TUESDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2019

FG Eyes $23tn Emerging Markets Funds to Combat Climate Change Goddy Egene The federal government is to deepen its climate financing activities by tapping into international climate funds next year.

THISDAY gathered that the federal government would

next year intensify efforts to attract significant portion of the nearly $23 trillion in climate-smart investments available in emerging markets.

A top official of the Federal Ministry of Environment, who preferred to remain anonymous, yesterday

informed THISDAY about the government's plan.

“2020 would be a year when we would scale up activities in terms of climate finance. We will work with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, other government agencies and

private sector operators to ensure that more attention is given to environment climate investments to fund environment friendly projects,” he stated.

The federal government had in 2015, signed the Paris Agreement that committed

the country to Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which aims at combating climate change by 2030.

Since the Paris Agreement and the NDC targets went into effect in 2015, the major constraint to country’s

implementation has been lack of access to funding from the public and private sectors The government had previously floated green bonds to raise a total of N25.69 billion in two tranches. Nigeria would Continued on page 9

Apapa Gridlock: Operators Seek FG’s Intervention to Save Investments... Page 8 Tuesday 17 December, 2019 Vol 24. No 9017. Price: N250

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Court Affirms Rivers’ Ownership of Disputed Soku Oil Fields... Page 6

Despite Concerns over Rising Debts, Senate to Approve Buhari’s $30bn Loan Request Says president has provided details of borrowing plan PSC bill passage to generate additional N420bn for 2020 budget Iyobosa Uwuguaren, Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja Despite huge concerns over Nigeria's rising debt profile, the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, yesterday said with sufficient information supplied by the federal government to back its request to borrow $29.9 billion,

the Senate would approve the external loan request.

He also said the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) Bill recently signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari would provide more revenue for the implementation of the 2020 budget.

Highlighting his Continued on page 9

One Million Light Weapons Circulating in Nigeria, Says NSA Police recover 2,037 firearms, 21,870 ammunition Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) stated yesterday that of the 857 million Small and Light Weapons (SALW) in circulation globally and the 12

billion rounds of ammunition produced annually, 10 million are estimated to be in Africa with one million of them circulating in Nigeria.

This was coming as Continued on page 9

HONOUR FOR BELLA...

Globacom's Executive Vice Chairman, Mrs. Bella Disu (left), and French Minister, Mr. Gabriel Attal, decorates Disu with the prestigious French national honour of “Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres” medal at Alliance Francoise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos…recently

Edo APC Crisis: Obaseki’s Faction Insists Oshiomhole Must Resign... Page 38

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

Court Affirms Rivers’ Ownership of Disputed Soku Oil Fields Alex Enumah in Abuja A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday ruled that the disputed Soku Oil Wells/Fields rightfully belongs to Rivers State and not Bayelsa State.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, who in a judgment declared Rivers State as the rightful owner of the oil wells located in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, accordingly ordered transfer of ownership from Bayelsa State to Rivers State.

Delivering judgment in the suit with the number: FHC/ ABJ/CS/984/19, Justice Ekwo held that all the documents from relevant government agencies and facts before the court proved that the Soku Oil Wells/fields belong to Rivers State.

The judge noted that the issue of contention arose from an error in the boundary demarcation between the two states and ordered the National Boundary Commission to rectify the error in its 11th Edition of Administrative Map which designated San Bartholomew River as the boundary between the two states, instead of River Santa Barbara.

The error was said to have surfaced in the 11th Edition of Administrative Map produced by the NBC in 2002.

In its letter dated July 3, 2002 in response to Rivers State Government's protest, the NBC was said to have admitted the mistake and promised to rectify it in the 12th edition of the administrative map.

However, following the failure of the NBC to rectify the mistake as promised earlier, Rivers State Government filed a suit against the Attorney General of Bayelsa State and the Attorney General of the Federation before the Supreme Court in 2009.

Delivering judgment in the matter in 2012, the apex court granted the prayers of Rivers State

and ordered the rectification of the error.

Again, the NBC failed to rectify the error as ordered by the Supreme Court, forcing Rivers State Government to file a fresh suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja solely against the NBC in August 2019.

The suit specifically prayed the court for an order of mandamus compelling the NBC to correct its error.

However, delivering judgment, Justice Ekwo while granting the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, ordered the commission to immediately produce the 12th edition of the Administrative Map restoring River Santa Barbara as the inter-state boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa states, as it was in 1996 when Bayelsa State was carved from Rivers State.

The court further held that the commission was duty-bound to obey the July 10, 2012 judgment of the Supreme Court, which had affirmed River Santa Barbara as the boundary between the states, by immediately correcting its self-admitted error of designating River San Bartholomew as the boundary.

He also ordered that the judgment be served on the relevant statutory bodies, especially the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for them to immediately re-compute the amount of oil revenue accruable to it with the transfer of the Soku Oil Field to it.

Following the failure of the National Boundary Commission to obey the Supreme Court judgment on the Soku Oil Wells, the Attorney General of Rivers State filed an originating summons at the Federal High Court in Abuja to ensure the enforcement of the declarative judgment.

Counsel to Rivers State

Buhari Signs 2020 Budget Today Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Eleven days after the National Assembly passed the N10.594 trillion 2020 budget, President Muhammadu Buhari would today sign the 2020 Appropriation Bill into law.

The N10.59 trillion budget, which would be signed by the president at 3.30p.m., is N264 billion higher than the N10.33 trillion estimates presented by the president in October.

It is made up of N4.84 trillion allocation for recurrent expenditure, N2.46 trillion for capital expenditure, N2.72 trillion for debt servicing, fiscal deficit of N2.28 trillion and deficit to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio of 1.52 per cent.

In the budget, the Ministry of Defence got the highest vote of N784.588 billion for recurrent expenditure and N116.181 billion for capital expenditure, while the Ministry of Education got N490.303 for

recurrent expenditure N490.303 billion and N84.728 billion for capital expenditure.

Furthermore, Works and Housing Ministry got the highest capital expenditure allocation of N315.563 billion and N27.983 billion for its recurrent expenditure.

The budget was predicated on a crude oil production volume of 2.18 million barrel per day, oil benchmark of $57 and N305/$ exchange rate.

Other components of the Appropriation Bill include the GDP growth rate projection of 2.93 per cent and inflation rate of 10.81 per cent and statutory transfer of N556.7 billion.

Also yesterday, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, met with the president behind closed doors for a briefing on the state of the economy.

However, after the meeting, the CBN governor did not brief reporters on his discussion with the president.

Government, Lucius Nwosu (SAN), described the judgment as a victory for the rule of law in Nigeria.

He noted that there was an admission of error by the Surveyor General of the Federation and the National Boundary Commission, wherein in the 11th edition of the Administrative Map of Nigeria, the boundary between Rivers and Bayelsa States were wrongly relocated from River Santa Barbara to St. Bartholomew River.

He said the Supreme Court, based on the admission of the commission, had declared that it was an error and ordered the commission to rectify that error.

He regretted that by that error, the 13 per cent derivation meant for Rivers State was wrongly paid to Bayelsa State.

He stated that the declarative judgment of the Federal High

Court was in the right direction, as it would check any resort to self-help over the injustice.

According to him, the Soku Oil Wells/Fields have always belonged to Rivers State as admitted in writing by the commission.

Counsel to the commission, Titilayo Ibironke, acknowledged the judgment of the court.

Efforts to get the reaction of Bayelsa State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, proved abortive, as he did not respond to text messages or calls.

The dispute, which first got to the Supreme Court, was supposed to have been resolved by the correction of an error in the delineation of the inter-state boundary in the 11th edition of the administrative map of Nigeria prepared by the commission and

the office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation in 1999.

Rather than maintain Santa Barbara River as the boundary between the Kalabari and Nembe communities as all previous delineations and all historical records, the last administrative map had shifted the boundary west of this rivers to San Bartholomew River.

Going by the contentious map, it meant that some ancient Kalabari communities and settlements along with about 41 oil wells located within the Soku Oil FIeld in Rivers State suddenly become part of the Nembe clan in Bayelsa State.

Rivers State Government promptly challenged the document by petitioning the relevant authorities, which duly acknowledged the error and promised to effect the correction in the 12th edition of the map.

The state also went further to insist that no accruals from the wells should be paid to Bayelsa State.

The Supreme Court later ordered that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) should lodge all monies accruing from the disputed oil wells in an escrow account.

That was, indeed, the position of things until the then Rivers State Governor, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, alerted the state and the nation about the secret disbursement of N17 billion from the escrow account to Bayelsa State.

Even as they initially denied receiving such money, Bayelsa State Government has continued to lay claim to the disputed oil wells, insisting that they fall within its Oluasiri Oil Field in Nembe.

STEWARDSHIP...

L-R: President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi; and Senate Minority Whip, Senator Phillip Aduda, at a brieďŹ ng with editors, bureau chiefs and the Senate press Corps in Abuja‌yesterday Julius Atoi

APC Lifts Suspension on Akeredolu, Amosun, Okorocha, Others Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lifted the suspension imposed on Ondo State Governor, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu SAN; former governors of Ogun and Imo states, Senators Ibikunle Amosun and Rochas Okorocha; former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu; and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Uguru Usani.

The party had suspended them immediately after the general election due to what it described as anti-party activities.

However, the ruling party was silent on the fate of its Deputy National Chairman, North, Senator Lawal Shuaib, and National Vice Chairman, North-west, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, who were equally suspended for the same offence.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre IssaOnilu, in a statement yesterday, said the decision to recall the party chiefs was in line with the party’s deliberate policy of fairness and actions targeted at

ensuring harmony within the party across the country.

He said: "Through the suspension, our party has shown the capacity and willingness to implement its own rules and enforce discipline when there is an infraction. We have also shown that no individual is above discipline and that the party would always apply equity and justice in the day-to-day running of the party.

"We hope the concerned party members will seize this opportunity to fully reconcile themselves with their ward, local government, and state party structures, key into the party activities, and continue to make their own contributions to the growth and stability of the party."

The ruling party urged them to also take steps to reconcile with groups and individuals that are important to ensuring a lasting solution to any conflict that may exist in their respective states.

The ruling party had suspended Akeredolu and others for allegedly sponsoring other candidates during the general election against those presented

by the APC. The party had accused them of campaigning openly for other political parties and candidates besides the APC and constituting themselves as opposition to the party.

Having failed to get the party to ratify his nomination of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, as his successor, Amosun had floated the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) on whose platform Akinlade and other Amosun's loyalists contested for the elections against APC candidates.

The APC’s NWC had also accused Amosun of instigating thugs to attack party chieftains at the presidential campaign rally in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Like Amosun, Okorocha had squared up against the party, which failed to recognise his choice of his son-in-law as the APC governorship candidate in Imo State.

He openly campaigned for Nwosu, who later defected to the Action Alliance, against the APC’s governorship candidate, Hope Uzodinma.

Meanwhile, the party has

refused to comment on the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to allow the party to replace its candidate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who last week withdrew from the rerun in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom North-west Senatorial District.

The Court of Appeal had while giving judgment in a petition by Akpabio challenging the declaration of Senator Chris Ekpenyong of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the election in the senatorial district, voided the PDP candidate’s election and ordered a rerun in the local government.

But Akpabio, in a letter last week to APC National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, had notified the party of his withdrawal from the rerun, due to his current ministerial duties, and urged the party to find a replacement and send the name to INEC for approval.

But INEC had told THISDAY on Sunday that APC couldn't replace Akpabio as the time for substitution had lapsed.

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Apapa Gridlock: Operators Seek FG’s Intervention to Save Investments

Eromosele Abiodun

Terminal operators and customs agents have called on the federal government to intensify efforts at addressing the Apapa gridlock to protect investments and attract new ones.

After a brief respite that accompanied the rehabilitation and reopening of the Kilometre 2 ApapaWharf Road and the Ijora link bridge in December 2018, road users have had to cope with the unending gridlock on the port access roads.

Speaking at the launch of â‚Ź20 million (N8.2 billion) equipment at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos yesterday, Group

Managing Director, Sifax Group, Adekunle Abdulrasaq Oyinloye, said terminal operators were willing to partner the federal government to resolve the situation.

According to him, “We are hoping that very soon the obstruction caused by the Apapa gridlock will be minimise so that efficiency can come to play. You can see by what we have demonstrated here today that our turnaround at the port can only improve. But there is nothing we can do if the road does not get better.

We are pleading with the federal government that in whatever ways we can work together to make sure that access roads to the

port is improved as soon as possible."

On the amount invested in the equipment, he said: “This investment is huge, particularly the timing is also very significant. We are excited because in the last two years, shipping companies have begun to bring bigger vessels with longer rows. So most of our older equipment is not able to deal with those vessels. With this additional equipment, we are able to deal with any size and any

shape of vessels, which is very important. “Increasingly, the ease of doing business, the turnaround time of vessels and the cargo dwelling time would improve, that is why we are not only buying cranes, but we also bought handling equipment like reach stackers and terminal tractors. For us in port and cargo, we want to be ahead and we are happy excited that we made the statement today. “So far, we have committed

â‚Ź20 million and we are not stopping that is why we have not been able to say how much is this because there is more to come. This is just the first set that we are commissioning today. We don't want to give figure yet because by the time you come here maybe in March, we could probably have doubled that amount.

What is in important is that we will ensure that our leadership position and our customers have a better experience when our

cargo passes through port and cargo. �

Also speaking at the event, the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero, said Nigeria was losing business to West African countries due to the gridlock.

He called on the federal government to take the issue of Apapa gridlock more seriously as the nation’s has a lot at stake if the issue remains unresolved.

2.6m Children Can‘t Access Basic Education, Says UBEC Receives N173.2bn in four years Kuni Tyessi in Abuja Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has stated that 2.6 million children nationwide are out of school due to distance from their homes and the location of schools, which is not in line with the twokilometre radius given by the federal government.

The agency has also received N173,121,513,66.69 in the last four years as monthly allocation, which was paid in full and in time.

The figures were contained in a national document released by UBEC yesterday in Abuja at the national presentation and launch of the 2018 National Personnel Audit (NPA) report of basic education institutions in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, said through the 2018 NPA, the commission had been able to acquire the Global Position System (GPS), which coordinates all schools in the country covered by the census.

He added that the exercise involved not only public schools, but also private and faith-based institutions and despite initial suspicions, most of the institutions came to embrace the exercise and to cooperate with UBEC and its partners to make the census a success.

"Through the 2018 NPA, we have been able to acquire the Global Position System (GPS) coordinates all schools in the country covered by the census. The geographical data generated has proven exceptionally useful in building a Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

"The exercise involved not only public schools but also private and faithbased institutions. Despite initial suspicions, most of these institutions came to

embrace the exercise and to cooperate with UBEC and its partners to make the exercise a success.

"There are still data gaps, which must be taken care of as we move forward in sustaining our educational data bases. Data collection, collation and analysis in a continuous exercise and we must continue to update the current data sets we have at our disposal," he added.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who gave the figures disbursed to UBEC, also added that N34,431,470,411 was released for teachers' professional development to all states with over N71 billion being deducted at source from the Paris Club fund for counterpart funding before disbursement to states.

Adamu said the shame that accompanied him at international events had now become bygone with the release of the report, which he said, though not perfect, was concise, accurate and useful for planning.

He said: "UBEC has received all its allocations in full and on time. It has received 100 per cent of it. It received as matching grant since 2015, the sum of N173,121,513,66.98.

"There used to be no data for Nigeria and this has always come with a huge embarrassment for me, especially in the international community, but with this, the end of shame has come.

With this report, all children will be given the opportunity to enroll and complete their basic education as enshrined in the UBEC Act. "Nigeria can now have a data of whatever it chooses.

The document is not perfect but has revealed gaps that needed to be filled. States with deficit in teacher quality need to improve and close the gaps," he added.

SEVENTY HEARTY CHEERS...

L-R: Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the celebrant and former Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and his Wife, Florence, at Ajimobi’s 70th birthday celebration in Ibadan‌yesterday felix ademola

UniAbuja Sacks Two Profs, Demotes Others for Gross Misconduct Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

University of Abuja has sacked two of its professors over alleged inappropriate relationships with some female students.

Two other lecturers, one of who holds a doctorate, were demoted by rank for the same offence.

The two professors, according to a statement by the university’s Head of Information, Dr. Habib Yakoob, were Prof. Adeniji Abiodun of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture; and Prof.

Agaptus Orji of the Department of Science and Environmental Education, Faculty of Education.

The university gave the names of the two lecturers demoted as Dr. Robert Dajal of the Department of Science and Environmental Education, Faculty of Education, demoted by a rank, from Associate Professor to Senior Lecturer; and Mr. Gana Emmanuel Sunday Defian of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, who was also demoted by two ranks,

from Lecturer 1 to Assistant Lecturer," for their complicity in various acts of misconduct inimical to the good image of the university."

The statement read: "Council at its 85th Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, 11th and Thursday, 12th December, 2019, considered reports and recommendations from its Disciplinary Committee and after due diligence, approved the termination of appointment of two professors for various acts of misconduct: Professor Adeniji Adedayo Abiodun of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, for inappropriate relationship with a female student which is a misconduct of ‘scandalous and disgraceful nature’ as provided in Section 16, subsection 3(c) of the University of Abuja Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (1999), ‘Falsification of academic records’ and ‘aiding and abetting of examination malpractice’ in line with Section 7, subsection 1b(ii) &(v) of the University of Abuja Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (1999).

"Professor Agaptus Buzo-Chibuzo Orji of the Department of Science and Environmental Education, Faculty of Education, University of Abuja, for ‘falsification of academic records,’ ‘aiding and abetting of examination malpractice’ in line with section 7, subsection 1b(ii)&(v) of the University of Abuja Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (1999), ‘Corruption and dishonesty’ in line with Section 7, subsection 1b (iv) of the University of Abuja Condition of Service for Senior Staff (1999).

"Council also approved the demotion of Dr. Robert Dajal, Department of Science and Environmental Education, Faculty of Education by a rank, from Associate Professor to Senior Lecturer, and Mr. Gana Emmanuel Sunday Defian, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture by two ranks, from Lecturer 1 to Assistant Lecturer, for their complicity in various acts of misconduct inimical to the good image of the university.

"The University of Abuja wishes to restate

its commitment to high moral standards and determination to take appropriate disciplinary measures against any act of misconduct perpetrated by its staff and/or students in the interest of justice and educational development."

A female student of the university had in July accused a professor in the university of demanding sex in order to give her marks.

The lecturer had earlier been issued a query after he was caught pants down during a sting operation by policemen of Gwarinpa Police Station.

It was gathered that following threat by the lecturer that the student, with registration number: 16211546, would not pass a course he was taking unless she gave in to his sexual demands, she reported the matter to security operatives, who organised a sting operation.

The sting operation carried out by policemen led to the suspect being caught pants down in a hotel room in a highbrow estate of the Federal Capital Territory.

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PAGE NINE DESPITE CONCERNS OVER RISING DEBTS, SENATE TO APPROVE BUHARI’S $30BN LOAN REQUEST achievements since he assumed office six months ago, Lawan told reporters yesterday in Abuja that unlike what happened in the Eighth Senate, Buhari had provided all information and details required to ensure the passage of the loan request.

Lawan said the Senate would approve the loan based on a critical and prudent assessment of the request.

"Yes, the Ninth Senate will approve the loan request. It is true that the Eighth Senate did not approve the loan request because there was no sufficient information. But this time around, we have been provided better information and details about the loan.

"Though, information has been provided, we shall definitely seek and ensure more explanations, to enable us take the right decision. In 2016, no detailed information was provided. The executive has learnt its lessons and came up with more information. The Senate will approve the loan request," the Senate president added.

Lawan's position yesterday was a clear departure from his position in October when he spoke against borrowing by the federal government to fund infrastructure.

He had at a public hearing on the 2020 budget said: "We cannot continue to borrow to build our infrastructure. I belong to that school that believes that where we can have a PPP to

build our infrastructure, we should do that. “I feel that if we can build our road from Abuja to Kaduna or Kano with private fund and they design a way to collect their money, let us do that.

Other countries have done that and it worked. As long as we are not shortchanged, we have to look at it."

The president had last month re-presented to the Senate for approval a proposal to borrow $29.96 billion foreign loan to fund some critical projects – but still did not present a detailed draft plan for that loan request – a major reason the Dr. Bukola Saraki-led Eighth National Assembly refused to approve it.

Also, former chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, Senator Shehu Sani, had explained why the president's request to borrow the fund was turned down by the Eighth Senate.

He had said: “We turned down the federal government loan request for $30 billion to save Nigeria from sinking into the dark gully of a perpetual debt trap. We don’t want our country to be re-colonised by creditor banks. “Our external debt in 2015 was $10.32 billion and it escalated to $22.08 in the second quarter of this year, which is 114 per cent. If we had approved that loan request, our external debt could have catapulted to over $52 billion and that is not sustainable.�

But yesterday, Lawan explained that the availability of more revenue will enhance the smooth implementation of the 2020 budget, as the passage and signing into law of the Production Sharing Contract by the National Assembly would bring in over N420 billion to finance the 2020 budget.

"This law will significantly increase accruals to the government from crude oil contracts. It has also ended our years of inexplicable failure to call in returns due to us from our joint venture partners. As a result of this law, we have expanded a critical revenue stream and ensured more funds will flow into the treasury that will enable the government to execute its budgets and critical developmental projects," he said.

On the controversial hate speech and anti-social media bills currently before the National Assembly, he assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would not pass any law against national interest.

According to him, the Hate Speech Bill would undergo a public hearing and the outcome would determine the fate of the bill.

"If it gets to public hearing level, people should mobilise and if they are able to gather enough support they can determine what becomes of the bill, especially if it is against the interest of the public," Lawan added.

On the achievements of the Ninth Senate so far, he said the

Senators had passed six bills into law, four of which, are private members bills.

"Within the first six months of its inauguration, the Ninth Senate has passed six bills into law: four of them members’ bills. The first of these bills is the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act CAP D3 LFN 2004 (Amendment Bill, 2019," he stated.

Lawan listed the two executive bills passed as the Appropriation Bill, 2020 and the Finance Bill 2019.

"We passed the Finance Bill, 2019 on 21 November, 2019. The Bill amended seven existing tax and fiscal policy laws (Companies Income Tax Act, 2004; Value Added Tax Act, 2007; Customs and Excise Tariff (Consolidation) Act, 2004; Personal Income Tax Act, 2007; Capital Gains Tax Act, 2007; Stamp Duties Act, 2007; and Petroleum Profit Tax Act, 2004) to reform Nigeria’s tax system for enhanced implementation and effectiveness," he said.

He explained that the federal government took the initiative to reform the tax system to create an enabling business environment and reduce the tax burden for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The objectives of the amendments, he said, included promoting fiscal equity by mitigating instances of regressive taxation, reforming domestic tax laws to align with global best practices,

introducing tax incentives for investment in infrastructure and capital markets, supporting small businesses in line with ongoing “Ease of Doing Business Reforms� and raising revenues for the government.

However, Lawan identified some of the bills that would be accorded priority when the Senate returns from Christmas break in January to include the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Electoral Reforms Amendment Bills and Amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

The Petroleum Industry Bill, he said, was first introduced in the National Assembly in 2007, but had not been passed in its entirety.

Lawan explained that the National Assembly would this time around adopt a different approach to make the passage of the PIB a reality.

He said: "We want to see a situation where the legislature and the executive work very closely to have a PIB that will attract investment into the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. We want to create an investment climate that will be competitive.

We know some other countries have this product. Therefore, we have to be competitive. We have to create an environment where the businesses make profit.

"This is a journey that involves everyone. We want both government – and that includes the legislature and executive - on one hand and other relevant stakeholders in

the sector, particularly the IOCs (International Oil Companies), to work together to ensure that this environment we are trying to create is an environment that will work for all of us."

He said the Electoral Reforms Amendment Bill was a priority because of the urgent need to improve the electoral processes and secure the democratic gains being made in the Fourth Republic.

According to him, "We want to pass the bill well ahead of the next electoral cycle in 2023 and avoid the political heat and pitfalls that imperiled the efforts of the Eighth National Assembly, which passed the same bill close to the last general election.

"We are not oblivious of the interest and concerns some of these bills have generated from the public. But we must not forget that law-making is a rigorous process that allows for all sides of the argument to be heard and the true will of the people established before a bill becomes law."

Giving assurances on the passage of the electoral bill, the Senate President said: "I pledge that we, as elected representatives of the people, will always ensure that the will of our people is pivotal in our legislative business. This Senate and indeed the Ninth National Assembly will not pass any bill that is not in the national interest. Ours is and will remain a Senate that will always work for Nigerians."

1,621 suspected cultists, 1,527 kidnapping suspects and 758 murder suspects. “Within the same period, we also recovered a total of 2,037 firearms of various caliber and descriptions, 21,870 ammunition and 1,662 vehicles, while 945 kidnap victims were rescued in various police-led operations in the country,� he said.

Also yesterday, two nongovernmental organisations, Creative Chambers and Chief Detective, have called for the promotion of a police officer, Chief Superintendent of Police, Udu Moses Ogechi, over his leading role in the coordination of the federal government’s closure of Seme Border.

In letters written to the Minister of Police Affairs,

Chairman Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector-General of Police, the organisations recommended Ogechi for promotion to the next rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) following his outstanding performance in leading the police operation that ensured the full implementation of federal government’s decision to close the Seme Border.

The letter signed by Aderonke Akinnwumi on behalf of Creative Chambers, said “CSP Ogechi’s leadership role at the Seme Border has halted the activities of smugglers and earned the nation billions of naira and therefore urged the three authorities to promote him for exemplary performance.�

with its 10-year master plan implementation is already increasing activities in area of enlightenment and investor/ issuer education. “We will do more in this area in 2020 and beyond to ensure government succeed in efforts to source the required climate finance,� a SEC official said.

The acting Director General of SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk, had said the rules on green bonds would provide the much-needed clarity and guidance on the issuance of green bonds.

According to her, SEC’s release of the green bond rules is a significant step in furthering the complementary efforts of the government, regulators and the financial services industry to direct financial capital towards a more sustainable economic activity The acting DG stated that adoption of the tenets of green bond principles and climate bonds standard makes it easier to attract foreign investment in Nigeria.

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ONE MILLION LIGHT WEAPONS CIRCULATING IN NIGERIA, SAYS NSA the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu, said the Nigeria Police had recovered 2,037 firearms of various caliber and descriptions and 21,870 ammunition in 2019.

The figure on small and light weapons was contained in the National Security Strategy document formally presented to the public by the ONSA. It said the weapons in circulation were connected with past and ongoing conflicts in West and North African countries. “The proliferation of SALWs is a global phenomenon arising from conflicts across the globe. According to a survey conducted by the Genevabased Small Arms Survey, it is estimated that more than 857

million SALWs are currently in circulation aside from 12 billion rounds of ammunition produced annually. “Of these, 10 million SALWs are estimated to be in Africa with one million of these in Nigeria. Proliferation of SALWs aid non-state actors like Boko Haram and bandits while undermining state monopoly of instruments of coercion. “The threats posed by proliferation of SALWs are of such magnitude that a security strategy which contemplates the monitoring of their flow and use is required,� he said.

Speaking at the formal presentation of the 2019 National Security Strategy (NSS) in Abuja, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno

(rtd), said the NSS was occasioned by the myriad of security challenges confronting the nation, notably terrorism, kidnapping and banditry, among others.

He said the strategy relied on other documents earlier produced by the ONSA, including counterterrorism and cybercrime documents and the national defence strategy by the military.

The ONSA, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Policy and Strategy, Mr. Aminu Lawal, said the document was anchored on the tripartite agenda of government, essentially the economy, security and the fight against corruption.

He urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies

(MDAs) to key into the strategy to ensure its successful implementation.

He said letters were written to MDAs and security agencies to be part of the review while the United States and the United Kingdom were also invited even as documents from UN and ECOWAS were also included.

Meanwhile, speaking at the end of the year conference with Commissioners of Police (CPs) in Abuja, the Inspector General of Police said 2,037 firearms and 21,870 ammunition were recovered in 2019. “Between January 2019 to date, a total of 6,531 high profile suspects were arrested in various police operations.

This comprises a total of 2,627 armed robbery suspects,

FG EYES $23TN EMERGING MARKETS FUNDS TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE need an estimate of over $200 billion in order to achieve its NDCs under the Paris Climate Agreement by year 2030.

Nigeria’s NDC pledges to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 20 per cent from business-as-usual levels by 2030, with priorities covering: improving the power system; increased use of renewable; enforcement of energy efficiency and gas flaring controls; developing power plants at gas flare sites; implementing climate-smart agriculture; adopting green industrial technologies and implementing transportation reforms.

A report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that was launched last month had shown that the historic global agreement on climate change adopted in Paris helped open up nearly $23 trillion in opportunities for climate-smart investments in emerging markets between now and 2030. Of this amount, Sub-Saharan Africa represents a $783 billion opportunity, particularly for clean energy in

Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Nigeria’s estimated climatesmart investment potential was put at over $104 billion from 2016–2030 in selected sectors.

According to a climate finance expert and Managing Director, SMEFUNDS Capital Limited, Dr. Jubril Adeojo, climate finance needs to be the order of the day in the local financial system for us to achieve the targets. “Government would need to issue more ethical bonds such as Sukuk and Green bonds for self-sustainable infrastructural projects in transportation and housing. Foreign investors will naturally inflow funds into the county once they see significant traction and demonstration from the domestic financial markets by 2022, to scale and expand the scope of other NDC-related projects toward achieving the NDC targets by 2030,� he said.

According to him, from the uncovered environmental and societal nemesis threatening the existence of the entire universe and humanity, the

urgency for the public sector and private sector to adopt and employ climate finance methodology has never been more profound to combat climate change. “Just to cite few scenarios where financial actors can easily engage in climate finance, starting with agriculture financing agriculture projects in the light of climate finance entails providing funding for sustainable or climate smart agriculture projects or businesses such as greenhouse farming - food production with very little or zero use of soil without the use of fossil fuel powered heavy duty equipment like tractors and combine harvesters; solar irrigation farming that is not reliant on natural course of rainfall that has become unfavourable,� Adeojo said.

He added that in the industrial sector, financial actors should encourage (and be willing to provide the required funding to implement) manufacturers to adopt the use of clean energy

such as gas, or renewable energy to powered their factories via a captive power as a service arrangement with an experienced clean energy provider to avoid high acquisition cost, instead of providing funding for the acquisition of fossil fuel powered generators that emit carbon dioxide. “Industries should also be encouraged to engage in comprehensive energy audit at the point of major assets replacement in order to factor in energy efficiency measures that will drop the energy demand of the factory, which in return reduces the energy generation capacity that is required to power the factory, which also translates to significant reduction in operating overheads,� he said.

Also, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it would increase its commitment in support of the government vision in sustainable finance. “We have issued the rules before now and the next step is education and SEC in line

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TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Nigeria Loses $400bn to Illicit Financial Flows, Says Malami Alex Enumah in Abuja The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN),

yesterday decried the level of illicit financial flows, noting that Nigeria has lost over $400 billion to some foreign havens.

The funds, according to the

INEC Confirms Disruption of Inspection of Bayelsa Election Materials Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday confirmed the disruption of a court-ordered inspection of electoral materials used during the November 16 governorship poll in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

However, the electoral umpire said it was left for the aggrieved party to take up the matter with the relevant authorities, stressing that its job was to comply with the order of the Bayelsa Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, to allow the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) examine the documents.

It was gathered that the exercise taking place at the Swali, Yenagoa office of the election body was halted following the chaos occasioned by some loyalists of the

opposition party in the state.

INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, though admitted that the process was cut short abruptly, noted that the inspection of the materials was continuing after the initial disturbance.

“INEC’s position is to obey the order of Election Petition Tribunal by making available to the petitioner election materials used during the election for their inspection.

“Whatever claims and counter claims that arose and disrupted the process yesterday should be better given by the parties involved,” he said.

But the PDP accused the All Progressives Congress, (APC) of disrupting the inspection of the governorship election documents as granted by the Election Petition Tribunal currently sitting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

AGF were either stolen or expatriated by corrupt leaders and their foreign accomplices, including multinational companies.

A statement from Malami’s Media aide, Dr. Umar Gwandu said Malami made the disclosure while speaking at the eighth session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in the United Arab Emirate (UNCAC), taking place from December 16 to 20, 2019.

According to the minister, Nigeria noted with great

concern the incidence of illicit financial flows which go through the financial systems annually, particularly from developing to developed economies.

“The quantum of these illicit flows which are majorly proceeds of crime undermines local currencies, constitutes a threat to the economy, and enhances the risk of huge amounts of money flowing into channels such as organised crimes and terrorism”.

He said the government has taken drastic measures to address the problem in order to

ensure that Nigerian financial institutions and banks are not used as conduits for these illicit transactions. “To dissuade the perpetrators of this anomaly including financial institutions who act as enablers, State Parties should ensure that illicit financial flows, when tracked, do not remain in the custody of enabling financial institutions, but should be transferred into escrow account, preferably in Development Banks pending return to countries of origin,” he said.

According to the minister,

“bad eggs among public officials have been compromised by multinational companies and our resources looted and diverted through inflated contracts”.

Malami noted that with the return of democratic governance in 1999, the country has recorded significant progress in the fight against corruption.

“We have enacted legal frameworks and established several dedicated institutions focused on preventing and combatting diverse manifestations of corruption”.

Jonathan, Soglo Task Guinean Authorities on Constitutional Amendments Former President Jonathan who led an international delegation alongside ex-President of Benin, Nicephore Soglo on a pre-election assessment mission to Guinea has advised the government of the West African country to provide more clarity on its position on the speculations and fears over planned constitutional amendments as a means of boosting citizen confidence in the coming elections.

The group made this known in Conakry over the weekend at a press conference where it presented the preliminary findings of the pre-election assessment mission ahead of the scheduled February 16 the parliamentary elections.

In its recommendations to the government, the delegation urged the authorities to: “Provide greater clarity on its stance with regards to speculations around the constitutional framework of the country in order to enhance citizen confidence in its commitment to deepening democracy and fostering peaceful and credible legislative elections.”

It also urged the government to “create platforms for regular communication between civilian populations and security services at the national and sub-national levels in order to prevent further clashes between demonstrators and security services and the recurrent violence.”

Abia Police Arrest Army General for Gun-running Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Etim Okon, yesterday announced that the command has arrested a major general in the Nigerian Army in the commercial city of Aba for gun running.

He made this known while briefing journalists on the activities of the Abia State Police Command within the past nine months since he assumed duties in the state.

He didn’t reveal the name of the top ranking army officer in police net.

Okon, who only gave scanty information on the suspect, said that the major general was dismissed by the army high command but

went to court to challenge his dismissal, adding that the suspect was arrested with several guns, including AK 47 and pistols.

He said that the suspect along with other members of the syndicate were currently in police custody and undergoing interrogations.

According to him, the syndicate had already sold undisclosed number if guns and ammunitions to its clients, noting that efforts were still on to retrieve arms.

The police commissioner also disclosed that no fewer than 411 suspected criminals had been arrested by the police in Abia State between February 25 and December 15, 2019.

WAR AGAINST MALNUTRITION…

L-R: Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, during a press briefing to mark the 2nd Annual Nigeria Food Processing and Nutrition Leadership Forum in Lagos… yesterday

Two Persons Dead, Several Others Injured as Cultists Renew Clash in Surulere Police arrest 75 suspects Chiemelie Ezeobi Two persons were yesterday killed and several others injured as cultists renewed their age-long clash at the Aguda, Surulere area of Lagos State.

As expected, the clash spilled over from Aguda to Itire, disrupting business activities as it forced many residents to stay indoors while the violence raged.

Armed with dangerous weapons like broken bottles, axes and damaged parts of

vehicles, the cultists stormed the street and engaged themselves in a free-for-all fight.

While the residents took flight, the cultists had a field day as they vandalised shops and parked vehicles with inhibition.

THISDAY gathered that the clash was a reprisal of last Sunday night’s attacks, when gang members of an opposing cult group had stormed the opposition’s territory.

While calling on security operatives to arrest and bring the perpetrators to book,

residents of Enitan, Adetola and Willy Omiyi Streets, also charged the police to beef up security in the area for fear of another reprisal.

To quell the crisis, operatives of the state Anti-Cultism and Special Anti-Robbery units were deployed to the trouble spots, where they arrested some of the perpetrators of the violence.

The age-long rival clash between cultists in Itire and Aguda has claimed many lives and destroyed property worth several millions of naira.

Confirming the clash, the state Police Spokesperson, DSP Bala Elkana said the command succeeded in arresting 75 suspects in connection with the superman first battle.

He said: “On Sunday, the police received a distress call that there was a gunshot at Pako, Aguda Canal. On getting to the scene, the police found the corpse of one Alagodo, who happened to be a follower of one Eluku who is currently in prison over violent crimes.

NNPC’s Refineries Record Losses for Nine Consecutive Months The three refineries belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recorded losses for nine consecutive months, the corporation said in its September financial results.

According to the report, the refineries lost N111.27 billion from January to September 2019, compared to a loss of N96.31 billion recorded in the same period in 2018.

They lost N8.362billion in January; N10.26 billion in February; N16.04 billion

in March; N11.44 billion in April; N13.63 billion in May, and N17.42 billion in June.

The plants recorded a loss of N13.84 billion in July; N13.21billion in August and N7.07billion in September.

Kaduna refinery, which did not process any crude in eight months, lost N44.06 billion, according to the NNPC. Warri Refinery lost N33.88billion as it did not process any crude oil in April, June, July, August and

September.

Port Harcourt refinery lost N33.31bilion as it was idle in January, April, May and June, July, August and September.

“Similar to August 2019, no white product (petrol and kerosene) was produced in September 2019. The lack of production is due to ongoing rehabilitation works at the refineries,” the corporation said.

It said the combined value of output by the three refineries (at import parity price) for

September amounted to N1.03 billion.

“No associated crude plus freight cost for the three refineries since there was no production while operational expenses amounted to N11.24 billion.

“This resulted in current operating deficit of N10.20 billion and an adjusted deficit of N7.07billion by the refineries; after adjusting for prior overstated deficits by PHRC.”

TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Publish Your Spending, PDP Challenges Presidency Urges APC to account for N40bn allegedly withdrawn from FIRS Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday challenged the President Muhammadu Buhari government to lead by example by publishing details of its spending and financial transactions as an impetus to enforce its financial reporting directives on Ministries, Departments and Agencies

(MDAs).

The main opposition party also called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to come clean on revelations in the public space that the N40 billion taxpayers’ money allegedly siphoned from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) was used to finance its 2019 election campaigns.

But in a swift response, the APC described the statement

from the PDP alleging that the sum of N40 billion was released to the party by the FIRS to prosecute the 2019 election political campaigns as hogwash and baseless.

The PDP in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, also tasked the presidency to publish details, including the beneficiaries, the purpose and the amount

France Honours Bella Disu with Prestigious National Honour France has honoured the Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom, Mrs. Bella Disu, with the prestigious national honour of “Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres.”

The award, which is in recognition of Mrs. Disu’s remarkable support for arts and culture, especially her coordination of the construction of the iconic Alliance Francaise Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, was presented to her at a formal ceremony held at the centre and presided over by the French State Secretary for Education and Youth, Ministry, Gabriel Attal.

The French minister, who is the youngest minister in France, said he was delighted to present

the honour to Mrs. Disu as the youngest recipient of the French national honour.

The minister said the unique national honour is reserved for icons who have supported the sustenance and growth of French culture.

He described the Mike Adenuga Centre as magnificent and the most beautiful of all Alliance Francaise centres in the world. He also described the equipment, sound, lighting and technology at the centre as first class, adding that the project is a cultural revolution.

Facing the Chairman of Mike Adenuga Group, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. who witnessed the ceremony along with the Lagos State Governor, Mr.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other eminent dignitaries, the French minister said, “Who could have imagined that it was possible to build such a cultural centre in just a few months? From the very first minute, dear Chairman, you wished that your daughter would lead the project that would facilitate cultural collaborations between French speaking countries and Nigeria.

“The team worked relentlessly under the attentive but firm supervision of Bella to deliver the building in a record time. It is one of the most exceptional projects of our cultural network and one of the most outstanding examples of arts and culture sponsorships in Nigeria.

Allegation baseless, says APC

of each payment, in line with the presidential directive to the MDAs. The PDP said it is not enough for Buhari to issue spending directives to MDAs without his presidency, which received billions of naira in budgetary allocation, leading by example.

According to the PDP, “Nigerians deserve to know how much is allocated to the presidency; the various expenditure subheads, process of award of contracts, the contractors, the beneficiaries, amounts paid and the payment system.

“Perhaps such would explain why certain individuals who are close to the presidency live in ostentatious opulence and flaunt very expensive lifestyle in the

same country where millions of citizens wallow in abject poverty, hunger, homelessness and disease.”

The PDP alleged in the statement that there are several ‘ugly scenarios around the presidency, including the arrest in October of a suspected scammer, Abdulrauf Illyasu’, who even enjoyed an office accommodation within the safety and cover of the presidential villa.

This, the party said, was in addition to the arrest of a said confidant of the president, Nasir Danu, at Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom, for alleged international passport scam and money laundering while allegedly ferrying currencies for persons said to be close to the presidency.

Meanwhile, the PDP has called on the APC to come clean on revelations in the public that the N40 billion taxpayers’ money allegedly siphoned from the FIRS was used to finance its 2019 election campaigns.

The party said in a statement

by Ologbondiyan that the revelation, which has reportedly unsettled certain persons in the Buhari presidency, has further exposed the APC as a decadent lot and a gathering of treasury looters who thrive in cheating and deceit at a very high level.

Meanwhile, the APC has described the statement from the PDP alleging that the sum of N40 billion was released to the party by the FIRS to prosecute the 2019 election political campaigns as hogwash and baseless.

EFCC Hands over 53 Tricycles Recovered from Contractor to Zamfara Govt Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Sokoto Zonal Office, yesterday handed over 53 Keke NAPEP recovered from a contractor to Zamfara State Government.

EFCC Zonal Head, Mr. Abdullahi Lawal, stated this while handing over the tricycles.

He explained that the items were part of one thousand pieces valued at N1.2 billion

awarded for supply to the state

by Kymco and Wadatto Limited but the contractor failed to supply all before the transition.

He said the commission trailed the contractor and recovered 53 pieces.

He added that the recovery was possible as a result of painstaking and diligent investigation.

“As you are aware, the commission is carrying out a clinical investigation

into the activities of the last administration. We want to assure you and the people of Zamfara State that the commission would not relent on its oars to prosecute anyone found culpable,” he said.

The EFCC boss added that several contractors who abandoned their projects after receiving billions of naira have mobilised back to sites in the state for the fear of prosecution.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

COMMENT

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

THE U.K. BREXIT ELECTION The election holds lessons for Nigeria, writes Austin Okere

T

he U.K. has announced the result of the “Brexit Election�, and Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party won a landslide victory, mostly at the expense of Jeremy Corbyn’s opposition Labour Party.

Listen to their statements after the results; “I will work night and day to repay voters’ trustâ€? ‌ Boris Johnson. “I will not lead the party in any future general election campaignâ€? ‌ Jeremy Corbyn.

Despite the very high stakes in this election, there was no acrimonious stirring of tribal sentiments, or calls on supporters to protest or reject the results. Rather, leaders on all sides called on their supporters to accept the line in the sand and move forward together. The central message of the winner was – let the healing begin.

Here are the key facts: The decision to go for elections in the U.K. was taken in late Oct 2019, but officially kicked off on Nov 6th; voting started at 7am on Dec 12th, and stopped by 10pm the same day; the polls all come in by 8am next day, Dec 13th, except for St. Ives, an island caught in a storm.

The fastest returning record was 45 mins after voting closed.

There was 67% voters’ attendance There were no incidents of ballot snatching, violence or deaths as a result of the election.

They did not have four years to plan; in fact, they barely had two months, and they had to deal with the exigencies of the attendant “holiday mindset� of the Christmas season; and yet there was no thought of postponement.

What can we learn from the UK elections? Can we replicate this in Nigeria? What do we need to do to make this happen?

I asked these questions on my social media handles and got a myriad of responses ranging from genuine selfintrospection to excuses, and even outright justification of the status quo.

It is an unfair comparison of apples and oranges. Comparing a country created in 1536 with a country that was colonised and whose independence was given in 1960 is not a fair comparison; Nigeria needs time! One of them declared.

Some others postulated that until we pass into law the

PERHAPS THE MOST TELLING COMMENT WAS THAT ELECTIONS IN THE U.K. ARE NOT DO-ORDIE AFFAIRS BECAUSE THERE’S A LIMIT TO WHAT A PARTY CAN SPEND, COUPLED WITH THE FACT THAT THE REWARDS AND PERKS OF POLITICAL OFFICE ARE NOT WAY OUT OF PROPORTION TO OTHER CAREERS

electoral reform bill, there will not be elections in 2023.

I don’t think the comparison is unfair; technology evens things out. We have to start aspiring towards superior systems instead of wallowing in our status quo, another countered.

If the U.K. is too far from Nigeria in development for a fair comparison, then maybe we should measure our electoral process against our neighbours here in Ghana and assess how we stack up. It cannot be gainsaid that the deliberate policy of free quality education in Ghana is at the root of sustained electoral maturity. The elections are more about developmental manifestos of the candidates than about parochial tribal and religious sentiments.

Even if we compare “apples with apples� with respect to the period since independence, how do you explain that countries like Botswana (1966), Mauritius (1968) and Singapore (1965) who were also colonized and gained independence after Nigeria are doing much better in their political process.

Perhaps the most telling comment was that elections in the U.K. are not do-or-die affairs because there’s a limit to what a party can spend, coupled with the fact that the rewards and perks of political office are not way out of proportion to other careers.

Nigeria’s political process seems to be riddled with rigging, violence and deaths. We seem to take one step forward in electoral reforms, followed by two giant leaps backwards.

Success at organising elections will certainly boost our standing among nations, and indeed our self-esteem as a people.

While it is pertinent to do an introspection about how we got here, it is more important to focus on how to dig ourselves out of this predicament and our respective parts in the plan; what I call healing “the man in the mirror� to heal society. Credible elections will instill good governance, assure shared prosperity and stem the massive brain drain plaguing our nation. This is certainly not rocket science, or is it?

It will be interesting to hear your views.

Okere is the Founder of CWG Plc, the largest ICT Company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange & Entrepreneur in Residence at CBS, New York

FROM HIS EXCELLENCY TO MR GOVERNOR Sanwo Olu, Lagos State Governor, leads to serve, writes Olusegun Akinpelu

I

n many climes, leaders are adulated.

Praised. Worshipped. It comes with the endearment of having someone to spearhead things, to become the thinker, the voice, the doer. It’s a way of everything with life. Think the alpha dog, queen bee and the queen ant. There is always that moniker to distinguish the leader.

From time immemorial and in different societies, bestowing of titles on persons to show some form of reverence has been the norm. The philosophers were considered sages, thinkers. Some were through physical strength while others through old age. It is noteworthy that the Greek gods all had discerning qualities that earned them a place in the pantheon.

In different spheres of life -social, economic, political, religious, military - such exist. It is the culture that birthed His Majesty, His Holiness, His Excellence and many others. It is practiced all over. And in all walks of life. With colonial rule, the British also brought along their devotion to their monarch to Nigeria. And across all the lands the British ruled, the British monarch was touted as supreme. The British have through their systems established the usage of Lords and other forms of peerage to distinguish personalities. Such exalting titles as Your Majesty, Your Lordship, Your Highness and Your Excellency, to mention few, have been a way of life where the ruled feel their rulers should be addressed. But to think this practice is only a thing on Britain would be wrong.

Nigerian royalty have had their own share of adulations from their subject. They continue to enjoy it. From the north through the east, west and to the south of the country, stories abound of how great personalities have been reverently addressed. The role of the Obas, Obis and Emirs in Nigeria cannot

be dismissed. Likewise the god-like reverence which they enjoyed. There was a time when their word was law. Endearing words were used to revere them. Their titles suggested their powers. For instance, ‘Kabiyesi’ in Yoruba simply means that the king cannot be questioned.

With the transfer of political power to politicians, words of endearments were bestowed on successful politicians. And in Nigeria’s political circles, the governors became ‘Your Excellency’ immediately after taking their oaths of office. It was a transition that all parties segued into.

That the office of the Nigerian governor is huge is real. Aside being the CEO of a region, he has access to huge sums in terms of security votes, access to internally generated revenue and others. By his actions or inactions, he affects and influences the lives of millions. In a rich state like Lagos, the governor assumes much power. And with a population of over 20 million, the governor surely exerts much influence. It is such stature that makes people adulate governors.

It is for that reasons they are largely referred to as ‘His Excellency.’ Curiously, Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo Olu doesn’t want that.

Hence, when Sanwo Olu said he was dropping the traditional title of ‘His Excellency’ in November, many Nigerians thought he was high on some cheap drugs.

How many Nigerians dare address a state governor without the usual fawning from nearly all their followers? How many can hold a conversation without the barrage of ‘Sir’ and ‘Your Excellency’? Hence, in the minds of some Nigerians, the request by Sanwo Olu was seen as preposterous. A whole Lagos State wishing to be addressed as ‘Mr Governor’.

It was unheard of that a Nigerian governor

that boasts of so much power would want to be addressed as a normal citizen. You see, governors have come to enjoy a larger than life existence. They move in big convoys, have big spending ways, control a large retinue of staff and access huge security votes. To the ordinary people, they are demi-gods. And they are addressed likewise on a daily basis with much fawning. “The office of the Governor has been celebrated as the paragon of excellence, a temple of perfection and a throne of purity,� said Sanwo Olu. “This demi-god mystique spreads over the entire machinery of the executive arm of the government, symbolising an authoritarian disposition on the governed. It has deformed the orientation of elected and appointed persons who are paid from the taxes of the people to see themselves as oppressors who can do no wrong and must be served, rather than serve the people.�

Singing the praises of leaders is not unique to any particular set of people. Nearly everyone and every culture do it. From royalty to elected and non-elected officials to priests, traditional title holders and PhD holders, there seems to be a craving for titles - all to varying degrees. It is on record how a former Ugandan president and dictator, Idi Amin, gave himself a ludicrous title. He was addressed as: ‘His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular.’ While the Idi Amin titles were a result of delusion, back home, titles like Baba Oloye, Igwe and Ranka de de are all familiar terms known to Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo people of Nigeria. It is merely praising a man, in the same way as other non-indigenous

titles. Across the country, the various groups of people have their ways of endearment reserved for their governors. For such reasons, many governors find it difficult not to embrace the title, ‘Your Highness.’ In fact, like some people, some governors seem to take note of those who do not refer to them as ‘Excellences’ or those that say it in contempt. Ditto for their wives, who go by the grandiose title of ‘First Lady’, another western import. Followers, supporters, bootlickers and sycophants know all this and act accordingly.

Yet, it is the responsibility of the leader to be able to feel the pulse of the people, to connect and pay true allegiance to the people.

And Sanwo Olu said: “Only God, the Almighty, the Creator, the Protector is the Most Excellent. No man can share His eternal qualities. Thenceforth, I wish to be addressed simply as Mr. Governor, a title that will constantly remind me that I have been chosen out of so many fellow compatriots to lead a collective salvage of our political economy.�

Mr is a common term for everyone.

Hence, the term ‘Mr Governor’ addresses the high office and still accommodates the ordinary man. This is so because the ordinary man - the farmer, teacher, bank manager, driver, pilot, civil servant - is addressed as Mr. In Osun State, former governor Rauf Aregbesola also toyed with this simplicity when he said he should be addressed as ‘Ogbeni’ which simply means Mr in Yoruba language.

Good leaders should seek to break the barriers between them and the people they lead. Sanwo Olu has gone a good ďŹ rst step to simplifying the way he would be addressed.

Lagosians are likely to connect with him more as one of them with the title, Mr Governor.

He needs to keep that touch with Lagosians.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019

EDITORIAL THE ELECTRICITY WORKERS’STRIKE The economic cost of the strike to the nation is huge

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ast Wednesday, members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) embarked on a one-day strike to express their grievances over the working conditions in the power sector.

As a consequence of the strike, the national grid collapsed twice within a period of 48 hours, resulting in a nationwide blackout which the technical staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were still struggling to resolve for most of last weekend. Meanwhile, records from the office Vice President Yemi Osinbajo reveal that the union’s strike forced the entire country to distribute a paltry 753MW among the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos).

The economic losses arising from the industrial action were colossal. Quoting government sources, a newspaper put the figure at N4 billion. But experts in the power sector believe that aggregate economic losses are far more than the figure being estimated if industries, businesses and residential GOVERNMENT AND ALL consumers were to STAKEHOLDERS MUST be added to the mix.

MEET TO RESOLVE ALL Reports reveal that THE CHALLENGES THAT at least N1.9 billion is lost on a normal daily HAVE CONTINUED TO basis when power BOG DOWN THE POWER generation is put at SECTOR AD INFINITUM an average of 3,850 megawatts (MW). With the unions locking out electricity workers across major power generation, transmission and distributions stations in the country, maximum damage was done.

The economic losses aside, the complete collapse of the national grid and subsequent blackouts have serious national security implications. It is for this reason that workers in the utility sectors such as electricity, telecommunications and water in other parts of the world hardly embark on industrial actions. Even when they do, they also ensure that partial and emergency services continue to function. Unfortunately, the NUEE in Nigeria, led by its General Secretary, Comrade Joe Ajaero, does not seem to understand this. Since the privatisation of

Letters to the Editor

the electricity sector in 2013, which Ajaero has always opposed for ideological reasons, he has led at least three strikes in the electricity sector. On each occasion, the already fragile Nigerian economy has recorded incalculable disruptions with no consequences for his whimsical actions. This cannot be allowed to continue.

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T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, 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 DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

owever, whatever may be the misgivings about Ajaero, he is not entirely to blame for the industrial actions undertaken in the power sector. The operators comprising the generation, transmission and distribution companies have not been alive to their responsibilities. The grievances of the workers against operators in the sector are genuine and cannot be ignored. These range from payment of half salaries by the distribution companies (Discos) and non-settlement of entitlements owed some ex-staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), to the non-remittance of workers’ pension contributions to licensed pension administrators. To worsen matters, the Ministries of Power and Labour, Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) which were duly notified of the strike 21 days earlier, were caught napping. They all failed to act until the strike commenced.

The lessons to be learnt from the latest industrial action by electricity workers is that government and all stakeholders must meet to resolve all the challenges that have continued to bog down the power sector ad infinitum. This should go beyond resolving the issue of workers’ welfare. It must include structural reforms of the transmission grid, provision of meters to electricity consumers to bring an end to estimated billing by the Discos, and implementation of cost-reflective tariffs that affect the entire value chain of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

While Nigerians want the federal government to get things right in this important sector, what last week’s industrial action signposts is that there are still many nagging and pending issues. Without addressing them, the country will continue to wallow in darkness and remain uncompetitive in the global arena.

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 (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

THE EMIGRATION OF AFRICAN PROFESSIONALS

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recall seeing the 1984 Don’t check out Andrew advert which was played by the late Enebeli Elebuwa. In the advert, the country was pleading with him not to migrate out of the country and stay behind to develop here. In a tinge of coincidence, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was the then Head of State and he is tragically currently our President at the moment.

Migration is as old as man and he has every right to leave his current country for greener pasture elsewhere. Pardon me by going Biblical. In the book of Genesis, God told Abraham to leave his father’s land to a land he would show him. Lot his nephew also left his homestead and settled in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah because of its rich pasture.

The first wave of migration from Africa was during the TransAtlantic slave trade when cheap labour from Africa was needed to power the plantations of the United States and the Caribbean.

In the run up to independence, most Africans studied in France, United Kingdom, United States and Canada most especially and immediately rushed home to occupy the vacant positions being left behind by the departing colonial masters.

After decades of terrible governance by both military and civilian rulers, the conversation shifted to migrating to the west for economic reasons and to give the family and unborn generations a brighter future.

The United States during the Presidency of Bill Clinton came up with the US Visa lottery and a specific quota for each country.

Many Africans migrated through that means as it represented a

way out of the biting pangs of raw hunger and poverty no thanks to the decadent and corrupt local leadership.

It wasn’t only the West that was attractive – many Africans ran to Asia and even other parts of Africa most notably South Africa just to have the taste of a better life.

The professionals were the worst hit. Many academics, doctors, lawyers, journalists, nurses and other healthcare professionals, accountants, bankers simply packed up their bags and fled the continent to avoid depression.

A recent report released by the Nigerian Medical Association showed that out of 72,000 registered Nigerian Medical Doctors licensed to practice in the country; about 35,000 were abroad. A similar release by other professionals like lawyers and accountants showed that the nation which touts itself as the ‘Giant of Africa’ is in real danger. A similar fate also befell other African nations as the conducive environment to thrive back home is simply not there which makes migration an inevitable option.

The West is complicit in the pathetic migration story of Africa.

They provided their banking facilities for African dictators to stash away their looted funds which they not only used to develop their countries but also most times lost when they died. Another way was in their pressure to get hitherto Sovereign African nations to take loans from the Bretton Woods Institutions – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development aka the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund which always crippled the economies of these third world nations forcing the best of her nationals to seek economic asylum and fulfillment in faraway

climes.

The contributions made to the economies of these Africans in Diaspora run into hundreds of billions of dollars annually as the heart of most of them is still back home in backward Africa. Many of the children born abroad are still taught the language of the land of their original descent especially if both parents are from the same tribe. Many still take their children on visits back home to better appreciate where they ought to have been born and bred but for corrupt political leadership.

The damage has been done and there is no need crying over spilt milk or spilt blood. Many African nations are making strident steps to become developed states. A case that readily comes to mind is Rwanda that is on the path of development barely after 25 years of the brutal Hutu-Tutsi war that claimed almost a million lives. They are the first African nations to possess drones and are making great strides in STEM education with investors flocking to the former war-torn nation like bees do to honey. They have a fullfledged office for Diaspora affairs and regularly engage with their citizens abroad who are making serious investments back home.

Other African nations should emulate them as they are poised to be Africa’s first super power in the no distant future.

Africa nations should get their act together in churning out progressive policies that would not only get them out of the woods but put them on the path of national development. We should shoulder high above tribalism and ethnic sentiments to building a virile economy for the good of all.

Tony Ademiluyi, Lagos

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019

POLITICS

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

Why Ize-Iyamu May Not Replace Obaseki in Edo Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that the botched Mega Rally in Benin City to announce the entry of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu into the All Progressives Congress may have unintentionally strengthened the hand of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Obaseki

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ajority of the people who thought Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State was weak and cowardly have been forced to have a rethink since the enduring standoff between him and predecessor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) began.

What is becoming clearer by the day is that Obaseki is not a pushover who could be tossed around by a political godfather.

Not many knew that behind the disguise of one lacking in courage that encompasses his external personality, there is a studiously calculating disposition that Obseki has set up to pull the rug off the feet of Oshiomhole.

The veil has been torn off the face of the big masquerade called Oshiomhole, who used to be seen as a demi-god. Recently, in Benin City, capital of Edo State where he used to hold sway, the former governor had to seek the help of security agents to move from the Benin Airport to his residence.

Oshiomhole was in town to participate in the activities welcoming the former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2016 guber elections, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, into the APC in a widely-publicised Mega Rally.

Oshiomhole needed that rally to prove that he still the levers of the party, at least, in Edo, his home state, firmly in his grip. It was a necessary show of dominance for him. Unfortunately, all the optimism were misplaced and the ended in a disgraceful outcome for the national chairman, who was forced to eat the humble pie.

Before this shocking twist, many in Edo elevated Comrade Oshiomhole from a mortal to divine rank in the politics of the state, owing to his influence in the state before he left office in 2016. However, since his running battle with Governor Obaseki – a technocrat, who pundits say abhors dirty politics came to the open, Oshiomhole has been exposed as the brawler, while Obaseki retains the visage of a gentleman.

The battle took different dimensions since the primaries for the general elections and the inauguration of the State House of Assembly. While Obaseki relies on the instrumentality of the courts and brainpower, Oshiomhole and a gang popularly known as the Edo Peoples Movement (EPM) have relied on brawns and influence peddling, which culminated in the factionalisation of the party in the state.

The political tension in Edo State got to a head on Friday, December 13, when Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu attempted to defect to the APC in a failed mega rally which turned out to be nothing more than a family meetup. The venue for the defection had to be changed due to a police directive instructing

Oshiomhole that the rally should not hold, even as the state government banned political rallies in private residences and schools across the state. Obaseki’s opponents did not see this coming. None of them, not the least, the APC National Chairman thought the governor had the courage to upstage him.

A lot of political watchers in the state have come up with different permutations as to what would have led to Pastor Ize-Iyamu joining the APC after so many years of acrimony between him and Oshiomhole, to whom many years before Ize-Iyamu had served as a Director General for his governorship campaign but fell out with him shortly after Oshiomhole came into office.

The loudest of arguments the debates is the fact that Oshiomhole had shopped for candidates to replace Oshiomhole within his team but could not find anyone with enough political capital and network to match the force and popularity of Governor Obaseki.

Why would Oshiomhole be shopping for someone to replace Obaseki, if he indeed means well for the development of the state?

Given Obaseki’s sterling performance rating, shouldn’t the matter be about mending fences and working to consolidate on the gains of the Obaseki administration? Why would Ize-Iyamu want to force his way into the APC, when the body language from the camp of the governor, who is leader of the party in the state, was for him to hold on and follow the schedule of activities the state chapter of the APC had outlined for such occasions?

What is not in doubt, however, is that Ize-Iyamu has comfortably pitched his tent with Oshiomhole’s duplicitous faction in the state, and instead of strengthening the party, as he claimed he intends to do, Ize-Iyamu is attempting to deepen the division in the party, which many believe is the game plan of Comrade Oshiomhole.

Interestingly, the pillaging and violence and

Ize-Iyamu the show of shame that played out in the private residence of the ‘Pastor’ happened in a week when the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where he claims to be shepherding a major branch was hosting its Holy Ghost Congress, a key event in the church’s calendar. Is Ize-Iyamu really worthy of the appellation of a pastor when he places divisive politics and a political fiesta far above the programmes of the church where he is a high-ranking member?

The botched Mega Rally turned out a big flop not just because the former governor had a false sense of his influence in the state, but also because of he has blossomed fully into a hypocrite with his stance as a godfather, years after fighting the same phenomenon. This is the same Oshiomhole who fought the overbearing tendencies of the late ‘Leader’ Chief Tony Anenih, insisting there was no place in the politics of Edo State for a godfather. Sadly, he is attempting to reenact that role in the administration of Obaseki. The flop of the Mega Rally further exposes Oshiomhole’s weakening political base. Youths, who ordinarily would have rallied round him, had staged protests across major roads in Benin metropolis on Thursday, warning that desperate politicians were importing thugs from outside the state to cause mayhem.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, on Thursday night, ordered that the event be cancelled over ‘overriding internal security interests,’ directing the Commissioner of Police in the state to meet with the opposing political interests.

Originally billed to hold at Garrick Memorial School, Ekenwan Road, it was later reduced to what can be termed a family meeting at the private residence of the decampee, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The Inspector General Police (IGP), in a letter addressed to the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, signed by his Principal Staff Officer, ACP Idowu

Before this shocking twist, many in Edo elevated Comrade Oshiomhole from a mortal to divine rank in the politics of the state, owing to his influence in the state before he left office in 2016. However, since his running battle with Governor Obaseki – a technocrat, who pundits say abhors dirty politics came to the open, Oshiomhole has been exposed as the brawler, while Obaseki retains the visage of a gentleman

Owohunwa, said “in cognizance of the security consequences of the proposed Mega Rally, I am to confirm that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command to emplace appropriate security framework that is directed at suspending the rally until further notice.

“He has also been directed to summon a meeting of all parties involved in the political development with a view to engaging them towards giving effect to his directives in overriding internal security interests.”

This was after the state government issued a strongly-worded directive against holding of political rallies and demonstrations across the state, following rising security tension in the state.

The police acted proactively by manning strategic points across the state to give effect to the state government’s directive, which led to the dispersion of crowds that gathered at the Ugbor-Amagba axis of the state.

On its part, the government warned all property owners that any venue used for activities in breach of its orders shall have its right of occupancy immediately revoked and forfeited to the Edo State Government, noting that it will not allow any person to turn the state into a battlefield.

According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., “The Government of Edo State has, over the past few days, made clear its position that the plans by some identified mischief-makers to organise an unauthorised political rally in Benin City, was capable of leading to a breakdown of public peace and also a danger to the persons and property of Edo citizens.

“The events of yesterday, 12th December, 2019, were a scary prelude to the absolute mayhem which these irresponsible activities would generate if left unchecked.

“In defiance of the clear and publicised instruction of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), calling off the proposed rally owing to the security implications, these desperate persons are presently shopping around for alternative venues to carry out their incendiary activities.”

There were too many factors going against the rally. There was no way it could have successfully held, given not only the charged political atmosphere but also the lack of support from those who had once called Oshiomhole their political leader.

As Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s entry into the APC is already generating a lot of complications and bad blood, the Man of God may have been unwittingly dragged into an ignoble path. All the indicators point to a faulty start, signaling ominous future occurrence.

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POLITICS

Seven Nigerian States with Increasing Cases of Rights Violation Alex Enumah writes that while the focus is often on the Federal Government, the worrisome and frightening culture of impunity in Nigeria may be worse in the states

Ayade

Emmanuel

Sanwo-Olu

Yahaya

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Ibom, where a banker is currently languishing in detention for allegedly insulting the governor on his Facebook page.

The banker, Michael Itok, was arraigned before a magistrate court in Uyo, by the State Security Service, SSS. He was accused of writing numerous articles against the Akwa Ibom governor, Udom Emmanuel, and other officials of the state government.

Mr Itok, 21, is a marketer with Prudential Microfinance Bank, Uyo. The charge against the bank marketer reads, “That you, Mr Michael Itok and another now at large, sometimes in October, 2019 at 1000 Units Housing Estate, Idu Uruan, Uruan Local Government Area, within the Uyo Magisterial District did constitute yourself into a nuisance by publishing damaging and annoying articles on your Facebook page with the aim of harassing, blackmailing and bringing to disrepute His Excellency Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and other staff of the Akwa Ibom State Government House, and thereby commits and offence punishable under Section 6(1) (f) of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Security and Enforcement Law, 2009.”

According to report, an official of Prudential Microfinance Bank had said that Itok was picked up in the bank on October 8, around 7:30 a.m, by some unidentified men.

The report added that the official who claimed not to have witnessed the arrest said that she saw a note he left for her on the office desk.

“I might not be able to get his message word for word, but he said, ‘Please Madam, any day I don’t return to work or you don’t see me, know that Udom’s boys have picked me!”

From the account of the bank official, it could be deduced that Mr. Itok has been detained by the SSS for over 40 days before he was eventually arraigned.

According to the defendant’s Facebook profile, he has worked as a steward to Governor Em-

manuel.

Still on Akwa Ibom is the case of a female photojournalist, Mary Ekere who was remanded in prison for taking photos while the Akwa Ibom State Waste Management Agency officials were raiding Ibom Plaza in Uyo and seizing items belonging to the traders in the area.

Ekere, who is a reporter with the Post Newspaper, was allegedly stripped naked by thugs allegedly working for the agency while taking photos of the raid.

According to reports, Ekere was beaten and dragged into a waiting vehicle and taken to the agency’s office. She was later arraigned before the Sanitation Court and remanded in prison.

However she was released after perfecting her bail in the sum of N 10, 000. Another issue of government high-handiness and gender discrimination is that of a female judge in Gombe, Justice Beatrice Iliya, who lost the seat of the state chief judge allegedly because she was a female.

Iliya, who was then the most senior judge in the state, was appointed in acting capacity and at the expiration of her three-month tenure, the government swore in Muazu Yahaya as acting chief judge of the state.

In a swift reaction, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria condemned the development, saying Iliya is a noble lady who is not due for retirement in three years.

“We therefore strongly object to the planned swearing in of a junior male judge as Chief Judge in her place for whatever reason,” FIDA had said.

Amidst the criticism, however, the Gombe state came out to deny any gender discrimination against Iliya revealing that the body National Judicial Council (NJC) had failed to recommend her for appointment as substantive Chief Judge.

Ismaila Misilli, spokesperson to Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, had claimed that there was no constitutional provision to

re-appoint a person whose term has elapsed without the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

“The governor only approved the appointment of the next most senior high court judge as new acting chief judge sequel to the expiration of the three months’ constitutional term for acting appointment of the former acting CJ,” he said.

“The governor has no power to extend her acting capacity period without the recommendation of the NJC. And the NJC has not made that recommendation up to the end of the three months acting period. The Constitution said emphatically that the Gov shall not re-appoint a person whose term has elapsed without the recommendation of the NJC. “It should be noted that the governor did not receive any request from the Judicial Service Commission for the extension of the appointment of the former CJ as required by section 271 sub section 5 which states that: Except on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, an appointment pursuant to subsection (4) of this section shall cease to have effect after expiration of three months from the date of such appointment and the Governor shall not re-appoint a person whose appointment has lapsed.

“Nothing like gender bias at all in the appointment, After all when the former CJ, Justice Hakila Heman retired it was the same Governor Inuwa Yahaya that appointed Justice Beatrice Iliya as acting CJ being the next most Senior high Court Judge. And besides, appointment of a woman to the exalted position of CJ is not new to Gombe state. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa served as CJ before her movement to the Federal judiciary.”

However, the brazen act of impunity in the state is something that must be checked if Nigeria must make any meaning development since real development starts at the grassroots.

Nigerians who spoke on the issue said government at all levels have a role to play in reversing the ugly trend.

According to the Country Director, Amnesty International, Osai Ojigho, Nigeria in recent times is recording and observing quite a level of abuses going on in the states. Speaking on the Agba Jalingo case, Ojigho said what the state government would have done was to investigate and go down to the root of the matter. “Instead Agba Jalingo is the one who is fighting for his life. He has been forced to respond to charges of treason which is very incredulous in our opinion. That is why Amnesty International declared him a prisoner of conscience because the reason why he has been jailed is not because he has committed a crime or is suspected of committing a real crime but rather for speaking up against injustice in the society.

So those charges are trumped up charges.

hen we talk of the degenerating level of the culture of impunity in the country a lot of media attention is fixated on the federal government, rather than in the states where some governors have turned themselves into demi-gods over their people.

A journey into the last six months of year 2019 would reveal no less than five states who have acted in violation of the law and in flagrant disobedience and disregard for fundamental human rights against their people. Some of the culpable states include; Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Gombe, Lagos and Zamfara amongst others.

Among the leading cases is that of a journalist, Agba Jalingo in Cross River State, who has been in custody for nearly four months. He was arrested by the police in Lagos on August 22, over alleged disturbance of public peace.

Jalingo who is the publisher of the privately owned news website CrossRiverWatch , was however charged with disturbance of public peace and treason for his writing and social media posts about Cross River Governor Benedict Ayade, on August 30.

If found guilty, Jalingo could face up to three years in prison for the disturbance charge and life imprisonment for treason, according to the Nigerian criminal code.

Jalingo’s only sin was his publication of an article in July, 2019 where he had demanded the whereabouts of the sum of N500m approved and released by the Cross River State Government for the floating of the Cross River Microfinance bank.

According to the charge sheet, the disturbance charges stem from a July 12 CrossRiverWatch article that alleged corruption involving Ayade and the Cross River Micro Finance Bank, while the treasonable felony charge on the other hand alleged that Jalingo agitated for Ayade’s removal through “various malicious publications” on CrossRiverWatch and social media.

Also the July 12 article was said to have contained an editorial note identifying Jalingo as the Cross River state chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC). The party was founded by the convener #RevolutionNow protest and publisher of Sahara Reporters news website, Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore, who was the candidate of the AAC in the February 23 presidential election, was however arrested on August 3 for allegedly planning protests throughout Nigeria. He has been in custody of the DSS despite the order for his release having been granted bail and fulfilled the conditions attached to the bail.

Authorities also charged Jalingo with two counts of terrorism, stemming from Jalingo’s alleged plans to work with Sowore, “cult members,” and a local prince to “commit acts of terrorism” to unseat Ayade, according to the charge sheet.

Also guilty of gross abuse of the rights of its citizen is Cross River’s neigbhour, Akwa

Another issue of government high-handiness and gender discrimination is that of a female judge in Gombe, Justice Beatrice Iliya, who lost the seat of the state chief judge allegedly because she was a female.

Iliya, who was then the most senior judge in the state, was appointed in acting capacity and at the expiration of her three-month tenure, the government swore in Muazu Yahaya as acting chief judge of the state.

In a swift reaction, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria condemned the development, saying Iliya is a noble lady who is not due for retirement in three years

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

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FEATURES

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

Propagating Human Capital Development in Edo Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that as the year wraps up, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s achievement in human capital development in Edo State echoes

A newly renovated primary school captured under the Edo-BESTProgramme in the state

L-R: Minister of state for Education, Barr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Sonny Echono during the World Teacher's Day celebration, where Governor Obaseki was honoured as the 2019 NUT Best Performing Governor, in Abuja

One of the newly renovated primary school

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uman capital development is incontrovertibly germane to the realisation of sustainable economic growth and development in any society.

Human beings all over the world are identified as the most important and promising source of productivity and economic burgeoning, hence no economy develops without skilled and sturdy human resources to drive that growth.

According to a 2017 World Bank report, of all the generally agreed contributory reasons accountable for the notable growth in economies of most developed countries is an impressive commitment to human capital formation. Noteworthy is the reality that equipment and technology are products of human minds and can only be made productive by people.

Therefore, the success of any productive programme and policy, depends on human innovative ideas and creativity.

In the absence of substantial investment in the development of human capital in any country or state, sustained economic growth and development would only be a mere wish, never a reality.

Leaders all over the world with an undaunted interest to make the desired change in state’s polity must identify with and leverage on human capital as an important tool in converting all resources to mankind's use and benefit, since it has the capacity to sustain the envisioned positive growth trajectory.

On the list of key indicators to rate

human capital development are education, infrastructure and health. It is therefore disheartening to know that many states in Nigeria are yet to make a giant leap or record successes in these areas.

The outcome of this failure is the growing unemployed and unemployable graduate list; intensifying hunger and poverty rate; unbridled crimes, insecurity and youth restiveness; declining health sector with many Nigerians seeking medical attention abroad, while indigenous practitioners are hastily moving abroad at the slightest opportunity; amid other hullabaloo that have stunted the country’s growth.

While this is a problem in almost all parts of the country despite the imminent huge natural and human resources, leaders come and go with many barely making an impact on the lives of the ordinary people. But the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki is already rewriting the history with his investments, policies and transformational reforms. In the last three years since his emergence, Governor Obaseki has journeyed on a steady path to growing a proactive, progressive and productive state. This, he is doing by hugely investing in Edo people, who are the machinery to propel the desired growth and development, repositioning the state into an Eldorado.

So far, Edo State has recorded massive improvements in social welfare, economic growth, governance and infrastructure projects, which are spread across basic

education, primary health care reforms, health insurance, sporting infrastructure, urban renewal, security and industrialisation, civil service and judicial reforms, job creation, among others.

In fact, the governor has done far much more for Edo people, ensuring that workers are not just promptly paid and pensioners well taken care of, but also that the work environment is remodelled for efficiency; roads are constructed and maintained, and new physical infrastructure projects are completed. Basic and technical education is re-enacted to improve learning outcomes; primary healthcare is made more responsive and accessible across the state; affordable housing is catered for, among a long list of other key achievements that cut across different spheres of the state’s socio-economic landscape.

Barely two months after he was awarded the ‘2019 Best Performing Governor’ by Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in recognition of his efforts in improving basic education and teachers’ welfare in the state, Governor Obaseki has awarded ‘Pacesetter in Education and Human Development’, also in recognition of his strides in education and human capital development.

The governor through his highly successful Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme is readily transforming and revitalising the state’s education sector. Reforms in the basic education sector have led to

increased enrolment in public primary schools, where pupils now learn three times more than they used to learn in the old system.

Interestingly, a lot of states within the country including Lagos are coming to learn from Edo State’s success story. At the same time, the state also received foreign delegation from Rwanda, Liberia, Sierra Leone, among others, who have come to understudy the Edo-BEST programme. Among other awards that have continued to flooded the governor’s tenure, he has gotten accolades from the World Economic Forum (WEF), the World Bank, the Finnish Embassy, among others, on the impact of the reforms in schools.

The governor’s choice of mental infrastructure over stomach infrastructure is one that is commendable and has endeared majority of the people to him, while selfish political jobbers who have been denied access to the state’s treasury make futile attempts to make Edo State unpeaceful and ungovernable.

While receiving the best governor ’s award at a very colourful ceremony in Abuja, Obaseki said, “The country should know that what is important today is mental infrastructure. We are pursuing intellectual infrastructure, not stomach infrastructure. It is intellectual infrastructure that will build stomach infrastructure. So that is the direction we must go by emphasising development of human capacity.�

He continued, “for us as a government,

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

17.12.2019

2019: MOSTLY NEGATIVE JUDICIAL MILESTONES?

President Muhammadu Buhari

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Tanko Muhammad

2/DASHBOARD

17.12.2019

Duty of Court where a Party Engages Dilatory Tactics PAGE 4

Unife Law Class of ’84 Honours Members at 35th Year Reunion, for Various Appointments, Elevations PAGE 5

Egbe Amofin Endorses Adesina as Southwest NBA Presidential Candidate for 2020 Election PAGE 5

NBA Lagos and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Sign Human Capacity Development MOU

QUOTABLES ‘....It is not good for a country, that is actually trying to come out of economic problems.....We require the support of other nations, in order for us to survive. They look at your history, they look at what is going on in terms of respect of the rule of law, and even democratic credentials. You don’t have it!’

– Monday Ubani, Legal Practitioner, former 2nd Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association

PAGE 5

‘Law is not for Lazy People’ PAGE 6

‘I think we are doing well in terms of respect for human rights and rule of law. It is work in progress, it’s not yet perfect. Even in America, you still see cases come up from time to time. What is here?

And, that is a democracy of over 200 years.....The Government can do better than this, there is room for improvement.’

– Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (Nigeria)

COLUMNISTS DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN, OFR, FCIARB, PH.D, LL.D Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.

This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

The writer of this column, Dr. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria's pioneer human rights league, on October 15,1987, the Universal Defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Dr. Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

ABUBAKAR D. SANI Abubakar D. Sani holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Maiduguri, and has been in active private legal practice since he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987.He is the Principal of Abubakar D. Sani & Co., which has offices in Abuja and Kano. " INSIGHT" aims to unravel, analyse and proffer solutions to numerous anomalies in Nigerian law and practice, particularly statutes, vis-a-vis the Constitution, International Treaties and Conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory, Judicial Precedent and other relevant statutes and issues.

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE EDITOR JUDE IGBANOI DEPUTY EDITOR AKINWALE AKINTUNDE REPORTER TUNDE BUSARI GROUP HEAD OCHI OGBUAKU II ART DIRECTOR

/3

Building Castles in the Air

O

The Television Interview ur country, Nigeria, is more dramatic than a Hollywood movie - never a dull moment; and many of our interview programmes, are a lot more entertaining than just watching television shows. I went from sniggering to convulsing with laughter, when I listened to a telephone interview with Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina, last Wednesday evening.

Aside from not-so-subtly distancing himself from the First Lady, Aisha Buhari/Garba Shehu controversy, Mr Adesina then went on to say on Channels TV’s ‘Politics Today’, that the President was in Egypt attending a Summit themed ‘Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want’. I scoffed at that. He said President Muhammadu Buhari (Baba) was part of a panel that day, in which he had stated that, by 2063, he desired “an Africa with no conflicts.....where youths don’t aspire to escape, but can stay and prosper” (quoting Mr Adesina). When you think you’ve heard it all! No conflicts? That’s rich, coming from a man whose administration, more than any other, has fuelled ethnic bitterness and seemingly given impetus to intra-country conflicts, like those between the Herdsmen and the Farmers, to such a dangerous extent - sowing seeds of conflict. How did the genocide in Rwanda start in 1994?

Since Mr Adesina and Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission Nigeria (NHRC), both stated on that same programme, that freedom of speech exists in Nigeria (Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution), in fact to quote Mr Ojukwu: “People still feel that Nigeria is one of the freest countries in the world”, I am therefore, permitted to ‘tell the truth and let the devil be ashamed’, without any fear of arrest or intimidation!

One of the strange and hilarious reasons Mr Ojukwu gave, for coming to the conclusion that Nigeria is one the freest countries in the world in respect of freedom of speech, believe it or not, is that we are able to make internet telephone calls (Whats app calls), which he said he was unable to do, during his recent trip to Egypt! How simplistic can one, especially a person in such a high position of authority with regard to Human Rights in Nigeria, get? Trivialising the issue of freedom of speech, to that extent. When did internet calls, become the primary yardstick for measuring freedom of speech? For someone who is purportedly a Human Rights defender, I was embarrassed about his tragicomic views about freedom of speech, but was not too taken aback, seeing as being the Executive Secretary of the NHRC is a Government appointment, and not one that is achieved on account

President Muhammadu Buhari

of being a real Activist like late Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, SAM and his ilk. Sadly, we are all aware that, filling Government positions in Nigeria, has nothing to do with the much required combination of merit, expertise and passion.

Africa 2063 Back to Africa 2063! I found it so ludicrous, farcical and preposterous that, our leaders, having not done much to improve the Africa of 2019 which we are all presently living in, are concerned about the Africa of 2063, when they will all be dead and gone! What foundations are they laying now, towards that Utopia which they desire in 2063?

For goodness sake, if the Nigerian contingent wanted a vacation in Egypt, to see the historical sights/sites like the Pyramids and so on, they should have just done so, instead of saying they were attending a Summit - to make the trip seem official, possibly in order to avoid transmitting power to Vice President Osinbajo, as provided by Section 145(1) of the Constitution.

Egypt, a country that is well known as a violator of human rights, especially for lack of freedom of speech (not being able to make internet calls ‘a la’ Mr Ojukwu!), corruption and massive election malpractices (like Nigeria), is the venue of this progressive G7 type Summit, in which the topics of discussion can only be actualised in Africa by 2063, by practicing some of the basics from now, like free and fair elections, eradication of corruption and poverty, religious tolerance, Government appointments based on merit and not tribalism, nepotism and their other family members; investment in education, healthcare and other infrastructure. Ironically, Africa has the highest number of member States (54) in its regional group in the United Nations (UN), but, mostly, we ignore the main commitment and mission statement of the UN, which is to uphold human rights of citizens. The historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly as Resolution 217 in 1948 - more or less regurgitated as Chapter 4 Fundamental Rights of our Constitution, yet today, in Nigeria, we are still debating the pros and cons of a useless outing, like the ‘gagging’ Hate Speech Bill.

The truth of the matter is that, if Nigeria (and most of Africa) remains as backward and under- developed as we are now, we will certainly not have an Africa where the youths want to stay, and not escape to greener pastures. By 2063, everybody will be in Canada! It’s no longer justification to say that it took America 200 years to get to where they are today, so it must take us the same length of time. One way to move forward, is to study the models

President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi of Egypt

of developed countries, pick the useful parts of their civilisation and adopt them to fit your own circumstances, as soon as possible. Recently, I gave you the example of South Korea, which was in worse condition than us, 60 years ago.

Today, they are at par with America and Europe, probably even better. Based on her achievements, South Korea is in a position to have a positive, progressive agenda for 2063, because the proper foundation and structure have been laid and built.

But, are we in that position? I think not.

It seems that, this administration is adept at paying lip service and making statements that they believe that the leaders of the first world want to hear, but, they could not care less about practicalising most of it.

Mr Adesina even went as far as more or less saying that, it wasn’t that important what America thought about the unfortunate outing with Sowore in the courtroom recently (because we are a sovereign nation). I guess he’s forgotten the drop in revenue which Nigeria experienced, when the Americans were doing their shale oil a couple of years ago, or what a huge blow it will be, if they impose economic sanctions on us, and place a travel ban on Nigerians going to USA (including government officials). How does a supposed Presidential spokesperson, publicly spout such nonsense? Does he want Nigeria to become a Pariah State?

Negative Attitude to Progress: Religion etc Take for example, religion. I certainly don’t know what religion they practice in South Korea, because the State and the citizens don’t wear religion on their foreheads, like we do. In Nigeria, Section 10 of the Constitution says that, there is no State or national religion. Yet, many Christians accuse the Muslims and this administration particularly, of having an Islamisation agenda, to the extent that, for example, Muslims somewhere in Delta State had absolutely no problem obstructing motorists and stopping the flow of traffic completely, by using the road as a praying ground for Jumat Service (the video of the incident trended recently), while, on the other hand, the Pentecostal Christians also constitute themselves as public nuisances, by citing their churches everywhere, whether fit for purpose or not, including residential areas, clapping all night in the name of night vigil, disturbing the beauty sleep of neighbours, or having office fellowships, and disturbing other office workers in their buildings, during working hours. Yet, with all their religious things, corruption is rife. We all know that, from time immemorial, religious differences and emphasis on religion generally, are the first cause of conflicts and war, all over the world.

Instead of trying to de-emphasise religion and keep it personal, we keep introducing religion into things that it should not be a part of. Undoubtedly, if we keep doing this, there will surely continue to be conflicts way beyond 2063.

As long as our governments continue to be selective about their fights against corruption (obviously corruption is a major obstacle to development), remiss about building infrastructure, tribalistic, nepotistic etc, and intolerant to constructive criticism, that Africa of 2063 which our leaders claim that they desire, will continue to be only a concept and theory - it will never happen, unless they begin to change their ways of doing things, from today.

P.S. A young friend of ours (who I will refer to as ‘X’), told us a shocking story about how she was almost killed at a Spa in Ikeja where she was having a facial, recently. It seems that NAFDAC

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE

THE ADVOCATE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive.com onikepob@yahoo.com Twitter: @TheAdvocateTD

“.....IF NIGERIA (AND MOST OF AFRICA) REMAINS AS BACKWARD AND UNDERDEVELOPED AS WE ARE NOW, WE WILL CERTAINLY NOT HAVE AN AFRICA WHERE THE YOUTHS WANT TO STAY, AND NOT ESCAPE TO GREENER PASTURES. BY 2063, EVERYBODY WILL BE IN CANADA!” has also imbibed DSS’s culture of impunity.

X said about five NAFDAC officials and four armed mobile policemen forcefully entered the Spa, without any warrant or documentation, to search for illegal products.

They found nothing, but still took offence, because the Manager said they couldn’t barge into the room where the owner was attending to a client (who happened to be X), seeing as, being a Spa, X could be in a state of undress, and therefore, needed to be informed before anybody could enter the room. When they gained entry into the room where X was, and X said there was nothing offensive about the Manager’s response, they became highly incensed.

X had to escape, and take refuge in an inner room. They had corked their guns ready to shoot X; what for? It was only the false cries of the owner, who had a brainwave to lie she was pregnant and had been injured by their gun butt in her stomach, and was bleeding and running the risk of a miscarriage, that was able to make them retreat.

Is it this atmosphere of impunity and insecurity in Nigeria, which happens to be one of the largest countries in the continent - government agencies harassing innocent citizens all over the place, that will lead to an ideal Africa where people will not escape to saner and more orderly countries? Or a country where the cut off marks for examination result for a particular area, is considerably less than in other areas, all sitting the same exams, giving the former areas an advantage over the latter?

Why would those in the disadvantaged areas, not want to escape to places where there is a level playing field? Will there even be a Nigeria left in 2063, with all the borrowing that Government is doing? The Creditors will probably have repossessed the country by then! As it is, Nigeria and many of parts of Africa, are regressing into the dark ages, and there are no moves to change things for the better. Dream on, Baba, Uncle el-Sisi and co!

4/LAW REPORT

17.12.2019

Duty of Court where a Party Engages Dilatory Tactics

T

hostile opinion or hostility to any of the dramatis personae in the matter before the court.

Countering the submission above, counsel for the Respondents argued that, fair hearing does not mean that a party must be heard, but that a party must be given an opportunity to be heard – OGUNSANYA v THE STATE (2011) 12 NWLR (Part 1261) 401 at 429. He stated further that, a party who was accorded an opportunity of being heard, but failed to utilise such opportunity, cannot be heard to complain of breach of fair hearing – S & D CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD v AYOKU (2011) 13 NWLR (Part 1265) 487 at 509. On the allegation of bias, counsel submitted that, such wild allegation was not contained in the record of appeal, and so, the Court of Appeal was right to hold that the unchallenged record of appeal, remains sacrosanct. He argued that, the Appellants’ letter on pages 60 and 61 of the record of appeal, did not give any vent to the Appellant’s allegation of denial of fair hearing, because there was no proceedings on 18/04/2004 as referred to in the letter, and that the letter is not unequivocal evidence of denial of fair hearing to the Appellants.

Facts

he Respondents filed a Motion Ex-parte seeking leave of court to maintain the suit in a representative capacity, for themselves and as representing the members of Ibotirem Town, Andoni, excluding the Defendants who are the Appellants.

Further to the said leave, they filed a Statement of Claim against the Appellants, seeking inter alia, a Declaration that the 1st Respondent is the Okan-Ama of Ibotirem Town, Andoni, having been properly selected, presented and installed. They also claimed that the 2nd Appellant is not the Okan of Okan-Ama of Ibotirem Town, by reason of the fact that, he is not a member of the ruling families of Ibotirem Town, and that the Etipetip Ukwuyok family of Ibotirem Town is not the royal family of Ibotirem Town.

The Appellants filed a Statement of Defence and Counter-claim seeking Declarations that, under the Customary Law and Tradition of Ibotirem Andoni, the Ukwuyok ruling house is the only family from which the Okan-Ama of Ibotirem can be selected and installed, and that the 2nd Appellant is the OkanAma of Ibotirem. They also sought a Declaration that the 1st Respondent could not be, and was not validly selected as the Okan-Ama Elect of Ibotirem.

At the trial, the Respondents called witnesses and tendered exhibits in support of their case. The suit was adjourned repeatedly, at the instance of the Appellants. The Appellants subsequently, alleged that the trial Judge was biased, and failed to appear in court despite issuance and service of hearing notice on them. Consequently, the trial Judge, upon the application of the Respondents, foreclosed the Appellants from further cross-examining the Respondents’ witnesses, and closed the defence of the Appellants, owing to their persistent absence from court.

Thereafter, judgement was delivered in favour of the Respondents, and all the reliefs sought were granted.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the trial court, the Appellants filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal, which court dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

The Appellant further appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issue for Determination The Appellants filed their Notice of Appeal, with two grounds of appeal. They however, distilled three issues for determination from the two grounds of appeal filed. The third issue posed by the Appellant, was not distilled from or tied to any of the grounds of appeal filed. The Respondents on the other hand, distilled two issues for determination of the appeal.

The second issue challenged the competence of the third issue, formulated by the Appellants. The court found that, based on the settled position of law, that an issue not distilled from any of the grounds of appeal, is incompetent; the court struck out the third issue formulated by the Appellants, and the second issue of the Respondents challenging the competence of the said issue.

The Supreme Court determined the appeal based on the surviving issues of the Appellants and the Respondents thus: Whether the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal adequately considered the entire record of appeal, in determining the issue of denial of fair hearing to the Appellants at the trial court, given the peculiar nature of the circumstances that arose during the trial.

Arguments Counsel for the Appellants submitted that, the Appellants were denied fair hearing during the proceedings before the trial court, because they were forced to stop appearing and participating in the trial, owing to the atmosphere of animosity and hostility which characterised every interaction between counsel for the Appellants and the trial Judge. Counsel did not deny service of hearing notice for the proceedings on them, but justified their decision not to attend court on the basis that, the atmosphere in court was very heated and that given such condition, the Appellants decided to wait for the decision of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, who was seised of their application requesting a transfer of the suit to another Judge of the High Court. Counsel reasoned and argued that, the decision of the Court of Appeal was erroneous, in that it merely considered the record of proceedings of the trial court and the judgement given in the suit, in arriving at the decision that there was no record of the animosity, hostility, ill feeling and altercations that took place between the learned trial Judge and counsel for the Appellants, during

Hon. John Inyang Okoro, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 12th day of July, 2019 Before Their Lordships Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed Olukayode Ariwoola John Inyang Okoro Paul Adamu Galinje Uwani Musa Abba-Aji Justices, Supreme Court SC.319/2010 Between Mr. Joel Etipetip Ukwuyok & 6 Ors (For themselves and as representing Etipetip family of Ibotirem......... Appellants And HRH Festus Silas Ogbulu & 4 Ors (The Okan-Ama of Ibotirem Town) (For themselves and as representing the members of Ibotirem Town, Andoni, Excluding Defendants)......... Respondents (Lead Judgement delivered by Hon. John Inyang Okoro, JSC)

the trial. He urged the court to hold that, the written complaint of the Appellants to the trial court and to the Chief Judge, formed part of the record of appeal, and same should be critically considered in the determination of the likelihood of bias and the reason for the unwilling decision of the Appellants, to stop attending trial. He relied on the decision in ALAKE v ABALAKA (2002) FWLR (Part 88) 934, in support of his submission that bias or likelihood of bias covers a wide range of circumstances, including expressing

“.....WHERE A PARTY INDULGES IN DILATORY TACTICS......IT CANNOT BE SAID, THAT SUCH A PARTY IS AIMING AT A FAIR HEARING; RATHER, THAT PARTY IS USING THAT PROCESS, TO DEFEAT JUSTICE BEING DONE TO THE OPPOSING PARTY.......A JUDGE OR COURT SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH COURAGE, NOT TO LEND WEIGHT TO SUCH ACT OF FILIBUSTERING, AND SHOULD BE FIRM IN REFUSING UNNECESSARY APPLICATIONS FOR ADJOURNMENTS”

Court’s Judgement and Rationale The Apex Court quoted the provisions of Section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, on the guaranteed right of a person to fair hearing in the determination of his civil rights and obligations. Their Lordships then reiterated that, fair hearing in essence, means giving equal opportunity to the parties to be heard in the litigation before the court, and that where parties have been given equal opportunity of being heard, a complaint of denial of fair hearing becomes inconsequential – SHYLLON v ASEIN (1994) 6 NWLR (Part 353) 670. Quoting the dictum of ADEMOLA, CJN in ISIYAKU MOHAMMED v KANO NATIVE AUTHORITY (1968) 1 ALL NLR 423, the Supreme Court held that, the true test of fair hearing is the impression of a reasonable person who was present at the trial, whether from his observation, justice has been done in the case. In this case, counsel for the Appellants stated clearly in their Brief of Argument, that the Appellants and counsel stayed away from the trial despite the service of hearing notice on them. Counsel were given ample opportunity to be heard, but they decided to stay away from court because they had written a complaint to the Chief Judge, and were awaiting his response. The Chief Judge did not give a directive, for them to stay away from court. It is clear therefore, that the Appellants denied themselves a hearing, by their decision to refrain from attending proceedings.

The Appellants alleged bias of the learned trial Judge as the reason for staying away from court, and relied on the letter found on page 60-61 of the record of appeal. Interestingly, the incident which counsel described took place on 18/04/2004, and upon which he founded the allegation of bias, cannot be traced to the record of appeal, as there was no sitting on the said date. More so, the Appellants did not challenge the record of proceedings in the way and manner prescribed by the Rules of Court, in view of the serious error/omission. This failure leaves the record sacrosanct, as it is presently constituted. It follows that, the Appellants failed woefully to show evidence of bias by the learned trial Judge against them, even by the document they relied on.

Concluding with the apt holding of court in MIRCHANDANI v PINHEIRO (2001) 3 NWLR (Part 701) 557 at 573, their Lordships posited that where a party indulges in dilatory tactics, as the Appellants were doing at the trial court, it cannot be said, that such a party is aiming at a fair hearing, rather, that party is using that process, to defeat justice being done to the opposing party.

In such a case, a Judge or court should have enough courage, not to lend weight to such act of filibustering, and should be firm in refusing unnecessary applications for adjournments.

The court found that there is no merit in the appeal and that the lower court was right in dismissing same.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation E.K. Saidu, Esq. for the Appellants.

D.I. Iboroma with B. Iboroma for the Respondents.

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

17.12.2019

NEWS/5

L-R: Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch Continuing Legal Education Committee, Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe, ChairL-R: Professor Bolaji Owasonoye, Professor Ayo Atesenuwa receiving Pioneering/Leadership Awards man, NBA Lagos Branch, Mr. Yemi Akangbe, Mr. Tunde Busari, SAN, Mr. Gbola Akinola and Mrs. Sola Adegfrom the Special Guest, Chief Emeka Ngige, SAN (right), while Mrs. Owasonoye and Dokun Makinde, SAN, bonmire during the signing of the MOU, at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Office at Lekki, Lagos State, last week President of the Association look on

Unife Law Class of ’84 Honours Members at 35th Year Reunion, for Various Appointments, Elevations Stories by Akinwale Akintunde As part of its 2019 Annual General Meeting and 35th Year Post Graduation Reunion, the Association of the University of Ife Law Class of 1984 (now Obafemi Awolowo University) last Friday, celebrated and honoured some members of the Class, for having been appointed to various positions in the country, or elevated to the pick of the law profession.

The members who were celebrated and honoured with Excellent Awards for making the Class proud in their various fields of law practice, include Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Profes-

sor Ayo Atsenuwa, Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN, Hon. Justice Oluremilekun Adegoke, a retired President of the Court of Appeal in The Gambia, Mr. Ayodele Akintunde, SAN, and Hon. Justice Adedoja Ayoola of the Osun State High Court.

Others are Hon. Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Maureen Onyetenu, Hon. Justice Agbelu Nasir Isola, Chief Michael Abayomi Bisade Aliu, SAN, Hon. Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi of the Ogun State High Court, and Hon. Justice Tonia Ubaka.

The 2019 AGM and Reunion, which took place at the Lagos Continental Hotel, had the keynote address delivered by a member of the set and Judge

of the Delta State High Court, Hon. Justice Anthony Akpovi.

Justice Akpovi’s paper titled, ‘The Involvement of Courts in Pre-Election and Election Petitions in Nigeria: A Call for Reforms’, forensically examined the involvement and role of courts in pre-election matters and election petitions in Nigeria, the relevant laws guiding election petitions, the many knotty issues surrounding election petitions, as well as suggested a need for the reform of the laws governing pre-election and election matters.

The Judge said Nigeria’s electoral history is a chequered one, adding that, election rigging is a colonial legacy, which has only been sustained by the

political class in Nigeria.

Akpovi went down memory lane by giving the instance of Sir James Robertson, believed to have been sent from Sudan as Nigeria’s new GovernorGeneral, to oversee the rigging of Nigeria’s first election, “so that its compliant friends would win power, dominate the country, and serve British interest after independence”.

He noted that, election disputes are highly sensitive and controversial, so much so that the process of disposing of them makes it seem as if the court itself is also on trial.

According to Justice Akpovi, a major determinant whether a suit is pre-election matter, is the time of commencement of the said suit, which is very relevant

Egbe Amofin Endorses Adesina as Southwest NBA Presidential Candidate for 2020 Election A former National General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Dele Adesina, SAN, has emerged the consensus candidate for the South West Zone in the 2020 NBA Presidential election.

Lawyers in South West Nigeria, under the aegis of Egbe Amofin, last Saturday, picked Adesina, SAN out of five contestants as its official candidate for the President of the NBA in 2020.

The current administration led by Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, is expected to leave office at the next annual conference in August 2020, and the race of who will succeed Usoro, SAN administration, began immediately after the Association's Annual General Conference, which came up last August.

NBA Presidency follows the principles of zoning between the North, West, and East. Edo and Delta States are regarded as part of the West, while the South South States of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, are regarded as part of the Eastern Zone.

In the Zoning formula of the Association, the next President is expected to come from the West. Already many candidates have signified their intention to run. This includes Abuja based Lawyer, Muyiwa Akinboro, SAN, Mr. Awoniyi Alabi based in Osogbo, Lagos based Dr. Tunde Ajibade, SAN, Olumide Akpata,

and Adesina Ogunlana.

However, the Egbe Amofin leadership, fearing the disgraceful loss it suffered in 2014, has decided to be firm and present, and endorse only one candidate for the Presidency of the Association.

Three members of the Egbe namely, Dele Adesina, SAN, Funke Adekoya, SAN, and Niyi Akintola, SAN contested for the position in that year.

Because they could not agree amongst themselves, the three lost to Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN, from Edo State. The Egbe Amofin regarded the loss as not only shameful, but avoidable.

In order to prevent a reoccurrence, the Egbe met in August 27, 2019 in Lagos, and decided to re-invigorate and strengthen the union for the common good of South West Lawyers. It was also decided that, the Egbe will present only one candidate for the Presidency in 2020. Present at the meeting were leaders like Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Chief Tunde Ajomale, former Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Chief Felix Fagboungbe, SAN, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, and all

Chairmen and Secretaries have a good and standard of the 26 branches of the practice, must have leadership Association in the South West. skills, must be a person who The meeting, which was is receptive to the generality of chaired by Dame Priscilla members, must have experiKuye, a past President of the ence in general law practice, Association, resolved to unite and must be exposed. Such in the interest of all South candidate must also have West Lawyers, strengthen played a significant role in the the Association, and present NBA, as a professional body. only one candidate for NBA He must also be a person of 2020 presidential elections. integrity, without any corrupThe meeting was adjourned tion case against him. He must thereafter, and a new date of also have widespread appeal in October 26, 2019 was slated other zones of the Association.

He said having considered for another meeting in Ibadan, all this, the Committee then Oyo State.

At the well attended meet- voted. According to him, ing, a Committee was set Adesina came out tops.

He said further that, the up, to look at all candidates vying for the position, and Committee also went into recommend one candidate history and came up with some that the Egbe will support and facts. His said in history of endorse for the election. The producing NBA leadership by Committee was chaired by SouthWest, Lagos-Ogun zone Chief Akintola, and comprised has produced the President of all NBA Branch Chairmen in NBA seven times, Ondo-Ekiti zone two times, while Oyo the South West.

Akintola was himself -Osun has produced only once.

He therefore, recommended a contestant, in 2014. The meeting then adjourned a fresh start of zoning from to December 14, 2019, for 2020. Oyo-Osun will produce the report of the Akintola the President next time zoning favours South West in 2026. committee.

Delivering the report of his While Lagos-Ogun will follow Committee on Saturday at suit. He thereafter, said that the Afe Babalola Bar Centre, his Committee chose Adesina Ibadan, Akintola said that it above other candidates, as Egbe set up certain yardsticks a Amofin's sole and official candidate must possess, to candidate in the 2020 NBA qualify. The yardsticks include that, such a candidate must CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

but not conclusive.

He explained that, any action or suit filed before the election is held, remains a pre-election matter properly within the ambit of the State High Court, while any action or suit filed after the election is held is no longer a pre-election matter.

He listed the role of the courts in pre-election matters to include, resolving electoral disputes arising from or emanating from elections at the National Convention and congresses; to determine the qualification, nomination, substitution and sponsorship of candidates for an election; to determine whether the information given by a candidate in his or her affidavit or any document submitted by that candidate is false, and to

determine whether any of the provisions of the Electoral Act or guidelines of a political party has not been complied with, in the selection or nomination of a candidate of a political party for election.

For the role of the court in election petitions, the Judge said the Election Petition Tribunal, is established for the purpose of hearing and determining petitions as to whether any person through an undue election or return, has been elected to an office or position and other related issues.

“The Election Tribunals are neither criminal nor civil courts, though essentially civil in nature, they are usually described as ‘sui

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NBA Lagos and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Sign Human Capacity Development MOU The Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), last Thursday, made an unprecedented move in its determination to empower its members, by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigerian Branch, with a view to equipping its members with arbitration skills to enhance their practice.

The event, which took place at the Institute’s offices at Lekki, Lagos State, had in attendance, the Chairman of NBA Lagos Branch, Mr. Yemi Akangbe, who signed on behalf of his Branch, and Mr. Tunde Busari, SAN and Sola Adegbomire, signed on behalf of the Institute.

Also on the NBA delegation at the event, was the Chairman of the Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Lagos Branch, Tobenna Erojikwe.

The need for Lawyers to be well equipped in Alternative Dispute Resolution skills, was reinforced as one of the underlying needs for the synergy between the NBA and CIArb. Busari, SAN, commended the commitment of the Branch to the empowerment of Lawyers, especially on arbitration. The CLE projects of the Lagos Bar, he said, have had immense benefits,

as have previous engagements between the two bodies.

Busari expressed confidence that, more people stand to benefit from this engagement in the days ahead – especially given the Institute’s plans to make pricing more attractive. He concluded his remarks, by describing the MOU as a historic seed that is set to grow and blossom in coming days.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Omoyemi Akangbe, described human capacity development as a key plank of his administration, saying there was no better way to empower Lawyers – especially young Lawyers – than through the impartation of knowledge and requisite legal skills.

Chairman of the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Committee of the Lagos Bar, Tobenna Erojikwe said that, although the engagement with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators was just one of many stops in the Committee’s drive for greater capacity among its members, the MOU would ‘reverberate’ through, and serve as a template for all these other engagements.

The formal signing of the MOU

by Busari and his team on behalf of the Institute, and Akangbe on behalf of the Premier Bar, was the highlight of the occasion.

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17.12.2019

Edo Assembly Crisis: Who Can Declare Legislative Seats Vacant? Precedents from Alegbe to Okiye Andrew Emwanta

T

he issue of who has the power to declare the seat of an absentee Legislator vacant, is one that appears controversial on the surface.

But, this issue appears to have been resolved with finality by the Supreme Court in the celebrated case of Oloyo v Alegbe (1983) N.S.C.C. 315. The Appellant in this case, Hon. Oloyo who was a member of the defunct Bendel State House of Assembly, was absent for a good number of the days that the House had its meetings. Flowing from this act of absenteeism, his seat was declared vacant, by writing, at the instance of the Respondent, Rt. Hon. Benson Alegbe, who was the Speaker of the House.

At the trial court, an injunction was granted in favour of Oloyo. But, this decision was upturned, on appeal, by the Court of Appeal, with Nasir PCA (as he then was, presiding). Upon appeal to the Supreme Court by Oloyo, the Apex Court

agreed with the decision of the Court of Appeal and dismissed the appeal of Oloyo.

The Supreme Court Justices that decided the matter in Oloyo v Alegbe (Supra) were: 1. Atanda Fatayi-Williams CJN 2. George Sodeinde Sowemimo JSC 3. Mohammed Bello JSC 4. Andrews Otutu-Obaseki JSC 5. Kayode Eso JSC 6. Augustine Nnamani JSC 7. Muhammadu Lawal Uwais.

Of these seven Justices, Kayode Eso JSC, read the lead judgement. I shall hereunder set forth five ratios (reasons) as given by Eso JSC, justifying why the Apex Court came to its conclusion in favour of the Respondent (the Speaker of the Bendel State House of Assembly, Benson Alegbe), who declared the seat of the Appellant (Oloyo, the absentee Legislator), vacant based on the clear provisions of Section 103 (1)(f), (2) & (3) of the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria. The above provisions of the 1979 Constitution, are on all fours with the extant provisions of Section 109 (1)(f), (2) & (3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), upon which the present Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly

acted, in declaring the seat of the absentee Edo legislators vacant.

On whether the Speaker requires Judicial Interpretation before activating the provisions of the Constitution on vacancy of the seat of an absentee Legislator: I. "This country has had a long and unhappy history of people who never liked to quit office honourably. Such epithets as "sit tight" and "carpet crossing", were of common usage under previous Constitutions.

There were also Legislators, who chose to be absentee Legislators. Section 103 is provided to meet this, and a person presiding should be able to take action, following the effect of the provision.”

II. "A legal dispute only arises, after the seat of the member is declared vacant by the Speaker."

III. "The point is, while the Speaker or the House may seek a court action, he does not necessarily have to seek such action before enforcing the provision of Section 103 of the Constitution by excluding the member from the House. For indeed, it is the person who is aggrieved that should

seek remedy in court."

IV. "Apart from the Speaker, any member of the House or any member of his constituency or even of his political party, could inform the member that his seat in the House has become vacant."

V. "The Speaker who is under Section 86 a creature of the Constitution, has a duty to preside at the sittings of the House of Assembly and under the common law, any person presiding at a meeting, is in charge and full control of the conduct of the meeting."

Per Kayode Eso JSC. In the light of the foregoing, the action of Rt. Hon Frank Okiye, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, in declaring the seat of the absentee Legislators vacant (on 4/12/19), has the full blessings of both the Nigerian grund norm and the Nigerian Apex Court. The Abuja-based ex- Legislators can try out their luck at the Edo State High Court, and see if they can make the Apex Court overrule its earlier decision in Oloyo v Alegbe (Supra).

Andrew Adaze Emwanta, Constitutional Lawyer, Law Teacher, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar

UNIFE LAW CLASS OF ’84 HONOURS MEMBERS AT 35TH YEAR REUNION, FOR VARIOUS APPOINTMENTS, ELEVATIONS generis’, which means ‘in a class of it own’”, he explained.

Akpovi stated that, election petitions are an important part of the electoral processes, because they are the only viable recognised alternative, open to any person or party dissatisfied with the conduct of an election under the law. He therefore, stressed the need to resolve the various challenges encountered in the process, to enable credible outcomes.

While commending the efforts made in the past to improve the results of election petitions, and ensure that they are conducted in an expeditious manner by the enactments of the National Assembly through the amendment of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010, he said more still needs to be done to ensure smooth, fair and reliable electoral processes.

Akpovi therefore, recommended that the

Electoral Act should be amended to contain a provision requiring speedy release of required documents and evidence to Petitioners, and adequate sanctions be provided for any failure to obey the law and orders of courts or tribunal, relating to the inspection or production of materials and evidence for the prosecution of election petitions.

He also recommended that, the burden of proof “beyond reasonable doubt” should be relaxed, adding that, the law should be modified to the extent that INEC will be compelled to tender every document and material they used in the election, and tell the court how they were used to ensure a substantially free election.

“The judicial attitude towards interpretation of the Electoral Act should be to do justice, and not to slaughter justice on the altar of speedy resolution and technicalities. The court should uphold substantial justice, over and above technicalities.

“There is a high need, to ensure the welfare of the Judges involved in Election Petitions.

Adequate provisions for the wellbeing and security of the Judges during the Election Petition. In the alternative, some retired Judges can also be drafted into the Election Petition Tribunals, in view of the bulk work involved.

This will go a long way in mitigating fatigue and fear, thereby ensuring the delivery of fair and judicious judgements within the stipulated time frame”, the Judge recommended.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Association, Mr. Adedokun Makinde, SAN, said the focus of his led- executive, is to be brothers and sisters’ keeper, by looking out for each other, and to make up intervention in matters relating to their alma matter.

He thanked every member of the Association, particularly the sponsors of the 2019 Reunion

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

celebration for their support.

“Just like yesterday, 35 years have rolled by and the boys and girls (some teenagers, some twentyish) have all aged gracefully, some are now retirees, senior citizens, grandmas and grandpas, and some, grandmas and grandpas to be. We cannot, but give thanks to Almighty God for sparing our lives to see this day.

“This Association as conceived and birthed by our brother and sister, Professor Bolaji Owansanoye and Professor Ayo Atsenuwa. We had the first reunion on 13th June, 2009 which was our 25th year graduation from Ife, the Association from that time has waxed stronger, from strength to strength, under the able leadership of the duo”, Makinde stated.

The night also witnessed an update on the state of affairs of the Law Faculty of the University, from the Dean of the Law Faculty, Professor A. Odunsi.

Legal Personality of the Week Dr Newman Richards

‘Law is not for Lazy People’ Please, give a brief introduction of yourself My name is Dr Newman Richards, a Legal Practitioner and Lecturer of Law. I obtained my Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B) from the University of Benin, Benin City, in 2004. Master of Laws Degree (LLM) in 2011, and Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Law (Ph.D) in 2017, from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. I am an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Nigeria, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK). I also hold a Certificate in Public Administration and Policy, from Oxford University, United Kingdom, and a Proficiency Certificate in Management from the Nigerian Institute of Management.

As a student in the University of Benin, I was actively involved in the struggle for better conditions for students, and was elected as the 1st Attorney-General of the Student Union Government, in 2002. Between 2007 and 2015, I was the Senior Special Assistant and Head of Administration, Office of the Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Asaba. Thereafter, I ventured into active legal practice. I am a member of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers. I am also the Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Asaba Branch, and a statutory member of the National Executive Committee of the NBA. I am currently a Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. My research interests include, Law of Taxation, Constitutional Law, Legislative Drafting, Law of Banking and Insurance, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods. I have several published articles in some of these areas, in Local and International reputable Law Journals. I have participated and presented papers in several International and Local Law Conferences/Seminars/ Workshops. I am Married to Mrs. Itohan Richards, also a Legal Practitioner, and we are blessed with a son, Cyril.

rather the workload on the Judges is just too enormous for Judges to handle within a reasonable time. There is a need to appoint more Judges, and review some Laws and Rules of Court, to decongest the courts.

What do you consider to be, your worst day as a Lawyer?

To be frank, I don’t really have any day which I can describe as my worst day as a Lawyer.

Dr Newman Richards

Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges?

Challenges are an inevitable aspect of life, and we are products of the challenges we confront and conquer. Generally, I will say God has been gracious to me, as I did not encounter many challenges in my early days as a Lawyer. However, the Legal Profession suffers a lot of challenges today. Firstly, most Lawyers in private practice in Nigeria are almost working for free because, as a Legal Practitioner, a lot of your clients are your friends and relatives, who often think that they don’t need to pay professional fees, because of their close ties to you. The challenge is if your friends and relatives don’t pay your fees, is it your enemies that will pay? Secondly, the wheels of justice grind too slowly in Nigeria. This is not because the Judges are not hard working, but

What has been your most memorable experience as a Lawyer, so far?

Two days stand out for me. The first, was the day I was called to Bar, it dawned on me few minutes after my Call to Bar, that I am now an accredited voice for the people. The second, was the day I defended my Ph.D dissertation. I was so excited that the dream which I had nursed as a young undergraduate at the University of Benin, had finally materialised.

Who has been most influential in your life?

There are several people, who have been influential in my life. Philosophically, I am greatly influenced by the thoughts of Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Ghandi. As a Lawyer, O. W. Chibuogwu, Esq. and Ekeme Ohwovoriole, SAN stand out as my role models.

Intellectually, I was inspired by late Ogbueshi Kanayolisa Maha, and Prof. Emeka Chianu of the Faculty of Law, University of Benin. Politically, I have been greatly influenced by Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana, former Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly. Also, my Parents, Apostle (Dr) and Deaconess (Mrs) Herbert Richards, have greatly influenced my life in too many ways. I must add that my wife, Mrs. Itohan Richards, is my most influential support system.

Why did you become a Lawyer?

Right from when I was in Primary School, I have always had a high propensity to speak for people, against bullying and oppression. This tendency stimulated my interest in History and Government, as a way to understand the historical underpinnings of the workings of government in Nigeria at that time, which I perceived as repressive and unfair.

It further metamorphosed into a thinking of how I can contribute to efforts to effect social change in Nigeria, and I found law as the most effective vehicle to deliver these aspirations, because law is the most potent weapon for social change.

What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in law?

Law is not for lazy people. Unlike some other professions, law is always on the move, in response to the dynamics of the society. Thus, to succeed as Lawyer, you need to work hard and smart, to catch up with the often unanticipated expectations that will daily confront you. A prospective Lawyer must be ready to learn, unlearn and relearn daily, and must develop good research and communications skills. He/ she must be determined, to confront and surmount whatever challenges he/she may encounter. I commend to the would-be Lawyer, the immortal words of Ella Wheeler Wilcox “nothing can circumvent, prevent or truncate the firm resolve of a determined soul”.

If you had not become a Lawyer, what other career would you have chosen?

I would have been a Mass Communicator, Historian or an Economist.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten from now by the grace of God, I will be a Professor of Law and a globally recognised scholar in Revenue Law.

17.12.2019

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TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN

SMS only to 08098898888

My Thoughts on the Constitutionality or Otherwise of the New AMCON (Amendment) Act 2019

J

Introduction ust recently, the Federal Government under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, passed a bill into law, the AMCON Amendment Act, 2019, empowering the Corporation to: “obtain any access to any computer system component, electronic or mechanical device of any debtor, with a view to establishing the location of funds belonging to the debtor, and to obtain information in respect of any private account together with all bank financial and commercial records of any debtors of any eligible financial institution, banking secrecy, and the protection of customer confidentiality, is not a ground for the denial of the power of the corporation under the section”. AMCOM is to use the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, (ICPC) and the Ministry of Justice, as tools in achieving these aims and objectives contained in the said Act. The major highlight of this Act therefore, is that it empowers the Agency/ Corporation to access the financial details of debtors. The agency can now place bank accounts of debtors, under surveillance. The new law empowers AMCON to by-pass any legal or procedural restriction, specifically those protecting banking details of debtors, so that the agency can gain access to such records.

Aside from the above, the new law according to Senator Ita Enang, the Presidential Aide on National Assembly also provides that: ‘’All money standing to the credits of the corporation in any bank account, is deemed to be in the custody and control of the corporation. Where any proceeding is pending in any court of competent jurisdiction by or any, the corporation, the grant of any interim, interlocutory or preservative order of attachment against the corporation’s funds in any bank is prohibited. The corporation may require any eligible financial institution from which it has acquired an eligible bank asset or any director, manager or officer of such eligible financial institution to furnish information and produce documents, books, accounts and records in relation to any eligible bank asset acquired by the corporation from such eligible financial institution or in relation to the borrower or other obligator connected with such eligible bank asset”.

Sequel to the above provisions of the AMCON (Amendment) Act 2019, it is important to look at the legal approach of using these agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria

by AMCON, in the recovering of these debts from debtors.

As courageous, necessary and expedient as this particular law may appear to be, does it border on glaring instances of unconstitutionality, disregard for rule of law, and breach of fundamental human rights issues that have plagued most of the laws enacted by this administration?

It is therefore, apposite to juxtapose the AMCON (Amendment) Act, 2019 with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered, other relevant laws and judicial authorities, and international best practices.

Constitutionality of AMCON (Amendment) Act 2019, vis-a-vis the 1999 Constitution and Other Related Laws The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as altered, is the grundnorm of all other laws of Nigeria, including the said AMCON (Amendment) Act, 2019, and by implication, every law must find its origin in the Constitution.

The Constitution is also the supreme law of the land as highlighted in Section 1(1) which provides: 1. (1) This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on the authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sub-section 3 of the above mentioned Section 1 also provides that: (3) If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.

Important to note is that, many of the provisions of the

“IT IS AGAINST THE RULE OF LAW AND IS ALSO UNCONSTITUTIONAL, THAT AN AGENCY COULD BE EMPOWERED TO ARBITRARILY ACCESS AND POSSESS THE FUNDS IN A DEBTOR’S PERSONAL ACCOUNT, WITHOUT FIRST SECURING AN APPROPRIATE ORDER OF A COURT OF LAW”

AMCON (Amendment) Act 2019, which empowers the agency to gain access into the personal accounts of individuals (debtors), access his/her personal details, and even take possession of funds in those accounts autonomously, are inconsistent and run at parallel with Sections 37 and 44 of the Constitution, which seek to protect the privacy of citizens and deter compulsory acquisition of their movable and immovable property by any agency, without adequate compensation.

It is against the rule of law and is also unconstitutional, that an agency could be empowered to arbitrarily access and possess the funds in a debtor’s personal account, without first securing an appropriate order of a court of law.

Section 50 (1) of the AMCON Act, 2010, is certainly unconstitutional. The section provides that: “Where the Corporation has reasonable cause to believe that a debtor or debtor company has funds in any account with any eligible financial institution, it may apply to the Court by motion ex-parte for an order freezing the debtor or debtor company's account”.

The above section, together with Section 50(2) which provides that the Corporation shall commence debt recovery action against a debtor or debtor company whose account has been frozen by a court order issued under subsection (1) of this section within 14 days from the date of the order, failing which the order shall lapse, appear self-contradictory and self-destructive.

How do you first freeze a customer’s account, and then proceed to recover your debt? The customer is placed at a grave disadvantage, as he cannot reasonably fight his case and cause.

Bear in mind that the old AMCON Act of 2010 which was created for the purpose of effectively resolving non-performing loans, assets of banks and other institutions in Nigeria, was never the problem or the reason why the Agency failed woefully in recovering the humongous debts of over N5 trillion. Rather, it was the failure of the Agency to act swiftly to commence the debt recovery, after securing an interim order freezing the debtor’s accounts. They should now act with more speed.

To continue on the path of the new AMCON (Amendment) Act 2019, is to cause more chaos, especially when the funds in the account of the debtor happens to be subject of another court proceeding. Hence, the case of RHEIN MASSUND SEE & ORS v RIVWAY LINES LTD (1998) 4 SC 73, where the Court held that, the purpose of making an ex-parte order is to preserve the res, prevent its dissipation, pending when all the parties can be heard.

These government anti-graft agencies are not empowered by the laws creating them or in any laws in Nigeria, or power to recover money from debtors, except for monies obtained through fraud or financial malpractices, which is not the position here.

Section 6, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004, clearly spells out the special powers to be exercised by the Commission, which relate to offences of crimes, money laundering, malpractices and fraud, and nothing more. It is not even empowered to engage in recovery of debt or enforcement of a contract, more so, a contract which the agency is not privy to.

Following the above provisos, if there are no traces of financial or economic crimes in the disbursement and repayment of

loan and/ or debt, the EFCC does not thereby, have any legal power to exercise in the recovery of the debt, which is purely a civil contract between two parties. Such a contract is not in nature, criminal in any form.

In the same vein, the ICPC ACT 2000, does not also empower the Commission to recover debts for government agencies, when they are purely matters of contracts.

Under Nigerian laws, the EFCC, ICPC, Ministry of Justice and any other government agency in Nigeria, are not regarded as debt recovery agencies. In the recent Supreme Court case of Diamond Bank PLC v H.R.H. EZE (Dr) Peter Opara & Ors (2018) LPELR-43907(SC), the Apex Court held thus: “The EFCC has an inherent duty, to scrutinise all complaints that it receives carefully, no matter how carefully crafted by the complaining party, and be bold enough to counsel such Complainants to seek appropriate/ lawful means to resolve their disputes.

Alas! The EFCC is not a debt recovery agency, and should refrain from being used as such”.

In the past few years, we have encountered situations where creditors engage the services of the Nigeria Police or the Military to recover their debts from debtors through means of arrest, torture or intimidation, after the creditor must have reached an agreement with the agency on a certain amount of percentage that is due to them.

In the case of OGBONNA v OGBONNA (2014) LPELR-22308 CA (2014) 23 WRN 48, one of the issues for determination, was whether the EFCC, ICPC, POLICE and other law enforcement agencies are debt recovery agency in Nigeria.

The Supreme Court, after a careful consideration, held; “It is important for me to pause here and say here that, the powers conferred on the third Respondent i.e., EFCC, to receive complaint and/or fight the commission of financial crimes in Nigeria pursuant to Section 6(b) of the EFCC ACT, does not extend to the investigation and/or resolution of disputes arising or resulting from simple contracts on civil transaction, as in this case”.

It is correct to state that, the passing of the ACT into law amounts to gross infringement on the fundamental human rights of the debtors, as enshrined in Chapter 4 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as altered. Any law which is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution, shall, to the extent of its inconsistency, be null and void. See Section 1(3) of the Constitution.

Having regard to the bank/customer relationship in line with international best practices, a bank is not empowered to allow a customer’s account to be accessed or tampered with by a third party, not to talk of transacting or withdrawing money from the customer’s said account.

Consequently, the introduction and passing into law of this Act by the Federal Government, does not only offend the laws governing the operations of banks, but also offends some provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as altered, the very grundnorm. Consequently, the said provisions of the AMCON Act, are null and void.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “The happiness of society, is the end of government.”

(John Adams).

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17.12.2019

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2019: Mostly Negative Judicial Milestones?

The year 2019, will go down in Nigerian legal history, as one of the most momentous, so far. It came with its fair share of good, bad and ugly developments, including some of the most complicated and controversial judicial decisions in the nation’s history. Daniel Aloaye, Lazarus Chinwokwu and Chinelo Chinweze, take a critical overview of some of the landmark judgements, which defined the year that is just ending

Trampling on the Rule of Law, Court Invasion, Protracted Detentions: Year 2019 in Review

T Introduction

he year 2019 has been another bumpy, red-letter year for Nigeria’s justice institutions. We attempt an overview of a year characterised by theatrics and drama, spectacle and wonder, impunity and silence, as well as a growing sense of disquiet among stakeholders in the administration of justice and the Nigerian people. There were many notable developments in the year – the unprecedented conviction and sacking of a Chief Justice in Nigeria, the increasing political attack on rule of law institutions and human rights, the continuing and escalating incidence of contempt of courts in Nigeria, by the refusal by government security forces to obey orders and judgements alongside invading the court room and disrupting judicial proceedings, as well as the obfuscating silence of the Judiciary in the face of these attacks. There is so much to highlight ...

Chief Justice of Nigeria Convicted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal In a judgement delivered by its Chairman, Mr. Danladi Umar, on April 18, 2019, the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) convicted Justice Walter Onnoghen, the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on a six-count charge of false declaration of assets. The charges, filed on January 10th, 2019 by the Federal Government of Nigeria, followed a petition to the Code of Conduct Bureau on January 9th, 2019 by an organisation (the Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative), alleging breaches of the Code of Conduct by the erstwhile CJN. Following its verdict, the Tribunal ordered Justice Onnoghen’s removal from judicial office as Chief Justice of Nigeria, as well as the seizure and forfeiture of the monies in his accounts. It also barred him from holding public office, for ten years.

The bizarre and bottom-of-the-barrel procedures and tactics adopted by the CCT in the trial outraged many Nigerians, and showed that the Tribunal lacked any concept of independence, and was only too willing to offer itself as a vehicle to achieve the political agenda of the government.

The rule of law, of course, requires that courts and tribunals which exercise judicial powers, should be independent of other arms of government, and appear, in the perception of reasonable observers, to be so. Unfortunately, the Code of Conduct Tribunal did not offer this guarantee of independence, neither its perception. The Tribunal was, from the word go, bent on a particular, pre- meditated outcome, and looked neither left or right, in

the blind pursuit of that goal. The Tribunal, clearly, could not have convinced anyone that it was sitting as an unbiased umpire or judicial arbiter.

It was so desperate to convict Justice Onnoghen that it had to overturn or side-step its previous judgements on similar matters - decisions such as those given in a prior case involving another Justice of the Supreme Court! A cardinal principle of our Common Law system is that, similar cases are decided alike in order to prevent arbitrariness and caprice in the adjudication of cases.

It is clearly feasible to argue that, the leadership of the Code of Conduct is too vulnerable to be independent, and that Danladi Umar’s Tribunal is a major sticking point for the proper administration of justice. Looking beyond 2019, there needs to be a change in the Chairmanship of the Tribunal, if it is to inspire public confidence as a vehicle of justice and of the fight against corruption.

More than changing its leadership, constitutional reforms must make the CCT a more independent institution. A Tribunal under the Presidency, cannot be independent of the Presidency.

FRN v ONNOGHEN: Court of Appeal Blows Hot Air, but Offers Cold Justice On May 10th 2019, the Court of Appeal struck out the appeals filed by Justice Onnoghen against the ex-parte orders of the CCT, suspending him from office. President Muhammadu Buhari had, on the strength of the order of the Tribunal, suspended Justice Onnoghen from office as Chief Justice of Nigeria, and appointed Hon. Justice Tanko Muhammed, as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Justice Onnoghen had in February 2019, filed four appeals challenging the jurisdiction of the CCT to hear the charges of non-declaration of assets brought against him before the Tribunal; the grant of an ex parte order for his suspension as the Chief Justice of Nigeria; the refusal of the Code of Conduct Tribunal to be bound by the orders of the Federal High Court and National Industrial Court halting its proceedings, and the warrant of arrest issued by the court in January 2019.

In its unanimous judgement, the Court dismissed three of the four appeals, on grounds that the substantive matters from which they arose had been concluded, as the Code of Conduct Tribunal had convicted Justice Walter Onnoghen on the allegations against him already on April 18th, 2019. The fourth appeal was struck out, for lack of competence.

The Court of Appeal however, found that the ex parte order granted by the Tribunal on 23rd January, 2019 had breached Justice Onnoghen’s right to fair hearing, because the order was obtained in a manner “shrouded in secrecy and clandestine manoeuvre”. As it were, the decision was clearly of no practical importance, either to the beleaguered ex-CJN Onnoghen or the conniving government.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad

The horse had bolted from the stable. In the face of the fait accompli that sealed ex-CJN Onnoghen’s ability to enforce his due process rights, would not the Judiciary’s own relevance come into question? Nigeria’s Judiciary must reflect hard on its capacity to meet the exigencies of defending the rule of law in Nigeria, given its failure when entreated, to upend the travesty and charade that was being played out by the Code of Conduct Tribunal against Justice Onnoghen, in the guise of a trial.

EL-ZAKZAKY: Nigeria Police Curtail Protests and Clamps down on Protesters On July 17th, 2018, following persistent clamour by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) members for the release of their leader Sheik El Zakzaky, the Nigeria Police announced the restriction of protests in the Federal Capital Territory to the Unity Fountain, Central Business District, Abuja, saying the restrictions were informed by the need to avert an occurrence of incidences similar to those which trailed the protests of October 30th, 2018.

It would be recalled that on October 30th, 2018, officers of the Nigerian Army confronted and opened fire on a procession of the IMN members who were protesting the unlawful (and protracted) incarceration of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, by the Nigerian Government, as well as the killing of several members of the sect by officers of the Nigerian Army on October 27th, 2018. Could the police lawfully restrict rights of freedom of association and movement as it did?

Police restrictions of the right to associate and assembly, or its making the exercise of those rights conditioned on meeting certain criteria has, in fact, been ruled unconstitutional by a decision of the Court of Appeal in Inspector General of Police v All Nigeria Peoples Party and 11 Others (2007), where the court held that, the procurement of a police permit before a protest could hold was inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, and therefore, an illegality. So, why would the Police act in brazen circumvention of a subsisting court judgement? Clearly, the new policy limiting the places where protests

“MORE THAN CHANGING ITS LEADERSHIP, CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS MUST MAKE THE CCT A MORE INDEPENDENT INSTITUTION. A TRIBUNAL UNDER THE PRESIDENCY, CANNOT BE INDEPENDENT OF THE PRESIDENCY”

President Muhammadu Buhari

can hold, is just as unconstitutional as requiring a police permit before a protest can hold.

Federal High Court Proscribes Islamic Movement of Nigeria On 26 July, 2019, a Federal High Court presided over by Justice Nkeonye Maha, made an order pursuant to an ex parte application brought by the Federal Government proscribing the IMN group. In its decision, the court “designated the activities of the Shiite organisation in any part of Nigeria, ‘as acts of terrorism and illegality’.

Yet, the court’s order must have astounded many, accustomed to the principles and traditions of constitutional process. How could a court, operating in a constitutional democracy, use a decidedly one-sided account of a case to frame its determination and orders on the case, totally excluding the party whose very existence was being threatened? Conventionally, a legitimate judicial process takes account of, and hears the cases and defences of everyone accused of misconduct and/or whose interests would be affected by a decision and orders. Furthermore, in a democracy, legislation must pass the tests of constitutionality, to be enforceable by a court.

The court ought to have satisfied itself, that the legislation under which it acted, which so gravely imperilled the fundamental rights of citizens to assemble and move freely, espouse their causes and practice their religion, passes constitutional muster.

It probably bears repeating that, when a Judiciary fails to muster courage to safeguard the rights of individuals or groups when threatened, including those who suffer political persecution because of their beliefs or their unpopularity, democracy fails, and then the people are effectively silenced and unable to hold power to any form of accountability. Justice Maha’s decision did far-reaching damage, to the rights of a group and its members to defend their rights peacefully and legitimately.

ATIKU v BUHARI: Recusal of Court of Appeal President from Case - No Comfort in Outcomes for Atiku Abubakar and PDP Shortly after the conclusion of the 2019 general elections, and the commencement of election petitions before various election petition tribunals, there were strong speculations that the President Buhari administration was heavily invested in efforts to achieve the best possible outcomes from electoral courts, in any election litigation involving the ruling party through any means possible.

The Court of Appeal President, Hon. Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa - married to a Senator of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) party - was both sitting and chairing the panel set up to hear the petition filed by Atiku Abubakar, against the declaration of President Buhari as the winner of the 2019 Presidential

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN

election.

However, following public outcries from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and civil rights groups, against Justice Bulkachuwa’s membership of the Presidential Election Petition panel, the Justice was forced to recuse herself from the panel. But, her recusal was of little comfort.

The Court of Appeal dismissed in its entirety, the petition of the PDP flag bearer, and the PDP itself.

The Supreme Court Wades in, gives a Short Shrift, but Procedure begs the Question Atiku Abubakar and the PDP, appealed the Court of Appeal judgement to the Supreme Court. After a protracted period of not constituting the bench to hear the appeal, the Supreme Court on October 30, 2019, dismissed the appeal, and gave the reasons for doing so on November 15, 2019. To express their dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision, no counsel of the Appellants appeared at the Supreme Court, to hear the reasons the court gave for its judgement.

Reacting to the judgement of the Supreme Court, Atiku Abubakar was to state that: “The Nigerian judiciary, just like every estate of our realm, has been sabotaged and undermined by an overreaching and dictatorial cabal...” Weighty allegations. But, the Supreme Court returned no retort. Furthermore, the court’s judgement has been the subject of criticism, because of the procedure adopted by it, in determining the appeal.

Prof. Ben Nwabueze, SAN, constitutional scholar (and also co-counsel for Atiku Abubakar in the lower court), impugned the judgement, on the basis that the Supreme Court reached the substantive decisions in the case, without a fair hearing. He maintained that, the Supreme Court examined the appeal before it, “in secret”, as declared and admitted, without regard to Section 36 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

In Kogi State, Chief Judge Swears-in new Deputy Governor, notwithstanding Verdict of Panel he set up On October 18th, 2019, Mr. Simon Achuba, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, was impeached by the State House of Assembly. The impeachment was dramatic for many reasons, mostly political. But, it was the Judiciary’s role, that came under the most scrutiny and ridicule.

In the weeks leading up to the impeachment, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Nasir Ajanah, established a panel to verify the allegations levelled against the ex- Deputy Governor, as he was constitutionally obligated to do. In its submission to the House of Assembly, the Investigating Panel stated that, in line with Section 188(8) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) “....the allegation contained in the Notice of Allegation admitted in evidence by this panel as Exhibit 7, have not been proved....”.

“.....WHEN A JUDICIARY FAILS TO MUSTER COURAGE TO SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS WHEN THREATENED, INCLUDING THOSE WHO SUFFER POLITICAL PERSECUTION BECAUSE OF THEIR BELIEFS OR THEIR UNPOPULARITY, DEMOCRACY FAILS.....”

However, despite this finding by the panel, the Kogi State House of Assembly impeached Achuba, contrary to Section 188 (8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Mr. Edward Onoja, was sworn into office as the new Deputy Governor of the State. But, it gets even more curious. The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Nasir Ajanah, in spite of the fact that the panel he set up returned a verdict of “not guilty” against the Deputy Governor, (which was enough to nip the impeachment process in the bud), went ahead to swear into office, the new Deputy Governor!

Who is sabotaging the Judiciary?

Judicial Appointment Procedures: Are the NJC’S Judicial Appointment Guidelines Hollow Rituals as Allegations of Nepotism in Judicial Appointments Grow?

The 2014 Extant Revised Guidelines for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of Superior Courts of Record (Judicial Appointment Guidelines) and the 2016 National Judicial Policy, both made by the NJC, represent far-reaching changes to previous judicial recruitment systems that were characterised by lack of transparency, opacity, lack of a level-playing field, influencepeddling and nepotism. The 2014 Judicial Appointment Guidelines and the 2016 National Judicial Policy, prioritise and promote values of transparency, openness, merit and the availability of equal opportunity to all persons interested in judicial offices. Both instruments intend, in other words, to provide a level playing field for all eligible persons, interested in serving in judicial offices, whether they are currently serving as Judges/Justices, are in private practice, or in academic institutions of learning. Yet, many see the NJC and Federal/State Judicial Service Commissions as largely ignoring these GuideCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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2019: MOSTLY NEGATIVE JUDICIAL MILESTONES? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Leader, Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheik El Zakzaky

lines, in processes leading to the appointment of Judges/Justices of superior courts.

Things have got so bad that, allegations of nepotism are now growing. In Delta State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called for the cancellation of processes, leading to the recommendation of five persons for appointment into the State Judiciary. In petitions submitted to the NJC, the NBA alleged that, the procedure leading to the recommendations of the five nominees were severely flawed, as two of the nominees for judicial appointment were relatives of the Chief Judge and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, in the State.

In a related vein, Access to Justice sued on Tuesday 27th November, 2019, to stop the process for the appointment of four nominees into the Supreme Court, for violations of the NJC’s Judicial Appointment Guidelines. The lawsuit alleges that, the Federal Judicial Service Commission and the NJC failed to adhere to the established appointment guidelines, and, in fact, circumvented aspects of those procedures which make the recruitment process transparent, fair, merit-based and competitive, in making the nominations of the four Court of Appeal Justices for appointment into the Supreme Court.

Prior to the lawsuit, the news media had, on June 9, 2019, reported that President Buhari asked the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Tanko Muhammad, to initiate the process of appointing five new Justices of the Supreme Court. In his letter to the CJN, the President said he was “...pleased to request that you initiate in earnest, the process of appointing additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, to make the full complement of 21 Justices...”. ‘The President said this was in line “with the government’s agenda of repositioning the Judiciary in general, and Supreme Court in particular, for greater efficiency, with a view to reducing the backlog of appeals pending at the Supreme Court.

Subsequently, on June 11th, two days after the President’s request was published, the Chief Justice of Nigeria reportedly asked Supreme Court Justices to nominate “suitable candidates for consideration for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria”. Talk about the independence of the Judiciary! Does the Judiciary not have a mind of its own, and can it not control its own business, or judge what is in its own best interest?

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA v OMOYELE SOWORE: DSS Invades Federal High Court, Disrupts Proceedings Following persistent refusal of the Department of State Services (DSS), to release Mr. Omoyele Sowore and his co-accused, Olawale Bakare on bail after meeting their bail conditions, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, on Thursday December 5th , 2019, ordered the immediate release of both men and awarded a fine of one hundred thousand Naira against the DSS, for failing to release the activists. The DSS reluctantly obeyed that order, and released the men. However, the next day, Friday, 6th December, 2019, DSS officials invaded Hon. Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu’s court to re-arrest Omoyele Sowore who was in court, in pursu-

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen

Omoyele Sowore

Director-General, Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi

Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar

ance of an action he filed against the DSS, and, in the process, disrupted on- going proceedings in court. Given the commotion, the trial Judge had to immediately rise, and retreat hurriedly into her Chambers. The brazen invasion of a sitting courtroom by security forces, represents new escalations of a culture of impunity of government agencies, as well as new threats and affronts to the independence of the Judiciary.

What next for the Buhari administration?

down the sentence, also ordered the winding up and forfeiture of all assets belonging to Slok Nigeria Limited – owned by Senator Kalu - to the Federal Government.

The judgement of Justice Mohammed Idris, brings the twelve-year old case to an end, and closes a chapter in the struggle to reduce corruption in Nigeria.

Graft: Federal High Court Convicts Governor Orji Kalu On December 5th, 2019, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, was sentenced to a twelve year prison term by the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, over a N7.1 billion fraud. Ex-Governor Kalu and his co- Defendants, were found guilty of the thirty-nine charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in respect of the N7.1 billion fraud perpetuated during his tenure as Governor of Abia State, between 1999 and 2007. Justice Mohammed Idris, who handed

“.....PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI HAS SHOWN “STUNNING DISREGARD FOR THE RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS, IGNORING NIGERIAN JUDGES ON AT LEAST 40 OCCASIONS”

Conclusion: A Year Marked by Increasing Violations of the Rule of Law and Attacks on the Independence of the Judiciary Overall, 2019 has not been an auspicious or salutary year, for constitutional democracy or the rule of law in Nigeria. At every point, the conditions enabling democracy and the rule of law to flourish have worsened, following dispositions of the executive arm of government that have been characterised by impunity and a belief in the invincibility of governmental power. Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan, Legal Adviser to Amnesty International, sums this up poignantly, by saying that, President Muhammadu Buhari has shown “stunning disregard for the rule of law and human rights, ignoring Nigerian Judges on at least 40 occasions”.

But, the more harrowing experience has been the sheer silence of the Nigerian Judiciary, and its failure, up to this time, to man up, step up to the plate, and fight for its life, in the face of the many provocations it has had to endure. 2020 should not end, on the same note.

Daniel Aloaye, Lazarus Chinwokwu a n d C h i n e l o Chinweze, Programme Staff, Access to Justice, an Organisation working to expand rights of people to impartial justice, defend judicial independence and promote judicial integrity

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‘WE ARE TRULY, THE NEW PRACTICE’

Babajimi Ayorinde and Babasola Alokolaro Photos: Kolawole Alli

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‘We are truly, The New Practice’ In the cool and quiet ambience of South West Ikoyi, a compact law firm has opened shop with four partners, in collaboration with Andersen Global, a global market player in legal practice.

Their vision? To infuse global best practices in providing quality services, for local and international clients (Glocal). In a chat with Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi, two of the partners, Babasola Alokolaro and Babajimi Ayorinde, reiterated the fact that, the firm has been in existence for 13 years, but only just rebranded and added with two other partners, Olayinka Atere and Bukola Bankole. The Partners, among other things, spoke about winning the 2019 Nigerian Legal Awards for Corporate & Commercial Team of theYear and Private Equity Team of theYear, Artificial Intelligence and the potentials of the AfCFTA, if it is well implemented

Babajimi Ayorinde and Babasola Alokolaro Photos: Kolawole Alli

K

indly tell us about The New Practice, and why the need to rebrand after 13 years?

How many Partners are you? What is the set up and thrust of TNP? You describe yourselves as “Nigeria’s truly “glocal” law firm, what’s the idea behind this?

We are simply known as TNP now (this was part of the plan when we were setting up). A moniker not dissimilar to your HSBC, IBM, IBTC, GTB or FCMB. We represent a set of Lawyers willing to push the boundaries of legal practice in this country and beyond. We haven’t rebranded. We have simply made a strategic business decision, to collaborate. And, we have done so with Andersen Global, a global market disruptor in the tax, business advisory, and legal practice space. I will, however, confess that we made subtle changes to our corporate identity and reduced the philosophy of the TNP Avatar into a new Manual titled Mìíràn (our differentiation). Pardon me, I digress.

We are a family-oriented law firm, and the vibrancy of our culture is at the core of everything we do. We insist on working in a collegiate environment, and are deliberate in ensuring we have an atmosphere that allows our Lawyers to deliver value to clients efficiently. We currently have four partners: Babajimi Ayorinde, Olayinka Atere, Bukola Bankole, and myself; and in terms of leverage, we are on a one to five.

We pride ourselves as Nigeria’s truly GLOCAL law firm.

Essentially, whilst our outlook is global, using best practices found anywhere in the world in delivering value to the client, we don’t shy away from our true identity, which is Nigerian.

So, the idea of being “Glocal” is to match global best practices in everything we do. From the simplest of instructions to the

most complex transactions, we consistently match our local expertise with global standards.

As globalisation has made an entry into the Nigerian legal space, we find that a number of local law firms have taken advantage of legal networks and franchise arrangements. Is TNP considering taking advantage of any of such arrangements? Do you think collaboration is the future of legal practice? If so, why? Some Nigerian Lawyers are sceptical about these collaborations with global law firms, as they believe that they only use Nigerians as a front to infiltrate our large market, give Nigerians

“WE ARE SIMPLY KNOWN AS TNP NOW.....WE REPRESENT A SET OF LAWYERS WILLING TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF LEGAL PRACTICE, IN THIS COUNTRY AND BEYOND. WE HAVEN’T REBRANDED. WE HAVE SIMPLY MADE A STRATEGIC BUSINESS DECISION, TO COLLABORATE. AND, WE HAVE DONE SO WITH ANDERSEN GLOBAL, A GLOBAL MARKET DISRUPTOR IN THE TAX, BUSINESS ADVISORY, AND LEGAL PRACTICE SPACE”

little returns, while they take the chunk. How will you and other Nigerian Lawyers, ensure that you don’t fall into this trap? Do you think the legal ecosystem is ready and well equipped to manage this?

Globalisation is here, and let’s not kid each other, it’s here to stay. The biggest global players in the market are in and out of Lagos and Abuja every other week, working on some of the biggest deals in our market. They may not formally have boots on the ground, as a result of regulation, but they are here, and are doing the work, exclusively or along with local support. As competition in the market will only increase, reason dictates that a firm with a philosophy such as ours, leverage. If we don’t try to catch up with the global marketplace (which is coming here for the work), we will find ourselves in the cold.

So, yes, collaboration is the future of our profession. It can also be the solution to changing the narrative on the Local Counsel/Offshore Counsel issue, also. There are certain complex transactions, that haven’t been done repeatedly locally. As such, sponsors and/or financiers, demand the engagement of the experienced bigger players for their expertise and experience in these deals (premised on justifications like “bankability” etc). Consequently, leveraging on relationships such as these, should aid our industry in harnessing the expertise required to grow certain practice areas, as well as put market leaders in a position where the Local/Offshore Counsel narrative changes, and for good.

Our ecosystem needs to be very ready, willing and equipped, to manage this issue. We mustn’t ignore the fact that the Big Four are already one of the biggest threats to our industry (they are not a local issue). I remember during my first few years of practice, the NBA filed an action against one of the Big Four

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‘WE ARE TRULY, THE NEW PRACTICE’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 (for providing legal services). Between that time and now, what has happened? So, if the foreign firms are in and the other professional services firms are giving us a run for our money, can protectionism still work? The answer is simple! My money says a firm this size, must collaborate or die. And, that is what we have just done.

We recently signed a Collaboration Agreement with Andersen Global. This was huge for us, and for them. It gives us a window to the rest of the world, and for them, they get an entry into this giant (sleeping or not). The Firm, as Andersen Global is called, also shares common values with us, and validates our raison d’etre. Can I be honest, collaboration is the future. This conviction comes more from the number of collaboration/ consolidation/ business combination offers we have received, in the last few years.

Our “collaboration” with Andersen isn’t the entry to a network or a franchise arrangement (we’re not paying anyone for IP and/or name rights). It’s simply an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals around the world. In exploiting this opportunity, we are working with the Firm and more than 5,000 professionals worldwide, with a presence in over 166 locations.

AsanAndersenCollaboratingfirm,wecontinueto workwithmanyinternationallaw firms, and remain largely neutral. We have the freedom to shop around, with the capacity to work with whoever is looking in.

Your firm recently won the 2019 Nigerian Legal Awards for Corporate & Commercial Team of the Year and Private Equity Team of the Year at the recent Nigerian Legal Awards Dinner, as well as the Frontier Advisor (Legal) Award at the 2019 Private Equity Awards held in London. What does this mean to and for TNP? The awards stand as a validation of our efforts—and success—in the market. They confirm market recognition by peers and competition. For us, they are a testament to our sectoral awareness, knowledge, and expertise. They are also a proof that we are making progress in our journey, and standing true to our course to become Nigeria’s truly GLOCALlawfirm. These awardsstandtoremindus,toputonefootaftertheother. That, if we remain true to the blueprint, our journey to destination should be less bumpy and shorter. What speaks to us the most, is the quality of the work we do: and as we go into the future, we plan to work better, smarter, and more effectively, in delivering value to our clients. And, if we receive further validation and recognition of efforts, so be it. Our journey continues.

Last year, a number of countries signed up for the AfCFTA, do you think it has heightened competitiveness and progressively liberalised trade in services across the African continent?

Aiming to bring 1.27 billion people and a $2.5 trillion market together, the AfCFTA is a game-changer. It represents a milestone for trade, between African nations. If properly implemented, it has the potential to elevate the rate of international trade between African countries, shift the continent away from its over-reliance on volatile commodity exports, and lift millions out of unemployment.

On whether the AfCFTA has progressively liberalised trade in services, it is important to note that, the AfCFTA is not being implemented yet, as trading under the Agreement is expected to begin sometime next year. We understand that some work is still being done on the Protocol on Trade in Services, which is designed to enable the progressive liberalisation of the services sectors. As we speak, priority sectors, such as tourism, finance, transport, communication, and business services have been agreed upon by member States. We are also aware that, the African Union Department of Industry and Trade, together with its partners, is currently developing a six-year Service Sector Development Program aimed at building a strong and competitive services sector, towards the creation of an integrated African services market. So, there is no doubt that once the AfCFTA passes the implementation and phase II talks, it will progressively liberalise trade in services. It’s game-on. So, the time is now for firms and businesses to reposition their strategies, to make the most out of the trade liberalisation amongst African nations.

In recent times, we have seen a significant interplay between law and technology, technology is the new gold in the legal industry. Do you think Lawyers are keeping up with the pace of technological advancements, and do

“AIMING TO BRING 1.27 BILLION PEOPLE AND A $2.5 TRILLION MARKET TOGETHER, THE AFCFTA IS A GAMECHANGER. IT REPRESENTS A MILESTONE FOR TRADE, BETWEEN AFRICAN NATIONS. IF PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED, IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO ELEVATE THE RATE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE BETWEEN AFRICAN COUNTRIES, SHIFT THE CONTINENT AWAY FROM ITS OVERRELIANCE ON VOLATILE COMMODITY EXPORTS, AND LIFT MILLIONS OUT OF UNEMPLOYMENT” you think we need new set of laws to regulate technology?

Technology (or more commonly ‘legal tech’), is fast changing the way Lawyers practice law. A good understanding of legal tech, is critical to the development of the modern law firm.

It has become so omnipresent and pervasive. Things like law practice management software, document automation software, and e-discovery tools, actually improve productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency. These tools save both Lawyers and clients, a lot of unnecessary headache. A number of Lawyers and law firms, are starting to realise they must embrace legal tech or get left behind.

On whether Lawyers are keeping up with the pace of technological advancements, well I think that although there was a time when legal tech appeared intimidating to most Lawyers, a number of us are now catching up, having realised its immense importance.

It is interesting to note that, in America, the ethical duty of competence now requires Lawyers to be tech-savvy. In 2012, the American Bar Association formally approved a change to their Rules of Professional Conduct, making it clear that Lawyers have a duty to be competent not only in the law and its practice, but also in technology. This is something we should consider imitating.

What are your views on AI? Do Nigerian Lawyers need to fear that they will be replaced by AI and rendered somewhat redundant or will AI actually work to our advantage?

As our digital universe expands, and our ability to gather and mine data improves, AI continues to penetrate and influence every spectrum of our society.

The impact of the technology is being felt across all industries: this is true, even of a heel- dragging, technology-resistant profession as law. The development and deployment of AI software/algorithms which can efficiently review documents, draft contracts, and even predict the outcome of cases, are becoming commonplace, and the nature of what constitutes the ‘practice of law’ is changing.

But, we don’t think that Lawyers need to fear AI, at least not

yet. Yes, as AI-powered tools improve, many mundane, routine legal work will become automated, and it will be unnecessary to employ Lawyers to do what AI can do faster, better, and more accurately. But, Lawyers would still be needed, to handle the complex and complicated work. Experience, intuition, and judgement, are integral to our work as Lawyers. Machines aren’t as capable yet. Also, clients will eternally prefer to interface and discuss their propositions or problems with human Lawyers.

It is, indeed, possible that AI can work to our advantage, because legal services will become faster, cheaper and more consistent, demand for legal services might actually soar. Also, Lawyers and law firms that adopt AI-powered tools, can improve their productivity by leaving the repetitive, time-consuming tasks to AI. What are your views on the Nigerian legal industry and the readiness of the young Lawyer fresh out of the Nigerian Law School for real legal practice?

I think the Nigerian legal industry, is witnessing substantial growth and development. Driven by alliances and collaborations, the industry is on a path to global relevance. However, when compared with the legal industries in other climes, the Nigerian legal industry still has a lot of catching-ups to do. Things can get better.

On the readiness of young Lawyers to practice law, it is evident that what you learn at University and the Law School, is far from the realities of law practice. In addition to this, as fine an institution as the Nigerian Law School is, there seems to be a disinclination on the part of those in charge of the curriculum, to embrace new developments. They are still teaching law graduates outdated, anachronistic precepts of law – I mean, I still can’t fathom why you’d spend time teaching me what a “rebendum” or “habendum” is. I still don’t know what they are. As a result, students come out of the Law School, without a clue of what to expect in the real world. I guess that is where we come in, the law firms. It has become part of our role to train and equip young Lawyers with tangible and intangible skillsets in the practice of law, help to get them on the career ladder, and expose them to thefieldsof corporatefinance,privat eequity,dataprotection,FinTechetc.Weoweitasa responsibility to the next generation, if we have a serious intention to transition our businesses to the next level. These are the guys who are going to advice on concessioning roads, bridges and airports, prosecute criminal activity, guide Presidents and politicians.

We must lend a hand as professionals, if we want to see our profession and country develop.

What advice do you have for younger Lawyers like yourselves? Should they go it alone? Is Partnership the answer? What are the dos and don’ts on the way up?

Did you encounter any difficulties on account of being relatively young? Where do you see TNP in five years?

As I hinted earlier, we are in a very competitive space. Our profession is facing stiff competition, coming from other professional advisers. However, competition is not a threat in itself.

It actually helps us improve the quality of work we deliver, it has brought about a lot of innovation in the legal industry, and we welcome it.

To the young Lawyers, we say: “have a plan” and stick to it. The practice of law isn’t a one- size-fits-all. As our economy develops (we are optimists), the market should become robust enough to accommodate all players, whether as sole-practitioners, partnerships or any other form of business combination. But, the trick is to have a plan.

The do’s and don’ts on the way up? Stay focused, it’s a vintage business – develop your capacity and expertise. Be known for something. Don’t chase the money (money is important, but don’t chase) and never ever compromise on standards. And finally, be true to yourself—if the service you are delivering is a commoditised one, stay true to it, and if it’s of a more complex and specialised one, stay true. Trying to be both may not work to your advantage. Olaiya sells great amala and Izanagi does great sushi. They are true to their respective businesses.

Challenges we encountered for being relatively young? Now, when were we young again? Babajimi and I are both 45 now.

Young was like 13years ago when we started out – jumping on okadas to meetings (I’ll still jump on one now, but most likely I’d order it with an app on my phone). And like any business, our youthfulness had its benefits and limitations. We however, thrived on its benefits – that’s what brought the vibrancy and dynamism to the Team TNP dna.

In five years? TNP must be where our plan says it will be!

Let’s speak in five years and see if we measured up.

Thank you.

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17.12.2019

INSIGHT ABUBAKAR D. SANI

xL4sure@yahoo.com

08034533892

What does Aisha Buhari Want?

T

The First Lady’s Complaints he public statement issued last week by the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, in which she openly attacked her husband, President Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, has been the topic of informed and not-so informed commentary all week. To be sure, it was a bombshell like virtually no other, arguably rivalled only by her allegation, a few years ago, that some nameless people who did not campaign for her husband’s election, were reaping where they did not sow, cornering all the ‘juicy’ positions in the Presidency and calling all the shots.

On that occasion, the President simply dismissed her vituperations, jocularly wondering about her ‘locus standi’ to comment on any issues beyond the ‘oza’ room.

This time around, locus standi or not, the First Lady left no one in any doubt about her perceived grievances, as she pulled no punches in publicly calling out the presidential spokesman. She accused him of “going beyond his boundaries and powers” by, in her words, “interfering with the family affairs of the President”, and allegedly asserting that “the Government will not allow the office of the First Lady to run”. For the foregoing (amongst his other perceived ‘sins’), Mrs. Buhari declared peremptorily that “this kind of behaviour will no longer be tolerated”. She, therefore, urged him “to take the advice of the authority given to him sometime in the first week of November, 2019”; whoever that authority might be, and whatever that advice might be. She did not say. Why was she reticent about disclosing those ‘facts’? That is the question.

In the statement, Mrs. Buhari defended the position of First Lady as being more than a tradition; according to her, “it has become an institution”. What she seems to have missed is that no public institution, either official or otherwise, operates without clearly defined responsibilities, duties and obligations. If, as Mrs. Buhari would have us believe, her quasi or pseudo-official status as ‘First Lady of Nigeria’ entitles her to certain rights and privileges which the likes of Garba Shehu fail to recognise, pray, what are her duties and obligations under the law? Is she a public officer within the definition of that phrase in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution? In other words, is she subject to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, both under the Constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act? Did she take or subscribe to the Oath of Office and/or Allegiance contained in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution?

Special Advisers

possess far more discretion than that. The real challenge is for the President (whom one news outlet has vowed to henceforth address as ‘Major-General’, on account of the perceived serial human rights violations of his administration) to salvage the public image of his Presidency, by calling his wife to order.

First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari

By contrast, Special Advisers to both the President/Vice President are duty-bound to take such oaths. Talking of the Code of Conduct, it would seem that, instead of airing her grievances against Malam Shehu in public, there are adequate provisions under 1999 Constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act aforesaid, which the First Lady could have resorted to, in calling him to order – this is, assuming she was determined, as seems to be the case, to bypass her husband. For instance, Paragraph 9 of the Code in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution provides that: “A public officer shall not do or direct to be done, in abuse of his office, any arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of any other person knowing such act is unlawful or contrary to any government policy”. A similar provision is contained in Section 13 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act aforesaid.

It is trite that, Presidential or Gubernatorial Advisers/Assistants require the imprimatur of the Senate/State Houses of Assembly, before they are appointed. It is surely a travesty, for a person who owes her position more to a presumed tradition than anything else, to purport to indict a duly-appointed public official, to the extent of demanding his resignation. From the public reaction to her outburst this time around, it is clear that, Hajia Aisha may have gone too far – all this, while her husband is far away in Egypt.

Her latest outburst, prompts certain questions, which - whether she likes it or not - must be asked: why does she

“ON THAT OCCASION, THE PRESIDENT SIMPLY DISMISSED HER VITUPERATIONS, JOCULARLY WONDERING ABOUT HER ‘LOCUS STANDI’ TO COMMENT ON ANY ISSUES BEYOND THE ‘OZA’ ROOM”

have this uncanny, penchant for throwing caution to the wind, shooting from the hip and attacking most people in her sight, including her husband? Lest we forget, it was barely a couple of months ago, that she had an encounter with the daughter President Buhari’s nephew, Fatima Mamman Daura, only to apologise and eat humble pie, upon realising her folly. Didn’t she learn any lessons from that fiasco?

As for ‘poor’ Malam Shehu, as things stand now, he is between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, he is torn between his loyalty to his boss, President Buhari, and the need to defend himself in the public domain from the virulent criticisms of the First Lady. I doubt if he will take the latter option as, from all indications, he seems to

EGBE AMOFIN ENDORSES ADESINA AS SOUTHWEST NBA PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 presidential elections.

The Chairman of the occasion then called on the house to comment and adopt the Committee’s report. Mr Ayotunde Ibitoye from Ile-Ife Branch, moved the motion for the adoption of the report, while it was seconded by Adetunji Osho from Akure Branch.

Chief Olanipekun who chaired the occasion, thereafter called on one of the contestants, Aare Muyiwa Akinboro, to comment on the proceedings. Akinboro in his comments, said he accepted the decision of the Egbe in good faith.

"What is paramount to me is that, a Yoruba man must emerge as the next President of the NBA. As a son of the Egbe Amofin, I accept this decision and announce my withdrawal from the NBA Presidential race, forthwith. My name will never be mentioned in history, as a person who prevented the progress of the

Yoruba race. I hereby, promise my support and loyalty to my brother, Dele Adesina, that the Egbe Amofin has chosen".

The hall exploded in jubilation, and a standing ovation was given to Akinboro.

Olanipekun thereafter, called on one of the elders, Chief Abiodun to pray for Akinboro.

It was a solemn and emotional moment, as the septuagenarian gave heartfelt prayers, not only to Akinboro, but also every member of the Association that participated in this unity of the Yoruba Lawyers, after such a long time.

Chief Olanipekun directed all members of the Committee who are also Chairmen of all branches in the South West, to sign their report.

"This report will be forwarded to brothers in Eastern Bar Forum, Arewa Forum, and and the Midwest as the position of Egbe Amofin".

Adesina thereafter, gave his acceptance speech.

He thanked Akinboro, saying "you are the real hero of the people. He promised not to disappoint the members, and also strengthen the Egbe Amofin further.

Adesina had been in the race, three times.

He was asked by the Egbe to step down for Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, now the Governor of Ondo State in 2008. He had a good performance in 2014, but lost due to the disunity of the Egbe.

If he wins, Adesina is expected to bring his expertise and experience, to bear on the affairs of the administration. He was the General Secretary of the NBA between 2002 and 2004, when Chief Olanipekun was President.

That era, apart from the Alao Aka-Bashorun administration in 1986, was regarded as the golden era of the Bar, when NBA influence in the affairs of Nigeria, was well respected.

Still on ex-Governors’ Pensions The recent decision of the Federal High Court, which directed the refund of pensions received by ex-Governors who are holding (or have held) other political appointments, seems to have overlooked a couple of relevant constitutional provisions. I believe those provisions might make effective recovery of those pensions illusory, if not an outright mirage. To start with, Section 210(1) of the Constitution provides that “the right of a person in the public service of a State to receive pension or gratuity shall be regulated by law”. By virtue of subsection (2) of the Section, any benefit to which a person is entitled under such law, shall not be withheld or altered to his disadvantage, except to such extent as is permissible under any law.

Section 318(1) of the Constitution defines “public service of a State” as “service of the State in any capacity in respect of the Government of the State”. If this provision is interpreted liberally (as it should be, given that it is constitutional: NAFIU RABIU v THE STATE (1980) 2 S.C. 130), I believe it would be wide enough to include former Governors and their Deputies. As for those of them who have held or are now holding other public offices, such as Ministers of Senators, Paragraphs 2(a) and 4(2) of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution provide thus, respectively:- “A public officer shall not receive or be paid the emoluments of any public office at the same time as he receives or is paid the emoluments of any other public office”; - “A retired public servant shall not receive any other remuneration from public funds in addition to his pension and the remuneration of such one remunerative position”.

It is obvious that, in interpreting the foregoing provisions in the suit which the Federal High Court has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to initiate to challenge the affected State Pension Laws, a lot will depend of the meaning to be attached to the words “emoluments”, “remuneration”, “pension” and “public service of a State”. The outcome of such an action, if and when it is initiated, his remains to be seen.

Teach Sharia in Arabic?

The reported suggestion by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, last week, that Islamic Law or Sharia, be taught in Arabic in our tertiary institutions, has, predictably, raised a few eyebrows among non-muslims, both Lawyers and ‘laymen’ alike. Addressing an academic forum (through a representative) in Zaria, the Hon. CJN reportedly premised his prescription on the fact that, “There is no University in Nigeria that runs Sharia in Arabic; they all teach in English”. For this reason, the CJN reportedly challenged academicians to “look into the issue”.

I believe that, there is no cause for alarm, as English is the official language of instruction in tertiary institutions. Besides, the context in which His Lordship made that ‘pronouncement’ ought to allay any concerns by those who might feel threatened by it - it was purely an academic forum. To that extent, it lacked the ‘bite’ or coercive force of a judicial pronouncement, properly so-called. The CJN merely expressed a personal opinion (‘obiter dictum’?), which is both non-binding and unenforceable.

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Last Wednesday, December 11, 2019, the Inaugural Annual International Conference in celebration of Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, CON, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Here are some of the personalities, who were in attendance..... photos: Kolawole Alli

L-R: Alara Oodaye of Ara Kingdom, Ife, Oba Adebisi Layode, Honoris/First Lady Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, her daughter, Busola Solanke, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, Chairman of the occasion, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chief Launcher, Chief Tunde Odanye, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, SAN, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN and Amb. Dupe Finnih-Akintola,

L-R: Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, former President, LCCI, Chief Nike Akande, Wife of Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Olori Kudirat Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Alara Oodaye of Ara Kingdom, Ife, Oba Adebisi Layode, Chief Folake Solanke, SAN and her daughter, Busola Solanke

L-R: Chief Tunde Odanye, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chief Folake Solanke, SAN and Oba Aremu Gbadebo

Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, SAN and Justice Olajumoke Idowu Aiki

Mr. Sylva Ogwemoh, SAN and Editor, THISDAY Lawyer, Mrs. Onikepo Braithwaite

Justice Olajumoke Idowu Aiki and Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN

Mr. Layi Babatunde, SAN and his wife, Mrs. Adejoke Layi-Babatunde

Chairman, Lifeforte International Schools. Pastor Olubi Johnson and Ms Funke Aboyade, SAN.

Mr. Dele Adesina, SAN (left) and Mr. Kemi Balogun, SAN

Mr. Godwin Omoaka, SAN and Mrs. Doyin Rhodes-Vivour, SAN

Mrs. Olabisi Alokolaro (left) and Ms. Buki Akintola

Mrs. Funmi Ayodele and Professor Ademola Popoola

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FEATURES

Artisans and entrepreneurs at work at the Edo Production Centre, in Benin City, Edo State

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire (right); Chairman, House Committee on Health, Federal House of Representatives, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu (left), during the inauguration of Ovbiogie Community Primary Health Care Centre, in Ovia North East Local Government Area

Some of the equipment being installed at the 55 Megawatts CCETC-Ossiomo Power plant in Ologbo, near Benin City

we decided to dedicate ourselves to not just building classes but to go to the foundation of education. The fact is that if a teacher is not in class, a child will not learn. If the teacher does not know what to teach the child, there will be no learning. And you have got to think of education strategically to realise that what is most important is the foundation. “When you don’t make the right investment and commitment to the foundation of education, that is, basic education, children will not learn. If you are not able to add sums and pronounce alphabets, you cannot write and you cannot think logically. So, what we have done in Edo in the last one and a half years is to first prioritise basic education and technical education�, he added.

The Obaseki-led administration's unwavering commitment to driving Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is second to none. The state government recently completed two blocks of buildings consisting of classrooms and laboratories at the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC).

Over 100 well-trained teachers have been

employed to teach at the school.

The government has also performed the groundbreaking for the revamped Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iguoriakhi. The college is to now run a tripartite campus system with the administrative headquarters in Iguoriakhi, which houses the School of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, while the School of Forestry and Environmental Technology will be in Irrua and the School of Aquaculture and Marine Technology in Agenebode.

At the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Obaseki has resolved to redefine the face of tertiary education, ensuring that the varsity continues to set the pace among its peers in the country.

One of the key areas Obaseki is making progress despite inhibiting factors in the local business environment is in spurring industrialisation, which has the potential to unlock economic growth, provide employment and boost productivity.

Already, the state is on course for legacy projects, such as the Benin River Port and the Benin Enterprise and Industrial Park, after successfully piloting the Benin

Production Centre in the Sapele Road axis of Benin City, as part of multi-pronged strategy to drive industrialisation in the state.

The Benin Production Centre hosts hundreds of artisans and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) operators, who are provided with a serene work environment and access to shared infrastructure, 24-hour electricity, security, water supply, internet, access to low-cost loans.

As part of efforts to build capacity to generate and distribute electricity within the state, Obaseki signed a Power Purchase Agreement with CCETC Ossiomo Power to power government offices, streetlights, public utilities and the industrial cluster at the Sapele Road axis of the state, after the successful Azura-Edo power plant project, which is servicing the National Grid.

There’s no denying the place of quality healthcare in assessing human development, as humans have to be first of all, hale and hearty to engage in any meaningful socio-economic activity.

This, over time, underpin governments’ prioritisation of healthcare as an integral

part of development planning.

The governor is deploying a reformist approach aimed at transforming the state’s healthcare sector. The series of interventions is anchored under the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), which has kicked off with the rebuilding of 20 Primary Healthcare Centers across the state’s 18 local government areas.

Governor Obaseki on October 31, launched the Edo State Social Health Insurance/Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) as well as revamped Primary Healthcare Centers under the Edo- Primary Health Improvement Programme. The state had made an initial contribution of N100m to access the BHCPF, opening up opportunities to energise its health insurance programme.

Currently, in Edo State, all that is been heard are the echoes of Obaseki’s milestone achievements in human capital development, which are tied up to an organic whole of a systemic plan to better the lives of ordinary Edo people. Governor Obaseki is not just an exemplar but an enabler of good governance.

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BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

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Quick Takes Haastrup Wins Award

SEALED DEAL

Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai (left), exchanging pleasantries with the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Adam Nuru, during a visit by the Bank for the signing of the Education Loan Partnership Agreement with the Kaduna State Scholarship Board, held in Kaduna‌recentl

Amadi: FG Shouldering Power Market Risks, Operators Taking Benefits Stories by Chineme Okafor in Abuja The federal government is largely shouldering the risks in Nigeria’s privatised electricity market through its interventions, thereby leaving the operators, mostly generation and distribution companies to take the benefits, a former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, has said.

Amadi while speaking to THISDAY on the recent decision of the NERC to penalise eight distribution companies (Discos) by withdrawing their operational licenses for reportedly abusing extant sections of the country’s electricity law – the

ENERGY Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005, explained that despite giving bailouts to the sector, the government has however failed to control abusive market behaviours of the operators.

He said such situation was unfair, and that it suggested the bailouts encouraged bad corporate behaviours.

The government in 2014 provided N213.4 billion as bailout to the sector through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility (NEMSF).

It subsequently made available another N701 billion through the CBN in 2017 for the sector and could provide an additional

N600 billion as bailout to the sector soon. “The bailouts are unfortunately but necessary except you want cessation of electricity business in Nigeria. Bailouts are what you get when your reform fails; when there is no commercial viability in the sector. Government must step in. “But my problem is the manner of the step-in. Government is taking all the risks and leaving benefits to private operators. If you provide the money, then take some responsibility for decision making so you can control market behavior. Otherwise the bailout becomes a moral hazard that induces bad corporate behavior,�

Amadi said.

He also talked about the enforcement action on the

Discos which the NERC recently disclosed the final outcome of its review of their response, and in which Port Harcourt and Enugu Discos would be investigated further by the commission.

According to Amadi, the NERC could do a comprehensive enforcement rather than focus only on the Discos’ financial remittances. “In periods of acute scarcity of electricity regulators conceive their job to be mostly to stimulate investment through businessfriendly regulation. We saw that in the history of UK privatisation of utilities especially electricity. The wisdom of this could be that in our present circumstances what the consumers need mostly is Continued on page 24

Senate Seeks Expedited Action on Nuclear Power Generation The Senate has asked the federal government to step up Nigeria’s efforts at adding nuclear energy in its power supply mix.

The upper chamber of the National Assembly stated this in an order paper containing a motion by the senator representing Nasarawa South, Mr. Al-Makura Umar Tanko. According to Senator Tanko, Nigeria’s prevalent energy crisis necessitated that the country uses existing energy sources that are cheap, clean and functional.

It in this regards, the lawmaker asked, “the federal government to reposition the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to enable it to carry out its mandate of ensuring safety, security safeguards and physical protection of nuclear

ENERGY materials including hazardous waste in Nigeria; re-engineer, refocus and recognise the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission with the mandate to ensure timely contacts and negotiations with nuclear vendors for construction of nuclear power plants with time line.�

Tanko, in the order paper THISDAY obtained, equally requested that the senate, “expedite action on the Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards Bill currently with the Senate; and pass into law all treaties and protocols on nuclear energy as ratified by Nigeria.�

The lawmaker’s proposal came at a time Nigeria appears

to have continued with its plan to diversify its energy mix with the inclusion of nuclear energy technology from Russia.

In 2017, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom and Nigeria signed agreements for the construction and operation of nuclear power plants and nuclear research centre in Nigeria.

The senate order paper however noted that the primary sources of energy for the production of electricity in Nigeria included gas, hydro, oil and coal, with current power generation capacity of country put at 7000 megawatts (MW).

It added that experts have estimated that using modern energy modeling tools, Nigeria would

need to generate up to 30,000MW by 2020 and 78,000MW by 2030, to grow her economy at a rate of 10 per cent per annum.

According to Tanko, the senate was aware that nuclear energy had been said to be one of cleanest and safest source of energy in the world today with no greenhouse gas production.

While justifying his call for Nigeria to have nuclear in its power mix, he noted that: “The senate is aware that in 2006, Nigeria ratified critical treaties with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Vienna Austria, with the aim of enabling Nigeria access nuclear power into the country’s energy mix.�

Continued on page 24

The Chairman, SeaportTerminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Vicky Haastrup has emerged as the Women International Shipping andTrading Association (WISTA) Nigeria Personality of the Year 2019. The award was conferred on Haastrup at the 2019 Annual Business Luncheon and 25th anniversary of WISTA Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Haastrup, who is also the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of ENL Consortium Nigeria Limited, made case for morewomenparticipationintheshippingsectortobalancetheexisting gender gap in the industry.The STOAN Chairman acknowledged that while there had been improvement in the level of women participation in the sector as against what was obtained a decade ago, there was still need for improvement especially in the seafaring and freight forwarding profession.

Shesaid,“Womenarevirtuallyeverywhereoperatingwithinthesector but we need more. For example, in freight forwarding sub-sector and seafaring, we don’t have too many women. “So we want to see more participation in that aspect. If we have more women participate, that part of the sector will be better modernised because people always have more conďŹ dence in women and the industry will be better for it.â€? “Those of us who have been operating in the industry should encourage the younger women and support them within the area we operate. Some of them don’t have ďŹ nancial capacity to operate.

That is one of the ways we can encourage them. “I am happy with the level of participation because the awareness is there and people are getting sensitized about the importance of women participation in the sector. We are getting there, but we are not there yet.� In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman, urged women in the sector to collectively aspire and pursue working towards balancing gender gap.

Cormart, Cargill Strengthen Partnership

Cormart Nigeria Limited has strengthened its product portfolio with the addition of starches and sweeteners from Cargill.

AccordingtoastatementmadeavailabletoTHISDAYbythecompany, for more than 20 years, Cormart and Cargill have developed a business relationship that provides essential raw materials to Nigerian food manufacturers.Thestatementalsostatedwiththenewproductportfolio, customersareoeredstarchesandsweetenersfromCargillwhichare not being currently produced in Nigeria, “this new addition will help to enhancelocalproductioninNigeria.â€? TheGeneralManager,Cormart,Dr. JohannesFlosbach,said,“pharmaceuticalgradeliquidglucose,sorbitol for toothpaste and other personal and home care products are some of the ingredients we trade-in.We have plans to increase this portfolio as market demands riseâ€?. The Cormart Product Manager, Onoriode Egedi, drew attention to the increase in their growth by over 300 per cent in the last two years and underlines desire for continuous growth.

AfDB, Others Build Weather Resilience

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has joined forces with 11 other international organisations to assist developing countries to build resilience against the impact of natural disasters caused by extreme weather. Following a series of deadly weather events that havecausedwidespreaddestruction,especiallyinAfrica,theinstitutions came together at the COP 25 climate change conference in Madrid recentlytolaunchtheAllianceforHydrometDevelopment.“Thescience is clear: the global average temperature has increased by 1.1°C since the pre-industrial period, and by 0.2°C compared to 2011-2015,� Secretary General of theWorld Meteorological Organisation, PetteriTaalas said. “Ambitious climate action requires countries to be equipped with the most reliable warning systems and best available climate information services. “Many developing countries are facing capacity constraints to provide these services. The Alliance is the vehicle to collectively scale up our support to the most vulnerable.�

The members of the Alliance have committed to ramping up action that strengthens the capacity of developing countries to deliver highquality weather forecasts, early warning systems, hydrological and climateservices.Knownforshortas“hydromet�services,theseunderpin resilient development by protecting lives, property and livelihoods.

“We need catalysts, we need projects to be able to stimulate the industry and considering the he fact that the service providers employ quite a number of people. We are a very big chain n not only PETAN members, but ut we have thousands of service providers across the country supporting the oil industry�

Publicity Secretary, PETAN,

Mr. Ranti Omole

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BUSINESSWORLD AMADI: FG SHOULDERING POWER MARKET RISKS, OPERATORS TAKING BENEFITS

supply rather than even customer care as such. “We want more power and worry less about the quality of power. But the regulator needs to work the trapeze and somehow protect consumers interest while promoting production of power. “In theory this works fine. In practice the balance must tilt one side. Presently the operators are getting more attention with all the ‘bail-outs’ and focus on tariff regime. But we need to drive satisfaction for consumers by putting the Discos feet on the fire. I think the query to Discos should not just focus on failure to settle bills. It should include failure to serve customers well,� he added.

The NERC had given the eight Discos until December 7, to respond to its notice of intention to revoke their operational licences.

The Discos- Abuja, Benin, Enugu, Ikeja, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola- were accused by the NERC of committing various regulatory infractions.

SENATE SEEKS EXPEDITED ACTION ON NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION “Power outages in Nigeria have constituted the major constraint to the development of the manufacturing sector and negatively affect the cost of running business in Nigeria and ultimately the economy of the country; and unless the energy mix in Nigeria is broadened to include nuclear energy, the persistent power outages being experienced by the country will not be easy to address,� he noted.

The senator also explained in the order paper that Nigeria and the Russian Federation signed bilateral agreements on nuclear energy cooperation, and suggested that the recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Russia could be in the right direction to stimulate the implementation of the pacts.

He also noted that billions of naira had been spent by previous administrations to increase Nigeria’s power output without commensurate benefits to Nigeria in improved power generation.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Gaius-Obaseki: Brass LNG Important to Nigeria’s Economy Chineme Okafor in Abuja

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor ((Energy) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

demonstrated their commitment and support for the project.

According to him, the stakeholders have also shown huge enthusiasm towards ensuring the early delivery and realisation of the BrassLNG project.

He said that the board of the company would undertake a strategic review of the project, aimed at developing a clear and purposeful way-forward for the company and its shareholders in the coming year.

Gaius-Obaseki disclosed that the company had undertaken a number of cost-cutting mea-

sures, such as the movement to a new office building; renegotiation of solicitors’ fees regarding the letters of engagement; relocation and consolidation of its network and services infrastructure; and the implementation of online backup for its essential services.

He said: “Our safety records remained unblemished; no security threat has been reported over the project’s interest; we completed the downward review of project site contracts and successfully commenced the implementation of same

with a view to reducing costs. “The London Disaster Recovery site has been successfully shutdown and some of the devices moved to Lagos to provide additional hardware redundancy. As a direct result of these moves, we have significantly reduced information and communication (ICT) operational cost. “The company has invested reasonably in the provision of clean power and adequate cooling to support ICT infrastructure to enable the delivery of consistent, available and reliable

service.�

The chairman added that the key assumptions in the project’s economic model have been updated, while pre-construction civil works, such as site preparations and perimeter fencing, in respect of Ewoama Health Centre had been completed. “Management in conjunction with the senior representatives from the shareholders continues to work tirelessly towards finding solutions to the challenges and will not rest until they are fully surmounted,� he said.

The chairman of Brass Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (LNG), Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, has said the LNG project has not lost its value and can still contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

Gaius-Obaseki also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari will not abandon the LNG project, adding that his administration has the record of completing inherited projects and in some cases, improve on them.

He stated these at the 2019 Annual General Meeting of the company where he noted that going by the precedents of Buhari’s administration, the LNG project was on course especially as it holds immense opportunities for the Nigerian economy. “It is a good project any day.

The LNG outlook shows that demand would keep progressing. Today, this government, something you cannot take from them, they do not abandon projects. Even projects they met, they picked up, completed and improved on it. It is just for shareholders to say they want to do it and it would be done. “The shareholders were all here today, they approved the budget for 2020 to keep activities going. I made it very clear to them that come early next year, they must make a decision. You cannot keep a project at minimal activity for a long time, because time does not wait for anyone,�

Gaius-Obaseki said.

He further explained that the federal government, the L-R: Director-General, Nigerian Office forTrade Negotiations/Ag. ChiefTrade Negotiator, Liman Liman; Executive Director,Technology Development & shareholders and all other Innovation, Global Accelerex, Stanley Peters; Chairman, NEPC, Senator Ibrahim Musa; MD, Global Accelerex,Tunde Ogungbade, and Commissioner for stakeholders had over the years Economic Planning and Budget, Lagos State, Sam Egube, at the PoS Innovation Summit organised by Global Accelerex in Lagos...recently

INNOVATION SUMMIT

CILT Highlights Investment Opportunities in Logistics,Transport Sectors Eromosele Abiodun The President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport of Nigeria (CILT) Mr. Ibrahim Jibril, has called on investors to tap into the huge opportunities in the Logistics and Transport sectors, stressing that doing so will boost the nation’s economy and returns for investors.

He stated this while speaking at the 2019 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Leadership Impact Programme and Dinner in Lagos, titled, “Airport Operations and Standards of Safety in Nigeria.�

Represented by the Institute’s Deputy President, Alban Igwe, he said there were numerous investment opportunities abound in the Aviation sub-sector in the areas of developing perishable cargo terminals for export, development

of Aerotropolis, construction of facilities for Maintenance, direct involvement in the operation of maintenance hanger facilities, and commercialization of Aviation Training Organizations (ATOs) to deliver specialized trainings and capacity building of pilots, Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), simulators, technicians, aircraft maintenance engineers and crew. “Thus, it is important for Nigeria to intensify efforts at strategically implementing such positive policies that will continue to result in the growth and expansion of our Transportation Sector, especially with the record of improving safety and increasing passenger volume in Nigeria’s local air travels, coupled with the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) that Nigeria is a signatory to, “he said.

He said building capacity for efficient logistics and transport services in Nigeria was a crucial in confronting the problems encountered in the efforts of developing the country.

Presently, he said the services sector accounts for over 70 per cent of the global GDP, adding that with the new turn in today’s world economy the role of logistics, transport and supply chain, which form the bedrock of the service industry cannot be overemphasized and underrated.

In recognition of this fact, he disclosed that the present administration gives priority to the revival of the transport sector in its entire ramifications by the rehabilitation of existing transport infrastructure, provision of new ones as well as ensuring capacity building, while finding ways to improve

financial capabilities.

He added: “We have investment opportunities in the rail sector, road transport, inland waterways, deep sea ports, inland container depots as well as prospects in the aviation sub-sector. In Nigeria, the investment friendly policies and regulatory framework to protect and promote transport infrastructure investments, as currently seen, are incomparable in recent times.� Also speaking, the Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu, said the agency arrested 186 persons in the last two months for illegal entry into the nation’s airports.

Yadudu who was the guest speaker said some of the 186 people arrested played mentally unstable, adding that arresting 186 people in two months is like

almost getting close to four or five each day arrested.

He added, “A function of security has to be proactive. All the vulnerability we know, as we are trying to resolve them, cover it; but new ones will always open.

There is no security that has no new challenges across the world. They always have new challenges. “Secondly, our operational environments, we have issues of encroachment, people coming to the airport not for encroachment alone but vandalisation. I mean active vandalisation. FAAN will secure the airport, secure the fence and do everything, put surveillance but somebody will just come, destroy and go away. Active vandalisation and encroachment and this is not something I do believe happens in other environments when it comes to developed countries.�

Rivers Community Residents Deny Forceful Eviction by Belema Pipelines Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

NEWS

Residents of Robertkiri Riverine Settlement in Kula Kingdom of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State have denied recent reports that they were forcefully evicted from their homes by an oil servicing company, Belema Pipelines Limited.

Traditional ruler of the settlement, Iboroma Brown, made the assertion while speaking with journalists at

Robertkiri, which has already been demolished to pave the way for the commencement of part of the Belema Industrial City. Brown stated that the land was acquired in 1969 by Golf Oil Company and was later bought

by Chevron, whose assets were later inherited by the parent company of Belema Pipelines Limited. He stated that the residents had discussions with the company and willingly agreed to relocate after being paid ex-gratia funds, in order to make way for the construction

of a Dehydration Unit (DHU) tank farm in the area. A resident of the settlement, Pastor Barido Bekuna, also said all the residents of the area were adequately compensated with enough funds to build news houses elsewhere. Another resident of the settlement, Lolo Dokubo, who said he was adequately compensated for his 11 buildings that were demolished in the settlement, prayed God to bless the Chairman of Belema Pipelines Limited, Tein Jack-Rich, for his kindness to them.

Dokubo said: “I have 11 buildings in this Robertkiri and the money that was paid to us was much. A lot of us have not seen that kind of money before.

We were not forced out of this place. We agreed with Engr. Tein Jack-Rich and he gave us money to relocate. God will bless him.�

Addressing journalists later, Director of Production of the parent company of Belema Pipelines Limited, Mufaa Welch, thanked the people for agreeing to relocate to enable construction work begin on the project.

Welch said: “We are here today to appreciate and thank the residents of Robertkiri that agreed to move out for development to come on board here. We have a lot of projects that will come up in the near future. “We thought that it will not be right for us to keep people here while projects are going on.

We have given them hundreds of millions of naira to relocate from here. Our founder, Engr.

Tein Jack-Rich sent something as a sign of appreciation to the people.�

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BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

Dealing with Infractions in Electricity Market Chineme Okafor writes on efforts by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to stamp out systemic abuse in the country’s electricity market It was a watershed decision when the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced to Nigerians its intention to withdraw the operational licenses of eight power Discos over alleged abuses of the market processes.

In the regulatory announcement it made in October, the commission had stated that Abuja, Benin, Enugu, Ikeja, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola Discos were guilty of various market abuses.

It had also stated that it had notified the Discos of its intention to cancel their licenses, but would give them opportunities to defend themselves.

According to the NERC, the eight Discos reportedly breached certain provisions of the Electric Power Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005, the terms and conditions of their respective distribution licences, and the 2016 to 2018 minor review of the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) and Minimum Remittance Order for 2019.

It explained that Section 74 of the EPSRA and the terms and conditions of the Discos’ licences had indicated that they breached the law and failed to remit approved minimum amounts of the sector’s revenue to the market.

It added that it recently approved new tariffs for the Discos on the basis of their commitment to a minimum remittance threshold which they reportedly failed to adhere to.

In defence of its intentions, NERC said it had reasonable cause to believe that the Discos breached these provisions, and it was going to sanction them to amongst other purposes, restore confidence in the country’s electricity market which is going through a lingering financial crisis.

NERC therefore wrote to the Discos to inform them that they would be given about 60 days to appeal the order seeking to revoke their licenses.

What the order requested In the regulatory order, the NERC asked the Discos to explain why their licences should not be cancelled in accordance with section 74 of the EPSRA before December 7.

The NERC explained that it also wanted the Discos in their written responses, to address the issues of optimal utilisation of their resources and efficient operation imposed by sections 32 and 76 of EPSRA respectively.

Additionally, the commission asked the Discos to explain how well they had followed the principles of “prudence� and “used and useful� in their operations especially as the relate to customer enumeration progress; general procurement practices; related party transactions; directors’ fees and expenses as well as technical partners they had engaged from their takeover of the power distribution assets in 2013 to date.

Results of regulatory review Following the Discos’ submissions, the NERC last Friday disclosed that it had concluded its review of their responses against its planned license withdrawals and subsequently found Enugu and Port Harcourt Discos wanting in the process.

It noted in a document that both Discos were still under threat of losing their licenses and that their managing directors would have to face a fresh regulatory panel to determine their absolute position in this regard.

In the document, the regulator explained that both Discos failed to meet up with the minimum revenue remittance thresholds which was the main reason for its intention to originally revoke the licenses of the eight Discos.

It added that Enugu and Port Harcourt Discos equally failed to give material reasons against their licenses withdrawals, and that the public hearing to be held on December 13 will further investigate their situations and how they could undermine the workings of the country’s electricity market.

On how it arrived at its decision which let six other Discos off the hook, NERC said that it resolved to consider all responses received in public hearings in accordance with section 24 of its Business Rules which

provided that “the commission may hold a public hearing on any matter which it is empowered under the Act and which the commission determines to be of significant interest to the general Public.�

It added that it wrote to the Discos on November 20, 2019, to tell them that their compliance with the minor remittance directives of the order shall be considered by it as good faith in which case a public hearing shall no longer be necessary but rather, a meeting between it and them to address the issues raised in the cancellation notice. “The period provided to the Discos within which to show cause in writing as to why their licences should not be cancelled in accordance with section 74 of the EPSRA ended on Saturday 7 December 2019 but was legally extended to Monday 9 December 2019 by virtue of the provisions of the Interpretation Act. “All eight Discos met the deadline for the submission of written responses showing cause against the cancellation notice. These responses have been filed at the commission. The remittance to NBET by the Discos to date indicates that: six out of the eight Discos (AEDC, BEDC, IE, KEDCO, YEDC and KAEDCO) met the expected minimum remittance thresholds for the 3 months of July to September 2019. “Two out of the eight Discos (EEDC and PHEDC) did not meet the expected minimum remittance thresholds for any of the three months of July to September 2019,� NERC said in the document.

The regulator stated that the failure of the Discos to comply with the expected minimum remittance threshold in the order exposed the power sector to systemic risk which threatened it sustainability, and as such, a public hearing shall be held for the two defaulting Discos on December 19.

According to it: “The Managing Director/ CEO of the Disco shall participate in the hearing in person and shall be responsible for making the presentation on behalf of the Disco and responding to questions raised by the hearing panel.�

Consumers’ Opinion But providing a general thought on the status of the power sector, the President, Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Mr. Kunle Olubiyo, alleged that the commission’s regulation of the sector has remained weak.

Olubiyo, also claimed that the NERC has done badly in its monitoring and evaluation of processes and initiatives to improve efficiency in the sector. He also requested for a comprehensive review of the sector’s operations. “Last week, the whole nation was shut

down by (the) National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) strike demanding amongst others unpaid arrears of severance packages of staff of the defunct PHCN who were traded off for the privatisation exercise to succeed. “In the course of the strike electricity consumers nationwide were thrown into darkness primarily due to human factor and related shutdown by electricity workers. We also experienced systems collapses; about two to four times within the period. “We have the issues of abysmal performances and non-implementation of a well-conceived NERC initiated Meter Asset Providers (MAP) that if implemented promises to be a gamechanger but for weak regulatory monitoring and dearth of M&E framework,� said Olubiyo.

He stated that the sector was challenged by market shortfalls from tariff shortfalls; settlement crises; load rejections and decline in power production. “We have serious issues of decadence of power infrastructure‌the non-adherences to minimum remittances order set by the regulatory institutions. “NERC needed not go all out to threaten some electricity distribution companies with withdrawal of their operational licences when the commission knew that it lacked the courage to do so. “By indulging in reckless rhetoric and regulatory grandstanding and later made a reversal of itself, NERC had simply diminished whatever that is left of its independence,â€? he added.

Expert’s reaction While assessing the development, the former chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, explained that the possibility of NERC cancelling the licences of the Discos was quite narrow.

Amadi, noted that the position of the NERC could get the Discos to remit more as requested of them. He added that regulatory functions were procedural, demanding NERC to be methodical in its decision.

According to him: “It is obvious that NERC will not just cancel licenses. There is no chance in the world that that will happen. It’s not the way regulators work. Regulatory work is a procedural work. “Due process is the hallmark of regulatory work. So, what NERC did was to give notice that it would commence enforcement action against the delinquent or non-compliant Discos.

Each of them will now show reasons why it should not be penalised.�

Amadi noted that, “in the present circumstances the issues are non-payment of bills,� and that any of the Discos that meet the request of the NERC would be free of its

sanction. “My guess is that many of the Discos will be moved to perform. So, the latest market report shows that payment has improved as a result of the threat. But now long should (we) expect cancellation of licenses because NERC is not in a position to guarantee continuity of electricity supply in the event of delicensing a Disco.�

When asked if the NERC may have considered political conditions in its regulatory decision in the license cancellation threat, Amadi said: “I don’t ever think decisions of NERC will ever be defined by political considerations. Never! That’s not the legacy we left. And the present commissioners have continued in that legacy of transparency and fidelity to law, rules and process.� “It may be just circumstantial that only southern Discos fail to comply. Perhaps it’s a status report on the commerciality of their operations or the level of losses or even the quality of management to implement high quality revenue management and service delivery strategies. “Several factors may be responsible. But definitely not partisan politics. I am sure before NERC take action against these Discos it will publish a statement of reason and justification for regulatory enforcement action,� he further explained.

On consumers’ perception of NERC’s regulatory functions, Amadi stated that consumers would be pleased to see NERC push the Discos to do better at customer satisfaction than just focusing on market remittances.

He noted that: “It is a fact and perhaps unfortunately could remain so for a long time. The reason is that in periods of acute scarcity of electricity, regulators conceive their job to be mostly stimulate investment through business-friendly regulation. We saw that in the history of UK privatisation of utilities especially electricity. “The wisdom of this could be that in our present circumstances what the consumers need mostly is supply rather than even customer care as such. We want more power and worry less about the quality of power.

But the regulator needs to work the trapeze and somehow protect consumers interest while promoting production of power. “In theory this works fine. In practice the balance must tilt one side. Presently the operators are getting more attention with all the ‘bail-outs’ and focus on tariff regime. But we need to drive satisfaction for consumers by putting the Discos feet on the fire. I think the query to Discos should not just focus on failure to settle bills. It should include failure to serve customers well.�

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Strike: Oil Workers’ Unions Tackle FG Workers’ unions in the oil and gas sector are wondering why the federal government has not used the same mechanisms it used to resolve the grievances of members of National Union of Electricity Employees in tackling the dispute between General Electric and ARCO Group Plc, Peter Uzoho writes Workers’ unions in the oil and gas sector are particularly not happy with the federal government on the way it is handling the lingering dispute between General Electric Operations Nigeria (GEION) and ARCO Group Plc over the non-payment of terminal benefits. They urged the government to deploy the same mechanisms it used to resolve the grievances of electricity workers under the aegis of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in tackling the lingering dispute between GEION and ARCO over severance benefits to their members.

Members of NUEE had last week carried out their threats by embarking on a strike that led to the shutting down the nation’s electricity after they threatened that if the federal government did not facilitate the payment of the severance pensions and gratuity, they would embark on a strike.

Explaining why they embarked on the one-day strike that threw Nigeria into a blackout last Wednesday, the general secretary of the union, Joe Ajaero, had said the centre of the dispute was the non-payment of the severance entitlements of workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) who were laid off when the company was privatized by the federal government. He added that since the privatisation of the PHCN in 2013, over 2,000 workers who were laid off were yet to be paid their entitlements.

But knowing the implications of shutting down the entire country’s electricity sector, the federal government quickly intervened and the industrial action was called off.

This is why oil and gas workers’ unions are urging the federal government to use the same mechanisms in resolving the dispute between GEION and ARCO Group Plc in order for the severance entitlements of the workers disengaged

by ARCO to be paid.

Considering the immediate alacrity with which the federal government resolved its dispute with NUEE, the oil and gas workers’ unions are wondering if the electricity workers are more than them.

A competent source in the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the weekend informed THISDAY that despite several letters written to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Group Managing Director of NNPC and the Minister of Labour and Employment to compel GEION to fulfill all the agreements reached at various meetings held on the payment of severance entitlements to their members, nothing reasonable and tangible has happened.

They accused the federal government of taking them for granted because they have not embarked on any industrial action.

In a recent letter jointly signed by the General Secretary of PENGASSAN, Lumumba Okugbawa; and the General Secretary of NUPENG, Olawale Afolabi, the unions had said they reached their wit’s end over the inability of the concerned authorities to resolve the lingering dispute between GEION and ARCO Group Plc over the non-payment of terminal benefits and allowances. “The patience of our members is at the breaking point as they see their colleagues from ARCO wallowing in deprivation and hardship after tolling for several years due to deliberate ploy of some unscrupulous individuals and organisations to elope with the fruits of their labour,� the letter read.

ARCO had explained that its inability to pay the benefits and entitlements of some of its members, five of whom have died while waiting, was because of the deliberate refusal of GEION to refund taxes illegally and unilaterally deducted at 10 per cent, instead of the five per cent permitted under the contract. GEION has ignored letters by the Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS) that five per cent is the applicable rate.

Records indicate that the FIRS had flagged significant discrepancies in remittances made

by GEION between 2009 and 2015. After a reconciliation meeting between May 17 and June 21, 2019, for example, the former FIRS Chairman, Tunde Fowler, wrote a letter dated August 7, 2019 in which he noted wrongful withholding taxes deducted by GEION amounting to N328,855,903.10 between 2009 and 2015.

In the same letter, Fowler also noted that between 2011 and 2015, the dollar differential of withholding taxes wrongfully deducted by GEION was $1,716,976.96.

Before then, in a letter dated January 14, 2019, the FIRS had given GEION a seven-day deadline to defray its liabilities or provide evidence of payment. Its letter to GEION with ref: FIRS/SCLI/ ARCO/1/2019/14/1, said, “Failure to defray the above liability (225,097.11 euros; $2,626,970.38; N237,443,292.60) or provide evidence of payment within the stipulated time will result enforcement action taken against you.�

The figures above do not, however, cover all the illegal deductions disputed by ARCO and for which it has repeatedly presented evidence.

Sources close to the company said, for example, that the value of 12 of invoices for which GEION could not provide credit notes in 2014 stood at $563,861.05; and that the dollar value of its wrongful deductions over the years could be

While demanding the urgent, immediate and surgical attention of the presidency to this issue, we call on the National Assembly to immediately open an inquiry into the case as it represents a veritable opportunity for both houses of our national parliament to demonstrate the unwavering resolve of the ďŹ rst arm of government to protect all Nigerians, while underlining its preparedness, at all times, to come to the protection of our own local investors

as high as $3million, apart from the excess in other currencies.

Following protests by PENGASSAN and NUPENG, the Ministry of Labour and Employment had hosted a second stakeholders’ meeting to settle the long-running dispute. After the meeting on September 24 involving GE and ARCO, also attended by members of the unions, and the FIRS, it was decided in a letter dated October 4, 2019 signed by a director in the Labour Ministry, Mrs. O.U. Akpan, that, “GEION should within seven days apply to the FIRS and request for the refund of the over-deducted sums paid to FIRS as agreed during the reconciliation exercise.�

Akpan also said: “All deductions made by GEION on behalf of Arco substantiated with documentary evidence with the objective of remitting to FIRS, but which were not remitted to FIRS should be refunded to Arco within three weeks.�

The seven days had since expired, with GEION remaining defiant. The September 24 meeting was the second hosted by the ministry this year.

The first was on May 24.

Insiders familiar with the dispute said GEION has been inventing different delay tactics, including using consultants to scuttle or repudiate decisions previously reached and accepted by the parties. “They just feel they are above the law and no one can do them anything,� one source said.

This assertion was confirmed when after the meeting, rather than comply, GEION in a dated October 9, 2019 addressed to the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, again asked the revenue service to review its records for details of the withholding tax remittances it made on behalf of ARCO from 2006 to 2008 in naira and dollars in order to enable it close the outstanding balances.

It said it did not have information for the years, and was relying on the FIRS to provide it with the details of the taxes it remitted for the period. “As earlier communicated, we do not have information for those years, and we are relying on the FIRS to provide us with the details of the taxes we remitted for the above period,�

GEION said.

The FIRS on its part, responded with a letter to GEION dated October 17, 2019 wherein it requested it to respect agreement reached with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The letter signed by Dick Irri read: “I draw your attention to your commitment at the held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment wherein you agreed to make request for refund on behalf of ARCO Group. The agreements are

clearly summarsied in the letter by the ministry. “You are therefore requested to immediately respect your commitment by requesting for refund on behalf of ARCO considering the fact that the time agreed has lapsed.�

Nothing has been done since.

A group called Coalition for Truth in Nigeria, had published an advertorial in some national newspapers, accusing GEION of using strong-arm tactics against ARCO. The group also accused the FIRS of complicity.

An industry source in Nigeria said: “It appears that it’s only in Nigeria that GE thinks it can do what it likes without consequence.�

In recent times, GE, its parent company, has been a subject of interest in the international media following sanctions for various infractions.

It is against this background that a public affairs analyst, Andrew Osai Eke, is calling on the Presidency, the National Assembly and stakeholders not to allow GE to get away. They urged them to immediately open an inquiry into the case as an opportunity to demonstrate their unwavering resolve to protect all Nigerians, and underlining its preparedness, at all times, to protect local investors. “While demanding the urgent, immediate and surgical attention of the presidency to this issue, we call on the National Assembly to immediately open an inquiry into the case as it represents a veritable opportunity for both houses of our national parliament to demonstrate the unwavering resolve of the first arm of government to protect all Nigerians, while underlining its preparedness, at all times, to come to the protection of our own local investors. “Our government and indeed all patriotic Nigerians must now draw a line in the sand indicating our irrevocable opposition to all fraudulent so-called foreign investors as we all, in one accord, proceed to alert Nigerians and the international community to the new reality that while being truly ready for business with the rest of the world, it is no longer business as usual in Nigeria. “Even as patriots eager for foreign investment in our national economy, we must not equivocate in sounding it loud and clear that we find the conduct of GE, in its dealings with ARCO and its workers to be most disappointing to say the least! Indeed, such arrogant rascality bordering on brazen criminality can only serve to cast GE more in the mold of an international parasite, than a responsible multinational player and respectable global operator.�

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Deepening Domestic LPG Utilisation Peter Uzoho writes on the need to enhance the usage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas commonly known as cooking gas in the country The ninth edition of the annual Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) International Conference & Exhibition organised by the Nigerian LPG Association (NLPGA) in conjunction with Singapore based LPG Summit Group, was held in Lagos recently.

Centred around its theme: “Harmonising Development and Growth of LPG in Nigeria and Africa,� the conference which attracted top industry experts, policymakers and government representatives from diverse fields across the world, featured keynote speeches, panel sessions and workshop sessions.

The conference was intended to galvanize investments and participation of industry players and stakeholders in deepening domestic, regional and continental LPG market. Speakers at the conference were united in opinion as they made a case for incentives to be provided in the national gas policy to harness opportunities and address challenges in facilitating complete transition to LPG; stimulating market growth; attracting the right level of investment; and building sustainable and safe LPG industry. They noted that incentives through the federal government’s policy and programme have generated considerable momentum, resulting to dynamic and geometric growth in the LPG industry in the past decade.

In her keynote speech, the Director of LPG Summit, Ms. Neasa Haplak, pointed out that, “with the 2019 demand of about one million tons per annum (mtpa), and growth projection of about two mtpa for 2020, Nigeria remains one of the fastest growing LPG market in the world.�

The Programme Manager in charge of LPG Penetration and Implementation at the Office of the Vice President, Mr Dayo Adesina, stated that “deepening the domestic LPG market should play role in achieving government’s gas flare down agenda and also assist in meeting the nation’s commitment to cutting industry emission by 65 per cent�.

According to him, “widespread use of LPG will also play significant role in assisting government deliver its promises on job creation, flare reduction and cleaner environment for the citizenry. “The federal government is targeting the consumption of five million tonnes of LPG by Nigerians in 2023, a project. This requires about $750 million worth of LPG transport and retailing infrastructure across the country to achieve�.

It is projected that with over 500 ktpa still imported into Nigeria, global demand and supply dynamics will still rule LPG prices in Nigeria in the short to medium term; and more external factors rather than internal needs still influence the prices of imported LPG. According to the participants, “production from United States and Australia was projected to sustain global supply glut and continue to pull down prices, while cost of logistics continue to build into cost for Nigerian supply�. They observed that the

federal government expects local production of LPG to increase by 600 ktpa from closure of 178 flare sites in the upstream petroleum industry; while activation of Techno Oil’s cylinder plant and similar investments would deepen domestic demand.

They noted that the $341.2 per mt charged by NLNG has evolved the domestic price benchmark.

They said domestic market suffers infrastructure deficits, uneven spread of facilities, high cost of consumption entry plus little incentive to displace petrol and kerosene with LPG as transport and cooking fuel respectively.

The speakers added that all these posed serious challenge to the attainment of 20 million cylinders to cover Nigerian homes by 20222.

According to the Director General of the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Chidi Izuwah, “The infrastructure gaps provide opportunity for commercial investments in meeting multiple objectives of cleaner cooking fuels, combating climate change and providing alternatives for industrial use�.

Speakers at the conference also noted that about 7.5 million cylinders that drive

penetration in the domestic market were grossly inadequate to cater for over 20 million homes and that Nigeria needs infusion of 10 million cylinders annually to deepen penetration.

Contributing in a panel, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Techno Oil, Mrs Nkechi Obi, urged the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to check the influx of substandard cooking gas cylinders into the country. “We are asking the government to discourage substandard imports from coming in through taxation so that our business

can thrive,� Obi said.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Energy Culture Limited, Mr. ahmad Damcida, said: “The DPR should ensure that all importers of cooking gas cylinders are properly licensed while SON should step up its certification processes. “There are specifications that must be adhered strictly to. The age of some of the cylinders being brought into the country is unknown to the authorities�.

However, in a communique generated at the end of day one proceeding, the participants further urged the federal government to enunciate deliberate legislations and

executive orders that require households to switch to use of LPG in the short to medium future. They said such should be accompanied with incentives for investors to drive penetration to rural communities.

The communique reads: “There is need for well-structured panindustry awareness programme to conquer cultural and cost misconceptions hindering mass switch from kerosene and firewood to LPG as cooking fuel. There must be an enabling and congenial environment for private investment funds to close infrastructural gaps that form barriers to deepening domestic market demand.

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IMAGES

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍľËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

L-R) Administration Manager, Aimart International, Oluchi Chiyemdu, Brand Consultant, Charles O’tudor, Husband of the Managing Director, Aimart International, Martins Iluyomade, Managing Director, Bukola Iluyomade and the Real Estate Executive, Bright Taiwo at the unveiling of the Company’ New Brand Identity and Draws for SpecaiL Season’ Promotion in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

L-R: Chairman, Aliko Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Chairman of BUA Group AbdulSamad Rabiu. and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq during the tour of the BUA Group’s sugar plantation and reďŹ nery in LaďŹ agi town of Edu local government area, Kwara State...recently

L-R; Relationship OďŹƒcer, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Obinna Ajibo; Zonal Head, Wuse, Mr. Baldwin Onuigbo; Regional Head, Abuja & North, Mr. Lukman Mustapha; Group Managing Director, First Surat Group (owners of Nigerian Tulip International Colleges, NTIC), Mr. Ovenc Yasar; Human Resource Manager of the Group, Mr. Remzi Burtacgiray and Manager, Banex Plaza Branch, (Abuja), FCMB, Mr. Kingsley Uzodinma, during the donation of a bus by the Bank to the College in Abuja....recently

L-R: Executive Director, Shared Services & Products, Fidelity Bank, Chijioke Ugochukwu; Chairman, NEPC, Senator Ibrahim Musa; General Manager, Corporate Services & Admin, Global Accelerex, Kehinde Adisa; Managing Director, Global Accelerex, Tunde Ogungbade; and Senior Manager, KPMG, Hilary Daudu at the PoS Innovation Summit organised by Global Accelerex in Lagos...recently

L-R; Member of the Board of Trustee, Ajesola Solarin Majekodunmi Foundation, Olajide Majekodunmi; Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Christopher Kolade; Founder, Prof. Ajesola Majekodunmi; Member of the Board, Justice Yetunde Adesanya and Former National President, Council of Knights, Methodist Church, Nigeria, Sir Adebola Ogunsanwo at the 10th year anniversary of the Foundation in Lagos...recently

L-R; Wife of recipient National President African Lads Brigade/African Lass Brigade of Nigerian and Republic of Benin, Otunba Mrs, Dabora Folasade Diya, Recipient, Lt,Gen Oladegbo Diya (RTD) National Vice President Otunba Stephen Olajide Taiwo and his wife Olufunke Taiwo during their invictus at the United African methodist Evangelical Church Abule-ijesha, Yaba, Lagos...recently

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TUESDAY, ÍšÍżËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY

PERSPECTIVE

PMB at 77: Please Tell Baba We are With Him All The Way Femi Adesina I boarded a commercial airliner heading to Lagos from Abuja.

I was already seated, and strapping my seat belt, when a young man approached me. He must have been in his late 20s, or at most, early 30s. I shook hands, greeted him warmly, and he slipped something in my palm. He went back to his seat.

It was a piece of paper, and on it was written: “Please, tell Baba we are with him all the way.�

My eyes became misty. I knew who he was talking about.

My principal and Baba of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari, who turns 77 today. “Please, tell Baba we are with him all the way.� What a message! What confidence! What love! And what reassurance!

At times, if you listen to the Babel of voices in the country, particularly on social media and some critical segment of the traditional media, you think everything is all wrong with the land. You think it’s all sorrow tears and blood, the regular trademark of failed or failing countries.

The biblical prophet, Elijah, felt at a time that he was the only true prophet of God left in Israel. And he complained to God: they have all followed Baal, the strange god. I am the only one left with you.

But God gave him a tutorial: you only think so. I have for me in this land 7,000 other prophets, who have not bowed the knees to Baal.

That was what happened in that aircraft. The young man who slipped the note into my hand is like millions upon millions of quiet Nigerians, “who have not bowed the knees to Baal.� People who love President Muhammadu Buhari, who appreciate that he is here for such a time as this, and who believe that he is leading us to a new Nigeria, a land flowing with milk and honey. I believe. I am in the number of millions of people, who daily wish Buhari well, and pray that he will lead the land to fair havens, halcyon shores, before 2023.

If all the information you consume is from social media, and the critical segment of the traditional media, you will likely miss the correct pulse of the country. Let me share an experience here.

Some months before the 2019 general election, I ran into Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the Presidential Villa, as he was going in to see the President. We greeted warmly, and I asked if he could please stop by in my office on the way out. He promised to do so.

What was my worry? The trend on social media, as to how the elections would go...I had a broader view of the reality, but I needed some reassurance. And I knew El-Rufai was analytical, and constantly had statistics at his fingertips.

He’s not a first class quantity surveyor for nothing.

The governor turned up. I unfolded my worries, and asked for his opinion. He merely opened his laptop computer, and shared the result of a scientific research with me.

What did the research say? With large sample size from across the country, and painstaking state-by-state analysis, it stated that President Buhari was going to beat his closest opponent by millions of votes. And wait for this: the social media would account for just between nine and 11 per cent of the votes. And wait again: that percentage would not go to one party alone. It would be shared between the two leading political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It turned quite prophetic.

The young man in the plane is among the millions of Nigerians who tilted the scale. They know that Nigeria is not where she should be, not yet, but it is not business as usual. There is one man who is labouring hard to turn the country right side up. He is Muhammadu Buhari, and the journey may be tedious, arduous and slow, but we are headed in the right direction.

Friends, Nigerians, countrymen. Yes, I have come to celebrate Muhammadu Buhari, as he turns 77 today. See the sycophant, the fanatic, some people would say. But do I mind them? I don’t. I have chosen my own hero, let them choose theirs. As we say in local parlance, ‘say your prayers, and let me say amen. No quarrel for church.’ I have said it before, and I say it again. I have followed Buhari since he was a military ruler, when I was an undergraduate, and if that regime had lasted for longer, Nigeria would not be in the doldrums that she found herself. It was a tough administration, but which was leading us on the right path.

Till forces of reaction struck, and we were back to worse than square one.

You could imagine my joy when Buhari eventually emerged civilian President after 12 years of struggle. I didn’t think I was going to ever serve in government, but I found myself in it. Just because it was Buhari. More than four years down the line, have I changed my mind? No. Is it a perfect government?

There’s none anywhere. But I still remain a Buharist, just like millions of other Nigerians.

I know many people who started with us in the Buhari camp, but who are now on the other side. Some were lured away by the garlic, cucumber, onions and leeks of Egypt, while some others jumped ship because of the color of the

Buhari currency they saw. Some others, who expected quick fixes, are now singing the Lord’s song in a strange land. Some others are vacillating between many opinions. But for some of us, it is the immortal words of Sir Walter Scott: “Other people’s resolutions may fluctuate on the wild and changeful billows of human opinions. Our’s, now and forever, are anchored on the rock of ages.�

Why are we dyed-in-the-wool Buharists? Is he a perfect, infallible man? Show me who is. So, why do we remain resolute, irrespective of what people on the other side see as foibles and failings of the administration? Many reasons.

Buhari is not a thief. Can you say the same of many past leaders in this country? No, you can’t. I’m not saying they’ve all been light fingered, but we know those who served us honestly, and those who stole the living daylights out of the country. They and their confederates.

When I then see a honest man, the Mai Gaskiya, should I not follow him? Should I not trek from here to China for his sake? I would even trek further from Beijing to Yokohama.

Larceny and plunder have been bane of our country. That was why we were consigned in gross backwardness and underdevelopment. Now that I see a man who has come to make a difference, I choose to stand by him all the way.

We know people who were worth only thousands when they got into leadership positions in this country. But they came out in obscene wealth. In other words, they went not to serve the country, but themselves. And here is Muhammadu Buhari, a man who wants nothing from Nigeria, but who has come to empty himself in the service of the country.

And some people say we are fanatical supporters? Yes, for the sake of our country. For the future of our children. For the good of ordinary people, we are Buharists.

Simplicity. President Buhari is a Muslim, a good one, and I am a Christian, trying daily to be a good one. I see him at close quarters. At home, in the office, in the country, out of it.

What a simple man. He holds power with simplicity. He eats simply. Wears the most modest things. No swashbuckling, no ostentation. And when we talk privately, I love when he indicates that he’s in a temporal position, which he wants to use for the good of the larger majority of Nigerians. That’s why I’m a Buharist, and no apologies.

Abhorrence of corruption. I said it before. President Buhari is not a thief, and he cannot vouch for you if you are tarred with the brush of corruption. You will simply be on your own. There is the jaded talk of the anti-corruption war in the land being selective. Well, those who say that are merely operating from a mindset. No matter who you are, however close you can be to him, when it comes to corruption, this President speaks up for no one. That is why the anti-corruption agencies are making conquests. He tele-guides them in no way.

An eye on history. That’s where the President keenly focuses.

He wants to be positively remembered as a man who came, who saw, and made a difference. That’s why the country is one big construction site. Roads, rail, airports, power, water projects, and many others. Nigeria must get a new lease of life, and history must record it that the revolution started under one man: Muhammadu Buhari.

A kind man. Don’t mind the names you hear. Tyrant. Iron fist. Military ruler. Violator of rule of law. Major General (as if he’s not one). And many others. But you know what? This President is a kind man.

In 2015, some months into office, a proposal was thrown up at a meeting. The civil service was unwieldy, the economy was down, and salaries were being paid through the noses.

It may well be time to cut the civil service strength by half, since most of them were even idle.

But the idea didn’t sell. The President said if he had his way, not a single civil servant would be sent home due to rationalisation. Things were tough enough for them, not to add loss of jobs. And so it happened.

When labour unions came some years later to agitate for higher pay, the President first balked. He said it was not sustainable, which was the truth. But eventually, he buckled, due to a kind heart, and new wages are being paid at serious cost to government.

Let me say this, with the presumed permission of the President. He kept the Service Chiefs he inherited in 2015 for a couple of months. And when it was time to let them go, he sent for me one afternoon. He gave me the names of the new appointees, and told me not to announce till the next day. “I have informed the outgoing Service Chiefs some minutes ago. But I don’t want their families to hear the news over radio or television. I want them to get home, and break the news themselves,� the President said.

I told him we would not be able to keep the news under wraps till the next day, that it should rather be announced immediately. He looked at me, laughed, and said: “You have not been sacked before. That’s why you are talking that way.

Me, I’ve been sacked from office before, and I know how it feels.� We laughed.

When the chief executive of a major corporation was also going to be replaced, he gave me the new name, and said I should not announce for an hour or two, so that the outgoing man would have received his letter, and not hear it from the media.

Many acts of kindness have I seen the President shown to many, and also to me, yet some people want to call him strange names. And I should believe it? I hear!

On this auspicious day, I celebrate our President. Cynics and scoffers would say why won’t you applaud him since you are part of the largesse of office. Yes, I hold office under the President, but I am yet to see the largesse. Maybe tomorrow.

Or day after. And whether in government or out of it, count me among those who believe.

I am a Buharist. So are also millions of Nigerians. We thank God for bringing him our way. May his strength be renewed daily. He’s our miracle man, whom nobody could have predicted two years ago would still be with us today.

We love him because he first loved us, and is serving us with all that is in him. Like that young man in the aircraft, “Please, tell Baba we are with him all the way.� t"EFTJOB JT 4QFDJBM "EWJTFS PO .FEJB BOE 1VCMJDJUZ UP 1SFTJEFOU #VIBSJ

30

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Alphamead Unveils First–Ever Manufactured Buildings in Nigeria Fadekemi Ajakaiye

A

lphamead Group, a real estate solutions company, has inaugurated its Lekki Pearl Estate, which it described as the first-ever manufactured buildings in Nigeria.

At the unveiling of the estate in Lagos, recently, the Managing Director, Alphamead Group, Engr. Femi Akintunde stated that each unit was built in 10 days, and that experts were brought in from America to train Nigerians.

Akintunde said “It was envisaged as difficult to accomplish in this terrain, but if it could be attained in Brazil, Singapore, then we can achieve it here in Nigeria.

“We had to acquire only three of these sophisticated equipment, due to the difficulties in accessing funds in this climate and the huge capital involved. Notably, each of these equipment can produce 2000 houses and this is the only way we can solve housing problems in Nigeria,” he said.

“This is a major achievement for the organisation at this time.

We believe that Nigerians need

quality housing, which can only be delivered when effort and energy to ensure that specifications of space and all the installations are of the highest standards that will guarantee that quality,” he said.

Quality is one part, affordability is the other. “When we talk about affordability, it is both in terms of price and payment structure. So we have been able to come up with a very good payment plan that allows people to pay over a period of time and own a building,” he said.

The design of the building has taken into consideration, good infrastructure, right from the access road leading to the estate, the drains in the estate are all covered and of the right size. Since we’ve been having heavy flooding in Lagos, we have not one day experienced a flash flood in this estate, he said.

From the design stage, we had to contact experts who understood the quality of what is designed, and all facilities there meet the requirement of the number of people in the estate, he stated.

Akintunde stated that the space plan has been designed in a manner that suits the middle-income professionals,

who are upwardly mobile.

We have different types of apartments, ranging from 3 bedrooms, 4 bedrooms semidetached, 4 bedroom terraces, all very spacious, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the leisure of the environment, he said.

“Notably, we build with technology, Nigeria can only meet the demand of the 17million housing deficit not through the conventional building methodology, technology has to be used and we have invested heavily in that technology. We have done only 50 units out of the capacity of 2000 per equipment,” he said.

These 50 units is the first batch of the 1st phase, sitting on 1 hectare of land. The 2nd phase is 2 hectares to carry 70 units. The interesting thing is that the quality of the estate speaks for itself and a significant proportion of the 2nd phase has been sold, he said.

He said that one of the problems Nigerians have had over time is the promises people make and been able to fulfil it, problems with developers and so, but we have been able to weather the storm despite the challenges in the economic environment, lack of finance,

unemployment of clients, reduction of purchasing power of Nigerians, we decided that all these will not deter us, and we will deliver this estate.

This estate has generated employment for people, we re-skilled them as we brought in experts from America that trained them in the use of tech-

nology we employed to build, and now we have Nigerians that can proudly say we know how to use the technology. It is no longer news that here in Nigeria, we can build in 10days, and are ready to partner with desired states which can provide sufficient enabling environment for us to build for them, he said.

“For things to change, we need to change the narratives, which we have been able to attain at Alphamead. From the beginning of this year, we changed from being a Professional Facilities Management Company alone to a total Real Estate Solutions Company,” he stated.

A manufactured building in Alphamead’s Lekki Pearl Estate

Four Seasons to Unlock Diaspora Wealth in Nigeria’s Real Estate Fadekemi Ajakaiye A property development company, Four Seasons Legacy Investment is set to unlock diaspora wealth into the real estate sector of Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer, Four Seasons Legacy Investment, Dr Alfred Bisi Tofade, stated this at a press briefing held at RCCG, City of David, Victoria Island, Lagos recently.

Tofade said Four Seasons is a global company with a focus on helping people in home and investment property ownership in Nigeria and abroad without hassles.

The company, he said also seeks to restore investor confidence while providing the most suitable alternatives

for Nigerians at home and abroad.

He stated that the company is strategically positioned to resolve some of the challenges people in Diaspora constantly face with regards to mitigating the risk of frauds, eliminating travel risks and the need to give money to family members. Also, sourcing of loans and getting vetted professionals to handle projects on behalf of our clients in Diaspora.

Four Seasons created a platform which captures all the vital information needed to meet your dream while also providing clients with adequate protection and easy access to our various partners, he said.

He stated that there is

adequate provision for proper insurance to cover your property, quality assurance, interior design for great finishing, real estate management and, more.

Tofade stated that Four Seasons system provides an A-Z turnkey process through their developers from the initial stages of land acquisition, mid stages of construction and to final stages of completion.

Four Seasons projects are handled by experienced, vetted developers who adhere to strict uniform regulatory guidelines irrespective of the city, clients plan to build, he said.

The construction is inspected stage by stage by quality assurance professionals, before our clients authorises payment,

GPP Wins Best Commercial Development, Consultancy Firm Award Global Property Partners (GPP), a subsidiary of Cavalli Business & Investment Group, has won the Best Commercial Development & Consultancy Firm Nigeria Award for 2019

by Build Magazine, an International quarterly publication for the Global Real Estate, Construction and Infrastructure Industry.

According to the magazine, GPP won the award for Nigeria on account of the Pacific Lagos, the Mixed-Use Real Estate development the Company is in the process of commencing on Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island.

GPP’s Award was under Build’s “Real Estate and Property Awards” which the magazine says is meant

to “highlight Innovators and Visionaries throughout this vital industry”.

Speaking on the Award, the Managing Director/ CEO of GPP, Mr. Emmanuel Odemayowa, described it as “a humbling endorsement of the tireless efforts we are making to expand the frontiers of customized, luxury living and working spaces in Nigeria through the Pacific Lagos.”

He added that the Official sod-turning of The Pacific Lagos was done in July this year, after many years of painstaking research, planning and constant reviews towards delivering a Real Estate project that compares favourably with the best internationally.

According to Mr. Odemay-

owa, it is this unending quest for perfection that influenced the company’s recent remodeling of The Pacific Lagos to make it “bigger, better and offer even more value to our Clientele”, adding that the recent award would spur GPP into doing much more to help reduce Nigeria’s Housing deficit through Residential and Commercial Real Estate developments of internationallycomparable standards.

Under the remodeling, The Pacific Lagos was expanded from its initial design into two distinct luxury towers- One with 10 suspended floors of Premium Office space for Commercial use, as well as 12 floors of exclusive hotel apartments for residential purposes.

eradicating the problem of builder/developer nonperformance, he said.

Projects are then paid for in stages by the receiving bank, Fidelity Bank, from client’s account when authorised after each milestone is accomplished to our client’s specification and satisfaction, he said.

He stated that people in diaspora have a yearning to build investment properties and homes in Nigeria and they are looking for trustworthy collaborators here in Nigeria

to work with in building Commercial properties such as retirement homes, resort centres, industrial parks and estates.

“We know many Nigerians who travel abroad have desires to have a vacation home and properties in the US, UK, Dubai, etc., some have need of homes for their children to stay, rent or own. Under the auspices of Four Seasons through the Nigerian Dream Homes to become reality with our seamless process,” he said.

Four Seasons Platform work alongside banks, developers in the US and trusted Agencies to deliver a world class service to their clients, he said.

Four Seasons process is gaining rapid worldwide attention of Nigerians in the diaspora as a solution to a long term challenges in the real estate/infrastructural development.

Nigerians at home can also use the platform to build their dream homes at home in Nigeria or abroad, he said.

FIABCI-Nigeria to Discuss Ease of Doing Business at Dinner 2020 Fadekemi Ajakaiye FIABCI-Nigeria has announced their Business Forum and Dinner to deliberate the ease of doing business.

This Forum, which is the 2nd series of the Real estate perspective, is scheduled for January 2020.

The business world will shift its gaze from Davos, Switzerland to the city of Lagos, Nigeria, the Grand Ball Room of Eko Hotel and Suites Conference Centre where the International Real Estate Federation, FIABCI-Nigeria would be holding her Annual International Business forum and Dinner.

The FIABCI-Nigeria Business forum brings together heavyweights in the Real Estate Business, Commerce and Industry, Finance and the likes. This year’s edition is titled “Ease of Doing Business: Real Estate Perspective (Series 2)” and the organization

does well to bring in the best speakers and panelists for the event.

FIABCI is a business network of real estate professionals worldwide which provides access and opportunities for real estate professionals interested in gaining knowledge, sharing information and conducting international business with one another.

With members in 65 countries, including 100 professional associations, 65 academic institutions and 3000 individual members from all professions of the real estate sector, FIABCI is the most representative organisation of the real estate industry in the world and holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Present among the special guests would be the FIABCI World President, Mr. Walid Moussa. The main speakers

at the event are Mr. Wouter Truffino, CEO and founder of Holland Contech and PropTech, and Ms. Elena Panaritis, an Economist and CEO of Thought for Action.

There is also a plethora of well-known panelists, who are highly competent and successful in their various fields, scheduled to grace the event. After the business forum comes the dinner, which gives room for one of the major aims of FIABCI, networking.

Previous editions of the Business Forum have had notable personalities take the podium and dole out their invaluable insight. Mr. Bismarck Rewane, who has over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, Prof. Doyin Salami, a highly recognized and renowned Economist, and Mr. Bode Agusto, a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ experience in the public and private sector have all graced the platform.

31

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

El-Rufai Urges FG to Use Bills of Quantities, Outlaw Engineering Measurement, Evaluation Bennett Oghifo

K

aduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has advised the federal and states government to ensure that national procurements for infrastructure are at par with global standards with the use of “Bills of Quantities” as the exclusive document for costing of projects instead of Bills of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).

The governor, who gave the advice in Abuja Saturday night while serving as Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) President’s Business Dinner, explained that the BEME document was alien to international procurement standards, urging government to outlaw it.

Governor El-Rufai, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, said his administration had outlawed the use of BEME for all construction projects in the state,

describing the document as counterproductive.

He noted that the current practice in the Construction Industry where Designers are also the Cost Advisers was wrong, insisting that such a practice was not transparent and should be stopped in Nigeria, if the nation truly wished to develop.

“In Kaduna State, we have since outlawed Bills of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) for all our construction projects.

I don’t know where that document came from and we are not going to use it. The best book on Measurements all over the world was written by a Quantity Surveyor and the document used for the costing of all civil and building engineering projects is called the Bills of Quantities (BOQ), so I don’t know where BEME came from,” El-Rufai said.

The governor said he was happy that more Quantity Surveyors were now joining politics and urged members

of the Institute to seek elective positions so they can be relevant in the scheme of things in the country.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Institute, QS Mohammed Abba Tor said the NIQS President’s Dinner was put together to give the leaders of the Institute an opportunity to brainstorm and map out strategies through which Quantity Surveyors can engage with critical stakeholders in the public sector, organised private sector and the general public.

He said the last 50 years of NIQS have been eventful, replete with achievements that are difficult to ignore. He said the membership strength of the Institute was now about 10,000 made up of fellows, corporate members, probationers, technicians and students.

According to him, the NIQS has signed reciprocity agreement the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) as part of the current strategic reforms that the Institute is

undergoing towards the growth of the Nigerian Construction Industry.

Tor said with the endorsement by international QS institutions across the globe,

NIQS was now at par with global standards and its members are now acceptable for employment anywhere in the world.

He listed the completion of

the new NIQS Head Office Complex in Abuja, the establishment of the QS Academy and the Digitisation of the Institute operations as some of the achievements of the NIQS.

L-R: President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Mohammed Abba Tor, receiving Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai at a dinner organised for stakeholders in NIQS in Abuja… recently

IFMA Proffers Facility Management as Panacea for Sustainable Nation Building Fadekemi Ajakaiye International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Nigeria chapter has proffered Facility Management as panacea for sustainable nation building.

This theme was introduced at the just concluded maiden edition of IFMA Advocacy Day 2019, held in Victoria Island, Lagos recently.

The Planning Committee Chairperson, IFMA, Miss

Iyabo Aboaba, stated that IFMA Nigeria Chapter started in 1995, and that the aim was born out of desire to provide Nigeria with opportunity of developing a maintenance culture that will the future of our beloved country.

Without Climate Finance, No Climate Action, Says ACT Alliance Bennett Oghifo A group, ACT Alliance has said without climate finance, there would be no climate action, concerned that almost a week into the UN Climate Talks of COP25 in Madrid, Spain negotiations were not yet at the point that is necessary to deliver ambitious results.

ACT Alliance said in a statement that one of the increasingly contentious topics was climate finance. It is addressed in a number of the negotiation streams in relation to Long-Term Finance, the Green Climate Fund, Reporting on climate finance, Loss and Damage finance and support for the implementation of the Gender Action Plan.

Head of ACT Alliance’s delegation to COP25, Mattias Söderberg said, “Climate finance

continues to be a difficult topic in these talks. Parties should remember that climate action will not be possible unless climate finance is made available and is accessible. We cannot accept another agreement where support to developing countries remains merely a wishful possibility.”

The ACT Alliance is a global network of churches and church-based agencies that does humanitarian response, sustainable development, and advocacy work. ACT is made up of 156 members working in over 125 countries.

The group said all parties are expected to develop ambitious national climate pledges (NDCs) and announce them in 2020; this needs to be formally mandated at this COP. These plans are important as they will outline

how the world will handle the rapidly growing climate emergency. However, for poor and vulnerable countries, their plans can only be implemented if they receive adequate support.

“Developing countries are eager to take climate action and to build their resilience while transitioning towards low carbon development. It is therefore important that climate finance is scaled up, made predictable, accessible and is delivered by developed country parties.

“It should be acknowledged that there are already climate finance flows going to developing countries, however, there are numerous examples of climate finance being used for projects that are not necessarily related to climate change in developing countries.”

Ogun to Regulate Land Use, Reduce Illegal Structures Bennett Oghifo Ogun State government, through its Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning and Urban and Regional Planning Board, is putting up measures to regulate land use, and curb illegal structures springing up indiscriminately in the State.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban and Physical Planning, Olatunji Odunlami, disclosed this during

a familiarisation visit to the 22 Zonal and Area offices in the state, stating that there may be need for new agencies to be carved out of the Board and Ministry for more effective monitoring of developments and speedy approval process across the state.

Odunlami said the proposal would be forwarded to the Governor for approval, as the present administration, under the leadership of Governor Dapo

Abiodun is focused on the need to change the perspective of how people view town planning in the State, saying there was need to review its operations.

While admonishing the professionals to always strive to uphold town planning laws for the progress of the state, he advised the Chief Executive Officers to always delegate responsibilities to officers under them, in order to speed up their operations.

“We have been advocacy changes within the built space and raising a new generation of leaders within the building industry. We are delighted to say that our efforts are getting attraction and we now have stated Agencies involved in the management of various government infrastructure,” she said.

It is no longer business as usual in the Constructing Industry because our Association brings together every professional within the ecosystem.

Some of our objectives include; to influence government policies related to infrastructure design, development and management, support professional development of members of all cadres, conduct surveys and research projects for a reliable industry

data; and become the source, the validator for all industry data and information, she said.

The Keynote Speaker and Managing Director, Green Facilities Ltd, Engr. Olumide Aina, stated that Facility Management is the solution for building a nation. Facility management is a multiple-disciplined profession that encompasses several fields; architecture, engineering, building, safety, interior decoration, and many more.

He suggested that IFMA provides an advocacy to the younger generation, i.e. Secondary schools and Universities, to inculcate maintenance culture into them early enough.

Facility Management is defined as a multiple discipline to ensure functionality, comfort, safety, and efficiency of the built

environment by integrating people, place, process and technology. Facility Management is about influencing people. It is also about cost, cost-avoidance, cost reduction, but it all boils down to people who will stay in the spaces, he said.

Facility Management is actually a strategy to avoid waste, which will in turn facilitate the building of a sustainable nation. It further creates more opportunities for businesses to thrive well in the economy.

Design stage takes about 5-10 percent of costs, while the remaining 90 percent is the operational cost, and a building can stay as long as 50-100 years, and even more, it is due to the professionals doing a good job by maintaining the asset value of such buildings, he said.

Edo to Demolish Private Buildings on Public Land Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Edo State government has served notice that it would demolish private buildings on land reserved for public schools without compensation, advising owners of such buildings to voluntarily remove them.

Governor Godwin Obaseki gave the summation during the 25th Anniversary of the 1994 Class of St Paul Anglican Grammar School Igarra Old Boys Association.

Obaseki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Jimoh Ejegbai, said “Those who have encroached on school land should remove them otherwise they will be treated like those who encroached on the Benin technical College land.”

The governor said: “It is either they removed their buildings or they will be fenced. The treatment will be meted not only to those who

encroached into the Anglican Grammar School Igarra land but also all other government schools across the state. All those who have built should either abandon the land or they will be fenced in during the construction of the perimeter fencing of the schools.”

The National Coordinator of the Old Students Association, Bolade John said a N5 million-fund has been set to engage teachers in the school.

Speaking to journalists after the event, Chief of Staff to Governor Obaseki, Taiwo Akerele who is a member of the set said “We use the opportunity of the 25 years anniversary of the 1994 set to come together to celebrate 25 years of leaving the school. It was an opportunity for us to review the challenges being faced by the school and what we can do to support and also join forces with other sets and the national body.

“It has been brought to our attention that the school has been bereft of high quality teachers and government has not recruited teachers in recent times so in addition to supporting the school’s inter house sports competition in 2018, we have launched a N5 million Fund to start a volunteers teachers programme where teachers would be recruited to come and fill the gap and teach the students on science subjects particularly Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology and we will put them on equivalent of N-Power monthly salary.

We intent to grow that fund from time to time. There are then we were able to raise N2 million from friends and well-wishers who honoured us with their presence.”

High point of the event was the conferment of honour on Governor Obaseki, Dr. Ade Elempe and former teachers of the college.

32

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍľ Ëœ 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

LIRS Introduces e-Tax Platform Oluchi Chibuzor The Lagos State Revenue Service (LIRS) has introduced an e-platform portal to make the process of tax payment easier and faster.

This was made known by the chairman, LIRS, Mr. Ayodele Subair, at a stakeholders’ meeting on the new initiative, held in Lagos recently. He said the platform was created to increase transparency and make tax payers experience flexibility from the comfort of their homes, offices, cars and mobile devices, saying the online initiative allows for existing and new user for individual and corporate payers.

“With this e-tax platform, taxpayers would be able to access and generate whatever kind of information they want as their online presence allows for a minimum knowledge of computer; ideally one must have a basic knowledge of digital trends, but however is it very easy and simple to operate. “If you are not able to operate computer, then you are expected to either use a consultant or if you are market woman who has a child that can operate a smart phone, it would be easy like running through those application,� he said.

The e-tax platform, according to the agency is a digital tax

administration solution leveraging on over 19 years of experience working with the largest state Tax authorities across Sub-Saharan Africa as well as best in class tax processes and frameworks.

It also leverages an open standard platform and enables enterprise-wide data and business rules management, greater transparency and increased taxpayer self-services, with a highly flexible technology.

On his part, the Managing Director, Alpha-Beta Consulting, Barrister Akin Doherty, highlighted the key component of the portal to include tax payer registration, payroll upload, return filling

Fidelity Bank Receives Real Sector Support Awards Fidelity Bank Plc has been recognised for its efforts at growing the economy particularly its support for the real sector of the economy.

Specifically, the bank received two awards during the 11th Annual Bankers’ Committee Retreat which held at Ogere, Ogun State at the weekend.

The awards were bestowed on the bank for its leadership role in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value-chain as well as its staunch commitment to promoting women economic empowerment.

Organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), banks and other stakeholders in the financial system, the two-day retreat was themed, “Delivering Inclusive Growth: Leveraging Digital Finance.�

The bank emerged winner

in two categories, securing second place in the ‘Sustainable Agricultural Transaction of the Year Award,’ and third position as the ‘Best Bank in 2019 in Women Economic Empowerment.’ Fidelity Bank won the award on Sustainable Agricultural Transaction, for its compliance with the sustainable banking principles as mandated by the regulator of the financial services industry. On the other hand, the bank’s sustained focus on economic empowerment and SME funding, which led to its increased support for female businesses, made it to win the award on Women Economic Empowerment. The Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Dr. Joseph Nnanna, presented the awards to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer,

Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo.

Okonkwo, who attributed the awards to the support of the board, management and entire staff of the bank, pointed out that the initiatives being implemented by the lender particularly as it relates to growing the agriculture and non-oil exports sector were yielding the desired result, hence this recognition. He stated that the lender has provided finance in excess of N50 billion for farm start-up, expansion and consolidation, among others. According to him, Fidelity remains one of the leading disbursement banks of the CBN Commercial Agric.

Credit Scheme (CACS). “Over N20 billion has been disbursed to by the bank, resulting in employment generation and economic growth�, he stated.

NRC Gets Commendation on Railway Projects Sunday Okobi The National Assembly has commended the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for its ‘revolutionary drive’ in the railway sub-sector, even as the lawmakers anticipated that the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line project would be inaugurated in April 2020 as promised by the corporation.

The Joint Committee on Land Transport of the National Assembly, during their legislative oversight functions and inspection of the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail line, assured Nigerians

of its unflinching supports to the President Muhammadu Buhariled administration.

In another development, the members of the joint committee charged the NRC to ease the burden on Nigerian roads and the suffering masses by connecting the standard gauge to the airport and Tincan ports as well as connecting all the state capital by rail lines.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on land Transport, Abdulfatai Buhari, who led the delegation on inspection of the Lagos-Abeokuta section of the standard gauge, expressed

satisfaction on the present level of the ongoing project.

Buhari, while addressing journalists at the Abeokuta train station, said the railway sector has justified the monies appropriated to them in the 2019 budget.

He noted that another money had just been appropriated three days ago to further reinforce work, adding that the present administration has taken transport sector as the major cardinal project, saying the committee was very happy with the job done so far at Lagos-Ibadan rail line project.

NDIC Wins Servicom Award The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has emerged the best performing Ministerial Servicom Unit (MSU) in the team “C� category for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the year 2019. The corporation’s Nodal Officer, Mrs. Fidelia Ngozi Chiefe, also scooped two awards as the overall best performing Nodal Officer (Parastatals) as well as the Best Performing Nodal Officer (Team C) in recognition of her

dedication and commitment to excellent service delivery in the Corporation. The annual awards are conferred on deserving MDAs by the SERVICOM Office of the Presidency. According to a statement that was signed by the Director, Communication & Public Affairs, NDIC, Sunday Oluyemi, the NDIC received the awards recently, at an elaborate ceremony in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

It also stated that corporation also won the same award in 2017.

The Director, Staff Welfare, NDIC, Mr. Yakubu Habu, who handed out the awards on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Barr. Segun Adekunle in the Presidency, commended the NDIC for its unflinching compliance with the SERVICOM index in all its operations and commitment to the provision of excellent service delivery to its numerous stakeholders.

FRSC, HoneywellTask Motorists on safety The Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) and Honeywell Flour Mills Plc have enjoined motorists to apply all safety rules during this festive season to ensure accident-free Christmas and New Year celebrations. This joint safety campaign was taken to

notable motor parks in Lagos by both organisations where drivers were enlightened on safe driving culture. Tagged “Obey the rules of the road: stay alert, stay alive�, the initiative, according to Managing Director, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola,

was to create awareness among motorists on the need to ensure safety on the road, by observing all safety rules while driving. The two-day campaign, according to a statement, started at Owena Motor Parks Ojota and ended at Mazamaza Parks in Mile 2.

L-R: Head, Customers Experience, ARM Pensions, Adepeju Sangotade; Regional Head, Abuja, Tunji Olabode; Director, FCT Pensions Department, Mrs. Elizabeth Okoli; Hajiyah Fasuma Abubakar of National Pension Commission; Head, Business Development, Moronke Bamgbala; Deputy Manager, National Pension Commission, Abubakar Isah; Relationship Manager, ARM Pensions, Eunice Idakula-Chiedu; and Shola Akinola Compliance department during the 2019 ARM Pensions’ annual pension desk officers, clients and retirees forum in Abuja recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

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

11,007,422.79

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

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ ÍŻÍą Ͱ͎ͯ͡

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $66.76 a barrel on Friday, compared with $65.81 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

33

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍľ Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

MARKET NEWS

Market Opens Week on Positive Note as Bargain Hunting Lifts Stocks Goddy Egene Bargain hunting by investors pushed the stock market into the positive territory yesterday, as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) rose 0.60 per cent to close at 26,695.18. The market had depreciated by 1.19 per cent last week following profit taking after four weeks of appreciation.

Some analysts had envisaged that profit taking might continue this week. However,

the bulls took control of trading as 17 stocks appreciated while only eight depreciated.

Bellwethers such as Dangote Cement Plc, Access Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc,Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc were among the price gainers. But Guinness Nigeria Plc led the gainers table with 9.8 per cent, trailed by PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc with 9.5 per cent. A.G Leventis Nigeria Plc garnered 7.6 per cent, while UBA

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

and Access Bank Plc chalked up 7.0 per cent and 4.2 per cent respectively.

Oando Plc, which last week was only the indigenous firm among those that signed Gas Supply Agreement (GSA) with Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), also closed higher at the stock market yesterday.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando, Mr. Adewale Tinubu had said they were particularly pleased to be the

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

only indigenous company party to the NLNG supply agreement, testament to the potential of local players. “The signing of these two agreements confirms and consolidates our long-term partnership with NLNG, furthermore it is a validation of NLNG’s confidence in our operational track record.

The execution of the GSA is another positive stride in our journey to becoming the leading independent exploration and

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

production company, being a 20 year guaranteed income stream it will strengthen our financial position as well as demonstrate to our key stakeholders the company’s growth potential,�

Tinubu said.

On the negative side, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc and Cornerstone Insurance Plc led the price losers with 9.0 per cent apiece.

University Press Plc followed with 8.3 per cent decline, while FBN Holdings Plc and Royal

O F

Exchange Plc shed 3.8 per cent each.

In terms of sectoral performance, the NSE Banking Index led, rising 1.6 per cent, following gains recorded by Access Bank, UBA and GTBank Plc. The NSE Industrial Index and NSE Consumer Goods Index appreciated by 1.0 per cent and 0.4 per cent in that order.

Similarly, the NSE Insurance Index and NSE Oil & Gas Index grew by 0.3 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively.

1 2 / 1 2 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

˾ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Gains 0.8%

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

Yesterday, the Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index climbed 76bps to ƉƌŝŶƚ Ăƚ ϭ͕Ϯϰϲ͘ϯϱ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ GUARANTY (+1.0%), DANGCEM (+1.4%) and UBA (+6.1%).

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϯϲ͘ϯй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

The Bulls Take Center Stage͙ ASI Up 0.6% The local bourse opened the week in the green as the All-Share /ŶĚĞdž ; ^/Ϳ ƌŽƐĞ ϲϬďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ Ϯϲ͕ϲϵϱ͘ϭϴ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ DANGCEM (+1.4%), ACCESS (+4.3%) and

UBA ;нϲ͘ϭйͿ͘ DĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ŐƌĞǁ ďLJ Eϳϲ͘ϳďŶ ƚŽ EϭϮ͘ϴƚŶ as YTD loss eased to -ϭϱ͘ϭй͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ

Ticker

Current Price

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

Price Previous Current Change Price Weightin YTD Change g

Price Change Index to Date

ROE

ROA

P/E

P/BV

1,246.35

0.76%

-15.1%

24.6%

16.8%

6.0%

5.6x

0.7x

6.8%

16.3%

1 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC

29.50

1.0%

19.6%

-14.4%

-14.5%

32.9%

5.4%

4.5x

1.4x

9.3%

22.4%

2 Zenith Bank PLC

18.75

0.0%

12.0%

-18.7%

-18.7%

24.3%

3.4%

2.9x

0.7x

14.9%

34.0%

142.00

1.4%

8.1%

-25.1%

-23.7%

47.8%

23.1%

6.3x

2.9x

11.3%

16.0%

1,300.00

0.0%

8.5%

-12.5%

-11.9%

82.9%

26.3%

22.1x

18.2x

4.9%

4.5%

52.70

0.0%

4.4%

-38.4%

-32.7%

10.2%

4.6%

24.6x

2.6x

4.4%

4.1%

3 Dangote Cement PLC 4 Nestle Nigeria PLC 5 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 6 FBN Holdings Plc 7 Cement Co Northern Nigeria PLC 8 United Bank for Africa PLC 9 International Brew eries PLC

6.25

-3.8%

4.9%

-21.4%

-21.9%

10.2%

1.2%

3.9x

0.4x

4.2%

25.6%

18.80

0.0%

5.2%

-3.1%

-3.1%

5.9%

5.4%

12.5x

0.7x

2.2%

8.0%

7.00

6.1%

4.7%

-9.1%

-10.3%

0.5x

12.2%

10.10

0.0%

1.4%

-63.9%

-67.9%

-48.8%

-4.0%

549.70

0.0%

3.6%

-14.1%

-14.1%

14.4%

9.5%

3.6x

0.5x

7.0%

28.1%

9.80

4.3%

5.8%

44.1%

50.8%

22.7%

2.2%

2.5x

0.6x

5.2%

40.6%

1.3x

5.5%

18.1%

8.1%

2.5%

4.7%

6.0% 10.3%

5.1x

ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ϵ͘ϴй ĂŶĚ ϰϯ͘Ϯй ƚŽ ϭϳϬ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ

10 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

EϮ͘ϭďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ /Ŷ ƚĞƌŵƐ ŽĨ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ďĂŶŬŝŶŐ

11 Access Bank PLC

stocks; ACCESS (41.2m units), UBA ;Ϯϵ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ĂŶĚ ZEN-

12 Ecobank Transnational Inc

7.00

1.4%

1.7%

-50.0%

-51.0%

13.8%

1.0%

2.3x

0.3x

13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

36.10

0.0%

2.4%

-24.7%

-24.7%

27.0%

4.0%

5.5x

ITH

(25.6m units) led the volume chart while ZEN-

ITH ;Eϰϳϵ͘ϴŵͿ͕ ACCESS ;Eϯϵϲ͘ϵŵͿ ĂŶĚ GUARANTY ;EϯϯϮ͘ϵŵͿ led the value chart.

14 Unilever Nigeria PLC

18.45

0.0%

1.4%

-50.1%

-50.1%

3.4%

2.2%

40.1x

1.4x

15 Lafarge Africa PLC

14.20

1.8%

2.3%

14.1%

18.3%

50.3%

23.4%

14.3x

0.7x

16 Guinness Nigeria PLC

32.40

9.8%

0.7%

-55.0%

-55.0%

4.8%

2.6%

16.6x

0.8x

17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

0.0%

1.1%

-28.5%

-28.5%

18.3%

13.2%

9.7x

1.7x

3.7%

0.0%

0.8%

-45.4%

-45.4%

1.0%

0.2%

138.7x

1.5x

15.3%

0.7%

19 11 PLC

147.90

0.0%

1.2%

-20.3%

-20.3%

22.5%

10.6%

6.8x

1.4x

5.9%

14.6%

6.2%

19.30

0.0%

1.2%

-16.5%

-13.1%

3.6%

1.3%

15.0x

0.5x

3.65

0.8%

1.0%

-27.0%

-24.0%

14.5%

2.6%

1.6x

0.2x

2.09

0.5%

1.3%

3.0%

3.0%

12.5%

1.4%

2.4x

0.3x

5.3%

42.5%

0.99

0.0%

0.9%

-25.0%

-23.3%

11.7%

2.6%

5.1x

0.6x

3.0%

19.7%

16.55

0.0%

1.2%

8.5%

11.8%

19.6%

11.6%

9.8x

2.0x

6.7%

10.2%

26 FCMB Group Plc

1.77

-1.7%

0.7%

-6.3%

-1.7%

7.8%

1.0%

2.4x

0.2x

7.9%

40.8%

27 UAC of Nigeria PLC

8.75

-1.7%

0.6%

-10.3%

-8.4%

-24.5%

-11.3%

9.7x

0.5x

7.3%

10.3%

28 Sterling Bank PLC

2.00

2.0%

0.6%

5.3%

5.3%

8.0%

0.8%

6.6x

0.5x

29 Presco PLC

43.50

0.0%

0.3%

-32.0%

-32.0%

5.2%

3.0%

16.1x

1.7x

4.6%

6.2%

30 NASCON Allied Industries PLC

14.00

0.0%

0.3%

-22.2%

-22.2%

23.4%

8.6%

14.0x

3.3x

7.2%

7.1%

31 Forte Oil PLC

22 Fidelity Bank PLC

Performance across sectors was bullish as all indices under our

23 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 24 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

trial and Consumer Goods indices trailed, rising 1.0% and 0.4% ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ DANGCEM (+1.4%), WAPCO ;нϭ͘ϴйͿ͕ GUINNESS ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ and PZ ;нϵ͘ϱйͿ͘

7.0%

54.50

20 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

CESS (+4.3%) UBA ;нϵ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ GUARANTY (+1.1%). The Indus-

44.4%

110.90

21 Oando PLC

Banking index led the pack, up 1.6% due to gains in AC-

-13.9%

18 Total Nigeria PLC

Impressive Sector Performance

coverage advanced save the AFR-/ d ŝŶĚĞdž ƚŚĂƚ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŚĞ

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

6.7% 63.6%

25 Diamond Bank PLC

18.10

0.0%

0.3%

-34.1%

-35.4%

7.6%

1.3%

32 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

6.50

0.0%

0.4%

16.1%

16.1%

7.0%

1.1%

10.4x

0.8x

33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

19.00

0.0%

0.3%

-5.5%

-14.0%

25.0%

3.0%

2.8x

0.6x

100.6%

37.1%

Finally, the Insurance and Oil & Gas indices rose 0.3% and 0.1%

34 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC

ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ in NEM (+2.6%) and

35 Chemical and Allied Products P 36 Wema Bank PLC

OANDO ;нϬ͘ϴйͿ͘

37 Beta Glass PLC

15.1%

1.4x

-1.5% 9.6% 11.0%

35.5%

5.75

9.5%

0.1%

-52.5%

-53.3%

24.00

0.0%

0.2%

-31.1%

-31.1%

0.68

1.5%

0.2%

7.9%

7.9%

9.0%

0.9%

5.5x

0.5x

4.4%

18.2%

53.80

0.0%

0.2%

-21.2%

-21.2%

17.8%

12.5%

5.0x

0.8x

2.4%

20.2%

2.9%

5.0%

100.3x

0.5x

2.7%

1.0%

8.3x

8.4x

12.5%

12.1%

38 Dangote Flour Mills Plc

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ

39 Transcorp Hotels Plc

5.40

0.0%

0.1%

-11.5%

-11.5%

3.6%

1.8%

20.0x

0.7x

40 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC

1.80

0.0%

0.1%

-1.6%

-1.6%

7.7%

2.2%

11.0x

0.8x

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

9.1%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϯ͘ϭdž ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ϭ͘ϳdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ϭϳ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐŝŶŐ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ϴ ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞͲ clined. GUINNESS ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ PZ ;нϵ͘ϱйͿ ĂŶĚ AGLEVENT (+7.7%)

T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

GUIN N ESS

ĚĂLJΖƐ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ͕ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ ŶŽƚ ŽƉƟŵŝƐƟĐ ŽĨ Ă ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĂďůĞ ƌĞͲ ďŽƵŶĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĂƌ ƚĞƌŵ͘

P ric e C hg % 4.3%

32.40

9.8%

A C C ESS

41.2

5.75

9.5%

UB A

29.2

6.1%

A GLEVEN T

0.42

7.7%

Z EN IT H B A N K

25.6

0.0%

UB A

7.00

6.1%

GUA R A N T Y

11.3

1.0%

9.80

4.3%

T R A N SC OR P

10.1

0.0%

LIVEST OC K

0.50

4.2%

FCM B

6.0

-1.7%

N EM

2.00

2.6%

FB NH

5.4

-3.8%

ST ER LN B A N K

2.00

2.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

5.1

0.5%

WA P C O

14.20

1.8%

CHA M S

4.1

0.0%

J A IZ B A N K

0.68

1.5%

UA C N

3.8

-1.7%

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

C OR N ER ST

0.60

-9.1%

Z EN IT H B A N K

479.8

0.0%

N EIM ET H

0.60

-9.1%

A C C ESS

396.9

4.3% 1.0%

UP L

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

Vo lum e

PZ

were the best performing stocks while CORNERSTONE (-ϵ͘ϭйͿ͕ A C C ESS

NEIMETH (-ϵ͘ϭйͿ ĂŶĚ UPL (-ϴ͘ϯйͿ ůĞĚ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͘ ĞƐƉŝƚĞ LJĞƐƚĞƌͲ

T ic k er

1.21

-8.3%

GUA R A N T Y

332.9

R OYA LEX

0.25

-3.8%

D A N GC EM

306.4

1.4%

FB NH

6.25

-3.8%

UB A

202.0

6.1%

UA C N

8.75

-1.7%

NB

68.6

0.0%

FCM B

1.77

-1.7%

FB NH

34.2

-3.8%

UC A P

2.20

-0.9%

UA C N

33.3

-1.7%

M TNN

32.9

0.0%

WA P C O

15.4

1.8%

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Ola Belgore | obelgore@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Oluwarotimi Ashimi | oashimi@afrinvest.com

Adedayo Bakare | abakare@afrinvest.com

35

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Neimeth to Unveil Strategic Plan, Wins Capital Market Award Goddy Egene The Managing Director/ CEO of Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, Matthew Azoji, has said the company would soon launch a five-year strategic plan to reposition it for greater roles in the healthcare industry and ensure good returns on

investment for shareholders and provide services that will delight all stakeholders.

Azoji stated this just as Neimeth recently won the sectoral leadership award for the healthcare (pharmaceuticals) sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) at the 2019 Pearl Awards Limited awards nite. The annual

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 ‘shares’ on the

awards ceremony is based on the performance of quoted companies on the Nigerian capital market.

Neimeth came top ahead of two other nominees, all leading pharmaceutical companies quoted on the NSE. The award was the second of such awards in the capital market to be received by Neimeth this

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 29Nov-2019, unless otherwise stated.

year as Azoji was named among the BusinessDay/Nigerian Stock Exchange top 25 CEOs in Nigeria in recognition of the performance of the company’s shares on the exchange.

According to the Azoji, the Pearl award and others before it are certificates that will motivate the company to strive to do better.

“Our strategic plan is to move Neimeth from a good company to a great company. We shall soon launch a 5-year strategic plan to reposition the company to play greater roles in the healthcare industry, ensure good returns on investment for shareholders and provide services that will delight all stakeholders,” he said. Azoji said.

Neimeth is over 61 years old as a business in Nigeria.

It transited from an arm of a foreign transnational, Pfizer Inc. to Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc in May 1997 through a management buyout of the US investors to become a wholly owned indigenous company.

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 144.15 147.01 -8.09% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 9.73% Nigeria International Debt Fund 316.22 316.22 17.74% 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 0.90 0.90 6.60% ACAP Income Funds 0.77 0.77 34.98% 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 11.36% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.43 2.47 9.73% 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 15.16 15.62 -8.62% ARM Discovery Fund 344.49 354.88 -3.41% ARM Ethical Fund 29.19 30.07 3.37% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.34% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 0.00 0.00 AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.14% 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 1.92 1.92 15.39% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.12 0.10 11.73% Paramount Equity Fund 12.41 12.51 5.06% Women's Investment Fund 109.59 110.84 6.10% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.94% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 91.68 92.24 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 92.61 93.26 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 10.31% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.94 0.95 9.90% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.39 1.39 23.71% 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 10.46% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 9.53% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,205.83 1,211.80 20.78% 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 1,280.15 1,281.26 19.69% FBN Balanced Fund 143.42 144.46 0.45% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.71% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 118.97 119.26 9.32% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 119.54 119.82 10.10% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 127.45 129.10 -15.03% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.71% Legacy Debt Fund 3.64 3.64 12.15% Legacy Equity Fund 1.08 1.11 -11.02% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.08 1.08 4.91% 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 3,069.00 3,102.59 2.88% Coral Income Fund 3,079.70 3,079.70 12.36% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 11.00% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.48% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 116.25 116.85 8.09% 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 10.00 10.00 12.20%

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 10.23% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.18 2.20 0.86% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 11.03% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 142.42 142.57 13.98% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@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 1.17 1.19 6.37% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,120.22 1,120.22 12.37% 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 9.36 9.43 -12.19% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.06% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.30 1.32 5.39% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.23 12.30 9.32% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.80% PACAM Equity Fund 1.01 1.01 PACAM EuroBond Fund 103.03 104.81 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 132.45 133.75 10.00% 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 1.03 1.03 13.29% 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 2,326.05 2,337.22 0.47% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 207.00 207.00 8.87% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.82 0.83 -13.16% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 262.34 262.43 8.17% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 145.33 146.57 -11.03% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.88% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,430.06 7,508.31 -12.54% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.14 1.14 4.96% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 100.07 100.07 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 1.14 1.15 -1.69% United Capital Bond Fund 1.65 1.65 10.15% United Capital Equity Fund 0.65 0.66 -8.90% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.24% United Capital Eurobond Fund 108.75 108.75 5.05% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.03 1.04 2.74% 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 10.34 10.49 -8.39% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.75 11.90 -6.23% Zenith Income Fund 22.83 22.83 12.91% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.41%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.40 118.66 52.21

-44.85% 6.74% 4.29%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.54 85.53 70.33

8.64 87.32 71.61

-14.25% -27.10% -20.70%

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 Griffin 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

3.51 5.45 11.95 10.47 168.57

3.55 5.53 12.05 10.67 170.57

-12.27% -28.39% -18.22% -15.19% 26.31%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.34

17.40%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

36

NEWSEXTRA

DSS Hands over Sowore’s File to Malami FG guided by extant laws, court tradition, says AGF

Alex Enumah in Abuja In line with the directive of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami

(SAN), the Department of State Services (DSS) has forwarded the case file of Omoyele Sowore, who has been in custody after his rearrest on December 6, to the office of the AGF for

House Probes Missing N14.8bn in Customs, Summons CBN Gov, BPP Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has summoned the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, over the missing 14.8 billion in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as contained in the query raised by the Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF) in the 2013 financial year.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Wole Oke, also directed that the CBN governor appear before it on Wednesday with the statement of accounts of the NCS in the period under review with a view to tracking down the missing money.

The committee gave the directive when the ComptrollerGeneral of NCS, Hameed Ali, appear before it yesterday in Abuja.

Ali, who was represented

by Comptroller S.I Ibrahim, stunned the Committee when he declared that the NCS has no audited accounts as there was no approval for the engagement of external auditors from the BPP. According to him, “ I want to tell this Committee that as we speak, the Service has no audited accounts because we have no approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to engage external auditors.

“We just got this approval

recently and the external auditors just sent a draft copy on the 2013 financial year to us just last week. We wrote several letters to the BPP on this until we got the nod, so it is not our own making.”

Ibrahim assured the committee that Service was ready to come forward before the Committee with all relevant documents.

He also told the Committee that prior to the introduction of the Treasury of Single Accounts (TSA), 28 commercial banks were collecting revenues for the Service.

The Committee, therefore, summoned the officials of the BPP to appear before it on Wednesday to respond to the claims of the NCS. The Committee also ordered the NCS boss to produce before it on Wednesday three former account officers with the Service on another audit query of N28million said to have expended on a training programme for personnel at the NCS premises in Gwagwalada, during which over N1million was paid out to rent a hall.

Oke stated that “it will be in the interest of the Customs boss to produce the affected officers, serving or retired, before this Committee to tell us all we need to know about the expenditure or should be ready to refund the amount to the coffers of the federal government.

IG Takes over Case of Killing of Police Officers in Anambra Oraifite leaders visit, commiserate with CP David-Chyddy in Awka Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has taken over the matter involving the killing of two police officers in Anambra on December 2.

Two police officers, ACP Oliver Abbey and ASP Akubo Joseph, were killed in Oraifite community by persons suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

A police source in Anambra State told THISDAY that the Inspector General of Police decided to take over the matter to ensure prompt and accurate investigation into the cause of the death of the senior police officers.

Leaders of Oraifite Improvement Union led by its President General, Sir Sunday Igboanuzue, who briefed journalists yesterday, also corroborated the latest development. He commended the police chief, adding that it was a serious matter, and that the take-over of the matter by Adamu would ensure accurate investigation.

The community stated that the crisis which engulfed the

community was caused by a clash among cult groups.

Igboanuzue, who addressed journalists in Awka, said it was not in a hurry to indict IPOB members for the killing of the officers, to avoid preempting police investigation, but was willing to subject the community into a thorough investigation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the background and actions that led to the gruesome murder of two senior police officers resulted from a felonious rivalry and disputes between two cult groups, Otu Eke and Otu Afor.

“Otu Eke is a cult masquerade group that is as old as the existence of Oraifite.

Unfortunately, in recent times, attempts by certain unscrupulous individuals to selfishly hijack the organisation compelled some of its members to resign and establish rival groups called Otu Afor and Otu Nkwo.

“The leadership of Oraifite commends the Inspector General of Police for recognising the seriousness of these crimes and ordering the transfer of the case to Force Headquarters.

prosecution.

Malami yesterday said the federal government is guided by extant laws and tradition of the court in handling legal matters and related ligitations, indicating that he could not ask the DSS to release Omoyele Sowore from custody.

The AGF had requested for the transfer of Sowore’s case file to the Ministry of Justice, following the desecration of the temple of justice by the agency in an attempt to re-arrest Sowore in court and the public outcry that trailed the incident.

The move to take over prosecution of the case, according to the AGF was to demonstrate government’s

commitment to respect of the rule of law and fundamental rights of citizenry.

However, a source in the office of the AGF, who spoke with THISDAY last night, via a WhatsApp message, confirmed that the DSS has complied with the AGF’s directive.

“There was response in complaince. DSS has complied,” the source said.Sowore alongside Olawale Bakare are standing trial on alleged treasonable felony, money laundering amongst other charges.

Meanwhile, Malami yesterday said the federal government is guided by extant laws and tradition of the court in handling legal matters and

related ligitations.

Malami stated this while responding to the media on the claim that a lawyer sent a letter to the AGF requesting for the release of Sowore.

Omoyele Sowore, convener of#RevolutionNow protest and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has been in custody of the Department of State Service since August this year.

He is standing trial on alleged treasonable felony, cybercrime, money laundering among other charges.

Though released on December 5 following an order by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of a Federal High Court in Abuja, he was however rearrested by the same

DSS within the court premises, an action that has continued to attract wide condemnation.

But reacting to a letter from a lawyer seeking Sowore’s release, the AGF said, “When parties submit their issues for determination to a court of law, they lack exclusivity of decision over such issues without recourse to court”.

Malami, whose position was contained in a statement made available to journalists by his Media aide, Dr. Umar Gwandu, stressed that the government, “remains guided by the established tradition and will not take unilateral decision without recourse to the rule of law”.

PARTNERSHIP THAT WORKS …

L-R: Managing Director, Gas and Power Company Ltd, a subsidiary of NNPC, Mr. Hussaini EL-Yakubu; Board member, Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, Mr. Frank Nweke; Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power Directorate, NNPC, Mr. Yusuf Usman; Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari; Managing Director, Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, Mr. Ben Okoye; Chief Operating Officer, Exploration and Production, NNPC, Mr. Rowland Ewubare; and Board member, Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Limited, Nurudeen Tambayo, in NNPC Towers, Abuja...recently

EFCC Arraigns Suspect for Impersonating, Duping Fashola The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned one Malik Wakili for allegedly impersonating the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), and defrauding the minister to the tune of N3,106, 216.

Wakili, who was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos, was said to have committed the offence in March this year.

The EFCC told Justice C.J.

Aneke that Wakili conspired with one Abdullahi Umar, said to be at large, to fraudulently impersonate Fashola with intent to gain monetary advantage for himself According to the EFCC, the defendant “converted the total sum of N3,106,216, being the value of the Air-miles Skywards Account Number EK248739282 of Mr. Babatunde with the Emirate Airline and which sum you reasonably ought to have known formed

part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity, to wit: fraud.”

The prosecution said Wakili acted contrary to sections 15(2) (a) and 27(1)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and was liable to be punished under sections 15(3) and 22(3) (a) of the same Act. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the three counts pressed against him.

Justice Aneke adjourned till December 17 (today) to rule

on the bail application filed on his behalf by his lawyer, Eubena Anedu.

The prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, Uduak Kufre, did not oppose the bail application; he only urged the judge to impose conditions that would ensure that the defendant attend his trial.

The judge ordered that Wakili should be remanded in the prison custody, pending the ruling on his bail application.

NACA: 20,000 HIV/AIDS Victims at Large in Nasarawa Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) yesteray raised the alarm that about 20,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Nasarawa State are at large.

NACA Director General, Gambo Gumei Aliyu, raised the alarm when commissioning the North-central Zonal Office of NACA in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

According to him, “About 40,000 people are living with the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nasarawa State, out of which about 20,000 of the victims are at large. These 20,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the state that are at large are the ones that we are looking for.”

He, however, stated that NACA has done very well in the last 15 years by reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS prevalence

to 1.4 from 4.4 per cent in the country.

He said: “In the last 15 years, we were talking of 3.5 million people living with the epidemic in Nigeria. But today we are talking of about 1.9 people with the disease, or less across the country.

“NACA is in Nasarawa State to push the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic to the last mile. That is to say that

everyone is tested to know their status so that those that are HIV/AIDS positive are treated, while those who tested negative remain negative for the rest of their lives.”

Aliyu noted that there’s no way to end HIV/AIDS epidemic without people living with it knowing their status, which according to him “is the beginning of controlling HIV/ AIDS in Nigeria.”

Winners Emerge at 2019 LAIF Awards X3M Ideas emerged the biggest winner at the 2019 Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards, which held on Saturday at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

The event, which had as its theme: “Tori Tori

of LAIF: Our stories, to the world”, is organised annually by the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) as a platform for the recognition of creativity and innovation in the industry. The awards had seven categories:

Outdoor/Poster, Press, Digital and Mobile, Radio, Television, LAIF Campaign and LAIF Grand Prix.

X3M Ideas won three gold, two silver and five bronze medals. The agency was also awarded the overall Grand Prix

award for its animated TV commercial, “DStv Step Up and Boost”.

In terms of the actual number of medals won, Noah’s Ark had 21 medals, comprising five gold, six silver and 10 bronze medals.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

37

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Court Sentences Lagos Prince to Death for Murder Akinwale Akintunde Justice Raliatu Adebiyi of an Ikeja High Court has sentenced to death, Prince Adewale Oyekan, the son of the late Oba of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, for the

murder of Alhaja Sikirat Ekun, a 62-year-old businesswoman and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Prince Oyekan, 50, was sentenced to death alongside Lateef Balogun, 27, a former domestic staff of the deceased,

Army Redeploys 20 Major-Generals in a Massive Shake-up Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Army yesterday redeployed 20 Major-Generals and more than 10 Brigadier-Generals in a major shake-up, which it said would “reinvigorate the system for greater efficiency.”

A statement issued by the Nigerian Army Headquarters said the new posting was designed to deploy the senior officers to appointments appropriate to the new ranks.

It said the posting which was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, is a routine exercise carried out to reinvigorate the system for greater professional effectiveness and efficiency.

The highlight of the posting includes the appointment of Maj. Gen. EO Ogunkale from Command Army Record, Lokoja, to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation; Maj. Gen. AO Uthman from Nigerian Army School of Signals, Apapa, Lagos to Defence Headquarters as Director, Defence Communications; Maj. Gen. OO Soleye from Defence Headquarters to Headquarters, Command Army Record, Lokoja, as Commander; Maj. Gen. YI Shalangwa, the erstwhile Director, Legal Services ‘Army’ now redeployed to Defence Headquarters as Director, Legal Services.

Others are Maj. Gen. DC Onyemulu from Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos, who becomes Director, Armed Forces Simulation Centre, while Maj. Gen. HI Bature is redeployed from Headquarters,

Training and Doctrine Command, Minna, to Defence Headquarters and appointed Director, Liaison.

Others include Maj. Gen. IM Obot, who remains at Nigerian Army Resource Centre as Participant Senior Executive Management and Policy Course; Maj. Gen. BO Sawyer, who also remains in Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as Director, Plans.

Also Maj. Gen. LA Adegboye, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division is to remain at GOC 82 Division; Maj. Gen. MA Masanawa from Army Central Ammunition Depot, moves to Defence Headquarters and appointed Director, Innovation and Combat Development.

Similarly, Maj. Gen. G Oyefesobi moves from Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to Headquarters of the recently created Nigerian Army Special Forces Corps as Commander; Maj. Gen. MM Bunza, the erstwhile Commandant, Nigerian Military School Zaria, is redeployed to Nigerian Army Education Corps as Corps Commander, Education; Maj. Gen. DH Ali-Keffi from Nigerian Army School of Infantry Jaji to Defence Intelligence Agency and appointed Director of Administration, Maj. Gen. GO Adesina from Army Headquarters Department of Army Policy and Plans to Nigerian Army Signals School Apapa, Lagos as Commandant while Maj. Gen. PE Eromosele from National Defence College, Abuja, moves to Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, Makurdi, as Commandant.

Court Dismisses Bribery Suit against Ganduje Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano A Federal High Court in Kano yesterday dismissed a suit filed by a Kano-based lawyer, Mr. Bulama Bukarti, seeking an order of the court compelling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to investigate the state Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for allegedly receiving graft from a contractor.

Bukarti was also seeking an order of the court to compel the EFCC to make available report of its forensic investigation analysis of the video allegedly showing Ganduje collecting bribes from a faceless contractor.

Justice Obiorah Egwuatu ruled that even though where affidavit deposed to, is not countered, it is deemed admitted in the evidence therein and must be cogent and verifiable.

The judge averred that the provisions of Freedom of Information Act, 2011, required that the information requested must be a public record and in the custody of the instruction of the organisation so requested from.

Justice Egwuatu dismissed the case on the grounds that the evidence before the court has not shown that the EFCC has the record of the forensic analysis of the alleged bribery video, noting that the report ought to be given to the Kano State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee set up to investigate the matter.

Counsel to the applicant, Abba Hikima said they will appeal the ruling.

Bukarti had asked the court to commit the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu to prison for failure to provide the report as requested.

who was hired for N6,000 to carry out the murder of his employer.

The convicts who have been in custody for seven years, murdered Ekun by strangling her and throwing her corpse into a 1,000-feet well located in her home.

Delivering judgment yesterday, Justice Adebiyi held that the prosecution has proved the charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder beyond reasonable doubt.

“The circumstantial evidence was strong and cogent, the act of the defendants in killing the deceased was intentional and premeditated.

“The court finds that the prosecution has proved beyond

reasonable doubt the offence of conspiracy and murder and are accordingly found guilty of the two-count charge.

“Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 stipulates the punishment for the offence of murder as follows. Subject to the provisions of any other law, a person who commits the offence of murder shall be sentenced to death.

“Same is the punishment for conspiracy to commit murder as contained in Section 231 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

“The above-cited provisions of the law does not give the court any discretion whatsoever in sentencing the defendants.

“For this reason, the first

and second defendants are hereby sentenced accordingly on each of count one and two to death by hanging. May God the giver of life have mercy on your soul.”

The state prosecution led by Mr. Akin George had said the convicts committed the offences at 1a.m. on Oct. 17, 2012 at the home of the deceased located at No. 5, Babatunde Lalega St., Omole Phase One, Lagos.

According to the prosecution, the deceased was a restaurateur who knew Oyekan due to her friendship with his late mother.

To render assistance to the prince, Ekun employed him as the manager of her restaurant.

“Balogun, the second defendant, was a former

domestic staff of Ekun who was employed by her to take care of her elderly father. His employment was however terminated following a dispute with Ekun.

“The convicts conspired, killed the deceased and threw her corpse in a well within the premises of her home and took over her businesses and property, including her bus, which was sold for N170,000.

“When any enquiry was made by family and friends about her whereabouts, Oyekan informed them that she had traveled to Abuja for the Ileya (Id el Kabir) festival. He passed this information by sending a text message from Ekun’s mobile phone.

WALKING FOR THE LORD…

R-L: Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; his wife, Edith; and Hon. Evelyn Oboro at a thanksgiving service by the latter, at Word of Life Bible Church, Warri...at weekend

Dangote, Ehanire, Others Pledge to Tackle Malnutrition Martins Ifijeh As part of efforts to address the high rate of malnutrition in Nigeria, the President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo and other stakeholders have pledged to achieve 90 per cent compliance on food fortification in the country by 2020.

Speaking at a press briefing to mark the 2nd Annual Nigeria Food Processing and Nutrition

Leadership Forum in Lagos last night, Dangote said last year, the country’s fortified food compliance rate was 50 per cent, adding that it has now improved to 75 per cent, insisting that by 2020, it is projected to reach 90 per cent if all hands are on deck.

He said: “The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration of Nigeria (NAFDAC) should not only focus on the big players in the food business, they should go after small players as well. That

way, we will meet the 90 per cent target.

“On our part as a company, we have ensured Dangote Rice is fortified. We know there’s presently a mandate on all locally made rice to be fortified. We trust NAFDAC and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to ensure this is complied with. We do not expect to have foreign rice in the country anymore, but should they come, the regulatory bodies should also ensure they meet the standard.”

Ehanire, on his part, said fortification of food will play a role in addressing malnutrition in the country, adding that children and adults with lack of micronutrients can get them back with fortified foods.

He said: “We encourage fresh foods like vegetable, fruits, and the likes, but for persons who do not take these, fortified foods offer broad nutrients needed. You can imagine what happens when the body lacks iron, iodine, calcium and the likes.”

Northern Govs Condemn Killing of Aid Workers in Borno Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The Northern Governors Forum has condemned the alleged execution of four aid workers by terrorists in Northeastern Nigeria, describing it as “regrettable and a conduct that will not go unpunished.”

In a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Simon Machan, the Chairman of the forum and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong said he was saddened by the development, which is not only condemnable, but a crime against humanity and

good conscience.

He commiserated with the families and loved ones of the aid workers, who met their death after they were abducted near Damasak, Borno State, in July, and had been in captivity despite all efforts to secure their release before they recently

executed.

Lalong reiterated that “as Northern Governors, we are determined to continue working with the federal government, security agencies, the citizens and all stakeholders in overcoming this evil that is perpetrated by criminally minded persons.”

Lawan Hails Buhari’s Consistency, Purposeful Leadership Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, yesterday hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his consistency and purposeful leadership of Nigeria in the last four years.

Lawan, in a congratulatory message personally signed by him and addressed to President Buhari as he marks his 77th birthday on Tuesday (today), emphasised that “the President’s consistency in personal and public matters, your commitment to the cause of

the downtrodden masses and the purposeful leadership that you have provided for our country in the last four years are a permanent source of inspiration and have already secured your prominence in the history of Nigeria.

“Your personal integrity and

commitment to people-oriented policies and programmes have endeared you to millions of your compatriots who amply demonstrated their appreciation by enthusiastically renewing your mandate at the polls at the 2019 general election.

38

TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

Edo APC Crisis: Obaseki’s Faction Insists Oshiomhole Must Resign It’s laughable, says Oshiomhole’s faction Ize-Iyamu denies forging party’s membership card Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city The faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State loyal to the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has urged the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, to honorably resign or be prohibited from functioning in office while his suspension subsists.

The group said any action taken by Oshiomhole in his capacity as the national chairman, including documents signed and meetings presided over by him, might be futile as his membership was already compromised, adding that the party in the state will not honour it. The APC faction also denied issuing the party’s membership cards to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his followers.

Addressing a press conference at the party secretariat in Benincity, the state capital, the factional state Chairman of the party, Mr. Anselm Ojezua, traced the genesis of the party’s crisis to the conduct of the party primaries ahead of the last general election.

Ojezua stated that events have shown that there had been a grand plan to falsely create the impression of a crisis of leadership within the party in the state.

He noted that such plans were hatched and executed under the directive of Oshiomhole and

executed through his acclaimed ‘infantry division’.

Against this backdrop, he said the state APC has concluded that Oshiomhole lacked the capacity, temperament and moral authority to lead the APC as a national chairman.

“In any case, having been placed on suspension as a member of the party, he has lost the legitimacy to act in any capacity in the party.

“We draw particular attention to Article 21 of the APC constitution which relates to the discipline of party members and the powers of respective organs of the party to take disciplinary actions against members. In the circumstances, any action taken in the capacity as national chairman, including documents he signs and meetings he presides over may well be futile as his membership is already compromised.

“The case of Ize-Iyamu is an interesting one. Some members of the APC have expressed concern over the level of desperation that was exhibited by the people bringing them in and the people coming in. I have never seen such display. It is unnatural for a visitor to determine the terms and conditions of visit to a house that is not his own.

I have been in touch with all the local government leaders, none of them is aware. It is not

normal, and it makes me feel suspicious of the true motive of those people concerned.

Reacting however, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, who recently decamped to APC, said he cannot condescend so low to forge a party card because he wants to join the APC, adding: “I am too big for that.”

According to him, “During my interaction with journalists before my formal declaration last Friday, I made it clear that no one joins a political party from the state level but through the ward level, and the membership card I carry today was duly signed by the APC ward chairman of Ugboko Ward. Ize-Iyamu said rather that welcoming those who came to join them, some members of the APC in the state are over reacting.

Meanwhile, the APC Secretary, Mr. Lawrence Okah, who is with the Oshiomhole faction of the party, said the call for Oshiomhole’s resignation is laughable because it is coming from members of the Obaseki/ Shaibu Solidarity Movement (OSM) and not APC members.

Okah said Ojezua is the Chairman of OSM and not the state APC now led by Col. David Imuse (rtd) as the authentic chairman of the part and recognised by the National Working Committee (NWC).

ICPC Secures Interim Forfeiture Order against NSCDC Officer The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured an interim forfeiture order on two assets linked to a staff of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Adenike Bintu, and her company, Faith Winners Properties Nigeria Ltd. In a statement published on its website yesterday, the Commission said Justice Okon Abang of the Federal

High Court in Abuja granted the order. It added that the forfeiture followed an ex-parte motion filed by the counsel to ICPC, John Okwor.

The properties include an estate of 60 buildings at Plot No. MF1296 (10.9ha), Sabon Lugbe South West Extension (Goza Airport Road), Abuja, and property at Plot No. ED1295 (9.6ha) located at Sabon Lugbe South West Extension (Goza Airport Road), Abuja.

Ms Bintu, a deputy commandant, and her company are both standing trial for using her position to scam members of the public into subscribing for allocation in a proposed housing estate while passing off the said estate project as a collaboration with her employer.

In the course of the trial, Ms Bintu jumped bail, and available information indicates that she is out of the country, the ICPC said.

Police Parade Suspect for Allegedly Swindling 494 Land Buyers of N800m The Rivers State Police Command yesterday paraded one Kelly Nwogu, who was identified as the Managing Director of Livelihood Homes Limited, aka ‘The Villa’, for allegedly defrauding 494 land buyers of N800 million.

Speaking with journalists before parading the suspect, the state Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chuks Enwonwu, explained that Nwogu, who could neither provide the land nor refund the money to the buyers, was later released on bail.

Enwonwu stated that the suspect later jumped police bail, adding that the development forced the police to revoke Nwogu’s bail and

re-arrested him for further investigation.

“I have called you (journalists) here today, essentially to let the world know that we have come to the logical conclusion of our investigation in the case of advance fee fraud reported by one Nwankwo Orieagu ‘male’ and 493 others against Kelly Nwogu, the Managing Director, Livelihood Homes Limited, aka The Villa.

“Recall that the suspect, Kelly Nwogu, was arrested in October, this year, when he was admitted to police bail, but jumped bail, leading to the revocation of his bail. He was consequently re-arrested for further investigation.

“In the end, Nwogu could not advance any reasonable probability to refund his clients, whom he had defrauded to the tune of N800 million. Based on that, the investigating team from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) ipso facto, recommended him for arraignment, “He will be arraigned at the Federal High Court (in Port Harcourt) immediately after this briefing on 494 counts as contained in Charge No, FHC/PH/399C/2019. His arraignment is in compliance with the statutory requirement and the need to set the trial in motion, having established a prima facie case against him.”

39

TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Sports Minister, Dare, Seeks Adoption of Athletes by Corporate Individuals Femi Solaja Determined to ensure that prospective sports men and women are able to reach the pinnacle of their respective disciplines, the Sports Minister, Mr. Sunday Dare, yesterday lend his support to the initiative that will enable corporate individuals

to adopt a sport federation or individual athlete towards self development of sports in the country.

At the launch of of the adoption campaign held last night at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Minister noted that sports sector has the biggest potential

L A G O S C I T Y M A R AT H O N

Yussuf Alli Clarifies on Payment of Registration Fees The General Manager for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Yussuf Alli, yesterday said that the management has not changed their stance on the earlier announced registration fees for interested participants for the 2020 edition.

Alli stated that the N5, 000 registration fee for Nigerian runners and 100 USD for foreigners are still very much in place and he advised everyone yet to register to do so before the window closes.

He explained that the introduction of the registration fees is in compliance with the World Athletics (formerly IAAF) and AIMS requirements for label marathons.

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has moved up from a Bronze Label Race to a Silver Label.

“Nobody has scrapped the registration fees for 2020 Lagos Marathon, one of the primary requirements for us as a Silver Label Race is that participants must pay to be part of our race and we will be adhering fully to that “ Alli noted.

The General Manager for

the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon however, explained the Lagos State Government out of her magnanimity as well as some of the sponsors have bought registration forms in large quantities to be distributed to those they so desire to give to.

“It is quite interesting for us, for now, the Lagos State Government have bought 20,000 forms, Access Bank 10,000, Revolution Plus and 7Up have bought 5,000 forms that they would all be distributed to their people of choices but for others, they would need to pay for the forms themselves” the former Africa Record holder in Long Jump stated.

Apart from the registration fee, Ali confirmed that several innovations have been put in place for the 2020 race; including the use of spy camera at every 5 km as well as the use of more transponders.

While the prize monies are unchanged for the 2020 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, it was gathered that huge bonuses have been set aside for world-class performances.

Dare, Yakmut, Mouktar, Others Honour Olajide Fashikun The need for all stakeholders to exert tireless effort in taking Nigeria’s sports to eldorado through steady grassroots sports development took centre stage during the one-day Lecture Series organised in honour of late media guru Olajide Fashikun

by Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT chapter.

They also agreed that the best way to immortalise fiery Fashikun was to replicate laudable sporting initiatives he stood for.

Minister of Youth and Sports development, Sunday Dare, and other top sports personalities in the country, including the erstwhile Director General of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Al-Hassan Yakmut, Chairman of FCT Football Association Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed, harped on the need for relevant stakeholders to join hands in development of sports at the grassroots.

The d-day actually started with a well-researched and delivered paper title; “Exhausting the Cycle of Grassroots Sports

Programming for Consistent Podium Success” by Mallam Yakmut inside the MKO Abiola National stadium in Abuja as part of 2019 SWAN week.

Mallam Yakmut, former Nigerian Volleyball international and Secretary to the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board, said Nigeria’s greatest challenge in the quest for podium success in sports was lack of sustainability of grassroots programming system.

He said the enablers that make grassroots programming system like school sports stick and succeed are not readily available, and called for collaboration among the relevant agencies for the development sports at the grassroots.

“The challenge in the country is youth engage and not youth empowerment. The youth are not engage to discover their talents in proper way. Talents are identified in a very unorganized manners and after win world youth championship we will not hear of the talents gain. Where is the school sports programme?

to catapult the country into the top 10 economies in the world, but its current struggles is the biggest challenges and arguably the lowest investments.

“It is written somewhere in scripture that ‘to him that is joined to the living, there is hope.’ And because we are alive, we will represent hope to those who need it the most. I thank you immensely that you are partnering with us to do that.

“The hope of the athlete is to be at the Olympics, or the World Championship for their sport; to stand on the podium, and fly their country’s flag. They want to be the reasons why Nigeria’s flag should be hoisted and the national anthem is sung while the world watches. “ This is their reward; but it is also our honour and prestige, and pride among nations. It is this hope that drives them to invest in themselves, to work

hard, to endure all odds, and try to surmount every challenge.

“The Adoption Programme is our baby- all of us. By it, we hope to change the narrative about sports in Nigeria. While what we are doing here tonight has the feel of a pilot programme to it, we are hard at work to institutionalize frameworks that will ensure that individuals and corporate organizations get value whatever they put in sports.

“Along this line, I am glad to

inform you that we are working with the NESG to revolutionise Nigeria’s Sports sector; an InterMinisterial Technical Meeting recently held in Abuja and the report from that exercise will eventually birth the Nigerian Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) draft,” he remarked.

To kick start the project the hoped that at least 25 number of athletes in 11 number of sports, among whom should be 2020 Tokyo Olympic hopefuls.

Sport Minister, Sunday Dare

NFF Lines Up Italy, Germany Friendlies for Super Eagles Femi Solaja with agency report With the high profile friendly match against Brazil two months ago still fresh in the mind, there are strong indications that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is looking forward to keeping the momentum by organising top friendly matches for the Super Eagles next year.

According to www.bsn.com. ng, former World Champions, Italy and Germany top the list national teams the Glasshouse wants to play friendly matches

with the Super Eagles next year.

The NFF will not be looking the way of countries below Nigeria in FIFA’s ranking.

The matches will come up during the FIFA’s official windows. The FIFA’s official or friendly windows are March 23-31, August 31-8 September, October 5-13 and November.

9-17.

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi spoke exclusively to Opera News: “We want to maximise the FIFA’s windows by playing quality matches. It is not about playing

matches but about quality opposition to strengthen the Super Eagles”.

The Nigerian national team will play qualifiers in the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup next year.

Sanusi said that the Eagles needed tough European opposition to keep them in shape.

“It is fairly a long time since we played Italy and we will want to take them on again. We also need a friendly match against Germany”, he enthused.

“We are not interested in teams below us in FIFA’s ranking.

“There is one thing the friendly against Brazil did, it helps to boost and give Eagles the necessary confidence”, he explained.

Nigeria fell one nil to Senegal, held Ukraine to 2-2 draw before drawing Brazil one all in Singapore in their last friendly match.

Before the World Cup finals in Brazil in 2014, Nigeria played 2-2 all in a build up match towards the finals.

While Nigeria lost 1-0 to Germany in April 1998 in Cologne.

U E FA C H A M P I O N S L E AG U E D R AW

Liverpool Fans Tag Atletico Stadium ‘Training Ground’ as Chelsea Invite Drogba to Bayern Rematch Liverpool supporters were jumping for joy yesterday as the Champions League last-16 draw pitted them up against Atletico Madrid.

The draw means the Reds will return to the Wanda Metropolitano, where they won last season’s Champions League, beatLQJ 7RWWHQKDP LQ WKH ÀQDO LQ June.

And Liverpool supporters on Twitter couldn’t help but be ecstatic at returning to the scene of their latest triumph, where they won the European Cup for the sixth time.

Meanwhile, Chelsea supporters were equally excited with their opposition, as they take on Bayern Munich in a repeat of the

&KDPSLRQV /HDJXH ÀQDO which they memorably won on penalties.

Supporters said on Twitter that Didier Drogba, who scored in normal time and converted the winning penalty seven years ago, should return to the team.

Manchester City supporters also seemingly fancy their chances against 13-time winners Real Madrid. The majority of supporters seem to think City are favourties for the last-16 tie, despite a number of disappointing campaigns in Europe in the past few seasons.

With Borussia Dortmund facing PSG and Tottenham playing RB Leipzig too, the general consensus on social media was that it

was a mouthwatering knockoutstage draw on Monday morning.

Napoli face Barcelona, knockout debutants Atalanta play Valencia and Lyon take on Juventus in the other last-16 ties.

Meanwhile, Spurs may have been handed a kind draw in the Champions League but the visit to RB Leipzig presents a potential nightmare for their fans.

That is because there are curUHQWO\ QR GLUHFW ÁLJKWV VFKHGXOHG between Londonand Leipzig’s Halle airport for March 10, when Tottenham fans will be looking to go out to Germany.

Instead, they have been presented with a series of complicated options for the journey to the second-leg.

The best options for going out WKHUH WKURXJK D VHULHV RI ÁLJKWV involves travelling to either Dusseldorf Airport or Frankfurt and then getting a further plane, both of which are about an hour long, to Leipzig.

FIXTURES Dortmund Atletico Spurs Atalanta Chelsea Napoli Real Madrid Lyon

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Tuesday December 17, 2019

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Price: N250

MISSILE Obaseki to Oshiomhole

“Even his (Oshiomhole’s) allegory of politics being like a forest with dangerous animals is a poor excuse to continue to perpetuate thuggery and keeping the collective patrimony under the control of a few greedy and violent people in the name of winning units and ward elections” – Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, urging the National Chairman of APC, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, to concentrate on winning elections by the performance.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

T

The Road to Awka

he first time I was in Awka, Anambra state, I had gone there to attend the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Conference – that was many years ago.

I had visited Anambra again since then, but as part of a Presidential delegation from Abuja led personally by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Those visits as part of an official entourage took me to Ogidi, the hometown of the literary legend, Chinua Achebe. This was on the occasion of his burial. Chinua Achebe’s death was a major loss for the whole of humanity because he was one of the finest spirits that ever lived, and he continues to live on through the immortality of his words, works, and thoughts. Achebe put Ogidi, Nigeria and Africa, on the global map. As we arrived, I kept wondering in my head whether indeed I was walking on the same soil that was once tilled by a famous fictional character called Okonkwo. Achebe was given a Christian burial and as the funeral service progressed, images from Things Fall Apart flashed through my mind: such is the power of literature - a world of endless possibilities where fiction and reality often merge and collide in endless alterations and shaping. I was back in Anambra, again as President Jonathan’s staff during the burial of Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu, the Biafran leader and revolutionary whose engagement with Nigeria and the sacrifice that he made for his people, the Igbos of Eastern Nigeria, will forever remain an un-erasable chapter in the mapping of ethnic and identity politics in Africa. Ojukwu was extraordinary: one of those unusual occurrences in nature, a meteor, a piece of volcanic eruption, an avatar, a phenomenon whose very existence defines the meaning and nature of everything else around it, past, present and future.

At other times, President Goodluck Jonathan was in Anambra – either to flag off a project, particularly the Second Niger Bridge, or to commission projects by the then Peter Obi-led Anambra State administration, or to campaign as was the case in 2015, for a second term in office. I was there with him. But the child-part of me always wanted to revisit Awka. Not even Onitsha, which I passed through in my younger days, on my way to and fro school in Calabar. For those who would remember, we had a successful ANA conference in Awka in those days. The local chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) not only received us well, they made very good arrangements. We were accommodated at Ikenga Hotel. In those days, ANA was a well-managed association. It provided an opportunity for writers and thinkers, scholars and their students, to come together every year at a designated location to celebrate the Muse, exchange ideas, re-discover Nigeria, and honour literary achievement and originality.

The old mixed with the young; the ANA annual conference was the best place to meet any major figure in Nigerian literature across the genres.

There was even an annual publication; the ANA Review which promoted fine ideas and good writing. To appear in that annual publication was in itself an achievement. I served the Association for many years as a judge of annual entries for the ANA prizes. I have benefitted a lot reading the harvest of fertile seasons in Nigerian literature from ANA to the Nigerian NLG Prizes in Literature.

Which is why it is sad and unfortunate that ANA Conferences have now lost meaning, sense and direction. I understand that this year’s ANA Conference ended up as a political war between writers loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party and loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The hijack of the community of thinkers and writers

Adichie resulting in the abbreviation, manipulation and desecration of the role of writers in social thought and action is in every regard an exemplification, a very bad one, of the destruction of everything good, useful and noble in our country. So, they have taken partisan politics into ANA as a main issue? Writers are people of ideas and action, leaders guiding the community with their thoughts.

When they descend to the lowest depths, they take away every useful thing from their own moral compass. This year’s Conference, the 38th of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) did not take place in Awka. It held in Enugu in October/November, with an interesting theme: “Literature, Nationalism and the Poetics of Integration.” But the feedback has been poor. I will comment no further, except to note that in its prime, the Association of Nigerian Authors used to be a strong civil society platform in Nigeria. It is therefore not a flight of fancy that as I entered Anambra state, this past weekend, I remembered ANA and Awka. Chinua Achebe, a founding father of ANA, is from Anambra State.

Anambra state is also the home of some of the brightest; most educated and most accomplished persons from Eastern Nigeria, and indeed the entire Igbo nation.

The road to Awka did not just invoke memories, the very encounter with the road itself was the main experience. We landed in Asaba Airport; 45 minutes after take off from Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos. It would have been easier to go to Awka through Enugu or Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, but you’d recall that in May 2019, that airport had to be shut down, we were told, for “security reasons” – which had something to do with the fact that the runway was bad, there was a market too close to the airport and the mast of the state’s radio station had been wrongly located. This same airport has been under repairs and renovation since 2010 and it is supposed to be the international airport of the East but somehow, the authorities never got it right. After spending so much money on the same airport, it took nearly ten years to realize that the money spent between February and December 2010 yielded nothing. We have now been told that the rehabilitation of the airport will be completed in April 2020, Again, this tells the story of Nigeria from another dimension – the crisis of transportation and the absolute chaos of governance, manifest in the agony that average citizens suffer daily. It was quite an ordeal getting

to Awka from Asaba.

In a short while after our setting out from the Asaba Airport in Delta State, we got to the Niger Bridge, the bridge over the Onitsha River that separates Anambra and Delta state, and Eastern Nigeria from the West. Travelling by air in Nigeria is an ordeal, going by road is painful, water transportation is virtually non-existent, rail travel which is a norm in other parts of the world is just now being introduced as an achievement.

For a country of over 200 million people, not being able to move around without pain is a tragedy! We spent hours just trying to cross the Niger Bridge. Every inch of it on both sides was truck-and-vehicle-filled. Across the bridge, to our left, in the distance, was the proposed Second Niger Bridge. It looked like an abandoned project. The old Niger Bridge had become too narrow. It was built over 30 years ago. It can no longer handle the volume of traffic and the weight that is placed on it daily. The plan to build a Second Niger Bridge made sense. But based on what I saw last Friday, it is safe to conclude that the Second Niger Bridge is an abandoned project contrary to what government tells us on the pages of newspapers. Again, another sad Nigerian story! I reflected on the madness and I was bewildered.

Sitting beside me was Nduka Otiono, poet, essayist, polemicist, researcher, university teacher, an old and active denizen of miliki joints around town, ex-journalist, now Professor of Literature in a Canadian University. We linked up at the Asaba airport on our way to Awka together.

Otiono abandoned journalism in Nigeria. After paying his dues in about five newspapers, working with some of the brightest journalists of the time, he relocated to the United States and later Canada, and within a period of 13 years, he moved from being a line editor and a big boy in miliki joints around Lagos to a Professor in one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Unlike many of our old colleagues, Otiono visits home regularly and when he does, he links up with the old crowd, and the amazing thing is that he sounds and behaves like he never left town. He knows all the local jokes and gossip; and he is completely without affectation. He is just the same Ikeja-axis boy of old but he has a good brain and a talent with words. As I agonized over the crisis on Nigeria’s Niger Bridge, it was Otiono, a man who had changed base and lived in better places telling me to relax and stop behaving like “a spoilt member of Nigeria’s privileged class.” We bought bottled water and I complained about drinking an unknown brand. Otiono turned the thing into laughter, reminding me of how I used to be happy with sachet water: “Drink the thing my friend, no be you dey drink pure water with us in those days? No worry, your body will remember in case you may have forgotten.”

Talking about water, we both wondered why Nigeria has not been able to turn its water resources into a major asset. Asaba and Onitsha are separated by a very short stretch of water. People live in Asaba, Delta State and work in Onitsha, Anambra State and vice versa. The people on both sides are linked by culture, geography and nature.

But to commute from one side to the other is difficult. There has been so much talk about the Second Niger Bridge, whereas a water transport or rail link between Asaba and Onitsha could make all the difference. Otiono took a look at the water to our left and right, as our driver tried to avoid the threat of other vehicles, driving in Nigeria is like fencing, and offered an insight into how transportation is managed in Ottawa

where he lives with his family.

If the road had been good and smooth, we should have made it to Awka in less than one hour but we spent almost three hours. What I observed from Asaba to Awka was that while the roads within the states appeared good and motorable, even if the state governors still need to do more, and certainly need to be more innovative, the Trunk A roads which belong to the Federal Government are in a terrible state. Crossing over to Onitsha on a portion of road belonging to the Federal Government was painful. Doing the same between Onitsha and Awka across Federal Government portions of the road was also stressful.

Yet, the Federal Government continues to insist that state governments should not touch roads that have been classified as Federal Government Roads: If they do so, they will not be reimbursed by the Federal Government. Given the kind of delay and frustration that I experienced moving between Asaba and Awka last Friday, I conclude that there is a need for a new conversation about the ownership of roads across Nigeria. The present system is not working. It cannot work.

In a federal system, the Federal Government has no reason claiming ownership of roads outside the Federal Capital Territory. The states should be responsible for every piece of road within their territories. Moving from a good road to a bad road and having to figure out which of the portions belongs to either State or Federal Government is harmful to the mental health of Nigerians. …We finally made it to Awka, tired, hungry and disoriented. It was a different Awka. The village of those days has become a thriving cosmopolitan centre. Even the approach to the town was quite welcoming. Excited, I asked for Ikenga Hotel.

Everyone looked at me suspiciously. I sounded to them like the old woman who during the Yar’Adua years asked to know what Yakubu Gowon was doing about a particular problem.

She was frozen in time. She didn’t know Gowon had since exited the corridors of power. I was like that old woman as I listened to the story of how Ikenga Hotel, which used to be a symbol of cultural and identity affirmation across Eastern Nigeria, was sold off by greedy politicians. The only Ikenga Hotel that survived this rampage is in Nsukka.

I was checked into one of the hotels of the new era, where Otiono and I soon had a reunion with Uzor Maxim Uzoatu (Boroja!), Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, and others - all in town for the public presentation of James Eze’s book of poetry titled “dispossessed”. Eze is Chief Press Secretary of Anambra State and one of our own in the literary community. I was in Awka to review his book. I also attended Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s event at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Agulu Lake, organized by the Purple Hibiscus Trust.

Chimamanda is not just a gifted writer; she is a gift to humanity. Her event in Agulu was attended by young, aspiring writers from different parts of Africa and there she was, providing leadership and guidance, grooming the younger generation, giving back and building bridges. This is a writer beyond the ages, a beacon of hope, an authentic revelation.

I ate correct Oha soup and I had fun at Santel World, an emergent cultural melting pot in Awka, in the company of key players in the Anambra State Government who stood by Eze and successfully showcased the Willie Obiano administration’s support for literature and the arts. The return journey to Lagos on Sunday was marred by the delay by Air Peace at the Asaba airport.

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