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NEC: Fuel Subsidy Stays for Now, But May Be Removed Before Year End Says petrol costs 100% more in neighbouring countries Reveals that N2trn spent on subsidy in 2021 Accuses NNPC of failing to fund FAAC to the tune of N200bn monthly in 2021 Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The National Economic Council

(NEC) yesterday allayed fears of Nigerians about the possible removal of fuel subsidy early in 2022, saying the policy would remain for now.

It, however, did not rule out the possibility of the subsidy being removed before the end of this year.

These formed part of the

resolutions of NEC at its maiden meeting in 2022 held at the Conference Hall of the State House, Abuja, with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presiding.

NEC which meets monthly is constitutionally empowered to advise the president on nation's economic matters.

The federal government had

disclosed plan to phase out the fuel subsidy regime by the second half of this year.

Continued on page 10

Komolafe Confirms NNPC as Holder of Addax’s OML Licences... Page 6 Friday 21 January, 2022 Vol 26. No 9782. Price: N250

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IMF Proposes $50bn Trust Fund to Help Low-income Countries

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exert heavy strain on the global economy, L-R: Asst Director, Nigeria Communication Commission, Mr. Moses Iyi; Asst Director, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Martins Oteh; Car prize winner, Patrick Obekpa; Representative the International Monetary of the President, National Industrial Court, E.N. Agbakoba; Nollywood actor, Rachael Okonkwo; Globacom’s North Central Regional Manager, Kazeem Kaka, at the prize-presentation ceremony Fund (IMF) is proposing a for winners in Globacom’s Joy Unlimited Extravaganza Promo held in Abuja… yesterday

Continued on page 10

Buhari: El-Rufai is Writing His History in Letters of Gold Vows never to let anyone impose himself on Nigerians Deji Elumoye in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, while inaugurating some projects in different parts of Kaduna State, gave a generous pass mark to the Northwestern state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, saying he was writing history in letters of gold.

Buhari, who confessed to having taken El-Rufai’s loyalty for granted, and went on to profusely thank him, however, vowed never to let anyone raise an army of thugs with a view to forcing himself on Nigerians, as the nation journeys through

the next national elections.

The president was in Kaduna for a two-day working visit, and arrived Wednesday night from Banjul, Gambia, where he attended the inauguration of President Adama Barrow, for a second term of office.

Buhari, who flew in a helicopter, landed at the Murtala Square and commissioned the remodelled Square.

Received by El-Rufai and top government functionaries, the president commenced his activities in Kafanchan, where he commissioned some road projects under the Urban Continued on page 10

Abdulsalami: Nigeria at Crossroads, IN PURSUIT OF HIS LIFELONG AMBITION...

Governor of Lagos State and one of the National leaders of All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (L) with former Military Insists Nation is Bleeding... Page 12 Former President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, when Asíwájú visited him at his hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State...yesterday

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NEWS

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322

JUSTICE SECTOR SUMMIT 2022 ON A COURTESY VISIT TO THE AGF… L-R: Member, Justice Sector Summit 2022 Planning Committee, Mr. Aderemi Oguntoye; Senior Special Adviser to the Vice President on Research, Legal and Compliance Matters/Member, Justice Sector Summit 2022 Planning Committee, Dr. Balikisu Saidu; Attorney General of the Federation/Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Judiciary Committee/Chairman Justice Sector Summit 2022 Planning Committee, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, and Secretary, NBA Judiciary Committee and Member, Justice Sector Summit 2022 Planning Committee, Mr. Akinyemi Aremu, during the Members of the Organising Committee of Justice Sector Summit 2022 courtesy visit to Malami in Abuja… yesterday

30 Firms to Begin Manufacturing COVID-19 Pills for Poor Nations Full dose to sell for $20 in Nigeria, others, $700 in US

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report A United Nations-backed agency, Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), has struck a deal for nearly 30 generic drug makers to manufacture low-cost versions of Merck & Co's COVID-19 pill, molnupiravir for poorer nations.

The proponents of the deal posit that it will widen access to the drug seen as a weapon in fighting the pandemic.

The anti-viral pill, which in December received emergency approval in the United States, reduces hospitalisations and deaths of high-risk patients by around 30 per cent, according to clinical trial results.

A Reuters report stated that the deal, negotiated by the UN-backed organisation with Merck, would expand output by increasing the number of companies that would produce the drug.

The new agreement allows 27 generic drug makers from India, China and other countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East to produce ingredients and the finished drug.

The MPP stated that the deal stipulated that the pill would be distributed to 105 less-developed nations. A spokesperson later said deliveries from some firms covered by the deal could start as early as February.

A molnupiravir course of 40 pills for five days was expected to cost about $20 in poorer nations, an MPP official involved in the talks with drug makers told Reuters, citing initial estimates from drug makers, which are subject to change.

That is far below the $700 per course the United States agreed to pay for an initial delivery of 1.7 million courses, but twice as high as first estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO)-backed programme to procure COVID-19 drugs and vaccines for the world.

The developers of

molnupiravir, which alongside Merck are US firm Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and Emory University, would not receive royalties for the sale of the low-cost versions made by generic drug makers while COVID-19 remains classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Bangladesh's Beximco Pharmaceuticals , India's Natco Pharma, South Africa's Aspen Pharmacare Holdings and China's Fosun Pharma are among generic firms that will produce the finished product.

Other companies, including India's Dr Reddy's Laboratories had struck earlier deals with Merck for the production of molnupiravir and will sell it at 1,400 rupees ($18.8) per course.

The MPP spokesperson said there was no firm estimate yet on the likely output from generics makers covered by the deal, but that poorer nations' demand was expected to be largely covered.

The MPP works to increase access to life-saving medicines for poorer countries. It also has an agreement with Pfizer for the sub-licensing of its COVID-19 pill paxlovid to generics drugmakers.

Meanwhile, Africa's top public health bodies yesterday called for donated COVID-19 vaccines to come with a shelf-life of three to six months so countries could plan their rollouts and avoid a situation where doses expire.

The Director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), John Nkengasong, said 2.8 million doses of vaccine had expired on the continent, roughly 0.5 per cent of the 572 million doses delivered to date. He said 10.4 per cent of Africans were fully vaccinated.

"In terms of the 0.5 per cent, let me be very clear, any dose of vaccine that expired pains me because that is a life that can be potentially saved," Nkengasong

told a news briefing.

In a separate briefing, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, echoed Nkengasong's call.

"Many countries indicate that they would like vaccines to be donated with at least three months of shelf life, if

not more," Moeti said.

Nkengasong said the expired doses were mostly among those donated by individual countries or via the global vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX, and that they had arrived with "very short notice".

In contrast, doses of the

Johnson and Johnson (JNJ.N) vaccine acquired by African countries via a scheme organised by the 55-member African Union and delivered with a longer shelf life had not expired, he said.

He said some countries were now refusing to accept vaccines when they saw that the shelf life

was only one or two months.

"They prefer not to receive those vaccines because it will create a narrative that vaccines have expired in their countries," he said, without naming the countries. "Most countries are very sensitive to that now," he said.

Soludo Inaugurates 80-man Transition Committee Says ‘problem solvers’ to apply for part-time, full-time or pro bono jobs Rejects 'His Excellency' title, Opts for 'Mr Governor' David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Anambra State governor-elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated members of his 80-man transition committee ahead of his March 17, 2022 swearing-in date.

The former Central Bank Governor said he was optimistic that he would hit the ground running, while stating that he would stop at nothing to ensure that Anambra people who overwhelming voted him were not disappointed.

He also said that part of the task of the transition committee would be to draw a pool of resource persons, from where the government would pick capable hands to help it drive its policies.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Awka yesterday, Soludo said: "I was called His Excellency a while ago, but may I plead that that ‘Excellency’ tag should please wait for now. That is part of what we will discuss in this committee.

“You may just need to learn how to call me by my name, but if that isn't good for you, then, may I request that you simply call me 'Charlie Nwangbafor' (Charles, some of Mgbafor). If that one is so difficult for you that you must be formal in addressing me, then you can address me

as Mr. Governor," Soludo told his audience.

The former member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council, while inaugurating the committee said: "This is an assemblage of the people I describe as wise men and women who have kindly accepted to serve our homeland, under the leadership of one of Anambra's finest gift to the world, our own dear Oby Ezekwesili.

“This committee comprises of some of Nigeria's best, and Anambra is deeply grateful that you are sacrificing your time and talent pro bono, to help our journey to a livable and prosperous smart city.

"This is a friendly transition, it is an APGA government to APGA government, and we expect nothing except the level of cooperation expected among members of a family. And that we are having this at this transition committee jointly, being inaugurated, speaks eloquently.

It is almost like a combined transition committee and it is a testimony that this is a family affair.”

Speaking further, he said: "Some commentators have observed that the number of the transition committee is large in their estimation, even without seeing the terms of reference, or the task, or that the members are offering their time and talent

without remuneration as it were.

"Some were already computing the amount of money that each of you would be paid. If Anambra accepts to pay or remunerate the calibre of people here, I'm sure even a World Bank facility would not help us. Despite those observations, I must advice that you should feel absolutely free to bring anyone else that you feel can bring great value to this work."

Speaking on security, Soludo said he has great plans for the state, adding that it was intentional that he left out security experts in his committee. He stressed that security was a great challenge in Nigeria today, and would not be discussed in the open.

"We deliberately left out some experts in security from the transition committee. We prefer to deal with this subject matter separately. I'm not sure that would fit into this kind of place. What we will say in public is not what we will say in private, because things are no longer the same any longer in Security."

On the terms of reference for the committee, Soludo said: "The global objective of the transition committee is to help the government and the governor-elect to achieve a seamless transition and we are ready to hit the ground running from day one. The task would be elaborated, but three stand out.

"First is to ascertain, certify

the state of affairs, the short to medium term deliverables of the vision 2070. To propose actionable agenda for the next administration, three to assist with talent hunt to populate the Anambra change data bank.

"To achieve this, we will soon advertise for expression of interest, whereby we call on all problem solvers with integrity, competence and passion to indicate which problem or problems they can solve for Ndi Anambra, whether in full time, part time or pro bono services.

“Together with the talent hunt from the committee, we will then have a robust pool to ensure we continuously fit round pegs in round holes.

"We are open to seek help and we will deeply appreciate advice and assistance of everybody to enable us deliver efficient and effective services to millions of our people.

"While we will continue to be sensitive to politics, in a democracy, that is expected, we also know that the teeming millions just want public service to work and do not care who delivers them.

"There are several members of this committees who I have never met, but your worth and reputation found you. We are deeply grateful to all of you who have accepted to actually pay to serve.

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NEWS

STRENGTHENING NIGERIA/US CULTURAL TIES...

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (left) and United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, at the signing of the Cultural Property Implementation Act Agreement between Nigeria and the United States in Abuja ... yesterday

Komolafe Confirms NNPC as Holder of Addax’s OML Licences Says Chinese firm failed to meet payment deadline Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NURPC), Mr. Gbenga Komolafe yesterday confirmed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has retrieved

the Oil Mining Licences (OMLs) 123, 124, 126 and 137, that previously was held under a Joint Venture (JV) agreement between the national oil company and Addax Petroleum, a Chinese company.

The regulator accused the oil company of failing to meet the terms of the agreement,

prompting it to halt the process.

In a brief update on the matter, Komolafe confirmed that Addax Petroleum was unable to meet its obligations in line with the guidelines governing the agreement.

Komolafe said by operations of the law, the award had lapsed and it had automatically

reverted to the NNPC which operates Nigeria’s stakes in such petroleum contract sharing.

The NURPC’s chief executive explained that the awardees was not able to meet its obligations in line with the provisions of the contract, noting that the breach meant the annulment of the process.

NCDMB, Navy Plan Joint Committee on Maritime Security in Oil Locations Content board commences facility repairs for large ships

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigerian Navy yesterday agreed to set up a joint committee to work out ways to solve the perennial insecurity in oil locations in the country.

The Executive Secretary (ES), NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote who spoke during a meeting with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo in Abuja, said the collaboration became important because of the threat posed by the activities of aberrant operators in the waterways.

The ES stated that the enforcement of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act in maritime operations would curb the use of non-compliant and non-categorised vessels.

In addition, he explained that working closely with the navy would help in intercepting illegal vessels as well as aberrant crew members impinging on the country’s oil and gas assets.

“The two organisations would set up a high-level committee that would work out detailed modalities for the collaboration and enable both organisations to accomplish their respective

mandates,” he said.

According to Wabote, the board receives alerts regularly via its whistle-blowing portal and would like to investigate such information and recommend genuine cases to the navy.

Other possible areas of collaboration, he said, included support to the board in assessment visits to vessels and provision of information to the board on vessels and tankers plying the Nigerian waters and oil and gas locations.

Wabote stressed that the navy was well situated to drive the security aspect of the industry’s operations, particularly in securing the nation’s shores against piracy and illegal oil bunkering.

He said the navy’s role was critical because the bulk of Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves lie along the coastal areas of the country, including major infrastructure and plants for hydrocarbon processing and exports.

He also commended the navy for its efforts in promoting Nigerian content, notably by engaging the services of indigenous engineers and service companies in the fabrication and maintenance of navy boats, thereby boosting

local content in the industry.

The ES highlighted the need for closer ties particularly because of the board’s longterm vision to increase Nigerian content levels in the oil and gas sector from the current level of about 40 per cent to 70 per cent by the year 2027 as part of the Nigerian content 10-year strategic roadmap.

Wabote identified the board’s marine vessels development and categorisation strategy as one of the core initiatives that would support the actualisation of the roadmap.

“The goals of the marine vessel initiative are to promote the construction and maintain vessels in Nigerian yards and stimulate ownership of marine vessels by Nigerian entities.

“It will grow flagging and registration of vessels in Nigeria, deepen Nigerian manning of marine vessels, and develop world-class ship repairs and shipbuilding yard,” he stated.

He reported that the board had made progress in the various aspects of its objectives such as support for the acquisition of marine vessels by Nigerians via the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund managed by the Bank of Industry (BoI).

According to him, the provision of sea-time training for marine cadets, patronage of in-country dry-docks, and the completion of the feasibility study and site selection for the proposed development of shipyard were also activities being carried out.

Listing some other achievements of the board in the past five years, Wabote stated that it had begun the first phase of developing the Brass Island Terminal in Bayelsa State.

“The facility will carry out repair and maintenance of large ships and vessels such as LNG carriers, and maritime equipment such as jack-up rig vessels,” he added.

In his comments, Zubairu pledged the support of the navy in deepening stakeholders’ compliance with the NOGICD Act. He also sought the assistance of the board in upgrading the naval shipyard in Lagos, particularly the slipway.

While highlighting the navy’s milestones in research and development, the naval chief sought the board’s collaboration in improving the navy’s capabilities in that space as well as creating a market for its products in the oil and gas industry.

“The status of the Addax Petroleum award is that right now the awardees have not been able to meet their obligations in line with the provisions of the award.

“And by the operations of the law, the award stand elapsed and it’s automatically reversed to the NNPC, that is the status as for now,” he explained.

With the decision, the next step for the NNPC is to look for new partners who would exploit the oilfields in a fresh production sharing arrangement.

Since March, 2021, controversies have been trailing the award and revocation of the licences, since they were first carried out by the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

At the time, the industry regulator had explained that the licences were revoked due to the non-development of the assets by the oil firm, leading to the company’s inability to comply with the work programme targets.

The then Director of the regulatory agency, Sarki Auwalu, giving further insight into why the licences were cancelled, had said it was discovered that over 50 per cent of the assets then remained underdeveloped.

According to him, the situation was resulting in loss of the badly-needed revenue to the federal government.

“The first reason for a revocation is when you discover that the asset is not being developed according to the business guidelines because it is economic sabotage,” he had stated.

The regulatory agency which has now metamorphosed into the NURPC then awarded the OMLs to Kaztec Engineering Limited/Salvic Petroleum Consortium.

But President Muhammadu Buhari overruled the ministry of petroleum and the DPR,

thereafter ordering the restoration of the leases to Addax Petroleum, which was in production sharing contract with the NNPC. The decision to return the assets to the Chinese firm, according to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu then, was in line with the administration’s commitment to the rule of law, fairness and enabling a stable business climate for investment.

While directing the DPR to retract the letter of revocation of the leases, the president had also asked the NNPC to utilise contractual provisions to resolve issues in line with the extant provisions of the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) arrangement between the corporation and Addax The decision by Buhari was based on the strength of a letter written to him by the NNPC on April 20, 2021, arguing that the revocation of the oilfields would have implications on the Nigerian economy and the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and China.

The NNPC had warned the president that the revocation, if unresolved, would create an unprecedented level of contingent liability of well over $1 billion for NNPC as the party in contract with Addax as well as reputational damage to the country.

The NNPC had then written: “Addax has not been investing in capital projects, development drilling, and exploration activities due to dispute on applicable fiscal terms on its blocks.”

The corporation had reminded the president that China was providing financing for key infrastructural projects like the railways projects and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline Projects, amongst others, and warned that the revocation action could also threaten the realisation of these critical projects.

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PAGE TEN B U H A R I : E L - R U FA I I S W R I T I N G H I S H I STO RY I N L E T T E R S O F G O L D Renewal Programme, before returning to Kaduna at about 11:45am.

At the Murtala Square, the new city centre of Kaduna State, the president, while admiring the remodelled edifice, recalled that he was constrained by family challenges to relocate from Daura to Kaduna, after he was released from detention as a former military Head of State. ''I can hardly find my way in Kaduna due to the development taking place here and the governor, has committed himself to change Kaduna for good and has been very successful at that, and Nigerians are appreciative that you are writing your history in letters of gold,'' he said.

In yet, another instance, an overly impressed Buhari added: “Thank you very much, Your Excellency, and remarkably, you became my governor. I don't think I have any input. Zainab became my minister of finance.

“I didn't know you are from the gentleman I respect and go to his house (apparently referring to El-Rufai). This is fabulous coincidence and I thank God for it. Therefore, I have taken your loyalty for granted,” Buhari said.

Still in Kafanchan, Buhari underlined his resolve to consolidate the country’s political system to improve the quality of the people’s lives, because “the people matter.”

Addressing the palace of Alhaji Muhammadu Isa II, the Emir of Jama’a, Buhari said, “We are doing our efforts to consolidate the system for the good of the people because they matter.”

He used the opportunity to speak about the use of the police and the military, in dealing with security situations but urged Nigerians to develop confidence in civil authority to build a

system “free of chaos.”

Buhari, therefore, reiterated that, “Nobody should be allowed to raise an army of thugs to force himself on the people. This must be very clear.”

The president further gave assurances of the determination of his administration “to hand over a better Nigeria than the one we inherited,” and urged Nigerians to be fair in their assessment of what his government has achieved especially, on the campaign promises he made ahead of the 2015 elections.

The president, who inaugurated the newly remodelled Murtala Mohammed Square, also unveiled the 136-bed Infectious Disease Hospital, LEA Lokoja Road Primary School, Rigasa, Aliyu Makama road and the Leventis

underpass, executed by the State government.

He praised Governor ElRufai for completing peopleoriented projects in the Kaduna metropolis as well as other senatorial districts in the state.

Also, while inaugurating the 800-metre long flyover in Kawo, Kaduna, amid tight security, the president recounted how he narrowly escaped a targeted bomb attack in the vicinity in 2014.

Reminiscing on the unfortunate incident, which claimed the lives of many innocent Nigerians, Buhari thanked God for sparing his life on that fateful day along Ali Akilu road, KawoKaduna.

His words: ''For many years, I always plied this route and I cannot recount how many

times I crossed it. There was an attempt on my life on this road. Nothing happened to me just like the 30 months I spent during the civil war. ''They wanted to blow up the vehicle I was in around the secretariat but my escort somehow stopped them. But before we came to this bridge (Kawo), they became more desperate and there was a small market in the area, where the device exploded. But God protected us and here I am again,” he said.

After commissioning the newly constructed Dan Haya Road, Katsina Road and the Emir’s Palace Road in Kafanchan, Buhari, Buhari stated again, “I’m very impressed by the rehabilitation of the town (Kafanchan) I have seen.”

He urged residents of the area

to show appreciation for the projects, and commended the Emir, for his consolidation of peace among the diverse ethnic and religious communities of the Emirate.

In his remarks, El-Rufa’i acknowledged the President’s investments in security in the area, noting in particular that the establishment of security outfits, had paved the way for reduced attacks on people, stating categorically that Kafanchan was much safer today than it used to be.

The Emir, in acknowledging the improvements in security in the area, requested permanent bases for the Air Force and the Mobile Police, as well as the restoration of the rail services for which Kafanchan was known.

Buhari was welcomed to the community by the Senator

and Members of the House of Representatives from the zone, as well as a large crowd of enthusiastic citizens, who thronged the streets.

Meanwhile, a combined team of heavily armed soldiers and the police were deployed to strategic places in the state while helicopters were seen hovering around the city.

Kaduna is one of the northwest states under constant attacks by bandits with people being killed or abducted almost on a daily basis.

Buhari is expected to be in Zaria today to commission more road projects under the Urban Renewal Programme.

Curiously, however, the visit was without the usual fanfare and celebrations as not many people came out on the street to welcome him.

IMF PROPOSES $50BN TRUST FUND TO HELP LOW-INCOME COUNTRIES $50 billion trust fund which could help low-income and vulnerable middle-income countries to build resilience and sustainability.

The trust fund is part of IMF's options for channeling some of the $650 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) issued in August 2021 to countries with strong external financial positions as well as vulnerable countries through a Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST).

The IMF in a new blog post yesterday, stated that the proposed $50 billion trust fund could help low-income and vulnerable middle-income countries build resilience to balance of payments shocks and ensure a sustainable recovery It stated that about three quarters of IMF’s membership could qualify for the RST financing, including all lowincome countries, all developing and vulnerable small states, and all middle-income countries with

per capita gross national income (GNI) below 10 times the 2020 International Development Association (IDA) operational cut-off , or about $12,000.

Nigeria falls within the category of potential beneficiaries as GNI per capita in the country was reported at $2,157 in 2019, based on the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognised sources.

To qualify for RST support, an eligible IMF member would need a package of high-quality policy measures consistent with the RST’s purpose; a concurrent financing or non-financing IMF-supported programme with appropriate macroeconomic policies to mitigate risks for borrowers and creditors; and sustainable debt and adequate capacity to repay the Fund.

The IMF noted that access to RST financing would be determined case-by-case,

based on the strength of reforms and debt sustainability considerations, and was expected to be capped at 150 per cent of IMF quota or SDR 1 billion, whichever is smaller.

It added that RST lending would be part of a broader financing strategy members would pursue to address longerterm balance of payments risks, involving a mix of multilateral, bilateral official, and private financing.

Like the IMF's highly concessional and currently zero interest rate Trust for low-income countries, the RST’s resources would be mobilised on a voluntary basis from members who wish to channel their SDRs or currencies for the benefit of poorer or vulnerable countries.

The IMF stated: "Even as countries continue to battle COVID-19, it is crucial not to overlook the longer-term challenge of transforming

economies to become more resilient to shocks and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.

"The pandemic has taught us that not addressing these long-term challenges in a timely manner can have significant economic consequences, with the potential for future balance of payments problems.

"Climate change is another long-term challenge that threatens macroeconomic stability and growth in many countries through natural disasters and disruptions to industries, job markets, and trade flows, among others.

"These are global public policy challenges, and it is the shared responsibility of individual countries and the international community to take timely actions."

The Fund noted that in a previous blog, it had explained how it was considering options for channeling some of the $650

billion SDRs issued in August 2021 from countries with strong external financial positions to vulnerable countries through a Resilience and Sustainability Trust.

It added that the RST’s central objective was to provide affordable long-term financing to support countries as they tackle structural challenges.

"As we’ve continued to work toward developing the RST, our current thinking on the key design features—which we outline further below—aim to balance the needs of potential contributors and borrowing countries.

"With broad support from the membership and international partners, we hope that the Trust can be approved by the IMF Executive Board before the upcoming Spring Meetings and for it to become fully operational before the year’s end," the IMF stated in the blog post.

He pointed out that labour had engaged government for the past 20 years over the matter and proffered solutions, including building the country’s refining capacity.

“We must be able to refine product for domestic use, and that is what most OPEC countries are doing. We should not rely 100 per cent on importation of petrol and other petroleum products.

“One, we're exporting our jobs, not only exporting jobs, we are also imposing a burden on many Nigerians. In fact, we can take over the entire West Africa markets if we're able to refine products for domestic use,” he noted.

Wabba explained that while the government may have started work on the Port Harcourt refinery, all the refineries are still moribund, adding that government has broken its promises several times in the past to revamp the facilities.

According to him, modular refineries can actually address the perennial issue of shortage of gas and diesel and also bring down the price which has continued to rise as well as pushing the prices of foodstuff beyond ordinary Nigerians.

“Diesel is almost going for between N340 per litre and N360, depending on where you're buying. And then it will make transportation so expensive, and therefore costs of goods and services that will also depend on transportation.

Those costs will be built into it.

So, those are the issues.

“There is confusion. How much of petrol do we consume?

Do we know? And that is why we have said that the inefficiency that is in the system should not actually be transferred to consumers to continue to carry,” he explained.

Wabba opined that

government’s position that the high volume of consumption is due to products that are being smuggled across the borders does not hold water, stating that it will take hundreds of tankers to take that volume out of the country.

“If you are to look at the gap between 38 million litres and 102 million litres, it means that on a daily basis, 200 trucks will be smuggling products across the country. And this is an issue we have interrogated in the past.

“We have given recommendation, the first is that they must build refineries around those borders, so that we can also take a comparative advantage of all the neighbouring countries, but today, nothing has happened.

“So basically, clearly there is no transparency and therefore the issue of how much we consume per day is still a mystery. And this is not rocket science,” he explained.

According to him, the use of an alternative fuel like compressed natural gas to reduce the number of vehicles that use petrol has also been left hanging.

“To use natural gas, I remember that about N260 billion was actually committed to the issue of conversion of vehicles. But there’s nothing on the table. So that's why everybody's concerned that promises have been made and we have documentation, we have reports, but none of those promises are being kept. So it's a vicious cycle,” he posited.

Also, ahead of the January 27 nationwide protest against the purported plan to remove fuel subsidy, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) said that its branches all over the country had adequately mobilised in line with the directive of the NLC for the protest.

NEC: FUEL SUBSIDY STAYS FOR NOW, BUT MAY BE REMOVED BEFORE YEAR END The World Bank had also last November sounded the alarm bells to Nigeria, saying further delay in removing the fuel subsidy which had been described as a major drain and waste on the economy could see the federal and state governments unable to pay salaries this year.

But a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, recently warned that some of the economic reforms outlined by the federal government in 2022, especially the fuel subsidy removal, may be hampered by political considerations and labour union activities.

However, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state and his Edo state counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, were on hand to brief newsmen at the end of the meeting that lasted for four hours.

When asked if fuel subsidy removal was discussed at the meeting, Obaseki said though Council discussed the issue, no decision was taken on the matter.

He added that statistics had shown that over N2 trillion was spent on fuel subsidy in 2021, while reports had also shown that prices of petroleum products were 100 percent higher in neighboring countries than what is obtainable in Nigeria.

According to him: "The issue of subsidy has been one matter that NEC has deliberated on, for more than a year now. There was an Adhoc Committee which was set up by NEC headed by Governor El-Rufai of Kaduna state that included members of the executive arm of government that worked on recommendations as to what we should do about the costs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) locally because as you realise, as has been told us, the cost of PMS

in Nigeria today is about N162 per liter. Whereas every other country surrounding Nigeria is selling the same product at more than 100 per cent of the cost in Nigeria.

"And the country as at last year, spent in excess of almost, I mean, we need to have the exact figures, but we must have spent almost N2 trillion subsidising petroleum products. That is money that could have gone into building roads, money that could have gone into healthcare and education.

"So, for NEC, the arguments have been put out, should we continue this regime of spending money we do not have to subsidise the living standards of only mostly those who have vehicles? And when NEC looked at some of the analysis last year, we then realised that less than one-third of the states of this country consume two thirds of the subsidy. So, the issue of equity also came up.

"All of these findings were presented to NEC and NEC has had several deliberations.

And the deliberations are still ongoing.

"So, NEC hasn't come up with any decision yet. I think recommendations have also been made to the President.

That is what I am aware of that transpired so far.”

Speaking in the same vein, Nasarawa state governor emphasised that no decision had been taken on the issue of fuel subsidy.

He added that with the NNPC now becoming a limited liability company, it would now have to run differently in the area of fuel pricing regime.

"You have to understand that we didn't make any presentations on the fuel subsidy because there has not been a decision. But in reality, all of us Nigerians know that there is now the Petroleum

Industry Act. And NNPC has now become, you know, a limited liability company. So NNPC will run differently.

"So, if the Minister of Finance, you know, provides for six months, you probably can understand part of the reason for provision of six months before NNPC fully takes off and at that moment, that's when decisions will be made.

"But I want to make the correction that it is not governors who are making recommendations. It is actually a NEC committee, you know, which comprises of all the other people that are looking at this and no decision has been made.

"Probably at the appropriate time, a decision will be made.

You know, the Petroleum Industry Act has fully taken charge, and it will not require any recommendation from anybody".

Asked if NEC took any decision on the complaints of governors about unconstitutional deductions, Sule stated that what was presented to NEC was a document on the decision that was reached by the Federal Revenue Allocation Committee (FAAC) He explained that FAAC brought up the constitutional issue about deductions of 13 per cent derivation, which should have occurred before any expenditures.

The governor stressed that this was a constitutional issue, which had been dealt with.

He said: "And it was realised that refunds had to be made as a result of those unconstitutional deductions and it was agreed how those refunds should be paid back whether it was to be paid in three years or in four years or in five years."

On his part, Edo state governor put it succinctly that the deductions had really affected

the states financially.

According to him: "As at last year, NNPC was supposed to contribute N200 billion a month to FAAC for distribution to the States. Because of payment of subsidy, NNPC was unable to put that money into FAAC for distribution, which means less money going to the states and less money going to the federal government."

FG Cannot Push Consequences of its Inefficiency to Nigerians, Says NLC President Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday insisted that the planned removal of petrol subsidy by the federal government was tantamount to leaving Nigerians to bear the consequence of in-built inefficiency in the product supply value chain.

Speaking on a national television yesterday, the National President of the NLC, Mr Ayuba Waba, reiterated the body’s earlier decision to embark on a warning protest on January 27, over the matter.

Wabba maintained that the removal of subsidy would cause more pains to Nigerians and push millions into poverty, arguing that as it is, inflation has also already rendered wages and salaries valueless.

The NLC helmsman noted that the federal government cannot be talking about subsidy removal when it imports all its products, explaining that the first point to start is to begin local refining.

He posited that the refineries have not worked for years because there are certain highly placed individuals who benefit from the importation of products.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

A SOUVENIR FOR AMBASSADOR LEONARD...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Evelyn Ngige; Minister in charge of the ministry, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard receiving a souvenir, during her visit to the Minister... yesterday

I Went to Seek IBB’s Blessing, Says Tinubu me his prayers."

The APC national leader also commented on his A former governor of decision to aspire for Lagos State and frontline presidential hopeful, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, visited former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, to "get his blessing".

Tinubu, one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leaders, is seeking to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 and was at the Minna uphill residence Emma Okonji of Babangida, along with the Niger State Governor, International airlines are Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, beginning to cancel scheduled Mr. James Faleke and flights to most cities in the Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulahi, Unites States over fear of members of the House of 5G network interference Representatives from Lagos on aviation signals around and Niger States as well most US cities.

The flight cancellations as Senator Abu Fari from were based on perceived Katsina The meeting with IBB fears that 5G deployment in was held behind closed some cities in the US would cause serious disruption to doors.

However, Tinubu after aviation signals around the the parley, told newsmen airports.

Dubai’s Emirates airline, that he was at IBB’s residence to seek his for instance, announced blessing, saying, "There is on Tuesday that it would no way I will visit Niger suspend flights to several State without visiting IBB destinations in the United and receive his prayers. I States as of January 19, until cannot come to Niger State further notice because of and not stop by to pay a concerns over 5G mobile courtesy call on the enigma, network deployment.

The move, according to a General Ibrahim Badamasi statement from the airline Babangida", Tinubu said.

According to him, "If was, “due to operational you (Press) restrict my concerns associated with the visit to this house, that planned deployment of 5G is it. Generally, I came to mobile network services in Niger State to commiserate the US.” The destinations included with the governor and the people of Niger State. And Boston, Chicago, Dallas Fort so, I can't stop by without Worth, Houston, Miami, paying a courtesy call to the Newark, Orlando, San enigma, General Ibrahim Francisco, and Seattle.

Also, on Wednesday, British Badamasi Babangida.”

Asked what was Airways cancelled a handful discussed at the meeting, of flights from Heathrow to Tinubu replied: "He gave Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Laleye Dipo in Minna

office of the president saying, "We are running a democracy. I took my decision voluntarily and

I am running for the presidency of the country.

"When I made the declaration, I told you that

I am still consulting and I will consult as widely as possible," he said.

The presidential aspirant

had earlier paid a courtesy call on Bello, who tacitly endorsed his presidential aspiration.

Concerns Mount as International Airlines Cancel Flights to US over 5G It’s strange that 5G will cause interference, says telcos New York, and San Francisco.

“Safety is always our priority. We are monitoring the situation in the US closely and will continue to review our schedule in the next few hours,” the airline said in a statement.

It added, “We are disappointed that some of our customers are facing potential disruption and will update them as soon as possible on any changes to their travel plans.’’

The introduction of 5G technology has been halted in some parts of the US but is going ahead elsewhere.

Emirates further said its flights to New York’s JFK, Los Angeles International Airport and Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport would continue to operate as usual.

“We are working closely with aircraft manufacturers and the relevant authorities to alleviate operational concerns, and we hope to resume our US services as soon as possible,” the carrier said.

Disturbed by the recent development, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, told THISDAY that it was strange to read that international airlines were cancelling flight to some

cities in the US, because of perceived fears that 5G network would cause obstruction to aviation signals.

According to him, “There are no known report that 5G would could cause obstruction to aviation signals. Nigeria is about to deploy 5G network and there should be no fears about perceived 5G network disruption to aviation signals in Nigeria. All these are part of the conspiracy theories originating from those campaigning against 5G deployments.”

Adebayo further said: “It will be really strange for British Airways and Emirates

to cancel scheduled flights to some cities in America because of fear of disruption of aviation signals coming from 5G network. It will be nice to know the reaction of the Office of Communications (OFCOM), the body that regulates broadcasting and telecommunications in the United Kingdom (UK), since 5G network had since been deplored in the UK, without complaints of interference to aviation signals.

“There are lots of conspiracy theories about 5G network deployment, but unfortunately, there are no proofs to these conspiracy

theories.”

According to him, “if British Airways said it was cancelling flights to US for fear of 5G network interference, I will certainly like to know what OFCOM, the telecoms regulator in the UK, where British Airways operate, would say about it.

“In the UK, there are 5G network deployment and there had been no complain of 5G interference on aviation signals in the UK. So why will the case in US be different, if not for the unfounded conspiracy theories around 5G network deployment?”

Scientists Discover Gene that Can Reduce COVID-19 Severity By 20% A gene that reduces the severity of COVID-19 infections by 20 per cent has been discovered by researchers.

According to Mailonline, the scientists said their discovery would help to create drugs that are effective against the virus They pointed out that it also explains why the disease's symptoms are so variable, hitting some harder

than others The gene tells the body to make a protein that is effective at breaking down SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

It is found in one in three people of white European ancestry, according to researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden.

In those of African heritage, it was present in eight out of ten individuals,

found the study in Nature Genetics.

The gene determines the length of the protein OAS-1 and when it is longer, it is better at breaking down SARS-CoV-2.

Co-author of the research, Brent Richards, of McGill University said: “That we are beginning to understand the genetic risk factors in detail is key to developing new drugs against COVID-19.”

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

ON POLITICS, ECONOMY AND INSECURITY… L-R: Chairman of Daily Trust, Malam. Kabiru Yusuf; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, and Chairman of the occasion/former Head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, at the 19th Daily Trust Dialogue held in Abuja...yesterday

Abdulsalami Abubakar: Nigeria at Crossroads, Insists Nation is Bleeding Urges Buhari to listen to voice of reason, cautions politicians against reckless statements National census coming a year to election, dangerous, northern elders say Wants government to provide security, address impending food scarcity Atiku, Sultan of Sokoto, others proffer solutions Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar yesterday painted a gloomy picture of Nigeria, stressing that the nation was at crossroads.

He said this while speaking as the chairman of the 19th Daily Trust Dialogue with the theme: "2023:The Politics, Economy and Insecurity."

He also called on President Mohammadu Buhari to listen to the voice of reason and act swiftly to address the crisis plaguing the nation. He equally appealed to politicians to always mind their utterances, saying all must understand that they have no other country than Nigeria.

"Nigeria is once again at a crossroads. Insecurity remains the single most difficult challenge for our country today,” he lamented.

He also called on the federal government to see, "whatever we discuss and agree today, we hope that the authorities will take it in good faith and work with it. In my own experience as a leader, I have found that collective wisdom is all better than individual ability."

He added: "The Boko Haram insurgency in the north-east, banditry in the north-west, violent secessionist agitations in the southeast, kidnappings and abductions of travellers across many states all continue to fester in the land.

Add to these, ethnic, religious and communal conflicts are rearing their ugly heads again in many parts of the country.

"All of these have greatly challenged and overstretched our security forces. These challenges have caused thousands of deaths and millions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria over the past 13 years.”

He quoted the Global Conflict Tracker compiled by the US Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) to have disclosed that about 350,000 persons had been killed and three million displaced directly or indirectly in the conflict in the north-east since 2009.

Also quoting a report by Beacon Consulting, a Nigerian security risk consultancy, Abubakar disclosed that Nigeria recorded 574 cases of kidnappings and 431 confirmed fatalities in security incidents that cut across 29 states and 96 Local Government Areas in December 2021 alone.

About 75 per cent of the kidnappings and 57 per cent of the fatalities occurred in the north-west, he said further.

"This is clear indication that the epicenter of insecurity in the country has shifted from the north-east to the north-west," he declared.

He said a major cause of insecurity in Nigeria was the proliferation of all calibre of weapons in the country in particular, and in the West African sub-region generally.

For example, he said the 2018 Small Arms Survey estimated that there were over six million of such weapons in circulation in Nigeria, adding that this certainly exacerbated the insecurity situation presently in the country.

In terms of the economic outlook, Abdulsalami, said insecurity in the country was worsened by the dire economic situation.

According to him, "In the past three months or so, economic growth rate and inflation have improved somewhat. The economy grew by between four and five per cent since June last year, continuing the recovery from the near economic collapse of 2020. Inflation figures have also dropped to 15.4 per cent, from a four-year high of 18.17 per cent in March 2021.

"All of these figures are contained in the 2022 Budget Breakdown and Highlights presented by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning early this month. But the impact of these numbers on the lives and wellbeing of the ordinary Nigerian is suspect.

“Unemployment and underemployment remain at record levels, and over 80 million

Nigerians are still caught up in needless poverty. All of these tend to have negative effects on security.

“In fact, Nigeria now faces a food security crisis that is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and banditry in many states of northern Nigeria. Both of these have disrupted the fragile value chains across the country and negatively impacted the ability of Nigerians to produce, process, and distribute food. The result is a continuing rise in the prices of food items beyond the reach of many Nigerian families.

"On top of all these, fuel prices are expected to rise significantly in the coming months as announced

last November by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

When this happens, as the government has planned, it will push many millions deeper into poverty.”

He added: “Young people and women are the demographic groups most affected by the country’s dire economic outlook.

For example, estimates by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that while the national unemployment rate stood at 33 per cent by the end of 2020, unemployment for young people between ages 15 and 34 years was 10 per cent higher at 42.5 per cent.”

He stressed that if these are not

carefully managed, the frustrations of these groups could easily boil over into a national conflagration worse than what was seen during the #EndSARs protests.

“However, these are not doomsday predictions but a warning to which all stakeholders must pay heed," the former head of state added.

On the political context, the former military leader said the worsening economic and security situations in the country during an election year make it a very challenging period for Nigeria that must be carefully managed by all concerned.

Already, he noted that calls

for restructuring Nigeria and for reviewing the constitution have reached fever pitch.

He said: "There are calls too for how the resources generated in the country are shared by its constituent parts. Also, for the first time in Nigeria, southern governors have ranged against their northern counterparts, each demanding the presidency for their region.

"Meanwhile, some groups would like to balkanise the country and go their separate ways."

In addition to these, Abdulsalami said politicians across all parties Continued on page 42

Power Must Shift to South in 2023, PANDEF, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, MBF Insist Describe anti-zoning protagonists enemies of Nigeria

Emameh Gabriel in Abuja The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders' Forum (SMBLF), made up of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Middle Belt Forum, has insisted that power must shift to the Southern part of Nigeria in 2023.

The forum, therefore, labelled groups and individuals opposed to the zoning of the presidency to the South in 2023, as unpatriotic and parochial, describing them as enemies of Nigeria, who were barefacedly fanning the embers of dissent and disunity, which could exacerbate the crisis in the country.

SMBLF, had in a meeting held in Abuja on January 13, 2022, insisted that the presidency should be zoned to the south in 2023 and that any political party that refused to adhere to the existing zoning and rotation protocol, should not count on their support from the regions.

However, in another statement issued yesterday and signed by

leaders of the various groups, Chief Dr E. K. Clark, chairman, SMBLF; Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader, Afenifere; Prof. George Obiozor, President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Dr Pogu Bitrus, President, Middle Belt Forum, the group said the suggestion that the 2023 presidential contest should be left open to every region of the country, for the best candidate to emerge, was borne out of infantile reflections and political irrationality.

It noted that the concept of zoning and rotation of political positions, particularly, in a diverse and complex society like Nigeria, was consistent with basic tenets of democracy, saying expressions that it was anti-democracy, were illogical.

"It is worthy of note that zoning has been an important factor in Nigeria’s political system, and it has helped to bolster harmony, understanding and confidence in the polity. We cannot ignore substantial and justified precedents.

"Protagonists of ‘anti-zoning’ are, therefore, advised to heed

history and review their obtuse suppositions in the interest of peace and unity of the country,” the statement stated, explaining further that the debate against zoning was originally propagated

by Mamman Daura, nephew of President Buhari, who inferred that zoning should be jettisoned to have a competent person become president.

According to the statement, "Duara's sentiment has now been adopted by some northern commentators, canvassing that there should be no more rotation and zoning but competence. Giving the impression that there are more educated and competent persons in the North than in the South.

That is not only ridiculous but erroneous."

The group wondered why the same region that kicked against Nigeria’s independence in1953, when Chief Anthony Enahoro, moved the motion for independence for some reasons and vowed never to return to the Lagos Parliament, was now talking

about competency just to hold on power for another eight years.

It asked: "What do they want?

That the north should retain the presidency after the 8 years of President Muhammadu Buhari?

That is simply absurd!

"Undoubtedly, political parties have the inalienable right to field candidates of their choices by established guidelines, and certainly, every Nigerian has the right to aspire to any office in the land, but it must be understood that rights are entwined. One citizen’s rights do not begin at the end of the rights of another.

"We further urge patriotic northern leaders to prevail on those individuals and groups to stop their needless shenanigans.

We stand by our resolution at our recent meeting in Abuja on 13th January 2022, that the presidency should be zoned to the south in 2023 and that any political party that refuses to adhere to the existing zoning and rotation protocol should not count on our support.

FRIDAY JANUARY 21, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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14

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022

COMMENT

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

THE WORTHY PATH TO TAKE

President Muhammadu Buhari has another opportunity to take the worthy path, writes Bolaji Adebiyi

N

ot a few people expressed their disappointment with President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021 last December. The president had returned the bill passed by the National Assembly at the end of the mandatory 30-day window for assent, complaining about clause 84 which prescribed direct primary as the sole mode of selection of candidates by the nation’s political parties. Saying, among other things, that the clause would be expensive to implement, crowd out smaller parties and abuse individuals’ right of choice, the president had urged the federal legislators to reconsider his area of concerns and return the bill for his assent.

Angry reactions had greeted the presidential refusal to approve the document that many social and policy analysts had argued would have purified the nation’s electoral system. The anger was exacerbated by the National Assembly’s failure to act on the president’s action immediately, preferring to go on their Xmas holiday. Many of the agitators thought it should have tarried a bit to either override the presidential veto or accept it and return it to the president for assent. Despite the assurances

by Ahmad Lawan, president of the Senate, and Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the House of Representatives, that the matter would be dealt with expeditiously once the federal legislators return from their recess, tempers remained high.

Well, last Tuesday the National Assembly came back from the Xmas and New Year merriments and began to cool the people’s temper by setting in motion the process of recommitting the contentious clause 84 for review. And by Wednesday both chambers had acceded to the president’s request to provide options for political parties. With the inclusion of indirect primary and consensus options, the stage is now set for presidential assent.

The federal legislators deserve a rare commendation for the timely reconsideration of the presidential veto as promised. It indicates some level of remorse and a willingness to be sensitive to public opinion on national policies even though the doubting Thomas among Nigerians fear this path may not endure.

The president, however, needs to emulate the legislators and sustain the cooling of national heat by assenting to the bill once the clean copy is sent to him. Doing this would put at bay perennial agitators who had contended that clause 84 was only a convenient excuse for him and his All Progressives Congress to frustrate the many positive electoral reforms in the document. So, he should at this stage direct the attorney-general of the federation’s office through the National Assembly presidential liaison office to work with the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly to ensure that similar clerical errors which made the bill unacceptable in 2018 are cleaned up.

The other substantive issue that the president needs to address is the list of his nominees as national electoral commissioners pending before the Senate for approval. Civil society groups have been critical

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THE PRESIDENT NEEDS TO EMULATE THE LEGISLATORS AND SUSTAIN THE COOLING OF NATIONAL HEAT BY ASSENTING TO THE BILL ONCE THE CLEAN COPY IS SENT TO HIM

of it, complaining that it contained names of partisans contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as altered. Besides, they contend, that rather than belabour the Independent National Electoral Commission with fresh entrants, exiting national commissioners and existing state resident electoral commissioners that have served meritoriously should be retained and upgraded respectively to ensure the stability of the commission. This, they argue, would preserve its credibility and strengthen its institutional capacity.

Without a doubt, the CSOs’ propositions have merits. Central to them is the principled quest for electoral transparency which is known to be germane to the development of a credible democratic culture.

Having suspected partisans in a commission that organises elections into public office will constantly raise the red flag at every poll circle and also compromise the credibility of the process as well as its outcomes. It will make nonsense of the ongoing rigorous efforts to emplace a legal framework that will enhance electoral fidelity. And it is well-known that the commission is the relevant tool for the enforcement of the emerging credibility-bound legal framework.

The president, therefore, should resist the temptation of falling into a partisan consideration of the CSOs’ complaints and proposed remedies.

No doubt, it is his constitutional prerogative to make the nominations but he is also enjoined by the constitution to exercise it in the public interest. Indeed, he has a personal responsibility to improve on the prevailing system having committed to a legacy of a clean electoral process at the President Joe Biden Summit on Democracy late last year.

Consequently, the president does not need to wait for any acrimonious consideration of the nominees on the floor of the Senate. This would arouse the temper that had been cooled by the recommittal of the vetoed electoral amendment bill and reawaken political tension in the land that is about to be engulfed by electioneering. The way forward, therefore, is for the president to recall the list and deepen the President Goodluck Jonathan experiment of using non-partisan and proven CSOs personnel as electoral referees. It will not only compliment the ongoing efforts at electoral fidelity but will also deepen the reform strides made so far.

If, however, the president remains unpersuaded to withdraw the suspect list, the Senate should do the needful, return it to him for necessary adjustment. That way, the Upper Chamber will disabuse the mind of the people in many quarters who believe that it is a spineless rubber that stamps everything that comes from the table of the president.

But that would not be necessary if the president seizes the opportunity to tread the new worthy path of doing that which is socially just and equitable rather than pandering to the interest of the partisan few in an endeavour to be politically correct.

Adebiyi, the managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from bolaji.adebiyi@thisdaylive.com

BOKO HARAM: CHASING NIGERIANS TO ASYLUM Nduka Nwosu writes that security agencies must do more to rid the country of terrorists

F

ive years ago, Reverend Caleb Adedapo Haastrup was ministering to the faithful in his non-denominational Pentecostal Church in the suburbs of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. Unknown to him, he was one of the Christian clerics on the hit-list of the deadly Islamic fundamentalist terrorist group, Book Haram (BH). Several attempts on the life of Haastrup, who was the senior pastor of the 500-member Kingdom Connection Christian Center in Lokogoma followed in succession. BH had adjudged his sermons as offensive to its cause. His movements were under surveillance; he had to live life in disguise. This did not deter those in pursuit of him. Haastrup had close brushes with BH but miraculously escaped. Sadly, the police and other security agencies could not guarantee his safety.

Reminiscing on this near-death encounter, Haastrup told this reporter: “Life became quite unbearable. The situation took a huge toll on my mental and physical health. My members and family were equally traumatised by my ordeal and the incessant death threats which had become part of my life.” In the words of the Reverend gentleman: “I had no choice than to join a legion of Christians in my part of Nigeria to seek ways to leave the country, hence my arrival in the United States in 2017 where I am currently seeking to take refuge. As a matter of fact, it is all over the news how several of my colleagues and other Christians have been killed

by Fulani terrorist herdsmen and other Muslim fundamentalist groups on account of their faith.”

Whereas Hafsat Maina Mohammed once a Kano based journalist whose NGO ministered to the needs of Boko Haram victims, believes both Christian and Muslim worshippers are soft targets of Boko Haram attacks, using her experiences as a lucid example, Haastrup sees it from his religious lenses and personal experience. Many Nigerians through one relation, member of the same faith, friend, or

colleague in the office, have a story to tell about the wanton killings of Nigerians by Boko Haram. That equalises the equation.

Reverend Haastrup’s agitation is palpable just like Maina Mohammed’s. “As I speak, the situation has yet to improve. In fact, it is getting worse. The problem of insecurity in Nigeria is so grave that there has been increasing agitation for the breakup of the country due to the heightened level of violence visited on some sections of the citizenry based on both religious and ethnic sentiments,” Haastrup lamented. The cleric wants various levels of government in Nigeria to address what he describes as a “monster” or face the consequence of an all-out sectarian war, noting that “a peaceful nation is a powerful, progressive and prosperous one, and without adequate security for its citizens, the future of such a nation is in jeopardy.”

Well, many may differ from Haastrup, whose views were recently articulated by the Christian Council of Nigeria (CAN) when the country was removed from the list of countries violating religious freedom. Both sects however agree terrorist activities must not degenerate to a sectarian conflict.

Reverend Haastrup’s ordeals more importantly sound like a familiar refrain for many Nigerians who are victims of Boko Haram attacks, who fled to the US and Europe, Canada, and Britain in particular, in search of a more secure sanctuary. This writer had watched Mrs. Maina Mohammed, who is also the founder of the NGO, Choice for Peace, Gender and Development, speak on Arise News television recently, narrating her woes as a victim of the inhuman assaults of the terrorist organisation.

According to the mother of six, who has relocated to Prince George’s County in Maryland, she was a victim of rape and assault from Boko Haram.

Beyond this, Maina Mohammed was equally traumatised watching members of this devilish group rip the wombs of babies as well as deriving joy in killing those who fell under their trap. While

addressing the bi-partisan US Commission on International Religious Freedom, Maina-Mohammed had this to say: “I have been a victim of rape from these people, of brutal beating and incarcerations and I have escaped. Many women and people in Nigeria, especially in the northeastern part of Nigeria, regardless of their faith, have faced persecution and are still facing persecutions.”

The narratives of Reverend Haastrup and Maina-Mohammed took me back to 2011 in Abuja when Boko Haram constantly bombed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Goodluck Jonathan Administration was vilified for its poor onslaught on BH especially after the kidnap of the 287 Chibok Secondary School students. But how much has changed since then?

This reporter barely escaped the April 2012 Boko Haram bombing of THISDAY office in Abuja. That was after the horrific 2011 Christmas Day bombing of Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church Madala close to Abuja. Like many journalists covering Boko Haram and its horrendous activities, he was profiled for many months. Our regular engagement at the British High Commission where we reviewed the security situation in the country, was discontinued for fear of the unknown, not after the bombing of the UN office on August 26, 2011.

In the US where the writer was later posted as THIISDAY New York Bureau Chief, he regularly listened to the debates of members of the US House Judiciary Committee, in particular the House Sub-Committee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, The Sub Committee on Counter Terrorism and the Intelligence Committee on Homeland Security were constantly briefed by the late Nigerian Ambassador to the US Professor Adebowale Adefuye who prodded me to give a detailed account of my Boko Haram experience as part of the House series on the terrorist organisation.

The committee had labeled BH an emerging threat to the US Homeland, pledging huge support

to Nigeria in its war against it. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Assistant Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, and current US Ambassador to the United Nations, later visited the country as a follow up to the meeting between Presidents Jonathan and Obama. Boko Haram and US support featured in discussions between Thomas-Greenfield and Nigerian officials.

Sadly, while the US which under Obama denied Nigeria essential arms needed to fight terrorism, has long degraded and decimated the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) with the death of Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, its supreme leader, Boko Haram still prowls the neighbourhoods of Borno State, and as part of the Islamic State of West African ProvinceISAWAP. The US story with ISIS should be Nigeria’s story with Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping and the terrorism of herdsmen.

Unfortunately, nothing has abated significantly except that Boko Haram keeps changing its tactics against a backdrop of a military posture that wins and loses territories, a security apparatchik that excels on more talks and less action.

In the closing chapter of his tenure, the PMB Administration must leave behind something appreciable to Nigerians, a love letter, a sweetheart message, proving that it has truly rid this country of terrorism. That was his promise. There is no doubt some success has been recorded fighting Boko Haram; however, the claim by a Borno State traditional ruler during the recent visit of President Buhari to the state, that BH runs a mini government in two local governments of the state, skews the war in its favour. The New Year provides security operatives opportunity to give Nigerians hope of a secured environment, which the likes of Reverend Haastrup and Hafsat Maina Mohammed need to come back home rather than remain fugitives in America and Europe.

Nwosu, former THISDAY New York Bureau Chief, wrote from Washington DC

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022

EDITORIAL CONTAINING THE HAZARDS OF NATURE Government should give adequate attention to the environment

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f all the five most critical factors that affect the global environment, namely, air pollution, overpopulation, deforestation, climate change and global warming, the biggest threat to Nigeria’s environment remains deforestation. This is without losing sight of the waste management challenges, flooding, desertification, gully, soil and coastal erosion that bedevil various parts of the country. Therefore, the need for environmentally and socially equitable approaches to forest management is imperative.

Forests are home to wildlife which performs a broad range of critical environmental and climatic functions including the maintenance of constant supply of water and ensuring clean air and prevention of desertification.

Forests harbour species and at the same time have very deep economic, THE NATIONAL PARK aesthetic, indusSERVICE THAT IS CHARGED trial and religious WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY significance for OF PROTECTING SWATHES humans. But the OF FORESTS AND THEIR greatest threats to BIODIVERSITY IS LACKING forests have been IN CAPACITY AND IS IN FACT bush burning and illegal logging; a STILL STRUGGLING TO situation made COME TO TERMS WITH ITS worse by the MANDATE absence of measures aimed at their regeneration and an equitable valuation system.

Between 1981 and the year 2000, Nigeria lost 3.7 million hectares of forests. As things stand today, only less than 4% of the country’s untouched forest cover is left.

More frightening is the fact that the loss has continued unabated at the rate of 3.5% annually. This approximates 3.5 million hectares of forest out of 7.3 million hectares lost globally. Some 1.5 million trees are felled every day owing to illegal logging. About 484 plant species are also threatened with extinction in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, Nigeria’s remaining forests harbour about 4000 different species of plants including those that have been found to be effective in the development of alternative medicine. There are also animals, including

Letters to the Editor

birds that can only be found in Nigeria and nowhere else.

These include the Ibadan Malimbe, the Anambra Waxbill, the Jos Indigo Bird, and the white throated Monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster pococki), the Niger Delta Pigmy Hippo and the Niger Delta Red Colobus Monkey.

All these important species are threatened by habitat loss apart from other anthropogenic or human factors.

T T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY 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 SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND 2023 ELECTIONS

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he declarations to run for president by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are not comprehensive enough. This is on the basis that both declarations did not mention or state categorically what they plan to do for persons with disabilities (PWD) and vulnerable persons in Nigeria.

It is sad that in a country like Nigeria with about 30 million PWDs as estimated by the world Health Organization, presidential aspirants do not care a hoot about this huge numbers that can win an election any day. And by the time you add family members, friends and relatives of these PWDs, it is clear and evident that persons with disabilities have the power to control the outcome of an election.

Be that as it may, persons with disabilities participating in politics have made it clear, far before now, that only those who support the cause of persons with disabilities will be supported and therefore, the declarations by the two APC leaders are dead on arrival. In the past six years of APC leadership, Nigeria has witnessed a huge increase in the numbers of persons with disabilities as a result of motor accidents from bad roads, mental disability from bad economic policies leading to high rate of suicides and ritual murders, injuries

he desert is still encroaching at the speed of more than 1.6 kilometres annually. There are almost 3,000 erosion sites in the Southeast. Flooding in Lagos is anything but ordinary. Rising temperature is increasingly becoming unbearable while agriculturists are struggling to adapt to the attendant climate variability with serious socio-economic implications. The National Park Service that is charged with the responsibility of protecting swathes of forests and their biodiversity is lacking in capacity and is in fact still struggling to come to terms with its mandate apart from being inadequately funded and supported.

Against this backdrop, therefore, there is need to completely reset the country’s environmental agenda. The fight against insurgency and banditry should be ramped up to rein in the devastation and degradation of the natural environment across the country. Environmental remediation measures such as the Great Green Wall Project should be taken more seriously and adequately funded. The federal government must order a thorough review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of some huge projects of serious environment impact in the country.

Stringent statutory provisions should be put in place to protect the various ecosystems and their biodiversity.

There should be more transparency and accountability in the application of Ecological Funds – the funds must be made to serve its purpose fully and directly. Tougher measures should be put in place to checkmate wanton emission of noxious and deleterious gases through gas flaring and use of outdated machines. Electricity challenges in the country should be addressed to minimise the use of power generating sets. The Green Recovery Project of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) must attract deserved encouragement and partnership.

The foregoing and other measures need to be taken if we must reclaim our country from the hazards of nature.

from insurgency by women, children and soldiers; economic deprivation of Nigerians by the weaponization of poverty and a whole lot of other things.

Anybody running for president henceforth in Nigeria must have a clear-cut plan of how to cater for PWD and the vulnerable in our society. It is a shame to note that in the 120-page document released by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that not one single word on disability was mentioned. Discrimination against persons with disabilities (prohibition) Act signed by President Muhammadu Buhari three years ago is still lying in the shelf gathering dust. There is no impact whatsoever. If the content of that act is not visibly articulated in a 120-page document by the vice-president and the leader of the APC both preparing to run for president in their declarations, it speaks volumes and should tell Nigerians and persons with disabilities not to expect anything from them. Any action now is an afterthought.

Persons with disabilities cannot be sidelined anymore. We are saying enough is enough and are mobilising to use this 2023 general elections and the two elections before them to show that the days of neglecting persons with disabilities are over.

Dr. Chike Okogwu, ADC Dep. Nat. Chairman, Strategy, Innovative and Disabilities_

WHY WE MUST VOTE IN 2023

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lectioneering is an important feature in the political life of a nation, It involves the politics and rhetoric that shape the outlook of a nation before and after the elections, that electioneering process in Nigeria as in many parts of the world has always been about the sentiments of the candidate and not the issues.

In order to arrive at a definite path to solutions the electorate must be active participants in the processes. It has to be said the case is different in Nigeria. The electorate wants change but is too disgruntled to vote citing the lack of trust for the politicians. I have always argued that the way to prevent a bad politician is to vote in a good one. In the last elections in 2019, 30 million Nigerians voted for the leadership of 200 million Nigerians,50 million Nigerians with voters card decided to stay at home. These voters cite many arguments like our vote will not count, but the truth is you must vote and government must make the vote count, but not voting at all lies the problem as it becomes easier for the politicians to rig elections if we don’t vote.

Currently, the continuous voter registration process is on and you have the chance to register; it would be great if you can register but if you don’t I must confess you are part of the problem and you have no right to complain. We must remember that a responsive citizenry will bring a responsive government. Don’t give up on Nigeria.

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

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FRIDAY JANUARY 21, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

DHQ: Troops Vanquish 37 Insurgents in North-east, 867 Terrorists, Families Surrender Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday that troops killed 37 insurgents in the North-east within two weeks, forcing 867 terrorists and their families to surrender.

In the same vein, naval troops deactivated 39 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region.

At a media briefing in Abuja, Acting Director, Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj Gen Bernard Onyeuko, said 37 terrorists were neutralised while 17 of them were arrested even as 21 assorted arms and 117 rounds of different calibre of ammunition and four gun trucks were captured from the terrorists.

He said the continued operational activities of the military continued to drive terrorists out of their camps into surrendering with their arms and families.

“Consequently, within this period under review, our troops neutralised a total of 37 terrorist elements, arrested 17 of them as well as recovered 21 assorted arms and 117 rounds of different calibres of ammunition, while a total of four gun trucks were

captured from the terrorists.

“Additionally, troops rescued a total of 16 abducted civilians within the period. A total of 863 terrorists and their families

comprising 136 adult males, 251 adult females and 476 children surrendered to troops deployed at different locations, including Banki, Bama, Dikwa, Gwoza and

Gamboru towns in Borno State, within the period,” he said.

He disclosed that the surrendered terrorists were profiled and handed over to

appropriate authorities for necessary action.

Shedding light on the activities of oil bunkerers in the Niger Delta region, Onyeuko said troops

discovered and immobilised a total of 39 illegal refining sites, 91 cooking ovens, 24 reservoirs, 17 large dugout pits and 96 storage tanks.

BANKS’ IMAGE MAKERS GET NEW EXCO…

L-R: Financial Secretary, Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) Patrick Osilaja; Publicity Secretary, Abdul Imoyo; Treasurer, Funmilayo Falola; First Vice President, Oze Kalu Oze; President, Rasheed Bolarinwa; Secretary General, Babajide Sipe; Social Secretary, Ozena Utulu, and Assistant Secretary General, Omede Odekina, at the inauguration of the new executives of ACAMB in Lagos…recently

Demolition: Ekiti Landlords Protest 14th Car Owner Emerges in Glo Joy Unlimited Promo Non-payment of Compensations Victor Ogunje inAdoEkiti Some aggrieved landlords and indigenes of Ijoka area of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, yesterday protested against government’s delay and unwillingness to pay compensations for their demolished buildings located in the heart of the metropolis.

The buildings, numbering 100, acquired in overriding public interest in 2016, were demolished six years ago at Ijoka axis of Ado Ekiti within the vicinity of Ado Ekiti Central Market, to give way for the construction of a Car Park,

now being converted to a Bus Terminal, by the state government.

The expansive area was demolished by the administration of Governor Ayodele Fayose, when the construction of the ultra modern Ado Ekiti Central market commenced.

The spokesman of the visibly livid placard -carrying protesters, Mr. Kehinde Adeosun, in a speech he read on behalf of the community, said the foot-dragging in payment of their dues, had rendered many homeless and brought trauma to property owners in that axis.

Police Explain Role in Ekiti PDP Congress Victor Ogunje inAdoEkiti The Ekiti State Police Command has debunked the accusation that its men and officers hijacked the process for the conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) adhoc delegate congress held last Saturday in the state.

The Police Commissioner (CP), Babatunde Mobayo, said his men and officers only provided security across the 16 local governments for smooth conduct of the congress, saying they were neither partisan nor biased.

Controversy had trailed the

congress conducted in Ekiti on Saturday, with stakeholders, including former Governor Segun Oni, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Prof Kolapo Eleka and others rejecting the outcome and accused the Committee sent by Abuja office of the party of favouring former governor Ayodele Fayose.

But in a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday and signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Abutu, the Police boss clarified that the party conducted the congress after which a copy of the result was given to the Police by the PDP officials.

Gov to Resettle Victims of Bandits’ Attacks in Kebbi Ismail Adebayo in Birnin Kebbi

Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu on Wednesday visited the various communities and families affected by the recent bandits’ attacks in Wasagu area of Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State.

A total of 13 civilians, two soldiers and a police officer were killed on Friday when bandits attacked nine communities, Ragan, Morai, Warkata, Wadaku, Dankade, Yar-Kuka, Gaya, Ayu

and Unashi in Zuru Emirate.

While addressing those displaced by the attacks at the Nizzamiya Primary School where they were camped at Waje Town in Danko Wasagu, Bagudu said he was in the area to condole with the people and as well pray for the repose of the souls of those killed during the attack. He prayed the Almighty Allah to grant the families of the deceased persons the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.

The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, yesterday hosted the 17th prize presentation event of the ongoing Glo Joy Unlimited Extravaganza Promo. The event,which was the second presentation to be held in the city, had 109 jubilant prize winners of different items, including a brand new car and valuable home appliances.

Patrick Obekpa, a 52-year-old realtor in Gwarimpa, Abuja, emerged the 14th star prize winner of a brand new Kia Rio car at the event. The obviously

thrilled winner expressed his joy saying:“I was on my way to the office when I got the call that I had won the car.

Everything since that point has been like a dream. I have for a few months been saving up to replace my old car which was involved in an accident.

That is why this gesture from Glo is stunning. I am forever bonded for life with the Glo brand from today.”

In all, 32 refrigerator winners were announced at the event, while 38 television set and

power generator winners respectively emerged. One of the refrigerator winners, Maryam Buda, is a Business Administration undergraduate student of Taraba State University. In her words: “I was surprised as I was in Taraba State when I got the call. I feel great and want to say a big thank you to Glo for making me feel special today.”

Similar feelings were expressed by television set winner, Joseph Negedu: “Wow! Just like that, I have a brand new television

and it’s all thanks to Glo. It is truly wonderful and I’m so glad I belong to a network that cares about its subscribers.”

Globacom’s State Activation Manager, Ibrahim Katsina, who spoke on behalf of the company at the event remarked:“We launched this promo in furtherance of our commitment to give more value to our subscribers as they use their Glo lines. It has been an honour to have fulfilled the promises we made to our subscribers”.

NBA Condemns Alleged Killing, Human Rights Violation by DSS in Edo Sunday Ehigiator

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin-City Branch, has condemned in strong terms, the alleged shooting by operatives of the Edo State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS), on January 18, 2022, in Benin City, which resulted in the death of one person and many sustaining injuries.

In a signed statement by the Chairman NBA, Benin City, Pius Oiwoh and Secretary Mr. Andrew Lawani, the body described the incident as barbaric, callous, and act clearly in violation of the fundamental rights to life and the dignity of human persons which every citizen enjoys.

“Perhaps it should be restated that the job of security agencies is the protection of

the lives and properties of citizens and not to recklessly use firearms to kill, maim, harass and/or intimidate vulnerable members of the public.

“We commend the proactive steps taken by the Edo State Government and other sister security agencies to bring the situation under control thus preventing the situation from degenerating

and escalating into a serious and unmanageable crisis.”

The NBA further called on concerned authorities to ensure that “those behind the dastardly act are urgently fished out and made to face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others who believe that they can use the license of holding firearms to squeeze lives out of innocent citizens.

Gov Accuses FG of Sidelining Bauchi on COVID-19 Support, Others Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has raised the alarm over the non-existence of the federal government’s funded Social Investment Programme(SIP) in the state, alleging that the programme is an avenue to enrich a few Nigerians implementing it even though

President Muhammadu Buhari has good intention with the programme.

The governor also complained of inability of the state to get the required treatment in the distribution of COVID-19 assistance.

Governor Mohammed, who made the observations at the flagging off of the State Government’s Economic

Empowerment Programme in Dambam Local government Area of the state yesterday declared that since the federal government commenced the SIP, Bauchi State has not benefitted from it in any form.

According to him, while President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration introduced the programme with good intention, some

critical stakeholders in the implementation process are denying the state it’s privilege to benefit from the initiative.

While calling on the President to set a high powered committee for an independent investigation into the matter, Governor Mohammed argued that such people-oriented programmes are public right that should not be politicised.

Ijaw Congress Joins Suit Seeking S’East’s Exit from Nigria Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Ijaw National Congress (INC), has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja, to join it as a defendant in the suit filed by four Northern elders, seeking the exit of the South East from Nigeria.

The joinder application was filed on behalf the INC and its incorporated trustees by two

legal practitioners, Dickson Sofiyegha, and Temedie Peter-Great.

The four plaintiffs, Nastura Ashir Shariff, Balarabe Rufa’i, Abdul-Aziz Sulaiman and Aminu Adam, in the originating suit numbered FHC/ABJ/ CS/538/2021, urged the court to grant their prayers to avoid a repeat of the unfortunate incidents of the civil war.

Attorney General of the Federation, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, were equally listed as defendants in the matter.

The court presided over

by Justice Ekwo Ekwo, on Thursday, adjourned to March 4, 2022, when the joinder application of the apex Ijaw

socio-cultural organisation would be heard.

Among those present in court were the National President of the INC, Prof Benjamin Okaba;the National Legal Adviser, Bomo Tom-Fetepigi; National Secretary, Ebipamowei Wodu; Chairman of INC, Abuja chapter, Ebizimo Okolo and other prominent Ijaw sons and daughters.

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JANUARY 21, 2022

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POLITICS

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

When Will Amaechi Pay the Price for Reported Missteps?

Odunayo Ajala queries the overbearing tendencies of the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi

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s I sit to write this piece, a wave of indignation is sweeping over me. As a stakeholder in the Nigerian project and a citizen concerned about the future of the country, I am miffed by the failure of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration that prides itself as an anti-corruption, equity, and transparency brand to move from just barking to biting at one of the powerful ministers of the administration, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, despite reports of his acts that fly in the face probity.

If what one has read in the newspapers over the past couple of months is anything to go buy, Amaechi has on two occasions recently misled Buhari into taking decisions that do not just rob the country of millions of dollars in revenue, but also impacted negatively on the image of the country. Apart from causing the country to lose millions of dollars and embarrassingly misleading or deliberately hoodwinking the President on key and strategic contracts, Amaechi has also serially violated his oath of office with impunity that is suggestive of an ``untouchable or sacred cow.” That anyone would consider himself to be a sacred cow or be treated as such by the Buhari administration is in fact an incredulous irony, but this is what Nigeria seems to be grappling.

The first indication of an Amaechigate is the multi-billion International Cargo Tracking Note for Nigeria (ICTN) allegedly fraudulently conceived by the minister. The International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) scheme is an electronic cargo verification system that monitors the shipment of seaborne cargo and enables a real-time generation of vital data on ship and cargo traffic in and out of Nigeria.

This contract is now a subject of litigation at an Abuja court. According to a December 22, 2021, report in a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had restrained Amaechi, other agents and agencies of the Federal Government from taking any further step towards nominating any company or entity to be operators of the ICTN. This is part of the details of a painfully uncomplimentary report published by a Oonline newspaper on November 1, 2021. Titled; “Buhari, Amaechi illegally award multi-billion maritime contract to medical company,”the newspaper told the whole world that the President and his minister committed illegalities by awarding contracts without due process to a non-qualified company.

The report said: “President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, have approved a huge national security-sensitive maritime contract to a medical company in a process the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) says is “embarrassing” and illegal…The development has unsettled the Buhari government, with senior officials sparring and trading accusations of bad faith and the BPP complaining of “procedural lapses” in carefully worded memos that only stopped short of directly accusing Mr Buhari and Mr Amaechi of lawlessness…The procurement agency said the contract was awarded in clear breach of the Public Procurement Act 2007.”

The report, to which the minister, has not given any denial, at least not to my knowledge, suggested that he deliberately hoodwinked the president into approving this illegal deal.

The newspaper report said further: “…

In what kick-started the current process that is now stuck in controversy and abuse, Mr. Amaechi’s transport ministry, on September 11, 2020, sought the approval of the BPP to conduct a restricted/

selected tendering exercise to engage agents or partners for the implementation of the cargo tracking note scheme…

But citing the “convoluted” circumstance

of the initial contract, which attracted criminal investigation by the EFCC and the need to regain international confidence, the BPP rejected the selective

As Uzodimma Creates Ministry of Homeland Security Emmanuel Ogbonnaya assesses the value of the new Ministry of Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs created by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State

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n December 20, 2021, the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Hope Uzodimma, swore in about 18 new commissioners, to reconstitute a cabinet he had gutted some months ago.

In what came to many as an impromptu scheduling of this event, the Governor brought into his cabinet commissioners who are mainly technocrats, not politicians.

By most accounts, the main novel and significant feature of the new cabinet is Governor Uzodimma’s creation of the Ministry of Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs.

It is bigger than bold. It suggests that he is a Governor that is conversant with global trends in the management of security.

This comes at a time when security is the most important thing on Imo people’s mind, other than perhaps food. In the current clime in Imo State, the new Ministry is by far the most important of all the ministries in Imo State.

Moreover, in filling the position of Commissioner for the new Ministry, Uzodimma also demonstrated a rare gumption in the management of security in Nigeria – he picked a civilian with no military background per se. Here again, the Governor breaks the known mold in Nigeria and aligns himself with practices in such democracies as the US, the UK and other European countries. Perhaps in the not too distant future we may have a National Security Adviser (NSA) in the presidency of Nigeria who does not come from a military or paramilitary tradition.

The appointment of Dr. Ugorji Okechwukwu Ugorji, a Security Analyst and Global Affairs scholar, with expertise in human capital development, and homeland security as the pioneer Commissioner for the new ministry says many things at the same time.

First, it suggests that Governor Uzodimma believes that in a democracy, even military and paramilitary organizations should be under civilian control.

Second, it suggests that the Governor is a listening Chief Executive Officer – he must have put great stock in Dr. Ugorji’s advices to him in his (Ugorji’s) previous role as Special Adviser on Homeland Security and

Intelligence. Third, it is also a testimonial to the Governor’s performance appraisal of Dr. Ugorji’s previous assignments.

The man at the helms of affairs of the novel ministry, Dr Ugorji – possesses four university degrees – two bachelor’s degrees, one master’s degree, and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Rutgers University, New Jersey.

He also bagged a second Master’s degree in Homeland Security from George Washington University, Washington, DC. He has over 35 years of experience in public administration at local, state, national and international levels.

In January 2021 Dr. Ugorji was appointed by Governor Uzodimma as the first ever Special Adviser on Homeland Security and Intelligence for the state.

Evidently, there can be no greater appraisal of Ugorji’s performance in the last 12 months than the creation of the ministry.

Rather than basking in the euphoria of a political appointment for the wrong reasons, Ugorji declared optimistically upon his appointment: “We now have the historic and exciting task of building a new ministry at the direction of Governor Uzodimma.

A ministry we hope will streamline security efforts in the state and become a model for the rest of the country,” he said.

-Ogbonnaya, a journalist and public affairs commentator writes from Abuja

tender request and, instead, asked the transport ministry to conduct international competitive bidding (ICB).

According to the newspaper, the BPP explained in its October 22, 2020, correspondence with Amaechi that the ICB was to ensure that reputable international firms with requisite experience and capacity to deliver on the job participated in the procurement process. Nevertheless, Amaechi defied this advice and went ahead with his plans! The newspaper report alleged that: “But surprisingly,” the BPP noted in a memo, the transport ministry on August 26, 2021, reverted to the public procurement regulator with an approval dated August 19, 2021, from the president to adopt a direct procurement in favour of MedTech Scientific Limited, a healthcare company, in partnership with Rozi International Nigeria Limited, a property development company.”

Given the alleged impunity, including wrongly obtaining presidential assent and allegedly sidestepping laid down procedures to award the contract to a non-qualifying company, the BPP was said to have expressed concern at the embarrassment that the situation would have brought to the office of the president. The newspaper report said: “Despite the arbitrariness of the procurement process, the BPP said it could not stop Mr Amaechi since he had managed to gain Mr Buhari’s anticipatory approval.

An anticipatory approval means the granting of a procurement request before the statutory consideration and endorsement of the Federal Executive Council….

Nevertheless, the BPP separately told Mr Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Prof. Gambari, and the Ministry of Trransport that “it is not correct” for the “exalted Office of His Excellency, Mr President, to be drawn into routine administrative approvals particularly contract-related matters that are open to litigation. This procedure should be strongly discouraged…”

It is shocking therefore that the same President, whose embarrassment the BPP was trying to prevent doesn’t even think anything of it. Unfortunately, this is not just about the President and Amaechi.

The tragedy is that it also tells a lot on how seriously Nigerians and non-Nigerians can take the so-called corruption war of the president. If an official allegedly engages in blatant acts of impunity, which rub off on the country’s image and rob it of revenues in hundreds of millions and repeatedly away with it without even as much as a manifestable slap on the wrist, then something is wrong. It is pathetic that an example of the country’s sense of seriousness cannot be made with a man who drags the country and its leader into such situation.

Amaechi’s misuse of whatever privileges he might have with President gets even more flagrant with a newspaper report last week. On January 11, 2022, THISDAY published a story with the title: “Buhari Cancels Restoration of INTELS’ Pilotage Contract.”

In this front-page report, it was alleged that the President had ordered the reversal of his earlier instructions on the restoration of some contracts to INTELS. INTELS is a logistics services provider in the maritime and oil and gas sectors. It was reportedly co-founded by Gabriele Volpi, an Italian national, and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice-President. And it has continued to be in the news for the wrong reasons over the past couple of years -Mr. Ajala, a forensic marine expert, writes from Lagos.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JANUARY 21, 2022

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PERSPECTIVE

EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA

Religious Drivers Needed Biden’s First Year as Kila makes a passionate appeal to President is Commendable Anthony Nigeria’s influencers in the religious realm to

Chido Nwangwu carries out an assessment of the preach the importance of good driving etiquettes first year of the Joe Biden presidency in America to their followers

O

n Wednesday, January 19, 2022, I watched the important White House press conference regarding President Joe Biden’s first year in office.

At this Biden news event, there was not a single question or reference, tangential or direct, concerning the African continent!

There was not a single word or question about the cascading and critical crises of insecurity across Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mali, Sudan, and the Coronavirus-omicron pandemic across Africa.

Which one is better?

Too big, failing that you’ve to be ignored at Biden‘s first year anniversary news conference or to be called unprintable names at the White House, reportedly, by — at the time —President Trump?Yeah, you remember; the ShXXh countries of Africa.

The preceding week was, evidently, rough and tough for his presidency and its messaging.

This time he was confident and on point with his summary of achievements and especially the direction of the country.

He noted that: “After almost two years of physical, emotional and psychological impact of this pandemic, for many of us, it’s been too much to bear…. Some people may call what’s happening now ‘the new normal.’ I call it a job not yet finished. It will get better.”

President Biden’s calibration of what I will simply classify as a presidential pastoral reassurance to the pandemic embattled nation was important. I think he delivered properly.

More so, with his favorability polling numbers falling daily since what I cited some months ago as his poorly executed withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

Also, I think part of why his numbers are going further down are consequences of the unproductive yet seemingly endless meetings and negotiations of the Biden plan and infrastructure rebuilding budget with Democratic senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona!

Remarkably, both of them joined the Republicans to vote against the Voting Rights Protection Act/Bill on the same January 19.

Typically, presidents and politicians always prefer to enter news conferences and exit as quickly as possible.

Not this day for the President.

Although, we always seem to assess him in the middle of two contrasting historical figures, two unforgettable personalities and two former Presidents — namely, the charismatic orator Barack Obama; and the bombastic, colourful and giddy Donald

Trump!

At this conference, almost one hour 20 minutes into it, he felt he was doing well.

Mr. Biden who is experienced in the ways of Washington DC extended his banter with the White House media for almost an additional 30 minutes…. He jokingly asked “How many more hours am I doing this?

I’m happy to stick around.”

Much more than go back and forth with the media and his fellow politicians, he revealed that he wants to speak and interact more and directly with Americans: “I don’t get a chance to look people in the eye, to go out and do the things I’ve always been able to do,… Connect with people, let them take the measure of my sincerity.”

Sometime ago, I characterized President Biden as a leader who loves retail politics.

The man loves to paint and persuade with bold strokes on the canvas of public policy. He likes to paint big pictures of the possibilities, challenges, problems and power of the United States.

On April 28, 2021, he frankly told the joint sitting of the U.S Senate and House of Representatives that “America’s house was on fire.”

Into May of 2021, we all witnessed the massive and deadly disruption of regular living, more than one half of a million deaths and other devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially, its decimation of small business and lingering consequences of wider economic insecurity….

Realistically, after taking stock of where and what these United States and Americans have done and gone through due to Coronavirus and its variants, the government and people are truly resilient!

I agree with one of Biden’s most important conclusions from this January 19, 2022 news conference: “It’s been a year of challenges, but it’s also many years of enormous progress.”

I think that for the past One Year, President Biden has led a team of individuals and professionals who are elevating the quality, reach, impact and methodology of both governance and communicating to Americans and the world. They have chosen discipline and mutual respect over bravado and bluster. They have chosen factual delivery instead of manufactured data and deception.

-Dr. Nwangwu serves as Publisher of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com

Sometime ago, I characterized President Biden as a leader who loves retail politics.

The man loves to paint and persuade with bold strokes on the canvas of public policy. He likes to paint big pictures of the possibilities, challenges, problems and power of the United States

M

y appeal to our religious leaders is to include our roads in their sermons.

We already have a lot of Christian and Muslim cars, at least going by their religious and moral stickers. What we need now is religious drivers since we can’t get good drivers.

Dear Spiritual Fathers and Mothers, There is a very basic functional virtue that this country desperately needs in order to regain and preserve our humanity and even function rationally. Yes, you are right, there are many needed virtues but let us take them one at a time. One clearly missing virtue is that of good drivers.

No one needs to be remembered of the importance safe roads and their value to our health, time and lifestyle as a whole.

We must quickly add here that a good driver is someone that can steer a vehicle and above all understands the etiquettes and rules of safe driving.

Ordinarily, matters relating to good driving should be directed to driving schools and traffic law enforcement agencies.

Alas, reality and experience show us that appealing to those two entities would be a total waste of time. They really do not want to and cannot breed and monitor safe driving and good drivers.

The main purpose of driving schools in a society is to prepare good drivers for the road. A driving school is expected to achieve this purpose by teaching those desirous of driving the art of steering vehicles and knowledge of traffic rules and etiquette. Therein lie our problems. There are too many people on our roads who did not bother with the trouble of going to any driving school and they clearly have no knowledge of basic traffic rules and norms.

There are also too many people who attended driving schools but only did so to get proof of learning in order to be licensed rather than learning to be good drivers.

Driving school teachers and owners are mostly driven solely by profit, rarely by conscience or ethics and so they accommodate as much as they can physically accommodate.

The main purpose of traffic law enforcement agencies in a society is to on behalf of the government and in the name of the people help keep our roads and consequently lives safe. They should be doing so by absolving two major functions. One is making sure no one is allowed to go about with dangerous vehicles that can put at risk the life of its driver, passenger and other road users. The other function is to make sure drivers obey traffic laws also to make sure no driver puts his or her own life or that of passengers and other road user at risk. Also important is not to delay other road users. A cursory look at the officers on our roads will show anyone that the last thing on the mind of those men and women in uniform seem to be the interest of road users. Most times our traffic law enforcers come across like hunters looking for their preys. What seem to matter to them is money not safety.

Given where we are, this epistle is directed to you, our dear fathers and mothers in God, it is written out of desperation.

It is an appeal to ask you to step in one of the many areas where others have failed. I am sending the plea based on the position you have earned yourself in our society.

General desperation, uncertainty, atomisation, alienation and a need for access to an influential authority that can intervene

in favour of anyone beyond merit has made our religious fathers and mothers a central point in our lives. Some people seem worried and disturbed by your status, wealth and influence in our societies. I have no problem with any of your privileges, I genuinely believe you have earned it as you have successfully created a mechanism that generates obedience and declaration of allegiance to virtue.

Let us think about it: While so many children don’t listen to their biological parents, they listen or at least pretend to listen to their spiritual parents. While so many spouses do not respect each other, they certainly pay deference to spiritual parents. Flight Captains know what it takes to get passengers to “remain seated till the plane comes to a complete halt…” in Nigeria. I bet most of those passengers will remain seated if the instruction was coming from a religious parent instead of a pilot.

My appeal to our religious leaders is to include our roads in their sermons. We already have a lot of Christian and Muslim cars, at least going by their religious and moral stickers. What we need now is religious drivers since we can’t get good drivers. To help us, my suggestion is that leaders in our churches and mosques dedicate some Sundays and Fridays in a year to how Christian and Muslim drivers should behave on the road.

Maybe just maybe…

Perhaps if people are told in churches and mosques that the same way “God loves cheerful givers”, God also takes delight in drivers that yield the way to others. Maybe if people hear in mosques and churches that it is a sign of faith not to try to go past those ahead of you but by remaining in your lane, God will take to your destination and compensate your patience.

If people get to hear from their Pastors and Imams the virtues and blessings of drivers who don’t insult or railroad others. Maybe if our Pastors and Imams take time to teach their congregation that by their driving one should be able to tell a person of faith.

Perhaps if churches gave time for people to give testimonies of the blessings they received for being kind, considerate and caring drivers, others might be inspired to become religious drivers too. We certainly need religious drivers behind the wheels of all the religious vehicles on our roads.

-Prof. Kila is Centre Director at CIAPS Lagos.

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

J A N U A R Y

S & P INDEX

2 0 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

9.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

564.02%

1/4 TO DATE

5.82%

N413.03/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

10.75%

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

–0.17%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.85%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

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0.19%

Despite Waivers on Commercial Aircraft, Customs Still Charge Airlines Tariffs

Source: Nigeria Customs Service

Chinedu Eze Despite the duty waiver on aircraft and spares by the federal government, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) still charges airlines taxes in the importation of operational equipment.

This was confirmed by airlines that spoke to THISDAY, saying that the Nigerian Customs only changed the nomenclatures and has continued to charge airlines Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported aircraft and spares, thus making it difficult for the domestic carriers to sustain their operations.

But the NCS has argued that the federal government that approved the waivers also gave them targets to meet in its revenue drive; “so there is a different between pronouncements and assignment of duties given to customs.”

A major operator in the industry disclosed to THISDAY that while the NCS removed import duty, it reintroduced Comprehension Inspection Scheme (CIS), which enables customs officials to come into the aircraft and inspect it and has also increased the charge of CIS. The operator told THISDAY that the increase in CIS has taken

care of the import duty waived by government, as airlines pay as much as they used to pay for import duty in the past.

Customs, it was learnt, has also introduced surcharge on airlines, which it collects on behalf of aviation handling companies.

In addition, sources told THISDAY that airlines still pay VAT, but on paper, the tax has been reduced for the domestic carriers.

The operator told THISDAY, “Initially import duty was fully removed, but that was a PR. They now reintroduced CIS. They come to your aircraft to do inspection.

They also increased the CIS charge in such a way that they are already collecting the import duty they claimed they have stopped because it is still similar amount that the airlines pay.

“They claimed they have government backing for collecting the charges because it is also government that gave them the revenue target they must meet in a year. They also introduced surcharge for handling companies, which they collect on their behalf.

Airlines also pay VAT. Sometimes you import aircraft spares but Customs will insist that they are

not aircraft spares and charge duty on them, claiming that they are automobile spares or any other equipment. These are charges leveled on the airlines when thy import by air. When you bring your spares by sea, there are other charges altogether.”

Many airlines have complained about these charges and said that it is delusional that Nigerians believed that waivers were given to airlines, while Customs chose to charge the operators.

Reacting, former CEO of Aero Contractors and former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace

Management Agency (NAMA), Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY that he was not aware that Customs changed the name of the charges, but noted that by continuing with the charges against the airlines, Customs is making it very difficult for the airlines to operate.

Sanusi said that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) ought to take the matter up with the Nigerian Customs Service because the waivers were created to stimulate airlines’ growth to boost the country’s economy.

Continued on page 26

FG Seeks Wider Participation in Blue Economy, Inaugurates Expanded Committee Eromosele Abiodun The federal government has called for wider participation of relevant stakeholders in the blue economy project to deepen participation and benefits of Nigerians from the country’s marine resources.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made the call at the inaugural meeting of an Expanded Committee on Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria in the Presidential Villa on

Monday.

Osinbajo said a viable blue economy project will offer vista of opportunities not only for littoral states where there are bodies of waters but for the entire country.

He identified areas to be exploited including ports, terminals, fishing, training, environment, tourism, power, oil and gas .

While identifying possible challenges of sustainability, the Vice President urged all the ministries,

departments and agencies to strengthen their collaborations in an atmosphere of inter ministerial working groups and advised all members to attend the meetings faithfully for maximum results.

The Vice President, who formally inaugurated the expanded committee, identified the need for a legal framework that will be more robust than other international maritime conventions on blue economy which Nigeria has been signatory to.

He said the scope and participation of the committee will be further improved upon to accommodate more members from government agencies and relevant private sector stakeholders Osinbajo said “There is no doubt that the blue economy is a new frontier for economic development and a means of diversifying the economy through the use of resources from oceans, seas, rivers and lakes for the well being of the people.

According to him, “It also provides positive contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2052 Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (2052AIM) and the UN 2030 agenda “This concept for economic diversification is promoted by the international community and provides friendly means of livelihood in line with this administration’s agenda on job creation The ocean economy as an

emerging economic frontier applies to ocean based industry activities and the assets, goods and services of marine ecosystems.”

“Countries have to define the scope of their blue economy based on their priorities. For example, in Bangladesh, the ocean economy consists of the following broad and growing economic sectors; living resources, minerals, energy, transport Continued on page 27

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, J A N U A R Y 2 0 , 2 0 2 2 FGN BONDS DESCRIPTION 12.75 27-APR2023 14.20 14-MAR2024 13.53 23-MAR2025 12.50 22-JAN2026 16.2884 17MAR-2027

Price

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Current Rate ($/₦)

MATURITY

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7.43

0.00

9.84

10.12 0.03

17.02

18.06 0.02

9.67

10.00 0.02

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2

NGUS MAR 30 2022 424.04

3

NGUS APR 27 2022 425.46

0.00

4

NGUS MAY 25 2022 426.89

0.00

5

NGUS JUN 29 2022 428.32

.

7.39

-0.03

NTB 10-Feb-22

4.00

4.01

0.00

109.84

9.04

-0.01

NTB 10-Mar-22

2.98

2.99

0.00

107.93

10.51 0.00

NTB 28-Apr-22

4.50

4.56

0.00

103.22

11.47 0.00

NTB 12-May-22 4.00

4.05

12.11 0.00

NTB 9-Jun-22

3.72

115.63

Contract

C Ps MREP CP XXXVI 11-FEB-22 UNCP CP VI 2-MAY-22 NEVE CP I 24MAY-22 DANC CP II 25MAY-22

106.34

3.67

CONTRACT TENOR (MONTH) 1

NGUS FEB 23 2022 422.61

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Dana Air Offers Silver Card, 9,000 Miles to Business Class Customers A I R WATCH Dana Air has announced that it would offer an automatic Silver Card membership and 9000 executive miles to all its Business Class customers all through the first quarter of 2022.

In addition to this offer, the airline also introduced a flash fare of N23,400 strictly for customers travelling from Lagos to Owerri and Enugu.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo, ‘’This promo is to encourage and appreciate our business class customers to fly more, spend less, and enjoy the benefits of the silver membership of Dana Miles and for every business class ticket you book in the first quarter of this year,

you get 9000 miles free which is really exciting. ‘’The Silver Card holders get loads of additional benefits from free tickets to more miles, more excess baggage allowance and with this additional offer of 9000 executive miles, they can get a lot of things done for free using their Dana Miles account which also includes paying for excess baggage for their friends and family with their miles, upgrade from economy class ticket to business class, not leaving out huge discounts at partner stores and outlets.’’

Speaking further on the massive reward drive for Dana Miles members, Obi said, “We have other existing promos for

our Dana Miles members like new members get 9000 miles and those who book their tickets at our Silverbird outlet in Lagos also get 9000 miles instantly.’’ ‘’We have also introduced a flash fare of N23,400 for customers travelling from Lagos to Owerri and Enugu.

We did N18,000 in December and now N23,400, so our customers are advised to plan their trips early, and visit our website www.flydanaair.com as fast as possible to get this fare,’’ he added.

Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with a mixed fleet of 9 aircraft and daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Owerri.

Nigeria Pilots to Undergo Recurrent Training at Aviation College, Zaria

Emirates Flies World’s Tallest Height to Put Dubai 2020 Expo on Top Keeping with Dubai’s ‘nothing is impossible’ spirit, Emirates said it is soaring up and around the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building for another edition of its viral ad campaign, the first of its kind on the planet.

Emirates hit the global headlines and social media feeds of millions in August 2021 when it took its brand message to new heights atop the Burj Khalifa.

This time, the brave stuntwoman is standing at the pinnacle of the Burj Khalifa by Emaar once again, holding up message boards with an invitation to visit the world’s greatest show, Dubai 2020 Expo , on the iconic Emirates A380.

She then gestures to her ‘friend’, the eye- catching Emirates A380 wearing the Dubai 2020 Expo livery, which gracefully soars in the background as she stands firmly on the spire of the world’s tallest building. The ad also features

dynamic aerial views of Dubai and its iconic skyline, and culminates in a flypast over the impressive Al Wasl dome at the Dubai 2020 Expo site.

President Emirates Airline, Sir Tim Clark said, “Now at the halfway mark of its six-month run, the excitement and momentum around Dubai 2020 Expo remain strong. Our latest campaign boldly carries the Expo message and invites people to come and experience what is truly the world’s greatest show.

“There is nowhere else right now that offers the raft of attractions, top-class entertainment and music, riveting sports, vibrant country and themed pavilions, a thriving culinary scene and much more – all in one place. Dubai and the Expo are already top attractions and our aim is to give global travellers even more reasons to choose Emirates and Dubai for their upcoming

winter and spring holidays.”

While the ad looked like it was shot effortlessly, the whole project involved in-depth planning and meticulous execution involving stakeholders across Dubai’s aviation eco-system, with a strong focus on safety at every juncture when conducting the low flying manoeuvres.

The carefully choreographed flypast involved the A380 flying at a low altitude of only 2,700 feet, the exact height of Burj Khalifa by Emaar. The aircraft also flew at a very low speed of 145 knots. To put that into perspective, the average cruising speed of an A380 is around 480 knots. The low speed ensured the aircraft could efficiently and continuously circle around the Burj Khalifa and achieve a tight radius without drifting away. In total, the Emirates A380 circled the Burj Khalifa 11 times to get a right selection of shots for the ad.

IATA Appoints Frederic Leger as SVP for Commercial Products, Services The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Frederic Leger as the association’s Senior Vice President for Commercial Products and Services.

Leger served in the role on an ad interim basis since July 2021, when IATA’s Commercial Products and Services Division was created as part of an internal restructuring. He reports to IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh.

Leger holds the concurrent position of President of IATA’s Cargo Network Services in the US, a responsibility he has held since May 2021.

Leger joined IATA in 2005 as head of e-Invoicing Services. Since then, he has held various roles at the association with a focus

on IATA’s commercial products and services and cargo. Most recently he oversaw the commercial performance of products and services connected with IATA’s work in airport, passenger, cargo and security activities.

“IATA’s commercial products and services are vital. First and foremost, they support efficient global connectivity. This includes essential offerings such as the IATA Travel Pass and Timatic, which, together, provide critical support for efficient checking of health credentials and entry requirements.

Furthermore, the commercial success of IATA’s products and services enables the association to deliver critical activities on which the global air transport industry

relies. Examples include standards setting to enable safe and efficient operations, and advocacy to help the industry achieve net zero carbon emissions. Frederic has taken on a huge responsibility and I have every confidence in his success,” said Walsh.

Prior to IATA, Leger worked for Cap Gemini and bioMerieux; and he was part of the start-up team of CPGmarket.com in the consumer packaged goods industry.

Leger is a French national based in Geneva, Switzerland.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Strategy with honors from the Grenoble School of Management and studied Supply Chain as well as Finance at the Lyon School of Management.

DESPITE WAIVERS ON COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT, CUSTOMS STILL CHARGE AIRLINES TARIFFS “So what Customs is doing by arguing that it has a target given it by the federal government is to kill one strategic sector of the economy in order to grow another sector. So even if Customs achieve 110 per cent target the fact remains that it has helped to kill another sector of the economy and if the aviation industry collapses it will affect the whole economy. This sector not only contribute to GDP but it has created thousands of jobs for Nigerians,” he said.

Nigerian airlines had earlier commended the federal government for removing Customs duty and other charges

on imported aircraft and aircraft spares.

Last year AON profusely commended the federal government for its swift response in removing 7 per cent charge on imported aircraft and spares.

The Vice Chairman of AON and Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema who spoke on behalf of the Association said, “AON, for the avoidance of doubt, commends the federal government for its unflinching support for the growth of indigenous investments in Nigeria. This was very evident in the manner the government got this challenge (Customs Duties) addressed immediately within 48

hours to the joy of the airlines.

“We equally commend the Nigerian Customs Service for also assisting the airlines, including but not limited to Air Peace which was used as an example, in getting their aircraft spares and aircraft released. Our planes have since started flying.”

Over the years the NCS has dogged at the efforts by the federal government to give airiness relief in payment of tariffs. All the waivers given to the airlines before the law was passed last year was rebuffed by Customs, which insisted that such waivers cannot subsist beyond one year.

Chinedu Eze The Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria is a premier institution that has produced technocrats in the aviation industry who have made local and international constribution to aviation development.

Recently aviation journalists attended a one-week training in the institution and also spoke to the Rector of the College, Captain Alkali Modibbo who confirmed that NCAT is an apex aviation training institution certified by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as Approved Training Organisation (ATO).

The College, which was established in 1964, came in the nick of time to provide the defunct national carrier, the Nigeria Airways Limited its skilled manpower. It remains the bedrock of aviation development and growth in Nigeria.

Modibbo noted that there has been significant improvement in the College, which was certified

by ICAO as ATO. “Since this College was certified as Approved Training Organisation we have been having renewals yearly. It is also the Regional Training Centre of Excellence (RTCE) as certified by the International Civil Aviation Oragnisation. The benefit of the certification is that we can increase training activities like the ICAO training courses, conventional courses in the College. In 2021, we had over 50 courses conducted in this College in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are still doing those courses. That will give us more visibility internationally and locally by having the RTCE. You cannot train if you don’t have the reviewer of the ATO. So, these are the benefits of the RTCE and ATO,” the Rector said.

NCAT feeds the aviation industry with skilled manpower, but recently there has been unemployment of these skilled men and women who trained as pilots, engineers, cabin crew and others. Modibbo believes that for more jobs to be created in the sector, air travel should be made robust, whereby more airlines will join the market, which will give rise to employment of more pilots, engineers, schedulers and cabin crew. Also more states are establishing airports, which means that there will be demand for marshallers, air traffic controllers, aviation security and other technical personnel.

“If we take in students, after certain time, they are delivered to the public as graduates. At the end of the training, some will be pilots, engineers, cabin crew, air traffic controllers and others. When you go out as a full graduate with the certificate, you look forward to getting a job. The only way to get jobs as a pilot or an engineer is to encourage the growth of the sector by having more airlines.

Some of the trained personnel can also work in the agencies and the Ministry even as a pilot or an engineer. It is not necessary that you must fly or repair an airplane. You can work in any of the agencies as a pilot,” he said.

The Rector also observed, “If you look at Capt.

Rabiu Yadudu, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), is a pilot, the immediate past Managing Director

of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, is a pilot and same applies to Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Also, the current Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau, Akin Olateru, is aeronautical engineer, and several others.”

According to Modibbo, there are jobs out there, so pilots and engineers should not limit themselves to only flying or repairing of aircraft.

He acknowledged that the aim of every pilot is to fly, “but when jobs don’t come, you can work in any of the agencies or the Ministry of Aviation.”

On the future of the institution, Modibbo said that the College is making efforts to conduct more training locally and internationally and intends to get the certification of the automatic rescue firefighting training provider certificate from the NCAA. He said NCAT is working on the Boeing B737 equipment certification and hopes that by March or April year the school would have the B737 simulator equipment and put it to use.

“You need to have the international accreditation certification before NCAA will now give you its own certification. For an example, you must have the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification and NCAA based on one of those certifications, will now issue you its own certificate,” he explained.

When the College gets all the approval for the B737 stimulator, many pilots type-rated on the aircraft would be training in Zaria, instead of travelling overseas. That would sage the airlines huge costs presently expended on overseas training.

On the training aircraft fleet in the school, Modibbo disclosed that the school has different types of trainer aircraft, which include Diamond, Tampico and Beech Baron 58.

We are looking at getting more Diamond aircraft; seven of the Diamond aircraft were supplied in 2020 and this year, we will be taking delivery of two of the Diamond aircraft – double and single engine. At a given time, you have at least five to six serviceable airplanes. Presently, we have about 20 serviceable aircraft at the college, but whatever we have, are enough to train students at any given time.

“Like I said earlier, we intend to take delivery of more airplanes this year. We will take one in February and another in April. The Diamonds will be about 15 in all. They have advanced cockpit; we have the latest technology that you can find in any machine in it and it uses Jet A1, which is cheaper than the Aviation Gas (AvGas). Aviation gas is not easy to come back, we have to import it into Nigeria and that is what the Tampicos are using.

“It will gladden me to tell you that we are moving another step higher. We are thinking of getting Magnus, which is another airplane that is manufactured in Hungary. We have been to their factory with NCAA and the Ministry of Aviation.

We conducted our technical inspection. Sooner or later, we will start to have those machines here,” he said.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Financial Inclusion: An Overview of e-Naira Prospects in 2022 Clement Nwoji

T

he year, 2022 has been ushered in with overwhelming expectations for achieving socio-economic and political transformation.

In the process of steering the nation’s ship towards the realisation of these transformation targets, the role of financial system, in fact, payment channels for transactions cannot be overemphasised.

As expected, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) led by Governor, Godwin Emefiele has a pivotal role, moreso, with last year’s launch of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), otherwise known as the eNaira.

The key issues at stake in actualising the eNaira objectives include financial stability, firming up the Naira, increasing financial inclusiveness, facilitating ease of payments and transactions, increasing cross-border trade, strengthening social interventions, strengthening Nigeria’s monetary policy, among others.

Therefore, the Prospects of eNaira this year and beyond is looking good if properly deployed by the apex bank as proposed. The advantages of the eNaira are enormous but its prospects will even be more enhanced when the CBN harnesses the expected increase in inflow of Dollar stimulated by the Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), diaspora remittances, increase in price of oil in international market which will ultimately lead to accretion in the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.

Another factor that promises to make the eNaira a more valuable and accepted mode of transaction include the fact that the CBN is testing to see if it can use the eNaira as a payment gateway. Once it is made a payment gateway, the acceptance of the eNaira becomes more global. For instance, one will prefer the use of eNaira wallet to make payments or transfer funds from person to person just as one uses other internet driven payment systems which facilitate crediting accounts of whoever one wants to make payment to with ease. If this is realised, eNaira becomes more acceptable even beyond the shores of Nigeria. The Director, Payments System Management Department of CBN, Musa Jimoh, affirmed this through Chai Gang while speaking at the 2021 Business Luncheon of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).

Apart from the above, another striking feature that will boost massive use of the eNaira wallet is

Emefiele

the CBN’s intention of introducing Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). With the USSD, financial inclusiveness is expanded to the unbanked areas; communities with less or without internet connectivity and those without access to smart phones thereby enhancing their financial transactions and payments.

Currently, one of the limitations of the eNaira wallet is that one must have internet service before accessing the eNaira wallet account.

In effect, when actualised, it is just as simple as inputting codes to execute transactions wherever one

can receive or make calls in any part of the country.

The year 2022 holds lots of promises in many respects. The nation’s annual budget is a colossal sum of N17.126 trillion- the largest scale of annual appropriation in Nigeria. With this expenditure, money in circulation will further be boosted in the country as this year also is a pre-election year marked by high scale movement of funds for funding and massive mobilisation of Electorate’s and political campaigns activities.

Just as the government is expected to spend much this

“If the federal government has budgeted so much this year, this means that it is going to activate lots of transactions and spending by households. In this case, the eNaira wallet becomes a very good channel to enhance transactions between parties, individuals, and organisations.”

year going by the provisions of the budget and the budget deficit of N6.25 trillion, it becomes expedient to track expenditures, especially Value Added Tax (VAT) as well as income tax through the deployment of the nation’s digital currency, eNaira, to ensure financial prudence and accountability.

This aligns with the position of the CITN President, Adesina Adebayo, as he maintained that adoption of digital Naira would assist government to increase tax revenue since it will support agencies to monitor and track transactions either revenue or expenditure.

Ordinarily, pre-election periods are when there is free flow of money and when there is a lot of spending, it is one of the ways of boosting the economy. This is because, when you spend, you spend your way out of recession. If the Federal Government has budgeted so much that it intends to spend, the eNaira can become a very good tool in terms of ensuring facilitation and tracking of heavy transactions since the eNaira wallet is under the custody of the CBN. The import of this is that with eNaira wallet, illicit financial transactions can easily be tracked and identified.

The same goes with tracking of illicit funding of political office seekers and the identification of electoral expenses above the limit set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This can easily be ascertained since such transactions will pass through the CBN, via of the eNaira wallet.

Going by the circular flow of income, government is the biggest spender.

When government spends, it goes to households and stimulates the households into spending too. If the federal government has budgeted so much this year, this means that it is going to activate lots of transactions and spending by households. In this case, the eNaira wallet becomes a very good channel to enhance transactions between parties, individuals, and organisations.

Under the present circumstance, the most easily available choice of effecting payments is debit card, which attracts transaction costs from banks. But given the preparedness of CBN to effectively deploy the eNaira wallet, it is anticipated that it will become first choice of means of transaction since it attracts lower form of transaction costs.

If everything goes as planned, the Central Bank Digital Currency will, in no time, become a veritable seamless transaction tool just as it will be leveraged to track financial flows.

FG SEEKS WIDER PARTICIPATION IN BLUE ECONOMY, INAUGURATES EXPANDED COMMITTEE trade, tourism and recreation, carbon sequestration and coastal protection.

These industries and ecosystem services do not develop in isolation, but rather interact as an economic ecosystem, “the Vice President said.

In his opening remark, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi

Amaechi said the blue economy is capable of improving government revenue, create employments and grow the gross domestic product of Nigeria.

Amaechi who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Dr Magdalene

Ajani, also expressed optimism in the copious benefits derivable from a well-exploited marine environment Speaking at the event, Secretary General of Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), Dr. Paul Adalikwu lauded initiative of the expansion

while recommending inclusion of financial institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and African Development Bank (AfDB) and key financial institutions that will contribute meaningfully to realizing Nigeria’s Blue Economy objective.

Aside maritime agencies like

Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, the expanded committee also comprised of ten state governors including Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Ogun, Ondo, Cross River, Bayelsa and Edo States.

Other members are Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Power, Finance, Environment, Trade and Investment, Agriculture and Water Resources , Chief of Naval Staff, Comptroller General of Customs, Lake Chad Basin Commission, Nigeria Economic Summit Group and others.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Adewale: Nigeria’s Aviation Industry Has Improved in Last Two Years The Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream Cargo Limited, Seyi Adewale, in this interview with Chinedu Eze, raises hope that the aviation industry has significantly improved in all indices in the last two years. Excerpt: With the acquisition of more aircraft by airlines and the certainty that more operators will join the market, do you envisage a saturation point where flight services will be counterproductive in terms of profitability? o. I do not envisage that there will be a saturation point where flight services will be counterproductive in terms of profitability for various reasons. Firstly, the new aircraft are designated to local, regional, or international routes. Secondly, I believe the potential saturation point envisaged could principally be attributed to Lagos (Abuja route) airport but remember that Lagos has three airport terminals: international terminal, MMA2, and General Aviation Terminal (GAT).

Thirdly, all local airlines ought not to make Lagos their operational and administrative head office. A new airline chose Uyo as its hub and another airline, Enugu. This is the right way to go in my opinion. In fact, other airports are presumably cheaper to operate and manage than choosing Lagos as hub in terms of taxes, fees and levies whether directly or indirectly.

Fourthly, we are beginning to witness differentiated services because we now have what appears as low cost carriers that are suited for business travelers using ATRs (aircraft type), carriers with good cargo belly for traders using Boeing B737. This offers the passenger a choice based on the travel need including the airline’s on-time-performance (OTP).

aspects of our international airport infrastructure.

We should be the West African Aviation Hub and Gateway. Second is the national carrier. The positive and beneficial impact on our Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) is huge. We will also reduce Forex outflows due to foreign airline fund repatriation. Others include job creation to reduce unemployment amongst the youth.

Third is the MRO. This also will reduce capital FX flight from aircraft repairs, maintenance and overhaul.

N

In December terminal facilities were stretched to breaking point because of high passenger traffic. What should the airport management do in order to effectively manage the upsurge within a short time?

Ongoing airport terminal introduction and expansion should continue and quickly completed.

Also, the airport concession plan should be sped up to allow new owners/ beneficiaries inject good (new) funds into infrastructure including technology, addition to existing runways and aircraft parking spaces at tarmac, and the possible introduction of slot system. The slot system will put more pressure on airlines to be more efficient because inefficiency will now be very costly.

In addition, there should be very good incentives for new airlines to operate from an airport other than Lagos and Abuja. The state governments, the Aviation Ministry and private airport owners including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) can lead this initiative.

Do you envisage a decline in passenger traffic if there is improvement in security and people can travel by road safely?

No, I do not envisage a decline in Passenger traffic owing to improved security for different reasons. The Economy remains the most important factor that will impact traveling decisions. How financially empowered families and businesses is important will determine their mode of transportation. The GDP forecast for 2022 is at least 2.8 per cent growth by the World Bank and up to $445 billion in monetary terms. This will most certainly impact the air travel sector positively The youthful population in Nigeria appears to be more aggressive in improving their living standards or what could be termed a better life.

Air travel appears to be one of their natural choice or tendencies with improved online ticket sales options. There is what we can term ‘the coffee taste or complement’. Once you start flying by air, it is in a way addictive because of the niceties it offers, its efficiency and speed. In fact, I believe it will grow even further with the imminent 2023 general elections, 2022 being the mobilizing year for it. Finally, with the growing understanding of COVID-19 and more vaccinated populace, air passengers will be motivated to travel more unlike previous years of intense restrictions and fear.

Do you agree that flight operations in Nigeria advanced in the last two years despite COVID-19 economic devastation?

Surely it advanced. We can glean from the number of new and newer aircraft in the fleet of airliners now, the improved airport infrastructure

Which of these projects do you think the government can deliver in 2022 and what will be the ripple effect on Nigeria’s aviation sector?

The federal government could close out on the first two priorities mentioned earlier (airport concession, and national carrier) early enough in 2022. The federal government proposed the national carrier to take off Q1 2022 and airport concession follows a similar timeline. The closeout and commencement of the two priorities will be a catalyst for growth and development of the sector, create new jobs, upgrade/ upscale our infrastructure including ICT, the implied knowledge transfer embedded, new or improved revenue lines (opportunities) for government, regional hub status, development of adjourning airport areas and potential innovation and new business modeling by entrepreneurs who take advantage of opportunities.

Adewale generally, new airports commissioned, new recruitment and trainings by airlines, the growing air passenger awareness on rights, and their demands for quality service, refund, etc pushes both airports, airlines and the regulator to deliver more. Also, the growing competition (to endear passengers) within the sector is also an added advantage to improving quality services. I trust it will continue to be the case.

Can you give an assessment of the aviation industry in Nigeria in 2021?

Our aviation sector was largely positive in the just concluded year (2021). The positives include the lower impact of covid-19 as compared with Europe, UK, USA, Turkey, Brazil, India and many other countries. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) figures reveal this and this has impacted positively on our travel industry. Many countries have eased their travel restrictions against Nigeria and flight schedules and frequencies were gradually getting back to the pre-pandemic figures. Similarly, cargo volumes are returning back to the pre-pandemic figures and our passenger travel figures were at least 50.7 percent higher than the 2020 (pandemic) figures.

Importantly, our local airlines improved their fleet with brand new aircrafts such as A320s and E-195s and some with newer ATRs aircraft that are more fuel efficient and we began to witness the entry of lowcost carriers into the sector. The passenger began to be the beneficiary of these good developments with increasing options, choice, destination, on-time-departures and reach. We did not record any commercial airline mishap and kudos to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) that is the regulating body for airlines/ aviation.

They appear to be more independent in their regulatory functions in 2021.

Furthermore, the federal government procured and invested in critical assets and infrastructure and new airports were built and commissioned by state governments.

Also, the federal government came up with a 5-year development plan as it affects the industry that includes the inauguration of a national carrier and the planned concession of at least four international airports.

However, we witnessed a few negatives, which include our diplomatic row with

United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the implied Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) issue that appears skewed to the detriment of the country. Also, the interference of the National Assembly into the tariff issue between airline operators and ground handling companies, which is within the scope of economic regulation of the NCAA, is a negative from our standpoint.

Nigeria was badly hit by COVID-19 in 2020. Recovery commenced in 2021 but Omicron slowed the recovery process again. Compared to other countries, do you think Nigeria’s recovery process was fast?

Yes, I believe our recovery (process) was fast. The reasons may include the very strict travel entry and departure protocol set by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on Covid-19. The quick ‘red-Listing’ of highly infected countries like Turkey, Brazil and India during the ‘heat of the COVID-19 moment’ assisted us in limiting the COVID-19 spread. Also, many state governments especially Lagos State, the Covid-19 Epicentre stopped middlejunior workers from physical attendance in offices and many companies followed suit.

Similarly, the high restrictions, penalties for violators of PTF regulations especially as it affects social and religious gatherings were effective. All these summed up, led to the relatively low transmissibility of COVID-19 within Nigeria and this aided our quick recovery process.

The aviation sector has a lot of projects it hopes to clinch in the year 2022, including national carrier, delivering the new terminals, airport concession, Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) etc. Which of these projects are more urgent and why?

In my view, three of the highlighted projects stand out and my order of priority is first, airport concession. International airports are major gateways to any country and country perception via the gateway is impactful and it sticks. Our international airports are significantly below par when compared to airports in Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and even Ghana. The concession will gain us the opportunity to rebuild, develop, improve, upscale and upgrade all

Do you see airfreight increasing in the year 2022?

Most definitely! I foresee an increase in airfreight, This will be driven by e-commerce, new manufacturing plants, creation of special economic zones including the proposed agroprocessing zones and federal government, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) supported agricultural produce or product exportation.

What do you think the government can do to encourage exports by air in Nigeria?

Already the African Development Bank (AfDB) is supporting the federal government by committing great funds ($520million for Phase 1) into the creation of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. This will bring agric producers, aggregators, and distributors to operate within the same vicinity and reduce transaction costs and share business development services for increased productivity and competitiveness. We will begin to export local produce/ products in a good, accepted, traceable and validated manner.

How is Mainstream Cargo Limited bridging the gap in facilitating cargo imports and exports in Nigeria?

For us at Mainstream Cargo Limited, we use our vantage or privilege position to educate our client-customers on the right and proper ways of doing importation and exportation of their cargoes in a cost effective, safe and secure manner. We are determined on this cause because it would be to their benefit (advantage) in the long run and they will therefrom appreciate or value us even more. Our client-customers save cost, improve efficiency, reduce customs clearing delays or detention, improve their procurement, logistics or transport divisions etc.

Furthermore, we are very fast and efficient because of our broad knowledge, technical prowess, global network, ability to handle, process, label and pack dangerous goods, sound advice on Form M or NXP processing, advice on right HSCode, paying correct customs duties and seamless delivery services remain our cutting edge. In addition, through our client-customer engagements, we expand the opportunities for them via Temporary Importation Permits (TIP), which they believe it’s difficult to get amongst other options we explore or introduce to them.

In summary, it is our quality service, technical know-how, global reach, good communication (feedback) mechanism, excellent client compliant management and resolution strategies that stand us out. Many of our staff is A Grade with many including myself having distinction in IATA (Certificated) Courses.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Poverty Index: Poverty in West Africa Surges by 2.9% in 2021 Gilbert Ekugbe According to a report conducted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), extreme poverty in Western Africa increased by nearly three per cent, noting that the proportion of people in the region living with less than $1.90 a day increased from 2.3 per cent in 2020 to 2.9 per cent in 2021.

The report obtained from WFP’s website also gathered that the debt burdens of countries in the region have also increased in the context of slow economic recovery, shrinking fiscal space and weak resource mobilisation.

The report further stressed that the border closures, movement restrictions, and the disruption of supply chains have disrupted income-generating activities and exacerbated food price increases in the markets, adding that the most affected are people who rely on unstable income sources such as small traders, street vendors and casual workers.

The report added that the deteriorating economic situation has adversely affected the food security and nutrition situation of women, men, and children where more than 25 million people in West Africa are unable to meet their basic food needs in the region, an increase of 34 per cent compared to 2020.

“The situation is most severe in conflict-affected areas such as the Lake Chad Basin, LiptakoGourma and the Sahel region, forcing people to sell their assets and livelihoods to meet their food needs.The Coronavirus health crisis has particularly annihilated the

benefits gained by ECOWAS and its Member States in the fight against food insecurity and malnutrition” said, ECOWAS Commissioner for Agriculture, Environment and Water resources,” Sekou Sangare.

“Even if we are happy with the governments’ response through the mitigation actions they have taken, we have to worry about the residual effects of the health and economic crisis as they are likely to continue disturbing our food systems for a long time while compromising populations access to food due to multiples factors,” he added.

The publication of the report comes in a context marked by a fragile regional economy that is not dynamic enough to allow families to regain their pre-crisis social and economic well-being.

The results of this study will enable public and private actors to provide appropriate and resolute responses to the negative impact of Covid-19 on the lives of people in West Africa.

“The socio-economic impacts of Covid-19 calls for immediate and concerted actions to further strengthen people’s resilience and capacity to withstand shocks” said, WFP’s Regional Director for West Africa,”Chris Nikoi.

“This report clearly shows the urgent need for Governments and partners to deliberately increase investments to strengthen and increase social protection programs, social safety-nets such as school meals, and other livelihoodsenhancing programs with particular emphasis on women and youth.”

The Director of the UNECA’s West Africa Sub-Regional Office, Ngone Diop, stressed that one of

BluePeak Announces First Investment From Flagship $200m Private Capital Fund to Grit Kayode Tokede BluePeak Private Capital - an alternative asset management firm with a strong focus on Africa announced its investment in Grit Real Estate Income Group Limited (Grit), a breakthrough pan–African real estate company.

The investment operationalises Grit’s development plan to boost industrial and health facilities in East Africa - improving access to essential goods and quality healthcare.

London Stock Exchange-listed Grit invests in and actively manages a diversified portfolio of high-quality assets across the continent. Founded in 2014 by Bronwyn Knight, Grit’s portfolio comprises 54 investments across more than eight countries and five asset classes.

BluePeak partnered with Ethos Mezzanine Partners, to jointly invest $31.5 million in Grit in a transaction led by Ethos Mezzanine Partners.

The transaction marks the inaugural investment from the BluePeak Private Capital Fund SCSp (the Fund), an impact-linked private credit and mezzanine finance facility raised during the Covid19 pandemic. BluePeak designs innovative financing solutions to scale mid-sized African businesses.

The fund reached first close at $115 million in September 2021 and is targeting a final close of US$200 million later this year, with a hard cap of $250 million.

It provides vital growth capital to non-cyclical, growing firms, enabling them to accelerate innovation and transformation strategies and emerge from the pandemic stronger and more resilient.

“BluePeak’s expertise in struc-

turing allows the team to offer a range of bespoke debt instruments, including mezzanine finance, preferred equity, convertibles, and senior debt. Investments are designed to maximise participation and impact for women and marginalised groups and targeted to sectors which directly uplift quality of life for millions of people.

Proceeds from the Fund’s inaugural investment into Grit will be deployed to partially fund the acquisition (on a sale and leaseback basis), restoration and expansion of a prominent warehousing and manufacturing facility in Nairobi

by Orbit Africa (“Orbit”). Orbit is a pioneering manufacturer of personal and home care hygiene products in the East African region.

The Managing Director at BluePeak Private Capital, Adam Hadidi in a statement said: “Grit has built one of the largest and most diversified real estate platforms across Africa and proven the resilience of its portfolio. We are pleased to support Orbit’s acquisition and redevelopment of a one-of-a-kind industrial asset in Kenya, and the development of St Helene, to boost access to quality healthcare facilities in Mauritius.”

Also, the Founder and CEO of Grit, Bronwyn Knight said: “We are excited to start this long-term partnership with the IFC, BluePeak and Ethos Mezzanine Partners on the strength of a robust and well-established East African tenant covenant and an accretive investment and redevelopment project in a prime location. The funding will allow Grit to further increase its exposure to Kenya and the broader light industrial sector and additionally to the healthcare sector in Mauritius”.

the strengths of the ECOWAS-WFPECA partnership was to “carry out an online survey, which has mobilised nearly 8,000 survey respondents in just two editions.”

Moreover, Diop said “basing our analyses on primary, first-hand data from households directly impacted by the health crisis makes it possible to offer decision-makers at the regional and national levels with relevant and better-targeted policy options.”

Since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, ECOWAS and its partners have put in place various economic and financial measures to respond to the increasing needs caused

by COVID-19 in the region. In close collaboration with the West African Health Organization (WAHO), ECOWAS mobilized nearly US$ 38 million in the first half of 2021 to meet the needs of the population.

The ECOWAS Member States, with the support of their technical partners including WFP, have implemented an unprecedented expansion of social protection programmes, as well as food distributions, for the most vulnerable communities. In Mali and Niger, for example, WFP, in partnership with UNICEF and with funding from the German Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ),

is supporting 1.4 million people and helping to strengthen national social protection systems to make them more responsive to shocks and more sensitive to nutrition.

“WFP is committed to engage more with ECOWAS in enhancing coordination and facilitating experience sharing among countries, with the aim to ensure social protection systems in the region support food security and nutrition and provide resilience to shocks.” Nikoi insisted.

STOCK MARKET STAKEHOLDERS

L-R : 2nd Vice President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Oluropo Dada, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Mountain Top University, Professor John Akinyomi, President, CIS, Olatunde Amolegbe and Registrar and Chief Executive, Josiah Akerewusi during CIS’ Nigerian Economic Review and Outlook for 2022 in Lagos yesterday

NGX, SEC Strengthen Alliance to Enhance Market Development Kayode Tokede The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has deepened its collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to undertake innovative initiatives that will drive the development of the Nigerian capital market.

Flowing from a shared mandate to deepen liquidity in the market, increase domestic and foreign participation, and position the Nigerian capital market for global relevance, NGX, SEC and other capital market stakeholders held a strategic meeting in Abuja yesterday to discuss viable initiatives to further develop the market.

\Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer, NGX, Mr. Temi Popoola, expressed gratitude to The Commission for its unwavering support of the market under the leadership of Mr. Yuguda. He stated, “If you look at the trajectory of the market over the past year, there has been significant increase in market interactions with issuers, intermediaries and operators like NGX. It is not lost on us how much investment this takes and we have seen results from these engagements. It is our hope that this session will bring to bear opportunities for further development particularly in the areas of technology, digitization of our markets, attracting listings, collaborating across the ecosystem

and product origination.”

On his part, the Director-General, SEC, Mr. Lamido Yuguda, in a statement noted: “The past two years have been challenging for the Nigerian capital market, which is largely a reflection of pandemic-related challenges in global markets. However, NGX has continued to deploy capable resources to tackle elements militating against the market’s growth including Smart Surveillance System and X-Mobile App for retail trading; upgrading of the X-Issuer Platform to further enhance market integrity; and electronic offer platforms. It can however be agreed that the efforts made and gains achieved in this regard are as a result of the collective efforts of various stakeholders in the capital market, including The

Commission and NGX. “Consequently, as the apex regulator, the SEC will continue to support all efforts aimed at making our markets fairer, more efficient and more transparent, particularly in the areas of regulation and technology.”

Evidently, NGX continues to implement on its strategic objectives to democratize finance in Nigeria and create a market that is attractive for issuers, intermediaries and investors alike. In light of engagements such as the NGX TechNovation Conference and the NGX Capital Markets Conference, and the most recently held meeting with the SEC, The Exchange appears to have exciting plans for the market and stakeholders are eager to see traction in the new year.

CANTU Beauty Announces $250,000 Investment for Women Empowerment Cantu Beauty, an awardwinning multicultural hair care brand, has announced N102.5million ($250,000) investment to champion women of colour globally through a series of career sessions, workshops, and leadership training.

CANTU Beauty and women empowering nations is a partnership to accelerate female leadership in the US, UK, South Africa, France, Ghana, and Nigeria CANTU Beauty joins Women Empowering Nations (WEN), a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide exposure, development and mentorship for girls of colour in underserved communities to accelerate their path to executive leadership.

WEN and Cantu will be selecting 50 young women aged 17-23

from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, United Kingdom, France and the United States to participate in the Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) Global Cohort, an immersive, high impact leadership coaching experience beginning March 2022 through May 2022.

The virtual program will feature female executives from diverse backgrounds in entrepreneurship and leadership, who will lead workshops exploring career development, public speaking, professional branding and executive leadership.

Cantu Beauty and WEN are encouraging women of colour who aspire for leadership and entrepreneurship to apply now and throughout the month of January.

In a statement, Cantu Beauty

said, “The partnership programming will continue in June 2022, with the GLOW Virtual Summit featuring women and girls of colour who represent a spectrum of journeys in entrepreneurship and leadership. The event, with an anticipated global audience of over 1,000, will host young women leaders for engaging workshops to explore social change, economic justice, women’s empowerment and leadership.”

The GLOW Global experience will be a core feature of the 2022 Summit along with the girls in the program. At the Summit, 10 young women from the GLOW Global Cohort will be announced to move forward on to the Cantu GLOW Global Fellowship.

“Two participants from each country will intern at Cantu Beauty for four months gaining hands-on experience in the beauty industry, equipped with a monetary stipend. Cantu GLOW Global Fellows will conclude their experience with a capstone and group travel seminar in Nigeria this November, including service projects, brand promotions, Cantu executive meet and greet leadership sessions, and career workshops.”

Cantu has been a partner sponsor of the GLOW Virtual Summit since 2020, providing scholarships to young women around the globe to continue their education. The partnership is part of Cantu’s continued commitments to elevating and uplifting Black and Brown communities.”

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FRIDAY JANUARY 21, 2022 •T H I S D AY

THIS WEEKEND TR

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WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 07010510430

Mai Mala Buni:

On a Quest for a United Party

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͯ, ͰͮͰͰ

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COVER

Mai Mala Buni: On a Quest for a United Party Mai Mala Buni is the Governor ofYobe State but beyond this, he is the Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nigeria’s largest political party. Come February 26, 2022, he will lead his party to a national convention to elect new men and women to pilot its affairs during the 2023 general election and beyond. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that given how far he has taken the party in the last 18 months despite the numerous hitches and challenges of office, the true test of his strong leadership and drive for a united party will be paid forward

T

hough his primary assignment is the governorship of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni was called in for emergency service when the party ran into troubled waters under the leadership of ex-Edo Sate Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who was fought to a standstill on all fronts by party members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In fact, there were fears that the ship of the party would not be able to berth successfully. This, it was decided that a caretaker committee should take over the running of the party.

It was not easy pick but at the end of the day, the Yobe State governor was given the task of running the party, which he had served as its national secretary before being elected governor.

He is being assisted by two of his colleagues, Osun State Governor Isiaka Oyetola and Niger State Governor Sani Bello.

Others in the APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) are a former senator for Akwa Ibom Northeast John Akpanudoedehe; former Senate President Ken Nnamani; APC governorship candidate in Bayelsa in 2019, David Lyon; Baze University Vice-Chancellor Tahir Mamman (SAN); the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, Abubakar Yusuf (Taraba Central Senatorial District); Rep Akinremi Olaide (Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State); Executive Director (Business Development) of Nigerian-Export Bank (NEXIM), Stella Okorete; Plateau State Disability Rights Commission Chairman James Lalu; former interim chairman of the APC Youth Forum (APYF), Ismail Ahmed; and Abba Ari representing the Northwest geo-political zone.

FORMATIVE YEARS This governor, with the onerous task of delivering an APC controlled by its members and not godfathers, was born November 19, 1967. He was born in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area. He is versed in the Quran, which he started memorising at an early age from his parents and other clerics.

EDUCATION He had his primary education at Buni Gari Central Primary School where he obtained the First School Leaving Certificate in 1979.

He had his secondary education at the Government Secondary School Goniri and earned the West African Examination Council certificate in 1985. He began playing active politics early and not until 2014 did he earn a degree in International Relation as a part-time student of the Espan Formation University, Benin Republic.

He capped it with a Master’s degree in International Relations from the Leeds Becket University, United Kingdom.

FORAY INTO BUSINESS However, business was what took his attention after secondary school. He was on the board of companies such as MBG Integrated Farms Limited, MMB Petroleum and Chemical Company Nigeria Limited, MBG Construction and General Services Limited, Buni Gari and Company Nigeria Limited, Bright View Capital Alliance Limited, Subi Mega Global Solutions Limited, Rehab Synergy Nigeria Limited and First Integrated and Logistics Services Limited.

POLITICAL ODYSSEY Meanwhile, his political odyssey began in 1992 when he won election to be the councillor for Buni ward in the Gujba Local Government Council on the ticket of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

He was chosen by his colleagues as the speaker of the council. In 2004, he was a senior legislative assistant in the National assembly in 2000, and in 2004, he became a member of the University of Uyo Governing Council.

In 2006, he became the Chairman of the Advanced Congress of Democrats in Yobe State and in 2007, he became the Chairman of the Action Congress and occupied the position till 2010. By 2011, he joined the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and served as Special Adviser on Political Affairs and Legislative Matters to the then Yobe State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Gaidam.

In 2013, following the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Buni was its protem state secretary in Yobe State and in no time emerged

Mai Mala Buni its pioneer state Chairman. It was from this seat he rose to become APC National Secretary. He served till 2018 and in 2019, he got the APC ticket to become governor and subsequently won the election as the fourth Governor of Yobe State.

KEY DERIVATIVES FOR YOBE For Buni, his assignment in APC has not slowed down his effectiveness in Yobe. When he was sworn-in, he said: “Our administration would strive to ensure prompt payment of counterpart funds to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), to enable the state access UBEC grants to improve primary education.

“We would equally build more schools classrooms, employ more teachers as well as improve teacher’s incentives and provide additional instructional materials to meet the requirements of such communities.

This approach would be replicated in the secondary education sector, we will equally make the teaching profession attractive and education more functional.

“The payment of examination fees by the government to students in public schools would be sustained. Parents and guardians in the state would be free from the burden of paying school and examination fees for their wards. In order to improve and encourage pupil’s enrolment in our schools, this administration will partner with the federal government for the implementation of the Home Grown Feeding Programme.”

And he has been walking his talk. He has spent over N2.1 billion on the construction of seven model primary schools in different parts of Yobe State and they have helped to decongest schools in the urban centres overstretched by fleeing Internally Displaced Persons. Boko Haram has wreaked havoc on the state and Buni has ensured the return of many IDPs back home.

He achieved this by reconstructing their homes. He also provided livelihood support packages in partnership with the African Development Bank under the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS). Over 5,000 IDPs have benefitted from the support.

In September 2020, his administration

inaugurated houses for IDPs. The houses were funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) Joint Venture (JV), Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCO) and Total Nigeria Plc. His administration has constructed 53 of 178 proposed functional Primary Health Care Centres. They are complete with laboratories, pharmacies, male and female wards and housing quarters for health officials. The first phase of his administration’s housing units has seen the construction of 1,800 housing units in the six urban centres of the state. The second phase will also have 1,800 housing units.

BUOYANCY FOR APC Under his leadership, APC states have increased from 19 to 22. Beginning from January 28, 2021, three sitting state governors and scores of parliamentarians from other political parties joined the APC. On January 28, 2021, seven APM lawmakers in Ogun defected to the APC. The lawmakers are Modupe Mujota representing Abeokuta North State Constituency, Musefiu Lamidi from Ado-Odo/Ota II and Amosun Yusuf from Ewekoro State Constituency.

The APC also received Ajayi Bolanle and Ganiyu Oyedeji from Egbado South and Ifo II State constituencies, and Ademola Adeniran from Ipokia/Idiroko and Sagamu II constituencies.

By February 15, 2021, ex-Osun State Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the APC. A day later, a former Governor of Ogun State Otunba Gbenga Daniel found a new home in the APC. The House of Representatives member representing Ondo East/West, Abiola Peters Makinde left the ADC for APC on February 23, 2021. Hon. Blessing Onuh and Hon. Yakubu Abdullahi also joined the ruling party that month. Onuh represents Oturkpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency of Benue. Abdullahi represents Bauchi Federal Constituency.

The party also gained Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) PDP to the APC. Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade also joined the Buni-led train. He announced his

“He and his men have promised to deliver a rancour-free and world-class National Convention. Nigerians are watching”

departure from the opposition party while hosting Buni and five other APC governors in Calabar, the state capital.

With Ayade’s defection, APC gained a governor in the South-south. It earlier lost Edo State when the tussle between Oshiomhole and Governor Godwin Obaseki led to the governor defecting to the PDP and eventually winning re-election.

Buni was also able to attract Zamfara State Bello Matawalle. Zamfara was lost by the APC after the Supreme Court nullified the APC’s victory. With Matawalle’s defection, it got back its state. Some federal lawmakers from Zamfara also pitched their tent with the APC. Setting up National Reconciliation Committee He also set up a National Reconciliation Committee headed by Senator Abdullahi Adamu to settle the rift between party chiefs. Buni said the “caretaker committee found it expedient to constitute the National Reconciliation Committee to reconcile emerging misunderstandings and differences which might arise from the outcome of the congresses.”

Buni urged the Senator Adamu Committee to “conduct appropriate engagement between identified groups in each state where there are disputes with a view to bringing about genuine reconciliation and establishing lasting peace and unity in the party; consult with party Leaders and concerned members as the committee deems necessary with a view to achieving peace therein.”

The committee, Buni said, is to “critically examine areas of conflict on the just concluded ward and local government congress and advance solutions in the circumstance”.

It is already going around the country and also receiving petitions and it is hoped that the outcome will be in the party’s interest.

CONVENTION’S DECIDING MOMENT It is not an ordinary convention because it is one President Muhammadu Buhari expects to choose leaders who will not be beholden to kingmakers but members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

With the date of the convention now announced, Buni is guided by President Buhari’s words: “There is no kingmaker from Abuja. No constituency is being dictated to. All constituencies are supposed to produce their leadership in our party.

“What other parties are doing is their own business, but we want to make sure that our party members understand that they are respected.

It is from polling unit, to ward to local government, to state and after Abuja. So, those who want to be elected at any level let them work for it. Nobody is going to appoint anybody.”

He and his men have promised to deliver a rancour-free and world-class National Convention.

Nigerians are watching.

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PFN Urges the Church to Position for Nation Building

A cross section of PFN Lagos Island Province members during the investiture of the new province executives and PAC members Stories by Mary Nnah The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos Island Province, has called for a stronger Christian body while urging the church to position itself in its nation-building role for the progress and development of the country.

Chairman of the Lagos State PFN, Apostle Eyinanya Okwuonu, made the declaration during the investiture of the new province executives and Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) members, where he

charged the leaders to lead exemplary lives in conduct and lifestyle.

Okwuonu disclosed the readiness of the church to position and rebuild the nation using godly values, Christians function with the leading of the Holy Spirit, according to the power that is at work in us.

The cleric, in a special talk titled, “Reset” said the body of Christ as a whole needed to unveil God’s plan to the people and raise godly leaders for the country adding “we are not talking about occultic practice and all kind of foreign

behaviour that is alien to the gospel but God’s manifold agenda”.

He said the Lagos Island Province Inauguration is strategic and a new area that the body in the state is exploring for churches who intend to key into the ideals of PFN. The cleric charged the new leaders of the province to follow Christ, wholeheartedly, adding that they must learn to look up to the church for answer “The church has the solution to the various crises we have been going through,” he added.

He stated that being at

the helm of the affairs of the Pentecostal body had not been without pressure, especially in providing succour to many putting out the calls of distress from all corners, due to overwhelming challenges in Nigeria. Okwuonu reiterated that the church needs to understand the gospel, as Christ followed a lay down principle that must be adopted by the body of Christ in totality, when the values of the church is “Reset” in order to simplify the manner of approaching God and empowering the flocks to succeed.

Dividends of Democracy Awards to Hold in Abuja Dividends of Democracy Awards, an initiative rested on transparency, accountability, integrity and leadership abilities displayed by all public officers and politicians is set to hold in Abuja come June 15, 2022.

The awards, according to the coordinator, Mr Rufus Oba, will be based on merits, achievements, projects and programmes, among other things initiated; which have given dividends to the citizenry.

The awards, Oba said further will also be a good avenue for Nigerians to vent their anger, displeasure on politicians and policies that are anti-friendly to the people, while politicians who have performed well will also be encouraged.

“The essence of any good government is to work side by side with its citizens to provide a conducive environment for the citizens to realise their dreams and goals, making available at least the basic necessities of life - water, shelter, electricity, health care and food at affordable prices, as well as protect lives and properties and provide a peaceful atmosphere.

“The best definition of democracy is government by the people and for the people, going by this fact it shows that the people are key to choosing or electing

Dividends of Democracy Awards Coordinator, Rufus Oba their representatives, hence this awards for Nigerians to vote through a dedicated SMS platform and online to score their representatives in all political positions on how well they had performed and if they truly deserve another chance, based on successes recorded to uplifting lives and

the society, what impact they had made so far in improving lives and communities.”

He explained further that this people-oriented excellence award is powered by Nigerians of all ages.

“It is the people’s choice award. It will serve as a report card for the politicians

and as a scorecard for the electorates, starting with the local government chairmen all across the country to the States’ Assembly members to both National Assemblies, Ministers etc”, he added.

The awards coordinator noted further that the awards will be credible as well as authentic, worthy and well sought after as Nigerians will be given the opportunity to speak out their minds during the voting exercise.

He disclosed further that renowned and experienced journalists and activists, chosen market women and some students from across Nigeria will make up a team of people to verify, confirm claims of projects and programmes of the highest voted for politicians for the award.

“The beauty of this national mini election is based on first performance and impact made by Nigerians of all ages and are eligible to vote as there is no age restriction or status or limit to age unlike the general INEC conducted elections, you can vote from the comfort of your homes, schools, markets and business places not traveling distances away from your communities, free from the sun heat but at your convenience, more so voting will last for 30 days for electorates to properly assess the politicians.

The Chairman Lagos Island Province, Rev Tony Samson charged the executive members to stay positive through faith in God’s word. Rev. Samson emphasised the role of the church to declare God’s will for our nation, in order to tackle security, and other challenges the nation is facing presently.

He, however, decreed that the citizenry would see the Nigeria of their dream as the glory of God is set to move from diverse dimensions, to transform the situation.

“Nigeria is about to go into a new season, let us stop

complaining as others are complaining, the siege is over, peace will come,” he stated.

Samson corroborated that the nation was going through challenging times, saying that PFN would no longer be docile in the process of nation-building.

“Our nation is going through challenging times. The hearts of men are failing for fear of the unknown and cloudy future. “ So long as the earth remains and we are here on earth we are the light of the world and it is certain that darkness cannot and will not overcome us”, he noted

African Cry Out Movement Bible College Debuts With a passion for strong emphasis on righteousness and to raise up a new breed of equipped and kingdom empowered Christian leaders in Nigeria, a new training religious organisation, African Cry Out Movement Bible College and Training Institute (ACMBCTI), has opened in Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan recently.

ACMBCTI is affiliated with Open Gate University International, USA, and it’s a member of Association of Independent Cristian Colleges and Seminaries, Missouri.

Already, ACMBCTI is working in South Africa, Kenya, Botswana and Zambia to expand the vision.

Addressing pressmen in Lagos, the International President and CEO of ACMBCTI and the Vision Coordinator of Africa Cry out Movement, Apostle Titi Oluwadare disclosed that the college is a leadership academy which will work together with churches to raise a new generation of leaders in the body of Christ by emphasising core Christian doctrines of holiness, humility and kingdom service.

She stressed further that the intent is to raise leaders to lead churches, the economy and the political space who

will then lead the people in righteousness.

“It’s time for kingdom expansion and governance. The key to this is righteousness. Only righteousness can exalt our nation,” she said.

“We are not out to use combative methods. We will not attack any group or individual or condemn any church or criticise any existing method or approach. “ Our duty is to lay emphasis on the truth in the word. We want to equip and teach and empower the body of Christ with accurate knowledge of Christ, his words and his Kingdom”, she noted.

She added that the global acceptability of the students is guaranteed because over five hundred Bible institutes worldwide are affiliated with the Association of Independent Cristian Colleges and Seminaries, Missouri, USA. Principal of Lagos campus, Mr Peter Ikporo added that a digitalised learning environment has been put in place to give the students the latest technological approach useful for their training. He said both virtual and physical libraries are available in all the campuses so that relevant books, materials and courseware, repertoire and journals are readily available for the students.

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E-TRENDS DURBAN FILMMART INSTITUTE OPENS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR DFM Project submissions for the 13th Durban FilmMart (DFM) scheduled to take place between July 22 and 26 2022 are now open according to a statement from the Durban FilmMart Institute.

Filmmakers can submit their projects for the three DFM programmes – DFM Finance and Pitch Forum (DFM Official Projects), Content Shop, and Talents Durban.

Deadlines for the three projects will end on February 20, March 4 and February 25 respectively.

“Our vision is to stimulate the growth of the African film industry through the development of film projects, and to network African filmmakers within the continent, and the rest of the world,” says Magdalene Reddy, General Manager of the Durban FilmMart Institute. “The Durban FilmMart is a significant platform for African producers to meet and interact with key film professionals from across the globe.”

The annual DFM is a panAfrican finance and co-production market that is designed to create partnerships and further the development and production of African cinema. It was named in UNESCO’s 2021 Film Trends in Africa Report as ‘the continent’s best film market’.

DFM 2022 is presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute with principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.

APRIL IS FOR THE GRAMMYS AS TREVOR NOAH RETURNS AS HOST After an earlier postponement, the Recording Academy during the week confirmed that the 64th Grammy Awards will now be held in April.

“The 64th Annual Grammy Awards have been rescheduled and will now broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3,” read a statement.

The ceremony was earlier scheduled for January 31 but was postponed due to rising cases of the Omicron variant.

The Recording Academy at the time noted that “the health and safety of those in our music community, the live audience and get hundreds of people who work tirelessly to produce our show remain our top priority.”

The academy also announced that the host of The Daily Show Trevor Noah will be returning. This year’s show will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Trevor Noah returns as host for 64th Grammy awards

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

We Need More Management in the Music Industry, Says D’banj Stories by Vanessa Obioha At the unveiling of the new judges of the seventh season of Nigerian Idol, musician and businessman D’banj weighed in on the various structural deficiencies in the music industry. One of them, according to him, is the low investment in management.

“Anybody coming into the music industry now just wants to be famous. They want to be stars.

But it is important to have the people behind that will be able to see the business side of music.

They are the ones that will bring up ideas such as merchandising,” said the musician.

In the last couple of years, D’banj has transitioned into a businessman. This in no way relegated his music career. It just affords him the time to look at the business side of music.

Today, he owns a talent scout platform known as C.R.E.A.M. and is into agriculture and lifestyle sectors.

For him, the music industry needs structures to enable such endeavours.

“From having the right infrastructure to having the right merchandise is what is going to sustain you. The music will always be with me. It is forever. But we have to move beyond being paid peanuts into becoming a sponsor of a brand like Nigerian Idol.”

The Kokomaster as he is fondly called is one of the new judges on the new season of Nigerian Idol which will premiere on February 6 on DStv and GOtv platforms. The other new entrant is singer and songwriter Simi. Both will be joining the resident judge Obi Asika.

Speaking on the decision of the judges, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola explained that “the three of them combined bring decade’s worth of experience in the music entertainment business as well as individual mastery of their craft. We do not doubt that they will keep the viewers entertained in what will be a spectacular season.”

Also retaining his position on the show is the host IK Osakioduwa who will be bringing his savviness and wit to the show.

D’banj who is wearing the judging hat for the first time expressed delight to be on the show. He disclosed that he has turned down offers to be a judge on reality TV shows but chose Nigerian Idol because “I’m Nigerian and secondly I think there is no better time because of the growth of the industry.

D’banj, Nigerian Idol’s new judge

“The growth of the industry has been such that it is important we embrace what God has given us. It’s a journey that we have been on for over a decade and to have the kind of acceptance from yeh global world that we are having today. There is no better time to be on Nigerian Idol.”

He expressed willingness to work with

the talents even beyond the show and will deploy a creative way to dismiss talents who do not meet up to standards.

MultiChoice Nigeria will be rewarding the season’s winner with a N100 million grand prize, the highest for any singing competition in the country. It will begin airing the live shows on March 20, 2022.

Facing Ridicule, Is ‘Chief Daddy 2’ the Awakening Nollywood Needed?

Iyke Bede The curse of the sophomore is what the entire EbonyLife Group suffered upon the release of ‘Chief Daddy 2:Going for Broke’. It failed to meet the expectations of the original.

Termed a ‘cash cow’ by internet denizens, the flick earned a meagre rating of 3.2 (a downgrade from the originals 4.8) on the international movie recommendation website IMDb, further limiting its penetration into the international market.

To be sure, ‘Chief Daddy 2’ isn’t the worst film to come out of Nollywood. However, the reach the internet provides has become its bane. Well known for its record-breaking streak for films that do well at the cinemas, further amplified the collective disappointment of fans and film critics.

Two weeks after its release, Mo Abudu who helms EbonyLife Group uploaded a video to her personal Instagram page. She, in a calm tone, addressed the feelings and reactions of fans and critics and went on to share prospects.

While she seemed gracious in demeanour, she was quick to assert the consequences of any further harassment.

“Please share your feedback

Cast of Chief Daddy 2.

respectfully otherwise we will have to restrict entry to you on our pages,” she cautioned.

Although the comment feature was disabled on the post, hundreds of accounts where the video was shared revealed negative reactions to the last bit of her almost 3-minute speech.

With all that has happened, it’s no gainsaying the far-reaching effect the internet has in delivering real-time criticism. It almost felt like a petition to withdraw the film

from streaming giant Netflix. This reaction mechanism now changes everything in Nollywood.

It warns filmmakers of the ridicule they are likely to face should they perform below expectations.

And depending on how well or badly it is managed, may or may not lead to their doom in the industry.

Luckily, Mo has an army for a team, and a platform to help her express herself, thus owning the narrative. This may not be the case

for some independent filmmakers.

Two things could be involved: it either may lead to improved output in Nollywood or effect frustration on filmmakers who are barely funded.

Whether it is just fans trolling for the fun of it, or film enthusiasts amplifying the creative lapses that the industry direly needs to address, these spaces are proving that the devil is in the devil, and that just about anyone has access to the microphone.

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

With ‘Puzzled,’ Nissi Ogulu Delivers Her Triad of Talents From her mixed bag of talent in visual art, music and engineering, Nissi Ogulu fed the Lagos audience a scoop of spontaneous creativity, says Yinka Olatunbosun

T

he show itself was not a spontaneous one. After making a debut show in London, January 9 was set for the Lagos exhibition of Nissi Ogulu’s eclectic art collection titled ‘Puzzled.’ The artist had set up a studio within the space at Red Door Gallery in Victoria Island for her live show later that evening. A bagful of brushes, paints, drawing board and other accessories was lying on the floor as journalists walked through the maze of works.

The attention-grabbing colours of the large puzzle pieces-shaped paintings are a marked deviation from Ogulu’s earlier paintings on canvas. For her, it’s important to tell the African story with a measure of animation.

As expected, each piece is thoughtprovoking, creating an imagery of the connectivity of human thoughts.

Maybe that should be expected from Nissi, the youngest child from Bose Ogulu, a famous music manager and mother of the grammy-winning Burna Boy. Nissi knows how to bring the three components of her career together in one room.

“Music has always been an inspiration for me in terms of my expression of art in general,’’ said the multi-talented artist who started playing the piano at the age of four and the drums at six. “I think the reason why it is so prominent here is because I went through a phase of self-discovery and in the various collections and exhibitions that I have done. And this one really brings everything together.’’

The whole idea of the live painting session was to give the audience a first-hand experience of the creative process: the thoughtful face, the vision, the passion, the creation and the mistakes.

“You must have an imagination to create something that has never been there before. Sometimes, you pick from here to affect there.

Sometimes, I look at my paintings as devices that need to be fixed,’’ she explained.

As one of the team behind the design of one of the latest editions of one of the luxury automobile brands, Nissi is preoccupied with making all the parts of her talent work harmoniously in this show. A series of paintings at the show has the piano and African sculptures as motifs, running side by side with

Akunyili-Parr Set to Release Memoir on Her Heroic Mother Yinka Olatunbosun The Nigerian-Canadian author, speaker and consultant, Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr is ready to release her first book- a memoir- which explores the life and activism of her mother, Dora Akunyili. The late Akunyili served as the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of Nigeria from 2001 to 2008. Till date, she is still regarded as one of the most conscientious public servants ever in Nigeria.

Titled ‘I am Because We Are: An African Mother’s Fight for the Soul of a Nation,’ the book recounts the story of Akunyili’s revolution in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry. The hero of this suspense-filled African story is a woman of integrity who risked her life and those of her family members to serve Nigeria.

The release of the book is set for February, celebrated globally as Black History Month.

“Whether as a unique being in her own right, or a daughter, sibling, wife or mom, Chidiogo reveals so much more that made the shocking end of her two parents within a space of seven years too chilling and hard to endure,’’ Oby Ezekwesili, the former Minister of Education says.

The writer is also the founder of She ROARs, an organization that is committed to coaching women of colour worldwide to connect them to their intuition and purpose. Her work is focused on harnessing the power of our interdependence based on the African philosophy, Ubuntu. Although Chidiogo has lived and worked across four continents, she currently lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter.

Nissi Ogulu

puzzle pieces with the semblance of tire threads or even carbon fibre cloth.

“They are a representation of me. I want to push the narrative to the forefront of conversation, how multifaceted and resourceful we are as a people,’’ she added.

Her words proved true with the caliber of guests that arrived later that evening for the show including her brother, Burna Boy and mother, Bose Ogulu; media personality Ebuka ObiUchendu, Ronami Ogulu, DJ Lambo, DJ Caise amongst others.

Book Cover

Bashiru Adamu’s ‘Escape from Prison’ Drums for Nation Building Rebecca Ejifoma ‘Escape from Prison,’ a publication by Social Entrepreneur and Life Coach, Bashiru Adamu, is a quintessential piece for empowering people towards nation building.

The book, which was unveiled in Abuja recently, is written to help people come to that place of mental freedom and intentionality towards their purpose, goals and aspirations, in spite of challenges. Adamu, who is the founder, Dream Again Prison and Youth Foundation, drew upon his wealth of experience working in Nigerian in writing

this book as a way of giving back to the society.

“The book speaks to both those trapped in mental and physical prisons. And it is also about patriotism and nation-building, seeing a problem and creating a simple innovative and sustainable solution to it,” says the life coach.

His intention was to enlighten people with purpose and potential to succeed even within the constraints of prison walls.

“I want people to experience the freedom and beauty of living their dreams and the possibilities that lie therein. This book is my truelife story of setting up a library in

Otukpo Prison in Benue State, as part of my community development service during my National Youth Service Corps programme in 2012, which granted me access to Zimbabwe’s first billionaire in the UK, Dr. Strive Masiyiwa.

He gave me the opportunity of an all-expense-paid five-week internship in his organisation, Econet in Harare Zimbabwe,” he recounted.

Adamu expressed that the library he set up in Otukpo Prison has evolved into his non-profit organisation called Dream Again Prison and Youth Foundation. The NGO works to curb recidivism by

empowering incarcerated inmates to utilise their time and energy to add value to themselves in order to become productive members of society when released.

“In the book are success stories of people whom the NGO worked with while in prison but now have successful lives after prison,” he revealed.

He thanked the government through the Nigeria Correctional Service for partnering with NGOs like Dream Again Prison and Youth Foundation, and some faith-based organizations in the reformation and social reintegration of offenders. He urged the government

to work tirelessly to review the welfare packages of the wardens to motivate them to be efficient on the job, adding that staff training, housing, salary and equipment for the job should be provided.

“The judiciary will also need to revamp their approach with cutting-edge technology towards offering speedy trials to decongest the correctional centres, and the government should work on putting up a good support system for ex-convicts especially those who are found innocent after years in incarceration. Reformation is not just the work of the government,” he said.

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METRO

…Your city life in print

Day Okunland Dazzled Through the Harmattan Haze

Ayokunle Abraham Olorunfemi, SAN

By Tunde Olusunle

I

f I were to encounter Tunde Ipinmisho, retired general manager in-charge of public communication at the Federal Housing Authority, (FHA) or Hakeem Bello, longserving media adviser to Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, former governor of Lagos State and incumbent minister of works and housing, in your presence, I would most certainly be hailed by them with the same alias they have both known me with, for almost four decades now.

We all worked as journalists, colleagues, good friends and brothers in the primordial Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, (DTN). Those were good old days, when the profession was genuinely engaging, and life was big fun in the newsroom.

Almost everyone had his own nickname, by the way. Our big boss at the time, Yemi Ogunbiyi, managing director of the organisation between 1989 and 1991, came to the organisation with a name he had had, from back in time. His facial resemblance with Richard Roundtree, a prominent African American film actor who was prominent in the 1970s, earned him the nickname “Shaft,” which was Roundtree’s stage name, which we mentioned in whispers. We couldn’t spontaneously conjure an alias for our revered professional senior and multivalent mentor, Onyema Ugochukwu, so we just adopted his famous initials which were constant in every official document that passed through him, “OU.” Dapo Aderinola, who was news editor and subsequently substantive editor of the *Daily Times,* went by the pseudonym “Africa.” Aderinola once served as Editor, *Africa Now* magazine (West Africa bureau) between 1983 and 1984, from where he procured that necklace. Sub-editing great, Toyin Makanjuola (of blessed memory), who rose to the position of deputy editor of the Daily Times, was simply “Tee Mackay” in the newsroom. Victor Awogu, editor of one of the magazines in the Daily Times stable and who is now a royal father in Anambra State, was tagged “Savimbi,” after the Angolan revolutionary politician and rebel leader, Jonas Malheiro Savimbi. If you were briefing a senior colleague about the kernel of a piece you wrote and your delivery was interspersed with jaw-breaking expressions, a spontaneous whistle or cat call could emanate from anywhere in the newsroom, followed by the chant *lai wowe,* to the effect that you spoke so much grammar, without reference to any document! Such was the camaraderie and boisterousness of the newsroom.

I joined the Daily Times group when my part of today’s Nigeria was an integral component of the old Kwara State, before the excision of contemporary Kogi West and Kogi Central, from Kwara. The otherwise incongruous amalgamation of these subsets with modern day Kogi East which was taken out of the old Benue State, however, threw up a name for me. And it has stuck ever since. We were in our Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos newsroom August 27, 1991, the sixth anniversary of the administration of former President Ibrahim Babangida, when a “breaking news” scroll, crawled across the television screen. Nine new

Eyitayo Ayokunle Fatogun, SAN states had just been created by military fiat: Kebbi, Jigawa, Kogi, Yobe, Adamawa, Osun, Delta, Anambra and Abia.

I was detailed by the management of the Daily Times, not too long after, to travel to the new Kogi State, to appraise how well the new creation was getting along. I toured Kabba at the heart of Okunland; Okene, traditional and political headquarters of Ebiraland, and Lokoja, the state capital. The Daily Times was a very respectable brand and Danladi Mohammed Zakari, pioneer military administrator of the state, was glad to receive me. Zakari’s excitement about the potentials and the promise which the new born Kogi State possessed, was very upbeat and infectious. He celebrated the overflowing human capital, the limitless natural resources and the abounding agrarian endowments as ingredients which will propel the state into the future. I appropriated one of his statements in the course of our one-on-one dialogue, as headline for the verbatim transcript, which was published by the *Daily Times,* among other reports I filed. The caption of that interview published November 1, 1991, was: “Kogi Will Be Another Lagos.”

And so, I got back to Agidingbi, brimming with the excitement of someone who had just downed a few litres of the popular juice drink, “Happy Hour,” tinctured with a dash of “Fearless.” I preached the gospel of the new Kogi State, a latent Eldorado, with exceptional pentecostal fervour. The ever ingenious newsroom wasted no time in rechristening me “Kogi o!” or “Kogi Baba,” as the case may be, for my *Kogicentricism.* And the name has remained ever since! I wouldn’t share my other aliases among other sections of my friends, just yet. Recall the clown in the trending online skit who says, *If you don’t gerrit, forget abou’rit!* By dint of providence, I was opportuned, subsequently, to contribute my bit as a communicator and media manager, in the regimes of three successors to Brigadier General Zakari, notably Abubakar Audu,

Paul Uzoanya Ndimele Omeruo and Bzigu Lassa Afakirya, respectively. How well Kogi has fared 30 years post-creation, particularly in recent years, will engage our attention some other time.

My serial disillusionment with the molluscpaced, amoeboid configured, Aminian-styled development of the state, however, has momentarily slanted my focus. My part of Kogi State, has over the years, especially since the advent of democratic governance in 1999, been serially undermined and mistreated by successive governments. Crowded out of meaningful representation at the level of the state, it was a magnanimous President Olusegun Obasanjo, who granted reprieve to Okunland between 1999 and 2007, by ensuring that every minister who served in his cabinet was chosen from Okunland. This was an intentional decision by a strong-willed leader, to assuage our holistic exclusion, in the intricate geopolitical balancing of the state.

At the level of governance in Kogi State per se, the Okun cameo appearance in Government House, Lokoja, was only between 2012 and 2016. This was when Yomi Awoniyi, scion of the venerated Sunday Bolorunduro Awoniyi, served as deputy governor to governor Idris Wada. By the time the incumbent government of Yahaya Bello ends in January 2024, Okunland would have effectively been shut out of governance for the more recent eight successive years at the state and federal levels, for the period 2016 to 2024.

If you add the four years of the Audu/ Patrick Adaba administration; to the over eight years of the Ibrahim Idris/Phillip Salawu dispensation, and Bello’s eight, minus the Awoniyi milieu, Okunland would have been pitilessly barricaded from Lugard House, Lokoja, for 20 years, variously, under pseudo democratic rule. To be sure, Bello, the incumbent, has worked with two deputies from Kogi East within the period, of his rulership namely, Simon Achuba and Edward Onoja, respectively. To this extent,

“Along with our kinsmen who by dint of hardwork, perspiration, ingenuity and resilience continue to hoist aloft the banner of Okunland across professions, vocations and endeavours everywhere in the world, these distinguished compatriots will burnish the reputation of our people and assuage our collective despair and apprehension about the future of our homeland in the scheme of things”

Okunland wasn’t even recognised to play second fiddle as it were. Indeed, the two ministers who represented Kogi State within the first four years of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, (James Eneojo Ocholi, SAN, of blessed memory, and Stephen Ocheni), were from Kogi East. There is also street talk in Kogi, about an ongoing arrangement by Bello to clone himself in the 2023 governorship election by throwing up one of his kinsmen as his successor, so that Kogi Central would have closed the gap considerably, between it and Kogi East, with regards to the duration served by both zones on levers of governance.

The Kogi dream of three decades ago, painfully, sorely, very sadly, has not evolved the way it was envisioned. I wonder how Danladi Zakari an incurable optimist would be feeling today.

There are, however, bright spots in places, though, which illuminate the overarching gloom, from time to time. The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, (LPPC), announced, Thursday October 21, 2021, that 72 senior lawyers would, about six weeks later, be conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN). I am not an attorney. But I have friends in their ranks.

As the social media went into overdrive that day, attempting to unearth who was from where among the new nominees, it turned out, heartily, that two of the new silks, Eyitayo Ayokunle Fatogun and Ayo Abraham Olorunfemi, were from Okunland.

And just in case one was in any doubt, invites were subsequently sent to dignitaries from the homesteads and local government areas of the beneficiaries, for post-investiture receptions, on Wednesday December 8, 2021. Fatogun hails from Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East local government area (LGA) of Kogi State, while Olorunfemi is from Aiyetoro-Gbedde, a very important town in Ijumu LGA. Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), had formally conferred the 72 senior lawyers with the rank of SAN at the main courtroom of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, earlier that day.

The reception for Fatogun, one of the 16 members of the Abuja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), admitted into the Body of SANs that day, within the precincts of the International Conference Centre, (ICC), Abuja, was attended by a broad array of dignitaries, from Okunland and beyond. Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, former chief judge of Ondo State, chaired the event, which also featured the traditional ruler of Fatogun’s hometown of Isanlu, Oba Moses Ejembi, the Agbana of Isanlu, as well as senator representing Kogi West, Smart Adeyemi and the member representing Yagba federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide. t5VOEF 0MVTVOMF 1I% QPFU BVUIPS KPVSOBMJTU BOE TDIPMBS JT B NFNCFS PG UIF "TTPDJBUJPO PG $PNNVOJDBUJPO 4DIPMBST BOE 1SBDUJUJPOFST PG /JHFSJB "$41/

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37

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͯ, ͰͮͰͰ

POLSCOPE

áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ;

As APC Gears Up for a Canticles….

Make or Break Convention Rice Pyramid and Other Matters

Rice Pyramid

I

think after that historic event of last Tuesday, anyone still doubting the determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to leave a worthy legacy behind, should either go and hug a transformer or go and contest to become a President Really? Last Tuesday? What was the historic event?

Gov Mai Mala Buni

fter what looked like what street boys describe as “one chance bus”, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) finally resolved to hold its longawaited convention on February 26, the last Saturday of next month. Nobody believed or expected that the interim status of the Mai Mala Buni-led body with an unusual tongue-twisting acronym—Caretaker Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) will last this long.

The Yobe State governor has obviously stayed as caretaker chairman of the party longer than was expected. Some party men had gone to court to challenge his continued hold to that office as well as serving as a sitting governor. Many had thought when Adams Oshiomhole was asked to step aside in June 2020, that a plan was afoot to reorganize the party.

But nearly two years after, the interim structure which merely had an ad hoc status has remained in charge.

Just before the final agreement on the February 26 date, there were moves by the Caretaker Committee to further shift the convention which was originally scheduled for last December. But the progressive governors insisted that the convention be held as scheduled. The Caretaker committee members who had become very comfortable in their more-than-interim status had argued that there were still some state congresses that had to be conducted, just as the reconciliation efforts within the party were yet to be concluded. It was clear that the Caretaker committee members did not want to hold the convention anytime soon, for obvious reasons. Nobody wants to step down from a sumptuous meal table.

It is even yet feared that the anticonvention members of the caretake committee may yet head to court to stop the convention. But the hope that the convention would hold as scheduled was bolstered by the support from President Muhammadu Buhari who believes the party should have its functional and legalized leadership structure. The Caretaker committee has been directed now to form convention organising committees.

But perhaps more crucial to the party is the power camps that will be in frontal contestation for the soul of the partyat the convention. Who will become the National Chairman of the party? Already, it is said that the party has zoned the position to the North central geo-political zone. The entire north had been in the race for the chairmanship of the party, meaning technically, that the position of the Presidential candidate will come from the south. That means that the southern power blocs will get into full struggle to influence who occupies the chairmanship

A

stool from the northern bloc.

Already, with the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Gov Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State as well as those warming up to do so soon, the ring is getting filled. An insight into the future of the party will begin to crystalise shortly before and after the party’s convention next month.

Gov Buni is expected to do the bidding of his master: President Buhari. The duo will be interested in who heads the party structure.

From the nuances and even body language of Mr President, it is unlikely that the tilt will be towards the Lion of Bourdillon .

When, in a recent interview, he (Buhari) revealed that he does not want to name his successor so, he is not assassinated, Mr President couldn’t be talking of Bola Tinubu. So who does he have in mind? Would the person be a dark horse?

Would he be a major figure in the administration?

Would the party structure be manoeurvered in favour of a pre-determined persona? Would the party leadership provide a level-playing field for a free contest?

So, if the organogram of the party is not favourable to the interest of the Jagaban, will his loyalty remain with and in the party? Would he storm out and blow the party to smithereens?

Will APC remain stronger or weaker after the February convention?

The battle of who controls the party will be the Act 1 scene 1 of the overall power quest in the party.

The next battle ground after the election would be who emerges as the party’s presidential candidate. Would it be Tinubu? Would it be someone else?

The Tinubu political machine is already revving, with many anchor men springing up in various parts of the country. Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Federal Government, who still has the badge of grass-cutting scandal hanging on his raiment, has picked up the campaign for Tinubu in the north along with other notable northern political leaders. But would that translate to adoption of Tinubu’s candidacy? In the east, somebody was seen distributing free Tinububranded recharge cards in a market in Abia State. It is an early indication of the pervasive role money will play in the race ahead. Would the Chairmanship of the party literally be put out for sale to the highest bidder?

Now that the National Assembly has amended the Electoral Act to relax the recommendation of Direct Primary (now with the option of indirect primary and even Consensus candidacy ) at party conventions, it means that the political parties will be at liberty to choose any preferred option. This is would be easier to manage and manipulate, as candidates will be dealing with lesser number of determinants and not necessarily the entire party members. How President Buhari deals with the next APC convention will be quite telling of what to expect in the convention for the selection of party’s presidential candidate.

Nigerians are waiting and watching.

Are you asking me? Were you not in Nigeria?You mean you didn’t see or hear of the epoch launch of the Rice pyramid in Abuja last Tuesday? Didn’t you see those high mounds of bags of rice towering over a hundred feet?

Didn’t you see it?

Is it not an iconic reference to the historical groundnut pyramids of the 60’s and 70’s? Do you know what President Buhari did should actually go into the Guinness Book of Records?

Or have you heard of Rice Pyramid anywhere else in the world?

It was such a historical event. Honestly, it is highly egregious a feat. In fact, there is now a great hope that Nigeria will soon start exporting rice to other countries. Do you realise the effect of that on our GDP? Enough of this exaggerated adulation. Did you not see that the so-called pyramid was merely a carpentry construct? Did you see the wooden frame of the so-called pyramid that just had to be ladened with bags of rice? And do you know some people even insinuated that everything you saw was not actually all rice?

Stop believing and mingling with acidic critics of this administration.They will never see anything good to say about President Buhari and all his efforts. Free your mind and be liberal in thinking. Everything you saw there were truly bags of rice. All the bags were branded. Go and check. Mr President and even the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefielie, who championed the scheme with the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, will never submit to that degree of crookery and grand deceit.

Didn’t you listen to the members of RIFAN (Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria)? Did you see how elated and fulfilled they sounded and appeared? All of that couldn’t have been huff-drama.

My brother, this is Nigeria, a huge theatre of official histrionics, where anything can happen.

But you know that this President Buhari has been insistent on we growing what we eat.

Can you not see how deliberate he had been in supporting agriculture? Can’t you see the benefit? Where again have you ever heard of Rice Pyramid in the world? We are now the largest producer of rice in Africa, with over 50 rice processing mills as at the end of last year. It was just six such mills in 2015. The CBN had expended over one trillion Naira on this Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which has also supported the cultivation of several other crops.You can see Buhari is serious and strategic. Do you know how many people this scheme has delivered from poverty and misery? Do you know how many people it has offered employment?

You talk as if the Rice Pyramid is the greatest thing to ever happen in Nigeria. What is the percentage of people involved in the scheme? Good as it seems, how many Nigerians can actually afford one of the bags of rice? With all the support the rice farmers got from government, how come the local rice are even more expensive than the imported rice, even many of the local rice have

plenty of stones.

And pray, of what use is rice to a people who are not safe? Do you know how many rice farmers have been killed by the league of Bandits in the country? Or did you not hear Governor Sani Bello of Niger State say that in 17 days, his state has been attacked over 50 times and over 200 people have been killed with over 300 villages sacked? What kind of country is that? That is a state nearest to the Federal Capital Territory under such siege….

And you are over the moon over bags of rice.

Look, don’t forget that Mr President inherited this insecurity malaise. He has been trying everything in the books to run the terrorists out of town. We are almost there.

He just ordered the army to smoke out the bad boys in Niger State. So, in a bit, the country will have good peace.

Hmmmmm, we have been hearing such promises for over six years. The more they promise, the deadlier the attacks. And in a pre-election year, we expect more of such propaganda-fed promises.

The likes of Lai Mohammed will soon introduce new lexicons as he redesigns the propaganda manual for 2023.

Let me ask you, did Mr President really need to specially order the Nigerian military to hack down the terrorists in Niger State? Isn’t that the raison d’etre of the military? Ok, so he’d have to also order special military operation in Kaduna, Zamfara, Borno, Plateau States etc?

The case of Niger State simply became an emergency.That explains why the President had to take extra-ordinary measures to crush the bad guys Do you know that on this insecurity matter, that we are in for a long night? Do you think there will be a quick fix to it? Never!

Did you remember the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai had said the problem will yet be with us for another twenty years?

Did you listen to the late Obadiah Mailafia who said a sitting governor in the north is the head commander of Boko Haram and the bandits?

Ask yourself how these bandits get their sophisticated weapons steadily. Ask yourself whether these bandits who collect ransoms in Millions of Naira, whether they are the ones who spend the money? Don’t you see them always as wretch and like rain-soaked squirrels? Do they look like people who have or spend millions of Naira?

Does that not tell you they are only proxies and pawns in this game? Where do they keep these huge cash….. in the forest and caves? How come that more than ten years after, the vicious Department of State Security (DSS) has not been able to unravel the enigmatic mystery around the sponsors of Boko Haram? Why do they all conspire to shield the identity of the sponsors?

Didn’t former President Goodluck Jonathan say he knew the Boko Haram people in his cabinet and government at the time? Yet, he refused to name them? Didn’t Abubakar Malami, the sitting Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation few years back promise to release the names of the sposnors of Boko Haram and terrorism in Nigeria? Did he ever do it? The Governor of Zamafara State, Bello Matawalle, this week also claimed to have known those sponsoring the acts of terrorism, and would soon make the names known. Until he leaves office, he would not release any list. We are just in a long dark alley of hopelessness.

Don’t be too pessimistic. Buhari is working.

APC is working. New leaders are taking over.

So you will see a brighter and better ruling party.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ JANUARY 21, 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Unity Bank Partners RIFAN, Pledges More Support for Farmers Nume Ekeghe Unity Bank Plc has partnered Nigerian rice farmers under the aegis of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) to unveil a mega rice pyramid on the occasion of the National Rice Festival and pledged more support towards the agric value chain.

The event, which coincided with the flag-off of the dry season farming, was used to showcase the gains produced by rice farmers in driving self-sufficiency in rice production through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank, Mrs. Tomi Somefun commended the rice farmers for their unwavering

belief and collaboration in the implementation of the intervention programme adding that as the PFI (Preferred Financial Institution) for the ABP transactions, the Bank will continue to support the farmers and ensure that more smallholder farmers get the requisite financial support to boost rice production.

She said: “Our strategic partnership with RIFAN started in 2018 when we financed about 273,000 smallholder farmers. This was the largest single-ticket transaction in that year. This financing cut across 33 states of the Federation including the FCT. “In 2019, the Bank increased the tally by financing another 146,810 smallholder farmers for the wet and dry season farming.

This funding cut across 35 States

of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Additional funding was granted to finance additional 221,450 smallholder farmers of the Association across the 32 states of the Federation including FCT for the wet season and additional 300,000 hectares was financed in sixteen states for the 2020 dry season cropping season.

“As of March 2021, the Bank has financed no fewer than 190,000 smallholder rice farmers across 35 states including the FCT, Abuja.”

Speaking further, she said: “The rice pyramids we see here today is an example of the resilience of the farmers and should be replicated in all states with a focus on the crop they have a competitive advantage.

TrustBanc Pays N1.7bn Commercial Paper Proceeds on Maturity TrustBanc Holdings Limited (TrustBanc), the parent company of three regulated financial services companies, has said it successfully settled its series 2 Commercial Paper (CP) issue for a total amount of N1.7 billion yesterday(January 19, 2022).

The 180-day CP was issued at a discount of 13.5323 per cent, subscriptions to the issue were made by institutional investors, with a significant proportion by asset and fund managers.

“We confirm that the maturity proceeds of Commercial Papers (CP) bearing NGTRUCP22S26 on FMDQ has been duly paid to all the holders of the Series on the maturity date, January 19, 2022.”

“I would like to thank all the holders of this commercial

paper issue. Their trust represents a strong mark of confidence in TrustBanc, its financial performance, its business model and growth strategy. In addition, our Group is proud to contribute to the growth of the Commercial Paper market through the FMDQ, “said Chief Executive Officer of TrustBanc Holdings Limited, Mr. Abu Jimoh, CFA. UCML Capital Limited, United Capital Plc and Emerging Africa Group, acted as dealers on the series. Speaking on behalf of the dealers, Director at UCML Capital Limited, Mr. Egie Akpata, said the company’s ability to pay at maturity further confirms to subscribers and the market at large that TrustBanc Holdings Limited is a trustworthy counterparty.

TrustBanc was incorporated as

a holding company to synergise the operations of TrustBanc Financial Group. TrustBanc along with its subsidiaries, namely, TrustBanc J6 MFB Limited, TrustBanc Asset Management Limited, and TrustBanc Capital Management Limited, make up the group. The Group is expanding to become an integrated financial services conglomerate with solutions covering wealth management, funds, ethical and conventional investments management, securities trading, savings, and lending.

Located in Victoria Island, Lagos, the group’s broad range of services ensure a bespoke solution to clients. Its services, which are accessible and digital, cover micro loans, business financing, investment advisory, or advice on the preservation of wealth.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

Cedar Advisory Partners Becomes Largest Shareholder in Union Diagnostics

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Kayode Tokede

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

Cedar Advisory Partners, an investment company that specializes majorly in the health care ecosystem has become the largest Shareholder as Union Diagnostics Plc delists from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

The Exchange had officially delisted Union Diagnostic and Clinical Services Plc from its main board following the conclusion of its scheme of arrangement. The medical diagnostics firm earlier in September 2021, notified the Exchange of its decision to delist from the Exchange’s board.

The transaction involved the transfer of 1,407,885,051 units of shares to Cedar in consideration

for cash payment of 35 kobo per share to the scheme shareholders, taking the total cash consideration to N492,759,767.85. Upon the conclusion of the transaction, the company has been delisted from the Exchange.

According to the Scheme of arrangement published in January 2021 by the company: “A total of 1,407,855,051 units of shares held by the scheme shareholders were to be acquired by Cedar Advisory Partners Limited (“Cedar”), an existing shareholder with a total of 20.04 per cent shareholdings.

“The decision to delist from the Exchange by the company was motivated by certain challenges around the inability to raise capital to fund expansions, the challeng-

ing operating environment and strong headwinds specifically relating to poor health-seeking behavior of Nigerians, gross underfunding of the healthcare sector and depreciating exchange rates that affect importation of consumables.

“Following the delisting, the post-scheme shareholding structure entails, Cedar Advisory Partners Limited, Lifecare Partners Limited, Akinniyi Ambrose Olusola, Akinniyi Elizabeth Abimbola emerge as the shareholders of the company with a respective shareholding of 2,119,771,663; 1,038,000,000; 233,462,131; 161,904,734, reaching a total of 3,553,138,528 units of shares.

Energy Expert: 60% of Nigerians Have no Access to Electricity Onuminya Innocent Ø ÙÕÙÞÙ An energy expert has expressed concern over the shortage supply of electricity in Nigeria, saying over 60 Percent of Nigerians lack access to electricity.

The former Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi Prof Abubakar Sani Sambo stated this at the 3rd public lecture at Sokoto State University on Wednesday.

Speaking on the theme, “Harnessing Local Renewable Energy Sources: A panacea For

Tackling Global Energy Crisis In 21st Century,” Sambo said the problem of energy sector in the country could be as a result of inconsistent policy formation and implementation.

“You know in this country there is no sustainability of policy, when new government come into power it will abandon previous policies by his predecessors either good or bad and this does not augur well for us he stated.

Sambo who was the former Director General of National Energy Commission of Nigeria

(NECON) and also former Vice Chancellor Kaduna State University added that while the impact of lack of electricity can be felt by all, noted that no one suffer more than the entrepreneurs as running business on generator are capital extensive.

He further lamented that Nigeria is endowed with resources that can generate electricity for its populace.

He canvassed generation of electricity via solar and other renewable means where Nigeria have comparative advantage stressing that it is high time “

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

39

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱͯ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

RMB Nigeria Advises BUA Foods on its Listing by Introduction on NGX Kayode Tokede Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited (“RMB Nigeria”) has said that it is proud to have acted as a Financial Advisor to BUA Foods Plc on its recent listing by Introduction on the main board of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

The listing, it stated in a statement, follows the successful combination

of BUA Group’s food businesses: BUA Sugar Refinery Limited, IRS Flour Mills Limited, IRS Pasta Limited, BUA Rice Limited, BUA Foods Limited and BUA Oil Mills Limited into one entity known as BUA Foods Plc, a transaction in which RMB Nigeria also acted as Financial Advisor to BUA Group.

“At the time of listing, BUA Foods became the

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

second largest company by market capitalisation on the Consumer Goods sector of the NGX having listed a total of 18 billion shares at N40.00 per share, representing the Company’s total issued share capital, and trading under the ticker “BUAFOODS” . BUA Foods’ listing on the NGX creates access for public participation in the ownership of the Company, the deepening

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of the NGX and positions the Company to access long term capital, “it stated.

Co-head, Banking Division, RMB Nigeria, Chidi Iwuchukwu, in the statement commented that, “As an ongoing, trusted advisor to BUA Group and its related entities, RMB Nigeria is proud to have acted as a Financial Advisor to BUA Foods on the listing. The listing

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

will deepen the Nigerian equity capital market and provide an opportunity for the investing public to participate in the growth story of BUA Foods” Similarly, CEO, RMB Nigeria, Michael Larbie, stated that “The successful listing of BUA Foods marks a significant milestone in the evolution of our business and creates an avenue for local and international

O F

2 0

investors to participate in the BUA Foods’ success story. We value RMB Nigeria’s advisory contribution to the listing and continued partnership with the broader BUA Group.”BUA Foods is poised to consolidate on its ambition to play a critical role in the Food and FMCG industry and remain a valuable contributor to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.”

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40

FRIDAY JANUARY 21, 2022 •T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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

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

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 19Jan-2022, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 9.85% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.42 3.48 -3.38% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.26% Anchoria Equity Fund 140.22 141.97 0.73% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.16 1.16 1.91% info@anchoriaam.com 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 20.53 21.15 1.22% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 461.61 475.52 2.31% ARM Ethical Fund 39.61 40.80 1.66% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 0.00 0.00 -100.00% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.02 0.15% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.56% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 108.32 108.32 0.35% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,073.58 1,073.58 0.55% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.06 2.06 6.55% Capital Express Balanced Fund (Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.22 2.27 36.29% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.05 1.05 0.52% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.66% Paramount Equity Fund 16.95 17.26 0.74% Women's Investment Fund 139.80 141.40 0.54% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.28% Cordros Milestone Fund 135.63 136.49 2.59% 110.74 110.74 0.27% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 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 1.27 1.29 2.05% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.41 1.41 -1.14% 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 7.39% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 8.06% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,154.10 1,156.10 -1.37% assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.92% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 3.00% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.12 1.12 0.62% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 104.75 104.75 0.14% 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 N/A FBN Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 7.68% Legacy Debt Fund 3.99 3.99 -0.40% Legacy Equity Fund 1.77 1.81 1.76% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.21 1.21 0.23% 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 Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral 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 7.94% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.87 2.93 0.37% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 141.97 142.02 -8.77% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.26 1.31 0.37% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 4.08% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 11.95 12.06 1.45% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.11% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) N/A N/A N/A Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.58 1.60 PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.68 11.66 4.31% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.50% PACAM Equity Fund 1.45 1.47 0.81% PACAM EuroBond Fund 114.32 116.61 -0.85% 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 N/A N/A N/A 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 1.08 1.08 10.03% 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 3,433.45 3,469.96 -0.30% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 236.12 236.12 0.17% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.28 1.30 -0.77% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 314.13 314.13 0.25% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 240.76 244.39 -0.54% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.44% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,039.69 11,197.22 -0.61% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.30 1.30 0.19% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 117.14 117.14 0.15% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 106.87 106.87 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.94 0.96 1.10% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.37 1.39 0.51% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.11 1.13 2.04% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.08 1.08 0.41% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.96 1.96 0.35% United Capital Eurobond Fund 122.66 122.66 0.27% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.90% 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 Balanced Strategy Fund 13.25 13.37 0.48% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 14.87 15.03 1.79% Zenith Income Fund 24.93 24.93 0.21% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.18%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 54.65

10.62% 8.10%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.80 130.70 103.60 18.34 21.88

13.90 133.97 105.87 18.44 21.98

-1.19% -0.69% -0.02% 0.00% 0.00%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market 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

4.13 5.59 17.95 1.00 21.10 159.41

4.23 5.69 18.15 1.00 21.30 161.41

9.73% 9.65% 4.46% 7.68% 8.80% 1.03%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.28

10.80%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

42

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

DIAMOND JUBILEE… L-R: Aree Baaroyin, representing Alake of Egbaland, Chief Lai Labode; a former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Ogun State Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Waheed Odusile; Olu of Ilaro & Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Celebrant and Author, Chief Kayode Odunaro and Olu of Imashayi-Yewa, Oba Lukmon Kuoye, at the Public Presentation of “Colours of Perception”, the autobiography of Chief Odunaro to celebrate his 60th birthday, at Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.... Wednesday

Ortom: Presidency Shutting Me Out of Aso Rock for Being Critical of Buhari Reviews anti-open grazing law George Okoh in Makurdi The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, yesterday, accused the presidency of deliberately shutting him out of Aso Rock, and preventing him from seeing President Muhammadu Buhari, because of his criticisms of the president.

Ortom, who spoke after signing the reviewed controversial antiopen grazing, ranching and prohibition Law 2017 of the state, said the country was suffering from bad governance,because of intolerance of advice by the presidency.

He, therefore, asked the president to rise up and listen to the voice of Nigerians and not sycophants surrounding him.

"There is a problem and this has led to the failure of the Buhari government ab initio. They are just playing tricks with Nigerians, particularly, Benue State, where we are not feeling the impact of the presidency and I have been rebuked for trying to advise the president,including shutting me

out of the presidential villa," he said.

While calling on the president to undertake policies that would bring economic gains to the people, Ortom further described the recent launch of the presidential rice pyramid as the greatest deceit by the president.

On the review of the grazing

law, the governor, who signed the amended law, noted that there was a lacuna in the law that needed to be addressed, adding that the review was done to meet the dynamics of the times, noting that other states, that embraced the law after Benue, had imposed stiffer penalties.

His words: "We thought the

bandits will respect the law of the land. We gave a moderate charge of 2,000 for any cattle impounded. A cow is sold for over 200,000. We discovered that the charges for other states are higher up to 70,000, because the policy is dynamic.

"We have decided to revise the charges for cows impounded in

Benue State. Henceforth, if any cow is impounded, the owner will pay the sum of 50,000 instead of 2000.

“An additional 20,000 will be paid on a daily basis and if the cows are not taken away from the quarantine center after 7 days, they will be auctioned. All these we are doing to tell anyone involved

in open grazing that it is wrong," Ortom said.

In another breath, the governor has commended the National Assembly for deleting the clauses in the amended Electoral Act, made for direct, indirect or consensus candidate for political parties and urged the president not to waste time in accenting to it.

$750m World Bank Support will Complement FG's Job Creation, Poverty Alleviation Schemes, Says Osinbajo Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has expressed optimism that the $750 million loan from the World Bank would complement the federal government's job creation and poverty alleviation schemes aimed at taking 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years.

The government programmes also include State Cash Transfer

Units, Agriculture Development Agencies, Job Creation Unit/ MSE Support Units supported by the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) of the Administration.

Osinbajo stated this yesterday at the Conference Hall of the State House, Abuja, during the National Launch of the NG-CARES programme implementation with the World Bank’s $750 million loan.

NG-CARES- is a multi-sectoral programme, which in addition to the ongoing implementation of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), is a furtherance of the Federal Government’s response to the socio-economic fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noting that the programme would build on diverse and extensive interventions by the Federal Government, the Vice President said the, “NG-CARES

programme is designed to support vulnerable and poor Nigerians, provide immediate emergency relief to smallholder farmers and SMEs that were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

According to him, the World Bank loan, “will be over a period of 2 years (2021-2023), and the intervention allocation to each State is $20million ex-ante and $15million to FCT, and $15million for the NG CARES Support Unit.

"The programme is to be driven by states using the Programme for Results-PforR-delivery mechanism.”

The VP further stressed that the programme would further complement the federal government’s plan to scale up the number of beneficiaries of its social schemes, subsidy and grants to support individuals, households and MSMEs in the multi-year Development Plan for 2021 – 2024.

Baba-Ahmed, who said that holding census when election was near would create a lot of tension with several meaning ascribed to it.

Baba-Ahmed urged the federal government to focus its attention on addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria as well as the impending food scarcity in the country due the security crisis.

Lending his voice to the dearth of quality governance in the country, the spokesman of the NEF said things have gone so bad that, "90 per cent of our governors have no business being in power today."

He warned against electing a President in 2023 whose only credential is his ability to buy votes, saying, "Nigeria does not need an ethnic president, but a competent leader who can provide leadership to move the country forward.”

Also speaking, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar said what the country needs to bounce back to reckoning was a leader capable of addressing the challenges facing the nation.

"What is important now is to

identify a competent leader that can get us out of these crises.

We have the capacity to pull this country out of her present predicament. We must do the needful and most importantly, I believe a leadership that will prioritise education is desirable," Atiku said.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa'ad Abubakar III called for continuous dialogue as a way of building national consensus.

"I am one of those who so much believe in dialogue and I believe there cannot be too many sessions not only in this country but across the world. Let us close ranks and come together to see what we can do to move this country forward in peace and prosperity," he added.

In his contribution, Borno state governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum decried activities of insurgents in the north-east, attributing their evil campaign to lack of adequate quality, functional education in the land.

According to him, investment in education remains a vital tool in addressing most of the nation's socio-economic challenges.

ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR: NIGERIA AT CROSSROADS, INSISTS NATION IS BLEEDING were already jostling for power at all levels, explaining that some even use inflammatory political rhetoric to achieve their ends.

According to him, others are presently stoking political fires that would be difficult to put out even after the elections, adding that some again, are lying low, looking to spring surprises on their opponents.

"Worse still, political rivalries are sometimes turned into personal fights between supporters of one politician and another. In some instances, these rivalries have degenerated into violence and deaths. None of these is new in Nigerian politics.

"And yet, none of them have been fully resolved. It appears that Nigeria is stuck politically in the same place and our democratic experiment has refused to grow beyond these issues, even after more than 60 years of national independence and self-government.

"All of these developments make 2022 a very crucial year for the country and its people.

Whatever we do or don’t do this year will linger for a long time to come," he stated He explained that the election

year calls for statesmanship and patriotism, adding that, "it calls for restraint among all politicians in words and deeds. And above all, it calls for serious social and economic programmes that would help pull Nigeria out of the woods."

Speaking on the way forward, he said, "As we enter into this important election year, I will like to use this forum to send a few reminders to us all. Let us all remember that despite all the challenges and threats, Nigeria remains one.

"For this, we give thanks to Almighty Allah and the resilience of Nigerians. Our unity, and our large and youthful population remain are our greatest strength.

We must not compromise these.

Instead, we must consolidate on them to chart a way out of current challenges.

“As we in the National Peace Committee have been doing for years now, all stakeholders must work with an open mind towards building peace across the country.

The government should channel redouble its efforts and channel more resources towards securing peace.

“Traditional rulers, and religious and community leaders should support the government towards securing peace for our people.

Without security, there is no country.

"Our political class must realise that the fate of Nigeria lies in its hands and choose to do good in this moment of history. As they jostle for power in the coming elections, all politicians must watch their words and deeds carefully and avoid saying or doing things that will further heat up the polity.

“We must all remember that no one can rule over a nation in ruins. Leadership is a collective responsibility, and we must all play our parts positively,” the former military ruler said.

He pointed out that in November last year, the federal government through the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed unveiled a National Development Plan with an investment size of over N348 trillion.

This investment was expected to be funded collaboratively by both federal and state governments, and by the private sector.

“If implemented faithfully, the plan will build infrastructure all across the country, expand the private sector, develop social services like all health and education for all Nigerians, and create millions of jobs for our teeming youth over the next five years.

"Obviously, there is not much time left for this government to achieve all of these. But I am convinced that the scale of this investment is precisely what Nigeria needs now. So, regardless of party or political differences, the next government can embrace this plan and use it as a blueprint for our collective development.

"It has the potential to make Nigeria another success story so that we can take our rightful place among the committee of nations," he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) objected to plan by the federal government to conduct a national census a year to the 2023 general elections, stating that it portends a very dangerous omen.

The position of NEF was disclosed by the Director of Publicity and Strategy, Dr Hakeem

43

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Shinkafi: Yari Not Qualified to Contest APC Chairmanship I won't join issues with an 'errand boy', ex-gov replies Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja One of the new entrants into the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairmanship race, Alhaji Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi, has said a former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulazeez Yari, who was also aspiring to the office, was technically not qualified to be

in the race, because he was no longer a registered member of the party.

Shinkafi, who claimed there were no factions in the APC in Zamfara, insisted that Yari could not be a threat to his ambition to lead the party as he was no longer a cardcarrying member of the party.

But Yari, who said he

would not join issues with Shinkafi, however, dismissed his place in the state’s body polity, describing him as a 'noisemaker' and an 'errand boy'.

However, in a statement in Abuja, Shinkafi said, he was in the race to win and not to act as a spoiler to Yari as was being insinuated.

“I am in the race because I know that I am eminently qualified to lead the party at this period of its development and not to act as a lackey for anybody. I want to state categorically that Abdulazeez Yari is technically disqualified to run for the leadership of the APC, having failed to register in the just concluded

revalidation exercise, so, having failed to register, he is not a card-carrying member of the party," he said.

On the issue of zoning of political offices by the party, Shinkafi noted that as a loyal party member, he would abide by the decision of the leadership of the party.

After reeling off his profile

THAILAND MOURNS SHONEKAN… Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Vijavat Isarabhakdi (left) and Nigeria's Ambassador to Thailand, Mr. Oma Djebah when the former visited the Embassy of Nigeria, Bangkok to convey Thailand's condolences over the death of Chief Ernest Shonekan...recently

Terrorists Attack Military Base, Kill Soldier, NSCDC Officer in Katsina Also, Ukuru community in Niger affected

Francis Sardauna in Katsina and Laleye Dipo in Minna Gunmen suspected to be terrorists, on Tuesday, attacked a military base in Shinfida community, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State and killed a soldier and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Also, the Niger State Government has confirmed an attack on Ukuru village in the Bobi District of Mariga Local Government of the state, saying unspecified number of people were killed during the attack.

On the military base attack, a source that confirmed the incident to THISDAY on the telephone, said the bandits stormed the military camp in large numbers and began to shoot at the place sporadically.

The terrorists had in September, 2021, ambushed troops of the Special Army Super Camp 4,who were advancing on foot in the area and killed a major, a captain and a lieutenant, leaving many others with injuries.

On the recent invasion, the source said the terrorists invaded the camp on Tuesday night at about 10pm, burnt down two patrol vehicles and drove away another one that was used to

convey food items stolen from the surrounding villages.

He said the victims died instantly while others that sustained varying degrees of injuries were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the state.

"The terrorists attacked the military base located within Government Day Secondary School Shinfida last Tuesday.

They killed one soldier and one Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officer on the

spot and left many others with injuries.

"They attacked the military base on their motorcycles.

Despite the efforts of the military personnel, the terrorists killed the two victims and set ablaze two patrol vehicles and drove away one with food items stolen from neighbouring villages," the source said.

Public Relations Officer of the state NSCDC, DSC Muhammad Abdara, however, confirmed the incident, saying, "Yes, we lost

one officer during the attack."

Efforts to speak with the Nigerian Army were futile at press time.

On the Niger attack, Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Idris, while confirming to THISDAY that many houses and vehicles were also burnt by the terrorists during the attack, said the government was still awaiting details of the incident and that at the appropriate time, the press would be given an update on

what happened.

He, however, said the terrorists were those fleeing from the military operations ongoing in Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto States, adding that in their desperation, they "are destroying anything they come across.

"They don't want to kidnap many people, because it will be a burden on them as they try to escape," Idris said, adding that government would not be daunted by the activities of the bandits.

Omo-Agege Hails Nigeria's Oldest Monarch at 105 Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege has congratulated Nigeria's oldest monarch, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Richard Ogbon Ogoni-Oghoro 1, on the occasion of his 105th birthday.

A statement yesterday by the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President, Yomi Odunuga, in Abuja, explained that the monarch, who was born on January 20, 1917, was installed on March 12, 1988 as the 12th Ohworode of Olomu

Kingdom.

The Deputy President of the Senate applauded the monarch for his consistency in counselling leaders for peace, recommending the rule of law and encouraging his kinsmen to always work for the larger goal of building one great nation.

He described him as a quintessential traditional ruler, and prayed that the legacy of peace, harmony, prosperity and steadfast progress which the Olomu Kingdom had witnessed since the monarch’s reign would continue perpetually.

The king, he noted, "is an ambassador of unity,

development and greatness, not only in Urhobo land and Delta State but in Nigeria, Africa and the whole world."

The Delta Central lawmaker added that the royal father’s forthrightness and maturity had ensured stability and development in his immediate community of Olomu, Urhobo and Delta State in general.

He particularly commended the royal father for his longheld passion for promoting the virtues of good education, entrepreneurship and good neighbourliness among the youths.

Part of the statement read,

"I join other well-wishers to congratulate you and thank you immensely for your service to your people and the entire country and pray that God grant you more grace on the throne in the years to come.

"As a father, role model and a bridge builder, you are a testament to the biblical text that 'When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.'

Without a doubt, you are a shining example to our youth and an enigma to behold.

"I pray that the almighty God will grant you good health and long life to continue serving your people," he said.

and why he was qualified, Shinkafi said, “As I present myself to contest the position of the National chairman of our great party, it is pertinent to reflect on what constitutes the APC, All Progressives Congress (APC) as a progressive party, which represent the collective will of over 41 million registered members of the party in all the 36 states of the federation and federal capital territory (FCT) Abuja.

“It is my hope that if and when elected as National Chairman of the party, we will reposition and reorganise the party based on its philosophy of social democracy, which basically means people-oriented, membership mobilisation and recruitment and mass-based political organisation.

“To be able to actualise these into concrete action that is visible and verifiable under our national leadership, we will have to do a couple of things differently in the day-to-day management of the party affairs, while interfacing with all those elected on the platform of the party at all levels” he added.

However, Yari, in a statement by his Chief of Staff, Abdullahi Tsare, insisted that he was a registered member of the APC with his membership card obtained by him.

Yari added that he remained the only known chairmanship aspirant coming from Zamfara State and the North West geopolitical zone, and therefore called on the party and general public to disregard any 'noisemaker' claiming to be an aspirant under APC. "There was never a time Abdulaziz was a friend to this errand boy of some disgruntled elements. Therefore, his pay masters should come out so that His Excellency can face them one on one. We urge the public to ignore the chanting of an errand boy, who will stop at nothing than to cause confusion in the public, simply to mislead the teaming supporters of His Excellency, Abdulaziz Yari, and to further attract large sums from his pay masters.

He is not serious in the race of being the national chairman of our great party APC," he said.

Yari noted that Shinkafi was in APGA throughout the 16 years period of PDP rule; adding that for the period, he caused a lot of trouble, noting that APGA as a party was in a better position to give a detailed account of what Shinkafi represented.

According to him, “If not, why should anybody explain to the public that someone, who was a governor did not have a membership registration of the party he worked so tirelessly to form, and during that period, Shinkafi was in APGA. It was when Matawalle defected that Sani cross-carpeted to join his pay masters.”

Yari, therefore, called on the Mai Mala Buni-led caretaker committee to be more circumspect in its dealings, and should not allow the likes of Shinkafi to come to the party’s national headquarters to make noise, knowing full well that he was an unserious person, given his antecedents in APGA.

44

FRIDAY JANUARY 21, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Economic Council Backs Second Ease of Doing Business Report Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË The National Economic Council (NEC) has expressed its support for the second iteration of the Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report which is to be launched in the second quarter of 2022, to consolidate the gains of the previous subnational surveys on Nigeria’s business climate.

This is just as the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clement Agba, said the nation’s excess crude account (ECA) balance as at January 17, 2022, stood at $35 million.

These formed part of discussions during the 122nd physical meeting of the Council, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, which also had in attendance State Governors, the FCT Minister, Mallam Mohammed Bello; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, and the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, among others.

The Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Jumoke

Oduwole, who made a presentation to Council on the Subnational Doing Business Project and State Action on

Business Enabling Reform (SABER) Programme noted that the second iteration of the Subnational Ease of Doing

Business Report will deepen the scope of the reforms based on what private sector is saying about the business

climate in Nigeria.

According to Oduwole, the initial criteria (framework) focused on security and

infrastructure, transparency and access to information, the regulatory environment, and skills and workforce readiness.

COURTESY VISIT…

L-R: Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo and newly appointed Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Air Vice Marshal Olurotimi Tuwase, during a his Gambo in Abuja…recently

2019 Audit Report: House to Niger Primary School Teachers Vow to Continue Investigate 178,459 Missing with Sit-at-Home Action Police Arms, Ammunition Laleye Dipo ÓØ ÓØØË

Udora Orizu ÓØ ÌßÔË The House of Representatives at the plenary, Thursday resolved to investigate the alleged missing 178,459 arms and ammunition in the Nigeria Police Force as contained in the 2019 report of the Auditor General for the Federation (AuGF).

THISDAY had reported that the Auditor General for the Federation said in the report that over 88,000 of the missing arms are AK-47 assault rifles which could not be accounted for by the Police.

Specifically, the Ad-hoc committee set up in December 2021, to investigate the allegations bothering on the constant release of bandits and kidnappers arrested and handed over to the Police authorities by communities

and other security agencies across the country, was assigned to carryout out the investigation.

The lawmakers also called on the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba to take urgent actions to apprehend those culpable for the depletion of the armoury of the Nigeria Police Force.

The resolutions of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu.

Moving the motion, the Deputy Minority Leader, cited the the 2019 report of the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation on alleged disappearance of the 178,459 different arms and ammunition.

The Niger State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers(NUT) has said that there is no going back on the “ Sit-at-Home “ action declared by primary school teachers in the state.

The “ Sit-at-Home” which began at the beginning of the second term of the current academic year about two weeks ago, is to press home their rejection of percentage

payment of salaries by some local governments in the state.

Following the partial autonomy granted local governments last year by the state government which resulted in low income for some local governments not less than 13 of the 25 local governments have been paying salaries on percentage basis to their workers, a development that inaction, which is backed by the state wing of the NUT.

Rising from an emergency state wing Executive Council meeting held at the “Teachers House” in Minna on Tuesday the union “ Condemned in Strong terms the continuous payment of salaries on percentages to primary school teachers in the state despite several appeals for its stoppage”.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting signed jointly by the state Chairman,

Comrade Akayago Adamu Mohammed and the Principal Assistant Secretary General, Comrade Labaran Garba, a copy of which was made available to newsmen, said: “ The Council therefore reaffirms its sit at home directive to all teachers at local government level until when there is serious commitment from government to reverse back to status quo the salary payment of primary school teachers in the state.”

US, Nigeria Sign Historic Agreement to Protect Nigerian Cultural Heritage Michael Olugbode ÓØ ÌßÔË The United States and Nigeria have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that launches a Cultural Property Agreement between both nations.

U.S. Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard and Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed signed the agreement yesterda at a ceremony attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs

Geoffrey Onyeama and U.S. Embassy representatives.

In Nigeria, cultural property continues to be subject to the threat of pillage, destruction, and loss due to excavation, criminal activity, natural disasters, and subsistence digging. The agreement will facilitate continued cooperation with Nigerian law enforcement agencies and support efforts to identify, intercept, repatriate, and protect cultural property and

related heritage.

The agreement will also promote the exchange of archaeological materials for scientific, cultural, and educational purposes with the aim of increasing public awareness for Nigerian cultural heritage.

A statement by the U.S. Embassy said: “This agreement will enhance our already strong cooperation to preserve and maintain Nigerian cultural

landmarks and sites through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Over the past decade, the United States has partnered with the Nigerian government and state institutions to fund projects totaling over a million dollars including the $125,000 AFCP grant awarded in November 2021 to digitally survey and document the Busanyin Shrine located within the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove.

Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) yesterday lifted the suspension placed on the activities of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo Chapter) over two years ago.

The management said it took

Polytechnics (ASUP), RUGIPO chapter in 2019.

In a circular signed by the Administrative Assistant to the Rector, Mr. Nugbami, J. O with Reference Number, RUGIPO/REC/CIR/62/ VOL.IV/166 dated 20th

to take its right of place in the running of its affairs towards the advancement of the ideals of the Union and those of the Institution at large.

The circular reads: “It would be recalled that on the 9th day of October 2019, the

Owo Chapter) based on the belligerent, uncompromising and confrontational attitude displayed by the then leadership of the Union which almost led to a total breakdown of law and order in the Institution.

Explore New Methods for Ondo Poly Lifts Two Years Suspension on Unionism Revenue Generation, Bayelsa Fidelis David ÓØ ÕßÜÏ the decision to avert any likely January, 2022, and obtained management of this institution crises that might arise following by THISDAY, it noted that had good cause to suspend Charges Committee The management of the Ondo the protest embarked upon by the management is convinced the activities of the ASUP State-owned Rufus Giwa the Academic Staff Union of that the Union is now ready (Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Olusegun Samuel ÓØ ÏØËÑÙË

The Bayelsa State Government yesterday charged various revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to redouble their efforts in the drive to improve the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the charge while declaring open the ninth Bayelsa State Tax Advisory and Review Committee (TARC) meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

Ewhrudjakpo reminded members of the TARC team that it was high time they explored new and better ways of generating revenue in order to boost the revenue profile of the state.

He pointed out that the state was not where it’s supposed to be in terms of income generation, noting that its IGR would not rise until better methods are employed.

The deputy governor, who commended members of the committee for their support and contributions to the implementation of the present administration’s fiscal policies in 2021, implored them to be more passionate about their responsibility this year.

Ewhrudjakpo, who is the chairman of the TARC, urged the committee to scale up efforts in their revenue drive to enable the government pay workers’ salaries as at when due without depending on monthly federal allocations.

A’Ibom Donates Special Protection Unit, 15 Patrol Vehicles to Police Okon Bassey ÓØ ãÙ Akwa Ibom State Government has handed over a Special Protection Unit Base (SPU-Base) said to be the best in Nigeria to the Nigerian Police in order to enhance the security of the state.

The Special Protection Unit tagged Base 27, at Awa in Onna Local Government Area of the

state was executed by the state Governor, Udom Emmanuel, administration, and inaugurated by the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Alkali Usman Baba, during his familiarisation visit to the state last Wednesday.

To further strengthen the security architecture in the state, Emmanuel also donated 15 operational vehicles to support

the police, and assured them of his resolve to fulfilling his promise of 100 vehicles to the police.

He said: “We’ve been buying, and will keep buying, but for today, I have 15 vehicles on ground-10 are Sienna vans and five brand new Hilux trucks-all fully fitted with communication gadgets to start this base. We

don’t want this base to lack mobility.”

The governor thanked the IG for inaugurating the SPU and approving additional equipment for the smooth take-off of the base, and reiterated his commitments to partner the Nigeria Police Force for protection of lives and property in the state.

FRIDAY JANUARY 21, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

45

WORLD OF ISLAM Gani Adams Blames Police for

NEWSEXTRA

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Insecurity on Lagos-Ibadan Causes of Deviation and Expressway Turning Away from Truth Segun James Following the continued cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual killings along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Gani Abiodun Ige Adams has blamed the police for sabotaging the proposed partnership that was aimed at securing road, insisting that the growing incidents of insecurity couldn’t have occurred had the police authorities allowed the partnership arrangements to sail through.

The Yoruba generalissimo,

who said this while reacting to any attack on travellers by bandits on the road, lamented that it was the refusal of the police to work with other stakeholders on security on the road that is responsible for continued activities of bandits in the area.

Adams, who is the convener of the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) stated that the local security outfit had, in a letter last September, requested for a partnership with the police to join in the normal patrol routine along Lagos-Ibadan

Express Way in order to assist the police in ensuring safety and effective security along the road. But the police authorities ignored it.

“The letter was in response to the growing spate of insecurity along the road which remains a major road in the region. The reason for the request is to use our strengths and networks to secure the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway which has remained volatile and porous as a result of prolonged attacks including robbery, killings, kidnapping and other social vices in the region.

Buhari Calls for Positive Attitude Towards Education Uchechukwu Nnaike President Muhammadu Buhari has called for a change of attitude towards education for genuine change and progress in the country.

He said the country’s challenges are multiplying by the day, and tackling them would require different but fresh perspectives anchored on innovative approaches to education delivery throughout the country.

Speaking yesterday at the 52nd convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos, Buhari said: “It is therefore imperative for universities in the country

to take the lead in opening our minds to the emerging scenarios and equipping ourselves to meet the challenges posed by these changes.”

Represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki, the president also tasked universities to be in the forefront of generating and disseminating knowledge and innovations to ensure the country’s participation in the global knowledge society.

He said: “Government on its part will continue to encourage our universities and other

tertiary institutions to produce the necessary skilled manpower with a view to building a strong economy.”

The president stated that the current administration has recently shown its commitment to the university system by releasing N22.5 billion as Earned Allowances and N30 billion as Revitalisation Fund for the universities.

He said the government has also ensured that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is responsive and proactive, by providing among others, funds for research, infrastructure and staff development.

Deforestation: House Urges FG to Make Cooking Gas Affordable Juliet Akoje in Abuja The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to formulate and implement policies to make cooking gas affordable, especially in the rural areas.

The lawmakers consequently urged the federal government to embark on public enlightenment,

especially in the rural areas on the importance of the use of cooking gas and kerosene as well as the dangers of bush burning and tree cutting.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the Need to Adopt a Policy to discourage deforestation in Nigeria by Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau yesterday.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as EDITH EJIRO OMAFODEZI now wish to be known and addressed as EDITH EJIRO MUSA. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as VICTOR EZE now wish to be known and addressed as VICTOR OGONNA EZE. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ESAN ADESOLA MARY now wish to be known and addressed as OYEBADE ADESOLA MARY. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AYOOLA ANUOLUWAPO ABIMBOLA now wants to be known and addressed as MRS ALABI ANUOLUWAPO ABIMBOLA. All relevant documents remain valid. Members of the public, take note I, formerly known and addressed as CHESIKE JUAN ADAMAKA now wish to be known and addressed as RAPHAEL JUAN ADAMAKA. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, OYEYEMI SALAWU GANIYAT OLAJUMOKE is the same person as OLAJUMOKE OLASHILE KAZEEM. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

This is to con¿rm that my correct name is OKORO UCHENDU and not JERRY UCHENDU as was wrongly written during my BVN registration. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

The lawmaker noted that rural areas often suffer neglect as a result of lack of social basic amenities which include a right to shelter, food, clothing and access to modern cooking facilities which enhances healthy living adding that due to the exorbitant price of cooking gas and kerosene, rural dwellers are often left with no other option than to cut down trees for firewood, which are used to prepare food.

He explained that falling of trees for firewood and bush burning will cause deforestation and desert encroachment, and consequently restrict food production which is a major factor in sustaining the country’s economy; “That bush burning and cutting down of trees as an alternative means of cooking adversely affects not only the degradation the environment, but also endanger the health of people exposed to smoke.”

NLC Disagrees with Head of Service over ASUU’s Status Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has faulted the assertion by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is not a registered trade union.

In a statement issued on Thursday by NLC President Ayuba Wabba, the Congress said that contrary to the position expressed by the Head of Service ASUU is a trade union

affiliated to the NLC. NLC quoted Yemi Esan as having said at a Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council Meeting, that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is not a trade union.

“We find this claim as a misrepresentation of facts.

For the purpose of setting the records straight, the Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to disclaim the misleading statement by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on the status of ASUU as an organisation.

Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Idreesi/Islamweb Truth has signs that guide its seekers to it and paths that they travel to reach it. Likewise, falsehood also has twisted paths that lead to it and routes that end in its swamps, as mirrored in the following Hadeeth: “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) drew a straight line with his hand then said: ‘This is the path of Allah, which is straight.’ Then he drew other lines to the right and left of the first line and said: ‘These are paths on each of which there is a devil who invites to it.’ Then he recited the verse (which means): {And this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way.} [Quran 6:153]” [As-Saheeh Al-Musnad by Al-Waadi‘i] The search for truth is a painstaking path, as a person encounters a myriad of beliefs, doctrines and religions, scrutinizing one after the other. If he adopts the sound intellectual approach and logical reasoning, and adheres to impartiality and fairness, then Allah will undoubtedly guide him to His true religion. But if he fails to adhere to that methodology, he will be carried away by falsehood and Satan will adorn his actions for him, being the sworn enemy of mankind who pledged to mislead them, as stated in the Quran.

Allah, The Exalted, Says (what means): {[Satan] said, “Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. * Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].”} [Quran 7:16-17] So, the methodical question that should be asked, yet many people fail to take notice of it, is: What are the distractors that divert people away from the truth?

These distractors can be summarized in the following manifestations: Social Oppression It exists when a society is lagging behind in the procession of civilization and individuals have very low social status, being subjected to terrible marginalization, rampant unemployment, extreme poverty, and difficult social life conditions.

This drives them to nurse hatred towards such society, even if it is equipped with an advanced culture and a huge regional heritage. Such hatred extends to the belief system of their social group and whatever is held sacrosanct by them. So, the individual would defiantly go against them, embodying the principle: “Dissent and you will be known.” He develops his independent opinions that do not conform with those of his social group, follows other paths, strays from the straight one and objects to every idea introduced by this society. He thus becomes contemptuous of all the beliefs held by his social group, looks down on them and their beliefs, and perceives himself to be among the most knowledgeable people in his society! He does not listen to anyone, and were he to listen, he would be inattentive, and whenever he is invited to a debate, he neither understands nor is willing to contemplate!

Blind Imitation An individual in a backward society is bedazzled by what philosophers call the “metaphysics of technology”. He mistakenly assumes that the other (civilizational rival), who has achieved tangible progress in science and technology, has achieved similar progress with regard to values and beliefs as well. Accordingly, he follows the false claims and theories proposed by the Orientalists. By doing so, the follower transforms himself into a replica of the followed one (the other), consciously or unconsciously, in confirmation of the words of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) when he said: “You will follow the ways of those who were before you span by span and cubit by cubit, to the extent that even if they entered a lizard’s hole, you would follow them.” The Companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, you mean the Jews and Christians?” The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Who else?” [Al-Bukhari] Blind imitation of the West impairs the individual’s intellect, reducing him to a blind follower and sheeple, following the crowd, as if the Western civilization is embodying the statement of Fir‘awn (Pharaoh) stated in the Quran (which means): {Pharaoh said, “I do not show you except what I see, and I do not guide you except to the way of right conduct.”} [Quran 40:29] Hence, an individual becomes emotionally confident in whatever is borrowed from the West, so much so that it is held as an ultimate

referential authority, and he thus strays from the path of the truth. The great Companion Ibn Mas‘ood, may Allah be pleased with him, criticized such blind imitation and said: “Do not be sheeples!” People asked: “Who are these sheeples?” He said: “Those who say, ‘I do what the people do. If they are guided, I will be guided, and if they are misguided, I will be misguided!’

Rather, each of you should keenly train himself that were people to disbelieve, he would not disbelieve like them.” [Al-Haythami in Majma‘ Az-Zawaa’id] The same applies to blind imitation of peers, forefathers, affiliations, and others. Some people in the West who love a singer may even follow them in their religion and beliefs!! This is one of the distractors that drive people away from the truth.

Ignorance of the Religion This is the main cause of deviation and turning away from the truth. When a person is ignorant of Islam, he easily absorbs any other belief, like a sponge which, if dry, soaks up any water, clean or otherwise. The same is true for a researcher who does not learn Islam from its referential sources, and rather laxly settles for relying on the orientalists’ studies on Islam, although most of them were unfair as it is well-known. So, he begins to read their misconceptions and false claims, alienating him from Islam, and this has been the fundamental objective of the Orientalists since ancient times.

I urge you, dear seeker of truth, to study Islam from its pure referential sources rather than confining your knowledge of it to what the missionaries and orientalists convey, and not to sell your mind at a cheap price. This is a fateful matter, too serious to leave any room therein for blind imitation and idleness in this regard.

Following Whims and Desires When a person is indifferent to religion and sometimes existential questions come to his mind, he distracts himself from them by following his whims and desires, as an escape, until death befalls him all of a sudden, or he comes back to his senses and returns to the straight path in a moment of sincerity.

Indulgence in sins, clouding the mind with intoxicants, and preoccupying the soul with the pursuit of pleasures are, in reality, mere painkillers that impair the body and soul. Such a person would go to work in the morning, thinking where he should spend his night, and thus he gets caught up in a destructive routine that undoubtedly diverts him from the truth.

Sins may be likened to sleeping pills that distract you from what is important in your life and lead you to evident loss in this worldly life and the Hereafter. O doubters who waste their times and squander their lives, reflect on your situation and ask yourselves how long you will let yourself remain in such a state.

Defective Psychological Coping Mechanisms These are among the causes of deviation from the truth. The worldly life is an abode of affliction, in which human beings experience both happiness and sadness, health and illness, unity and disunity, wealth and poverty.When a calamity befalls an individual and he is unable to cope with his new situation, he is either afflicted with an incurable phycological illness or complex, and in both cases, this will negatively affect his belief system. It may lead him to intellectual extremism and denying the existence of Allah, The Exalted, altogether, in confirmation of the Saying of Allah that reads (what means): {And of the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.} [Quran 22:11] The pursuit of truth and the spiritual journey to Allah, The Exalted, are much easier for a person who adheres to fairness and keenly avoids straying from his objective by these distractors, and they are difficult for those who do not abide by that methodology and wade through the waves of falsehood and stubbornness that toss them from every side. My advice to you, dear seeker of truth, is to be sincere in seeking the truth and keenly avoid distractors and you shall find the true religion of Allah, The Exalted. How fortunate is the one who has found his way to it and how miserable is he who has lost his way, and prayers of success for he who has not yet reached the destination.

FRIDAY, ͺ͹˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

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FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Super Eagles to Face Tunisia in Round of 16 on Sunday

Femi Solaja

A F R I CA C U P O F N AT I O N S

As projected five days ago by THISDAY, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been confirmed to take on the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on the opening day of the knockout phase of the on-going 33rd Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.

The pairing was courtesy of inability of the North African side to beat The Gambia in the contest for the runner up spot in Group F. Tunisia finished as the third placed team and therefore picked one of the slots into the knockout phase.

The Gambians after witnessing how Super Eagles finished the

group stage with maximum nine points from three matches against Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau did everything last night to avoid ‘red hot’ Nigeria in the Round of 16 at the Garoua stadium in Sunday.

Tunisia's penalty curse struck again in the clash with The Gambia.

Baboucarr Gaye saved Seifeddine Jaziri's penalty as Tunisia missed from the spot for the third successive game.

The Gambia capitalised as Musa Barrow's 25-yard free-kick struck the bar before Ablie Jallow hit an injury-time winner.

The clash between Nigeria and Tunisia will be a repeat of 2006

tournament in Egypt where the Maghreb side travelled to face Austin Eguavoen tutored team at Port Said stadium which Nigeria won via a lottery of penalty shoot-out after 1-1 scoreline at regulation time.

The two sides met against at the last tournament in 2019 in Egypt with Super Eagles winning the classification match courtesy of Odion Ighalo’s early strike at Al-Salam stadium in Cairo.

In other second round pairings, Burkina Faso will take on Gabon in the opening match of the round before Nigeria play Tunisia two hours later (8pm) in Garoua.

Other fixtures will see hosts Cameroon play debutants Comoros while Senegal face Cape Verde. Ivory Coast will tackle Egypt with Morocco trading tackles with Malawi. The Gambia versus Guinea fixture will cap play in this Last 16 stage.

S’Leone 0-1 E’Guinea Gambia 1-0 Tunisia Mali 2-0 Mauritania

LAST 16 FIXTURES B’Faso vs Gabon Nigeria vs Tunisia Guinea vs Gambia Cameroon vs Comoros Senegal vs C’ Verde Morocco vs Malawi I’Coast vs Egypt

*Major Upsets So Far

Mali vs E’ Guinea

HOW THEY FINISHED THE GROUP STAGE GROUP A W 2.

1.

1.

0.

D 1.

1.

1.

1.

L 0.

1.

1.

2.

GF 7.

3.

2.

2.

GA 3.

3.

2.

6.

GD 4.

0.

0 -4.

PTS 7 4 4 1

GA 0.

2.

2.

4.

GD 1.

0 0.

-1.

PTS 5 4 4 3.

GA 2.

3.

5.

5.

GD 3.

1.

-2.

-2.

PTS 7.

5 3 1

GROUP B Team.

Senegal Guinea.

Malawi Zimbabwe

P. 3.

3.

3.

3.

W 1 1.

1.

1.

Team.

Morocco .

Gabon Comoros Ghana

P. 3.

3.

3.

3.

W 2.

1.

1.

0.

D 2.

1.

1.

0.

L 0.

1.

1 2.

GF 1.

2.

2.

3.

GROUP C D 1.

2.

0.

1.

L 0 0.

2.

2.

GF 5.

4.

3.

3.

GROUP D Team.

Nigeria Egypt Sudan G’Bissau

P. 3.

3.

3.

3.

W 3.

2.

0.

0.

Team.

Ivory Coast.

E’Guinea S’Leone Algeria

P. 3.

3.

3.

3.

W 2 2.

0.

0.

Team.

Mali Gambia Tunisia Mauritania.

P. 3.

3.

3.

3.

W 2.

2.

1.

0.

After 13 days of matches at the on-going AFCON tournament, the first free day of the tournament is today after the completion of group phase matches last night. While 16 teams are left in the tournament, today naturally serves as rest day and start of planning for trips out of respective cities to new destinations. All the eliminated teams must check out of their hotels and set for journey back home or to clubs in Europe and other parts of the world from where some of the players trooped into Cameroon for the AFCON.

*A Day of Penalty Misses

RESULTS

P. 3.

3.

3.

3.

*AFCON 2021 First Free Day

The final day of the group stage matches in Group E and F will go into record book of missed penalty opportunities.

Although penalty chance seems to be the clearest opportunity to getting a goal scored but yesterday final matches proved otherwise as a total of three chances were missed. First, it was Algeria with an opportunity to reduce the threegoal tally conceded to Ivory Coast but inspirational captain Riyad Mahrez missed. Then came in the other group match between Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone, Kie Ansu Kamara missed from the spot for the team from Freetown and allowed Equatorial Guinea to maintain the lone goal score line till the end of the match.

Tunisia’s Seifeddine Jaziri also failed to convert a penalty against The Gambia on the dead of first stanza.

I’Coast 3-1 Algeria

Team.

Cameroon B’Faso.

Cape Verde Ethiopia

TIT BITS (MATCH DAY 13)

D 0.

0.

1.

1.

L 0.

1.

2.

2.

GF 6.

2.

1.

0.

GA 1.

1.

4.

3.

GD 5.

1.

-3.

-3.

PTS 9 6 1.

1.

GA 3.

1.

3.

4.

GD 3.

1.

-1.

-3.

PTS 7 6 2 1

GA 1.

1.

2.

7.

GD 3.

2.

2.

-7.

PTS 7 7 3 0

GROUP E D 1.

0.

2.

1.

L 0.

1.

1.

2.

GF 6.

2.

2.

1.

GROUP F D 1.

1.

0.

0

L 0.

0.

2.

3.

GF 4.

3.

4.

0

The Gambia goalkeeper, Baboucarr Gaye (left) celebrating with teammates after stopping PHOTO: CAFonline.com Tunisia’s Seiffiddine Jaziri’s penalty...last night.

CACOVID Showers Naira Rain on Eagles Nigeria’s Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) on Wednesday lifted the Super Eagles morale at the ongoing AFCON with mouthwatering cash gifts. Apart from the equivalent of the $80,000 earlier promised the team, another $50,000 was added to ginger the squad to go for the ultimate title.

Speaking at lunchtime before the team played Guinea Bissau, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele led other members like Aliko Dangote and

Femi Otedola to the team’s Hotel la Rabidou camp in Garoua to lift the players and officials with the good news.

Emefiele also revealed Otedola’s $250,000 bonus to the team if they win the trophy at the end of competition in Cameroon.

The CBN Governor briefed the players and the technical crew on the objectives of the Coalition Against Covid-19.

The coalition is a private sector-led organization in Nigeria

established to assist government in combating the Coronavirus disease in the country.

Emefiele, Dangote and Herbert Wigwe are the key people behind the coalition.

Earlier, the team was promised N10million for every goal scored in the competition by the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema.

Austine Eguavoen’s side won all three group games at the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameroon.

Troost-Ekong Sets Sight on the Trophy On-field Captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has spoken of his delight at Nigeria’s 2-0 Africa Cup of Nations triumph over Guinea-Bissau but says he is now focusing on the title.

Goals from Sadiq Umar and the Watford star propelled the Super Eagles past the Djurtus – who needed a win to scale through to the Round of 16.

While lauding his teammates for keeping their winning streak intact, Troost-Ekong said it’s time to gun for the title to make up for their AFCON 2019 disappointment.

“I want to win the tournament this time, the last tournament in Egypt we managed to win bronze and missed out on the final,” the 28-year-old told reporters in Garoua shortly after Nigeria

recorded maximum win of Group D on Wednesday night.

“That was upsetting for most of us. This time around, we want to do better, there is a long way.

“The only thing we can guarantee is our effort and try to put in some good performances.”

Troost-Ekong marshalled Nigeria’s backline effectively and scored the second goal in the 75th minute – a feat which earned him the man-of-the-match award.

Nevertheless, he attributed his accolade to his teammates as well as the technical crew for trusting the players and getting their tactics right despite parading a starting XI that boasts eight new players.

“I am happy, it's not all about me, the best thing is that the boys did very well. We made

eight changes and still looked fantastic,” he continued.

“That's massive to the coaching staff for trusting the players and also the boys who stepped in to show themselves.

“I try to contribute to every game and do my best. I am very happy.

“There was no different way to prepare. The good thing about it is that I trust my teammates and they also do the same to me.

“The coaching staff also trusts all the players. It was the same preparation, as usual, some of the players were rested after playing two difficult games in six days.

“The boys came in fresh; this is what you want from a team.

Everyone wanted to show what they can do, and this is what one craves from a team. It was a solid performance.”

The beauty of tournaments is usually when there are upsets.

The on-going AFCON 2021 event has brought out the best out of perceived minnows and made some tournament favourites to lose their bragging rights. At the end of the group phase that ended last night, five matches proved worth mentioning. Namely; when the defending champion, Algeria was forced to a goalless draw by Sierra Leone; Ivory Coast’s 2-2 score-line with Sierra Leone; Ghana’s 2-3 loss to Comoros; Guinea’s 1-2 loss to Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea’s lone goal win that broke the 37 unbeaten runs of Algeria since 2018.

*Algeria Join Nigeria and Others as Cup Holders Knocked out in Group Phase Since the then Green Eagles became the first defending champions to lose at the group phase at the 1982 edition after they won the 1980 edition at home, the list is getting elongated. Welcome Algeria into this ‘Hall of Shame’!

In 1984 edition held in Ivory Coast, Ghana as defending champion lost out at the group phase. Cameroon as defending champion of 1988 failed to go beyond group in 1990 while Algeria as champions failed in 1992 in Senegal.

*Algeria from Unbeaten Streak to Losing Streak The defending champions have fallen from 37-match unbeaten run dating back to 2018 through when they won the AFCON tournament in 2019 to ground zero. The law of gravity suddenly sets in as the former powerhouse now become the losing side. After the upset from Equatorial Guinea four days ago, the must-win match against Ivory Coast turned into total nightmare.

Now , the Algerians will need to rebuild ahead of the World Cup playoffs coming up shortly or stay down in ignominy.

-Compiled by Femi Solaja

47

FRIDAY, ͺ͹˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Holders Algeria Knocked out as Ivory Coast Book Egypt in Round of 16 Defending champions Algeria yesterday crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 defeat against Ivory Coast in Douala. The Elephants are to play Egypt’s Pharaohs in Round of 16 on Wednesday.

Needing a win to stay alive, Algeria trailed by two goals at the break after Franke Kessie capped off a fine move and Ibrahim Sangare headed home.

Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe put the Ivorians 3-0 up before Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez hit a penalty against the post.

Algeria, for whom Sofiane Bendebka scored a late consolation,

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS exit bottom of Group E after a torrid campaign.

Djamel Belmadi's men are the third holders to exit at the first hurdle in the past five Nations Cup finals.

Their departure from the competition is in marked contrast to their entry, travelling to Cameroon on a 34-match unbeaten run and looking to surpass Italy's all-time record of 37.

The Algerians had drawn 0-0 with Sierra Leone before a 1-0

defeat by Equatorial Guinea, and leave with just one point from three games - but did at least finally get on the scoresheet in Cameroon when substitute Bendebka's late goal inspired a brief rally.

Ivory Coast's Elephants topped the group to line up a mouthwatering last-16 match with Egypt, scheduled for Douala on Wednesday, 26 January.

Elsewhere, Equatorial Guinea reached the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations after beating

Sierra Leone 1-0 - a result which eliminated the Leone Stars.

Midfielder Pablo Ganet curled in from the edge of the area to net the only goal seven minutes before the break.

Sierra Leone had needed a point to progress, but veteran striker Kei Kamara saw an 84th-minute penalty saved by Jesus Owono.

The Equatoguineans finish

second in Group E behind Ivory Coast.

Juan Micha's side will now face the winner of Group F - any one of The Gambia, Mali and Tunisia - on Wednesday, 26 January.

Scans in London Certify Aubameyang’s Heart as ‘Healthy’ Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed he is "completely healthy" after having medical checks on his heart in London.

The Gabon international, 32,

was ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations after scans revealed "heart lesions"following a bout of Covid.

"Hi guys, I came back to London to do some additional checks," striker Aubameyang posted on Instagram yesterday alongside an image of himself at the gym.

"And I'm very happy to say

that my heart is absolutely fine."

Writing on Instagram, he added: "I'm completely healthy! Really appreciate all the messages over the last few days and I'm already back at it."

Aubameyang has not played for Arsenal since a disciplinary breach which saw him lose the captain's armbandin December.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the gym in London after another round of checks certified his heart healthy...yesterday

Australian Open: Murray Loses in Straight Sets to Daniel Nicolas Pepe (right) celebrating with his Ivory Coast teammates after defeating cup holders Algeria 3-1 to top Group E on PHOTO: AP seven points....yesterday.

Chelsea's Unvaccinated Players Set to Miss UCL Tie at Lille

UEFA has warned that Chelsea may have to leave unvaccinated players at home when they travel to France to face Lille in the last 16 of the Champions League next month.

The Blues are due to play Lille at Stamford Bridge on February 22 with the return tie against the French champions taking place in northern France on March 16.

However, France is tightening its Covid rules insisting that all professional athletes competing in the country are vaccinated against the virus.

UEFA has now said ‘in principle’, it expects teams to comply with local laws around Covid.

French lawmakers have modified the country's coronavirus health pass into a vaccine pass.

The Sports Ministry said on Monday there would be no exemption from a new vaccine pass law approved on Sunday, which requires people to have vaccination certificates to enter public places.

"This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice," the ministry said.

The French position is also expected to impact Real Madrid, who travel to Paris Saint-Germain on February 15 for the first leg of

their knockout tie.

UEFA says it is still in discussion with stakeholders over its plans for the knock out stages of the European competitions and more guidance will be provided.

Last season, European club matches were moved to neutral venues where country’s had imposed travel bans as a result of Covid rules.

However, this situation is different in that the travel ban does not apply

to everyone, only specific individuals who have not been vaccinated.

In these circumstances it would be harder to justify moving the entire fixture to another country and stadium.

In addition, UEFA’s President Aleksander Ceferin has spoken strongly in support of vaccination for Covid.

“The specific conditions under which matches are played in each country are subject to the decisions

of the competent authorities in that country,” UEFA said in a statement on Thursday.

“Each team will in principle be required to comply with the applicable rules in the country where the match takes place, but the specific competition annexes – still under elaboration - which contain special rules due to COVID-19 applicable to the knock-out phase, may provide further guidance in this regard.”

The hurt from disappointing defeats "does not get any easier" said Andy Murray after a subdued display against Japan's Taro Daniel saw him knocked out of the Australian Open in round two.

Britain's Murray lost 6-4 6-4 6-4 to qualifier Daniel - ranked below him at 120 in the world - on John Cain Arena.

It was a far cry from the 34-yearold's performance in Tuesday's victory over 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili.

"When you know you've not got many years left it is frustrating," he said.

"I put a lot into the off-season for practising and preparing, hopefully to not play like that in the big tournaments.

"So it is especially disappointing when you perform like that."

Former world number one Murray, now ranked 113th, had

NBBF Crisis: Ugboaja Vows to Resume Work as Players' Rep Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja A member of the Musa Kida-led board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, (NBBF), Ejike Ugboaja, has vowed to resume work as a players’ representative on the board of NBBF. His reaction was on the heel of a letter on the social media by NBBF Secretary-General, Mrs Afolabi Oluwayemi Olabisi, where in she referred to Musa Kida as the NBBF president even after his tenure had elapsed and his board dissolved.

In the letter: (NBBF/M.31/2021/ Vol.IV/93) dated October 26, 2021, she announced the dissolution of the NBBF Caretaker Committee headed by Musa Kida with

immediate effect, in preparation for the elective congress.

Ejike insisted that since the Sports Ministry is confused and in the valley of indecision to keep Musa Kida as the president of the Federation even after the tenure of his board has elapsed, he will assume his duty as players’ representative on the board.

“Going backward after dissolving the board and caretaker committee to refer to the same person as president of NBBF when you are supposed to conduct another election is not the best way to go,” Ugboaja raged.

Speaking further, Ugboaja expressed disappointment with Sports Ministry's action, saying

he suspect the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, “is either under a spell or operating in undue pressure” to take such a position.

“I'm very disappointed with the Ministry for referring to Musa Kida as president of the NBBF because they ought to understand as intelligent and educated people that the position of NBBF presidency is not by appointment and since the election has not been held, why recognize someone whose tenure has since elapsed as president.

“I think the Minister is under a tremendous pressure to take such a position unless he comes out to say that the letter is fake or a mistake. The onus lies on him to

tell the world the truth and what the true position is.

“The only way forward is change; because we need to start doing things the right way to revive Nigeria’s basketball. I was drafted into the NBA from Nigeria and there are talents in Nigeria but instead of concentrating on developing the talents, build the game, we are busy engaging in political fights."

Reinforcing the argument, the Chairman, Kaduna State Basketball Association and President Nigeria’s basketball technical commissioners, Skambo Morrison, insisted that the ongoing struggle to salvage Nigeria's basketball from a chain of bad leadership would continue.

never previously lost a Grand Slam match to an opponent ranked as low as Daniel.

For 28-year-old Daniel, victory meant he reached the third round of a major for the first time in his career.

Murray shot a disconsolate look towards his box after Daniel clinched victory with a crisp backhand volley on his first match point.

The three-time Grand Slam champion walked off court shaking his head before giving a quick thumbs up to a crowd glad to see him back at Melbourne Park and appreciative of his efforts.

Murray's exit was soon followed by defeat for Emma Raducanu, meaning Dan Evans is the final Briton left in the singles.

The point Murray has fought back to borders on a miracle, resurrecting his career after a hip surgery that he initially feared would bring his playing days to an end.

The victory against Georgia's Basilashvili was particularly poignant as it came on the same Melbourne court where, in 2019, he thought he might have played his final match.

Since then, the former Wimbledon and US Open champion has returned to the sport with a metal hip and even won an ATP title.

Last week Murray was denied another trophy, losing in the Sydney final, and came to Melbourne with the target of making a deeper run in a Grand Slam tournament.

At face value, Daniel appeared to be someone of the ranking and pedigree that Murray should be able to beat.

But in reality, he faced a sharp opponent brimming with confidence after coming through qualifying and the first round without dropping a set.

Friday, January 21, 2022

TR

UT H

& RE A SO

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Price: N250

MISSILE INEC to Bola Tinubu

“’This information is not correct; (Bola Tinubu’s claim that the PVCs have expired). The PVC issued to all previously registered voters remains valid.

This kind of statement will certainly push eligible voters to register more than once, thereby creating the problem of double and multiple registration” -Chief Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman, Prof. Bolade Eyinla, faulting the Jagaban’s misinformation on the PVCs.

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

The East-West Dichotomy A

rguably the forthcoming presidential election in February 2023 is the most consequential election Nigeria is ever going to have.

The circumstances leading to and surrounding the election are too grave and nation threatening that it can be safely concluded that Nigeria cannot live to survive a similar stress test. For that matter it is a moot point whether Nigeria will even survive the present ordeal. As the saying goes there is a limit to human endurance. The election has become disproportionately significant for reasons that are larger than the conventional role of elections. First is that it will bring an end to a dispensation that has severally crossed what we used to regard as red lines with reckless impunity. Making the point, for instance, was former President Ibrahim Babangida “I sacked a governor for misappropriating N300,000. Now there are people we read in the papers who steal N2 billion, N3 billion, if you compare somebody who is accused of stealing N3 billion compare him against somebody with N300,000 then I think we are saints”. In the estimation of Abimbola Adelakun, Buhari is “a crassly incompetent leader, in whom Nigeria has been plagued with possibly the most incompetent and the most sociopathic leader in national history. Sonala Olumehse added “Buhari did not fight four electoral contests so he could drive Nigeria deeper into jungle. But that is exactly what he has achieved through his leadership or lack of it, through acts of commission or omission, through terrible policy or lack of policy..The charges against Buhari are on the front pages of every newspaper in the land—including Daily Trust’s—murder, arson, mayhem, death, destruction,kidnapping, ambushing, beheadings, abductions, easy violence, cheapened life, tears. Each in increasing measure”. Second is the arrival of Nigeria at the tipping point of constitutional breakdown precipitated by the radical escalation of power politics and the cynical exploitation of a dysfunctional constitution from which, barring the promise of a mitigating major constitutional review, the country may not recover. Third is the test of the nation-building imperative of instrumentalising the election to contrive the ideal of a presidential power rotation to the South East. Cumulatively, these three contingencies is what has cast the presidential election in a make or break dimensions.

Answered correctly, the third contingency is the cheapest available response and portends the utility of buying time for Nigeria in the quest for enduring political stability and development. Yet I will not place a bet on Nigeria getting this right if contemporary political signals are any indication to go by.

One way to interpret the potential disregard of the suggestion of the contrivance of an Igbo becoming the next president of Nigeria is that we are way too invested in power politics at the expense of the ideal of national unity and integration. Never mind hypocritical protestations to the contrary especially the absurdity of selling the perpetration of the status-quo, no matter how iniquitous, as tantamount to nation-building. We have been schooled to prioritise self, sect, clan and ethnicity far above any notion of Nigerian

Awolowo nationhood. Regardless of this inherent ideal however, the power rotation amelioration can only be a short term/tactical response to the challenge of national unity and its utility amounts to no more than kicking the can down the road-until we come to terms with the strategic imperative of constitutional review towards the restoration of federalism.

If Nigeria sustains the present course and momentum of presidential power rotation, this short term response should terminate in twenty eight years once the outstanding four zones of South East, North East, South/ South (four years) have taken their turn. The caveat is that the turn by turn rotation can self terminate at any point by a consensual national resolve to substantially decentralise and devolve powers to the coordinate states/ regions.

Ironically, the prevailing regional covetousness of the Nigerian presidency is itself a significant indication for decentralisation and devolution of powers. In the original design of Nigerian federalism, acquisition of power at the centre is not expected to arouse and attract a do or die disposition as it is presently the case. It is the reason Ahmadu Bello stayed back in Kaduna as Premier of the Northern region rather than come to Lagos to assume the position of the Prime Minister, as he was entitled as leader of the majority party. On the other hand, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who nursed the

utmost desire to become the Prime Minister of Nigeria was motivated, without a doubt, by a missionary zeal, to replicate the peerless stewardship he had rendered in the Western region as Premier. However the unintended consequence of his unique prioritisation of the centre was the imputation of a larger than life relevance to the federal government. And by omission, it resulted in the generation of the Western regional crisis which in turn provoked the magnification of the federal government power and its arbitrary deployment ever since.

Nigeria is a specific product of its history and so is the age-old mutual antagonism between the Igbo and the Yoruba. The tragedy is that bereft of Nigeria’s dysfunction, the two were poised to hoist the African continent into competitive global reckoning. You only need to take note of the feats and records their numerous prodigies are reputed for in the Black diaspora. How the negativity started is not as important as the self-destructive role it has played in subverting one another’s aspirations. And it has become cyclical and the cycle is about to be renewed. On account of the unmitigated tragedy visited on the Igbo from 1966 to 1970, I confess to a sympathetic understanding of this subset of Nigerians.

But such sentiment is equally tempered by a political science educational background which imbued in us the capacity to be dispassionate in making political prescriptions. If the Yoruba and the Igbo are looking for one million and one reasons why they do not deserve one another’s sympathy or solidarity they will find it. I have an Igbo friend who casually and with no shred of evidence whatsoever assailed me with the news that the population ratio of Lagos is 40% (Igbo); 30% (Yoruba) and 30% (others). I had to counsel him to ensure that no other Yoruba ears are subjected to such warrant for casus belli. Genocidal brawls are sometimes provoked by less loose tongues. If there is any quality that has defined the Igbo, within the context of Nigeria, it is hubris. And they have more than pay for it. What, for God’s sake, was Ikemba Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu thinking when he was boasting that no force in black Africa can defeat Biafra?

Why, for the sake of humanity, did he not abandon the war once it was clear that the civil war had become an abattoir daily washed with Igbo blood?

I have said it before and I will say it again, that, barring the incriminating January 1966 coup, the only crime the Igbo committed was not to have won the war. It was a war of

Power rotation amelioration can only be a short term/tactical response to the challenge of national unity and its utility amounts to no more than kicking the can down the road-until we come to terms with the strategic imperative of constitutional review towards the restoration of federalism

might is right. In 1966 and even now, if the dissolution of Nigeria was put to referendum, there can be no doubt on its potential outcome.

What were the Igbo supposed to do after the relentless pogroms? Was the Northern faction of the Nigerian army and virtually the entire Northern region not in open rebellion against the Nigerian state for months in 1966? Would the West have remained in the federation if they were militarily in a position to enforce their exit in 1966? On the Igbo penchant for hubris, we need not look farther for evidence than the contemporary folk hero, Nnamdi Kanu. He commenced his well advertised agenda for Igbo self-determination with a declaration of hostilities against the Fulani and Yoruba in one and the same breadth.

Pray, how did the civil war become a futile exercise for the Igbo if not the provocation of the North/South West alliance in the first place? Neither does this extenuation exonerate the Yoruba from being complicit in the unjust imposition of Nigeria on a hapless victim.

And by the design of providence, it was the preponderantly Yoruba dominated third marine commando army division that dealt the first death blow to the Biafra army. Not to talk of the enabling competence of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the efficient management of the Nigerian war economy including his insensitive pronouncement to the effect that starvation is a legitimate weapon of war.

Yet the argument for Igbo presidency is less about the Igbo and more about Nigerian nationhood. Does Nigeria need to take deliberate steps to make the notion of Nigerian nationhood a realistic prospect? If, as I assume, the answer is yes, the question then follows, what are the options? The one option that has been put to practice is the presidential power rotation between the North and the South. If therefore, power rotation holds valid between the North and the South, why should the same principle of equity and fairness not hold valid among the zones comprising the South (and the North)? Given the political history of Nigeria especially the segment that constitutes the Fourth Republic, what interpretation of equity and justice can we adduce to support the proposition that the South West should contest for the Southern slot against the only zone that has not produced the President? Confronted with this kind of challenge, it is good to stake positions with a view to the judgement of posterity. By the way, is it not curious that a President noted for indisposition to engage with Nigerians suddenly let loose and reveal he has a favourite potential successor?. He even went so far as indicating that the unidentified protege is relatively vulnerable and perhaps unreckoned with. Given that Buhari would practically determine who becomes his party’s candidate, this may not be good news for aspirants who already loom large in the popular imagination. There has been talks of the wild card candidacy of the likes of the Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele; and Tony Elumelu and Akinwumi Adesina (according to the Africa insider magazine).

The one I have not heard of but could well turn out the dark horse is the Minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Go figure it out!

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