SUNDAY 19TH JANUARY 2020

Buhari: Border Closure Not Meant to Punish Our Neighbours Anthony Joshua presents belt to president in London Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, in London said the partial closure of the Nigerian borders since August last year,

was not intended to punish the neighbouring countries, but a measure aimed at strengthening the country’s security and economy.

The president, who

met with a select group of Nigerians, including the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Anthony Joshua, who presented his championship belt to

the president, however congratulated Joshua, who many described as the cynosure of all eyes at the forum.

According to a statement

by one of the president's spokesmen, Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari said the period of border closure was being used to take stock of the threats that activities at the borders

posed to the country’s security and economy.

Buhari also disclosed that the Nigerian farmers had Continued on page 5

Prince Harry, Meghan Lose Royal Titles, Funding… Page 8 Sunday 19 January, 2020 Vol 24. No 9050

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Ihedioha: My Faith in Democracy, Judiciary, Nigeria Unshaken PDP ask INEC to speak out, lambasts Oshiomhole APC govs tackle opposition, deny procuring judgement Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Supreme

Court

Ousted

governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, yesterday said despite the outcome of the case, which sacked

him last Tuesday, his faith in Nigeria, her democracy and the judiciary remained unshaken.

This is as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has asked

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Nigerians to speak out on the development, because the

verdict portended danger sign for democracy and elections Continued on page 5

Nigeria Needs Global Support to Defeat Terrorism, Says European Parliament Enjoins president to halt the tide of attacks As FG purchases 47 fighter jets, helicopter gunships in 5 years, takes delivery of two new copters Tobi Soniyi in Lagos and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Except the world come together in support of Nigeria, she might be unable to defeat the blistering terrorism she currently faces, the European Parliament has said.

The Parliament, therefore, called on the European Union, the African Union and the international community to step up their efforts in supporting the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, even as it called on President Muhammadu Buhari to keep to his 2019 campaign promises and stop the Boko Haram and other terrorist attacks in the country.

The European Parliament is the legislative branch of the European Union and one of its seven institutions.

Together with the Council of the European Union, it adopts European legislation, normally on a proposal from Continued on page 8

THIS IS FOR NIGERIA, MR PRESIDENT...

Anthony Joshua prostrates as he presents heavyweight titles to Buhari in UK...yesterday

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

PAGE FIVE IHEDIOHA: MY FAITH IN DEMOCRACY, JUDICIARY, NIGERIA UNSHAKEN in the country.

Secondus also condemned the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole for allegedly supporting injustice even as the PDP promised to request for a review of the case by the Supreme Court, while also staging a protest tomorrow, Monday, to register its displeasure about the state of things in the country.

Meanwhile, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has described the statement credited to the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the Supreme Court judgement on Imo governorship election was 'procured' as contemptuous and disrespectful to the country's democracy.

Ihedioha, who spoke when the National Working Committee (NWC) of PDP paid a solidarity visit to him, said despite what has happened, he still has tremendous faith in Nigeria, her democracy and the judiciary.

He said he was though still waiting for answers over the manner the Supreme Court reached its judgement, he insisted that "The Supreme Court ruling will not shake my faith in Nigeria and democracy but instead, strengthen my resolve as an individual," adding that no one should celebrate his ouster but reflection.

He advised the leadership of PDP to remain resolute in their quest to ensure the deepening of democratic ideals in the country.

"The God that we worship, we are faithful believers in God and God does not sleep.

This will make history in many ways and so this is a historical process, historical action, and I am sure there will be historical answers at the end of the day. “I want to assure you that we will remain resolute and committed to the ideals of our great party. And I want to say that that event will not put into question our faith in the Nigerian nation. It will not question our commitment to democracy, it will rather strengthen our resolve to match forward and make Nigeria a greater nation. “And I am certain that from the events of that day, Nigeria will emerge a stronger and greater country. I want to urge you to continue to work with all lovers of democracy across board so that we can all put our heads together and match forward. This is not the time to celebrate. I pity anyone, who is celebrating that sad event. If anyone is celebrating, that person is not a student of democracy.

Our forefathers worked so

hard to get us to where we are, and that is indisputable. “So, at a time like this, what are we bequeathing to the future generation?

Our children are asking questions that have not yet been answered and the facts speak for themselves. I hope they will be addressed. It is a redefining moment; it is a time for sober reflection, because to my own understanding of lawmaking, it is about precedents, it is about reference, and so we need to be guided on how to move forward," he stated.

While reaffirming his faith in Nigeria, he said, "I remain strong in faith in our country, strong in faith in our democracy, and strong in faith that the institutions of our democracy will always remain strong and guided that our actions of today will define the events of tomorrow.

"This is a replica of the kind of attention the event of that black Tuesday, 14th January resonated across the country. We are as shocked as yourselves. It was never anticipated. All legal pundits and democratic watchers never imagined and anticipated, so for us, it remains a mystery.

"But we take solace in the Book of Ecclesiastics 3:1 that to everything, there is a season and time for every purpose under heaven.

I believe that that event will define obviously our democracy. I am certain that the judiciary and electoral system are well aware that they are on trial.

"And what is fundamental about this is that the facts of the matters as relating to Imo State governorship election is that the foundation of our democratic processes, the elections in Imo were closely monitored, well advertised and everybody in Nigeria followed it through. “The results were very clear, the electoral umpire still have the results, and INEC has stated clearly that the results in question and the figures are not summing up. It is not about Emeka Ihedioha, it is not about Imo State; it’s about the future of our country and democracy.

It’s about what do we do tomorrow. Do you go into an electoral process without having an idea? It has to be resolved one way or the other. “I am calm and we are calm, and that is why you see in Imo, there is calmness.

The calmness is coming out of shock; it is coming of belief.

It is coming out – fact that people are saying let us still see, can this be possible? We are waiting for answers and I believe there will be answers," he stated.

Earlier, Secondus said,

"With deep pains in our hearts, still grieving since on the 14th. Right from the bottom of our hearts, we are communicating to our creator and we believe that all Nigerians are doing the same. It is no longer politics, elections are over; we are talking about good governance. “We are not going to joins issues with those, who have deliberately – knowingly undermined our democracy, because some of them don't even know that we are no longer in the politics of bitterness, rancour and bad blood,� he said.

Secondus posited that, "All over the world, people are moving from one stage to the other. We are convinced in our hearts that the truth and only the truth can save this nation. Some people believe that every issue should be trivialised, so, when we speak, you hear them coming against it without calming down to look at the depth of out statements to see whether there are merits or no merits.

We are a nation governed by laws.

"When we find ourselves in this situation, we must ask questions and we are a nation among all the other nations of the world and under one God. And a time comes that a people must speak the truth and everything is not about politics.

"In the case of Imo State, we have more questions than answers, because we can't see the figures adding up. These are the questions agitating our minds and the minds of Nigerians. I want to appeal to our brothers, who are on the other side that they should stop trivialising these issues.

They are of fundamental importance in nature. “References are made in Sokoto, Rivers and Zamfara States. You cannot compare what happened in those states with Imo. The other ones are intra party. Let them come out and tell us what really happened, from the Tribunal, to the Appeal court up to the Supreme Court in the 388 polling units.

"What we seek in the case of Imo is for the Supreme Court to review and I believe that God will touch them to review it and they will reverse it in the interest of our nation so that we don't celebrate the situation we found ourselves.

"Very eminent people are not speaking out. Today, it is at the door of Imo, tomorrow it will be at the door of another person, so people must speak out. The truth is what we are seeking. We are not against speaking on very respected individuals; we are saying that the figures are not adding up. Can they look

into it again?� the national chairman stated.

Lambasting Oshiomhole for attempting to politicise the Supreme Court judgement on the Imo governorship, the PDP in a statement of by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, described Oshiomhole's comments as loathsome for hauling insults and gutter language on Nigerians, including PDP leaders, in his desperate bid to divert public attention from the perversion of justice in favour of APC. The party said Oshiomohole’s desperation to blur public agitation against the injustice further confirmed that APC was in league with Justice Mohammed Tanko-led Supreme Court in perverting justice in the Imo governorship election judgment as well as the heinous plots to use the court to take over other PDP-controlled states of Bauchi, Sokoto, Adamawa and Benue.

"We have reliable information that certain Justices of the Court have been blaming APC leaders and the Presidency for compromising and dragging them into the disgraceful plots; the reason Oshiomhole now desperately seeks to politicise the issue and divert public attention as a stop gap measure.

"This attempt is indeed dead on arrival as the PDP, standing with the generality of Nigerians and lovers of democracy all over the world, will not relent in mobilising the citizens in pursuit of an end to this and many other injustices that pervade our nation presently.

"Of course, Oshiomhole and Justice Tanko Mohammed are reminded that, as stated

by Thomas Jefferson, ‘when injustice becomes law, resistance become duty’.

"Nothing, not even the ranting of a character like Adams Oshiomhole, can stop over 180 million Nigerians from speaking out against injustice particularly at the Supreme Court, as injustice to one is injustice to all.

"Nigerians can recall that since Oshiomhole found his way as National Chairman of APC, he has contributed nothing to the development of politics and democracy except promoting injustice, encouraging looting, fuelling crisis and violence, elevating thuggery as a talent and fouling our public space with gutter language, hate speech, meddling and quarrelling.

"We are not surprised, because his former lieutenants have told the world that thuggery is his area of strength in politics. However, we counsel Oshiomhole to learn that politics is about

respect for the rule of law and good governance. It is different from thuggery and quarreling, which he has now become notorious for.

"Indeed, the PDP agrees no less with the description already in the public that the minds of certain individuals are as their outward looks.

Our respected and patriotic leaders will therefore not be distracted by a political thug, who can only find space in a party like the APC, where hoodlums, fraudsters, certificate forgers and compromisers of the courts are critical stakeholders.

"In spite of all the attacks, the PDP will still not be deterred but will remain focused with the generality of Nigerians in our irrevocable determination to take all steps necessary to reverse the injustice on Imo as well as stop the APC on its trail to use the Supreme Court to take over states lawfully won by the PDP." The PDP insisted that it would not stand down its for a review and reversal of the injustice done in the Imo State governorship election by the Supreme Court, saying, “On this, we stand!�

The verdict drew the ire of the National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche

Secondus and other leaders of the party who described the judgement as “miscarriage of justice� and also alleged that the judiciary is “heavily compromised� and has “lost credibility�.

In a statement yesterday, however, the Chairman of the forum and the Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu said that the allegations were depressing coming from supposedly democratic leaders who should ordinarily be in the forefront of protecting and defending the judicial institution as the sanctuary of our democracy.

He stated: "It is contemptuous and disrespectful to our democracy.

This is most unfortunate and condemnable. We call on Nigerians and all lovers of democracy in the country to rise to the defence of our democratic institutions, especially the judiciary.

"We must prevail on the PDP leadership and all politicians to exercise restraint by demonstrating unalloyed loyalty and respect for our democratic institutions, particularly our judiciary, which is the most important pillar of democratic governance.

"To allege that a judgement delivered by Supreme Court Judges is “procured� simply because it does not favour the PDP is an invitation to anarchy."

Bagudu said that the case of Zamfara where APC won the election but the Supreme Court in its wisdom nullified all its votes and declared PDP candidates as winners was another experience.

In addition, Bagudu noted that APC members have lost many cases, and even though in their views differ from the judgement delivered, the ruling party did not disparage the judiciary, yet its views of the judgement differ from the court.

The APC governors therefore declared their abiding faith in the judiciary, stressing that it would at all times respect all decisions of the Judges at all levels no matter the circumstances.

Bagudu stressed that the ruling party and its members believe in the sanctity of the judicial institution as the last hope for justice for our people.

He unequivocally state the APC governors resolve to work with all democrats in the country to ensure adequate protection of democratic governance by respecting all judgements from the courts.

The statement stated that various speakers at the meeting lauded the president’s commitment to bequeathing a lasting legacy to the country.

According to him, renowned research biochemist, Adebayo Olamideji, went down memory lane to recall what he described as Buhari’s nationalistic disposition by his decision to save 1,250 Nigerian students from Oyo State studying abroad from indebtedness

and shame when he was the military Head of State by agreeing to pay over $6.2 million they owed.

While felicitating with Joshua for regaining his world championship belt, Buhari acknowledged him for putting Nigeria “on the world map again like Hogan Bassey.�

Joshua, while presenting his belts to the president, the statement stated, pledged to “stand up for Nigeria anytime you need me.�

Opposition Party Insists on Case Review, Stages Protest Tomorrow Meanwhile, the party has slated tomorrow, Monday, for a protest match against the Supreme Court verdict, which nullified Ihedioha’s election as the Imo State governor.

A statement late last night by the National Organising Secretary of PDP, Col. Austin Akobundu, stated, “In line with the approval of the National Executive Committee of our Great Party, the National Chairman has directed that a peaceful, civil and non-violent protest be organised in the Federal Capital Teeritory to register the displeasure of the Party against the current state of affairs in the country, especially the miscarriages of justice of the Supreme Court against the lawfully elected Governor of Imo." According to its schedule, the party stated that the protest would takeoff from its Legacy House, Maitama district, Abuja at 9 in the morning, describing it as a "clarion call to all lovers of Democracy as we join hands to save our dear Nation."

APC Govs Deny Procuring Judgement

BUHARI: BORDER CLOSURE NOT MEANT TO PUNISH OUR NEIGHBOURS been celebrating the border closure, because it has helped to drastically reduce smuggling of agricultural produce as well as arms and ammunition into the country.

Buhari observed that the country has since enjoyed food security, because of the “very good last three rainy seasons.�

The president also noted that the federal government’s reduction in the price of fertilizers by 50 per cent as well as

the presidential directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria to withhold forex for food imports into the country had helped in saving billions of naira for the country.

The statement stated: "Commending Nigerians in the Diaspora for their huge home remittances – more than $25 billion in 2018 – the President also lauded their individual performances in their various fields of expertise.

"Explaining the

achievements of his administration in implementing its threepoint campaign agenda by focusing on fixing the economy, providing security and tackling corruption, the president said Nigeria’s 'huge, vibrant youth population' has been encouraged to go back to the farms and are 'living decent and respectable lifestyles’.

"On security, he said 'it is common sense that you can only run the country if

it is secured,' adding that the country 'has not done badly in the North East.'

"Describing the havoc done by corruption to the image and economy of Nigeria as 'terrible,' President Buhari said his administration has now focused on retrieving stolen fixed assets and returning the proceeds of the sale 'to the treasury through the Treasury Single Account (TSA),' so that nobody can return them to the convicts even after his tenure."

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NEWS

Prince Harry, Meghan Lose Royal Titles, Funding Prince Harry and Meghan will no longer use their HRH titles and will not receive public funds for royal duties, Buckingham Palace announced yesterday.

The couple will also no longer formally represent The Queen.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend to repay ÂŁ2.4m of taxpayer money for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home, the statement added.

The new arrangement comes into effect in spring this year, the palace said.

The statement comes after senior royals held talks last Monday about the future role for the couple, who this month announced they wanted to "step back" as senior royals.

The Queen said following "many months of conversations and more recent discussions" she was "pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family".

"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family," the statement continued.

"I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.

"I want to thank them for all their dedicated

work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and I’m particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.

"It is my whole family's hope that today's agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life."

Buckingham Palace said the royal couple understood they were required to step back from royal duties, including official military appointments.

The palace added that they would continue to maintain their private patronages and associations.

"While they can no longer formally represent the Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty," the statement added.

"The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family."

HRH, an abbreviation of His/Her Royal Highness, is used as part of the title of some members of the royal family, including prince or princess.

The palace said it would not comment on what security arrangements would be in place for the royal couple.

Their new website, sussexroyal.com, has been updated following the Queen's statement.

"In line with the statement

by Her Majesty The Queen, information on the roles and work of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be updated on this website in due course," it said.

The new post also invited visitors to the website to explore the site in the meantime to see the current works of "Their Royal Highnesses". arlier this month,

they said they wanted a "progressive new role" within the institution, where they would be financially independent and divide their time between the UK and North America.

Last year, they both spoke about the difficulties of royal life and media attention and the duke said he feared his wife would fall victim to "the same powerful forces" that led to his mother's death.

DEVELOPING WORLD CONSERVATIVE PARTIES...

Former Presidential spokesman, Reno Omokri, with former head of the UK Conservative party, Iain Duncan Smith, in Hampshire, UK during a networking session to develop conservative parties around the world...yesterday

NIGERIA NEEDS GLOBAL SUPPORT TO DEFEAT TERRORISM, SAYS EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT the European Commission.

Meanwhile, as part of its fleet enhancement project, the Nigerian Air Force, yesterday, said it had taken delivery of 47 fighter jets and helicopter gunships procured by the federal government in the last five years.

Also, the government said it has just taken delivery of another two new Augusta 109 Power helicopters in its renewed bid to tackle security challenges facing the nation.

However, following to a resolution adopted by the Parliament on Nigeria on Thursday, January 16, and obtained by THISDAY, the parliament, the Parliament has asked the international community to pursue continued political and security assistance in the country as well as the entire Sahel region.

Consequent upon this, the parliament has mandated its president to send a copy of the resolution to President Buhari and the National Assembly.

The resolution would also be sent to the European Council, the European Commission, the European External Action Service, Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the African Union, the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, and the Pan-African Parliament.

Welcoming efforts by the Nigerian government to resolve herders-farmers’ clashes, the parliament also urged the Nigerian government to implement the National Livestock Transformation Plan, which aims to protect the interests of both farmers and pastoralists.

It said further steps were necessary, such as strengthening conflict mediation, resolution, reconciliation and peacebuilding mechanisms in the collective push to end terrorism.

The Parliament expressed concern that progress had been stalled in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP as evidenced by increased occurrence and severity of suicide attacks and direct attacks against military positions.

The resolution stated: "Whereas the security situation in Nigeria has significantly deteriorated in recent years, posing a serious threat to regional and international security; whereas human rights violations and mass killings are widespread, notably in the North-East Region of the country; whereas over 36 000 people have been killed by the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria since 2009."

It noted that historic rivalry between the predominantly Muslim north and Christian south had dramatically intensified with the spread of radical Islam in recent time.

The Parliament recalled that, “Nigeria’s President Buhari was re-elected in 2019 on the promise of defeating the violent extremism promoted

by Boko Haram and other terror groups, and urges the President to implement his campaign promises."

It also noted that for Nigeria to be stable, the government of President Buhari must put an end to impunity.

The Parliament, however, "stresses that the fight against impunity is fundamental to the stability of the country and the building of lasting

peace�, and therefore "calls on the Nigerian authorities to conduct immediate, thorough and transparent investigations to bring perpetrators to justice and hold them accountable.

It also called for measures to improve the capacity and independence of Nigeria’s judiciary as a means to promote the effective use of criminal justice to combat violence, terrorism and corruption.

To this end, it called on the EU, the African Union and the rest of the international community to step up their efforts in supporting the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, and pursue continued political and security assistance in the country, as well as the entire region.

The Parliament said it was deeply concerned by the impact of the security situation in Nigeria, the effectiveness of humanitarian and development aid and consequently, "calls for the EU to continue to pursue its humanitarian and development efforts not only in Nigeria, but also the region as a whole."

It welcomed the additional EUR 50 million pledged by the EU in 2019 to support recovery and resilience in Nigeria, even as it stressed the interdependence of development, democracy, human rights, good governance and security in the country.

It further warned that military action alone was not sufficient to combat terrorism effectively and as such, called on the Nigerian Government to develop "a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of terrorism, by focusing on a preventive approach that aims to eliminate the appeal of terrorist ideology,

curtail opportunities for recruitment and radicalisation, cut off its funding, as well as by supporting and funding community-focused programmes of civil society organisations."

On its new deliveries in the fight against insecurity, the Air Force noted that within the last five years, it took delivery of 21 brand new aircraft, including 10 Super Mushshak, five Mi-35M helicopter gunships, two Bell 412 helicopters and four Agusta 109 Power Helicopters.

NAF Spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said 15 additional aircraft were ordered by the Federal Government, which include 12 Super Tucano attack aircraft and three JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft. “In addition, the service also took over 11 aircraft from other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). These include three EC-135 helicopters and three Dauphin helicopters from NNPC, three Donier 228 aircraft and two Agusta 101 from the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) making an unprecedented total of 47 aircraft that have either been inducted into the NAF or ordered for the Service since 2015�, he said.

Air Commodore Ibikunle said the helicopters were part of the second batch of two new Agusta Westland 109 Power Attack helicopters procured by the federal government as part of the fleet enhancement efforts to enable more effective and efficient employment of air power to tackle the security challenges facing the nation. “The two helicopters, along with associated equipment and spares, arrived Nnamdi Azikwe

International Airport Abuja on board a Boeing 737-400 Cargolux Airline aircraft from Malpensa International Airport in Italy on 15 January 2020. “They were received by a NAF Team, led by Air Commodore Halim Adebowale, as well as the Country Representative of Leonardo Helicopters, manufacturers of the aircraft,� he said.

He informed that NAF engineers and technicians, in collaboration with a team from Leonardo, had commenced assembly of the helicopters preparatory to their induction into service.

To that extent, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has restated the unflinching commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to the welfare of officers and men of the service.

According to him, “the human being is perhaps the most critical success factor in any human endeavour.

Accordingly, the NAF will continue to give priority attention to all issues relating to the welfare of personnel and their families�.

The CAS made the disclosure while on a one-day operational visit to inspect ongoing NAF welfare-enhancement projects in Lagos.

The projects inspected included the ongoing reconstruction/re-modeling of five blocks of 36 single-bedroom flats for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and drainage works at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base Ikeja, as well as the construction of a block of 24 x single-bedroom flats for NCOs at the NAF Legico Barracks in Victoria Island.

The CAS also inspected

C-130H aircraft (NAF 913), which recently underwent a successful Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) at the 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (631 ACMD) Ikeja, executed by a Team of Pakistan Air Force and NAF Engineers and Technicians.

Speaking after inspecting the projects, the CAS, while expressing satisfaction with the progress of work, reiterated his gratitude to the federal government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, for the enabling environment that had empowered the service to thrive.

Air Marshal Abubakar also appreciated the National Assembly especially, the Chairmen and Members of the Senate and House Committees of the Air Force, for their continued support to ensure funds were appropriated for the various projects.

He said this had enabled the service to construct new office and residential accommodations as well as renovate existing ones to meet the needs of the service in its units across the country.

This in turn, he claimed, had ensured a well-motivated force that has continued to carry out its constitutional roles effectively and efficiently, as evidenced by the recent successes recorded in the Northeast under the auspices of Operations Rattle Snake 1 and 2.

He said the NAF, buoyed by this support, would continue to work tirelessly, in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, to ensure that Nigeria and Nigerians were protected.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

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SUNDAY COMMENT

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

50 YEARS A FTER T HE CIVIL WAR Nigeria will come back stronger if it can learn from past mistakes. Sadly, not much has changed as the country is still weighed down by ancient animosities

L

ast Wednesday marked exactly 50 years that the Nigerian civil war ended. The war, which claimed an estimated two million people, arose principally due to a tragic mismanagement of our national affairs by a political and military elite that could not rise above primordial interests. Sadly, half a century after that war, it would seem that the national political leadership has not learnt any lessons, nor has it made the requisite amends that would help in building a stronger Nigeria. Today, our national fault lines have only grown more conspicuous, and are still widening, while the twin factors of bad leadership and abuse of This 50th power are still here anniversary with us.

The very issues of cessation of of security of lives military hostilities and property, should spur serious the advertised national reflection failure of the then on the questions federal governof equity, genuine ment to provide basic social amenities people-centred and the endemic development, corruption that the responsible military claimed leadership as raison d'être for recruitment and the the first coup, are place of Nigeria in the also still very much prevalent. If anything, comity of civilised these maladies have nations only gotten worse. If the civil war was therefore fought to create a stable, well-governed and internationally respected nation, the question remains: Can Nigerians beat their chest today and say with conviction that what we have is a country they are proud of?

We ask this question against the background of the expanding theatres of conflict among hitherto peaceful communities, the conspicuous underdevelopment of the nation’s human capital and the resultant youth bulge, the disregard for laid down procedures and internal party democracy, as well as unmitigated violation of electoral processes and their outcomes. At practically all levels, we are saddled with a ruling elite

Letters to the Editor

I

was in the convoy of the Ogun State Governor to attend the reception organized by the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, where I saw widows seated at the reception. One thing that pricked my mind was a particular widow, she was very young.

I am quite sure she would be in her late twenties; her husband who died to protect the territorial integrity of the country probably wouldn't have had the opportunity to be her husband for three or even four years. She looked lost, alone.

The governor at the reception promised to rehabilitate some of the blocks of classrooms in the 35 Artillery Brigade Barrack.

He also promised to look into the rehabilitation of some of the blocks of residence that house

that is high on privileges and abysmally low on service delivery. It is then little wonder that the 50th anniversary of one of the most significant events in the country passed without much reflection.

I

S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI , PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS ERIC OJEH, PATRICK EIMIUHI ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

n perhaps the most notable event to mark the day, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon warned against a repeat of the circumstances that led to the war. “We must do all in our power as responsible leaders and citizens of this great country to create enabling platforms to dialogue and proffer ideas on how we can live together in peace and harmony for the good of all Nigerians and the black race as a whole, thus ensuring political, economic, security and development of the country,” Gowon said, adding: “I urge all Nigerians to ensure that we avert another civil war.”

Whatever may be the value of such preachment, it is very telling that neither President Muhammadu Buhari nor the National Assembly acknowledged the day or its significance. But it should be no surprise. Fifty years after the Nigerian civil war and 60 years after Nigeria was formally declared an independent nation-state, everything its founding fathers put in place to create a single, united and forward-looking polity stands diminished and violated. Worse still, we are gradually retreating to the era when some sections of the political class saw reason to question the value and viability of One Nigeria.

At a time like this therefore, it is important for the national political leadership to pay closer attention to its actions and inactions, especially with regard to public perceptions of its policy and initiatives. If anything, this 50th anniversary of cessation of military hostilities should spur serious national reflection on the questions of equity, genuine people-centred development, responsible leadership recruitment and the place of Nigeria in the comity of civilised nations.

On all these counts, the nation is sadly not where it should be today.

Nations survive unintended civil wars and emerge stronger when they learn the lessons and collectively vow: Never Again. But when a nation that has passed through the furnace of war mismanages its opportunities, then the consequences are almost always catastrophic. It is incumbent on all critical stakeholders in Nigeria to work towards avoiding such tragic fate. This is our historic burden and indeed the abiding challenge on the 50th anniversary of the end of our tragic but avoidable civil war.

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

Nigeria And The Fallen Heroes the soldiers, noting that he was determined to embark on the rehabilitation, having driven round the environment of the barrack.

"The Brigade Commander took me through the barracks where I saw the state of the barracks, some don't have roofs on them. I also saw the state of the schools that they have here, I have decided that once I get back to the office, I will direct our Ministry of Housing to come and look at the primary and secondary schools and immediately take on the rehabilitation of some of the blocks of the school. This will be in line with our commitment to intervening in the education sector, particularly by providing a more conducive learning environment for our younger ones that we are incubating. I am also

going to tell them to look at some of the buildings that are in the barracks for the soldiers, we are also going to do that," he said.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun had in the last two weeks reiterated that Nigerians shouldn't wait until the period of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day to appreciate the country's fallen heroes. He said that the people who are beneficiaries of the good gesture of the fallen heroes should at all times look around their environment and affect the lives of the families who once had a father, brother, mother, sister or uncle, and no longer have them, all because they took bullets for our survival.

Abiodun said that the fallen heroes shouldn't be seen as a mere statistics, but as martyrs

who died so we could live. He noted that their grief over the loss of their loved ones shouldn't be theirs alone, but a collective grief, as their refusal to carry the burden would have led to the disintegration of the country by both internal and external forces.

Day-in day- out, we lose our soldiers to the cold hands of death: they die, they get attacked by insurgents, they remain focused despite the heat from the battleground, they don't hesitate, they are determined to lay down their lives for the sovereignty of the country, they are heroes, they are martyrs.

Only God knows how many of our soldiers die daily. A death to a soldier meant that a new widow, widower and an orphan had been created, but, when they die, what is their gain, what is the gain of their family? Some of them even get evicted from the military barracks, weeks after the death of their loved Ines; they get evicted

without any form of respite, they even tell them to leave because the accommodation has been allocated to another officer and his family, and they move out without the plan of what to do next.

They took the bullet we ought to have taken, they were bombed all because of me and you, their children became fatherless, some motherless, wives became widows, husbands became widowers, all for our safety.

So, what more can we do to appreciate this gallant set of patriotic Nigerians, who most times sleep in the bush to ensure that we are safe and sound?

What is the federal government doing to ensure that these heroes who fell in the line of duty rest in peace?

–Obasan Oluwafunso, Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy.

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NEWS

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Amotekun: Yoruba Congress Stages Peaceful Protest Tuesday ‡ Warns external forces, their allies against sabotage ‡ FG has failed to protect ordinary citizens, says APC chief Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti An umbrella body of all socio-cultural groups in Southwest, Yoruba World Congress (YWC) yesterday said it would hold a peaceful march on January 21 to protest the position of the federal government on Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), Operation Amotekun.

YWC, led by Yoruba Leader, Emeritus Professor of History and Second Republic Senator, Banji Akintoye, warned the external forces and their internal collaborators who want to stampede our resolve to protect criminal elements terrorising the people of Yoruba.

The congress revealed the plan in a statement by its Director, Contacts and Mobilization, Mr. Victor Taiwo, saying the protest will hold simultaneously in Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osogbo, Akure and Ado-Ekiti respectively from 9: 00 a.m.

All South-west states, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and Osun had launched Amotekun January 9 in Ibadan, as their security outfit to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.

However, Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami had insisted that the inauguration of a paramilitary organisation Amotekun by South-west states “is contrary to provisions of the law.�

In a statement by his media aide, Umar Gwandu last week, Malami said the setting up of Amotekun “is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law. “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria.�

Rejecting Malami’s position, the congress specifically urged all Yoruba people worldwide “to come out in their millions any where they are in Oduduwa Land on Tuesday to show to the world that

Amotekun has come to stay.� “We must show to the external forces and their internal collaborators who want to stampede our resolve to protect ourselves, safeguard our land from kidnappers, armed-robbery and put an end to consistent destruction of our farm lands that enough is enough.�

The congress noted that well-meaning Yoruba people and leaders of thought would be at designated venues “to address the protest on Tuesday.

We want to assure our governors that Yoruba people are behind them on Amotekun. “We urge them not to shiver and they must never shiver. It is no retreat, no surrender. We

RUBBING MINDS ...

L-R: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal at the emergency National Executive Council meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja ... Friday

Lekan Are, PUNCH’s Longest Serving Director, Dies at 86 Kemi Olaitan A director of PUNCH Nigeria Limited and distinguished agronomist, Dr. Lekan Are has passed away.

A family member confirmed his death yesterday, disclosing that Are died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, shortly after midnight.

Are, PUNCH’s longestserving director, was 86 at the time he passed on. He was also the Chairman of Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State and a former Chairman of University Press Plc. A distinguished and wellregarded agriculture and water resources expert, he also served as General Manager of the Ogun-Osun River Basin

Development Authority.

In a condolence message yesterday, Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde described Are’s death as a huge loss to Oyo State, the education sector and the media.

Makinde said that he received the news of Are’s demise with sadness, adding that the late industrialist would be greatly missed in different sectors of the economy.

He noted that Are left indelible marks of greatness on the sands of time, saying the people of the state “are deeply saddened at the news of the demise of a respectable elder statesman and an industrialist per excellence. “His demise at this critical period in the life of our nation, when economic indices

appear not to be adding up, is a huge loss, given his laudable contributions to the growth of several sectors. “As a state, we will particularly miss Dr. Are’s inimitable contributions to the development of one of our iconic secondary schools, Government College Ibadan. “We are equally proud of his contributions that have made The Punch newspapers a leading light in the Media sector. “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Oyo State, I commiserate with the Are family, the GCIOBA family, The Punch and other associates and pray that the good Lord grants them the fortitude to bear the loss,� the statement read.

will not surrender Amotekun,� the congress said in a statement.

The statement said those in Lagos “are to converge at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota; Oyo at Opposite Agodi Cenotaph, Ibadan; Ogun at Pansheke Junction, Abeokuta; Osun at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo; Ondo at Alagbaka Roundabout, opposite First Bank, Akure and those in Ekiti are to converge at Fajuyi Round about, Ado-Ekiti.�

The statement added that the list of state co-ordinators for the rally would be released today after proper consultation with relevant stakeholders.

At a session with journalists yesterday, a former Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe said the federal government should commend the southwest governors for initiating the regional security network rather than proscribing it.

Awe said: “For Abubakar Malami to have a complete work, let him tell Nigerians that hiring of private guard is illegal. Let him tell us that fencing a building or purchase of generating set is illegal. “Let him know that as big men exist and protected by army, police and others, we at the lowest rung of the ladder must be allowed to live our lives. We must be protected.

Amotekun is for this purpose because the federal government has failed us.�

Awe posited that the inability to secure the lives of the people by conventional security outfits signposted that Nigeria is now a completely failed state. “Anything that has to do with security does not carry the toga of politics. So, it will be a great disservice to our people to politicise the issues

surrounding the formation and proscription of Amotekun,� the party chieftain said.

He, therefore, commended all the south-west governors for breaking the barrier of politics to form this joint security, noting that he “is at loss with the claim by the federal government that Amotekun was illegal. “People were being kidnapped, robbed, killed and traumatised on daily basis and the federal government did nothing. Do they want our governors to watch as their people were being killed?

They said they will not give us presidency in 2023 if the governors insist on protecting their people. “Again, let them know the Yorubas are destined for presidency in 2023 because we have paid our dues as far as the APC is concerned. I have been a victim of kidnapping because strange people here in Ekiti abducted my brother. “We had to look for the money we didn’t have to pay ransom before he was released.

Should we fold our arms and allow this to continue? They want to be kidnapping us so that we can be paying ransom to them. This will not happen. “I am a farmer. I knew what it takes to keep your farm.

Several millions of farms had been destroyed in Orin Ekiti, Oke Ako and others towns in Ekiti axis, also in Ijare in Ondo and Ibarapa in Oyo. All these wicked acts must stop and that was what the Amotekun issue was about. “South-west leaders and those who were not politicians like Prof Wole Soyinka, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), Femi Falana, Prof Banji Akintoye and even our traditional rulers had spoken clearly that Amotekun has come to stay.�

Only Buhari Can Resolve Obaseki, Oshiomhole Rift, Says APC Chief Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APCE), Mr. Godwin Erhahon yesterday said only the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari could save the crisis-ridden party in the state.

Erhahon, the chapter’s former Publicity Secretary, lamented that the APC national leadership and the National Assembly “have not been able to resolve the issue of Edo State House of Assembly.�

He expressed concern about the rift between the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his immediate predecessor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole at a news conference in Benin City yesterday, saying the crisis might undermine the party in the next governorship

election.

At the conference, Erhahon cited a similar crisis situation in Bauchi State, noting that Bauchi’s crisis was resolved immediately when the president intervened and called all factions to order.

He upbraided the governor for his perceived romance with the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, warning that it was not the best approach.

He said the situation that happened in Edo State House of Assembly was similar to the one that happened in Bauchi, noting that Bauchi “is run by a PDP governor. “Even when the PDP governor wanted to be funny, by the time the president took a position and said look, you the majority should not sell your right, these people

went back; the PDP governor now came down and cooperated with the APC majority in the House.� “In Edo, we have an APC governor who, whenever he has crisis, he will rush to PDP to pay solidarity visit. If the PDP governor could obey the president and an APC governor disobeys him; you dare the president, dare the National Working Committee, you dared the National Assembly. “It does not make sense to me at all. President Buhari should be firmer.

He should be able to assert his position or allow Oshiomhole to handle it the way he deems fit,� he said.

Reacting to claims that Obaseki was only exhibiting the trait of treachery historically associated with the family in Benin Kingdom, Erhahon rejected the claims, saying not all members of Obasek’s family could be said to be that unreliable.

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NEWS

Border Closure Not Effective in the North, Residents Lament

‡ Allege complicity of security operatives ‡ /LVW ÀYH LOOHJDO VPXJJOLQJ URXWHV LQ .DWVLQD Francis Sardauna in Katsina and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The directive of the federal government to shut all land borders across the federation was only effective in the south, THISDAY has learnt.

In Badagry in Lagos State, Idi Iroko in Ogun State and Shaki in Oyo State, among others, THISDAY checks revealed that smuggling was no longer profitable due to strict border security operation across the land borders in the south.

In Ogun State, THISDAY learnt, the stringent border operation had culminated in gunfire that claimed lives of innocent citizens in ImekoAfon Local Government Area.

In the north, however, findings showed that smuggling “still persists at the borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic, especially in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.�

Across the north, residents in different border communities alleged that security operatives, deployed to enforce border closure, were aiding the activities of smugglers.

In Katsina, for instance, findings revealed that smugglers had resorted to the use of illegal routes to bring bags of foreign rice, bales of second-hand clothing and other contrabands into the country.

During its visit to Jibia at the weekend, a border community with Niger Republic, THISDAY observed some illegal routes that commercial drivers and motorcyclists were using to illegally bring goods and passengers into the country.

Besides, THISDAY learnt, rice smugglers were taking advantage of the country’s compromised security to bring their commodities into the country, but at exorbitant prices compared with pre-border closure era.

One of the residents, who privately spoke with THISDAY at Jibia, listed the illegal routes the smugglers were using to bring in the contrabands from Niger Republic to Jibia LGA, Katsina include Sabon Gari, Dan-Harau, Alele, Makada and Maidabaro roads despite heavy security presence at the borders.

The resident alleged that security personnel were aiding the smugglers, collecting money from them to allow free passage at the 13 checkpoints between Jibia and Katsina metropolis.

A motorcyclist, who was involved in smuggling, explained that those engaged in the business understood the risks and dangers involved, though affirmed that they would not encounter any problem unless they refused to cooperate with security operatives at the checkpoints.

He said: “Unless one refused to pay the bribe for each category of items or when it is time for the officials to sacrifice you to prove that they are working – that is when they will arrest you in the name of smuggling.�

A commercial driver, Babangida Adamu acknowledged that smuggling activities had been booming because it cost N3, 700 to bring one bag of rice from Maradi, a border town in Niger Republic to Katsina Adamu said: “We charged rice smugglers N3, 700 for each bag of rice carried from Maradi to Katsina State. We bring the contrabands through normal roads once we adequately settle the custom officers.

Sometime, custom officers arrest us. But once we give them some monies, they allow us to pass even though some of them are very stubborn.�

Faced with the difficulty in importing rice into the country through land borders, some smugglers, who are mostly residents of the border communities, had changed from rice smuggling to fuel smuggling.

THISDAY checks revealed that most of the smugglers had converted mini tanks, previously constructed underneath and their old rickety Peugeot 504 cars for the purpose of smuggling rice, to containers for petroleum products.

THISDAY observed that all filling stations close to the Jibia border post had been shut, though smugglers would always travel to Batsari and sometimes Katsina metropolis to purchase fuel.

At Jibia, a resident said the smugglers would “transfer the

Bandits Kill Two in Kaduna Community John Shiklam in Kaduna Two persons were reportedly killed at the weekend in an attack on Gora, a community in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna state.

Also, two others sustained varying degrees of injury in the attack, which occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

A resident, who spoke anonymously, said the attack took place at the community market when the bandits who arrived on motorcycles started shooting indiscriminately.

The resident explained that the bandits opened gunfire at the market, thereby causing pandemonium and forcing people to run for their dear lives.

According to the resident, two women were killed on the spot and three men sustained serious injuries from gunshots.

However, confirming the inci-

dent, Mr. Elias Manza, Chairman of the local government, said the attackers opened fire on some youths playing around the village market square on Friday evening.

Reports quoted him as saying that “the attackers came on motorcycles and opened fire on the youth playing, killing two females while two males sustained injuries�.

Manza said those injured had been taken to hospital for treatment, adding that normalcy has been restored to the area.

He said security operatives had been drafted to the community and advised the people to remain calm.

Manza warned against any form of a reprisal attack, adding that efforts were being made to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

He called on the people of the area to be more vigilant and report any suspicious movement of person or group to security operatives.

fuel into the tanks and move in a convoy under the cover of darkness to Maradi in Niger Republic.

In Sokoto, also, THISDAY checks revealed that all the border communities in Illela, Tangaza, Isa, Gudu and Sabon LGAs “are fraught with smuggling activities.�

In Zamfara, according to investigation, Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs are rife with smuggling activities.

In Illela, a border community in Sokoto State, residents said border operation “is not yielding desire results. Some security agencies involved in the operation extort money from smugglers, there by allowed them easy passage. “If the federal government wants the border drill operation to be effective, the security agents

should be redeployed in order to achieve the aim of the exercise�, said a resident.

Another resident who spoke anonymously, said smugglers had already compromise security operatives, noting that they “are collecting between N1000 to N10, 000 to allow smugglers easy passage depending on the volume of commodities they are bringing into the country.�

A security agent, who is also participating in border operation, said the security operatives “are trying to curb the activities of smugglers. But the terrain always makes the operation difficult. “Unlike other land borders in the south, there are many illegal routes in the north. It is difficult for the security operatives to man

the illegal routes. The smugglers take advantage of desert to create many roads that are unknown to the security operatives,� the security agent said.

Also, Chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Sokoto State, Mr. Ibrahim Salihu said the security operatives were fighting hard to curtail the activities of smugglers at various borders in the North-west.

Rather than crucifying them, Salihu said the security operatives “should be encouraged in the anti-smuggling war. There is no system that is perfect.�

A local rice retailer, Abdullahi Ibrahim said security agencies “should raid shops and markets where foreign rice and products are stored to serve as deterrent to

all the smugglers.

The spokesman of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Joseph Attah said it was not only officers of the customs service that were involved in border drill operation.

He clarified that the operation comprised officers of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp and the rest of others. He rhetorically asked: “Are you telling me that if customs service compromise with smugglers, will army, police, immigration and civil defence also connive with smugglers.�

Since the operation started some months ago, the customs spokesman claimed that he had not received any report about his men wrongdoing.

FAREWELL MADAM ODO . . .

L-R: A lawmaker representing Igbo-Etiti/Uzo Uwani Federal Constituency, Hon. Martin Oke; Enugu State Governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Senator Ayogu Eze and Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Emeka Odo at the funeral of Odo’s mother, Lolo Theresa Odo, held at Eha Alumona, Nsukka Local Government Area ... yesterday.

IPOB: We Won’t Disclose Kanu’s Movement for Dad’s Burial David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has said it will not disclose the movement of its leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu during the burial of his father, Eze Israel Kanu in Afaraukwu, Umuahia, Abia State.

IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Powerful disclosed this in a statement yesterday, noting that the burial of the late monarch would hold on February 14.

The monarch died in December 2019, four months after his wife, Ugoeze Sally Kanu died of illness arising from shock allegedly occasioned by the invasion of her home by Nigerian soldiers who came for her son in September 2017.

But in his statement, Powerful said: “IPOB leadership will not be disclosing any information and has not disclosed any information regarding the likely attendance or non-attendance of our leader to this event.�

However, the statement said arrangements had been put

in place “to ensure the burial ceremony is held in a secure and safe atmosphere. “The movement and anticipated presence of our leader in his home during this period is yet to be finalised. As such, no confirmation or otherwise will be issued to that effect. “IPOB High Command will determine under what circumstance any announcement will be made in the future,� the statement said.

The statement added that the late monarch would be buried according to traditional rights of the people of Afaraukwu Ibeku and will begin with a procession. “The burial ceremony will begin with procession and preparations in line with ancient customs and traditions. IPOB is a peaceful movement and hope to maintain this approach until Biafra is completely restored. “We are inviting every media outlet, local and international, print and electronic to be present in Isiama-Afaraukwu on that day,�

Powerful said in the statement.

Niger Seeks Approval of N25 Billion Sukuk Bond The Nigerian Laleye Dipo In Minna Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello has written to the House of Assembly, requesting legislative approval to secure a N25billion Sukuk bond.

When acquired, according to the governor, the bond will be used for the construction of some critical roads and other projects.

The request was revealed in a letter addressed to the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Mt Abdullahi Wuse on Friday.

The letter read in part: “The purpose of this request is to seek the approval of the Niger Assembly for the government of Niger state to raise N25 billion through a Sukuk Bond issuance programme in multiple sand consecutive tranches “We also ask for permission to issue irrevocable standing payment orders for the repayment of the bond,� the governor said in the letter read on the floor of the house.

He added that the bond would be issued in two tranches of N15 billion and N10 billion and that the

government planned to take the facility “because of its commitment to the objective of transforming the state�. “The government reviewed its capital intensive development projects and resolved in some high leveraged projects and high impactful visible projects “Thus, the government seeks to upgrade, construct and reconstruct some essential roads as well as improve some health facilities which are capital intensive and require long term funding,� the governor said.

The speaker read the letter at a plenary on Friday, though most lawmakers asked for the location and costs of the projects to be executed with the facility.

Wuse, therefore, directed the Clerk of the Assembly to communicate the observations of the legislators to the executives and get further details before there will be any deliberations on it.

A similar request brought before the 8th assembly was thrown out by the lawmakers who said then that the interest on the facility was too much.

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NEWS Emir of Potiskum Explains How He Survived Bandits’ Onslaught Michael Olugbode The Emir of Potiskum, Umaru Bauya, who was attacked along Kaduna-Zaria road at the weekend narrated how he survived the onslaught of bandits to which he lost some of his aides.

The emir addressed his subjects at his palace amidst strong emotions, recounting what he went in the bush in the midnight after he escaped from the scene of the attack.

The Secretary to the State Government, Baba Wali, Acting Head of the State Civil Service, Mohamed Nura and some members of the State Executive Council were among the people that the monarch addressed after he returned to the palace.

The monarch, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES in his palace, called on his subjects to pray for the souls of his aides he lost in the attack.

Four of the emir’s aides were among the 30 people killed in the attack. About 100 people were also injured during the attack.

Bauya said he was specifically pained that he had to trek in the bush for almost two hours, trying to escape from the sporadic gun duel that lasted for about the same time.

He also called on citizens to take the issue of security as their first business, saying the gunshots, which lasted for two hours, forced him to trek into the bush until he got far from the sounds.

He said: “The gunshots were unbelievable. He could not understand the motive of the attack. He decided to sleep in the bush so as

not to fall prey to the attackers, even when security came to fetch him from the bush around 2.00 a.m.�

He disclosed that one of his aides was still missing and his whereabouts was still unknown. He called on the people not to withhold information, but fish out criminals among them, by reporting them to security agents.

He, therefore, thanked God for surviving the attack, and prayed for the repose of his deceased aides.

He said: “There was a commotion.

We stopped. After about twenty minutes, the traffic continued to flow from both ways and we felt the road was cleared. “We moved for about one or two kilometers and discovered that they have mounted some roadblocks and we felt they had left. After a few movements again, we noticed a slowing down of vehicles and there was a traffic congestion. “At that point, we started feeling some uneasiness, because the situation was becoming dangerous. The traffic was so chaotic that one could not move forward or backward.

Then, the sound of gunshots erupted. “The gunshots were unbelievable.

It was just like a war field. Instantly, I saw my pilot driver swerve and then hit a standing vehicle. I suspected the shooting affected him and the police around him. “As the shooting was going on, we decided to abandon our vehicles and take to safety. God in His infinite mercy led me to escape the danger zone. The gunshots continued for almost two hours.

“I continued trekking into the bush until when the sound of the guns was a bit far off from me. That is how I found myself. It’s God mercy that helped me to escape the danger zone. “I was in the bush all the time the shooting was going on. The shooting started around 11.00 pm and did not stop until around 1.00 am the following day. I decided to remain in the bush up till morning.

“The security people started to come for me and other groups around 2.00 am but I refused to come out at the time because, I did not know the objective of the attack. “I stayed in the bush because I may fall prey to the attack. I stayed in the bush until morning when the security came back. They took me to the hospital for medical checkup. “I thank the medical doctor who is in charge of that hospital. He

checked me and reported that I do not have any injury. He gave me treatment and until my fatigue was down. I told them I want to leave but they reluctantly released me to leave. “I am very grateful to Kaduna State government, the hospital that took care of us and the security operatives. I was well comforted, so I did not develop any trauma. “I did not even know about the death of my people

until yesterday morning when the news was brought to me that I lost four of my people in that skirmish.

Some of my policemen also sustained gunshots but were treated at the hospital. “The issue of security is not only the responsibility of the federal government alone. It is everybody’s responsibility because no one knows when his own time will come.

TETFUND Unveils N4.9bn Projects in Balewa University Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Prof. Suleiman Bogoro yesterday unveiled four major projects at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi valued at N4.9 billion.

The executive secretary, also, disclosed that the fund would spend the sum of N1billion in 2020 to construct the perimetre fence of the Gubi Permanent site of the ATBU, Bauchi.

He revealed the plan at the unveiling yesterday, charging the lecturers at the institution to strengthen research development in Nigerian universities for growth and development of tertiary institutions in the

country.

He listed the projects to include Central Laboratory Block and College of Medicine Phase II Gubi Campus, Clinical Complex College of Medicine, ATBU Teaching Hospital and Center for Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship Development, Tafawa Balewa.

At the inauguration, Bogoro said that TETFUND would be supporting universities to strengthen research documentations in all Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

He described good academic leadership as the backbone of success in all institutions while poor leadership negatively affects all professional progression and development.

He said: “TETFUND will

fund 12 centres of excellence for innovative research in the six geopolitical zones with two centres each in each of the zones in the country. The centres will be promoted with special funds allocation in each of the zones. “It is disheartening to discover that research are now tailored more on promotions and certifications rather than solving problems. This trend must change by employing quality renewed academic leadership and attitude. “In the TETFUND budget for 2020, we are adding 50 percent of what we disbursed for research grants. We are budgeting this year the sum of 7.5 billion naira as against N5 billion earmarked for research

grants last year. “Research on problem solving suitable to our Nigerian content and environmental growth are the best option for industrial development. Nigerian universities are becoming stronger, competing with foreign universities in terms of quality research harvest and academic excellence. I am very happy to announce to announce to you that ATBU is one of the universities in the country that are in the forefronts of research,� he said.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Prof Muhammad Abdulazeez commended the federal government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for providing the necessary funding to execute these noble projects.

SUNDAY JANUARY 19, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

OPINION Mbaka And Opportunistic Prophecy Ben Ogu argues that Mbaka’s predictions are often coloured by selfish interest

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ince 2015, Rev. Fr. Mbaka has found intimacy with political harlotry but in a very treacherous and malicious manner unbecoming of a priest.

As a fellow catholic priest, I am embarrassed

by Fr. Mbaka's materialistic and opportunistic gambling in the name of prophecy, and the condoning silence kept over his merchandise by those who should stop him, especially his superior, who, for very strange reason, seems to look away.

Unlike the Catholic Church that usually cautions her ministers when they err and derail, Fr. Mbaka operates like the independent and autonomous pastors of the new generation Churches who freely act uncontrolled and unchallenged.

Many suspiciously argue and believe that he is paying his episcopal due to gag and make those who should caution him to look away from his abuse and excesses. Otherwise, no one would have ordinarily created the disgraceful public scene he did with Peter Obi prior to the 2018 elections and remain intact with his priestly faculty. This is a burden of question on the episcopal integrity.

As a priest and citizen, Fr. Mbaka deserves the right, and in fact, the responsibility and duty in conscience, to speak on the politics of the state, especially, in solidarity with the oppressed masses and how they will be liberated from the clutches of the ruling oppressive aristocrats. What is worrisome is that, in his gambling predictions, Fr. Mbaka patronizes the negative and failure and those that oppress the common man.

In his prophecy, he is rather confident in the function and triumph of corruption in Nigeria, and always calculates carefully where the pendulum of the power of political manipulation and corruption would have victory and pitches his prediction there.

If it coincidentally works, then, he becomes an acknowledged true and genuine prophet. This is common with most Nigerian pastors.

Accordingly, in the case of Emeka Ihedioha and Imo State, it is easy to read his malicious mind in the logic of that calculation.

He simply believes that, since President Buhari is APC, and the entire tool of the Supreme Court is at his command, and since Hope Uzodinma is APC, it is likely that, in the Nigerian charac-

teristic, the verdict would certainly and corruptly tip in favour of Hope and APC. Why did he not predict in favour of AA that came second in the election and is the imagined stronger contender than APC, or in favour of APGA? It is easy to know that Fr Mbaka always predicts and forecasts on three factors, namely, the advantage of our presumed conventional corruption, the advantage of incumbency and thirdly, his bias against those that refuse to yield to his netting money trap.

For instance, in 2015, he merely cashed on the conspiracy and overwhelming disenchantment against GoodLuck Jonathan and incited the populace against him to legitimize his prediction. Yet, he failed in his prediction to prove that the alternative to Jonathan would be better and the panacea for Nigeria.

In fact, his "prophecy" resulted in a doom incomparable to Jonathan's era and made it a reminiscing nolstagia. Again, in 2019 election, he simply calculated and imagined that either for the advantage of the power of incumbency or use of the Supreme Court, APC and Buhari will certainly have their way, even without winning the election. And again, by not yielding to his intimidation to satisfy his thirst for money, Peter Obi's wise recalcitrance to fill his pocket added to the factor of his selfish prediction. He then cashed on these factors to predict that PDP will lose the election. But then, it

In his prophecy, he is rather confident in the function and triumph of corruption in Nigeria, and always calculates carefully where the pendulum of the power of political manipulation and corruption would have victory and pitches his prediction there

is still questionable if APC won the 2019 election, except for the intimidation and the gratuitous declaration of their Supreme Court as his gambling hoped for and clicked.

This means that Fr. Mbaka confidently believes and supports the factors of corruption and happenstances in Nigerian politics and actually exploits it for his cheap material prediction. Like his fellow "men of God" and miracle charlatans, knowing that the benefit of the doubt in Nigerian politics is always in favour of incumbency, corrupt power, might is right and manipulation, they always conjecture in favour of these factors, and if per chance it works, as it does at times, they shine as popular prophets.

That does not in the least mean that his so-called prophecy is genuine or comes from God. It is simply working on the combining coincidence and chances intimidation, the psyche and psychology of corruption and advantage of incumbency.

In the present gamble in Imo State, his malicious conjecture like others is that the ruling APC, federal might and the court would dictate the fortune of the election and flush out Ihedioha.

And he was right!

With the menace of the rampaging herdsmen ravaging his own state and other states of the federation, killing innocent Christians and Nigerians, one would have expected Fr. Mbaka to condemn and speak out against the injustice and evil of the ruling party, if he were of God. But he keeps a sealed lips over the travails of the weak.

Or, has Fr. Mbaka made a secret covenant with a certain part of Nigeria and religion, whose bidding he is spelled bound to protect? Prophecy is not about prediction, but mainly about condemnation of evil and warning against its consequences. But since doing this would not serve the interest of his paymasters and his insatiable vanity, it is better to be silent on evil than hurt the masters.

Imo State has gone through social and economic hell and near annihilation in the previous eight years of rule under the state’s APC ruling party. Any person having the milk of humanity in himself would have prayed and wished that no more evil agency rules the state, so that the citizens would have a sigh of relief.

––Fr. Ogu, a Catholic Priest, wrote from Ahiara Diocese.

Fuzz And Fury Over Ayade's Ministries What’s in a name? asks Joe Edet

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he hue and cry over Ayade’s choice of nomenclatures for ministries and parastatals of government is unfounded and indeed neither here nor there. He is neither limited by law on the numbers nor by lack of capacity to meet the obligations regarding funding.

To start with, a ministry, department or agency is a governmental organization or parastatal, that is meant to manage specific sector of public administration. It is a political entity created to address specific public desires, needs and interests of the people. Thus where there are dire needs based on exigencies and expediences, it’s of utmost necessity to create a ministry, a department or an agency to formulate policies, especially in the long term aimed at unburdening the challenges associated with such matters. Sometimes, a task force which is a unit or formation established to work on a single defined task or activity may be established to address the duty as a necessity. Task Force was originally introduced by the United States Navy. The term has now transcends general usage and is a standard part of government terminologies.

The nomenclatures are really immaterial and are deliberately chosen in line with the specific needs and desires of the people and in order to address them. Thus in Britain, former UK Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Tracey Crouch as Minister of Loneliness to tackle the social isolation of the British people, particularly the elderly and the physically challenged. The Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness was an organisation set up following the murder of the British Member of parliament Jo Cox which planned to find ways to reduce loneliness in the United Kingdom.

There’s a Ministry of Yoga in Portugal complete with a Yoga Studio in Lisbon, offering Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Ashtanga, Forrest, Yin and Kundalini styles of Yoga. India equally has a Ministry of Yoga. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve a peaceful body and mind; it helps manage stress and anxiety. It also helps in increasing flexibility, muscle strength and body tone. It improves respiration, energy and vitality. The government of Portugal and India felt it was of necessity to address fitness issues in their countries.

A Ministry of Happiness was first created in the United Arab Emirates. It was meant to oversee the UAE plans, programs and policies to achieve a happier society. According UAE officials, the responsibility of the office is to "align and drive government policy to create social good and satisfaction."

There’s also a Ministry for Tolerance in the UAE. On 15 December 2018, Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Supreme Commander of the Union Defence Force and the chairman of the Supreme Petroleum Council declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance. The announcement aims to

highlight the UAE as a global capital for tolerance and its approach, since its establishment, to be a bridge of communication between peoples of different cultures in a respectful environment that rejects extremism and emphasises on the acceptance of the other.

Perhaps the most telling of such creations may be the Ministry and Minister of Toilets created in Japan. If one is to list the top three things Japan is famous for, toilets would definitely make the list. The country even has a $60 million museum devoted to toilets. In 2014, Japan’s Minister for Women’s Empowerment, Haruko Arimura, added a title to her name — Minister of Toilets. The title came about due to her belief that improving public toilets was pivotal towards women’s advancement. She stated that “Women are unable to bring themselves to enter filthy toilets in public parks. To enable women who work outside the home to thrive, it’s necessary to improve them.”

In the United States of America, a Board of Tea Experts was created. For 99 years, the United States government employed a group of people to check the quality of incoming tea by tasting it.

The Board was created as part of the Tea Importation Act of 1897.

The act was aimed to protect consumers from imported tea. Tea tasters, working in FDA offices around the country, examined every lot of imported tea, using standard teas selected by the board for comparison.

Also in the US, the Office of Planetary Protection was equally created. This is a part of the US’s Office of Safety and Mission Assurance. The mission of the department is to promote the responsible exploration of the solar system, avoiding the biological contamination of explored environments and to ensure prudent precautions are taken to protect Earth’s biosphere in case life does exist elsewhere.

So what’s the hue and cry about Ayade’s ministries and their nomenclatures? On assumption of office in 2015, Ayade created the Ministry of Climate Change. This elicited mixed reactions as most people were taken aback. He may have been the first to do so in Nigeria but not elsewhere. Issues bothering on Climate change have become topical. But what is Climate Change? It is simply defined as any significant long-term change in the expected patterns of average weather of a region (or the whole Earth) over a significant period of time. Climate change is also about abnormal variations to the climate, and the effects of these variations on other parts of the Earth. In Pakistan and New Zealand the Ministry of Climate Change, is a cabinet-level ministry of government. Not so in Nigeria.

In Pakistan, a special advisor to the Prime Minister, Malik Amin Aslam is in charge of the ministry with the status of a Federal Minister. Its main responsibility is to provide a framework by which the country can develop and implement clear and stable climate

change policies. Perhaps Nigeria should adopt this.

The Ministry of Climate change has enormous responsibilities inter alia: setting emissions budgets and ensuring they are met; preparing emissions reduction plans and preparing adaptation plans. These responsibilities need be streamlined for efficient management and administration.

Another creation that has elicited opprobrium is that the department of Robotic and Artificial Intelligence. How did this become a problem in this computer age? Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a general term that implies the use of a computer to model and/or replicate intelligent behavior. Research in Artificial Intelligence focuses on the development and analysis of algorithms that learn and/or perform intelligent behavior with minimal human intervention. Isn’t this laudable and necessary?

So what the heck and fuss about the Department of Training and Doctrine, Ministries of Aviation, Solid Minerals , Foreign Affairs and all other ministries, parastatals, agencies, commissions and departments of governments created to meet the yearnings of the masses? Why are we more fixated and interested in the titles and nomenclatures rather than the deliverables? Really what’s in a name? “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" is a popular reference to William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, in which Juliet seems to argue that it does not matter that Romeo is from her family's rival house of Montague, that is, that he is named "Montague". Romeo and Juliet is a tragic love story where the two main characters, Romeo and Juliet, are supposed to be sworn enemies but fall in love. There was a fierce rivalry between the Montagues and the Capulets.

“Nomenclature” itself is a Latin word which can be further dissected into two more Latin words namely ‘nomen’ which means ‘name’ and ‘calare’ which means ‘to call’. So nomenclature is simply referred to as naming things traditionally. Thus nomenclatures should not deter the public from participation in policy formulation and developments as public participation in governance serves to inspire confidence and trust for investors and their businesses. The public must work at supporting the government at all times rather than dwell on frivolities that serve no immediate and long term purpose. The daily functions of government and governance are performed by public administrators under different platforms that are designated by different nomenclatures. It’s their responsibility to organize, implement and oversee the enforcing agencies or parastatals of government that administer the laws and regulations that keep public life in motion.

––Dr Edet is a Legal Scholar and Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategic Policy and Intelligence.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

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LETTERS Ninth Senate And The Lagos Question

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t is no longer news that a bill seeking for an Act to make special provision for Federal grants to Lagos State in recognition of its strategic socio-economic significance and other connected purposes was rejected by the 8th Senate.

The bill, which was then sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central), purportedly sparked huge uproars at the upper chamber that it took the frantic intervention of Senator Ike Ekweremadu who presided and had to bang the gavel repeatedly to still fraying nerves.

Indeed, that was the second time that the said bill would be experiencing stiff opposition at the upper chamber.

Recall that it was earlier presented during the 7th Senate, but was turned down at the committee level on the ground that according Lagos such status should be a matter of political decision, which should be kept out of the constitution. Thus, it could be said that with the 8th Senate, the bill made an appreciable progress. Though in the second instance, when the bill was eventually put into voice vote the nays obviously had the day.

From the tone of strong opposition to the bill

Lawan, Senate President in the previous Senate, the following could be inferred. First, it was supposed Lagos already had sufficient resources to take care of its needs.

Second, tribal interplay was quite evident as senators who supported or opposed the bill did so in a manner that suggests tribal sentiment.

Third, legal or constitutional constraint was a major issue. Fourth, political contemplation was equally a strong factor.

The truth, however, is that the need to accord a special status for Lagos is more of a national project. There is hardly any Nigerian that doesn’t have a stake in Lagos.

A special federal grant for Lagos is, therefore, a necessary blueprint for the development of the country. Being the pane through which the whole world views the country, granting a special status to Lagos remains the best possible way to drive Nigeria's development

as Lagos is the country's most industrialized city with needs that align with national growth and development.

On the position that Lagos State already has sufficient resources to meet its many needs, it is must be stressed that the population, cosmopolitan and commercial nature of Lagos put enormous pressure on its resources and infrastructure. Recent downturn in the national economy equally exerts further pressure on Lagos as it is seen by many as a place that offers succour for economic survival.

In spite of its small landmass, Lagos is presently experiencing such phenomenal population explosion that it is being projected to be the largest megacity in the world by 2022. Many are of the view that the city’s best possible population is 40 million. Whereas the annual population growth in the developing world is 3% and Nigeria’s is 2.7%, that of Lagos stands at a stunning 8% and it is likely to keep accelerating.

The state’s landmass is rather small by Nigerian standard (Kano State which officially has about the same population with Lagos is about four times in landmass). As if to aggravate the situation, a considerable part of the

Insecurity And Operation AMOTEKUN

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nsecurity is as old as man.

Mortals from time immemorial have devised several means to secure their lives and property from assassins and bandits.

This awareness for security could be ideologically driven and violence could be deployed to achieve its purpose. The Irish Resistance Army (IRA) was formed as a response by the Irish to resist British rule in their country. It secured the lives and property of the Irish as it was used in intelligence gathering since the members were fellow Irish who knew the terrain better than the foreign British. The Italian mafia started in Sicily in Southern Italy as a response to the constant attacks from the northern part of the country. It was also exported to the United States where many Italians of southern descent migrated to. It kept the spirit of southern Italy alive in America and greatly protected the interests while attending to their security needs of them even while in exile.

The south west part of the country has been under vicious attack from the Fulani herdsmen as well as kidnappers and bandits which makes it unsafe for habitation.

The Nigerian Police Force is ill-equipped to handle the needs of the region due to its

defective centralized structure which doesn’t allow for the best intelligence gathering.

The concerned six south west governors came together to form the Operation Amotekun (Leopard in the Yoruba language) to combat the growing menace of insecurity in the land. These men couldn’t sit back and watch their people being mindlessly slaughtered and maimed and so they had to step in, think outside the box while proffering a solution to the nagging challenge.

The idea was well received by the public at the formal inauguration in Ibadan, the former capital of the western region where the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde played host to the other governors of the region.

Just when the region was about to say uhuru at last, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami threw a spanner in the works through a strange legal technicality when he said that it was illegal for any group or organization to form a group for the defense of any territorial part of the country.

This is ludicrous as one wonders why the chief law officer has suddenly become a kill joy. The northern part of the country has the Hisbah which functions in the same way as the operation

Amotekun plans to operate.

Why didn’t he declare them illegal? The organization is notorious for its human rights violations in the course of its pursuit for a more secure north. They were in the news recently for the confiscation and destruction of millions of bottles of beer in Kano State.

They also flog people for all sorts of crimes and there have been protests against their activities especially by the southerners living in the north as they surreptitiously encroach on their rights since they are not bound by their religion to live under Sharia law.

The North East which has been under siege from the Boko Haram insurgents for over a decade which has led to the death of over 30000 people and the internal displacement of over two million has been under the protection of the Civilian Joint Task Force. Why didn’t the justice minister proscribe them?

It is tragic that Malami is merely playing politics with the lives and protection of south west residents with a substantial chunk of them even originating from the northern part of the country where he hails from.

The basic constitutional right enshrined in the constitutions of all nations as

well as international charters is the right to life which is an inalienable right. All other rights stem from this right.

It is insensitive and cruel for him to propose an antipeople policy that purports to truncate this wonderful gift from our maker.

It is a well known fact that the Nigerian Police Force is not sufficiently equipped to effectively tackle crime in the south west region. They are grossly inadequate and the centralized and unitary structure makes it difficult for them to be as fluid as possible in the important role of intelligence gathering. How can an Ibibio man who was recently posted to Ekiti effectively gather intelligence when he doesn’t speak a word of Yoruba or is familiar with the terrain? This is the handicap of the current police set up. The operation Amotekun is not replacing the police, civil defence corps or the other security agencies.

They are only complimenting their efforts as it is impossible for the police to secure the lives of south westerners alone.

South westerners and residents alike should team up as one to protest against this directive from Malami as we owe it to our generations yet unborn to have a more secure region.

––Tony Ademiluyi, Lagos.

metropolis is covered by water, a situation that complicates its infrastructural needs.

The Lagos transformation project, no doubt, requires an enormous financial requirement, far beyond the capacity of the state government.

Former Governor of the state, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), once revealed that a sum of N6.14 trillion was needed to build and upgrade infrastructural facilities in the state in the next 15 years. And that was about eight years ago! This, then, is the significance of the call for the state to be accorded a special status by the federal government.

A recent survey indicates about 25, 000 people come into Lagos daily.

Thus, despite huge fund being expended on infrastructure development by the state government, the efforts are not enough for obvious reasons. In the last 20 years, the state government has invested a huge amount of money on infrastructure development, especially construction of drainages, durable roads, beautification and restoration of parks to forestall the negative impact of flooding, erosion and other environmental hazards.

However, these efforts are not enough for obvious reasons.

Today, Lagos does about 10,000 metric tons of refuse daily, more than what the whole of Ghana is generating. The branch networks that some banks have in Lagos outstrip what they have in the whole country.

The number of heavy duty trucks and other vehicles that ply Lagos roads on a daily basis is quite alarming. Same goes for the number of pupils in its public schools as well as those that daily visit its public

hospitals.

Consequently, the state spends more on infrastructure upgrade and provision of other basic life necessities than any state in the country.

Lagos, with over 150,000 workers in its employment, apart from the federal government, remains the greatest employer of labour in the country. Ironically, many of the states in the country with lesser population and infrastructural needs receive almost same monthly federal allocation as Lagos.

Aside the pressure on its infrastructure, there is a crucial moral angle to the quest to accord Lagos a special status. When the FCT was moved from Lagos to Abuja, there was a subsisting agreement that the city would not be abandoned.Indeed, the late General Murtala Mohammed acknowledged the onerous nature of the responsibility of leaving Lagos alone to deal with the burden of infrastructure the FG were leaving behind then, bearing in mind that if Lagos hadn’t been the federal capital, it probably would not have been having these problems.

In fact, five cities; Enugu, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kaduna and Lagos were later designated as ‘Centres of Excellence’ by the Murtala Administration as part of a plan to make them cities of pride by the federal government.However, successive federal governments have refused to take a cue from countries such as Germany, Brazil, Malaysia, Australia and Tanzania, which, after relocating their capitals, did not hold back developmental programmes in the former capitals.

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

Put This Idea in The Bin

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rom the CES 2020 technology show in Las Vegas comes another one of those surely joking devices that shows how much science can be misused. It's an AI capable intelligent kitty litter box that can monitor and report your cat's behaviour and 'output' from LuLuPet or should that be LooLooPet? It looks for concerns with the cat's body in places where cat owners cannot, or doesn't want to. Which lucky scientists got to spend their years

of training developing this and the technology to evaluate the cat's outputs?

From the economics point, while researching this, a google check showed you can spend over $1000 for a litter box but it is automatic. Surely with so many people who can't afford food, there are better ways of spending your money.

Let's encourage the scientists to work on curing diseases and improving food crops and respect the cat's privacy.

––Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia.

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SUNDAY JANUARY 19, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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J ͚Π˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

INTERNATIONAL Deepening Insecurity, Political Remissness and Manu Militari Constitutionalism: Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn or Insecurity?

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he Iranian government has a supportive understanding with the militias fighting the incumbent government of Iraq. Iran is actually aiding and abetting insurgency in Iraq contrary to the requiremen The establishment of a Western Nigerian Security Network (WNSN) outfit, codenamed Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn, on Thursday, January 9, 2020 by the six State Governors of the region, is a resultant of force majeure: unprovoked, criminal assaults against the law-abiding citizens of the South-West, essentially by Fulani herdsmen, and for that matter, with impunity; kidnappings unlimited; reckless armed banditry and serial killings on the roads; increasing herdsmen versus farmers’ conflicts, and gradual development of anti-government sentiments among the people.

This situation of insecurity is not limited to the South-West region. The problem is critical elsewhere to the extent that Operation Nkpochaku was put in place in Anambra State, Operation Forest Guard in Enugu State, and Operation Irongate in Imo State. These operations are not as holistic, in focus and design, as they are in the South West and the reason for this cannot be far-fetched: situation of insecurity is not at the same level, it is not as terrible as it is in the South-West It is in an attempt to respond to the challenges and criticality of insecurity in the Yoruba States, as well as the need to nip in the bud the emerging anti-government phobia, particularly at the South-West regional level, that the six governors in the region (Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State) discussed, at a regional security summit held in June 2019 in Ibadan, the criticality of insecurity and the way forward. The outcome of their efforts led to the establishment of a Western Nigerian Security Network (WNSN), ‘Operation Ă€mòtĂŠkĂšn.’ Ă€mòtĂŠkĂšn’ is the Yoruba word for leopard, which is meant to suggest the non-preparedness of the commanders of the Operation to accept any nonsense, any threat to the lives and property of the people in the South West. Operation Ă€mòtĂŠkĂšn’ is designed to be a self-defence mechanism in the face of politicisation of national security.

The Operation is led by Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kankafo of Yoruba land. The Aare Ona Kankafo, in the Yoruba setting, is the military leader, the generalissimo, during wars in the old Yoruba or Oyo Empire, which comprised today’s Benin and Western Nigeria. The Operation is made up of different security stakeholders: the South West Agbekoya Group, Agbekoya Farmers Society Group, the Community Security Awareness Initiative Corps of Nigeria, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, the South-West Hunters Association, and the Oodua Peoples’ Congress.

The ÀmòtÊkÚn’ operation is, however, now a subject of controversy, and possibly, a subject of court litigation in the very future, with the Federal Government’s declaration of the Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn’ as illegal and unacceptable. With this development, what really is the problem? What are the issues involved? What is the way forward in addressing the challenge of national insecurity?

Main Problem

The main immediate problem is the declaration by the Federal Government of Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn’ as illegal. The profound problem is the perception of the Federal Government as aiding and abetting a Fulanisation agenda, by acquiescence of the excesses of the Fulani herdsmen. The Fulani herdsmen act recklessly with visible impunity. A second profound problem is Islamisation agenda. Fear of Fulanisation and Islamisation agenda is what is compelling various ethnic groups to want to tighten their loins in readiness for President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB)’s perceived hidden agenda, so to say. In this regard, Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn’ is a direct response to PMB’s 2-point agenda of Fulanisation and Islamisation of Nigeria.

Operation Ă€mòtĂŠkĂšn’ raises many issues, ranging from crisis of legitimacy, deepening insecurity and political chicanery to crisis of administration, recklessness and remissness, as well as crisis of ‘We the People of Nigeria,’ put at the preamble of

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Buhari Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. As regards crisis of legitimacy, the controversy always surrounding general elections, largely due to election rigging in all its ramifications, cannot enable any government, both at the state and federal levels, to lay claim to legitimacy. This is in spite of the ruling or judgment of the court following litigations. Election results do not truly reflect the will of the electorate in Nigeria. The perception of non-legitimacy often raises political suspicion, even when the Federal Government appears to have good intentions.

Deepening insecurity in the country is a truism. What is always painful is the often brutal killing of law enforcement agents that are assigned to protect the ‘bloody civilians.’ If the protector is brutally neutralised, what then becomes of the unarmed civilians? As at the time of writing this column, press reports have it that Zamfara bandits kill 31 in fresh attacks (vide The Punch, Friday, January 17, 2020, p.2 and Daily Sun, January 17, 2020, p. 9). There were also press reports on the killing of Nigerian soldiers by the Boko Haram insurgents. In the southern parts of the country, it is the stories of kidnappings, armed banditry and killings. With this type of situation, is the solution that of quoting constitutional provisions on legality or illegality of an action? Is it not the need to take an action, even if it is illegal and then seek to reconcile the factor of illegality with the Constitution?

And perhaps more importantly, insecurity in the country is recklessly politicised. Some Northern leaders even have the effrontery of giving an ultimatum to the proponents of Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn’ to discontinue with their operation or face retorsion or reprisal action. In fact, before Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn,’ there was the case of RUGA (Rural Grazing Areas). The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNGs) gave a strong warning to governors who were opposed to Government’s policy of RUGA settlement programmes to revisit their opposition stand within thirty days or face the consequences.

As issued by the CNGs, ‘while we warn all State governments that stand against the implementation of the RUGA

As PMB is more used to military,than democratic,strategies in political governance,it cannot but be expected that he will be quickly delighted in making war with theYoruba, a war that will enable him not only to justify his stay beyond 2023, but also to further strengthen his Fulanisation, if it is really true that he has such an agenda.The truth of the matter is that, as at today, the Federal Government is waxing stronger in incompetence in containing insecurity, but showing competence in seeking to proscribe the instrument of anti-societal crimes, which Operation Ă€mòtĂŠkĂšn is all about.The operation, as deductively presented, is ďŹ ghting both Fulanisation-driven and Islamisation-driven insecurity. The Governors, as Chief Security OfďŹ cers of their states are right to make efforts to secure their people.

The obvious choice left for Government is between reconciling Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn with the Constitution or further condoning sustained insecurity by the criminals or insecurity arising from war with the proponents of Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn

initiative to desist and give peace a chance, we place President Buhari and the Federal Government on notice ‘that they must completely stop this raging madness within 30 days, beginning from today, Wednesday (July 3rd, 2019).’ For the avoidance of doubt, the CNGs said, it advised ‘the federal authorities and the southern leaders to heed the 30-day notice, failing which we must definitely be left with no option than to consider resorting into our decisive line of action.’ Put differently, ‘we remind the nation that so long as the Fulani will not be allowed to enjoy their citizens’ rights of living and flourishing in any parts of this country, including the South, no one should expect us to allow any Southerner to enjoy the same in Northern Nigeria’ (vide The Guardian of Thursday, July 4, 2019).

This warning is most unfortunate because it completely missed the salient issue of concern. Besides, it sent the signal of a bigger-than-thou message to the southerners. This has always been the pattern of political relationship with their compatriots in the South and which has always also created unnecessary irritants in the relationship.

For instance, the issue is not that Northerners are disallowed from living in the South. The issue is the manner and pattern of living in the South. Fulani herdsmen engage in open grazing and in the process, destroy farm products. When the Southern farmers complain, they are killed, maimed, raped under the threats and use of AK-47 rifles. In this regard, questions are raised as to how herdsmen are in possession of such rifles.

How do they procure them? Where do they get the funding to procure one, since the cost of an AK-47 runs into millions of naira? The cost of the totality of the cows being herded is not up to the cost of one rifle. It is on the basis of these considerations that there is opposition to open grazing and forceful acquisition of land for Fulani. And also more importantly, many observers consider that the business of herding has a private character. It is not governmental in nature, and therefore, it should not be the business of Government to use tax payers’ money to promote sectional and private business interests. And since there is the suspicion that PMB has a Fulanisation agenda, the RUGA is also believed to be one of its instruments.

Another unfortunate point of observation in the warning is the inability of the CNGs to recognise its own limitation of status. What constitutional legality does it have in its kitty to deny or accept a citizen of Nigeria, not of a Northern origin?

Giving such a warning is in itself illegal. The CNGs comprises non-elected members, and therefore, does not necessarily, as a non-elected entity, represent the political will of the people.

The governors to which the warning is issued are carriers of the political will of their people. They speak authoritatively for their people. And more interestingly, PMB to whom advice was given to stop the madness of the Southerners is not the President of Northerners, but the President of Nigeria. He was elected on the basis of universal suffrage. It is the national constituency that PMB derives his mandate from. No sectional group can therefore insultingly command PMB the way the CNGs had done. Most unfortunately, however, PMB never talks on any burning national questions. The use of ‘madness’ to describe the position of the opponents of RUGA speaks volumes.

The essence of all these observations is that the Yoruba leaders believe that they should not be subjected to a fresh colonial mainmise, be it former or new. Fulanisation, in whatever form it takes, must not be given any root in any Yoruba State. This is one major rationale behind Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn.’ The non-punishment of killers of people in the South West, the discontinuation of investigations into the killing of the daughter of a leading Yoruba politician along the Ore road, the recidivist character of the killings, all strengthened the six governors in the region to resolve to take the security bull by the horn, by putting in place Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn’.

Other Issues at Stake: ‘kose, kose k’odolue se

The establishment of Operation Ă€mòtĂŠkĂšn,’ without scintilla of doubts, also raises other thought-provoking questions: is man made for the law or law is made for the man? Who really are the ‘We the People of Nigeria’ who wrote and agreed to the country’s 1999 Constitution, generally referred to as the foundation of Nigeria’s constitutional and presidential democracy? This question is particularly relevant in the final determination of the application of the rule of legitimate self-defence and survival.

Which law should be applicable in the case of self-defence, when one is faced one-on-one with armed bandits? Which law applies when national insecurity is politicised, and for that matter, very recklessly?

These questions are raised because the situation of the deepening insecurity in Nigeria cannot be rightly traced to governmental incapacity alone, but largely to politicisation by the Government and to which the direct victims of insecurity opted for self-defence. Consequently, for Government to come up with constitutional arguments of illegality of the Operation ÀmòtÊkÚn,’ is not only begging the issue, but is also unnecessarily taking the bad end of the stick.

Law is not simply meant for peace and orderliness in interpersonal and institutional relationship, but also particularly for human safety and survival.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

BUSINESS

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

A view of ALSCON

Protracted Litigations for the Soul of ALSCON Part of the factors investors consider when rating a country ready for foreign investment is whether they will have access to suitable mechanism for dispute resolution and country’s compliance with the rule of law. This factor has seriously been threatened in view of the continued defiance of the Bureau of Public Enterprises to obey the Supreme Court’s judgments ordering it to handover Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria to a NigeriaAmerican consortium, BFIGroup. Davidson Iriekpen writes

T

hree weeks have since passed since the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal ordered a stayof-execution of the committal order issued by the Federal High Court Abuja for the remand of the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Alex Okoh, in prison custody, the BPE boss has still not yet complied with the order of the court by doing what it directed him to do.

Justice Anwuri Chikere had ordered that Okoh be remanded in prison custody for a minimum of 30 days for refusing to obey the July 6, 2012 judgment of the Supreme Court, which resolved the ownership controversy of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in favour of a Nigeria-American consortium, BFIGroup.

ALSCON, located at Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom State, has been the subject of an ownership struggle between UC RUSAL and Nigeria-American consortium, BFIGroup since the government

privatised the firm in 2004. UC RUSAL was disqualified by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) for violating bid guidelines. BFIG then later won the bid with an offer of $410 million.

But, BPE cancelled the outcome of the bid in controversial circumstances, triggering a bitter legal tussle that ended in July 6, 2012 with a unanimous ruling by the Supreme Court, ordering the BPE to rescind its decision to cancel the bid and hand over the company to BFIG. Despite multiple court rulings, the privatisation agency

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

BUSINESS/ECONOMY Protracted Litigations for the Soul of ALSCON refused to respect the apex court’s order and transfer ownership of the firm to BFIG. In April 2019, BFIG initiated contempt proceedings against the BPE and Okoh.

The judge ruled that the continued refusal to obey the Supreme Court order by BPE and Okoh was a fundamental violation of the rule of law, “which portrays the government as lawless.”

Justice Chikere ordered that Okoh be remanded in prison for at least 30 days until he purges himself of the continued disobedience of the court and further contemptuous conduct.

But, following an appeal No. CA/ A/117/M/2019, filed before the Appeal Court, a panel of three, consisting Justice S. J. Adah, Justice R. M. Abdulahi and Justice M. B. Idris in, on December 24, 2019, directed a stay of execution of the order pending the hearing and determination of the motion fixed for January 20, 2020. The restraining order read in part: “An order restraining the respondent, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, their servants, agents, law enforcement agents and persons acting for or on behalf of the respondent from enforcing, attempting to enforce arrest or imprisoning the 2nd Respondent/Applicant pursuant to the ruling/ committal order of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Coram Chikere J. dated December 17, 2019 in the suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2004 BFI Group Corporation v BPE, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the appellants/applicants.”

Specifically, following the privatisation process, which culminated in the final bid for ALSCON held on June 14, 2004, BFIG had emerged the preferred bidder, after a Russian company, UC RUSAL, was disqualified by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) for violating the bid guidelines. But the BPE later disqualified BFIG too, allegedly for failing to meet the deadline for the payment of $41 million, being 10 per cent of the $410 million offer for the plant. Instead, the Bureau re-invited UC RUSAL for fresh negotiations, despite the earlier disqualification of the company by the NCP. BFIG had responded by approaching the court to declare a legal dispute, which dragged for more than eight years, culminating in the July 6, 2012 judgment by the Supreme Court.

In a unanimous ruling, the apex court declared as illegal, null and void the handing over of ALSCON to UC RUSAL by BPE on the basis of the agreement reached at their negotiations in 2006.

The court declared BFIG, as the rightful winner of the bid for the ALSCON held in 2004, ousting the Russian group, UC RUSAL. It upheld the appeal

by BFIG against the decision of BPE to disqualify it as the preferred bidder for ALSCON after winning with a superior $410million offer in 2004.

A unanimous judgment read by Justice John Fabiyi, said that by virtue of the fact that the company had fulfilled all conditions stipulated in the bid guidelines issued by the BPE and the NCP prior to the commencement of the process to privatise the aluminium plant, including the payment of a $1million cash bid bond, and was cleared to stand for the bid, which it won, it had a subsisting and valid contract that is binding. It therefore directed that BFIG recognised immediately as the authentic winner of the bid for the plant.

The court asked BPE to invite BFIG and conclude negotiations they began in 2004 to establish a mutually agreed share purchase agreement for execution. The order of the court also included a perpetual injunction restraining BPE and its agents from unilaterally terminating the contract to BFIG. But, BPE ignored the order. THISDAY gathered that rather than invite BFIG to open negotiations based on the order of the apex court, BPE issued a controversial offer letter dated January 29, 2013 entitled: “Offer to Purchase 77.5% shares of the aluminium shelter company of Nigeria, ALSCON,” whatever that meant.

The letter was accompanied by a 16-page Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), dated May 20, 2004, for execution by BFIG, rather than the 58-page agreement transmitted to it (BFIG) on October 8, 2012 for review and approval.

That agreement had captured detailed issues jointly negotiated with RUSAL in 2004 and later executed by the Russians on February 3, 2006 after ALSCON was transferred to them by BPE. BFIG on receiving the letter, wrote to BPE seeking clarifications on the discrepancy on the unilateral “invitation to acquire aluminium shelter”,

Okoh

instead of the aluminium smelter it did bid for and was declared the preferred bidder.

However, rather than comply with the Supreme Court order, BPE, like it did in 2004, again revoked the offer, ignoring the discrepancies it the offer letter and SPA, which BFIG had sought clarifications to on more than one occasion.

The revocation of the offer had compelled BFIG to return to the court to seek the enforcement of the ruling in 2013. But, BPE joined UC RUSAL to oppose the application. However, the court in its ruling in September 2014 directed BPE to “fully enforce and give effect to the meaning and intendment of the judgment of the Supreme Court of July 6, 2012,” a resolution that was ignored.

Still not satisfied, the Russians through Dayson Holdings filed an application on behalf of UC RUSAL in November 2015 to demand the Supreme Court to, not only review its July 6, 2012 judgment, but also set it aside altogether, and confirm it as the owner of ALSCON. The court on July 11, 2016, in a unanimous judgment, by a five-member panel led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, rejected the request as incompetent and without merit and consequently dismissed same.

Despite the Supreme Court ruling, the ownership of ALSCON has not changed. Even at a point, the House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation had sought to intervene in the matter. At the end of a public hearing on the non-implementation of the Supreme Court ruling, it urged BPE to comply with the rule of law and take steps to take control of ALSCON from UC RUSAL. Still, nothing happened.

Even the Court of Appeal in a judgment delivered on January 11, 2019 by Justice Abdu Aboki had reaffirmed previous rulings that ordered BPE to enforce the 2012 Supreme Court ruling on the ALSCON crisis. Specifically, the Appeal Court directed BPE to “provide the mutually agreed SPA (Exhibit BPE1) for execution by the parties.”

The SPA, the judge said, would “enable BFIG to pay the agreed 10 per cent of $410million (about $41million) within 15 working days from the date of the execution of the Share Purchase Agreement in accordance with the agreement dated May 20, 2004.

“The balance of 90 per cent of the bid price shall be paid within 90 calendar days as ordered by the Supreme Court,” he said in his judgment.

Many analysts have argued that even if the ALSCON is eventually handed over BFIG today, it would find it difficult to effectively run the plant.

This is because since 2006 when BPE handed over ALSCON to UC RUSAL on a “willing seller,

willing buyer” arrangement directed by then President Olusegun Obasanjo, BFIG has been alleging massive asset stripping by the Russian company. Citing figures in the KPMG’s audited financial accounts for December 31, 2011, it said from about $1.1billion in 2004, ALSCON’s assets valuation dropped to about $0.94 million (about N14.57 billion).

For now, nothing has been heard from BPE making observers to wonder if its refusal to comply with the courts’ judgments is not part of the impression they already have of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration as further consolidating its culture of violation of the rule of law and not upholding the independence of the other arms.

Even though they know that the dispute predates the government, they believe that the number of judgments, ruling and orders so far delivered on the case during the life time of the administration and the refusal to comply with them, certainly does not speak well of it in the area of maintenance of the rule of law.

In his article published recently in THISDAY, Stanley Ibe, a Research fellow with the Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS), said two factors that investors consider when rating a country is whether they will have access to suitable mechanism for the resolution of disputes and country’s compliance to the rule of law. He submitted that a stable legal framework is one key ingredient needed to drive economic activities in the country.

According to him, few investors will be keen to invest in any country without reasonable guarantees not only that their fundamental rights and freedoms will be respected at all times, but also that the laws will be correctly and effectively applied and complied and obeyed in cases of dispute or other differences.

“When I see the president or state governors always running overseas to in search of foreign investors, I always laugh. These are the same people whose institutions do not respect and obey court orders. Sometimes I wonder why there is endless litigations in the ALSCON case. Not even when the Supreme Court had on more than two occasions ordered the BPE to handover the company to BFIG. Since they won the bid, give them the company.

At best, sign an agreement with them that if they display any incompetence in the management of the company, it would be taken over from them instead of the lingering litigations and embarrassment of the courts,” said a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who did not want his name mentioned in print.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

BUSINESS/MONEY

Hope Shines as NSE’s Demutualisation Nears Completion Now that the Securities and Exchange Commission has given ‘a No Objection’ letter to the Nigerian Stock Exchange to forge ahead with its plan to demutualise the largest Stock Exchange in Africa, the quest towards achieving a more robust and liberalised stock market where better corporate governance and accountability will thrive is now more feasible. Bamidele Famoofo reports

N

o doubt, the journey towards demutualising the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is gradually drawing to an end, with the consent given by the regulator of the capital markets in Nigeria, for the process to continue unhindered.

Demutualisation is the process by which a member-owned company is converted to a shareholder-owned company in which third party investors can participate. This conversion will allow the NSE carry on business activities with the aim of making profits just like regular corporate entities.

It will also allow the company to put in place a board of directors to oversee its operations.

Presently, the NSE is registered as a company limited by guarantee, which is owned and operated by its members alone.

As a company limited by guarantee, the NSE has no share capital, hence it has no shareholders. In addition, the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) restricts the operations of a company limited by guarantee to the promotion of commerce, art, science, religion, sports, culture, education, research, charity or other similar objects.

The CAMA also prohibits the division of the undertakings of a company limited by guarantee into shares and the distribution of interests or profits thereon.

Before the approval by SEC, the Demutualisation Bill got the assent of the President Muhammadu Buhari. He signed the Demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange Bill (Demutualisation Bill or the Bill) into law on 29 August 2018. In line with prevalent international practice and standards, the bill authorises the NSE to convert to a shareholder-owned public company limited by shares (public limited company or PLC). This is in a bid to diversify the operations of the NSE and increase its access to capital.

Meanwhile, members of the NSE, which include dealing members and others, had earlier passed a resolution to demutualise the scheme of the NSE to allow for shareholders’ participation in March 2017.

Given that the CAMA does not provide for the conversion of a company that is limited by guarantee to a public limited company, there was the need to ascertain the process for such conversion. Thus, the Demutualisation Bill was passed by the National Assembly to address the lacuna in the CAMA. Specifically, members of the Exchange authorised its National Council and Management to proceed with the process leading up to the demutualisation, subject to applicable laws and regulations and obtaining the approvals of members and the relevant regulatory authorities. They also ratified the engagement of financial advisers, legal advisers, tax advisers and any other adviser that may be required for the demutualisation of the exchange.

The Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said the time for the demutualisation of the exchange is very close by.

He gave the assurance on the occasion of the 2019 market recap and outlook for 2020 held at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, last Monday. Onyema gave the assurance while responding to questions from stockbrokers, who wanted to know as soon the process of demutualisation of the NSE, which has commenced since 2015 would materialise.

Onyema said the demutualisation of the

Nigerian Stock Exchange, Lagos

NSE will generate substantial motivation for the development of an agile exchange thereby consolidating its innovativeness and strengthening its leadership both at local and international levels, whilst also adding value to its stakeholders. As a demutualised entity that is profit-seeking, the NSE will be in a better stead to capitalise on new income opportunities, free from any limitations arising from conflicting member interests and existing laws and more importantly be able to better support the economic growth of Nigeria.”

Former President of the Council of NSE, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said the demutualisation of the Exchange would bring the Nigerian capital market at par with other international jurisdictions, result in enhanced governance, transparency and visibility, whilst attracting strategic partners, investors and good quality issuers. These are historic times indeed.”

A dealing member, Mr. Tunde Sobowale of Global Asset, said demutualisation would add value to the market, and that it should be encouraged to happen faster.

Onyema enthused that with the no objection from SEC, the exchange have met the necessary requirements of the SEC and would be able to proceed to the final stages of the demutualisation process.

“We have also sensitised our stakeholders on the process of demutualisation and its effects and will continue to engage with them during this process,” Onyema said.

Apart from the special dispensation granted to the NSE as a result of the passage of this bill, the bill also exempts the NSE from any tax liability that may arise in connection with, or as a result of its conversion to a PLC. However, the NSE will be liable to pay tax on subsequent profits it earns after the conversion. In addition, the bill provides that upon the conversion and re-registration, all income, assets, property and liability of the NSE shall continue to be the income, assets, property and liabilities of the NSE as a PLC. Implication The signing of this bill is expected to expedite the NSE’s conversion to a PLC. As a profit seeking company, the NSE will be able to diversify its products and services in the market. The NSE will also have a share capital and will also be able to sell its shares to interested members of the public and be quoted on the stock exchange. This is expected to improve the NSE’s corporate governance as the operations of its board of directors will be guided by the Nigerian corporate governance rules.

Given that this bill specifically provides for the conversion of the NSE to a PLC, the procedure for conversion of other companies limited by guarantee to PLC’s still remains uncertain as this is not provided in the CAMA. Companies limited by guarantee should not have to go through the legislative process of enacting new laws every

time there is a need to restructure their operations.

Outlook for 2020 According to the NSE, key factors expected to shape the Nigerian Economy in 2020 include crude oil price and production, since Nigeria still remains reliant on oil production for FX reserves, hence, the dynamics of crude oil price and production will continue to influence the capital markets and larger economy.

“Factors such as U.S. and Iran tension, oil supply shocks (e.g., Eastern Europe, Venezuela, and Libya), and progress in trade negotiations between the U.S. and China may exert pressure on crude oil prices in 2020,” said Onyema.

Domestically, market sentiments may be buoyed by a steady and stable recovery in the domestic economy, alongside continued sustainability in monetary policy.

The signing into law of Nigeria’s Finance Bill 2019 and implementation of the 2020 budget may have a positive impact on companies’ earnings as well as consumer spending.

But Onyema disclosed that his NSE will continue to advocate for business-friendly economic environment, working in conjunction with both the public and private sectors while noting that the year 2020 has started on a good note, with the NSE ASI recording a 9.48 per cent as at the day of the briefing.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

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BUSINESS/ECONOMY constituted an Economic Advisory Council, shows the resolve of the president to attract the best hands in his quest to propel economic growth.

Obiora, whose nomination is subject to the Senate’s confirmation, is expected to bring energy, exuberance and a fresh perspective - a new look at old problems – to central banking in the country, while working with his other colleagues on the board of the bank.

With his nomination, Obiora will be replacing Dr. Joseph Nnanna, the deputy governor of the CBN currently in charge of Economic Policy, who will attain the age of 70 at the end of this month and will retire on February 2, 2020.

In a letter to the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, Buhari said the nomination was in accordance with the provision of Section 8(1)(2) of the CBN Act 2007.

Obiora

For Obiora, it’s Round Peg in Round Hole Obinna Chima writes that President Muhammadu Buhari’s nomination of Dr. Kingsley Obiora as a deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria is appropriate and if confirmed, Obiora will inject fresh idea into the economy

I

n June 2019, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, unfolded the bank’s policy direction for the next five-year.

In the strategic plan, the central bank is targeting double-digit growth, single-digit inflation, $12 billion non-oil exports by 2023 and raising financial inclusion to 95 per cent level by 2024.

The central bank also intends to, within the period, retain the managed-float exchange rate, recapitalise the banks, preserve domestic macroeconomic and financial stability and foster the development of a robust payments system infrastructure, among others.

These and its achieving its core mandate as well as the herculean task of supporting the fiscal authorities in repairing the Nigerian

economy, clearly require round pegs in round holes.

That is why President Muhammadu Buhari’s nomination of a 43-year old Alternate Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Kingsley Obiora, as a deputy governor of the CBN has continued to gain commendation.

Some commentators have said the appointment, which comes few months after the president

Qualification Prior to his stint as the alternate executive director at the IMF, Obiora worked with the CBN from 2014-2018, where he was the Special Adviser to the CBN Governor on Economic Matters and contributed significantly to the overall analytical and policy framework of the CBN. He also led the team of several technical aides attached to the governor’s office.

From 2011 to 2014, he served as a Technical Adviser to the Economic Management Team as well as Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan’s Chief Economic Adviser.

Under Buhari, he led the team that built the macroeconomic framework for the administration’s Economic Reform and Growth Plan (ERGP), which has been the central policy document for the current government. From June 2014 till July 2018, he served as special adviser on economic matters to Godwin Emefiele, governor of the CBN. Between 2007 and 2009, he worked with the IMF as an economist in the European Department, where he was responsible for Lithuania and involved in real sector issues, analyses and forecasts for the country, among several other responsibilities.

Obiora is a seasoned economist, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and Statistics from University of Benin, as well as a Master of Science and PhD Degrees in Economics from the University of Ibadan.

In addition to his qualifications, he has attended several training programmes in Nigeria and overseas.

In fact, since his academic and career distinction of the early 2000s, Obiora has directly supported the economic policies of three presidents, including the incumbent.

While working at the Centre for Econometric and Allied Research (CEAR) between 2003 and 2006, he contributed to the development of an econometric forecasting model for Policy analyses for Nigeria’s National Planning Commission.

He also contributed to developing the macroeconomic framework for Nigeria’s National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) II programme under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obiora has co-authored at least 25 academic papers, which have been published and presented across the world.

For instance, he authored the IMF working policy papers, which include: ‘Decoupling from the East Toward the West? Analyses of Spillovers to the Baltic Countries,’ published by the IMF in 2009, as

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

BUSINESS/ECONOMY A Fresh Idea for Nigeria’s Economic Policy well as, ‘Do Trading Partners Still Matter for Nigeria’s Growth? A Contribution to the Debate on Decoupling and Spillovers.’

CBN’s Strategic Focus As stated earlier, Obiora is expected to contribute to the CBN in actualising its policy objectives for the next five years, both in terms of its core mandate as well as its aggressive development finance mandate.

For instance, cognisant of the fact that close to 40 per cent of adult Nigerians do not have access to financial services, the bank has implemented series of initiatives that would drive our efforts aimed at building a more financially inclusive society.

Some of these measures include the promotion of alternative banking channels, agent banking and the Shared Agent Network Facility (SANEF), all of which are intended to deepen penetration of agent networks in underserved locations across the country.

The recent unveiling of the policy on payment service banks was also an additional step aimed at leveraging on the distribution networks of nonbank entities, such as fast-moving consumer goods companies, Fintechs, and mobile network operators, in providing financial services to underserved communities.

“With these schemes in place, we believe that over the next two years, over 80 per cent of Nigerians will have access to financial services,” the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele had said.

The CBN governor had said in the next five years, monetary policy measures would be geared towards containing inflationary pressure and supporting improved productivity in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Also, the CBN, working with other stakeholders, pledged to, in the next five years, reduce the cost of food items, which has considerable weight on inflation.

“Our ultimate objective is to anchor the public’s inflation expectation at single-digit in the medium to long run. We believe a low and stable inflationary environment is essential to the growth of our economy because it will help support long term planning by individuals and businesses.

“It will also help to lower interest rates charged by banks to businesses thereby facilitating improved access to credit and a corresponding growth in output and employment.”

He had said the country remained committed to a free trade regime that is mutually beneficial and particularly aimed at supporting domestic industries and creating jobs on a mass scale for Nigerians while the dynamics of global trade continues to evolve in advanced economies.

He said the CBN would support measures to increase and diversify Nigeria’s exports base and help in shoring up reserves.

“We intend to aggressively implement our N500 billion facility aimed at supporting the growth of our non-oil exports, which will help to improve non-oil export earnings,” he stated.

He said though the goals were onerous and tasking, the CBN would remain committed to fulfilling its mandated objectives of price

Emefiele

and exchange rate stability.

He added: “We will continue to work to safeguard the stability of our financial system, while supporting the development of a payment system infrastructure that will improve access to credit for all eligible Nigerians.

“Nevertheless, additional emphasis will be placed on supporting greater growth of our economy and in reducing unemployment, through targeted interventions in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.”

Emefiele said the CBN would also work with its counterparts on the fiscal side in supporting improved foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to various sectors namely agriculture, manufacturing, insurance and infrastructure.

He said the measures, while supporting improved inflows into the country, would also help to stabilise exchange rate and build external reserves.

According to him, between now and 2024, emphasis would also be placed on improving speed and efficiency of payment channels,

while working to ensure that digital channels are safe and secure as this will help to build confidence in the nation’s payment system.

Emefiele said to improve utilisation rate, the CBN would continue to ensure that payment channels were interoperable, to enable individuals with digital devices to transact across different banks or payment modes.

He assured the public of significant improvement in the payment system under his leadership.

He said the CBN would further work with NIBSS, banks and Fintechs in developing a regulatory sandbox to “enable us to test financial innovations by Fintechs and banks in a controlled environment, in order to assess its impact on the growth and safety of our financial system.”

The CBN governor said he would boost productivity growth through the provision of improved seedlings, as well as access to finance for rural farmers in the agricultural sector, across 10 different commodities namely rice, maize, cassava, cocoa, tomato, cotton, oil-palm, poultry,

fish and livestock/dairy.

According to him: “Our choice of these 10 crops is driven by the amount spent on the importation of these items into the country, and the over 10 million jobs that could be created over the next five years if efforts are made to expand cultivation and processing of these items in Nigeria.

“We believe these measures will help to boost not only our domestic outputs but also improve our annual non-oil exports receipts from $2 billion in 2018 to $12 billion by 2023.”

He said CBN intervention programmes would strengthen the linkage between farmers and agro-processors/ manufacturers by ensuring that the output of farmers is purchased by agro-processors/ manufacturers.

Therefore, it is expected that when confirmed by the Senate, Obiora, who has over the years demonstrated an unquenchable desire for excellence, hard work, and commitment to assigned responsibilities, would contribute in actualising the central bank’s mandate.

24

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

As Lagos Sets New IGR Target…

With more than N30billion of internally generated revenue monthly, Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, is perhaps the only state in the federation that can survive without any financial assistance from the centre. But, the revenue generating agency of the government of the state says there is room for more revenue generation and targets an IGR of N72 billion this year. Bamidele Famoofo reports platform and over time, a lot of Lagosians will learn how to run the process. It will also bring in more tax payers.’’

FG Revenue Subair commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the Finance Bill, noting that the move was long overdue. “It’s refreshing to know that things are going to change. Unfair tax laws will be reviewed in favour of putting more developmental strategies in place. I would advise that FG concentrate more on indirect taxes than direct, which is what the VAT is all about. We must remember that VAT rate, at five percent, is the lowest in the world at that the moment. Government needs money to make any meaningful development happen, so raising the VAT rate is good.”

He, however, noted that the states will benefit from the VAT increase, since there is a sharing formula for VAT. Though, he acknowledged that adding income from VAT, as a result of the increase will be additional revenue for Lagos, Subair however said the impact won’t be significant on the state’s revenue base.

He called on the federal government to review the existing tax laws, adding that it must leverage technology to boost revenue. The federal government must invest more in technology to increase its tax base. Increasing the tax base is better than introducing new taxes.

Also, Subair urged federal government to review its tax waiver policy, which he argued is a major leakage area for government revenue. ‘’It has to be reduced and also designed to create positive impact in the economy. It must not be a policy that creates an avenue for the rich to get richer at the expense of the poor masses.’’

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwu-olu

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agos State could be said to be comfortable with its monthly internally generated revenue hovering around N35billion as at the last count. It is one state in the country that can call the bluff of the government at the centre when it comes to sharing money from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), as what it gets from the commonwealth of the nation is like a drop in the ocean, when compared with what it generates locally.

But, the state nicknamed the ‘Centre of Excellence’, said it won’t rest on its oars with regard to generating more revenue internally for the purpose of making life comfortable for the estimated 24million people resident in it.

The state government expects to generate a sum of N866billion as internally generated revenue through different sources in 2020, as one of the means to finance is N1.6trillion budget. IGR comes to about N72billion monthly, if the target is achieved. But, specifically, LIRS is expected to cough out N500billion in 2020 as IGR, which stands at an average of N42billion monthly. The LIRS target also represents about 58 percent of total IGR in the fiscal year.

The Executive Chairman, Lagos Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Ayo Subair, said the target on IGR included in the 2020 budget

for LIRS was achievable. He made this known during an interview on the Morning Show programme on Arise News Channel, recently.

His words: “It is an achievable feat.

We presently generate about N30bn per month in the state. N500billion in 2020 is the target and it comes to N42billion per month. N860billion is the total target for internally generated revenue and LIRS is expected to contribute N500billion.”

The state has about 4.5million registered tax payers, but hopes to increase it to an average of 7-8miillion before long.

Subair said the state will leverage technology to increase revenue from tax in 2020. ‘’There are various strategies and basically we are going to leverage technology. I can assure you that there are no more new taxes coming. Though people confuse levies as tax, and complain there is multiple- taxation, we won’t come up with taxes.”

The LIRS boss hinted that what the state had done so far, to encourage more Lagosians to pay tax voluntarily, was to develop several online solution platforms to ease payment of tax. “But in terms of making life easier for tax payers, we continuously look at tech as a means of making life much easier, easing doing business is very key to the federal government and we in Lagos also subscribe to that.

What we have done is to develop several

online solutions to ease the payment of taxes. We would continue to invest more in tech to make sure tax payers can pay at a minimal cost.’’

Subair revealed that the state hopes to also generate revenue through the embattled land use charge, which he said has been under review in the Lagos House of Assembly. “l can assure that before the end of this month, if l won’t be proven wrong, l think the new regulations would be passed, and then, a lot of Lagosians will be happy.”

The Enterprise Tax Administration (e-Tax), which was recently launched in Lagos, is another means the state hoped to boost its revenue going forward. E-tax is an end-to-end digital tax administration solution deployed by the state to make payment of tax a lot easier for tax payers. ‘’Tax payers don’t need to come to LIRS office to pay tax. They can go online to register and file their returns, make payments online and print their receipts and tax clearance certificate. Companies can also track progress on tax audits carried out by LIRS on them anywhere they are and at their convenience. This is another way of boosting ease of doing business in the state.

We want to reduce the cost of filing taxes by the people and carrying out tax activities.

So, it’s a win-win situation for all. We expect that there will be a lot more traffic on the

Review of States’ IGR The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said in the first half of 2019, the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) generated N691.11 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Compared to N596.91 billion recorded in the second half of 2018, there was an increase of N94.2 billion, indicating a positive growth of 15.78 percent.

The report added that 31 states and the FCT recorded growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), while five states recorded decline in IGR in the period under review.

According to NBS, the net Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation in the first half of the year is put at N1.20 trillion, while the total revenue available to the states including the FCT is put at N1.89 trillion.

It, however, said that the value of foreign debt stood at $4.23 billion, while domestic debt hit N3.85 trillion at the end of 2018.

The bureau said that the IGR was derived from ministries, departments and agencies’ (MDAs’) revenues, direct assessment, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), road taxes and other taxes.

The data showed that Lagos state led the collection table with N263.25 billion, while Rivers collected N151.8 billion, Delta N145 billion, Akwa Ibom N106.7 billion and FCT N72.8 billion.

Bayelsa state generated N71.6 billion, Kano N58.5 billion, Kaduna N54.7 billion, Ogun N48 billion, Edo N47.3 billion, Ondo N47.2 billion, Oyo N42.1 billion, Sokoto N38.8 billion, Benue N38.1 billion, Imo N37.4 billion and Kwara N36.6 billion.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

25

BUSINESS INTERVIEW AMBROSE OJOBO

Evolving Technologies Will Continue to Drive Airline Operations A 30-year-old Nigerian pilot with Emirates Airline, Captain Ambrose Ojobo, spoke with Emma Okonji in Dubai on his experience as a young pilot with a foreign and world-rated airline, and how emerging technology has transformed Emirates flight operations. Excerpts:

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eing 30 years of age as a pilot with the Emirates Airline, at what age did you start flying aircrafts and want has been the experience since then?

Currently I am 30 years of age, and I joined Emirates Airline two and a half years ago; I have been flying for the airline on the Boeing 777300 ER and it has been lovely flying for Emirates in Dubai. I started flying aircraft at the age of 17 and I started this in Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State.At that time I entered for the standard pilot course 23, and then I did my whole initial training. I have passion for flying from my childhood days. It was more of being interested in automobiles, cars, trains and aeroplanes in general, but as I grew much older, I think fate had its way and I saw myself becoming a pilot.

My father studied at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and it was his dream that his son would be a pilot one day and as I was growing up, my father sold the idea of flying to me, when he asked me if I would be interested in flying and I answered in the affirmative. Since I like moving objects from childhood, I was quick to say yes to my father’s question. So I eventually got enrolled into the Standard Pilot Course 23 and did the flight programme. Since then, it has been wonderful and I have no regrets at all.

Training School is top notch and that is what took me this far in Emirates. The aviation training school in Nigeria is my foundation and my root.

That's where I started. I didn't train anywhere before then. I started my basic training there and that has built me up to where I am today.

Having been trained in the Nigerian AviationTraining School, do you think the school has trained enough pilots?

Enough could be relative. I did my training in 2006, and since then I do not know the number of pilots that have graduated from the training school.

Flying is a high risk job when compared to the nature of plane crashes globally and it is also a juicy job when compared to the remuneration. How do you perceive these two ends of the job and what is your family position, being a pilot?

Every job is risky, depending on people’s perspective. We do not fly alone, we fly with several passengers. So if I am taking risk, then it means all other passengers that we fly also take risk. So flying is my job and I have accepted the responsibilities that come with the job. But I am happy doing the job and I do not think of risk of the job, based on the level of training I have received on the job. My family is equally happy with the kind of job I do.

Aside Emirates, have you worked for other airlines since you became a pilot?

Prior to working for EmiratesAirline as a pilot, I have flew other aircrafts and that has built up my whole experience of joining Emirates as well.

So what are the airlines you have worked for before Emirates and what attracted you to Emirates Airline ?

Before joining Emirates Airline in May 2017, I flew in Nigeria and I flew in Oman before joining Emirates, and that built up the whole experience before joining Emirates. Emirates as a whole is a global network and flying to almost all the countries in the world was part of the attraction to me.

Ojobo

Being a Nigerian, how did you secure the Emirates Job as a pilot and how did you learn on the job?

They advertised online and I applied online, and filled the forms online and submitted online.

Later I was shortlisted and invited for interview.

I first did online interview, passed it and then I was shortlisted again for another interview in Dubai that lasted for three days. And the three days interview also involved going through the simulatorassessment,whichwasfullflightsimulator assessment. After that, I had to go through a leadership and team-building exercise, where they put me in the room and then monitor me and all of that. Onwards with that, we did the psychometric analyses, and then medical tests as well and then finally meeting with the human resource (HR) team and flight operations and I was successful by the end of three days.

How will you compare the use of technology in driving the operations of Emirates Airline relative to other airlines where you previously worked?

Emirates Airline is a company of its own and its equipment is special and different from other airlines. You have been taken on a tour round the engineering operations of EmiratesAirline, where you saw the Boeing 777 and the 8380 aircrafts of Emirates and I was trained on those aircrafts and the technology driving them are sophisticated and ahead of other technology. So relating other airlines’ technology to the current high level of technology embedded in Emirates aircraft, is like dragging me back to old technology days because technology is evolving and Emirates Airline is in line with new technology is driving its operations.

What type of aircraft have you flown since becoming a pilot and what has been the experience? have flown the Boeing 777300 ER and I have been to all continents as a pilot, but prior to flying Boeing 777300 ER, I have flown the Boeing 737 NG, which was my previous experience before joining Emirates Airlines.

Most airlines have agreement with their pilots on the minimum number of years they could work for them before leaving, owing to the kind of training and investments made on the pilot. Do you have such agreement with Emirates airline?

How is Emirates leveraging new technologies like Artificial Intelligence,Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, and what is your experience with these emerging technologies in flight operations?

One of the major things I have noticed with Emirates Airline is the very huge and tremendous improvement in flight communication.

The Emirates network is so big, there is communication network in Australia and in United States of America and these are two ends of the world. And then there's a network control here in Dubai, being able to communicate with all these aeroplanes and manage this large span of network is what I find fascinating and I think

Basically the terms of contracts and terms and conditions of employment varies from one employer to another. But honestly I can't go into details with my terms and conditions of employment because it is between the airline and myself. So I'm not permitted to discuss it with the media.

that was not in existence in the previous places I have worked in.

How can you compare the operating environment of Emirates with the other airlines you have work with? What actually is the difference between your previous experience and current experience as a pilot.

Emirates is currently operating over 260 aircrafts and the operating environment is quite different and huge, but the emphasis for me is still on leveraging technology in communicating its entire large networks.

As a Nigerian pilot, what are some of your challenges flying Emirates aircraft and how have you been able to overcome such challenges?

Let’s look at internal training in answering your question. When an airline employs pilots, the first thing is to train them on how to fly their own aircrafts and this is necessary because of the different technologies involved in different airlines. The challenge for me, is how to learn the technology driving the operations of Emirates and as soon that was done, the challenges were automatically put behind me.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said some time ago that by 2025, the global aviation industry would require 17,000 pilots to meet flight needs.

Do you think this figure is achievable in the aviation industry?

For me, nothing is impossible to achieve if the will-power and determination is there. I think we should leave that to the management of the global aviation industry and policy makers to handle.

How will you compare the aviation training school in Nigeria with the ones outside Nigeria?

The training experience in the NigerianAviation

So what was your first flight experience in flying a commercial aircraft?

The experience flying the first commercial aircraft is the same as flying the first aircraft.

The only difference between flying the first commercial aircraft and the first aircraft is that with commercial aircraft, I am responsible for over 150 passengers, and the number of passengers keeps increasing because at the moment, Emirates aircraft takes about 445 people as passengers, when fully booked, depending on the capacity of the aircraft.

How do you manage air turbulence as a pilot, and can air turbulence bring down a moving plane?

Whenwefly,we'reflyinginairandtheairmoves in relative motion. We are moving through air and the air moves as well. So basically, when the wind blows, it blows in different directions and it affects the aircraft, which causes turbulence.

As pilots, if it is forecasted, we try to avoid it as much as we can. Sometimes we can’t avoid it, and we have to put the seat belt sign on, and we'll go through our procedures to make sure the passengers are safe throughout the flight. So as pilots, we are prepared for almost all scenarios, and that has to do with the kind of training we get. We go through a lot of training, using the simulator. Now we are at the stage of evidence based training and we are very well equipped and Emirates does excellent job when it comes to training.

Given your age at 30 as a pilot, many may see you as a role model. How have you been able to influence the young ones who are also interested in becoming a pilot?

Encouraging our younger ones that want to fly is key and I will continue to encourage anyone who is interested in flying aircraft, just like my parents did to me. I will love to be role models to many young Nigerians, who are interested in flying aircrafts. I had a role model when I was a little boy and my role model was my uncle who was a pilot. He was in the NigerianAir Force, but retired now. He used to come home then with his uniform and I was fascinated by his dressing and comportment.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

26

BUSINESS/TELECOMS

Of AGF’s Withdrawal from MTN’s Alleged Indebtedness The recent decision taken by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to redirect the case of alleged MTN’s revenue indebtedness to the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Customs, for proper investigation, has been described as a welcome development by telecoms operators, who are of the view that MTN will get justice over the matter, reports Emma Okonji

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lthough it took the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, 17 months to leave MTN off the hook, on matters bordering on alleged revenue indebtedness, which he had tenaciously held against the telco for over one and half years, the telecoms industry players, in their jubilation, hailed the new decision and believed such decision will ultimately bring justice to MTN. Penultimate week, Malami wrote MTN Nigeria, informing the telecoms company of his decision to transfer the matter of alleged MTN revenue indebtedness to the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigerian Customs Service, a decision that has elicited wide commendations from the industry.

AlthoughthetelecomsindustryplayersblamedtheAttorneyGeneral for initially crossing boundaries to intervene in matters that ought to have been handled by appropriate agencies of government, they however hailed him on his decision to hands-off from the matter and to transfer it to the appropriate quarters, which they said, was a clear example of democratic system of governance which must prevail in all circumstances.

The Allegations Malami, the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, had in September 2018, accused MTN Nigeria of two separate revenue indebtedness to the tune of N242,244,452,215.97 and $1,283,610,357.86, which MTN vehemently refuted at that time and went to court to challenge the allegation.

During the same period, the Central Bank of Nigerian (CBN) also ordered MTN Nigeria to refund $8.134 billion allegedly repatriated out of Nigeria between 2007 and 2015. Throughout the period of the accusations from the regulatory authorities, MTN kept saying that the figures were misinterpreted and that it had never repatriated any illegal funds out of Nigeria, where it has operated for 19 years.

Having concluded the necessary investigations,AGF wrote MTN to announce the formal withdrawal of his demand on the said amounts on alleged revenue indebtedness.

In the letter, the AGF decided to refer the matter to FIRS and NCS with a view to resolving contentious issues.

The Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations to AGF, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, said the minister made the latest development on the dispute known in a letter dated 8th January, 2020 addressed to MTN Nigeria’s Counsel, Messrs Wole Olanipekun & Co. The letter sent to MTN Nigeria by Malami reads in part: “Having carefully and painstakingly reviewed the correspondence reference and following due consultation with relevant statutory agencies, the Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has decided to refer the matter under reference to Federal Inland Revenue Service and Nigeria Customs Service with a view to resolving contentious issues.

“You may wish to be informed and be guided for the time being, pending the outcome of the interrogation of the relevant statutory agencies.

“The Federal Inland Revenue and Nigerian Customs Service are the regulatory authorities vested with the powers of monitoring foreign exchange utilisation and assessment of taxes among others as canvassed and contended by the parties in their respective submissions.

The development is in line with oversight functions of Customs and Excise ManagementAct and Federal Inland Revenue Service relating to monitoring foreign exchange utilisation and prevention of illegal trade, in case of customs, and assessment, collection and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government, as it relates to Federal Inland Revenue Service.

“With this, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice demonstrates unflinching commitment to the rule of law where all statutory agencies will be allowed to independently work with a view to fulfilling their mandates and recourse to them in contentious cases, as regulatory agencies of government on issues that border on their statutory mandate.”

MTN’s Reaction Expressing satisfaction at the development, MTN Nigeria CEO, Mr. Ferdi Moolman, said: “We are very pleased with the decision of the AGF and we commend him for his wisdom. We maintain our dedication to building and maintaining cordial relationships with all regulatory authorities in Nigeria and remain fully committed to meeting our fiscal responsibilities and contributing to the social and economic development of Nigeria.”

MTN celebrated the latest step at resolving its legal woes with the Nigerian authorities in a press statement signed by its Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, saying the attorney general’s office had “withdrawn its letter of demand” for the back taxes, and that the

Malami

Moolman

company would consequently follow due court process to withdraw its legal action against theAGF and engage with the FIRS and Customs on the issues.”

Part of the press statement by MTN Nigeria, reads: “MTN Nigeria is pleased to report that its legal counsel has received a letter dated 8 January 2020 from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (the AGF) formally withdrawing his demand for N242,244,452,215.97and$1,283,610,357.86allegedrevenueindebtedness.

“The letter confirmed that following careful review and due consultation with relevant statutory agencies, the AGF has decided to refer the matter to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with a view to resolving contentious issues. MTN Nigeria will consequently follow due court process to withdraw its legal action against the AGF and engage with the FIRS and NC on the issues. MTN Nigeria remains committed to conducting its business in accordance with applicable laws in Nigeria.”

to the best interest of the telecoms industry and the Nigerian economy.

Telco’s Reaction Reacting to the AGF’s decision, the telecoms operators under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), commended the AGF for his decision to transfer the case to the appropriate quarters, while also blaming him for delving into a matter outside of his jurisdiction for a long period of 17 months.

Chairman ofALTON, Mr. GbengaAdebayo, told THISDAY that the AGF acted well to have referred the matter to the appropriate quarters.

He also said the initial tussle between the office of the AGF and MTN Nigeria over the alleged revenue indebtedness, was something that Nigerians must learn from.

According to Adebayo, the federal government must empower all statutory agencies of government, including industry regulators, and ensure they are given free hands to operate according to the Acts and Laws that established them. “The idea of not allowing agencies of government and industry regulatory bodies to exercise their statutory powers in matters that affect them, should be discouraged. In the case of the Attorney General and MTN Nigeria over the alleged revenue indebtedness, the AGF had in the first instance, no business in the case and would have allowed the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigerian Customs Service to handle the matter from the beginning. Matters relating to the monitoring of foreign exchange utilisation and prevention of illegal trade, should be left with the Nigerian Customs, while matters relating to the assessment, collection and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the federal government, should be left in the hands of members of FIRS,”Adebayo said. He further explained that if regulatory bodies were not allowed to exercise their powers, it could lead to conflict of duties and usurp of powers, which must be discouraged, no matter how powerful an Attorney General could be.

Adebayo who commended theAGF for his new decision to transfer the case to FIRS and Customs, was however optimistic that MTN would get justice, given the calibre of people that oversee both agencies of government. He said he expected that the matter would be resolved

MTN Challenges MTN Nigeria has battled a string of financial claims from the Nigerian authorities, including fines from the telecoms regulatory body. In 2018, it agreed to pay a separate $53 million fine after being accused of illegally repatriating $8.13 billion to South Africa. Also in 2018, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), forced MTN to close offices nationwide, when it picket MTN offices across the country for breaching labour laws, local content law and for security issues. NLC had accused MTN Nigeria of not only engaging in the exploitation of Nigerian workers and turning them into slaves, but also extended their frontiers to unwholesome economic exploitation and sabotage, by not paying its taxes, yet it was involved in repatriating funds out of the country. The NLC had in 2018, called on MTN Nigeria to obey federal government’s order to pay the alleged repatriated funds and the unpaid tax arrears, a case that will now be investigated by FIRS and Customs, according to the recent directives of the Attorney General of the Federation.

In 2015, MTN Nigeria was fined a whopping N1.04 trillion by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator, for its refusal to comply with the directive of the NCC to deactivate improperly registered SIM cards on its network, which was regarded as security threat to the nation. NCC discovered 5.2 million improperly registered SIM cards on the MTN network, while infraction on each SIM card attracts a fine of N200,000, totaling a whopping N1.04 trillion as fine.Although the fine was later reduced to N330 billion after a plea bargain by MTN, the telecoms company decided to pay the N330 billion in a staggered payment arrangement, and had since completed the payment.

The disputes with MTN have rattled investor confidence inAfrica’s most populous nation and tarnished diplomatic relations between continental powerhouses in Nigeria and South Africa.

But in spite of its many challenges, MTN still remains the biggest telecoms company in Nigeria by subscriber number of over 67 million and by volume of revenue generation, a position it maintained since the inception of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) service rollout in 2001. Last year, MTN Nigeria raked N460.1 billion in revenue in third quarter, which ended September 30, 2019.

The telecoms giant recorded increased Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) by 39.3 per cent to N460.1 billion and an increased subscriber number by 0.1 million to reach 61.6 million subscribers on its network, with increased active data subscribers by 1.6 million to reach 22.3 million active data users on its network.

According to the Q3 financial report, the telecoms company’s service revenue increased by 12.1 per cent to N854.9 billion, even though EBITDAgrew by 39.3 per cent to N460.1 billion. The EBITDA margin increased to 53.7 per cent, while earnings per share rose by 29 per cent to N7.29k, with increased capital expenditure (Capex) by 39.5 per cent to N154.1 billion.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

BUSINESS/BRAND & MARKETING

Debunking Panic Campaigns in the Beverage Market Raheem Akingbolu writes on guerrilla marketing approaches being explored by a section of the players in the beverage market and how promoters of La Casera used activation and endorsement to reclaim the market share of the carbonated soft drink, when it became a victim of the onslaught

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n today’s market, marketing has not only gone scientific, it has assumed the driver seat of any serious business owner. But experience over the years has shown that it is only marketing strategies that are built on integrity and market research, give brand a far-reaching market penetration and acceptability. That explains why global iconic brands remain strong despite stiff competition in the market.

However, de-marketing, a situation where promoters of Brand ‘A’ run down Brand ‘B’, is as old as the word marketing. In Nigeria, especially with the revolution in the social media landscape, the concept appears to be gaining more followers. From beer manufacturers to banking industry, the story is the same. Having explored all the marketing gimmicks to create brand loyalty, promoters of Nigeria’s two leading beer manufacturers Guinness Nigeria Plc and Nigerian Breweries Plc – few years ago resorted to low blows, to outsmart each other.

Around the same time, some faceless individuals in the banking industry were sending sms to discourage the public from banking with a particular bank. It worked as many customers ran helter-skelter to make panic withdrawal, but the campaign soon faced out.

La Casera and Bleaching Chemical Does La Casera contains bleaching chemical? This was a question handler of the carbonated drinks were struggling to answer few years ago, when a video in which the drink was being used to lose screw went viral.

Before they could put their act together, competing brands had leveraged on the campaign to gain some patrons of La Casera.

As a follow-up to the rumour that the product contained bleach chemical, reporters and consumer advocates had few years ago embarked on tour of the company on the invitation of its management.

It was during the tour that it was discovered that the campaign was meant to kill the brand as the management demonstrated how it was being produced under the hygienic standards and that no bleach was included in the production process.

“Our integrity stands,” assured the then company’s Quality Assurance Manager, Mr. Odeku Emmanuel, while taking the journalists, including this reporter, on an official tour of the La Casera production facilities.

He said the company was committed to customer satisfaction, and would do nothing to jeopardise the trust it had built with the public over the years. “We give customers the best quality and that’s why we have continued to grow strong all these years,” he highlighted Also speaking during the tour, the

Artisans during the activation

General Manager of the company, Mr. Gary Carlton, further substantiated Emmanuel’s assertion, as he disclosed that the then Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, who visited La Casera a couple of weeks ago, was highly impressed with what he saw.

This notwithstanding, the deed had been done and La Casera and its promoters have since then been battling to clear the mess.

Artisans’ Endorsement In what looked like the best approach to nail the issue finally, the effort of the management of the company to empower artisans across the country has bailed out the brand.

Giving practical demonstration during various engagement with the management of the company, motor mechanics and other technicians have shown the world that the story was a ruse after all.

To this end, the La Casera Company has pledged its support to artisans and technicians in the country in their quest to embrace technology and innovation as tools to enhance their craftsmanship. The call was made by the Managing Director of The La Casera Company, Mr Chinedum Okereke while addressing the artisans and technicians at the Nigerian Arti-

sans and Technicians Association of Nigeria (NATAN) conference, which was held in partnership with The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, recently in Lagos.

According to Okereke, self-development in this modern age requires the adoption of innovation as a key prerequisite for success. He encouraged the artisans and technicians to empower themselves through skill acquisition programmes that will help them adapt in today’s technologically driven environment.

Citing La Casera as an example, Okereke revealed that it was through innovation that the company was able to optimise its operations and maintain its leadership position in the marketplace.

“We pioneered PET packaging in the carbonated soft drink (CSD) industry, with La Casera apple. With a production capacity of about 2000 BPM (bottles per minute), which translates into an installed capacity of more than one billion bottles of 50cl per year. Our factory is fully automated, minimising human interference with the production process.

This is done to ensure the highest product quality even as we continuously work towards more ways to innovate and delight our consumers.”

While commending The La Casera Company, the State Chairman of

the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association, Board of Trustee and Chairman of Lagos Artisans and Technicians, Asiwaju Jacob Omonide Fayehun, commended the company for supporting the group with large sums of money despite the harsh economic atmosphere in the country.

He revealed that La Casera is loved by all and sundry and is considered the soft drink of choice for most artisans and technicians because it helps to keep them refreshed even while on the job.

Fayehun appreciated the company for supporting and empowering members of the association and reiterated their loyalty to La Casera apple as their preferred refreshment drink.

While appreciating the company, one of the beneficiaries of the La Casera empowerment scheme, Mr. Tayo Adesuyi, of Federal Motorcycle and Generator Mechanic Association of Nigeria, enjoined the public to disregard any rumour aimed at the brand as they all love the product and will continue to refresh with La Casera.

Other lucky winners who emerged through the transparent raffle draws were Nasiru Akinwunmi from Builders Sector, Olayiwola Gbenga Oluseyi from Information Communication and Technology Sector, Akeem Rofiat Bukola from Catering Sector and Fasasi Lukmon from Fashion Sector.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

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4/&$7 $/4$17 ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϵ W/ ZĞƉŽƌƚ͗ ,ĞĂĚůŝŶĞ /ŶŇĂƟŽŶ ZĞĂĐŚĞƐ ϮϬ DŽŶƚŚ ,ŝŐŚ ŽĨ ϭϮ͘Ϭй ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϵ W/ ZĞƉŽƌƚ͗ ,ĞĂĚůŝŶĞ /ŶŇĂƟŽŶ ZĞĂĐŚĞƐ ϮϬ DŽŶƚŚ ,ŝŐŚ ŽĨ ϭϮ͘Ϭй

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ǀĂŶĐĞĚ ƚŽ ϵ͘ϯй LJͬLJ ĨƌŽŵ ϵ͘Ϭй ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞͲ ǀŝŽƵƐ ŵŽŶƚŚ͘ tĞ ƐƵƐƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ĐŽƌĞ ŝŶŇĂƟŽŶ ƌĞŇĞĐƚĞĚ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ ŶŽŶ ĨŽŽĚ ŝƚĞŵƐ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĨĞƐƟǀĞ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ͘

ůƚŚŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽĚĞƌĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ŵͬŵ ŝŶŇĂͲ ƟŽŶ ŝŶ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ĐŽƵůĚ ŝŶĚŝĐĂƚĞ ĞĂƐŝŶŐ ĨŽŽĚ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ůĞǀĞů ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĨŽŽĚ ďĂƐŬĞƚ ǁĂƐ ƐƟůů ƚŚĞ ŚŝŐŚĞƐƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŽŶƚŚƐ ŽĨ ĞĐĞŵďĞƌ ƐŝŶĐĞ ϮϬϭϲ͘ ,ĞŶĐĞ͕ ŝƚ ǁŽƵůĚ ďĞ ƉƌĞŵĂƚƵƌĞ ƚŽ ƐƵŐŐĞƐƚ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉĂĐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ďŽƌĚĞƌ ĐůŽƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ŝƐ ƚŚŝŶŶŝŶŐ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ŝŵŵĞĚŝĂƚĞ ƚĞƌŵ͕ ǁĞ ĨŽƌĞƐĞĞ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ ĐŽŶͲ ƐƵŵĞƌ ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚ ůĂŶĚ ďŽƌĚĞƌ ĐůŽƐƵƌĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ŝŶ s d ƌĂƚĞ ƚŽ ϳ͘ϱй ĨƌŽŵ ϱ͘Ϭй͕ ĨŽƌ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ĞdžƉĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƐƚĂƌƚ &ĞďͲ ƌƵĂƌLJ ϮϬϮϬ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ĞĂƌůLJ ŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂͲ ƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŶĞǁ s d ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ ďLJ ƐŽŵĞ ĐŽŵƉĂŶŝĞƐ ŵĞĂŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞ ĐŽƵůĚ ƐƚĂƌƚ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉĂĐƚ ĨƌŽŵ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ϮϬϮϬ ŶƵŵͲ ďĞƌƐ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ƚĞƌŵ͕ ƚŚĞ ƵƉǁĂƌĚ ƌĞͲ ǀŝĞǁ ŽĨ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐŝƚLJ ƚĂƌŝī ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐĞƚ ŽĨ ƉůĂŶƟŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ĂƌĞ ĚŽǁŶƐŝĚĞ ƌŝƐŬ ĨĂĐͲ ƚŽƌƐ ƚŽ ŝŶŇĂƟŽŶ͘

'ůŽďĂů ƋƵŝƟĞƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ͗ ĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ DĂƌͲ ŬĞƚƐ ZĂůůLJ ŽŶ h^ ŚŝŶĂ WŚĂƐĞ KŶĞ ĞĂů

KǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ KŶ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ h^ ĂŶĚ ŚŝŶĂ ƐŝŐŶĞĚ ƚŚĞ ͞WŚĂƐĞ KŶĞ

ĞĂů͕͟ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƐƵŐŐĞƐƚƐ Ă ƉĂƌƟĂů ƚƌƵĐĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂĚĞ ǁĂƌ ƚŚĂƚ ƐƚĂƌƚĞĚ ŶĞĂƌůLJ ƚǁŽ LJĞĂƌƐ ĂŐŽ͘ dŚĞ ĚĞĂů ŽīĞƌƐ ƐŽŵĞ ƌĞƉƌŝĞǀĞ ƚŽ ŐůŽďͲ Ăů ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ Ă ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƉĞƌŝŽĚ ŽĨ ŐůŽďĂů ƐƵƉͲ ƉůLJ ĐŚĂŝŶ ĚŝƐƌƵƉƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƵŶĐĞƌƚĂŝŶƟĞƐ͘ dŚĞ ĂŐƌĞĞŵĞŶƚ ƐƚƌƵĐŬ ĐĞŶƚĞƌĞĚ ŵĂŝŶůLJ ŽŶ ŝŶƚĞůůĞĐƚƵĂů ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ ƌŝŐŚƚƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ ŽĨ h^ΨϮϬϬ͘ϬďŶ ǁŽƌƚŚ ŽĨ h^ ŐŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌͲ ǀŝĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŚŝŶĂ͛Ɛ ĞdžĐŚĂŶŐĞ ƌĂƚĞ ƉŽůŝĐLJ͘ ůƐĞǁŚĞƌĞ͕ ƌŝƚĂŝŶ ŝƐ ŵŽǀŝŶŐ ĐůŽƐĞƌ ƚŽ ŝƚƐ Ğdžŝƚ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ h ĂƐ DWƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ,ŽƵƐĞ ŽĨ ŽŵŵŽŶƐ ŐĂǀĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĂƐƐĞŶƚ ƚŽ ŽƌŝƐ :ŽŚŶͲ ƐŽŶ͛Ɛ ƌĞdžŝƚ ĚĞĂů ůĂƐƚ ǁĞĞŬ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚĞĂů ŵƵƐƚ ƐĐĂůĞ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ ŚƵƌĚůĞ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ,ŽƵƐĞ ŽĨ >ŽƌĚƐ ĨŽƌ ĮŶĂů ĂƉƉƌŽǀĂů͘

ŐĂŝŶƐƚ ƚŚŝƐ ďĂĐŬĚƌŽƉ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ǁĂƐ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ƚŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ ĂƐ Ăůů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ǁĞ ƚƌĂĐŬ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ͘ dŚĞ h^͛ ^ΘW ϱϬϬ ĂŶĚ E ^ Y ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌŽƐĞ ϭ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ ϭ͘ϵй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĂƐ WƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ ŽŶĂůĚ dƌƵŵƉ ƐŝŐŶĞĚ ĂŶ ŝŶŝƟĂů ƚƌĂĚĞ ƉĂĐƚ ǁŝƚŚ ŚŝŶĂ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ŝŶ ƵƌŽƉĞ͕ h<͛Ɛ &d^ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϯй ǁŚŝůĞ &ƌĂŶĐĞ͛Ɛ ϰϬ ĂŶĚ 'ĞƌŵĂŶLJ͛Ɛ y dZ y ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƚƌĂŝůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ϭ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϯй ǁͬ ǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ >ĂƐƚůLJ͕ ,ŽŶŐ <ŽŶŐ͛Ɛ ,ĂŶŐ ^ĞŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ϭ͘ϱй ǁͬǁ ǁŚŝůĞ :ĂƉĂŶ͛Ɛ EŝŬŬĞŝ ϮϮϱ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ Ϭ͘ϴй ǁͬǁ͘

dŚĞ Z/ ^ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ Ă ƌĞůĂƟǀĞůLJ ŐŽŽĚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂƐ Ăůů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁͬ

ǁ͕ ƐĂǀĞ ŚŝŶĂ͛Ɛ ^ŚĂŶŐŚĂŝ ŽŵƉŽƐŝƚĞ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ Ϭ͘ϱй͘ EĞǁ ĚĂƚĂ ƐŚŽǁĞĚ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ŚŝŶĞƐĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ŐƌĞǁ Ăƚ ŝƚƐ ƐůŽǁĞƐƚ ƉĂĐĞ ŝŶ ŽǀĞƌ Ϯϵ LJĞĂƌƐ ŝŶ ϮϬϭϵ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ^ŽƵƚŚ ĨƌŝĐĂ͛Ɛ &d^ ͬ:^ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ƵƉ Ϯ͘ϳй ǁͬǁ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĞ ďĂŶŬ͛Ɛ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶ ƚŽ ĐƵƚ ƌĂƚĞƐ͘ ƌĂnjŝů͛Ɛ /ďŽǀĞƐƉĂ͕ ZƵƐƐŝĂ͛Ɛ Zd^ ĂŶĚ /ŶĚŝĂΖƐ ^ ^ĞŶƐ ŝŶĚŝͲ ĐĞƐ ĂůƐŽ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ ϭ͘ϴй͕ ϭ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϴй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘

WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĨƌŝĐĂŶ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ǁĂƐ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŽĨ ϲ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁͬǁ͘ <ĞŶLJĂ͛Ɛ E^ ϮϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϭ͘Ϯй ǁͬǁ͘ dŚŝƐ ǁĂƐ ƚƌĂŝůĞĚ ďLJ DĂƵƌŝƟƵƐ͛ ^ D y ŝŶĚĞdž͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ůŽƐƚ Ϭ͘ϳй ǁͬǁ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ 'ŚĂŶĂ͛Ɛ '^ ŽŵƉŽƐŝƚĞ ĂŶĚ DŽƌŽĐĐŽ͛Ɛ ĂƐĂďůĂŶĐĂ D ^/ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƐƵƌŐĞĚ ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϭ͘ϯй ǁͬǁ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ǁŚŝůĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ͛Ɛ ^/ ĂŶĚ ŐLJƉƚ͛Ɛ 'y ϯϬ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ Ϭ͘ϳй ĂƉŝĞĐĞ͘

/Ŷ ƐŝĂ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ DŝĚĚůĞ ĂƐƚ͕ ŽǀĞƌĂůů ƉĞƌĨŽƌͲ ŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ůĂĐŬůƵƐƚƌĞ ĂƐ Ăůů ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƚƌĞŶĚĞĚ ƐŽƵƚŚǁĂƌĚ ǁͬǁ͘ YĂƚĂƌ͛Ɛ ^D ϮϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ Ϯ͘ϰй ǁŚŝůĞ dƵƌŬĞLJΖƐ /^d ϭϬϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ƚƌĂŝůĞĚ͕ ĐůŽƐŝŶŐ Ϯ͘Ϭй ůŽǁĞƌ ĂŌĞƌ dƵƌͲ ŬĞLJ͛Ɛ ĂƉĞdž ďĂŶŬ ƌĞǀŝƐĞĚ ƉŽůŝĐLJ ƌĂƚĞ ĚŽǁŶͲ ǁĂƌĚ ďLJ ϳϱďƉƐ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ^ĂƵĚŝ ƌĂďŝĂΖƐ dĂĚĂǁƵů ^/ ĂŶĚ h ΖƐ y 'ĞŶĞƌĂů ŝŶĚŝͲ ĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ϭ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϯ͘Ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ >ĂƐƚůLJ͕ dŚĂŝůĂŶĚ͛Ɛ ^ d ŝŶĚĞdž ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ ϭ͘Ϯй ǁͬ

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 19, 2020

ǁ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ƌĞůĞĂƐĞ ŽĨ ĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƚŽ ĚŝĐƚĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƌĞĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŐůŽďĂů ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌͲ ŬĞƚ͘

ŽŵĞƐƟĐ ƋƵŝƟĞƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ͗ ^ƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƵůůŝƐŚ DŽŵĞŶƚƵŵ͙ ^/ 'ĂŝŶƐ Ϭ͘ϳй ǁͬ ǁ

dŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŝƚƐ ƌĞĐĞŶƚ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ƐƚƌĞĂŬ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ƚŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ƐĂǀĞ dƵĞƐĚĂLJ ĂŶĚ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĮƚ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ ďĞůůǁĞƚŚĞƌ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ͘ dŚĞ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ Ϭ͘ϳй ǁͬǁ ƚŽ Ϯϵ͕ϲϭϴ͘ϱϮ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ ďƵŽLJĞĚ ďLJ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ DdEE ;нϵ͘ϭйͿ͕ 'h Z Edz ;нϰ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ h ;нϰ͘ϴйͿ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ŝŵͲ ƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ ϭϬ͘ϯй ǁŚŝůĞ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ േϴϭ͘ϴďŶ ĂƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ŝŶͲ ĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ƚŽ േϭϱ͘ϯƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ǁĂƐ ĚŽǁŶ ĂƐ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚͲ ĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ϮϮ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϭϴ͘ϵй ƚŽ ϰϭϳ͘ϰŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ േϱ͘ϯďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ hEͲ /KE ;ϯϰϭ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ^^ ;ϮϮϴ͘ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ĂŶĚ E/d, ;ϮϭϮ͘ϲŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ E/d, ;േϰ͘ϲďŶͿ͕ DdEE ;േϯ͘ϱďŶͿ ĂŶĚ ^ W> d ;േϮ͘ϲďŶͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ǁͬǁ͘ dŚĞ &Z / d ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŝŵďĞĚ ϱ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϯ͘ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ DdEE ;нϵ͘ϭйͿ͕ 'h Z Edz ;нϰ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ h ;нϰ͘ϴйͿ͘ dƌĂŝůŝŶŐ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ŝŶĐŚĞĚ Ϭ͘ϲй ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂĐĐƌĞͲ ƟŽŶ ŝŶ &KZd ;нϮϭ͘ϵйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŝŶ h D Ed ; ϭϮ͘ϮйͿ ĐŽŵͲ ƉĞůůĞĚ Ă ƐŚĂƌƉ ůŽƐƐ ŽĨ ϲ͘ϯй ŝŶ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐͲ ƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌͲ ĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƉĂƌĞĚ Ϯ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ Ϯ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ĞdžŝƚĞĚ E D ; ϭϯ͘ϳйͿ ĂŶĚ 'K> Z t ; ϵ͘ϬйͿ͘

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌͲ ŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ǁĂŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϱdž ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ Ϯ͘ϲdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ǁĞĞŬ ĂƐ Ϯϭ ƟĐŬĞƌƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ϰϬ ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ &KZd ;нϮϭ͘ϵйͿ͕ d '> ^ ;нϭϴ͘ϴйͿ ĂŶĚ '> yͲ K^D/d, ;нϭϯ͘ϮйͿ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ E D ; ϭϯ͘ϳйͿ͕ h D Ed ; ϭϮ͘ϮйͿ ĂŶĚ K ' ^ ; ϭϬ͘ϬйͿ ůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ tĞ ĂŶƟĐŝƉĂƚĞ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŵĂƌͲ ŬĞƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ĂůƚŚŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ƉƌŽĮƚ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ͘

&ŽƌĞŝŐŶ džĐŚĂŶŐĞ DĂƌŬĞƚ͗ EĂŝƌĂ ZĞůĂͲ ƟǀĞůLJ ^ƚĂďůĞ ĂƐ E ^ƵƐƚĂŝŶƐ /ŶƚĞƌǀĞŶͲ ƟŽŶ

dŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ǁĞ ŶŽƚĞ Ă ƐƵƌƉƌŝƐŝŶŐ ϲďƉƐ ;h^ΨϮϯ͘ϳŵͿ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ ĞdžƚĞƌŶĂů ƌĞƐĞƌǀĞƐ ƚŽ h^Ψϯϴ͘ϯďŶ ;ϭϱͬϬϭͬϮϬϮϬͿ ĂŌĞƌ ŵŽŶƚŚƐ ŽĨ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƐ͘ dŚĞ ĂƉĞdž ďĂŶŬ ƐŽůĚ h^ΨϮϱϯ͘ϯϴ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƚĂŝů ^ĞĐŽŶĚĂƌLJ DĂƌŬĞƚ /ŶƚĞƌǀĞŶƟŽŶ ^ĂůĞƐ ;^D/^Ϳ ĂŶĚ Ezϭϲ͘ϳϲ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐƉŽƚ ĂŶĚ ƐŚŽƌƚ ƚĞŶŽƌĞĚ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚƐ ƐĞŐŵĞŶƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶƚĞƌ ďĂŶŬ ĨŽƌͲ ĞŝŐŶ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘

dŚĞ ŶĂŝƌĂ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ƐŝŵŝůĂƌ ďĂŶĚƐ Ăůů

29

ǁĞĞŬ͘ dŚĞ E ^ƉŽƚ ƌĂƚĞ ŽƉĞŶĞĚ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ Ăƚ േϯϬϲ͘ϵϱͬh^Ψϭ͘ϬϬ ďƵƚ ĐůŽƐĞĚ Ăƚ േϯϬϲ͘ϵϬͬh^Ψϭ͘ϬϬ͕ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŶŐ ϱ ŬŽďŽ ǁͬ ǁ͘ ƚ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƌĂůůĞů ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ĞdžĐŚĂŶŐĞ ƌĂƚĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ŇĂƚ Ăůů ǁĞĞŬ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ േϯϲϮ͘ϬϬͬh^Ψϭ͘ϬϬ͘ ƚ ƚŚĞ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ͛ Θ džͲ ƉŽƌƚĞƌƐ͛ ;/Θ Ϳ &y tŝŶĚŽǁ͕ ƚŚĞ E & y ƌĂƚĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ Ăƚ േϯϲϭ͘ϴϰͬh^Ψϭ͘ϬϬ͕ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŶŐ ϳϲ ŬŽďŽ ǁͬǁ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ŝŶ ƚŚĞ /Θ tŝŶͲ ĚŽǁ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ĂƐ ƚŽƚĂů ƚƵƌŶŽǀĞƌ ŐƌĞǁ ϭϮϯ͘Ϭй ǁͬǁ ƚŽ h^ΨϮ͘ϲďŶ ĨƌŽŵ h^Ψϭ͘ϮďŶ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ǁĞĞŬ͘

ƚ ƚŚĞ &D Y ^ĞĐƵƌŝƟĞƐ džĐŚĂŶŐĞ ;^ Ϳ &y &ƵƚƵƌĞƐ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚ DĂƌŬĞƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƚĂů ǀĂůƵĞ ŽĨ ŽƉĞŶ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŶĂŝƌĂ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ďLJ h^Ψϭϵϱ͘Ϯŵ ǁͬǁ ƚŽ h^ΨϭϬ͘ϱďŶ͘ dŚĞ ϮϬϮϬ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚ ;ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚ ƉƌŝĐĞ͗ േϯϲϳ͘ϭϴͿ ƐĂǁ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ǁŝƚŚ h^Ψϭϴϴ͘Ϯŵ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ƐƵďƐĐƌŝƉƟŽŶ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ƚŽƚĂů ǀĂůƵĞ ƚŽ h^Ψϲϳϴ͘ϰϴŵ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŚĂŶĚ͕ ƚŚĞ ^ Wd ϮϬϮϬ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚ ;ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚ ƉƌŝĐĞ͗ Eϯϲϲ͘ϮϳͿ ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůĞĂƐƚ ƐƵďƐĐƌŝďĞĚ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ŵĂƌŐŝŶĂů ƐƵďƐĐƌŝƉƟŽŶ ŽĨ h^ΨϮ͘Ϭŵ ƚŽ ŐƌŽƐƐ h^Ψϯϳϭ͘ϱŵ͘

/Ŷ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ E ƚŽ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ ŝƚƐ ĨŽƌĞŝŐŶ ĞdžĐŚĂŶŐĞ ƐƚĂďŝůŝƚLJ ĚƌŝǀĞ ďLJ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌǀĞŶƟŽŶƐ͘

DŽŶĞLJ DĂƌŬĞƚ͗ ƵůůƐ ZĞŵĂŝŶ ZĞƐŝůŝĞŶƚ ĂƐ zŝĞůĚƐ ŝǀĞĚ ŐĂŝŶ

dŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ƚŚĞ K ĂŶĚ KsE ƌĂƚĞ ŽƉĞŶĞĚ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ Ăƚ ϭϯ͘ϭϳй ĂŶĚ ϭϰ͘ϬϬй ƌĞƐƉĞĐͲ ƟǀĞůLJ͕ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ϵ͘ϳϭй ĂŶĚ ϭϬ͘ϳϭй ƌĞĐͲ ŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ǁĞĞŬ ǁŚŝůĞ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ůŝƋƵŝĚŝƚLJ ĞdžƉĂŶĚĞĚ ƚŽ േϮϵϵ͘ϭďŶ ĨƌŽŵ േϱϵ͘ϴďŶ͘ KŶ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ K ĂŶĚ KsE ƌĂƚĞ ĐůŝŵďĞĚ ƚŽ ϭϯ͘ϯϯй ĂŶĚ ϭϰ͘ϭϳй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĨƌŽŵ ϭϮ͘ϯϯй ĂŶĚ ϭϯ͘ϰϮй ;ŽŶ dƵĞƐĚĂLJͿ ĂƐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ůŝƋƵŝĚŝƚLJ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ƚŽ

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ƵĞ ƚŽ േϰϰϬ͘ϴďŶ ŝŶŇŽǁƐ ĨƌŽŵ ŵĂƚƵƌŝƟĞƐ ;KDK͗ േϰϯϯ͘ϴďŶ͖ d ďŝůůƐ͗ േϳ͘ϬďŶͿ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ǁĞ ĂŶƟĐŝƉĂƚĞ Ă ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ŝŶ ŵŽŶĞLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƌĂƚĞƐ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ďŽĂƌĚ͘ &ƵƌͲ ƚŚĞƌŵŽƌĞ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ E ƚŽ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ǁŝƚŚ ŝƚƐ ůŝƋƵŝĚŝƚLJ ŵŽƉ ƵƉ ǀŝĂ KDK ƐĂůĞƐ͘

ŽŶĚ DĂƌŬĞƚ͗ ƵůůŝƐŚ DŽŵĞŶƚƵŵ ,ĂůƚƐ ŚĞĂĚ ŽĨ &'E͛Ɛ ŽŶĚ ZĞŽƉĞŶŝŶŐ

ĞƐƉŝƚĞ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ĚĂƚĞĚ ĂŶĚ ůŽŶŐ ĚĂƚĞĚ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ďŽŶĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ǁĂƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ƚŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ LJŝĞůĚ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ ϭďƉ ǁͬǁ ƚŽ ϭϬ͘ϯй͘ zŝĞůĚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ĞŶĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ĨĂƐƚĞƌ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ďLJ ϭϮϭďƉƐ͘ dŚĞ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ĚĂƚĞĚ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ŝƐ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŶǀĞƌŐĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƌĂƚĞƐ ŽĨ ƐŝŵŝůĂƌ ƚĞŶŽƌƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ d ŝůůƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘ >ŝŬĞǁŝƐĞ͕ ƚŚĞ LJŝĞůĚƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵĞĚŝƵŵ ƚĞƌŵ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚ ŵĂƌŐŝŶĂů ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ϯďƉƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶŐ ƚĞƌŵ ŝŶƐƚƌƵͲ ŵĞŶƚ ƌŽƐĞ ϭϭďƉƐ ǁͬǁ͘

ƚ ƚŚĞ ^^ ƵƌŽďŽŶĚƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐŝͲ ƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ Ă ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ŝŶ LJŝĞůĚƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ŵĞĚŝͲ Ƶŵ ƚĞƌŵ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ͘ dŚĞ ^ŽƵƚŚ ĨƌŝͲ ĐĂŶ ϮϬϮϬ ĂŶĚ 'ŚĂŶĂŝĂŶ ϮϬϮϲ ŝŶƐƚƌƵͲ ŵĞŶƚƐ ĞŶũŽLJĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ͕ ƐŚĞĚĚŝŶŐ ϰϲďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϮϭďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ /ǀŽƌLJ ŽĂƐƚ ϮϬϮϴ ĂŶĚ 'ĂďŽŶ ϮϬϮϰ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ĨŽůůŽǁĞĚ ĐůŽƐĞůLJ͕ ƚƌŝŵŵŝŶŐ ϭϳďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϭϲďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘

&Žƌ ƚŚĞ ĨƌŝĐĂŶ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ ƵƌŽďŽŶĚƐ ƵŶͲ ĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ŵŽŵĞŶƚƵŵ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞĚ ĂƐ LJŝĞůĚƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ t Ž t͘ dŚĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ ĐĐĞƐƐ ĂŶŬ ϮϬϮϭ ĂŶĚ DĂƵƌŝƟƵƐ ĂLJƉŽƌƚ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ϮϬϮϮ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŝƚŚ LJŝĞůĚƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶŝŶŐ ϭϯďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϵďƉƐ ǁͬǁ

ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘

/Ŷ ƚŚĞ ƵƌŽďŽŶĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ĨŽƌͲ

!& ) "! ), !# (, !# (, ! % " ĞŝŐŶ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ĂƩƌĂĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĂƐͲ ƐĞƚƐ ŝŶ ĞŵĞƌŐŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĨƌŽŶƟĞƌ ŵĂƌŬĞƚƐ ŝŶ %# ( !( (, !( (, !( (, % ) ! ! ! ƚŚĞ ƋƵĞƐƚ ĨŽƌ ŚŝŐŚ LJŝĞůĚƐ͕ ǁŚŝůĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ % # !# ", ! &, ! &, ! # ( $ EĂŝƌĂ &'E ďŽŶĚƐ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ & '% ( ), "$ &, "$ &, # # " " ĚĞŵĂŶĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ $ (% ' ", "" $, "" $, ( ! ' ƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ůŽĐĂů ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ #! )% $ ), !" (, !" (, % ! ! & " # KDK ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘ ůƐŽ͕ ŶĞdžƚ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ƚŚĞ &'E ( $ $ (, "# !, "# !, # ! & % ǁŝůů ďĞ ƌĞŽƉĞŶŝŶŐ ϱ LJĞĂƌ͕ ϭϬ LJĞĂƌ ĂŶĚ ϯϬ (& $ ', " ", " ", ' $ LJĞĂƌ ďŽŶĚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŽīĞƌƐ ƌĂŶŐŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ േϰϱ േϱϱďŶ͕ േϰϱ േϱϱďŶ ĂŶĚ േϱϬ േϲϬďŶ ! "% $ $, "$ $, "$ $, !! ( & $ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ "#

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േϱϭ͘ϱďŶ ĨƌŽŵ േϭϬϲ͘ϱďŶ͘ DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ͕ ŽŶ &ƌŝĚĂLJ͕ K ĂŶĚ KsE ƌĂƚĞ ƐůŝƉƉĞĚ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ Ăƚ ϯ͘ϬϬй ĂŶĚ ϯ͘ϴϲй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĨƌŽŵ ϰ͘ϭϰй ĂŶĚ ϱ͘Ϭϳй ŽŶ dŚƵƌƐĚĂLJ͕ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ůŝƋƵŝĚŝƚLJ ŽĨ േϰϲϬ͘ϮďŶ ĨƌŽŵ േϴϵ͘ϲďŶ͘

KŶ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ E ĂƵĐƟŽŶĞĚ d ďŝůůƐ ǁŽƌƚŚ േϮϮϱ͘ϰďŶ͘ dŚĞ ŽīĞƌ ǁĂƐ ϭ͘ϴϱdž ŽǀĞƌƐƵďƐĐƌŝďĞĚ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ Ăůů ŵĂƚƵƌŝƟĞƐ͘ dŚĞ ϵϭ ĚĂLJ ďŝůů ŚĂĚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ Ăƚ ϴ͘ϵϮdž ďŝĚ ƚŽ ĐŽǀĞƌ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ϭϴϮ ĚĂLJ ĂŶĚ ϯϲϰ ĚĂLJ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ƚƌĂŝůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ϯ͘ϯϬdž ĂŶĚ ϭ͘ϰϰdž ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ ƐƚŽƉ ƌĂƚĞƐ ǁĞƌĞ Ϯ͘ϵϱй͕ ϯ͘ϵϱй ĂŶĚ ϱ͘Ϭϵй ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ϵϭ ĚĂLJ͕ ϭϴϮ ĚĂLJ ĂŶĚ ϯϲϰ ĚĂLJ ŶŽƚĞƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐͲ ƟǀĞůLJ͕ Ă ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ƐƚŽƉ ƌĂƚĞƐ ŽĨ ϯ͘ϱй͕ ϰ͘ϵй ĂŶĚ ϱ͘Ϯй͘ dŚĞ ďĂŶŬ ŽŶůLJ ƐŽůĚ ƚŚĞ ŽīĞƌĞĚ ĂŵŽƵŶƚ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ďŽĂƌĚ͘

KŶ dŚƵƌƐĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂƉĞdž ďĂŶŬ ĐŽŶĚƵĐƚĞĚ KDK ƐĂůĞ͕ ŝƐƐƵŝŶŐ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚƐ ǁŽƌƚŚ േϮϬϬ͘ϬďŶ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌ ƚŽ ůĂƐƚ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ǁĂƐ njĞƌŽ ƐƵďƐĐƌŝƉƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚĞƌ ĚĂƚĞĚ ƐĞĐƵƌŝƚLJ ;ϴϮ ĚĂLJ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ϭϴϬ ĚĂLJ ŝŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚ ǁĂƐ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƵďƐĐƌŝďĞĚ Ăƚ Ϭ͘Ϯdž͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ϯϲϮ ĚĂLJ ŝŶƐƚƌƵͲ ŵĞŶƚ ǁĂƐ ŽǀĞƌƐƵďƐĐƌŝďĞĚ Ăƚ Ϯ͘ϯdž ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐͲ ƚŽƌƐ ůŽĐŬĞĚ ŝŶ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ƌĞƚƵƌŶƐ ŽǀĞƌ ƵŶĐĞƌͲ ƚĂŝŶƟĞƐ ƌĞŐĂƌĚŝŶŐ ƐŚŽƌƚ ƚĞƌŵ ƌĂƚĞƐ͘ KǀĞƌͲ Ăůů͕ ƚŚĞ E ƐŽůĚ േϮϭϭ͘ϯďŶ ǁŽƌƚŚ ŽĨ ϯϲϮ ĚĂLJ KDK ƐĞĐƵƌŝƚLJ Ăƚ ϭϯ͘Ϯй ĨƌŽŵ ϭϯ͘ϯй ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ǁĞĞŬ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ǁĂƐ ŶŽ ƐĂůĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ƚĞŶƵƌĞĚ KDKƐ͘

ƚ ƚŚĞ d ďŝůůƐ ƐĞĐŽŶĚĂƌLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͕ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ LJŝĞůĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ŽŶ Ϯ ŽĨ ϱ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĚĂLJƐ͘ KŶ DŽŶĚĂLJ ĂŶĚ dƵĞƐĚĂLJ͕ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ LJŝĞůĚ ƌŽƐĞ ϰďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϯϰďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ǁŚŝůĞ ƌĂƚĞƐ ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ ŽŶ tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ LJŝĞůĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ϲϯďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϵϲďƉƐ ŽŶ dŚƵƌƐͲ

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Ë&#x153; Ëž JANUARY 19, 2020

30

MARKET NEWS

Q4: Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund Investors Receive N30.77 Goddy Egene

Lotus Capital Halal Investments compliant fixed term investments, Limited, is an open-ended murabaha (cost-plus financing) Unit holders in the Lotus collective investment scheme contracts and ijarah (lease) Halal Fixed Income Fund last which invests strictly in contracts.

The fund, which was floated Friday received N30.77 per unit Shariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ah-compliant fixed income distribution for the fourth quarter instruments and contracts such in 2016 and got listed on the as sovereign and sub-sovereign NSE in 2018, offer investors the ended December 31, 2019.

The fund, managed by the sukuk, corporate sukuk, Shariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ah- opportunity to invest in Shariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ahA Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 16shares. Investors can buy these â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sharesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the Jan-2020, unless otherwise stated.

compliant fixed income securities investments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fund also seeks to and investment products.

According to the fund achieve capital preservation managers, the fund affords whilst maximising returns investors the opportunity through investing in strategically to earn competitive returns diversified portfolio of Shariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ahwhile avoiding exposure to compliant fixed income securities the risks associated with equity and products,â&#x20AC;? the fund manager Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

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

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

said.

Based on the Shariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ah, this implies the fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investments must be ethical and it must not invest in interest bearing instruments such as treasury bills, conventional bonds or conventional bank deposits.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 159.86 163.14 6.30% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 8.03% Nigeria International Debt Fund 320.90 320.90 3.76% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.91 0.92 8.38% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 33.73% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.94% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.48 2.53 0.77% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 5.64% Anchoria Equity Fund 109.18 109.59 6.64% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.16 1.16 1.72% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 16.68 17.18 8.88% ARM Discovery Fund 367.80 378.89 6.47% ARM Ethical Fund 30.67 31.59 5.44% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.97% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 103.30 104.03 7.51% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.50% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.94 1.94 16.63% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.61% Paramount Equity Fund 13.15 13.28 4.63% Women's Investment Fund 115.61 116.60 4.69% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.14% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.96 0.97 3.34% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.35 1.35 1.46% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 6.27% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 9.25% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,166.68 1,167.66 0.35% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund 151.97 153.13 3.51% FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 133.81 135.49 2.83% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.05% Legacy Debt Fund 3.67 3.67 0.36% Legacy Equity Fund 1.20 1.22 6.21% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.08 1.08 0.19% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.87% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 120.76 121.51 11.76%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.03% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.29 2.32 6.16% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 11.64% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 144.69 145.17 15.92% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.23 1.25 5.37% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,103.39 1,103.39 0.48% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 10.44 10.54 14.13% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.74% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.37 1.40 12.39% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.33 12.42 9.25% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.00% PACAM Equity Fund 1.19 1.20 PACAM EuroBond Fund 107.81 109.66 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 139.96 141.34 10.43% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 0.07% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 3.74% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 0.30% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 7.30% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 0.58% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 5.53% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.73% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 6.87% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 0.22% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.96 11.13 6.84% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.14 12.30 4.70% Zenith Income Fund 22.96 22.96 3.33% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.78%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

3.50 119.19 52.14

-63.85% 0.22% 0.17%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.15 103.52 79.90

10.25 105.74 81.37

16.45% 11.95% 8.37%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

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

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.94 5.75 13.72 11.96 173.91

3.98 5.83 13.82 12.16 175.91

10.98% -2.65% 12.80% 14.97% -7.21%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.40

17.40%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and FMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

19.01.2020

FUNMI HOLDER

The Nigerian Actress Who Went Back in Time ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

32

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͯ͡Ë&#x153; 2020

COVER

FUNMI HOLDER

For the Love of True African Stories Sometime last year, Funmi Holder, Nollywood filmmaker, and actress who plays Amaka AdeWilliams in Africa Magicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S long-running TV series, Tinsel, went searching for a true African story that centres on a strong female character. Her quest led her to an iconic figure in Yorubaland, Efunsetan Aniwura, the second Iyalode of Ibadan.

Funmi is happy. The feeling of bliss radiates all over her as the flurry of her words are accompanied by enthusiasm. She beamed with excitement with her every move, writes Vanessa Obioha Holder

33

JANUARY 19, 2020˾ T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

COVER

F

unmi Holder is happy. The feeling of bliss radiates all over her. It shows in the way she speaks. Her flurry of words are accompanied by enthusiasm. You could hear the excitement in her laughter; a rich bubbly sound that often sees her throwing her head back or clasping her hands. The musical peals of laughter were pleasing to the eardrums.

She beamed with excitement with every move she made. Sometimes, she replaced that happiness with seriousness to buttress a point as she discussed her latest movie, ‘Efunsetan Aniwura’, due in cinemas in January.

The movie, she admits, is responsible for her blissful state.

Initially, when she embarked on the project, her state of mind wasn’t this relaxed. There were doubts cast around her mission to tell the story of one of the most revered women in Yorubaland. Comments like “Are you sure Nigerians are going to accept this movie? It’s an epic, Nigerians like comedies but this is too heavy for the Nigerian audience,” were said to her.

The Osun State indigene was adamant in her pursuit. “I didn’t care. I was determined to do it.”

In a way, the film was inevitable for Holder who wanted to tell a true African story about a woman. The legendary Iyalode of Ibadan is a fascinating subject, not only to Holder but to historians and other creatives who had also captured the legend in various mediums. There was Prof. Akinwunmi Ishola who brought the story to the stage in the sixties. A film adaptation of the play by Ishola was directed

by Tunde Kelani in the last decade.

Aniwura attracts such fascination because of the intrigues wrapped around her personality. Born in the 18th century in Egbaland, Aniwura was respected as an astute businesswoman and political leader.

She was so influential in Ibadan where she migrated to with her husband Ajani, that even the traditional chiefs feared her. However, the part of her lifestyle that is often seen in the public domain is her ruthlessness as a result of her inability to conceive after losing a child at childbirth.

Historians postulate that the trauma of losing her child had adverse effects on her emotions such that she banned her slaves from having sex or getting pregnant. Defaulters of her command were subjected to a painful death.

Aniwura who became the second Iyalode of Ibadan in the 1860s was alleged to have killed 41 slaves in her lifetime according to Ishola. She was also reputed to have had about 2,000 slaves and multiple farms, exporting agricultural produce to Porto-Novo, Badagry, and Ikorodu. She was into tobacco and slave trading. She also manufactured a local cosmetic product, kijipa, that was transported to America for use.

The iconic woman’s downfall came in 1874 when she ran into bad luck with Aare Latoosa, the de facto leader of Ibadanland. Their feud stemmed from Aniwura’s growing influence in the town which Latoosa considered a threat to his rulership. She eventually died on June 30, 1874. Her death has been a subject to historians who plumb the true happenings that led to her death. Two accounts so far hold sway.

One narrates how Latoosa used her adopted son Kumuyilo to kill her. Another posits that Aniwura had willingly drunk the hemlock when Latoosa came to arrest her.

In Holder’s movie, these accounts are verified and the truth is unveiled. Holder was bent on relaying the true events that marked the legend’s lifestyle, thus, she spent six months researching the subject. A trip to Ibadan to visit descendants of the icon proved worthwhile at the end of the day.

“We went to the family house, met some members of the extended family. They were very receptive from the outset,” Holder said.

“They gave us their full support. I did a full interview with one of the prominent family members. I have everything recorded on tape.”

Some of her findings she said are carefully detailed in the film.

“Part of her story we get to hear is that she was this wicked woman that was killing everybody. We don’t really get to hear about her good side and what led to those violent actions that are being projected so much. The difference is that I took it from where she was born, her teenage years up to when she met Ajani, got married and moved to Ibadan and what actually happened that made her switch into that wicked woman.

Bringing Efunsetan Aniwura Back to Life “The humane part of her is what the family also longed to see in the public domain. They expressed displeasure at how the deceased has been portrayed in the public. During my encounter with the family, I noticed they are not very happy by the way she has been portrayed. It showed in the body language of the family members I interviewed,” Holder said.

She added, “They would like for some other good deeds she has done to be discussed too. They are not denying she did some of the evil things but they would also like the positive things to be told.They were very particular about that, they warned me to ensure that I tell the world that she is not that bad but there’s a reason why she turned into who she became.”

In Ibadan, Efunsetan is still held to a certain level of reverence. Statues of her can be seen in parts of the ancient town. She is hardly talked about by indigenes and when her name springs up, it is either in awe or fear.

If the legend was situated in a modern-day setting, Holder believes that she will make a good feminist because of her strong character and the way she protested against men who abused their wives.

“But people don’t know that part of her. It is one of the things that viewers will see in the movie,” said Holder.

Approaching a controversial subject like Aniwura was not an easy walk in the park for Holder. It required her to put in hours of work, reenacting the 18th century setting on film.

She explains the process that was involved in producing the movie.

“It was difficult to re-enact the 18th century because nowadays one can easily see pure water sachets lying around,” she explained.

“So we had to look for a remote location.

We shot in Ibadan and Ilesha. We looked for a very remote area without modernity, and then we built the set. We had to build everything from scratch, the houses, everything.”

Then, she stated: “For the clothes, I have to get a costumier that understood what type of clothing was worn in the 18th century. You can’t give me Kampala because the fabric didn’t come till a certain period. They had mud houses but it wasn’t the kind that you will find in the 80s and 70s. They used the ones with thatched roofs. So there was a lot of deep research into the old Oyo Empire. Even the accessories they used, from the cowries, the guns.

“For everyone that worked with me, I told them that they had to look at the period I was trying to reflect. I know that I can’t get it exactly but let it be close. So it was a lot of work for everyone that worked on the project. I was on top of their heads.”

For the titular character, Holder chose veteran actress, Clarion Chukwura.

“I wanted Clarion because she had that carriage. She sometimes doesn’t need to speak to you, she only has to look at you to convey her message. I wanted that carriage, and from my research on my subject, I got to realize that she was a strong powerful woman. So I wanted someone who would exude power, command, and control and Clarion just fit the picture perfectly.”

Veteran actor, Alex Usifo, played Aare Latoosa while Holder who made a name for herself as the charming Amaka Ade-Williams in the long-running TV series, Tinsel, played the slave that dared to break the rules of Aniwura by getting pregnant. For her role, she had to go bald, although a low crop of hair sits on her head at the moment.

Holder also revealed that she deliberately chose evergreen actors and unpopular Yoruba actors to interpret roles. For her, it was not about discrimination, it was a way of maintaining mystery as well as professionalism.

Holder, who produced, co-wrote and codirected the film believes that the film is a good way of portraying culture.

“Our culture is dying. It’s so sad,” she lamented. “You talk about a historical figure to the younger generation and they have no inkling of who you are talking about. It is very sad. Our history is going. I’m beginning to panic. Look at China, India, they don’t play with their culture.

“They do their films in their language and they don’t care. Even when it is an English language production, they still inject their language in it. They always show their culture.”

She, however, advised: “I think we should start imbibing that culture. Our industry is huge. I travel a lot outside the country, people talk about Nollywood. Since they watch our

Holder

films anyway, let’s start selling our culture to them and you will be surprised at how fascinated and interested they are about our culture. I just got back from Egypt and I can tell you that they are very fascinated by our culture.”

Travelling, it seems is one of the favourite pastimes of the actress who is a graduate of Botany. A trip to her Instagram page shows mementos of her trip to various countries across the world.

“My breaks on Tinsel give me the opportunity to travel. It gives me so much pleasure to see other countries, cultures,” she revealed. “I am a very curious person by nature so I like to see how people from other parts of the world interact. How they eat their food and then if I can, I go to their film studios, go to the locations where films are shot like Hotel Rwanda, Atlas Studio in Morocco. Because of my art, I like to see how some of these things are done. It

enriches my mind and exposes me.”

If you asked the charming young lady about her daily activities, her response would be Tinsel. Her day starts with Tinsel and probably ends there. If she is not on the set of Tinsel, she would probably be chilling at home with a cup of tea, listening to music or watching movies on Netflix.

But for now, she is basking in the positive vibes that have greeted her film since she released the trailer on Instagram.

“I’m happy that I succeeded and the kind of response I’m getting from the film trailer is very uplifting because I wasn’t too sure in the beginning. I’m glad I didn’t care then. I’m happy that it is generating buzz. When I see the comments on Instagram and Instablog, I’m literally amazed. I’m really excited that people are looking forward to the movie,” she said with delight.

34

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž JANUARY 19,2020

IMAGES

T

emitope, son to renowned television broadcaster, Mrs Moji Makanjuola, wedded her heartthrob Marie from Jamaica in a traditional ceremony at TFK Events Centre, Guzape Abuja last weekend. Family members, friends and associates of the Makajuolas were at the ceremony to add colour.

Photosgraphs by Julius Atoi

L-R: Newly weds Temitope and Marie Makanjuola

L-R: Parents of the groom, Engr Stephen Makanjuola and wife, Moji

Representatives of parents of the bride, L-R: Mrs. Ayodele Obaro and Mrs. Juliet Mcintosh

Air Vice Marshal and Dr. Mrs Adekunle

H.R.H. Johnson Olarewaju and Olori Dada

L-R: Amb Femi Abikoye and Amb D A Agev

L-R: Amb (Mrs) Modupeola Quist-Adebiyi and Mrs Olufunke Amos

L-R: Amb A Bhutto and H E Esmond REUD

L-R: Deputy Governor Kwara State,Kayode Alabi and Chief Olushola Richard

35

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž JANUARY 19,2020

IMAGES

L-R: Dr Adebayo and Mrs. Dolapo Abanida

L-R: Ayo Adewuyi; Moses Dalyop and Dr Mike Omotosho

L-R: Rakiya Zubairu; Eniola Bello; Hajiya Zainab Kazaure and Hajiya Maryam Bello

L-R: Minister of Women AďŹ&#x20AC;airs, Pauline Tallen and Dr. Tumini Akogun

L-R: Hon. Duro Meseko; Mr. Ndako and Mrs. Mike Ndako

L-R: Eunice Ezowo and IyaboOniko

L-R: Mr Joseph Abu and his wife, Eugenia and Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

L-R: Mrs. Bosede Adeboye and H E Titi Abubakar

L-R: Oba Mufutau Mohammed Gbadamosi and Oba Josiah Olarewaju Aina and Oba Dr. Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede

L-R: Prof Princess Vivian Kosoko Mottohmigan and Princess Folu Bolanle

36

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͯ͡Ë&#x153; 2020

GLITZ FEATURES

Obiano Gifts Youths Unusual â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Homecomingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Anambra Homecoming Festival 2019 started on an unusual note, a Preparatory Success Masterclass for its teeming youths. For over four hours, hundreds of youths in Awka, the Anambra State capital, received business tutorials from some of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful entrepreneurs, corporate giants, and business moguls, Omolola Itayemi reports

Stanley Uzochukwu, Gov Willie Obiano and Dr. Sally Mbanefo at the event

G

overnor Willie Obiano of Anambra State literally returned to the classroom in December at the Access More mentoring masterclass.

Setting the tone for the business forum, he spoke passionately on the basic principles of business management with a strong emphasis on ethics and ethos of entrepreneurship in an emerging knowledge economy.

The forum, held at the Stanel World Event Hall, Awka, also attracted topflight resource persons such as Obi of Onitsha Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Prof.

Pat Utomi, Emeka Okwuosa of Oliserv; Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors, Mrs. Uju Ifejika of Brittania U, Prof.

Lilian Orogbu and Victor Etuokwu representing Access Bank MD Herbert Wigwe.

It was a win-win situation for entrepreneurs who were not only

pr privileged to get free business nuggets but al had an opportunity to display their also w wares and trade at no cost at the venue.

Obiano said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You must all imbibe th culture of ICT, creative economy and the ar artificial intelligence, which is where the w world is headed. Interestingly Anambra ha the most brilliant youths anywhere in has th world. And we need to channel that in a the m manner that makes sense.â&#x20AC;?

He also encouraged the youth to key in the various opportunities provided into at the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, In Indigenous Artworks, Culture, and To Tourism as well as the Ministry of Youth Em Empowerment.

The governor explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The era of w what our old seasoned businessmen are d doing wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last. Recall that many years ag our businessmen were used to doing ago, bu business under the tag â&#x20AC;&#x153;and Sons Limitedâ&#x20AC;?.

A when they die, the business dies.

And U Unfortunately, most of them are still not le learning any lesson. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I have a department in the Ministry of Finance

charged with educating these rich businessmen on a continuous basis.

So we try to introduce them to the capital market, which is the way to go.â&#x20AC;?

Interestingly, the keynote speaker, CEO of Oilserv Group, Emeka Okwuosa, told the participants to be resilient and believe in themselves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Believe in yourself. Never allow challenges to deter you. Show resilience and tenacity in pursuing your goal. Acquire the necessary skills and education. Maintain high integrity in your dealings.

Maintain a good balance between hard work and physical ability.

Show compassion and love to the less privileged while making sure your mode of help does not create laziness in those you help. Teach people how to fish and not giving them fish all the time. And above all, trust in the teachings of our Lord Jesus,â&#x20AC;? Okwuosa stated.

The Oilserv boss believed that the economic growth of Nigeria can be accelerated by the provision of the articulated infrastructural framework even though Nigeria is not doing well in infrastructural development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But all this can be reversed. Yet, this report shows that there is a great opportunity in trying to reverse this.

We need entrepreneurship, business opportunities, growth of the economy to be able to achieve this. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not all negative. The availability of the required infrastructure certainly aids the success of our business. However, we must remember that lack of infrastructure presents opportunities for creating entrepreneurial responses that lead to success,â&#x20AC;? said Okwuosa.

On how to remedy the situation of human capacity development, he explained: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must ensure that the objectives and strategies are clear and ensure quality universal education for the youth. Develop incentive programmes to engage private investors, revive postsecondary school trade centres and technical colleges to train the youth in skills required to secure employment.

Improve teacher quality, review school curricular and encourage monitoring varsities and other higher institutions.â&#x20AC;?

Royal father of the day, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, in his own remarks, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it does not happen, and delinquencies set in, the country is at risk because the youth are restive. We must do something to realize the dream of standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world.â&#x20AC;?

Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, who launched the maiden edition of the homecoming festival and the Anambra State Diaspora Portal described the festival as a huge investment on human capacity development especially the youths. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The masterclass mentoring programme is indeed a masterstroke by this administration to empower the youths of Anambra. The calibre of discussants leaves one in no doubt that the session will be a turning point for the participants. For tourism, we launched project Smart Jobs where over 3,000 youths are trained on an e-commerce portal based on discounts they get from hotels. From our registration exercise, we have over 500 hotels in Anambra,â&#x20AC;? Mbanefo said.

Chairman Stanley Group of Companies, Stanley Uzochukwu said the world is serious in building an entrepreneurial culture for the youth and that any effort to deliberately create sustainable business owners is seen as an uncommon step towards changing the societal narrative. He stressed that entrepreneurship is important as it has the ability to change a life, improve the standard of living, helps to drive change and innovation.

The event was ended with a concert featuring 2Face (Innocent Idibia), Rude Boy and Funny Bone.

Homecoming Festival 2019 was themed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Festival of Unity, Love, and Peaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Following in the footsteps of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which adopted reggae as one of the 300 cultural events that unite the world. Its reggae festival from December 28-30 shut down the south-eastern area as residents and diasporans rocked to the reggae sound.

Awka was in a party mood as the very popular Golibe festival took over from where the reggae festival stopped.

Christmas carols, street carnival, masquerade festival, Ikolo concert and performances by Anambra Cultural Troupe were part of the non-stop fun with award-winning musicians Davido and Flavour thrilling Awka people on January 2 and 3, 2020.

JANUARY 19, 2020˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

61

High Life Omo-Agege in the Eye of the Storm

Omo -Agege

A

legations and assertions of like precedence are like fiery-tailed foxes sent out on an early harvest; they don’t leave anything behind, except wrinkled wisps and shadows of what once was.

When reputation is the field of choice in this instance, it takes an arsenal of intellect, tact and prompt action to douse the fires. Ask Ovie Omo-Agege, a regular actor in these awkward adventures.

The Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, has borne one of the ultraheavy fulcrums of allegations against members of the Nigerian Senate in recent times. The most notorious and recent of these allegations is the one levelled against him by a civic group led by Solomon Adodo, in which the Senator – then Augustine O. OmoAgege – was ordered to be suspended from the practice of law for violating Californian rule of law regarding moral turpitude, in California, Los Angeles in 1996.

Consequently, the group accused Senator Omo-Agege of refusing to notify possibly interested stakeholders – mostly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Senate – of his conviction in the USA, an action that would doubtless have led to early retirement.

That’s not all. The civic group threatened to storm the National Assembly grounds in the next 72 hours if the accused Senator fails to resign and vacate his Delta Central Senatorial District seat. Citing his masterminded involvement in the mace-theft incident of April 2018, the group is insistent that the Senator’s emergence as Deputy President of the Senate clearly mocks the integrity and purpose of the 9th Assembly.

Senator Omo-Agege has dismissed these claims. According to his media aide, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, the group is only interested in seeing his name and reputation rewritten with muddy fingers; that Senator Omo-Agege is a free pilgrim of the US, whose journeying has never been obstructed on account of some conviction from long ago. Besides, says the aide, the Senator was declared innocent of such charges by Honourable Lance A. Ito, and not without reason.

Interestingly, the good senator had a similar allegation level against him

by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, honcho of Delta State APC, a case where Senator Omo-Agege was accused further of attempted murder of the APC chieftain; a case the Senator also denied. Now that the winds are rising again, Senator Omo-Agege must employ a great deal of tact and prompt action – maybe even the Mace – to say to the raucous storm, “Be still”.

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

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

... And Bows Down to Obasanjo The mise en scène of Nigerian politico and general political struggle has always been a riddle for interested eyes and ears.

It is not so much that the game is rigged, per se, but that the characters are fluid, seemingly flowing from one side of an argument to another. This is all the more peculiar when the chief actors refuse to play the blueprinted role, genuflecting instead before one another to the grief and vastness of their followership.

Two such titans have been active on the Nigerian political scene for as long as power belonged to the people.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Nigerian Republic, onetime dragoon member of the Nigerian army, another time – or all-time, depending on who is asked – a draconic figure on the West African clime. It is before this ageless partisan ancestor that countless world leaders have bowed, kowtowing to save their lives and nations from the unrest that a lifted brow from Baba can unfurl. Oracle, author, farmer, theologian, bossman, et cetera, Baba’s silence is the stuff of nightmare – although he seldom employs it.

On the other end of the court is Tinubu.

An enigmatic hombre, this Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Like any other bohemian novel character, Tinubu styles in several

roles, the most notable – at present – being the National Leader of the ruling Nigerian democratic party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, it is wisdom universally acknowledged that he that must sit on the throne shall first recognize the bossmanship of Bola Tinubu. As such, the arcane man has been identified in many quarters as a de facto kingmaker, the likes of which are a rarity anywhere.

Both of these figures have been alleged to lock horns on countless occasions. In fact, the current Presidency has borne the by-blows of their clash in many instances.

Although both of them are of the Western Yoruba soil, their buds have defied one another, a phenomenon that has been accepted as the norm by many observers.

However, the 80th birthday celebration of mega-industrialist and Aare of Lagos, Chief Rasaq Okoya, was a witness to the lingering mutual respect between the kingmakers. Tinubu reportedly kowtowed before Obasanjo, inevitably implying that the latter is still the bigger boss. The simple gesture was a crescendo of outcomes for behind-the-curtain observers who, doubtless, had their jaws hit concrete floors.

In any case, both kingmakers enjoyed the right-hand seats of Aare Okoya, grooving the dance floor with Vice President Osinbajo, and having a swell time.

A Decade on the Throne: Elegushi Plans High-Octane Celebration

Oba Elegushi

Biola Okoya is a phoenix in many ways. Why is this? The mythological birdie is credited with abilities and characteristics that stand it out. Tears that heal all sorts of wounds, and an intellect that is suspiciously modest and peculiarly exceptional. However, the most feted myth about the phoenix is how it renews its life with fiery fervour, rising from its own ashes. So, with Lady Biola waltzing in and out of the Nigerian social scene, one can only think of a phoenix – although Lady Biola is far fairer, with more flair and fewer feathers.

January 11 will remain a day of days for different classes of the Lagos society.

This includes the affluent and wealthy and invited, and those who alternate across these three classes. And the party that qualifies the third class is none other than that of Chief Rasaq Okoya, the Aare of Lagos – the 80th birthday soiree which shook the city and shook it well.

While the party attendee list was a rich basket of the uppest of high society – most notably Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and APC National Leader, Bola

The city of Lagos is one of the hottest spots on the Nigerian ensemble of metropolitan locales. Within its most opulent neighbourhoods are the cashiest, chicest, classiest folks and families that have emerged from the Nigerian soil in recent times. But beyond all that, there are those households who are of a dynastic stock, with the wherewithal to shake things up.

And when such folks intend, deliberately, to shake things up, it’s one electrifying tumble after another.

Enter Elegushi, intended shaker and mover of Eko city.

Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi is the 21st monarch of the justly revered and well-known Ikate Land, one of the most original historical El Dorado of Lagos.

Known alternatively as Kusenla III, the present Elegushi is an established character of colour, whose every step echoes the imperial gaits of his royal fathers, making them proud at every turn.

The most recent proof of Elegushi’s legitimate right to his lineage and the attendant regal propriety is the sort of

Tinubu

waves emanating from the rumoured celebration of his 10th year on the throne.

That’s right, this Elegushi has graced the Ikate royal stool for a total of 10 years – during which he has earned the smiles and salaams of his people. Folks who are going to listen in on the D-day are going to find out why.

In other news, folks with ears in the Ikate palace have already aired the gist that the Lagos head of state and confederate of Elegushi, Hakeem Muri-Okunola (HMO) is heading a committee to add extra sparkle to that day, something to remain in the hearts and minds of people for years to come. And the people are the heart and core of the celebration – which is why activities for the day have been reported to include football competitions for secondary schools, a book launch, and a ball.

Furthermore, there’s a multi-purpose beauty of a structure – appropriately named, ‘The Monarch’, and constructed around the King’s Palace – which is expected to be completed before that day. All these together sound the alarm, bellowing invitations and excitement to Ikate and all her citizens and denizens, champions and patrons, one and all.

April 27 of 2010 was the day Oba Saheed officially succeeded his father and king, Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi. It might also be, 10 years after, the start of something truly magnifique.

Biola Okoya Regains Groove

Okoya

Tinubu, the presence of Biola Okoya sent more than a few eyes crinkling at the corners, brows reaching hairlines, ties

properly knotted, and smiles climbing down from hitherto stiff faces.

Why does a single person’s presence unhinge tension from folks? Most probably because Lady Biola has not been much of a regular participant in such high-octane parties. Granted, Aare’s party stood out among others, his daughter’s presence also lent solidarity to the Okoya clan and increased the heat in more ways than one.

Before her long hiatus, Lady B was allegedly a practised party torch, the limelight of many a merry shindig, sowing light and life to grateful hosts. However, she uneventfully retired, walking the dimmer bends of society. Expectedly, folks had a bit to say about this abrupt sequestration, with rumours of a tiff with the Aare, illness, even conversion to Christianity.

But the Okoya Phoenix set all those tittle-tattles aflame. Not only was she a solid presence beside her family, but she also lighted fortunate guests and invitees with that openly radiant smile. Let it be known: the groove has been regained.

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HIGHLIFE

Billionaire Deji Adeleke Lavishes $65million on New Private Jet

Adeleke

It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need pointing out that wealth affords its handlers a lot of perks, privileges, and bragging rights, and why not? They worked for it. But that has never deterred other folks

from stretching necks over and across fenced houses, if only to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a-happening. Such is the case with the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Babaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that Nigerian superstar and music big boy, Davido, always refers to, Dr. Deji Adeleke, and his new wheels on wings.

The Adelekes have always been hot stuff in terms of cash and coffer, influence and affluence, and eyes and pockets for the best of things. From Chief Adebayo Adeleke, who was reportedly the brain behind the well-beloved Banana Island in Lagos, to Deji and Isiaka Adeleke, whose industrial and political reach has extended far beyond Osun State, their state of origin, to the very well-known Davido, singer, business chap and charmer of hearts big and small, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little else to say.

The latest gist from the upper rooms of the Adeleke household, coming from Davido himself, is that Dr. Deji Adeleke is getting himself new wings, a Gulfstream private jet, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit anxious. Folks have already estimated the jet to be about $65 million, which â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to

aid the general public â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is just over 23.5 billion.

The Gulfstream family of jets is known for its rakish structures, interiors to die in, and speed specs that are the stuff of pilotage dreams.

Cabins and seats the colour of cream, few aviation companies can boast of similar advanced-technology aircraft that redefine safety, comfort, and range at speed. This just confirms that Dr. Deji Adeleke has eyes for A-grade goods and the smirking countenance of one who can.

While folks continue to coo at Babaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deep pockets, it is important to remember that he sheds his wealth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is estimated to be about $700 million â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from time to time on charities and non-profit projects.

Doubly notable for his erection of a new edifice for his Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and a hall for Babcock University, one dares to say Dr. Deji Adeleke has a heart larger than his vast exchequer.

Why Bola Shagaya is Still Powerhouse of Nigerian Socio-Economic Establishment The 80th birthday party of Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya, the Aare of Lagos and founder of the prestigious Eleganza Group of Companies, was a soiree that worked the personage of its guests into its charm.

Not only is it going into the record books as the hottest octogenarian party in the year 2020, but it also has the highest attendance of high-status guests from all over the country.

For anybody who knows anything about anything in Nigeria, Madam Bola Shagayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magnetic presence was one of the charms of the party. This is in spite of peak political figures like the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwa-Olu, and many others. In the midst of these political oaks, does the goldfeathered falcon dare stand out? She did!

Madam Shagaya did not only stand out amongst the aristocratic assembly, but she also dared to look classy, young and captivatingly fresh. Keep in mind Often times, events run so far out of hand that, looking back, one is still not able to see how and when the wrong turn was taken. But as a US psychiatrist, Thomas Szasz, explained, a child becomes an adult when he realizes that he has a right not only to be right but also to be wrong.

In a strange twist of fate not particularly outlandish in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political clime, the former governor of Imo state and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Owelle Rochas Okorocha ended up with the shorter straw from the results of the Imo State gubernatorial elections. Sort of.

Allegedly, during the preparations for the polls and general electoral process, there was an aspirant whose candidacy won the backing of notable party leaders in Imo State, to the point that these party elders endeavoured to get Senator Okorocha to join the chariot of believers in the desired APC candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma. However, No, said Okorocha; he stood by his son-in-law, Mr. Uche Nwosu, against Senator Uzodinma, and Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, who was the PDP candidate.

At the end of the elections, Okorochaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidate lost the party ticket to Senator Uzodinma, who lost the gubernatorial elections to Ihedioha, declared the winner of the majority of the votes cast in the election, who even got issued the certificate of return to the office. However, it became a tug of war as this decision was contested by the APC, who petitioned against the declaration of Emeka Ihedioha as Governor of Imo by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

After winning at the Elections Tribunal and

Shagaya

that the billionaire and oil magnate only recently began riding the winds of 60, even celebrating her three-score years with the loudest bang. Many, at the time, really

questioned the truth of it, deciding to rather believe that Madam Shagaya is just nearing her 45th year.

But the years do not lie, and Madam Shagaya has been on the scene long enough to garner attention. Such people only had to wind back the hands of the historical clock and realize that she has been around for a while â&#x20AC;&#x201C; although none of that highlights why she was looking so young!

Imagine the attention she wrenched from the other guests when she stepped into the foray of power, fame, and legend. Oiling the gazes and interests of onlookers with her warm aura, Madam Shagaya joined the chorus of political and industrial potentates, easily mingling with the lot, at the same time managing to stand out.

Her comportment and stalwart disposition to stand by her associates and friends at all times shone through, as she evinced cordiality and walked the divides between â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Matriarchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Magnateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with matchless ease.

Between Okorocha and Hope Uzodinma: Rejected Stone Becomes Cornerstone

Okorocha

Uzodinma

the Court of Appeal, Ihediohaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory torch has ultimately been doused by the Supreme Court.

The unanimous decision was reached by a seven-man Justice panel, nullifying the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP as the Governor of the state, and ordering INEC to withdraw the certificate of return from former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, to be reissued to Senator Hope Uzodinma.

If fate was twisted before, Senator

Okorochaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reaction positively wrenched it.

He was one of the first ones to congratulate the new Governor-elect, even stressing that the judgment represented the choice of Imolites.

He went so far as to enjoin everybody to be calm and â&#x20AC;&#x153;watch Uzodinma unfold what he has for Imoâ&#x20AC;?. By implication, Okorocha is like the clairvoyant who faltered at his trade but does not hesitate to be diplomatic in falling in line with reality.

Imo State Awaits Youngest, Probably Most Stylish First Lady

Uzodinma

N

igeria, and Imo State especially, is still rocking from the January 14 incident at the Supreme Court, where the overturn of the Imo State electoral results proved once and for all that nothing is impossible when the justice system of Nigeria is involved. The whole palaver is even more peculiar because the decision to nullify the results and reissue the gubernatorial certiďŹ cate was reached by all seven Justices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an occurrence that is very rare in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supreme Court.

But the decision to oust former Governor Emeka Ihedioha has not been met with the staunchest opposition.

In fact, although the PDP candidate already won his case at the election petitions tribunal and the court of appeal, it would appear as though the unanticipated outcome of the Supreme Court judgment is a breath of fresh air. Congratulations are ďŹ&#x201A;owing in the direction of the victor and governorelect, Senator Hope Uzodinma as he prepares to assume the Owerri seat of power and executive authority.

On the heels of this new leadership is also a knot of fate that will be going into the record books: the possible inauguration of the youngest First Lady, the remarkable person of Chioma Ikeaka Uzodinma â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who is only 30 years old.

The soon-to-be first lady is a barrister. She graduated from the Imo State University with a BL in Law. The story of her meeting with Senator Uzodinma is one that has featured in many noteworthy Nollywood productions: a fine, fiery, does-not-take-no-for-ananswer girl meets a wealthy chap in Law School and through her friend â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who is already eyeing the wealthy man. The love triangle grows with complications as bae and rich bloke stare unendingly into each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes. To cut it short, the introductory friend dies and the protagonist duo/lovers ride into the sunset.

Chioma and Senator Uzodinma eventually tied the knot in 2015, and the matrimony has long since yielded three kids. Chioma Uzodinma is the second but only wife of the governor-elect.

Uzodimma was a divorcee. But that is not a problem because all five of his kids from the first marriage are older than the incoming ďŹ rst lady but love her deeply.

In other news, although the governor-elect does not have a single member of his party in the Imo State House of Assembly, the billionaire has undoubtedly set plans in motion to shake difďŹ cult hands, extract approving chortles from ďŹ gures in power, and satisfy his people. All the while with the youngest ďŹ rst lady by his side.

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HIGHLIFE

Dakore Egbuson, Olumide Rubbishes Marriage Crash Talesâ&#x20AC;ŚCelebrates 10th Wedding Anniversary Big ups to Jazz sensation and celebrated crooner, Frank Sinatra, who is proving time and time again to be a prophet of considerable skill and farsightedness. When, to the delight of his followership and pique of divorce counsellors, he sang that â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ślove and marriage, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an institution you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disparageâ&#x20AC;?. Such timeless, elementary wisdom, as Sinatra called it, has been given credence by Nollywood sweetheart and hubby, Dakore Egbuson and Olumide Akande.

For quite some time now, the rumour mills have ground out speculations that the Dakore and Olumide pair is considering divorce. Actually, depending on the alleging mill, the couple is either already separated or is on the very brink of doing so. Although this was nothing new to the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) winner and her sonof-a-billionaire husband, there was a seemingly undissuadable quality about the buzz.

Regardless of the countless scarecrows that the couple had put out, the airwaves remained a spicy milieu awash with rumours of their separation. Even after they released a video clip together with their two daughters, assuring Nigerians of their very knotted love life and marriage, zero. It did not help matters that the Nollywood bae was

sighted on several occasions without her charming mister, leading to more tattle that perhaps the actress underwent a boot camp experience and deliberately shed off her hubby.

First, Dakore Egbuson-Akande was sighted on a beach, alone, and since a woman cannot entertain her lonesome wearing a bikini, she was thought of as subtly announcing her break-off from the then 9-year-old marriage. And then she attended the One African Music Fest in Dubai with her brother, Timini; Oga Olumide, apparently out of sight, was reported to be out of mind.

But no more! Dakore and Olumide have found a lasting solution to clap every false leak: their 10th year anniversary, wherein the actress posted a video on Instagram â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tagging her husband â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the thunderous caption, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best support system ever...Happy 10th wedding anniversary babeâ&#x20AC;?. With that single gesture, it is death to all rumours.

For Dakore especially, this is another milestone. Since her undergraduate days of acting at the University of Lagos, to winning Best Actress at the AMAA for her role in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Isokenâ&#x20AC;?, the simultaneous events of a dissolved cancerous rumour and a welcomed wedding anniversary, the vines are in blossom.

Who is After Herbert Wigwe?

Wigwe Egbuson

Powerhouse: How Tayo Ayinde Became Most Powerful Man in Lagos

Ayinde

Power in any form is a burden that is seldom borne with the easiest of graces. Like the mythological Atlas with the earth on his strained shoulders, power has a way of sounding out the name of its bearers until the very echoes rattle the balance of its own weight â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all the while, the bearer strains, and strains. And so it takes a brave and willing heart to bear this weight.

These qualities of bravery and diligence just might be the reasons behind the appointment of Tayo Ayinde as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Knowing that this position virtually places him on the pedestal as the most powerful man in the whole of Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu has really done it this time.

The appointment is coming on the heels of many changes that have rocked the Lagos political scene. It is also the most highlighted spot on Sanwo-Oluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list of appointments, and that is no great surprise. But mindful observers and onlookers are convinced that this is a sound decision, as Tayo Ayinde is acknowledged as a man of credibility, integrity, and class.

Surface profiling of Mr. Chief of Staff reveals that he hails from the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, attended St. Petersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Anglican Primary School, Alausa, Ikeja, and Ogudu Grammar School, Ojota â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both certificates evidently obtained from Lagos. With degrees

in Banking and Finance, Accountancy, and Financial Management, the bespectacled Lagos boy has given his life to different business outfits, all of which contributed to his doggedness and resolute disposition.

In service of the Nigerian State Security Service (SSS), he met and worked with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was the Governor of Lagos State at the time. It was during this time that he became the chief security detail for Tinubu.

So close to the thick of things, Mr. Ayinde obviously got eyefuls on the inner workings of the engine of power and appraised himself to be equal to the task. That was how he joined and deliberately became ingrained with politics in 2009.

That decision, using his present appointment as proof, was a sound decision. Now at the apex of things, Tayo Ayinde is finally able to significantly contribute his bit, even as the de facto first chief of Lagos State.

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe...

A Cat With Nine Lives Gossip is that alchemy of quiet malice by which mischief-makers concoct a subtle poison from ordinary trifles. Knowing this, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has chosen to ignore unsavoury rumours about himself doing the rounds in the blogosphere. The veritable newsmaker and one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more proactive public officers has been fodder for that unregulated, mumbled appendage of the media who feast on everything that has to do with him like harbingers of pain and ill will, casting such across their platforms and not minding the consequences of reporting lies as truths.

Without a doubt, there is a sphinx-like quality to Otunba Olusegun Runsewe. His genius burns with a kind of electricity that no earthly contrivance could tame. Wherever he finds himself, Runsewe parades his smarts at astounding depths. As the DirectorGeneral of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Runsewe has transformed the culture and arts industry into a globally acclaimed treasure trove.

A consistent phenom in the media, culture and tourism sectors in Nigeria since the last three decades, Otunba Runseweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

footprints are indelible in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural landscape. His tenure at the NTDC, marked by an aggressive tourism marketing campaign anchored on the catchphrase â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tourism is Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, gave the sector unprecedented national and international visibility, and remains a watershed in the development of the home-grown tourism sector. However, A FCT Court on Thursday ordered he should be remanded for alleged contempt. But Runsewe attributed his travail to his patriotic desire to protect and defend government property owned by National Council For Arts and Culture.

He disclosed his refusal to dance to the tune of powerful forces over the property, the Art and Craft village (Opposite Abuja Sheraton) valued at 9.8billion, was why he is being hounded.

Runsewe further revealed that government property was turned into a drug den, a hold-bay and rented house for hooligans and criminals, a depot for illegal arms and sundry criminal activities, which turned the place to security threat not only to Abuja residents but to foreigners who engage in early hours exercises.

Runsewe

It would seem like the year 2020 has begun with the sole purpose of bringing allegations and rumours to light and promptly dispelling them before they are given the courtesy to bud. On the corporate quarters of the Nigerian industry, the latest florets to receive this treatment are the rumours that the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank had been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This rebuttal by Access Bank Plc is coming on the shoulders of rumours that the group CEO of the banking establishment, Mr. Herbert Wigwe had got in trouble as a result of the company he was keeping â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a company that also got arraigned by the economic police agency.

This alleged associate of Herbert Wigwe, former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, and his company, Slok Nigeria Limited, have already had their day in court, with the former governor forcibly holidaying â&#x20AC;&#x201C; long term â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in prison. Thus, to banish all speculations of Herbert Wigwe suffering a similar fate on account of his alleged business deals with Kalu, the management of Access Bank has taken a stalwart position against such rumours.

According to the bank, Mr. Wigwe was only invited by the anti-graft agency to resolve issues relating to himself, transactions with Slok Nigerian Limited, and the ruling of the court in charge of the case.

Specifically, the commission had graciously requested the presence and cooperation of Access Bank officials â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which included its CEO, Mr. Wigwe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who were at the helm of affairs on the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recovery efforts on Slok credit.

It was all a misunderstanding, Access Bank insists. Following the court ruling on Slok Nigerian Limited and its boss, the federal government had acquired the establishment.

However, because the establishment had used its assets as collateral for a loan from Diamond Bank Plc â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which has been acquired by Access Bank, and had a stake in the company and was at risk of losing money in the form of the collateralized assets.

Thus was Herbert Wigwe absorbed of all alleged wrongs, with the misunderstanding resolved, and the rumours put to rest.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͯ͡Ë&#x153; 2020

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

Steven Onolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winning Streak In the last couple of years, Steven Onola, the CEO, Precise Lightening, has quietly built a reputation for himself in the world of interior decor, particularly with a special attention on light fittings.

Stevenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many years of hard work have paid off and he has become the symbol of excellence in his line of business.

Described a s a q u i e t personality w ho i s result- orient ed, S t ev e n has continue d t o reinvent his b u s i n es s t o stay up- to -da t e w i t h int ernational standards.

To position his business, Precise Lightning, among the best in the world, Steven has embarked an aggressive rebranding process with massive investment in new interior fittings and expensive lights from the United Kingdom.

Besides, he has equally spent a fortune to give the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate office a facelift.

Steven is also going more digital in the new decade with the launch of a new website, where his customers can order and get products delivered seamlessly. He has recruited a team of welltrained and experienced staff who attend to customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; enquiries in the most professional way.

Lagos Pastor, Paul Adefarasinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homily

Adefarasin

Lagos pastor and founder of House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, is not only a good preacher but also a good motivational speaker.

Penultimate week, the revered man of God, during a church service, sermonized: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s word encourages His creatures to deny the fact that they will face adversity. While you are not grateful for the storm you are going through, you can be grateful in the midst of the storm knowing that it will all work out for your good.â&#x20AC;?

He also announced that he got information that over 300 families of his church members had relocated to Canada due to the biting economic challenges in Nigeria. THISDAY had last week erroneously misquoted him to have said 300 Church workers relocated to Canada.

He, however, charged his members to stop engaging in the blame game, saying it is the first symptom of irresponsibility. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Until God gives you challenges that seem bigger than you, you may never find out what treasure you have on the inside,â&#x20AC;? he had said.

Worried by the unsavoury development in the country, Pastor Adefarati, a source revealed, had chosen to fix some basic needs of the populace within and outside his vicinity.

In fulfillment of this, Adefarati, according to the source, also called on other privileged individuals and corporate bodies to step up their readiness to assist, â&#x20AC;&#x153;since it appears the government is not ready to make life easy for its citizenry.â&#x20AC;?

The 56-year-old pastor is one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s billionaire pastors. From the living room of his parents in Ikeja, Lagos, he set up House on The Rock Church in 1994 and his Ministry has blossomed over the years to about 40 branches with over 50,000 worshippers spread across Nigeria and abroad.

Pastor Paul, a keen follower of Bishop T.D. Jakes of Dallas, Texas, collaborates with his mentor and many other famous gospel artistes to stage the popular annual Gospel music concert, The Experience.

He shells out millions of naira for the concert annually with a large chunk of the money going into settling artistesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fees and accommodation of the international artistes, crew and guests, logistics, among others.

The House on the Rock Headâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pastor is also the founder and president of the Rock Foundation, a charity organization committed to social reformation, education, provision of healthcare and relief work for the downtrodden and the disadvantaged in Nigeria and West Africa. His wife, Ifeanyi, is the co-Pastor of The House on the Rock, with a vibrant multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic congregation and daughter churches spread over Africa and Europe at present.

She is also the founder of Woman To Woman Ministry, which is committed to social reformation, education, provision of healthcare and relief work amongst the downtrodden and underprivileged in Nigeria and West Africa.

Senator Iyiola Omisoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magnanimity Whenever the name Senator Iyiola Omisore is mentioned, what usually `comes to mind instinctively, is politics.

Even not too many people remember that his first love or passion is engineering in which he holds a doctorate.

But on January 1, Omisore, a former deputy governor of Osun State, again, proved to all that he is also passionate about charity and philanthropy. Acting on the platform of the Senator Iyiola Omisore Foundation, he played host to a mammoth crowd at the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife, Osun State for the 16th edition of his Annual Community Giving Outreach.

During the memorable event, Omisore also cleared the medical bills of some patients at the hospital. Speaking on the occasion, a source said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even after he lost the gubernatorial election, he has not relented in giving and putting smiles on peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He cleared Omisore the medical bills of several patients. He also his scholarship scheme while many widows donated edible items, cash gifts and other and orphans are on his monthly payrollâ&#x20AC;?. valuables to the downtrodden.

The philanthropic gesture, it was gathered, â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the massive turnout, it shows came a few days after he returned home from Senator Omisore is still a force to be reckoned overseas, where he had gone to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;relax following with in Osun politics. He is well loved across the dust raised by the last gubernatorial the state.â&#x20AC;? election in the state.â&#x20AC;?

In his quest to alleviate poverty within It will be recalled that the sexagenarian his environment and also promote education engineer-cum-politician, who represented among youths, â&#x20AC;&#x153;thousands of students are on

Osun East Senatorial district between 2003 and 2009, had contested the last governorship election representing the Social Democratic Party (SDP) In the election, the results were declared inconclusive.

As of that time, Senator Omisore, who holds a Ph.D in Infrastructure Finance from the International School of Management, Paris, France, became a beautiful bride that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needed his support to win the rerun election.

After several deliberations and consultations, Omisore pitched his tent with the APC at the rerun election which cemented the victory for Governor Oyetola, who was declared the winner of the polls.

Immediately after the election, tongues wagged over Omisoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolve to support APC. The Ile-Ife-born politician remained unperturbed. His passports and other seized travel documents were allegedly handed over to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the order of the federal government.

Thereafter, he quietly jetted out of the country to relax from the election stress.

Meanwhile, while many of his supporters have thought he had recoiled into his cocoon, he resurfaced with a grand return to public domain on January 1 to touch lives like he has always done.

Olatokunbo Edunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unshaken Commitment

Steven

When Deaconess Grace Osinowo, Founder, Grace Schools, passed on, many had predicted the collapse of the schools.

But her daughter, Olatokunbo Edun, who is now the Executive Director, Grace Schools, vowed to grow the school, which has become a fountain of knowledge to many ambitious students, even beyond the imagination of the founder.

Luckily, she has not disappointed those who have reposed confidence in her to take the school to the next level.

Already, not a few are beginning to see evidence of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising profile, especially as the primary arm of the schools clocked 50 years two years ago, while the secondary arm marked its 25 anniversary in 2019.

Edun has since re-modelled

the school and placed it on the frontburner of global recognition. This, no doubt, explains why the school was honoured with the British Council, United Kingdom International School award, in recognition of the standard of the school.

Since she took up the administration of the school, she has also ventured into several partnerships to ensure that the school remains synonymous with quality and finesse. She has successfully sealed a partnership with the Loyalist College, Canada as its official representative in Nigeria.

One area that Edun has kept the flag high is the annual Indigent Scholarship Award, where she has spent over N100 million sponsoring the full education of the less privileged, a gesture to keep the memories of her late mum alive, while also giving back to the society.

Edun

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͯ͡ 2020

SOCIETY WATCH

Bishop David Oyedepoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Angst

Oyedepo

In James 1:19,20, the Bible says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.â&#x20AC;?

Also, in Ecclesiastes 7:9, the Bible says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.â&#x20AC;?

But it seems the presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, aka Winnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Chapel, Dr David Oyedepo, does not seem to be guided by these divine injunctions, as he has again reportedly allowed anger to take the better part of him.

In the past weeks, the revered clergy has been the butt of criticisms, after cursing some highly placed officials of the church, whom he alleged to have stolen millions of naira belonging to the church.

He had made the disclosure at an annual event, usually attended by pastors, zonal ministers and their assistants, deacons, ushers and other ordained workers of the church.

He was full of fury, while revealing how the top members of the church, mainly accountants, had looted the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s treasury.

The Bishop could not hide his disappointment that professionals trusted by the church to prevent fraud turned themselves into a network of fraudsters.

Expressing his disappointment in the alleged errant church officials, who have since been relieved of their positions in the church, he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can you imagine accountants perpetrating fraud in the house of God?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had no choice but to dismiss them. You can imagine top church officials engaging in doubling figures and other dubious practices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even after we dismissed them, we discovered more fraud. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those who should discover the fraud were the ones involved in it. One of them refused to confess until the last minute.â&#x20AC;?

He, therefore, admonished the church members against employing the dismissed officials, adding that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t employ them and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sympathize with them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoever sympathizes with the wicked is wicked himself.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sympathize with any perpetrator of fraud; otherwise, you are a partaker of the evil act.â&#x20AC;?

Sadly, this is not the first time the Kwara State-born pastor had acted in a similar manner, which is unbecoming of a professed man of God. To give vent to the argument of critics who say he needs to undergo a lesson in anger management, Oyedepo, in 2012, had reportedly slapped a young girl whom he accused of being a witch.

When this matter was taken to court, the lawyer who represented the girl had reportedly asked Oyedepo to apologize to his client.

Bella Adenuga: Bold and Beautiful In the words of Williams Shakespeare, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.â&#x20AC;?

Indeed, this is what literally oozes out when the name Bella Disu is mentioned.

Those who are familiar with the etymological roots of the first name, Bella, are always quick to point out that it connotes beauty in not only Latin, but also French, Spanish and Portuguese languages.

Though her birth name is Belinda Ajoke, being called Bella has resulted in her life taking the beautiful turns always.

Whether she is in a room with French president, Emmanuel Macron, or at a business forum with Paul Kagame of Rwanda and even other presidents, Bella, who is also called Bunmi by close family members, still leaves quite a favourable impression on his hosts or audience.

Perhaps, this explains why she was conferred by the French government with the high honour of the Chevalier dans â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for

Today, Farida Mzamber Waziri, a retired police officer and lawyer, has etched her name in gold among anti-corruption fighters in the country.

As a technocrat and law enforcement officer, Waziri knew her onions, especially when you consider her feats as the Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit, in the early 2000. It is on records that she was a terror to drug couriers, their kingpins and fraudsters.

In recognition of her exploits, she was later appointed the Chairman of the leading anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in 2008.

Between 2008 and 2011 when she held sway at the EFCC, she recorded a lot of successes.

Almost a decade after she left office as the EFCC Chair, she may have finally chosen to open up on some secrets about her fight against the corrupt in the country and much more.

Sources close to the Benue State-

her undeniable efforts towards promoting French culture.

She is one of the youngest-ever recipients of the award and notably so, for a citizen of a non-Francophone country.

Listening to her weave through the language, a certain musicality can be detected; and then, on learning that she is also a pianist and a saxophonist, she brings to mind the words of Plato that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.â&#x20AC;?

The harmony with which Bella, mother of two, manages her roles as Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom, Chief Executive Officer of Cobblestone Properties and Estates Limited, nonexecutive director on the board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, director on the board of Abumet Plc is nothing short of beautiful!

In the last quarter of 2019, she launched arguably one of the most beautiful luxury residential properties in Ikoyi, Lagos: the Sisi Paris. The edifice is truly breathtaking and guests who were

Waziri

born retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, said she had put in black

Ogun Deputy Governor, Oyedele-Salako Celebrates Birthday

Oyedele-Salako

Without a doubt, January 8, 2020, will go down as most memorable for the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Oyedele-Salako, who turned a year older.

The ever-smiling Ota-born OyedeleSalako, who is an engineer, had looked forward to the day, especially because it was her ďŹ rst birthday in ofďŹ ce as the number two citizen of the gateway state.

Society Watch gathered that she has behind her a very impressive private sector proďŹ le with multiple achievements to show for her excellent adventure in the private sector.

Known for her Spartan lifestyle, nothing extraordinary was on the cards to mark the landmark occasion.

Delta Billionaire, Ayiri Emani, Wife, Celebrate Adenuga

are its launch could not stop gushing over it.

With Bella at the helm of affairs, Cobblestone Properties is well on its way to attaining its stated vision and mission.

Interestingly, in a few weeks, she will launch a book she has authored for children.

That she could find the time to write a book for children despite her busy schedule shows the beauty of her heart and that her passion isprioritized in the right order.

and white her experience as an antigraft Czarina.

It was gathered that the public presentation of the tell-it-all book might hold sometime in February 2020 at an upscale venue in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

It was also learnt that a number of highly placed Nigerians, including former heads of state, first-class monarchs across the country, captains of industry and top government functionaries, have shown interest to grace the occasion on a yet-to-be-fixed date.

Society Watch also learnt that, Waziri, who is known to be fastidious, has resolved to print the book abroad to forestall any leakage.

Since her retirement and exit as the EFCC boss, Waziri, a septuagenarian, has been busy as the founder and principal partner of Brookfield Chambers, a firm of legal practitioners based in Abuja.

She has also been spending her extra time on philanthropy and social work.

Delta State-born billionaire, Ayiri Emani, is known to be always as busy as a bee; he never engages in frivolity of any kind.

However, those close to the former Chairman of Delta Waterways Security Committee say he is also romantic.

On December 26, 2019, Emani, also Chairman, Board of NigerCat, displayed his romantic side to his wife Empress Asba, on the celebration of their 10th wedding anniversary as husband and wife.

The celebration soiree, ďŹ lled with grandeur and opulence, was attended by a few family members and friends in Delta State.

The couple, it was learnt, dazzled invited guests when they took to the dance ďŹ&#x201A;oor.

Ayiri, who wore a black suit with comb patterns and a hat, and his wife, who was dressed in a ďŹ tted half shoulder free-ďŹ&#x201A;owing silver scale-like gown, displayed their dancing skills and also toasted to more life as couples.

Emaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s constant public display of affection to his wife, Empress Asba, according to sources, is another proof that the Itshekiri billionaire is in tune with the love chord of his delectable wife.

Despite tying the nuptial knot in 2009, and blessed with two kids, their love has since been waxing stronger.

The Ologbotshere of Itshekiri Kingdom has never failed to reciprocate the love, humaneness and homeliness of his wife, with expensive automobiles and other gifts to show his love.

Ayiri-Emami-and-wife

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ͯ͡Ë&#x153; 2020

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Wicked Wike

The video hit my phone with a thud.

What is he up to again? I have started learning how not to yab this my brother because I may be taking my new play, Aremu to his Port Harcourt before the man ban us. But something about this particular video compelled me to watch it. It was His Excellency addressing a full hall of traditional rulers in his state.

First, there were over 100 rulers in that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;smallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rivers State. Come and see them, all â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fat catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in different kinds of costumes and apparels. Just as I started wondering just how low the traditional stools in our land have fallen especially with the proliferation of these stools with every road side mechanic in some of the states standing a very good chance of emerging the traditional ruler of his gutter. Remember that the former constituted authority in Oyo State had one morning suddenly manufactured

over 100 of such. They are plenty, two pence for five, you will get plenty.

This Wike video went ahead to show the total disregard and disrepute the institution has fallen into. First he railed against them for coming to the meeting with just â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;walking stickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instead of their staff of office. He asked those with staff of office to stand up and the few who remembered stood up diligently with the mass majority remaining seated. He now dropped the clincher: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come with your staff, I will take it from you and give someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. You see?

Stools are supposed to be hereditary or at best with defined succession plans entrenched in tradition and culture.

Wike can just take it and give someone else. Me, I was watching civil servants and not real traditional rulers. That was the only way, I could explain what I was seeing. Finally, as he spoke, he

zoomed in on one particular one and said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Stop nodding your head when I speak,â&#x20AC;Ś itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all fakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and continued â&#x20AC;Ś. This one is a small boy oâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś going around causing trouble and dressed like Uthman Dan Fodio â&#x20AC;&#x201C; how he got that one beats my imagination. He went on railing at the unfortunate â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rulerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; telling us how that one used to run errands for him in school and now will be parading himself as a traditional ruler. Na wa.

Fortunately, me I think I support Wike on this one. Firstly, all these people depend on the government for their sustenance at the direct expense of taxpayers. Secondly as the governor has alleged, they are really not more than troublemakers in some instances and I am sure he knows what he is talking about. So this throws up the question once again, what is the relevance of this institution?

PRINCE HARRY THE JOKE Well, the news of this â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;troubledâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; young man hit me without reverberating. What is my own?

That the man wants to dump a life of privilege and start living an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;independent lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is of no real consequence to me and millions of Nigerians I tell you. So, all the people who are calling me and asking for comment should kindly let me be abeg. How does this pay my pikin school fees or begin to address the looming electricity price hike? So, for me this is as irrelevant as they come but as I have even mentioned it, let me say something at this point. No matter the demons that are chasing him, me I see this decision as a very selfish and conceited one because of the lack of a sense of duty and responsibility this confers on him.

Yes, he did not choose to be of this particular parentage but he could have done like his mother and used the huge platform to affect humanity.

But instead he has chosen to turn into employment agent for his Hollywood mulato who most likely is the one that is confusing him. Like I said, this one no concern me in any way and I will not lose sleep over this over pampered ginger head who just woke up to the realities of his true situation which I cannot talk for here. If you want know, you sef have problem. Next base jo as Fela would say it.

it is not the end of this world. You see what I was saying when your people started beating up Okorochaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children and running amok all over the place like an uncontrolled mob.

Well, today the Supreme Court has cut short that tenor. These things happen and we must take it â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;like a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. We cannot be crying up and down over a small thing as losing a gubernatorial seat. You are still young, you can try for the presidency.

You never can say. When one door closes another one will open. So, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start looking for another door quickly instead of mopping around. Take heart bro, it is well.

only one who is always right says the prediction is not true, that someone in authority must have given Father Mbaka heads up. He is on his own o Father. Please if you need his address for his own customized prediction let me know, I will get it for you. For me, I think I will start fearing you from now. Please my lord, you know that US government revoke my visa and I am going to reapply next month, please let me know what the outcome will be so that if they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give me I will kuku use the visa fees do better thing instead of me to go and dash them o. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t vex, I am waiting for the answer. God bless you the Nostradamus of our time.

Wike

official position but I am quoting a national daily saying that when the man found out who the previous owner was, he started being â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;funnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and as such he deserved what he got. Today, the man has gone to court asking for damages from both the telco and the DSS. Well, my position is very clear - I am running to my telco to find out who is the previous owner of my SIM card, my own sef na â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tokunboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, I cannot come and enter anywhere for one-hour talk less of 10 weeks. That na the lesson I don learn from this story.

Thank you, I cannot shout.

IHEDIOHA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; TAKE HEART Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cry anymore. They say you are crying. Please take heart,

REV FATHER MBAKA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WHO ARE YOU? Mbok let me ask, who you are o? Just last week, me I was yabbing them Oyedepo and the rest who will be giving predictions that are neither here nor there. Those ones will be saying that rain will fall in the New Year and that Buhari will have malaria. Dem be investment bankers hiding under pastor work. In fact, while Oyedepo was busy predicting all over the place, he could not see that his people were stealing him dry.

The whole treasury was filled with thieves masquerading as pastors cum accountants. His crystal ball could not show him that one o. Na the one wey no concern am he dey see. But you, I have been watching the level of your accuracy and is really putting chills down my spine. Just last week you saw this Ihediohaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s matter and it came to pass. Freeze, the one that cannot stand our pastors and the

DSS, SIM CARD AND OKOLIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STORY One thing I have learnt the very hard way as a mature columnist is not to just be jumping on a story like that. Once it breaks, you will calm down and allow it to evolve before jumping into the fray. So, when this story broke, me sef was angry o, but I calm down not wanting to jump on the wrong side of the train. Now it looks like the two sides of the story have come out, I will now comment.

Now, the man says he bought his SIM card legitimately and still has his official receipt to prove the purchase. That he did not know the previous owners as he had bought it from appropriate sources. Well for his troubles, he ended up in the DSS gulag for 10 weeks like we have been told. Ok the other side, which I have just read which I am not sure is the

AMOTEKUN, I PONDER I pondered on the choice of Leopard( Amotekun) for the Southwest security outfit. Why didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they choose Lion(Kiniun) or Tiger( Ekun)?

I also pondered on why there is palpable fear of the project from some quarters. Could it be because of something they know and dread about the Leopard? So, I decided to check the Leopard out.

1. Amotekun is pound for pound the strongest of the big cats. Who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want a heavyweight on his side and who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be scared of the heavyweight?

2.Amotekun is the most elusive and secretive of the large felines.

No noise and not easily predictable.

Sure,this is a good quality for us in the Southwest and a scary quality for those against us 3. Amotekun is both a good swimmer and a good climber of

Harry

Ihedioha

Mbaka

Okolie

67

JANUARY 19, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

LOUD WHISPERS

Banky-W

trees. This means our enemies cannot outsmart us at any front. Those using the waters to perpetrate evil are in trouble and those using bushes are in danger.

4. Amotekun as a carnivore is not a picky eater like the other cat families.

It will eat any animal that comes across its path. Yes ooo,we don’t want sophistication in the face of attacks... you come at us and we roast you.

Enemies don’t want that at all.

5. Amotekun is mostly nocturnal unlike the other cats. Sebi na night dem dey attack us before...now we don get security wey no dey sleep for night. Dem dey panic as we no choose Lion or Tiger wey sabi sleep for night.

6. Amotekun is known for its agility...can run up to 58km/h...can leap 6 meters(20 feet) horizontally and 3 meters(10feet) vertically!!! rDVMMFE GSPN TPDJBM NFEJB PAT UTOMI – AN ALARMIST The statement credited to the highly respected professor that social media would lead us to another round of genocide is nothing but just an alarmist attempt at seeking attention. I am very sorry sir, you are my friend and I truly do respect you but this one I no gree. This kinds of statements show very clearly that you just may not understand the workings and the mindset of people who hibernate in that space. We should even be grateful for social media because now public angst has been pushed there off the streets and resides there. Unlike in the past when people will jump on the street on every little thing to be rioting, today they will be tweeting and broadcasting and fighting on social media. Abi were you not there when millions voted for Atiku on Facebook and almost none of them came out for the actual voting so where is the genocide there my brother? Abeg, let us face reality and attempt a constructive engagement instead of all these talks. No wonder APC sent you a wrong venue for your primaries. This kind of talk is what is fuelling those looking for death sentence for empty talk on social media as was being pushed at the National Assembly. Finally, popular international porn sites have released their annual reports showing that Nigerian females are the largest visitors to their sites, while the rest of us go to get rich quick sites and the rest. Na these ones go come do genocide? Oga naaaaaaa. Stop na. It

Okoya

Utomi

KIKI OSINBAJO – ‘ETEKAMBA’ TAKE NOTE Well, Etekamba is my first son.

He is 18 years old and should any minute from now start dating.

I have sent him the pictures of Kiki Osinbajo and her boyfriend which is all over the media as a warning and guidance. You see as this country tough like this with life expectancy dropping by the minute and all indices going below United Nations accepted standards, I have discovered that one of the major ways out is to marry well. You see this boy that is parading himself with this Kiki girl is a strategic man. I tell you, following Vice President’s daughter is a powerful shortcut o. So I have told my son that he should be very careful in choosing otherwise he would be risking banishment. I don’t want to see any

PDP pikin, or anybody wey him papa lose elections. He should be looking towards the Presidency, CBN, Dangote, Adenuga or NNPC. We can still manage Lagos State Governor’s Office and maybe Akwa Ibom Government House. Is there no one in Bourdillon? There are many daughters of these people who are eligible that he can ensnare so that me too will be related to power. Since me I miss am, he must not miss am. I have warned him that even this Kiki sef, he should try abi shebi na until ring enter the finger na. I have sent him the picture and he should let me know so that we can start the campaign.

That is how he will now go and bring Emmanuel Imogu pikin o.

He will not see me at the wedding.

I have said my own.

Osinbajo

is because you are my friend sir, that I will not say much. Let me just keep quiet. Thank you.

BANK W - HOLD FIRM Bro I hear they have barred your movie from the cinemas. But I am happy to have learnt that you

grossed about N150m before the ban. Well done. Whatever the case I will pray that it is resolved on time because people like you still give us hope in this country. I followed your trajectory during the elections and was really impressed with your logic.

Keep the flag flying and say me well

Cole

to your beautiful wife Adesua. That was a good catch there my guy.

SIR TONYE COLE – HAPPY BIRTHDAY When poverty wants to kill you, you will just be missing things like this, I tell you. So my data finished and before I could load another one and come back on line, I was just seeing pictures of a birthday post.

This my oga had done his birthday 8 hours earlier while I was in cyber – Siberia. So I quickly called him to wish him happy birthday and he was gracious to remind me that it had past some few hours ago. Anyways, I still wished him happy birthday and asked where he was so I can send a deliciously made plate of Afang to him complete with Andrew Liver salt in case the thing run him belle. Well, I don’t know why I like this gentleman so much, maybe because he tall and he still dey wear city Jeans around. Na wetin he wear come watch Emotan and I look am two times - city Jeans?

Na the Jeans wey we rock in the 80s all over Ibadan when we dey university.

Na the same Jeans I wear, when my papa carry police come arrest me for Juliet hotel in Shomolu – please don’t ask what I was doing there. This one is for my brother Tonye. Happy birthday bro, what next? That is the question.

What and where next after the Rivers State governorship attempt?

ANGUS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL YABA – HAPPY 40TH For those of you who have not read my book, then you just may not know the linkage between me and this great school. Let me just say it abeg and as my oga Gabriel Ogbechie used to say ‘Edgar you no get shame’. My people when I could not seem to be able to pass form 4, the authorities of Command Secondary School Ipaja asked me to take my academic prowess somewhere else.

After a brief stint as a mechanic, I landed in Angus. Then it was known as Igbobi School 2 after the Jakande policy of proliferation. This school accepted me and all the things I could not do in Command I did. I flew out in flying colours and ever since the alumni have been quite warm and wonderful. They have made me their brand ambassador and in turn I have offered 50 plates of afang at their 40th anniversary coming up in March.

I want to seize this opportunity to thank them for accepting me, to thank them for this lovely award and to also thank all members of the alumni and the school for showing true brotherliness. Up school.

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One Nigerian Woman Raising 300 Children Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an embodiment of brain, bravura and belief turning little things into big things and making difficult tasks look simple.

Born by a banker and an accountant in the United Kingdom with university education in the United States, Kemi Sokenu-Morris, returned to Nigeria to raise 300 children and cater for other vulnerable people through the Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu Foundation. With self-belief and optimism, Kemi is working her socks off and pushing the envelope, writes Bayo Akinloye

Segun Adebutu, Chairman of OOAF with the CEO, Kemi Sokenu-Morris at a recent Christmas party for the kids.

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n her Dolphin office (in Ikoyi, Lagos), Kemi Sokenu-Morrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ebony face lights up. The glint in her eyes, the glee in her voice and graceful composure illustrate how the Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu Foundation is intervening in hard-to-reach communities, particularly in the South-West and the North-East. She admits that the World Poverty Clock is ticking furiously. By the time you are reading this article at least 95 million Nigerians (47.7% of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population) will be living in extreme poverty.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Growing up especially in Nigeria, no matter how affluent you are or no matter how surrounded by love or you are sheltered, you are always surrounded by poverty,â&#x20AC;? says Kemi. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the bad things that we have in Africa is absolute poverty. Poverty runs everywhere so the story is the same. So I started to think and (had) a better understanding of what it means to be in the hard-to-reach areas.â&#x20AC;?

The OOA foundation is committed to eradicate poverty, build prosperous community by to reducing poverty among vulnerable

children and women in communities. It has as its core mission, supporting orphans, vulnerable children and women with increased access to quality education, primary health care, nutrition, social welfare and economic strengthening through sustainable development activities.

Kemi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the chief executive officer of OOAF â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is not unfamiliar with catering for orphans and vulnerable children. She has at least 300 of such to look after. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just leave these kids, you know.

So I decided to bring them along to wherever else I was going and this time, I was going nowhere,â&#x20AC;? disclosing that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s come to stay at the foundation. Until her recent appointment as the head of the foundation some years ago, Kemi had had worked with the Ogun State government under former Governor Ibikunle Amosun as a senior special assistant involved in a USAID project involving the 300 kids sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sworn an oath not to abandon.

She talks about them with passion and optimism. A pioneer member of the Hospitals

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Her Hunger for Humanity, Dignity and Prosperity for Humanity advisory board in Stone Mountain, Georgia (in the US), she has 17 years’ experience in international and local development organizations, foundations, donor agencies in the public and private sectors. A one-time senior special assistant to the Ogun State government during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Kemi had worked with Uplift Foundation in partnership with USAID. She was also a consultant to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on a Women in Export Stakeholders Roundtable and Exhibition.

“I started my career before I even knew that I was in the line of going through my career. What I’m trying to say is from a young age I’ve always been in development through my mom (the late Mrs. Maria Sokenu, the pioneer managing director of People’s Bank of Nigeria),” Kemi recalls.

Born in the United Kingdom, the OOA foundation chief had her primary education at Corona School in Apapa and for secondary education she attended Queen’s College, Yaba (in Lagos). When she was 15, she headed for the United States of America. There she studied Human Ecology.

Kemi admits: “Little did I know decades later, that degree would help me in the work that I do. So human ecology basically knows how the human race develops.”

After her university education, she worked with various foreign companies in development, health safety, and risk management. Eventually, Kemi returned to Nigeria and was confronted by a harsh reality of widespread transmission of HIV/AIDS – from mother to child – during childbirth.

“So we thought, okay, so how do we go about doing this?” explains the OOA foundation boss. “And what pushed me into doing what I’m doing today is because I realized that hope is not lost.”

The young ones, Kemi and the foundation she superintends over believe, are the only hope for Africa, not just Nigeria. “Maybe, we would have some impact that will be in the donor’s book for a long time,” Kemi thinks.

With international exposure and global perspectives, Kemi decided to play local. Her reasons for returning to her fatherland aren’t farfetched.

“I had learnt all I could learn and I felt it was time to implement. So after leaving Safe Blood for Africa Foundation, which was USAID implementing partner, I worked with FCMB. My first job ever in Nigeria was working with the First City Monument Bank,” she recounts.

While there, she set up the first CSR unit.

Kemi recalls an encounter with the founder of the OOAF, Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu (chairman of Petrolex Group of companies), while she was between jobs.

“So he said this vision that you wanted to support these 300 kids that I had been carrying around for so long and he wanted to be in their lives for the next 10 years. I don’t know anywhere else that they do that and I’ve worked in development work,” she notes.

Kemi adds, “I’d actually be able to save children that I met when they were like three days old and they were just in a garbage bin or just in a dustbin somewhere and I’d be able to see them when they’re age 10 and that’s how we started three years ago.”

Her mission and that of the foundation is simple. “It’s really just to give a voice and hope and hardship relief to orphans and vulnerable children,” Kemi says with delight.

The foundation is caring for other kids too following repeated pleas by the public to look into adding to the number of its 300 children.

“Now, we thought that was cute. We didn’t realize that every time we go into a child’s house – because we do some home inspection, etc. – we met 10 other children sleeping in a bed using one toothbrush. And what do you do under one mosquito net? So we had to develop household economic strengthening,” Kemi discloses.

Continuing, she says, “So I’m happy that those kids are older today. We’re still in their lives and we don’t plan to leave their lives just yet. In a span of three years, our kids are all enrolled in school. They all have everything they need for school.”

Kemi states that the foundation’s activities are geared towards achieving the SDGs. She says, “Initially, we identified a few goals. We have a lot of the goals that our activities speak to. But now our activities speak to all the goals. We’re working with children who are recycling. We’re working with children who are passionate about clean water.”

In December, OOA foundation launched the Caroline Oladunni Adebutu Serenity Centre

One of the bad things that we have in Africa is absolute poverty.

Poverty runs everywhere so the story is the same. So I started to think and (had) a better understanding of what it means to be in the hard-toreach areas.

CEO of Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu Foundation, Kemi Sokenu-Morris.

Third on the left , Sokenu-Morris, Sir Kessington Adebutu, Founder Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu Foundation , Oba Ogunwusi surrounded by other dignitaries at the Commissioning of OOA Foundation in 2016

which focuses on the Goal 11 of the SDGs – make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Speaking further on that, Kemi says: “Am I a construction worker? No. Am I a policy maker? No. Am I in urban and planning development? No. But the point is we all have to be a part of that if we really want to see the country change. Nigeria is awesome; we’re great. It takes us to continue to make it better.

“Right now, our goal is to be able to tick all the boxes of the SDGs.” Kemi’s passion for children isn’t in doubt.

It’s what she’s lived for and she keeps dreaming big in that direction. Besides, there’s something about the future of OOAF that excites her.

“The future of the foundation is overwhelming in a good way. I want to say that because – again – the kids! Now we have

women we support, we have young boys and girls we support. The foundation has about three arms in terms of its deliverables. Other than orphans and vulnerable children that we look after, and that takes all the goals in terms of education, empowerment, physic and social support, stigma reduction and etc.,” the OOAF boss explains.

Kemi is no stranger to a bouquet of vulnerable needs and reveals that the activities of the OOA foundation aren’t particularly region-specific.

“These kids are kids that I’ve been working with even before I started working with OOA foundation. I was working with them and I was working with Uplift Foundation (Ogun State’s former first lady’s organization). We started in the South-West. Of course, we are in all the states. But the OVCs are particularly in Ogun

state and the northeast. These are the OVC’s.

Our youth are mainly in Lagos State mainly and uh, the women are really everywhere we get them,” she clarifies.

Kemi’s pragmatic approach is often well accentuated by her ability to dream big and little wonder she believes OOA foundation’s selfless activities aren’t without their economic gains. “Yes, the economic benefits are priceless.

I can’t even say it’s this amount of naira,” Kemi reveals. “Like I said, six of our OVCs were best in their studies and they’ve got scholarships to a private boarding school. They never thought it would happen. If three of them could and I know that all six would, but even if I just have one that becomes great, we’ve won.”

OOA’s interventions in attaining the SDG goal of poverty reduction have, however, created interesting challenges.

“In our host communities, people were seeing the impact with the children and the mothers, the fathers and the youths or siblings of these children and they felt left out. And they’d ask us: What about us?

“I thought we needed to show our host communities that we’re grateful to you for embracing us.”

To do that, OOA foundation this year, organized a medical mission which Kemi says takes place every term – every three months because of the kids. Initially, it was once a year.

“We also have our donors – some of our donors when they want to celebrate their birthday do so with the children,” Kemi reveals further. “Their friends come and their friends are often amazed.”

On December 7, the foundation organized a medical mission with local and foreign doctors as volunteers. About 600 people were provided with care during the event. Ogun state also donated eyeglasses.

“We also unveiled this new serenity centre.

Now, the serenity centre is not an orphanage because we realized it’s more important for us to build the communities where these children live. So came up the building of the Caroline Oladunni Adebutu Serenity Centre which contains warehouses, a training institute, safe house, petty zoo, farmland, etc. It’s not just for orphans or vulnerable, it’s for everyone who may be involved in one emergency or the other.

So that was the third initiative that we carried out this year,” says Kemi.

That’s not all. The OOA foundation has partnered Petrolex Oil and Gas – fittingly so because Kemi serves as the head of the firm’s corporate responsibility and impact investment – to bring together communities that surround the company’s facility by providing various opportunities for the locals.

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I Derive Pleasure from Philanthropy Chairman of Nepal Oil and Gas Limited, Elder Ekeoma Eme Ekeoma, one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humble yet wealthy Christian entrepreneurs has defied conventional wisdom about Christian tycoons. Motivated by Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; radical teaching on money, Ekeoma gives generously. Blessed beyond measure, he has in the last three years, committed himself to evangelism, donating millions of naira in philanthropy every year to education, prison visits, with the aim of providing succour, employment, and regeneration in areas of high deprivation. Adedayo Adejobi, who attended his newfound passionBelievers Fellowshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third anniversary, writes

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ike any church celebrating an anniversary, last weekend no doubt marked a watershed in the annals of the life of the Chairman of Nepal Oil and Gas, Elder Ekeoma Eme Ekeoma and his wife of inestimable value, Barrister Ngozi Ekeoma, as they hosted friends, wellwishers, and congregants at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, to an evening of thanksgiving, dance, music, and soiree on the occasion of the third year anniversary of their bi-monthly gathering, the Believers Fellowship.

Speaking on the unique essence of the celebration and milestones achieved, Elder Ekeoma said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Believers Fellowship is the brainchild of

the entrepreneur as instructed

by God, to prepare humanity for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Believers Fellowship was birthed in 2016 and it is a nondenominational fellowship that meets every fortnight. But today marks the end of our fellowship year and third anniversary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For these reasons and more, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve deemed it appropriate to come together to worship God in praises and in thanksgiving.

And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we have done today. My prayer is that in January when the first fellowship for the year would begin, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m believing God that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll give us a massive increase of believers coming together in praises and thanksgiving to God.â&#x20AC;?

According to him, the end time is â&#x20AC;&#x153;hereâ&#x20AC;? and God specifically made a demand that he should start the fellowship for believers

Ekeoma

within the Island region, to worship God and remind themselves that the end is very near. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the most important message in the Christian calendar,â&#x20AC;? added the Nepal Oil chairman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If at the end of time, you gain the

world and lose your soul to sin, it would have been better not to have been born. The fellowship strives to sensitize Christians, lost souls and encourage believers on the journey to life in eternity.â&#x20AC;?

Unlike his peers who would have taken to the idea of making

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The Ekeomas surrounded by friends and family

the fellowship a business concern by establishing a fulltime church with branches locally and abroad, Elder Ekeoma has done the opposite.

Ekeoma is not given to such mundane and unbiblical pursuits. He is rather consumed with preparing the saints for eternity.

“We call it a fellowship. I don’t have the mandate to begin a church,” he admitted. “The mandate is to remind believers and members of the body of Christ that the end time is very near and that is exactly what I have done, and that’s why we have different denominations coming to fellowship with God

and one another.”

Taking his exhortation from Psalm 90:12, he urged all to come closer to Christ and be saved. Like the Israelite prophet, Elijah, Elder Ekeoma also made a couple of positive declarations and prophecies.

Speaking about the gathering, a pastor at the fellowship, Elder Joshua Okorie, said: “We wanted to make it more than a time of pure nostalgia and thanksgiving to God for the year spent and the New Year ahead. We wanted to make our Fellowship third year anniversary a starting point for the future, both on an individual basis and as a

fellowship.”

Another member of the fellowship, Pastor Akinpelu Akinlabi, noted, “Like farmers who appreciate what their crops have yielded, despite hail and disease, Believers Fellowship has overcome many obstacles.

It’s a season to celebrate our third anniversary and a season to celebrate a faithful God.” Having been “blessed beyond measure”, Ek e o m a , a committed evangelical Christian believes that with the blessing comes a re s p o n s i b i l i t y. D o n a t i n g m i l l i o n s o f n a i r a e a c h y e a r, Ekeoma has funded the building of schools.

He is one of Nigeria’s richest Christian e n t re p re n e u r s a n d h a s defied the conventional wisdom about Christian tycoons: He doesn’t hail f ro m t h e P e rsian Gulf, he didn’t make his money in petroleum alone, and he definitely doesn’t wear his faith on his sleeve. Motivated

by Jesus’ radical teaching on money, Ekeoma gives generously.

“He’s an icon. He shows that excellence has no caste and no creed and that if one has excellence, one can make it to the top,” says Jaiye Ayeni.

A role model like Ekeoma might seem to be what Nigerian Christians need.

Though the country’s

economy is growing at 9% annually, the vast majority of Nigeria’s estimated 200 million remain socially marginalized, badly educated and mired in deep poverty. They are left out of the social transformation that is propelling millions of their compatriots into prosperity.

Ekeoma’s enormous wealth is indeed inspiring.

He’s unapologetic about his religious roots and embraces Christian faith and causes in a nation where some rich Christians don’t want to be publicly identified by their religion.

Elder Ekeoma bristles impatiently when the plight of the broader Nigerian populace is cited.

Unlike many who set up non-governmental organizations to dispense their philanthropic initiatives, Ekeoma’s philanthropy is dispensed through his ministry, the Believers Fellowship, a bimonthly praise-worship, prayer, and word event gathering.

“I get pleasure from it,” he acknowledged.

“I love it,” Ekeoma added. “I don’t feel like it is an obligation.”

There’s a long tradition of the super-rich giving away the store to make life better for the less fortunate.

Ekeoma is one of the few such ones and the causes to which he gives are medical and prison charity, health initiatives educational programmes.

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GAVEL Amotekun: Putting the N’Assembly on the Spot

Editor: Olawale Olaleye

SMS:08116759819 email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com

The controversy associated with the recent launch of Operation Amotekun, Western Nigeria Security Network by South-west governors, has brought to the fore the need for the National Assembly to revisit the clamour for a multi-level policing, reports Deji Elumoye

S

ave for the cooperation and assistance of the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the various state commands of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) would have been bare for lack of equipment and other logistics to carry out their daily routine of securing lives and property.

It was the state governments that long before now took it upon themselves to equip the state police commands with vehicles, motorbikes, among other equipment for the police officers and men to function effectively.

This move, which started over 20 years ago before the nation returned to democratic rule in 1999, had led to a couple of security outfits like ‘Operation Sweep, Operation Thunder’ etc being set up by the state governments to combat the rising wave of crimes in their states.

Over time, some state governments observed that more security apparatus needed to be put in place and this informed the setting up of Hisbah security outfit in Kano, which for sometime now, has complemented the efforts of the police in combatting crime in Kano State without generating any outcry.

However, the move penultimate, Thursday by the Southwest region to institute its security outfit, Western Nigeria Security Network, nicknamed Operation Amotekun, was met with hues and cries with theAttorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, declaring it illegal.

The position of the federal government has, however, not dampened the spirit behind the formation of the security outfit as the six Southwest governments insisted on going ahead with the security initiative to address the mounting security challenges of banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, etc in the geo-political zone.

Various groups and individuals including Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, as well as the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum had also risen in unison to support the establishment of Amotekun in the Southwest and chastised the federal government for declaring the security outfit illegal.

Afenifere was quick to advise the six Southwest states to ignore federal government’s declaration of its new security initiative as illegal.

Its spokesman, Yinka Odumakin asked the governors of the Southwest states to disregard Malami’s statement and go ahead with proper security arrangements for the zone.

He, however, said the federal government if not satisfied with the zone’s security arrangement was at liberty to go to court to challenge it.

“The Governors should ignore him and let him proceed to court if he has anything against their action,” wondering if “Malami is now a court of law to declare the action of elected governors illegal? These people are taking it too far and not hiding the fact that they endorse the insecurity we face in Yoruba land”.

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) also condemned in strong terms, Malami’s declaration of Amotekun as illegal.

The Forum, in a statement jointly signed by Yinka Odumakin, CRU Iherike, Senator Bassey Henshaw and Dr Isuwa Dogo for Southwest, Southeast, South-south and Middle Belt respectively, described Malami’s action as an abuse of office to suppress the rights of federating units to secure themselves, “and in furtherance of the widely – held suspicion that sections of the country are deliberately being rendered vulnerable for herdsmen and other criminals by the federal government.”

The forum further advised the Southwest governors to ignore Malami “and allow him

One of the operational vehicles of Amotekun to go to court to challenge their decision, as he cannot constitute himself a court over elected governors. We are not under military rule.

“We insist that what the governors have done is what individuals and neighborhoods can legally do to secure their lives and property.

The right to preserve your life cannot be under any exclusive list other than the list of those who have no value for human lives. The ultra vires action of the AGF has further exposed Nigeria as a country under command and control and governed by a conquest mentality.

“We ask Malami to tell us what makes Amotekun illegal and Hisbah legal. He should further explain to us what makes Civilian JTF legal in the North East, where there is war and in Zamfara and Katina and Kano, where there is no war, while Amotekun is his only illegal take. This is a defining moment to decide if we are under segregation and different laws in the country”.

Others in reaction to the launch of the security outfit also renewed the call on the federal government to hasten the establishment of state police to curb the insecurity situation in the country.

One of such calls came from a member of the NationalAssembly, Senator OlamilekanAdeola, who canvassed for the establishment of state police in the wake of the controversy generated over the recent establishment of Amotekun. He called on the Federal Government to immediately set in motion machinery for the establishment of state police as a way of allaying fears and concerns in some quarters about a “regional security force”.

Senator Adeola, representing Lagos West, urged the Federal Government to in no time set administrative and legislative apparatus in motion for the realisation of state police through a fast-tracked constitutional amendment, “as the alternatives, in face of continuing insecurity, may be the resort to self-help by citizens or the launching of varieties of ‘Amotekuns’ by geopolitical zones.”

According to him, the establishment of

Senate President Lawan state police is the only acceptable way to stop ‘Amotekun’ and other similar bodies already in operation and others in the offing following security challenges facing various parts of the nation.

This brings to the fore the urgent need for the National Assembly to revisit the issue of amending the constitution to create room for the creation of state police. The idea was mooted in the Eighth Assembly but a lot of forces worked against its passage then.

As at now, Article 45 in the second schedule of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gave exclusive authority to the Police and other federal government security services established by law to maintain law and order.

This particular aspect needs to be amended to allow for the creation of state police.

At the Eighth Assembly, former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, came up with a bill for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to allow for the creation of states and community police.

Ekweremadu, who also doubled as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, in the bill had sought to admit Nigeria into the league of countries operating state and community police system like United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Mexico, India, Germany, Canada, Brazil and Australia.

He had then expressed optimism that with the Bill titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2018” passing through the first reading: “I am sure that as soon as possible, we will take the second reading and probably send it for public hearing through the committee so that we fast-track it as directed by the Senate.”

This, however, was not to be as the bill never went beyond that stage in the Eighth Assembly.

With the latest development in the country, it will not be out of place if Senator Ekweremadu and other Senators of like minds re-introduce the state police bill.

It is very glaring now that some Senators as well as members of the House of Representatives will be willing this time to give their backing to the bill, which may be the only way out of the security challenges being faced across the country.

With the NationalAssembly resuming plenary next Tuesday after a long Christmas break – the leadership of the two chambers should give the issue of the creation of state police the priority it deserves.

Just as Senate PresidentAhmad Lawan hinted late last year that Electoral Reforms and passage of Petroleum Industry Bill would be the priority of the Senate in year 2020, he, along with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, should also include the passage of the bill for the creation of state police as another priority of the Assembly this year.

ARTS & REVIEW A

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CHUKWUEMEKA IKE...

NO MORE TOADS FOR SUPPER

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

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NO MORETOADS FOR SUPPER...FOR CHUKWUEMEKA IKE First-generation prolific Nigerian novelist Chukwuemeka Ike, who died on Thursday, January 8, is fondly remembered by the literary community for his landmark creative offerings. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports

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ould something about his poise have elicited so much awe?

When Indian-born Professor Kanchana Ugbabe described Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike as a “gentle giant”, she had intended the words to be understood not only metaphorically, but also literally.

The University of Jos-based professor did indeed specifically allude to both the author’s impressive literary stature and his imposing physique as well as his calm, cool and collected mien. This was while she was delivering a keynote address at the Authors’ Forum, organised in 2015 by the University Press in Ibadan as one of the nationwide events commemorating the 50 years of the author’s literary odyssey since he wrote Toads for Supper. First, there was a literary fiesta, featuring drama, music and prose presentations at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Then, Learn Africa held a Jubilee Book Programme in his honour at the Nigerian International Book Fair, held at the University of Lagos.

Ugbabe had also in her address regaled the audience with the impression the Indian poet, novelist and short-story writer Lakshmi Kannan had of Professor Ike when the duo met at the International Writing Programme held in 1987 at the U. S. city of Iowa. Ike, she quoted Kannan as saying, “paraded with dignity, holding his head high unmindful of the petty goings-on in the jungle”, much like a “black panther”.

According to Ugbabe, Kannan had not only talked about Ike as “soft-spoken, his voice low and well-bred, his language bearing an unmistakable stamp of refinement and culture”, but also as “incredibly modest” and with “a natural inclination to respect the person he was speaking to.”

Perhaps, it was this placid disposition that helped Ike survive the emotional upheaval that assailed him when his only son, Osita, died towards the end of 2016. A little more than three years later, the first generation Nigerian novelist would also breathe his last a few months to his 89th birthday. This was on Thursday, January 8 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in the Anambra State industrial town Nnewi.

Expectedly, an outpouring of tributes from the literary community trailed his demise. For he was indeed a leading firstgeneration Nigerian writer, who Sentinel Literary Quarterly said had “produced more novels than many of his contemporaries.”

Yet, the publication of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart in 1958 was the prodding he needed to become a novelist. It took another seven years for his first novel Toads for Supper to be published in 1965. This was after several rejections by publishers. He had since written other works like Toads Forever, The Naked Gods, The Potter’s Wheel, The Chicken Chasers, Sunset at Dawn, Conspiracy of Silence, The Search, The Bottled Leopard, Our Children Are Coming and Expo ’77.

He had, besides, published an instructional book, titled How to Become a Published Writer and founded The Nigerian Book Foundation, in a bid to advance the cause of literature, creative writing and literacy in Nigeria. These latter endeavours attested to his interest in grooming young writers and fostering a book reading culture in the larger society.

Even before the publication of his first

novel, Ike once told Sentinel Literary Quarterly of October 2008 that he wrote short stories because none of his contemporaries believed they could write novels. The novels they used to read in those days were written by British authors. Hence he said: “What actually made me feel that the time had come for me to attempt writing a novel was when my friend, Chinua Achebe, published hisThings Fall Apart in 1958.

We were friends during our secondary school days, university days and even after graduation.

The fact that he could do it encouraged me to start a novel. Things Fall Apart inspired me.

And by 1962, I had completed a novel, which I titled, ' Toads for Supper.' But it took some times of rejection before it was eventually published in 1965.”

The novel, Toads for Supper, which was published by Longman, is an engaging novel set in the fictitious University of Southern Nigeria.

Laced with humour, it delves into the issues that confront lovers and couples from different ethnic backgrounds in Nigeria. Its plot is woven around the main characters: a first-year history student of the university, Amadi Chukwuka; his campus friend and second-year history student, Chima; a Yoruba-speaking female undergraduate of the same university, Aduke Olowu; a semi-educated Lagos street girl, Sweetie M. Akpore and Nwakaego Ikwuaju, a girl from his village Ezinkwo in the Igbo-speaking southeastern Nigeria who was betrothed to him from childhood years.

Amadi’s desperate bid to woo Aduke’s love triggers off a series of events that spiral to a tragic conclusion of the novel’s comic storyline. Ironically, Ike was able to surmount the challenges of inter-ethnic relationships and marriages he described in the novel with his marriage to a Yoruba woman. “A perceptive reader of the novel might go away concluding that the author supports inter-ethnic marriage prohibition,” a Lagos-based cultural activist and brand management consultant Ernie Onwumere writes. “His personal marital life contradicts that assumption.”

Unresolved issues in Toads for Supper were later addressed in a sequel titled Toads Forever, published in 2008. “To resolve some of the issues, I have recently published a sequel to the novel,” he told Sentinel Literary Quarterly of October 2008. “People from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya etc. have been pressurising me over the years, so I have now tried to resolve the issues.

It is titled Toads Forever and published by Longman. You will find that the end is different.

In the novel, I tried to stress the fact that ethnicity should not be allowed to ruin this country. There is nothing wrong with an Igbo person befriending a Hausa person or even marry each other, in case of the male-female relationship. That is the main message in the novel.” In response to the accusation that his novels are obsessed with the past rather than focus on the present social realities, he told the publication: “Some issues are timeless. But, I've also written novels that do not follow that pattern, novels that are written for the period in which they are published.” One of such novels, he explained was Conspiracy of Silence, which – published in 2001 – dwelt on the social consequences of estranged, illegitimate, fatherless children born out of wedlock and incest.

Then, there was also his only detective novel, Expo ’77, which was based on his experience as the head of the West African Examination Council (known by its acronym WAEC). He wanted, through the novel, to draw attention to the fact that the problem of examination malpractices was an environmental one rather than one that

Ike could be fought in isolation.

Perhaps, Sunset at Dawn, which documents his eyewitness experience of the horrors of the Nigerian Civil War and The Search – an exposé on the Nigerian society’s endless search for solutions to issues bordering on military coups, corruption, ineptitude, neo-colonialism and ethnicity – also qualified as novels, which focus on the present social realities.

The late patriarch of Nigerian literature, having served as the WAEC registrar, became the first Nigerian registrar of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. After the Nigerian Civil War, he concurrently served as both the pro-chancellor and then vice-chancellor as the chairman of the university’s management committee for 18 months. Later, after a stint as a professor of English Literature at the University of Jos, he also became the pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Benin.

Ike, who studied history, English and religious studies at the University of Ibadan

and had a master’s degree from the Stanford University in the U.S., was also the traditional ruler of his native Ndikelionwu, which is an Aro settlement in Anambra State. He held the title Ikelionwu XI until his death.

In a condolence message to his family and the people of Ndikelionwu, the Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano described him as one of the state’s greatest assets and totems of excellence, adding the state “shall find strength and consolation in his examplary life and the legacies he left for mankind through his literary works and stellar contributions to the traditional institution in Anambra state.”

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday, the President condoled with family, friends and associates of the traditional ruler.

Similarly, President Buhari said in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adeshina, that the late author will always be remembered for his exceptional creativity in communicating wisdom in simple ways through his books.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž JANUARY 19,2020

ARTS & REVIEW\\MUSIC

STRONGER MINDS WITH IRIE VIBES Yinka Olatunbosun

T

he CEO Shimmers Production Services, Lucia Ikediashi is a big fan of reggae music and even a bigger fan of her late mother whom she lost to cancer about eleven years ago. To immortalise her, Lucia organises reggae sessions that serve as a support system for women who get free test on the spot.

Medical tests are often dreaded for the fear of the unknown and music has proved to be one of the best known forms of escapism in troubling times. With this knowledge, Lucia and her friend, Omotola Ibeh, the CEO, 09.16 Enterprises set up the Irie Vibes Fest which she was very excited to talk about. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Irie Vibes Fest is a reggae show that we use to create awareness for cervical cancer. We do free screenings once a year,â&#x20AC;? she revealed at a brief encounter with her at the Lagos Fringe, held at Freedom Park, Lagos.

Apart from using reggae for health advocacy, Lucia said that Irie Vibes had been designed to change the perception of people towards reggae music. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some people think reggae is for the riff-raffs and drug addicts. But reggae music is conscious music; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a religious music. That's exactly what we are doing.

We have had pool parties, Halloween parties and other parties where people can relax and enjoy good music. Reggae Nation is one of our numerous partners and it is a movement,â&#x20AC;? she declared.

Another reason why many shy away from the test is the cost. Lucia urged the public to embrace it because early

CEO, Shimmers Production Services, Lucia Ikediashi; Culture Activist, Jahman Anikulapo and CEO, 09.16 Enterprises, Omotola Ibeh detection is crucial to finding solutions to most health challenges. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These tests are very expensive. Another reason is that many women are not treated properly when they go to the hospital.

Most health care givers are not compassionate when in touch with patients. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have passion for what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing, you cannot be sensitive to the needs of your patients. A lot of people who go to the hospital for tests need advice and love.

The results can cause psychological damage. They need someone to tell them that they are going to be fine. Self-medication is not proper. We are doing this solely for charity. And we have been at it for years,â&#x20AC;? she revealed.

Irie Vibes Fest takes place every year at the Freedom Park, Lagos on May 11 in memory of Bob Marley but this year, Irie Vibes will hold on Friday May 9. All-year round, festival directors and fun-spots

managers seek partnership with Irie Vibes to spread the reggae fever.

The show has featured reggae artists that have performed such as Oge Kimono and Xtacy alongside visual artists such as Bolaji Alonge, Toju Clarke, Kokwe Yebovi, Da Silva Adulphina Imuede, Doris Komla amongst others.

Irie Vibes Fest is produced by Shimmers Productions Services and 09.16 Enterprises.

BOOK REVIEW

A Boost to Legitimate Enterprises Reviewer: Professor J. U. J. Onwumere

T

his book, ably written by Sir Paschal I. P. Okolie (JP), FCNA, FCTI, D. FIPFM (London), makes an interesting reading. It is a compendium, as aptly titled, of his memoirs on financial literacy, deriving from a series of inputs he made on radio programmes anchored by Mrs. Ngozi Eboh of Coal City FM, Enugu, and Charity Nwododo of Enugu State Broadcasting Service.

The book is structured into 12 chapters covering (1) Money management skills (2) Savings and investments (3) Cash investment opportunities as means of ensuring financial security in a dwindling economy (4) Tips on increasing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sources of income (5) The attitude of an entrepreneur (6) Accounting information (7) Decision-making in business (8) Goodwill in business (9) Tips for New Year planning (10) Christmas and charity (11) Nigeria at 58: advice to the youth, and (12) Economic rehabilitation through entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

In all these chapters, the author strives to highlight the significance of being literate in money and financial matters for survival and growth by individuals, organizations and, inadvertently, though silently implied, by governments and allied institutions. The book is analytical and advisory, simplifying financial matters in the process.

Money is critical to any activity. In fact, there is hardly any activity in which money does not play a role -- directly, indirectly or tangentially. Money and financial resources have, therefore, to be managed (and well managed).

The starting point is to have a good understanding of money. The author anchors discussion of money management skills on the saying that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the greatest problem facing man is being able to conceive an idea because once you conceive the idea and honestly believe in it, you must likely achieve itâ&#x20AC;?. Yes, it is through dreams that we have visions, no matter the type, but positive visions are the authorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preference.

Essential ingredients of money manage-

ment skills identified by the author include: ability to dream (visioning), goal and target setting, planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring/ adjustment.

For those already employed or doing business or engaged in any legal activity, the savings habit must be inculcated and applied. Saving is part of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income set aside after provisioning for disposables.

It is the net income most often used for investment or in part for emergencies (generally for use in future). The book lays emphasis on acquisition of savings skills in order to invest and earn more income.

Though investment is important, its two types are critically discernable, viz: investment on consumption and investment on productive ventures (assets). There is even investment on liabilities.

The benefits of financial security which are emphasized in the book are enormous.

Financial security is defined by the author as entailing â&#x20AC;&#x153;the state of having peace of mind resulting from the feeling that oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income would be enough to cover oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expenses. It happens more when one has enough money in savings and investments to cover emergences and other emerging and future financial needsâ&#x20AC;?.

The author provides a number of principles to be adhered to in order to be secured financially.

In view of increasing instability in our economic and social environment, it has become imperative that oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income sources should be diversified. The author provides 14 tips on how this can be achieved. Tips are also provided on how to cut or trim down expenses, unnecessary and avoidable expenses.

This book is a wonderful piece in advocacy.

It advocates engagement in legitimate enterprises and ventures in order to be financially viable and secure. The issue of legitimacy in making money is more apt today than ever before. By the way, one may ask, what is meant by legitimate venture? My laymanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definition of legitimacy has to do with legality. Legitimate

p , therefore, is one recognized as enterprise, legal by the constitution of the country. Activities of performers or undertakers are not offensive to other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensibilities and do not contravene the laws of the land. To a large extent, such activities are morally based. I know that some ventures may b legitimate without being be moral. We must, however, strive at all times to ensure that legality and morality are on the same page of goodness.

Though these border on semantics and also on morality, the point here is that the author advocates engagement in legal concerns or activities.

Our national economy today is in a precarious state, though attempts are being made to diversify it away from oil and create opportunities for the wellbeing of all. Still, the majority of the citizens are poor, living below $1 (one United States of America dollar) per day. The level of dependence on those meaningfully engaged in activities is equally high. The precarious situation we are in today creates challenges and opportunities. This book provides the critical financial knowledge to propel one into tapping from the emerging opportunities.

Those already engaged in industry, private and public sectors of the economy should be conscious of goodwill. Incidentally, in life, goodwill derives largely from oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation and brand. Everybody has a brand. Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand can be that of a positive achiever, a good person creating goodwill that opens doors. At the same time, the brand could be such that is detrimental to goodwill and good conscience.

Stealing, notwithstanding whatever coloration it is given, bribery etc. create bad brands. The book emphasizes goodwill in business and all activities.

All in all, why this book? Why the book? I recommend it to all in private and public life; in fact to anybody who sees money or feels money or touches money or uses money. What major takeaways can guide us in deciding to have a copy of this book? These include having perspective in understanding the following: r .POFZ BOE JUT GVODUJPOBM SFMBUJPOT JO UIF

affairs of men r 1FSTPOBM WJTJPOJOH r #VEHFUJOH QFSTPOBM PSHBOJ[BUJPOBM BOE state budgeting) r 4BWJOHT 8IZ XF NVTU JODVMDBUF UIF habit of saving, no matter how little r 'JOBODJBM TFDVSJUZ 8IZ JUT RVFTU JT OFDFTsary for oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survival and growth r *OWFTUNFOU PQQPSUVOJUJFT 8IFSF UP HP and how r %FCU Ă OBODJOH m IPX UP FYQMPJU FYJTUJOH opportunities (private and public debts) r .BOBHJOH POF T FYQFDUBUJPOT EBOHFST of credit purchasing, spending for selfaggrandizement, etc.) r &OUSFQSFOFVSTIJQ BOE JUT SBNJĂ DBUJPOT We have to be entrepreneurs one way or the other r 5IF OFFE UP EJWFSTJGZ POF T JODPNF sources and how r "DDPVOUJOH JOGPSNBUJPO BOE JUT OFDFTTJUZ Small business survival with or without certified accountants r )PX UP UBLF EFDJTJPOT BOE NBOBHF businesses r 5IF WFSZ OFDFTTJUZ PG HPPEXJMM JO BDUJWJUJFT m QSJWBUF BOE QVCMJD r 1MBOOJOH GPS POF T TVSWJWBM QSF retirement from private or public service r 4FBTPOBM DFMFCSBUJPOT BOE UIFJS JNQMJDBtions r 5IF ZPVUIT BDRVJTJUJPO PG FOUSFQSFOFVSship skills and engagement in entrepreneurship activities r #VTJOFTT TPDJBM SFTQPOTJCJMJUZ r (JWJOH UP DIBSJUZ r 4VSWJWJOH JO UVSCVMFOU BOE WPMBUJMF socio-economic environment The author deserves commendation by all of us, more so when one considers his enormous responsibilities as the AccountantGeneral of Enugu and that he still carves out time to contribute to society in other ways.

We recall that it was Francis Bacon who wrote (bearing in mind the educated and the intellectual environment) that while conference maketh a ready man, writing maketh a complete man.

The book and its author (this â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;complete manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) must be appreciated and supported. mmOnwumere is a professor of banking/ ďŹ nance and economic development, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

76

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ČɁʍɨƺljӖ KȈK Ąljɰljƃɨƺȃ

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

CICERO

Editor:Olawale Olaleye Email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819

IN THE ARENA

IsHopeUzodinmatheChange Imo Seeks?

With a controversial antecedent, is Senator Hope Uzodinma the change Imo seeks? Amby Uneze asks

I

mo People were somewhat disorganised as soon as they heard the news from the Supreme Court in Abuja, sacking Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor of the state and declaring the immediate swearing-in of Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2019 governorship election in the state.

The people were taken aback, because there was no inclination to enthrone a new governor as at January 14, 2020 since the people were already enjoying the foundation for good governance from Ihedioha, who was sworn in on May 29, 2019 that was targeted at rebuilding the state.

Uzodinma as the beneficiary of what people now refer to as “Abuja Connection” based on the Apex Court ruling is not new in both politics and court matters over time.

He is a politician, who was elected Senator for the Orlu (Imo West) constituency of Imo State, in the April 2011 federal elections.

He ran on the PDP platform.

His election was challenged on the grounds that he was not the valid PDP candidate, but on 5th May 2011, the Supreme Court declared that his election was valid.

On Tuesday 14th January 2020, Nigeria’s Supreme Court had also declared him winner of the April 2019 Gubernatorial elections in Imo Uzodinma disembarking from a plane during the campaigns State, thereby sacking the incumbent governor, ship election but also lost at the primary poll to Ihedioha, who had been in office for over 7 Araraume. Uzodinma, who was later appointed months. a PDP board of trustees (BoT) member, was Uzodimma had gone to court to challenge first elected into the senate in 2011. He was the election of Ihedioha and asked that they re-elected in 2015. make him the duly elected governor despite Before 2000, Uzodinma was the youth leader coming 4th in the elections with azero assembly of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) member, citing irregularities and the unlawful in Imo in the Second Republic. He was also a cancellation of his votes from several polling prominent member of the now defunct United units that came from areas considered his Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP). stronghold.

He obtained his secondary school certificate But the State election tribunal ruled in from Mgbidi Secondary School, Oru West in favour of Ihedioha, prompting him to head to 1982. Uzodinma claimed he has a bachelor’s the appeal court, which in turn upheld the decidegree in international studies and a diploma in sion of the tribunal. Not deterred, he headed to transport studies. He is also a recipient of honthe apex court, which gave the judgment that doctorate from the Imo State University. has since generated a heated debate, both in the orary Uzodinma, while unveiling his five-point news and on the social media. agenda ahead of the governorship election in The controversy nature of the judgment 2019 in Owerri, accused Okorocha of bastardisderived form the fact that he came a distant 4th the economy of the state. position in the elections, behind Ihedioha of the ingHe said as governor, his administration PDP, Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance (AA) would be committed to the recovery, reconstrucand Ifeanyi Araraume of the All Progressives tion and rehabilitation of the state.

Grand Alliance (APGA).

“Today, I presented my manifesto to the good It suffices to say Uzodinma’s political jourpeople of Imo State. I thank every person, who ney became prominent in the early 2000s as a made an effort to join. The manifesto highlights PDP member. In 2003, he ran for governor of 5-point blueprint agenda for the economic the state on the ticket of Alliance for Democracy my survival in our dear state.

(AD) but did not win.

“Under my leadership as governor, our He returned to the PDP and in 2006, sought administration shall be purpose-driven and the ticket of the party to contest the governoranchored on the following 3 Rs – Recovery,

Reconstruction and Rehabilitation.

“In a democracy, power belongs to the people and not the other way round. Government is not instituted to deride the people but to protect their fundamental rights. I pledge that we shall be responsible and accountable to the people of Imo State,” he said.

Uzodinma is seen by his numerous admirers as a gifted leader and humble, with passion for the development of Orlu zone in particular and Imo State in general.

In all of his activities and interactions with the public, he has proved himself a person to be admired, imbued with wisdom and knowledge and in touch with the political dynamics of the country. His romance with the powers-that-be in the nation makes it easy for him to be part of the national politics.

He is knowledgeable and insightful, not only by virtue of his education, but because of his natural disposition. The ‘Onwa Oyoko’, as fondly referred to by his admirers, has endeared him to the Imo people and the people of Orlu zone in particular through his generous disposition to his fellow men.

A humanitarian to the core, Uzodinma derives joy in helping those who are in need, be they rich or poor, and does not discriminate against anyone on reason of class or creed. But whether or not he is the change that Imo truly seeks is in the belly of time.

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

Hannan Buhari and Presidential Privileges

T

Hannan

he news of one of President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughters, Hannan, who flew into Bauchi State last week in a presidential jet for a photo session during a special Durbar organised for her by the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu, topped the chart.

Debate arising from the development was in two parts. One, of rights and privileges and two, of morality, which sculpted the standing of her father as one with not just integrity, but also feigns to lead Spartan lifestyle.

Although renowned legal luminaries had

spoken on the development and strongly condemned the sheer waste of taxpayers’ money on one of the first daughters as totally amoral and completely antithetical to all that the father claims to stand for.

It is bad enough that Hannan was in Bauchi in a presidential plane for a personal assignment, the Durbar was also specially organised for her as against seizing the opportunity of any occasion at all, as it ordinarily should have been.

A special Durbar for the president’s daughter in Bauchi, where poverty is recalcitrantly pervasive is insensitive and smacks of irresponsible leadership. It’s that simple!

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

78

BRIEFINGNOTES

Mbaka’s Prophetic Controversies On January 14, when the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on the matter between former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha and the new governor, Hope Uzodinma, another man except the two hugged the news for the reason of that judgment. That is Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka. David-Chyddy Eleke, in this piece, x-rays Mbaka’s prophecies and the recent one that threw up Uzodinma

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hen on the night preceding the New Year, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka, during his cross over night (a mass conducted to usher in the new year), stated that Senator Hope Uzodinma would be the next governor of Imo State, he was not taken seriously. Most Nigerians condemned his style of prophecies, describing it as mostly

political.

During the mass, Mbaka in a prophecy, had said, “Many things are going to happen in Nigeria this 2020 that will shock countrymen and countrywomen but all would be to God’s glory. In spite of all that would happen this 2020, there is hope. In Imo State, there is hope. Hope, hope, hope…hope in Imo State!

“Imo people have suffered (but) God is raising a new hope that would be an agent of salvation for them. He’s coming with a new flag to restore the dignity of that noble land.Anew leadership that will break barriers and there would be joy in the land of Imo. Mbaka added: “Lift your candles as I bless Hope Uzodinma; and I empower him to, spiritually, to take over. How? I do not know. Please, if you heard that there would be a new government in Imo and you don’t like the message.

“If I say Hope, you can say hopeless, but do not fight me. I am saying this in respect to those, who may want to come after me, because of the message. If you do that, the God of Moses, Elijah and Elisha will deal with you. I am only a messenger of God.” The man, Mbaka needs no introduction, at least in Nigeria, either in the religious or political circles. Even in sports and others, the man is a household name. He is a Catholic Priest of Enugu Dioceses, and the Spiritual director ofAdoration Ministries Enugu Mbaka...man of the moment Nigeria (AMEN).

Long before his prophecy on the ouster of Governor Ihedioha, that he had made several attempts to see Jonathan to no avail.

Mbaka has been used to controversies and has never been afraid When then First Lady, Patience Jonathan visited theAdoration of criticisms. He has many prophecies up his sleeve, a number of Ministry in Enugu, Mbaka reportedly rejected her offertory and gift, which came to past, and most others, which didn’t, but he is not the saying he would not associate with someone that God had rejected. type that owes you any apologies for his prophecies, as he believes “There is no one kobo of Jonathan or Mrs. Jonathan in my hand. that he heard from God and spoke His words to man. In fact, he said The Holy Spirit rejected all of them. When the saga was going on, recently after the Supreme Court fulfilled his prophecy in Imo that he I put my hands on the altar, swore an oath that if I ever touched had 39 more he had not revealed.

Jonathan’s one kobo, may he win the election and that if I never and Mbaka’s Many Prophecies I am being accused of it, he will fail the election…” Jonathan lost the Besides the removal Ihedioha, Mbaka had made other shocking election, and Mbaka’s popularity was renewed, coming from his prophecies, which didn’t look like they would come to pass, but failed prophecy on Nnamani. they did. Most others too had also not come to pass, but these set of Just as stated before, if Mbaka has made 100 prophecies, it can be prophecies have never received the kind of attention the ones that said that, perhaps, 50 per cent of it had come to pass, while the other came to pass received. half has also not. The celebration of his prophecies that came true has During the days of Chimaroke Nnamani, who was governor of always dwarfed the mention of those that never came to pass.

Enugu State between 1999 and 2007, for instance, the governor came In 2018, Mbaka had spoken against the plan by President Buhari against stiff opposition, but his opposition was not from other politifor a second term in 2019. Speaking on the eve of the New Year in cal parties in the state, but from a priest. That priest was Fr Mbaka.

2018, Fr. Mbaka told President Buhari not to consider seeking a The row between both men got to a head, and the priest raised second term in office. the alarm over alleged plan to assassinate him, by the governor.

He said, “As I was waiting on the Lord, I’m asked to advise you, Towards the end the first tenure of the governor, Mbaka was quoted don’t come out for second tenure; after this, retire peacefully. Come as prophesying that Nnamani would not get a second term. He had back to yourself or you will cry by the time you will be sent out of stated that the spirit of God had departed from Nnamani, and that office. Those who are encouraging you to come out and run again he would be disgraced out of office. want to disgrace you shamefully and publicly.”

The then governor did not only win a second term, but went Mbaka had also lamented about the suffering of the poor masses ahead to also win a seat in the Senate of the Federal Republic of in Nigeria, under Buhari. He warned the president not to contest, Nigeria after he completed his second term. but Buhari did not only contest, but won the election in 2019, albeit In what looked like a departure from that failed prophecy, in 2015, allegedly rigged.

Mbaka again prophesied that the Goodluck Jonathan-led adminBut in what looked like a recant, prior to the 2019 presidential elecistration would lose to theAll Progressives Congress candidate, tion, Mbaka rather supported Buhari againstAtikuAbubakar and Muhammadu Buhari. He was so critical of the Jonathan presidency his running mate, Mr Peter Obi, both of whom ran under the PDP.As that some people felt that the priest was aggrieved, because he stated if an open confrontation, Mbaka during the harvest thanksgiving of

his church called out Obi, a former governor ofAnambra State and asked that he donate to the church.

Obi, in his usual calmness, stated that he would prefer to donate anonymously without mentioning it, but Mbaka insisted he mentioned the amount. This snowballed into an open confrontation, which led to the same Mbaka, who had eulogised Obi and addressed him as ‘my brother’ chastising the vice presidential candidate of PDP and stated that his refusal to openly say what he would donate racked of stinginess.

Mbaka went ahead to pronounce that if Obi and his principal,Atiku continued to move in that direction (stinginess), they would end in ignominy as far as the election was concerned. The utterances of the priest led many to ask then if he was led by the spirit to say the things he did or by his own selfish desires, as if the prophecies were for sale.

Late Professor DoraAkunyili is also an example of one of Mbaka’s failed prophecies. The former NAFDAC boss had then resigned as the minister of Information and communication and was running to be the senator representingAnambra Central.

During the period of her campaigns,Akunyili of the All Progressives GrandAlliance (APGA), who was running against Dr. Chris Ngige of theAction Congress of Nigeria (ACN) had visited Mbaka at his adoration ground and was also assured of winning, after prayers, butAkunyili’s hope was dashed as Ngige sailed effortlessly to the Senate. No mention of the failure of that prophecy was heard anywhere afterwards What made this week’s prophecy of Uzodinma’s take over in Imo the talk of the Town was that the prophecy came to pass just days after it was made.

There have been lots of reactions to the fruition of the prophecy.

While many said the coming to pass of the prophecy has shown that Mbaka was a great man of God, others claimed that he might have been privy to privileged information and merely said what he had heard in the December 2019 prophecy, which predicted Uzodinma over Ihedioha.

Acolumnist with The Punch Newspaper, Mrs.Adelakun believed that Mbaka didn’t hear from God, while another social media commentator, Mr. Uchenna lashed out at Mbaka, saying what he calls prophecies were mere predictions, which could be made by anyone.

But as much as there were those who did not believe Mbaka, even many more others believed that Mbaka was no ordinary being, and that he couldn’t have spoken without hearing from God. One of such, Mr. BalaAdegbe said, “This prophecy has confirmed my belief about Mbaka. He is the greatest man of God now. If they like, let them believe; if they don’t, they will be surprised, when the wrath of God will come over them.”

However, as the controversy in the prophecy continues, Senator Hope uzodinma has already been sworn in and already carrying out his functions as governor. One other thing that is sure is that Mbaka has retained the confidence of a greater population of persons.

Avisit to his Holy GhostAdoration ministry in Enugu will tell anyone, who is still in doubt about his popularity. On a normal Friday, around the south Eastern states of Nigeria and even Southsouth and beyond, buses usually load passengers straight from all towns to the adoration centre, but with this, one can be sure that the size of the adoration centre; in landmass and population would be something else on its adoration days this year.

NOTES FOR FILE

It’s Time to Let Captain Okunbo Be!

Okunbo

There’s a willful mischief that’s been going on for a while now and it’s the fact that an oil magnate, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, had his eyes on the Edo State governorship and those peddling this wholesome lies had strategically fouled the turf with it, so much that the quiet and unassuming businessman had been put on the defensive at the risk of his expansive business interests.

The truth, however, is that Captain Okunbo has neither publicly nor privately confided in anyone that he has his eyes on Edo’s number one seat. Therefore, wherever the wicked rumour emanated from, could be said to be a well-calculated attempt aimed at damaging mischief and deliberately so.

For someone, who is friend to the incumbent governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki and brother to the former

governor of the state and National Chairman of the ruling APC, Adams Oshiomhole, if he had any interest in politics at all, it would be a conscious desire to see these two reconcile their differences in the collective interest of the state. Besides, he is generally known as an intentional peacemaker.

Captain Okunbo is a quiet, reserved and private individual, who enjoys his life more unnoticed than the undue attention the lies of an unfounded governorship ambition had wrought his way.

Even more disturbing is the potential danger that such destructive speculations pose to his businesses and their compliance agreements. Whoever has a problem with Captain Okunbo can seek to settle that without conjuring sheer lies, potent enough to harm his businesses. It’s that simple!

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Shall We Talk about the Civil War? Fifty years after, it’s about time the nation moved on from the pains of the civil war but not without addressing the injustices of the time, writes Ojo Maduekwe

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uccessive governments had suppressed every chance to have a conversation around the Nigerian civil war, meaning that for 50 years after the war ended, emotions were still bottled up.

Time after time, the emotions had been seen to spill out into tiny conflicts across the country, which the federal government continues to quell a lot of the time with the use of force. It didn’t help that the government, in keeping to the tradition of silence, scrapped the study of history from the Nigerian schools.

The refusal to have a national conversation around the war and learn from it has created a bouquet of discordant and biased narratives that continues to fuel tribal sentiments.

For example, in telling the story of the killings during the war, people only talk of the 3 million Igbos that were killed by federal forces, including children that starved to death. Mention is hardly made of the deaths recorded by the federal side, and the atrocities committed by the Biafran army. For proper perspective, a balanced narrative of the war must be encouraged.

It is this refusal to question the invisibility of the contraption called Nigeria that has seen this renewed tribal sentiments in recent years, from secessionist groups such as the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

Made up of Igbo from the Southeast extraction, and with membership in countries all over the world, IPOB clamours for a breakaway from Nigeria and form its own country to be known as the Republic of Biafra.

Typical of previous governments at the center, and more than the presidents before him, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to entertain any talk about the war; and worsening the situation by labeling IPOB – an armless group – a terrorist organisation.

Force and proscription had failed to address the perceived injustices that keep fueling the Biafra agitation, and many other ethnic clamours across Nigeria. Nicknamed by Nigerians as the “Divider-in-Chief”, President Buhari, through policies and appointments that are considered biased and in favour of his Fulani ethnic group, and Muslims from the northern region, continues to tilt the scale of public opinion in IPOB’s favour.

Aside the Igbo, there are Nigerians from the Southwest, South-south and North Central sub region of the country, who share the sentiments of IPOB, and feel that the administration of Buhari has widened Nigeria’s division, thus pushing for either a restructuring of the country or complete breakup of the federating units that make up Nigeria.

Calls for restructuring have assumed a much louder frequency today, and there’s never been a more potent action for it than the recent creation of the operation Amotekun, a Western Nigeria Security Network by the states of Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo and Ogun, to complement the security efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in checking crimes in the Southwest region.

That Amotekun was launched around the 50th anniversary of the civil war can be described as coincidental, however, it does not come as a surprise that federating states will take measures to secure themselves from the failures of a federal government that remains indisposed to having progressive conversations that could move Nigeria forward.

We’re All Biafrans

‘Let’s talk about the Civil War’ is more than a headline; it’s a call to action, one that many elder statesmen across Nigeria’s regions were once reluctant and unwilling to have, but have been clamouring for it in recent years.

In his 2016 highly acclaimed book, ‘We

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon in a handshake with leader of Biafra, Odimegwu Ojukwu in Aburi, Ghana, for an accord that changed the fate of Nigeria for good

Nigerians fleeing their homes in the heat of the war Are All Biafrans: A Participant Observer’s Intervention in a Country Sleepwalking to Disaster’, author Chido Onumah compiles this call to action into different questions bordering on “What is Nigeria?”, “Who is a Nigerian?”, “If Nigeria is a federal republic, what constitutes or should constitute the federating units?”

The failure of the Buhari government to reprimand AK-47 wielding Fulani herdsmen for encroaching into farmlands in the Southwest; as well as the killings, raping and kidnapping of indigenes of the region by the herdsmen, deepened the doubts of the Yoruba people concerning their position in Nigeria, and was a major factor that instigated the Amotekun initiative.

Gradually, thoughts are beginning to align, conversations are taking place, and

handshakes are happening across the Niger between the Igbo and Yoruba on the need to restructure the country to address a lopsided political structure that’s skewed in favour of the North, and has held Nigeria back since the civil war ended.

There are those, who feel that the federal government should be proactive by being the one to lead any conversation on the national question, but the reaction of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice to the launch of Amotekun, shows the government is uninterested in having and leading the conversation.

The lack of interest is not surprising, as countless number of times President Buhari has ruled out any debate on Nigeria’s indivisibility; closing any chance for a national conversation around the aftermath of the civil

war, while heightening clamours for secession and restructuring.

Since coming into power in 2015, the Buhari administration had focused on ways to curtail the rights of Nigerians to civil protest, and the questioning of government policies and actions. Individuals, activists as well as journalists have been put in prison by government’s security agencies for asking legitimate questions on issues of governance.

Fifty years and still counting, a thoughtful government would have understood that force has never and cannot quell injustice, and should instead begin to put measures in place for a conversation around the civil war.

Such steps would bring closure to millions of grieving hearts that for five decades still feel wronged and want a way out of a union they feel has not been fair to them.

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Of Chaotic Elections and Stupefied Supreme Court Judgement There are salient questions the Supreme Court must answer to assure Nigerians that the judgment removing Governor Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State and replacing him with Senator Hope Uzodinma of the ruling All Progressives Congress, was just and fair, writes Shola Oyeyipo

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hough the Supreme Court is the final arbiter in legal disputes in Nigeria but as in all over the world, there have been series of debates on the fact that despite the fact that this highly esteemed court possesses the powers of life and death, it is not necessarily infallible, and often, its judgments could be subject to its own

review.

This explains why some disappointed recipients of the judgments handed down by the apex courts often disagree with the grounds of their pronouncements especially, when they considered them as travesty of justice.

The recent Supreme Court sack of Governor Emeka Ihedioha of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State and declaration of Senator Hope Uzodinma of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the last governorship election is one judgment that has continued to elicit reactions from Nigerians, many of whom were of the opinion that the apex court needed to explain the rationale behind its position in the case.

One very disturbing aspect of the debate is that in view of the results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ihedioha polled a total of 273, 404 votes; Uche Nwosu (AA) got 190, 364 votes, Ifeanyi Ararume (APGA) polled 114, 676 votes while Uzodinma (APC) came distance fourth with 96, 458 votes.

Though Uzodinma had approached the Imo State Election Petition Tribunal, demanding that votes from 388 polling units voided by electoral umpire be reinstated to him, INEC argued that the votes were cancelled due to over-voting as stipulated by the electoral act, Ihedioha defeated him at the tribunal.

The Appeal Court also toed the line of the tribunal by upholding Ihedioha’s victory at the election and his subsequent emergence as governor of Imo State.

But the Tuesday, January 14 judgment of the Supreme Court brought a new dimension to the previous arguments. The seven-member panel in its lead judgment read by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun unanimously agreed that results in 388 polling units were unlawfully excluded during the collation of the final governorship election result.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said with the results from the 388 polling units added, Uzodinma polled a majority of the lawful votes and ought to have been declared the winner of the election by INEC. “Vote due to the appellant, Senator Hope Uzodinma and the APC from 388 Polling Units were wrongly excluded from scores ascribed to the appellant. It is thereby ordered that the appellant votes from 388 Polling Units unlawfully excluded from the appellant vote declared shall be added and that the first respondent, Emeka Ihedioha, was not duly elected by a majority of lawful votes cast at the said election,” Kekere-Ekun declared.

Nigeria’s main opposition party, the PDP, whose candidate was removed from office by the judgment, expressed shock as to how Uzodinma, who came a distant fourth in the March 9, 2019 governorship election, with just 96,458 votes, was declared winner of the election by the Supreme Court, saying he defeated Chief Emeka Ihedioha/PDP, who scored 276,404 votes.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan said, “The PDP and indeed, most Nigerians are still at a loss as to understand the basis upon which the Supreme Court arrived at its decision.”

Also, in his commentary on the issue, former Special Assistant (Public Affairs) to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, queried the judgment, when he said, “Would someone please explain to me how a candidate that came fourth in the election suddenly became the winner? The Supreme Court has a lot of explaining to do. People of Imo did not deserve this nonsense!”

Though former vice president and presidential candidate of the PDP, who also challenged the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the last election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, did not seem to agree with the decision of the court since there is nowhere else to seek redress, he urged the people to accept it.

The CJN, Tanko Muhammed “With regards to the judgment of the Supreme Court, which nullified the election of the candidate of the PDP, Emeka Ihedioha, as governor of the state of Imo, I can only say that since the Supreme Court is the final, we must accept its judgment”, Atiku stated.

But speaking in defence of the judgment, the Director of Strategic Communications of the 2019 re-election bid of President Buhari and current Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo was of the view that opposition members only make so much fuss about unfavourable court pronouncement.

Keyamo, on his twitter handle, wrote: “The same revered and exalted Supreme Court of Nigeria that nullified APC’s victory in Zamfara State has affirmed the victory of APC in Imo State. That is judicial neutrality at its very best,” adding: “I quickly dropped this here before our usual bad losers begin to cry foul and change the narrative.”

The APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, also celebrated the victory, arguing that some foes of democracy had engineered a plot by which the improper and willful exclusion of over 200, 000 valid votes cast for Uzodinma would deny him the office the people of Imo had chosen him to fill.

“The wrongful exclusion of such a vast number of valid votes threatened to turn the Imo governorship election into an unfortunate rejection of the sovereign will of the electorate…The Supreme Court prudently and judiciously rose to the occasion as the defender of our constitution by rendering the only judgment that could protect the democratic rights and the collective will of the people of Imo State,” Tinubu stated.

While those who benefitted from the judgment had been jubilating and those who didn’t licking their wounds, there are definitely going to be lots of questions for the apex court to answer. One of such questions was one raised by the Chairman, THISDAY Editorial Board, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi in ‘The Verdict’, titled: ‘Imo and the Arithmetic of Injustice.’

He noted that going by the results declared by INEC

for Imo State, “Emeka Ihedioha polled 273,404 votes followed by Uche Nwosu who garnered 190,364 votes and then Ifeanyi Araraume who secured 114,676 votes.

Hope Uzodinma came fourth with 96,458 votes. But with the addition by the Supreme Court of contentious votes from 388 polling units, Uzodinma’s tally now reached 309,753 while the votes by others remain unchanged.

“But the absurdity of that judicial arithmetic was brought to light yesterday on Twitter by @dondekojo: ‘Just ran the numbers again. According to @inecnigeria website. This is the total result for Imo State. With 823,743 accredited voters and 714,362 votes. With the new number from the Supreme Court, the votes go up to 948k, which is accredited voters. More votes than accredited voters.”

So, where did those votes come from? Even if only for academic purposes, the apex court should tell Nigerians the rationale for relying on the evidence of the police in determining total votes cast, while ignoring INEC’s position on the same matter, whereas INEC is the constitutionally recognised electoral umpire.

No doubts, the Imo Supreme Court declaration has drawn the attention of many Nigerians and the international observers to the remaining governorship appeals for Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), Governor Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto State), Governor Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano State), Governor Simon Lalong (Plateau State) and Samuel Ortom (Benue State).

The Supreme Court, last Monday, suspended the hearing of the governorship appeals due to sudden illness of one of the judges hearing it. So, focus is now shifted to these cases to see how they are handled as a way to confirm if the electoral battles had been shifted to the apex court under the watch of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad, who many believed to have ascended the exalted office to do the bidding of the ruling party and the president, Muhammadu Buhari.

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FROMTHECOURT

A Judgment to Forever Remember!

For a very long time to come, last Tuesday’s judgment of the Supreme Court sacking Emeka Ihedioha and ordering the swearing-in of Hope Uzodinma as the governor of Imo State will continue to resonate in the body polity, writes Davidson Iriekpen

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he Supreme Court caused a stir last Tuesday, when its full panel led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Ibrahim Muhammad, sacked Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ordered that Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) be sworn in as governor of Imo State.

Perhaps, the last time the country was jolted by a surprise decision of the Supreme Court such as this was in October 2007 when it sacked Celestine Omehia, whose name was on the final ballot and ordered Chibuike Amaechi, who was not on the ballot to be sworn in as governor of Rivers State.

Even though many analysts can understand that both Omehia and Amaechi were in the same party, the PDP, and that one (Amaechi) won the primary election but his party rejected him, and Omehia whose name was on the ballot and campaigned round the state and finally won the main election, was rejected by the court on the grounds that it is a political party that wins election in Nigeria, never did anybody envisage its verdict on the Imo State governorship tussle.

To them, the fact that the Supreme Court had delivered judgments in appeals against the election of 13 governors and upheld their victories was not a surprise but the reasons it gave for sacking Ihedioha and giving victory to Uzodinma. This is why the issue remains a subject of curious analyses by legal political pundits. While some especially, interested parties hailed the verdict, others, a majority of who were non-aligned politically, were bitter on how the apex court reached absurd its decision.

After the governorship election held on March 9, 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in March declared Ihedioha winner with the highest number of 273,404 votes. The three other candidates coming behind him were credited with the following votes: Uche Nwosu (AA) 190,364; Ifeanyi Araraume (APGA) 114,676 and Hope Uzodinma (APC): 96,458 Dissatisfied with the announcement, each of the three candidates filed an election petition at the tribunal premised on different grounds. While Uzodinma’s petition was premised largely on the grounds that the election was conducted in certain 388 polling units, but the results which he had copies of were wrongly excluded by INEC in their collation of results of the election. He argued that if those results were taken into account, he would have won the election.

The respondents in the petition, including INEC, denied the above allegations and described the purported results as false in their respective replies to the petition.

Many had thought that having regard to Supreme Court’s decided cases, that the petitioners had the burden of proving the conduct of elections in those polling units, the results emanating from them and the impact those results would have on the result of the election as declared.

At the hearing of the petition, Uzodinma and APC called 54 witnesses out of which only 28 were polling unit agents. It was gathered that no ward collation agent was called as a witness.

Uzodinma himself testified as PW11. His State Collation agent testified as PW51 and a certain police officer testified as PW54.

The other 23 witnesses were local government collation agents and sundry witnesses.

Another issue was the results of the election relied on by the petitioners, were tendered from the Bar in bags and sacks! They remained there throughout the trial, except for the few, which were mentioned by the 28 polling unit agents.

PW54, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, whose presence and testimony were challenged by the respondents, tendered documents in a pack, which he described as result sheets from 366 polling units. He was said not to have opened any of them or referred specifically to them. He admitted, in cross-examination, that he did not know the figures they contained or the polling units they were concerned with.

The 28 polling unit agents and PW11 admitted, in crossexamination, that the result sheets that they identified were not legible or did not contain the scores of all the political parties,

In all, posterity would have its day and in due time. How the justices of the Supreme Court are able to sleep with such brazen heist at the breaking of a new day is befuddling. But, by and large, the judgment points strongly to why the project called Nigeria may never work, regardless of what efforts anyone puts in. Perhaps, it is truly a nation structured to fail

(e) That PW54 tendered purported result sheets that were less than the number of polling units mentioned in the petition; (f) that PW54 did not open or read any of the purported result sheets and stated clearly that he did not know the figures or scores they contained or whether there were “mutations or tampering” in them, and that the documents were not submitted to him.

Another point raised by legal experts to fault the apex court’s ruling is that whenever documents that were tendered from the Bar in election matters, the purport is to speed up the trial in view of time limitation in election matters. They stated that tendering such documents was not the end itself but a means to an end. They therefore contended that the makers of such tendered documents must be called to speak to those documents and be crossexamined on the authenticity of the documents.

In law, it is trite that a party that did not make a document is not competent to give evidence on it.

It is also the tested position of the law that where the maker of the document was not called to testify, the document would not be accorded probative value by the Court. That, they noted, was the fate of Exhibit P80 and P24.

Another argument put forward to show that the judgment of the Supreme Court did not reflect the justice of the case was decision of the Supreme Court in SC. 1384/2019 between Ugwumba Uche Nwosu v. Action Peoples Party delivered on December 20, 2019, during the pendency of the Imo governorship appeal.

The first two paragraphs of the judgment were remarkable. They read: “This appeal deals purely with the issue of double nomination. The appellant contested and won the primaries conducted by APC on October 16, 2018; and his name was forwarded to INEC as gubernatorial candidate of Ousted governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha in the warm embrace of APC at the general election slated for March 9, his wife, Ebere, shortly after the Supreme Court judgement, last Tuesday.2019.

She reportedly said to him on her Tweeter handle: “I got your back”. The “But the appellant also contested and won the picture immediately went viral as it evoked emotions, because of an eraprimaries conducted by another party, Action Alliance, and on November 2, 2018, he was issued that was ended abruptly! with “a certificate of return & confirmation as the which contested the election. duly elected governorship candidate” of the said party.

The 28 polling agents also admitted that those purported result The Supreme Court held that by “allowing himself to be sheets did not contain any entry to show the number of ballot nominated by two political parties, the appellant, not only did an papers issued to the respective polling units; the number of ballot act that was not authorised by law, which is illegal, the Electoral papers used and unused in those polling units.

Act clearly says in its Section 37, that such a nomination “shall be Uzodinma admitted in cross-examination, when confronted void”. with his chart in the petition, that some of the results he listed The implication of the judgment is that Uche Nwosu was the showed over-voting. nominated candidate of APC in the election, but that his nominaBut in its verdict, the tribunal dismissed Uzodinma’s appeal, tion became void, because he had secured “double nomination”. It saying he was unable to prove his allegations against Ihedioha’s followed that if Uche Nwosu was factually the candidate of APC election. Similarly, the Court of Appeal in a four to one judgment in the election, Uzodinma could not have, validly, also be the APC on November 19 upheld the decision of the tribunal, forcing candidate in the same election.

Uzodinma to approach the apex court.

It was for this reason that Ihedioha filed an application at the But the Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered by Supreme Court, which was argued on January 14, 2020, contendJustice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, held that the case of the appellants ing that Uzodinma and APC’s appeal should be struck out, had merit and consequently granted the reliefs as prayed by because of the implication in the above-named Supreme Court Uzodinma and APC. According to the apex court, the concurrent judgment. judgments of the lower courts erred in law when they excluded In the judgment, the Supreme Court chose technicality at the votes totaling 213,295 from 388 polling units from the total scores expense of substantiality and denied Ihedioha the benefit of an at the election. established legal outcome by summarily dismissing Ihedioha’s Justice Kekere-Ekun said Ihedioha was returned as governor of application on the basis that the matter of double nomination was Imo State based on wrong computation of the election results. She a pre-election decision and could not be applied to the appeal, held that the lower courts were also wrong in holding that PW 54, which was a post-election litigation. a police officer, who was on subpoena, was not the appropriate Not letting the controversy trailing the judgment go down, the person to have tendered documents that showed the exclusion of National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus raised a compelling votes in the 388 polling units during collation. poser for the justices of the apex court.

Observers believed that in allowing the appeal, the Supreme “It is on record that the votes analysis from the Imo governorCourt did not only state that it has computed the new scores, ship election as at March 11, 2019, when the results were declared local government by local government, and determined that the were as follows: Total Accredited Votes: 823,743; Total Valid Votes: petitioners had satisfied the requirements of section 179(2) of the 739,485; Cancelled Votes: 25,130; Total Valid Votes: 714,355. But Constitution before it arrived at the decision that he should be at the Supreme Court, the Total Valid Votes have increased to sworn-in as the new governor of Imo State, but ignored well 950,952. established principles of law, which had guided its previous “This account for 127,209 votes in excess of total accredited votes decisions in similar cases. of 823,743. Can the Supreme Court sit in Abuja on January 14, They equally felt that the apex court did not state the new 2020 to increase the total number of accredited votes in election scores, which the petitioners proved from the 388 polling units held in Imo State on March 9, 2019? especially, having regard to the following facts: (a) that only 28 “Is there any law, which permits the Supreme Court or anyone polling unit agents out of the 388 polling units testified and they else for that matter, to unilaterally increase the total accredited admitted that the result sheets had all the vices itemised earlier. votes by any margin after the accreditation and or the election? (b) That PW11 also admitted over-voting apparent in some of Where did the Supreme Court get the numbers to declare the results in the chart in the petition; (c) that more than 90 per Uzodinma/APC from a paltry 96,456 votes over Ihedioha/PDP cent of result sheets were neither identified nor referred to by votes of 276,404?” any witness; (d) that the respondent particularly, INEC denied Secondus said even if all the excess accredited votes of 127,209 the existence of those result sheets and tendered documentary manufactured by the Supreme Court were added to Uzodinma/ evidence to show that election did not hold in 388 polling units.

APC it would be 223,657 votes, which is still less than Ihedioha’s

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

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CICERO/INTERVIEW

Rasak: Bakare’s Advice to Buhari is Unreasonable Chief Lanre Rasak is a member of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council. In this interview with Segun James, he urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to accede to Pastor Tunde Bakare’s advice about his succession plan. Excerpts:

W

hat is your view on recent advice given by Pastor Tunde Bakare to President Muhammadu Buhari to pick his successor in 2023?

That gentleman is a pastor and I think he should concentrate on his pastoral work. He shouldn’t be more Catholic than the Pope and crying more than the bereaved. My advice to him is if he wants to continue with pastoral job, let him do that, but if he wants to participate in politics, he should join a political party and actualise his dream.

He is just trying to create a situation whereby people would label Buhari as not being a democrat but I trust that Mr. President will ensure that he does things in accordance with the Nigerian constitution as well as the constitution and manifesto of our great party, the APC that brought him to power.

The 1999 Constitution as amended says all Nigerians of a certain category in age and education are entitled to freely aspire to the office of the president. It goes further to insist on zoning or enforcing the federal character principle in public appointments. So, does the pastor want Mr. President to jettison constitutional provisions, do his bidding and just handpick a presidential candidate for the APC in 2023? How will Nigerians and members of the party react to that?

Recall that Buhari had made it very clear and I believe he is still standing by it that ‘he belongs to everybody and belongs to nobody’. A majority of Nigerians elected him to rule, Nigeria is the country he was elected to rule and he will not go outside the constitutional provisions and handpick his successor.

Those who had handpicked their favourites as successors before, you are living witnesses to the political storm that followed and what happened to some of them thereafter.

Bakare wants to disgrace our revered president by suggesting such a dirty game to Buhari.

I know that Mr. President is more reasonable and committed to doing the right thing in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, which he has sworn to defend. He shouldn’t listen to him and I don’t believe that is reasonable and sound advice.

Lagos State is often regarded as a mini Nigeria and whatever happens in it affects the whole country. You are a Lagosian and the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is over six months in office, what is your impression about the state of affairs in Lagos?

For a six-month-old government, you don’t expect so much because it is a period of planning, studying your programmes before you move a step further to implement. But the opposite has been the case for the current state government and this shows that Sanwo-Olu was prepared to be a governor. He hit the ground running from day one, when he assumed office on May 29, 2019.

If you take a close look at what had happened across the state in the last six months, you will marvel at his achievements. When he assumed office, it was in the middle of the rainy season, and last year witnessed torrential rainfall, which could be attributed to climate change and the roads were bad.

But six months after, you can easily drive around the state to see the difference the Sanwo-Olu’s administration has made.

The Western Avenue, the road leading to Ido in Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu road, the Lagos-Badagry expressway that was once a nightmare to motorists and abandoned for about five years are being maintained or reconstructed and work is in progress. I can assure you that between now and March, most of the roads would have been completed by the state government.

Also, the governor has set up a special committee to look into public secondary schools so that the academic standard in public schools compares favourably with what obtained in private schools. The health sector too is being improved upon while the government has ensured that water transportation got top priority.

There are several opportunities to operate an efficient water transportation system and rail services in the state. As a matter of fact, the state government is working round the clock to synchronise the road, rail and water modes of transportation across the state in order to achieve a perfect mass transit system and alleviate the suffering of both motorists and commuters.

On traffic management, the governor has through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) achieved a lot to the extent that the first and second roundabout that had been causing traffic gridlock in the Lekki Peninsula are being addressed and this is not by chance but a product of good planning, effective execution of plans and monitoring on the part of government.

Similarly, he has been attending to health facilities, infrastructure, information communication technology, ICT, as well as working on ways the government could boost electricity

Rasak generation and distribution.

Despite painting a good picture of the situation in Lagos state, and even at the national level, where the APC is also the ruling party, many Nigerians don’t see the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration as a performing government. What do you think?

I want to first comment on the performance of the APC-led administration in Lagos State before talking about the federal level. First is the issue of the new national minimum wage, which was approved for public servants last year. Lagos State government increased the minimum wage from N30000 national benchmark to N35000 to workers in the state.

Besides, the governor has approved for the payment of three months’ arrears to its employees following the implementation of the pay increase and that is just one of the good things the APC-led government has done in Lagos State. At the national level too, you don’t need to tell a blind man, who stands in the open arena that there is rainfall, because he will be drenched.

So don’t bother about those armchair critics, who see nothing good in what the federal government is doing and the many achievements of President Buhari. For example, the Nigeria Railway Corporation before 2015, when the incumbent administration took office was in comatose and almost impossible for any train to move on the old tracks but the narrative has changed for the better.

Specifically, the Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge, which the PDP-led administration started and could not complete for 16 years, has been completed during the first four years of President Buhari in office. Train services on that route have saved many Nigerians from avoidable hardship especially, travellers who were daily confronted and tormented by bandits on the Kaduna-Abuja road.

But immediately the train flagged off by the president, most people opted to travel by the trains, which had saved the lives of travellers and property. This is a major achievement. Also, it is on record that most ‘Trunk A’ roads in Nigeria were not maintained for the 16 years the PDP was at the helm of affairs at the federal level.

Today, you can list many of our highways that are being maintained or reconstructed. For instance, the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, which the present administration awarded has a completion date and I can assure you that the project will be completed on schedule. Also, the Lagos-Ibadan rail standard gauge has been completed and being test run.

On insecurity and particularly, the war against Boko Haram insurgents, you and I know that it is easy to fight a conventional war than a guerilla war for many reasons. The security forces don’t know the operational base and residence

of insurgents, who launch attacks from their hideouts against soft targets and disappear.

It is very difficult to fight such a guerilla war, because if care is not taken, innocent people will be killed in the process of battling the insurgents and that will be terrible. So, the president and commander-in-chief had been very scientific and tactful in the war against the insurgents by the Nigerian Armed Forces.

For me and I believe too, every right-thinking Nigerian, our military has been winning the war on terror though there is room for improvement and I believe the insurgents will be defeated ultimately. The president deserves credit; Nigerians should give him credit.

The debt profile of the federal government is soaring under the Buhari administration, which means that he will be leaving huge debt for the incoming government by the time he leaves office in 2023 and the future generation to repay. Are you worried?

My take on it is what is the president using the loan for? Is it to address the needs of the present and future generations and executed at a cheaper rate now? It is only when you are creditworthy and lenders know you have the capacity to pay back that they grant you a loan. Therefore, when there is a need to meet the needs of present and future generations, you can go borrowing.

But if the money is borrowed and wasted on phantom projects then that will be unfortunate and I don’t support that.

For example, the Lagos State government tomorrow wants to build a 4th Mainland bridge and you refuse to execute it, because the government doesn’t want to borrow, by the next four or five years, the project will cost the taxpayers more whereas it would have been cheaper and economical to construct the bridge if the state had taken a loan to do it earlier.

In other words, it is more reasonable to obtain the loan today and execute the project and start using the services than for government to wait until it raises enough money in the next four or five years to do the job, because we are not wasting any resources but in actual fact, getting good services and meeting the needs of Nigerians with such a loan.

I support the idea of getting a loan to provide critical infrastructure or services not available, after all, the citizens have been shouting for the provision of such services, which the government cannot provide due to lack of funds.

I want to appeal to Nigerians to be very vigilant so that once the loan is obtained and contractors begin work, they should shine their eyes and if they see anything untoward, they should make a noise and report to the appropriate authority. That is patriotism. The issue goes beyond opposing the government.

SUNDAY JANUARY 19, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͯ͡Ë&#x153; 2020

with demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

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arly last week, the nation woke up to news that the Supreme Court had sacked Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP, and replaced him with Hope Uzodinma of the APC. It is not the first time the court has upturned election results and declared someone else winner. The decision however raised eyebrows in this case because Uzodinma came fourth in the Imo elections, which prompted calls for an explanation of the judgement.

According to the judgement, Uzodinmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory was upheld on the grounds that INECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusion of 388 poling unit results at the point of final collation was â&#x20AC;&#x153;unlawful.â&#x20AC;? Among other reasons.

While waiting on the Supreme Court for the full reason of the judgement, the PDP

is demanding a review and reversal of the judgment, which is just as unprecedented as the judgement itself.

The partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national chairman, Uche Secondus, also proposed that members embark on a protest against the judgement.

But APC chairman, Adams Oshiomole, cautioned the PDP against the use of inciting words and urged the party to embrace defeat as the APC did when the court sacked its elected members in Sokoto, Zamfara and other places, and prevented the party from contesting in the last Rivers State governorship election.

In the midst of all these, Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, trended on twitter because he had prophesied Uzodinmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victory on January 1. Mbaka subsequently thumped his chest saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told you so!â&#x20AC;?

The fiery priest who had received knocks for prophesying that Ihedioha

JANUARY 19, 2020˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

85

SOCIALMEDIABITS would be booted out said the apex court’s judgement had for the umpteenth time vindicated him as a true prophet of God and boasted that, “no prophecy has ever been declared on this prayer ground without coming to pass.”

It is just one of his 40 prophecies of 2020, he said, and more will come to pass, he insists.

Meanwhile, in some sort of vindication of Oshiomole’s suggestion that what goes around comes around regarding court judgments, an FCT high court in Kubwa, Abuja, nullified the election of Ifeanyi Ubah as the senator representing Anambra south, with INEC ordered to issue a fresh certificate to Obinna Uzoh, candidate of the PDP. Uzoh had challenged Ubah’s victory on the grounds that Ubah presented a forged National Examination Council certificate to INEC. Should this case end here? What about prosecution and prison time for forgery?

Not so long ago, former senator and Osun State gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Ademola Adeleke, was accused of something similar. But it seems the purpose of these cases is simply to prevent candidates from winning elections, rather

than for justice to be served, which should be the aim to serve as deterrent to other forgers.

Penultimate week climaxed with the fanfare that greeted Amotekun, the regional policing outfit launched by the six southwest governors across party lines.

This week the Attorney General of the Federation pronounced it illegal and said his office was not consulted. The governors are sticking to their guns and have commenced moves to legalise the outfit through their state houses of assembly.

The chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi, who as governor of Ekiti State is one of those involved in birthing Amotekun, insisted that the security agencies were duly notified before it was launched.

However, reactions emanating from some quarters are disturbing to say the least, with MIyetti Allah – which in essence is a cattle breeders association – issuing an ultimatum to half-a-dozen state executives and going as far as to suggest that the move will cost the Southwest the presidency in 2023.

Is Miyetti Allah now a political organisation and if so, who does it speak for beyond cattle breeders?

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

EVENTS

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ecently, St. Louis Grammar School Ibadan Old Girls Association, held its old girls association’s re-union in Lagos.

Here are some of the old students of the school that graced the occasion.

Photographs by Mubo Peters L-R: President, St. Louis Ibadan Old Girls Association, Amb. Folake Marcus-Bello and Erelu Abiola Dosumu

L-R: Chief Jokotade Akin-George; Chief (Mrs) Tessy G. Ikimi; Chief Sena Anthony and Mrs. Augusta Chibututu

L-R : Mrs. Folashade Alli , Chief Sena Anthony and Mrs. Aduke Akinboboye

Mrs. Folake Aiog, Mrs. Nike Ope and Mrs. Toks Adeola

1978 SET. Bose; Seye; Lola; Shade and Mrs. Linda Omole-Olumese

L-R: Ope wemi-Jones; Mrs. Panox; Erelu Keji Okunowo and Funlola Olofinjana

L-R: Omobola Faleye; Winifred Nwolodu; Amb. Folake Marcus-Bello; Folashade Alli and Ope Wemi-Jones.

Cross section of Old Girls Association of St, Louis Ibadan planning committe.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

87

IMAGES

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heArchbishop of Lagos, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Revd Dr. Isaac Ayobami Olawuyi PHD marked his 60th Birthday Thanksgiving Service at theWesleyCathedral,Olowogbowo, Lagos.Herearesomeofthepersonalties that graced the occasion

L-R: The Celebrant, Most Revd Dr. Isaac Ayobami Olawuyi PHD, The Archbishop of Lagos, Methodist Church Nigeria, his wife, Sis. Funlayo Olawuyi and the Methodist Church Nigeria Conference Lay President, Sir Folu Aremu KJW

L-R: The Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde and US based Cleric, Very Revd John Makinde

L-R: The Lay President, Diocese of Lagos Mainland of the Church, Sir Otunba Bola Onabadejo KJW and former Lay President, Diocese of Lagos of the Church, Sir Ezekiel Oyenusi (KJW)

L-R: The former Lay President, Archdiocese of Lagos, Methodist Church Nigeria, Sir (Barr.) Bonajo Badejo, SAN, KJW, with the Church’s Prelate Emeritus, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde and the Celebrant, Most Revd Dr. Isaac Ayobami Olawuyi (PHD),

L-R: The former Conference Lay President, Methodist Church Nigeria, Sir Remi Omotoso KJW, and former Chairman, Island Club Lagos, High Chief Samuel Aluko

L-R:The seasoned Public Relations Consultant and Media guru, Mr. Aramide Tola Noibi, and The Archbishop of Enugu, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Grace, (Barr.) Christopher Ede

L-R: The Presbyter, Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Very Revd John Olanrewaju Solubi, with the Executive Chairman, Childville Group of Schools, Ogudu Estate, Lagos, Sir Kehinde Smith, the Celebrant, Most Revd Dr. Isaac Ayobami Olawuyi, the Archbishop of Lagos, Methodist Church Nigeria and the Proprietress, Childville Group of Schools, Ogudu Estate, Lady Ola Smith

L-R: Most Revd Ayo Oderinde and the Chairman, Lagos State Council of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Alexander Bamigbola

L-R: The Celebrant, Most Revd Dr. Isaac Ayobami Olawuyi PHD with the Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde and the celebrant’s wife, Sis. Oluwafunmilayo Olawuyi

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 19,2020

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POLITY

Wike

Nwodim

Ogbakor Etche Meets a Friend and Brother in Government House When the people of Etche inRivers State paid a congratulatory visit to Governor Nyesom Wike in PortHarcourt recently, the bond of mutual affection between the visitors and theirhost was unmistakable. Chiemele Ezeobi reports

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tche nation in Rivers Statesboats ample political and economic potential. A major ethnic group in RiversState with enormous voting strength, key oil producing area, a strategic foodbasket, and the second place after Oloibiri in the current Bayelsa State, whereoil was discovered in commercial quantity in the country, Etche, undoubtedly, hasunique latent capacity waiting to be harnessed. This was the message that cameout very clearly on December 3, when representatives of the people, under theauspices of Ogbakor Etche, visited Governor Nyesom Wike at Government House,Port Harcourt. It was in a show of solidarity following his election for asecond term.

The reception took place inan atmosphere of camaraderie, with the dialogue conducted in a tone of mutual affection.

Wike became the firstgovernor ever to grace a convention of Ogbakor Etche when on December 26, 2018he honoured an invitation by the apex socio-cultural organisation of Etchepeople to the all-important annual gathering. The import of that history was not lost on the people during thecourtesy call on the governor.

“His Excellency did not onlyhonour our invitation, but his utterances and actions gave us, the EtcheNation, the hope that Etche now has a friend and brother, in the person of theGovernor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike,” Ogbakor Etche wrote in theiraddress to Wike.

They also underlined thegovernor’s support for the construction of Obiri Etche, the traditionalheadquarters of the Etche nation, at Umugwu-Okehi, which now wears a befittingnew look, complete with a 60KVA generator for constant power and a perimeterfence.

The people also presentedrequests to the governor.

For their rich record of oil production, they askedfor

greater involvement in the oil economy.

Etche has over 17 oilproducing communities, including Umuechem, the second place after Oloibiri,where oil was discovered in commercial quantity, Abara, Isu, Orwu, Egwi, Okoroagu,Umuebulu, Edegelem, Akwu/Obor, Mba, Odagwa, Umuakali, Amarji, Chokota,Ikwerrengwo, and Imeh.

These communities fall withinthe following oil fields: Obigbo North, Agbada II, Umuechem/Otamiri, Nkali, ImoRiver I, and Imo River II. Following the recent decisionof the Rivers State Government to acquire the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11 in theinterest of the host communities, Ogbakor Etche requested a similar arrangementfor OML 17, where most communities in Etche fall.

Ogbakor Etche also asked forthe revival of agricultural projects in Etche, including the Delta RubberCompany at Umuanyagu/Okomoko; rubber plantations at Abara/Elele, Umuoye, andOdagwa; and the School-to-Land farm at Egbeke.

They requested the movementof the Faculty of Agriculture of the Rivers State University of Science andTechnology to Eberi, headquarters of Omuma Local Government Area, one of the twocouncil areas in Etche land.

The apex organisation askedfor the construction and reconstruction of roads in the area. And they talkedabout the activities of Ogbakor Etche and how the synergy with Onye-ishi-Etchein Council, the two local councils in Etche, and Etche America Foundation (EAF)was producing good fruits of infrastructure and development in Etche.

To reduce the propensity forelectoral violence, going by the experience of the last general election, OgbakorEtche proposed the adopted of electronic voting in future elections.

“May we use the opportunityof this visit to urge the National Assembly and INEC to ensure that theforth-

coming general election in 2023 is through electronic voting,” theorganisation stated in the address signed

by President General of OgbakorEtche, Sir Machy Nwodim, JP, and Secretary-General, Deacon Eleazar Kas-Nwogu. “Ogbakor Etche believes thatelectronic voting would have our sons and daughters protected from a rampagingwarfare in the name of elections.”

In his response to theaddress by Ogbakor Etche, Wike promised that his government would resuscitate the Delta RubberCompany at Umuanyagu/Okomoko and the School-to-Land farm at Egbeke throughPublic Private Partnership (PPP).

He promised to discuss thetransfer of the agriculture faculty of the state university to Model Secondary School, Eberi,with the university’s Governing Council Chairman and Vice Chancellor, sayingsuch movement would spur development in the area.

Wike disclosed that the Nihi-Odufor-AkporkuObite-Umuoye road would becommissioned in May 2020.

He explained that OML 11belonged to Ogoni, Etche, Bonny, Oyigbo, Ogu-Bolo, and Okirika, saying theasset is acquired to protect the interest of the oil producing communities.

The governor sued for unityin Etche. He said that would create the conducive environment for betterharnessing of the area’s rich potential for its development.

Wike then urged the OgbakorEtche team to select one major road project to be constructed by the state government.

The key takeaway message fromthe meeting of Wike and the Ogbakor Etche delegation seems to be that thegovernor and the people share similar opinions on effective communitydevelopment. As Kas-Nwogu put it, “Clearly, there is a meeting of minds betweenOgbakor Etche and the governor on the need for a bottomup approach to ruraldevelopment.”

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ANUARY 19,2020

PERSPECTIVE

The Unifier That is Dapo Abiodun – Why The Opposition Embraces Him The recent defection of prominent opposition leaders in Ogun State to the All Progressives Congress, APC, is an indubitable and invaluable testimony to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s charity and commitment to harnessing every human resource available to building a greater future for Ogun State, writes , Lanre Alfred

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ven when politicking was at its most intense and injudicious with hate and half-truths flying hither, thither, he never returned fire for fire or wavered in his adoption of soft power – that sheer ability not to use force or coercion for political gain when you can shape the long-term attitudes and preferences of dissidents or the opposition by tact and diplomacy. The result is that he is heartily embraced by those on the other side of the divide.

The rock city of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital stood still last Tuesday when a coalition of opposition members formally declared for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Some of the notable defectors include Chief Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI), the gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the March 2019 governorship election in the state; Mrs Salmot Badru, a former deputy governor under the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration; Joju Fadairo, former state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); Chief Iyabo Apampa, former PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) member; Hon. Ayo Odugbesan, former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly; and Hon. Dave Salami, a two-time member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the PDP, among others.

A reception cum presentation of APC insignias was held in their honour and their thousands of supporters at the Ake Palace Ground, Abeokuta. Governor Dapo Abiodun led top members of his administration and the party including Chief Yemi Sanusi, state chairman of the Caretaker Committee; and Ayo Afolabi, SouthWest Zonal Secretary of the APC, who represented the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; to receive them.

A visibly excited Governor Abiodun noted that with the defection, the state had become a one-party state while urging members to go back to the ward and local government levels to build the party. He said, “From now on, we should start building the party from the ward and local government levels. We should go back to our wards and local government and start holding meetings regularly. We are all one now under one united party.

“I want us to work together. I do not want discrimination between anyone in the party. We are going to join hands to build our future together. All those that have just joined us today with those of us that have been here before, we are now joining hands to build the future of Ogun State together and with all of us, Ogun State will achieve the greatest heights by the grace of God.” The governor further assured the new members that he was not done yet with the appointment of political office holders because “We are aware that you are coming to join us and so we have kept some appointments just for you. We still have a lot, and we will ensure that everybody has a sense of belonging and a sense of participation. So, please, do not worry, we are now one and the

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun presenting APC Flag to the PDP and ADC party chieftains led by the former Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salimot Badru and the ADC Gubernatorial Candidate during the General Election, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka - GNI during their formal declaration for the ruling party in Ogun State same family.”

On his part, Isiaka stressed that his decision to join the APC was hinged on his determination to serve the people and contribute to a “Life of Abundance in Ogun State utilizing our God-given resources and potential; ensuring a legacy of growth and development for today, ensuring equity and fairness in the state development stride and secure the future of coming generation.”

Isiaka, who is popularly known as GNI said, “Our Movement (Believe Movement) is deeply progressive in its ideological orientation with focus on progressive programmes and policies such as human capital development (health and education), good wage policy, a functional and well-funded pension scheme, progressive economic policies, caring for the weak and vulnerable in the society (social welfare) and infrastructural development.

“It is gratifying to note that these same programs constitute

the cornerstone of the All Progressive Congress, which we have decided to join the ranks of millions of its membership in the state today.”

He added that the outcomes of the last election, despite not going the way he wished, did not bow his head and that of his supporters, as they reckoned that once elections were over, governance must take centre stage. “It was, therefore, gratifying when His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun – as a GovernorElect at the time – extended the hand of fellowship to me and our people. Subsequent interactions afterwards were largely to evaluate his intentions and ideas for Ogun State people,” Isiaka said. As adduced to by Isiaka, leading opposition figures had been visiting with Abiodun even before inauguration lending immeasurable credence to his transparency and open-door policy. Before the formal defection, GNI had led his political movement to pay a courtesy call on Governor Abiodun to show solidarity for his administration.

Abiodun: Through Difficulty to the Stars Funmi Branco

R

emember the iconic phrase, “par ardua ad astra”(through difficulty to the stars)? It is the official motto of the RoyalAir Force. In Nigerian literature, to bring the thought closer home, it is a motif in BayoAfolabi’s epochal political drama, To the stars.

And yes, such is life, which is why the inimitable Tai Solarin would always pray: May your road be rough. In the case of DapoAbiodun, governor of Ogun State, the road has been more than rough: it has been paved with thorns. For when, having carved a niche in the world of business and carved a good image for yourself on the national scene, you offer your services to your people, intent on liberating them from deprivation and bringing them into a world of prosperity, you have no choice but to pass through persecution.After all, freedom is never willingly given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

However, even though it’s been a tortuous journey for the affable Ogun helmsman, as the Bard ofAvon William Shakespeare says, all’s well that ends well. Whoever gets into the skies, into the stars, without difficulties, anyways?

DapoAbiodun did not ask for trouble, but it located him very quickly. For no sooner had he announced his intention to run on the platform of theAll Progressives Congress (APC) than the formidable political machinery of the state government was ranged against him.

The message was clear: he was contending with the state government.

In fairness to the former governor, IbikunleAmosun, this hostility was probably more rooted in the politics of self-presevation than anything else. It was certainly not due to a lack of acknowledgement of Abiodun’s rich credentials: those credentials were like an open book.

Yes, winning theAPC ticket was not expected to have been a piece of

cake, but the forms that opposition to his candidature took were simply gross. He was certainly not expected to win either theAPC ticket or the election proper given the holes dug against him by the then sitting government and the alliance of forces ranged against him to make his candidature near impossible and defeat his dreams for the state. But against all odds, he won both by resounding margins, but the Ogun version of the Battle of Maldon was only just beginning. To take just a few examples: there ought to have been a committee working with the outgoing government on how to hand over power, but there was none. And the former governor reportedly ensured that he did not get the handing over notes until a few hours to the inauguration when the deputy governor received them on his behalf; the open-roof pick-up used during his inauguration was borrowed from another state; some thugs piled wood on the inauguration pathway.

During GovernorAbiodun’s inauguration, he promised inclusive governance and spoke of building the future together. He had previously brought the creme de la creme together to create a blueprint, and now it was time to work. But as soon as he got in, the APM machinery led byAmosun took him to the Election Petitios Tribunal, trying to hijack his victory through the back door.And even before then, his educational qualification had been challenged, all to no avail.And when he came into office, most of the permanent secretaries he met were those appointed by his predecessor. Unlike others, he did not relieve them of their jobs. Most had only six to seven months to retire anyway. He didn’t want to add more problems to the ones he already had to contend with. Yet some of these individuals functioned as moles, issuing contradictory statements on behalf of the government and causing confusion.

One such statement said the government had spent close to N60 billion on roads within just a few days, which had to be refuted. Talk

of landmines!

Even the last few days before the Supreme Court judgment affirmation of his irrevocable mandate were dotted with intrigues: notable people functionaries within the party played double games, being seen with theAPC in one minute andAPM in the next.A prominent official of the last administration who claimed to be of APC teamed up with his boss the former governor, thinking that the Apex court would rule in theAPM’s favour. Other interest gropus within and outside the party struggled to pull him down but he remained focused. The apex court validated the people’s will, and the governor could now heave a sigh of relief. Within just a few days in office, he had launched Security Trust Fund where over N1 billion was raised. He had launched the 100 patrol vehicles now dotting towns and communities in the state. His mission is to make Ogun impregnable for criminals. In the area of agriculture, he rolled out the agricpreneur programme that is now public knowledge.

Then, he created technology hubs to harness the gains of ICT in the state; engaged in massive wealth and job creation, flagged off the rehabilitation of schools, one per ward in the 236 wards in the state, and began massive rehabilitation of roads in all local government areas of the state, simultaneously. One can go on and on.

Now, new commissioners have been inaugurated on Friday and 15 SpecialAdvisers have taken the oaths of office.

He has approved the list of Caretaker Committee chairmen to cater for the grass roots.And so in this New Year, Ogun will witness transformation like never before. Their governor has put all the intrigues behind him. He is running an inclusive administration, his message being: Building our Future together. Through difficulties to the stars.

Branco contributes this piece from Oke Ilewo Street, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ͯ͡ Ë&#x153; 2020

NEWS XTRA Dickson Justifies Converting Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Residence to Five-Star Hotel Â&#x2021; Urges his successor not to abort his legacies Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Mr Seriake Dickson yesterday explained his decision to convert his official residence to a five-star hotel, noting that it was designed to make the state first investment destination across Africa.

He, thus, warned against truncating his legacies, saying those without vision would not easily grasp how he managed to transform Bayelsa in the last couple of years, stressing

that most of his projects are futuristic.

He made the remarks at the inauguration of the 18-hole golf course yesterday, noting that he had made a lot of sacrifices for the state in the last eight years.

He explained that part of his sacrifices was his decision â&#x20AC;&#x153;to convert his official residence to a hotel to ensure that the state is opened up to tourists and investors.â&#x20AC;?

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are not dreams that ordinary people

can relate to immediately. If you have this kind of golf club, you have an airport and a Polo club, then I have no difficulty in converting my residence to a hotel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I could have stayed there for eight years. I turned it to a hotel. Now, you have a fivestar hotel here. That is why everything is integrated. I came prepared for governance. You have the heliport there that can take eight helicopters at the same time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole idea is for

people to come to Bayelsa, land here, stay in hotels, invest in Bayelsa and enjoy Bayelsa. I have tried my best. If there are things the next governor do not understand, I will be available to explain and advice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not ordinary when you see a governor converting a building that he could have stayed with his family. I said turn it to a hotel. That has been done and it is world-class,â&#x20AC;?

Dickson explained.

He took a swipe at some leaders, who according to him,

INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS...

Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, with students of St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Vollege, Awka, shortly after he donated laptops, printers and a generator to them.

EFCC Confronts Shehu Sani with 13 Audiotapes of Alleged Extortion Kingsley Nwezeh The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has presented Senator Shehu Sani with tape recordings of his alleged extortion.

The lawmaker allegedly admitted that the voice on the tapes was his but insisted that the recordings had been tampered with.

Sani had earlier accused the EFCC of conniving with his accuser to frame him for alleged extortion. He reportedly admitted to the allegations against him after hearing the audio evidence against him.

The anti-graft body acquired incriminating audiotapes to boost its evidence in the allegations against a former senator who represented Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani.

The tapes, which are 13 in number, contained conversations between Shehu Sani and his accuser, one Sani Dauda, an Abuja-based car dealer.

The anti-graft agency was said to have played the

tapes to the hearing of the ex-senator in the presence of his lawyers Audu Mohammed Lawal and Glory Peter on Wednesday, January 15.

The human rights activist was reported to have confirmed that the voice on the tape was his but maintained that parts of the conversation had been erased.

Although Sani did not accuse the EFCC of making the deletion, he maintained that the conversations on the tapes were incomplete.

Shehu Sani was said to have admitted to the bribery allegations after listening to the audiotapes of his alleged misdeeds.

The rights-activist-turnedpolitician allegedly pleaded with the accuser in the tapes to let the matter between them be buried.

He was alleged to have confirmed that the $25,000 involved was, indeed, bribe money.

The EFCC said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The investigation of Senator Shehu Sani is ongoing and he would soon be charged to court.â&#x20AC;?

Homeless Children Threat to National Security, Group Warns Kemi Olaitan An Ibadan-based humanitarian and philanthropic organisarion, Adunbarin has raised the alarm over security implications of abandoned and home-less children, warning that they could be potential supply source of personnel for banditry, armed robberies and insurgency.

The president of the group, Mr Abiodun Kolawole Olawuni made this remark yesterday at a news conference in Ibadan, where he reviewed activities of the group in 2020.

He said based on the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s observations during the visits, the battle against these social menace could not be effectively won if the potent danger this category of people constituted, was not urgently addressed.

Olawuni said the stack reality â&#x20AC;&#x153;is that these home-less and street children are found virtually in every town and village across the 36 states in the country, including Abuja. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This made them vul-

nerable to people behind banditry and insurgency to entice them with mere food and get them recruited into these armed groups.

Some of them donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need any enticement because they confront death on the streets everyday, losing their life has no meaning to many of them.â&#x20AC;?

Olawuni noted that addressing the challenges and menace of those already on the streets would also not significantly remove this danger, unless the-root causes of what bred destitution, home-less and street children were adequately addressed.

He added that key among the root-causes were lack of access to education and poor parentage.

Olawuni said for the challenges posed by this category of people to be successfully solved, it required conscious programmes and determination of government at all levels, with active support by humanitarian organisations, cultural associations, religious groups as well as relevant United Nations agencies.

are in competition with Bayelsa.

He said almost all the facilities in their states were built by either the colonial masters or the federal government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need someone, whose range of vision is broad and can understand this kind of vision I have been working with my team to interpret.

This is the first time we are having a golf course. We have just commissioned a golf course, started by us and on the other side is the Polo club. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This place was a forest.

We came with the idea, the planning and supervision and then battling to fund it in a recession. These are the longterm futuristic programmes that we have worked hard to deliver. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is why I am happy today that it has been commissioned. I am happy about the interest by the golfing community. They are all here.

My advice to the incoming government is to nurture these dreams,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Dickson added that no single government could solve all problems, urging the next administration to ensure continuity of all major projects the previous administrations started as soon as it takes over on February 14.

He, therefore, said he would be leaving very big dreams and very big shoes behind, noting that he only hoped that those coming behind would be humble and patriotic enough to make the sacrifices that I have made.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I pray they will continue and improve on this continuity. You cannot solve this in one government or by

one governor. For example, I will be commissioning the bridge at Onopa to allow people come through there rather than through the government house. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am the one with a security background. Yet, I allowed it for a purpose because I wanted to market our state. Our state was created and made up of the least developed part of old Rivers state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are states that should be competing among themselves. States that were created in 1967, those that even colonial masters started their development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They should not compete with us. We are not in competition. Everything we are doing here is a first of its kind. If you ask some people, who built golf courses in their states, they will not know.

But here we are doing it.

Ask them who built airports or polo clubs in their states they will not know or even seaports, they will not know.

They take all of these things for granted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But here we are leading a deliberate development effort of a deprived, underdeveloped area at a very difficult financial period and I have tried my best â&#x20AC;&#x153;We expect that the new people coming will brace up.

There is a lot of work. It is not just cheap talk, propaganda or blackmail. Sustaining and improving healthcare, education, infrastructure, stability and law and order is a big job. So, I can only wish Bayelsa the best,â&#x20AC;? Dickson said.

Again, Fire Guts School Dormitory in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Fire incident occurred at Loretto Special Science School, Adazi Nnukwu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State yesterday, gutting part of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dormitory.

THISDAY gathered that the fire began at about 7:30 p.m. in one of the dormitories housing students in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red House.

Despite a short delay by men of the Anambra State Fire Service, in arriving the scene, THISDAY learnt that the fire was put off at about 9 p.m, preventing it from escalating into other parts of the school.

The State Police Command confirmed the incident, though stated that no life was lost in the inferno.

In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Haruna Mohammed, the command said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;On 17/01/ 2020 at about 7:30pm, there was fire incident at Loretto Special School of Science Adazi Nnukwu in Anaocha L.G.A of Anambra State . â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fire incident occurred

upstairs of Red House Hostel/ Dormitory within the premises of the school compound. As a result, many properties were damaged by the inferno. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Following the distress call, police patrol team led by a Divisional Police Officer, Neni Division, Mr. Asadu Uchechukwu immediately rushed to the scene and alerted Fire Service Department, which equally responded and put off the fire.â&#x20AC;?

The cause of the fire was not immediately ascertained as at press time, according to the statement.

Mohammed said the State Police Commissioner, John Abang had ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire.

In Onitsha a week ago, another school, Patterson College had also had its dormitory gutted by fire. But unlike Loretto, one student who did not join others during the devotion, but stayed back in the dormitory was burnt to death.

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SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by: Demola Ojo email:Demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

Runaway Leaders Liverpool Host Unpredictable Man United

T

he two most successful clubs in English football history renew hostilities today when Premier League leaders Liverpool welcome bitter rivals Manchester United to Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have shattered records galore while building a 14-point lead at the top of the table, but now come up against the only team to have taken points off them in the league so far this season.

Liverpool versus Manchester United needs no extra billing, and players on either side need no extra incentive to be at their best in what remains English league football’s red-letter day.

However, the plights of both clubs make the latest edition of this fixture even more intriguing, with Liverpool keen to make up for dropping their only points of the season to their greatest rivals while United would love nothing more than being the team to end Liverpool’s unbeaten run.

The Red Devils have form in that respect too; Liverpool’s current 38-game unbeaten streak is the third-longest in Premier League history, but it was United that ended the only two runs which have gone on longer - Arsenal’s 49-game streak in 2004 and a 40-game run for Chelsea one year later.

It could prove to be an ominous sign for Klopp’s side, although the German has repeatedly stated that he is not even interested in his own team’s historic feats so it is highly unlikely that he knows or even cares about United’s streakending form.

Those results against Arsenal and Chelsea also came at a time when United were among the dominant forces in the Premier League, but that is a title which Liverpool alone can boast this season.

The Reds go into the weekend with a 14-point lead over second-placed champions Manchester City and a whopping 27 points clear of United, all with a game in hand too.

The astonishing form which has placed them in what is surely an unassailable position is difficult to comprehend - an almost unfathomable run of 29 wins from their last 30 Premier

Virgil Van Dijk (in white) and Marcus Rashford tussle for the ball in a 1-1 draw between both teams in October

League outings, with the only exception being October’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur - which ended up being perhaps more nail-biting than it should have been - ensured that they have now registered more points at this stage of a season than any club has ever managed in the history of Europe’s top five leagues, amassing 61 from the 63 on offer.

The result also made it the equivalent of a

full Premier League season unbeaten, with Liverpool racking up 104 points during that time - unsurprisingly another record for any 38-game streak by any club in the history of the competition.

For context, United have lost 11 top-flight games since Liverpool’s last defeat more than a year ago, and yet still Klopp insisted after the Spurs match that he “felt nothing” when informed of the latest historic exploits of his team.

The reason for that is simple; Liverpool’s class of 2019-20 may have etched their names into the history books forever, but they are determined not to rest until the club’s name is also etched on the Premier League trophy.

Thirty years of hurt have been exacerbated

by United picking up 13 titles in that time, overhauling Liverpool’s record tally of 18 and extending it to 20 league crowns in the race for all-time domestic supremacy.

Madrid Beat Sevilla to Halaand Nets Hat-trick in Dortmund Debut If anyone thought Erling Braut Haaland’s Jadon Sancho levelled the match at 3-3. here to score goals and it was a good debut Haaland then put Dortmund ahead for for me.” move to Borussia Dortmund would signal go Top of La Liga Haaland, who had been a reported transfer a tempering of his goalscoring exploits, the the first time with 18 minutes left when he Real Madrid moved three points clear of champions Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a hard-earned victory against Sevilla at the Bernabeu.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro scored twice for Zinedine Zidane’s side, either side of Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong’s exquisite, curled equaliser.

Luka Jovic’s clever backheeled pass had allowed Casemiro to break Sevilla’s resistance after 57 minutes.

Casemiro then headed in the eventual winner from a Lucas Vazquez cross.

Barcelona can return to the summit on goal difference when they host Granada today.

Visitors Sevilla, who remain fourth following the defeat, made a confident start as ex-Real boss Julen Lopetegui’s side looked to close to within two points of the top two.

De Jong was denied a first-half opener from a corner after a video assistant referee review showed Nemanja Gudelj had blocked Eder Militao as the Real defender attempted to follow De Jong’s run.

Real had to remain patient until Jovic’s assist for Casemiro provided the game’s first spark of creativity, but Sevilla responded just seven minutes later as De Jong converted brilliantly into the opposite corner from just inside the box.

They were unable to make Real sweat for too long, however, as Casemiro claimed his second and the hosts, crowned Spanish Super Cup champions last weekend, were able to hold on.

Norwegian proved them emphatically wrong on Saturday with a stunning 23-minute debut hat-trick.

The 19-year-old joined Dortmund for £17.1m last month, after netting 28 goals in 22 appearances for Red Bull Salzburg this season - a tally that included five hat-tricks.

He made that six courtesy of the perfect introduction to his new club and league.

Having come off the bench on 56 minutes, with Dortmund trailing 3-1, he scored just three minutes later, before England winger

tapped home after Thorgan Hazard got in behind the Augsburg defence and completed his treble when captain Marco Reus played him into the area, slamming the ball home to make it 5-3.

“I am pretty relaxed about it, I don’t really know why,” the son of former Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City player Alf-Inge Haaland told reporters after his stunning Bundesliga bow.

“I’m at a fantastic club with great teammates and good people around me. I came

Dangote Sugar to Develop Sports in Nasarawa Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Dangote Sugar Refinery Tunga in Nasarawa State, has pledged to support sports development in the state as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

General Manager of the Sugar Refinery, Beverly Martin, stated this during a courtesy call on the company by senior officials of the state Ministry of Youth and Sports Development led by the Commissioner, Othman Bala-Adams.

Martin said as long as the sports development initiatives of the ministry were well planned, sustainable and will benefit a large number of youths, the company will support it as part of it CSR to the state for hosting the company in Awe Local Government Area.

He explained that the company has adequate CSR funding that can be ac-

cessed if there is a thorough comprehensive proposal available.

“The CSR funding is there and it is there for you to access but we need to have a thorough and very comprehensive plan to approve funding for your sports development initiatives.

The initiatives have to be sustainable, transparent and have to benefit everybody in one way or the other.”

“If your projects meets those criteria, we will take it for approval and support you in the best way that we can. As far as CSR is concerned, we will be there for you,” Martin assured.

Earlier, the sports commissioner explained that the essence of the visit was to partner the company and encourage it to also channel its CSR towards sports sector in the state like it has done in other sectors.

target for Juventus and Manchester United, scored eight goals in this season’s Champions League group stage, the second most in the competition.

Augsburg had led 2-0 through goals from Florian Niederlechner and Marco Richter.

After Julian Brandt pulled one back for Dortmund, Niederlechner scored his second on 55 minutes before Haaland’s introduction.

Victory in the first game back after the winter break lifts Dortmund to fourth in the Bundesliga.

Leaders RB Leipzig extended their advantage to five points with a 3-1 victory against Union Berlin, after second placed Borussia Monchengladbach lost 2-0 to Schalke on Friday.

RESULTS & FIXTURES Watford

0–0

T’ Hotspur

Arsenal

1–1

S’United

Brighton

1–1

Aston Villa

Man City

2–2

Crystal Palace

Norwich

1–0

Bournemouth

Southampton

2–3

Wolves

West Ham

1–1

Everton

Newcastle

1–0

Chelsea

Real Madrid

2–1

Sevilla

Burnley

v

Leicester 3pm

Liverpool

v

M’United 5:30pm

Barcelona

v

Granada

9pm

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Sunday January 19, 2020

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N400

MISSILE

European Parliament on Killings in Nigeria “Although President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the killings and urged the population not to become divided along religious lines, these attacks have been carried out with total impunity, with perpetrators rarely being held to account” – European Parliament resolution of 16 January 2020 on Nigeria, notably the recent terrorist attacks.

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Amotekun: Leopard on the Spot

S

ince the introduction of Shari’a law in Zamfara state in January 2000, nothing else has tested the sanctity of Nigeria’s practice of federalism like the launch of the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), better known as Operation Amotekun (the Yoruba word for leopard), by the south-western states on January 9, 2020. The stated aim of Operation Amotekun is to complement the efforts of the federal government in combating insecurity — particularly armed robbery and kidnapping-for-ransom in the geo-political zone. Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and Lagos states have each procured 20 trucks and 100 motorcycles for Operation Amotekun, according to reports.

Not so fast, Mallam Abubakar Malami, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), has warned. He declared that “the setting up of the paramilitary organisation called Amotekun is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law”. And that was how the fight started. Lawyers and activists have fired back at Malami, basically declaring his pronouncement as illegal. Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a Yoruba leader, said Malami should go to court if it pains him that much.

Mr Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, said “as chief security officers… governors have the power to adopt measures deemed fit within the ambit of the law to ensure the maintenance of law and order”.

The Amotekun controversy brings back to mind the furore and tension that heralded the introduction of Shari’a as a main body of criminal law in Zamfara state on January 27, 2000 by then-governor Ahmed Sani aka Yariman Bakura. Before then, Shari’a had operated purely as a customary law applicable only to civil matters, such as marriage and inheritance. By applying Shari’a to criminal matters, such as murder and stealing, Sani tested our practice of federalism as well as the constitutional provision that prohibits the adoption of state religion. That was one of the major crises President Olusegun Obasanjo had to confront in his early days in office.

Despite pronouncements by Mr Kanu Agabi, his attorney-general, that the application of Shari’a to non-civil matters was illegal and punishments such as amputation discriminated against Muslims, more northern states adopted the Islamic code. Agabi was told he had no power to make such a declaration and should, therefore, go to court. Curiously, the federal government did not go to court. The rumour then was that most of the justices of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Mohammed Uwais as the chief justice of Nigeria, had sent word to Obasanjo that the federal government would lose the case. I don’t know how true this was, though.

The Shari’a implementation tested our practice of federalism but we managed to move on. The argument of the Shari’a proponents was that the Nigerian legal system limits the religious freedom of Muslims. Our system is based on the English law, which is basically built around Christian values. Therefore, Muslims are constrained by a legal system that is not fully aligned to their religious beliefs.

Some analysts argued then that Shari’a was a form of campaign for “true federalism” in which the federating units would be allowed

Malami

to operate their own social, cultural, religious, economic and political systems within certain parameters that are common to federalisms.

A similar argument is being applied to Operation Amotekun — that the federating units should have the freedom to enhance their own security given the increasingly overwhelming challenges faced by the federally controlled security agencies. In fact, south-west leaders have been canvassing the establishment of state police for ages and Amotekun is viewed in some parts of the country as a masked step towards actualising the desire. Those who fear this initiative think this may be the first step towards weakening the current federal structure and preparing the ground for the balkanisation of Nigeria.

Some even think Amotekun is an ethnic militia in disguise.

Malami has raised a legal issue: states do not have the power to set up a paramilitary organisation. However, since he has not issued a similar statement about the “civilian JTF” being operated in parts of the north, his intervention was greeted with suspicion. Some asked why there should be one interpretation of constitutional provisions for one part of the federation and another for others. But that does not mean he does not have a point — just that he is not being consistent. Internal security is on the exclusive list, he can argue that very well. He can even go to court to seek interpretation and the judges, playing by the books, could rule in his favour. That would not be unexpected.

But there would be more questions. There is the security that is exclusive to federal government and there is the security that is so basic it should not conflict with the constitution.

I live in an estate. I have a security guard at my gate. We have guards in our “zone”. And we have guards at the main entrance to the estate. There are also vigilante groups bearing dane guns on different streets around us. These are all private arrangements. When Badoo Boys were pounding Lagosians to death for money rituals years ago, vigilante groups, and not police, helped in stopping them. Is this legal or not? How is Amotekun, armed with dane guns, different from vigilante groups and civilian JTFs? To be honest, I am not really bothered by the legality talk. My biggest worry is the possible misuse and abuse of the outfit for ethnic and political purposes. I will explain.

While opposing Malami’s position, Mr Gani Adams, one of the OPC founders, said: “The Yoruba have a right to defend themselves.”

That is, Amotekun is out to defend the Yoruba.

This feeds directly into the suspicion that it is an ethnic militia. Someone created a Twitter account, named it “Amotekun” and asked that the “negative activities of any Fulani Group” should be reported. Obviously, nobody mandated the zealot to do this, but the tone is already being set. At this rate, there are dangers ahead.

I know there is a real belief in parts of southern Nigeria that the Fulani have an agenda to take over the country. The criminal activities of the herdsmen are interpreted within that context. There are, thus, those who think the Yoruba must push back. To them, Amotekun represents the counter force.

Whereas the south-west governors might be genuinely interested in protecting the hapless farmers and travellers who have been suffering plunder, rape and death, the excitement about Amotekun in some quarters is built around the notion that a Yoruba army is in the making.

Hijack is predictably a possibility. No president worth his oath of office will fold his arms and allow that to happen.

For those who may not know, the escalation of the farmers/herders conflict in the middle belt, particularly in Benue and Taraba, owed largely to the activities of the vigilante groups set up by these states to enforce anti-open grazing laws. Such enforcement naturally took an ethnic and religious tone. The herders resisted. Everywhere caught fire. We are still burying the dead. The polity is forever polluted.

Regardless of how righteous our intention is, we can be blindsided. A proposed solution can become a problem on its own — thereby turning the subject to predicate. No matter how brilliant an idea is, a tiny detail can become its undoing. We need to bear this in mind.

What then? In principle, I support Operation Amotekun. I support anything that will protect life and property of Nigerians in this hobbesian state of nature where life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short. If we are to be truthful to ourselves, the current security arrangement is suboptimal. That is why we need “enhancement”. I am not asking the police to stay at my gate. That would be too much. That is why I have a “maiguard”. We have various security arrangements in the estate. They can only complement the police — not substitute or antagonise them. It is very important we make the distinction between supplementary security and mainstream policing.

However, the south-west governors have gone about this Amotekun thing in a poor way. For one, it is not backed by any law in their states. More so, they have set up a supplementary or complementary security outfit without the all-important buy-in of the federal government. The “civilian JTF” they are citing as justification works under the supervision of the Nigerian army. I would advise the governors to retrace their steps and do the right thing. There must be proper communication and engagement with the critical stakeholders. They must also assuage the fears of those who suspect that this is an ethnic militia in the offing. It can be a win-win for everyone.

And Four Other Things…

SUPREME CONFUSION One of the most confusing judgments you will ever find is the verdict of the Supreme Court ousting Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as the governor of Imo state and replacing him with Senator Hope Uzondinma. In the absence of the text of such a controversial verdict being made public, people have been having fun on WhatsApp and Twitter calculating accredited voters and total votes cast, suggesting that more people voted than accredited. I don’t blame anybody. Both the Supreme Court and INEC that should give us the authentic figures have gone to sleep. The details and text of the judgment may not be ready until God-knows-when. This is not how to handle a situation like this. Poor.

‘TWO FIGHTING’ Were you as disgusted as I was when the accountant-general of the federation, Mallam Ahmed Idris, came out to openly contradict the minister of finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, on the effective date of the new VAT rate? Most recently, Mr Sale Mamman, the minister of power, suspended the DG of Rural Electrification Agency and the MD of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Ltd. Both suspensions were reversed by President Buhari. We watched the fight between the police and the police service commission open quarrel over recruitment and it ended in court.

Even the service chiefs were in a cold war for years. I find this indecent exposure to public ridicule quite worrisome. Disarray.

POACHING KINGSLEY President Muhammadu Buhari has pulled a surprise on us by nominating Dr Kingsley Obiora as deputy governor in charge of the economic policy directorate of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Although nobody really saw that coming, Obiora comes highly recommended. The alternate executive director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has a long list of distinctions in his career. He was wholly trained in Nigeria and there must be something IMF saw to have recruited him directly from an African university — they normally would go for African who graduated from Harvard and co. The 43-year-old economist certainly has a lot to give his fatherland. Congrats!

ECO CHAMBER The attempt by French puppets in West Africa to hijack eco as a common currency has received a bashing from other countries — with Ghana even making a U-turn having initially appeared to support the double-crossing. Eco was to be adopted by all West African countries, but eight mostly francophone countries woke up one day and said their CFA would be rebranded “eco”. Anglophone Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia and Gambia, as well as francophone Guinea have now taken a stand against the hijack. I’m happy for the success of the diplomacy spearheaded by Nigeria, even though I am still not a fan of this common currency proposal. But we take it from there. Better!

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