SUNDAY 8TH JANUARY 2023 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Banks Have Enough New Naira Notes to Meet Demand, CBN Insists Says banks not banned from paying new notes over the counter

Nume Ekeghe

Money Banks (DMBs), saying the banks have enough new notes to circulate across the nation ahead of the January 31 deadline when old notes will cease to be a legal tender. The CBN has also clarified

Amid the rising demand for the new naira notes, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed speculations over the inadequacy of the new notes in the Deposit

that it did not ban the banks from paying customers the new notes over the counter, pointing out that the directive to the banks to dispense new notes via Automated Teller Machines (ATM) was to complement

over-the-counter transactions and increase the circulation of the redesigned notes. The apex bank had directed the banks to load their ATMs with only new notes to ensure that the currency circulates across

the nation ahead of the January 31 deadline. Dismissing the speculation over the inadequacy of the new notes in banks, the Director of Corporate Communication, CBN, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, who spoke

with THISDAY at the weekend, said adequate plans have been made to heighten the circulation of the new notes. He stated that speculations that Continued on page 5

Ahead of Buhari’s Visit to Adamawa Tomorrow, Police Beef up Security… Page 8 Sunday 8 January, 2023 Vol 27. No 10134

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Suspected Herdsmen Attack Train Station, Kidnap Passengers in Edo… Page 8

Dragging Buhari into Campaigns Can't Help You, PDP Mocks Tinubu Says APC candidate has stained image Insists ex-Lagos gov will smear Buhari with his putrid stains Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday mocked the

presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for seeking to drag President

Muhammadu Buhari into his campaign to use the president to launder his stained image. It said it was indeed ludicrous

that Tinubu who is badgered with narcotic and many corruption allegations stains is now seeking Buhari’s presence in his campaign

rallies after he had boastfully claimed that the president had no political relevance and could not become President until he

came to his rescue. In a statement signed by the Continued on page 5

Reject ‘Mr. Privatise,’ Atiku, and ‘Mr. Stingy,’ Obi, Tinubu Tells Voters Says former VP will sell everything and run away, while Obi will save money and starve Nigerians Vote out APC, PDP structures, LP candidate tells supporters Ejiofor Alike in Lagos and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has again lambasted his counterparts in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively, and urged Nigerian voters to reject them in next month’s presidential election. Tinubu, who called Atiku ‘Mr. Privatise, and Obi ‘Mr. Stingy,’ declared that while the former vice president will sell the birthright of Nigerians and run away with the proceeds, the former governor of Anambra State will save money and starve Nigerians if elected in next month’s election. However, Obi has urged Nigerians to vote out the two major political parties, PDP and APC, which have been claiming Continued on page 5

THE WAY FORWARD… L-R: Chairman, Philips Consulting, Mr. Foluso Philips; Vicar, Cathedral Church of Christ, Venerable Henry Adelegan; Chairman, Channels Television/Chairman of the occasion, Mr. John Momoh; Provost of Cathedral Church of Christ, Very Rev Adebola Ojoteitimi; and Chairman, Cathedral Torch Bearers, Mr. Gbolahan MUBO PETERS Ayodele, at the breakfast and inter-denominational Christian discussion by the Cathedral Touch Bearers in Lagos…yesterday

See eCopy of THISDAY Style on www.thisdaylive.com

SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

JANUARY 8, 2023 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

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CONJUGAL BLISS… L-R: Deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Ossai; the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Peter Mbah; State governor and candidate of the PDP for Enugu North Senatorial District, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; son of Mr. Vita Abba, the party’s candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Chinomnso; his new wife, Chidalu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, Mrs. Obiageli Abba; and Vita Abba, during the couple's wedding at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Enugu…yesterday

REJECT ‘MR. PRIVATISE,’ ATIKU, AND ‘MR. STINGY,’ OBI, TINUBU TELLS VOTERS to have structures. Addressing the APC rally at the Democracy Park, Akure, the Ondo State capital, Tinubu urged the people of the state to live up to that billing by voting APC in the upcoming election. Taking a swipe at Atiku, the APC presidential candidate said the PDP candidate “doesn’t want to do the brave and hard work required to build a better nation. “Instead, he would rather sell your birthright to the highest bidder and run away with the proceeds. "He cares little that his policies and actions will impoverish you and leave you with nothing," Tinubu added. On the Labour Party candidate, Tinubu said Obi had a chance to show how progressive he could be when he was governor of Anambra State. "All he could do was boast that he saved money. But I tell you it is a wicked parent that holds money in his hand yet allows his children to starve. "Likewise, it is a heartless governor who holds back money when people go hungry, and schools, roads and clinics go into disrepair. Neither the city-dweller nor the farmer prospered under him. "In the end, he refused to save the people because he preferred to save the money. “And he claims to be in the party of labour. You will have to be labouring under a terrible delusion if you think he will do better for the nation than he did for Anambra State. Buyers beware of salesmen selling fake merchandise. "The truth of the difference between my leadership and that of Mr. Obi lies in one observation. Although Lagos is crowded and Anambra has ample space, more people left Obi’s Anambra seeking a better life in Tinubu’s Lagos than left Lagos, believing Obi had established a blueprint for growth in Anambra. "My people, you cannot entrust your future or that of our nation to Mr. Sell Everything, Atiku, or Mr. Stingy, Obi. But you can trust Mr. Progressive Good Governance Tinubu!" he added. Tinubu hailed the people of Ondo State, saying they have always been a champion of people-oriented and progressive government. The APC candidate said: "On February 25, I know you will be a champion of progressive politics again. That date represents for the nation and every one of us

an appointment with destiny. "We not only must make that appointment, but we must also emerge from the appointment fully dedicated to creating a more prosperous, safer, tolerant and dynamic society. "But these things do not come by accident. These things are but some of the fruits that only progressive and democratic good governance can harvest. "And that progressive governance can only be brought to you by someone who has governed in a progressive manner before," he said. Speaking on his agenda for Ondo State, Tinubu noted that the history of Ondo is one where industrious farmers had for years sowed prosperity through wellcultivated cocoa plantations and other agricultural exploits. He said his agricultural policies would return the farmer to his esteemed and essential place in society. "You have been the backbone of the economy and bedrock of the community. You will be honoured as such," he added. He re-stated that his government would re-establish commodity exchange boards to ensure farmers a guaranteed price for their yields. If given the mandate to lead this country, he said his administration would help the state to reap the full benefits of her bounteous resources. "For example, my agricultural plan also calls for the creation of agricultural hubs in the nation. You will be the direct beneficiary of this policy. These hubs will increase the cultivation of now idle fertile land and also promote agro-processing businesses that will produce many new jobs and put more money in the pockets of the average person and small farmer," he said. Tinubu added: "Our economic plan will make strategic investments in industry and infrastructure, giving our talented people the chance to make a good living while producing valuable goods that will improve the quality of life for those who buy them. "Your natural resources will be more comprehensively utilised. Your oil and gas must bring prosperity, development and jobs. "But that is not all. Bitumen, granite and marble must be mined and turned into finished products right here in the state under my administration," Tinubu said.

Speaking at the rally, Ondo State Governor Akeredolu said the people of the state being progressives had resolved to back Tinubu, adding "we will show who we are on February 25, 2023." On his part, the National Secretary of APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore thanked Akeredolu and the people of the state for their demonstration of support for APC and Tinubu. According to the statement issued by the Head of Tinubu Media Office, Alhaji Tunde Rahman, the rally, which attracted a mammoth crowd, was attended among others, by Governors Akeredolu (Ondo), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos),

Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), former Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola, and Omisore who represented the party’s National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

Vote out APC, PDP Structures, Obi Tells Supporters Meanwhile, Obi has urged Nigerians to vote out the PDP and the APC, which have been claiming to have structures. Obi, who spoke in Osogbo, Osun State, yesterday at the presidential campaign rally held by his party, also said ethnicity and religious reasons should not

be considered by the voters in the next month’s poll. The LP presidential candidate who was obviously taking swipes at the APC and the PDP promised to fight corruption. He added that he and his running mate, Datti BabaAhmed, had been successful businessmen before going into public administration. He also said: “Nigerians are hungry, youths have no job. It is not safe to travel anywhere in Nigeria today. All these challenges are caused by those who say they have party structures. But these structures have crippled Nigeria. I want me and you to destroy these structures by voting them out

next month. “We are going to secure and unite Nigeria. We want Nigeria to be proud of being a Nigerian. We will deliver a secured Nigeria. We don’t want Nigerians to be in the IDP camp, we don’t want you to be a slave in your own country. “We are going to govern this country with fear of God. We will give you jobs. We will change Nigeria from a consuming country to a producing country. These people kept on bragging that they have structures. Yet, they are not doing anything. They are not producing anything in this state, youths are unemployed; we will change these challenges.”

DRAGGING BUHARI INTO CAMPAIGNS CAN'T HELP YOU, PDP MOCKS TINUBU spokesperson of thebAtiku/ Okowa Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said Nigerians watched as Tinubu's publicity derided, scorned and disparaged President Buhari and even demonstrated how, according to him, the president cried after losing the election thrice until he picked him up, wiped his tears and made him president. According to the statement, "Nigerians are therefore wondering what roles Tinubu, who disparaged Buhari as not having political weight, now wants President Buhari to play in the campaign for which he is forcefully dragging him to the arena, if not to smear the President with his putrid stains. "Nigerians are wondering what President Buhari, with his professed aversion to corruption and drug-related issues, will be saying while presenting Asiwaju Tinubu to the electorate in rallies, if he ever does.

"Will President Buhari be explaining to Nigerians the link the APC presidential candidate had with narcotics for which a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States of America ordered the forfeiture of a gargantuan sum of $460,000 found in Tinubu’s account as proceeds of illicit transactions?" the campaign council queried. The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, asked what the president would be campaigning with for Tinubu, saying, "will Buhari be apologising to Nigerians for approving, as a military Head of State, the execution of a set of Nigerians for a drug-related offence only to now be presenting someone that forfeited money in a narcotic-related matter as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? "Does President Buhari have answers to the malodorous issues of perjury, certificate forgery and inconsistencies in

age, educational qualification and ancestry that are plaguing Asiwaju Tinubu or has President Buhari any explanation on who Asiwaju’s classmates were at the Government College, Ibadan or the non-existent Aroloya primary school? "Will President Buhari provide an explanation for how the picture of former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, was stolen and used to fraudulently depict Tinubu as a bright young man in APC presidential campaign documentary?", the Atiku/ Okowa Presidential campaign asked. The PDP presidential campaign said it has become clear that Tinubu, who does not believe in President Buhari’s political currency and relevance, is dragging President Buhari into his deflated campaign as a decoy to transfer his corruption and criminal allegation burdens on the president.

However, the Atiku/Okowa said the APC presidential candidate should know that it is too late in the day to stage such a political stunt given that his image has gone beyond redemption. "He must learn to face his woes by personally providing answers for the allegations after which he should apologise to Nigerians and quit the Presidential race since the people have already reached a consensus on his rejection at the polls. "Nigerians are not willing to compromise their determination to rescue our nation by voting in the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, whose credentials of integrity, hard work, capacity, relevant experience, presence of mind and readiness to deliver have distinguished him to lead our nation at this critical time," the Atiku/Okowa presidential campaign council explained.

BANKS HAVE ENOUGH NEW NAIRA NOTES TO MEET DEMAND, CBN INSISTS the banks did not have enough new notes for circulation were false. He urged the general public to continue to use the old notes as they remain legal tender, adding that the new notes would be adequately circulated. He explained that the old notes are more prominent in the banking halls because they are still in circulation and remain legal tender, stressing that banks have an adequate supply of the required quota of new notes at the moment. Responding to the directive to the banks to load ATMs with the new notes, Nwasinobi

explained that the directive didn’t categorically ban overthe-counter transactions but was issued as a persuasion to dispense via ATMs to increase circulation. He said: “There is what we call moral suasion; we had a meeting with the banks and we all agreed that we can begin to put the new notes in the ATMs so that people would see and boost circulation. “Yes, you can say it is a directive. We keep reviewing and my worry is by next week when new notes are being paid across the counter people would say they are flaunting. “We

had a meeting and we had moral suasion because people are complaining they are not seeing new notes. So, that also doesn’t mean that banks cannot pay over the counter. “The CBN is concerned about claims by Nigerians that they have not come in contact with new notes and we have directed the banks to ensure that they load their ATMs with new notes. This would ensure quick and wider circulation across Nigeria. I never said they shouldn’t pay across the counter,” he clarified. Responding to complaints that the deposit money banks

do not have access to new notes, he said: “That position is not entirely correct. We have enough supply in line with the intent for the period. The old notes remain a legal tender until the January 31st so it would still be in circulation.” Furthermore, on the deadline, he stated that January 31 remains sacrosanct, adding that there are no indications that the date would be extended. He said: “As far as I am concerned, nothing suggests that it cannot be met. For us, the 31st of January remains the date when old notes would cease to be legal tender in Nigeria.”

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 8, 2023

NEWS

WITH LOVE FROM BAYELSA… L-R: General Overseer of Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Mouka; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; and Mrs. Joy Mouka, during the governor’s visit to the ETOP UUTT ongoing annual international crusade at the church’s headquarters in Ijesha, Lagos…yesterday

Police Begin Training of Personnel for Election Duties

Kingsley Nweze in Abuja

Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has commenced the training of its personnel on how to manage electoral

offences before, during and after the elections. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the training in Abuja at the weekend, the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr. Usman Baba, said the

training had become necessary due to the constitutional requirements of the Nigerian Police Force to ensure peaceful, free and fair general election. The IG said the training would be done across the six

After 15 Historic Ballots, US Parliament Elects New Speaker The United States House of Representatives yesterday elected Mr. Kevin McCarthy as Speaker after 15 historic ballots. After four days of lobbying and facing opposition from members of his party, Republican Party, McCarthy clinched the highly envied seat with 216 votes; putting him ahead of his competitor, Hakeem Jeffries, a democrat who got 212 votes. McCarthy’s speakership bid was blocked by a rebellious group of far-right lawmakers from his party, who refused to back him. In November, the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives by a slender margin of 222 to 212 in the 435seat chamber - but the Democrats won the Senate. The impasse is the longest since 1859 when the US House of Representatives failed to pick a speaker after 44 ballots. The new Speaker’s emergence, according to Premium Times, came at a price including allowing any member of parliament to move for his removal from office. Other compromises made by McCarthy, according to CNN, include moving 12 appropriations bills individually. Instead of passing separate bills to fund government operations, Congress frequently passes a massive year-end spending package known as an “omnibus” that rolls everything into one bill. Conservatives rail against this, arguing that it evades oversight and allows lawmakers to stick in extraneous pet projects. He also agreed to more Freedom Caucus representation on committees, including

the powerful House Rules Committee. Also, lawmakers will have seventy-two hours to review bills before they come to floor. An investigative committee will be created to probe the “weaponisation” of the federal government; and restoring the Holman rule, which can be used to reduce the salary of government officials. While many argue that McCarthy’s compromises could end up making him a weak leader in one of the strongest political seats, AP argues that he could also be emboldened as a survivor of one of the more brutal fights for the gavel in US history. “Not since the Civil War era has a speaker’s vote dragged through so many rounds of voting,” AP said. In a tweet after his emergence, he tweeted “I hope one thing is clear after this week: I will never give up. And I will never give up for you, the American people.” In his speech yesterday morning after he emerged, the hard work begins, he said, adding that his ultimate responsibility is not to his party, or the congress but to the US – “our country.” The new Speaker said it was time for the parliament to be a check and provide balance to President Joe Biden’s policies. As part of his plans for his tenure, McCarthy intends to win the economic competition with China by bringing back jobs that were taken by the latter. “As for the Chinese Communist Party, we will create a bipartisan select committee on

China to investigate how to bring back the hundreds of thousands of jobs that went to China and then we will win this economic competition,” he said.

geo-political zones in the country and the FCT to ensure that the officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force were adequately prepared for the general election. Represented by the Commissioner of Police in charge of Training, CP Stephen Olarewaju, the IG said: “We know that there are problems of insecurity across the country from the North to the South and the 2023 general election is fast-approaching. Therefore, there is the need for adequate training of the police officers that will be involved in the electioneering period on how to handle election-related crises. “This is why the management

of the Nigeria Police Force has approved this workshop with support from the WAN DIYOS Limited to train the officers and men of the Police in combating all problems that may arise during the election.” While addressing the officers and men participating in the election training, the IG urged them to pay serious attention to the lectures and make good use of them as the nation expects them to be of good behaviour during the elections. Also speaking at the event, the lead consultant, WAN DIYOS Limited, Professor Shehu Liberty, said the successes of the 2023 elections would be largely

determined by the role played by the Nigerian Police officers. He stated that as the lead agency in the internal security, it is expected that the police officers be highly trained and ready for the elections in order to avoid any violence or crisis that may come during the elections. He also explained that the training would focus on cultism and other dynamics involved in elections. The participants trained in Abuja included 100 police officers drawn from different commands, divisions and units and the same thing will be replicated in the six geo-political zones across the country.

Kogi Govt Queries Monarch for Refusing to Welcome Buhari James Emejo in Abuja The Kogi State Government has issued a query to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, for his failure to join other dignitaries to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Yahaya Bello during the president’s recent visit to the state. Buhari was in the state on December 29, 2022, to inaugurate some projects built by the administration of Governor Bello. The state government said the action of the traditional ruler was disloyal and disrespectful to the offices of President Buhari and Governor Bello, adding that Ibrahim exhibited deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing Kogi State and Ebira land to “grave disrepute”. The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, who is the Vice President of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, had failed to join other dignitaries to welcome Buhari to the state on Thursday, December 29, 2022. President Buhari was in the state to inaugurate some projects including the palace of the Ohinoyi, which was built by

Governor Bello. Reacting to the development, the state government, in a query dated January 5, 2023, and addressed to the monarch, said the action of Ohinoyi portends “grave danger to the security of the state and lays bad precedence for traditional institutions of the state.” The letter signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Enimola Eniola, on behalf of the state Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, read: “It has been observed with serious concern that you have exhibited deliberate attitude and actions capable of bringing Kogi State and Ebira land in particular to grave disrepute. These actions are quite unbecoming of a revered royal father of your status. “Specifically, you were aware through many fora of the glorious visit of Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari to Okene on December 29, 2022, to commission landmark projects executed by our dear Governor,

His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. “In a flagrant disregard to the persons and high offices of the president and the governor, you bluntly refused to come out and receive the President at the designated venue rightly approved by the executive governor of the state. “It might interest you to note that official courtesy demands that when a personality of a president occupying the highest office in the land is visiting or even passing through the state, the governor and top public officers including topmost traditional rulers are expected to receive him as a mark of respect for him and the office he occupies. “It is on record that in time past, topmost traditional rulers including the President, Kogi State Council of Chiefs do receive the governor of the state on his return from critical missions undertaken on behalf of the state. But, you have chosen to disdain the office of the Executive Governor, and this time, you did it with effrontery before the number one citizen of Nigeria. “This action of yours is an act

of insubordination and disloyalty to the President and Commanderin-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, and the entire Ebira nation as a whole. It portends grave danger to the security of the state and laying bad precedence for traditional institutions of the state.” The state government, therefore, has directed the traditional ruler to forward a written explanation within 48 hours on why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. It added that oral explanations may also be required when a panel is set up to study the case. “Given the above, I have been directed to request you to forward a written explanation within 48 hours why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for these acts of insubordination and disloyalty. Oral explanations may be required from you when a panel is set up to study your case. “It is expected that you will accord priority to the content of this letter, Your Royal Majesty,” it noted.

SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 8, 2023

NEWS

IBIDUNNI IGHODALO LIVES… L-R: Grant Award Recipient, Ibidunni ighodalo Foundation, Mrs. Temitope Kalejaye; Chairman, Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Mother of the Founder, Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, Mrs. Monhilola Ajayi; and another Grant Award Recipient, Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, Mr. Olubusayo, during the presentation of grants to the awardees of the foundation in Lagos... yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Ahead of Buhari’s Visit to Adamawa Tomorrow, Police Beef up Security Daji Sani in Yola As President Muhammadu Buhari is set to visit Adamawa State tomorrow,

the state police command yesterday said it had deployed additional assets to ensure a hitch-free visit. The command also

ordered officers to display a high level of professionalism and respect for human rights. The command’s

Lassa Fever Killed 189, Infected 63 Health Workers in 2022, Says NCDC Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The death toll from the Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria in 2022 was 189, the latest report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has revealed. The report also showed that the confirmed cases for last year rose to 1,067 across 112 local government areas and 27 states. The 52nd-week report from December 26 to January 1, 2023, showed that the suspected cases were 8,202. It also revealed that 63 healthcare workers were infected by the disease. Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Lassa fever is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well. “In week 52, the number of new confirmed cases

decreased from 17 in week 51, 2022, to 12 cases. These were reported from Edo, Ebonyi and Benue States. “Cumulatively from week 1 to week 52, 2022, 189 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 17.7 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (20.0 per cent). “In total for 2022, 27 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 112 local government areas. “Seventy-two per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo and Bauchi) while 23 per cent were reported from 24 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases. Of the 72 per cent of confirmed cases, Ondo State reported 33 per cent, Edo 25 per cent, and Bauchi 14 per cent. “The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-tofemale ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8. “The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same

period in 2021. “No new Healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week 52. “National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels,” NCDC explained in the report.

spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed this in a statement issued in Yola, the state capital, yesterday. Buhari will be in the state for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally and to flag off the governorship campaign of Senator Aishatu Binani. The police image maker stated that the additional operational assets included, but not limited to, surveillance patrol men, tactical/operational teams, Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU). “The teams are expected to carry out covert surveillance as well as confidencebuilding patrols in the state

in conjunction with sister security agencies. “The CP is assuring synergy and good working relationships amongst all security agencies which will be put into place. “And that the NPF is committed to working with other patriotic stakeholders towards ensuring public order in the State before, during and after the visit of Mr. President. “The CP being the head of internal security in the state is already on ground to coordinate the security deployment and ensure all things being equal, the visit of Mr. President is hitch-free,” he stated. Nguroje further said the CP had equally directed

that vehicular movement should be restricted, and that those moving from Sangere-Numan road to Yola town should divert from FGGC junction through Jambutu Motor Park leading to Doubeli Junction. He said those moving from Yola town to the Airport should follow the 80 Housing units through the Commissioners’ Quarters down to Mubi roundabout. “The command, while regretting the inconveniences it might have caused, appeal to the general public to conduct themselves and cooperate with security agents in the course of discharging their constitutional mandate,” he added.

Suspected Herdsmen Attack Train Station, Kidnap Passengers in Edo Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Police Command last night announced that an unspecified number of travellers waiting to board a train from Igueben in Igueben Local Government Area of the state to Warri in Delta State, were kidnapped by suspected herdsmen. The command, in a press statement endorsed

by its spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor, stated that the incident happened at about 4.00pm. According to the statement, the suspected herdsmen, who were armed with AK-47 rifles, invaded the train station and shot sporadically into the air before herding an unspecified number of intending travellers into the bush. The statement added that

in the process, some of the passengers sustained bullet wounds, just as the police disclosed that bush combing and rescue operations had begun to rescue those that were kidnapped. "The kidnappers who shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping some passengers left some persons with bullet wounds. The Area Commander, Irrua; the DPO (Divisional Police Officer) Igueben Division,

and their men have visited the scene of crime with members of Edo State Security Network, local vigilante, and hunters with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers. "Bush combing operations have commenced in order to rescue the victims and arrest the fleeing kidnappers. Further development will be communicated,” the statement explained.

SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 8, 2023

NEWS

PROUD PARENTS… L-R: Mrs. Hilda Owolabi; Editorial Page Editor, THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Peter Ishaka; and wife, Florence; daughter, Paulette, and Mr. Emmanuel Ojobo, at Paulette’s graduation ceremony from Sheﬃeld Hallam University, Sheﬃeld, United Kingdom…recently

INEC: We are Eliminating Underage Voters from Records Cardinal Onaiyekan cautions politicians against attempts to rig elections Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it is removing underage voters in the registered voters’ records ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The electoral umpire has also created additional centres for the collection of Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs). This is coming as the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has cautioned

politicians against any attempt to rig the forthcoming general election. INEC’s Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, revealed the commission’s efforts to clean up the voters’

Shake-up as Army Again Redeploys Major Generals, GOCs, Others Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Army Headquarters yesterday announced the redeployment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), Corps Commanders, Brigade Commanders and other senior officers, as well as the appointment of new ones to various positions. It said in a statement that the new posting was an effort to ensure administrative and operational efficiency in the Nigerian Army because of recent operational successes recorded in combating emerging security challenges. It said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Faruk Yahaya, approved the redeployment of Major Generals, and Brigadier Generals amongst several other senior officers across the Nigerian Army formations and units in the country. The statement signed by Army Spokesman, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, listed those affected in the redeployment exercise to include some principal staff officers of the army headquarters, corps commanders, commandants of Nigerian Army training institutions, brigade commanders, commanding officers and several others. Notable among the new General Officers' Commanding (GOC) is Major General IS Ali from Headquarters 3 Division to Theatre Command as the new Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai; Major General AB Ibrahim from Army Headquarters Department of Training to Headquarters 3 Division as the new GOC as well as Commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General AS Chinade from Headquarters 2 Division to Headquarters 82 Division as GOC; while Major General GM Mutkut is to assume command as the

GOC 8 Division and Commander, Operation Hadarin Daji (NW) from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plan. The newly appointed Corps Commanders are Major General CG Musa from Theatre Command to Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre as the new Corps Commander, Major General MS Ahmed from Headquarters Theatre Command (NE) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Armoured Corps as Corps Commander, Major General BR Sinjen from Nigerian Army School of Artillery to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery as the new Corps Commander, Major General PE Eromosele from National Defence College to Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers, Major General AA Ayannuga From Army Headquarters Department of Army Transformation to Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General GS Abdullahi from Defence Space Administration to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals. Among the new Defence and Army Headquarters Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) is Major General SE Udounwa who is redeployed from Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Major General SG Mohammed redeployed from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans to the Department of Army Training as Chief of Training, Major General UT Musa from Headquarters 82 Division to the Department of Army Administration as Director Personnel Management, Major General Y Yahaya from Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade to Department of Army Administration as the Director Manpower (Army) among, several others. The statement further stated that Brigadier General TI Gusau

is also redeployed from the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services to the Directorate of Defence Information as the new Director. The newly redeployed brigade commanders include Brigadier General AM Umar from the Office of the Chief of Army Staff to Headquarters Guards Brigade, Brigadier General S Aliyu from Headquarters 6 Division to Headquarters 63 Brigade, Brigadier General HD Bobbo from National Defence College to Headquarters 31 Brigade, Brigadier General MT Aminu from Army War College Nigeria to Headquarters 35 Brigade among several others. "It is imperative to note that redeployment in the Nigerian Army is routine, particularly with the recent promotion of senior officers as approved by the Army Council for the year 2022. "The redeployment of all appointees takes effect from 11 January 2022", it said.

registers on a television programme monitored in Abuja at the weekend. When asked what the commission, INEC is doing with regard to underage voters and non-Nigerians, Okoye said, “On the issue of the underage voters, this commission published the entire registered voters in Nigeria in various local government areas and all the registration areas. “People have made their objections, complaints and claims. The commission is presently cleaning up the voter register. The cleaning up is an ongoing exercise and we are going to try our best to make sure that we go into the 2023 general election with a voter register Nigerians will be proud of. “In terms of non-Nigerians voting, only validly registered voters will be in the position to vote in the 2023 general election. Any time Immigration Service sees any non-Nigerian with a voter’s card and claims to be a Nigerian, they should arrest him and make the card available to INEC and we cancel those registrations. “Therefore, Nigerians should be on the lookout. If any non-Nigerian approaches any of the polling units, they should alert security agencies,” he explained. INEC has also created new centres for the collection of

PVCs in the FCT. According to a circular released by the commission on late Friday in Abuja, the period set for the collection of the PVCs from the designated centres, is between January 6 and January 15. Meanwhile, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Onaiyekan, has cautioned politicians against any attempt to rig the forthcoming general election. “With the current yearnings of the people for a better country, the election will no longer be business as usual,” Onaiyekan said yesterday during the celebration of his 40th anniversary as Bishop, at the Holy Trinity Church, Maitama, Abuja. “As regards to the results of the elections, politicians should desist from any form of manipulations to their favour if not voted for. “All those who are planning to play games and scheme to rig in order to frustrate the desire of the decision of the people as regards the results of the elections, should desist from such. “All of them whether they are in government or not; they should desist from rigging or causing violence, they should not do it, they should allow this election to run in a free and fair way,” he noted. He stated that he has no

special candidate, adding that the advice was for the politicians to understand that “the mood in which Nigeria now is, is not a mood that they will quietly accept a rigged election. “For the sake of peace, there will be serious repercussions if anybody doesn’t allow free and fair elections. It won’t be business as usual, anymore. “I want Nigerians to know that they can no longer keep quiet all the time, hoping that things will change; that God will work miracles.” Onaiyekan advised Nigerians to use their voter cards to express their minds. According to him, the outcome of the election will not be about who has more campaign posters or can mobilise more crowds to stadiums. “It will depend on who can convince Nigerians, and give us a new kind of government. “Government that is based on people interested in working for the common good and not out to enrich themselves or stay in power or protect their stolen wealth so as not to be queried,” he said. The Archbishop advised politicians to fear God, as they would answer to their actions before Him. “Even if no one asks questions, God will ask questions and He has His way of asking questions,” he added.

Adeboye: Only Jobless People Attend Political Rallies Segun James The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has expressed concern over the massive participation of young people in political rallies, saying only jobless people attend political rallies. The renowned cleric who made this known at the weekend during the RCCG January Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption City, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, also accused political parties of hiring crowds to attend their rallies. “I watch it on the news. If human beings promote you, oh, I don’t know whether I should

say this. I’m sure you have been watching the campaign rallies; I watch them on the news. I don’t know if you have noticed that two different people don’t hold their campaign simultaneously in a town. “Have you noticed that? You don’t know why? Because the majority of the crowd is rented. So I come, I pay, you gather. After I’ve gone, another man comes, he pays, you gather.” He added, “Somebody said, ‘Daddy, you keep on saying that you haven’t heard from God about who will win or who will…’ Maybe because several things are occupying my mind and one of them is; when I see the crowd gathering and if you

look at the crowd, the majority of them are young. “When I see the hundreds of thousands of youths, you have to be jobless to be attending all these rallies. What is going to happen when the campaigns are over?” Adeboye also hinted that God had not spoken to him yet about the winner of the next president of the country in the forthcoming 2023 polls. He added that members of RCCG and Nigerians at large should ensure their Permanent Voter Cards are handy and ready to be used to exercise their civic rights come February 25 presidential poll whether God specifies the winner before then or not.

“You may be saying the election is next month and He has not spoken until now. I advise that you get your PVCs ready. “If He doesn’t speak before the elections, then be ready to vote as your spirit leads. If He tells me, well, I may tell you or I may not,” he said. Speaking to the congregation on other prophecies that might have been heard on the winner, Adeboye said it is important to listen to only the words of God and discard fake prophecies. The RCCG leader further charged the congregation to ensure they live holy to hear when God speaks and to be ready to follow His directives so as not to be led astray by fake prophecies.

SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8 , 2023

BUSINESS

Editor: Festus Akanbi 08038588469 Email:festus.akanbi@thisdaylive.com

Using Power Sector as Catalyst for Economic Devt in 2023

As the countdown to the transmission of power to the next administration in May this year continues, analysts say there is an opportunity for the outgoing government to write its name in gold by using the power sector as a launch pad for Nigeria’s economic transformation which it has always trumpeted, writes Festus Akanbi

ith the full resumption of business and commercial activities in the country after the New Year break, conversations around the economy are being narrowed down to the revamping of the power sector as a catalyst for economic development and as D ODVW GLWFK HͿRUW RI 3UHVLGHQW 0XKDPPGX %XKDUL administration to write its name in gold. Although the incumbent administration has EDUHO\ ÀYH PRQWKV WR KDQG RYHU WR D QHZ JRYHUQPHQW which will emerge after the February 25 presidential HOHFWLRQ HFRQRPLF DͿDLUV FRPPHQWDWRUV VDLG WKH ÀYH PRQWK SHULRG RͿHUV WKH %XKDUL DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ the golden opportunity to redeem itself after a period RI ÁRSS\ SHUIRUPDQFH LQ WKH HFRQRPLF VHFWRU )RU LQVWDQFH WKH &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI WKH &HQWUH IRU WKH 3URPRWLRQ RI 3ULYDWH (QWHUSULVH &33( 'U 0XGD <XVXI VDLG QRZ LV WKH WLPH to reposition the power sector as well as address lingering downstream oil sector challenges to enable PDMRU LQYHVWPHQW LQÁRZ LQWR WKH FRXQWU\ E\ 'UXPPLQJ VXSSRUW IRU D SRZHU VHFWRU UHIRUP Yusuf said: “An enabling environment must be created to sustain current private sector investment in the sector and attract new private capital to the A power transmission plant electricity sector. Urgent reforms are vital concerning HOHFWULFLW\ WDULͿV PHWHULQJ DQG WKH GHHSHQLQJ RI JHQHUDWRUV QHHGV PHJDZDWWV RI SRZHU WR WKH HQHUJ\ PL[ :H QHHG UREXVW LQFHQWLYHV ÀVFDO meet its energy needs. The nation is plunged into DQG PRQHWDU\ WR ERRVW SULYDWH LQYHVWPHQW LQ darkness from time to time due to frequent national renewable energy.” grid collapses, thus piling pressure on businesses With the administration almost giving up on the and households who spend heavily on diesel and oil sector amidst a regime of indiscriminate pricing generators to generate their power. of petrol and diesel and the attendant catastrophic There is a very long list of manufacturing consequences on businesses, analysts said the last companies and factories that have folded up in straw available to the current administration remains 1LJHULD 7KH VKRUWOLVW LQFOXGHV %HUHF %DWWHULHV ([LGH the power sector. %DWWHULHV 2NLQ %LVFXLWV 2VRJER 6WHHO 5ROOLQJ 0LOOV The thinking is that should the government 1LJHULD 6XJDU &RPSDQ\ %DFLWD 7DWH DQG /\OH 6XJDU reposition the power sector in a way that will Company; Matches Manufacturing Company, meet the needs of the Nigerian populace, the ,ORULQ 1LJHULD 3DSHU 0LOO /LPLWHG ORFDWHG LQ -HEED administration would have provided a catalyst Kwara State; Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing for economic development with a corresponding &RPSDQ\ /LPLWHG 2NX ,ERNX $NZD ,ERP 6WDWH increase in revenue accruable to the government DQG WKH 1LJHULDQ 1DWLRQDO 3DSHU 0DQXIDFWXULQJ in form of taxes and levies. &RPSDQ\ /LPLWHG LQ 2JXQ 6WDWH $OWKRXJK WKH The reality today is that Nigeria’s power industry death of these organisations was caused by many LV PXOWLGLPHQVLRQDOO\ FKDOOHQJHG D΁LFWHG E\ UHDVRQV DQDO\VWV VDLG LQVX΀FLHQW SRZHU VXSSO\ LQ under-investment, outdated infrastructure, debts the country played a big role in sealing their fate. DQG LQH΀FLHQFLHV 3RZHU VKRUWDJHV KDYH FULSSOHG SMEs, stunted the growth of productive sectors Power as Catalyst for Economic Revival and made the cost of local products uncompetitive. According to experts, energy is required to power industrial processes and to produce goods, Power Sector Reform equipment and services in a vast majority of 7KH (OHFWULF 3RZHU 6HFWRU 5HIRUP $FW DQG SURGXFWLYH VHFWRUV ZLWKLQ DQ HFRQRP\ ,W LV WKH VXFFHHGLQJ 5RDGPDS IRU 3RZHU 6HFWRU 5HIRUP WKHUHIRUH FRUUHFW WR VD\ WKDW LQVX΀FLHQW XQUHOL VHW RXW WR FRPSUHKHQVLYHO\ WUDQVIRUP WKH able or costly access to electricity has remained power industry through privatisation, raise output a binding constraint to business in Nigeria. WR 0: E\ DQG DWWUDFW LQYHVWPHQW DQG ,QGXVWU\ FRPPHQWDWRUV ODPHQWHG WKH IDFW WKH EHVW JOREDO SOD\HUV LQWR WKH PDUNHW 5HJUHWWDEO\ that the limited growth of Nigeria’s electricity the lofty milestones have been missed because of supply industry, combined with the high cost the age-long decay occasioned by mismanaging of diesel and petrol generation, has crippled privatisation. the growth of the country’s productive and Today, Nigeria’s electricity supply industry is FRPPHUFLDO LQGXVWULHV $GGLWLRQDOO\ LW KDV VWLÁHG in the middle of a protracted crisis which analysts the creation of jobs in this sector, adding to the said is characterised by the recent takeover of many burden of unemployment in a large and rapidly HOHFWULFLW\ GLVWULEXWLRQ FRPSDQLHV 'LV&RV E\ FRP- growing population. mercial banks and lenders due to poor management Speaking on how a revamped power sector can SHUIRUPDQFH H[HPSOLÀHG E\ ORDQ GHIDXOW WKH trigger economic development, a member of the frequent collapse of the national electricity grid GHIXQFW 3UHVLGHQWLDO 7DVNIRUFH RQ 3RZHU 0U %HOLMH network, strike actions by electricity sector workers; Madu explained that while being the common and 44.6% of Nigerians still without access to the denominator for sustainable economic growth, electricity grid- one of the highest in the world, in improved electricity supply would simultaneously nominal terms. put money in the pockets of all Nigerians, since According to the Senior Special Assistant to most Nigerians currently rely on self-generation WKH 3UHVLGHQW RQ 3RZHU ,QIUDVWUXFWXUH 1LJHULD that cost more than grid-supplied electricity, in where businesses rely more on diesel-powered terms of naira/kWhr.

Job Creation +H H[SODLQHG WKDW WKH GLUHFW HͿHFW RI SURYLGLQJ constant and sustainable electricity will be that 1LJHULDQV DUH DVVXUHG RI KDYLQJ D VX΀FLHQW VXSSO\ of electricity to their homes and places of work, adding that the ample supply of electricity would stimulate the creation of additional jobs. “First, the increased jobs would be created via the construction and operation of power plants across Nigeria, as well as, the construction of facilities QHHGHG WR VXSSO\ IXHO WR WKHVH SRZHU SODQWV ,Q addition, the infrastructure required to evacuate electricity from the power plants and distribute the electricity to Nigerians would also have to be GHYHORSHG 'XULQJ WKH FRQVWUXFWLRQ VWDJH RI WKHVH facilities, thousands of additional jobs would be needed,” he said. 2Q WKH RWKHU KDQG WKH LQGLUHFW HͿHFW DFFRUGLQJ to Madu, will be that the provision of a constant and sustainable electricity supply will ensure the creation of indirect jobs within the Nigerian economy. He explained that these indirect jobs will be created by the suppliers of goods and services used in the construction and operation of power plants, transmission and distribution facilities. ´7KH LQGXFHG HͿHFW ZLOO EH WKDW WKH SURYLVLRQ of a constant and sustainable electricity supply ZLOO LQ DGGLWLRQ KDYH DQ LQGXFHG HͿHFW RQ WKH 1LJHULDQ HFRQRP\ WKH LQGXFHG HͿHFW ZLOO FRPH LQ IRUP RI H΀FLHQF\ RI VHUYLFHV GXH WR LQFUHDVHG productivity and increased material demand, created by consumers, spending their wages on local goods and services. As a result of the direct and indirect jobs created during the construction and operation phases, new consumers would be added to boost the economy,” he explained. +H EHOLHYHV WKDW WKH JHQHUDO HͿHFW ZLOO DOVR include industrial customers, typically, facilities and equipment which use electricity for processing, producing or assembling goods; diverse industries, such as manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and construction would prosper with an uninterrupted electricity supply. Overall, this sector uses more than a third of Nigeria’s electricity. Economic Cost ,Q LWV UHSRUW RQ WKH LPSDFW RI UHJXODU SRZHU

FXWV ODVW \HDU WKH :RUOG %DQN VDLG WKH HFRQRPLF cost of power shortages in Nigeria is estimated at around $28 billion – equivalent to 2% of its Gross 'RPHVWLF 3URGXFW *'3 ´7KH ODFN RI UHOLDEOH SRZHU KDV VWLÁHG HFRQRPLF DFWLYLW\ DQG SULYDWH investment and job creation, which is ultimately ZKDW LV QHHGHG WR OLIW PLOOLRQ 1LJHULDQV RXW RI SRYHUW\ µ VDLG 6KXEKDP &KDXGKXUL :RUOG %DQN &RXQWU\ 'LUHFWRU IRU 1LJHULD “The objective of this operation is to help turn DURXQG WKH SRZHU VHFWRU DQG VHW LW RQ D ÀVFDOO\ sustainable path.” $QDO\VWV EHOLHYH WKDW D VX΀FLHQW DQG FRQVWDQW supply of electricity is indispensable for the economic development of any progressive nation. This applies to all areas of a modern economy, beginning with the production sector and including transportation and the service sector down to private households. Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry The Nigeria electricity supply industry comprises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ÀQDQFLDO SHUIRUPDQFH DQG PDQDJHPHQW <('& ZDV UH FRQFHVVLRQHG LQ ZKLOH -('& ZDV UH FRQFHVVLRQHG LQ Will the current administration do the needful by focusing on power sector development as a way of building a solid economy that its successor will be proud of or will it continue to grope for the solution to the myriads of economic issues besetting the country? Analysts said the time to reposition the power sector is now.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8 , 2023

ECONOMY ZLWKRXW WKH EHQHÀW RI LQSXW IURP FLWL]HQV ZKRP they were elected to represent. Yusuf said: “This is a major letdown by the 1DWLRQDO $VVHPEO\ LQ LWV UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ UROH LQ our democracy. The action is not consistent with the ideals and principles of our democracy because sovereignty belongs ultimately to the people. What WKH 1DWLRQDO $VVHPEO\ KDV GRQH LV WDQWDPRXQW WR disrespect, disregard and contempt of the Nigerian people and the business community.” He added: “The CPPE is disturbed by the rushed SDVVDJH RI WKH )LQDQFH %LOO E\ WKH 1DWLRQDO $VVHPEO\ ,W FDOOV WR TXHVWLRQ WKH UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ role of the assembly. There was practically no room for public hearing and engagement with stakeholders in the consideration of the bill.”

President Buhari with Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, at the presentation of the 2023 budget to the lawmakers, last year

Resolving Grey Areas in 2023 Budget Despite the signing into law of the 2023 Budget, the fate of the Nigerian economy in the transition year still hangs in the balance until all the JUH\ DUHDV LQ WKH ÀQDQFLDO GRFXPHQW DUH DGGUHVVHG EHIRUH WKH )HEUXDU\ polls, writes Festus Akanbi

astweek,PresidentMuhammadu Buhari signed the N21.83 trillion 2023 appropriation bill as well as the 2022 supplementary appropriation bill into law, the last of such assignments as Nigeria’s president. Unfortunately, he couldn’t append his signature WR WKH )LQDQFH %LOO ZKLFK LV DOUHDG\ PLUHG LQ FRQWURYHUV\ HVSHFLDOO\ RYHU LWV FRQÁLFWV ZLWK WKH ÀVFDO WHUP RI WKH 3HWUROHXP ,QGXVWU\ $FW 3,$ The budget also showed that the Senate had increased the 2023 budget by 6.4% to N21.83 trillion ELOOLRQ DQG GHOD\HG D GHFLVLRQ WR WKH SUHVLGHQW·V request to convert the Central Bank of Nigeria’s overdrafts to his administration to long-term bonds after some lawmakers questioned the plan. ,Q D OHWWHU WR SDUOLDPHQW GDWHG 'HFHPEHU Buhari sought approval to turn over N20 trillion worth of central bank loans to government to 40-year bonds at nine per cent interest including an extra N1 trillion loan to the government from the bank. Economists say that Nigeria’s government is spending more money on debt repayments than on education and health, but Buhari has said his government had no choice but to borrow its way out of two recessions in the past seven years. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s advances to the IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW URVH SHU FHQW LQ WKH ODVW seven years to N23.8 trillion, an unprecedented ULVH WKDW YLRODWHG WKH ODZ VWRNHG LQÁDWLRQ DQG worsened the country’s debt burden. Some lawmakers in a rowdy session argued that the loan conversion was unconstitutional, SURPSWLQJ WKH 6HQDWH 3UHVLGHQW $KPDG /DZDQ to suspend a vote on the proposal until a later date. 7KH ,0) KDV DVNHG 1LJHULD WR SKDVH RXW FHQWUDO EDQN ÀQDQFLQJ RI WKH JRYHUQPHQW WR UHGXFH GRXEOH GLJLW LQÁDWLRQ ,Q 0D\ ZKHQ WKH %XKDUL DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ FDPH WR R΀FH WKH &%1·V

ORDQV WR WKH IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW VWRRG DW 1 billion cumulatively. Since then, the government has drawn central bank loans each year at an unprecedented level. 2023 Budget %XKDUL LQ 2FWREHU SUHVHQWHG 1 WULOOLRQ budget for 2023 but the lawmakers passed N21.83 trillion, an increase of N1.32 trillion over the initial Executive Proposal after they raised the RLO SULFH DVVXPSWLRQ WR D EDUUHO IURP 7KH president will need to sign the revised budget for it to become law. Controversies However, unlike the previous budgets, the 2023 GRFXPHQW DSSHDUV WR EH GUDZLQJ ÁDN IURP HFRQRmists and other players in the nation’s economy. While the blame for the ‘unbalanced’ budget is being directed at the executive arm, the legislators are at the receiving end of the blame for the hasty SDVVDJH RI WKH )LQDQFH %LOO DQG WKH GHFLVLRQ RI President Buhari to put it on hold for now. Reacting to the budget as signed into law by the President, a former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, last week stated that the 2023 QDWLRQDO EXGJHW KDV D GHÀFLW ODUJHU WKDQ UHYHQXH by almost N12 trillion. (]HNZHVLOL LQ D SRVW YLD KHU YHULÀHG 7ZLWWHU handle on Wednesday, described the national budget as “hopeless” noting that she foresaw the KLVWRULFDO PHVV XS IRU WKH FRXQWU\·V SXEOLF ÀQDQFH “This is the summary of the hopeless budget ”MBuhari signed into law yesterday. Total expenditure is N21.83 trillion. Total revenue is 1 WULOOLRQ 7KH EXGJHW KDV D GHÀFLW ODUJHU WKDQ revenue by almost N12 trillion! she stated in her Twitter message. $QDO\VWV ZKR H[SUHVVHG VLPLODU GLVDSSRLQWPHQW said the fear is being kindled by the realisation that there was no precedent or guarantees that

revenues will be achieved whereas it is certain that expenditure will be exceeded VLJQLÀFDQWO\ $QRWKHU FRPPHQWDWRU 0U 'DUH $ZR\HPL H[SUHVVHG GLVDSSRLQWPHQW at the level of the nation’s debt saying, ´, VWLOO ZRQGHU KRZ SHRSOH VD\ WKDW 30% is the best President, this man has pushed HTXLYDOHQW RI ELOOLRQ GHEW DV ZD\V DQG means on future generations...” Legislative Gang-up However, members of the National $VVHPEO\ KDYH FRPH XQGHU VHULRXV criticism for what has been described as a legislative gang-up to hurriedly pass the )LQDQFH %LOO ZLWKRXW DOORZLQJ PHPEHUV of the public to make input. 7KH )LQDQFH %LOO ZKLFK LV VWLOO EHLQJ UHYLHZHG HVSHFLDOO\ RYHU LWV FRQÁLFWV ZLWK WKH ÀVFDO WHUP RI WKH 3HWUROHXP ,QGXVWU\ $FW 3,$ ZDV VDLG WR KDYH WDNHQ DZD\ DOO FRQFHVVLRQV JLYHQ E\ WKH 3,$ &ULWLFV noted that it disincentivises investments in the petroleum sector, leading to massive protests by international oil companies ,2&V HVSHFLDOO\ LQ WKH DUHD RI JDV ÁDULQJ ,Q LWV UHDFWLRQ WKH &HQWUH IRU WKH 3URPRWLRQ RI 3XEOLF (QWHUSULVH &33( FKLGHG PHPEHUV RI WKH 1DWLRQDO $VVHPEO\ IRU the undue haste with which it passed the )LQDQFH %LOO RI The CPPE also appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari not to leave a legacy of an unbearable tax burden for investors in the Nigerian economy. 7KH )RXQGHU RI WKH &33( 'U 0XGD Yusuf, who frowned at what he called WKH ´+DVW\ 3DVVDJH RI WKH )LQDQFLDO Bill,” said it was regrettable that the NaWLRQDO $VVHPEO\ KXUULHGO\ SDVVHG WKH ELOO

Tax Amendments <XVXI IXUWKHU VWDWHG WKDW WKH ELOO HͿHFWHG ZLGH ranging amendments on the following legislations: &RPSDQLHV ,QFRPH 7D[ $FW &XVWRPV ([FLVH 7DULͿ $FW 3HUVRQDO ,QFRPH 7D[ $FW 3HWUROHXP 3URÀWV 7D[ $FW 6WDPS 'XWLHV $FW 9DOXH $GGHG 7D[ $FW &DSLWDO *DLQV 7D[ $FW &RUUXSW 3UDFWLFHV DQG 2WKHU 5HODWHG 2ͿHQFHV $FW DQG 3XEOLF 3URFXUHPHQW $FW +H QRWHG WKDW WKH ÀQDQFH ELOO FRQWDLQHG WKH IROlowing provisions, among others: the imposition of excise duties on all services with rates to be determined by a presidential order; imposition RI SHU FHQW WD[ RQ DOO HOLJLEOH LPSRUWV IURP QRQ $IULFDQ FRXQWULHV WR IXQG 1LJHULD·V REOLJDWLRQV to international organisations and an increase in 7HUWLDU\ (GXFDWLRQ 7D[ IURP SHU FHQW WR SHU FHQW RI FRPSDQ\ SURÀW ´$OO RI WKHVH KDYH IDU UHDFKLQJ LPSOLFDWLRQV IRU LQYHVWRUV DQG FLWL]HQV ,W ZLOO DͿHFW WKH FRVW RI SURGXFWLRQ LW ZLOO DͿHFW WKH RSHUDWLQJ FRVW DQG ZRXOG XQGHUPLQH LQYHVWRUV· FRQÀGHQFH ,W KDV SURIRXQG LQÁDWLRQDU\ LPSOLFDWLRQV ,W ZLOO HͿHFWLYHO\ PRYH FRUSRUDWH WD[ WR DOPRVW SHU FHQW ZKLFK is one of the highest globally. “Currently, corporate tax is 30 per cent; there LV WHUWLDU\ HGXFDWLRQ WD[ RI SHU FHQW 1,7'$ WD[ RI SHU FHQW 1$6(1, /HY\ RI SHU FHQW 3ROLFH 7UXVW )XQG WD[ SHU FHQW <XVXI GHVFULEHG WKH )LQDQFH %LOO DV ´D SLHFH of legislation, which has profound implications for investment, citizens’ welfare and the Nigeria economy. ´,W LV FXULRXV DQG SX]]OLQJ WKDW WKH 6HQDWH JDYH just 24 hours’ notice for stakeholders to attend a public hearing on the bill. The public notice was published on December 21, 2022, for a public KHDULQJ VFKHGXOHG IRU 'HFHPEHU ,W LV DQ expression of deliberate exclusion of stakeholders from this important legislative process.” He observed that the House of Representatives gave a more generous notice of about three weeks. ´%XW LQ D VXGGHQ DQG ED΁LQJ WZLVW RI HYHQWV the House passed the bill before the date of the advertised public hearing, which is January 13, 2023,” he said, adding that “the bill has since been forwarded to the President for assent. This haste is incomprehensible.” Budget of Fiscal Consolidation $FFRUGLQJ WR D GRFXPHQW UHOHDVHG E\ WKH )HGHUDO 0LQLVWU\ RI )LQDQFH ODVW ZHHN WKH SULQFLSDO WKUXVW RI WKH $SSURSULDWLRQ FKULVWHQHG ´%XGJHW RI )LVFDO &RQVROLGDWLRQ DQG 7UDQVLWLRQ·· LV WR PDLQWDLQ ÀQDQFLDO YLDELOLW\ DQG HQVXUH D VPRRWK WUDQVLWLRQ WR WKH LQFRPLQJ DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ 7KH SURMHFWHG ÀVFDO outcome in the 2023 Budget is based on the petrol subsidy reform scenario. ,Q WKH EXGJHW IUDPHZRUN LW LV DVVXPHG WKDW the petrol subsidy will remain up until mid-2023 based on the 18-month extension announced in early 2022. The document said that in this regard, only N3.36 trillion has been provided for PMS subsidy. The government also envisages tighter enforcement of the performance management framework for Government Owned Entities that will sigQLÀFDQWO\ LQFUHDVH RSHUDWLQJ VXUSOXV GLYLGHQG remittances in 2023. $ EUHDNGRZQ VKRZHG WKDW WKH WRWDO UHYHQXH available to fund the 2023 Budget is estimated at 1 WULOOLRQ 7KLV LQFOXGHV WKH JURVV UHYHQXHV RI *RYHUQPHQW 2ZQHG (QWHUSULVHV *2(V WRWDOOLQJ 1 WULOOLRQ 2I WKLV )*1 2LO UHYHQXH VKDUH LV SURMHFWHG DW 1 WULOOLRQ 1RQ RLO WD[HV DUH HVWLPDWHG DW 1 WULOOLRQ DQG )*1 ,QGHSHQGHQW revenues are projected to be N2.21 trillion. Other revenues total N762 billion. The GOEs will remit 1 WULOOLRQ WR )*1·V &RQVROLGDWHG 5HYHQXH )XQG and retain N2.42 trillion for their expenditures and reserves. ,Q DJJUHJDWH RI SURMHFWHG UHYHQXHV LV expected from oil-related sources, while 80% is to be earned from non-oil sources.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8 , 2023

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T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 8, 2023

SOFT FINANCE with AYO AROWOLO The only column you may need to read on everything personal finance, money, investing -and other life matters

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Investing in Diﬃcult Times Just as I was putting the materials together for my column for the week, a young guy who had read the topic we featured last week: “Personal Finance Tips to Consider in 2023,” threw in a few puzzles for my consideration. He was particular about the article not addressing the numerous challenges a young person like him could face in implementing the suggestions in the face of the rising cost of living and inadequacy of emoluments, among others. A spirited chat ensued at the end of which I promised to respond with a ﬁtting piece to the issues he raised. The response, contributed by Prince Yemisi Shyllon, a renowned philanthropist and knowledge-driven investor, is reproduced below.

enerally, wealth building needs a can-do mindset. This mindset must be devoid of casting blames and excuses. And this mindset grows from years of building competencies, continuous acquisition of knowledge, burning desire for success, commitment and unwavering focus on achieving goals. With these and other positive natural attributes, wealth builders have developed a great chance of building extraordinary lives. Having a mindset that fuels defiance and grit helps you to face life’s challenges head-on. A cursory review of students’ attitudes at examination centres can teach us something about this Can-Do mindset. An aura of confidence oozes out from students who have prepared well for an exam, and most times, such students pass their exams with excellent results. Athletes also have this same attitude. They come to sporting events brimming with confidence and zeal. I believe a sportsman who does not believe he can win has a high chance of failing. Everything about life and human endeavours requires a positive attitude and thinking to produce good results. There is a reason many authors widely discuss positive thinking as an ingredient for success in all spheres of human endeavours. It is common for unsuccessful people to blame others, blame their environment and give good excuses for their failures. Growing up, we had a neighbour who blamed “capital” for failing to succeed as a big-time printer. He was an excellent printer. However, he had to rely on other printing presses for printing the jobs he obtained from clients. Unfortunately, he could not buy a printing press for himself throughout his career as a printer. There were also neighbours, who blamed lack of capital for not being able to build personal homes and lived all their lives as tenants. Meanwhile, back then on Lagos Mainland, landed properties were comparatively cheap. Yet people in this category were fond of citing lack of capital as an excuse for their inability to buy land. At the same time, many of their co-tenants devoted time and energy to planning and gradually building capital to buy landed properties. Those who kept making excuses for their inability to take advantage of available opportunities and plan appropriately never acquired landed properties. This trait can also be found among potential wealth builders. Some wealth builders are staying aloof and doing nothing. They are blaming their situation on Nigeria’s high rate of inflation, cost of capital, badly managed Naira exchange rate, and insecurity of lives and properties for their failures in building more wealth. Whereas, under these same circumstances, other wealth builders with the “can-do” mindset are taking advantage of the same circumstances to build wealth. Generally, success in wealth acquisition is best achieved by observing the environment and being on the lookout for untapped opportunities. No matter how bad the environment of the successful wealth builder may be, he will end up spotting ripe and low-hanging fruits of opportunities which are waiting to be plucked by discerning and smart wealth builders. Thus, wealth builders who have taken the time and effort to take advantage of all the values and attributes that have been discussed in our previous conversations will always succeed,

readily comes to mind is Dr Norman Vincent Peale who wrote the world-acclaimed “Power of Positive Thinking.” Dr Vincent Peale, a clergyman, has written forty-six books on the topic of positive thinking. Power of Positive Thinking is unarguably his most powerful book on the subject yet. In that book, he clearly said that to succeed in life as with wealth building, people must believe in everything they do. Wealth builders must be kind to themselves. He recommended that wealth builders give themselves time to attend to their health and well-being whilst pursuing wealth building. The author also advised positive thinkers to build new power and determination every time. He added that, like others, wealth builders must renew their energy at all levels as they proceed in building their wealth.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Yemisi Shyllon

no matter how bad the social and economic environment may be. History has it that many wealth builders made their wealth during the Second World War between 1939 and 1945. There were also others who made their wealth in the accompanying economic depression after the war by searching, probing, investigating and looking out for opportunities. Identification of such opportunities requires wisdom, knowledge, skills and a positive attitude towards life. Placing the blame for failure on the doorsteps of others and making excuses for failure are self-destructive and do not go well with building wealth. Human beings are not built to be passive and complacent. Man was not designed to be idle and do nothing while blaming others for his inability to be successful in life. Athletes spend hours and days preparing for success. They train hard for D-Day. Scholars prepare for their successes by reading extensively, continuously acquiring knowledge, researching and devouring books. Also, wealth builders succeed by searching for yet-to-be-tapped opportunities, acquiring basic skills, literacy and knowledge about finance and economics and growing their competencies for taking advantage of the opportunities arising from their surrounding challenges. Such challenges include climatic, economic, financial, scarcity of goods and services, exchange rate mismanagement and many others. We had mentioned in our earlier sessions how individuals such as Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote and a host of others, used this can-do mindset to take advantage of the opportunities in their respective environments to create phenomenal wealth.

They never see success in any endeavour. Most times, life gets hard for them. In life, those who give excuses and cast blame on external factors struggle to succeed. However, people who have a cheerful outlook towards life have a high chance of succeeding, regardless of how many times they experience failure in their journey. A good historical example is Abraham Lincoln. He competed for office several times before finally getting elected as the President of the United States of America. There are many examples to cite of those who tried and failed many times before eventually succeeding. The process of achieving success in life is not a piece of cake. It is generally tasking, arduous and can be disturbing. It requires personal sacrifices of energy, resources, reading, trying, failing and rising. Many times, people tell me that I must like the selfless sacrifices that I make of my time, resources, needs and energy, which explains why I keep making such sacrifices. But I laugh in response to their ignorance. I engage in those sacrifices and hard work mainly because that is how I believe I can eventually attain happiness and leave behind lasting legacies for my descendants. Indeed, the process of building wealth is not an easy one. It involves making sacrifices that are equal to the success being expected, helping to pump up the energies of wealth builders and keeping them going. Such expected success can be likened to that of a first-class student who spends all his time and energy reading and researching. This is exactly what happens with wealth builders who take advantage of opportunities around them to think positively and find solutions to challenges confronting them.

IS THE MINDSET INNATE OR ACQUIRED?

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING?

The “can-do” mindset, which can also be referred to as positive thinking, has an element of innateness. Some people are naturally pessimistic.

It is inevitable that a negative attitude towards life would result in failure. This question has been covered by famous authors worldwide. An author whose landmark book on the subject

Casting blame and excuses are self-destructive and do not go well with building wealth. Humans are not built to be passive and complacent. Man was designed to lie down, do nothing and blame others for their inability to be successful in life

My worst obstacle has been in the quality of Nigeria’s human capital. The human capital in Nigeria is full of people who want to make illicit gains at the expense of wealth builders. The human capital of Nigeria is unfortunately full of people with poor reputation and integrity. They always want to cut corners at the expense of other people. These include government officials who, without any iota of human feelings or empathy whatsoever, always make things difficult for wealth builders. This is the worst obstacle wealth builders face in Nigeria. This is possibly why private investment in Nigeria is fast dying and why factories and manufacturers are fast closing and moving away from Nigeria to saner countries. This is why our productive ability as a nation is fast declining. This is why our economy as a nation is mostly based on poor quality and poor-performing assets.

MISTAKES ARE PART OF THE PROCESS? Human endeavours cannot and should not be expected to be perfect. Only the work of God is perfect. Man can only strive for the unreachable assumptions of God. Human mistakes should therefore be factored into all of man’s endeavours and activities in the building, forecasting and budgeting for wealth. Wealth building must go through the process of planning, forecasting and taking contingencies that may arise into consideration. It is these contingencies that people sometimes call mistakes. However, they should not be seen as mere mistakes but as controllable. This is because poorly prepared and unplanned contingencies are a usual occurrence in wealth building. In basic financial management, experts make plans and provide for such contingencies ahead of their occurrences. This allows wealth builders to apply one of the most important elements of basic accounting, which is the concept of contingency. The contingency concept guides wealth builders to avoid making provisions ahead of expected profits but provides for them to make provisions for future losses. In general, wealth builders who aim to succeed must develop their competency level in the area chosen for building their wealth. They must develop knowledge, financial literacy, positive thinking and a positive attitude for successful wealth building. To do otherwise, such wealth builders are only assured of eventual failures.

SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8 , 2023

SPECIAL FEATURE

Inside Plateau Communities Where Incest Rages; 6XUYLYRUV 5HEX; -XVWLFH *URDQ LQ 6LOHQFH The crime of rape involving close family members, mostly minors, has persisted unhindered in Plateau State. The insensitivity of government and refusal of survivors to take the laws on have continued to embolden perpetrators, leaving survivors traumatised, Omolabake Fasogbon reports this anomaly.

According to Plateau State Chapter of NationalAgency for WKH 3URKLELWLRQ RI 7UD΀FNLQJ LQ 3HUVRQ 7UD΀FNLQJ LQ 3HUVRQV (NAPTIP), four out of 10 girls are raped by their fathers while VHYHQ RXW RI JLUOV DUH GHÀOHG E\ VLEOLQJV LQ WKH VWDWH The situation is worrisome, considering that Plateau was DPRQJ WKH ÀUVW VWDWHV WR GRPHVWLFDWH WKH &KLOG 5LJKWV $FWV CRA, in Nigeria. Also, the state recently signed the Violence against Person Prohibition, VAPP, questioned the impact of these instruments.

ixteen-year-old Joy looks like a new person, full of life and vibrancy, after returning from CLEEN Foundation,ashelterwhereshegotsometherapies. Yes, she became one of the escalating statistics in LQFHVW UDSH DIWHU EHLQJ VHULDOO\ VH[XDOO\ GHÀOHG E\ her 50-year-old-father, Mr. Francis Ayole. During those nightmarish encounters, Joy had felt drained of joy. The parental warmth, which many girls enjoyed with their fathers, which she earnestly yearned for, was ripped. Francis had sent both Joy and her mother, Mary, packing from their apartment in Ray Field Government Central in Jos South axis of Plateau State, after he discovered that Joy and her mother had reported his sordid act to the police. Joy told this reporter how her father frequently engaged her in unprotected sex since she was 13, producing three pregnancies. The law refers to this as incest rape. “He used to tell me he was teaching me sex education and warned me never to tell anyone. He said he would deny it if I told anyone,” Joy sadly recounted. By Section 33 of the MarriageAct captured as “Prohibited degree of consanguinity, incest described as sexual relations and marriage DPRQJ SHRSOH ZKR DUH UHODWHG E\ EORRG LV D FULPLQDO RͿHQFH Joy alleged that her father would swoop on her anytime she was having her bath, adding that it happened both when her mother was at home or away. Joy was also made to go through unsafe abortion procedures three times for her father, doubling her reproductive health woes and risk of untimely death. 6KH VDLG ´0\ ÀUVW DERUWLRQ ZDV GRQH E\ D FKHPLVW DURXQG government house in Shinco. I was given a drug and injection. The other two were carried out at home by the same chemist.”

MunaCriesWolfforJusticeafterAttemptingSuicide

Like Joy, Muna’s case got truncated halfway to justice. This reporter got wind of Muna’s case through a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Peace Advancement, ActionAgainst Violence and Rape Foundation (PAAAVARF). PAAAVARF is an (NGO) that handles issue of this kind in Plateau. Muna, 16, in a voice record made available to this reporter claimed to have been raped repeatedly by her disabled father. She said that the fact that her family members were privy to the bestial act did not stop him and none of them were bold enough to challenge or condemn the act because he is their benefactor. Muna in the record further cried: “I am tired! I need justice urgently! I am particularly sad that our family members know about this but have remained quiet because my father is their benefactor.Already, he has caused me a pain that I will forever live with, all I need is justice! I want justice served so that what happened to me will not befall my sisters. The worst has happened to me, I can choose to take or leave it, but I don’t want my sisters to experience the same.” She explained that when her father realised she was seeking help, he tried to cover up the act and arranged with some workers in a remand home for her to be detained, on the allegation of prostitution. She said her father continued with the act when she returned from the remand home. Team Lead for PAAAVARF, Mrs. Vivian Abara said Muna wasrescuedatGadabiubridgewhereshewasabouttocommit suicide. She was later kept in a shelter not disclosed to any member of her family. Abara said: “We decided not to inform any of her family members for safety reason and also to aid investigation and prosecution. Her mother later came begging to know her daughter’s hideout. We were initially reluctant, but she assured us of maximum cooperation. Unfortunately, the tune changed after the mother had access to her. Muna suddenly turned her back, saying she no longer wanted to institute a case against her father. She requested to be reunited with her family and that was all. “Obviously, Muna is pained and wounded and ready for justice. Only God knows what her mother told her that made her backed out”, Abara said. Like Lakai,Abara said survivors of incest are fond of backing RXW RI OHJDO SURFHVV HYHQ ZKHQ VHUYLFHV DUH RͿHUHG SURERQR

Braving the Odds

Despitethreatbyherfather,whoisaveterinarydoctor,Joydecided to share her plight with a classmate. According to her, she told her friend because she was tired of the abuse. Joy’s friend reported the case to the school’s principal who then alerted Mary and a non-governmental organisation in Zawan, Child Protection Committee. Mary said she was shocked when the information reached her, as she never knew such was happening under her roof. 6KH VDLG VKH UHSRUWHG WKH FDVH WR WKH 0LQLVWU\ RI :RPHQ $ͿDLUV in Plateau State, but was told by a source in the ministry to take WKH PDWWHU WR WKH 0LQLVWU\ RI -XVWLFH DV WKH :RPHQ $ͿDLUV PLJKW handle it with levity. At the ministry, Mary said she met with the Principal State Counsel, Mrs. Lohya Ibrahim Lakai, who transferred the case to Anglo Police Station in Jos. This was in 2021. Police told Mary and Joy to alert them anytime Francis was KRPH WR HͿHFW DQ DUUHVW EXW PRWKHU DQG GDXJKWHU QHYHU GLG 7KH\ backed out. Lakai expressed disappointment at their resolve. She said: “I personally took the matter up when she came to UHSRUW $IWHU ZH UHSRUWHG DW WKH SROLFH WKH R΀FHU RQ GXW\ , FDQ·W recall her name, told Mary to give her a call once her husband was at home so they could come for his for his arrest. I went as far as giving the police money to fuel their car just to make sure that there was no hindrance. Unfortunately, she didn’t call the police and calls to her phone were never picked.” Mary, however, has a reason for not following on seeking justice. She explained that Francis threatened her. She said Francis boasted RI EHLQJ XQWRXFKDEOH DQG WKDW QR RQH FRXOG LQGLFW KLP IURP GHÀOLQJ his daughter. When our reporter contacted Francis who is presently at large, he denied sleeping with Joy, let alone impregnating her. Lakai said it was evident Mary was raped, adding that threats from Francis might have discouraged both the abused and mother from pursuing the case. By 2022, the matter was revisited. This time around, our reporter who was carried along practically followed the case up with the police and the abused. Meanwhile, Mary and Joy had only agreed to pursue the matter after several pleas and encouragement from Lakai and the NGO privy to the matter. She was scared of her husband. The matter returned to same Anglo Police Station, where it was handled in 2021. /LNH WKH ÀUVW WLPH WKH R΀FHU LQ FKDUJH *UDFH 2\HZROH LQVWUXFWHG themtoalertthestationanytimetheygetwindofFranciswhereabouts. By November when our reporter called back, Mary said she called 2\HZROH ZKHQ VKH JRW D WLS RͿ RQ KHU KXVEDQG·V ZKHUHDERXWV but there was no response. But Oyewole told our reporter that Mary called when she was RQ OHDYH DQG VKH GLUHFWHG KHU WR FDOO WKH 'LYLVLRQDO &ULPH 2΀FHU (DCO) which she never did.

Mary did not deny this. She said she did not call the DCO because she and Joy had lost interest in the case. She later told our reporter that she does not want her husband to go to prison. “I just want the police to warn him but from the way they were handling it, I’m afraid they will take him to court,” she said. Mary and her daughter backed out, thus empowering Francis who did not learn a lesson not to repeat the act. Section 214 (3) of the Criminal Code Act, Caption 77, Law of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) prescribes a minimum of 14 years imprisonment for those found guilty of incestuous liaison, while Section 31 of The CRA Part 111, prescribes possible life imprisonment for an adult or culprit who is found guilty of rape against a child, which Joy is. Lakai said she could not further force Mary and Joy to pursue justice, adding that survivors and their closest relationships have always frustrated incest cases with excuses. )URP ÀQGLQJV /DNDL VWDWHPHQW ZDV QRW IDU IURP WKH WUXWK Amid incest rage in Plateau State, survivors often shy away from justice, thus emboldening perpetrators. Investigation revealed that getting survivors to seek justice has been a major restraint in tackling scourge in the state. &RQÀUPLQJ WKH UDJH RI LQFHVW LQ 3ODWHDX LV D VWXG\ E\ 8QLWHG Kingdom-based organisation, Tearfund, titled, “Falling on Deaf Ears? Listening to survivors of Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Plateau State Nigeria.” The study revealed that incest is the most perpetrated violence against women and girls in Plateau State. Investigation showed that minors are worst abused in the state.

RagingTaboo

Although incest is licit in some climes, it is by all means a taboo in most parts of Nigeria. Law of the Federation of Nigeria /)1 GHVFULEHV LQFHVW DV DQ RͿHQFH DJDLQVW PRUDOLW\ 1st Schedule (Section 3) of the Matrimonial Causes Act, Cap 220, Law of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 1990, lists the prohibited degree of consanguinity to include that between father and daughter, motherandson,brotherandsister,uncleandaunt,niece,andnephew. These laws, notwithstanding, do not deter the awful act, which remains a global threat. According to UNICEF, one in four girls in Nigeria had experienced VH[XDO YLROHQFH EHIRUH WKH DJH RI 1LJHULD·V 0LQLVWHU RI :RPHQ $ͿDLUV 3DXOLQH 7DOOHQ GHVFULEHG incest as the worst form of sexual violence. Similarly, Sudha Jha Pathak, in her study, ‘Domestic Violence,” asserted that incest is one of the most ghastly crimes of all, which she said is more common than imagined. 6KH VXEPLWV WKDW DERXW SHU FHQW RI DOO VH[XDO FULPHV DJDLQVW children is intrafamilial. Describing the situation in Nigeria, a sociologist, Aruna Justina Olufunke in her study, ‘Trend in Child Sexual Molestation, Rape and Incest’ maintains that incest is on the increase in Nigeria, just DV D JOREDO 1*2 3DUWQHU IRU 5HSURGXFWLYH -XVWLFH ,3$6 D΀UPHG a surge in the scourge in the country. NAPTIP says it recorded close to 150 cases during COVID-19 lockdown. According to experts, the scourge is fuelled by crisis, patriarchy, culture and poverty, amongst others. Investigation revealed that the act is quite prevalent in Plateau State as studies have equally proven.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8 , 2023

SPECIAL FEATURE Inside Plateau Communities Where Incest Rages; Survivors Rebuff Justice, Groan in Silence

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SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2023 • T H I S D AY

OPI NION

123

T H I S D AY MONDAYSunday MARCH 14, 20222023 8 January, Vol 27. No 10134

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

PDP G-5 GOVS: MONKEYING AROUND WITH NIGERIA’S FUTURE

TIWALADE AWIKOKO urges the governors to do the right thing and stop playing games

Leadership at all levels must be alive to their responsibilities, writes JOHNSON OLAWUMI

OF LITTLE THINGS AND OUR PUBLIC IMAGE

O See Page 24

ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!

Nigerians should do well by voting wisely, writes PAUL OBI

See Page 24

EDITORIAL

ISSUES IN THE 2023 FEDERAL BUDGET

See Page 49

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2023

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

ISSUES IN THE 2023 FEDERAL BUDGET The appropriation act looks difficult on paper. We need someone with special skills to make meaning out of it

resident Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law the last budget of his administration. Not only are there worrying issues in some of the basic assumptions in the 2023 Appropriation $FW EXW PDQ\ 1LJHULDQV DOVR ÀQG LW GLIÀFXOW WR XQGHUVWDQG WKH IXQGDPHQWDOV $FFRUGLQJ to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, “At N6.31 trillion, debt service is 29% of total expenditure. This is 71% higher than 2022 estimate as it includes interest payment of N1.2 trillion for Ways & Means.” As troubling as that may sound, it does not even tell the whole story of the mess the country is in. The Director General, 'HEW 0DQDJHPHQW 2IÀFH (DMO), Patience Oniha said that if the new borrowings and issuance of promisory notes were included, “it will be safe to say that we will be looking at N77 trillion” of national debt. The baseline assumptions in the 2023 budget are based on the benchmark price of $75 per barrel of crude oil and an estimated production capacity of 1.69 million barrel per day. Given that global forecasts for oil price in 2023 currently range between USD85 and USD100 per barrel, the approved benchmark price could be considered conservative. But this potential upside may be dampened by the fact that over the last few years actual production volumes have undershot EXGJHW ÀJXUHV ZLWK D QHJDWLYH LPSDFW QRW MXVW RQ government revenues but foreign exchange supply. With the total planned expenditure of N21.8 trillion IRU PRUH WKDQ GRXEOH WKH SURMHFWHG UHYHQXHV RI N10.5 trillion, the federal government is planning D EXGJHW GHÀFLW WKDW IDU H[FHHGV H[SHFWHG LQFRPH Yet, despite this huge funding gap, it allocates a scandalous amount of money to subsidise petrol consumption. The federal government envisages spending N3.4 trillion up to mid-2023. Annualising WKH ÀJXUH WKDW ZRXOG EH 1 WULOOLRQ :KHQ SUR UDWHG IRU WKH ÀUVW VL[ PRQWKV RI WKH \HDU WKH IHGHUDO government is planning to spend 124% of its total expected revenue on fuel subsidy and debt service alone. What President Buhari and his administration

has consistently failed to appreciate is that for as long as the subsidy remains, the incentive for private and public actors to game the system is strong. Meanwhile, actual revenues invariably fall short of budgeted amounts almost every year. There is currently no strong basis to believe that 2023 will be different. Of particular concern are the Government Owned Enterprises (GOE) and independent revenues. With a combined expected amount of N5 trillion, they represent 48% of the 2023 revenue budget. However, by the end of November 2022, GOE and independent revenues had only achieved 37% (N639.3 billion) and 50% (N1.3 trillion) of their respective amounts budgeted for the year. Similar budget shortfalls in 2023 would have serious consequences for the government and, by extension, the economy. Despite the debt burden EHLQJ D VLJQLÀFDQW VWUDLQ on the nation’s resources, the federal government plans to borrow even more in 2023. Such borrowing SODQV DUH OLNHO\ WR FUHDWH D SUREOHP QRW MXVW IRU WKH next government but also for future generations. The unrealistic foreign exchange rate assumption of N435 per USD, which is less than 60 per cent of the growing rate at the parallel market has its pros and cons from a budget standpoint. But it is a signal that the Buhari administration intends to continue with multiple exchange rates and the associated incentives for sharp practices whilst it remains in power. Unfortunately, the 2023 budget is still replete with the usual frivolous items that will be funded from borrowed money. More disturbing is that most of these frivolous proposals escaped the scrutiny of the National Assembly, the arm of government which has the power of the purse. Come 29th May, the country will have a new leader. It is unclear what effect the general election and transition to a new government will have on budget performance – both in terms of revenues and expenditure. But one thing is clear: Nigeria needs a new president with the technical know-how to make the right choices, as well as the will and skill to implement accordingly.

As long as the subsidy remains, the incentive for private and public actors to game the system is strong

Letters to the Editor

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

LETTERS

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF ENDORSEMENT IN NIGERIA? The clocks ticks furiously but fatefully towards a general election that would prove crucial for the future of the country. There are many Nigerians who believe with all their hearts that when the ballot box opens to voters in February 2023, it will be to conduct a referendum on the direction the country will take in the next four years and maybe beyond. In a country where the deepest reservations are often saved for those who provide leadership, the relationship between Nigerians, their leaders and the process that throws them up remains a terribly luckless one. The scars are etched deep into the psyche of the country. Key national institutions continue to ÁRXQGHU 7KH SROLWLFDO SURFHVV UHPDLQV DIÁLFWHG by cancerous apathy and inertia. Corruption FRQWLQXHV WR UXQ ULRW $ ÁRXQGHULQJ HFRQRP\ has retched up a people deeply scarred by poverty. In the last decade, insecurity has come WR DGG LQVXOW WR LQMXU\ For example, in the Southern Kaduna region

of Kaduna State, it continues to appear that there is a devilishly orchestrated attempt to obliterate entire communities and commandeer their ancestral lands. What has especially broken the heart is that the government with which the people have a social contract has largely stood by and done nothing. Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Nigerians are not exactly spoilt for choice. <HV IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH LQ D ORQJ WLPH WKHUH LV D third force bearing down on the horizon of presidential elections in Nigeria. That this third force led by the Labour Party continues to give traditional heavyweight stomach cramps as Nigeria gradually approaches decision day is a PHDVXUH RI MXVW KRZ VHULRXV LW LV In 2015, a seismic shift in Nigeria’s politics saw the Peoples Democratic Party shunted out of power. The All Progressives Congress which snatched power in historic elections has rather uninspiringly gone on to post more than seven years of insipid leadership marked by

incompetence, nonchalance and debilitating dereliction of duty. For whatever the All Progressives Congress wants to continue, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the one who has been charged with the task. To end eight years out in the cold, the Peoples Democratic Party has placed its fate and faith in the hands of serial contender Atiku Abubakar. The forceful forays of the Labour Party into the corridors of power in Nigeria is led by Peter Obi, the Peoples Democratic Party’s prodigal VRQ ZKRVH UHIUHVKLQJ LGHDV DQG MDUULQJ KRQHVW\ is threatening to collapse the house of sand that Nigerian politics is. The three candidates believe that they have what it takes. For different reasons, different Nigerians believe they have what it takes. Only UHFHQWO\ IRUPHU SUHVLGHQW 2OXVHJXQ 2EDVDQMR endorsed Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the best candidate for Nigeria. In a biting letter VHQW RXW WR 1LJHULDQ \RXWKV 2EDVDQMR XUJHG Nigerians to cast their votes for him. There

have been endorsements from other prominent Nigerians too for Peter Obi. With different motives behind these endorsements, some of them undoubtedly ulterior, what is the value of an endorsement in Nigeria? It may be heavyweight or paperweight GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH LQÁXHQFH RI WKH SHUVRQ JLYLQJ it. Yet, it is telling that a man who was president while the three leading presidential candidates were in active politics has gone for Peter Obi. The signs are clear and the handwriting is scrawled large on the wall. Nigeria is drinking in the leadership last chance saloon. Another mistake as was tragically made in 2015 and 2019 PLJKW SURYH WKH ÀQDO VWUDZ It is doubtful that the Giant of Africa can afford such a calamity at the moment. Nigerians must choose wisely. Eccentric endorsements may not be perfect guides in making informed choices but they could offer crucial clues. Kene Obiezu, @kenobiezu

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 8, 2023

GLITZ ENTERTAINMENT

‘Lagos Loves Damini’ Only Conﬁrmed How Lowly Nigerian Concertgoers are Prioritised Iyke Bede Only an impassioned fan or music lover would go out of their way and purchase a regular ticket set at N30,000 to watch a performing artiste at a time when inflation rates are in double digits. This, for many, was the case with the Lagos leg of the ‘Love, Damini Tour’ (tagged ‘Lagos Loves Damini’) headlined by Grammy-winning afro-fusion act Burna Boy (born Damini Ogulu). The concert which was heralded by massive promotion advertised for different tiers of attendees had a max ticket price set at N5 million for 10 persons. By comparison, most shows in Nigeria, especially during the festive period, earmark the N5,000 to N15,000 price range for regular tickets, depending on the production scale. So with such a pricing structure for ‘Lagos Loves Damini’, expectations were high for a global concert series that has touched down in the U.S. and Jamaica, with upcoming dates in Europe. Scheduled to kick off by 8 pm on January 1, 2023, the organisers held the crowd in a state of limbo — torn between forfeiting their nonrefundable tickets or sticking it out until mercy was shown. To be sure, delays in concerts aren’t specific to the Nigerian entertainment industry, however, it has become a norm of sorts. Concertgoers aren’t prioritised. They get what they get. Even when such delayed shows eventually kick off in international markets, attendees are educated on the various hitches that mitigated the smooth run of the show. With Burna Boy, one had expected a heartfelt apology, instead, it became a case of drama, tantrums, and attack on the multitude. “If to say no be Seyi Vibez sef, I for don dey go house,”

Burna Boy said, addressing the disgruntled crowd who booed him as he made his way to the stage by 3 am, dressed in dark pants and shimmering, see-through long sleeves. “I dey here after una talk say I kill person for Cubana; after una talk say my mama dance for Fela. No wahala. I still love una, and that’s why I still dey here. If you like no love me, na God go punish you.” To many, his outburst was uncalled for, with some suggesting he was under the influence. Nonetheless, the show commenced as expected, with the ‘Bank on It’ star engaging the crowd until he, for no reason, kicked a member of the audience in the face. A video of his actions circulating the internet drew the ire of netizens. Perhaps realising the mistakes of the previous night, a press release apologising to attendees while throwing specific event organisers under the bus was published on his IG story. In the grand scheme of things, it becomes clear how the consumers (attendees) are perceived: nonexistent The average person who attended that show planned their day around it with hopes that the various teams would keep their end of the bargain. So, it was only gross incompetence by all parties involved in the planning stages despite having ample time to do various pre-show routine checks. The consumer protection act in Nigeria covers the right to safety of consumers, but this is constantly flouted by show organisers. Burna Boy lacked character in the way he addressed the crowd that night. In the end, Burna Boy gets his cut, as well as the organisers, and life goes on until another concert where concertgoers will be disregarded, abused, and handed down an apology to save face. Nigerian concertgoers remain the butt of the joke in Nigeria. It is almost as if they are granted a favour by these artistes. This has to change.

Temi Otedola Takes Flight in Motherland the Musical Stories by Vanessa Obioha The year 2022 saw actress and media personality Temi Otedola make her stage debut in ‘Motherland the Musical’. The play directed and produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters saw the actress and daughter of billionaire Femi Otedola display her versatility in the acting field. Temi made her screen debut in Kunle Afolayan’s movie ‘Citation’. She is also featured in Amazon Prime Original ‘The Man For the Job’. In ‘Motherland The Musical’, she acts and sings as young Hassana, a Fulani girl who must navigate forbidden love amidst the political and social turmoil of Nigeria in 1957. Set in modern day Nigeria but making many references to the past, Motherland is a fast-paced, educational and emotional look into Nigeria’s history and the country’s current state. She stars alongside Francis Onwochei, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan and Uzo Osimkpa. Nigerian-born and educated in the UK, Temi is

Temi Otedola (left) in Motherland the Musical

gradually establishing herself as Nigeria’s newest acting ingénue.

Entertainment News Roundup

Burna Boy

Toyin Abraham Declares 2022 a Super Year If you ask Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi to describe 2022, she would probably battle for the right word to describe it. “If there was another word for great, I would use it. 2022 was a super year. I discovered myself more. My circle became smaller. I got bigger endorsements. I decided to let God lead. I shot one of the biggest films. It was indeed more than a great year,” she said in a recent chat. The actress ended the year with her latest film ‘Ijakumo’ ranked as the 4th Highest Nollywood Movie of 2022. The film raked in N136 million in 11 days at the box office, the highest single day for an 18+ rated movie. The movie revolves around a jilted woman who deploys a stripper in her revenge plan on her ex-lover. It stars the actress, Kunle Remi, Lilian Efegbai, Antar Laniyan and Bimbo Akintola among others. The film is still showing in cinemas

piqued fans but Acholonu in her interview with a blogger did not provide a clear answer. She also alleged that the Nollywood star was more concerned about his social media status than building a home. Her revelations came on the heels of an apology to Ekubo for breaking their engagement which she said was also forced because the actor wanted to save his public image.

r 'PMMPXJOH UIF SFMFBTF PG IFS OVEFT CZ IFS FY lover, Empress Njamah last Tuesday assured her fans that she was doing fine and not humiliated by the gross action. Before 2022 bowed out, Njamah had raised alarm over her lover who was threatening to blackmail her on Instagram. The actress revealed that she suffered different forms of abuse from her lover but was thankful for coming out of the relationship alive. Alexx Ekubo and his ex-ﬁancée Fancy Acholonu

r Alexx Ekubo’s ex-fiancée Fancy Acholonu opened the lid on their relationship a year after their breakup. According to the model, Ekubo denied her sex for five years, yet cheated on her with curvy women. Ekubo’s sexuality has always

r .VTJDJBO Brymo drew the ire of many Nigerians when he tweeted that an Igbo Presidency is unlikely to happen this year. He advised that the Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi should “organise his home-front to lead rest of us… an Igbo VP first maybe to test the waters with the region is safer!” Since the tweet, he has been under fire and described him an ethnic bigot.

Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1 , 2023

PERSPECTIVE

How Government Underdeveloped the Niger Delta

here is nowhere else that the failure of government, whether the federal, state and local governments, is more apparent in underdevelopment than in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Or as Francis, La Pin and Rossiascso (2011) put it in their study. “Few regions in the world have been as unfortunate as Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. The delta’s abundant natural wealth stands in stark contrast to its palpable underdevelopment.” The oil and gas sector accounts for at least 90 per cent of Nigeria’s exports and 80 per cent of the federal government’s revenue. The oil industry has been the source of environmental hazards – water, land, air pollution – posing great challenges to the region’s economic development. The delta is home to Africa’s largest mangrove forest and the third in the world. However, “some of the oil industry activities… have led to mangrove vegetation clearance.” Additionally, Amarachi Paschaline and Onyena Kabari Sam, in a study titled A Review of the threat ofoilexploitationtomangroveecosystem:Insights from Niger Delta, Nigeria, posit that the greater part of today’s challenges is “caused by anthropogenic activities, including over-exploitation, oil spills, crude oil exploration and production.” The piteous plight of the Niger Delta region, in terms of infrastructure, is also due to extraneous factors, which include militancy of the 1990s and beyond and the ongoing illegal oil bunkering and illegal refinery activities. These activities have acquired a life that breathes with ferocity till date, stymying attempts by indigenes, wouldbe-settlers and governments to plant footprints in the creeks. Historically, the people of the region were among the minority groups which had demanded their own separate states because of the fear of their political future in the then Nigeria’s evolving federation. Before the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates into Nigeria, the Crown Colony had five constitutions. The first which came into effect in 1914, the year of the amalgamation. It was enacted in 1913.The others were in 1922, 1946, 1951 and 1954. The demand for statehood by the people of the Niger Delta were unremitting in the run up to the making of these constitutions. InSeptember1957,HerMajesty’sGovernment, through the Secretary of State for the Colonies (The Rt Hon. Alan Lennox-Boyd), set up a fourmember commission to “enquire into the fears of the minorities and the means to allay them.” The Commission, which sat between 23 November 1957 and 12 April 1958, was headed by Sir Henry Urmston Willink, a Conservative Member of Parliament, thus it was widely known as the Willink Minority Commission. The result of the decision at the Constitutional Conference of 1953 for Nigeria to be a Federation of three Regions (and the small Federal territory of Lagos), with residual powers resting with the Regions was a Federation of an unusual composition, in that one of the three constituents was slightly larger than the other two put together, while in each of the three Regions, it was possible to distinguish between a majority group of about two-thirds of the population and minority groups amount to about one-third…in 1954, certain of these minority groups expressed fears about their future in Regions of this kind and asked for recognition as separate states. Some of the fears expressed by delegates from the Mid-West Provinces – which had included Benin, Ishan, Afenmai, Urhobo, Asaba, Aboh, Western Ijaw and Warri Divisions; with Edo, Igbo, Isoko, Urhobo, Ika, Ivbiosakon, Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups - against the Western Regional Government, were those of Yoruba domination; fearsandgrievancesregardingthemaintenanceof public order; discrimination in the economic field; discrimination in the provision of public services; discrimination in the drawing of boundaries and representation in the legislature; discrimination against minority religions, especially Islam. And, from those in the Eastern Region came fears of Igbo domination in public posts and services; autocratic government; changes in the legal system; intimidation by adherents of the ruling party; and fear of neglect in the hands of those who did not understand their needs – for instance, those of the folks who lived in the creeks. The Commission stressed that the matter of the Special Area should be of concern to the

FederalGovernment,andtheEasternandWestern Regions, and not left to one region, stating, “not only because the area involves two regions, but because it is poor, backward and neglected ….” On 26 August 1959, the Governor-General of Nigeria, Sir James Wilson Robertson, made a proclamation on the area of Nigeria delineated as ‘Niger Delta - for the purpose of the Niger Delta Development Board: ‘(a) in respect of the Western Region, the Western Ijaw Division of Delta Province; and (b) in respect of the Eastern Region, Yenagoa Province, Degema Province and the Ogoni Division of Port Harcourt Province.’ On 1 October 1960, Nigeria became independent from the British Empire. On 6 June 1961, the Niger Delta Development Board Act, 1961 was assented to by Governor-General Nnamdi Azikiwe, in Her Majesty’s name. The Act was made effective from 1 April 1961. The functions of the Board were, incongruously, not spelt out. That same 1963, to accommodate the minority ethnic groups in the Western Region, The MidWestern Region was created on 9 August 1963 following a constitutional referendum held on 13 July 1963 in Benin. Till date, this is the only major administrative unit of Nigeria created by due constitutional process. And, on 27 May 1967, the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, created 12 states in Nigeria, including Rivers and South Eastern States from the old Eastern Region. Gowon’s move was aimed at satisfying the yearnings of the oil-bearing areas and also isolate the core Easterners now carved into the East Central State. Today, after several state creations, the Niger Delta, grouped under the South-South geopolitical zone in Nigeria, has six states - Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo and Bayelsa. The contiguous oil-producing states of Imo and Abia, which are mainly Igbo- speaking, and Ondo, which is also an oil-producing state, consisting mainly of Yoruba-speaking people, are classified within Niger Delta. Then,on27November1969,theNigerianState enacted its first comprehensive petroleum law, vesting in the Federal Government of Nigeria the “entire ownership and control” of “all petroleum (mineral oil and gas) in, under or upon any land (including one covered by water) in Nigeria; or under the territorial waters of Nigeria; or forms part of the continental shelfs; or forms part of the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria. On 29 March 1978, the Federal Military

Government headed by Gen Olusegun Obasanjo promulgated the Land Use Decree No 6, which from that date vested all land comprised in the territory of each State in the Federation in the military governor of the State to be “held in trust and administered for the use and common beneﬁt of all Nigerians….” “Thecentralisationofresources,”positFranciset al, “reduced tensions between the dominant ethnic groupsofthefederation,theHausa,theYorubaand the Igbo. At the same time, it exacerbated tensions between these large groups and the numerous minorities, especially those in the Niger Delta, who became increasingly marginalised from the political and economic systems. This, together with the progressive degradation of the environment due to oil exploitation and impoverishment, increased the minorities’ feelings of frustration against the federal government.” Noteworthy too, in the historical development of the Niger Delta, was the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), which was fought also on account of the control over oil resources. The war also disrupted the Niger Delta Development Board (NDDB) which was earmarked to serve a ten-year tenure, from 1961 when it was established. In 1976, when the Federal Government created ten River Basin Development Authorities (RBDA), the NDDB was renamed the Niger Delta River BasinDevelopmentAuthority(NDRBDA).Pakietal (2011) contend that this agency failed colossally to impact positively on the development of the Niger Delta. Since the Willink Minority Commission, at least thirteen inquiries, panels, commitees, etc., have been set up by various national governments and even international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) including the Technical Committee on the Niger Delta (inaugurated in September 2008, by former President Goodluck Jonathan, a notable Niger Deltan, with former MOSOP President Ledum Mitee as chairman) and a survey commissioned by the UNDP in Nigeria on human development outcomes in the Niger Delta region which, in 2006, produced the Niger Delta Human Development Report. Also,sincetheestablishmentoftheNDDB,there have been four other interventionist agencies and even a Ministry of Niger Delta. The states too have created agencies purportedly for development of the oil-producing communities in the states. Even, federal revenue allocations to oil-producing states

or, and, the various agencies have progressively been increased. Today, the states are entitled to 13 per cent derivation revenue, by virtue of Section 162 (2) of the 1999 Constitution. Despite these, it had been more of moves than movements: the problems they were created to tackle are not only still there but have also grown in greatproportions.Agitationswhichclimaxedinthe militancy of the 1990s and in ongoing pervasive illegal bunkering and refining, have heightened. These have left the creeks messier because of the environmental degradation arising from the consequences of the continuous high spate of oil spills, unprecedented elsewhere in the world. Professor Obafemi Ajibola, founder and chief executive of the New Nigeria Foundation has for long been a key development partner of the major oil companies, including Chevron, Shell Petroleum and Development Company (SPDC), Total and Mobil. Besides being a key partner of Chevron’s development programme in the Niger Delta, Ajibola has since 2007 also successfully sold the idea of GMoU (Global Memorandum of Understanding) development programme to Shell. According to him, there is little or no development in the Niger Delta “because the government(s) are not doing enough in the place,” arguing that “only the government of a country or the people themselves can undertake widespread development and not the development organisations.” He adds: “I was asking someone, ‘Tell me which country (in the world) which the World Bank has lifted from nothing to something? Is it India? Is it Brazil? Or is it China?’ The organisations are doing their bit in terms of projects here and there, and the models (of development) they use for specific countries and regions.” He explains further: “Go to where Shell has operated in the Niger Delta, you would see development projects they have done. Go to all the communities where Chevron has operated too, you would see their projects there. You would not be able to point to any local government or state government structures in these places.” So, the communities believe that (these oil companies) are the government. Speaking of the GMoU, on which he partnered with Chevron, he recalls that people were initially skeptical about it, but when they saw that it was successful, everybody was struggling to be a leader in the community development scheme. Says he: “It led to a crisis in many of the RDC (Regional Development Committees). People were struggling to be this or that, because it was the only game in town (in terms of development of the oil communities).” Ajibola further says that under the GMoU scheme, they were not the ones who identified the leaders of the communities to discuss with. “Communities did. Chevron had had more than 40 years’ relationship with them, so they already knew the leaders before the GMoU. It was just that they came up with a new model of dealing with them. Hitherto, they were dealing with them individually and it led to much crisis.” He believes that the onus is on the governments at various levels to develop the Niger Delta. He explains that there are a lot of things government can do there, “like build schools, and through that, because the students will need food, you can develop agriculture around the area. Apart from that, there should also be some support services, so that these things will help build urban centres that will serve the small communities. We need to think it out, so that we will not be helping people to migrate out of the place.” He recognizes that state governments were more effective at dealing with issues of peace and conflict management than on matters of development. Ajibola insists that the development of the Niger Delta would have succeeded only “when we make government take its responsibility seriously; we need to sharpen our advocacy so that we can compel government to do its work. Now, Chevron is doing some things, but it is not enough. Chevron is merely doing corporate social responsibility. A lot of the money from the oil sector is in the hands of the Federal Government, because as the lead partner in the joint venture, the government takes a chunk of the proceeds from oil. What is the job of government? ˾ ÏÓØÑ ÏâÍÏÜÚÞÝ ÐÜÙ× ÒÏ ÙØÞÏØÞÓÙßÝ ÏËÜÍÒ ÐÙÜ ÏËÍÏ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÓÑÏÜ ÏÖÞË˜ ËßÞÒÙÜÏÎ Ìã ÓÎÏ ÔÓÎÏ˜ ÙÒØ ÝÒÓ×Ë ËØÎ ÖßáÙÖÏ ÑßØÌÓËÎÏ˛

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

8.1.2023

TOP HIGH SOCIETY LIVE BANDS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2023 Modern life can be grim, but music, over the years, has proven to be an escape for many. Making Nigeria’s crème de la crème happy is something these famous live bands do without fail at every gig, giving each breakneck blast of throwback songs and unparalleled stage presence, ensuring that by the end of each day, partygoers are covered in sweat. These Nigerian bands spread smiles through homes, event stages and provide entertainment to many, will rock 2023, Adedayo Adejobi writes ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/victoria.olaode@thisdaylive.com.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 8, 2023

COVER

Top High Society Live Bands to Watch Out for in 2023 Akinloye TofowomoShuga Band

pproximately 20 per cent of new businesses fail during the first two years, 45 per cent during the first five years, and 65 per cent during the first 10 years. Only 25 per cent of new businesses make it to 15 years or more. Having faced daunting challenges capable of making him quit, Nigeria’s King of Live Band music, serial entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer, the Shuga Band, quintessential Akinloye Tofowomo, has shown that his growth and successes are not overnight. He is a testament to the fact that hard work, diligence and life as an entrepreneur are rewarding. Besides being an enigma of sorts, the Shuga Band is one with great history. While his performance fees can be pricey, their performances and songs are definitely worth every penny, making them the most soughtafter high-energy dance band for extraordinary weddings, parties, galas, and corporate events in Nigeria and beyond. With a 25-year career, onstage and counting, Akin has raised many other big names in the live band music industry. He has also done well for himself by consistently maintaining a squeaky-clean and scandal-free reputation. With plans in top gear to mark its silver jubilee, Shuga’s team is concluding plans for its US and UK tour next year, with the final leg holding in Lagos to coincide with its silver anniversary. Akin is looking to set up a full-fledged second-line international music management, promotions and events showcase across two continents too. Revenue source: Performance fees; tours, speaking engagements, non-governmental organisations; cash ‘spraying’, equipment rental, farming, and technology.

Desmond EmokiniovoVeentage Band With sheer guts and determination, he branched out of the once dwindling Sharp Band on his own terms, to start the Veentage Band, which has become a strong force in the live band music space. The multi-talented musician has become a performer known to take the crowd on a roller coaster of emotions. Hate him or like him, he has in the last eight years built an enviable business comprising a live band, music studio and perhaps a recording label, and headlining some of the country’s biggest A-List functions. Three years after the loss of his wife, and the coup by seven of his most trusted band members, Desmond has come out stronger, such that he took a shot at love last year, by remarrying. With this stability, the new music year is looking unthinkable! Revenue source: Performance fees, equipment rentals, studio rentals and production.

Ayo Ajekigbe- Faith Band

Despite having become a huge success by all standards in his chosen field, Ayo Ajekigbe actively rejects the lifestyle of fame and excess that accompanies popular bands. With a cult following from Nigeria’s Owambe big partygoers and spenders, Ajekigbe’s passion, velocity and craftsmanship have made him a sworn enemy as some diehard lovers of the Juju King have had to ditch Baba for the Faith band. 2022 saw him touring six states (Atlanta, Texas, Chicago, Texas, Maryland, and Oklahoma) of the United States of America, playing high-profile gigs, and clinching recognition awards at home and abroad. In 2023, Ajekigbe looks to ramp up charity initiatives to the aged, widows, downtrodden families and orphaned children, while he has plans to restructure his music business, bringing in trained and credible names to run his operations so he can focus on expanding the business scope and his sound company, which has recently renovated the Ikoyi studio facility and purchase high-powered technology-driven musical instruments. Revenue source: Performance fees, cash ‘spraying’ at gigs, live and digital studio session rentals, equipment importation, and rentals and farming.

Godbless UbeibifayenEboni Band

Eboni Band is one of the established, popular and busy bands in Nigeria performing their electrifying, high tempo and varied live set to events that really want to let loose and have a fantastic night’s dancing, singing and laughing. In the annals of his career, the gifted Eboni singer, Godbless Ubeibifayen hasn’t had it better. He attests to a very busy and eventful 2022. Having experienced a distant glimmer after being badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic which took the world by storm, he has since risen and come out stronger, belting out good oldies with a smooth, rich voice reminiscent of Frank Sinatra and his contemporaries. With eyes on expansion in 2023, the power dresser, humour-merchant is looking to position himself for mouth-watering figures in billing and patronage. Revenue source: Performance fees, cash ‘spraying’ at gigs, equipment rental, farming, and investment in Music Lounge.

Seun Bankole-SB Live Band

Seun Bankole, the head honcho of SB Live Band has done a great job positioning himself as the life or toast of the party. When it comes to current hits, pop, R&B, soul, hip hop, reggae, and funk music, the highspirited singer and multi-instrumentalist does a good job of these genres. In awe of his rising success, Seun noticeably is famed beyond the shores of Nigeria. He enjoys a cult following by Nigerians in the diaspora, and is known for his long tours across the United States of America and beyond. 2023 seems to be a better year for the band. Revenue source: Performance fees, cash ‘spraying’ at gigs and international gigs and tours.

Sharp-Band-Anesi Maryane Omolabake OGUNNAIKE- Zigma BandAnesi

Godbless Ubiebifayen

Aristos Band

Seun Bankole

Kolawole Rogbinyin

O’labake OgunnaikeZigma Band

Damilola Ogunnaike is undeniably the criminally underrated vocal powerhouse. While women in music have been outnumbered by their male counterparts in the past, Ogunnaike’s phenomenal presence on the scene makes it easy to look forward to the rise of other women in the music industry. With her theatrical live performances, she has silenced critics. Leaving the oil and gas, real estate, and logistics for music, her passion speaks to the power of focus, rising prominence, and significant success within a short time. Her disruptive tinge makes her the band to watch out for this year. Revenue source: Performance fees, cash ‘spraying’ at gigs, real estate.

Anesi Ivharue- Sharp Band

In the days of yore, Anesi Ivharue made history and good fortunes as the toast of the high and mighty, shakers and movers of this country and even beyond. Said to have struggled after his band’s breakout, he is gradually bouncing back into relevance and consciousness of Nigeria’s elite. For what it’s worth, Anesi and the Sharp band have devised a strategy to revamp the band, their music and more importantly keep their heads above the waters. With fresh female vocals, he is looking into a new music year with optimism. Revenue source: Performance fees, and equipment rentals.

Kolawole Rogbinyin -The Metro Band

Known industry-wide as a man of courage, conviction and laser-focus, the music entrepreneur, real estate guru and Managing Director of the Metro Band, Kolawole Rogbinyin, is living true to the unique essence of his name, as the new bride on the live band scene. The metro band is fast becoming the toast of the big firms and the official band of the Nigerian Breweries family. The music major multi-instrumentalist seeks to grow and upgrade the logistics, production and sound arm of his business in 2023; whilst expanding the band’s footprints across the nation. Revenue Source: Performance fees, cash ‘spraying’ at gigs, equipment rentals, logistics, production and real estate.

Bandhitz

Elijah Odiakose- Cool Ice Band

His passion for music precedes him. Leaving his homestead in Benin for Lagos in 2015 to set up his Cool Ice Band, a talented group of young musicians, Elijah Odiakose knew what he wanted out of life. Cool Ice Band have emerged as the elites’ favourite when it comes to quality live music, delivering a totally unique and exciting musical experience over seven years. With his debut music album done and dusted, Elijah is planning to release three videos next year. Revenue Source: Performance fees, equipment rentals, food distribution, and car sales.

Roy Ubiene-Alternate Sound

If there is any band known to bring the roof down at every show, it’s Delta-born Roy Ubiene’s three-piece band, popularly known as the Alternate sound. The band is a three-man premium entertainment curator band, consisting of DJ Rombee, Barr. Ken and DrummerBoy Stanley. With the resolve to have the rest of the world experience Nigeria through its music, the Alternate Sound would in the second quarter of 2023, stage a European tour across Greece, Spain, London, Paris, Italy, Portugal, Nairobi and Rwanda. Revenue Source: Performance fees and tours.

Femi Abiola- Fujicologist

Although in a niche and world of his own, Femi Abiola, a performer, musician, adept ensemblist, dance instructor, percussionist and cultural enthusiast; is gradually gaining grounds and making waves, but can’t be pigeon-holed. Cutting his teeth with various bands, he

took to his first love, music, and has since made the best of it. Having achieved great strides in his career, the sky can only be his starting point. He is truly a major act to watch out for in the New Year. Revenue Source: Performance fees, cash ‘spraying’ at gigs and equipment rentals.

Samuel SodekeAristos Band

Known by the moniker Sammy Show, Samuel Sodeke, the founder and leader of Aristos Band and the C.E.O of Aristos Entertainment, out of passion and love for music ventured into the space 12 years ago with the sole aim of being the best and providing music to royalty. If there’s something the former member of Bisade Ologunde’s band (Lagbaja) knows how to do, it’s rocking parties. The last three years of Sodeke’s professional life as the owner of the Aristos band has seen him rise impressively, gaining traction in Nigeria’s event space, making him the toast of Nigeria’s high flyers and party rockers. With some great projects under wraps, 2023 is a year to watch out for him and his band. Revenue Source: Performance fees, cash ‘spraying’ at gigs, equipment rentals, chorale training and music production.

Bandhitz

Following in the footsteps of Alternate Sound, the young versatile instrumental band of four has become known for doing covers of notable Nigerian musicians across the pop music genres. Having emerged winner, Season 2 of the Trophy Extra Special last year, Bandhitz has had a memorable 2022. And hopefully a more memorable 2023 awaits them. Revenue Source: Performance fees, cash ‘spraying’ at gigs.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 8, 2023

HighLife

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

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

Dakuku Family, Friends, Mentees Donate Sports Peterside on Centre in Honour of Ibukun Awosika at 60 Move at 52 There is a kind of influence that one has that eventually spills over into the borders of greatness even if that person does not do anything for the rest of their life. This is the kind of influence that the corporate Amazon, Ibukun Awosika has. Despite being one of the most influential women in the African continent, Awosika is the kind of person with an attitude of progressive contribution. Thus, at 60, those most loyal to her decided to donate a sports center in her honor, capturing her as someone with a forward and strong momentum irrespective of the odds stacked against her. Known for her penchant for changing lives, the Chairman and Founder of the Chair Centre Group did not have to raise a finger since her relatives, friends, and

Awosika

Bitter Reality… Associates Abandon Former Osun Governor, Oyetola

Peterside

The gap in leadership in Nigeria requires radical thought and individuals to fill it up. Thus, individuals like Dakuku Peterside continue to stand out because of their visionary thinking. The more they contribute to the foundation of Nigeria, the greater their value. Thus, as Peterside clocks 52, one must admit that his value in nationbuilding continues to grow and will soon reach the point of his becoming a national phenomenon of influence and motivational authority. On December 31, 2022, Peterside clocked the auspicious age of 52. As is the norm with every popular individual who crosses the golden line and continues to grow in strength and wisdom, the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) got a deluge of goodwill and commendation, especially because of his work with the youths of Rivers State. Peterside was NIMASA DG between 2016 and 2020. Before that time and as of 2011 to 2015, he was a member of the House of Representatives and made many notable contributions in the areas of downstream petroleum resources, oil price regulations, and many more. Before the House of Representatives period, he was the Commissioner of Works in Rivers and ensured the completion of around 200 road projects, five flyover bridges, and 10 ordinary bridges before he left the position for the House of Rep. From all these, we can see the kind of man that Peterside is. He is someone that cannot sit still when there is work to be done. Even now that he does not occupy any paramount position, Peterside is showing himself as a rallying point for bright minds in Rivers, all of whom are willing to devote many hours of the day to helping him devise the best ways to help their people.

mentees took that duty upon themselves and donated a sports center to Methodist Girls High School (MGHS), Yaba. Evidently, Awosika’s people did not just look around to donate something unique. Instead, the gesture is an attempt to integrate sports into the lives of the school girls and stir up values of leadership, teamwork, practice, resilience, and many others. Accompanying the sports center was a 12-month mentoring programme specifically designed for 30 school girls. Without a doubt, Awosika’s mentees have inherited her visionary altruism and have a robust understanding of sustainable growth and development. Thus, at 60, Awosika remains a strong motivation for women everywhere to strengthen their hearts and make the world a better place.

Oyetola

These are great and happy times for Mo Abudu, one of Nigeria’s leading media mogul, philanthropist, and former human resources management consultant. Not too long ago, she was included in the Forbes 2021 List of 100 Most Powerful Women. Now, she has been invited to vote in the OSCARS. To this fortune, one can only say that Abudu’s time has come and nothing can obscure her path ever again. Social media in Nigeria is all out swinging in the winds with excitement at the latest win by Abudu, the brainiac who is behind Ebonylife Group. Even though her name has been raising a lot of excitement lately, apparently, the powers that be have intended for Abudu to climb even higher on the world’s global ladder.

These are not the best of times for the former governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola. Since his successor, Ademola Adeleke, came on board, it has been a rollercoaster for Oyetola. Currently, many of his associates and supporters have allegedly abandoned him, seeking what they can get from the new government since their loyalty to Oyetola might only become a source of injury as time passes. Time waits for no man and neither does loyalty. Since Oyetola came into the political limelight in Osun, he has never had it this bad. After all, not only does it seem that Adeleke his successor is after him, but his former supporters have also abandoned him. Even so, the man is hopeful that there is a calling to reclaim what he has lost, a calling that Adeleke has defined as coming from the devil. To say that Oyetola is no longer the new

Mo Abudu Winning Ways

Abudu

bride is to state things lightly. Since Adeleke took up his mantle, it has not been easy for Oyetola. First were the allegations that he had left a hunk of debt, thinking that he would win the gubernatorial elections and no one would know about it. Then were the allegations that he had taken a heavy loan, once again believing that he would throw Adeleke behind and never have to worry about it. Then were the allegations that neither Oyetola nor his wife had returned state properties. Then the allegation that he had absconded from the country. And so on. Oyetola’s reputation has not only taken a plunge but so have his associates. According to sources, Oyetola’s recent return to the limelight shows that he is alone, without the usual retinue. The moral of the story is that people will only stay when there are benefits. It is a pity for Oyetola. However, the man’s hope, genuine or phony, appears to be the only armor he has against complete despair. Even so, it was a big surprise when she announced that she has been invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (that we all know as the OSCARS) to vote in The International Feature Film and Short Film Live Action categories of the 95th Academy Awards. Abudu has been getting international recognition for her many contributions to the media and entertainment sectors all around the world. Even more inspiring is the comment she made after the Forbes List that included her was released. According to Abudu, there is still more ground to cover and challenges to resolve. That alone showed Nigerians that she is not altogether different from the next person, except that she is more driven.

Encomium as Senator Iyiola Omisore Splashes Millions of Naira on Health for Indigent Patients It’s the start of the new year and good things are already happening. For the individuals waiting to be treated at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals, (OAUTHC), Ile Ife, the former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore has brought an occasion to smile. By every indication, these patients of OAUTHC are the first beneficiaries of Omisore’s generosity and will likely go on talking about it for the rest of the year. Omisore has shown once again that there is something good to be had from helping other people, even if said people are strangers. If Omisore were gunning from a very high political position, one would have no excuse to praise him for paying the health

bills of the OAUTHC patients. However, this is common practice for Omisore. He did it in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, and this year was no different as the former Osun Deputy Governor went out of his way to commit many millions of Naira so that patients who were unable to offset their medical bills could have their minds set at peace. Something else that Omisore does that deserves praise is that he visits this hospital himself. He does not send representatives or ask other people to stop whatever they are doing so they can accompany him. No. Omisore’s sense of duty to humanity is something worth emulating and another reason he stands out as an Osun politician.

Omisore

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 8, 2023

HIGHLIFE

Olusegun Runsewe 2023 Mega Plan Mike To have something to look forward to is one of the best things about life. For Nigerians, 2023 is packed with a lot of events that will most likely revolutionize the country. In the corner of arts and culture, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Segun Runsewe, is pulling the strings of the hearts of Nigerians. If he can match some of his achievements in 2022, then 2023 will be a supremely glorious year for Nigerians everywhere. In 2022, Runsewe and his NCAC were able to achieve much more than was thought possible for an agency even when the said agency has the ears and willing pockets of the government. There is no bigger evidence of Runsewe’s accomplishments in 2022 than the EKO National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST). During that

event, Runsewe marshaled the best of what every Nigerian state could offer and brought it out for neighbouring nations to see and admire. At the end of the day, Nigeria was able to stand tall with said neighbours marveling at how heterogenous the arts and culture of Nigerian ethnic groups are. Internally, Runsewe’s game was to achieve national unity ahead of the 2023 presidential election. Without a doubt and with the high turnout at EKO NAFEST 2022, Runsewe accomplished that. Thus, with the news of a mega plan brewing in the mind of the NCAC DG, Nigerians are on their toes to see how the man intends to shake the arts and culture sector to its foundation. Indeed, Runsewe is one of a kind. And if he manages to complete his plans for 2023, the year will be no less marvelous than he has been in NCAC. Runsewe

Folake Akindele-Coker: A Leading Light in Africa’s Fashion

Akindele -Coker

There will always be individuals who stand at the crown of their trade and industry. When it comes to fashion in Nigeria and Africa, Folake AkindeleCoker, the brain behind Tiffany Amber,

is one such individual. Even now, with many different radicals joining the fashion industry, Akindele-Coker remains a very high mountain that others can only raise their heads to look at. It has been a while since AkindeleCoker was in the news for her business smarts and altogether consummate grasp of fabric, thread, and style. The woman who is known for being one of the great principals of the fashion business in the late ‘90s and early 2000s continues to endure, thriving despite the many years she has been in business. As it should be, the higher the number of years she spends in the industry, the greater her expertise. But this is the fashion industry, so it is a big surprise that Akindele-Coker has continued to take the lead despite the emergence of many new talents over the years.

Whenever people talk of AkindeleCoker, they always mention that she is the daughter of the late billionaire industrialist and the Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Akindele, as if to say that she built her prestige on his own. In reality, Akindele-Coker’s strong grasp of fashion and trends has always stood her out. Even when her father was alive, it was obvious to all and sundry that she had carved a path out for herself and intended to walk it through to the end. Currently, the stage of AkindeleCoker’s operation has expanded. She is now an icon on the African fashion stage, taking her gorgeous designs out for others to see. Thus, she is one of those with a progressive might who is still grafting her name on the marble walls of history.

Jay-Jay Okocha and Wife Celebrate 25th Anniversary Marriage will always be one of the great wonders of human life. For two strangers to come together and agree to begin a life together and then go on to live a harmonious life, that is a wonder in and of itself. And so as the football legend, Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha celebrates his 25th marriage with his wife, Nkechi, one is inspired to either take the step or remain in the same institution. When Okocha played midfield for Nigeria and multiple football clubs, his skill was shown to be top of the class. And yet, when it comes to marriage, the man has reached such a level of balance with his wife that his family is one of the most celebrated in Nigeria. This is even more unique at a time when many high-profile marriages are falling apart and celebrities are giving excuses for irreconcilable differences.

And yet, when one thinks of how Nkechi managed to catch the attention of Okocha and hold it for 25 good years, one must give the woman credit. Her gentle disposition obviously fits Okocha and is likely the reason the family has been able to stay together, strong, thriving, and happy with their two children. The great thing about the anniversaries of the Okochas is that it comes with the New Year celebration. Thus, even individuals who are not altogether convinced of the value of marriage are forced to reevaluate their perspectives. Moreover, as the 48-year-old former Super Eagles star noted with the 25th anniversary, Nkechi is the wife of his youth, indicating that she will remain with him until old age. How inspiring! These are indeed happy times for the Okochas. One can only hope that they continue

Miriam Olusanya: Quietly Making Big Impact In the old days, women were not thought of as less capable compared to men. In terms of impact or potential, women were rated on the same level as men and this allowed them to have a robust reputation. However, even though things are no longer on that level, some flashes indicate a return to that harmonious state. Check out the works of Miriam Olusanya, for instance. Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is currently enjoying the beginning of its golden age, thanks to the work of its MD, Olusanya. As the first female to hold that position, Olusanya had her work cut out for her. It was supposed to be a position that served to undermine her and demonstrate that women were still upcoming with regard to corporate leadership compared to men. However, Olusanya has proved those naysayers

Olusanya

Jay-Jay Okocha and his wife, Nkechi

to enjoy life together for the next 30, 40, or even 50 years. wrong by raising the bar at GTCO. With her many wondrous works and exploits, Olusanya is joining the many corporate Amazons in Nigeria who are gradually taking over banking. These others are also competing with their female peers who are also doing awesome things in the oil and gas sector, housing and real estate, fashion, and many others. Even so, Olusanya holds a special place in the heart of analysts because she is the principal figure who will go down in history as the very first woman to break the record of male leadership at GTCO. Currently, Olusanya is integrating the different arms of the bank to ensure that it will outperform its counterparts in no time. Considering her qualifications and the determination with which she is working and urging those under her to work, it is only a matter of time before GTCO becomes a global phenomenon.

Does Lagos Still Love Damini? When global music sensation, Burna Boy fell victim to the same misfortune that affects his fans, said fans refused to have it. And now, the show that was meant to be the introduction of Burna Boy’s zeal and passion for the new year has become a historical disaster that will likely trail his name for the remainder of 2023. It has been a while since Burna Boy performed a show without any controversy. Ahead of 2023, it was determined that he will do a show to start his fans on a happy path for the rest of the year. The name of the show was Lagos Loves Damini and it was to be held at the Eko Energy City, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was supposed to start at 7 pm with tickets costing N100,000, N50,000, and N30,000 for VVIP, VIP, and Regular, respectively, and end at 11 pm. However, reality struck differently. First, Burna Boy did not arrive on stage until around 3 am. Second, when he arrived, he said that he had been around since 9 pm but had issues with the sound equipment and wanted that to be fixed before coming on stage. He also huffed and puffed at those whom he said claimed that he shot someone at a nightclub sometime ago and that his mother was a dancer for Fela. By this time, a sizable fraction of his fans had left the venue, another fraction was simmering with anger, and some remained to bear with the artist. Eventually, Burna Boy entertained those that remained at 3.30 am and that was how the night ended. Most people cannot understand how a star whose song made it into Obama’s 2022 playlist would have such a terrible understanding of the hearts of his fans by showing up late without communicating with them while they waited for eight hours in the cold. Then again, who really understands the human heart? Be that as it may, it is no longer certain if Lagos Loves Damini. But maybe that will eventually change.

Burna Boy

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 8, 2023

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Olusegun Obasanjo: World Champion Letter Writer If this was an Olympic sport, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo would permanently represent Nigeria and eventually become the ‘Pele’ of the sport. The Baba can write. The letters always come in very simple English. No verbosity, lacking in the bombastic wordings of that Bini man and with no colour and creativity that is the hallmark of the Nobel Prize Winner, Prof. Wole Soyinka. The letters in its colourlessness, carry with it the acerbic poison that irritates and makes its subjects cringe. The subjects are usually seen dancing around and itching their bodies like they have just been bathed with a huge dosage of the devil beans. They will be rolling all over the floor and foaming from the mouth and after a bit will recoil in venomous anger and attack him with

severe vehemence. Baba has written his own o and has gone back to his farm or whatever it is that he does after dropping such bombs on the system. Another thing about his letters is the timing. He picks very auspicious times to drop these letters. This last one that is making Tinubu and his henchmen scratch their testicles was dropped on the first day of the New Year. Baba did not even allow us to enjoy our ‘hula balu’ New Year sleep, when he dropped the fourpage letter which hit the epicenter of the country and divided us all into two like Moses dividing the red sea. The abuse came in torrents. Does he care? I doubt it. He has said his own and moved on. The plebeians can continue in their raucous verbal assault for all he cares. He believes he is the

Obasanjo

Tinubu

TINUBU AND ATIKU: AN ENDORSEMENT FROM HELL Asiwaju Tinubu was about to take his lunch. It was ewedu, gbegiri and amala. He had to be careful not to eat heavy since he would soon be on the way to Kano. The crowd is usually huge and he didn’t want to start feeling like doing the number two, when Alake ran in shaking. You know that one can panic – Baba see what Aremu has done o. Four pages o. This is bad. Even after we went to beg him, see what he did. Tinubu by this time is unruffled. He has seen many things on the campaign trail. His problem at this point was how to get to his ‘pee stick’ through all the big agbada he has to wear to Kano and not this letter that was making Alake shake like a sailor who has just given his wife gonorrhea. “Dele, what is it again, you fear too much, what is it?” Dele dropped the letter and Tinubu opened it and read. He smiled and looked up at Dele and said, “what is this? A town hall?” And Dele looked at Mummy. Mummy is calm and smiled back and said “Dele please go and handle, Baba is busy.” Atiku had just come downstairs. He had been sleeping and was really avoiding Dino. This Dino, although very critical to the campaign, is increasingly becoming an irritant. His penchant for drama is not sitting well and any opportunity to avoid him was grabbed with both hands. He will be dressing like D’banj in detention and be singing with a cockroach voice all over the place making the campaign look very very

Atiku

unserious. But he was a welcome clown with his colleagues on the other side – FFK and Keyamo, is it me the Turaki that will now be exposing myself to FFK for that one to be calling me back bencher all over the place. So, Dino has his uses and that is that. So, this afternoon, Atiku, after being disturbed by his beauty sleep, rushed downstairs. This must be a real emergency because Dino is not wearing shorts, his earrings are missing and he is shouting ‘o ti kpa wa’ all over the place. “Dino, calm down, what is the problem?” Dino, still shaking like a bushman from the Kalahari Desert, dropped the letter and screamed “Turaki shey I have warned you about this Baba, did you listen? I had said, let’s release the sex tape. The one where he couldn’t get it up with the youth corper, you say no, that he is your Commander-in-Chief, now see you, see what he has done. He has finished us oooo.” By this time, Dino, who had forgotten to take his meds was in a craze. He was rolling on the floor and frothing from the mouth. Atiku looked at his other advisers in a helpless state and said, “Dino calm down. We could not have released the sex tape. Remember, that Baba has 12 of my own, including the one with the Dubai house maid. So better shut up and let’s think straight.” Dino stood up, cleaned his tears and wiped off the vomit from his mouth and asked, “But Sir, we have not been able to contain Wike, what will we do with this one now?” Atiku looked him straight in the eyes and

conscience of the nation and that with his age, status and ranking, nobody can take that from him. Everyone and anybody has been a victim. From IBB to Jonathan through to Buhari and now Tinubu. Me I am of the firm belief that anybody who is found worthy to be written about by Baba, should even be happy self. It is a distinguished little community of those who matter in the country. Ask Atiku who has really suffered and El-Rufai who has been called various names. I once asked him what inspires these letters and he looked at me with a mischievous smile, “Edgar, I just want the best for the country,” and moved to his Ayo game, unperturbed and undisturbed by the noise outside. Baba you will live long for us.

Alake

said, “My aburo, this is what I used to tell you, politics is not about singing very stupid songs and doing TikTok all over the place. Politics is serious business. Now leave me, go to the nearest brothel and calm down and let me think. Thank you.” FOR DELE ALAKE, IT’S A BEWILDERING DILEMMA Dela Alake rushes back to the Boys Quarter where he is based. FFK and Bayo are already there. Keyamo is on his way. He could not get an Okada on time. He is coming from where he went to poop. The pit latrine in his house is full again. One more reason why the Jagaban must win. Buhari has failed, see even the ‘Agbekpos’ have gone on strike. But I cannot talk o so I maintain my job o. He must have told himself. Finally, the PCC convenes. They send my brother Tunde to rush and go and buy pure water. This is a serious matter. How do we react? Dele fires first, his big mouth open with a drop of spittle falling on the letter. FFK says, “You know I have worked with PDP before. Our challenge is how not to let PDP abuse OBJ more than us.” They all chorused YES. “FFK baba!” They hail him. FFK unlike them has pedigree. His father went to Cambridge, his grandfather went to Cambridge. Bayo’s father cleaned toilets at the Railway and Keyamo’s people still sell boli at the roundabout in Ughelli,so they must listen. By this time, Tunde is back with a sachet of pure water and complaining that the price has gone up and chopped into his salary.

They all ask him to shut up. FFK continues: “PDP will call Reno.” That one will rush out of his sixth prostitutes’ bed and drop some strong and harsh words. So, we have to outdo them. Tunde, who is very deep at times especially when he is not hungry, raises up his hands. “But Sirs, can we at least look at the letter and try to address the issues he raised. He had said that Emilokan is the wrong mentality. Can we at least address that?” They all look at him and shout in unison, “common shut up. Who is this boy? A common reporter when we were in Aso Rock drinking Fura with Abacha. What do you know?” FFK turns to him and asks, “did your father go to Cambridge? If he didn’t, better shut up.” Then they put heads and come out with the very inspiring words: “OBJ is worthless, he has no electoral value and has never won any election in his life and finally he is an Igbo man. His father impregnated his mother at the Orlu motor park and since abortions were not possible those days, his mother ran to Owu to birth him in shame.” Wow. They all hail FFK. “Na you o. You are the king o.” Then Tunde asks again, “Sirs, but remember that we had also gone to ask for this same endorsement o. Remember how Gbaja came out to shout that we got it…” FFK stands up at this time and slaps Tunde which makes that one soil his

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 8, 2023

LOUD WHISPERS pants… Reno is in a good mood. He had just finished three rounds. This Friska sex tea is the best. His phone rings. It is Atiku. “Where are you? We have a situation. Baba has bombed me again and you know Dino is useless in things like this. How do we respond?” Reno has hidden respect for Baba Obasanjo and immediately released something on Twitter. “Baba is a respected Statesman. He saved my mother from the soldiers who went to Udi and tried to molest her and as such we must always give him the utmost respect. He is a global icon and we may not agree with him most times, he still retains my respect.” Atiku, seeing that shouts: “Are you mad? Is there something wrong with your big head? Are you crazy? Someone just finished my campaign in a four-page letter and you are there saying he is a statesman. You must be mad o. Do you know that APC has just called him worthless and of no electoral value? “We must defeat APC o. The country cannot see APC better than us in yabbing Obasanjo. We must come out with stronger words.” So, Kola was called upon to speak. Now Kola is even worse than Dino. He is a gentleman that does not like wahala – his statement that OBJ is supporting a candidate with little or no experience or at best an experience that cannot be matched with Atiku who has manned so many Customs post and has ‘chooked’ so many women from all tribes in this our country does not sit down with Atiku who now marshals Dino to go into the studio and deliver a very strong song like Burna Boy’s ‘God go punish una’ single that he released at the Eko Energy park concert. While APC and PDP operatives were struggling with how to better respond, the federal government who have the very best mercenaries to counter OBJ insurgency came out with the killer: “he is frustrated and envious.” Opari. Finish. All over. Federal government na winner. FUNSHO DOHERTY: A WHISPERING CANDIDACY Lagos State, the very vibrant city reported to host the fifth largest economy in Africa and one of the most densely populated enclaves on the continent will be greatly impacted with the leadership of erudite and extremely brilliant Funsho Doherty. Sadly, this will not happen and may not even happen in my lifetime. Mr. Doherty comes across as a gentleman. The very brilliant variant with ideas, visions and an outlook that will and has done well in boardrooms and classrooms. But to transport that into the wacko turf that is in politicking especially in a notorious field like that of Lagos is asking for the impossible. The other day, I stumbled on him and his very beautiful wife – they always have beautiful wives, I don’t know why- at the residence of the highly respected Olu of Warri in Ikoyi. As I walked in, I greeted him and introduced myself to him. He recognised me and smiled. Shook my hands and I greeted Madam and Madam looked at me with one eye. She smiled as I apologized for ‘firing’ Mr. Doherty in a previous article, and she said, “you see yourself.” Such a beautiful couple. Such brilliance in two people but sadly, Lagos will not allow itself access to the brilliance they will bring to the table. Lagos is taken and no matter how much I want to dislike Asiwaju and his band of ‘40 thieves’, what you cannot take from him is his ability to pick the very best for Lagos. From Fashola to Ambode and now Sanwo-Olu, you will agree that he has had three strikes at the bullseye. Sanwo-olu has my firm support. He has been able to thread very delicately along a thin line that does not allow his image to be smeared by the ‘emilokan’ disaster. He retains the interest of a keen patch of the electorate. His populism, approach to issues and passionate engagement makes his candidacy almost irresistible. So, as I had earlier said, Funsho’s candidacy is a sad approach to ‘what could have been’. If there is a way for Lagos to eat its cake and have it, by this I mean by looking for a way to access his brilliance and vision while not giving him the governorship at least at this time, I am ready for that. This is me asking for the impossible abi? No mind me, na hungry dey do me. Make I go find food.

Doherty:

Fani-Kayode

GOV ABDULRAHMAN ABDULRASAQ AND OTOGE MANTRA

AbdulRasaq

In this era of raucous endorsements, let me stylishly throw in my own little endorsement. Yes, this my endorsement may not have any electoral value and if I must say is totally worthless but sha let me just say my own. Governor AbdulRasaq came into power on the back of a very popular revolt. The ‘Otoge’ revolution which finally freed his state from the shackles of a hereditary pseudo monarchy. This put on his firm and young shoulders the huge boulder of expectations. I have been kinda very close to his administration because, apart from being my friend and brother, he has brought an above-board approach to governance which is immediately impacting the state at various levels. But in doing so, I have seen his multi-sector agenda take root and grow phenomenally. His approach towards very critical sectors like agric, education, health care delivery, urban planning among others continues to be a signpost to his out-of-the-box approach to governance. Take for example the state’s IGR.

N10.7bn was realised in the very first quarter of 2022, the highest in the history of the state. This was achieved as a result of the introduction of touch pin technology. This upsurge has enabled the government to impact very critically on his core areas of interest. His very futuristic Ilorin City Plan which I hear is the second of such since 1970 will cover an area of 2,000-kilometer squares. The 20-year master plan provides professional insights into areas of public transport and utilities, waste management, water and drainage, education, climate among others. Kwara today is enjoying a renaissance, the kind of upsurge we expect from our state- Akwa Ibom when Akan Udofia emerges and this is why I have begged His Excellency to allow me spend time with him to better understand the revolution and its impact on the people of Kwara. Meanwhile, let me holla at my brother Rafiu Ajakaye who is doing a wonderful job in pushing the message and communications of these phenomenal developmental strides in the state. Nice one.

DON’T WORRY SHEHU MALAMI, IT WASN’T MEANT TO BE As a young political scientist and historian, the Sokoto Caliphate was of immense interest to me. I studied and wrote papers on the Sokoto Caliphate, especially its founder, the highly revered Uthman Dan Fodio with continuing and deep interest. It is then not by accident that when the opportunity to stage a play on Sir Ahmadu Bello the Sardauna of Sokoto came up, I grabbed it with both hands and feet. When Prof. Ahmed Yerima sent me the synopsis and I studied, my attraction deepened. The ethos, the culture and the traditions of the Sultanate hit me again. So, I jumped into the project with gusto. In making this happen, my friend Abdurasheed Tobun who is married to Aisha Aliyu, a princess of the caliphate set me up with the beautiful Ameena. Ameena is Shehu Malami’s daughter. He said, “Edgar, you need Ameena if this is going to happen.” Ameena jumped on the project, opening up to the Caliphate in a way that I could never have imagined. But in all, my spirit kept saying, “please take me to Shehu Malami, your father.” She agreed but we were too busy running around trying to put together the biggest stage play ever in Northern Nigeria. Then she said, “we can go see him in the morning of the play.” As usual, it didn’t work. She had said he was not that strong and also wanted to come see the play. He was keen on seeing the play especially as it portrayed the Caliphate in a very positive manner and with the Sultan of Sokoto also sending high level representation. Sadly, he could not make it and sent his wishes. I received the news of his passing at 85 with grace. He was said to have died in a hospital in Cairo and has been buried within the royal grounds where Sultans are buried. My belated condolences to his family, the Sokoto Caliphate and to Nigeria on the passing of such a worthy son. A BEFITTING NEW YEAR GIFT FOR TUNDE MABAWONKU I have called very few people my real friends and Tunde is one of them. As I struggled to wake up on January 1, 2023, I got a text from him. “Edgar, I have been promoted to Executive Director.” This is at Wema Bank o not one small fintech. A bank that is inching close to the 100-year mark, that is if they have not passed it. Up until very recently, Tunde was their Chief Financial Officer but whose responsibility included their Corporate Marketing and this brought me within his purview. Forget that he dey support my plays, the man is brilliant. Engagements with him especially in an area that is not his core usually flows like poetry. He sees beyond the ordinary and asks pertinent questions with the humility of a genius. The other day, we were seated at Senator Ita Giwa’s restaurant over plates of Afang and talked about the principle of thought leadership as a strong vehicle for corporate branding. Na me suppose be expert o but na Tunde teach me. At some point, I kept quiet and soaked up all he was saying. As he spoke, I ate all the fish in the soup without his knowing. Tunde represents new leadership. A leadership that serves as a bridge between the old visioners and the eager and impatient market that is driven digitally with unbridled vision. Tunde understands both markets hence his ability to straddle them with so much ease that I am sure it was not much of an arduous task for Wema to identify him and elevate him as such. Congratulations bro, please next time allow me pay for the Afang, na me invite you. Forget say you get money pass me abeg. Well-done bro. CHINA ON THE MARCH AGAIN They have started exporting again. Corona has started again o. Reports globally have started screaming again. Plane loads of passengers from mainland China are arriving in other countries with 50 per cent testing positive for Covid. Restrictions are going up again and it is only a matter of time that the thing will hit landfall in Nigeria. As usual, our people are sleeping. Authorities are not taking preemptive measures now o. After they will say we should all go and be doing mask down and lockdown. Well for me, I am ready now. No more kissing strangers, no more entering crowds and back to drinking ginger every morning. I like living too much abeg.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 8, 2023

Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Senator Ike Ekweremadu Left in the Cold?

Ifejika

Oil Player, Uju Ifejika’s Many Laurels It is generally believed that it’s very hard to find women who will stand shoulder to shoulder and thrive excellently well in a male-dominated world and industry. But this is being put to test by some women who are fearless and audacious. In Nigeria, Uju Ifejika, who ranks high as she is an embodiment of a woman with valour, is one of the few women. Poise and glamour radiate around her. These beautiful attributes, laced with her highly cerebral prowess, have combined to help sustain her place as one of the most influential women in the oil and gas sector. The head honcho of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited is not moved by frivolities. Aside from this, one thing that has always worked for her is her ability to guide and protect the reputation she has built over the years, more reason she has stayed off controversies. This brilliant and hardworking woman is very influential and well-connected, but she prefers to live a modest life devoid of attention. The trained-lawyer is a believer in hard work, more reason she has given her life to working and staying highflying. Today she serves as a role model to women across the country, most especially aspiring entrepreneurs. A few weeks ago, just as the year 2022 was rounding off, she added another laurel to her already full trophy chest when she was inaugurated to head the 16-man panel of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Anambra State Oil and Gas Development Committee.

Family Remembers Rosemary Adebutu “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear,” So says the popular quote. Indeed, if death had demanded money,Chief Kessington Adebutu would have offered billions of it without blinking an eye just to spare his wife, Rosemary. But the Delta State-born woman succumbed to the vice-like grip of the proverbial grim reaper on January 9, 2021 after a failed bout with cold and malaria. The beautiful socialite had developed a severe cold and malaria symptom and was rushed to St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos. As reported then, days before she breathed her last, she had been livelier and very upbeat until she fell ill and died Saturday, January 9. Two years on, the light-skinned woman has continued to be in the heart of her loved ones, especially her only daughter, Magistrate Temitope Adebutu-Obasanjo who has not ceased to go emotional with soul string messages every passing year. As gathered through a source, she would be holding a special prayer for her departed mother at her residence while she would also publish a memorial for her in the pages of newspapers just like last year where she went poetic.

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, a former Deputy Senate President, is one experienced politician in Nigeria’s history, who has climbed every rung of the ladder to attain his current enviable height. Since he became actively involved in politics in 1997, his star has never suffered any eclipse. But to say that the man, who once held an exalted position in Nigeria’s political climate, is fast becoming a forgotten man is not an understatement. Strangely, not a few see him as someone who loves to hug the limelight and remain in the news always. However, he has been in the news for the wrong reason in the past months, a

development he never bargained for. He alongside his wife, Beatrice, literally poked the law in the face in the United Kingdom when they allegedly took a man from Nigeria to have a kidney transplant in June 2022. The family has appeared in the court several times, but they have been denied bail on several appearances. At the outset of the trial, he had wrongfully thought that he could escape justice in no time owing to his influence and political connection but it seems he has been left in the cold. This matter has continued to make the once respected lawmaker a butt of criticisms by many in and outside the country.

Ekweremadu

Applause as Julius Rone is Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Rone

Royalty is sweet! The luxury of a modern palace is irresistibly tempting! Fame is coveted by all and sundry! If you are in agreement with this postulation, you may not need to cudgel your brains so much to unravel the mystery behind the long-drawn battle in Ogbomosho, a very popular town in Oyo State. In March 2022, many had heaved a sigh of relief when the news broke that one Pastor Afolabi Olaoye had been named as the successor to the late Oba Jimoh Ajagungbade I, who joined his ancestors in December, 2021. The kingmakers were given kudos for the seamless exercise that produced the US-based pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). But what many did not know was that there would be a royal rumble shortly after. The kingmakers had concluded their work on March 22, and dispatched the name of the nominee to Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, through Ogbomoso North Local Government. Shortly after the

Without doubts, it would be an understatement to describe the just ended year 2022 as expectational for the Delta State-born oil guru, Julius Rone. It was the year his business achieved an amazing turning point, one in which he achieved one of his most cherished dreams. It was the moment the whole world stood still for him as they watched him show his milestone achievement that, we gathered, has not only left his name on the lips of other business magnates but has also left it boldly written in the sands of time. With a few days into the new year, the Group Managing Director, of UTM Offshore Limited, has again started on a good and high note. Fondly called ‘The Gas King’ by many, the business magnate would on January 27, 2023 be bestowed with the award of Young

Royal Rumble! War in Ogbomoso over Soun Stool purported selection of Pastor Olaoye, many in the know rubbished the decision of the kingmakers and alleged that it was a ‘kangaroo’ selection. With so many aggrieved persons from royal houses jostling for the throne, Society Watch gathered that the hope of having a new monarch for the city may not be feasible so soon. This is due to the three allegedly excluded ruling houses who have been

Entrepreneur of the Year at the Vanguard Personality Awards 2022. No doubt, this would be another beautiful moment in the life of a billionaire businessman. Since the announcement was made last week Tuesday, the highly intelligent man has received torrents of goodwill messages and encomiums similar to last year when he got a National honour from President Muhammadu Buhari. It is true that awards and honours are no longer new to Rone, but Society Watch gathered that he cherishes this latest award a lot because it is an attestation that he is indeed doing the right thing and admired in every quarters. For him, it is the reward for the several years of hard work and dedication to details. He is a strong believer of Ralph Fiennes quote that says “Award is like applause and every actor likes to hear applause.”

declared the true royal clans by a court of competent jurisdiction, have insisted on their inclusion, while also laying claim to the stool. Firstly, Prince Kabir Olaoye challenged the nomination of the US-based pastor saying that he is not a member of their ruling family and that he is not known to them. It was disclosed that there have also been accusations and counter-accusations. It was gathered that apart from the present five ruling houses (Gbagun, Laoye, Bolanta, Odunaro and Aburumaku), the excluded ruling houses (Oluopo, Ologolo and Olukan) are also direct descendants of the first Soun, Ogunlola, just as the first mentioned five. Aggrieved by their age-long exclusion from the ascension line, their clamour for inclusion in modern times dates back to March 1, 1940. In view of the development, many concerned citizens of the second largest city in Oyo are seriously worried about the likely end to the royal rumble.

Top Voice over Artist, Seun Shobo, Wins Big Awards in Hollywood For Seun Shobo, the Chief Executive Officer of Voice Over Academy, these are truly the best times as his stardom in the global voice arts continued to amaze and astound. A few weeks ago in faraway Los Angeles, California, the voice-over talent and speech coach, won a new round of approval and applause from the board of executives of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) as he was awarded the Outstanding Global Voice Arts Influencer Award for his work in the industry, making him the first Nigerian to be honored in that category. Shobo rose to fame over two decades ago after his first major gig as a voice-over artist and has since gone on to establish a training school, Voice Over Academy, which has produced some of Nigeria and Africa’s leading voices and content creators. Shobo himself has been the voice of many of Nigeria’s popular voice projects, particularly commercials and documentaries. The renowned voice talent and trainer, who is also the first African to be elected to the Board

Shobo

of Directors of Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VATSA) in the United States, has continued to astound many with his delivery impacts, impressive creativity and visionary leadership, especially among youths.

His numerous strides globally are creating numerous investment opportunities for the creative economy primarily in Nigeria and Africa. With Shobo, the defining qualification is brilliance and focus, and he is bent on aggregating opportunities in the global voice arts for Nigeria and Africa. Clearly, it appears as if he has left his peers in the dust. SOVAS, founded in 2003 and headquartered in the New York, United States, has a mission to galvanize the global voice-acting community with its annual Voice Arts Awards which had previously recognized Hollywood legend James Earl Jones, who was the voice of Mufasa in The Lion King; Peter Cullen, who was the voice of Optimus Prime in Transformers; Nancy Cartwright, who was the voice ofBartSimpson,amongothers with its awards. Shobo was honored in Hollywood alongside Charlie Adler, who was the voice behind the Tiny Toons’ Buster Bunny, among others.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

8. 1. 2023

An Artist and the Cross of the Matter With her recently held solo exhibition in Lagos, which is a sequel to a previous one held three years earlier in Benin City, Princess Theresa Iyase-Odozi directs her audience’s attention to the much-glossed-over value of the Benin iconography. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

A section of the exhibition hall

An installation artwork at the exhibition

s a travelling exhibition, Uhunmwen Vbe Ehinmwen (which translates in English as Master of the Circled Cross in the Benin Kingdom) only lived up to its billing late last year when, from November 10 to 17, it was eventually held at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos. Blame it on the COVID-19 pandemic's obtrusion if the three-year hiatus between its debut in Benin, the capital city of Edo State, and the Lagos sequel seemed too long. Nonetheless, the precepts of the historicalthemed exhibition, whose main themes revolved around the Benin Kingdom’s iconography, trail the viewer into the new year with their urgent message for these dire times. The artist, Princess Theresa IyaseOdozi, who—thanks to her recent doctoral studies—has developed a predilection for research, dredged up timeless nuggets that have outlived the week-long exhibition. Hence, everything about the solo exhibition proclaims it as the fallout of her research into her rich Edo cultural heritage. Its inauguration event at the National Museum, which included a book presentation, was attended by dignitaries like Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC founder Atedo Peterside, renowned art collector Omooba Yemisi Shyllon, and chartered accountant and former Stanbic IBTC Holding board member Sam Unuigbe, as well as other art enthusiasts and members of the art community. Supported by a 15-man project team, the artist had planned to feature 45 mixed-media ZRUNV RI GLͿHUHQW VL]HV DQ LQVWDOODWLRQ RI a contemporary Benin royal altar, and Edo EDWLN WH[WLOH GHVLJQV LQ GLͿHUHQW IRUPV %XW the museum’s exhibition space could not accommodate all 45 proposed mixed-media works. Even so, the exhibition’s success hinged more on its contemporary relevance than on the artist’s industry. Not to be glossed over

Visitors at the exhibition

was its appropriation of such antiquated iconographic symbols as textile designs, which gave the Lagos edition the moniker "Edo Batik." This is, of course, ancillary to its focus on the equal-armed cross. Speaking of the equal-armed cross, Iyase-Odozi had, in the course of her research, stumbled upon the fact that Ewua R΀FLDOV RI WKH DQFLHQW %HQLQ .LQJGRP whose responsibilities included waking up Oba Esigie at dawn with rites honouring his dynasty's spiritual legacies, used to wear pendants with crosses of four equal arms low on their chests. The Ewua ofÀFLDOV ZKRVH R΀FH ZDV HVWDEOLVKHG E\ Oba Esigie, were believed to wake him up every morning with sounds resembling a cock's crow. This discovery about the cross is even more astounding because this symbol (a

cross with equal arms in a circle) predates the Portuguese and the British as well as the advent of Christianity. This is especially noteworthy given how similar it is to the Portuguese Order of Christ's Cross. Of course, Oba Esigie, who was thought to cherish the Cross during his reign, may or may not have comprehended its importance. He was reported to have started a fundamental reformation of a long-standing Benin tradition by abolishing the practice of executing the king's mother and naming KLV PRWKHU DV WKH ÀUVW ,\RED NLQJ V mother). Crosses, a frequent design element, are often seen on many ivory and metal artworks from the ancient Benin Kingdom. As a symbol that

was revealed to many ancient peoples as that of Divine Truth, the cross actually predates the beginning of Christianity itself or even Christ's sojourn on earth. This Symbol, which is synonymous with what it represents, was widely associated with monarchs in numerous ancient civilisations as a means of handing them the right to rule over others. This was before mankind lost connection with the Light, the Source of all that exists. Hence, it is understandDEOH WKDW LWV VLJQLÀFDQFH KDV EHHQ VXEMHFW to several interpretations, one of which was by Joseph Nevadomsky, an American anthropologist. Nevamdosky believed that the cross represented "a Bini cosmological symbol for the mystical juncture between the world of the living and the ancestral realm" and "a point of convergence for very powerful forces." Nevadomsky also mentioned Olokun worship, where "the icon igha-ede (that which divides the day), made by painting or sifting of a chalk image of a cross on the ground, symbolises the place from which an individual crosses over and communicates with the spirit world," and speculated that it could have been combined "with the Christian symbolism of the cross to form a truly profound and multi-layered icon." Of course, the cross is one of the many motifs appropriated by the University of Lagos-trained artist for their aesthetic values. Still, there is no doubt that the artist places a special emphasis on this, as the exhibition’s title corroborates. Thus, she hopes not only to dredge up hitherto little-known facts about the history of Benin but also to LQGXFH WKH YLHZHU WR UHÁHFW RQ WKH SXUSRVH of his earthly existence. Iyase-Odozi, who founded the GreenHouse Empowerment Centre in the Ogun State-based satellite community of Lambe, LV D ZHOO NQRZQ ÀJXUH LQ WKH DUW VFHQH 6KH has so far participated in several group exhibitions besides holding a few solo exhibitions.

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2023

ARTS & REVIEW\\ANTIQUITIES

Receiving Bronzes of Contention

BOOK Music-Inspired Book Unveiled in Lagos

Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

Yinka Olatunbosun

“A

moment comes in the history of mankind [when] we are beckoned upon to do what is right.” That Tuesday, December 20 afternoon, the voice of InformationandCultureMinister Lai Mohammed could be heard FOHDUO\ DFURVV WKH )RUHLJQ $ͿDLUV 0LQLVWU\ V $EXMD EXLOGLQJ V 5RWXQGD +DOO ,WV WRQH" 0RUH FRUGLDO and convivial, in keeping with the occasion. By this time, the large amphitheatre had gone virtually silent after the pre-conference KXEEXE WDSHUHG RͿ The occasion? A few of the Benin bronzes in the custody of *HUPDQ\ ZHUH EHLQJ R΀FLDOO\ handed over by Germany to Nigeria in a ceremony witnessed by 1LJHULD·V )RUHLJQ $ͿDLUV 0LQLVWHU *HRͿUH\ 2Q\HDPD WKH 6SRUWV Minister Sunday Dare, and Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Professor Abba Isa Tijani, among others. On the German side was the *HUPDQ )RUHLJQ $ͿDLUV 0LQister Annalena Baerbock, who told the audience that she was leading the largest delegation RI R΀FLDOV ZKLFK LQFOXGHG WKH &XOWXUH 0LQLVWHU &ODXGLD 5RWK VLQFH KHU UHVXPSWLRQ LQ R΀FH RQ December 21, 2021. “This moment beckoned and Germany seized it,” Mr Mohammed resumed. “Forever, Nigeria,Africa and indeed all of humanity, will remember and always cherish this period in human history when Germany stood by us.” This was approximately three years after he had warned "those who are holding on to Nigeria's cultural property anywhere in the world" that "we are coming for you." It was at that press conference held on Thursday, November 28, 2019, that the minister launched WKH &DPSDLJQ IRU WKH 5HWXUQ DQG

Segun Ade-Martins

tapproximately7 pmonWednesday, December 7, Nduwhite Ndubuisi A. “opened” the GRRUV WR 1NLUXND KLV ÀUVW VROR exhibition in a decade, at the exclusive BNL Bouygues Club +RXVH E\ -DEL /DNH LQ $EXMD Nduwhite has emerged from “the near-apocalyptic end” of the &29,' SDQGHPLF ORFNGRZQ WR usher in hope for a “greater future." Although his works are highly detailed and encoded with deep thought,Nduwhiterefusestowear thelabel"meticulous."Eventhough numerousviewerspraisednotonly theworkbuttheinstallationaswell for its intricate display. The truth is that this exhibition had its ups and downscomingintotheworld.This is because he is a man with numerous duties and responsibilities, he is one of the “busiest people in the art world” 7KH &29,' SDQGHPLF has been the most challenging global event in recent times. The DUW LQGXVWU\ VXͿHUHG GHYDVWDWLQJ blows when exhibition spaces shut down, and when Nduwhite’s endeavours at the IICD Center and $EXMD 2SHQ +RXVH ZHUH KDOWHG during the pandemic, he turned to his artwork. In 2020, he “ritualised” his process and embarked on an adventure with materials

L-R Germany's culture minister Claudia Roth, Germany's foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, Nigeria's foreign minister Geoffrey Onyeama and Nigeria's information and culture minister Lai Mohammed at the handing over 5HVWLWXWLRQ RI 1LJHULD V ORRWHG RU smuggled artefacts from around the world, and had vowed to use "all legal and diplomatic instruments available" to achieve this goal. It is in this context that the minister’s conviviality toward the German guests should be understood. After all, as he said: "When Germany mooted and announced the idea of returning Nigerian Benin bronzes, the entire globe treated the news with GLVEHOLHI +RZHYHU *HUPDQ\ GLG not stop at a mere announcement, but followed up with a visit to 1LJHULD E\ KLJK UDQNLQJ R΀FLDOV in March 2021 to further assure us." It was also not unlikely that Germany’s laudable decision to return the looted objects had inspired others to follow suit, as the minister suggested with the statement: “Because of what Germany has done, negotiations with other nations, institutions, and museums for the repatriation of the Benin bronzes in their possession became swifter.” Following a series of meetings EHWZHHQ R΀FLDOV IURP ERWK FRXQtries, during which "the Germans were gracious," according to Mohammed, Germany signed a declaration committing to releasing all 1,130 Benin bronzes in Germany's public museums

RQ -XO\ Of course, not all 1,130 Benin bronzes were immediately handed over at last Tuesday’s ceremony inAbuja. Twenty-two of them were returned, and others are expected to be returned according to the schedule. But even this could not have dampened the atmosphere of excitement in the hall. “Twenty years ago, even 10 years ago, nobody could have anticipated these bronzes returning to Nigeria, because the obstacles to achieving repatriation were seemingly insurmountable,” the minister said. “But today, with the pioneering gesture of a friendly nation, Germany, the story has changed. The negotiations were not as easy as things look today. They were stormy at times. But the sincerity of the Germans played a big role in resolving knotty issues. In this regard, my special gratitude goes toAndreas Goergen and the Directors of the various museums for their patience and understanding.” Meanwhile, there is the narrative advanced by the Western museum oligarchy thatAfricans cannot be trusted to safeguard their own cultural heritage, which, curiously, the minister GLJQLÀHG ZLWK KLV UHSO\ :KLOH the Federal Government of Nigeria’s planned infrastruc-

tural development around the National Museum in Benin, in addition to other stakeholders' initiatives in Nigeria and the immense support of foreign partners, particularly Germany, which can easily transform Benin City into a cultural hub forAfrica, can indeed be described as a laudable venture, it need not be a precondition to the return of stolen cultural objects. “The infernal logic of this counter-narrative is a favourite ploy of apologists of the existing museum power structure, such DV -DPHV &XQR ZKRVH DUURJDQW defence of the right of Western museums to keep the loot of their imperial plunder amounts in many ways to crass racism,” countered Sylvester Okwunodu 2JEHFKLH D 3URIHVVRU RI +LVWRU\ of Art and Architecture at the University of California Santa Barbara, USA, during a lecture in Lagos three years ago. “The defence of the status quo is either based on the idea that might makes right and Western imperialism does not have to account for its past transgressions against African peoples or that Africans and indigenous peoples everywhere have no right to their bodies or their natural resources. Both claims are morally bankrupt.” This paternalistic mindset explains the British Museum's haughtiness, which has so far UHVLVWHG HͿRUWV WR UHOHDVH WKH around 900 Benin bronzes it currently holds. This is even a \HDU DIWHU UHFHLYLQJ DQ R΀FLDO letter requesting their return. But then, it is as Mohammed said: “The British Museum and all those holding on to our artefacts must understand that repatriation is a cause [for] which [the] time has come. They must also understand that many of these cultural objects are not mere art …but the true essence of our being. They are more than just decorative works; they represent our culture and heritage. They belong here, not anywhere else!”

An Odyssey of Hope

Guests at the exhibition

EXHIBITION and a mesmerising technique in painting. Of course, the driving impetus was to “seek meaning” in the world through meditative thought, which he performed through an incredible organisation of his home life and studio space. Nkirukacanbedelineatedintothree majorcategories.Thelargerabstract DFU\OLF SDLQWLQJV DUH ÀUVW IROORZHG bythesmallerpurelyabstractpaintLQJV DQG ÀQDOO\ WKH VPDOO VFDOH VRIW sculptures. The larger paintings with irregular geometric patterns consist of exquisite, intricate spirals ZLWK GLͿHUHQW KXHV DQG VKDGHV RI hues woven tightly in patterns that can be described as spiro-metric. $W ÀUVW JODQFH WKH ODUJHU

works with titles like “Duality” and “Innocence” appear entirely abstract, but when you take a step back, anthropomorphic forms emerge,addingnewmeaningtothe work. Some of these spiro-metric paintings have Adinkra symbols embedded. These works allude to a broader pan-African context. The smaller pure abstract painting series titled “Building Blocks” evoke visceral emotions, and the titlesoftheworksaddanintellectual context to the pieces. The soft sculptures invoke the idea of synesthesia – a cognitive process that allows a person to experience stimuli meant for one sensory organ to be perceived by another sensory organ. For example, musical melodies can be perceived as hues or shades of

colours by the listener.Arecorded phenomenon that can be impossibletograsp.Thesesoftsculptures areanassemblageoffoundobjects, a guitar, toy cars, gear cogs, and vinyl records. The entire body of work has WKUHH WR ÀYH OD\HUV RI HOHPHQWV that requires multiple viewings and multiple conversations to unravel the “thought forms” HQFRGHG ZLWKLQ -XVW DV WKLV DUWLVW has digested his thoughts over time, you need extensive time to unpack those thoughts, perhaps as an owner or as a visitor to a museum. As with everything under the sun, nothing is perfect. Therefore, the exhibition can be deemed a success with caveats. The opening HYHQW ZDV HͿHFWLYHO\ DQ H[FOXVLYH display based on the choice of exhibitionspace.TheBNLLifeCamp is a highly secure and exclusive expatriate community estate as it is allowed to be. Although not intentionally, the high security and relatively unknown location reduced what should have been a biggercrowdontheopeningnight. +RZHYHU ZLWK OHVV RI D UXVK RQ subsequentdays,visitingthespace ZDV HDVLHU +RSHIXOO\ SHRSOH ZHUH able to visit the exhibition after the opening.

Ade-Martins writes from Abuja

After a busy work day in Lagos recently, guests arriving for the launch of the book Growing by Ngozi Zoe Adebiyi were ushered into a therapeutic painting session at the venue inside Lekki Phase I. The fun painting session was a prelude to the actual book launch of the author's second book largely inspired by music and the need to help readers achieve life and work balance through receptive therapy. 3HUKDSV WKH ÀUVW DGXOW ERRN ZLWK DQ LQVWDOOHG VRXQG PRGXOH WKH book is designed to reach the heart of the readers within a short reading time. Inabriefengagementwiththejournalistsatthebooklaunch,Adebiyi revealed the motivation behind the project. "You want people to keep reading but there is so much happening in the world,” she said. “With this, people can pause a little bit, read something and also listen to some songs that inspired that writing. It is like a receptive therapy where you can calm me, it is about reaching people and helping them." The book includes 12 songs and two other sound pieces almost like spoken words. Featuring music from Cobhams, Tuface, Mike Okri and of course the national anthem, the book is an eclectic collection of nuggets drawn from life experiences as well as historical facts. "Growing itself is not more than 30 pages, full of nuggets,"Adebiyi continued. "I wrote about the strength that Africa has, how many seas run through her, then I wrote about starline; everyone is born a star. The question is are you maximising the star quality? Cobhams' song 'Starlight' is there so I had to sign a licensing agreement with all the musicians that their songs were used in the book. 7KH ZKROH LGHD LV ZKHQ \RX UHDG \RX DUH LQVSLUHG 0\ ÀUVW ERRN is Grow and then this is "Growing." We can call the book transformational, a development book that enables people to leverage receptive music therapy." The author who used to play the piano is a career coach and the FKLHI H[HFXWLYH R΀FHU DQG /HDG &RQVXOWDQW DW 2XWVLGH,Q +5 ÀUP She was nominated as a top 100 Nigeria SME Women Entrepreneur in 2017 and also listed in Forbes Africa as a top 20 wealth creator (business of the future) in 2019 feature.

Ngozi Zoe Adebiyi, the author of Growing flanked by guests at the book launch in Lagos.

Big Family Dream Returns with Season Two Yinka Olatunbosun

TELEVISION

The television reality show, Big Family Dream will hit the screen LQ LWV VHFRQG VHDVRQ $ ÀQDQFLDO OLWHUDF\ IDPLO\ JDPH VKRZ WKH VKRZ KRVWHG E\ ,OO5+<0= LV D FHOHEUDWLRQ RI IDPLO\ YDOXHV ORYH DQG XQLW\ Produced by Bafot studios, the episodes typically involve 16 families carefully selected through an open audition who compete to win a dream prize of a three-bedroom apartment and other dream prizes. $W D UHFHQW SUHVV EULHÀQJ KHOG LQ /DJRV WKH SURGXFHU RI WKH VKRZ Oludare Onasanya revealed that the second season is set to be ELJJHU 7KH IDPLO\ RI 0U $EUDKDP DQG 2VLQDFKL +DQJH DFKLHYHG their dream faster when they won the three-bedroom apartment for Season One,” he disclosed. “We are delighted at the success of VHDVRQ RQH EURDGFDVW DLUHG RQ $)5,&$ 0$*,& )DPLO\ 79& 679 DQG 5 79 LQ 4 RI "More importantly, we are excited that our Lead sponsors, AG 0RUWJDJH %DQN 3/& KDYH RͿHUHG IRXU PRUH DSDUWPHQWV WR EH ZRQ over the next four seasons." Ngozi Onyemuwa Anyogu, the MD/ CEO AG Mortgage described the company's sponsorship of the television series as a "deliberate decision." "The company is a faith-based organization and it has family values," he said. “It is for this reason that all our products are built around the IDPLO\ +RPH LV ZKHUH ZH UDLVH RXU FKLOGUHQ DQG SURYLGH VHFXULW\ for them.

L-R: Orebayo Ejiemhen Media Mgr Lifemate Nigeria Ltd; Oludare Onasanya, Producer, The Big Family Dream Show; Ngozi Onyemuwa Anyogu MD/CEO AG Mortgage; Assistant Brand Manager, Bigi, Biola Aransiola and Nathaniel Uchegbue, Group Head, Legal Services, AG Mortgage Bank Plc

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2023

CICERO

Editor: Ejiofor Alike SMS: 08066066268 email:ejiofor.alike@thisdaylive.com

IN THE ARENA

Attack on Convoys: Lives of Policemen Also Matter Last Monday’s attack on the convoy of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State, which resulted in the death of four policemen was the most recent in a series of tragic deaths of policemen attached to the convoys of very important personalities, writes Louis Achi

n late November, 2022, at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while inaugurating an administrative block for the 26 Squadron Police Mobile Force, an apparently worried Inspector-General of Police (IG), Usman Baba, called for prayers for men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force. Given the prevailing security challenges in the country, police officers and men had become endangered species and needed prayers for protection and guidance, he explained. If the IG’s supplication has received some divine acknowledgement, this has certainly not been reflected in the series of continuous deaths being recorded by his personnel while escorting very important personalities cosily ensconced in their fancy armoured limousines. On Monday, January 2, 2023, some gunmen attacked a convoy of a former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, killing four of his police security details. The convoy was intercepted at Oriagu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state. While Ohakim narrowly escaped with two of his children in his bullet-proof vehicle, his backup security vehicle was attacked resulting in the death of the four policemen. “We were driving between Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano. These people blocked us at a place called Umualumaku,” a shell-shocked Ohakim later narrated, insisting his attackers were professionals and not amateurs. “They attacked us from behind and were firing at our vehicles consistently. I thought I was a dead man and I was with two of my children - my son and daughter. “What saved me was the bulletproof vehicle. That I am alive today is by the special grace of God and the bulletproof vehicle. But unfortunately for me they killed four of our boys (policemen), including the driver.” It could be recalled that on Friday, October 21, 2022, gunmen attacked the convoy of Apostle Johnson Suleman near Auchi on his way from Benin-City after arriving from Tanzania on a foreign mission. Apostle Suleman is the Founder and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, a mega church based in Auchi, Edo State. Seven people were killed in the attack including three police officers and others including a little girl. Besides God`s unquestionable and limitless power to protect, Apostle Suleman and all those who escaped the assassins` deadly flak were inside bullet-proof vehicles which proved impenetrable to the bullets meant to destroy them. In Apostle Suleman’s words: “I just escaped an assassination attempt where seven people were killed. My car was attacked. They opened fire on my car, and kept spraying it with bullets. My wife and my kids were there. The escort

Baba

car, with some police - they killed the policeman. They killed the other people in the other escort car and the buses with us. Seven people - we were all moving in a convoy - were killed.” Again, as in other deadly ambush attacks, the decisive factor that saved Ifeanyi Ubah, the senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District was because he rode in a bullet-proof vehicle. The police high command right from the IG flowing down to zonal commanders, police commissioners, area commanders, unit heads and divisional police officers can hardly deny knowledge that that many police officers are officially engaged in guard duties. These personnel trained and kitted by the Nigerian state should be deployed only to their formal operational environments. According to former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Benin, Rasheed Akintunde, in

2018 only 20 per cent of police officers were engaged in the core policing duties while 80 per cent provide security for individuals, businesses and government officials. More, former IG and ex-Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mike Okiro, revealed that more than half of police officers are confined to private guard duties. He emphatically condemned the quirky practice of some former ministers retaining police escorts many years after leaving public service. Significantly, successive orders by every succeeding IG to stop the devious trend have never been implemented. Curiously, under the present IG, Usman Baba, and President Muhammadu Buhari, the trend has been sustained. It is worth noting that with the nation’s inadequate 371,000 police officers to protect over 210 million people, dissipating this small number to secure a privileged few is a practice that must be stopped. Worse, in an environment reeling from the extreme depredations of kidnappers, bandits, cultists, Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorist groups, what little police energy available must be committed to man its core mandate. Clearly because they hugely benefit from this governance abnormality, the national parliament cannot be expected to offer genuine intervention. Statutorily, only a few current public office holders are entitled to personal protection. These include the President, Vice-President, governors, their deputies, principal officers of the federal and state legislatures, judges, ministers, and a few other public officials. Many of the individuals dominating the police protection space ought to opt for private security services. Outside very special circumstances, such as witness protection, while engaged in state assignments or during public demonstrations, it is anomalous to deploy police to private persons. Police officers are a creation of the Nigerian constitution. The Police Service Commission (PSC) should evolve stringent guidelines defining those entitled to its service and redefine applicable rules for police officers on personal security duties. On its part, the government should encourage a thriving private security business sector by creating an enabling environment to nurture it. Liberalisation of the private security industry under a robust regulatory framework should be on the cards. Ultimately these measures would have an impact in reducing loss of policemen on private security assignments. After all, the lives of policemen also matter.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

Is APC Campaign Council in Trouble?

Adamu

All appear not to be well with the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the decision of two senior northern chieftains of the party to quit the council and the party within an interval of two days. The chieftains are the Assistant Secretary, North Central Directorate of Mobilisation, Ahmed Ibeto, who is a former Niger State Deputy Governor, and a member of the Directorate of Youth Mobilisation, North East, Zanna Ali. Ali worked with the Governor of Kogi State,Yahaya Bello, who heads the Directorate of National Youth Mobilisation of the APC PCC. Ahmed Ibeto in a letter dated January 3, 2023 and addressed to the Chairman, APC Ibelu Central Ward, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, said his resignation was due to the absence of unity of

purpose and unending litigations, among others. Hecited“theabsenceofunityofpurposeamong party members and stakeholders occasioned by internal conﬂicts, unending litigations, internal threatsandcounterthreatsofanti-partyactivities, lack of genuine reconciliation, couple with lack of commitments and dedications to the success of the party by many stakeholders,” as his reasons. “For these obvious reasons, I concluded that I cannot continue to be a member of the party. Ibeto also said he ceased to be a member of the Presidential Campaign Council, Assistant Secretary of the North Central Directorate of Mobilisation and all organs and committees of the party. On his part, Ali, in his own letter dated January 1, 2023 and addressed to the Secretary of

the APC PCC, Hon. James Faleke, said his resignation was because the party could not produce a credible presidential candidate. HestatedthathedecidedtoleavetheAPCPCCafter deciding to put national interest over personal interest. “And based on the inability of the party to present a credible candidate for Nigerians is another reason why I took my decision as a concern Nigerian. On this note, I resolved to resign my appointment as a Member of the Committee.” Ali added that he had also resigned from all other APC presidential support groups campaigning for the Tinubu/Kashim Shettima ticket. The resignation of the two senior members of the councilhasfuelledspeculationsthatthepartyisheading to troubled waters in its campaign to retain power in the next month’s elections.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2023

BRIEFINGNOTES * *RYHUQRUV· 6HOI LQÁLFWHG &RQIXVLRQ After threatening fire and brimstone and promising to unveil their preferred presidential candidate, the G-5 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party have not demonstrated the courage to publicly and collectively rally support for one candidate, and have left Nigerians with speculations, Ejiofor Alike reports

he events of the past two weeks have shown that the five governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State are confused on how to handle their disagreement with the presidential candidate of their party, Atiku Abubakar. Wike and four others – Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) withdrew their support for Atiku following the alleged failure of the former vice president to prevail on the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to relinquish his position to a southerner. Their grouse was the emergence of both the party’s presidential candidate of the party, Atiku, and the national chairman, Ayu, from the same zone - the North. However, political analysts have argued that Wike and the other members of the so-called Integrity Group had the opportunity of putting pressure on the party to zone the presidential ticket to the South. But Wike, in particular, who believed that he would floor Atiku and others in the presidential primary, chose to pursue his selfish interest by ensuring that the party’s zoning committee, chaired by Ortom, threw the ticket open to all the zones. It was when Wike lost the presidential ticket and the vice presidential ticket that he mobilised the other four governors to suddenly remember that the 17 southern governors had unanimously resolved that power should rotate to the South in 2023. Instead of sacrificing their 2023 political ambitions by resigning their membership of the PDP to pursue “justice, equity and fair play,” as they claimed, they have remained in the party to confuse themselves and their followers. Though Wike won’t be on the ballot in this year’s general election, which is the main reason he has become inconsolable, the other four governors will seek elective offices. While Governor Makinde is seeking a reelection on the platform of the PDP, Ortom, Ugwuanyi and Ikpeazu are contesting senatorial seats on the same platform. The major challenge facing them is how to convince voters to reject the PDP only in the presidential election without ending up confusing the electorate to also reject the party in the governorship, National Assembly and State Assemblies’ elections. Technological innovations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have since returned power to the people. So, gone are the days when governors mobilised state apparatus to truncate the will of the people and deliver fraudulent bogus election results for their parties. Having rejected Atiku, the G-5 governors held several talks with the candidates of other parties both within and outside the

G-5 governors country. The governors had in November 2022, in Abia State, revealed that they would support a southern presidential candidate, a decision they said was in line with the agreement reached by the southern governors that Nigeria’s presidency should come to the south in 2023. Four weeks ago, Wike had promised to adopt a presidential candidate for his supporters to vote for. A few days before Christmas, the Rivers State governor, while inaugurating a flyover in Port Harcourt, vowed to unveil his preferred presidential candidate in January. “So, all of you who have been in suspense, who have been saying all kinds of things, abusing me; wait, January is here,” Wike said. Later, the governors reportedly held a meeting with Tinubu in London where they struck a deal. Under the deal, Wike and Makinde were said to have agreed to openly declare support for Tinubu, while Ugwuanyi and Ikpeazu agreed to secretly work for the APC candidate’s victory for fear of backlash from the South-east. Ortom, however, was said to have opted to work for Obi. While Nigerians were awaiting official pronouncement by the loquacious G-5, their supporters were shocked when they claimed that no such deal was reached. The Rivers State governor was the first to deny the deal. Wike, while flagging-off the construction

of Eneka-Igbo Etche road, said media outﬁts speculated and insinuated so many unfounded things without any pictorial or audio proof to aﬃrm their claims that the G-5 met with a presidential candidate in Europe. The Rivers governor said: “I am not someone who will go and see somebody and hide. Hide for who? Who is that person that will threaten me? They said Wike had a deal with so, so, and so person. Meanwhile, no video, no anything! And some of you waste time listening to such things. Don’t you know when I want to do something, I do it? You don’t need to speculate. “They said we had a meeting with so and so. What is your problem? Assuming there was a meeting, has Atiku not been holding meetings with governors of APC? Ask him. As he is in Dubai, don’t we know what is going on? So, why do you bother about us G-5, that you said you can win without us? Leave us alone.” Wike, who also mocked Atiku over the endorsement of Obi by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, later denied mocking the former vice president. In a rather conciliatory tone, Wike said: “I meant no bad. I’m only worried as a prominent PDP member. A man who loves PDP should be worried. That’s all my concern. I was not mocking anybody. “I was merely worried because my prayer was ‘Let Obasanjo remains quiet and not say anything.’ That was my prayer but my prayer didn’t work.”

Wike’s conciliatory posture may have been necessitated by an alleged threat by the leadership of the party not to recognise any list of party’s agents submitted by the ﬁve governors for the general election. Tinubu, whose supporters had earlier acknowledged that the meeting took place, apparently saved the G-5 governors from the backlash of having any such deal by denying meeting with them in London. While Wike has publicly denied reaching any deal with the APC presidential candidate, Ugwuanyi, Makinde and Ikpeazu have remained silent. On his part, Ortom later commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for endorsing Obi and recommended the former Anambra State governor to Nigerians, but still acknowledged that as a member of the PDP, he would not campaign for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate. So after threatening to unveil their preferred choice of presidential candidate, the selfacclaimed Integrity Group has failed to muster courage to make their collective choice public, leaving Nigerians to speculate. Could they have chickened out following the alleged threat by the party to reject their nominations for the party’s polling agents in the general election? Whatever may be the case, analysts believe this self-inﬂicted confusion may cost the governors their political ambitions in the upcoming elections if they are not careful.

NOTES FOR FILE

The Many Lies of Kogi’s Information Commissioner

Fanwo

Thereisalwaysapossibilitythatwhenoneliestoo often,heorshewouldonedaybeexposed.Thiswas exactlythecaselastweekwhentheDepartmentof StateServices(DSS)announcedthatithadarrested two suspected masterminds of the recent bomb explosion in Kogi State - including a commander in the Islamic State inWest Africa Province (ISWAP). TheexplosiontookplaceduringthevisitofPresident Muhammadu Buhari to the state. The revelation by the DSS completely poohpoohed the claim by the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, that the incident was not a bomb explosion but a transformer spark. The explosion took place at a mosque near the palace of Ado Ibrahim, the paramount ruler of Ebiraland while President Buhari was in the area

to inaugurate projects completed by the state government. Thecommissionerhadinaseriesoftweets,said it was a transformer spark. Without any proper investigation, Fanwo went further to say: “Contrary to the blatant lie that there was a bomb explosion that killed three people in Okene, I wish to debunk the falsehood here,”Fanwowroteinnow-deletedtweets.Itwas“a meretransformerspark,whichinjuredoneperson.” ButaccordingtoastatementissuedlastWednesdaybytheDSSspokesperson,Dr.PeterAfunanya, the suspects identiﬁed as Abdulmumin Ibrahim Otaru, said to be an ISWAP commander, and one SaiduSuleiman,wereequallybehindotherattacks, includingtheinvasionoftheKujemediumsecurity

custodial centre in July 2022. Although the Information commissioner later deleted the tweet, his action did not obliterate the fact that he lied. Since he was first appointed the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Yahaya Bello during his first term in office till now that he is the state Commissioner for Information, Fanwo has been concocting lies and elevating it to another level. He is one official who thinks, the best way to discharge the functions of his office is to tell lies. Each time he has the opportunity to either defendthegovernororanygovernmentpolicy,his defence usually laced with lies and propaganda. It is hoped that this latest incident would teach him a lesson.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2023

CICERO/ISSUES

As Obasanjo’s Endorsement of Obi Stirs Fresh Controversy A recent endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, by former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stirred fresh controversy. Ejiofor Alike reports that while the other candidates who failed to secure Obasanjo’s endorsement have dismissed it as inconsequential, many stakeholders feel it is high time the former president stopped his obsession for writing letters to attack the incumbent government

ormer President Olusegun Obasanjo recently stirred the hornet’s nest with his open endorsement of the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi. All the four leading presidential candidates – Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Obi had separately visited the former president to seek his blessing for their presidential ambitions. However, none of the candidates received his open endorsement during such visits. Even when Tinubu’s supporters claimed in August 2022 that Obasanjo had endorsed the former Lagos State governor, the former president had promptly denied the claim. Tinubu visited the former president last August to seek his blessing. In a statement by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Akinyemi, the former president had stated that the statements coming from those claiming to be supporters of Tinubu were unhelpful. He said the discussion during Tinubu’s visit to the former president was “more brotherly than political.” Obasanjo’s aide further said the former president had neither agreed nor disapproved of Tinubu’s ‘request’. “Those claiming to be insiders at the meeting issuing statements on the discussion and those crediting to me statements I had not made are enemies of the visitor and are not doing the visit any good,” the statement added. It therefore came as a rude shock to many candidates and their supporters when Obasanjo, in an the open letter of commendation, declared on New Year day that after a thorough assessment of all the candidates vying to become Nigeria’s president from May 29 this year, Obi had the best qualities to effectively tackle the current challenges facing the country. In a clear endorsement of the LP presidential candidate, Obasanjo said: “None of the contestants is a saint, but when one compares their character, antecedents, their understanding, knowledge, discipline and vitality that they can bring to bear and the great efforts required to stay focused on the job, particularly looking at where the country is today and with the experience on the job that I personally had, Peter Obi, as a mentee, has an edge.” Ordinarily, Obasanjo’s endorsement of any candidate should not have robbed anyone of sleep given the fact that he doesn’t control the voting power of the people of his home state, Ogun, let alone other Nigerians. With the new technological innovations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), power has since returned to the people. So, nobody should lose sleep over the endorsement of candidates by any individual who has only one vote to cast unless such individual has verifiably a large number of followers across the country he can influence their choice of candidates. Of course, Obasanjo is an influential and respected elder statesman but is not known to have such large followership in the political circles. It would be recalled that he endorsed Atiku in the 2019 presidential election and openly referred to him as “the next president” but the former vice president still lost the election to President Muhammadu Buhari. But instead of ignoring Obasanjo’s endorsement of Obi, the other candidates and their parties who failed in their bid to secure the same endorsement, reacted angrily as if the former president announced the result of the 2023 presidential election. Curiously, political parties that sought and lost the endorsement described it as inconsequential. In fact, the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) described the endorsement of Obi by Obasanjo as worthless. Director of Media and Publicity of APC PCC, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said: “The endorsement is actually worthless because the former president does not possess any political goodwill or leverage anywhere in Nigeria to make anyone win a councillorship election let alone win a presidential election. He is a political paperweight.” Also reacting, the PDP presidential campaign organisation stated that whether Obasanjo liked it or not, Atiku would be president in his lifetime. In a statement, PDP Presidential Campaign Management Committee’s Director of Public Affairs, Dino Malaye, stated:

Obasanjo

Obi

“Baba should cure himself from the inherent hatred for Atiku. “Obasanjo will be alive, and Atiku will be president. Peter Obi can only be President of the Rotary Club. Nigeria is too big for him. Burger is not food for monkeys. Shoe has sizes.” On its part, the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation said the support for Obi by Obasanjo was his personal wish, which did not reflect the opinion or position of the overwhelming majority of Nigerians across the country. Kwankwaso has also knocked Obasanjo, saying that it was wrong for any person, who is considered a statesman, to go about endorsing candidates ahead of the February 25 presidential election. Speaking in Benin City, the Edo State capital when he was hosted by Governor Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday, the former Kano State governor said, “I want to advise our leaders - they should stop disgracing themselves. We have so much respect for them. If you say you don’t like me, no problem.” On his part, a former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, angrily asked Obasanjo to go home and rest. Speaking on national television, Akinyemi described Obasanjo as part of the country’s problems, adding that he should not present himself as a provider of the solutions to the country’s problems. “You have had your term and let others get on, but for you to create problems for us and then you come back and you present yourself as a problem solver, I find that difficult to swallow,” Akinyemi reportedly said. On his part, an elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai described Obasanjo’s endorsement of Obi as insignificant. He argued that Obi is not among the two major contenders in the race. “Obasanjo might have his reasons, but it will certainly not count on the February election. The contest is zeroed to two contenders, so Obj endorsement is clearly insignificant,” Yakasai explained. The presidency did not spare Obasanjo as the former president also took a swipe at the Buhari’s administration in his letter, stating that the last seven and a half years of the present administration have been traumatic for many Nigerians. Obasanjo declared: “We have moved from frying pan to fire and from mountain top to the valley. Our leaders have done their best, but their best had turned out to be not the best for Nigeria and Nigerians at home and abroad. For most Nigerians, it was hell on earth.” Responding to the attacks on Buhari in a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said the former president “won’t stop being jealous of anyone who beats him to a new record in the nation’s development process,’’ stressing that Buhari is ahead of Obasanjo in all fields of national development. This, Shehu said, is a cardinal sin to Obasanjo. However, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has backed the endorsement of Obi by Obasanjo. Commenting on the development last Tuesday, Ortom said if he were not a member of the PDP, he would have personally led Obi’s campaign across the country. Ortom said he is convinced that Obi “possesses the qualities of a leader who will be a true president of this country by guaranteeing justice, equity and fairness for all Nigerians.”

The Benue governor noted that Obi would provide the leadership that Nigerians desire. “Governor Ortom strongly recommends Peter Obi to Nigerians as the man who has the capacity to effectively tackle the economic, security and other challenges facing the country,” Ortom reportedly said in a statement signed by his spokesman, Terver Akase. Similarly, the National Chairman of LP, Mr. Julius Abure, in his reaction, called on other former presidents and heads of government to take a cue from Obasanjo and endorse Obi for president. The LP national chairman, who reportedly spoke to THISDAY, described Obasanjo as “a patriot who wants the best for the country”, saying he should be supported by well-meaning Nigerians who share the same sentiments. The South-west coordinator for the Presidential Campaign Council of the Labour Party, Chief Sola Ebiseni, has also mocked those abusing Obasanjo for endorsing Obi. In a statement issued in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Ebiseni said: “Those who said his endorsement was worthless went to him with fanfare in Abeokuta last August seeking his endorsement and Nigerians still remember that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila defiled all protocols to announce an Obasanjo endorsement which never happened and invariably denied by the former president.” The LP has also described Sunday’s endorsement of Obi by Obasanjo as an affirmation by the former President of having a better Nigeria after the 2023 elections. The party in a statement released in Abeokuta by its erstwhile acting National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abayomi Oluwafemi Arabambi, welcomed the endorsement, saying it affirmed the fatherly role the former President has been playing in ensuring that Nigeria overcomes her present socio-economic and political challenges. The party said Obasanjo who had to steer the ship of the country at the highest level, knows Nigeria inside out, including the current office seekers, adding that when Obasanjo speaks, he knows what he is saying. While Obasanjo is being celebrated by the beneficiaries of his endorsement, others who failed to secure his blessing have launched a tirade of abuse against him. Coming two days after Obasanjo’s endorsement, the elder statesman and Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, also endorsed Obi for next month’s election. saying the LP presidential standard bearer was the right choice for Nigeria. He added that with the former Anambra State governor as president, the country would be more united. According to him, an Obi Presidency would also give sense of equity that would pull the South-east as an equal partner in the polity. The National Leader of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), while addressing newsmen at his Asokoro, Abuja residence, said the time had come for someone from the Southeast geo-political zone to lead the country because the zone has resourceful and educated people to govern Nigeria. Clark, who doubles as the leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), also urged the youths not to allow anyone bribe them saying Nigerians needed a transparent president, who is strong, healthy and had every leadership quality Nigerians want.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2023

CICERO/ISSUE

Tinubu

Folarin

Cole

:LOO 7LQXEX 7UDGH R; $3& &DQGLGDWHV LQ 3'3 * 6WDWHV" The recent meeting between the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu and the five aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party has fuelled speculations that the former Lagos State governor will trade-off the APC candidates in the five PDP states to realise his life-long ambition, writes Adedayo Akinwale

n January 2022, when the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his ambition to contest the 2023 presidential election, he told whoever cared to listen that being the president of Nigeria was his life-long ambition. At the time, even though Tinubu said he was consulting, he made it categorically clear that he had not set a parameter of limitation to the extent of how many people he would consult. However, in July 2022, after the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike lost the opportunity to be the running mate to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku, who nominated the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, three South-west governors visited Port Harcourt, Rivers State to meet with Wike to woo him. The three governors were: The then governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi; Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. They were believed to be emissaries of the APC presidential candidate. This move, however, did not go down well with the APC stakeholders from the Southsouth region, who saw it as an aﬀront on party leaders in the region. Against this background, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of APC, Yekeen Nabena, in a statement said the leaders of the party in the South-south region were not involved in the move to seek the support of Wike ahead of the next presidential election. He speciﬁcally mentioned former Rivers State governor and immediate past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Bayelsa State governor and Minister of State Petroleum, Timipre Sylva and Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo Agege as amongst those who were not happy that they were kept in the dark on the alleged move to woo Wike to work for the APC. He said: “So, this is a warning to the Lagos State governor, Sanwo-Olu and his co-travellers that the APC South-south leaders are aware of their game plan in Rivers State, but it will not work because on election day, we will vote APC in all boxes; from President, National Assembly, governor and state House of Assembly. This will

also apply in other states across the country. The era of voting APC for president and vote PDP for governor is over.” Without mincing words, Nabena noted that the only way out for APC as a party was to respect leaders in every state and zone, and not just think they could “arrogantly arrange your boys to install leaders anywhere like they tried to do in Bayelsa, Kogi and Rivers states by some paper weight governors from the west who solely rely on Asiwaju to win the election.” The APC chieftain warned that in party politics, everyone matters, and therefore called on Tinubu to caution his men whom, he said, were already thinking of installing leaders across the state with full assurance that Tinubu would be the next President and they would be in charge of the party structures across the states, saying this must be addressed quickly. Despite the fact that Tinubu’s romance with the five aggrieved PDP governors was already creating bad blood within the ruling party, the former Lagos State governor, it was reported, met with the PDP G-5 governors - Wike, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State in London. Reports had it that the aggrieved governors had finally decided to work for Tinubu as well as his counterpart in the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi. Investigation revealed that while Wike and Makinde decided to work for Tinubu, Ortom was too worried by the unintended consequences of such a move, which he feared might affect the governorship candidate of his party in Benue State. But Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State were said to have agreed to work for the APC presidential candidate quietly for fear of repercussions in the South-east. To douse the apprehension among the APC supporters in the five states, Tinubu in a statement by his Media Office, which was signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman described the purported meeting with the rebel governors as false. Expectedly, Tinubu’s determination to dine with the aggrieved opposition governors was already causing ripples in the five states. For instance, in Oyo State, there are indications that the alliance between Makinde and Tinubu

might scuttle the ambition of the APC governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin. It would be recalled that in October 2022, while speaking through his deputy, Bayo Lawal at the reception of Tinubu by the leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Makinde said they were for Tinubu. Analysts see the alliance between Tinubu and the PDP G-5 governors as a trade-off of APC candidates in the five states to achieve his life-long ambition. They described the alliance as an act of desperation on the part of the former Lagos State governor. Nevertheless, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai apparently flew the kite recently when he declared it would be difficult for the APC to defeat Makinde in the next governorship election. The governor said this at the sendforth ceremony organised for Nteranya Sanginga, the outgoing Director-General of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), held at the IITA Conference Centre, Ibadan. “We’ll do our best to defeat you. But I know it will be tough because you’ve been a good governor,” he reportedly told Makinde. Meanwhile, Atiku’s Special Assistant, Public Communication, and member of the PDP PCC, Phrank Shaibu, accused Tinubu of lying that he never met the rebellious governors, when in actual fact he met them to fine tune a deal to undermine PDP. Shaibu said while the news of the meeting was trending, two spokesmen for the APC presidential campaign, Festus Keyamo and Femi Fani-Kayode, took to the social media to celebrate the support Tinubu would be getting from the G-5. He further disclosed that on Facebook, Fani-Kayode had specifically stated, “The endorsement and declaration of support that Bola Ahmed Tinubu will get from at least six (not just five) governors from the PDP this January will finally put to

rest the delusion that Atiku will stubbornly harbour about winning the 2023 presidential election.” He said, “It is funny that it took three whole days after reports of the meeting before Tinubu decided it was time to put out a statement denying it was ever held. It is also awfully coincidental that the G-5 and Tinubu all decided to travel to London at the same time and departed at the same time with Tinubu proceeding to Saudi Arabia and the other governors returning to Nigeria. “Incidentally, Tinubu had also in August denied plans of meeting the G-5, only for Wike to later issue a statement confirming that they, indeed, met with Tinubu and other candidates separately. Tinubu’s latest denial should, therefore, be discarded as another lie,” Shaibu explained. Shaibu claimed that Tinubu demied meeting the governors because the details of the meeting were too messy and the APC candidates in the five states were fighting back. According to him, there is a fight back from the APC governorship and National Assembly candidates from the affected states where the G-5 Governors hold sway. According to him, in Oyo, Senator Teslim Folarin is reportedly angry at a proposed treacherous deal to trade off his mandate as the APC governorship candidate. The situation, Shaibu explained, is not different in Abia, Enugu, Benue and, of course, Rivers State. “This desperation was brought to the fore in 2011, when Tinubu removed the rug from under Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and made a deal with the federal government to ensure that President Goodluck Jonathan wins.” Shaibu believed that all the machinations would end in failure for Tinubu, because Nigerians have decided that their future would not be put in the hands of a man who is willing to trade their destinies for a mere “porridge or agbado (corn).” It is now clear that what the aggrieved five PDP governors are fighting for is mere personal interest, but whether Tinubu would throw APC candidates in the five states under the bus to achieve his life-long ambition still remains unclear.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2023

CICERO/INTERVIEW

Alex Otti: Abia People will Weep No More Shrewd economist, banker and Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Abia State, Alex Otti, rues the “several years of rudderless leadership” of his home state and shares his vision to return Abia to the path of peace, growth and accelerated development with Louis Achi

ou’re not new to the quest to govern Abia State. What really is at the heart of your unwavering commitment to serve the state? Simply put, it is to establish a responsive, efficient and accountable government that will sustainably develop Abia State for the welfare, security, and progress of all the people of the state. It is my earnest and unswerving commitment to see that in our lifetime, the full glory of Abia State will be restored, from the ruins and ashes imposed on her by over two decades of mindless looting and clueless governance. It is this deep desire that compelled me to present myself as a vessel to lead the long overdue quest for the restoration and rebuilding of our dear state. I am convinced that talents and resources abound in and around our state, to enable us build a homeland that will guarantee security, comfort and prosperity for one and all who reside in or visit the state. Let’s get down to specifics of your vision for the new Abia State which you are proposing… First, our goal is to provide an alternative governance model that works for all, not one that only works for those with close proximity to those in power. With all humility, I have the experience to commence implementation of our programme from my first day in office which flows from extensive studies on the challenges facing the state and the unsettling changes required to reverse the rot and reposition Abia as the economic bride of South Eastern Nigeria. Abia State has an estimated population of 5 million people. The state is noted for its prowess in leather and garment manufacturing and is also an agricultural hub which has solid mineral deposits in commercial quantities. The state has one of the lowest IGR per capita of N3,462 which is below the national average of N4,616 per person, making the state susceptible to the risk of incurring more debt. Its net debt per capita stands at N30,324, higher than the national average of N27,316 per person. An estimated 51 per cent or 818,926 of the state’s 1.63 million labour force cannot contribute to the revenue pool of the state government through income taxes as they are unemployed. Furthermore, nearly 31 per cent of the state’s residents live in poverty, meaning they have very constraining purchasing power. This is partly why its IGR per capita is lower than the national average. From the foregoing, the only path to economic recovery for the state depends on job creation, poverty reduction, industrialisation and fiscal restructuring. Its internally generated revenue averages N15 billion annually while federal allocation has hovered around N60 billion annually. Total debt profile, though a subject of debate is about N140 billion. GDP is around N3.5 trillion. As a result of infrastructural decay and other inefficiencies, the state is rated 32nd out of the 36 States in the “Ease of Doing Business Index”. For context, Anambra State is rated 7th and Imo is at the 11th position. Sokoto and Jigawa placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Health and education spending per Capita are at about N1,000.00 and N1,400.00 respectively. Again, Jigawa’s numbers are N2,700.00 and N7,000.00 respectively. As would be deduced from this document, we must harness the enormous potential in

Otti

the state and improve the IGR in geometric progression as we expect decline in Federal Allocations. We intend to double GDP in the next few years. We must also aim to be around where Sokoto is in the “Ease of doing business” and significantly do better than Jigawa in education and health Spending. You’ve given some extensive context to Abia State’s current condition vis-a-vis your vision. But how would you operationalise this vision? Our transformation plan is anchored on five main pillars and these include: Governance, rule of law, and strategic; partnership across frontiers, economic transformation for job creation and poverty reduction; social transformation (education, health, youth development and better life for women and vulnerable citizens and residents); internal Security and the environment (Green, purpose built modern markets, smart cities and industrial pivots). We will transform the process of governance by reforming the public service structure to help public servants acquire relevant technology-based skills that will help eradicate the use of manual processes and migrate to the use of technology that will make them more productive and efficient. We will also re-engineer all MDAs and institutions connected with the economic and infrastructural development of Abia, to become fit-for-purpose and more responsive to emerging needs. Partnership with local trade unions, chambers of commerce, industry and agriculture, community development associations and town unions will be mainstreamed to create a suitable framework to drive Abia’s integrated economic development framework. Work completion at the permanent site of the Abia State Government House will be prioritised to make for the effective execution of our policies and programmes, in order to

put an end to the shameful record of being one of the few states in all of Southern Nigeria that still operates from rented structures since creation. On the rule-of-law front, we shall provide the necessary physical and soft infrastructure that will enable the judiciary to leverage technology in dispensing timely justice to the people and decongest the courts by supporting the judiciary in harnessing the opportunities for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms for commercial and other minor cases. The incoming Labour Party administration, by the grace of God, plans to achieve an integrated economic development that leverages on our extensive human and material resources to build a robust, resilient, and transformational economy. Our administration shall adopt programmes and policies intentioned to reward partnerships that would enable the rapid and integrated development of our economy, to create wealth for entrepreneurs and businesses, generate employment and make the state a leading investment destination across all major business interests. It is our target to see development across multiple sectors so as to create new opportunities for various demographic groups in all economic segments. It’s no secret that Abia State is gifted with the presence of solid minerals in commercial quantity. We have ceramic, quality clay, kaolin, bentonite, limestone, phosphate, copper, lead, zinc, gypsum, and other solid minerals that can yield revenue in local and foreign currencies to

the state. The present situation is that these minerals are being mined without control and care for the environment, resulting in erosion and other negative impacts on the environment. We will structure mining activities in the state to enable us extract full value; create jobs, collect revenues and ensure that the environment is not permanently harmed, introduce use of technology to regulate and monitor the activities of miners, to ensure that they are operating strictly according to the terms of their respective permits. We will anchor our economic plan on the enduring specific action, measurable impacts, attainable goals, relevant outcomes and time- specific results (SMART) principle. The foundation of our drive towards economic development programme for maximum impact will pivot on - Industrialisation, Aba, Transportation, Power, Agriculture, Solid Minerals and Technology. My vision expressed in our party manifesto which I cannot exhaust in this short encounter stems from a conviction that despite the economic challenges in the country, there is yet ample headroom to fully exploit synergies with the federal government, other progressive states, Development Financial Institutions (DFIs), and private investors to build a prosperous and secure state. A strong, innovative and productive Abia homeland can leverage on the economic window that the new African Continental Free Trade Agreement Area (AfCFTA), with a market size of over $2.6 trillion, to grow. Further, our aim is also to transform Abia State into the technology and digital centre of Africa. We will make this happen by investing in the enabling infrastructure, and providing the ambience for digital skill development geared towards job provision, enterprise and social development. We will give empowerment a new meaning by retooling youths with in-demand skills that will make them productive beyond immediate consumption, to earn sustainable and impactful livelihood. Let’s take a message from you to Abia people… I remind Abians that no freedom has ever been achieved easily anywhere, hence the need for us to increase our resolve and redouble our efforts aimed at reclaiming and rebuilding our state for the good of all. They should go and collect their Permanent Voters Cards. The technological innovation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System in the electoral process had given hope for credibility. Our civil servants must earn their legitimate entitlements on time and pensioners can spend their retirement years in joy and fulfilment. Abia’s resources must serve the economic and social interests of all who live within its borders. Together, we shall have the great opportunity we have been yearning for to reclaim our dear state of Abia and return it to the path of peace, growth and development, after several years of rudderless leadership that has severely affected the welfare and wellbeing of millions of Abians, especially our unemployed youths and senior citizens who have been consistently denied their salaries and pensions. Looking at the big picture, by voting for our incoming President, Mr. Peter Obi, my humble self, and other Labour Party candidates across the 17 local government areas of Abia State, we can finally win our freedom. Abians will weep no more.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANAURY 8, 2023

INTERNATIONAL Peter Obi’s Presidential Candidature and Olusegun Obasanjo as Aficionado: The Foreign Policy Dimensions

Obasanjo’s Endorsement: The Physiognomic Issues Chief Obasanjo’s endorsement of Peter Obi’s candidature has generated proponents and opponents. The opponents focused more on the person, rather than on the issues raised. They argued that Obasanjo has only one vote, that election is not won based on endorsements but on number of votes cast in favour or against, and therefore, it is the electorate that will eventually determine the plight of any presidential candidate at the time of election. As noted by Festus Eriye, ‘in the last two or three election cycles, everyone he (Obasanjo) supported, failed woefully and those he opposed carried the day.’More important, he said Obasanjo’s‘previous attempts to sponsor some sort of third force option against the APC and PDP flopped spectacularly, leaving him in such desperate straits that he was constrained to back an Atiku, whose character he had savaged on several occasions, in a vain bid to spite the incumbent Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.’ In the same vein, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and the standard bearer of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), advised on Wednesday, 4th January, 2023 in Benin City, that Chief Obasanjo should stop disgracing himself because no one owns the voters. As he put it, ‘supporting and endorsing Mr. A. or Mr. B… is a big mistake …There is a time in (one’s) life when (one) become(s) real statesman, not a politician.’More important, he said‘any candidate or party that comes out with the face of ethnicity or the issue of religion, that party, that candidate,… has failed that election before it starts.’ He therefore advised ‘our leaders that ‘they should stop disgracing themselves. We have so much respect for them. If you say you don’t like me, no problem.’ Other opponents have said that Obasanjo’s endorsement is meaningless because many people have already decided on who to vote for, based on ethnicity, religion, solidarity, and other considerations. Some people even accused Chief Obasanjo of being instrumental to the establishment of the Obi Movement, and therefore considering his endorsement as nothing more than partisanship.

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VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Obasanjo

Obi

Additionally, and perhaps more insultingly, the APC standard bearer, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described Chief Obasanjo as a blind man leading a blind people. He asked his audience in Benin City on Thursday, 5th January 2023 whether than ‘man’ (Obasanjo) can ‘recommend a leader for you in Nigeria.’‘Is that not sending an agent to pick your pocket? A blind leading the blind,’Tinubu asked. He made it clear that he was not insulting ‘visually-impaired people. But it won’t work. They will end up in the ditch. If I talk about Obasanjo and Obi, you will think they are human beings together. One who doesn’t know the way cannot show the way.’ Fromtheafore-analyzedfactorsofopposition,thereisnodisputing the fact that greater emphasis was on the messenger to the detriment of the message. Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), did not help the matterwhenhenotedduringaninterviewwiththeAriseTelevision, that he was not interested in‘endorsement of people who have ruinedNigeria’butintheendorsementof‘peoplewhodecidewho their leaders should be. People who are on the pasture land of life technically should not be dictating the future of young people, especially since they have done everything possible to destroy.’ The proponents, considering the environmental conditionings in the country, see in Obasanjo a true nationalist and a patriotic statesman,ratherthanasamanwhoisjealousoftheachievements of Bola Tinubu or President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB). True, and to a great extent, Chief Obasanjo’s endorsement of Peter Obi, as contained in his letter, entitled‘My Appeal to All Nigerians Particularly Young Nigerians,’truly demonstrated objectivity of purpose at three levels: addressees, complaints against President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration; and pleas. At the level of the destination of the message, Chief Obasanjo addressed his message, stricto sensu to the Nigerian youth, and lato sensu, to all Nigerians regardless of the categorization of their citizenship: by blood descent, place of birth, conferment,

Thus, the Choice of the first day of the New Year, when the Te Deum Laudamus (Thee, O God, We Praise), Christian Psalm is universally rendered, giving thanks to God Almighty for the Cross Over, is more than symbolic a date for endorsement. Besides, Chief Obasanjo’s letter is therefore strategic in timing, targeted audience, military blitzkrieg in style, influence impacting in electoral mobilization, and consciousness awakening in ultimate objective. Chief Obasanjo once told Nigerians that PMB has an Islamisation and a Fulanisation agenda which the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, confirmed during his interview with the Channels Television in 2019. Consequently, calling on the Nigerian youth who represent not less than 70% of the estimated Nigerian population of 217 million, is patriotic and far from being a jealousy. Therefore, whoever is looking at the endorsement of Peter Obi from the perspective that Chief Obasanjo has only one vote to cast or cannot control the youth or that he cannot win election in his ward is myopically missing the point. Pointing accusing fingers to Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar cannot but be an element of foreign policy attitude towards Nigeria if anyone of them is elected. International respect is earned. The description of Africa as a continent of shitholes by Donald Trump or Nigeria as fantastically corrupt by British Prime Minister David Cameron, are cases in point

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residential elections in any nook and cranny of the world always generate special interests because of the need to know the likely attitudinal disposition of a potential or a would-be new president. Put differently, will the new president be policy friendly? Will he or she be democratically-oriented?To what extent will he or she become a fundamentalist? Is he or she Western or Eastern cultured? Can he or she be easily manipulated? And perhaps most significantly, to what extent can he or she be an agent of better bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral cooperation?These questions generally warrant interferences, not interventions, in the domestic affairs of other sovereign States. The interference can take the form of electoral advice, financial grants, logistic assistance, election monitoring, election workshops, etc. It is from this perspective that the presidentialcandidaturesofBolaAhmedTinubu,AtikuAbubakar.Rabiu Kwankwaso, Omoyele Sowore, Adewole Adebayo, and particularly, Peter Obi are quite interesting. The presidential candidature of Peter Obi is very interesting because of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement without reservation. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is an internationally acknowledged statesman, plurilateralist by choice, and diplomatist by political desideratum. In fact, he joined the Nigerian Society of International Affairs (NSIL), a learnedsociety,in1971.Grossomodo,hewaswellexposedinternationally before assuming presidential functions as a military Head of State and as an elected president. Chief Obasanjo always moves with the aura of a powerful leader. British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, cannot be too quick to forget Obasanjo’s decision to nationalize the British Barclays Bank and the British Petroleum when she consciously but wrongly disregarded Nigeria’s anti-Apartheid policy. Consequently, in the eyes of the international community, if Chief Obasanjo, who not only received the instrument of unconditional surrender from General Phillip Effiong on 12 January 1970, a surrender that brought the 1967-1970 shooting battles to an end, but not truly the war to an end, if Chief Obasanjo could also hand over political power in 1979 to a civilian administration led by Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and if he again openly endorses Peter Obi, a non-Yoruba personality, that he will be nationally and internationally listened to, is most likely.

naturalization, marriage, registration, etc.The message was addressed to‘all Nigerians’. Besides, it was also addressed to the‘friends of Nigeria’ and to the ‘development partners’ of Nigeria. The implication of the extension of the message to the international friends and partners of Nigeria cannot be far-fetched: inform them of current developments in the country, attract international attention to potential changes in circumstance in the governance of Nigeria, and more importantly, to secure international support for Peter Obi. Without scintilla of doubt, Chief Obasanjo is quite pro-West when Nigeria’s national interest is not in conflict with that of the United States and its NATO allies. Nigeria is seen as of strategic importance to the western countries, especially in terms of East-West relations, and especially in the making of the NewWorld Order. Consequently, by drawing attention of the international friends and cooperation partners to the preferential presidential candidate of Chief Obasanjo, the expectation cannot but be, in the immediate, to ensure Peter Obi’s election and to ask for all possible support after his election. What is noteworthy in the opening statements of the message is that the title begins with the word‘appeal’and the appeal was particularly to the ‘young Nigerians.’ And more importantly, the message was written under constraint ‘because of the gravity, responsibility and implications of the collective decision Nigerians, both young and old, will be making within the next two months.’Most importantly, Chief Obasanjo wished everyone a happy new year with a request that‘all our national calamities disappear this year.’This prayer brings us to the second level of analysis, the allegations. The allegations and calamities are synonymous in this context of Obasanjo’s message. Chief Obasanjo first observed that Nigerians have moved from the frying pan to the fire and from the mountain top to the valley. It is hell on earth, hence the need for an immediate better future and need not only to be cautious, but also not to be fooled again. In this regard, is this observation or allegation true?This is one statement that the opposition school of thought ought to respond to as an issue. Secondly, Chief Obasanjo disagreed with the notion of‘Emi lokan’ (my turn) and recommended‘enyin lokan’(your turn: referring to the Nigerian youths). In the thinking of Chief Obasanjo, ‘Emi lokan’ and ‘I have paid my dues,’ are one and the same thing’ which is a wrong attitude and mentality for the leadership of Nigeria now. As posited by him, the solution should be in“we”and“us”and not in“me”and“I”. Again, this is another issue for debate. Is presidential nomination an election by rotation? There is absolutely nothing wrong for Tinubu to cry out that it is his turn if he perceives elements of cheating or neglect. However, if he says that he has paid his dues, many questions cannot but be raised, especially at the level of payment of dues.These are observations that should have warranted reactive analyses rather than addressing the person of Chief Obasanjo. Thirdly, Chief Obasanjo also raised the question of competence as basis of appointments and selection into the service. In his eyes, there has not been competence.‘What is masqueraded as competence is self-interest and nepotism.’Is this observation wrong? PMB has been accused publicly by many Nigerians of nepotism and PMB has even told Nigerians that he appoints the people he knows. The ideal thing when allegations are raised is to respond directly to issues raised and separate the message from the messenger. Old age in political governance was raised by Chief Obasanjo. As he put it,‘the vigour, energy, agility, dynamism and outreach that the job of leadership of Nigeria requires at the very top may not be provided as a septuagenarian or older… And it is glaring out of our current experiences, otherwise we will be fed with, “the President says,” and we will neither see nor hear him directly as we should.’Why is this old age issue not also attracting reaction? Atthelevelofpleastotheyouth,ChiefObasanjosaid:‘YouthofNigeria, your time has come, and it is now and please grasp it. If not now, it will be never. I appeal to you to turn the tide on its head and match forward, chanting‘Awa lokan (our turn) not with a sense of entitlement, but with a demonstrable ideological commitment to unity and transformation of Nigeria. Leave the past. Face the future.’Why are the political special advisers running away from critical issues, but preferring to engage in insulting competition? Obasanjo as Aﬁcionado: the Policy Dimensions Without any whiff of braggadocio, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has an international personality that cannot be denigrated domestically. He is internationally recognized as an aficionado of a united Nigeria, as a committed defender of presidential system of government and democratization, and as a true defender of black dignity in international relations. He is therefore listened to internationally. His endorsement of any candidate has the potential to shape attitudinal disposition towards Nigeria after the election. Many have rightly observed that Chief Obasanjo has only one vote but, most unfortunately, quite wrong in not recognizing that the issues he raised can also impact on the yet-to-be-decided voters. One man’s view can change or shape the viewpoints of others. For instance, the eligibility conditionality given by Chief Obasanjo is worth investigating by presidential candidates and the general voters. He proposed what he has called theTVCP conditionality.‘T’stands for track record of ability and performances. Is the criterion relevant or not? If yes, who amongst the presidential candidates has the best track record? ‘V’ is for vision ‘that is authentic, honest and realistic. Should a leader of Nigeria be visionless? If no, why is the focus of attention neglecting this factor? ‘C’ is for ‘character and attributes of a lady and a gentleman who are children of God and obedient to God.’ Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1 , 2023

ENGAGEMENTS

with ChidiAmuta e-mail:chidi.amuta@gmail.com

Pope Obasanjo’s Message

ormerPresidentOlusegunObasanjo has once again done what he is reputed for. He has cast a big stone intoNigeria’sbrackishpoliticalpool. Thesplashisallovertheplace.Like apapalencyclical,Obasanjo’snew yearday’sendorsementofLabour Party’sMr.PeterObifortheimminentpresidential election has hit the political landscape with some loudbang.Somepartisansstillpretendtheycannot hear the bang. But the feverish responses testify toapoliticallandscapethatisbasicallyagitatedby a disruptive presence. Obasanjo’sinterventionhascomeinthemidstofa rudderlesscampaignthatisheavyonpersonalabuse and light on issues, substance and depth. Admittedly,theAbeokutageneralhasneitherdeepened norexpandedthescopeoftheongoing campaigns. Hemerely threwhismassintothetripartitepartisan scale on the side of Mr. Peter Obi. And by bundling Mr. Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar into one heap of “politics as usual” compartment, Obasanjo has vicariously restored the original bipartisan architectureoftheloomingcontestbyredesigningit.The election is now a referendum between Obi’s ‘new nation’youthdrivenpoliticsversustheoldtraditional politicsthatweare usedto and largely fed upwith. Afraid that his intervention might be orphaned, Obasanjo embraces the youth appeal of Mr. Obi’s movement.Hisappealtotheyouthisaspointedas it is trenchantly self -serving. But it does resonate with a contemporary relevance that is clear and urgent. The youth of Nigeria , to be fair, constitute thetargetaudienceofmuchofObi’sappealandare the definitive demographics that every serious politician should now target. Predictably,Obasanjo’sendorsementofObihas beengreetedbyabarrageofhostileverbalandmedia firepowerfromthreepredictablequarters.Obasanjo predicates his endorsement on the carnage that hasbeencreatedbyincumbentPresidentMuhammadu Buhari and his APC devotees. So, Obasanjo hasvicariouslylumpedMr.Buhariandtheothertwo major parties in one untidy heap. On their part, the major contenders and their parties have understandably swooped mercilessly on the Owu chief. Of course, the jungle rules of partisan dueling dictate that the friend of your opponentautomaticallybecomesyouradversary. TheAPCandPDPhavearight,indeedanobligation, tojumponObasanjoandtrytodiminishtheimport of his endorsement intervention. And the easiest way to do this is to go after the man and his past. FortheAPCinparticular,therearemultipleechoes underneaththedisquiet.SomeAPCpartisanssee Obasanjo’s inherent opposition as a continuation ofhisfrequentantiBuharistance.Somemayeven concludedthatitmaybeanostalgichangovereffect of his previous PDP alignment. The presidency’s attack hounds have sprang into action, smelling blood in Obasanjo’s current unfriendlypoliticaltrail.Theyhavedelvedintomotives andreducedtheendorsementtothecontinuation of a personality contest between Mr. Buhari and Obasanjo, his erstwhile boss and supporter. They haveofcoursegoneintoanuntenablecomparison of Obasanjo’s gigantic national and international staturewithBuhari’smoremodestandevenpathetic credentials. OtherpredictablecastigationsofMr.Obasanjo’s perceivedpartisanmeddlesomenesshavefollowed intandembyaparadeofproregimeattackhounds.It remainsdoubtfulwhetheranysignificantaudience will spare a second for the Aso Rock rebuttals and authorizedbullying.TheBuharilameduckincumbency is too badly degraded and terminally deformed to attract any meaningful audience. Within the Tinubu camp, there is a hint that Obasanjo is continuing the anti Tinubu streak that characterizedhisattitudeaspresidenttoTinubuas governorofLagosstate.Beneaththereactionsto Obasanjo’sendorsementofObiisaloudechoofethno nationaldiscontentandsenseofkinshipentitlement. OnthepartofMr.AtikuandthePDP,theanimosity issomewhatpersonal.Nooneknowsexactlywhat transpiredbetweenbothmenintheirAsoRockdays. While Atiku keeps trumpeting his stewardship as Obasanjo’s deputy as his cardinal qualification for insisting on seeking a job he had sought on three previousoccasions,Mr.Obasanjodoesnotseemto have been so impressed by Mr. Atiku’s deputising skills.ObasanjoremainshesitanttoentrustNigeria’s futureintoAtiku’shands.Anapplicantforajobwho cannotgetareadypositivereferencefromhisboss of eight years definitely has a bit of private soul searching to do.

Obasanjo

Politically,therepeatedquestionhasbeenthatof whetherObasanjo’sendorsementcarriesanypolitical weight. Yes, it does to an extent. Obasanjo is a two term elected president. To that extent, he comes with considerable national political gravity. That political heft is however dispersed instead of being localized in his home base southwest environment. Hisnamerecognitionisphenomenalbothnationally andinternationally. EveryvotingageNigerianknows Obasanjo even if not everybody loves him. To that extent, Obasanjo’s knock can open a few important doorsforMr.Obiathomeandabroad.Amongtheso -called ‘owners of Nigeria’ the pantheon of former Nigerian leaders and political heavy weights whose influence controls Nigerian affairs, Obasanjo is not exactly a light weight. He shares with Babangida a certainoracularimportthatcangetmanyNigerians looking up at least to listen. Intermsofvotes,whichultimatelywilldeterminewho movesintoAsoRockVilla,Obasanjo’sendorsement ofObiwilldenyAtikuandTinubuafewthousandvotes and cause both of them many nights of insomnia. In anelectoraldemocracy,Obasanjoofcoursehasone vote.Buthisvoiceresonatesintheearsandheartsof many.YetbyendorsingMr.Obi,Obasanjocouldsway quiteafewundecidedvoters.Statistically,everyvote lost to Tinubu and Atiku by Obasanjo’s urging would be a vote earned by Mr. Obi. To that extent, the Obasanjo endorsement can contributeasubstantialtroveofvotestoObi’sgrowing popularity and disruptive power to the political status quo. On the surface, those who may not support the emergenceofMr.ObiasNigeria’sfuturepresidenthave dismissedtheObasanjoendorsementasinconsequential.Yettheloudnessoftheirprotests,condemnations andtiradesindicateahighlevelofanxietywhichmay beanadmissionofthethreatposedbyMr.PeterObi. Mr. Obi’s rising profile is understandably menacing tothecollectiveunconsciousoftheNigerianpolitical establishmentinthepostcivilwarera.Theunstated discomfort about Mr. Obi’s prospects come from a subliminaldiscomfortwiththesoundofhissurname and maybe his mode of worship. Nonetheless,atthelevelofbasicnormsofdemocracy,thosewhohavebeencondemningObasanjofor thisendorsementarebeingunfairandevendeliberately mischievous.Asacitizen,Mr.Obasanjo,likeeveryone else,hasarighttoexpresshispreferenceforanyofthe candidates vying for the office of president. It is his inalienableright.Itisanexpressionofhisfreedomof choiceunderthelaw.Weshouldrespectthatfreedom andstrenuouslyprotectitbothforMr.Obasanjoand for every other single Nigerian. To abuse, excoriate

or torment Obasanjo for holding views, expressing a preference for or even a partisan alignment is to go against this fundamental tenet of democracy. In saying so, one is fully cognizant of Obasanjo’s problematic roles and history in Nigeria’s previous leadership selection processes. As an outgoing president in 2007, Mr. Obasanjo arm twisted his PDP machinery to enthrone the ailing Mr. Yar’Adua as his successor in office. With the benefit of hindsight,thatactrunsagainsthiscurrentreservations againstoneofthepresidentialcandidatesinthe2023 race on grounds of health. Similarly, his role in the emergenceofbothGoodluckJonathanasYar’Adua’s successor has come under attack. On the surface, these interventions fly in the face of his persistent pretensions to absolute objectivity in matters of national leadership. But underneath Obasanjo’s pastinterventionsinourleadershipselection,there is a perceivable strategic intent. Geopolitically, the northern Yar’Adua was a natural choice after eight yearsofanObasanjosoutherner.Similarly,aGoodluck Jonathan was a logical palliative to the restiveness and cries for justice in the Niger Delta. Fifty three years after the civil war and unbroken exclusion of Igbos from apex political leadership, there is both a strategic logic and an overarching urgent moral imperative to Obasanjo’s Peter Obi endorsement. Butasherightlyadmitsinhislatestpapalmessage, nooneisinfallibleinmattersofpoliticaljudgment.Both society and politics are dynamic. Obasanjo cannot bedeniedtherighttoadjusthispoliticalalignments and beliefs in line with changing national realities. This is the context in which his endorsement of Mr. Obi becomes understandable. And in all fairness, Obasanjo is on record as having made repeated efforts to birth a Third Force in Nigeria’s political architecture. His aim in these efforts has been to break the bipartisan monopoly of two dominant parties in the post military politics of the country. ItisquitepossiblethatObasanjomayhaveseeninthe emergenceandmomentumofMr.Obi’s‘OBIdients’ and the Labour Party a short cut to his pet project of a Third Force. Every political experiment needs a chance to prove itself. Hate him or love him, nonetheless, the positive contributionsofMr.Obasanjotoournationalevolution cannotbedeniedorsacrificedonthealtarofpresent politicalexpediency.Norcananyonerightfullydiminish ObasanjoasacrediblerolemodelforNigeria’saspiring leadership. Yes, Obasanjo is not infallible. He can be instinctuallybullishattimes.Hehasatendencytowant tomonopolizewisdomevenonmattersthatheknows littleabout.Heisfrequentlysubjecttoanunmerited messianiccomplex.Hehasthisdisturbingtendency

tofeel thatnoone elsecan surpass his contribution toNigeria’sdevelopmentandprogress.Alltheseare well within the limits of the range of flaws allowed a heroic figure and historic personage. Yetheremainsabeaconofwillfulpersonalaccomplishment and therefore a good role model for our youth.Fromverymodestbeginningsasanordinary armymechanic,Obasanjorosetobecomeanactive combat officer struggling to become a gentleman. HistorythrusthimintotherolesofdeputytoMurtala Muhammed and subsequently Head of State. As military Head of State, he is on record as the first ofourmilitaryleaderstohandoverpowerpeacefully toademocraticallyelectedcivilianadministrationin 1979. Later, when he was elected president, he was alsothefirstdemocraticallyelectedleadertohand over power to a successor democratically elected administrationin2007.Tothatextent,hiscontributionstotheemergenceofNigeriandemocracyremains unsurpassed and cannot be waved off casually. Atthelevelofpersonalimprovementandleadership preparation,Obasanjosincehassinceafterretiring fromthemilitaryin1979embarkedonsignificantself -improvementineducationespecially.Inadditionto owningandrunningschoolsanduniversities,hehas personallyundertakensignificantadulteducation. Intheprocess,hehasearnedpostgraduatedegrees includingaPh.D.fromtheNationalOpenuniversityof Nigeria.Inthesepost-retirementyears,hehaswritten books and papers on a variety of subjects such as politics,warfare,governance,Africandevelopment, international relations, religion, self- improvement and agriculture. To wit, he has also been a ‘political prisoner’ during Abacha’s bloody interregnum, a veritable‘qualification’ofmanythirdworldpoliticians. Obasanjoremainsadetribalizedleader,atransparent and inclusive patriot and a veritable inspiration for those who seek leadership that tried to govern responsibly in his days both as military and elected sovereign. It is on record that as elected president, Obasanjoledthelastgrowthdrivenadministration whichalsoreducedourexternaldebtburdentoalmost zero.Becauseoftheseandhisothermanyinterventionsinnationalhistory,Mr.Obasanjohasearnedaright tojudgesubsequentadministrationsonmattersof responsibleleadershipandreasonablyaccountable governance.Aboveall,hehasearnedarighttobeheard on major national issues and at critical moments of nationalhistory.Toignorehistoweringnationalistic importandinsteadtaketocastigatingandinsulting himispoliticalbadmannersandpolemicalrascality takentoridiculouslevels.Thatsuchpersonalabuses and insults are coming from the sundry minions of today’s presiding Medieval court says much about the level of decline of not only our public affairs but also a certain collapse of public discourse and civil communication in our nation. It matters little to this reporter who Obasanjo decides to endorse or oppose for 2023. That is squarely within his democratic prerogative as a citizen of Nigerian. Leaders and followers alike reservetherighttosupportorpulltheirsupportfrom candidates of their choice. In the run up to the 2021 USpresidentialelection,America’spastleaderslike GeorgeBushJr.,BillClinton,Barack Obama and even Jimmy Carter refused to endorse Donald Trump for a second term in the White House. Other major voices and leaders like the late Collin Powell and many past military and key civil leaders joined in the opposition to Trump. In America’s bipartisan political architecture, refusal to endorse Trump invariablyimpliedendorsementofJoeBiden.Biden woncleanandsquareandAmericandemocracygot a chance to recover from the tragedy of Trump’s ﬁrst term. But in all this, I must confess to a personal sympathy for Mr. Obasanjo and a high regard for his patriotic fervor. While I detest his sanctimonious rhetoric and crude methods, I must pay tribute to his unstinted nationalism, essential humanism and inclusivepatriotism.Hissenseofinclusivenessand embrace of our diversity remain unquestionable. In 1970 as Commander of the Third Marine Commando Division, he had the task of bringing the Biafran war to a close by receiving Biafra’s surrender instruments. Obasanjo had a choice. He had all the instruments of war and a decisive openended command ina chaotic atmosphere. Hecould have exterminated most Biafrans. He did not. That principledconductsparedNigeriaaheritageoflast minutegenocide,thusensuringanorderlyendtoan unfortunate conflict. APopeisafterallstillahumanliketherestofus.But therolesimplicitinthedischargeofhispapalduties make him infallible in the eyes of the faithful. Pope Obasanjo is one of us!

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 8, 2023

B AC K PAG E C O N T I N UAT I O N MUCH ADO ABOUT OBASANJO’S ENDORSEMENT do only one term so that power could return to the north following Yar’Adua’s death. Also, Tinubu was never an option for Obasanjo. Some have argued that Obasanjo wants to be the pre-eminent Yoruba in the history of Nigeria and that was why he never supported Chief Obafemi Awolowo (in 1979) and “betrayed” Bashorun MKO Abiola (in 1993). It is thus argued that he would never want another Yoruba to be president. I wouldn’t want to pursue this line of argument. What I do know, however, is that there has been no love lost between Tinubu and Obasanjo from time immemorial. In fact, if Obasanjo had had his way, Tinubu’s reign as governor of Lagos state would have been terminated in 2003. After all, PDP took the other south-west states with one blow. I don’t know the origin of the war. I know that Obasanjo did not score 25 percent in any south-west state (bar Ekiti) in the 1999 presidential election and this was a major embarrassment for him. His rivals in the PDP used it to haunt him ahead of the 2003 elections. He was not even sure of getting PDP’s return ticket. In 1998, the PDP had to jettison a requirement that the presidential aspirants should deliver their states in the council elections. Obasanjo’s nemesis was the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the south-west party where Tinubu and co called the shots. Tinubu later upstaged the likes of Chief Abraham Adesanya and Chief Ayo Adebanjo to become the Yoruba political leader. That Obasanjo desperately wanted Tinubu out in 2003 was not hidden. The rumour was that Atiku undermined Obasanjo’s moves to

displace Tinubu, and Tinubu paid Atiku back by supporting him in the “Wuse market” fight with Obasanjo. Tinubu would give the presidential ticket of the Action Congress to Atiku in 2007 after Obasanjo had successfully blocked him in the PDP. We should also recall that Obasanjo seized Lagos council funds over the creation of local council development areas (LCDAs). Obasanjo declared them illegal, although the Supreme Court ruled that he did not have the power to seize allocations. He also tried to stall the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge. All said, in the pool of four strong presidential candidates, Obi was the only option for Obasanjo. Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Atiku are northerners, so they were not going to figure in the spirit of power rotation. Tinubu is Obasanjo’s eternal enemy and rival. Obi, who is enjoying the backing of many young Nigerians, is the only option for Obasanjo, who would also want to go on record as supporting the election of the first executive president from the Igbo nationality (Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was a ceremonial president in a parliamentary system). Obasanjo did his maths very well: history will be written in his favour even if Obi does not win. What an irony. It was the same Obasanjo that presided over the massive rigging of the 2003 general election in which Obi’s victory in Anambra governorship poll was brazenly stolen from him. I was a sympathiser of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in those days. I knew, based on solid evidence,

that the results coming out of the south-east were massively rigged in favour of the PDP. It was only Obi (then in APGA) that was able to reclaim his mandate after three years of litigation. If the Uba brothers had not fallen out with Dr Chris Ngige, who had been declared governor and inaugurated, Obi could not have reclaimed his victory. It was their falling-out that helped him. Obasanjo was solidly behind the Ubas. Ngige was just a few weeks into his tenure as governor when he was kidnapped, falsely imprisoned and forced to sign his resignation by some Anambra gangsters because they said he failed to do their bidding. He managed to survive the coup. But Obasanjo refused to recognise him as governor of Anambra thereafter, even withdrawing his security protection. Ngige started using what looked like Man O’ War as security. The gangsters wanted Ngige removed at all costs and went on the rampage, burning down the Government House in a bid to force the declaration of a state of emergency. The resilient Ngige survived all the schemes. However, Ngige could not survive the election petition. He was a goner the moment a police officer, who was a handwriting expert, showed up at the tribunal to testify that all the result sheets from the local governments with which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the winner were filled by the same person. No police officer would testify against INEC in those days without the authorisation of the federal government. It further helped that Obi presented the original result sheets. That was how he was declared

governor. It was not as if Obasanjo loved him so much — it was more because he needed to do everything to remove Ngige and pacify the Ubas. Many of us who knew Obasanjo before Twitter was invented are not always ecstatic when he pulls his stunts. But give it to him: he knows how to seize the moment. He knows how to ride the waves. His endorsement letter was addressed to the youths, which, in my opinion, is a fantastic tactic. He always manages to deodorise his past with his present. He constantly writes and rewrites history. Most strategically for Obasanjo, Nigerians can never be united in their opinion of him. Those who abused him in 2011 praised him in 2015, and those who abused him in 2015 praised him in 2019. Now, those who abused him over the Civil War and the Anambra shenanigans are hailing him. Still, there are merits to Obasanjo’s endorsement. I like it that Adebanjo’s Afenifere also endorsed Obi. Nigeria can do with crossethnic and cross-regional endorsements by eminent Nigerians, not the usual faceless hirelings. It would be nice for the Northern Elders Forum to go outside their regional enclave and endorse someone from another part of the country. We need this positive signalling for national healing, peace and progress. This is the Nigeria I want. It is also good that old men like Edwin Clark, Obasanjo and Adebanjo endorsed Obi. That is cross-generational. Agreed, Obasanjo’s endorsement cannot make Obi president, but it carries a good message — no matter the motive.

And Four Other Things… FINANCE KILL There seems to be something cynical about the way and manner the Finance Bill 2022 was passed by the National Assembly. President Buhari has thankfully refused to give assent on the ground that there were irregularities. While I commend the president for preventing what could lead to a serious crisis for businesses because of the implications of some of the provisions, I am at a loss as to why the legislature would rush such a critical bill without properly engaging with the stakeholders who will bear the brunt. How can the senate give a 24-hour notice for the public hearing on something that important? The house of reps that gave three-week notice passed it before the date. Shame!

CASHLESS NAIRA Is it me or are the new naira notes just diﬃcult to lay hands upon? We have less than three weeks to dispense with the old naira notes in our wallets, but I have not yet set my eyes on the redesigned naira. Even the ATMs are still dispensing old notes. I can cope with the deadline. I will keep doing electronic transactions despite the technical challenges that we are still battling with. Your account may be debited and the vendor will not receive payment, and you have to wait for days or go to a bank to get it reversed. Those I pity the most are those buying and selling suya, onions and boli. They could be in for a rough time. I just hope we won’t ruin what is left of the economy. Caution..

DEATH AND DESTRUCTION Lt P.P. Johnson, a young army oﬃcer, was declared missing after visiting the Aku-Okigwe community in Imo state. The search continues. She is believed to have been kidnapped by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). We have to keep hope alive because those IPOB guys could be extremely brutal. The Aku-Okigwe community has denied claims that Johnson hailed from the area or that she went to visit her relatives. They also denied that she was abducted in the community and have accused the army of “indiscriminate rampage and killing of innocent residents” in search of Johnson. Let us pray the oﬃcer will return alive and that the army will follow the rules the rescue mission. Heartbreaking.

NIGERIA DECIDES In less than seven weeks, Nigerians will go to the polls to elect a new president. Not so long ago, it looked like ages to come. Now we are counting weeks and days and hours and minutes. We need a transparently credible general election to rekindle the faith of Nigerians in the system. Though there are challenges here and there, the electoral commission has kept us updated on its activities and has also been responsive to complaints and observations. Politicians have been campaigning and the courts are still busy. There have been cases of violence, though not widespread. But, generally, I still look forward to largely peaceful polls. However, it is the duty of everybody to play fair. Imperative.

development partners also need to play their parts well and stay above the fray. The 2023 polls are significant for many reasons. One of such reasons is that this will be the second time that an incumbent president

will be term-barred in Nigeria (the first being 2007 after President Olusegun Obasanjo had served out his two terms). Also, this set of elections will mark the seventh consecutive elections held in one democratic dispensation. This is a major record for Nigeria, as the first and second republics died shortly after the second set of elections while the third republic was a stillborn. One wrinkle that many easily miss is that 2023 marks a century of ‘general election’ in Nigeria. The Clifford Constitution of 1922 introduced the elective principle and created four elected positions to the Nigerian Legislative Council (three seats for Lagos and one seat for Calabar). The elections for the four positions were held on 20 September 1923. The Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) snapped the three seats in Lagos while an independent, Kwamina Ata-Amonu, won with one-vote margin in Calabar. The 46-member Legislative Council was inaugurated on 31 October 1923. The point of this short historical excursion is to re-emphasise that Nigeria has had a long experience with democracy and elections: 24 years of uninterrupted democracy and a centenary of elections. But longevity is not the same as maturity. On trial in this historic set of polls will be the maturity and the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy. Has our democracy reached that level that scholars of democratisation call consolidation, the stage where democracy remains the only game in town? Has democratic culture become fully domesticated and mainstreamed? Have our elections progressed to a level that they can be truly certified as free and fair, clean and credible? These are weighty questions that will be tested during and after the polls in February and March.

AS WE SPRINT TOWARDS THE 2023 POLLS (1) received the last consignment of the BVAS machines and that the electoral body is making contingency plan for the possibility of a runoff in the presidential election. INEC needs to ease the collection of the permanent voter’s cards and step up enlightenment campaign on the electoral processes and the changes introduced by the new electoral law. We need INEC to give a good account of itself, now more than ever. But while an excellent performance by INEC is a necessary condition, it is not all that is needed for a credible election. Precisely because there are many moving parts, other key actors in the election space must do their bits, and well too. As stated earlier, election security is beyond INEC. In providing this critical support to the election process, the security forces must be impartial, must be firm and must provide the enabling environment for voters to feel free and safe to exercise their franchise. The president has urged and committed our security forces to the expected level of professionalism. The heads of the various security agencies need to flesh this out and take full responsibility. Security forces serving as armed wings of ruling parties or enablers of intimidation and rigging must stay in the past. We need adequate security all over the country during the polls, especially in known political flashpoints. We also need our security officials to be proactive and nimble so that they can anticipate and quickly quell security breaches before they snowball. Also, the politicians and the voters must play, or should be forced to play, by the rules of the game. Granted that a lot is at stake in the 2023 polls, but trying to win at all costs or turning elections to do-or-die affairs is not part of the sportsmanship spirit expected of true democrats. After giving a good fight, good

INEC Chairman, Yakubu

sportsmen and women embrace even when they don’t like the outcome. They prepare for another time, or seek redress through established mechanisms, not set the sporting arena on fire. The media, civil society groups and the

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 8, 2023

NEWS

News Editor: Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: gboyega.akinsanmi@thisdaylive.com,08152359253

LET THERE BE WATER … L- R: Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Sulaiman Adamu; Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya; Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III; and Commissioner of Water Resources, Mijinyawa Yahaya, at the unveiling of the rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of the Gombe Regional Water Supply project in Gombe ... recently

Obasanjo’s Endorsement of Obi was a Big Mistake, Says Lamido Chuks Okocha in Abuja A former governor of Jigawa State, Mr. Sule Lamido, has described the recent endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as “a big mistake.” Lamido, who was a Foreign Affairs Minister under Obasanjo’s administration, made the remarks on Friday while answering questions from journalists at

Bamaina, his country home, in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Lamido stated that people like Obasanjo failed to understand that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) made them who they are. “Obasanjo talks because he was a former president. If he was not, he can’t; because the PDP made him and he is demeaning the PDP. “Obasanjo is my boss, and I believe in him, but he is human;

Tank Farm Explodes in Delta, One Injured A tank farm operated by Ebeco Global Link on Saturday went up in flames at Koko town in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Command, Bright Edafe, confirmed the development to journalists in Warri. “The situation has been brought under control,” Mr Edafe said, adding that one person sustained

injuries and there was no report of any death. A local source said that the incident, which occurred in the morning, caused panic among residents. The source further said that the cause of the incident had not been established and added that fire fighters brought the situation under control. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Koko town is host to many tank farms.

Christian Leaders Seek Support for Military Personnel to Prevent Attacks Rebecca Ejifoma A group of active Christian leaders has canvassed synergy with the current and retired military personnel to mitigate and prevent future attacks on the country. The leaders made the call yesterday at a breakfast and inter-denomination discussion on how to address the challenges facing Christianity in contemporary Nigeria organised by the Cathedral Touch Bearers at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos Speaking at the breakfast, Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Ilesa, Prof. Dapo Asaju said: “We need to build conviction. We need to produce a blueprint that can get us out of the road.” He said: “Nigeria needs apologetics for the voice of the Christians to be heard. We need an alternative form of defence. To give us the idea, we need the

military and the paramilitary for preventive measures in the face of attacks.” Asaju, former Vice Chancellor, Bishop Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, bemoaned the dearth of leaders in the country, lamenting that Nigeria did not have leaders who have ideas in Nigeria. While speaking on responsible reactions and strategies to deal with attacks, and killings of Christians in the worship centres, Asaju harped on the need for reasonable and non-violent ways to resolve issues. Asaju called for unity in Christendom, urging Christians “to speak in one language. We need to see this as a Nigerian problem, not just a Christian problem.” Also at the breakfast, Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Itua Ighodalo, decried the internal decay in Christendom. “

he can make mistakes and he made a big mistake for him to endorse a party outside his party which made him what he is, getting the relevance, the image, he has globally. “No matter the circumstances, whether power rotation or what, people are dishonest, when it comes to a sense of justice and fairness. “When he was in office, he tried for the third term. Is that fair, is that justice? It’s not. I respect him but we have to stand by our tradition,

the history of our political party, our philosophy, and PDP made Nigeria what it’s today. “He is endorsing Peter Obi because he is either angry because of Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu, both men are strong characters and personalities; so, the fear of these very strong men is what is haunting him; that is all. “The monopoly he has in Nigeria space will not have it. The fear of sharing that space with somebody is what is bringing all these problems for him. What

he just said about Peter Obi is just an opinion. “I have my own beliefs and convictions which I and other like-minded people promote and those of us who share these beliefs and aspirations came together and formed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and PDP formed a government in Nigeria. “Our people failed to understand that when a party honours you, dignified you makes you who you are, and that is why

you are talking. To me, whether it’s Obasanjo or any other person he is talking about because he was a former president, under the PDP. “The PDP invented him, and honoured, and dignified him and we look at him as a leader, who is inspiring, and motivating and can chart a new course for Nigeria. Those who worked with him in the last 25 years can trust him and respect him. That is his legacy in life.

Oyedepo: Travelling out Not in Nigeria’s Interests The founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo has asked Nigerians to stay and rebuild the country, instead of migrating to other countries. Oyedepo said this on Saturday while speaking with NAN in Ota, Ogun state. The cleric said human capital development is the most viable and stable stock that any country could ever invest in. Oyedepo called on the federal

government to massively invest in human capital development to restore the “lost esteem” of the country. “There is the need for more investment in education because this is the bedrock of sustainable national development for any nation,” he said. Oyedepo appealed to the federal government to create an enabling environment for youths to thrive in order to reduce those traveling out of the country.

“Parents need to re-orientate their children. Traveling out of the country is not the best as there are many youths stranded in foreign countries who could not come back home because of shame,” Oyedepo said. “We all need to stay in Nigeria to rebuild and restore the lost esteem of the country. Everyone has a part to play in the recovery of his nation.” Meanwhile, Covenant Uni-

versity, where Oyedepo is the chancellor, had its 17th convocation ceremony and conferment of first and higher degrees on Friday. A total of 1,934 students graduated from the institution. They comprised 206 first-class honours, representing 12.28 percent; 744 second-class upper honours, representing 44.36 percent; 620 second-class lower or 36.97 percent; 107, representing 6.38 percent in third class and 257 post-graduate students.

#EndSARS Never Prompted Our Letter to IG, Say Lekki Residents The Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) has explained why it wrote a letter to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Usman Alkali Baba. The association made this clarification in a statement by his President, Olorogun James Emadoye yesterday, explaining the rationale behind its letter to the police chief. In the letter, Emadoye recalled

that the association wrote the letter to the inspector general of police following the recent extrajudicial killings of its members, Bolanle Raheem and Gafaru Buraimoh by operatives of the Nigerian Police. However, the president clarified that while reference was made to one of the recommendations of the #EndSARS protest, which aligns with the

association’s stance on the need for mental evaluation of police officers, LERSA did not intend to advance the protest as suggested by a section of the media. Emadoye said: “The attention of the Executive Council of Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) has been drawn to various newspaper publications on the above letter forwarded to the

Inspector-General of Police and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. “Some of the publication headlines were linked directly to “EndSARS Protest” and therefore gave an incorrect slant to our position. Some of the headlines may have misrepresented the letter with the #ENDSARS headlines.

Adelabu Faults Claims of Stepping down for APC Candidate

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

With the governorship election about two months away, the governorship candidate of Accord Party in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu yesterday said he would not step down for his counterpart in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Teslim Folarin. Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor, Operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said he was in the 2023 governorship contest

to win, insisting that he was the candidate to beat in the state. He made the clarification in a statement the Director-General of his Campaign Council, Adegboyega Adegoke issued yesterday. There had been speculation in Folarin’s camp that Adelabu would step in. Speculations sprang up amid fear that Folarin might not be able to defeat the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde without

Adelabu’s support. In his statement yesterday, however, Adelabu maintained that he would not step down for Folarin or any other gubernatorial candidate through a coalition. The statement alleged that the same fraudulent tactics were used during the APC primaries, which made the founding leaders, and members of the APC in the state leave the party. It further explained that the people of the state “are already

aware of the antics of some politicians which cannot take them anywhere in the 2023 general elections. There was no time when Adelabu held any meeting with Folarin on a coalition. “It has come to our notice that the APC gubernatorial candidate in Oyo state, Senator Teslim Folarin, has started his antics again, peddling lies and deceptions that the candidate of our party, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, will be leading a coalition in his favour.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R JANUARY 8, 2023

NEWSXTRA Yoruba Nation Agitators’ Chairman, Spokesman Quit Amid Fraud Allegations Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Yoruba self-determination group, also known as Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide (IOOW), has been thrown into disarray following the resignation of the Chairman Prof. Wale Adeniran and the Communication Secretary, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, of their membership of the group amid fraud allegations. While Adeniran asked the Yoruba elders to set up a committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the fraud allegations, Adeleye specifically demanded accountability from the immediate past leader of the group, Prof. Banji Akintoye. The duo announced their

decision in separate statements at the weekend after allegations of fund embezzlement and misappropriation unsettled the frontline self-determination group. In a viral video, Adeniran said he stepped aside “to allow a thorough investigation into the allegation of fraud levelled against him.” He challenged whoever might have evidence against him or who might have sent money to the organisation through him to come forward and make it known to the public. He explained that he resigned his membership from the selfdetermination group to allow thorough investigation, calling on Yoruba elders to set up a committee in that regard.

He said: “I want to use this medium to step aside as the Chairman and member of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide. I step down as the participant in the Yoruba nation’s struggle to allow for unfettered investigations of all these allegations. “Because in all developed parts of the world, what they normally do is that, if there is an allegation against a public office holder, he or she will step aside to allow a

thorough investigation. That is what I am doing right now. “I thank you all. Whatever comes out after the investigation should be made public. There should not be a secret there. They should publicise the outcome of the investigation because all Yoruba people must know the truth about the fraud allegation involving the struggle,” Adeniran explained. In a statement, Friday, Adeleye also announced his resignation

from his position and equally renounced his membership in the group. He noted that he had stepped down as Akintoye’s Communications Manager in August 2022, and asked the formerYoruba Nation leader to allow a proper audit of his tenure. He said: “Given recent developments in the Yoruba self-determination struggle, I wish to inform all theYoruba people worldwide that I have stepped aside and withdrawn from the agita-

tion for an independent Yoruba nation under its current leadership effective from January 6. “May I inform members of the public that I stepped aside as the Communications Manager of Prof. Banji Akintoye on August 5, 2022, and finally cut off communication with the historian on October 31, 2022. I have also resigned from my membership of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide effective from January 2.

Stop Medical Professionals from Leaving Nigeria, Senior Lawyer Tells FG Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City A senior lawyer, Mr Ighodalo Imadegbelo (SAN) yesterday urged the federal government to take urgent steps to end the exodus of young medical practitioners from the federation. Imadegbelo, an expert in Medical Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution, noted that the trend “is threatening the country’s medical profession.” He made the call at a set-forth programme organised for the Provost, College of Medical Science, University of Benin, Prof. Efosa Oviasu yesterday. He said: “A situation whereby bright medical practitioners and consultants in the country leave in droves will adversely affect the health

care system of the country. “It has become worrisome to observe that the various government hospitals were in dearth of medical practitioners and professionals, who are constantly leaving the shores of Nigeria in search of the proverbial greener pastures. “This unfortunate development must be stemmed in order to safeguard the nation’s health care delivery from collapse,” the senior lawyer said. Also speaking at the programme, Consultant Nephrologist and Guest Lecturer at the ceremony, Prof. Aminu Bello extolled the sterling qualities of Oviasu, who is a famous consultant nephrologist.

UNICAL Suspends Four Students over “Water Ritual” Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has approved the suspension of four students of the institution identified in a viral video and found culpable of partaking in an unlawful act of water ritual on a fellow female student. The announcement of the suspension is contained in a release signed on Saturday in Calabar by Mr Gabriel Egbe, Registrar of the institution. Egbe said that the four students carried out the unlawful act during the last matriculation ceremony of the institution on December 2, 2022.

Egbe mentioned the affected students to include Stephen Usen, a student of Accounting Department, year 4, and Aniefiok Idorenyin, a student of Computer Science, year 2. Others are Miracle Adeyemi, a student of Political Science, year 2 and Blessing Queen, a student of Genetics and Biotech, year 4. “Management deliberated extensively on the report of the committee on Gender-Based Violence and the strength of its findings and has accordingly directed the affected students to proceed on suspension with effect from the 2020/2021 academic session.

Abia North Must Produce Next Governor, Elders Insist Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Stakeholders including elders of Abia State, senior lawyers and academics, have insisted that the rotation and zoning arrangement of the state must be respected as residents prepare to elect a new governor on March 11. They made the resolution in a statement the Media Office of the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu issued yesterday. The eminent leaders, according to the statement, maintained that it was the turn of Abia North to produce the next governor of the state. They traced the history of zoning and democracy in the state and maintained that the

palpable tension existing within the state political atmosphere was needless since history supports their insistence. The elders and opinion leaders, who made the unanimous resolution according to the statement included, Prof. Nwadinaobi Ugochukwu Esomono, Dr. Lawrence Ubani, ESV Olekanma, Dr. Amaka Onubogu, Pastor Caleb Awa and Dr. Idika Kalu. They were among the 17 leaders and stakeholders that signed the document insisting that the zoning arrangement in the state must be respected. The leaders said power returning to Abia North was sacrosanct, noting that it is the only way to ensure peace, justice and fairness in the state.

FARE THE WELL MOTHER… L-R: Daughter of the late Mrs. Alice Phillips, Toyosi Etim Eﬃong; her husband, Daniel; Kehinde Phillips; Mrs. Ngozi Phillips and Labo Ademola during the service of songs for the late matriarch in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

2022 Finance Bill: LCCI Rejects FG’s Plan to Increase Tax Chibuzor Oluchi The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has cautioned the federal government on plans to raise some taxes as contained in the 2022 Finance Bill recently passed by the National Assembly, and currently awaiting the president’s assent. The 2022 Finance Bill is initiated to facilitate the financing of the 2023 national budget. In a statement at the weekend, the Director-General, LCCI, Dr Chinyere Almona, said the government should explore new

ways to rescue tax expenditures to boost government revenue in 2023, rather than adding to the tax burden of businesses. She stated: “Rising from the interactions with our members and several stakeholders in the broader business community has placed a responsibility on itself to share the concerns about the 2022 Finance Bill as approved by the National Assembly, and as it awaits the assent of the President. “On the path of caution, we urge the government to thread conservatively in raising tax rates, since there are

new ways of rescuing some tax expenditures to add up to government revenue in 2023. “Leaving rates at their levels will not lead to a loss of revenue.” Almona further stated that, based on feedback from operators in the oil and gas sector and the wider business community, LCCI recommend the following: “We suggest a retention of the Tertiary Education Tax (TET) rate at 2.5 percent, since it was just recently increased from 2 percent to 2.5 percent. At the proposed rate of 3 percent Nigeria’s corporate income

tax rate would rise to about 36 percent, which is one of the highest rates in the world, according to available research. “Retain the 30 percent CIT for all oil and gas companies and consider amending the Petroleum Profit Tax Act with the same provision in the PIA section 104.” On achieving revenue targets for the budget, LCCI suggests that Ministries, Departments and Agencies and government owned enterprises can intensify their revenue mobilisation efforts in an enabling environment where the private sector thrives.

Anambra North Elders Canvass Support for Oduah Nume Ekeghe A group, the Anambra North Elders for Good Governance and Quality Representation, has reiterated its unwavering support for the Senator representing Anambra North senatorial zone, Stella Oduah, and has denounced the claims by a group criticising her tenure. The group, in a communique signed by its Secretary, Chief Osita Ofojebe stated that with 50 days to the general election,

a recent memo issued by the self-styled ‘Anambra North Elders’ was sponsored by the opposition. It states: “Our attention has been drawn to a memo issued by an obviously politically motivated gang who go by the self-styled name, Anambra North Elders wherein they sought to disparage the people oriented developmental efforts our district has been enjoying under the able stewardship of the Senator Princess Stella

Adaeze Oduah. “With barely 50 days to the general election, it is not shocking to see such sponsored desperate renegades attempting to slow down the momentum of the Ogbaru Princess and whilst we’d rather not join issues with them, it is important to state that contrary to their contrived lies, Anambra North under Senator Stella Oduah has in the past eight years, witnessed unprecedented growth and development in terms of projects, programs

and people-oriented laws that positively affect us,” the group explained. The elders added that under the lawmaker, over 201 roads were either constructed or rehabilitated, solar street lights installed in strategic locations of the various communities, water boreholes installed in numerous communities, market stalls constructed in various LGAs, ICT centres, diagnostic centres, health centres, and solar power grids donated to hospitals.

Amnesty Refutes Graft Allegation, Restates Commitment to Probity The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has faulted a report, which recently described the federal establishment as a cesspool of corruption and financial impropriety. In a statement by its Interim Administrator, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu yesterday, the Programme demanded immediate retraction of the report or would be forced to initiate legal action against its author and publisher. Since his assumption of office, Ndiomu explained that he had

consistently advocated and ensured all his staff adhered to due process and commitment to best practices in the discharge of their duties, and would not spare any staff who deviated from these. On this ground, the interim administrator frowned at the report, which accused some staff members of PAP’s Finance and Audit departments of complicity in corrupt practices it described, “advance payment”. Ndiomu said its scholarship “has not been terminated, but

merely suspended and all delegates on formal education, both onshore and offshore remain bona fide beneficiaries and will continue to enjoy approved privileges attached to their various scholarship schemes.” He noted that the current suspension “is as a result of PAP’s financial situation due to debts incurred by previous formal education scholarship awards and other commitments, adding that the suspension will be lifted as soon as these obligations are

cleared.” Contrary to insinuations, Ndiomu noted that the PAPsponsored formal education scholarship awards had not been discontinued; rather the award of fresh scholarships to potential beneficiaries has been suspended In another statement by Mr. Thomas Peretu, PAP said: “We hereby state that the story entitled, ‘Presidential Amnesty Programme Still a Cesspool of mind-boggling corruption’ is nothing but a figment of the author’s imagination.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8 , 2023

SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Duro Ikhazuagbe email:Duro.Ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Akwa Utd, B’Insurance Set to Kickstart NPFL Season

Kelechi Iheanacho (on the turf) thanking God for his lone winner against Gillingham...yesterday KelechiIheanacho(ontheturf)thankingGodforhislonewinneragainstGillingham yesterday

FA CUP

Iheanacho Saves Leicester Blushes to Reach Fourth Round ȱ Ȃ ȱ Ĝ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ IURP D EDUUHQ ÀUVW KDOI EUHDN Iheanacho curled narrowly uper Eagles wide beyond the reach of goalkeeper, forward, Kel- Gillingham’s Jake Turner, to put smiles on echi Iheanacho, on Saturday the faces of Foxes massive H[WHQGHG KLV ÀQH supporters in the stand. Gillingham, watched by English FA Cup UHFRUG E\ ÀULQJ new owner, Brad Galinson, set Leicester into the fourth round aside their miserable league with the second-half winner in campaign to provide a stern a 1-0 victory at Sky Bet League test for Premier League opposiWLRQ DW 0(06 3ULHVWÀHOG EXW Two strugglers Gillingham. On the day that League One never really looked like pulling 6KH΀HOG :HGQHVGD\ SXOOHG RͿ RͿ D VKRFN 'RP -HͿHULHV ZHQW FORVHVW a memorable FA Cup shock as they knocked out the Premier for Neil Harris’ hosts, while League’s third-placed side goalkeeper Turner ensured a Newcastle United 2-1 , the 2021 QHUY\ ÀQLVK IRU WKH )R[HV ZLWK champions Leicester have the a string of impressive saves to Nigerian forward to thank for keep the game in the balance. Leicester arrived in Kent on the winner. The goal was Iheanacho’s the back of three successive 16th career strike in the com- WRS ÁLJKW GHIHDWV UHDG\ WR petition to save Leicester take on a beleaguered team another major upset. Barely VLWWLQJ SODFHV EHORZ WKHP 16 minutes after returning in the football pyramid. Duro Ikhazuagbe

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers made eight changes for the tie and watched his side dominate a tight opening period but struggle to break down dogged hosts in blustery conditions. Jamie Vardy, one of the three

men retained, was restricted WR MXVW HLJKW ÀUVW KDOI WRXFKHV and left frustrated after being denied a sixth-minute opener by Gills keeper Turner folORZLQJ D ÀQH SDVV IURP 0DUF Albrighton.

RESULTS

(FA Cup 3rd Rd) Gillingham 0-1 Leicester Cry’Palace 1-2 Southampton 5HDGLQJ :DWIRUG Tottenham 1-0 Portsmouth Bournemouth 2-4 Burnley Blackpool 4-1 N’Forest &KHVWHUÀHOG :HVW %URP Hull 0-2 Fulham %UHQWIRUG :HVW +DP 6KHͿ :HG 1HZFDVWOH TODAY (NPFL) Akwa Utd v Bendel Insurance

Injured World Number One, Alcaraz, to Miss Australian Open :RUOG 1XPEHU &DUORV ´:H·UH VRUU\ ZH ZRQ·W EH swift recovery. See you back Alcaraz, will not play in the seeing you this year @car- RQ FRXUW VRRQ µ WKH R΀FLDO Australian Open after picking ORVDOFDUD] :LVKLQJ \RX D Australian Open account up a right leg muscle injury during pre-season training, the Spaniard said at the weekend. ´:KHQ , ZDV DW P\ EHVW in preseason, I picked up an injury through a chance, unnatural movement in training. This time it’s the semimembranosus muscle in my right leg.” he wrote on Twitter. “I’d worked so hard to get to my best level for Australia but unfortunately I won’t be able to play the Care A2+ Kooyong or the Australian Open. It’s tough, but I have to be optimistic, recover and look forward. See you in 2024,” Carlos Alcaraz...injured, ruled out of 2023 Australian Open he added.

said on Twitter. 7KH \HDU ROG FODLPHG KLV maiden major title at last year’s U.S Open, which also made him the youngest ever men’s world number one. %HIRUH WKH VWDUW RI WKH ÀUVW Grand Slam of the year, he VDLG KH ZDV QHDULQJ IXOO ÀWness ahead of the new season, having missed the ATP Finals and Davis Cup due to an abdominal injury sustained at the Paris Masters. Alcaraz replaced Russia’s Daniil Medvedev at the top of the rankings after beating Norway’s Casper Ruud in the 8 6 2SHQ ÀQDO LQ 6HSWHPEHU by electrifying the crowd with his acrobatic shot-making, hard-hitting forehand and HPSKDWLF ÀVW SXPSV

After more than six months in the cooler, the abridged format of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) new Season is scheduled to kick RͿ LQ 8\R WKLV DIWHUQRRQ ZLWK KRVWV $NZD 8QLWHG taking on recently promoted Bendel Insurance FC of Benin City. According to the programme of the new season released by the Interim Management Committee ,0& RI WKH OHDJXH RQO\ WKLV À[WXUH DW WKH 1HVW RI &KDPSLRQV LQ 8\R ZLOO NLFN RͿ WKH QHZ VHDVRQ ZLWK all other matches moved forward by one week. Both teams are no strangers to each other. The last WLPH ERWK FOXEV PHW LQ WKH 1LJHULDQ WRSÁLJKW OHDJXH was in 2008 where Bendel Insurance won by a slim 3-2 win over Akwa United. Insurance however got relegated that season havLQJ ÀQLVKHG WK ZLWK SRLQWV LQ WKH OHDJXH 7KH second season of the Benin Arsenal in the Nigerian WRSÁLJKW ZDV GXULQJ WKH DEULGJHG VHDVRQ DQG they couldn’t exceed their stay as they got demoted by again. However, having failed twice in the NPFL, Bendel Insurance restrategized with rigour during their NNL campaign last year and appear ready to avoid another drop again. Expectations are high on both sides with surprised UHVXOW QRW UXOHG RXW RI WKLV ÀUVW JDPH RI WKH QHZ season. Akwa United’s last season form at home matches showed that they weren’t top class as they dropped points a couple of times. 7KH 3URPLVH .HHSHUV ÁRXQGHUHG DW KRPH ODVW season as they recorded a total of 40 points with 11 wins, seven draws and a defeat compared to Katsina United who won 15 games at home, two draws and defeats. Bendel Insurance, despite picking up points in the NNL on the road last season can’t attest to a similar IDWH DV WKH 13)/ LV D GLͿHUHQW EDOO JDPH ,W KRZHYHU SURPLVHG WR EH D À[WXUH ORYHUV RI WKH 1LJHULDQ domestic club football should look forward to, most especially as IMC has promised that all games of the abridged league are to be streamed live.

LA LIGA

Chukwueze’s Villarreal Deny Real Madrid Chance to Leapfrog Barca 6DPXHO &KXNZXH]H ZDV LQ DFWLRQ IRU DOO PLQXWHV last night as Villarreal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 and deny the Spanish capital city team the opportunity to leapfrog Barcelona at the top of the La Liga. The defeat was a second La Liga defeat of the season for Real. Yeremy Pino put the hosts ahead but a dubious handball call against Juan Foyth allowed Karim Benzema to level. Foyth then won a penalty of his own at the other end as David Alaba handled and Gerard Moreno slotted the winner for the game to end 2-1 . Real remain second, level on 38 points with leaders Barcelona, who will visit Atletico Madrid today. 9LOODUUHDO FOLPE WR ÀIWK DIWHU D GHVHUYHG WKLUG VXFFHVsive win, having created the better chances throughRXW DQ HQWHUWDLQLQJ DͿDLU (VWDGLR GH OD &HUDPLFD Alex Baena went close on several occasions during D ÀUVW KDOI WKH KRVWV ERVVHG ZKLOH )UDQFLV &RTXHOLQ hit the post with a cheeky backheel from Moreno’s cross. %HQ]HPD IDVKLRQHG 5HDO·V EHVW ÀUVW KDOI RSHQLQJ ZLWK D FXVKLRQHG ÀUVW WLPH SDVV RQ WKH YROOH\ IRU Vinicius Jr but the Brazil forward was denied by veteran keeper Pepe Reina. )HUODQG 0HQG\·V PLVSODFHG SDVV OHG WR 3LQR ÀULQJ Villarreal ahead early in the second half but after a ball over the top grazed Foyth’s hand, the referee awarded a penalty upon viewing the pitchside monitor. Benzema converted his 227th La Liga goal to move joint sixth in the all-time top scorers’ list, alongside Real legend Alfredo di Stefano. But any injustice the hosts felt soon disappeared as Alaba slipped and handled Foyth’s low pass as he put his hand on the ground to steady himself, with Moreno coolly sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way from the spot after vociferous Real appeals ÀQDOO\ GLHG GRZQ

Sunday 8 January, 2023

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PDP to Tinubu

COVID-19 Tests & Vaccinations TEXT

“Nigerians are wondering what President Buhari, with his professed aversion to corruption and drug-related issues, will be saying while presenting Asiwaju Tinubu to the electorate in rallies, if he ever does” – The PDP mocking the presidential candidate of APC, Bola Tinubu, for seeking to drag President Buhari into his campaign to launder his stained image.

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Much Ado about Obasanjo’s Endorsement

y friend sent me a WhatsApp chat shortly after President Olusegun Obasanjo announced his endorsement of Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party. “What does the Obasanjo endorsement mean?” he asked. I smiled to myself and replied: “It means he is bored!” Like him or hate him, Obasanjo is a headline maker any day. With him, downtimes are rare. He has consistently inserted himself into public consciousness since he left power as military head of state in 1979. He is not one former leader who waits for things to happen. He makes things happen. How can any general election come and go and Obasanjo won’t be at the centre of action? God forbid! Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who was vice-president to Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, has kicked, saying his former boss was only looking for a “third term” through Obi. For those who may not get the gist, Obasanjo’s foot soldiers unsuccessfully tried to amend the constitution in 2006 to allow Obasanjo run for a third term. When he anointed Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua above Atiku as his successor in 2007, the accusation was that he was trying to do a third term by proxy, although President

Obasanjo

Yar’Adua turned out not to be a lackey. By the way, Atiku did not talk about “third term by proxy” when Obasanjo endorsed him in 2019. Just saying. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has

also taken a swipe at Obasanjo for endorsing Obi, likening it to “the blind leading the blind”. Tinubu said that “one who doesn’t know the way cannot show the way”. He also reminded Nigerians of how Obasanjo and Atiku fought naked “in Wuse market” when both men were in power. However, Tinubu was silent on the fact that he and Candidate Muhammadu Buhari led a team of APC leaders to Obasanjo’s Abeokuta home in 2015 in search of this endorsement. If I recall, they had only glowing words for him and even took a memorable picture with him in front of his house. Politics! I have heard people dismiss Obasanjo’s endorsement as not carrying any political weight because he is not an electoral asset. Well, that is one line of argument. If you are going to enjoy the endorsement of anybody, it should be able to bring votes. However, Obasanjo has never really been a vote machine. Before he was elected president in 1999, he was a political lightweight, heavily propped by northern elements and supported in the south-east and south-south. He did not win in the polling booth in front of his house in the December 1998 council election, although a special arrangement was made for him to win on his street in the presidential poll to save his face. Nevertheless, Obasanjo offers something

else. As a statesman who inspires headlines, Obasanjo is someone you would want in your corner. As Yoruba elders would say, a prayer is better than a curse. Even if the prayer will not be answered, it is better to say: “God bless you.” You also don’t want Obasanjo to be on your case, supplying damaging words to your opponents. If Tinubu and Atiku had their way, they would want him to endorse them even if it would not bring votes. Why do politicians keep flocking to Minna to see Gen Ibrahim Babangida, former military president, every election year? How many votes can he deliver when he himself could not stage a comeback as he desired? This time, Obasanjo was never going to endorse either of Atiku or Tinubu. Despite endorsing Atiku in 2019, he would say, in June 22, that picking him as his running mate in 1999 was a mistake. That is deep. He endorsed Atiku in 2019 just to spite Buhari. Simple. The bitterness between Atiku and Obasanjo will never fade away, even though it is also clear that Obasanjo wants the next president to come from the south in the spirit of national unity and equity. At least, he is known for promoting this and he privately gave it as a reason for backing Buhari in 2015, insisting that Jonathan had agreed to Continued on page 68

WAZIRIADIO POSTSCRIPT

As We Sprint Towards the 2023 Polls (1)

fter today, we have six more Sundays before the much-awaited February 25th presidential election in Nigeria. One of the innovations of the Electoral Act 2022 is a nine-month gap between when political parties choose their flagbearers and when the electorate cast their ballots. By a country mile, this is the longest electioneering period in our history. The closest to this was at the outset of the Second Republic when the five registered political parties of the time chose their presidential candidates in December 1978 and the presidential election was held on 11th August 1979. Since then, electioneering period had shrunk to about three months. Until now. The jury is still out on if this novelty of the current electoral law is, on the balance, a good thing for governance, democracy and the country. There will be ample time after the polls for a post mortem. For now, it is time to count down to what had previously looked like eternity. In the remaining weeks and days, campaign activities will multiply. Candidates and their

parties will increase their presence and crank up the volume. This is the last mile that the politicians have been conserving their energies and resources for. Now is the time to dash towards the finishing line. As part of this heightened state, there will be more polls and projections, there will be new alliances and endorsements, there will be additional spins and promises, and there will be fresh accusations and counter-accusations—all designed to woo the voters and amass the needed numbers. The space will be saturated with, and be nearly suffocated by, politics. It is that time. As the politicians do their things and work up a frenzy, it is also important to use this countdown period to emphasise a few things. I will highlight one of such today, which is the need to continue to demand free, fair and credible elections. Both the electoral management body and President Muhammadu Buhari have consistently promised to deliver just that. Promises and public declarations are a good starting point. I started following elections in Nigeria before I turned a teenager. I am yet to come across a president/head of state and an electoral body that pledged the contrary. The

real test is when the rubber meets the road. To be sure, it is no mean task organising elections simultaneously in 176, 974 polling units in disparate terrains across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The arduous and thankless job of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) is further complicated by the fact that the commission uses ad-hoc staff to conduct the polls, relies on third-parties to move electoral materials, and depends on the armed forces for security. But conducting credible elections is INEC’s responsibility. And as President Buhari said recently, INEC has no excuse not to deliver on this important mandate in the coming landmark polls. INEC advocated for a longer time between the primaries and the elections to give it more space to plan, and both the legislature and the executive obliged. The current electoral law also stipulates that money for the election must be released to INEC a year in advance, and there is no indication this has not been done or that funding for the election will be a problem, even as the country is struggling with its finances. The point here is that INEC has all it needs to deliver its part of the bargain. If INEC had excuses about time and money in the past,

such excuses will not stand now. On many occasions, I have stated that INEC needs our support and should not be distracted or be allowed to be undermined by politicians or their agents. I still stand by this position. I believe that INEC, in the last few years, is one public institution that has earned its stripes and an agency that has shown huge appetite for constant improvement. However, it is also a duty to constantly hold INEC’s feet to the fire. It should always be held to account on things within its control. It is therefore important for INEC to use the remaining weeks and days to perfect and test its plans for the elections. INEC needs to finetune its strategies on the following: ensuring that polls open as scheduled, getting electoral materials and personnel to the polling units on time, providing prompt backup for electoral devices that malfunction, applying the rules consistently, guaranteeing the secrecy of the ballot, and counting, tallying and transmitting the votes correctly. It is reassuring to hear that INEC has Continued on page 68

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