the period. Core in a on halted the uptrend seen in Septe ber 2019, declining bps to .9% follo ing a 0. % decline in M o M core in a on.

The G͛s unrelen ng stance on the land border closure since August 2019 ith further extension to anuary 31, 2020 re ains gloo y for consu er prices. Ho ever, the outco e of nego a ons ai ed at reopening the land border is dependent on the neighbouring countries capacity to eet the G͛s require ents. A oint border patrol tea set up by Nigeria, Benin and Niger epublic to tac le s uggling is expected to eet on Nove ber 25th and 2 th, a favourable outco e could provide a reprieve to the rising consu er prices. Nonethe-

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

29

on 4 trading days save for losses recorded on Monclining Reserves less, barring any posi ve upturn of events and day. Consequently, the NSE All Share index rose

given near ter uncertain es, e expect persis0.5% W o W to se le at 2 ,991.42 points. Si ilarly, The external reserves sustained its do n ard tent rise in food prices in addi on to increased TD return oderated to 14.1% hile ar et trend as it dipped 0.3% W o W to US 40.0bn fro consu er spending due to the fes ve season. capitalisa on declined N43. bn W o W to close at US 40.1bn (20 11 2019). The prospect for further Ho ever, e aintain our :2019 average N13.0tn. Trading ac vity level declined as average accre on through oil exports re ains ea as oil onthly in a on forecast at 11.5%. Mean hile, volu e and value traded fell 45. % and 59.5% W o currently trades at US 3. bbl (21 11 2019), a the see ingly insur ountable insecurity chalW to 2 2. units and N3.4bn respec vely. The 15. % decline fro the 52 ee high of US 5. lenges in the iddle belt and the rest of Northtop traded stoc s by volu e ere UACN (229.1 bbl and in o s fro oreign Por olio nvest ent ern Nigeria, i inent ad ust ents to prices of units), FBNH (153.4 units) and ACCESS (131.9 ( P ) con nues to decline. electricity and petrol as ell as the elevated ris units) hile MTNN (N2.9bn), ZENITHBANK (N1. bn)

of a currency devalua on re ain do nside ris s and UACN (N1.5bn) led by value. The CBN spot rate opened the ee at 30 .95 to in a on.

US 1.00 and traded at to close at 30 .95

The ee started on a bearish note as the benchUS 1.00, deprecia ng 5 obo W o W fro Global Equi es Market: Geopoli cal Risks and ar index dipped 33bps follo ing sell o s in N30 .90 US 1.00 in the previous ee . At the S ll Trade Talks Weighs on InvestorsÍ&#x203A; Con OKOMUOIL and ACCESS. Ho ever, fro Tuesday parallel ar et, naira traded at all ee to se le dence ll riday the bulls do inated the ar et as the AS at 3 0.00 US 1.00. At the nvestorsÍ&#x203A; Î&#x2DC; Export gained 1 bps, 14bps, 3 bps and 44bps respec vely ollo ing several ee s of Í&#x161;recycledÍ&#x203A; trade tal s, ersÍ&#x203A; ( E) Windo , the NA E rate opened the follo ing buying interest in MTNN, NIGERIAN the tru p ad inistra on announced that the ee at 3 2.25 US 1.00 and closed the ee BREWERIES, DANGCEM and NESTLE. We assu e long a aited interi trade deal could be delayed at 3 2. 4 US 1.00, deprecia ng obo W o W that the recent CBNÍ&#x203A;s policy restric ng access to un l the da n of 2020 as discussions con nue fro N3 2.5 US 1.00 the previous riday. Ac viOMO Bills ill buoy perfor ance in the equi es over the ter s and venue. ecently, the ty level in the E Windo declined this ee as ar et.

US Senate unani ously passed a bill ai ed at total turnover fell 13. % to US 1.3bn fro

suppor ng protesters in Hong ong and arning US 1.5bn recorded in the previous ee .

Across sectors, perfor ance as ixed ith the China against a violent suppression of the

Consu er Goods index gaining the ost, up .0% de onstra ons. n response, China has reiteratAt the MDQ Securi es Exchange (SE) utures due to buying interest in FLOURMILL (+9. %) and ed a threat to i pose unspeci ed retalia on if Contract Mar et, the total value of open contracts DANGSUGAR (+9.0%). Price apprecia on in CONOIL the bill beca e la and urged the US to stop se led at US 10. bn, US 555.4 (5.5%) higher (+20.1%), FORTE (+13. %), CORNEReddling in Hong ong s a airs. This developthan US 10.1bn in the prior ee . The OCT 2020 STONE (+35.5%) and LAWUNION (+9.1%) buoyed ent further da pens hopes for a trade deal in instru ent (contract price: N3 5.90) had the ost the Oil Gas and nsurance indices, advancing the near ter . Else here, the OECD pro ects that buying interest in the ee ith addi onal sub2.2% and 0.5% W o W respec vely. Mean hile, the the global econo y ill gro by 2.9% in 2019 scrip on of US 195.0 hich too total value to ndustrial Goods and A CT indices dipped 2.2% and 3% in 2020 the ea est annual gro th US 3 0.0 . Mean hile the EB 2020 instru ent and 0.9% as CCNN ( 5.0%) and MTNN ( 0. %) recrates since the nancial crisis, ith do nside (contract price: N3 3.31) as the least subscribed orded losses. inally, sell o s in STERLING ( .5%) ris s con nuing to ount. n its ne outloo , it ith addi onal subscrip on of US 1.0 pu ng and WEMA ( . %) drove the Ban ing index do niden es trade con icts as the principal factor the total value to US 1. bn. Also, there ere sell ards 0.9% W o Windex don ards 0.9% W o W. under ining con dence, gro th and ob crea on o s in the SEPT 2020 instru ent (contract price:

across the orld econo y, and underlines that N3 3.31) to the tune of US 0. dragging the nvestor sen ent ea ened this ee , as ar et trade restric ons and poli cal uncertainty could total value to US 304.0 fro US 304. . We breadth (advance decline ra o) declined to 1.9x bring addi onal adverse e ects. expect the naira to trade ithin si ilar bands in fro 3.5x in the previous ee , as 3 stoc s gained

the co ing ee as the CBN ould con nue its against 20 that lost. The top perfor ers for the Perfor ance in the developed ar ets as interven on. ee ere NEIMETH (+40.0%), CORNERSTONE largely bearish as 5 of indices under our uni (+35.5%) and CHAMS (+33.3%) hile LASACO ( verse closed nega ve. The Hong ongÍ&#x203A;s Hang Money Market: Rates Trend Southwards as Sys20. %), ABCTRANS ( .9%) and STERLING ( .5%) Seng index gained the ost, up 1.0% W o W tem Liquidity Expands led laggards. n the co ing ee , e expect the despite deteriora ng poli cal de onstra ons.

bullish strea to con nue follo ing rene ed interSi ilarly, U Í&#x203A;s TSE All Share index trailed, rising n the oney ar et, the Open Buy Bac (OBB) est in the ar et. Ho ever, this sen ent ight 0.5% W o W. On the ip side, the S P 500 and and Overnight (OVN) rates fell W o W as syste be short lived as econo ic catalyst re ain absent. liquidity levels oderated in the ee . OBB and NASDAQ declined 0.5% and 0.4% W o W respec vely as delay in US China trade truce eighed OVN rates opened the ee higher at 1 . % and Foreign Exchange Market: Naira Stable Amid Deon ris appe te. n the Euro one, the ranceÍ&#x203A;s 1 .4% respec vely fro 13.1% and 14.0% (last CAC 40 and Ger anyÍ&#x203A;s ET A DA depreciated 0. % and 0.4% respec vely hile the apanÍ&#x203A;s

Ni ei 225 ( 0. %) also closed the ee lo er.

n the B CS ar et, sen ent as bullish as 4

of 5 indices gained W o W. ChinaÍ&#x203A;s Shanghai Co posite as the lone laggard, do n 0.2% as

!

' !' ' "

investors reacts nega vely to trade sen ent

# ! ' #! "' '

! bet een U.S China. Conversely, ussiaÍ&#x203A;s TS

! " ' ' # '

#

and Bra ilÍ&#x203A;s bovespa indices appreciated, closing 0. % and 1.3% higher W o W respec vely hile

$ !' ! #' # '

ndiaÍ&#x203A;s BSE Sens posted a ild 2bps gain W o W.

#

' ' ' ! " "

astly, South AfricaÍ&#x203A;s SE TSE recorded a 1.2% W o W gain follo ing the central ban Í&#x203A;s decision to ! ! ! # $' " "' " '

hold interest rate constant. " # $ #' #' '

" " ' #' #' !

The African ar ets posted a ixed perfor ance #

W o W ith MoroccoÍ&#x203A;s Casablanca MAS (+1. %) $

" # ! $ #' "' "' $

leading gainers. Ghana GSE co posite and Ni " ! # $ ' $' "' "

geriaÍ&#x203A;s All Share indices follo ed suit, up 0.9% and 0.5% W o W respec vely. On the ipside, EgyptÍ&#x203A;s EG 30 and enyaÍ&#x203A;s NSE 20 indices closed

3.1% and 1.3% lo er W o W respec vely hile

Mauri usÍ&#x203A; SEMDE index fell 0.4%W o W.

n the Asian and Middle East ar ets, perforance as i pressive follo ing gains in 3 of 5

$ "' ' '

indices. UAEÍ&#x203A;s AD General ndex recorded the

# $' ! #' '

highest gain, up 1.9% W o W. Si ilarly, QatarÍ&#x203A;s

# ' ' " ' ! #

DSM 20 and ThailandÍ&#x203A;s SET indices trailed ith 0.9% and 0.3% gains W o W respec vely. On the

" "! ! !' !' "' "

ip side, Saudi ArabiaÍ&#x203A;s Tada ul and Tur eyÍ&#x203A;s

" "! ! !' $' "' #

B ST 100 indices ere the laggards, do n 1. % and 0.9% W o W respec vely. !

$ ! ' ' "'

!

" " " ! ' "' $ !'

Domes c Equi es Market: Renewed Interest in #

#

"'

"' '

the Local Bourse Drive GainsÍ&#x2122; ASI Rose 0.5% W o W $ " # "' !' #' " $

The local bourse experienced uninterrupted gains

$

'

$ '

'

!

"

ee ) as syste liquidity fell to N5 . bn fro N315.3bn recorded last riday. On Thursday, follo ing in o s fro OMO aturi es orth N3 9.9bn, OBB and OVN declined to 3.9% and 4.5% respec vely. inally, OBB and OVN rates closed the ee at 3. % and 4.4%, do n 9.4ppts and 9. ppts W o W respec vely.

n the treasury bills secondary ar et, the perforance as bullish as rates across tenors trended lo er on 4 of 5 trading days. At the start of the ee , average rate rose bps to . % (fro .5% recorded the previous riday) but declined 4 bps to .1% on Tuesday. Si ilarly, average rates trended lo er by 13bps and 44bps on Wednesday and Thursday respec vely before se ling at . % on riday, do n bps W o W.

n the co ing ee , aturi es orth N5 1.3bn (OMO: N352. bn T bills: N20 . bn) ill hit the syste and as a result e expect oney ar et rates to trend lo er. Ho ever, e believe the CBN ill con nue ith its liquidity op up via OMO sales. We have seen that OMO and T bill yield hich usually trac each other have no parted direc on. T bill yields are close to in a on level and e thin it could ghten further should CBN aintain this current stance uch longer. f this persists, e expect to see ore ghtening in the yields of long date GN bonds and rally in the equi es ar et par cularly ban ing stoc s ith strong dividend yield.

Bond Market: High Demand Drives Marginal Rates Lower at the November Bond Auc on

The Debt Manage ent O ce held the Nove ber bond auc on on Wednesday, reopening the 5 year, 10 year and 30 year instru ents. A total of N150.0bn as o ered (N50.0bn each for the three instru ents) and subscrip on totaled N252.3bn.

While the shorter dated instru ent as undersubscribed by 0.9x, the ediu and longer dated instru ent recorded oversubscrip on ith bid to cover ra o of 1.9x and 2.3x respec vely. Average arginal rates declined by c.500bps across all tenors due to high de and and the AP 2023, AP 2029 and AP 2049 instru ents ere sold at arginal rate of 12.0%, 12.9% and 13.4% respec vely co pared to previous auc on rates of 14.1%, 14.2% and 14. %.

n the do es c bonds ar et, perfor ance as slightly bullish as investorsÍ&#x203A; focus as on the aucon, leading to a arginal 4bps W o W decline in the average bond yield to 12.2%. The ar et recorded a a sh perfor ance on Monday, a bullish ou ng on Tuesday ( 4bps), Wednesday ( 1bp) Thursday ( 1bp) and a bearish ou ng on riday (+1bp). Across the ter structure, only the long ter instru ents en oyed buying interest as yields fell 10bps hile yields on the short and ediu ter instru ents rose 5bps and 11bps respec vely.

At the SSA Eurobonds ar et, the bulls aintain do inance as yields fell across all instru ent save the a bian 202 instru ent hich recorded a 2bps rise in yield. As itnessed in the previous ee s, the a bian 2022 and 2024 instru ents led the pac ith yields shedding 215bps and 19 bps respec vely. n the sa e vein, the Ghanaian and Nigerian 2049 instru ents trailed ith 5bps and 1bps decline in yields respec vely.

or the African Corporate Eurobonds that e trac , the bullish o entu persisted as yields on all instru ents declined W o W except the South African Sibanye Gold 2023 hich recorded a 52bps increase in yield. The Mauri us Bayport Manageent 2022 and Nigerian Seplat 2023 en oyed the ost buying interest as yields shed bps and 3bps W o W respec vely. Given that the bonds ar et has beco e the Í&#x161;go toÍ&#x203A; ar et for local investors follo ing the restric on of local corporates and individuals fro par cipa ng in OMO auc ons, e expect bullish sen ent to be sustained in the do es c ar et. or the Eurobonds ar et, e expect foreign investors to re ain a racted to assets in e erging and fron er ar ets in the quest for high yields.

30

Ë&#x153; Ëž NOVEMBER 24, 2019

MARKET NEWS

CIS Boss: Stockbrokers, Stakeholders Working to Stabilise Capital Market Goddy Egene The President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Dapo Adekoje has said the institute in collaboration with other stakeholders are working out and executing various strategic actions to bring stability to our capital

market, improve the national economy, and ultimately make the business more rewarding.

Adekoje, who disclosed this at the 23rd Chartered Institute Stockbrokers (CIS) annual conference in Lagos, said the conference, themed: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boosting capital market competitiveness in a challenging

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sharesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the

macro environment,â&#x20AC;? served as the climax of all our multi dimensional advocacy efforts during the year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The CIS operates organic layers of corporate governance structure. At the apex is the Board of Fellows which comprises the past presidents, followed by the governing council, and then the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 21Nov-2019, unless otherwise stated.

management. All these groups mentioned have been very busy working out and executing various strategic actions to bring stability to our capital market, improve the national economy, and ultimately make the business more rewarding for our members,â&#x20AC;? he said.

According to him, the theme of the conference was carefully

selected to challenge their intellects in coming up with practical ideas that will trigger a quantum leap in the performance of the Nigerian economy.

The CIS boss explained that contrary to the wrong impression that stockbrokers are only stock traders, stockbrokers worldwide are trained and recognised as

the primary and most reliable experts in all areas of securities and investment business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;CIS members today are practicing in the United States of America, in Europe, and, within Nigeria, in diverse sectors like government, banking, oil & gas and in the academics, just to mention a few,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 146.56 149.16 -6.65% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 14.62% Nigeria International Debt Fund 295.50 295.50 9.55% 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 0.89 0.90 6.03% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 34.29% 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 11.59% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.42 2.46 9.01% 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 14.87 15.32 -10.36% ARM Discovery Fund 340.36 350.62 -4.56% ARM Ethical Fund 28.57 29.43 1.16% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.39% 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 N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1.94 1.94 13.76% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.69% Paramount Equity Fund 12.32 12.44 4.38% Women's Investment Fund 110.06 110.95 6.38% 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 10.60% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 98.08 98.78 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 100.12 101.00 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 10.78% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.92 0.93 7.42% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.32 1.32 17.83% 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 11.20% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 10.72% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,175.84 1,181.42 17.91% 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 1,247.42 1,248.93 16.93% FBN Balanced Fund 142.54 143.49 -0.17% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.49% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 118.52 118.83 8.93% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 119.07 119.38 9.68% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 129.03 130.71 -13.98% 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 11.04% Legacy Debt Fund 3.62 3.62 11.45% Legacy Equity Fund 1.08 1.10 -11.13% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.08 1.08 4.52% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,027.85 3,060.42 1.49% Coral Income Fund 3,061.30 3,061.30 11.70% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 12.40% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A

INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.27% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.18 2.21 1.20% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 13.46% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 141.25 141.40 13.04% 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 1.15 1.17 4.87% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,112.48 1,112.48 11.66% 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 1.35 1.37 9.26% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.26 12.32 9.54% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.12% PACAM Equity Fund 1.05 1.06 PACAM EuroBond Fund 102.44 104.46 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 127.72 129.17 6.14% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 12.29% 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 2,441.70 2,452.75 5.45% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 208.96 208.96 12.26% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.84 0.85 -11.05% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 271.76 271.85 11.99% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 144.84 146.31 -11.26% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.98% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,441.51 7,520.48 -12.40% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.15 1.15 6.45% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 101.61 101.61 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 1.17 1.18 1.07% United Capital Bond Fund 1.72 1.72 16.28% United Capital Equity Fund 0.65 0.66 -9.09% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.29% United Capital Eurobond Fund 111.05 111.05 8.22% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 6.15% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.09 10.24 -10.55% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.18 11.63 -9.56% Zenith Income Fund 22.68 22.68 12.17% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.73%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.40 118.22 53.38

-44.85% 6.36% 3.17%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

7.87 90.19 71.24

7.97 92.14 72.59

-20.60% -20.33% -17.00%

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

3.64 4.97 11.98 10.59 161.18

3.68 5.05 12.08 10.79 163.18

-9.04% -34.62% -17.99% -14.24% 21.20%

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 managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and FMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

24.11.2019

Chineze Anyaene The Oscar Miss And Future of Nigerian Films ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

32

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R ˞ 24, Ͱ͎ͯ͡

COVER

Inching Closer to Her Dream The initial reaction was a sense of euphoria. Then, there was belief and hope. In the end, it was smithereens of dashed hope. Yet, for Chineze Anyaene there is light at the end of the dark tunnel. Her lifelong dream is to see a Nigerian film contend in the most prestigious film award in the world, the Oscars (Academy Awards). That dream came true in September when the Nigeria Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC), announced that Genevieve Nnajiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lionheartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; movie was submitted for possible 2020 Oscar nomination. Vanessa Obioha sits down with Anyaene to discuss what happened next

T

his is it. Chineze Anyaene tells herself as she walks into the office of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States. Nothing can go wrong, she assures herself as she clutches her bag containing a copy of the film. She has met every quality control required by the Academy with her film â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ijeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which is already enjoying critical acclaim, not only for its technical brilliance but also for bringing together two screen rivals at the time Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde together in one production. The story is woven around the two actors who played sisters in the film.

With the number of awards the film has bagged since its release, the young film director feels she is almost close to her lifelong dream to have a Nigerian film contend in the most prestigious film award in the world, the Oscars as the Academy Awards is popularly known.

Her initial plan was to go through the distribution channels in Hollywood.

When that failed, she opted to submit the film directly in the foreign film category.

Sitting in front of the female executive who will attend to her with folded hands, she enthusiastically tells her she wants to submit her film for the Oscars.

The woman smiles at her sweetly and says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do Nigerians make movies?

Does your country have a committee to represent them? You cannot walk in here and submit a film, it must come through a committee.â&#x20AC;?

The unexpected barrage of questions slowly and painfully turns her confident grin into gloom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I cried like a baby in front of this lady,â&#x20AC;? she says of this disappointing moment in 2010. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;what kind of comment is that?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; What was most frustrating was that she gave an example of South Africa that has been submitting films before 2010 and we were just coming then to make submissions. The way I cried showed how disappointed I was because I felt the founding fathers should have done something.â&#x20AC;?

The tears were not the only emotion that the womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response evoked. It also provoked Anyaene to take up the challenge. Her immediate goal was to have a Nigerian film listed in the Oscars. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if it was hers or not. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From 2010 to 2012, I kept pursuing the Academy, trying to set up a Nigeria Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC). It was finally approved in September 2012 but we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t submit for the 2013 awards. We were

however told that we could submit the following year. We officially launched the committee in 2014. It has been frustrating from the beginning. The committee members stood with me throughout, filing document after document, carrying out research after research for two years.

At a point, they asked me what I was pursuing as it seemed we were not making headway. I told them I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what it was but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want any filmmaker to cry the way I cried,â&#x20AC;? she says, tapping a manicured finger on the polished dining table for emphasis.

She continues: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think knowledge is power. I think a lot of them didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even dream that far but we are allowed to dream, right?

Well, I dreamt that far for my first film. Nobody was dreaming that far because they were content with the money they were making at the time. The Asaba filmmakers were making more money than we are today. There were studios where satisfied Igbo men were doing their own businesses. They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of the future or that they could compete on that level. It was business for them. For me, it was all about professionalism; it was a career. It is achieving your milestone; it is like being a SAN, being a senator. For me, that was what I was pursuing at the time.â&#x20AC;?

For a moment, observers felt that the NOSC was a tall dream for the Enugu state indigene to achieve as nothing seemed to be happening. In fact, not a few assumed that the lady went under the radar after her 2010 historic movie â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ijeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. She vehemently denies it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not true, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been working.

After

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ijeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, I ventured into distribution for a while. The industry was going through this transition from DVD to the cinema.

At the time I did â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ijeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, there were just five cinemas. I was trying to figure out the distribution part of the industry. I did a couple of scripts that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go well. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been working, canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you see like even right now? I will still work until the industry is at a standard or the level in which I want to operate.â&#x20AC;?

After launching the committee in 2014, Anyaene

found herself in another conundrum, filmmakers were not interested in her cause. Often times she wrote to them, asking them to submit their films for review. They ignored her. She worried that she may not be able to submit a film before the committee is dissolved by the Academy as the lifespan was only five years. By the time she reapplied in February this year, she was shocked to find that four other selection committees from Nigeria have applied.

The discovery excited her that others were following her trail and now understand the importance of Nigerian films to contest in the Oscars.

Despite not being able to find a suitable Nigerian film to submit for the 2014 awards, she finally achieved that dream last September after a five-year hiatus. Of all the selection committees from Nigeria that approached the Academy for a working relationship, hers was approved to submit a film in September.

Due to the short notice, the newly appointed members of the committee which include Mildred Okwo, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Ngozi Okafor, Charles Novia, Abba Makama, Bruce Ayonote, Ramsey Nouah, Chioma Ude, Shaibu Husseini, Adetokunbo â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;DJ Teeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Odubawo and CJ Obasi had less than three weeks to select a Nigerian film that will be submitted to represent Nigeria in the 2020 Oscars. A call for entry was immediately made and by October 2, the committee announced that Genevieve Nnajiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 Netflix movie â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lionheartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has been selected as the Nigerian film to be submitted to the Academy for possible nomination in the International Feature Film category of the 2020 Academy Awards.

The news was greeted with mixed reactions. On one hand, there was fanfare that a Nigerian film was finally submitted to the Oscars, a historic feat for filmmakers and the nation as well.

However, it sparked controversy on why â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lionheartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was the preferred film for the eligible period between 0ctober 1 2018 and September 30, 2019. A critical section are rooting for Kemi Adetibaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;King of Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is funny when â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;King of

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COVER

My Dream And Why ‘Lionheart’ Trumps ‘King of Boys’ Boys’ came up because if you check the votes, it didn’t even come close to the other films. We received 14 films and then we had to cut it down to six films. We had ‘King of Boys’, ‘Mokalik’, ‘Delivery Boy’, ‘Up North’, ‘Lionheart’ and ‘Kasala’. They were the six-strong films we came up with after the whole vetting. I understand that people think ‘King of Boys’ should make the cut but this is not a viewers’ choice award. There is a difference between making a film and making a movie. If you check the Oscar history in years, it has never been about the most popular films; it is always about the technicalities and those that meet basic requirements.

“For us, it was about viewing these films from different spheres: editing, cinematography, sound. Every member of the committee vetted the film from their point of view. I understand when those controversies come up, but the Nigerian audience needs to be educated. This is our World Cup. All the same, we are competing with 93 countries. If a film wins, it is not Genevieve’s film, it is Nigeria’s film. It is Nollywood. I like the controversy because it generated some kind of awareness for the work of the committee both locally and internationally,” she says.

When the issue was brought up about her closeness to actress and filmmaker, Genevieve Nnaji as a blight on the choice of ‘Lionheart’, she dismisses it with a wave of the hand.

“I haven’t spoken to Genevieve in the past four years. I only called her to congratulate her after her film was selected. Whatever we had with ‘Ije’ was simply business.”

Notwithstanding the recent disqualification of the film by the Academy for failing to meet the language standard to compete in the selected category, Anyaene’s determination to actualize her dream is commendable. It’s still a long way, but she is steadily inching closer. The disqualification like the submission is generating concerns and questions about what really should be considered an international feature film. But Anyaene is not dwelling on the mistakes, she has taken it in good strides and with a renewed determination to check all boxes before submitting any film to the Oscars.

An Oscar win for Nigeria, according to the filmmaker who honed her skills at the New York Film Academy, will mean different things for the Nigerian filmmaking industry. First, it will inspire filmmakers to be more professional and the competition will be stiffer.

It will also change the perception of aspiring filmmakers who have little faith in Nollywood and as such work in

isolation.

Whether Nigeria eventually wins an Oscar or not, what is more exciting for Anyaene is that subsequent submissions will not be limited to the International Film Feature category.

“Do you know that if you get picked as a country selection, you can also submit to other categories? What this means is that if you couldn’t get in through Hollywood, you could through your country,” she points out elatedly.

The submission is not the only exciting news about the film industry for Anyaene who is making plans to relocate to Lagos from Abuja (she misses the creative energy of Lagos). She is impressed by the recent cinematic productions, particularly in the areas of technical specifications and editing. An area of the industry she, however, thinks needs elevation is scriptwriting.

“A film is as good as its script. We lack good scriptwriters in the industry today. We need to have more scriptwriting workshops because that is when we can even talk about the Nigerian narrative. The story is very important. It doesn’t matter if you shoot with a phone camera. As long as you have a good story, the film will be successful. Again, the screenplay is always the same irrespective of the period.

“It has a technique: the eight sequences, the three-act structure, the character, it is the same thing, but we lack that in the Nigerian setting. Part of the reason for this dearth I believe is poor remuneration.

Nigeria filmmakers need to understand that your scriptwriter is very important to you because they make you look good in the eyes of the audience. They bring out that story that can engage an audience. If you think of the old Nollywood, you can relate to the stories because they follow the basic three-act structure. Unfortunately, that is lacking in the industry today.”

To a large extent, Anyaene believes that Nollywood has a comparative advantage over Hollywood and Bollywood in the type of stories it tells. She argues that stories about our history will place more limelight on the film industry because of its freshness. She suggests that filmmakers should explore our history and start telling the true Nigerian story.

At the moment, the happily married filmmaker is toying with the idea of making a film on the role of the Red Cross Society in the infamous Nigerian Civil War. “I’m more interested in setting a story around a historic event than a figure,” she says.

Another story that is compelling to her is the infamous 2014 Chibok girls’ abduction. It is a story she will love to explore in the future. For now, she is biding her time for her next big project.

“Art should not be rushed because as a filmmaker you are judged by your last film. My family helps me to find balance and keep things in focus. It’s the yin to my yang,” she says with a wink.

Whether Nigeria eventually wins an Oscar or not, what is more exciting for Anyaene is that subsequent submissions will not be limited to the International Film Feature category

Anyaene

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High Life Kiki Okewale: Flying Nigeria’s Flag in Bangkok

F

ashion. The word itself is a loaded gun. Fashion might be to one about apparel and colours and textures. To some other, fashion is a statement, a means of identification, something to tell apart harsh and inconsiderate family and financial roots from the silver spoons that others are born with. Fashion is also a culture in some places, a riot of colours that testify to the various differences that are celebrated in style. Bangkok is such a fashionably riotous place.

At the behest of the queen, silk styles and designs are given the highest place of honour, and then people from all around the world who have taken permanent or temporary residence in that old eastern city gather together to celebrate the genius, more or less. It is genius, more or less, because at no other time of the year does it appear as though everyone is getting married on the streets.

This year is different in a small but very significant way, and this is no other than the invitation of Nigerian beauty and style icon, Mistress of Aso-okes that glint and bling, Kiki Okewale, to be the guest of the imperial Queen Sirikit.

Naturally, Kiki did not fail or falter.

Bringing her majestic style to a majestic summons, the dazzling effects exhibited by the fashionista contributed in no small way to the gaping of mouths and bulging of eyes.

This was the craze of Nigeria in action, the marriage of experience and talent. And Kiki embodies that and more.

For those who aren’t in the know, Kiki is currently one of the most successful fashion entrepreneurs in Lagos. Obviously, her passion and talents are in the arts of clothing and styling, which is how she came to be the CEO of House of Plush Exclusive (H.O.P.E.) and Fashion and Kiks Couture – a fashion line without compare, which takes acclaim in exquisite clothing and styling services, with a clientele ranging from the high up to the mighty of elite society.

Thus, it isn’t much of a surprise that Kiki can hold her own against the imperial might of Thailand, standing shoulders with silky-smooth ease and the abandon that so characterizes great people of interest. She has raised the bar again for Nigerians and Africans at home and in the diaspora.

Kiki-Okewale

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

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

Global Pride: How Tony Elumelu Becomes Leader to Understudy in Africa In the past not very unlike the present, things were done a little bit differently. Take point, competition in Grecian games. Masters of the games did not get athletic men with the form, figure and fashion sense of East African antelopes to compete for nothing. There were blood, sweat and an embarrassing volume of tears. Setting aside this gory campaign of determined, half-naked runners running away their lives on a merchant’s whim, there is something to be said about these races, racers, and racing: the ‘victor, the uno, the champ’, can be told from a mile away from the start.

That is Tony Elumelu, not the diehard antelope of an unsmiling Grecian afternoon, but the ‘Victor, the Uno, the Champ’.

One almost does not recognize the man now having undergone the cooking fires of a human existential enterprise. This is the same fellow who is reported as starting his career as a salesman, a copier salesman who was “hungry and hard-working”. To every man and woman walking the same path of pitiless hunger and deliberate hard work, here is a success story with a healthy theme song.

Elumelu

In truth, Tony Elumelu is no less a household name than assuaging beverages:

every Tom, Dick and harried Nigerian entrepreneur has in one way or another drank their fill of the Juggernaut. The seeming ease with which he referees – alongside midfielding – entrepreneurial horse-trading and debacles is akin to the languid grace of belly-satisfied lions.

Even better than old glories, or the fact that Elumelu is the chairman of Heirs Holdings, the aforementioned United Bank for Africa and Transcorp, the momentum is not yet retiring. He recently took the centre stage as the first-ever global “Seven Stars Man of the Year” hospitality award for empowering African entrepreneurs. Having empowered about 7,500 African entrepreneurs with seed capital, capacity building, mentorship, and networking, he deserves it.

Leaving aside the clear markers of legend, of enviable business acumen, pronounced sway, and swag, this is the man who birthed the idea of ‘Africapitalism’, challenged Japan to emulate the vision of his foundation, and continues to make clear paths for entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Africa. But, will anyone catch up with him in time?

Well Deserved Honour: Aisha Buhari Receives Woman of the Year Award

Aisha

Awards are ways in which people are honoured. There usually isn’t much to an award. An individual has either done so well to earn the admiration and envy of numerous others, or messed up so horribly that the

most appropriate way to deal with this person of interest is simply to cast them into the light.

Whichever the case, a spotlight of honour isn’t paraphernalia that many can wear well. Some lose their balls in false humility, others aggregate theirs in new-found pride. The wife of the president wears the spotlight well.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, wore the spotlight as ‘Woman of the Year’ 2019 at the fourth edition of Voice of Women (VOW) Conference on 19 November 2019 at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja. The event which was organized by Women Radio in conjunction with the Voice of Women Foundation recognized the contributions of Mother Nigeria in amplifying the voices of women in the country.

Though the award is indisputably grand and validating, those knowledgeable might declare that it is coming a few years too late.

That is because Dr. Aisha Buhari has always been passionate about women’s rights and entitlements due to them as citizens of Nigeria, and human beings.

Although she is renowned as an outspoken wife of the president, she has never required

the might of her hubby’s office to wring sense out of foolish people and the nasty dogmas they often represent. Take child marriage into consideration. Her prompt and unrelenting actions helped to rest that debacle to an early grave.

While her focus has always been on the girl-child, Dr. Aisha has wielded the twin blades of education and welfare against the maltreatment of children. Whether it is about kwashiorkor in the body of neglected infants or Kwashiorkor in the minds of domestic terrorists, the first madame has shown her mettle as chieftain with her subjects at heart.

And so this time, with the wife of the vice president, Dolapo Oshinbanjo, Ekiti State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi and other dignitaries from all walks of life, Dr. Aisha was the very image of a modest African priestess who saw past, present and future at the same time. With her promise to improve more on her efforts to give voice to the voiceless, there is little doubt that the coming years will attest to the fierceness of her work.

A Decade Remembrance: As Oba Saheed Elegushi Remembers Father Happy families truly are all alike, and every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. These words of Tolstoy penned down a few hundred years ago still resonate with ageless and timeless truth, even in today’s world of fleeting passions and affections, where individuality is often venerated above the collective. But as more and more people are discovering, to set time aside and hallow others above one’s self isn’t common charity anymore, but clear indications of a good heart.

His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III), the 21st Monarch of Ikate-Elegushi clearly possesses a heart of gold even as he remembered his father in a colourful celebration at the Ikate palace of Of Oba Elegushi. At the height of things, it was obvious to all and sundry that the memory of the Kusenla is precious and cherished and still guiding the leadership of his successor.

And so credit for the gathering does not go to His Majesty alone.

The late monarch crossed to the side of his proud and waiting ancestors on November 17, 2009, at the age of 69. Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi, Kusenla II is known in all of

Ikateland as the progressive sovereign whose era heralded the transformation of Ikate.

The late king was a descendant of the Elegushi royal family, with roots in close cahoots with Kusenla. He was also a descendant of King Olofin of Iddo, which implies that he was a member of the household of the renown Idejo chiefs who were the autonomous rulers of their territories. These royals were, and still, are – some would say – the landlords of Lagos and its neighbouring lands.

There are divine interest and seemingly endless stock of providence at work in the royalty that is suspiciously absent among common folk. Recall that by traditional history, Kusenla was given land at Egbere, which is known for the growth of the Ikate tree. And that is how Kusenla became known as the owner of lkate – EIegushi of lkate.

But more than that rich history, the late king was evidently not a king in name and to his subjects, but also to his family as can be traced out in the filial duties of remembrance accomplished by His Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi.

Obas Saheed

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HIGHLIFE

Ajimobi Loses Againâ&#x20AC;Ś Olubadan Laughs Last!

Ajimobi

He who laughs last laughs best; the patient dog eats the fattest bone.

In the literal game of thrones between

the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and a former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, a victor has been declared, and the latter isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the one laughing.

A few days back, after mediation by the government of Seyi Makinde, the elevation of 21 Ibadan chiefs as kings by the former governor has been rescinded. Ajimobi had gone ahead to promote them in defiance of both popular opinion and the wish of the Olubadan himself.

Perhaps, everyone should have seen this coming. Monarchs are nothing if not wise, as many meddling politicians have found to their cost. With the political might on his side, Ajimobi must have thought he could ride roughshod over the Olubadan and for a while, it seemed like he would have his way.

However, Oba Saliu didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t manage to stay on his ancestorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; throne by being a pushover. He simply bided his time and waiting, aware the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tenure would soon come to an end.

The Olubadan allegedly played a prominent role in ensuring that neither Ajimobi nor his partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidate had their way in the Oyo election. This led to the emergence of Governor Makinde who has certainly proved more pliable regarding the matter.

With the prompting of the new sheriff in town, the Olubadan and his estranged chiefs finally put the matter to rest. The Oyo government officially withdrew the crowns and staffs of office bestowed on the chiefs by Ajimobi as part of the conditions to settle the case out of court.

With all the parties well on the way towards a full reconciliation, Ajimobi has been left with egg on his face. Though it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a surprise to see a successor reverse some of the policies of a former governor, this one must have touched a sore spot with Ajimobi whose alleged beef with the Olubadan is an open secret.

Not Againâ&#x20AC;Ś Another Pain for Atiku Abubakar Fortune is oft portrayed as a wheel, rolling this way and that, spinning and spinning, pregnant with the happiness or sadness of the sons of men, until it sputters to a halt, after delivering the tidings of fate. What of misfortune, then?

If fortune favours the bold, might misfortune be said to favour the beaten?

For, make no mistake, right now, His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a beaten man.

And now fate has beaten him in the cruelest way of all.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party is bereaved. His close friend, confidant and political associate, Umar Pariya, died a few days back in faraway Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He said to have dead of Pancreatic cancer. Pariya, is survived by six children. In a clime where proclamations of loyalty are

barely worth the oxygen with which they are made, men of proven integrity who stay with one through thick and thin are priceless. Little wonder the former vice president is in deep pain. He is despondent and disconsolate as the ice-cold reality of his friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demise hit home.

It was claimed that he gave up the ghost after being placed on life support for multiple days.

Since the presidential election, Atiku had been on a self-imposed sabbatical in Dubai even as his legal team fought a battle to overturn the election results.

The grim reaper, however, has other ideas. And so everyone mourns the departure of a man who had friends across the political divide. Since the sad news broke, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political community has come together to condole with his family for their loss. President Muhammadu Buhari issued a

Abubakar

condolence message to Atiku on the demise of his closest associate.

First Lady of Nasarawa and Her â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prepared Speechâ&#x20AC;?

Salifat-Abdullahi-Sule

If someone were to write a book on the doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts of public service, the ability to communicate effectively would be near the top of the list of things to master. Yet, it seems that the first lady of Nasarawa, Salifat Sule, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the memo if a video of her that surfaced in recent days is anything to go by.

Going by what happened on the video which has since gone viral, Hajiya Salifat might soon be added to the growing list of politicians who have been turned into memes on Twitter and Facebook. Far from commanding attention because of the content of her message, it was her delivery that sent the pulses racing, and not in a good way.

The undated video seemed to show the first lady struggling to read a prepared speech during the inauguration of a programme in the state. Perhaps if she was speaking extempore, all might have been forgiven, but that she was reading from a

prepared note, Hajiya Salifat seemed to be locked in mortal combat with the words on the paper.

In the recording, whose origin is unknown, Her Excellency could be seen struggling to read her speech intelligibly.

One imagines that the more educated among the audience kept making for the exits while she mumbled and fumbled her way through her speech on a comical manner.

Since the video came to light, Madam Salifat has become the butt of jokes with some describing her as grammaticallychallenged. Many, however, wondered why her handlers seemingly left her to her fate when they could have prepped her better for the task at hand.

The question on the lips of those who watched the on-stage embarrassment is whether the first ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance could be attributed to stage fright or sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a slow reader. Whatever the case, one thing is certain: her husband, the governor of Nasarawa State, wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enamoured of her performance.

Aisha Babangida Honoured Again

S

ince time immemorial, allowances have always been made for the womenfolk. That was a time when the words of Louis Armstrong held true: it is a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, but it would be nothing without a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart. Which is another way of saying it is a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world because they called the shots. It was either to let them call the shots or meet the creator ahead of schedule.

Things are quite different now.

One certainly can tell both sexes apart, thank Biological Uniqueness for that. But in the corporate capacity of managerial mettle, the evolution of sexes is getting around with littler and littler struggles. This is why when a woman is awarded today, only envious, good-for-nothing busybodies allude her accomplishments to the husband behind her. Enter Aisha Babangida.

The darling of the Babangida clan is one of an old kind. Here is someone whose interests are as broad as she is open-minded. Here is s a businesswoman and humanitarian leader who has married abilities, proďŹ ciency, and experience with polygamy of hard-knock commitment.

Amongst her colleagues, one doubts whether there are others like her whose capabilities are in the multiple, including ďŹ nance, education, and entrepreneurship. These are the very endeavours that might have earned her scarlet letters in another life, and so when she expertly applies these in charitable pursuits, one wonders at the cool and collected madam.

Recently, her name graced the pages of newspapers and blogs all over the country as she was recognized and awarded for her good works and values. Of course, this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much of a surprise considering that her focus in the past few years has been about female empowerment and increasing womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights throughout Africa by providing underserved communities the resources they need to thrive.

With the volume of women empowerment going on at the moment, one almost suspects a sinister agenda in place. What if women connive and sell off their men?

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really no fact to back up the suspicion. Or dissolve it, really. But good work must be recognized.

Responding to the honour, Aisha appreciated the efforts of the prestigious Crans Montana Forum.

Meanwhile, every accolade was stocked and delivered to her mother who she stated as taking after.

Aisha Babangida

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HIGHLIFE

Onyeama: Presumption of Innocence Or Presumption of Guilt?

Not so long ago, Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyeama was hailed by Nigerians far and wide as a hero. He was the knight in shining aromour who came to the aid of a multitude in need, rather than a damsel in distress.

Recall that as recently as September, Onyeama was a lone beacon of hope for Nigerians who yearned to abandon the heat of South Africa following xenophobic attacks in that country.

Onyeama, in an unadulterated expression of patriotism and concern for his compatriots, put his airplanes at great personal cost to the service of his countrymen. For this he was hailed by all and sundry, his name shouted to the rooftops as an example to be emulated.

Many in official circles and the top echelon of society grabbed any opportunity to be associated with him.

Fast forward a few weeks and alas, the tune is different. Onyeama, was, two days ago, indicted by the United States Department of Justice for fraud and money laundering.

The DoJ said in a statement on Friday that Onyema moved more than $20 million from Nigeria through United States bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of

airplanes.

Air Peace international airlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha,was also charged â&#x20AC;&#x153;with bank fraud and committing aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme.â&#x20AC;?

There is a caveat though: the statement by doJ said; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges.

The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s burden to prove the defendantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.â&#x20AC;?

This seems to be the part lost on the many Nigerians who took to social media to condemn one who they were quick to hail not so long Onyeama ago.

The online mob has swiftly turned on Onyeama, quick to pronounce him suggesting it was a PR stunt because he guilty without as much as digesting the was aware of the coming storm.

His travails should serve as a warning details of the charges. to many who prance about, drunk and Onyeamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case is an indication of how fickle many in Nigerian society giddy from the adulation of the people. are. Already some have scoffed at Today youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a hero, tomorrow you that famously noble gesture of his, could be zero.

End of an Era: Access Bank Chairman Belo-Olusoga Steps Down

Belo-Olusoga

Times change and are changing. The beauty of the seasons is not only that they divulge the secrets of hidden natural cycles, or rattle old Mother Change from her bristling needlework, but that they announce new beauties, new blades of grass, new aches and new passions.

Once in a while, they also announce new leadership, and camel-loads of ideas, old and new. And it is a new day in Access Bank as Madame Mosunmola Belo-

Olusoga stepped down as the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chairman.

There arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that many notable characters around in the first place whose propensity for continued success and accomplishment elicit equal measures of envy and admiration. And yet, Madame Mosun has ascended the heights of the financial pyramid as a dowager of industry and panache. Having thoroughly convinced the economic community that rumbling voices and balding gentlemen do not a hierarch make, it is evidently time to slow the roll and relax from the banking jungle.

Thankfully, not all success stories are rife with maltreating, spiteful and scheming story casts.

Sometimes boorish beginnings and steady percussions are just the right settings for something truly awesome.

And Madame M embodies that awesomeness.

A busy bee from all indications, even whilst she was the chairman of Access Bank, Madame M reportedly sat in

full capacity on numerous boards, not excluding Premium Pensions, Action Aid and MTN Foundation. Moreover, she featured as the non-executive director of Assets and Resources Management as well as chairman of ELAN. That should put a durable stop to moonlight stories where the naivetĂŠ of a child surrenders to the wisdom that one only has a pair of buttocks and cannot sit on plural stools.

Lady Mosun has had an interesting run. To borrow the words of Walt Whitman, knowing the perfect fitness and equanimity of things, while they discuss she is silent, and go bathe and admire herself.

And so whilst this season brings encomiums of her stepping down, chances are that an evolutionary cavalcade is not far behind. Seeing as her retirement from Access Bank chair was neither forced nor accompanied by slanders, but only the end of a stipulated cycle, ears and eyes should remain attentive. This is not the last the financial industry has seen of Madame M.

Bola Tinubuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Son, Seyi, Celebrates Mom at 60 The Igbo have a name that expresses with simplicity the veneration with which mothers are held in this part of the world.

Nneka â&#x20AC;&#x201D; mother is supreme. Indeed, the ties of blood that bind mother and child cannot be explained away as merely an accident of biology. It is as mysterious as it is uplifting.

Seyi Tinubu, the first son of the godfather of Lagos politics, Bola Tinubu, certainly takes seriously his duty of care to his mother.

Bunmi Oshonaike, Seyiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biological mother, clocked 60 a few days back and Seyi used the opportunity to show her and the world how much he cares for her.

Not too many people know that his mother is not Senator Oluremi, Tinubuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife but that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop Seyi from going all out to make his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday memorable. Although it was kind of a low-key affair, the few people invited to the occasion still enjoyed a very palatial

experience.

Weeks before the D-day, Seyi, his beautiful wife Layla, and his cousin Olumide, had put heads together to plan the event. It held on November 16 at the prestigious Vintage Point Event Centre.

Everything was on point as the ageless Bunmi celebrated her sexagenarian age in the company of her loved ones.

The highlight of the occasion remained the celebrant who threw off any apparent limitations of age and partied to her heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s content, accompanied by her sisters. She stepped out in a blush pink beaded gown that fit her curvy body that made everyone ooh and aah in admiration.

Contrary to the expectations of many who thought the event would be used to launder Seyiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image ahead of his rumoured political ambition, it was more of a family affair as most of the attendees

Bunmi Oshonaike

were known to mother or son. The celebrant remained the focus of the event all through with Seyi playing the role of a dutiful and happy son. It was an occasion to savour for the duo who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to see each other too often.

Pillars Of High Society Honours Bisi Olatilo Friday , November 22, 2019 was a memorable day For Bisi Olatilo as he celebrated 20th anniversary of his classiest television programmes, The Bisi Olatilo Show.

The event was held at the Balmoral Event Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the talk-of-thetown event which kicked off in the evening and was chaired by the czar of advertising and Chairman of Troyka Holdings, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo.

The event was anchored by the duo of Soni Irabor and Jire Kuforiji, the event kick started with the launch of a memoir entitled: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Art Of High Societyâ&#x20AC;?, unveiling of the Bisi Olatilo Foundation and BISCON Television, fashion show by top-rate designer, Ade Bakare and presentation of awards to some prominent Nigerians who have immensely supported the BOS brand over the years and excelled in their GLIIHUHQW Ă&#x20AC;HOGV RI HQGHDYRXU The award recipients include: Former Presidents Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Sir Kesington Adebutu, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Hajia Bola Shagaya and Mrs Folorunso Alakija.

Others were Sultan Muhammadu Saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ad Abubakar III, Obi Nnaemeka Achebe,Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Ooni Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, King Dandeson Jaja, Chief (Dr) Gabriel Igbinedion, Chief Mike Inegebese, High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi, Aare Rasak Okoya, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande,Dr (Mrs.) Ndi Okereke-Onyuike and Sir Emeka Offor.

Also honoured were Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Chief Nyesom Wike, Mr Udom Emmanuel, Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Mr Godwin Obaseki, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Dr Peter Odili, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, Senator Chris Ngige and Mr Donald Duke.

The late Chief Diepreye Alamieseigha, former Governor of Bayelsa State and Dr Olusegun Agagu, former Governor of Ondo State were celebrated with post humous awards.

The Bisi Olatilo, which currently airs on AIT and Ben TV, London, is one of the must-watch programmes, especially when it comes to high SURĂ&#x20AC;OH HYHQWV DQG VXSHU H[FOXVLYH interviews with A-list celebs.

Started 20 years ago, following the exit of the creator, Prince Bisi Olatilo, from Radio Nigeria, the multi-lingual broadcaster has repeatedly upped the game, injecting new ideas and innovations as the years pass by.

Born on December 20, 1953, Prince Adebisi Joseph Olatilo, fondly referred to as Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s numero uno multilingual broadcaster on account of his mastery of the three major Nigerian languages, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, began his early life in Kano.

The polyglot par excellence was enrolled at Kiriji Memorial College, Igbajo where he was a key member of his schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Literary and Debating Society. This was where he sharpened his oratorical skills and was in awe of broadcasters like Ikenna Ndaguba and Ishola Folorunso.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͰͲ Ë&#x153; Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Í´Í°

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

Popular Cleric Esther Ajayiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Generosity

Ajayi

It seems Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, founder of the Love of Christ of Generation (C&S) Church, London, and The Esther Ajayi Foundation, has entered a covenant with her Creator to dedicate the rest of her life to humanitarian services.

Her generosity, particularly in recent times, has successfully made her to be continually in the subconscious of several admirers in and outside the country.

Iya Adura, as she is famously called, is loved by many for what they described as her passion for children. Not quite long, she enrolled an orange hawker, Ayomide Adeoye, who became an internet sensation for miming to a song

by Tope Alabi, at Avi-Cenna International School, on a full scholarship scheme.

Also, two individuals, Stephen and Sukanmi, who were instrumental in his (Adeoye) gaining Â&#x2122;Â&#x17E;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2019;Â&#x152;ČąÂ&#x160;Ä´Â&#x17D;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2019;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2014;ǰȹ Â&#x17D;Â&#x203A;Â&#x17D;ČąÂ?Â&#x2019;Â&#x;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2014;Čą scholarships by the respected cleric.

Not yet tired of showing love to children, Iya Audra, last week, took a tour with Dayo Israel, member of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), round some primary schools within Kosofe and Lagos Mainland local government councils, in line with the foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans to adopt and rehabilitate primary schools within Lagos, while also equipping them with modern facilities and conducive learning environment to meet global standards.

Interestingly, during the tour, special needs (inclusive unit) students of Maryland Primary School benefited from the generosity of Esther who gifted the school a brand new Toyota Hiace bus to ease their mobility.

It will be recalled that, earlier this year, she also donated N10 million to the then-ailing Nollywood star, Babatunde Omidina, aka Baba Suwe, to undergo a surgery in the United States of America.

Former Defence Minister Demola Serikiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unpalatable Experience Make no mistake, former Minister of State for Interior, Demola Seriki, is a celebrated Lagos Island dude.

Indeed, the chieftain of the All Progressives Congress loves life to the hilt and makes no apologies for engaging in the celebration of life.

However, the lightcomplexioned ex-minister is not happy at the moment and the reason is not far-fetched: he is currently having a running battle with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) over a non-performing loan obtained from the defunct Oceanic Bank and Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank) Plc. It was gathered that the agency, last Monday, carried out the order of a Federal High Court, Lagos, to take over two choice properties belonging to the former Minister of State for Defence.

The dispute between Seriki and AMCON had lingered for some time over a debt valued at almost N1 billion before the matter was brought the court for settlement.

The non-performing loans

Sariki S iki ik ki

obligation was sold to the AMCON by the defunct Oceanic and Skye banks.

Several attempts by the agency to explore a peaceful resolution of the outstanding obligation was said to have failed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When all efforts to amicably resolve the loan was frustrated by the former minister and a prominent member of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), the corporation was left with no other choice than to defer the matter to court,â&#x20AC;? said a source.

After a review of the claims and counter-claims by the legal counsels representing all the parties, the court presided over by Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor ordered AMCON to take over the two properties located in Lagos and Abuja.

Pursuant to the court order, the AMCON, through Oak Partners (that works for the corporation as one of its asset management partners) said it had taken custody of the two properties. AMCON said it also received protective orders from the court to take possession of the properties located at No. 1A & 1B, Jalupon Close, Surulere, Lagos, and No. 4, Djibouti Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Niger Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Umar Naskoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next Move

Nasko

The name Umar Mohammed Nasko is familiar to a lot of people, particularly those in Niger State political circles.

Apart from being a notable politician, he was among the top functionaries in the government

of former Governor Aliyu Babangida.

So, it was not surprising when he was endorsed and anointed by his former boss for the 2015 governorship election in the state.

Obviously because of his closeness to the former governor, many, including his friends and admirers, had seen him as the successor to Babangida.

In other words, many had thought that Nasko, who was the Peoples Democracy Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governorship candidate in Niger, would coast home to victory.

But this was not to be as he lost to the opposition APC candidate, Abubakar Sani Bello.

Shortly after the election, the former Commissioner of Tourism and Cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fame began to wane and his political structure almost totally crumbled before his very eyes.

It will be recalled that towards the 2019 election, he again threw his hat into the ring and in no time gained back his lost popularity and defeated other heavyweights in the PDP, including a former Nigerian ambassador to South Africa, Ahmed Ibeto, among others.

With this, he had hoped that his dream would be realized. But alas, it turned out to be another wild goose chase. He was left in the cold again.

However, a source disclosed that the handsome politician has remained unperturbed in spite of the recent loss.

While a source claimed that he is more interested in consolidating his philanthropic gestures towards his people, another said Nasko is gradually re-strategizing towards 2023 when the incumbent governor will have ended his mandatory terms.

Nasko, who was managing partner at New Africa Investment Limited between 2001 and 2007, had served on various boards and committees in the state. He was a member of the Transition Committee in Niger State; member, Niger State Government Committee on PublicPrivate Partnership 2007; chairman, Vehicle Verification Committee in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Niger State; member, Technical Committee on Harmonization of Niger State Action Plan in the State Government and chairman, Local Organizing Committee for the 2009 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST).

He was also member, Niger State Executive Council in his official capacity as the Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Ministry of Youth Development, special adviser on Tourism Matters and Ministry of Environment, Parks, Gardens and Forest Resources. He also served as the chief of staff to the governor of Niger State until December 2014.

Honeybols Events Boss, Adebimpe Adefolajimi, Honoured A few days ago, Adebimpe Adefolajimi, an astute lawyer and philanthropist, was honoured in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Adefolajimi, who is the CEO, Honeybol Events and Honeybol Aso Ebi, was honoured at the just-concluded 16th Africa Security Watch Award annual gala night which held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dubai.

At the three-day event, which had top personalities from different countries in attendance, Adefolajimi was celebrated among several others who had contributed

immensely to the welfare of the less privileged, most especially widows and young women in Africa.

While appreciating the organizers for the award, the boss of Honeybols Boutique and Convener of Honeybol Foundation, who looked ravishingly beautiful during the event, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;At HoneyBols Foundation, our aim is to promote the welfare and economic empowerment of disadvantaged widows and education of their children. We also promote the fundamental freedoms and human rights of widows and their children around the world through

Adefolajimi

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͰͲ Ë&#x153; Ͱ͎ͯ͡

SOCIETY WATCH

Billionaire Businessman Leo Stan Ekehâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magic Wand

Ekeh

Billionaire businessman, Leo Stan Ekeh, seems to have a unique way of making his competitors go green with envy always.

A few years ago, Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, was not only powerful but influential. She was the go-to person if you wanted anything done. She was also constantly in the news as one of the few cabinet members who had the ears of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

It was no surprise, therefore, that her exquisite detached house in Lekki Phase 1 Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, was heavily guarded by mobile policemen and naval ratings.

But as the popular as the saying goes, the only thing constant in life is change.

Today, the number of boats anchored near the garden have dwindled - the available three boats lack the splendour of the former large vessels that used to grace the entrance of the property.

Also, unlike in the past when the security around

He, no doubt, loves to make a definitive statement about everything he does.

Apart from being a top player in the computer business, he has his hands in many pies, including oil and gas and real estate, among others. He is a brilliant businessman with the proverbial Midas touch, as anything he touches turns into gold.

Little wonder, when he bought over the moribund Konga two years ago, his competitors were jittery. The reason is not far-fetched.

He knows when to invest and when not to.

Blessed with the proverbial magic wand, he successfully rejigged the company from its former declining state to a flourishing one that has now become a brand to beat in the sector.

Society Watch gathered that within a spate of two years, he alongside his son, Nnamdi, who is

the managing director of Konga, has turned the online market place around, positioning it as the number one online shopping mall in the country, while also gaining global recognition.

A source revealed that its ongoing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Konga Yakataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; had raked in several millions of naira since November 11, thereby surpassing its closest rival in the e-commerce business.

It was also gathered that Konga was tipped to break the shopping record of Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online supermarket, Alibaba, despite the stiff competition from its rival, Jumia, which holds the Black Friday record in Nigeria.

Alibaba recently smashed its record for the largest single-day shopping sales ever recorded worldwide with revenue of $38 billion.

Where is Diezani in Bayelsa Politics

Diezani

the building was so tight that residents had to keep moving until they got past it, there are currently only one or two unarmed naval ratings carrying

out sentry duties at the site.

So out of power and weighed by illness and all sorts of charges, Dickson who was handpicked by Jonathan and backed by Diezani started to see himself the new godfather of Bayelsa politics.

He disrespected all the elites, but when push came to shove, he proved to be a clay footed godfather. He lost. Maybe if Diezani was still very much around Dickson would not have dared. But who knows, power they say corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Truth be told many in Bayelsa miss her power and influence. There is a lesson here though for all mortals.

No condition is permanent.

Wherever one finds himself he should always remember there is tomorrow. For Dickson the Okro plant never grows taller than the man who planted it. When it does all he has to do bend it down and pluck it.

Rita OďŹ li-Ajumogobia on Spiritual Journey Justice Rita OfiliAjumogobia is one of the most brilliant in the legal profession in Nigeria and she has done well for herself.

However, the high court Judge seems to have fallen from her Olympian height, following a lingering face-off with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of corruption.

As she strives to redeem her image, the beautiful woman seems to have found a new vocation.

She has reportedly fully rededicated her time in serving in the vineyard of God. Society Watch gathered that she was among the new lay readers consecrated by the Archbishop of Lagos at the Cathedral Church of Christ last Sunday, having graduated from a theology school in Lagos Island. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her new-found devotion to God has paid off and she is now looking relaxed and wellrested. Her impeccable dress sense also gives her an added youthful glow,â&#x20AC;? a source said.

A Victory Tainted by Blood The all too familiar story of violence that accompanies elections in Nigeria again reared its ugly head last weekend in both Kogi and Bayelsa States. Guns and knives brought sorrow and death, from both hired thugs and allegedly, officers of the state.

The number of those who needlessly lost their lives for the ambition of a few who more often than not, aspire to positions of authority for selfish reasons, has been debated. But what isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in doubt is the callousness and depravity that culminated in the gruesome death of the Women Leader for the campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Kogi, Musa Wada.

In what points to the lack of humanity and disregard for life condoned by the

Nigerian political class, Mrs c Abuh was reduced to ashes in the most agonising manner. The 60-year-old whose only crime was campaigning for who she felt was a better option to the incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello was burnt alive. It is even more appalling that this was an attack that took place after a victor had been declared.

Worse still is the fact that this is probably another death in vain. No culprits have been brought to book and the most the Police could say was to subtly justify action of the mob that took her life by labelling it a â&#x20AC;&#x153;reprisal attackâ&#x20AC;?.

We should all be concerned that incidents like these are increasingly becoming the norm, and if we all donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t voice out and demand accountability from those in positions of authority, God forbid, the same fate awaits many more.

Acheju

OďŹ li Ojumogobia

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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 ͰͲ Ë&#x153; Ͱ͎ͯ͡

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Weep Not for Kogi As I watched the news and videos coming out of the Kogi theatre of war â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sorry electionsI bowed my head in shame even as I refused to cry. Just as I was about to start writing this column another news hit me of the alleged arson carried out by some unknown people which was said to have consumed the PDP Women Leader. Although all these are sad and shameful I still refused to cry. I cannot cry o. Why should I cry that even in this age we still stoop to such base levels over an election? Come on, Big Brother,

people did election without acrimony and all we are seeing is violence, thuggery, vote snatching and all, yet we are a country of honourable people.

This is simply why I will not cry, because from the flames of this disruption will emerge our Eldorado. I cannot continue like this. I am very confident that even in this our seemingly wasted generation that the Uhuru will come because it cannot simply continue like this.

We are a humble people, almost behaving like a conquered people but then again with the

very strong potential embedded in our collective spirit to wake up from this lethargic stupor and build a strong society where the rule of law and democratic principles will be the abiding guidelines to constructive engagement. It is for this reason that I will not cry for Kogi. So the winner will stand tall and proud in his belief that he got the mandate of the majority thru fair and free means? I will not weep for Kogi for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not tears that we need at this point. As they say on the streets, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Las Las Kogi will be okâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Thank you.

NATASHA AKPOTI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; IT IS WELL You know I never connected to her candidacy nor her person. The very first contact with her was the BBC Pidgin News report where she spoke very fluent Pidgin as she described her horrendous experience during the last elections. She was the only female gubernatorial candidate and she was thoroughly harassed. She relayed how she was called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ashawo, ashawoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. For those of us who did not go to school, ashawo means prostitute and that is the common word used for any female, from a female bishop down to the fruitseller on the road that draws anybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ire. Well this particular ashawo did nothing wrong but to aspire. She felt the need to contribute her own quota to the development of a state that had seen nothing but the pillage of ineffective leadership. She threw her hat into the ring and what did she get? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ashawo.

If only they just called her Ashawo and left it there, just maybe she would have shrugged it off her elegant shoulders and continued with her match. But No, what did they do but to continue the harassment inflicting physical and emotional damage on the lady. She only wanted to help, she only wanted to leverage on her constitutional imposed rights to offer herself for service and be voted for. She did not reckon with the mob, the infantile leadership, the broken system and the structured impartiality that has been imposed by those who have been â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;born to leadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. My sister, no vex, no cry it will be well. All this is only a matter of time. Truth and justice always prevail. It will prevail, wipe your tears and stand tall like the sweet Amazon you were built to be. Your message resonates and will continue to ring true until we reach the mountain top. So it is well. We will all be OK.

was being discussed on the Dukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit Platform, I denied it strenuously.

Even when they threw in the picture of some APC leaders who had come for a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thank, you visitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; I still said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not possible. That, that picture must have been taken when you were in power.

Then one elder statesman on the group came to me privately and said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Edgar, stop embarrassing yourself, this is true.

Dickson wanted to impose his cousin on the party and he had to be dealt withâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Well I kept quiet but here is my problem: in all I have heard, the perceived move against Dickson has not been placed on the table of principles, policies or any of such yeye thing but instead all I have heard is that, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;he was arrogant and did not show respect wanting to impose a candidate on the people and we needed to show him who was in chargeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. My lord have you ever heard of the word â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ABSTAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? If I talk now they will say I am disrespecting elder statesman but if we all dey fear the bowler hat and not say the truth how will we progress in this country? So a principled stance against the perceived tyranny of an incumbent governor would have done better for our democratic structures instead of a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;boundary bendingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; foray into another party with clear differentiation in claimed policy and democratic leaning? Please na and we are all congratulating you because you have shown what? Mbok, would the late Margaret Thatcher ever have worked with Labour government under the same circumstances? You sef know the answer.

Abi with all the madness of Trump are you seeing Republicans jumping ship and working with Democrats? My lord with all due respect you should know that politics should be run by principles, policies and structure and not by this type of thing we just saw. How this has strengthened the political process in that state and the nation for that matter remains to be seen. Sir, with all due respect, if it is true that you worked with the opposition to deliver Bayelsa

then I must at this juncture say, I am disappointed. The best thing to have done was to either wrestle the party structure from the governor through strong debate, negotiations and effective democratic practices which you as a former President have the weight to, or totally abstain. Let APC now win on their own accord. This one that you have done so is what we call, wuru wuru to the answer. Na short cut and it will come back to bite you. Sorry sir, if I have disrespected you in any form, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the way I feel this morning as I write. I have been stooling.

FAYEMI VS FAYOSE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; POLITICS WITHOUT BITTERNESS You know if you follow Nigerians, you will fall into the lagoon. On one hand, they will be shouting that the political space is fraught with so much carnage and violence nay bitterness and when things like these happen, they will now be shouting that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;how canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. So Fayemi went to eat rice at Fayoseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party where one of his children was getting married, we are all shouting, how can, political enemies? So because of the small thing like political differences and camps Fayemi will not eat this rice? Rice that is so scarce and expensive? People shouting do not even know how some of these owambe rice used to taste, I tell you. Fayemi would have woken up that morning to tell his beautiful wife to calm down that it is Ofada they will be serving there o. Not all this Ekiti stew that will have oil in one place and water in the other. This one was real Ofada o and he must attend so that there can be lasting peace in Ekiti. Me I support because you see, we need to start separating politics from the personalities.

So, the fact that we are on opposing sides should be left on the platform of issues and should not affect relationships and that to me would be the basis for peace and growth in the land. So, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forget that maybe it was the Ofada that was the driving force for this particular one but

OLUMIDE ORIJIMI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A RISING STAR Let me first say something about this gorimapa who is the head honcho in charge of corporate communications at the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The first time I saw him was at Emekaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place.

He just sat there, not saying a word as I continued with my blabbing. You know me I have big mouth and used to like to be the centre of attention. As I spoke, he just was calmly staring at me not saying anything but paying attention.

When he was leaving he offered to pay for my drink and I gave him one last jab - you are offering to pay because na Coke I drink abi? He just smiled and paid, handed me his card and quietly drove off. When I looked at the card, I screamed that was a great man that just left me so. Kai. This was like two years ago but today I want to celebrate him for the award he has just won. Olumide Orijimi my man â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you know me, I like to connect to success.

He has just won the Corporate Communications Professional Award at the Marketing World Awards in Ghana. This is the second time o. At the same event, the Nigerian Stock Exchange won the Award for the Best Social Responsibility Initiative. The CSR team reports to him. As if this one was not enough, he has just been elected into the Stakeholders Council of the Global Reporting Initiative based in Amsterdam becoming the first capital market person in Nigeria to be so honoured. Mbok, see Olumide o.

Olumide don go oooooo. Since then the man promise to buy me Afang to celebrate, I never see him brake light.

Jonathan

Fayemi

Fayose

PRESIDENT JONATHAN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; IS THIS TRUE? They say you worked with APC to deliver the Bayelsa gubernatorial election to them. When the whole thing

Akpoti

Bello

can you imagine the story, the picture of these two together in smiles would have sent to the people of Ekiti? Please it is ok to have attended, my brother carry go and I hope you did not eat more than a plate o. kai. I will not enter trouble one of these days before they will now say there is nobody to hand me over to hence no release. God forbid o.

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LOUD WHISPERS

Orijimi

If I petition the council, they will say it is bad belle o. Anyways, my brother, congratulations and let me say it at this point that all these accolades are truly well deserved. Well done my guy.

WIZKID DECLARED WANTED You know me I don’t like indiscipline.

As I write, I am putting finishing touches to my petition to all organs of enforcement in the country to get this ‘boy’ arrested and made to face the Code of Conduct Bureau, the one they took Saraki to. DSS, Inspector General of Police, Customs down to guguru Defence and EFCC will receive this petition and this person must be apprehended before they open the borders, failure which the border must remain shut, no matter all the pleading by the Ghanaian government and their counterparts.

Please you will come and be asking me what is it that the man has done – but wait first, I think even the army should be drafted into this matter because it will affect national security if this matter is not resolved because I am very very angry. So you people did not see the video where this Ojuelegba boy come dey hold Tiwa Savage behind?

My annoyance is not that he just hold o. He grabbed the thing, squeezed it, not once but three times o. Three times ooo and he is walking around with towel over his head a free man? Please President Buhari I am sorry for not supporting the call for the restructuring of the security architecture of the country. Something should be done and quickly so o as I am in tears as I write.

My Tiwa, a savage beauty mauled like this by this boy? See me here o writing poem that I want to send to the woman only for me to see this kind of sacrilege.

Please can someone do something about this? Where are the women advocacy groups, you cannot be holding person pikin bottom like that in the full glare of the whole world. Where is this Otunba Runsewe na? Please leave Bobrisky and come and look at this one o. This is major. I am in tears and nothing and nobody can console me until that Wizkid is arrested and Tiwa comes to Shomolu with two bags of smuggled rice to plead for my forgiveness. Sad. Really sad.

BASH ALI – AIMING FOR THE RECORDS I have been inundated with reports of a comeback fight aimed at the record books to be staged here in Nigeria. They say that former World Boxing Champion Bash Ali is looking at coming back to the ring at an age where most people would be looking for walking stick to balance.

I hear he has met with the Minister of Sports Mr. Sunday Dare on the matter and that the minister has given his assurances of the support of government in making the historic event happen.

According to Tayo Obisanya, Bash Ali’s main man, the fight which would be aired in over 130 pay per view markets world over is expected to generate an estimated $1.5b. Na here we all dey. God will keep us all alive to see it.

Wizkid

º

Ali

El–Rufai Needed in Magodo Well, if you ask me the turning point in the Kogi elections na the alleged kneeling down to beg the people by this great politician El-Rufai. Well no vex that I put ‘alleged’ you know the man get thin skin for yabis before he start to pursue me all over the place and as dem don close borders I cannot run away. So as I no see the kneeling but hear say he kneel all I can say na ALLEGED till I see the picture.

Well my lord if this is true, then I will need you in Magodo urgently. Well our elections are around the corner and I am considering running for the highest office in the place which is the Chairmanship of the Magodo Residents’ Association and I really do need your kneeling prowess to tip the balance in my favour. Me and my Campaign Manager Niran over bowls of Afang have agreed that I face an uphill task because, I do not even think that I have attended one meeting in the place. Apart from the noise I make on the Whats App Group and be shouting that I’m the Duke of Shomolu in Magodo which in itself is a contradiction – Shomolu in Magodo?

Nobody has seen my face or even know me

in the place. Now I have been paying my dues but only wait until the security men at the gate start disturbing me before I will now be paying in installments. But all of these notwithstanding, I believe very strongly that just like our brother in Kogi I am young and as such that is all the credentials, I need to be Chairman of this enclave of over 6,000 houses on my way to the Governorship of Lagos – Bourdillon permitting. So, you see why the need for you to come and intervene is very critical. We have plenty zones in the place, over ten so we will have to kneel in all the zones but in the MRA South East Zone which has the highest numbers of registered voters we will prostrate and throw bowls of Afang into the equation. Please I really make this appeal with the strong conviction that if we do this very well, we will have the enclave within our control come elections. Thank you as you consider my appeal and God bless. Hope you have used Aboniki balm on the knees, they must be sore by now. Your political son, The Duke of Shomolu. I bought your book o, so it’s payback time.

El–Rufai

ADE ADEFEKO – STILL GLORIOUS AT 50 He calls himself the Commercial Ambassador. He is the head man at Olams, that huge Agricultural multinational in charge of other communications and government relations. But before then, he was a banker and I used to model myself after him. I used to like his style when he would come and be ‘marketing’ me at Habib bank that time. Like twenty years ago o. He was then in the old Standard Trust Bank and will be coming and be looking for deposit. He will wear fine suit and come and pour all the charisma over my head and I will find myself giving him all the money we had for placement. He is a jolly good fella with a strong passion for his Job and the good life, seizing every opportunity to push what Olams is doing in the Agric space.

The other day, he asked me to meet him up at Wheatbaker Hotel for breakfast,

that I should go ahead and wait for him. He ordered me to take anything I liked. The last time I tried that kind of game, na me pay. Well that one no be anything because na for one Buka for Onikan. This na Wheatbaker where a bottle of Coke is NLC Minimum wage. When I got there, I respect myself and tell the waiter to give me a small bottle of Coke with peanuts remembering to reconfirm if the peanut was still free. So I settled down in the lounge, cross my leg like them dey do for there and begin to sip my Coke like say I was drinking cognac. I tell the waiter to remove the bottle of Coke, I cannot shout. Well, thankfully Ade came all six feet of him and in his usual way charged the room.

A great guy o. One of the very few people I truly respect, the other being the waiter at Wheatbaker who gave me double portion of that sweet ‘epa’.

Adefeko

Anyways happy birthday bro many more happy years to come and God’s blessings. Say me hi to madam.

ANONYMOUS – I SAY THANK YOU Since I started writing this column with my phone number at the top of the page, I have been receiving all sorts of feedback; from the reasonable to the very crazy and downright cranky ones. I have received marriage proposals, asked to come and contest Jigawa governorshipelection and called all sorts of names including – crazy, idiot and an angel to mention a few. But the one I got during the week has been the very best. Let me quote him, ‘before on Sundays, If the vendor told me there was no …….

In the paper, I would automatically ask for another paper. But nowadays, cos of your column, I’ll still buy.’ He continued, ‘This septuagenarian salutes you for a great job…..’ make I leave am there before una start thinking that I was the one who wrote the thing. But it is things like these that make me cry. I swear I can cry o. I really thank daddy for sending me this. Really heartwarming. So I offered him a copy of my book and he responded that at his age he reads one paper a day so as not to stress himself.

Daddy I know that God has already blessed you but he will keep you in this your twilight years and continue to soothe your pains till you join him in his heavenly abode. God will really really bless you. Send me your address let me bring bowls of afang to you. The rest of you keep abusing me o, be asking for school fees and advice on how to marry second wife without being caught. It is well. Daddy, see you soon. Will really like to meet you.

LION OF BOURDILLON REPLICATES ON VICTORIA ISLAND Please, don’t let me laugh, abeg this is not laughing matter. So we have Lion of Bourdilon and now we have discovered Lion of Victoria Island. So this Indian man decided to have real life lion in his house as maiguard. Mbok some things are just strange. How can a man decide to keep lion in his house o? Lion o, not even antelope, a real life lion in Victoria Island with all then go-slow in that Muri Okunola. If the lion breaks its chain and enter ‘go-slow’ where will we run to, can you imagine the carnage? That is how he will be saying when you go and visit him, ‘don’t run, he does not bite’. Like those stupid dog owners will be telling you, ‘stand, Jack does not bite, he is playing with you’. Meanwhile the rabiesinfected mutton is chomping your penis, turning it into Mr Biggs’ sausage. I thank God say na Victoria Island and those people know how to write petition. If na Shomolu where even if they can pay me to write petition, we will still not know where to submit it. By the time we move from Alausa to EFCC and from there to DSS, the lion would have eaten up our Baale. Lagos state government must be praised for running straight to Ibadan to bring Professor by helicopter to come and capture the lion. Are we deporting this Indian because if he escapes na gorilla he go bring as house boy o?

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NOVEMBER 24, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

THEALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

The Link Between Modern Yoruba and Edekiri and Ancient Egyptians

I

have been in Egypt for the past few days, investigating the origins of religion. I can’t say all I have found out. The last time I wrote what I found out in Israel, it was a shock to many. So, I will only give a diluted version.

First and foremost, there is nothing like Moses. That name was distorted by the Masonic European translators of Scripture. The original name is Mose. It is NOT a Hebrew or Jewish name. It is an ancient Egyptian name. Mose did indeed kill an Egyptian who maltreated a Hebrew slave. But, there was more to his leaving Egypt than that. There was a power struggle.

Mose left Egypt (which in reality is called Kemet, from where we get Chemistry and Alchemy, because the ancient Egyptians were masters of magi, which means wisdom, but which has been twisted to the word magic, which is similar to witchcraft) and was married to an Ethiopian woman (Numbers 12:2). Do you know what Moses is called in Amharic (Ethiopia’s official language)? Mose. They kept his original name! The Hebrews/Israelites/Israelis, call him Moshe (till today), because of their problem pronouncing the letter S (please read Judges 12:6). The Arabs call him Musa.

Coincidentally (or not), ancient Egypt had a Pharaoh named Thut-Mose the First. Last year, I wrote an article ‘The Ijebu, the Yoruba and their influence on the Bible and Judaism’. Read it.

Then Google and compare the image of Pharaoh Thut-Mose with that of the Ife Bronze image of an Ooni of Ife. Do you know that the word Mose is actually a name in Edekiri (the original name for the Yoruba) language? Mose is short for Mosebolatan (which means ‘I thought my glory was finished’). It could be said that when Mose left Kemet, he thought his glory was finished!

Just as the Europeans come and take cocoa from Africa and refine it in Europe, only to sell it to us as chocolate, so have European Masons taken our Reno Omokri at the Great Pyramid of Giza, in Cairo, Egypt pure and undefiled FAITH, refined it, under the British, so did the new language grow in and bamboozled us by selling us RELIGION. Mose vocabulary and spread. But if you understand the existed. Christ existed and still exists (in heaven). pure roots of Edekiri languages, you will be able to He is the only way to God, who actually exists. But I understand bits and pieces of almost all languages encourage Africans, read the Scripture in the origispoken from modern-day Kwara, to Kogi, to Edo, nal language (Hebrew and Aramaic). It is possible. I to parts of Delta, and to the Southwest states, and to do it. Apostle Suleman has read the entire Scripture Benin Republic. in Hebrew and Aramaic, 34 times. Do it and you will Now, in my present pilgrimage to Egypt, a land never be the same. that was known as Kemet by the original Black The ‘Yoruba’ people are some of the most spiritual inhabitants who were pushed deeper into Africa people on Earth, (if not the most spiritual bar none). by wave after wave of invaders, my Egyptologist Sadly, however, a lot of Yoruba people do not know guide kept on mentioning names that would sound that there is absolutely nothing like Yoruba as a familiar to anyone who is aware of the pure Edekiri people or as a language or a people. Yoruba is a language before it was diluted in Lagos. One of such modern creation, from a mispronounced Fulani names is Tiye, wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and word. daughter of Yuya and Tuya. Tiye was Black. This is The term Yoruba did not exist before the 19th Cenundisputed in Egyptology. Her DNA was tested. But tury. Yoruba is just like the English language, which the interesting thing is that the root word of Tiye’s was created as a mishmash of several Germanic name and the name of her parents (Yuya and Tuya) is languages, including German, Danish and Dutch, Iye or Iya, which is the pure Edekiri word for mother. when a mixed mash of Saxons came to Britain in the Do you still doubt me? Okay. Let’s go deeper.

4th Century and mixed in with the Angle tribe that Tiye’s son, who succeeded his father as Pharaoh was was native to Britain. When Samuel Ajayi Crowther was captured by Fulani slave traders from his village Smenkhkare. Google it. That is a pure Edekiri name that is still being used as a name amongst the Edo of of Osoogun in 1821 at the age of 12, he reported that Benin. You have such similar names as Nosakhare, he could neither speak nor understand the language Nehikhare. Another of her son’s name, who also of the villages they passed through on the way to became Pharaoh, is Akenaten. This is also a root Lagos. These were villages in present day Ogun and of Edekiri ‘s name that is still being used in Benin Oyo. Google it yourself. Don’t take my word for it. till this very day. In fact, the Binis had a king (Oba) At that time, there was Egba language, Ijebu, named Oba Akenzua. You will also notice a strong Owu, Awori, Ijesha, Ondo, etc. So how did Yoruba similarity between the ancient Egyptians and the come about? When the Portuguese entered Eko Edekiri people - they did not write their history in and changed the name to Lagos, it became a big words. They carved it, in wood, stone, and metal, trading post and attracted a variety of Edekiri using symbols. people (Edekiri is the actual name for the group of Now, let us talk about the pyramids of Egypt languages now referred to as Yoruba). (which are in reality the Pyramids of Kemet). They Gradually, they evolved a mixture of their various were built 4600 years ago. By who? Google the dialects and thus began the origins of the modern Groundnut Pyramids of Nigeria. They were built Yoruba language. As Lagos grew in importance

entirely by native Hausa people. They were not built under the direction of the British. Native Hausas built them just like they once built the pyramids in Egypt. Do you know there are pyramids in Nigeria? Google the Nsude Pyramids. These are pyramids built by people of Igbo origin for their god, Ala. it is not known exactly when these pyramids were built, only that they are prehistoric.

Many Black Africans are surprised to learn that the Oba of Benin actually had a full scale pyramid in his palace before it was destroyed by the British, during their invasion of Benin empire in 1897. Why would the British destroy a pyramid? What quarrel did they have with it? I do not know. I can only theorise that they did it because it upset their version of history with regards to the ancient Egyptian pyramids.

Unfortunately for them, British missionaries took a picture of the pyramid before it was destroyed (please see attached). This picture is today in a Jos Museum. Now, I previously wrote that the biblical Moses is not named Moses, but in reality his name was Mose and that he was of Black origin. Recall that when the ancient Israelites were dying of snake bites in the wilderness, the Scriptural Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole and anyone who looked at it was saved from death (see Numbers 21:9).

According to 2 Kings 18:4 identified the name of that snake as Nehushtan.

That word Nehushtan is similar to the Bini word N’ehi, which means what destiny did. Could Moses’ snake be the snake of destiny? I ask, because on the Oba of Benin’s pyramid that was destroyed by the British, there is a coiled snake (Google the picture).

You will also notice that a coiled snake (cobra) is always found on the ceremonial headdress of ancient Egyptian Pharaoh’s.

The truth is that, had the British not destroyed the ancient Benin Kingdom, we may have been able to draw much more precise linkages between their civilisation and that of the Kemet of ancient Egypt.

I believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I believe that Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

I believe in the Holy Spirit. However, let me state that modern European Christianity, as differentiated from the pure faith that Christ brought to Earth, has done so much damage to the psyche of the Black African. Not all of our ancient ways are evil. Some of them were and are more Godly than the so-called ‘Christian’ practices of the West.

I recall when I worked in the British Parliament and I met with the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. This was in 2003. My father was visiting me from Nigeria. I was so excited after shaking the Archbishop, that I refuse to wash my hands and I rushed home to tell my father. I will NEVER forget what he told me. I am quoting him.

This is a man who always spoke impeccable Queen’s English (he was educated by the British).

He shouted at me ‘go wash that your dirty hand.

Archbishop when dey support gay priest Na that one be Archbishop’!

While many of the European missionaries, like Mary Slessor, and David Livingstone, were sincere, a lot of them were not. What they did was take advantage of Africans, who were sincere in their worship, and weaponized their zeal, while starving them of true knowledge. Let me assure you of one thing, if you read Scripture in its original language (not as hard as you think), your life will never be the same.

I am not Yoruba or Benin, for those who (typical of the Black man) will think I am promoting my own tribe. I just follow the truth wherever it may lead. If it leads to my worst enemy, I will follow it there. I will keep on researching and travelling, and when I die, God willing, my children will carry on where I stopped.

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

24.11.2019

LIMCAFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CELEBRATION OF FUTURE MASTERS

The overall winning entry, Angels Among gods by Victor Olaoye

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 24, 2019

68

ARTS & REVIEW\\FESTIVAL

LIMCAF’S CELEBRATION OF FUTURE MASTERS

Besides being Nigeria’s longest running visual arts event, Life in My City Art Festival – better known by its acronym LIMCAF – represents a beacon of hope for its teeming young talents and reunites the crème de la crème of the country’s art scene in Enugu. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

Victor Olaoye, this year's LIMCAF's overall prize winner

L

ike almost all the 100 finalists of this year's Life in My City Art Festival's competition, Victor Olaoye had arrived in Enugu that Friday, November 15 full of hopes. All he initially wanted was to produce a painting that would be the cynosure of all

eyes.

And stand out, the charcoal and acrylic on canvas painting, which he titled: Angel among Gods, did. This was at the Lagos zonal exhibition, which was just one of the several zonal exhibitions of the annual festival, also known by its acronym LIMCAF. The feedback he got from fellow artists, collectors and critics at that exhibition buoyed his confidence and hopes. "I had an intuitive feeling that something massive was looming," the fourth year sculpture major of Adeyemi Federal University in Ondo State disclosed.

On finally getting to Enugu and seeing the works his painting would be competing with, his confidence began to wane. Now, all he was left with was hope. "I was nervous," he confessed.

The 19-year-old became even more nervous when he survived the elimination from among the initial 25 called to the stage. This was in the evening of the next day (Saturday, November 16). Shortly after that, he found himself among the last four standing. By this time, a consoling thought that he had at least been chosen as one of the artists who – through the courtesy of Professor El Anatsui – would be sent to the Dakar Art Biennale next year, lurked somewhere within him.

Suddenly, almost like in a dream, he found himself all alone on stage. A wave of excitement coursed through his slight frame, as he observed the activities around him. Relief, a sense of fulfilment and gratitude took their turns in asserting themselves in the hearth of his thoughts. So, he had won the overall prize!

His being declared winner was only a matter of time and mere formality.

To clinch the prize, Olaoye had beaten the three other runners-up and category winners – namely, Samson Maduabuchi Ejiofor (whose work, "Headlines" won the Best Sculpture/ Installation/Ceramics), Folashade Rashidat Fagorusi (winner of the Best Textile Art category with the work, "Hello") and Toritseju Favour Clarke (who won the Best Graphics/ Multimedia/Digital Art prize category with the work, "Inverse").

Joining these four for the next year's Dakar trip are Doris Onyinye Chukwuma, whose

Governor Ugwuanyi, who assured the organisers of his government's continued support.

Meanwhile, LIMCAF's festival week had had to be shifted from its traditional last week in October to Monday, November 11 to Saturday, November 16, this year.

This was primarily because of the inconveniences caused by the temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. Yet, it couldn't have been a coincidence that the gala and awards night held on the posthumous birthday of the late nationalist and first president of Nigeria – as well as its only governor-general – Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. This was corroborated by the fact that the festival's lecture, delivered by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka-based art historian Professor Ola Oloidi, had as its theme: "Nnamdi Azikiwe, Early Influence in the Development of Art – The Olasekan Example". The lecture, which was one of the several activities held so far in the name of the late political icon, was tailored to the purpose of LIMCAF. Winner, Best Sculpture, Installation and Ceramics category, Headlines by Samson Ejiofor This year, which is LIMCAF's 13th Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; the Obi of Onitsha, edition, flagged off its festival week on Monday, work "She Craves" won her the Justice Aniagolu Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Professor Bruce November 11 with the opening of the grand finale Prize for Originality, and Emmanuel Dare Idowu, Onobrakpeya (who chaired the occasion) exhibition at the International Conference Centre who won the Dr Pius Okigbo Prize for Technical and Professor Ola Oloidi (who delivered the of the Institute of Management and Technology's Proficiency with his work "Ecstasy Within". festival's lecture the previous day). Of course, campus in the up-market Independence Layout Of course, the sifting process could not have the capacity-filled auditorium (venue of the neighbourhood of Enugu. been an easy task for the judging panel, led by high octane event) was also teeming with Following closely on the heels of this opening the renowned Lagos-based artist Nsikak Essien. such other eminent guests as the Chairman, was a two-day art workshop held at the National Indeed, the judges had acknowledged that it Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Gallery of Art, tucked away somewhere in the G. was a "challenging task" selecting the best from Lawrence Agubuzo, the MTN Foundation's R. A. neighbourhood of Enugu. The workshop "a diverse collection of artworks from artists with themed: "Wastethetics: Creating Treasures from varying ideologies or schools of thought in Nigerian Dennis Okolo (whose presence confirmed the unflinching support of the telecomTrash", had Dotun Popoola as its guest artist and contemporary landscape". munications company MTN), Alphonsus facilitator.

Expectedly, adherence to the theme by the conOkoronkwo (who represented one of the Another workshop – a three-day affair that testants seemed rather nebulous. Yet, their right to festivals sponsors, FBN Holdings), Chief featured 100 selected secondary school in Enugu interpret it as they wished just has to be conceded to Robert Orji (the founder of the Life in My City – held from Tuesday, November 12 to Thursday, them. For each of the works, displayed at the grand Art Festival), Elder K. U. Kalu (the LIMCAF's November 14 and created mosaic murals on the finale exhibition held at the Enugu-based Institute board of trustees chairman), Chief Lauretta walls of the Enugu State International Conferof Management and Technology's International Aniagolu (a member of the LIMCAF's board ence Centre close to Okpara Square. Also on Conference Centre, jostled for the viewers' attenof trustees), Dr Obiora Anidi (the chairman Thursday, November 16, an art exhibition, titled tion in their uniqueness. Many had favoured the of the board of the Enugu State Council for Resilience, held at the National Gallery of Art. conceptual approach in their interpretation, while Arts and Culture), the veteran broadcaster The excitement around the art fiesta graduquite a number addressed the theme tangentially.

VinMartin Ilo and Professor Paul Modum (a ally swelled to a crescendo with the arrival of For the jury, it was all about the "moderation former commissioner for information, social the 100 selected artists from all over Nigeria of freewill; freewill of the artist to relate his/her development, youth, sports and culture in the on Friday, November 15. For many of them, creations to the various possibilities the theme old Anambra State), among others.

LIMCAF was like open sesame to a brighter offers." Recall that these were the works that had In his opening remarks, Professor Onobrak- future. First-timer Samuel Ujadu Iye from Zaria survived the winnowing from 550 entries that peya had commended "the continual growth zone, for instance, had made several previous had registered for the competition. The process of in the quality of [the works featured in the] unsuccessful attempts to be part of the LIMCAF elimination was in stages. The jury disclosed that final 100 during his undergraduate years at the there was an "online elimination of some entries and exhibition", which he said was "the result of individual inner nurturing of the 'child artist Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. "It was not a further critical selection by the zonal jury, from the within'". This quality, he added, was "bound until this year that I emerged from the zonal various zones." to grow in strength even for those who do not stage and was allowed to come to Enugu," he Even after the 100 for the grand finale exhibition win prizes. If they continue to strive in that said. Francis David, who trained at the Auchi had been selected, the judging processes became way, then surely there is no limit to what they Polytechnic and is currently posted to the Cross more rigorous and critical. This was evident in the can achieve."

River State capital, Calabar for his youth service pruning down of the works, first to 50 and then to "In this regard," he continued. "Life in My programme, had out of his three attempts made 25 works. "With a fine-tooth comb, the 25 were indeCity has scored very highly. Not only do some it twice to the finals in Enugu. Though like pendently assessed by each juror-using the criteria, Iye, he failed to win any prize, he remains to arrive at the different level winners," the statement of the young contestants have opportunity to sell their productions, but some also get to win undaunted in his bid to make history by evenfrom the jurors further read. "Even after this point, cash prizes on the spot, while some of them tually winning the overall prize. Ditto 19-yearcritical deliberations ensued to place in context the will be exposed to art at much higher levels old Nsukka-based Daniel Edikan Nelson, who outcome. The entire process was democratic." through the sponsorship offered by Professor hails from Akwa Ibom State and was making True, the artists might have deserved a standing El Anatsui." his first appearance at the grand finale. ovation. But, so also does the jury, which besides More speeches as well as musical presentaThere is no gainsaying the annual festival's Nsikak Essien also featured such accomplished tions by the Enugu Chamber Choir and growing acceptance among young artists across professionals as Sam Ovraiti, Klaranze Okhide, cultural dances from the Akalaka Cultural the country. Thumbs up to the organisers for Erasmus Onyishi and Dr Lasisi Lamidi.

Troupe trailed his speech and prepared the staying the course despite the challenges the Still on the grand finale gala and awards night, audience for the prize awards. Heartannual fiesta had faced since its inception in it was expectedly graced by distinguished personwarming was the presence of the Enugu State 2007. alities, who included the Enugu State Governor

NOVEMBER 24, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

69

FEATURE

How Governor Dapo Abiodun is Reviving Ogun State Education System Revival: that was the aptest and most resounding message from Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who has been working round the clock to revive the state’s education sector from its near-comatose state, writes Lanre Alfred

E

mpirical evidence, as well as historical antecedents, pointed to Ogun State as Nigeria’s cradle of civilization. But all that changed over time due to neglect and lack of deliberateness on the part of people at the helm of affairs then.

Now that he is in the saddle, Governor Dapo Abiodun has unleashed his ingenuity to bring back the lost education glory of the state which has proudly produced many icons of global repute as well as thought leaders and political gladiators with the impact that has remained indelible for ages.

During the silver jubilee of the historic launch of the Free Universal Primary Education in January 1980, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo addressed the Government and people of Ogun State at the Ogun State House of Assembly.

The former premier of the old Western Region said, “Education is a fundamental right, and it is the inalienable right of every Nigerian citizen to be educated free by the state. To treat education as a privilege, the opportunity to acquire which is limited to the children of the well-to-do and the rich, or which must be paid for from loan given to the student by the state, is a most misguided policy. For the avoidance of doubt, by free education we mean the abolition of not only of fees but also of all kinds of levies, by whatever name called that are still being imposed and collected in some parts of the country.”

With this speech, foremost statesman, Chief Awolowo, re-emphasized the significance of popular education of the masses, even though free education had been the core of his politics. This ideal has equally been enunciated by Governor Abiodun whose has tasked his administration to get the state back to the enviable top.

In his inaugural speech, Governor Abiodun made no pretence about the enormity of challenges in the education section. He lamented the state of the education sector, which he described as so worrisome, particularly in funding, white elephant projects some of which were moribund, unpaid salaries, controversial campus relocation, hasty appointment, among others.

The governor brought his sense of duty to bear immediately he assumed duties. He made free education mandatory for pupils in primary and secondary schools. Prior to his coming on board, these groups of students were subjected to paying indiscriminate fees and levies with little or nothing to justify such payments. His declaration of free education put an immediate end to the N3,700 levied on students as adopted by the former administration on the advice of the Parents Teachers Association.

“The fee negates the free education policy of this administration. It is like payment through the back door,” Abiodun said when defending his administration’s decision to take the burden of school fees off parents whose salaries are already stretched.

When questions were raised about the sustainability of the stoppage, he assured that his team were on top of the situation and would be working with school principals and headmasters general to look into the issue and proffer ways in which the gaps created by the stoppage would be blocked.

“I hereby suspend the payment in all our schools. We will also look into the issue of principal and headmaster generals. I have told them to go and look at and how we can make it work without having to charge anybody because we promised we are going to offer free education,” he explained.

This has put paid to indiscriminate charges in primary and secondary schools, an initiative that has seen an increase in the rate of student enrolments in primary and secondary schools.

Governor Abiodun in his maiden address after assuming power, made it clear that his administration will tackle the hydra-headed challenge headlong.

“We are going to bring our education sector up to standard, he said.

“Yes, we have the largest number of tertiary institutions in this State, however, the performances of our students are not encouraging and we have to change that so we may be declaring a state of emergency in the education sector.”

One of the earliest actions Abiodun took was setting up visiting panels on tertiary institutions in the state to assess the challenges facing the institutions, evaluate them and recommend actions to be taken to address the issues.

Abiodun These panels have been submitting their reports; and the governor has alluded to the fact that his administration has resolved the issues at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, and the embattled Tai-Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Omu, Ijebu, adding that the state government has set up a Government Delivery Unit for education in the state.

Governor Abiodun has also demonstrated that he is for all institutions irrespective of their ownership structure.

He has constantly visited and celebrated wins of privately owned institutions as well as those owned by both Ogun State and Federal Governments while also has pledged infrastructure development to aid their operations.

At the 40th anniversary and 19th convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, the Ogun State governor offered Akintola Esther Modupe, the best graduating student of the institution automatic employment.

Akintola graduated with a cumulative average grade of 3.90 out of the maximum 4. She would commence work immediately after her mandatory one-year national youth service scheme. The same gesture was also replicated during the convocation ceremony of Ogun State Institute of Technology: the governor offered immediate employment to the overall best graduating student, Adedokun Yetunde of the department of Accountancy with a CGPA of 3.85 on a scale of 4.0.

Governor Abiodun’s administration greatly appreciates the importance of personnel in educational development.

As such, he has not only been about renovations and building of structures, even though that has been a frontburner activity for his government. He recently directed that promotional examination and interview for career elongation of primary school teachers to Grade level 15 be carried out. Recently, he approved the release of 2016 and 2017 promotion for 10, 000 teachers. The administration’s monthly commitment to the timely payment of salaries and benefits of teachers has always been given 100-percent attention.

The state government pays an average of N791 million pensions to retired local council workers and the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, retirees monthly. The present government has vowed to offset an outstanding debt of N32billion in gratuities and death benefits incurred between August 2011 and June 2019 under its Transition Pension Scheme.

Records from the Bureau of Local Government Pensions showed that the present administration has been facilitating prompt release of retirement savings account balance to retirees who had disengaged from the Contributory Pension Scheme with a view to ensuring that senior citizens enjoy better life after meritorious years of service to the councils. Apart from the N791 million being paid

monthly as pensions, the Bureau has also paid N4,6 billion as monthly pensions between January and June 2019.

Governor Abiodun’s reinstatement of the deputy director in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, sacked by the previous administration for alleged dereliction of duty, shows his resolve to be fair and address all types of injustice meted out to workers.

Also reinstated was the former Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Ogun State Chapter, Dare Ilekoya, who was compulsorily retired for alleged infractions during the 2016 World Teachers Day celebration.

The governor, who announced the reinstatement during the 2019 World Teachers Day celebration held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, said the action was “to encourage teachers and also the right thing to do”.

Abiodun said his administration would continue to ensure that the rights of teachers were protected, calling on them to be guided by the laws of the civil service.

He added that the celebration was a key element of nation-building and a catalyst for the mental, physical, social and spiritual development of humanity, adding that the celebration was a great day of joy for teachers and equally those trained or brought up by teachers.

“I know very much the sacrifices that teachers make on a daily basis to impart knowledge, considering the prevailing socio-economic situation where we have continued to see that students spend a longer part of their days with their teachers. The teachers are fast becoming foster parents as well, and as such, a good student is not just a reflection of the home, but also of the teacher. Celebrating our teachers is, therefore, not a thing of one, but of all days,” he said.

Abiodun enjoined the teachers to double their efforts so as to achieve better performance from students in the senior school certificate examination (SSCE) and other exams, commending the academic excellence and sagacity of professional tutors and teachers at the national level through the exploits of Yewa College, Ilaro; Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro; Ijebu-Ode Grammar School; Adeola Odutola College; Mayflower, Ikenne; and, Abeokuta Grammar School.

In its bid to further encourage teachers in the state to do more, the Ogun State government disclosed that plans are underway to have the Governor’s Teachers’ School Excellence Award, with a view to creating healthy and meaningful competition among teachers in the state.

He made this known while welcoming the awardees that did the state proud at the President-Teachers School Excellence Award (an award for teachers across the country) held in Abuja and expressed his readiness to domesticate the award to let the teachers know that they can also get their rewards on the earth before proceeding to heaven to get the ultimate laurel.

“I want to introduce a state challenge among teachers in our state. The challenge will be known as the Governor’s Teachers’ School Excellence Award. We are going to domesticate this. What we will do to those that excel will be bigger than what you got from the President-Teachers Award. We will expand it to accommodate more teachers.

Today, you have done us proud, our heads are ‘swollen,’ you have done us proud. It is important we sustain it, and one of the ways is to establish the Governor’s Excellence Award,” the governor explained.

According to him, the state government will continue to give all necessary support to teachers in the state, saying that his administration would continue to do all in its power to return the state to its place of pride in the education sector.

The governor said further, “If out of 15 awards, we have won 4, that means there is 11 to share between the other 35 states. That means we have done well. I want to assure you that we will give you all the needed support to sustain all that you have achieved.”

Abiodun also disclosed that his government would support the winners with cash gifts as a way of incentives, saying that no goodwill goes without its reward.

In a related development, the administration is currently embarking on the rehabilitation of public schools across the 236 wards in the state.

With the level of focus, this administration is giving to repositioning and strengthening the educational institutions, it is only a matter of time before Ogun State regains its pride of place in the educational sector nationally and globally.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ NOVEMBER 24, 2019

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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 24, 2019

CICERO

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

IN THE ARENA

It’sTimetoReformINEC,ElectoralProcess The recent Bayelsa and Kogi States elections have reinforced the need for a total reform of the nation’s electoral process, writes Olawale Olaleye

A

few days to the November 16 governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi States, INEC’s national commissioner for Edo, Rivers and Bayelsa States, May AgbumucheMbu, gave an insight into what to expect, when she lamented the degree of violence often associated with elections in Nigeria, saying it was akin only to a war situation.

Agbamuche-Mbu, who narrated as an example, what happened in Rivers State during the recent 2019 general election at a two-day seminar at the Electoral Institute, Abuja, therefore, sued for caution ahead of the November 16 governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi States.

Agbamuche-Mba said, “Elections in Nigeria is just like going to war. In Port Harcourt, during the last elections, I saw it all. I was there.

INEC staff and sensitive electoral materials were being transported in armoured vehicles yet people threw dynamites at the moving armoured vehicles. Is this not war? What can better be described as war than this?”

Thus, ahead of the November 16 governorship elections, she said, “We are looking unto the political parties that they will be kind to the people of Bayelsa by doing what they are expected to do. We are going to use smart card readers and where it fails, which I believe it won’t, we will come back again, because we are ready for this election and I pray that the political class will allow us do our work”.

She also warned that INEC would record zero votes for parties in areas, where there are violence or ballot box snatching during the elections.

“There will be no hijacking of ballot boxes, because if they are hijacked, the area is going to get zero votes,” Agbamuche-Mbu said, reiterating that the commission would work to ensure that the poll did not result in inconclusive election.

But a fellow national commissioner and chairman of the two-day seminar, Solomon Adedeji Soyebi, put it more succinctly, when he foresaw a heavily monetised exercise in Bayelsa and Kogi, saying there would be intense vote-buying.

As if preparing the minds of the people for certain possibilities, Soyebi said one of the challenges that would mar the conduct of the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States was the possibility of vote buying by the political parties.

“No doubt about it. In the Kogi State governorship election, money will flow like rivers but INEC would be equal to the task. Relevant security agencies will fish them out. We have a strategy to do this. The cat will not be let out of the bag now.”

Unfortunately, everything that both Agbumuche-Mbu and Soyebi feared happened penultimate Saturday in both Bayelsa and Kogi States. From vote buying and selling to ballot snatching, results manipulation and war-like violence, everything had combined to taint the two elections.

And with the way things are, if INEC conducts elections a million times, given the current structure and enabling laws, nothing would change significantly. This is why a total reform is not

INEC National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu only imperative at this juncture but sacrosanct.

President Muhammadu Buhari declined assenting to the Electoral Act put together by the eighth senate on the grounds that it was too close to the 2019 election and therefore, implementation might be fraught with glitches.

Although the excuse was general considered inane, because it did not address basics but the political correctness of the place of the ruling party, would it not do the government and its party a whole lot of good if it could make this happen and at least, confer credibility on subsequent elections in the country?

There is no gainsaying the fact that the ninth national assembly is not one to disagree with the executive even on patriotic grounds, at least, Senate President Ahmed Lawan confirmed this recently, when he gave assurances that his senate would approve all Buhari requests, because he was sure they would be genuine.

That also explains why they are rushing everything to please the executive, including the 2020 budget without analyising the details. They seem to be more interested in returning to the

January to December cycle than churning out a good job. These are signs that not much could be expected from the Lawan Senate.

It is however not asking for too much from the senate to pick up the gauntlet and address the lacuna in the nation’s electoral process. The process of choosing leaders is flawed and so, wrong leaders are daily finding themselves in positions they are not prepared for, which by implication explains where the nation is today in terms of growth and development.

It is a no-brainer – one of the major steps to getting it right as a people is to properly fix the electoral process. A reform is beyond due. Even if Buhari fails in other spheres, he could score big with the electoral reform, knowing that he has a legislature that would expressly stamp his orders. Nigeria cannot afford any more delays.

The pending governorship elections in Anambra, Ondo and Edo States should kick off with a new INEC, armed with a sound and reformed Electoral Act that could change the Nigerian narrative otherwise hope may be generally forlorn.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

S Abuh

Who Killed Acheju Abuh?

hortly after results of the poorly conducted Kogi State governorship election were announced, some thugs believed to be loyal to one of the parties in the election, raced to the home of Mrs. Acheju Abuh, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women leader and burnt down the house with the woman inside.

Since the ugly incident, apart from the celebration of their victory, neither the governor nor the president had condemned the development, apparently the woman was a-nobody and so, her killing in cold blood was no big deal.

But, first, you want to ask, of what essence was the killing of Mrs. Abuh, when clearly her party

was announced as having lost the election? Even if her party won, why the resort to such violence, when everyone knew ab initio that at the end of an election, there’ll be a winner and a loser?

Without doubt, the killing of Mrs. Abuh shows that the election of November 16 in Kogi was bloodstained. The attitude of the state since the development also shows that it is culpable otherwise the onus is on the state to make sure her killers are fished out and brought to book.

No one deserves to die that way, not even over choice of political leaders. It’s a free world and choice is the beauty of democracy. To want to gag everyone else and compel them to buy into a different choice is undemocratic and condemnable.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 24, 2019

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BRIEFINGNOTES Sabi Abdulahi: The Man Who Hates Free Speech?

The National Commission for the Prohibition of Hate Speeches Bill sponsored by Senator Sabi Abdulahi is being widely rejected by Nigerians because of its negative implication on freedom of speech, writes Shola Oyeyipo

S

ectionalism, religious and political differences, tribal sentiments and all other such fault lines have combined to openly polarised Nigerians over the years, and rather than abate, the situation is getting worse with vituperative attacks now known as hate speech taking the centre stage.

It will not be incorrect to conclude that added to the continually deteriorating economic conditions and the haphazard political arrangements, the advent of modern means of communication, particularly the numerous social media platforms, is making it easy for people to go public with whatever impressions they have about anything, whether negative or positive.

Despite the fact that government at all levels, various groups and individuals have proffered series of solutions that have not effectively addressed the problem, a recent bill by Senator Sabi Abdullahi representing Niger North senatorial district, aimed at addressing hate speech and other social media attacks among Nigerians was not well received by the people.

Abdullahi, the deputy chief whip and former spokesperson for the 8th Senate, in the bill, ‘National Commission for the Prohibition of Hate Speeches (Est., etc) bill, 2019 (SB. 154)’, proposed that Nigeria needed to establish a commission specifically to deal with the problem of hate speech in the country.

“It is the right of a senator to sponsor a private member bill. We also have the executive bill but the hate speech bill before the Senate today is a private senator bill. Mr. President has nothing to do with it and it also has nothing to do with third term agenda,” said Akwashiki.

According to him, if passed into law without the death penalty, it is capable of ensuring justice for victims of hate speech and their families by ensuring that the perpetrators face the weight of the law as stipulated.

Just as the senate claimed out, Abdullahi too denied that the bill was part of President Buhari’s third term agenda, adding that the death penalty for anyone found culpable of using hate speech that leads to the death of another, is subject to amendment when the bill is eventually considered and goes through a public hearing.

He further claimed that perpetrators of hate speech are the ones frustrating the consideration of the bill by posing as advocates of free speech.

Abdulahi “In 2014, four University of Port Harcourt students were unjustly murdered in cold blood as a result of hate speech. So many others have died as attempts to injure, intimidate or interfere with ... any a result of wrong accusations. It is time to put a stop person because of his race, color, religion or national to these gruesome killings through hate speech,” origin” or because of the victim’s attempt to engage in Abdullahi argued. one of six types of federally-protected activities, such Despite the dangers of hate speech and the need as attending school, patronizing a public place/facility, to put a stop to it, Senator Abdulahi cannot pretend applying for employment, acting as a juror in a state not to know that if the law sees the light of the day, it court or voting. would easily become a handy weapon for the current Culpable persons face a fine or imprisonment of government to put its perceived enemies behind bars up to one year or both. If bodily injury results or if and that will be the end of free speech in Africa’s most such acts of intimidation involve the use of firearms, populous nation. explosives or fire, individuals can receive prison terms The bill has passed second reading though veheof up to 10 years, while crimes involving kidnapping, mently opposed by many Nigerians. This is particusexual assault, or murder can be punishable by life in larly so because, among other things, it prescribed prison or the death penalty. death by hanging for persons found guilty of any Lawyers, human rights activists, and others form of hate speech that leads to the death of another considered the bill a deliberate attempt to trample person. on free speech in Nigeria; and a smokescreen for the Perhaps, the sponsor wanted to take a cue from the ruling All Progressives Congress’ general intolerance American Civil Rights Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. § 245(b) for dissents and criticisms.

(2), which permits federal prosecution of anyone, who The likes of Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Ernest “willfully injures, intimidates or interferes with, or Ojukwu (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Mr. Lawal

Pedro (SAN), Mr. Chino Obiagwu (SAN), Prof. Sam Erugo Mond, Malachy Ugwummadu, Isa Sanusi, Clement Onwuenwunor, Tope Alabi and a long list of others contended that the proposed legislation was anti-people.

Similarly, Nigeria’s major opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party concluded that the bill was a bill, designed to Islamise the nation, alluding to a third term agenda.

Falana has vowed to challenge the constitutionality of the bill if it scales through at the National Assembly and is signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Aminu Tambuwal, the Sokoto State Governor and Vice-Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, speaking after their meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, said state governors did not disapprove of the bill.

The suspicion that the President Buhari-led government was behind the proposed legislation was heightened among many by the fact that the bill came shortly after a statement by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, alluding to the fact that the online media space in the country will soon be regulated.

The proposed law was set to pitch Nigerians against the lawmakers, so the acting spokesperson for the Senate, Senator Godiya Akwashiki, was quick to disown it just as the executive did.

Abdullahi is a curious legislator; he was instrumental in the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Press Council Act allegedly set in motion to address the scourge of fake news in the country.

The lawmaker had represented thenSenate President Bukola Saraki at a public hearing when he said the Red Chamber was advancing the empowerment of NPC to deal with adverse impacts of fake news on the polity and the potential of heightening tensions with regard to the various subnational conflict situations being experienced.

Arguing that a revived NPC would be in a special position to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy from both extremes of the media spectrum, he explained: “This is why we want to ensure that the guiding act endows the council with all the powers it requires to carry out its mandate without hindrance.

“To this end, the bill attempts to correct existing deficiencies, revolutionize the NPC and promote high ethical and professional standards for Nigerian journalists.”

But the country’s media owners led by Prince Nduka Obaigbena fought against the idea, describing it as draconian until it died a deserving death.

The lawmaker and his backers must, therefore, not lose sight of the fact that freedom of speech is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or a community to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction.

While the Freedom of Information Act, which was designed to make governments accountable to the people has not been effective, it will not be surprising if the anti-free speech law quickly becomes a whip with which Nigerians with opposing views are flogged into submission or coercive quietness.

NOTES FOR FILE

A Lion amongst Humans!

State agents evacuating the cub

The news of a two-year-old cub used as guard in a house on Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, was one of the pieces of news that dominated discussions in the week.

Agents of the state government had since taken the cub, after sedation, to a zoo in Lekki.

The case has also been reportedly transferred to Panti.

Apart from the gateman, who always fed the baby lion, who was on the premises, when agents of state came, the owner, believed to be an Indian, has since been at large. As at the time of filing reports, agents of the state have not laid their hands on the owner or his whereabouts.

But it is important for the police to get to the

root of how the cub got to the house. By this, they must find out where it came from and how it was conveyed from its location without anyone knowing till it got to its destination in VI. There is more to the whole story than what is currently flying around. Such a carnivorous animal does not live amongst humans. This is why the story of the lion represents a direct result of the impunity that is currently thriving in the land.

Kudos to agents of the state led by Yinka Egbeyemi, who swiftly swung into action and contained the situation. And now that the case has been transferred to Panti, it must be followed up to a logical close, with the owner of the cub taken in for serious interrogation.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 24, 2019

CICERO/ISSUE

Seriake Dickson: Emperor without Clothes Outgoing Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, must have learnt a thing or two from the recent governorship election in the state, writes Emmanuel Addeh

I

t’s easy to be drawn towards Governor Seriake Dickson. Dickson has the gift of the gab. The governor of Bayelsa can easily convince even the most critical of his style of governance that he’s the greatest thing that has happened to Bayelsa since sliced bread. He exudes the confidence of a warrior, the subtlety of a salesman and the intellect that far surpasses that of the average Nigerian politician.

He cuts the picture of a man of conviction, whose personal opinion about every issue cannot easily be swayed. Like his physical stature, which could be intimidating, Dickson’s confidence, which many interpret as arrogance or overconfidence, can be quite overwhelming.

Going into the poll, even his political enemies would easily admit that Dickson would be a hard nut to crack. They recall his exploits in 2015, when the All Progressives Congress (APC) had just won elections at the federal level with Muhammadu Buhari as president. Against all odds, Dickson as the incumbent won his re-election.

Not the type to yield ground or be caught unawares, Governor Dickson, the politician, has the uncanny ability to foresee future political threats even before they begin to manifest and then begin the process of neutralising such risks.

But like every human, like every politician, and even army generals, who lead troops to war, Dickson has his own weaknesses. Military tacticians sometimes design war strategies wrongly and get their foot soldiers killed at the warfront. For most of strongmen, their greatest strength is also their greatest weakness.

For the governor, many believed that he took on many unnecessary battles on too many fronts at the same time. He, perhaps, had too many people around him who couldn’t look him in the eye, tell him the truth and damn the consequences.

In doing a post-mortem, it must be said that even the governor’s detractors will privately admit that he hasn’t been a complete failure in developing the oil-rich, but mostly riverine state with a very difficult terrain to carry out needed development. Whether it was enough, given the resources available to Bayelsa with the smallest population in the country remains debatable.

Looking back, a number of factors may have hastened the defeat (temporary or not) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16 governorship election in Bayelsa, although the governor and his party insist that they were clearly rigged out. The APC and PDP will also have their day in court following the several pending cases. First, how did Dickson get her?

The civil service reforms

Bayelsa is clearly a civil service state. With many people in the state depending on their take-home pay for survival, any major attempt to shake the system was expected to come with some backlash.

Spinning from his first term, the governor a few years into his second term said he had decided to take the much-talked about reforms to the next level, maintaining that the cost of maintaining the bureaucracy was skyrocketing.

He took off multiple names from the ministries, downsized in the departments and restructured salaries. This did not sit well with many people, especially the civil servants, who have families they could easily convince that the governor was the source of their problems.

Put in proper context, the economic meltdown of about less than two years ago, took its toll on the state’s resources, leading to unpaid salaries at the time and necessitating a cut in government spending.

Amassoma Killings

The fallout of the reforms and cost-cutting measures in government institutions, were the Amassoma riots in which certain persons from the area, including at least a security agent were killed. The Niger Delta University located in Southern Ijaw, where the late Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, hails from, was created partly as a source of income for locales.

An attempt to restructure the place and make it run like a standard university was always going to be resisted, although part of the loss of the area, which was returned by over 120, 000 for the APC to the PDP’s over 4,000 could be attributed to the fact that David Lyon, the APC candidate also hails from the council.

Many of the people, mostly unskilled served as cleaners, clerks etc in the institution. But Dickson insisted that a university was not meant as a source of food for communities, but a place where World Class academic learning should be carried out. He stressed that the number of the non-academic staff far outweighed the teaching staff, which he said was an anomaly.

In the end, some names were removed, people’s source of livelihood was threatened, leading to the riots and the locking up of the entrance gate to the institution by the protesters for days and shutting down academic activities.

Security personnel were deployed to open the gate for willing students to learn. This led to clashes between indigenes and the police, resulting to deaths. The governor’s damage control strategy did not seem to achieve much. This was a campaign issue during the polls, which the opposition latched on.

Dickson

The Goodluck Jonathan Factor

Would the incumbent, Seriake Dickson, have become governor without the almost unilateral backing he got from former President Goodluck Jonathan? Many would readily give an absolute ‘no’ as the answer.

But as it was wont to happen, the relationship soon went cold. In the main, it was argued that if not that Jonathan lost the 2015 election, it would have been difficult for Dickson to return as governor. The frosty relationship did not just start in the run-up to the poll. Even during major events, Jonathan was never seen in the Government House.

However, it was aggravated, when the two leaders could not agree on a governorship candidate to support. Dickson told journalists that he visited Jonathan 16 times to sort out the matter before deciding to go it alone. While Jonathan had Timi Alaibe in his mind, Dickson had Diri, his former deputy chief of staff. Diri won the primaries. Jonathan did not forgive Dickson for the ‘embarrassment’.

In the end, Jonathan had his own game plan: he who could not be stopped at the primaries must be halted in the main election. At best, he completely washed his hands off or at worst worked against Dickson. With the gale of APC visits to the former president, at least, thrice since results of the election were announced, it is safe to pick the latter.

Consequences of an Unpopular Candidate

The day Senator Douye Diri was publicly endorsed by Governor Seriake Dickson, as his choice successor, it did not generate any excitement. Diri had been in government for a considerable length of time before he went into the primaries.

Yet, not many were freaked by the prospect of him being their governor. He hadn’t related with the people as much as he needed. Selling him to the electorate was an uphill task.

…And a Running Mate from Sagbama

Governor Dickson never publicly admitted that he was gunning for the senate. But the information in the public space was that the entire plot was to ensure that Diri and his running mate, Lawrence Ewhrujakpo, won the election to pave the way for him to run for the senate after Ewhrujakpo’s victory in Bayelsa and subsequent resignation from the senate.

Therefore, picking the PDP running mate from Sagbama, his own council was to some observers, a major political miscalculation. To them, his plan to control the entire levers

of power in Bayelsa was like biting much more than he could chew.

PDP’s Uncommitted Foot Soldiers

The PDP went into the electoral warfront with many uncommitted foot soldiers, who continually lied to their principal on the actual situation reports. Information in the public space was that funds for mobilisation never got to those they were meant for.

This, in the main, played out three days to the election, when the PDP rally was attacked in Nembe and several party supporters were injured, killed or roughly handled.

The ‘expendables’ mostly youths, who escaped the bloody battle and sullied by the event, were still in a screaming match with their leaders late into the night as to why their ‘mobilisation’ was still being held after going through a near death experience in the hand of the thugs while working for their party.

Federal Might/State institutions

Aside the alleged elite conspiracy against Dickson, many of them felt slighted, because their input on who governs Bayelsa was not processed or at worst discarded. But the APC came ‘fully prepared’ to win the poll by all means.

Observers, who have had the courage to speak out after the poll have highlighted the issues of intimidation by federal forces, ballot box snatching, violence and sometimes connivance with the electoral umpire as some of the matters that marred the poll.

Dickson’s Position on the Poll

The governor believes that the election was massively rigged in favour of the APC, especially in Southern Ijaw, Ogbia, Jonathan’s council and Nembe, where massive votes were, according to him, allocated to the APC. He describes insinuations that the PDP lost because he ‘disagreed’ with Jonathan as undiluted balderdash.

“In Ogbia, there was no collation done. In most of the areas, at the conclusion of voting, the soldiers came and rounded up everybody and forcibly took them to Ogbia town and asked all PDP leaders to leave to enable them replace pre-written results.

And so the results announced for Ogbia, like those for Southern Ijaw and Nembe were not real.

“What has happened in Bayelsa is one of the most brazen acts of distortion and rape of our democracy. What took place was not a democratic election. It was a military coup. It was the height of conspiracy by the federal government and security agencies to subvert the democratic rights of our people for the sole purpose of foisting the APC on the people”

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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 24, 2019

CICERO/REPORT

The New Power Equation in Bayelsa After 20 years of PDP leadership in Bayelsa States, the power equation changed penultimate weekend with the election of David Lyon of the APC, writes Emmanuel Addeh

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n Saturday November 16, the All Progressives Congress (APC) halted the about 20-year-reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State. To many, it was a shocking end to the ruling party, which had held sway unchallenged for close to two decades in a state that has always been of interest to Nigeria’s central government, because of its abundant oil and gas resources.

Created just three years before the return of democracy in 1999, Bayelsa has since had a history of political turbulence. From late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha to Goodluck Jonathan, who handed over to Timipre Sylva, with quite a few others in acting capacity in-between, Governor Seriake Dickson will be the first leader of the state to successfully serve out an eight-year tenure by February 14, next year.

Having successfully won a second term in 2003, Alamieyeseigha, arguably the most loved governor in the state, since Medford Okoko, was on a smooth ride in the mid days of the renewed mandate when trouble started.

Alamieyeseigha, who was generally referred to as the governor-general of the Ijaw Nation, at the time, was removed from power by impeachment in 2005 by the combined ‘conspiracy’ between the then Olusegun Obasanjo-led federal government and an easilycontrolled Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who latched on his personal foibles, accusing him of corruption.

After serving out Alamieyeseigha’s remaining tenure, Goodluck Jonathan, won the nomination to contest for a second term in 2007 but was handpicked to become the vice-presidential candidate to Governor Umar Musa Yar’Adua.

Earlier, Jonathan, who had trounced Sylva during the primaries for the 2007 governorship poll was succeeded by him after he became Vice President. He would later complete the first and in the early days of his second, encountered serious disagreement with Jonathan, who had then become President.

It was a lost battle for Sylva ab initio. He stood no chance in a country, where the president has enormous powers and influence across-the-board. Dickson won his first term quite easily with the backing of Jonathan, who was determined to flush Sylva and whatever little legacies he had in Bayelsa. Sylva became a regular customer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Jonathan.

The man was down and, almost out.

After over two years in the cold, Sylva summoned the courage to join the APC officially in 2014 from the then Kawu Baraje-led nPDP and in 2015 contested against Dickson, who was making history as the first governor of the state since 1999 to take part in an election as an opposition party member, with Muhammadu Buhari, having defeated Jonathan earlier in the year in the presidential election.

Years later, Sylva who surprisingly now appears to have struck a new kind of friendship with Jonathan tried to explain why the former president moved against him.

“As governor in Bayelsa State, I had ongoing battles with the Jonathan system. He wanted a different succession plan but I didn’t and without him being in control, I ended up as governor. So, as vice president, he started fighting me from day one. And that was why my election was annulled in 2008; but then I went back for re-election.

“Yar’Adua as president then protected me, because he saw the good in what I was doing.

But as soon as Yar’Adua died, my problems began because I was not part of that succession arrangement. So, they concocted all kinds of lies against me,” he said at a media event, tagged Frank Talk with Sylva.

But in the last few weeks, Jonathan appears to be the new bride to the APC. In at least three occasions, officials of the party, including Sylva had visited Jonathan. During his birthday in the outgoing week, the Sylva, Lyon and some APC loyalists were some of the callers at Jonathan’s house in Otuoke. Pictures had littered the social

media on the many visits. How long that friendship will last remains to be seen.

Back to Dickson: his romance with the Jonathan establishment flourished until the jostle for a second term in 2015. It took Jonathan a while to publicly endorse Dickson, though word on the street was that his wife (Patience) was opposed to it.

Eventually, Dickson won that hard-fought election, defeating Sylva. APC went to sleep in Bayelsa, immediately after that poll, appearing sometime when the party was to have a new chairman after the exit of Tiwei Orunimighe, who has now been replaced by Amos Jothan before it went into dead silence again.

In the run-up to the February/March general elections, this year, the party again appeared and surprisingly picked up a senatorial position and two House of Representatives seats, plus about four state assembly seats, winning considerable votes for the party’s presidential candidate, Buhari. It was the first time the APC would be having more than a house of assembly member in the entire state.

Sylva was again in the equation a few months ago, when the politics of the governorship poll, which took place on Saturday 16, commenced. The battle during the APC primaries was going to be between him and former Minister, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and whoever emerged in the PDP. By then, the governorship ambition of both men, Sylva and Lokpobiri had caused a rift between the relationship they once managed to patch, both of them being the highest ranking APC members in the state.

Sylva was still eyeing a ministerial post, but unsure of what portfolio. It was either a powerful ministerial post or a grand entrance into the guber race. Two weeks to the end of collection and submission of the party’s nomination form, he was still silent about whether he was going into the race.

Then in a twinkle, things changed: Sylva became one of Nigeria’s most powerful ministers, having been appointed to head the petroleum ministry. The national executive of the APC, which had been very receptive of the idea of a Lokpobiri candidacy for the Bayelsa governorship election, became dodgy. The levers of power had switched.

Having literally secured his own bag, as it were, the former governor moved to consolidate with the APC leadership fully aligned with him, being able to dish out favours at will. That was the game changer for Lokpobiri, easily believed to be the most prepared in the build-up to the primaries. He had set up his campaign long before anyone in the APC in the state, meeting with stakeholders and mobilising support.

It might easy to demonise the former minister for going to court and putting the spanners in the works of the party, but close watchers of the APC politics in the state seemed to agree that he wasn’t fairly treated by the party. Despite the alleged ill-treatment, he urged his loyalists to support the APC in the last election irrespective of the outcome of the court judgment.

Sylva singlehandedly handpicked David Lyon, who was said to have been of immense help in his days in the cold after he was removed as governor. Like a fairy tale, Lyon is now governor-elect of Bayelsa under the APC and will be sworn in as leader of the state on February 14, if he surmounts all the hurdles posed by his many cases in the court.

The power equation in Bayelsa has shifted dramatically with the APC victory. It is unclear what impact the APC will make with its unexpected win, but what is clear is that with its recent advances, Sylva has become the new kingmaker, that’s if things remain the same in a few months. And where does that leave ex-President Jonathan? The debate continues...

But Sylva has said the reason APC won was because Governor Dickson treated Bayelsa as his personal property, noting that, “Dickson married Bayelsa wrongly and therefore lost, because he had treated the first wife badly. I will like to bring in this Eritrean proverb ‘that if you marry a wife very well, you will be blessed with another wife.

Sylva

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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 24, 2019

POLITY

Kogi: Relieving a Violent Reputation Ibrahim Oyewale writes that the violent outcome of the November 16 governorship election in Kogi State was typical of the confluence state and her leadership

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he Kogi State governorship election has come and gone, the winner and the loser emerged, but the scars of violence produced as a result will linger in the memories of people of the state for many years to come. The political landscape in the confluence state on Saturday, 16 November, and post-election period indeed relieved its violent reputation.

Based on her antecedents, Kogi State has always been marked as a flashpoint in every election by the Election Management Body. Kogi Central and some communities in the Eastern flank of the State like Anyingba, Ejule and others, pointed to the fact that the confluence state are violence-prone.

In the build-up to governorship and Kogi West Senatorial elections, there were early warning signs from the body Language of the political parties, the actors and their foot soldiers respectively.

INEC in the state had expressed fears through the Resident Electoral Commissioner, James Apam that there could be violence owing to language of campaigns.

Also, ethnic politics further heightened tension as two major ethnic groups in the state – Igalas and Ebiras – were already at each other nerves over who would become next governor of Kogi State. This, perhaps, accounted for desperation on the part of the political actors, who wanted to take firm grip of their localities and ensure the election was a-must-win. This was evident in the results of the Election in Kogi Central and East respectively, where Bello won in all the local government areas and his closest rival, the Peoples Democratic party PDP (PDP) candidate, Musa Wada won 7 out 9 local government in Eastern Senatorial district of the State.

Sources told THISDAY that it was a predetermined political war, because in past four years that the Igalas lost power to Ebira, things have not been the same again and that was why they believed that with their numerical strength, they could win governorship election back.

The Ebiras, who are the occupant of the Lugard House, have seen it as an opportunity to consolidate through second term and poised to retain the power at all cost. Hence the struggle for the soul of Kogi State resulted in violence, which erupted in some key part of the state.

No doubt, the November 16 election provided yet another opportunity for the gladiators to flex their muscles, but this time violence was more pronounced in Igalaland, particularly in Dekina Local Government whilst mobilising for PDP’s Wada, their son. The signs had tipped off what to expect in during the main election. But barely four hours after the commencement of gubernatorial and Kogi West Senatorial rerun elections, unknown gunmen invaded some polling units in Lokoja and snatched ballot boxes. At least five persons reportedly lost their lives in Abocho community in Dekina local government area and Adankolo community of Lokoja, during the exercise.

The election was also characterised by widespread violence, snatching of ballot boxes, voter intimidation, votes buying and voter inducements across local government areas in the state and by the two major parties. While two of the victims were from Abocho in Dekina local government in the eastern flank, three others were killed in Lokoja in the process of ballot snatching at a polling unit at Adankolo in the capital city.

Bello It was gathered that one of the Lokoja victims died from a stray bullet and two others were said to be electoral officers that refused the hoodlums from carting away ballot boxes, when they struck. Residents gave the names of the victims of the violence in Abocho as Umoru Shuaib and Faruk Suleiman. An eyewitness account said the incident happened while voting was ongoing at Barrack Polling unit 1 at Abocho. They said the assailants from all indications, came for Umoru Shaibu.

“They came in a bus while voting was taking place and were in police uniforms, so, we didn’t suspect anything. Umoru had voted and was chatting with Faruk close to the poling unit, when the bus drove by.

“None of the occupants, who were in police uniforms alighted from the vehicle. We just heard gunshots and shouts from the victims as well as onlookers. In the ensuing pandemonium, the attackers drove off,” narrated Michael Ochimamna.

The major streets in the ancient town of Anyigba were deserted when one of journalist visited the area as stones and sticks littered the road, while tyres earlier burnt by youths protesting the attack were still emitting smoke.

Sources hinted that there were also sporadic gunshots in some other communities in Kogi East shortly after the commencement of voting. Sporadic gunshots were heard in Emewe Okpada and part of Ajiyolo communities in Dekina local government area of the state.

There were reported cases of snatching of ballot boxes across some polling units in the state. Political thugs were also said to have attacked Senator Dino Melaye’s polling unit in Aiyetoro Gbede in Ijumu local government area of the state. This occurred shortly after Melaye had earlier cast his vote and left the place before suspected thugs invaded the area, disrupted the process

and carted away ballot boxes and papers.

Melaye and Smart Adeyemi are in a hot contest for Kogi West senatorial seat following the nullification Melaye’s earlier victory by the Election Tribunal.

In Aikpele-Ajaka polling unit 002, Igalamela-Odolu local government, armed men wearing mask reportedly shot sporadically into the air, disrupting the exercise as voters and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff took to their heels in all direction. Natives said the assailants snatched ballot boxes and drove away.

In similar vein, there were sporadic shootings and ballot box snatching across some polling units in Lokoja, Logic State capital.

Armed thugs stormed polling units at Crowther Memorial School in Lokoja and shot sporadically to disperse voters after, which they carted ballot boxes away. At Muslim Community Secondary School in Lokoja, suspected thugs invaded polling units and shot sporadically to disrupt the voting process.

There were reported cases of ballot boxes snatching at the polling units at SUBEB, Lokoja Club, St Mary by Paparanda Square, Fentolu and Army Barracks – all in Ward A of Lokoja, the state capital. Suspected thugs also invaded polling units at Ganaja Village, Ajaokuta local government area and snatched ballot boxes.

At the end of the day, a total of 149, 576 votes were cancelled as result of widespread of Violence in some polling units. This was done in line with the provision of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. In the final analysis, it is trite to say that there was nothing about the Kogi election that was credible and indeed, the exercise marked one of the lowest points for INEC. Hopefully, the court will address some of the shortcomings and a reformed Electoral process would provide a lasting solution to election crisis in the country.

…And the Unfinished Business

One of the negative consequences of the electoral violence in Kogi State was that the INEC declared the Kogi West Senatorial election inconclusive.

At the collation centre for Kogi West Senatorial, final result as at Monday stood at APC 80,118 PDP 59,548. The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has announced Supplementary election in some of the units where election results were cancelled.

Returning Officer, Prof. Olayide Lawal, declared Kogi West Senatorial Election inconclusive as supplementary elections would be conducted in 53 Polling Units and 46,127 Registered Voters affected INEC is billed to announce a new date for the supplementary Polls.

In accordance with the INEC guidelines, the rerun for the Kogi West Senatorial election would hold within the next two weeks. Therefore, it will hold latest by November 30, 2019. The supplementary election will take place in the affected 7 local government areas and at least, 20 Registration Areas (Wards) as well as 53 polling units.

The number of registered voters is 48,10 and total of 30,730 PVC collected. While Smart Adeyemi is leading with 20570 margin based on the result released, Dino needs 25,661 votes to win provided 100 per cent of those who collected PVCs vote in the election.

How the People’s Will was Suppressed by Guns In this report, John Paul gives a personal account of what transpired during the November 16 governorship election in Kogi State

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he people’s voice against a common enemy was so loud at the polling units, but INEC in cahoots with security agencies constricted the entire process, and what was preordained to be a celebration of democracy ended in mayhem.

Even at the detriment of the people’s safety, they trooped out en masse, voted, and the results transferred from polling units to local government collation centres indicated that APC was defeated.

It was more apparent when agents representing the ruling party in some polling units, despite trying to woo would-be voters, left the venue while counting was in progress. Others instigated assault with the hope that violence-enmeshed polling units would be annulled. Consequently, ballot boxes at Barrack I Motor Park and Barrack III open space PUs in Egume were destroyed.

In Okura Olafia (Dekina LGA), accreditation/voting began early at various polling units, and by 2 pm, counting of votes commenced with the major opposition, PDP, taking the lead.

However, at about 4 pm, INEC officials and ballot boxes, that were being moved from Okura Ward to the collation centre in Anyigba were ambushed by thugs said to be working for the APC. Save for the intervention of military personnel, the ballot boxes

would have been snatched away by the hoodlums, who later converged on Anyigba and held the town hostage, shooting, destroying ballot boxes, and setting ablaze buildings until the following day. Ballot boxes from CMML Primary School PU 009, Odo-Eto PU 005 and Ofe-uloko PU 014 all in Anyigba ward were also destroyed.

In Odu Ogboyega ward 4 PU 001 (Engineer Musa Wada’s polling unit), a fake NSCDC officer was deployed to the polling unit on the eve of the election. He was allegedly assigned to work with the APC agent attached to the PU. But Musa Wada on hearing this alerted the inspector general of police and was also on the ground to make sure people’s votes were protected.

Ironically, contrary to claims by journalists that PDP supporters were caught in massive thumb-printing at the polling unit, APC agent was reported to be involved in vote-buying. Residents/ voters, in turn, commercialized their votes as they roamed polling units collecting money in exchange for votes.

However, would-be voters who collected money from APC, according to reports went ahead to vote for PDP in most cases. Still, in Kogi East Dekina LGA, two persons, Farouk and Shuaibu, were killed in Abocho community by thugs for attempting to prevent them from snatching ballot boxes.

Aftermath of the disruption that took place in some of the collation centres Other people were injured by stray bullets. In Idah Local Government Area, an unidentified electoral officer was said to have died mysteriously. But he died while on a boat trip from Idah town to Ibaji, hit by a stray bullet from rampaging hooligans.

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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 OVEMBER 24, 2019

POLITY

Buhari

Mohammed

Social Media Bill: Short Walk to Totalitarianism?

Matthew Hassan Kukah

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have consistently tried to create levels of differentiation between democracy and dictatorship, especially dictatorships of the military variant as we have had in our country. I have argued that Nigeria is still very far away from the goal posts of what could be called a democratic society. In my view, the environment does not as yet look anything democratic because the actors are largely strangers to the ethos and what is more, too many of them are tied to the old order, not to talk of the fact that the presence of General-presidents suggest that we are still in the thrall of militarism.

Democracy thrives on debate, consensus building, negotiation, persuasion, argumentation, rule of law, process, and inclusion. The military thrives in a coup culture, secrecy, betrayal, violence, command structure, exclusion and lack of transparency. That explains why I have always warned against describing the current charade of violent elections as democracy.

I have illustrated on several occasions that many among us arrived at Democracyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s altar by parachutes, funded by moneybags, cliques and cults. It is therefore no surprise that we have seen no difference from those who claim to be democrats in terms of the strong-arm tactics that we associated with a militarized environment. Our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;democratsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; have had no problems with what Noam Chomsky would refer to as resorting to manufactured consent when it comes to elections. They have rented the same crowds, contrived the same outcomes as the old order, seducing the people by bribery rather than persuasion and debate.

Like the false feathers of Icarus, every day, the drama of the fraud called democracy is re-enacted as the masks occasionally fall off and we see the real face of fascism that hides behind it all.

When they sense that we want to test their mandate through closely monitored elections, they threaten that we will receive either coffins or body bags in return. Every day, the evidence is before us suggesting clearly that, in the mind of those to whom we have entrusted our future, democracy is merely a heuristic device to perpetuate their grip on power, a bad portfolio investment that fears scrutiny. All the State Assemblies, at best glorified cemeteries of silence inhabited by puppets, are cowed to silence and submission as they munch their crumbs.

The recent outrage by the Minister of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed over public reaction to the Social Media Bill, is illustrative of the point I am making that not all who call themselves democrats appreciate the enormous burden that goes with the claim today. The Minister has used some rather harsh and divisive words that suggest some contempt for the voices and views of those whose labours and sacrifices brought him and his government to where they are. His language is disrespectful, appalling and illustrative of the highhandedness that suggests that we are not in a democracy. The language is as intolerant as it is alienating. The Minister says that no amount of threat, blackmail etc will dissuade the government from going ahead with the social media bill because it is borne out of patriotism. Really?

There are many questions begging for answers here. Is this the language of people who understand or have really imbibed and internalized the spirit and fine principles of

democracy? If we must do your will or face the wrath of government, then, this suggests two things: First, we must obey you and government because we are subservient to you and government. We must be answerable to you not the other way round. We must, because if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, we can be penalized by imprisonment for daring to question its wisdom or seek to have an input in a law that concerns us. When did we surrender our rights and voices to government if we are not heading to totalitarian rule? It looks like and smells like it. Is Mr. Mohammed a lawyer who is a politician or a politician who is a lawyer?

In an ideal situation, the former should reinforce the latter.

At this point, I would rather side with President Muhammadu Buhari who has been far more honest about his deficient democratic credentials. I have heard the president on at least three occasions complain that democracy is definitely not his strong jacket. To him, democracy is an irritant, a nuisance that he is compelled to live with. To paraphrase the President: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;When I was a military man, I arrested all the thieves and put them in protective custody. I asked them to go and prove their innocence. Now, I have been told that even though I can see the thieves, I cannot arrest them. I must take them to court and prove that they are guilty.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I admire the fact that the president has illustrated that his conversion to democracy was not like Paul on the road to Damascus. His tentative conversion to democracy did not come with a confession of his sins (of staging a coup), a promise not to do that again and then a plea for absolution and the acceptance of the required penance! In honesty, the president says he prefers to work with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;those he knows, not those who knowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, so we can forgive him. But not others.

Mr. Mohammed has climbed a moral high horse, claiming that he is motivated by higher and noble values of protecting the rest of us from a hovering scarecrow of evil, the social media. This is a low level fence erected to hide the construction of a wall of tyranny, fascism and totalitarianism. All tyrants and fascists started with the most noble of intentions, composing panegyric lullabies in praise of patriotism. But, as the old saying goes, patriotism is often the last refuge of scoundrels. Sooner than later, they will start the witch-hunt. This is why the radical American intellectual and activist, Lillian Hellman, who lived under the witch hunting era of McCarthyism, titled her memoirs, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Scoundrel Time!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; To be sure, there is no one, including myself, who is not aware of the dangers posed by the social media. We have all been victims. However, should the government wish to address this matter legally and openly, why should they be afraid of a public debate? It is desirable that we address the social media by way of education, open debate and transfer of knowledge.

When did the social media become sinister in the eyes of the government? Is it after the same government used it that they now realise that it was good for them then, but bad for the rest of us now?

No citizen should be compelled to obey bad laws. Patriotism is not a commodity of exchange. I have lived long in this country, been engaged long enough to know that the degree of patriotism of office holders is often in direct proportion to the opportunities that they have. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Buhariphiles will develop Buhariphobia when they lose their position. Against the backdrop of the rumours and whispers about term limits, do we know where this is going?

Finally, we must all concede that technology is here to stay. All we can do is to try to make it work for us. Like their explorer grandfathers before them, both Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) and Jack Dorsey (Twitter) have shone their light.

They know what they have seen in Nigeria and Mr. Dorsey says he plans a longer stay in future. They have seen opportunity in an incredibly energetic and brilliant youth and they are prepared to pour investment into them. What do those who govern us see? Afraid of their shadows, they see in their own Youth, trouble and threats to the quicksand into which they have buried their selfish ambitions. They want to kill these dreams by thinking of a Bill to protect us from Hate speech and so on.

There is absolutely no doubt that we face a difficult future with what to do with the social media. However, the future of employment lies there and all we need to do is extend the frontiers of the imagination of our Youth to enable them explore a future that can make us safer and prosperous. We know that fire burns and people drown in water. Should we therefore restrict the usage of water and fire or should we sit the children down and explain the dangers inherent in the goodness of water and fire? Our real challenge is the shame that now afflicts us due to decades of neglect. Apeople so badly governed will use anything to express their frustration and sadly, this is what makes us all victims of hate speech. The greatest expression of Hate is those who use the power in their hands to divide us by favouring or excluding others based on religion, gender, political affiliation or social class. They are the real reason why our people have remained diminished.

It is a measure of who we are and the premium we place on life that anyone would dream of suggesting a death sentence for the propagation of Hate speech. Surely, unscrupulous and immoral theft of humungous resources belonging to all of us by our politicians is more damaging to our society than any Hate speech. It is like comparing saliva and a dam. A clear conscience fears no accusation. Technology, developed by humans, still has inbuilt safety valves that will enable it to correct itself.

Threats, arm-twisting or raw bravado will not do. Edward Snowden has shown that the builders of terror can always pull back. It is inefficiency and political corruption that creates the conditions for the social Media to thrive not lack of patriotism.

The ultimate goal of this Bill is not to punish those who offend, but those who offend government or those in government. Again, here, we have to fall back on the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sense of honesty. When he promulgated Decree 2, the focus was to punish journalists who made public officers uncomfortable.

Again, on this note, the President has not changed his mind set at all. Therefore, when the sponsors of this Bill claim that it is for our own good, they are borrowing our mouths to eat onions. If the government gets away with it, we have no idea what else will be on the table. Only a robust debate can cure the claims of cynicism.

The Government has all the laws it needs to fight any form of crime and individuals can fall back on it. This Bill is redundant, stale, superfluous and a fraud. We must fight it with all our energy. It is rotten yoghurt being marketed beyond its expiration date. We should reject it as a totalitarian attempt to circumscribe our hard earned freedom. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Kukah is the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 24, 2019

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FROMTHECOURT

Kano Emirates and Governor Ganduje’s Disregard for Rule of Law The decision by the Kano government to reject the state high court judgment which nullified the creation of four new Kano emirates shows disdain and gross disrespect for Nigeria’s judiciary, writes Davidson Iriekpen

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f there is any lesson to learn from the Thursday judgment of the Kano State High Court that nullified the four new additional emirates created by the Governor Abdullahi Ganduje government, it is how to always follow due process, especially when going after a perceived enemy or opponent.

Delivering judgment in the suit filed by a former Minority Leader in Kano House of Assembly, Salisu Gwarzo, Justice Usman Na’Abba not only nullified the creation of the new emirates but also restrained the four new emirs appointed by Ganduje from parading themselves as first-class emirs.

In order to whittle down the powers and influence of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad II, the state government had sent a bill to the state assembly to create four addition emirates: Karaye, Bichi, Rano, and Gaya.

And in what observers described as the fastest bill ever passed by any legislature in Nigeria’s history, the assembly received the proposal to create the new emirates and passed it into law within three days and without holding a proper public hearing.

A few minutes after, the governor signed the bill into law, proclaiming the four emirates. The new law recognized the additional emirates as first-class, the same coveted status currently accorded to the centuries-old Kano Emirate.

Consequent upon this, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the state assembly led by Gwarzo approached the court to seek urgent injunctions on five issues surrounding the creation of the new emirates.

The lawmakers said the state assembly did not properly convene before hurriedly passing a bill that established four additional units for the Kano Emirate Council.

In his judgment, Justice Na’Abba concluded that the state assembly did not follow due process in creating the emirates.

Though the judge added that it is the constitutional responsibility of the state assembly to create new emirates, he said it violated Section 101 of the 1999 Constitution, which gives it the power to enact its rules and guidelines of proceedings.

The court submitted that the state assembly’s rules and regulations have to be in conformity with the Nigerian constitution. Specifically, he nullified the proceedings of the state assembly conducted on May 6, 7 and 8 which created the new emirates. He said Ganduje should not have assented to the law since its procedure was faulty.

Justice Na’Abba had earlier dismissed the preliminary objections by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Mukhtar, and other respondents in the suit that the plaintiff lacked the right to challenge the new Kano law. He ruled that the plaintiff, Salisu Gwarzo, who was the minority leader in the state assembly, has given sufficient reasons for filing the suit and thus had the locus standi to do so.

The creation of the emirates by the Kano government was criticized by many within and outside the state. Before the new law, Sanusi was the only first-class emir in the state. He had traditional control of all the state’s 44 local government areas.

Thirty-six of those local councils have now been yanked off his control, leaving the former CBN governor with only eight local government areas to administer.

Following coronation as the emir of Kano in 2014 by Rabiu Kwankwaso, there has been no love lost between Sanusi and Kwankwaso’s successor, Ganduje, since the latter assumed office in 2015. The emir was accused of being too critical of Ganduje and his policies with some of his critics accusing him of supporting opposition politicians.

In 2017, what appeared like an engineered plot by the government to remove the emir through a probe of the emirate council’s finances was only halted after a series of high-level interventions.

However, not many people thought that only two years down the line, the same animosity would crop up, leading to the balkanization of a geographical and cultural entity that had maintained a single rulership since the establishment of the Sokoto caliphate in 1804, just to whittle down Sanusi’s traditional influence.

The governor then went ahead to give effect to the new law by appointing four additional emirs. The new law reinvigorated three thrones that were in existence before the Fulani Jihad of 1804, which subsumed them under Kano as the recognized emirate in the region. These were Karaye, Rano, and Gaya. The law also created a new seat in Bichi, which is enthroned to the Kano ruling house.

The governor, therefore, elevated the heads of the institutions in Rano, Gaya, and Karaye to first-class emirs, as provided by the law, and appointed Aminu Bayero, son of the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, to head Bichi.

Ganduje Additionally, the amendments changed the pattern of emirate councils in all the five emirates. The exclusivity of choice of council members by the emir was changed, making local government chairmen, secretary to the state government and five appointees of the governor into the councils.

Speaking to State House correspondents, when he went to visit President Muhammadu Buhari, Ganduje defended his government’s swift creation of four additional emirates.

“It is not a vendetta. I am not against him (Sanusi). In fact, he is supposed to be reporting to the local government chairman according to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor was quoted to have said.

After the judgment, counsel to the plaintiff, Maliki Kuliya, expressed satisfaction with it. He said it confirmed the status of the court as the last hope of the powerless.

But the state’s attorney general, who is the fifth defendant in the case, said all the defendants in the suit, would study the judgment for the next line of action.

It did not take long to understand what he meant. A few hours later, the state Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, said despite the judgment, the government would continue to recognize the new rulers as first-class emirs and deal with them as such.

He added that the state government would not fold its arms and concede to threats on constitutional power in the interest of the well-being of the people and general development of the state.

“Despite the ruling, the government still recognizes them as first-class emirs and will continue dealing with them as such,” Garba said.

According to him, the state government is studying the ruling with a view to taking immediate and appropriate

action. He regretted that despite the constitutional power and authority conferred on the state assembly on such progressive and important issues, the court rules otherwise.

Though the information commissioner did not reveal if the state government would appeal the judgment, many have sensed that even if it did, it would not pursue it.

But observers see the declaration by the state government to continue to recognize the four new emirates as part of the disdain and gross disrespect the executive arm of government has for the judiciary.

Those who spoke with THISDAY said the frosty relationship between Ganduje and Sanusi was not the issue but the disrespect and disregard for an order of a competent court.

Even though many of the observers believe that it would not be easy to ask the new emirs to step down, others feel that that is why the governor should not have been in a hurry to enthrone the new traditional rulers in the first place. They pointed out that when the court ordered the state government to maintain the status quo, it should have respected the decision. A lawyer, Fatai Usman, said, “This is what you get when you are in a hurry to get at an opponent. Whatever it takes, the law has to be obeyed. A competent court has nullified the emirates. It has to be obeyed otherwise the emirs are on the throne illegally. Any entitlement, allowance, and salary they get are illegal and criminal.

“Whether the judgment is obeyed or not, it has already been declared as illegal by a competent court. It will always add to the plethora of orders by the courts that the APC has disobeyed both at the federal and state levels. The party and their leaders, who came to power under the pretext of change will go down in the history of Nigeria’s democratic journey as the most lawless.”

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 24, 2019

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CICERO/ONTHEWATCH

Edo 2020: Unveiling th The Edo State governorship election slated for next year is gradually building up and those

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here is no doubt that after the Bayelsa and Kogi States governorship elections, attention will shift to Edo State, which is next in line in the governorship election to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The election promises to be a big surprise, because of the calibre of persons that are coming up to contest. At the moment, 10 aspirants had either directly indicated their interest to contest their parties’ primaries or were being drawn to the fray to cause more upsets.

Incidentally, those contesting come from the two dominant political parties – the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

From the APC is the incumbent governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; former Army Director of Personnel, Major-General Charles Airhiavbere; Business Mogul, Captain Hosa Okunbo; former deputy governor, Dr. Pius Odubu; former Minister of State, Works, Dr. Chris Ogiemwonyi; and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who recently left the PDP for the APC. On the PDP platform is Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, an Abuja-based school proprietor and businessman. There is also Gideon Ikhine, a businessman, who is into oil service; former Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen; as well as present member, representing Oredo federal constituency, Hon. Ogbeide Ihama.

Onolememen

Among the PDP aspirants, Onolememen was the first to eye the seat while serving as minister. He was the leading contender, but lost interest, when the PDP lost power in 2015, to the APC. However, with the infighting in Edo APC, the notable Naval Architect is reportedly re-oiling his political machine to contest given the party’s recent pronouncement of no zoning in the governorship primary election.

Ikhine

Obaseki

Ize-Iyamu

Capt. Okunbor

Airhiavbere

phosed to ACN and present day APC before his sojourns to PDP, because of skewed primaries intended to favour a particular candidate rather than giving all aspirants a level playing ground.

He contributed to the provision of a secretariat for the party and was among the leading candidates, when he was asked to step down for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Imasuangbon later defected to the PDP and gave life to the then comatose party. He contested the governorship in 2011, but lost at the primary to General Charles Airhiavbere. In 2016, Imasuangbon defected to the APC and contested again.

He was among the aspirants that lost to Obaseki.

Imasuangbon, a lawyer has declared intention to run again in 2020 under the PDP. His chances

An engineer by profession, he has not been visible in the political scene but sources close to him say he is consulting to know the next line of action. As a PDP chieftain as well as businessman with interest in the oil and gas sector, some PDP stalwarts say Ikhine has vast network within the PDP that may work to his advantage.

Presently, he is holding wide consultation to convince delegates on why he is the right man for the job. A close ally said Gideon would approach the campaign with a message of hope to the common man.

According to the source, “Gideon was the first in Edo Central to declare intention to run for the governorship, because there is no time politicians will say it is the turn of Edo Central. He wants to restore the heritage and old landmark and give hope to the hopeless.

The source also noted that Ikhine’s philosophy was derived from “a state where everybody will be equal by giving back to the poor. By the time he unveils his programme, the people will know he is the right man for the job. He wants to see through the challenges first as the Esans are already speaking with one voice.”

Ogbeide-Ihama

A member of the House of Representatives, who is serving his second term is said to be the bride of some members of PDP executive. His victory at the National Assembly polls, when he won an election in the constituency of Governor Obaseki against the governor’s APC candidate, endeared him to PDP leaders in the state.

The inability of his party’s candidates to win any seat in the two state assembly seats remained his albatross. But his chances would be high now that Pastor Ize-Iyamu has left PDP for APC

Imansuagbon

The rice man as he is called, because of his yearly distribution of bags of rice to the downtrodden has always had his eyes on the state’s number one position since 2007. He has supporters across the state due to his philanthropic gestures. His annual quiz competitions, where iPads and cash gifts are given to deserving students have remained endearing in the hearts of parents and wards.

Imasuangbon was among the financiers of the defunct Action Congress (AC), which metamor-

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CICERO/ONTHEWATCH

he Names on the Card likely to throw their hats into the ring have also been warming up. Adibe Emenyonu writes of mindset runs antithetical to party leaders, who feel used and ditched, more so that he was a political nobody before Oshiomhole forced party members to endorse him.

Presently, he is not in the good books of a majority of his party members, who have vowed to take their pounds of flesh. Nevertheless, the ignoble role played by the governor in the nocturnal inauguration of the state assembly, which enthroned minority rule is still fresh in the minds of his traducers.

But the governor, a political neophyte of yesterday, is now a political master of today as he is said to have also perfected his own plan to ensure he gets his party’s ticket with or without APC. He was alleged to have had a concrete arrangement with the opposition PDP should APC decide to pull the rug off his feet by denying him the ticket, because of the array of internal crises that have engulfed the party presently.

The arrangement with PDP, as allegedly gathered was what led to the exit of Ize-Iyamu from the party.

The governor was alleged to have reached an agreement with PDP leaders for a soft landing in case he was unable to secure the APC ticket.

Osagie Ize-Iyamu

Before last Thursday crossover, Ize-Iyamu’s movement has been on the lips of every politically conscious person in and out of Edo State. First, it was in the realm of speculation but with his formal defection, the former candidate of the PDP, now back to APC, the stage appears set for a mother of all political battles.

Ize-Iyamu aroused fears both in the camp of PDP and ruling APC, though he may or may not contest the party primaries. If he does, it may likely cause implosion except the party already has the mechanism to assuage those, who may feel aggrieved and cheated. Should he refuse to contest, he could bring more fortune to the party being a great mobiliser of political animals.

Imansuagbon

Gideon

Captain Hosa Okunbor

He is a businessman, investor, philanthropist and commercial pilot, who has served as director and chairman of numerous company boards in multiple business sectors like agro-allied, petroleum, telecommunications, power, real estate and banking industries.

“Capy” as his admirers address him is rumoured to be interested in contesting the APC governorship primaries. He is alleged to be the choice of Benin royal family but the business mogul had been quoted as saying, “I am not interested in politics but will contribute my quota to the political development of my state, Edo”.

Charles Airhiavbere

Major-General Charles Airhiavbere Contested the Edo 2012 governorship elections under PDP but was beaten by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of the APC. He defected to APC in 2016, vied for the party primaries with Governor Obaseki, who won and later became the governor in the election. He is one of those challenging Obaseki in the APC party contest.

Pius Odubu

A former deputy governor of Edo State, Pius Odubu contested the APC primaries but came a distant second to Obaseki, who won.

The two-time deputy governor and two-time member of the House of Representatives is a fine politician, who does not believe in politics with bitterness. When he lost the primaries to Obaseki, he did not abandon the party. He went ahead to traverse the length and breadth of the state to campaign for Obaseki’s victory at the polls.

He is taunted as one of those interested to re-contest the APC primaries. However today, favour has smiled on him following his nomination and clearance by the Senate as chairman designate of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a development that may likely make him have a rethink.

Onolememen

Ihama

of clinching the PDP ticket are high as he has all it takes to convince party delegates in addition to no zoning mantra of the state PDP leadership. On the other hand, APC presently parades six aspirants though many may still indicate their interests before the bell for the primary election tolls.

Godwin Obaseki

He is the incumbent governor of the state on the platform of APC. Obaseki, a technocrat, has within the three years had his eye on infrastructural development of the state. His brand of politics can only be found in an ideal society devoid of noise making and self-aggrandisement. Unfortunately, that kind

Chris Ogiemeonyi

The retired Executive Director of NNPP is also former Minister of State, Works under former President Goodluck Jonathan. The former PDP chieftain left the party to contest the governorship primaries of APC in 2016.

Again, ahead of next year’s election, he is putting together his political structure to square up with the incumbent governor, who defeated him and others three years ago.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͰͲ, 2019

IBIRONKE SHILELOLA THE UNSTOPPABLE LADY In white, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pristine. In fuchsia, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eclectic; electric. In black, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bold and beautiful. Her stunning looks, dazzling attire represent belief and an unassuming aura. The only item that suggests her influential status is the power suit that drapes around her shoulders. She is a tempest in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TV industry. Ibironke Shilelola has been there, done that. In 2014, she recorded a milestone in her career with the launch of the first Nigerian-produced telenovela. Vanessa Obioha writes that she is still pushing the envelope with the opening of a cinema exhibition hall

B

efore her arrival, one of her employees, Mojisola Sapara, gave a summary of Shilelola Ibironkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive curriculum vitae.

It included running a television

content marketing company, MicroMedia Marketing Limited which portfolio boasts many successful TV programmes such as the critically acclaimed ďŹ rst Nigerian telenovela, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Taste of Loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and TV drama series, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Casinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

From the way she narrated the achievement of the woman she called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, it was apparent that she harboured great admiration for her.Thus, when Ibironke Shilelola ďŹ nally arrived, it was a delightful Mojisola that led her to the head of

the dining table of the Radisson Blu Hotel restaurant in Ikeja.

There is an unassuming aura around Ibironke. Her gentle mien didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t betray the power she wields in her sector.The only item that suggested her inďŹ&#x201A;uential status was the power suit that draped around her shoulders.That piece of clothing and her position on the table indicated her trailblazing feats in a male-dominated industry.

Call her a tempest or a wild rose on TV and you will not be wrong.

Shilelola is simply an unstoppable force who is constantly pushing the envelope in her ďŹ eld of play. She shatters the glass ceilings with little noise, rather allowing her works to speak for her. From producing content to distribution, Shilelola has penetrated areas where others would merely take a gander.

Her zeal to achieve her dream is admirable.Take for instance when she wanted to enter the East African market in 2016. She wrote to almost all the broadcast networks in Kenya but none was willing to give her a chance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without knowing anyone in Kenya, we enrolled for a conference and set out to cover all the TV networks in Nairobi. Doors were shut on us but we persevered and prayed. Finally, we got an offer from KTN, the largest TV network. As we were packing our bags to leave Nairobi, I looked at my colleague who travelled with me and told her we should take advantage of being in East Africa to cover all the key countries. We ended up going to Rwanda,Tanzania, and Uganda.

The reception and continuous patronage of the TV networks in these countries gave credence to the quality of love for Nollywood dramas by other African countries,â&#x20AC;? she narrated with enthusiasm.

It is one of the major highlights of her career.

Her TV drama series are currently broadcast in 40 African countries including Anglophone, Francophone and more recently Lusophone African countries. Her distribution channels include payTV, free-to-air, video-on-demand and OTT platforms. Her next move is to put her content on aviation onboard entertainment platforms.

These are some of the milestones that have marked the 20-year media career of the graduate of Economics who started her TV content marketing career in Consolidated Media Associates (CMA). Her initial plan was to be an actress after modelling during her university days. She starred in the Wale Adenuga TV drama series, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Super Storyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, as well as the family comedydrama, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Papa Ajasco and Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

But her choice of career didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go well with her parents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started from being an executive to become the head of marketing in CMA. Moreso, I am the ďŹ rst person that launched Soundcity in Nigeria.

I toured the whole of Nigeria with MTN and also other brands for over two years. After marriage, I left the role of marketing and started thinking of how to start my own, something that will just be okay for my children and as well focus on

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NOVEMBER 24, 2019˾ T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

PERSONALITY

MY ABILITY TO ENVISION WHAT’S NEXT family life. However, once you are a professional and you are skilled in a certain form of business you will just keep building,”said Shilelola.

In September this year, Ibironke scored another first by opening a cinema exhibition hall in Alimosho local government area of Lagos state. Called Heritage Cinemas, the mall boasts of two theatre halls, retail outlets for businesses and a lounge.

“Going into the cinematic chains is part of the dynamism that comes with the media industry and the ability for you to envision what next; what exactly the viewers are watching, where they are and what exactly are the consumers doing.

Owning a cinema exhibition hall is one of those ways we can offer our value to our consumers. It is a place where they can come to watch blockbusters because the viewers want to see exactly what has been launched in America, in the western world at the same time with the same offering of stylish and luxurious setting,”she explained.

With Heritage Cinemas, Shilelola has added to the growing number of cinemas across the country, thus increasing revenue for content distribution through the medium.The country currently boasts of over 50 cinemas across the country with Lagos having the highest number of cinemas.

Most of these multiplexes are situated in the posh areas of the state, making it majorly accessible to residents within the area. Shilelola aims to offer the same sophisticated setting to local communities with Heritage Cinemas.

For her, not situating her cinema in the key cities is not a minus.

“Because we try to look out where exactly is the line of that analysis, where exactly is the underserved environment, where do you want to play in the market, what chunk of that market share do you want to take. I don’t need to fight over a big name we can start pretty small and then grow. it is the beginning of other chains that would come onboard.”

This strategy is the hat-trick she used to set up her company years ago. She settled for a name that suggested a diminutive amount to those who misunderstood the economic term.

“When we started MicroMedia, a lot of people called me asking why I settled for such a diminutive name. Micro is actually an economic term meaning playing in a competitive market. It was important to function under a micro perfect where there are laws of demand and supply but they didn’t quite understand the reason for the name until later when it became big.”

For Heritage Cinemas, she settled for the name to show the

Shilelola

indigeneity of Nigerians. Her ultimate If you ask Shilelola who turned 38 in October her magic weapon, she will refer to the popular Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey duet, ‘WhenYou Believe’.

“Many nights I prayed,”she

said referring to the lyrics of the song.“During the day I was faced with skepticism on achieving this goal. It surely looked far-fetched but today, we are a testament to miracles happen. If you believe it, then you can achieve it. Launching Heritage Cinemas was a major

career highlight, the entire project development was outside of my forte and there was a heavy reliance on artisan and technical skill workers. Ultimately, achieving the project within a specific time-frame of 12 months was record-breaking jubilation,”she stated.

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SOCIALMEDIABITS

with DEMOLA OJO demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

Last week, violence marred two gubernatorial elections, outcry trailed a proposeed social media bill, and the senate president took a worrying stance...

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redictably, reactions trailing the results of last Saturday’s elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states dominated tje conversation on social media in the days that followed.

The elections in both states were marred by violence, with Kogi especially described as a “theatre of war.”

Lives were lost and it wasn’t just violence before and during elections but also after, with sickening reports including that of Mrs. Acheju Abuh, the Women Leader for the campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate Musa Wada, who was burnt alive in her home by thugs.

Yahaya Bello, the much vilified governor of the state who, in his first tenure became the ‘’poster boy’ of state governors who

salaries , got re-elected. Which raised the question on many people’s lips, and posed

by Fela Anikulapo’s vocal son, Seun Kuti, on Twitter: Are the workers in Kogi State’s employ happy at being owed a backlog of wages running into months? Because how else could Bello have won? Unless of course, the election was manipulated.

Not a problem for members of the APC and their apologists. They were quick to congratulate Bello on a “well won victory” as President Muhammadu Buhari described it. The President’s glee at winning the election by hook or by crook was apparent in the photo-op with Bello who went to present the spoils of victory (his INEC return certificate).

Senator Dino Melaye also lost his senate seat in the Kogi election. His initial victory had been upturned by a court and the signs

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SOCIALMEDIABITS were ominous. Especially after that picture pof President Buhari pointing a finger at him at the National Assembly surfaced on social media. Melaye says he will report the allegedly rigged and obviously violent election to the international community.

Meanwhile Bayelsa witnessed a shock result with the APC winning the oil-rich state for the first time. For those in the know, it wasn’t such a surprise though. # The running narrative on social media was that former President Goodluck Jonathan helped mastermind victory for the APC. On the surface, this seems a preposterous idea as the PDP stalwart has over the years been repeatedly ridiculed by both officials and supporters of the APC. However, the notion that Jonathan lent a helping hand to the APC was given credence by cryptic remarks by a few, including a media aide to President Buhari.

They used a recent picture where both president shared a laugh to buttress their point. In politics they say, no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.

In whose interests is the widely condemned social media bill - formally known as Protection from Internet

Falsehood and Manipulations Bill - which has gone through a second reading at the senate? Certainly those who bear the brunt of criticism by the generality of the citizenry. You can say that it serves the interests of President Buhari and the ruling APC government who – lest we forget – rode to power on the back of propaganda spread via social media.

Now though, the administration is hell bent in silencing dissent, with the continued detention of publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore a case in point. More worrying is the stance of the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, who said aid any request from President Buhari would make Nigeria a better place, and such would be acted on “expeditiously.”

There was outcry on social media over the social media bill which has scaled a second reading in the senate.

This is in contrast to its overwhelming support by senators, including Elish Abbo, earlier this year suffered the ignominy of having a video where was seen assaulting a nursing mother, being circulated widely via social media.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

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GAVEL

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

Buhari, National Assembly Spar over Constituency Project President Muhammadu Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s allegation last week that federal lawmakers within ten years squandered one trillion naira on constituency projects elicited prompt reaction from the two chambers of the National Assembly, report Deji Elumoye and Adedayo Akinwale

T

he much touted â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cordialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; relationship between the Executive and legislative arms of government appeared threatened last Tuesday, when President Muhammadu Buhari openly accused federal lawmakers in the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth National of misusing funds voted for their constituency projects.

The President, who indicted the legislators while speaking at a national summit on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diminishing Corruption in the Public Serviceâ&#x20AC;? in Abuja, disclosed that a report had confirmed governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fear that constituency projects did not get to the ordinary people as initially envisaged.

According to him, the first phase report of tracking the constituency projects by Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed the fear that the benefits of the projects were not trickling down to the common people at the grassroots despite the huge sums appropriated for constituency projects since inception.

This is the first time the Presidency will complain about the execution of constituency projects, which was introduced during the second term of President Olusegun Obasanjo as a form of gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agreement to settle the rancour persisting then between the Executive and legislative arms.

Subsequent administrations of Umaru Musa Yarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari sustained the constituency projects idea, initiated by the federal legislators to be sited in their respective constituencies while funds to finance the projects which are to be executed by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are usually included in the federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget for the fiscal year that covers the projects.

Among those indicted over the constituency are the Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, who has been in the National Assembly since 1999 and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, who has been a member of the Green Chamber since the last 16 years as well as other serving Senators and House members.

It, however, took the leadership of the two chambers more than 24 hours to respond to the allegations made against the current and past members of the Assembly over the execution of constituency projects since 2009.

The Senate, on Wednesday, claimed ignorance of the verbal attack on them by President Buhari, who accused them of wasting one trillion Naira on constituency projects in the last ten years.

Senate spokesman, Senator Godiya Akwashiki, told newsmen after plenary that the upper chamber was not aware of what the President was quoted to have said about lawmakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; constituency projects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just read it in the dailies this morning but officially the Senate is not aware of this and we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t react to what we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about,â&#x20AC;? adding that there were official mode of communication between the Executive and legislature, which in this case has not been exploited. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. President has not written to the National Assembly officially on this matter. We have modes of communication and I want to believe if he has anything, he will write to us. The President is the President of this country. He spoke as Chief Executive but you people sometimes you can be funny,â&#x20AC;? he explained.

Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in his reaction, however, declared that the PDP caucus in the upper legislative chamber is not worried by the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Gbajabiamila

remarks over the legislatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; constituency projects.

He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reason why our Caucus is not worried is because we know that it was a statement that was erroneous as somebody must have written a speech and then put false information in the speech. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Abaribe stressed that the President should know better as the execution of the constituency projects were carried out by government agencies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have always said the constituency projects are not done by the Senators or members of House of Representatives.

They are domiciled in the executive, who executes it. If the President said he has not seen anything, he should ask his ministers and the agencies under him as the executive as they are the people who have been executing these projectsâ&#x20AC;?.

It was, however, a different ball game in the House of Representatives, as members did not find the statement credited to the President funny. They were up in arms at the plenary last Wednesday saying the ICPC should have endeavoured to explain the difference between amount budgeted and amount released.

House Speaker, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, while commenting on the matter following a point of order raised under privileges by the Minority leader of the House, Hon Ndidi Elumelu, expressed concern about the unintended consequences of the statement.

He stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it is a breach of our collective privilege as a House and not one person. My concern is the unintended consequences of words spoken. These are words emanating from a report by ICPC. There could be unintended consequences that could come out of it. You put peoples well being at risk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel it is okay to use the National Assembly as the weeping boys. The fact is that there is the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

The ICPC could easily invoke their power of investigation and look at releases as compared to what was budgeted. The ICPC that made the report, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think they will appreciate if the House, in discharge of its constitutional responsibilities did an oversight on ICPC based on what was budgeted as opposed to what was released to them. When you break an egg, it is going to be difficult to put it together.â&#x20AC;?

Against this background, the Speaker therefore called on ICPC and other anti-graft agencies to carry out a proper investigation on it, stressing that there is a difference between money budgeted and money released.

The Minority Leader stated that he had been inundated with calls from his constituents asking him to give account of the money since the President made the statement.

Elumelu quoted Section 4 of the 1999 constitution as amended, which says that budget should be made and if passed in the House, the onus lies on the executive to implement and award contract, stressing that he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know of any member, who is a member of the tenders board.

Elumelu, who frowned at the report said, the information was capable of giving him a bad name before his community. He lamented that the ICPC that wrote the report failed to tell the truth of how much was actually released, adding that if N1 trillion was budgeted like the President said, if that money was released completely, there would be value commensurate to the money. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had so many calls and it was difficult for me to explain. My worry and why I am bringing this up is that, yes, I got N100 million budgeted but actual releases was not up to 50 per cent. In actual sense, even this year, we never got release more than 40 per cent.

I can conveniently tell you that only about 30 per cent has been released. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wonder why the ICPC man failed to look at what was released. Why should

ours be a subject of debate that they will tell Nigerians we received N1 trillion, when that was budgeted, but not released? My message is that we should let them know that while N1 trillion was budgeted for constituency projects, by way of releases, we did not receive that, because what was released was less that 40 per cent.â&#x20AC;?

On his part, the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, said about 50 per cent of the project fund had been released in the last ten years, stressing that the reason why there are so many abandoned projects was because of lack of releases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The issue is very important, because words have meanings. In all the papers, report says N1 trillion wasted on constituency projects in 10 years. Of course, Mr. President would have been responding to information given to him. I am a student of public policy analysis.

I understand that projects and policies of government go through interrogation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you say N1 trillion is released, it presupposes that the equivalent value of that money should be on ground. There is also a presupposition that this money is given to members. Our responsibility is to make laws and pass budget and once that is done, it goes to the Executive and the execution is the responsibility of the executive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You award contract and you pay 50 per cent. What happen to the remaining 50 per cent? How can you complete them? In the 2019 budget, about N220 billion was budgeted for roads and what was released was N45 billion. If you are expecting the value of N220 billion when you give N45 billion, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what you will see,â&#x20AC;? Okechukwu said.

Beyond the buck passing, it will be apt for the leadership of the National Assembly to critically study the ICPC report on constituency projects, which informed the Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s statement and see what they can make out of it with a view to making necessary adjustments ahead of execution

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž OVEMBER 24, 2019

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NEWS XTRA Borno Governor Hires 150 Cameroonian Vigilantes to Flush Out Boko Haram Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara has deployed 150 Cameroonian vigilantes to flush out remnants of Boko Haram from his state.

The newly engaged Cameroonians, who are also equipped for the task, are to work side by side with Nigerian hunters and vigilantes currently assisting the military in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram in parts of northern Borno.

The Cameroonians, who are

mainly from the Kesh-Kesh vigilante group, were presented with four surveillance vehicles and other fighting equipment on Saturday at a brief ceremony in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Aea, in the fringes of the Lake Chad.

Conducting the ceremony were Borno State commissioner for local governments and emirate affairs, Sugun Mai-Mele and a member of the Borno state assembly, representing Mobbar State constituency, Usman Moruma leading other members of

the team from the state government.

A security source in Mobbar told our correspondent that vehicles and other items needed to mobilize the Cameroonians were given at the brief ceremony.

The governor, who had expressed his willingness to fight insurgency in the state on his inauguration on May 29, 2019, had in August ordered the recruitment of thousands of hunters and vigilantes from different parts

of northern Nigeria.

He had also supported the military, the deradicalization and re-integration of repentant insurgents, investment in education to fight the Boko Haram ideology

and use of social protection and creation of jobs to combat economic inducements used by the insurgents as part of recruitment strategy, in a multifaceted approach to fighting insurgency.

Lightning Kills 17 Cows in Osun Community Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo No fewer than 17 cows and two sheep have been killed by lightening in Iba,in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun state.

The incident happened on Friday at Gaa Eleesun, a community mostly inhabited

by Fulani herdsmen in Iba. THISDAY yesterday gathered that the thunderstorm, which struck at around 6:00pm left some residents of the community hospitalised as a result of shock.

THISDAY further gathered that the incident has caused panic among residents of the community.

Some of the villagers said that the strange incident occurred when some Fulani herdsmen had already returned from pasturing.

Speaking on the development with THISDAY , the leader of Gaa Eleesun community, Chief

Jimoh Soliu lamented the loss of the cows and sheep.

Soliu noted that â&#x20AC;&#x153;we (Fulani herdsmen) had just returned from pasturing when the thunder struck. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ran into the houses leaving our cows outside. But to our shock, we found 17 cows and two sheep dead outside.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;?This is devastating for us because since we have been staying in this community, this strange occurrence has never happened.â&#x20AC;?he asserted.

In October, no fewer than eight cows were killed by lightning at a mountain in Oyinmo Quarters, Ikare Akoko the headquarters of Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State late on Tuesday evening.

The incident happened barely a month after 36 cows were killed by lightning in Ijare town in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

Edo Commences Enrollment of Residents for Health Insurance Scheme The Edo State Government has commenced enrolment of residents into the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary health insurance scheme, to guarantee access to affordable and quality healthcare services in the newly refurbished health care centers across the state.

A statement from the state said the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund are covered under the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), a holistic framework to overhaul and improve healthcare services in public health institutions in the state.

As modalities are being finalised for the roll-out of State Health Insurance Scheme, the Edo State Primary Health Development Care Agency (EPHCDA), has kickstarted an enrolment programme that would run from November 21 to 30, so as to galvanise the people to take full advantage of the offerings from EdoHIP. Executive Secretary of the EPHCDA, Dr. Mrs. Mbarie Imuwahen said the team from the agency had visited communities in Ovia North East to register and enrol some of the rural dwellers in the programme so they could benefit from the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move to make access to quality healthcare seamless.

She noted that the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry of Health was working assiduously to achieve the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directive for the efficient operation of the Health Insurance Scheme with the Commissioner, Dr. Patrick Okundia, leading the charge.

She said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The team was in Egbatta and Odunna community in Ovia North East for registration and enrolment of residents into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund/Health Insurance Scheme.

The communities are close to the Odunna Primary Health Care Center, which is among the 20 centres that were recently reconstructed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are efforts to ensure a smooth kick-off of the Health Insurance Scheme in the state.

We are happy that we are making progress. The health insurance scheme will ensure that the state government deploys the requisite materials to meet the health needs of residents in the state and it is important to get accurate data towards the realization of this goal.â&#x20AC;?

The Odionwere of Oduna community, Chief Alfred Iyesogie, thanked the team for the exercise in the community, noting that they have his full support for the enrolment of members of his community for the scheme.

CREATING VALUE...

L-R: Chief Marketing Officer, Smile Nigeria, Abdul Hafeez; Ag Managing Director, Akin Alayoku; Chief Finance Officer, Abhulime Ahigwina, and Head, Brands and Communication, Lotanna Anajemba, at the launch of â&#x20AC;&#x153;More Value and More Affordable Data Plansâ&#x20AC;? Campaign By Smile Nigeria in Lagos... recently

CDHR Raises Alarm, Says Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an Attempt to Silence Falana The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has declared that there is an attempt to silence the voice of Femi Falana, human rights lawyer.

On Wednesday, a group, Save Nigeria Movement, had asked Falana to stop intimidating security agencies.

During its rally in Abuja, the group displayed banners with inscriptions such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Falana stop blackmailing Nigerian militaryâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Falana enough is enoughâ&#x20AC;?.

But in a statement on Sunday, Osagie Obayuwana, CDHR national president, condemned the protest against the lawyer.

He said the action of the protesters showed that they were sponsored in an attempt to silence Falana.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;From all indications, the group was set up solely for the purpose and its expressed aim â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;To defend Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Security Agencies from intimidation by Mr. Falanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; speaks volumes as to who the funders are. Even while we recognize that there is hunger in the land, it is detestable that there are Nigerians available these days for hire, to do such a dirty job,â&#x20AC;? the statement read. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How on earth can it be said that Mr. Femi Falana by virtue of

Adegbite: Downstream Mineral Policy Will Trigger DiversiďŹ cation Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite has said that the downstream mineral policy will trigger the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic diversification in a sustainable manner.

Adegbite, disclosed this yesterday at a media session on the forthcoming Nigerian Solid Minerals Downstream Workshop, Abuja.

The minister noted that the blueprint among other things, will trigger the revamping of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the effective harnessing of the abundant minerals endowment spread across the country.

The Nigerian solid minerals downstream workshop in partnership with Lagos business school will hold on the 2nd of Dec. 2019, in Abuja.

Adegbite stated that President Muhammadu Buhari, had mandated the ministry to solve the long intractable problems bedeviling the Nigerian solid minerals sector

and use the sector to diversify the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy.

He said that with the articulation of these problems over the past 90 days, the administration was on the path of making a renaissance in harnessing the potentials that abound in the sector for the good people of Nigeria.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the great strides taken by this ministry is the current process of developing Nigerian Downstream Mineral Policy a mineral value chain initiative, this is first of its kind ever done in Nigeria.â&#x20AC;?

He revealed that as part of the process leading to the revamping of the entire solid minerals sector, the ministry would sensitize key stakeholders especially large investors of the noble and novel initiative for the development of solid mineral downstream value chains leading to massive job generation, wealth generation and industrialisation.

According to him, there is a great paradigm shift in the ways the sector has hitherto been administered.

his pronouncements out of court and submissions before judges can intimidate the DSS and the Army, to such an extent that these agencies now need protection?â&#x20AC;?

Falana, counsel of Omoyele Sowore, convener of #RevolutionNow Movement, has been critical of Nigerian security agencies over cases of abuses and disregard for the rule of law.

Obayuwana said it was worrisome that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is â&#x20AC;&#x153;adopting a similar approach of silencing voicesâ&#x20AC;?, used during the government of Sani Abacha, former military head of state.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is highly regrettable that decades after Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience with the Abacha inglorious regime, where citizens were killed by state agents for the opinions they expressed, and hirelings urged the killer regime on by proclaiming that Abacha is the one the cap fits, we seem to be witnessing the erection of such a foundation,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That Abacha and his choristers all ended up in the dustbin of history is now a matter of record. With the so-called Movement to Save Nigeria, we see these ominous signs coming unto the horizon, under a government that proclaims to be democratic.â&#x20AC;?

Hooliganism: Nasarawa Govt Accepts to Pay Nasarawa United FC Fines Igbawase Ukumba in LaďŹ a

The Nasarawa State government has accepted to pay all fines awarded against Nasarawa United FC by the League Management Company (LMC) following a violent attack on match officials and others at the Lafia Township stadium recently.

The state commissioner for youths and sports development,, Uthman Bala-Adams, told journalists on Saturday in Lafia, the state capital, describing the scenario as unfortunate.

THISDAY gathered that on Wednesday, November 20, a Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) 2019/2020 match day 4 fixture between Nasarawa United and Plateau United at the Lafia Township stadium ended in violence.

It was further revealed that some fans had attacked the match commissioner, center referee, assistant referees among others during the encounter, blaming the violence on poor officiating.

The LMC, administrators of the NPFL in a reaction to the unfortunate development via the NPFL official

website â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;npfl.ngâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; took disciplinary actions against the club and alongside those perceived to have instigated the violence or promoted it.

Consequently, the LMC fined the club, ordered its home matches be played behind closed doors and banned the curator, Aliyu Hamzat who allegedly led the attack on the match officials for life.

The LMC also suspended a Nasarawa United player, Seun Komolafe, for one year for inciting the club supporters to commit violence against match officials.

This was even as the LMC cautioned the media officer of the club, Eche Moses, for unfairly criticizing match officials which was capable of bringing the league to disrepute.

Nevertheless, the commissioner, who acknowledged receipt of the disciplinary steps taken against the club, said the state government has fully accepted the punishment for the unruly behavior of fans and some officials of the club hence promising to ensure that the unfortunate incident never repeats itself again.

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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 OVEMBER 24, 2019

NEWS XTRA Intriques As NDDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2019 Budget Presentation to Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Assembly Suffers Setback Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is enmeshed in intriques and powerplay over the non-presentation of its 2019 budget proposals to the National Assembly for consideration.

The commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget ordinarily ought to have been forwarded to the two chambers of the National Assembly at the expiration of the NDDC 2018 budget in July but that has not been done with about five weeks to the end of 2019.

The commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2019 budget proposal was supposed to have been presented to the National Assembly, processed and approved before July 31st, 2019 when the commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 budget expired.

With the expiration of the life span of the 2018 budget of the commission in July, the

National Assembly had raised several queries about the resort to extra budgetary expenditure by the NDDC management and board instead of making genuine efforts towards submitting the 2019 budget proposal for the commission.

The committees of the two chambers in charge of the NDDC had in a letter in August drawn the attention of the NDDC management to the provisions of section 80(4) of the Constitution which stipulated that â&#x20AC;&#x153;No money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund except in a manner prescribed by the National Assembly.â&#x20AC;?

The committees had in the letter threatened that the National Assembly would not hesitate to invoke its full legislative powers to deal with any infraction of the constitutional provisions.

The letter with reference

number NASS/SEN/HR/2019/ VOL.1/003 dated August 5, 2019 and titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Extra Budgetary Expenditureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Senate committee on NDDC, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and Chairman, House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Olubunmi Ojo. It reads: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The committees on Niger Delta and NDDC of the Senate and House of Representatives respectively, wish to call your attention to the expiration of the 2018 NDDC budget which specifically elapsed on 31st July, 2019.

Accordingly, you are directed to

stop forthwith any spending except for personal Costs and Overhead.

You may note the provision of section 80(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, (as amended) which states that : â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;money shall be withdrawn from the consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund except in a manner prescribed by the National Assemblyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Therefore, any expenditure in contravention of this express provision will amount to an illegality and the National Assembly will not hesitate to invoke its full legislative powers to deal with such

infraction of the law. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In furtherance of the above, you are requested to furnish the committee with the following documents :Summary and comprehensive details of 2018 budget performance showing project description, Allocation, Release, Utilization, Oustanding Balance and other useful information; statement of all commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accounts (local and domiciary) from January 2018 till date; information on the procurement processes for all Recurrent Expenditure made by the commission fom January

2018 till date.â&#x20AC;?

Responding to the letter from the National Assembly, the then NDDC chairman, Professor Ben Brambaifa, acknowledged that the commission was quite aware of the expiration of the 2018 budget in July, 2019 but never took any decisive step to address the matter.

In the expired NDDC 2018 budget of N346. 5 billion, N2.883bn was earmarked for capital expenditure, while N311.371bn was approved for development projects just as N19.521bn was for personnel cost and N12. 737bn was approved for overhead expenditure.

Anambra Police Arrests Child TrafďŹ cking Syndicate, Rescues 3 Children David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Police in Anambra have arrested a syndicate which specialises in stealing children and selling them off for financial gains.

The commandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spokesperson, Mr Haruna Mohammed a Superintendent of Police disclosed this in a press release, saying that the syndicate consisting of two ladies were arrested in Nkpor, near Onitsha on Friday.

He said the suspects were arrested while negotiating price of some children who they had stolen from unsuspecting parents.

Part of the release read, â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the 22/11/2019 at about 1:30pm,following intelligence report police detectives attached to Ogidi Division arrested two female suspects at Nkpor in

Idemili North LGA of Anambra State. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were arrested with three kids all males whose ages range between 1 and 5 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Suspects were negotiating on how to sell the children alleged to have been stolen/trafficked from Enugu-Otu village in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Case is under investigation after which suspects would be charged to court for prosecution.â&#x20AC;?

Haruna added that, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP John Abang has called on parents whose children missing fall within the above age bracket to report at the PPRO office, at the State Police Command headquarters Awka for proper identification and collection of their children.

Group Asks FG, States to Stop Children from Dying from Preventable Diseases Adedayo Akinwale Ă­n Abuja A non-governmental organisation, Save the Children, has called on the federal and government and the states to introduce measures that will prevent children from dying from preventable diseases.

The Youth Ambassador of the organisation, Maryam Ahmed, made the call yesterday at a press conference on Saturday to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Children (UNCRC).

She revealed that at least 5.9 million children die annually across the world from preventable diseases, such as pneumonia She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;After 100 years, we are still here fighting for our rights to be of importance, we are the most marginalised and deprived group and the ones directly affected by decisions made 5.9 million children are still dying from preventable diseases every year.â&#x20AC;?

The youth ambassador said that across the world, four girls under the age of 15 get married every 15 seconds, while 317 million children could not read or write despite being in school She added that yearly, 1.7

billion children are still affected by violence with more than 420 million living in conflict zones globally, indicating a rise of nearly 30 million from 2016.

Ahmed noted that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) has achieved some of its goal which included; the decrease in under five children dying from preventable diseases; large decrease in number of stunted children and out of school children, but noted that more still needed to be done.

She therefore called on the federal government to define specific actions to protect the right of every child especially the marginalised and deprived.

She also called on government to include children in its decision making process and follow rights defined in the UNCRC especially in situations of armed conflict, while also calling on states that have not domesticated the child rights act to do so.

Also, Director of Advocacy and Campaign of Save the Children, Amanuel Mamo, said domestication of the Child Rights Act in some states was a good step, but should not end there.

COMPLIANCE FOR CHANGE...

L-R : Chairman, Finance Committee, CIN, Mr Femi Jaiyeola; President and Chairman of the Compliance Institute, Nigeria(CIN), Mr Pattison Boleigha and Chairman, membership Committee, CIN, Mrs Yemisi Olukoya and Mr Victor Oni,board member Compliance Institute, Nigeria , during the press conference to announce the 3rd CIN induction ceremony in Lagos...

Eschew Politics of Bitterness, Tambuwal Urges Sokoto People Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has cautioned against politics of bitterness.

Tambuwal spoke at a special prayers session led by the Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Jumuat mosque, Imam Malami Akwara held at Government House mosque on Friday after the Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto upheld his election as the governor of the state.

The session was also graced by a group of ulamah.

Tambuwal said that his administration would continue to work for the progress and development of the state as well as the improvement of the well-being of the people.

While thanking the ulamah for their persistent prayers for the success of his administration, Tambuwal also expressed appreciation to the entire people of the state for their sustained prayers since the com-

mencement of the legal struggle and urged them to continue to pray for continuous peace in the state and country as a whole.

The governor expressed gratitude to Allah for making his victory at both the election tribunal and the Appeal Court a success.

He said that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;whatever befalls a person is from God,â&#x20AC;? adding that he firmly believes in divine powers and has never in his life associated God with anything.

During the prayer session ulamah prayed Allah to continue to guide and protect the governor in the discharge of his duties as well as grant continuous peace and stability to the state and country at large.

Other ulamah that offered prayers include the chief Imam of Shehu mosque, Chief Imam of Abubakar III Jumuat mosque, Chief Imam Isah Maikware jumuat mosque and Chief Imam of Farfaru jumuat mosque.

Daniel Tackles Amosun over Desperation to Increase IGR Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta

A former governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, has accused the immediate past governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun of overburdening the people of the state with tax all in desperation to increase internally generated revenue.

He spoke at the weekend during an interactive session with journalists ahead of the commissioning of his hotel -Conference Hotel in Abeokuta, which was closed down for eight years by Amosun.

Daniel particularly condemned what he described as over-taxation that dotted the Amosun era, saying that increasing internally generated revenue to the detriment of the people leaves much to be desired. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why should the IGR increase

to N7bn without translating to the wellbeing of the people? Should you tax them to death to generate such humongous amount? When civil servants are earning N20, 000 and you are taking N5000 from it as tax, you are killing the people.â&#x20AC;?

He, however, said that he no longer bore grudges against the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun that closed down his multi-million dollar Conference Hotel in Abeokuta, for eight years.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What has happened has happened; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forward ever, backward never. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no crown without a cross and there is no success without a challengeâ&#x20AC;Ś.I believe thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the way God wants it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To forgive is divine, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t waste time over things we cannot change. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move on with life. The important thing is that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m alive.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m alive; it is not the intention of these people that you (journalists) are talking about.â&#x20AC;?

He nonetheless described as ridiculous, the accusation by the last administration in Ogun State that he cut corners to the tune of N10million to acquire the land upon which his hotel is built, noting that he is worth much more than that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know what I went through here over the N10m land accusation. In Maryland in Lagos, I purchased my houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land for N25 million and you all can attest to how much the building is worth. This was when I was not in government; so how would I steal N10m to acquire a land?â&#x20AC;?

Daniel added that his intention was to reverse the common notion that Ogun is a civil service state,

through encouragement of private investment to enhance job creation, and that he personally spearheaded such by investing in the hospitality business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Out of the monthly allocations accruing to Ogun State, salary was taking 80 percent and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why the state was called a civil service state; but we felt things should not continue that way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Part of the challenge we had was how to diversify the economy and we saw a good opportunity in tourismâ&#x20AC;Śthatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we developed the Olumo Rock, so that other people, especially foreigners, can bring money to the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The (educational) institutions produce 100,000 graduates of Ogun State origin every year; so how can we absorb them without the industries and all the rest?â&#x20AC;?, he explained.

87

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͟, 2019

SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Demola Ojo email:Demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

Man City Beat Chelsea to go Third

P

remier League champions Manchester City got back to winning ways by coming from behind to beat in-form Chelsea in an entertaininggameinthePremierLeague yesterday.

The visitors, who had won their previous seven away games, led when Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Golo Kante slipped the ball past Ederson from Marco Kovacicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aerial pass.

AtthatstageCitywerefacingback-to-backPremier Leaguedefeatswhichwouldhaveleftthem12points behind leaders Liverpool and given them an uphill task to retain their title.

But the hosts rallied and equalised when Kevin de Bruyneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shot hit Kurt Zouma and wrongfooted goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Riyad Mahrez put the reigning champions - who move above Chelsea into third place - ahead with a fine finish after cutting in from the right wing.

Both sides could have scored more in a chaotic first half, City going closest when SergioAguero hit the crossbar after a poor clearance by Kepa.

There were fewer incidents in the second half althoughAguero hobbled off and had to be replaced

by Gabriel Jesus, with Pep Guardiola worried it is a bad muscle injury.

Raheem Sterling thought he had scored a late third for City but it was ruled out by the video assistant referee in a very tight offside call. #City only had 46.74% of the ball, the lowest percentage by any Guardiola team in any of his 381 top-flight matches in charge of Barcelona, Bayern Munich or City. They sit nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who beat them 3-1 in the last game before the international break. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chelsea are an incredible team,â&#x20AC;? Guardiola told BBC Sport after the game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We knew it, but we beat them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a typical high-level game. Our back four played so good today. In the most difficult period of the game, we scored on the counter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We created enough chances to score more goals.â&#x20AC;?

Both sides had plenty of opportunities in a manic first half.

De Bruyne went close after two minutes from Agueroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pass while Tammy Abraham had a hand in four Chelsea efforts, setting up Willian and Fikayo Tomori to shoot wide and having two efforts himself.

They then tore City apart as Willian picked out the unmarked Emerson Palmieri on the left wing but his powerful shot was saved by Ederson.

Riyad scored a superb winner to healp City leapfrog Chelsea in the table

Their goal eventually came though, when Kante held off Benjamin Mendy before turning the ball past Ederson, who may have been advised to stay on his line.

However that 21st-minute goal would prove to be Chelseaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final shot on target of the game.

There was a degree of fortune to Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equaliser.

David Silvaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pass to De Bruyne took two deflections, including one off Zouma, to find the Belgium playmaker, whose shot - which looked as if it was heading for Kepa - also hit the France centre-back and leave the keeper helpless.

From that moment, City were on top and Mahrez produced a wonderful effort to give them the lead.

The Algeria winger was fed by Rodri down the right, skipped between two defenders as he cut in before firing a shot between the legs of Tomori and into the net.

Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fightback should have been even more comprehensive when Kepa passed the ball straight to Aguero, but the Argentina striker lifted the ball over the Spain goalkeeper but off the bar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were controlling the game,â&#x20AC;? Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were playing some great

stuff and we felt in control but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be absolutely in control against Manchester City. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was bad luck for their first goal, and absolute quality from Riyad Mahrez for the second and that changed the game. Maybe we were a bit slow with our movement at the back. I know we were giving them a good game but I am disappointed with the small details. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you look at City they are an example, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at the absolute start of that process. A few of our players were in the Championship last season, but we want more.â&#x20AC;?

Mourinho Leads Tottenham to First Away Win Since January Canada Beat Russia to Reach First Davis Cup Final Canada beat Russia 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7-5) in an epic decisive doubles rubber to reach the Davis Cup ďŹ nal in Madrid.The pair ofVasek Pospisil and Denis Shapovalov beat Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev in a tie-break as Canada reached the ďŹ nal for the ďŹ rst time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think any of us expected that we could get this far,â&#x20AC;?Shapovalov said.â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we just absolutely played ridiculous tennis.â&#x20AC;?Canada will face either Great Britain or Spain today.

Rublev beat Pospisil 6-4 6-4 in the opening singles rubber to give Russia the lead before Shapovalov levelled with a 6-4 4-6 6-4 win over Khachanov.

In the doubles,a ďŹ nal long backhand from Rublev sent Shapovalov and Pospisil leaping into the air and into each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arms.

Canada captain Frank Dancevic said the nervous ďŹ nale almost caused him to pass out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was sitting there on match point, my heart was beating so fast, I was actually starting to black out,â&#x20AC;?he said.â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was trying to control my breathing and just telling myself to breath slowly, stay calm, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re close to this. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deďŹ nitely an emotional rollercoaster, sitting on the chair. But at the day itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an amazing feeling having your guys perform like this and put 110% on the court.â&#x20AC;?

Both Canada and Russia have only used two players during the competition, with Russia relying on Khachanov and Rublev after the withdrawal through fatigue of Daniil Medvedev.

Canada have benched Shapovalovâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Junior Davis Cup-winning team-mate Felix Auger-Aliassime following an ankle problem and were without Milos Raonic completely because of injury.

Rublevâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singles victory over world number 150 Pospisil, who had not lost a singles match in the tournament, put the pressure on world number 15 Shapovalov.

Jose Mourinho enjoyed a winning start asTottenham manager yesterday, with a 3-2 London derby triumph over West Ham at London Stadium.

First-half goals from Son Heungmin and Lucas Moura and a third from Harry Kane four minutes after the break gave Tottenham their ďŹ rst Premier League away win since 20 January.

It was about as comfortable as Mourinho could have hoped for after a tumultuous week, in which he replaced Mauricio Pochettino, who was sacked by Daniel Levy less than six months after guiding the club to the ďŹ rst Champions League ďŹ nal in

their history.

The result piles pressure on West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini, whose side have now collected two points from their last seven games.

Under-ďŹ re keeper Roberto made an error for Sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opener and the hosts were booed off at half-time.

Late goals from substitute Michail Antonio and Angelo Ogbonna gave the ďŹ nal scoreline a ďŹ&#x201A;attering look, but the result made a mockery of an ill-advised post from West Hamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social media team following Mourinhoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appointment, highlighting previous difďŹ culties the 56-year-old has endured Mourinho at London Stadium.

Ndidi Makes 100th Leicester Appearance in Brighton Win Super Eagles midďŹ elderWilfred Ndidi made his 100th Premier League appearance for Leicester City who defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 at the AMEX Stadium yesterday.

It was Ndidiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 11th league appearance of the season albeit he has scored twice for the Foxes.

His international teammate, Kelechi Iheanacho was an unused substitute in the game. Ayoze Perez and James Maddison got the goals for Brendan Rodgersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;men.

At Goodison Park, Alex Iwobi played as a second half substitute in Evertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2-0 home loss to Norwich City. Iwobi took the place of Morgan Schneiderlin in the 56th minute.

The 23-year-old has made 10 league appearances and scored once for Everton this term.

Meanwhile Tom Dele-Bashiru made the

substitute bench for the ďŹ rst time this season in Watfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3-0 home defeat to Burnley.Isaac Success was not included in the matchday squad forWatford.

Meanwhile, Arsenal forced Southampton to a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium. Danny Ings put Southampton ahead in the eighth minute, while Alexander Lacazette equalised for the home team 10 minutes later.

JamesWard-Prowse put Southampton ahead for the second time in the game 19 minutes from time.

Lacazette struck deep into stoppage time to snatch a point for the Gunners.

Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were on target â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the 49th and 85th minutes respectively as Liverpool beat their hosts Crystal Palace 2-1 at the Selhurst Park. Wilfried Zaha netted Palaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal in the 82nd minute.

RESULTS West Ham

2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3

Tottenham

Bournemouth

1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2

Wolves

Arsenal

2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2

Southampton

Brighton

0â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2

Leicester City

Crystal Palace

1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2

Liverpool

Everton

0â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2

Norwich

Watford

0â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3

Burnley

Man City

2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1

Chelsea

Atalanta

1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3

Juventus

Milan

1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1

Napoli

Leganes

1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2

Barcelona

Real Betis

2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1

Valencia

Granada

1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1

Atl Madrid

Sunday November 24, 2019

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N400

MISSILE

CDHR to Save Nigeria Movement “How on earth can it be said that Mr. Femi Falana by virtue of his pronouncements out of court and submissions before judges can intimidate the DSS and the Army, to such an extent that these agencies now need protection?” – The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) while condemning the protest against Mr Femi Falana by a group, Save Nigeria Movement for calling for the release of Omoyele Sowore.

LANREISSA-ONILU GUEST COLUMNIST

How Should President Buhari Dance?

Y

ou would not give him credit no matter what he does, would you? Let us cut the pretence. You simply want this administration to bumble: a foil for wanting your country to fail. So, the issue really is not about whether President Muhammadu Buhari is performing as a President or not. It is about your inability to overcome your own prejudice. The orchestrated babble and raising of unnecessary dust over the situations in Nigeria are just ways to deny this administration due credits for the commendable uplift being achieved in many areas of our national life.

Five years on, Nigeria is picking up sure-footedly, rising from the malaise of years gone by. Those years when fortunes were alter-ego of opportunism rather than of any visible and accountable ventures.

The years when we were marking progress by the number of those who successfully game the system. When the proponents of rent economy drew upward-looking graphs, illustrated by the number of private jet owners, the morning after billionaires, briefcase whiz kids who trod the world in obscene gait. They were the poster boys of our descent into decadence, craftly trumped up as evidence of the progress we were making as a nation.

Today, we know better.

For the opposition and other hate-filled critics, you have met more than your match in President Buhari. You had better stop engaging him in a staring contest.

He is a master at a no blinking game. I thought you should know by now. He is single-minded on doing what is best for our country. And he would always do what he needs to do, anyway.

Take a look at what the besotted critics have been saying. Quite a lot of gibberish, isn’t it? President Buhari is not in control of his government, certain cabal is running the country, he died the last time he was in London for medical reason and a Jibril from Sudan who shares striking resemblance with him is in Aso Villa. A Sudanese impostor in power? That is not ridiculous enough? Add this: he sent his wife, the First Lady, to London and a freshly minted wife had been betrothed to him. These are a few of the prime concerns of the opposition in a country that is half a century behind in meeting up with baseline developmental indices.

Can we be serious for a moment? If only for the sake of our country, can we begin to interrogate government on policies? For instance, can we begin to have national conversations on the School Feeding Programme, the Trader Money, Conditional Cash Transfer, the Sukuk Bond, the National Housing Programme, the rail line projects, and the pros and cons of the land border closure? Where are the editorials on the rice revolution and, perhaps, the entire agricultural value chain? What impact will reverting our national fiscal year to January-December cycle have on governance and the economy? Will the revamping of the Ajaokuta Steel

Buhari

Company, soon to be underway, set our country on the path to industrialisation?

If Mambilla Power Project eventually delivers 3,050 megawatts to the national grid after over 40 years of failed attempt by successive governments, will it matter to our quest for stable power supply?

What is the significance of the 2nd Niger Bridge to the southern business corridors?

Are the contactors meeting up with the delivery timeline? What of the cleaning of Ogoni land? Does it matter that finally a government has the willpower to do the right thing?

President Buhari would not get a thumbs up for any of these. We know.

He won’t get anyone praising him for the manner the runway of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja was fixed on schedule. Just like the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika got no applause for accomplishing the task with an unprecedented efficiency. But the Minister got vilified for being honest with his country over the need to suspend effort, temporarily, at bringing back the national carrier. The Enugu Airport is undergoing a major turnaround that will make it a truly modern international

For the opposition and other hate-filled critics, you have met more than your match in President Buhari. You had better stop engaging him in a staring contest. He is a master at a no blinking game. I thought you should know by now.

He is single-minded on doing what is best for our country

airport after the President has approved N10 billion for the project. What we hear is a loud silence from those who desire the worst for their country. Of course, Hadi Sirika has done it before.

Delivering on this project would be a routine and he understands there would be no editorials celebrating a new dawn in service delivery.

And talking about service delivery, Rotimi Amaechi, the transportation minister, would take a front row. Amaechi is literally sleeping on the rail track to deliver modern standard gauge, crosscountry rail system. When he is not haranguing the contractors handling the rail projects to meet up with schedule, he is hewing at the woods of the international finance capitals in search of money to award more rail projects. The sight of Amaechi and other officials of his ministry sitting inside exotic train coaches, riding on the nearly completed Lagos-Ibadan rail line discomfits the opposition.

Just last month, the President approved the $5.3 billion Ibadan to Kano rail line. It will pass through Kwara State. The people of Kwara can’t wait to see Amaechi test riding inside executive coaches to Ilorin soon. If Abuja to Kaduna was delivered, Warri to Itakpe was delivered and Lagos to Ibadan is becoming a reality, we have reasons to trust President Buhari to do it for us in Kwara State soon. And he will do it because he has the will.

But will President Buhari get the accolade he deserves for all these? He won’t. We know. So, it is not a surprise when the Works and Housing Minister, Raji Fashola received a bashing a couple of weeks ago for asking for a fair assessment of the effort of this government. He apparently asked for too much. But the joke is not on him. Fashola merely threw the last dice at the purveyors of fake news. He wanted them to stop twisting the reality. They flunked it. But it was his mistake. He tried to intellectualise the issue. He asked them to be patriotic and uphold journalistic ethics for once.

He asked them to anchor their reports as half-full rather than as half-empty.

They reported that it is completely empty, instead. I’m sure he won’t take a chance on them again.

But Fashola didn’t speak in vain.

Facts are never spoken in vain. Early 90’s, it took an average of five hours to drive from Abuja to Ilorin. Then as the years went by, during the 16 years of the locusts, the Abuja-Kabba-Ilorin and the Abuja-Bida-Ilorin roads became almost unpassable. A 5-hour journey to Ilorin from Abuja became a 9-hour journey.

To even achieve that, you would need to go through Ekiti State. Plus, you would require several more hours to recover from fatigue after the excruciating journey. But now the journey takes an average of six and half hours, because this government is progressively fixing the roads. Lokoja to Kabba is done. Ilorin to Mokwa is done.

This is exactly what Fashola said. And this is what you would find in all the 36 states. You can pretend for all you

want, but you cannot dispute the fact that the roads are being fixed. Even with far lesser resources, this government is doing far much more than any previous government.

How convenient is it for us to script conspiracy into almost every action of government? The President had entrusted fundamental policies of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the hands of the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for four years, and like a good deputy, he had nurtured them well. Shouldn’t we commend the President for elevating these very important programmes by setting up a full-fledged federal ministry and appointing a minister to superintend the delivery of humanitarian services and social intervention programmes? Doesn’t that indicate the President holds the poor and the vulnerable dare to his heart?

So how did that translate to stripping the Vice President of his constitutionally guaranteed responsibilities?

Sadly, currently, our national conversation lacks any rigour. We are steeped in circuitous chatters. Millions of our youths, in particular, are in the social media trenches, investing productive hours to trending the absurd. They are consumed in hollow hysterics. Yet, many of them have pumped up ego in literary emptiness. The not-too-young-to-rule must stop playing ten ten with their own future, which has fallen due already.

For the opposition and a section of the media, the strategy is trite: walk away from the good news, promote the fake news. But each time that is done, the President, and indeed, this government emerges stronger.

A former Niger Delta militant, Retson Tedheke, saw opportunities in the President Buhari’s agricultural policies.

He relocated to Gaate in Nasarawa State, got a free three hectares of arable land, and sold his vision to a few youths who joined him in a daring entrepreneurial adventure. And in three years, the farm grew to 300 hectares. You are expending your own time questioning how N3 million asset became N1 billion worth in three years. The making of a new Nigeria is underway. But you’re, obviously, not ready.

You spend precious time calling out the President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

You are crying Abba Kyari is powerful.

So what? Principal Private Secretaries and Chief of Staff across the world are powerful people. It is not because they govern their countries, but because their office is a clearing desk for their principals.

Neither Abba Kyari nor any cabal runs Nigeria, President Buhari does. That’s why the Chief of Staff didn’t assent to the bill on Deep Offshore Sharing. He took it to his principal in London whose signature rules. Buhari is inept, you keep saying and he is still being blamed for working too much and too hard, including while having private holiday abroad.

How many more times do you want President Buhari to make a fool of you?

You keep pouring water on an egg. You should know it won’t stick.

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