SUNDAY 22 JANUARY 2023

ARISE Fashion Week Holds 20th Edition February 2 Designers on parade include, Ajabeng, Ameer by Ameer, Awa Meité, Bianca Saunders, BLOKE, Éki Kéré, Fruché, Hudayya, I.N Official, Ituen Basi, Joy Meribe, Kadiju, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Mariya Sanusi, NiNiE, NKWO, Pepper Row, Selam Fessahaye, Syari Bespoke, T.I Nathan, Tiffany Amber, UNI FORM, Vicnate, XULY. Bët and Ziva Lagos Vanessa Obioha The organisers of ARISE Fashion Week have concluded

arrangements to host the 20th edition of the event with the theme, ‘Arise Fashion Week & Jazz Festival: Future Forward’.

The event, which will be held in Lagos from February 2 to 4, 2023, would showcase exceptional designers from

Africa and Africans in diaspora over an array of jazz-themed performances.

According to a statement, it

would be a celebration of African design and its progression over the years, as well as ARISE’s role in championing musical

and design talents from the continent and beyond.

Continued on page 5

US Renews Threat to Deny Visa to Violators of Nigeria’s Electoral Process… Page 9 Sunday 22 January, 2023 Vol 28. No 10148

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Amao: NAF Expects Delivery of 27 Fighter Jets, Attack Helicopters to Boost Fight against Terrorism Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, yesterday said the Nigerian

Air Force (NAF) was expecting the delivery of additional new platforms, which President Muhammadu Buhari approved for the service.

Amao, who made the disclosure during an operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Safety and 209 Quick Response Group, Ipetu-Ijesa, Osun State,

stated that the NAF had effectively operationalised the usage of new and modern platform in the battlefield.

The expected air assets

include: Two Beechcraft King Air 360, four Diamond DA-62 surveillance aircraft, three Wing Loong II UCAVs and 6 T-129 attack helicopters.

He further disclosed that there were ongoing acquisitions of 12 Agusta 109 Trekker multi-role Continued on page 5

Governors Not Opposed to Naira Redesign, Seek Engagement with CBN Set up Soludo-led six-man committee Fault NFIU’s ban on cash withdrawals from govt’s accounts No going back on cash withdrawal limits, agency replies govs CBN launches cash swap scheme to mop-up old banknotes Onyebuchi Ezigbo, James Emejo in Abuja and Okon Bassey in Uyo Governors of the 36 states under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have said they are not opposed to the naira redesign policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The position of the governors has ended the speculations that those opposed to the naira redesign would lobby the 36 governors to put pressure on the governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele, to suspend the policy.

The governors, however, faulted the recent directive by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) banning banks from executing demands for cash withdrawals Continued on page 5

WE COME IN PEACE… L-R: National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu; Presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Emir of Minna, HRH Alhaji Umar Farouq Bahago; the party’s vice presidential candidate and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; and Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, during a courtesy visit to the monarch before the party’s presidential campaign rally in Minna…yesterday

It’s Time for Change, Atiku Declares, Says APC a Disappointment… Page 9

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JANUARY 22, 2023 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

PAGE FIVE GOVERNORS NOT OPPOSED TO NAIRA REDESIGN, SEEK ENGAGEMENT WITH CBN from all public accounts, saying the guidelines were outside the agency’s mandate.

But in a swift reaction, the NFIU yesterday said that there is no going back on the cash withdrawal limit guidelines it issued earlier this month regarding the financial operations of the three tiers of government.

To address the challenges of financial inclusion and underserved locations, the CBN has launched a cash-swap programme in partnership with super agents and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

The programme, which will come into effect tomorrow (Monday), allows people in rural areas or those with limited access to formal financial services to exchange old naira notes for redesigned notes.

The apex bank has also appealed to the traditional rulers to help in enlightening their subjects on the new notes and the cashless policy of the apex bank in their respective communities.

In a communique issued yesterday following a virtual meeting held on Thursday where they received a briefing from the Governor of CBN, Emefiele, on the naira redesign policy and its economic and security implications, the governors expressed resolve to work closely with the CBN leadership to ameliorate areas that required policy variation.

The governors also said in the communiqué signed by the interim Chairman of NGF and Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, that they have set up a six-member committee to engage the CBN to address anomalies in the country’s monetary management and financial system.

On October 26, Emefiele announced the plan to redesign the naira to control the money supply and aid security agencies in tackling illicit financial flows.

The CBN governor had said the introduction of new notes was a deliberate step by the government to check corruption and counterfeiting of the notes.

The governors said that while they were not opposed to the objectives of the naira redesign policy, the apex bank should consider the peculiarities of households and states, especially on financial inclusion and underserved locations.

“We, the members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), received a briefing from the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, on the naira redesign, its economic and security implications including the new withdrawal policy. Governors are not opposed to the objectives of the naira redesign policy,” the communique said.

“However, we observe that there are huge challenges that remain problematic to the Nigerian populace. In the circumstances, governors expressed the need for the CBN to consider the peculiarities of states especially as they pertain to financial inclusion and underserved locations and resolved to: “Work closely with the CBN leadership to ameliorate areas

that require policy variation particularly the poorest households, the vulnerable in society, and several other citizens of our country that are excluded.

“Collaborate with the CBN and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in advancing genuine objectives within the confines of our laws, noting that the recent NFIU Advisory and Guidelines on cash transactions were simply outside the NFIU’s legal remit and mandate.

“Finally set up a six-member Committee to be chaired by the governor of Anambra State, Prof.

Charles Soludo, and the governors of the following states: Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Borno, Plateau, and Jigawa as members, to engage the CBN in addressing anomalies in the country’s monetary management and financial system,” the communiqué added.

The governors, however, insisted that the recent NFIU Advisory and Guidelines on cash transactions were simply outside the NFIU’s legal remit and mandate.

No Going Back on Cash Withdrawal Limits, NFIU Replies Govs Meanwhile, the NFIU yesterday said that there is no going back on the cash withdrawal limit guidelines it issued earlier this month regarding the financial operations of the three tiers of government.

In a statement signed by its Chief Media Analyst, Ahmed Dikko, NFIU made it clear that it had given enough time for all entities in the country to withdraw cash above the approved daily limit, adding that it was no longer in the interest of the country and its citizens to continue to indulge in such violation.

The statement noted that the Director of the NFIU, Modibbo Hamman Tukur, had stated at the end of his meeting with the governors that the agency was, however, ready to cooperate with the six-man committee set up to work with it.

The statement quoted the Director of NFIU, Modibbo Hamman Tukur, as saying that the agency was ready to partner with the Soludo-led committee.

“Secondly, we acted within our functions and the law. We issued the guidelines to control the barrage of investigations that we saw coming. Our guidelines are meant to help the governors not to fight them or any public servant.

“We reached a stage that if we allow the present scenario to continue, all public institutions will drift into structured cash withdrawals of certain amounts of money, which by law, standards and best practices must be investigated continuously which is neither desirable nor reasonable.

“We feel communities must move on by accommodating changes and adjusting to new developments.

“Last time we issued the local government guidelines we were taken to court but we won the case.”

“But to eternally guarantee this kind gesture is to automatically

keep abusing our laws.

“We want every stakeholder to appreciate that we have cooperated for too long. We held a deep breath while defending these deficiencies internationally, just to continue to remain in the international pay points and compete with others.

“We are in support of working together to stop these challenges and in the most progressive manner.”

Tukur had on January 5 argued that the ban on cash withdrawals was meant to halt the indiscriminate manner in which cash was being taken out of public accounts without regard for the extant provisions of the Money Laundering Act. Tukur said the ban, scheduled to take effect from March 1, covers cash withdrawal from public accounts and payment of estacodes and travelling allowances.

CBN Launches Cash Swap Scheme to Mop up Old Banknotes Meanwhile, in a move to address the concerns raised by the 36 governors on the challenges of financial inclusion and under-served locations, the CBN has launched a cash-swap programme in partnership with super agents and the banks.

The programme, which will come into effect tomorrow, allows people in rural areas or those with limited access to formal financial services to exchange old naira notes for redesigned notes.

The central bank disclosed this in a circular dated January 20, 2023, which was addressed to DMBs, Mobile Money Operators (MMOs), Super Agents and Agents, and signed by both CBN Director, Banking Sector Supervision, Mr. Haruna Mustafa, and Director, Payments Systems Management Department, Mr. Musa Jimoh.

Under the programme, the old N1,000, N500, and N200 notes can be exchanged for the newly redesigned notes and/or the existing lower denominations including N100, N50, and N20 among others which remain legal tender.

The CBN explained that the agents shall exchange a maximum of N10, 000 per person, adding that amounts above N10, 000 may be treated as cash-in deposits into wallets or bank accounts in line with the cashless policy.

The apex bank, however, directed that the BVN, NIN or voter's card details of the customers should be captured as much as possible.

The central bank added that to promote financial inclusion, the service is also available to anyone without a bank account.

Also, agents may on request, instantly open a wallet or account leveraging the CBN Tiered KYC Framework. This ensures that this category of the populace can exchange or deposit their cash seamlessly without taking unnecessary risks or incurring undue costs.

Under the initiative, agents are mandated to sensitise customers on opening wallets/bank accounts and the various channels for

conducting electronic transactions.

Furthermore, designated agents are eligible to collect the redesigned notes from DBMs in line with the Revised Cash Withdrawal Limit policy.

Agents are also permitted to charge cash-out fees for the cash swap transactions but are prohibited from charging any further commissions to customers for the service.

The CBN also stated that agents shall render weekly returns to their designated banks regarding cash swap transactions. DMBs shall in turn render the same to the CBN every week.

Also, cash swap agents will be readily identifiable in all local governments, particularly those in rural areas.

The principals shall, however, be held accountable for their agents' adherence to the above guidelines.

The apex bank stressed that the cash swap programme is in furtherance of its naira redesign policy to sustain nationwide awareness/sensitisation programmes, enforce speedy collection of the new banknotes at CBN branches by DMBs and mandate issuance of the new notes through ATMs to ensure distribution is fair, transparent and evenly spread across the country.

On his part, the Managing Director of NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, Dr. Abdullahi Abubakar Kure, also urged Nigerians to approach their banks to get the new notes and return the old ones.

Addressing traders at Garki old market in continuation of CBN’s sensitisation of Nigerians

on new naira notes and cashless policy, he said, “The CBN will take action against banks that collected new notes but refused to load them into their ATMs”.

CBN Seeks Monarchs’ Assistance on Nationwide Enlightenment In a related development, the CBN has appealed to the traditional rulers to help in enlightening their subjects on the new notes and the cashless policy of the apex bank in their respective communities.

The Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria, Uyo branch, Akwa Ibom State, Itohan Mercy Ogbomon-Paul, appealed at the weekend when she led other CBN officials from Abuja and the Uyo branch on an advocacy visit to the OkuIbom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Edidem Solomon Etuk, in his palace.

The Branch Controller who spoke after presenting samples of the three redesigned notes to the OkuIbom as well as flyers and pamphlets printed to aid in the ongoing nationwide sensitisation campaign explained that the old banknotes of N1,000, N500 and N200, which were still being used side-by-side with the new notes would be phased out completely on January 31, 2023.

She said: “We are here for the Central Bank of Nigeria sensitisation on the redesigned notes. As we speak, some of our officials are already going round the local government areas.”

She urged the traditional rulers “to help in enlightening their subjects.”

ARISE FASHION WEEK HOLDS 20TH EDITION FEBRUARY 2 The 2023 edition would feature a diverse set of world-class designers, namely: Ajabeng, Ameer by Ameer, Awa Meité, Bianca Saunders, BLOKE, Éki Kéré, Fruché, Hudayya, I.N Official, and Ituen Basi.

Others are: Joy Meribe, Kadiju, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Mariya Sanusi, NiNiE, NKWO, Pepper Row, Selam Fessahaye,

Syari Bespoke, T.I Nathan, Tiffany Amber, UNI FORM, Vicnate, XULY.Bët and Ziva Lagos.

Since its inception in 2007, the pioneering fashion event, which has been held under various names. They are ARISE Magazine Fashion Week, ARISE Africa Fashion Week, and ultimately ARISE

Fashion Week, which returned to Lagos in 2018 following a six-year break. Previous editions have been held in Lagos, Abuja, New York, London, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Washington, D.C., and Dubai.

The ARISE Fashion Week runway has been graced by some of the most iconic models globally, including

Naomi Campbell, Alec Wek, Grace Jones, Oluchi Onweagba, Bethann Hardison, Tyson Beckford, Alton Mason, Imaan Hammam, Davidson Obennebo and Nyagua Ruea.

Global superstars such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, Wizkid, Asa, Solange and Mary J. Blige have performed for its prestigious audience.

Awa Meité

Ameer

Saunders

Bloke

Ajabeng

Éki Kéré

Fruché

Banke Kuku

AMAO: NAF EXPECTS DELIVERY OF 27 FIGHTER JETS, ATTACK HELICOPTERS TO BOOST FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM helicopters and 24 M-346 attack aircraft.

He added that some of the additional platforms are expected to be delivered to the NAF before the end of first quarter 2023.

This, he said, would further boost NAF's air power employment and projection capabilities as well as air combat

training.

He said the new and modern air assets were instrumental to the successful bombing campaign against terrorists and insurgents.

Air Marshal Amao, attributed the successes recorded by the NAF in the theatres of operation to the newly acquired JF-17 Thunder aircraft, A-29 Super Tucano aircraft

and the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV).

He maintained that the Nigerian military was winning the war against terrorism in the country, with the aid of these modem platforms.

He emphasised that "more still needed to be done to completely decimate and flush out the

remnants of terrorists still preying on soft targets".

He, however, warned that being complacent at this point would be harmful to ongoing operations and called for more focus, vigilance and caution.

Commenting on the upcoming general election, the CAS urged NAF personnel to remain

apolitical but only exercise their legal franchise, which is the constitutional right to vote for any candidate of their choice.

"We must continue to maintain our integrity and neutrality as a Service," the CAS added.

He further urged NAF personnel to remember that as custodians of Nigeria's constitution,

they must ensure that public perception of the NAF and the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained positive and unblemished.

The CAS was accompanied by the Air Officers Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Training Command, some Branch Chiefs and Directors from Headquarters NAF.

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 22, 2023

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NEWS

FINANCIAL PARTNERS… L-R: Regional Industry Director for Financial Institutions in Nigeria, International Finance Corporation, Aliou Maiga; Chief Talent Officer, Coronation Merchant Bank, Pai Gamde; Chairman, Coronation Merchant Bank, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Regional Vice President for Africa, IFC, Sergio Pimenta; and Regional Director for Nigeria and Central Africa, IFC, Dahlia Kahlifa, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the IFC to Coronation Headquarters in Lagos...recently

Don’t Allow PDP Back to Power, Tinubu Tells Nigerians APC presidential campaign director quits party Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has again told Nigerians not to allow the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) back to power, insisting that it would be disastrous to allow the main opposition party to return to power again.

Tinubu said this yesterday when he addressed the party’s supporters at the APC presidential campaign rally held at Mallam Aminu Kano Triangle, Dutse, Jigawa State.

This is coming as a staunch supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari, and director of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the APC, Naja’atu Muhammad, has resigned her membership of the party, a few weeks before the forthcoming elections.

The former governor of Lagos State in a statement issued yesterday by his Media Office also urged the people of Jigawa State to vote for responsive and responsible leadership in the upcoming general election and not allow the main opposition party back to power.

He said: “You did the courageous job of chasing away the locusts eight years

ago, do not trust their deceptive promises. Do not let them back into power. Like locusts, they will devour everything in their path!

“Instead, vote for the people that have a track record of delivering prosperity to the people. We did it in Lagos and Borno states, and with your help, we will do it again for Nigeria.

Vote for the people with the vision, capacity, competence and integrity to do what is right.

“Vote for responsive and responsible leadership. Vote for us. Vote for the APC on February 25 and March 11.”

The APC presidential candidate said his administration would build on the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He promised to revamp the agricultural sector, while also giving great attention to developing infrastructure across the country.

Tinubu added: “The vast arable land in Jigawa will be activated to make this state a place to reckon with in agro-business and agro-allied industries.

“We will build upon the gains already recorded in agriculture in this state. We will invest in the expansion of irrigation and water management systems to increase productivity and reduce

ARISE TV Correspondent Emerges Plateau Journalist of the Year

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

ARISE NEWS Channel’s Correspondent in Plateau State, Mr. Douglas Francis, has been voted 'Plateau Journalist of the Year, 2022’ by Plateau people both within and outside the state.

Francis emerged first place following his online nominations and voting by members of the public as monitored and confirmed by the Plateau Man of the Year Awards panel of jury which lasted from December 21 to 31, 2022.

The prestigious award would be presented to him by the COA Media Group, organisers of the Plateau Man of the Year Awards at a ceremony slated

for February 5, 2023 at the Tamarald Event Centre, Jos. A member of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Douglas is also a devout Christian and a Minister with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

He is a grassroots investigative journalist, who goes after the news instead of waiting for it.

His love and passion for the media industry has led him to earn numerous accolades from both local and national organisations, and individuals who love his style of journalism.

His watchword is passion for the job and serving humanity.

the impact of extreme weather, drought and flood cycles on crop yields.

“Our initiatives will ensure Jigawa farmers can cultivate their lands all year round,” he added.

“If you elect me, I will consolidate the ongoing infrastructural revolution by networking our entire country with good roads that would spur development. We will use the road network to connect our major agricultural and industrial hubs," he said.

Also speaking, the Jigawa State Governor, Badaru Abubakar described Tinubu as his dear father who would soon be the "father of the nation."

APC Campaign Director Quits Party Weeks to Elections

Meanwhile, a director of the PCC of the APC, Muhammad, has resigned from her membership in the party.

Muhammad, who is a prominent Kano politician, was the Director of the Civil Society Directorate in the PCC of the ruling APC. In a letter dated January 19, 2023, and addressed to the

Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Muhammad said after much reflection and careful consideration, she decided to part ways with party politics.

She disclosed that she had realised that her values and beliefs no longer align with party politics.

Muhammad said: "In line with article 9.5 (i) of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I am writing to you to inform you of my resignation from the All Progressive Congress (APC).

"I am by this letter also informing you of my resignation as the Director of the Civil Society directorate of the PCC of the APC. "It has been a great honour working with you to contribute towards the building of our dear nation. However, some recent developments in the country’s political and democratic space make it impossible for me to continue to participate in party politics."

Muhammad stressed that the challenges that Nigeria faces today require her to continue championing the struggle for a better country with a clear conscience, even as she remained

loyal to Nigeria.

She added: "Our political parties have no ideological differences and are simply robes that politicians wear to serve their personal needs and interests at any given time.

"As a result of which we see politicians changing from one robe to another whenever it suits them. What is important at this point is the individual wearing the robe and not the robe itself.

"I am committed to supporting individuals that are truly interested in addressing the root causes of our challenges as a nation. To remain true to such commitments, one must be willing to take bold and decisive steps. Quitting party politics at this point is one of such steps."

Muhammad said everyone recognises that Nigeria is facing many challenges, including insecurity, poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services, saying such challenges require the consolidated efforts of competent and patriotic leadership across every level of governance.

According to her, Nigerians must be aware of the severity of their situation after the dismal

failures of leadership the country had experienced over the years.

“Nigerians must be aware of the consequences of their decisions and their choices.

Therefore, restricting one's choice to a single political party will be detrimental to the development of our country and our democracy,” she added.

Muhammad said as a Nigerian fighting for a better Nigeria, she was deeply committed to the struggle for a more just and equitable society.

She said she believed that all Nigerians deserved the opportunity to live a life of dignity, security and opportunity.

“Nigeria has a long history of struggle to build a better future for all its citizens. Despite many challenges, we remain resolute to overcome them and create a more prosperous, stable, and just society.

“I remain committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens and promoting a culture of tolerance and respect. I believe that diversity is one of our greatest strengths and that by working together, we can build a stronger, more united country,” she explained

NDLEA Storms Edo Forests, Razes Cannabis Warehouses, Arrests Four Suspects Seizes $269,000 fake dollars in joint operation with EFCC in Lagos Michael Olugbode in Abuja Barely hours after the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.) vowed to make life tough for drug barons and cartels in the new year, operatives of the agency have dealt a lethal blow to a cluster of cannabis syndicates operating in the Opuje forests in Edo State.

In a two-day operation, the agency destroyed and set ablaze massive warehouses and tents storing over 317,417 kilogrammes (317.4 metric tonnes) of the psychoactive substance.

At least, a police impersonator,

Omoruan Theophilus, 37, who parades as a Police Inspector to convey the drugs from the forests to the cities and three others: Aigberuan Jacob, 42; Ekeinde Anthony Zaza, 53, and Naomi Patience Ohiewere, 42, was arrested in connection with the drugs.

The Opuje community in Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, is notorious for cannabis cultivation, where the cartels invest huge resources, cutting down economic trees of the forest reserves and cultivating cannabis on a large scale, running into hundreds of hectares. After harvest, they build warehouses inside the forest reserves and employ

the services of armed youths to protect the warehouses.

According to a statement issued by the agency, accessing the forest took hours of trekking by hundreds of NDLEA operatives who were ambushed with a bonfire by armed youths on their way out of the community the following day but were able to successfully leave the area without any casualty except the heavy investment losses inflicted on the cartels.

In the same vein, the agency through intelligence received from the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States busted a criminal syndicate involved in the

trafficking of fake USD currency in Lagos.

During a combined operation carried out by NDLEA operatives with their EFCC colleagues, a total of $269,000 counterfeit US dollars were recovered from the syndicate at the Oniru Shoprite area of Lekki, Lagos, where three suspects were arrested.

While commending all the officers involved in the two special operations in Edo and Lagos states for their professionalism and commitment, Marwa has since directed that the fake dollars recovered and suspects arrested in the Lekki operation be immediately transferred to the EFCC for possible prosecution.

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NEWS

COMMITTEE OF FRIENDS… L-R: Chairman, Maco Universal Nigeria Limited, Chief Cosmos Obiedelu; Chairman, High Point Maritime Limited, Chief Marius Nwankwo; Father of the groom and Chairman, JC Jones Limited, Chief J C Mbadugh; Chief Executive Officer, Full Page Communications Limited, Chief Ingram Osigwe; and Chairman, Ancolin Ventures Limited, Chief Amaechi Obodo, at the traditional wedding ceremony of Ikechukwu and Somtochukwu at Oraukwu town, Anambra State…recently

Tompolo’s Oil Surveillance Company Kicks as EFCC Detains Head of Operations Sylvester Idowu in Warri The operatives of the Tantita Security outfit belonging to the former Commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, have raised the alarm that their operations have been endangered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Tantita Security Limited is at the forefront of the campaign

against the massive theft of the nation’s crude oil resources.

The company alleged in a statement yesterday that the EFCC arrested and has been detaining its Director of Operatives and Technical, Capt.

Warredi Enisuoh, who plays a pivotal role in the N48 billion pipeline surveillance contract in Lagos from January 19, 2023.

In a statement issued yesterday, the company said that while it was resolute and resilient in its fight against the

Nnamani Reacts to Suspension, Says PDP Violated His Rights to Fair Hearing Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A former Governor of Enugu State and Senator representing Enugu East, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) violated his right to a fair hearing.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party had on Friday suspended Nnamani with immediate effect over alleged anti-party activities.

His suspension may not be unconnected to his open declaration of support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, against the presidential candidate of his party, Atiku Abubakar.

But reacting to the suspension slammed on him by the PDP, the lawmaker said he was not invited to any meeting, proceeding or hearing of the NWC of the party where his supposed offence was discussed.

The former governor said his suspension from the party came to him as a rude shock and huge surprise.

Nnamani, however, assured his constituents and Nigerians alike that his political career was alive and unshaken.

He stated: "I was never at any time notified of any petition or complaint against me or informed of the grounds that formed the decision of the NWC of the PDP to suspend me from the party.

“I was not also invited to any meeting, proceeding or hearing of the NWC of the party where my supposed offence (s) was/were discussed. I was therefore not allowed to make representations on my behalf at any meeting where the proposal and decision to suspend me from the party was made.

“My right to fair hearing was consequently violated against the clear provisions of the constitution of the party, especially in disciplinary proceedings. More importantly, the superior Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he added.

Nnamani appealed to his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, while they continued with the campaign to a hopefully victorious conclusion.

He thanked his constituents, the Ebeano political family, the people of Enugu State and Nigerians for their overwhelming support and solidarity.

Nnamani added: “I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and solidarity to me across the length and breadth of Nigeria and even across the political divide since the suspension was announced.

“I’m grateful. It is reassuring that my political career is alive.

It is not threatened. We are going into the forthcoming elections very confident. We will win at all the levels of elections in Enugu State. Our people know where we are,” he added.

criminal diversion of the nation’s resources, it was aware of efforts being made to strangulate its operations.

The company alleged that some powerful forces in the country are hiding behind operatives of the EFCC to use the commission to scuttle the intensified action against the theft of Nigeria’s oil resources in the country.

The company alleged that efforts to secure the release of Enisuoh, who is being detained after he honoured an invitation by the EFCC, have proved abortive.

The surveillance firm said that the EFCC invitation came in the middle of an ongoing operation to uncover one of the biggest oil-stealing cartels in the country.

“On the 19th of January 2023, Tantita’s Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Capt.

Warredi Enisuoh was invited by the EFCC and detained.

He has been in EFCC custody since. All efforts to ensure his release have proved abortive, as the commission has insisted that unless he provides a list of names who were his intelligence sources he would not be released.

“The EFCC’s invitation came right in the middle of an ongoing operation to unravel one of the biggest oil stealing cartels in this country. Capt Warredi Enisuoh,

our ED Operations and Technical flew straight from Port Harcourt (where he was coordinating the operations) to Lagos to heed the EFCC’s invitation and walked right into a trap.

“While Tantita is determined to carry on the fight against the oil thieves regardless, it is our position that the EFCC’s investigation, if genuine, can be carried out with minimal interference to the war on oil thieves and if not, it is clearly being used by powerful forces to scuttle the war on oil thieves.

Let Nigerians be aware of what is being done in their name,” the statement explained.

The company explained that Warredi had four cases with the anti-graft commission, out of which he won four.

It was stated that Enisuoh got a judgment of the Court of Appeal CA/L/1320/2016 delivered on 25/11/2017 to access his bank accounts which were frozen by the EFCC. The firm said further that in September 2022, one month after Tantita began operations, the EFCC invited Warredi and asked him how he gained access to the accounts.

The statement alleged further that the EFCC is giving a condition to Enisuoh to provide the names of those who received money from the account, which

he did not, as the persons concerned were intelligence assets who provided valuable intelligence and needed to be protected.

Tracing the history of the current rift with the commission, the company said: “Sometime in 2015/2016, the EFCC commenced four cases against Capt Warredi and several others. Of the four, three have been concluded, all in favour of Capt Warredi.

“The last one is presently ongoing before Honourable Justice Faji of the Federal High Court Lagos. Before these cases were instituted, the EFCC issued orders to various banks to block all of Capt Enisuoh’s bank accounts.

“He challenged this administrative order in court on the basis that the EFCC has no power to freeze accounts without a court order and the Federal High Court lifted the freeze orders.

“The banks failed to comply; so, he brought contempt proceedings against them; somehow the new judge handling the contempt proceedings froze the accounts again. Capt Warredi appealed to the Court of Appeal which overturned the second judge and restored the orders of the first judge. Based on that judgment of the Court of Appeal in CA/L/1320/2016

delivered on 25/11/2017, the banks allowed Capt Warredi access to his accounts. The EFCC which was the 1st respondent before the Court of Appeal in that case never appealed the judgment.

“Then in September 2022, one month after Tantita began operations, the EFCC invited Capt Warredi and asked him how he gained access to the accounts.

“He showed them certified true copies of the judgment of the Court of Appeal; they also asked him to make statements, which he did and pointed out that the questions bordered on the ongoing trial before the Federal High Court, Lagos, the investigating team led by Mr. Lawal Aminu claimed to be unaware of the case; so, he provided a certified true copy of the charge and pointed out that the prosecution was being led

by Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), a staff of the EFCC. He declined to make further statements on a matter sub judice.

“However, as the war against oil thieves firmed up many of them have continued to threaten that those trying to stop their nefarious business would pay dearly for it.”

The company alleged that the EFCC asked Warredi to name his intelligence sources.

NNPP Asks Atiku, Tinubu to Withdraw from Presidential Race over Corruption Allegations Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has urged the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and his counterpart in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the presidential race over serious allegations of corruption and drug peddling that have made mockery of the 2023 general election.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, Dr. Agbo Major, the party stated that Nigeria has been brought to ridicule and disrepute

before the comity of nations over accusations of high level corruption and drug peddling against Atiku and Tinubu.

He said that he that goes to equity must come with clean hands.

According to him, the NNPP demands the immediate withdrawal of both presidential candidates to answer to charges preferred against them in court.

According to the NNPP spokesman, "It is moral burden for the two candidates to continue in this race at a time Nigerians are looking for a younger and unblemished crop of leaders.

"There is no moral justification

for Atiku and Tinubu to strive to rule the nation until the court decides their fates one way or the other. National interest supersedes personal interests, aggrandizement and grandstanding in the quest for a better, greater, progressive, equitable and just democratic nation.

"Nigerians are tired of recycled politicians who have numerous cases of corruption, drugs, birth/ educational certificates, health and questionable source of wealth. Citizens want men and women of integrity, visionary, purposeful, resourceful, dynamic and transformational leaders to usher them to a new and

better Nigeria we all desire and deserve," he explained.

He explained that the presidential candidate of the NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will give Nigerians a new lease of life after years of wandering in political wilderness from the oppressive APC and PDP regimes.

"Eligible Nigerians should collect their PVCs now and let their voice be heard loud and clear in the forthcoming elections.

Your vote is your power to elect credible, resourceful, courageous and progressive leaders that will deliver dividends of democracy to the masses, and not carnage", he added.

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 22, 2023

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CONSULTATIVE FORUM… L-R: Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, at the APC presidential candidate's Consultative Forum with members of the Federation of Construction Industry in Nigeria in Abuja…recently

US Renews Threat to Deny Visa to Violators of Nigeria’s Electoral Process TOmo-Julius Onabu in Asaba The United States Government yesterday warned that it would deny a visa to anyone who encourages electoral violence or undermines the 2023 electoral process in Nigeria.

US Consular General (Nigeria),

Mr. Will Stevens, stated this in Asaba, Delta State, in the OpenGov Town Hall meeting in the Niger Delta region organised by the Niger-Delta Open Observatory (NOGO), supported by the USAID Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, implemented by Palladium.

He noted that Nigeria's new

Electoral Act has the potential for deepening democracy and entrenching democratic culture in Africa's most populous country.

The US envoy clarified that the US government has no preferred candidate or political party in Nigeria’s forthcoming elections.

Stevens said the American government was only interested

in free, fair and credible polls that represent the wishes of the people and expressed delight at the Electoral Act, which he said, has good measures to strengthen voting security.

He said: “The US does not have a preferred candidate, full stop! “We are not interested in a particular party or candidate. What

It’s Time for Change, Atiku Declares, Says APC a Disappointment A battle line has been drawn, Wike tells Ayu Cautions presidential campaign council against accessing rally venue Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday advised Nigerians to cause another change in leadership, describing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a disappointment.

But following the dissolution of the executive committee of the PDP in Ekiti State, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State yesterday declared that a battle-line has been between the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and the G-5 governors.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters in Minna, Niger State, Atiku reminded the people that their desire for change led them to vote for APC in previous elections.

He, however, noted that since they did not get what they expected from the ruling party, the February 25 election would present a good opportunity to replace the government.

He promised that his administration will restore security to the beleaguered state.

The former vice president also said his administration would revisit the Baro Port, which was initiated under the previous PDP-led government.

“We want to appreciate the people of Niger State for their support since we came to the state.

May God bless you all. We pray that God brings peace to the state.

“You know that only PDP can bring peace to Niger. When PDP was in power from 1999 to 2015 was there insecurity in Niger? We want to assure you that if you return to PDP, we will eliminate insecurity in Niger.

“We also assure you that the Baro

Port that the PDP first constructed before you demanded for change, now have you seen the change?

What did the change bring? It brought insecurity, hardship, and economic meltdown.

“We appeal to you to return PDP for improved security, development, and other things in Niger and the country at large.

“You voted for APC; have you not seen the difference? Now is the time for another change,” Atiku added.

Also in his remarks, PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, noted that under the APC, Niger State has become the headquarters of insecurity in Nigeria with as many as 10 local governments under insurgents’ control at one time.

He noted that Niger State is home to the most mineral resources in the country but is still the epicentre of poverty.

While imploring the people to vote for Atiku, he said a PDP government will return the state to the path of progress.

Ayu welcomed back a former deputy governor of the state, Ambassador Ahmed Musa Ibeto, and other decampees to the main opposition party Also speaking, the PDP vice presidential candidate and governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, told the crowd that the almost eight years of APC in government have been damaging to the country.

Okowa averred: “In the last eight years, the APC government has done great damage to Nigeria.

They brought poverty to us, they brought insecurity to us, and they have divided Nigeria and that is not what we want as a people.

“PDP has brought a father, a man who is humble, a man who is

ready to care for you, a man who is ready to love all Nigerians, a man who does not care whether you are a Muslim or a Christian, he is ready to attend to your needs and that is Atiku Abubakar”.

A Battle Line Has Been Drawn, Wike Tells Ayu Meanwhile, Wike has stated that the dissolution of the PDP executive in Ekiti State by the Ayuled National Working Committee (NWC) would be challenged in court.

Wike, who dared the PDP and Ayu to suspend him or any of the G-5 governors, warned that the resort to despotism by the NWC would not do the PDP any good in the forthcoming general election.

The Rivers State governor stated this yesterday, while speaking at the state PDP campaign flag-off rally in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of the state.

He explained that the reason why the dissolution of the Ekiti State working committee will be challenged in court is because there are still members of the PDP who believe in the rule of law and that the need for the party to respect its constitution.

“Let me also use this opportunity to say to Iyorchia Ayu and his team, your dissolving Ekiti State Exco will not help you in anyway. Your suspending people will not help you in anyway. The battleline has been fully drawn. As I speak to you, we will do everything legally possible to challenge any decision we know is illegal.

He stressed that the Ayu-led NWC resort to tyranny would do more damage to the PDP as far as the 2023 general election is concerned.

Wike Cautions Atiku’s Campaign Council against Accessing Rally Venue

In another development, Wike has threatened to cancel the approval given to the PDP presidential campaign to use Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium if the venue is accessed before the approved hour.

The governor said the stadium can only be accessed two days before the rally, adding that members of the campaign did not have the right over when to use the venue.

This development comes amid a crisis in the PDP over the position taken by stakeholders, including the five governors led by Wike Speaking at the weekend at a campaign rally in Oyigbo LGA, Wike specifically warned the Director General of the Presidential Campaign Organisation in the state, Abiye Sekibo, not to force his way into the stadium days before the rally.

“Let me also use this opportunity to warn Abiye Sekibo, we have made approval for your presidential candidate to use Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, on February 11. You have no right to begin to go to the stadium now.

We cannot give you access to the stadium now. We can only give you access to the stadium two days before the occasion for you to prepare,” he said.

“Nobody gave you one month.

So, if you dare it again, to go and force yourself into the stadium, I will cancel the approval with immediate effect. Dare it again, I will cancel it. Heaven will not fall. If heaven falls now, we will be happy that it was in our time heaven came down,” Wike threatened.

we are interested in is free, fair, and credible elections that represent the people.

“These elections are important.

Nigeria is the fifth largest democracy in the world; so, when the people of Nigeria come to vote, you are showing the strength of democracy to the rest of the world,” he added.

He said the US had been working with the Nigerian government as partners to support the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations to enable them to hold candidates accountable.

Stevens also disclosed that the US had provided nearly $50 million in technical assistance to the electoral umpire to strengthen the mechanisms that would allow Nigerians to feel comfortable that their votes would count.

“We in the United States will discourage any politicians, citizens, or other parties who are encouraging electoral violence or seeking to undermine the electoral process.

“One thing we have done in the past and continue to do is that those who seek to undermine the democratic process can and will

be found ineligible for a visa to the US,” he added.

Stevens said his mission to Delta State and the South-east was for pre-election monitoring to look and see how things are developing.

He added that the consulate is doing all within its powers to understand what is happening and articulate such to US citizens.

The high point of the event was the signing of a commitment by some gubernatorial candidates in the Delta State governorship race to a social contract with the people of the state.

Gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Director General of the Delta PDP Campaign Council, Mr. Funkekeme Solomon; gubernatorial candidate of the APC, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, represented by Dr. Austin Izagbo, and Mr. Sunny Ofehe of Young People’s Party, YPP were among the governorship candidates that signed the document.

Others are Mr. Kennedy Pela and Dr. Goodnews Agbi, candidates of the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), respectively.

Ohanaeze Announces Burial Date for President-General, Obiozor Gideon Arinze in Enugu The National Executive Council (NEC) of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has announced dates for the burial ceremony of its late president general, Professor George Obiozor.

Obiozor was elected as the 10th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on January 9, 2021, to succeed Chief Nnia Nwodo, who completed his four-year tenure.

Obiozor died in December 2022 at the age of 80.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who had announced his death in a statement, described the late Obiozor as “an exceptional diplomat and a tenacious patriot, whose demise was a big loss to the state, South-east and entire Nigeria.”

Announcing the burial arrangement yesterday during an emergency meeting of the NEC at the national secretariat of the organisation in Enugu, its secretary general, Okey Emuchay said that the late Obiozor would be buried on Friday, February 10, 2023, in his home town in Awo-Omamma, Imo State.

He said there would be activities before the burial of the late diplomat, including a valedictory session at the national secretariat and other activities at the National Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos and Abuja.

He also announced that the burial committee would be chaired by former President-General of Ohanaeze, Gary Enwo-Igariwey, with Imo State chairman of the body, IC Ihemedu as its secretary.

According to him, all the members of NEC and other stakeholders across the seven states of Ohanaeze would also form the burial committee.

“A central planning committee will come up together with subcommittees,” he said.

“The chairman and the secretary will handle that,” he added.

Emuchay also announced that the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze, Joel Kroham who died last August would be buried on February 4, 2023, in Rivers State, noting that this was the first time that the organisation was losing its president and deputy president general at almost the same time.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 22, 2023

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

A NEW CHIEF IN TOWN… L-R: Mr. Olajide Sofela, Mr. Rotimi Adekoya; Newly installed Otun Akogun Onisowo of Ibadanland, Chief Olawale Olufemi Junaid; Mrs. Yetunde Abiodun; and Mrs. Adetutu Onamusi, during the installation ceremony of Chief Junaid in Ibadan…recently

Cases of Diphtheria Hit 100 in Kano Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano A former governor of Jigawa State, Mr. Sule Lamido, has described the recent endorsement of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as “a big mistake.”

The Kano State Government yesterday confirmed that it had recorded 100

cases of diphtheria and four cases of Lassa fever in 12 Local Government Areas of the state.

Consequently, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), an agency of the federal government, advised Nigerians to abide by the warning of the NCDC on the recent outbreak of diphtheria.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aminu Tsanyawa revealed the figure at a session

Philanthropist Writes IG over Unresolved Murder of 30 in Ebonyi A philanthropist, Chief Julius Oji, has petitioned the InspectorGeneral of Police, Usman Baba, over the killing of over 30 people in Ebonyi Community.

Three indigenes of Ekoli Edda community and a police inspector were also killed on December 26, 2022 during an attack on the Chairman of All Progressive Congress in Ebonyi State, Mr Stanley Emegha.

In the petition copied the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, the business mogul accused the

Ebonyi State Government of failing to halt the killings in the state, especially Edda where known culprits of the campaign of violence in the area are let go after each round of killing.

He said the government just set up another commission of inquiry after the recent killings in spite of similar panels set up in the past and recommendations made which were not acted upon.

He said that in the last eight years the Edda community had recorded over 30 cases of murder, arson, rape, grievous assault, and intimidation, among others.

Two Abducted Primary School Pupils Rescued in Nasarawa The Nasarawa State Police Command yesterday two females have been rescued out of the six pupils of LEA Primary School abducted on Friday at Alwaza Village, Doma Local Government Area (LGA).

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, who confirmed this to Channels Television on Saturday, noted that the pupils were rescued around 2:30 pm at Sabon Kwara village, Jenkwe Development Area of Obi LGA in the state.

The operation, he said, was achieved with sustained pressure mounted on the abductors by the combined search-and-rescue team that included sister security agencies in the state.

Nansel added that efforts are

ongoing to rescue the other four pupils unhurt and to arrest the perpetrators.

The victims are said to have been taken to hospital for medical examination and shall be handed over to Doma LGA chairman to reunite them with their parents.

The two pupils’ rescue comes after the Commissioner of Police was said to have visited the scene.

The command stated that a joint team comprising of the police, military and vigilante groups had also been mobilised to the area to trail the abductors.

The incident occurred barely a week after the police in Nasarawa dispersed suspected kidnappers at Saraduana forest in Toto LGA of the state and rescued 30 victims.

with journalists yesterday in Kano.

Tsanyawa listed the local government areas where the diseases are ravaging to include Ungogo, Nassarawa, Bichi, Dala, Dawakin Kudu, Fagge, Gwale, Kano Municipal, Kumbotso, Rano, Dawakin Tofa and Gwarzo.

Of the 100 cases of diphtheria, the health commissioner said eight were confirmed, while awaiting more results.

He said: “We have lost three among the eight confirmed, and 22 among other suspected cases.

Currently, 27 patients are on admission receiving treatment while 41 have been managed and discharged successfully.

He described diphtheria as an acute toxic infection caused by the corynebacterium species, transmitted from person to person through respiratory

droplets and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.

“Symptoms range from mild to severe fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, neck swelling, difficulty in breathing. Complications may include damage to the heart, kidney damage, and bleeding with death in up to 21 per cent of cases.”

Tsanyawa said diphtheria is

a vaccine preventable disease, and its antigen is among the pentatonic vaccine (PETA) taken three times (PENTA-3) before the age of one year.

“From our records, most of the patients are not being fully vaccinated, and those vaccinated are resisting being protected. This has shown that immunization is highly effective and protective against all vaccine preventable disease.”

Wike Donates N200m to Traders Affected by Market Remodelling Blessings Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has donated N200 million to traders who were affected by the ongoing remodelling works at the Ariaria International Market, Abia State.

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu disclosed this while inspecting ongoing

remodelling works at the A-Line section of market.

He stated that his Rivers State counterpart expressed his sympathy and support to the traders who were displaced as a result of the ongoing work.

Describing Wike as his friend who has stood with him and Abia people, Ikpeazu explained that he had informed the governor about the ongoing work and he pledged N200

million to assist the traders re-acquire their shops after the reconstruction.

He commended the contractor handling the remodelling works, Blessed Henken International Company, for working in line with specifications and interpreting the government’s vision for the market and urged him to increase the pace of work to ensure early completion.

Ikpeazu explained that the quality of remodelling work at the market has vindicated his interventionist move to remodel Ariaria market after more than 40 years to make it a true international market.

The governor who also donated N100 million to the traders explained that the donations are for the first 600 original shop allottees to enable them recommence business.

Ondo, Cross River, Ekiti Govs Declare Work-free Days for Collection of PVCs Fidelis David in Akure Governors Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; Ben Ayade of Cross River State; and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, have approved work-free days to enable civil servants in their states to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

A statement signed by Akeredolu’s Chief Press Sec-

retary, Richard Olatunde, said the declaration of Tuesday, January 24, 2023, as a public holiday by the governor was to enable all eligible voters in the state to collect their PVCs at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)-designated centres in their respective local government areas.

According to him, the governor who urged civil servants, private

workers, artisans, and other well-meaning residents of the state to seize the opportunity and collect their PVCs, also called on the people to place a premium on the collection of PVCs to enable them to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming elections.

The statement read: “The importance of the forthcoming elections cannot be overempha-

sised. There is an urgent need for us to address the low rate of PVC collection in the Southwest.

Beyond partisan lines, our people must understand that the PVC is their license to enthrone desired political leadership.

“We are constrained to take this decision to enable our people to take this advantage and collect their PVCs. We all must exercise our civic responsibilities.

Shun Violence, Use Your PVCs Wisely, Diri Tells Youths Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri has urged youths to shun electoral violence and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to elect credible leaders with the capacity to deliver on sustainable development, peace and economic prosperity.

The governor said this while addressing youths during a programme tagged, ‘Prosper-

ity Youths Day 2023’, at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, a sprawling community in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

He described the PVC as a tool that confers political power on the electorate and that what the youths need is the card, which he said is more powerful than an AK-47 rifle.

He said, “The PVC is your AK-47. You do not need any gun or machete to intimidate anyone.

Bayelsa youths are not violent but intelligent and productive.

“Elections are a very serious business of choosing leaders that will lead them towards prosperity, development and growth.”

He also urged youths to shun drug abuse and all acts of violence before, during and after the elections and stressed the need for them to key into the government’s various policies

and programmes targeted at building their capacity.

“Do not allow politicians to use you as cannon fodders to advance their selfish political interest. They tell you lies and give you peanuts to harass and intimidate other politicians contesting with them.

“Always believe in God and yourselves. Shun drug abuse and cultism. What God has for you, nobody can take it away.”

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22 , 2022

BUSINESS

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

Nigerians Count Losses as Power Grids Collapse Again

In the power sector, it’s still a blame game, as frequent grid failures and power outages have IRUFHG 1LJHULDQV WR UHO\ RQ JHQHUDWRUV WR UXQ WKHLU EXVLQHVVHV ZLWK GLVDVWURXV ÀQDQFLDO consequences. But as Festus Akanbi points out, all eyes are on President Muhammadu %XKDUL·V DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ WR À[ WKH SRZHU VHFWRU DV D JRRG OHJDF\ EHIRUH KDQGLQJ RYHU power in May if it really wants to write its name in gold

W

ith the current VWDWH RI DͿDLUV WKH power sector may be one of the areas where the current administration has failed to turn things around in LWV QHDUO\ HLJKW \HDUV LQ R΀FH This is because, despite the massive amount of money approved for the sector’s turnaround, power sector operators’ performance has continued to deteriorate, with power generation dropping to 2,200MW from 3,553MW last week.

Despite the poor performance of the power sector, the federal government claimed last week that it paid N120 billion in 2022 to subsidise electricity consumers in selected bands, including C,D, and E, a decrease from a peak of N552 billion before the Muhammadu Buhari DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ WRRN R΀FH While defending the state of the sector, Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, Mr Ahmad Zakari, said during a live-TV programme that it was in a coma when Buhari WRRN R΀FH LQ According to him, the subsidy has continued WR VHUYH DV D EXͿHU QRW RQO\ IRU WKH SRRU DQG vulnerable but also to mitigate the impact of JUDGXDO LQFUHDVHV LQ HOHFWULFLW\ WDULͿV Analysts noted that the new disclosure GLͿHUV VLJQLÀFDQWO\ IURP FRPPHQWV PDGH E\ Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, on March 11, 2022, that the federal government had ‘quietly’ removed ‘all’ power sector subsidies.

Unfortunately, the performance of power sector players has continued to embarrass the government as little or nothing is shown for the humongous investment in the sector.

To serve its 218 million people, Nigeria requires an estimated 25,000MW to 40,000MW of capacity.

The installed generating capacity is currently around 12,522MW, and transmission and distribution infrastructure can only deliver an average of 4,000MW to businesses and homes.

Analysts argued that the current poor performance could be attributed to the national grid’s failure and the fact that, rather than investing heavily in the sector, distributing companies were only interested in reaping abundantly.

Using Generators to Run a Business Today’s reality is that Nigerians continue to rely heavily on generators, which consume vast amounts of resources due to the high cost of diesel and petrol, and there is no public power.

According to a June 2022 report titled “Nigeria’s State of Power: Electrifying the Nation’s Economy” published by Stears and Sterling, more than 40% of Nigerian households own and use generators. ,W DOVR VWDWHG WKDW WKH DͿHFWHG KRXVHKROGV VSHQW DSSUR[LPDWHO\ ELOOLRQ SHU \HDU WR IXHO their generators as the national grid’s power supply continued to fail.

According to the report, the cost of diesel and petrol used by Nigerians to generate electricity KDV D VLJQLÀFDQW HFRQRPLF LPSDFW RQ KRXVHKROGV and businesses.

“On average, Nigerian households have electricity in their homes for 15 to 18 hours per day,” it said.

Generators provide 44 per cent (or 6.8 hours)

A transmission station of that total. And this varies by region. In a state like Taraba, only 19% of households are reported to have access to electricity.

Over 40% of Nigerian households own generators and bear the costs associated with them.

First, the cost of purchasing generators – an HVWLPDWHG P EHWZHHQ DQG LV KLJKHU WKDQ WKH SURSRVHG FDSLWDO H[SHQGLWXUH in Nigeria’s 2022 budget.

“There’s also the cost of running these generators.

This huge investment in generators is conÀUPHG E\ WKH $IULFDQ 'HYHORSPHQW %DQN ZKLFK HVWLPDWHG WKDW 1LJHULDQV VSHQG ELOOLRQ RQ fuel for petrol or diesel powered generators.”

In recent months, Nigerians have lost faith in the current government’s inability to reverse the downward trend in power supply to homes and businesses amid indiscriminate pricing of petroleum products and the resulting increase in the cost of doing business.

Load Shedding Last week, many businesses and homes were left in the dark due to another episode of system grid failure, as power sector operators blamed the poor performance on debt.

According to data released by the Independent System Operator of the Transmission Company of Nigeria in the document it released last week which was titled: “List of GenCos and their MW Load at 14:00hours on 17/01/2023,” only 10 out of 24 power plants generated the 2,200MW. It implies a loss of 1,253MW within one hour, indicating a 35.26% decrease in the energy production of the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

The document showed that the 10 electricity Generation Companies (GenCos), which produced the 2,200MW were Alaoji NIPP (Gas) 102.40MW, Azura-Edo (Gas) 422MW, Jebba (Hydro) 369MW, Kainji (Hydro) 390MW, Odukpanu NIPP (Gas) 307MW, Okpai Gas

the NBET of failing to meet its obligations to the GenCos under the Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).

According to Ogaji, NBET owed the GenCos N214.93 billion in 2015, N273.32 billion in 2016, N236.47 billion in 2017, N264.08 billion in 2018, and N256.97 billion, N266.01 billion, and N120.25 billion in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

NBET, on the other hand, claimed that not all GenCos were eligible for unutilised capacity payments.

According to her, the “illiquidity caused by the huge sums owed GenCos by NBET, has more than ever before continued to frustrate the GenCos and kept them incapable of meeting WKHLU REOLJDWLRQV ZKLFK DUH H[WUHPHO\ QHFHVsary to keep their power plants running and make capacities available, while observing required Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) standards.

Such obligations include timely operations and maintenance (O&M), procurement of critical capital, spare parts and accessories, payment DQG VHUYLFLQJ RI H[LVWLQJ OHQGHU DQG ÀQDQFLHU loans, employee obligations, and so on.

“Recently, GenCos cried out to the authorities and are still hoping for a favourable considerDWLRQ RI WKHLU SOHDV IRU IRUHLJQ H[FKDQJH VXSSRUW to enable them to procure critical spares for their turbines and equipment to keep them in good working order.

This is in addition to the FX challenges faced (Steam) 101MW, Omotosho (Gas)164.60MW, Omotosho NIPP (Gas) 101MW, Paras Energy by the Hydros, whose concession fees are dol(Gas) 65.80MW and Sapele (Steam) 85.80MW. larised”. According to analysts, the regulatory In a similar document titled: “Distribution authorities lack of seriousness is to blame for /RDG 3URÀOH 'DWD DV RI # µ the power sector’s persistent failure to respond the SO revealed that it allocated 2,888MW to the to various interventions, particularly after the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos). sector was privatised.

At its meeting on April 27, 2022, the Federal The allocation was as follows: Abuja DisCo 389MW, Benin DisCo 237MW, Eko DisCo ([HFXWLYH &RXQFLO )(& DSSURYHG WKH DZDUG 371MW, Enugu DisCo 277MW, Ibadan DisCo of three contracts to accelerate the improvement 349MW, Ikeja DisCo 409MW, Jos 166MW, of the country’s power supply.

The Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, conKaduna DisCo 193MW, Kano 205MW, Port ÀUPHG WKH DSSURYDO ZKLOH EULHÀQJ VWDWH KRXVH Harcourt 209MW and Yola 83MW. correspondents following the FEC meeting. He stated that the contracts were for the purchase Debt Burden Meanwhile, theAssociation of Power Genera- of major electricity transmission equipment.

7KH ÀUVW ZDV D PRGLÀFDWLRQ WR DQ H[LVWLQJ tion Companies (APGC) has blamed the drop contract for the Katampe-National Stadium 132 in output on grid disruption.

In a WhatsApp conversation with THISDAY, direct circuit line, which is about 90% complete.

The second authorisation was for the design, APGC Managing Director Dr. Joy Ogaji stated, manufacture, and supply of two (2) 60 MVA, “There was grid disturbance.”

When asked why there was a grid outage, 132/33 kV power transformers.

The third approval was for a contract to design, VKH VWDWHG ´'XH WR LQVX΀FLHQW SD\PHQW µ According to her, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity build, and instal a 260-kilometre transmission Trading Company (NBET) owes GenCos more line from Birnin-Kebbi to Yauri in Kebbi State, via Zuru. than N1 trillion.

“It’s estimated to be more than one trillion Good Legacy naira,” she said.

With over 20 grid-connected generating plants She went on to say that under GenCos’ contract, the outstanding are divided into two LQ 1LJHULD PDQ\ SODQWV VXͿHU IURP UHFXUUHQW categories: unpaid invoices for power generated challenges such as maintenance and repair requirements, trips, faults and leakages that and consumed from 2015 to the present.

She added that the outstanding payment make them unavailable for evacuation to the included payment on capacities made avail- national grid sometimes.

To save the economy, there is an urgent need able and tested annually by the Nigerian Bulk to intervene in the power sector.

Electricity Trading Company (NBET).

Given the reliance on technology for the upcoming election, it is clear that the current Blame Game According to analysts, power sector operators poor performance of the power sector cannot appeared to have mastered the act of shifting ensure a smooth process at the polls, as most blame over a track record of disappointing voting machines will be powered by electricity.

This is one of the reasons why President performance by resorting to a blame game. )RU H[DPSOH GXULQJ D VLPLODU V\VWHP IDLOXUH Muhammadu Buhari must put his foot down ODVW \HDU WKH $3*& ([HFXWLYH 6HFUHWDU\ DFFXVHG and restart the power sector.

16

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22 , 2022

AVIATION

Resolving Shareholding Controversy over National Carrier Revelations from court proceedings indicate that airline operators and other stakeholders want a national carrier where more Nigerians are allowed to own shares in the company so that it will be fully representative of the country, writes Chinedu Eze

M

any Nigerians are calling for a broader ownership of the shares of Nigeria’s national carrier, Nigeria Air. Many of the doubts hovering around the planned airline stem from the belief that the shareholding was not transparent and this was the disposition of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), which went to court to stop the airline from proceeding as presently constituted.

Industry stakeholders call for a proper review of the shareholding to ensure that Nigeria, beyond the federal government, has greater stakes than the airline’s foreign partners.

AON and others, however, made it clear that they are not against the establishment of a national carrier, but there should be adjustments in the ownership, and its establishment should be done in a clear, transparent manner.

Industry expert and Executive Secretary of Aviation Round Table (ART), Group Capt John Ojikutu has called for proper scrutiny of the share ownership, insisting that foreign companies should not owe more shares in a national carrier than Nigerians.

“We need to seriously oppose not only the Ethiopian Airlines investment of 49 per cent shares in Nigeria Air but also the MRS where a foreign individual shareholder has 60 per cent shareholdings in the company.

“Similarly, in the SAHCOL investment, just three individuals of the Afolabi family owe 78 per cent (1.06billion) of the total 1.3billion shares of the company. Whatever the reasons made the authorities consider these investors as the appropriate for the national carrier; Nigeria Air needs a serious rethinking now before it gets too late. Are we really establishing a national carrier with government equity or a private airline with government equity?

“What is being called the national carrier is

really not one but a private airline. We could call ZKDW ZH DUH EHLQJ RͿHUHG DV D ÁDJ FDUULHU ZKHQ private individuals are having 46 per cent of the 51 per cent in commonwealth belonging to us nationally and in partnership with a foreign airline with 49 per cent. That is no more a national carrier EXW D ÁDJ FDUULHU ZKLFK $LU 3HDFH $ULN RU $HUR could have become if we do a thorough job on the audits of these airlines,” Ojikutu remarked.

He said that with the kind of spread in the shares of Nigeria Air and the federal government DORQH KDYLQJ MXVW ÀYH SHU FHQW RQ EHKDOI RI WKH nation “do we envisage that the planned airline is truly a national carrier?”

Strategic Investor But industry stakeholders also agree that there is a need for the national carrier to have a strategic investor and technical partner, as represented by Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria Air, to propel the airline to success and also sustain its operation to an agreed time. This is because it is obvious that for the airline to succeed it must be insulated from the vagaries and whims of top government R΀FLDOV ZKR FRXOG LQWHUYHQH LQ VXFK FRQFHUQV even if the government owns a one per cent stake.

The Director of Research, Zenith Travels and 3XEOLFLW\ 6HFUHWDU\ RI $57 2OX 2KXQD\R LQ an interview with THISDAY, urged that the establishment of the airline has to be transparent and follow due process so that it would have a long lifespan when established. ´:HOO , WKLQN JHWWLQJ FHUWLÀFDWLRQ IRU WKH new airline is not a problem; you can easily get FHUWLÀFDWLRQ IRU 1LJHULDQ $LU FDUULHUV :KDW KDV EHHQ GL΀FXOW LV KDYLQJ FRPPHUFLDO OLQNages and partnerships that would be respected and acknowledged by other competitors in the industry and by the international community.And in doing this, the easiest way, the easiest route to such deals is having a foreign core investor.

And that played out with Virgin Nigeria. If you noticed up to this moment none of the airlines has been able to match the number of commercial agreements they had within the two to three

years they operated in Nigeria.

“So I think it is that area that makes people push for the core investor. Also, the core investor gives access to spares, helps with a credit facility, and also gets good ratings and credit based on their experience, based on their credit facility which helps reduce costs. It is on that basis that they push for a technical core investor who can support and also help us to market what we cannot access,” he said.

Ohunayo also opined that the stakes of the core investor could be lowered to 30 per cent but could start with 40 per cent, “but we must have it at the back of our mind that, that percentage should be trimmed down to have more Nigerians and more Nigerian operators.”

“It is important to involve the Nigerian operators in the business and also build a second or third airline. It is not just to recommend that these airlines are operators, we need to give them that ÁDJ FDUULHU VWDWXV DQG VXSSRUW WKHP RQ international routes rather than abandon them. And again, the airlines too, they also need to look at the ownership. They need to spread ownership so that people will have that feeling that this is a national airline and also entitled to the national commonwealth,” Ohunayo stated.

All-inclusive Treatment The Airline Operators of Nigeria said that it is the lopsided treatment in favour of Nigeria Air that prompted it to go to court and urged the federal government to follow the laid down process and also extend the privileges given to Nigeria Air to other domestic airlines.

7KLV ZDV FRQWDLQHG LQ WKH VXLW ÀOHG E\ AON at the Federal High Court in Lagos against Nigeria Air Limited, Ethiopian

Airlines (second defendant), Senator Hadi Sirika (Minister of Aviation) and the Attorney General of the Federation.

The court document obtained by THISDAY with suit number FHC/L/CS/2159/2022 indicated WKDW $21 WKH SODLQWLͿV VRXJKW RUGHUV DJDLQVW the defendants, which include an order directing the immediate, fresh and transparent bidding SURFHVVHV HV LQYROYLQJ WKH 3ODLQWLͿV EHLQJ WKH indigenous Airline Operators in Nigeria rightly entitled to participate in the process; an order directing the immediate revocation and cancellation of the Air Transport License (ATL) issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) WR WKH ÀUVW GHIHQGDQW 1LJHULD $LU DQG DQ RUGHU RI 1 ELOOLRQ DV GDPDJHV IRU WKH LQMXU\ VXͿHUHG E\ WKH SODLQWLͿV DQG VWLOO VXͿHULQJ EHFDXVH RI WKH ´ZURQJIXO H[FOXVLRQ RI WKH 3ODLQWLͿV ZURQJIXO action; unlawful bidding and selection processes DQG WKHLU ZURQJIXO SURMHFWLRQ RI WKH 3ODLQWLͿV as not having properly, rightly, and timely bid the Nigeria Air project.”

AON alleged that the Minister of Aviation GLG QRW IROORZ GXH SURFHVV LQ WKH 3ULYDWH 3XEOLF 3DUWQHUVKLS 333 DUUDQJHPHQW LQ 1LJHULD EXW circumvented the process through abridgement WKDW ZDV VLJQHG E\ WKH 3UHVLGHQW RI 1LJHULD DQG LQVLVWHG WKDW WKH 3UHVLGHQW GRHV QRW KDYH WKH powers to sign such arrangement without recourse to the National Assembly.

So the Nigerian airlines also sought an order for the declaration “that the action, conduct and or decisions in the sale of the shares and operations of the 1st defendant (Nigeria Air) violates the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, SEC Nigeria Consolidated Rules DQG 5HJXODWLRQV 1,3& $FW ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &LYLO Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Convention, Civil $YLDWLRQ $FW 3XEOLF 3URFXUHPHQW $FW &RQFHVsion Regulatory Commission (Est.) Act, 2005, )HGHUDO &RPSHWLWLRQ DQG &RQVXPHU 3URWHFWLRQ $FW 3URFXUHPHQW 3URFHVVHV IRU 3XEOLF 3DUWQHUVKLS in the Federal Government under the National 3ROLF\ RQ 3XEOLF 3ULYDWH 3DUWQHUVKLS 1 3 DQG Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation, 2015 and other regulatory statutes on aviation, companies and investment laws in Nigeria.” ,Q LWV FRXQWHU D΀GDYLW WKH QG GHIHQGDQW (Ethiopian Airlines) said as far as it was aware, the sale of Nigeria Air’s shares was absolute DQG WKHUHIRUH ZDV QRW XQGHU D 3XEOLF 3ULYDWH 3DUWQHUVKLS DV DOOHJHG “The Federal Government of Nigeria agreed to sell 95 per cent of its shares in the 1st deIHQGDQW 1LJHULD $LU UHWDLQ ÀYH SHU FHQW invite 46 per cent of Nigerian investors, and 49 per cent to an international airline. By the arrangement, the majority stake of 51 per cent in the 1st defendant is retained by Nigerians VR WKDW HͿHFWLYH FRQWURO RI WKH DLUOLQH VKDOO remain with Nigerians.”

Ethiopian Airlines also in its defence admitted asking the Federal Government of Nigeria for 15 years tax moratorium, among other incentives, for it to partner with the national carrier, arguing that its request was a normal practice in international investment negotiations, insisting that it had not violated any known law in the country or elsewhere.

Industry observer told THISDAY that Ethiopian Airlines also has enviable reputation for its profesVLRQDOLVP DQG DOZD\V QHJRWLDWH WR EHQHÀW IXOO\ from its partnerships, while it ensures that the entity thrives “because it is when the company LV GRLQJ ZHOO WKDW \RX ZLOO DOVR HDUQ SURÀW IURP the engagement.”

So Nigerians are calling for more openness and involvement in the Nigeria national carrier and this could be made possible if the federal government reviews the ownership shareholding of the new airline.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22 , 2022

17

FINANCE

Cashless Policy as Panacea for Poverty Alleviation James Emejo writes that the drive for a cashless society could be the magic wand that will HQKDQFH ÀQDQFLDO LQFOXVLRQ DQG ERRVW VRFLDO DQG HFRQRPLF HPSRZHUPHQW WKXV DGGUHVVLQJ WKH HQGHPLF SRYHUW\ LQ WKH FRXQWU\

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ÀQDQFLDO WRXFKSRLQWV WKDW DUH DYDLODEOH LQ all the states of the federation. Nationwide LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ LV HͿHFWLYH -DQXDU\ µ

RYHUW\ UHPDLQV SHUKDSV one of the greatest challenges bedevilling the country in general. In the SUHYLRXV \HDUV HFRQRPLF JURZWK KDG IDLOHG WR LPSDFW the lives of the ordinary 1LJHULDQ DV SHU FDSLWD LQFRPH UHPDLQV EHORZ WKH JOREDOO\ DSSURYHG thresholds.

The inequality in wealth distribution had EHHQ SDUWO\ DWWULEXWHG WR WKH HQGHPLF FRUUXSWLRQ LQ WKH V\VWHP DV ZHOO DV D ZHDN VRFLDO SURWHFWLRQ DUFKLWHFWXUH ZKLFK LV FRQVWDQWO\ VXEMHFWHG WR PDQLSXODWLRQV 8QWLO UHFHQWO\ VRFLDO LQWHUYHQWLRQ SURJUDPPHV ZKLFK DUH DLPHG DW LPSURYLQJ WKH ORW RI WKH YXOQHUDEOH SRSXODWLRQ KDYH EHHQ LQHͿHFWLYH SDUWO\ DV D UHVXOW RI WKH QHIDULRXV activities of middlemen who would rather FRUQHU VXFK EHQHÀWV IRU WKHLU VHOÀVK LQWHUHVWV More Nigerians Trapped in Poverty According to the National Bureau of 6WDWLVWLFV 1%6 QR IHZHU WKDQ PLOOLRQ 1LJHULDQV UHSUHVHQWLQJ SHU FHQW RI WKH SRSXODWLRQ DUH FXUUHQWO\ OLYLQJ LQ PXOWL GLPHQVLRQDO SRYHUW\ 2I WKH WRWDO PLOOLRQ SRRU 1LJHULDQV DUH ORFDWHG LQ UXUDO DUHDV FRPSDUHG WR million in urban areas. +RZHYHU 3UHVLGHQW 0XKDPPDGX %XKDUL Paying with convenience LQ $XJXVW FRPPLWWHG WR HPSRZHULQJ DQ DGGLWLRQDO PLOOLRQ SHRSOH WR HVFDSH objectives.

H[WUHPH SRYHUW\ E\ 7KLV LV SDUWO\ EHFDXVH VXFK IXQGV FDQ 7KLV LPSOLHV WKDW RQ DYHUDJH PLOOLRQ HDVLO\ EH WUDFNHG DQG PRQLWRUHG DQG WKLV SHRSOH PXVW EH OLIWHG RXW RI SRYHUW\ HDFK ZLOO IXUWKHU SURYLGH IRU JUHDWHU WUDQVSDUHQF\ \HDU VWDUWLQJ LQ %XW WKH DGYHUVH LPSDFW RI WKH &29,' and accountability by those who administer SDQGHPLF RQ OLYHOLKRRGV DQG XQHPSOR\- the resources. $V KLJKOLJKWHG E\ WKH &%1 *RYHUQRU 0U PHQW KDG UHQGHUHG WKH WDVN PRUH FKDOOHQJLQJ *RGZLQ (PHÀHOH WKH 1LJHULDQ SD\PHQWV to realise. $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH 1LJHULD 0XOWLGLPHQVLRQDO V\VWHP KDV UHFRUGHG VLJQLÀFDQW DFKLHYH3RYHUW\ ,QGH[ 03, 6XUYH\ WKHUH DUH ments since the introduction of the cashless KLJK GHSULYDWLRQV LQ VDQLWDWLRQ KHDOWKFDUH SROLF\ LQ (PHÀHOH VDLG IROORZLQJ WKH VXFFHVVHV IRRG LQVHFXULW\ DQG KRXVLQJ ZLWK WKH SRRU DFKLHYHG LQ WKH SD\PHQWV ODQGVFDSH 1LJHULD SHRSOH H[SHULHQFLQJ RYHU RQH TXDUWHU RI DOO KDV EHHQ DGMXGJHG $IULFD·V XQGLVSXWHG SRVVLEOH GHSULYDWLRQV 0RUHRYHU ERWK WKH LQFLGHQFH DQG LQWHQVLW\ UHDO WLPH DQG GLJLWDO SD\PHQWV OHDGHU ZLWK RI SRYHUW\ DW SHU FHQW DQG SHU FHQW RYHU ELOOLRQ UHDO WLPH WUDQVDFWLRQV LQ UHVSHFWLYHO\ H[FHHGHG WKH SHU FHQW SRYHUW\ 7KH FHQWUDO EDQN JRYHUQRU GXULQJ KLV FXW RͿ WKUHVKROG UHFHQW DSSHDUDQFH EHIRUH WKH +RXVH RI 7KH UHSRUW DOVR SRLQWHG RXW WKDW SRYHUW\ LV KLJKHU LQ UXUDO DUHDV ZKHUH SHU FHQW 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV WR GLVFXVV WKH DSH[ EDQN·V RI WKH SHRSOH DUH SRRU FRPSDUHG WR SHU LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI WKH FDVKOHVV SROLF\ DQG QHZ ZLWKGUDZDO OLPLWV DOVR SRLQWHG RXW cent in urban areas. $PRQJ RWKHU UHYHODWLRQV WKH UHSRUW VWDWHG WKDW HOHFWURQLF EDQNLQJ DGRSWLRQ KDG VLJWKDW DERXW SHU FHQW RI 1LJHULDQV OLYH LQ QLÀFDQWO\ SUROLIHUDWHG DPRQJ WKH 1LJHULDQ UXUDO DUHDV \HW WKHVH DUHDV DUH KRPH WR SRSXODFH ZKLOVW WKH FDVKOHVV SROLF\ KDG IXUWKHU VSXUUHG SROLF\ LQQRYDWLRQ WKDW KDV SHU FHQW RI WKH SRRU SHRSOH $QDO\VWV KRZHYHU EHOLHYH WKDW IRU WKH ÀJKW H[SDQGHG WKH EUHDGWK DQG GHSWK RI ÀQDQFLDO DJDLQVW SRYHUW\ WR EH PHDQLQJIXO WKHUH LV V\VWHP SDUWLFLSDQWV WUDQVDFWLRQ FKDQQHOV the need to reduce human contact with DQG ÀQDQFLDO DFFHVV SRLQWV 5HSUHVHQWHG E\ &%1 'HSXW\ *RYHUQRU LQWHUYHQWLRQ IXQGV WR PLQLPLVH FRUUXSWLRQ )LQDQFLDO 6\VWHP 6WDELOLW\ )66 'LUHFWRUDWH DQG HQVXUH WKDW VXFK EHQHÀWV JHW GLUHFWO\ WR WKH LQWHQGHG YXOQHUDEOH EHQHÀFLDULHV 7KLV 'U $LVKD $KPDG (PHÀHOH DOVR WROG WKH FRXOG RI FRXUVH EH DFKLHYHG WKURXJK WKH ODZPDNHUV WKDW WKH &%1·V ODWHVW DFWLRQV RQ GHSOR\PHQW RI LQQRYDWLYH SD\PHQW V\VWHPV 1DLUD UHGHVLJQ DQG QDWLRQZLGH LPSOHPHQWDWKDW FRXOG DOORZ IRU WUDFNLQJ DQG PRQLWRULQJ WLRQ RI WKH FDVKOHVV SROLF\ ZHUH LQWHQGHG to further sustain these achievements in a of such interventions.

TXHVW WR IRVWHU D VDIH FUHGLEOH DQG H΀FLHQW Cashless Policy as Tool for Poverty SD\PHQW V\VWHP WKDW LV WKH SULGH RI DOO Nigerians and the envy of the world.

Eradication He insisted that the cash withdrawal %H\RQG WKH LPPHGLDWH EHQHÀWV RI WKH SROLF\ ZDV QHLWKHU WDUJHWHG DW DQ\ VHJPHQW &HQWUDO %DQN RI 1LJHULD &%1 FDVKOHVV SROLF\ DQG FXUUHQF\ UHGHVLJQ ZKLFK LQFOXGH of the society nor intended to disenfranFRXQWHULQJ WHUURULVP DQG PDQDJLQJ PRQH\ FKLVH KDUGZRUNLQJ 1LJHULDQ FLWL]HQV DQG VXSSO\ DPRQJ RWKHUV WKH LQLWLDWLYH ZLOO DOVR businesses as insinuated in some quarters HQVXUH WKDW JRLQJ IRUZDUG VRFLDO LQWHUYHQWLRQ ² DQG SURPLVHG WKDW WKH FHQWUDO EDQN ZRXOG SURJUDPPHV ZKLFK DUH WDUJHWHG WRZDUGV FRQWLQXH WR PRQLWRU LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ DQG EH WKH SRRU 1LJHULDQV DFKLHYH WKHLU GHVLUHG ÁH[LEOH RQ WKH OLPLWV LQ UHVSRQVH WR IHHGEDFN

received.

Misconceptions of Cashless Policy 7KH &%1 JRYHUQRU KDG DOVR SRLQWHG RXW WKDW WKHUH ZHUH PDQ\ PLVFRQFHSWLRQV DERXW WKH QDLUD UHGHVLJQ DQG FDVKOHVV SROLF\ ZKLFK needed to be resolved. +H H[SODLQHG WKDW WKH 1 1 1 1 DQG 1 FXUUHQF\ GHQRPLQDWLRQV UHPDLQHG OHJDO WHQGHU DQG ZHUH XQDͿHFWHG E\ WKH QDLUD UHGHVLJQ SROLF\ DGGLQJ WKDW WKH\ DUH available for use across the country.

He added that there are currently QR SURFHVVLQJ IHHV DSSOLHG WR FDVK GHSRVLWV VWUHVVLQJ WKDW XQOLPLWHG DPRXQWV FDQ EH GHSRVLWHG ZLWKRXW FKDUJH WR HQDEOH VHDPOHVV DQG XQUHVWULFWHG GHSRVLW RI DQ\ QRWHV DͿHFWHG E\ WKH FXUUHQF\ UHGHVLJQ +H VDLG ´7KH SURFHVVLQJ IHHV RQ cash withdrawals are not new as WKHVH KDYH EHHQ LQ SODFH LQ /DJRV VLQFH DQG LQ WKH ÀYH RWKHU FDVK OHVV VWDWHV DQG )&7 VLQFH -XO\ ´7KH FKDUJH DSSOLHV RQ WKH H[FHVV RYHU WKH SUHVFULEHG OLPLW RQO\ and not on the entire transaction DPRXQW )RU LQVWDQFH D ZLWKGUDZDO RI 1 E\ WKH LQGLYLGXDO IHH LV PRUH WKDQ WKH 1 OLPLW WKDW LV 1 [ SHU FHQW 1 D ZLWKGUDZDO RI 1 E\ D FRUSRUDWH IHH LV PRUH WKDQ 1 OLPLW L H 1 [ SHU FHQW 1 ´7KH 3ROLF\ GRHV QRW SURKLELW FDVK WUDQVDFWLRQV DERYH WKH SUHVFULEHG limits. Such transactions shall attract WKH SURFHVVLQJ IHHV WR VHUYH DV DQ incentive for account owners to HPEUDFH PRUH H΀FLHQW HOHFWURQLF SD\PHQW FKDQQHOV ´7KH SROLF\ DSSOLHV QDWLRQZLGH LQ UHFRJQLWLRQ RI WKH SOHWKRUD RI

2WKHU %HQHÀWV RI &DVKOHVV (FRQRP\ $PRQJ RWKHU WKLQJV WKH &%1 ERVV QRWHG WKDW WKH EHQHÀWV RI WKH FDVKOHVV SROLF\ LQFOXGHG D ´UHGXFWLRQ RI FRVW RI FDVK PDQDJHPHQW SURFHVVLQJ PRYHPHQW VHFXULW\ GHVWUXFWLRQ RI ROG QRWHV ZKLFK LV RIWHQ SDVVHG RQ LQGLUHFWO\ WR 1LJHULDQV LQFOXGLQJ HOLPLQDWLQJ WKH SK\VLFDO ULVN RI FDVK ² UREEHU\ NLGQDSSLQJ WHUURULVPµ He said a cashless society would further SURPRWH 1LJHULD·V SRVLWLYH UHSXWDWLRQ IRU ÀJKWLQJ PRQH\ ODXQGHULQJ DQG WHUURULVW ÀQDQFLQJ DGGLQJ WKDW FDVK OLPLWV DUH UHFRJnised in anti-money laundering laws due to their role in advancing these illegal activities. +H VDLG WKH FDVKOHVV SROLF\ ZLOO UHGXFH LQFLGHQFHV RI FULPH ² DUPHG UREEHU\ NLGQDSSLQJ WHUURULVP ÀQDQFLQJ DGYDQFH IHH IUDXG JUDIW UDQVRP SD\PHQW DQG H[WRUWLRQV DQG GHHSHQ WKH 1LJHULDQ SD\PHQW V\VWHP WKURXJK PRUH LQQRYDWLRQ DQG FKHDSHU FRVWV ² ZKLFK ZRXOG DOVR LPSDFW 1LJHULDQV SRVLWLYHO\ (PHÀHOH VDLG WKH &%1 KDG FRPPHQFHG QDWLRQZLGH VWDNHKROGHU HQJDJHPHQW DQG VHQVLWLVDWLRQ WR SURPRWH XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI WKH FDVKOHVV SROLF\ SDUWLFXODUO\ LQ UXUDO DUHDV PDUNHWV DQG XQGHUVHUYHG FRPPXQLWLHV DFURVV WKH VL[ JHRSROLWLFDO ]RQHV RI WKH FRXQWU\ WKDW VWDQG WR EHQHÀW WKH PRVW $FFRUGLQJ WR KLP WKH &%1 %DQNHUV &RPPLWWHH DQG 6$1() ZLOO LQWHQVLI\ DJHQW UROORXW DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ HVSHFLDOO\ in underserved locations) and enhance agents’ ability to carry out a wider variety RI ÀQDQFLDO VHUYLFHV LQ DGGLWLRQ WR FDVK LQ DQG FDVK RXW HOHFWURQLF FDUG GLVWULEXWLRQ ZDOOHW DFFRXQW RSHQLQJ %91 RQERDUGLQJ ELOOV SD\PHQW HWF ZLOO DOVR EH HQKDQFHG +H DGGHG WKDW WKH &%1 VKDOO FRQWLQXH WR EH ÁH[LEOH LQ LWV LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI D FDVKOHVV SROLF\ DQG PRQLWRU LWV LPSDFW HVSHFLDOO\ RQ YXOQHUDEOH VHJPHQWV RI VRFLHW\ EXW HQVXUH WKH PXOWLSOH DGYDQWDJHV are achieved. $PLGVW LQFUHDVLQJ SRYHUW\ DQG YXOQHUDELOLWLHV DPRQJ 1LJHULDQV WKH &%1 KDG FRPPLWWHG WR GHHSHQLQJ ÀQDQFLDO LQFOXVLRQ RYHU WKH \HDUV DQ DPELWLRQ WKDW KDV UHFRUGHG ERWK PLOHVWRQHV DQG FKDOOHQJHV DPLGVW HͿRUWV WR PHHW VHW WDUJHWV 3UHVLGHQW %XKDUL UHFHQWO\ DW WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO )LQDQFLDO ,QFOXVLRQ &RQIHUHQFH WKHPHG ´)LQDQFLDO ,QFOXVLRQ IRU $OO 6FDOLQJ ,QQRYDWLYH 'LJLWDO 0RGHOVµ VKRZHUHG DFFRODGHV RQ WKH &%1 *RYHUQRU DQG RWKHU VWDNHKROGHUV IRU WKHLU FRQWULEXWLRQV WRZDUGV SURPRWLQJ DQG GHHSHQLQJ ÀQDQFLDO LQFOXVLRQ LQ WKH FRXQWU\ %XKDUL DFNQRZOHGJHG WKH UROH RI ÀQDQFLDO inclusion in achieving his administration’s HFRQRPLF DJHQGD LQFOXGLQJ WKH HPSRZHUment of vulnerable Nigerians as well as OLIWLQJ WKHP RXW RI SRYHUW\ DQG ERRVWLQJ the country’s economic fortunes. +RZHYHU (PHÀHOH DV FKDLU RI WKH National Financial Inclusion Steering &RPPLWWHH KDG ZRUNHG WUHPHQGRXVO\ WR DFKLHYH D SHU FHQW ÀQDQFLDO LQFOXVLRQ UDWH RYHU WKH SDVW IHZ \HDUV 7KH FHQWUDO EDQN KDG IXUWKHU VHW D QHZ WDUJHW WR DWWDLQ SHU FHQW LQFOXVLRQ E\ (PHÀHOH PDLQWDLQHG WKDW ÀQDQFLDO LQFOXVLRQ UHPDLQHG NH\ WR HFRQRPLF GHYHORSPHQW DQG LQFOXVLYH JURZWK VWUHVVLQJ WKDW WKHUH LV D SRVLWLYH FRUUHODWLRQ EHWZHHQ WKH ÀQDQFLDO LQFOXVLRQ UDWH RI D FRXQWU\ DQG LWV *'3 JURZWK

18

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22 , 2022

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7UDQVIRUPLQJ %XVLQHVVHV 7KURXJK +HDOWK\ &XVWRPHU 5HODWLRQVKLSV Equipped with a degree in Engineering from the University of Nsukka (UNN) and an MBA from the Harvard Business School, Ugonwa Nwoye, has built her wealth of experience in business development and customer relations for over 20 years. Currently serving as the Chief Customer 5HODWLRQV 2΀FHU DW 071 1LJHULD 1ZR\H VKDUHV KHU SURYHQ VWUDWHJ\ IRU VWUHQJWKHQLQJ FXVWRPHU relations and keeping customers happy in this encounter with <LQND 2ODWXQERVXQ

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ould you say there is D GHÀQLQJ H[SHULHQFH WKDW KDV SUHSDUHG \RX for this role that you KDYH KHOG VLQFH " I have had a long working experience spanning over 25 years. All the companies that I have worked in are service organisations, so I KDYH FRQVLVWHQWO\ LQWHUIDFHG ZLWK GLͿHUHQW W\SHV of stakeholders throughout my professional life. , VWDUWHG DV DQ RLOÀHOG VHUYLFHV HQJLQHHU ZKHUH my clients were oil companies. After business school, I moved on to strategy consulting where I workedwithseveralclientsincludinggovernment organisations. I joined MTN about 20 years ago as a product manager responsible for customer relationship management services in market ing. My job was to create products, features and services that endeared our customers to the MTN brand.

0\ WHDP DQG , GHYHORSHG WKH ÀUVW OR\DOW\ programme that MTN launched, and I think it ZDV SUREDEO\ WKH ÀUVW LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ , GLG WKDW sort of work for 10 years and then began my current role. You’d see that I have had a pretty ORQJ H[SHULHQFH ZRUNLQJ DQG VHUYLQJ GLͿHUHQW stakeholders and now I am really happy to have a role where I directly serve the largest stakeholder JURXSLQJ WKH FXVWRPHUV DQG ZKHUH , OHDG WKH work to create the MTN customer experience.

I have built my experience over time and in HDFK RI WKRVH SHULRGV , KDYH VHUYHG GLͿHUHQW FXVWRPHUV :LWKLQ P\ GLͿHUHQW UROHV LQ 071 I was creating services to directly improve the satisfaction and loyalty of our customers, even though it was within the product and market ing context. The work that I did there was to create services and loyalty programmes for our customers and in doing that, I built a lot of relationships not only with customers but with WKH IURQWOLQH VWDͿ I have had the opportunity to work with the front line and I understand what our custom ers want. I think the roles that I have held have exposed me to the idea that our customers are central to what we do. :KDW GRHV FXVWRPHU UHODWLRQV PHDQ WR \RX DV D SHUVRQ" 'R \RX VHH LW DV MXVW D UROH \RX KDYH WR SOD\ RU LW LV HPEHGGHG LQ \RXU SHUVRQDOLW\" At MTN, we believe that the customer is central to our business and entire existence.

The customer experience is a vital enabler for innovation, and for sustaining our business into the future. We believe the customer is central to GHFLVLRQ PDNLQJ DQG SODQQLQJ RXU WHFKQRORJ\ layer and platforms, and to how we design and deliver products and services, how we acquire and grow custom, and how we sell and serve. ,W LV WKH HQG WR HQG YLHZ RI RXU FXVWRPHUV DQG how they want to interact with our business, the propositions that they want, etc. I would say it is quite encompassing, an integral part of our value proposition. +RZ GR \RX HQVXUH WKDW \RX PDLQWDLQ D UHODWLRQVKLS WKDW LV PXWXDOO\ EHQHÀFLDO IRU \RX DV DQ RUJDQLVDWLRQ DQG IRU WKH FXVWRPHU" It begins with our aspirations, always. MTN wants our customers to have a modern, progres sive and connected life. We want our customers inAfrica and in the middle east to have improved trajectories of economic and social success in their life. We know that what we do has the

m micro surveys towards our customers every time they touch us. We have teams who delve ti into the data that we receive from measuring in the customer experience at these touchpoints. th

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SRWHQWLDO WR LPSURYH WKH VRFLR HFRQRPLF VWDWXV of all our customers across our footprint. What we then ask ourselves is: what is a modern and connected life for our customers?

MTN Nigeria does a lot of research and activi ties to know our customers deeply and to gain insight into what their daily lives are and to understand the personal lives and aspirations of our customers at every point in their lives.

We then try to connect that with what we do.

We know that we have a responsibility to provide not only connectivity but progressive modernity. We connect our customers to things like education, art, music, and the way we validate what we are doing is that we stay very close to them not just through research but by listening and interacting with them.

Talking about the temperament and persona of the customer, I’m sure that you are familiar with the general nature of the Nigerian customer. Nige rians are known to be very assertive and perhaps demanding, especially where they have invested their money. How do you manage situations before they escalate into online outrage? How quickly do you respond to customer feedback?

We believe strongly in the gift of customer feedback. Some people say that feedback is the breakfast of champions. We listen intently. We have CEOs that listen to phone calls from our customers as part of understanding the pulse of our customers. We love that our Customers are assertive. We (our Customers) want things done for us as quickly as possible, still, we know that our customers are not unreasonable people VR ZH WU\ WR ÀQG RXW WKH YHU\ URRW RI ZKDW FDQ make them happy.

One of the things that make customers happy is responsiveness, we make sure that we try to understand the journeys that they go through,

proactively. We provide multiple channels for interaction with our customers: traditional channels (some of our customers still call us on our Call Centre at 180). Our customers call XV LQ ÀYH ODQJXDJHV DW WKH FDOO FHQWUH RU WKH\ can also go to our stores. Over time we have expanded beyond traditional channels; we want to be everywhere you go. So, we also have digital channels – our super app, called myMTN NG, our chatbot, called Zigi, and our social handles, @myMTN180 on Twitter, @mtnng on Instagram, etc. Most young people prefer digital engage PHQW EXW WKHQ \RX ÀQG ROGHU JHQHUDWLRQV XVLQJ WhatsApp and Facebook. We make sure that we make our customers happy as quickly as possible by being responsive.

At the highest level at MTN, everyone is interested in what is called our net promoter score (NPS). It is the gauge of our customer experience and an indicator of earned growth; every day we, as well as independent research DJHQFLHV VDPSOH RXU FXVWRPHUV MXVW WR ÀQG RXW about their perception of our brand and our services, and to gain insight into areas that drive or reduce advocacy. We have what we call inner and outer loop processes within the organization to synthesise insights from our NPS studies, to prioritise and drive actions across the business.

MTN for more than ten years has invested in a methodology called the net promoter score. :H DUH SUREDEO\ WKH ÀUVW LQ $IULFD WR HPEUDFH that methodology. It helps us to measure on an RQ JRLQJ EDVLV KRZ RXU FXVWRPHUV IHHO DERXW RXU business and it is a very simple methodology.

We simply ask if they would promote or detract from MTN. We have a full set of governance that report directly to the CEO to dig into what our customers are saying. We also have a “Voice of our customer” programme where we initiate

+RZ LV \RXU GD\ WR GD\ SODQ UHODWH WR FXVWRPHU VD VDWLVIDFWLRQ DQG KRZ GR \RX HYHQWXDOO\ EXLOG OR ORQJ WHUP UHODWLRQVKLSV ZLWK WKH FXVWRPHU" We know that a happy customer relates with us u for a long time (we have some customers who have h been with us since 2001) and we lead the way w in investment in technology (3G, 4G and now n 5G), and create our products and services, SDUWQHU ZLWK OLNH PLQGHG SDUWQHUV ZLWK WKLV LQ S mind. m For example, we know that the education of our ou customers’ children is important to them and that th is why we have invested in education as part RI WKH 071 P3XOVH SODQ DQG DOVR VLJQLÀFDQWO\ R as a focus of the MTN Foundation. We have the th strongest roaming propositions to enable our o customers to achieve their full potential in their th business lives and personal endeavours, everywhere. ev Connecting to the world matters to our Customers, so we invest in broadband propositions, and launch 5G services, etc. p We have various ways that we sustain the relationship re with our customers. We check regularly on the health of the relationship that re we w have with them, through the NPS studies I PHQWLRQHG EHIRUH EXW DOVR WKURXJK LQ SHUVRQ P SURJUDPPHV DW GLͿHUHQW ORFDWLRQV DFURVV 1LJHULD S DW GLͿHUHQW WLPHV 6RPH RI WKHVH SURJUDPPHV DW are ar targeted, and others we run at scale.

We make sure that we are visible and available to our customers because we strongly believe that way, w we create strong bonds, and the health of our businesses b is assured. We have youth forums on campuses ca across Nigeria, and we have forums with w older customers for example. We have one where w we celebrate people who are over 70 and ZH LQYLWH WKHP WR RXU VWRUHV DQG R΀FHV :H KDYH Z activities ac with children online and in our stores.

We W want to be involved at every stage in our customers’ lives and to have healthy, productive cu relationships re with them. +RZ KDYH WHFKQRORJ\ DQG LQQRYDWLRQ KHOSHG WR WR HQKDQFH FXVWRPHU UHODWLRQVKLSV" Technology has powered change in the last two tw decades, globally. GSM brought the huge potential p for changing business processes and the th way we relate with each other for example.

It has changed the way we live, work and play.

GSM introduced the idea of call centres to 1LJHULD ² D ODUJH VFDOH FHQWUH ZKHUH ZH FDQ 1 make calls to someone to serve us. But after m a few years, as technology evolved across the world and social channels grew, we began to w grow our channels to serve customers. Over the g past p 20 years, we have increasingly digitized the way w we think and do business at MTN. We are transforming the business into a digitally agile tr WHFK FR FRPSDQ\ :H LQWURGXFHG GLJLWDO FKDQQHOV WH like li myMTNApp and the MTN Market place.

Increasingly our customers moving from the In traditional call centre and physical store chan tr nels n to the digital channel to transact or connect with w other people. Last year we introduced Zigi.

Technology has improved the way people are T interacting including MTN. It is more convenient in because of the power and ubiquity of digital b channels, tools and platforms. ch See concluding part on www. thisdaylive.com S

19

T H I S DAY,, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 22, 2023

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

EMAIL: AYO.AROWOLO@THISDAYLIVE.COM PHONE: 08086447494( SMS ONLY)

2023: Fasten Your Seatbelt; Bumpy Ride Ahead

A

new year is here and it is like none other. Nigerians should prepare for a bumpy ride because the year is loaded with landmark events that would redefine the course of the country in significant ways. Apart from being an election year, a population census is also on the cards and the vexing issue of petroleum subsidy must be decided one way or the other in 2023. How these issues are resolved would determine whether the country sinks or floats in the next decade and beyond.

In this edition, we asked Tunde Lemo, former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Chairman of Titan Bank, to put on his binoculars, take a peep into 2023, and share his thoughts with us. Please enjoy.

Elections and population census are high stake activities in Nigeria and both had often resulted in political crises and violence in the past. The year is therefore filled with uncertainties.

INEC is doing its best but I have not seen enough sensitisation to prepare the minds of the citizens on the benefits of both activities.

ELECTIONS

The general elections, slated for next month, provide another opportunity for the electorate to renew the ‘employment’ of elected members of the government at state and federal levels. While some incumbent office holders would be presenting themselves for re-election, others such as President Muhammadu Buhari, would not be on the ballot having served the maximum term limit prescribed by the constitution Periodic elections make elected officials ACCOUNTABLE to the electorate and if the election process is CREDIBLE, OPEN and TRANSPARENT, the system benefits in the long run. If the process can be rigged, the system loses because elected officials will simply not bother to perform to the satisfaction of the electorate. All they will need to do is to steal enough money in office to buy future elections. There is, therefore, a positive correlation between economic development and the quality of the electoral process.

CENSUS

Interestingly, no national population census was conducted in almost 20 years when the norm is for a population census to be conducted at least once in 10 years. Accurate census is considered a major tool for planning and economic development. For instance, the USA redelineates constituencies to redistribute the number of representatives in each constituency, using objective criteria.

So, locations like Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which have been net beneficiaries of immigrants from other states would by now have more representatives at the National Assembly than other states that reported net emigration. The updated population figures also assist in the provision of infrastructure, sanitation, social facilities like schools and hospitals in the communities and so on.

Unnecessary politics and tribal sentiments don’t come into play but HARD DATA is needed for planning and development.

Elections and population census are high stake activities in Nigeria and both had often resulted in political crises and violence. The year is therefore filled with uncertainties. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is doing its best but I have not seen enough sensitisation to prepare the minds of the citizens on the benefits of both activities. Deployment of technology has assisted a great deal in making our elections more credible but a major concern remains that of VOTE BUYING. If we can do something about this, we would have significantly improved the system and, by extension, improved VOTERS TURNOUT.

THE ECONOMY

The economic landscape is not very impressive. Inflation is still at the high rate of 21.34 percent; exchange rate has been

Tunde Lemo

very unstable in the past few years and the gap between the parallel market and official rate is currently about N440, far more than the threshold acceptable internationally, even for managed currencies. Unemployment rate is 33% while the number of people living in multidimensional poverty rose to 133 million in 2022.

Besides, the new administration will be inheriting a debt profile of more than N77 trillion, inclusive of about N23 trillion unsecured ways and means advances from the CBN. Deficit financing is not abating.

More than 50 percent of the recently released 2023 Budget is expected to be financed by local and foreign loans. Meanwhile, foreign loans are becoming more difficult to negotiate in the light of Ghana’s recent default as well as rising interest rates in the OECD economies.

On the other hand, resorting to domestic borrowing will crowd out the private sector and raise the borrowing rate of the government to unsustainable levels.

Nigeria’s foreign loans need to be renegotiated ahead of due dates. We must not contemplate a DEFAULT as this can be fatal going forward. INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS DO NOT FORGET!

FUEL SUBSIDY

The Federal Government must be commended for not including petroleum subsidy in the budget beyond June 2023 because it is no longer realistic to continue to keep the subsidy, given the fiscal imbalances resulting from the subsidy claims. Presidential candidates of the three leading political parties have also indicated their desire to remove the petroleum subsidy, if voted

into power. This is a welcome development as this has not only drained government’s resources, it has prevented the full deregulation of the downstream sector.

We shall certainly have a bumpy ride in 2023. Nigerians should prepare to sacrifice more if they wish to have a solid foundation for a secured future and prevent a descent into insolvency (I hope it is not too late already). Any candidate that wins the presidential election in February should NOT be congratulated! We should simply greet and say: OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. MAY GOD TAKE YOU THROUGH THIS TRYING PERIOD. Petrol may sell for as high as N500 per litre, but this should not scare anyone since countries with lower per-capita income are already paying far more. Nigerians should perish the thought that petroleum products will become cheaper with the coming on stream of the DANGOTE REFINERY. It should be noted that the refinery will operate like any other refinery and would be paying international prices for its major inputs, including crude oil. Even if the crude oil is sold to the refinery in Naira, spare parts and additives would have to be purchased in hard currency.

Meanwhile, the advantage of proximity that will eliminate freight cost will not give more than seven percent price gain.

Nigerians must be ready to pay international prices for fuel just as they have been paying international prices for diesel and jet fuel.

The increase will only add between two and three percent to HEADLINE INFLATION, given the proportion of fuel in our CPI basket and the impact will be ONE OFF. Petroleum products which were hitherto being smuggled to the neighboring countries can now be officially exported to those countries and this will ease the pressure on forex and help in reserve accretion.

TAXATION

Taxes must also go up because Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio of just over 6 percent is about the least in Africa. Our comparators

Any candidate that wins the presidential election in February should NOT be congratulated! We should simply greet and say: OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. MAY GOD TAKE YOU THROUGH THIS TRYING PERIOD

have over 12 percent. The International Monetary Fund and other development partners have consistently been canvassing for higher Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with what obtains elsewhere. I strongly plead that the fiscal authorities should not just impose more taxes on those who have been paying, they should WIDEN the tax net to improve on tax compliance. The former will hurt growth and employment and is inflationary since the burden of tax will be passed to the consumers.

FATE OF NAIRA

Nigerians should also expect devaluation as the CBN pushes the official rates closer to the parallel market rates to reduce arbitrage opportunities. This is long overdue to bring order to the forex market and improve liquidity, among other benefits. Food prices may not decline too soon because of the security pressures in the north and global warming induced floods especially around the banks of rivers Niger and Benue. The Ukraine crisis, now almost a year old, will continue to exacerbate the food and energy crises globally and we shall be negatively impacted as about 30 percent of our wheat import is sourced from that corridor.

Interest rate is also expected to rise as the government grapples with loan restructuring and securitises the CBN’s ways and means advances. The bond announced by the president will have a coupon rate of nine percent and will not appeal to the public because it is long tenored - 40 years. Investors will definitely demand for far more than the 2-year government bonds which currently trade at around 12 percent. In the end, CBN may remain the SOLE INVESTOR of this SPECIAL BOND in the foreseeable future. We do not expect the CBN to depart from the present ‘hawkish’ mode anytime soon to rein in inflation. This will be a major monetary policy dilemma- the ‘impossible trinity’ of inflation, interest rates and exchange rate are all looking north!

The government should rein-in unnecessary expenditure at all levels. The ORONSAYE REPORT should be urgently implemented by the government. We must copy the Anambra State Government by patronising locally-made vehicles and other products. We must LEAD BY EXAMPLE. The new government must also be strong on prevention of oil theft from its first day in office. This will help to preserve forex earnings, shore up foreign reserve and by extension stabilise the value of the naira as well as reduce environmental pollution in the Niger Delta region. The current crude oil production level of 1.2 million barrels per day is just about two-thirds of our OPEC quota.

SECURITY

The incoming government must work hard to improve security of lives and property. A lot has been done to contain Boko Haram in the North East, but banditry and kidnapping are also serious enough to tackle head-on. The much needed Foreign Direct Investment can only be attracted if we improve National Security.

No doubt there are bumps ahead, but God will take us through. We shall end the year in praise. GOD BLESS NIGERIA.

20

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22 , 2022

INTERVIEW Saraki: Voting for APC in 2023 is Rewarding Failure In this interview on ARISE NEWS Channel, a former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, spoke on the chance of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party to retake power in next month’s presidential election. The former Kwara State governor took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress, describing the party as a failure and warning Nigerian against rewarding it with their votes in the poll. James Emejo brings excerpts:

Saraki

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hatisAtikuAbubakar’s path to victory, and what are his chances and that of PDP? First, I strongly believe that the 2023 election is a referendum on the performance of theAPC government and the party and I believe that a country like ours, a very progressive country with a lot of progressive individuals would never reward failure.

The question that Nigerians must ask is: Has this government and party failed or done well in the last seven years plus?

And let’s take the indices one by one because I want to stay on issues and move away from sentiments. In 2015, their promise to Nigerians was that

ZH ZRXOG ÀJKW LQVHFXULW\ ZH ZRXOG LPSURYH WKH economy, would create jobs for the youths – those were the major issues.

In 2015, if you can remember very clearly, issues of insecurity were limited to the North-east.

Since then, till today, we’ve seen insecurity in the North-west – farmers cannot go to their farms, people are being killed and kidnapped; we’ve seen herdsmen and farmers clash in the North-central and we’ve seen the highest level of oil theft in the South-south – and we’ve seen kidnapping. So, on the issue of security, they have not performed, they have failed.

Let’s take the economy, and again, I will take them one by one and I would challenge you, because you are all well- knowledgeable on these issues; let’s WDNH LQÁDWLRQ ² WKH LQÁDWLRQ OHYHO WRGD\ LV DERXW 16 per cent which was never like this in the time of PDP in the single digit. You have the highest

number of Nigerians below the poverty line at 133 million; it was not like that. Unemployment under PDP was about six per cent to seven per cent; today it is 33 per cent; youth unemployment about 40 per cent. Foreign Direct Investment if we are lucky may be just about $2 billion compared to $8 billion to $9 billion.

These are facts we cannot run away from; on the economy as well, the exchange rate was N200, the R΀FLDO UDWH ZDV SUREDEO\ 1 DQG WKH SDUDOOHO PDUNHW 1 ² WRGD\ R΀FLDO DERXW 1 DQG WKH black market N735. It’s never been like this. And these are facts.

When you take all these issues, they have failed and as they’ve failed as a political party, we cannot reward failure. So, I don’t even think that the race should be about APC; they’ve had an opportunity to make Nigerians’ lives better but they have not.

The question now goes as you’ve all asked – who next? Some would say oh, do we want to go back to PDP? Let’s talk about that back to PDP- the PDPdays.

The PDP days as I said, we had insecurity limited to just one part of the country. In the PDP days we are talking about, we had GDP growth of about six per cent to seven per cent. Now, we are seeing GDP growth of about two per cent, less than the population growth.

In the PDP days, we talked about, we had Foreign Direct Investment into this country – about $8 billion – and the largest economy in Africa. These were the PDP days, the exchange rate was not N700 inching to N1,000 at a time, these were the PDP days.

PDP days, the country was more united but now it is no more; now, it is normal in democratic settings that the populace has a choice, especially when you get tired of a party and you say oh, I want to try

21

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22 , 2022

INTERVIEW Saraki: Voting for APC in 2023 is Rewarding Failure another party. But when the party has failed, you come back to those they call the good days and WKDW LV ZKDW 3'3 RͿHUV XQGHU $WLNX $EXEDNDU When you talk about other parties, with great respect to them, to the individuals, particularly Peter. But don’t forget again that what we run in Nigeria, we run a presidential system. When you go to that ballot box on election day, you are voting for the party. Now, a party where from day one, you don’t have candidates in all the parliamentary seats; so, already from day one, there’s a recipe for disaster because you know that the executives and legislature are not going to have a majority.

And a lot of people when you ask them what is their concern, they tell you restructuring. These are things that need constitutional review. These are things that need you also to have a majority in the National Assembly. ,QYHVWRUV DUH QR ORQJHU VDWLVÀHG ZLWK ([HFXWLYH Orders. They want to see legislations to support investment. So, if as a small party, you don’t have a spread; we’ve seen our experience in 2015 – let’s move away from internship to reality and practicality.

The practicality – why APC has failed is because APC really was a special vehicle party to win elections, not a party that was built with cohesion. And so, a small party that does not have the spread across the country, even if it has a president and doesn’t have parliament from day one, we are not going to see what Nigerians what to see. The laws that would change the country, the laws that would PDNH WKH FRXQWU\ PRYH H΀FLHQWO\ Now, that takes me back to Atiku Abubakar.

In Atiku Abubakar, you have a candidate that is ready from day one to run, and you’ll say what do I mean by that- the experience he has is even at a federal level not sub-national. All the other candidates, with due respect to them, have been at best governors at the sub-national level. I have been a governor as well; but I will tell you from my experience as governor for eight years, and my experience as president of the senate, presiding RYHU 1LJHULDQV IURP GLͿHUHQW SDUWV RI WKH FRXQWU\ GLͿHUHQW ODQJXDJHV D GLͿHUHQW UHOLJLRQ DQG GLͿHUHQW culture. That experience, you don’t gain it at the sub-national because you’re a governor because if you’re a governor, it is not multi-ethnicity.

Do you think PDP has done enough; if elections were to happen today, where do you think the party and candidate are so strong to get the results required?

The PDPagain as a party and with the candidature we have with Atiku Abubakar, we will easily get our 25 per cent constitutional requirements across the country.

If you do any polling, or any discussions, you’ll ÀQG RXW WKDW ZH DUH HLWKHU FRPLQJ ÀUVW RU ZH DUH coming second in most of the states; South-south has always been a strong PDP area, and we will do very well in South-south. South-east - the challenge we have over there, of course, is Labour Party but we would still do well and take our 25 per cent.

We would do well in North-central, we will do well in North-west and North-east – you need four zones and by the time you have four zones, you will win the election. So, the four zones that we would win – we will win North-west, we would win North-east, we would win South-south and we would win North-central – those are the four zones and we would take our 25 per cent in more than 24 states; here’s no doubt in my mind about that.

You talked about the failure of the APC government on security, and economy. Why you believed that the PDP coming into power would make a GL;HUHQFH" <RX ZHUH HOHFWHG RQ WKH SODWIRUP RI the APC in 2015 when you were as senate president. Was that one of the reasons you left APC because of their ideology and how they handled the economy and security situation?

Yes, you can come in with the news but it has to be comprehensive. In France, when Macron came in, he was not part of the structure; but the movement there was not just on the executive, the people voted for even parliamentary candidates of that party. I am not saying there is anything wrong with that; what I am saying from what you’ve seen – the party itself started in April/May - these kinds of movements should have started earlier where it’s not just the president – that’s the point I am making – that it must also be the House of Assembly, National Assembly, where a party from day one, GRHV QRW KDYH FDQGLGDWHV ÀOLQJ DOO WKH SRVLWLRQV LQ the National Assembly, it’s already a problem and that’s the point I am making. I am not saying, I am not talking of structure in that sense. So, from day one, and based on my experience, and I am sure you’ve seen it – it means that government would QRW EH IXQFWLRQDO EHFDXVH GHÀQLWHO\ LW ZRXOG QRW have that support to be able to drive, because all this

ORRN DW WKH HFRQRP\ ² 1 WULOOLRQ GHEW SURÀOH The next president is bound to inherit it and an economically weak nation and we have a revenue challenge. What are the plans of the PDP presidential candidate to revive the economy, shore up revenue base and tackle the debt burden?

Saraki

is for what, to be able to drive these changes. So, what you’re promising as a presidential candidate – oh, when I get there, I will make sure states have powers, I will make sure that this happens – it can only happen when you have the support. And so, that’s the point I am making there.

Going back to the other question; as you can see, and you all know the history, I parted ways. I’ve said I was one of those that came and sold APC to Nigerians but I realised very early on that we are not going to deliver on the promises made and this was not what we promised Nigerians. We’d promised Nigerians as I said, that we would bring HPSOR\PHQW ZH ZRXOG ÀJKW LQVHFXULW\ DQG ZH would ensure we create enabling environment for investments – and these are not happening. And as such, there was no way my conscience would continue to stay at that party. I have said it many times, even those who are in that party cannot tell Nigerians that they have performed because the indices are there.

Of any of those things that I have said this morning if anyone can fault them – but for as long as you cannot fault any of those things I have said, that party has failed. And if it has failed, are we going to reward failure? I don’t think, in our lives, we don’t reward failures, in our homes, we don’t UHZDUG IDLOXUH LQ RXU R΀FHV ZH GRQ·W UHZDUG failure – they have failed.

The same way in 2015 when Nigerians taught PDP had failed, they voted for another party.

So, I am saying that no matter the propaganda, we must go back to content. Have they performed?

If they have failed, then the agenda or discussion we should be holding for the next four weeks is where do we go as Nigerians? Do we go to any RI WKHVH VPDOO SDUWLHV WKDW DUH RͿHULQJ D GUHDP RU their own vision or do we go to safe hands? I am saying that Atiku Abubakar is a safe hand today and because of the precarious position this country LV LQ ZH FDQQRW DͿRUG DQ H[SHULPHQW LQ

There are conversations that politicians have the penchant for jumping ships when they think things are not going right but that’s what they should be doing as it is done in other climes – stay within the boat and try and create the change. A typical example that was given is that Tinubu – that in spite of whatever might have been the errors of the current Buhari administration, he stayed there and contested so as to change whatever had gone wrong. Why wouldn’t you stay with APC and be part of the change within that would ensure that APC performs and delivers on its promise?

I am not saying they shouldn’t. The point is that the party has failed. Yes, he is asking for an

opportunity to be given a chance to repair. He says ¶, ZLOO FRQWLQXH ZKHUH %XKDUL KDV OHIW RͿ· WKDW·V what he is saying to Nigerians. But I am saying that with what Nigerians have been through, the pains, the hardship, it is not the time to go through that; Nigerians are looking for a better time; they are looking for a much fruitful future and so, it is a choice they have to make. What I am saying is that as Nigerians, we should still ask ourselves that this party has failed, and the candidate is saying I will improve on the failure, I will make it better but there are other options for Nigerians. The other option for Nigerians is to go to that party that in their time, the economy was much better, the country was more secure and we should go back to that.

As a Nigerian, do you think it will be fair in terms of equity to have another Hausa-Fulani as the next president of Nigeria?

I think it will be fair. The issues are that what is fair is a better Nigeria. Now, if you look at the number of years when power has been between the North and South between since 1999, particularly under this present republic, there hasn’t been that PXFK GLͿHUHQFH LW LV D GLͿHUHQFH RI IRXU \HDUV WKDW·V still on to the north to balance. So, there’s no large discrimination on one side. But what is fair now in my view – I sit down and I talk to Nigerians – it is a better life. Atiku Abubakar will provide that better life. Unfortunately, the reason why we got to where we are; where ethnicity and religion have become so paramount is again part of the failure of APC. Atiku Abubakar does not belong to that. Here is a man who if you look at his career, he’s lived in the North, he’s lived in the South, he’s surrounded by people from across the country – his focus would be pan-Nigerian and he’s been like that. And another issue against other candidates who have played regional politics mostly, he’s always put Nigeria ÀUVW 6R ZKDW LV IDLU LV ZLOO ZH JHW D EHWWHU 1LJHULD" I think we would get a better Nigeria with Atiku because he would be transparent, and he would not have a lopsided appointment; what has raised issues like this that people like you ask ‘is it fair?’

It is because of what we’ve seen the APC party do in appointments; you do appointments with disregard to certain parts of the country; you take certain actions as if certain parts of the country do not matter – that is what has aggravated why Nigerians feel like this. But more important than that is who would make Nigeria better? Who will unite this country? Who has friends across this country irrespective of tribe and religion? Because his antecedents have shown that.

Let’s talk about making Nigeria better…let’s

That’s huge, I mean if you can recollect, when 3'3 ZDV RͿ LQ WKH WRWDO GHEW SURÀOH ZDV DERXW N10 trillion, today as you rightly said, maybe they will tell you it’s N40 trillion but if you add Ways and Means, it’s about N77 trillion and you’re running at about 90 per cent of debt to revenue. That is because I remember when I was president of the senate when we had an economic recession. We organised a meeting with the private sector and one of the things we were driving then was investment, looking at assets where we can allow people to invest but this government discontinued it and decided to go on one line which is borrowing. There was no opportunity given to people to come and invest. So, the only opportunity if you don’t have the revenue was to borrow. Under Atiku Abubakar who has always said he would be private sector-driven, you would see investments coming in because there are lots of people that still want to invest in this country. But the language and attitude of the APC government has not encouraged them. So, three things are key; one, oil theft needs to be dealt with precisely and that’s why we’ve lost a great opportunity – oil-producing countries during this Russia-Ukraine war have had a great time; look DW $QJROD WKH\·YH EHQHÀWWHG IURP WKLV LW LV QRW acceptable and despite this, we are still having oil theft. That would stop and the corruption there would stop.

On the issue of foreign exchange, he has also said multiple rates would stop and that would encourage investments and people coming in. There are people who want to bring currency into the country but they are not going to come in when they know WKH R΀FLDO UDWH LV QRW UHDOLVWLF 6R \RX DUH WU\LQJ WR ensure that funds come in so there would be more money available. Thirdly, if you have the private sector leading infrastructure development, some RI WKH SULYDWH VHFWRUV FDQ WDNH LW RͿ \RXU KDQG DQG these are ways you can create jobs and then you start reducing your level of borrowing, and the only way to do that as I said where some of those SURMHFWV FDQ EHJLQ WR ORRN IRU RWKHU VRXUFHV RI ÀQDQFH which is equity, investment of the private sector.

7KH UHDOLW\ LV WKDW XQWLO \RX EXLOG FRQÀGHQFH LQ WKH private sector to invest in this country, this pathway which they are going, which is reckless – I mean \RX KDYH D EXGJHW GHÀFLW QRZ ZKLFK LV SHU cent. The Fiscal Responsibility Act that exists now, I am sure a lot of you don’t know; I remember I was SA Budget when I went to meet Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and I said I saw this law in Brazil WR GR ÀVFDO UHVSRQVLELOLW\ DQG KH VDLG EULQJ LW WR me and he moved for that law to be passed. And that law said you must not go above 2 per cent WR SHU FHQW RI ÀVFDO UHYHQXH WKLV JRYHUQPHQW LV UXQQLQJ SHU FHQW ² WKDW ZRXOG QRW KDSSHQ under Atiku Abubakar. He’ll bring down the level of borrowing and so, there would be some level of discipline. Now, if you also remember, under the PDP government that there was a lot of engagement with the private sector; I remover I was a young SA at that time – every Saturday, the president and the vice president, because he was chairman of the economic council, he used to meet with leaders RI GLͿHUHQW VHFWRUV DQG EXVLQHVV FRPPXQLW\ WKDW would come and tell them what were the issues WKH\ KDG WKDW ZDV DͿHFWLQJ EXVLQHVV $QG WKH\ ZLOO address them with technocrats. This is the kind of government that you are going to have with Atiku Abubakar – hands-on, private sector driven that will EULQJ FRQÀGHQFH IRU LQYHVWPHQW /RRN $IULFD LV VWLOO the continent for investment, we are lucky about that and so, if we get the message right – the body language if this government does not encourage any private sector person bringing in money and so the government has to fund everything but immediately you create that, the government would have to fund less, your foreign reserves would pick up, you would borrow less and also your revenues would go up. He has also said the issue of fuel subsidy is something that we have to let go of so your revenues will pick up.

And you were part of the people that left the PDP government and moved to APC; you said the government was better and then you left, isn’t it?

Yes, I did. Sometimes in life, you do take decisions, and it was done out of the interest of this country.

But, one was also bold and manly enough to say we made a mistake, this cannot take us there because the promises and expectations were not there.

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OPI NION

122

T H I S D AY MONDAYSunday MARCH 20222023 22 14, January, Vol 27. No 10148

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

ALONG PATHS OF FRIENDSHIP AND DEMOCRACY

EMMANUELLE BLATMANN and ANNETT GÜNTHER celebrate 60 years of the Elysée-Treaty

Atiku is Nigeria’s most preferred Presidential candidate, reckons TUNDE OLUSUNLE

ATIKU, EL-RUFAI, UDENTA AND THE VINDICATION OF ‘ESU ODARA’

S See Page 23

DANGOTE REFINERY AND THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY KANYA WILLIAMS writes the refinery will reduce pressure on foreign exchange demand in avoidable cost of imports

See Page 23

EDITORIAL ABIA STATE: DOCTORS WITHOUT WAGES

See Page 50

cholars are divided over what the most appropriate description and perception of *Esu* in Yoruba cosmology should be. The more widely held notion about *Esu,* is to make it the lexical parallel of Satan or the devil, in the English language. *Esu* within this context, connotes evil and devilry in all its ramifications.

He is the purveyor and conveyor of wickedness, mischief, anguish, grief, even negativity in totality. *Esu* in popular perception, is meanspirited, malevolent, devious, vile. The list goes on. This dimension to the *Esu* persona, considered as a “most controversial mixup” by some scholars, has been ascribed to his portrayal by Ajayi Crowther, the iconic linguist and Emeritus pioneer African Bishop of the Anglican Church. Crowther translated the Bible into Yoruba and also translated Yoruba into English. It has been posited that Crowther, in the dictionary, translated Satan as *Esu.* Unfortunately, as Christianity and Islam replaced African Traditional Religion, (ATR), the reference to *Esu* as Satan, gained ascendancy, following Crowther’s precedence.

Yoruba mythology, however, admits *Esu* as one of the *Orishas,* mediums and intermediaries between man and *Eledumare,* God in the Yoruba pantheon. Affiliate *Orishas* include *Ogun,* *Sango,* *Obatala,* *Esu,* *Osun,* among several others. But even this classification confers some ambivalence on the essential constitution and endeavours of the archetypal *Esu.* He is said to be a benevolent spirit who serves *Ifa,* the oracle who divines the future. He takes sacrifices through him to *Eledumare,* and brings his commands to men. He acts under his orders and punishes the wicked on his Principal’s behalf. *Esu,* however, is a multivalent medium, dreaded in his own right, for the vengeful mischief he can perpetrate. In this capacity, he is *Esu Odara* or *Esu Elegbara,* the unsparing evildoer.

It is necessary to lay this foundation against the backdrop of the quantum disinformation, misrepresentation, fables, falsehoods serially perpetrated against Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s First Vice President, in the subsisting Fourth Republic. Atiku has been repeatedly profiled for unsubstantiated malfeasance, unsustainable *grabbism,* primitive acquisition, vandalistic comsumptiveness, and similar labels. Atiku is the hardworking, high-flying presidential flagbearer of the major opposition political party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP), who is staking a formidable, full-chested claim to succeed the incumbent, Muhammadu Buhari.

This is Atiku’s fifth shot at the presidency and one in which he is very highly favoured to win deservedly. It has indeed been advanced that he won the 2019 election, by independent forensic accounts.

The respected public engager, scholar and professor Udenta Udenta, indeed advanced in a recent television interview, that Atiku ticks all the boxes in terms of his several attributes, competencies and capacities for the nation’s top job. His words: “The most suitable President Nigeria needs now is someone with a sense of urgency, who is ready in terms of preparation, someone who is fully aware of national

expectations. Every candidate comes with some bag, not just of expectations, but talent, assets and skill sets... Atiku Abubakar has been devoted to this quest for long. And for somebody to be devoted in his lifetime, almost the entirety of his adulthood in pursuit of a dream, means there is something deep in his heart that he wants to give the country. He gave part of it as vice president for eight years, effectively for four years because the second term was very turbulent with his boss.”

Udenta is not emotional about the originating address of Nigeria’s next president. He is objective enough to speak from his own dispassionate interrogation of the country’s sociopolitical situation. He continues therefore by submitting as follows: “Atiku’s undying passion to lead Nigeria, actually means he has the staying power, in terms of persistence, which is very key to unlock the potential of the nation. And being a vice president for the first term when the country was practically cut adrift from the international community, to restore the country back to the comity of nations with a sense of mission and purpose, I think he did very well. Whether as informal leader of the economic team or someone the president relied on so much to drive the government’s economic agenda, he seems to be best suited for the moment, in terms of who has the adequacy of experience and exposure and the network to get things done.”

The unfortunate narrative out there in the public sphere about Atiku, however, is of one whose hands are soiled in the lucre of state assets and resources, appropriated to self and cronies, while he was in office. These fabrications preclude the fact that Atiku, by his responsibilities as vice president, as speltout in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic, was actually and practically, severely constrained. The office and position, is an appendage to a president, and a strong one at that in Olusegun Obasanjo, on whose desk the buck stopped. Convoluted street talk in places, is of a man who desires the presidency as a personal laurel for the prosecution of an agenda for self-enrichment and personal aggrandisement.

Phantom figures have been concocted in relation to the manner of giveaways Atiku made of some highly prized national assets, under his watch as Chairman of the National Council for Privatisation, (NCP). The Ajaokuta Steel Complex in Kogi State; the National Aluminium Smelting Plant, Ikot-Abasi and the Nigeria Newsprint Manufacturing Company, Oku-Iboku, both located in Akwa Ibom State, among others, were allegedly auctioned to Atiku’s imaginary associates, going by the thread of these conjectures. Yet, government’s legally constituted agency entrusted with the responsibility of disposal of the assets was the Bureau for Public Enterprises, (BPE). Nasir ElRufai, outgoing governor of Kaduna State, was the Director-General and Chief Executive.

Every electoral cycle, so long as Atiku is on the ballot, these tales are recycled and fed into our ears. Yet Atiku has serially submitted himself to public inquisition to authenticate the veracity of the unfounded aspersions regularly cast on him. Till date, none, out of the Code of Conduct Bureau, (CCB), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFFC), or the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, (ICPC), have invited Atiku for a chat since he lost his immunity 17 years ago! Atiku has always desired to be clinically examined. He is in “a townhall, different from” the *balablu blublu bulaba* of his major challenger Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), on this score. Tinubu, reportedly, has held his affluent state in his pocket and his vice grip into its 24th consecutive year! He is the ultimate, a godlike figure, the chess-master who determines if his constituents breathe or not.

He actually wants to sneak into Aso Villa without facing the minimum request and expectation of Nigerians, for his participation in a question and answer engagement. As I type this, the social media is abuzz with a picture of Tinubu sleeping and snoring away, at a meeting of party leaders and presidential candidates, with the National Peace Committee, (NPC), in Abuja. Abdullahi Adamu, Chairman of Tinubu’s APC, participated on his behalf.

In an old short video clip dated August 11, 2011, which is making the rounds, El Rufai dismisses reports and allegations of Atiku’s interference or complicity in any form, with the privatisation exercise. According to him: “I swear to God, I am under oath, except for one time the vice president called me and said: *Look, I’ve got calls from A and B requesting we help this guy win this.* And I said: “Mr Vice President, you know the rules. Tell the guy to bid the highest price, because the highest price wins. And he said *I know, in case they contact you, I don’t want them to say I didn’t pass on their message.* That was the only time. Nobody tried to interfere with my work.” This is very germane to our thesis in this piece, about the eventual vindication of the much maligned *Esu Odara.* OLUSUNLE, PhD, poet, journalist, scholar and author, is Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to PDPpresidential candidate Atiku Abubakar

23

T H I S D AY SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2023

ALONG PATHS OF FRIENDSHIP AND DEMOCRACY Emmanuelle Blatmann and Annett Günther celebrate 60 years of the Elysée-Treaty

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KANYA WILLIAMS writes the refinery will reduce pressure on foreign exchange demand in avoidable cost of imports

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SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2023 • T H I S D AY

SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

ABIA STATE: DOCTORS WITHOUT WAGES

A

The Abia State authorities should hurry up and clear the mess

tragic misfortune has struck the Abia State public healthcare system. Last week, throngs of medical doctors marched to the Governor’s Lodge in Umuahia to protest over upwards of 25 months of unpaid salaries and allowances. The doctors have threatened that if their demands are not quickly met, they will return to Government House with corpses of their members now dying in large numbers because of avoidable hardship and poverty. That matters should come to this extreme indicates the level of frustration in the state healthcare system. The sight of numerous doctors on a picket line over months of unpaid wages can demoralise the populace even in the best of places. Worse still, when the barricade of doctors moves to the entrance gate of a governor’s lodge, it is a signal that desperate times have indeed arrived.

Unfortunately, the health sector is not alone in the serial neglect of the state government. Both Abia State Polytechnic at Aba and the Abia State University at Okigwe are in a similar situation. This is not to talk of the unspeakable plight of teachers in public primary and secondary schools as well as local government employees whose federal funds are reportedly hijacked by the state administration. The story is the same with pensioners. Many have since died after waiting endlessly for their pensions and gratuities.

Unfortunately, what is happening in Abia is symptomatic of the situation in most of the 36 states in Nigeria where public institutions have practically been run down. We are only zeroing in on the state because of the critical nature of the sector involved in this tragic drama. In a state public healthcare system, doctors and other critical care givers are the arbiters between the life and death of the populace on behalf of the political leadership. To ignore the livelihood of doctors is to erode the basic compassion of the state and its managers.

The plight of medical doctors which is in the present spotlight remains tragic. The 25-month default in the payment of salaries indicates a

disturbing lack of sensitivity on the part of the state government. But as it turns out, serial default in doctors’ salary payments is only a small part of the general dysfunction in the Abia State public healthcare system. Widespread dire and perennial scarcity of drugs and other essential supplies in the entire healthcare system of the state has become axiomatic. Many of the institutions are dilapidated and unmaintained.

The hope for life in situations of ill health is HPERGLHG LQ VDWLVÀHG GRFWRUV DQG RWKHU KHDOWK professionals when they are up and about their EXVLQHVV 7KH FRQÀGHQFH LQ WKHLU FDUULDJH WKH bounce in their steps and the overall contentment on their faces can sometimes UHVWRUH KRSH WR WKH DIÁLFWHG DQG LQÀUP (YHQ ZKHQ the inevitability of death stares us in the face, the UHDVVXUDQFHV RI FRQÀGHQW doctors or smiling nurses can become the last signals that hope is possible, and that life can be saved.

It is a different matter when doctors as ultimate care givers in a hospital system are hungry, deprived and are going for months on end with neither salaries nor allowances.

When those hired to support life become themselves harbingers of death and embodiments of frustration, life becomes precarious for the ordinary citizen ZKRVH FRQÀGHQFH LQ JRYHUQPHQW ZLWKHUV %HVLGHV hope in the prospect of surviving ill health diminishes when core health professionals become objects of pity, embodiments of want and images of a death foretold.

On this matter alone, the social contract which binds government, and the people can well be said to have collapsed in Abia State as it has in a few of our badly run states. The possibility that the current state administration can meaningfully tackle the looming disaster is worsened by the proximity of its exit. Yet, the responsibility of government does not expire because an administration is on its way out. Government obligations to the citizenry are SHUSHWXDO DQG LQÀQLWH 7KLV LV WKH ERXQGLQJ UHDVRQ why a responsible effort should be made to end the embarrassment of the unpaid salaries of doctors in Abia State public healthcare system.

When those hired to support life become themselves harbingers of death and embodiments of frustration, life becomes precarious for the ordinary citizen whose confidence in government withers

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LETTERS

2023:WHO DOES THE CAP FIT? It is just about a month to Nigeria’s biggest moment.

A nation holds its breath as it counts days to epic elections which will go a long way in determining whether it moves forward or backwards in its journey of nationhood.

That it has been quite the journey would be a massive understatement. There have been many occasions on which it looked like that journey would come to a shuddering halt.

That the journey has proceeded VRPHZKDW GHÀDQWO\ LV WHVWDPHQW WR WKH resilience of the country - an extraordinary UHVLOLHQFH WKDW KDV GHÀHG HYHQ WKH FDSULFHV of military rule.

The Nigerian military may have no direct role to play in the upcoming elections.

In fact, the provision of security for the elections should be left for sister security agencies. However, whether it is charged

with directly providing security for the elections or not, the ability of the Nigerian military to quell the storms building elsewhere will be key.

Since President Muhammadu Buhari DVVXPHG RIÀFH LQ WKH VWRUPV KDYH built up from year to year, each destructively more devastating than the last.

Before the man hailed as just what the GRFWRU RUGHUHG IRU 1LJHULD LQ FDPH RQ ERDUG 1LJHULDQV KDG VXIÀFLHQWO\ VWHZHG LQ bad leadership and were exhausted at last.

When a basket of rotten eggs was slapped on the face of the Peoples Democratic Party LQ WKH IRUP RI D KLVWRULF GHIHDW DIWHU \HDUV in power, Nigerians breathed a sigh of relief.

The hope around the country then was that with the breath of fresh air expected to come with power changing hands, a new lease of life beckoned on the country. Those hopes were desperately short-lived for it

took only a couple of months for even the most ardent advocate of change to realize that Nigeria had sold a hyena only to buy a hippopotamus.

A number of presidential candidates currently parade themselves before Nigerians, each laying claim to the FRXQWU\·V KLJKHVW RIÀFH %XW ZKR GRHV WKH FDS ÀW LI DQ\" 7KDW %ROD $KPHG 7LQXEX the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, is frequently mentioned in the VDPH EUHDWK ZLWK GUXJ UXQQLQJ ÀOOV TXLWH D large number of Nigerians with trepidation. +LV IDLOLQJ KHDOWK DQG ÁDLOLQJ ZRUGV KDYH many worried by the prospect of him cashing in on his bright chances at the polls to become Nigeria’s next President.

For Atiku Abubakar, the Wazirin Adamawa, who is having a sixth shot DW WKH FRXQWU\·V KLJKHVW RIÀFH D GLIÀFXOW childhood tending cattle in the bushes

of Jada make for a wonderful story. A veteran political combatant and former vice president, Nigerians worry about his seeming wanderlust and the undying whispers that wed him to corruption. In Peter Obi, many young Nigerians see the Nigerian president they have always wished and even prayed for. Visionary, visceral and vivacious, the former Anambra *RYHUQRU·V ÀJKWLQJ WDON DERXW 1LJHULD·V problem is promising.

Yet, many cite the relative obscurity of the Labour Party and Nigeria’s historic voting patterns to predict that it would take a miracle for the man who has stolen even many hearts to win. Whoever Nigerians settle for, there can be no mistake. The folly of the past cannot be reprised. Bad politicians must be denied access to Nigeria’s highest RIÀFH Kene Obiezu, @kenobiezu

SUNDAY JANUARY 22, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 22, 2023

GLITZ FOCUS

BBTitans: Nigeria, South Africa Reality TV Gods Meet Nothing less than earthshaking occurrences are expected at a meeting of the most brilliant and the strongest reality television stars from Africa’s two giant countries; Nigeria and South Africa. With an ultimate prize of $100,000, Vanessa Obioha writes that viewers would stay glued to their television sets in anticipation of exciting moments for the 72 days

Yvonne

Yemi Cregx

Yaya

Tsatsii

Thabang

Olivia

Jenni O

Nelisa

Nana

Mmeli

Khosi

Kanaga Jnr

W

hat happens when 20 titans are living under one roof? An explosion of entertainment and intense drama! Those were the words of the CEO of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe during the announcement of the new Big Brother Titans last year.

On Sunday, January 15, when the carpet rolled out and the new Big Brother titans, an interesting and diverse mix of individuals from South Africa and Nigeria, came on stage in their remarkable outfits and facial art, it became apparent that the inevitable clash of the titans would be unfolding on TV for 72 days. Even the hosts Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Lawrence Maleka could not hide their amazement.

Amapiano versus Afrobeats? Zulu dance versus leg work? A Naija and Mzansi wedding? The coming days are filled with surprises as expected from the Big Brother show.

The reality TV show is the most popular on the continent with Big Brother Naija taking the lead. But before the birth of BBNaija, as it is popularly known, there was Big Brother Africa which brought different personalities from different parts of Africa to participate in the show. Although rested for a while, the Big Brother Titans are expected to bring back the fun elements, cultural display and drama of the two giants of Africa, Nigeria and South Africa. Themed Ziyakhala Wahala, a high dosage of drama is expected. Keeping up with its tradition of choosing a distinctive array of individuals with appealing and shocking personality traits, the organisers threw their net wide to capture an inclusive set of housemates. There is the nurse, an albino, a model, a rugby player, a sales executive, and a host of others in the battle for $100,000.

Below are the brilliant and entertaining housemates who will be captivating viewers across Africa.

The Journalist/Academician Khosi (South Africa) The 25-year-old Khosi from KwaZuluNatal described herself as a very educated woman. To prove her penchant for academics, she revealed that she already has two degrees and is working on her masters. You may

Justin

Blaqboi

bubu.

call her a bookworm but add to that list a fun and loving journalist and a lover of everything Nigeria. It is no wonder that she is dating a Nigerian man and already has a romantic relationship building up with one of the Nigerian housemates, Yemi Cregx. Besides loving Naija men, Khosi is looking forward to cooking Nigerian food. Jollof rice anyone?

The Fashion Influencer Yemi Cregx (Nigeria) Thirty-year-old Yemi Cregx from Ekiti State is personable. The business strategist seems to have what it takes to make women melt in his arms. Or how else could he have gotten Khosi singing ballads in his arms? The model and actor is highly competitive, and this may come off as snobbish but you know what they say about good-looking men, they always wear their hearts on their sleeves. The fashion Influencer is interested in learning more about South Africans.

The Charismatic Rugby Player Juicy Jay (South Africa) Whether you call him Siya or Juicy Jay, it does not detract from his cool disposition. The 24-year- old semi-pro rugby player from Eastern Cape in South Africa, got the looks and is not shy about it. Only a confident person will remain shocked each time he looks at himself in the mirror. Juicy Jay is your go-to gist partner and if you want to live life on the edge, call him. He is interested in learning Nigerian culture, especially our food. With the Nigerian female housemates in the house dominating the kitchen, Juicy Jay will have no trouble picking up our unique delicacies. He just needs to have an eclectic palate.

The Glam Girl Olivia (Nigeria) Twenty-three-year-old Olivia from Anambra State just wants to have fun. The aspiring actress and influencer got a wild side that viewers may not want to miss. Of course, her eyes are also set on the grand prize.

The Cool Model Mmeli (South Africa) At first glance, Mmeli suggests a levelheaded model but do not be misled. He is streetsmart and has a naughty side. His competitive spirit was seen last week when he emerged the winner of the Head of House (HoH) task and gained immunity. The 25-year-old content creator and model from Hillbrow, Johannesburg can’t wait to visit Nigeria.

The Aspiring Filmmaker Blaqboi (Nigeria)

Juicy Jay

It is no wonder that Blaqboi is a storyteller, having hailed from one of the states in Nigeria, Plateau which used to be the hub of filmmaking.

The 26-year-old aspiring filmmaker finds it hard to express his feelings.

However, his joy at flying out of Nigeria for the first time could not be concealed at the launch show. Hopefully, he’d get a good adventure at the Big Brother Titans house, and perhaps, eventually learn how to cook.

The Cerebral Bioengineer Tsatsii (South Africa) At age 24, Tsatsii, an aspiring Bioengineer, has set her academic goals. She is studying two degrees simultaneously: electrical engineering and medical sciences (microbiology, biotechnology). A sight for sore eyes, Tsatsii is equally curious about life and what better place to start than in Big Brother’s House.

The Hustler Nana (Nigeria) Life may have thrown a lot of lemons at Nana, a 22-year-old entrepreneur from Kaduna State but she is bent on making lemonades out of them. Having dropped out of school due to a lack of financial aid, the young girl went into business.

Although soft-spoken, Nana is not timid.

She’s simply in the game to win the prize and help her family from impecuniosity.

The Introvert Lawyer Ipeleng (South Africa) Ipeleng originally hails from the North West, now in the Gauteng province, South Africa. She is a law student and aspiring content creator. Nicknamed an amazon because of her height and curves, Ipeleng is good-humoured and an introvert. Her interests lie in philosophy, and like her fellow citizens, cannot wait to visit Nigeria.

She is 25.

The Chemical Engineer Marvin (Nigeria) Arguably, 29-year-old Marvin fits the description of a titan. With his eye-popping physique and looks, Marvin is topping the list of handsome

Lukay

Marvin

Jaypee

Ipeleng

Nigerian men in Biggie’s house. The model and a chemical engineer is hoping he will find a girl in the house to take to Mama. Wedding bells!

The Happy-go-lucky Photographer Justin (South Africa) Justin is 21 and hails from East London.

Justin, whom many have likened his looks to WWE superstar Bray Wyatt, is happy to be in the reality show for a good reason: his likes are hardly seen on television. He described himself as a quiet person as long as the bottle is not reachable. He is also a family guy who once paid off his family’s debt.

The Hype King Kanaga Jnr (Nigeria) Kanaga Jnr needs no introduction. He took over the stage with his infectious personality, dancing and emceeing as if he was already in the spotlight. His boyish charm is his talisman and he is unabashed to unleash it on older women. Athletic and candid, the 23-year-old actor and model is in the game for fun and fame.

The Afro-centric Lukay (South Africa) Lukay raised a few eyebrows when he decided to dress as Zamunda king. He is reserved and described himself as brutally honest. A sales executive, Lukay moved to KwaZulu-Natal to re-establish a relationship with his parents.

The Jovial Actor and Model Ebubu (Nigeria) From the moment he came on stage, Ebubu, the 28-year-old albino actor and model from Anambra State delighted fans with his antics. Ecstatic to be in the house, the creative enthusiast promises to entertain viewers. His inclusion was lauded by viewers as he is the first albino to participate in the reality TV show.

The Dynamite Nelisa (South Africa) Nelisa is pretty and confident. The 25-yearold described herself as the main character in the Big Brother Titans house and loves dark and handsome men. She may not be a towering titan but is definitely a dynamite given her lively and spunky character.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 22, 2023

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GLITZ ENTERTAINMENT

The Academy to Reveal 2023 Oscar Nominees Tuesday Stories by Vanessa Obioha The race for Oscar’s Best Picture will officially begin on Tuesday, January 24, when the Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences unveils nominees for the 95th ceremony. ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ which won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy is one of the faves expected to make the expanded Big Picture category. Other notable predictions for the Best Picture include Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’, James Cameron’s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water ‘, Tom Cruise’s ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.

Viola Davis, Cate Blanchett, and Michelle Yeah are among the names predicted for a nod in the Best Actress category, while Colin Farrell, Tom Hanks and Brenda Fraser may be nominated for Best Actor.

Last year’s ceremony saw female director Jane Campion take the Academy Award for Best Director. It is unlikely that the award will go to a woman again this year as the category may boast more male contenders.

Academy Award winner Riz Ahmed, and actress Allison Williams will announce the Oscar nominations.

The 95th Academy Awards is scheduled for March 12 and will be hosted by TV host Jimmy Kimmel.

Riz Ahmed & Allison Williams to unveil Oscar nominees

Netflix Drops One Film a Week Plan

Netflix’s Executive Chairman Reed Hastings

In its latest fourth-quarter earnings announcement, Netflix unveiled 49 films for its 2023 film slate. This is a departure from its release of one film a week in the previous year. The streaming giant released a total of 61 English-language, liveaction titles; five animated features; three anime films; and 17 live-action movies in other languages last year. This year, Netflix is offering viewers new and returning titles. They

include ‘Chupa’, ‘Extraction 2’, ‘Heart of Stone’, ‘Pain Hustlers’, ‘Leo’, ‘Murder Mystery 2’, and a host of others.

Netflix also disclosed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex documentary ‘Harry & Meghan’ is its second most successful documentary series ever, while ‘Stranger Things 4’ and ‘Wednesday’ recorded one billion hours of views. Also on the Top 10 Most Popular English Language TV seasons ever are ‘Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’, ‘Bridgerton S2’ and ‘Inventing Anna’.

‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ which was released last year is among the Top 10 Most Popular English Language Films ever while in the non-English category, ‘Troll’ (Norway) and ‘Loving Adults’ (Denmark) are among the films.

Also, South Korea’s ‘All of Us Are Dead’ is among the streamer’s Top 10 most popular non-English TV Shows ever.

Korean titles, according to recent data, were consumed by over 60 per cent of Netflix subscribers last year. The streamer will be releasing about 34 Korean TV series, films and unscripted shows. They include ‘Destined With You’, ‘Unlocked’, ‘The Devil’s Plan’ and ‘In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal’ Netflix also added 7.7 million subscribers in the last quarter of 2022. The streamer now has 231 million subscribers, and generated about $7.85 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter, a nearly 2 percent increase from a year earlier. The company generated about $55 million in profit.

For the first quarter of 2023, Netflix forecast a revenue growth of 4% and will roll out paid sharing more broadly.

The company announced too that one of its founders Reed Hastings will be ceding his co-chief executive title. He is now Netflix’s executive chairman while Greg Peters, the company’s chief product and chief operating officer, will join Ted Sarandos as a co-chief executive. In addition to these changes, Bela Bajaria, formerly Head of Global TV, has become Chief Content Officer and Scott Stuber has become Chairman of Netflix Film.

Nigerian Idol Returns for Eighth Season MultiChoice Nigeria recently announced the commencement of the singing competition Nigerian Idol with a call for online auditions.

Over 40,000 entries were received last season with 12 contestants making it to the live show.

“Season eight promises to be bigger and more entertaining than other seasons,” said Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola. “Last year, after a fierce battle between Progress and Zadok, the former emerged as the winner, and we are looking for more talents who will pack the heat the way our contestants in season seven did.”

The Nigerian Idol season eight winner will walk away with a N30 million cash prize, among other rewards and the season is expected to debut in April.

Hosts with the Most Swag on TV Last year saw a significant number of TV hosts dominating the screens. From hosting reality TV shows to talk shows, these are the TV hosts that will dominate the TV space this year.

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu:

Undeniably the most popular media personality in Nigeria, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu is starting 2023 with the new Big Brother Titans. A regular face on Big Brother Naija, ObiUchendu is sharing the spotlight this time with his South African counterpart Lawrence Maleka. The media personality has also hosted several episodes of Rubbin’ Minds and Judging Matters.

Ik Osakioduwa:

Arguably one of the most iconic media personalities of the past decade, Ikponmwosa Osakioduwa has an enviable portfolio having hosted the Big Brother Africa for six years, the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant for five years, Rhythm Unplugged and Comedy Club: Live in Lagos for four years and The Voice Nigeria for 2 consecutive years.

He has been the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCAs) only male host for the past eight years as well as hosting the music competition TV show Nigerian Idol for two years. He is expected to return as the host for Nigerian Idol and the AMVCAs in 2023.

Gbemi Olagbegi-Olateru and Toolz Oniru-Demuren

These brilliant ladies have built one of the most successful Nigerian TV shows together after connecting on the radio years ago. Both ladies became famous as on-air personalities.

Toolz joined Beat FM in April 2009 and is perhaps best known for anchoring The Midday Show. Gbemi resumed a few months later, in August 2009. In 2019, they began releasing the Off-Air Show on YouTube, based on popular demand from fans that had listened to them for almost a decade on the

radio.

In 2022, the ladies moved the show to television on Africa Magic. They started by airing old episodes of the show on Africa Magic Urban. They later signed a deal with MultiChoice to shoot a brand new season, especially for Africa Magic. The brand new season started airing on Thursday, November 3, 2022, and has been making waves with the most amusing and hard-hitting chatter about trending topics in entertainment and everything in between.

Oladotun Kayode (Do2Dtun):

Dotun is a multimedia personality, video jockey, hypeman, events compere, and entertainment entrepreneur. He has fortuitously made a name for himself in the African entertainment scene.

When he first joined Industry Night in 2009, he wanted hypemen to become the ‘life of the party’, the most essential component of a show valued on par with a performing artiste. When he travelled with Star Trek in 2016, he became the first major ‘hypeman’ to be paid independently to anchor a major show. Now, Do2Dtun is known as the ‘Hypeman of the century’. For the past three years, he has successfully hosted the biggest party show in Africa, Turn Up Friday on Africa Magic. The hypeman has already kicked off the year with more energetic shows.

Bisola Aiyeola:

Having been on TV right from her days on Project Fame and then becoming a household name when she emerged as a runner-up on Big Brother Naija in 2017, Bisola has continued to grow and improve her skills since she started hosting the Africa Magic dating show, ‘Shoot Your Shot’, in November 2020.

The actress is the host of ‘Family Feud Nigeria’ show which launched in Nigeria in 2022. . The award-winning actress will likely continue hosting both TV shows all year long.

Chude Jideonwo:

Chude Jideonwo has developed a reputation for being one of Nigeria’s most revered interviewers. Last year, he moved his highly acclaimed interview show, ‘With Chude’ to Africa Magic Urban. The talk series premiered on the platform on November

Popular TV Hosts of 2023

6 and airs every Sunday at 8 pm. The lawyer, who has broken some of the most explosive stories the nation has seen over the past five years, is expected to continue telling untold stories in 2023.

Ifeanyichukwu Daniels (Hero Daniels):

Hero Daniels believes in his talent and ability to crack up a room. For years, Hero consistently put out content via social media. He held several hosting roles with Ebonylife TV and Linda Ikeji TV. However, Hero’s tenacity and need to keep creating content eventually paid off in a big way. He became the first host for Africa Magic’s ‘Come Play Naija’. The Hero in him will expectedly make him push the envelope in 2023 with brilliant hosting, hilarious commentaries and innovative ideas.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

22.1.2023

BELLO GWANDU UNVEILING AN ACCOMPLISHED PUBLIC SERVANT He is one of the illustrious Nigerians whose Midas touch in public service is unequalled.

Unassuming and a man of few words, who retired but not tired as his expertise is still being sought after by corporate entities, meet Mallam Bello Gwandu, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority. The Kebbi State-born maritime magnate in a recent encounter with Funke Olaode relayed his life and career trajectory and his wishes for Nigeria as the year unfolds ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/victoria.olaode@thisdaylive.com.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 22, 2023

55

COVER

For Sanity to Return to Apapa Ports, Activities Must be Decentralised

GWANDU PHOTOS: ETOP UKUTT

B

ello Gwandu, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) was thronged into national consciousness by dint of hard work in the early 80s. And until he retired two decades ago, he remained a man of untainted integrity.

Gwandu had his primary discipline in Port Management from the University of Birmingham after which he joined the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as a Cadet.

He rose through the ranks to become an executive director, ports operators and later became the managing director from August 1999 to September 2001.

At NPA, he demonstrated intellectualism and patriotism. Today, he has written his name on the sands of time. A man of modesty, he possesses infectious humility despite growing up in an affluent background before forging a successful career path in one of the nation’s lucrative parastatals.

Gwandu had a privileged beginning. His descendants are from the famous Islamic scholar, Usman Dan Fodio’s lineage. He would later toe the line of western education with dedication and commitment, the move that eventually placed his path on the pedestal of success in public service.

Recalling his privileged beginning with a sense of modesty, he said he belonged to a family of achievers. “My growing up was

a very humble beginning and elitist. I am from the royal family of Gwandu in Kebbi State. And I have the privilege of growing up as an ordinary person without any air about us.”

He continued. “I was never disadvantaged. I grew up in a ruling class.

My great, great parents, Abdullahi Fodio, was the younger brother of Shehu Usman Dan Fodio. So my family has never been in what you can call a deprived state when it comes to learning or teaching. Abdullahi Fodio was one of the foremost Islamic scholars that actually wrote so many books.

So I did not come from a background, where I would say that I am looking for ambition. I am already privileged. Part of the principles of Usman Dan Fodio was simplicity.”

His fire of intellectualism was ignited first at Birnin Kebbi Secondary School.

After his secondary education, he had a brief stint at the Revenue Office. He later moved to the United Kingdom which eventually opened the window to his career. In the UK, he attended the University of Swansea and got a Diploma in Social Politics and Administration, then the University of Birmingham where he acquired a Master of Science degree in Social Impact of Science and Technology.

To ensure he was well grounded in his field when he joined NPA, he went for another certificate in Boat and Harbour Management specialising in Container

Terminal Operation. Then of course he went to the United States and did Human Resources Development.

Has the Kebbi prince been a gifted child considering his academic trajectory?

“Not really, I wouldn’t consider myself the most intelligent. I was just an average child just growing up. And you know education can be a mix of a variety of things. I had business, and social issues then, and I also now specialise in ports. So basically I think you don’t have to be very extremely smart as long as you are willing to learn a variety of things. So it is quite an interesting life, those days things were much easier, you get scholarships from state governments.”

Looking content in his white agbada during a recent encounter with this reporter, Mallam Gwandu hasn’t lost his sense of humour and his down-to-earth nature. He has remained true to himself despite his accomplishments.

It has been over two decades since he left NPA, but he kept to himself, doing his own thing.

“I am very simple and at the same time, a private person and that is what life is supposed to be. If I have been in public life as the managing director, and it was a very hectic life, I have been exposed, and now I am retired, so you have to spend your part of life, you don’t have to always run here and there and give stress to yourself.

“I am not being elusive. I played my part in public service and I grew up in a very prominent industry. I come from a very prominent family, so really I don’t see what is elusive about it. The fact that I don’t go about beating my drum and shouting and being seen by your colleagues in the press, is not necessarily that I am being elusive, no. There was no need for it, when I was in the public office, I was in the public. But now I am a private person, I should conduct my life as a private citizen.

“I have been on the board of a few companies. I have been in property development. I have also been engaged in some logistics companies, where I give advice. So you have to really make a distinction if you want your life to be loud and when it becomes loud, what is the end? What is the purpose? I tried to run for office during Obasanjo, but I did not succeed. I have basically contributed my part to the development of this country.

Right now I consider Lagos as a home. I have been in Lagos for 27 years, so I am almost an indigene of Lagos. Most of my friends come from Lagos, so my life is centered in Lagos, Abuja and then the village.”

Gwandu was and still is an authority in ports affairs and he gave a glimpse into what went wrong in NPA and the environmental hazards being experienced.

According to him, “What went wrong was that there was growth. The port has remained the same, the volume of cargo going to the port has grown. And we said it before, that if there is no new port in Apapa, the activities in the port will spill to the environment and this is what has happened in Apapa and the town itself.

Because the roads leading to the port are the same roads for the last 40 to 50 years.

But the volume of cargo going to the port has increased by almost 20 per cent. So how do you expect the environment to survive? The infrastructure is like your heart becoming bigger and bigger and you have got the same narrow vein. So people have not realised that we are operating the same pattern of cargo clearance, documentation is not electrical and the same port is doing two jobs – discharging cargo and clearing cargo.”

It is easy to point a finger but were there efforts made while presiding over NPA as its helmsman? Gwandu with a sense of patriotism said he tried his best to sanitise the system. “We did. We informed the authorities. You have to realise that a port is not operating on its own. It is under the provision of the Ministry of Transport and it is an aspect of the federal government. So no matter what your professional perception is, it can only go as far as the government itself

realises what is happening. The unfortunate mistake that we make sometimes in this country is that you have different authorities that are coming in, trade organisations that don’t know anything about it. And after every four years, we don’t have a long-term master plan. We have to decide whether we want a regional port or a national port. And the majority of the cargo coming into this country is coming in through Lagos port. And Lagos port has become a major holder of the activities of the Nigerian economy. So we must expand the facilities, we must change our pattern, we must go for electronic operation.

You can’t just do the same activity in the same port at the same time. You do clearing, you do discharging, it is too much.”

Speaking further, he added “No matter how much you make provision for, you should do the clearing of goods outside the port. Let the port be purely transit. You open inland terminals where goods can come in and pass. Don’t forget that if you are doing the same activity in Apapa port, all the clearing agents will be going to the port. All the dock workers will be going to the port, everybody will be concentrated at the port. But you should dissect the activities. Who is benefiting now? The nation is not benefiting from the activities, goods are staying for too long, and if you took a loan from the bank, you have to pay too much interest. So people spend days on the road, an hour is being lost and you can’t even plan.”

Gwandu offered a piece of advice. “The way out is to change the procedures which are very difficult. Going purely for electronic and physical movement should be discouraged.

Then we have to start doing new ports which they have already started. So you have to develop a combination of too many strategies to address the issue. Our trade is expanding exponentially and you really have to now start to think, we are already losing cargo to other West African ports. So we should look at Nigerian ports as a regional hub. And presently, the way we are constituted, some of our seaports cannot cope. Because for regional ports that are in transit, you need a deep seaport, you need a multi-functional port that is very active and big because of the volume of ships and the shape of a ship that has changed, you cannot really function with our existing infrastructure.”

As an accomplished corporate magnate, Gwandu is also a successful family man. “I am a family man by the special grace of God. Two of my sons are working in one of the major financial institutions. The last one is doing dentistry in Germany.”

On his take on certificate acquisition and skills, Gwandu believes both should walk hand-in-hand.

“The world is evolving. One of the major mistakes that we are making in this country is that skills are not totally embraced. In the next century what is most important is a skill. People have what they can contribute to society as opposed to just getting the certificate. Of course, getting the certificate is very important because it makes sense and you are able to read and write. But what your skill is contributing to society is extremely important. In the next century, it is the ability to become multi-functional that will lead. For instance, your housewife can repair electrical gadgets, and she can cook. So because of the technology that is taking over, people’s skills will have to change on all levels. Offices are going to change, it is not going to be this formal office where you are going to put your coat and put a tie on a big table, no it has to be a multifunctional one. And what is going to happen next is that Artificial Intelligence combined with the present technology will make a major significant change in all industries. In the agriculture, entertainment, construction industry, a lot of people are not getting ready for that time. But we just have to get ourselves ready.”

Always appearing relaxed and smart, the secret he said is not solely on a good diet but good exercise, and above all, surrounding oneself with positive and trustworthy friends.

As the new year unfolds, Gwandu’s wishes are enormous as he reeled out a few. “I want Nigeria to be peaceful and should have peaceful elections. And also to experience economic growth.”.

And on the home front? “I want to experience peace in my life and household.”

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 22, 2023

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HighLife Davido Abandons Mansion

Davido

There is a kind of tragedy that befalls a person and causes them to lose their taste in all else. Death is one such tragedy.

Because it stretched its hands to the household of David Adeleke (popularly known by his stage name, Davido), the musical act has taken solace in a different abode than where death came calling. In other news, Davido has reportedly moved out of his Banana Island mansion.

The recent news that Davido got married to his longtime girlfriend and partner, Chioma Avril Rowland (Chioma for short) has only been matched in scale with the report that Davido and Chioma have moved out of the singer’s Banana Island mansion in Ikoyi. According to sources, due to the incident that took their son, Ifeanyi, away from life, Davido and Chioma cannot reside in the luxurious Banana Island mansion. At least, until the memory of that event fades somewhat.

Many people will still remember how distraught the couple was when their son passed away and it was alleged to be as a result of drowning. The singer did not only postpone many shows and visitations but also almost completely shut out every individual that formerly partied around with him. He hid in his shell, refusing to make a public appearance until much later.

The same was true of Chioma who never broke her silence on the issue. And so it was only a matter of time before the house within which the late Ifeanyi died would become a desolate place of dour remembrance.

Thankfully, Davido has other estates and it is reported that he has moved into one of those in one of the high-rise buildings on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi. It is in this location that the singer and his wife, Chioma, have taken as their new residence, beginning a new life.

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

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

Agony of a First Lady Things are happening in Ondo State.

Some days ago, a WhatsApp audio message was leaked which is reported to be from the First Lady of Ondo State, the elegant Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu. In the message, the voice alleged to be that of Lady Betty, warned in very strong terms and tone, the Special Adviser on Multilateral and Intergovernmental Affairs to Akeredolu, Bunmi Ademosun. As a result of the context of the message, one can say a word or two regarding the goings-on in the number one Ondo family.

Based on the reports, Lady Betty is agonising over the illness of her husband, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. However, this is a normal thing and how a good wife should respond to her husband’s health situation. What stands out about the entire thing is that the alleged Lady Betty thinks that her husband’s PA, who is Ademosun, is

concocting weird medicine for her husband to consume.

The person believed to be Lady Betty stated in the recording that she and her husband are not traditionalists but believe in Western medicine. Thus, Ademosun’s prowess (or her pastor’s) in brewing these things holds no attraction to them. She also stated that Ademosun seems to be nurturing the ambition to be Ondo Deputy Governor while lacking the brains to do so.

The way things stand now, a battle line has been drawn between the women. Although the mentioned Ademosun has not yet said anything about the recorded audio, she has most likely gotten her hands on it. Whether or not she will follow the instructions and warning on the recording is another thing.

Even so, every sensible woman can understand the agony in the voice of the

Akeredolu

alleged Ondo First Lady, even if the said agony is cloaked in a threatening tone.

Governor Yahaya Bello’s Many Battles … From Ohinoyi of Ebiraland to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Bello

When there is a white lion on a mountain, he always ensures that there are no other dominating animals in sight.

When any such dominating animal enters the pride of the said white lion, a battle to death ensues. This appears to be what is going on in Kogi State with the self-titled

Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, going all out against the monarch (Ohinoy of his Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, and a prominent political figure, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The way things are going, Bello might have to resort to heavier formations to guard his territory and authority in the Confluence State.

Kogi State in the Middle Belt is a large and quiet place. However, the vastness of the state has only made it into an exciting battlefield for the Governor, Bello. According to sources, Bello who is known as the White Lion is currently fighting battles on every side, one with the monarch of the Ebira people (who share the same ethnicity as Bello), Dr. Ibrahim, and another with a sister politician, AkpotiUduaghan.

In the case of the Ohinoyi, Governor Bello accused him of having neglected

his duty at welcoming President Muhammadu Buhari when the latter visited Kogi in December.

Bello queried the monarch and asked him to write a letter addressed to the Kogi State government to justify the abandonment of his duty.

Ohinoyi wrote the letter. He explained that several unfortunate incidents had prevented him from entertaining Mr. President, including a bomb blast at his palace at around the time he was supposed to meet Buhari, his evident replacement with someone else who read a letter not sanctioned by him, and arrangements for the president to inaugurate another Ohinoyi Palace other than the one Dr. Ibrahim has known since ‘97.

But all the response to Ohinoyi’s letter was that it bore the alien title of ‘Atta Ebira’ instead of ‘Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.’ Nothing else.

The case of Akpoti-Uduaghan is not new. She is a member of the PDP and is almost always at odds with Bello who is a member of the APC.

In the Akunyili Family, Another Daughter Rises Again It is an amazing thing to meditate on human legacies. Some families, clans, tribes, and even nations are known for particular things. Such things help them stand out among their peers and dole out to them the occasional word of honour and recognition.

For the Akunyilis, especially those that remain of the late Professor Dora Akunyili, it is a spirit of excellence. Recently, Akunyili’s daughter, Ijeoma, showed that she has this excellent spirit and is intent on refining it to its peak.

Ijeoma, the daughter of the late DG of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has risen to a new status in a foreign land.

Specifically, Ijeoma who is a medical practitioner has been appointed as the Chief Medical Officer of the Jersey City Medical

Akunyili

Center, an RWJ (Robert Wood Johnson) Barnabas Health facility, in the United States of America. With the recognition that comes with this appointment, Ijeoma has undoubtedly added a new shine to the plaques of honour that her late mother received while serving Nigeria. Even more noteworthy than Ijeoma making the CMO position is the fact that she is the first black woman to take up the role. It is said that it is her experience that stood her out among her peers, helping the Jersey City Medical Center provide comprehensive health care to a community in need of it.

Typical of someone raised by the nononsense NAFDAC DG, all Ijeoma had to say is that she is grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Hudson country and will do her best to ensure that they have access to sustainable health care.

The Return of Pastor Sam Adeyemi and Wife …

After a Long Hiatus in the US

Adeyemi

The idea that things fall apart because the center cannot hold is one of the simple truths that the late novelist, Chinua Achebe, committed to the generations to come

through his book, Things Fall Apart. When Pastor Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Center, Lagos, left Nigeria for the US after reportedly falling out with the Nigerian government, it was believed that his church would fall apart. However, after four years away, the church remains standing. Thus, when he recently returned, there were cheers all around and the church was pepped up once again.

Seeing as Pastor Sam and his family stayed for all three of the church’s services a few days ago, it is rumored that they are back to stay.

The anticipated permanent return of Pastor Sam places a cold stopper on the lips of those who had criticised the ‘padre’

for having left his flock for greener pastures. It also closes the peckers of those who reported that he ran away from Nigeria after standing with Nigerian youths on the #ENDSARS movement of October 2020.

Pastor Sam was reported to have left Nigeria in 2019. If this is true, then it cannot be the #ENDSARS palaver that motivated him to leave the country for a long hiatus in the US. Considering how well-liked the man is, there will always be many people who are willing to give excuses for him.

After all, he is back now.

Whether Pastor Sam is back to stay or only for a temporary period remains to be seen. Even so, Daystar is currently lit with cheers.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 22, 2023

HIGHLIFE

Buhari, Associates, Family and Friends of Late Abba Kyari Rally Round His Daughter as She Tied Nuptial Knots in Abuja Marriage is one of the best things in the life of a person. When the wedding ceremony is characterised by relatives, friends, and wellwishers who are willing to do anything to grace the occasion, the ceremony acquires a brighter quality. So it was for the daughter of the late Chief of Staff (CoS), Abba Kyari, Zainab. As she got wedded to the love of her life, Mohammed, a few days ago, she was accompanied by very loyal and dedicated individuals and groups, some of whom have greater statuses than one would find among the guests of a wedding ceremony in Abuja.

The wedding ceremony was colourful.

As the event took place in Abuja, it had some of the glitz and glamour that have become native to Abuja weddings. More than that, Zainab’s wedding also had the fortune of having President Muhammadu Buhari and several other prominent Nigerians in attendance. Thus, the wedding went from a simple Abuja wedding to something that the

entirety of the country will talk about in the months to come.

Zainab had her mother, Mrs. Kulu Abba Kyari (who is titled Gimbiyar Jama’are) for company at the event. She also had the honour to have her late father’s relatives and friends who were led by President Buhari at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The wedding Nikkah that was held at the National Mosque in Abuja proved that the results of one’s good works can trickle down to one’s children, which is the privilege that Zainab enjoyed at her wedding.

Folks would recall that the late CoS passed away in 2020 due to COVID-19 complications.

However, at the time of his passing, he was known for his integrity and loyalty to President Buhari. Thus, it is not surprising that the president would make time out of his busy schedule to grace the wedding ceremony of his late friend’s daughter.

Kyari

Access Bank Chairman and Foremost Amazon, Dere Awosika Still Flying High at 70

Awosika

The person that is committed to doing the right thing at the right time will always

find a reason to stand out. The prestigious Chairman of Access Bank, Dr. (Mrs) Ajoritsedere ‘Dere’ Awosika just clocked 70.

Celebrating her 70th birthday with relatives, friends, and well-wishers all over the country, she recounted the horrors of losing her father to a coup the very day she was supposed to celebrate her 13th birthday and how far she has come since then.

Awosika is a name that resounds with a thunderous clap in Access Bank. It is the name of the woman that was appointed to the Access Bank Board of Directors in April 2013, and in less than seven years had already risen so high that she was named the Chairman in January 2020.

Hers is a journey through the valley of horror only to come outside to a rich garden with a wealth of experience and a strong character.

To the rest of Nigeria, the assassination

of the first Nigerian Minister of Finance in the first republic, Festus Okotie-Eboh, in 1966 did not do much. It is a littleknown fact that is often relegated to Current Affairs books. However, OkotieEboh was Awosika’s father. Even though Awosika was scarred by his assassination, she did not allow it to hold her down.

During the high points of her life, she was the Permanent Secretary in several Federal Ministries, including that of Internal Affairs, Power, and Science and Technology. She also holds a prestigious position in the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria as a Fellow and also the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacy. Nevertheless, it is Access Bank she is most known to belong to and this is why she is referred to as one of the foremost corporate Amazons in the country.

Runsewe Urges Parents to Guide Their Children in 2023 The march to progress is often fraught with many different issues. The DirectorGeneral of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Olusegun Runsewe, is already making moves to help ensure that the march to progress in Nigeria does not devolve into a mad dance of unreliable individuals and half-bred annoyances who are poor imitations of adults.

Runsewe led this charge recently while addressing Highlife. According to him, the future of any nation is in the hands of the parents in that nation since it is their duty to train their children and give them the needed guidance to become pillars in the future. Where the parents fail in this duty, the children become nuisances in society, staining the reputation of others before them and gradually pulling down the efforts of true nation-builders.

Following his charge, Otunba Runsewe called every Nigerian parent to try until they shed blood to provide needed moral guidance to their children. The world as we have it today is a mad place and a strong arm of discipline is required to block out waywardness.

Understanding this point, Runsewe asked parents to make sure that their children never practice lifestyles that undermine African cultures and values in marriage, procreation, moral decency, and respect for elders.

And because the guidance of parents is lacking in this generation, young people listen to deviants and also cultivate negative non-African values.

Runsewe’s charge to parents is coming at a critical and necessary point. If adhered to, the country will be better for it and more individuals will take pride in knowing that Nigeria remains a place of order and sense, not

Man of the People, Dapo Abiodun Wins Forbes Best of Africa Governor For the heart that is dedicated to working, there will always be something to recognise and celebrate. The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has won the Forbes Best of Africa Governor award. With this award, Abiodun clears the air once and for all on the Nigerian state government that is most highly regarded across the country and the African continent. Considering his many good works, it is not altogether surprising that he was able to clinch the award effortlessly.

The people of Ogun State have been delivered one of the best awards in recent times: the Forbes Best of Africa Governor in Industrial Revolution. As the Gateway

Abiodun

Runsewe

a giant bedlam struggling under the weight of the foolishness of its disillusioned people. state, this award puts it on the same level as states that are always committed to infrastructural development because of the commercial nature of the state. So, even if Ogun does not share this nature, it has come to surpass its peers to stand at the front of the pack. All of this is because its governor is a responsible individual.

In the time since Abiodun has taken over the leadership of Ogun, the state has seen serious infrastructural development. This has equipped the people to reach further than they imagined before Abiodun came into the picture. Thus, things are still bubbling with development foaming just below the surface. When the bubble bursts, the people of Ogun will once again be reminded that their governor is forward-thinking, far-seeing, and a true man of his people.

Permutations … Between Femi Gbajabiamila and Abiodun Faleke It is good that smart people plot the path they expect to take in life. For individuals like the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and member of the House of Representatives from Lagos State, Hon. Abiodun Faleke, such a plotting process is necessary before making moves.

Thus, as the prospects of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, take on new shines as the new year rolls by, Gbajabiamila and Faleke are some of those that are being eyed as having made sound decisions for their future.

Gbajabiamila is no slouch. The man has shown time and again that he is a brilliant strategist with a vision that is virtually unmatched among the political weightlifters that constitute his peer group. In recent times, Gbajabiamila has made motions that resonated with many people, thereby winning public sentiment even though some of the elite have been cast aside for a little while until the conclusions about the 2023 presidency are complete.

Then there is Faleke. The man representing Ikeja Federal Constituency has long since found his footing in the campaign camp of Tinubu. Being another smart person with the onions of experience to guide and direct his path, Faleke’s courage and loyalty are unrivaled. He is 100 per cent committed to ensuring that Tinubu wins the election.

According to sources, Gbajabiamila and Faleke unflinchingly support Tinubu because they intend to get sweet deals out of it. Specifically, if Tinubu wins and becomes Nigeria’s president, one of them will become the Chief of Staff (CoS). This is a reasonable conclusion considering that half of any political planning has to do with permutations.

As both Gbajabiamila and Faleke are allegedly running the numbers for CoS, so are others.

Who comes out on top will be unveiled in time.

Gbajabiamila

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LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Pastor Tunde Bakare: A Saul of Tarsus Moment Mbok, when I first saw the clip where Pastor Bakare was abusing ’Emilokan’, calling his campaign all sorts of names without mentioning his name, I rushed to an earlier clip where he was saying that Bola Tinubu was the best thing since Afang and Fufu.

I weak. This 360 degrees turnaround is amazing. It is no wonder that APC has even gone ahead in response to say that it is the ‘zero’ he got in the primaries that is disturbing his big bald head.

This time, e be like say I want to side with APC. This topsy turvy move is annoying and decidedly selfserving. If you watch both videos you will lose respect for this Pastor

Bakare. You will say he should go and sit down and let us hear word.

How can you in one one moment declare Asiwaju as a man of destiny, and that those who are asking for his qualifications are time wasters, and in the next moment, you abuse, stating that he does not have a badge of honour, and that na you get the badge of honour.

Badge of honour kill you there.

Which yeye badge of honour. Do you think we are your ‘mumu’ church goers that will be following your every word without even thinking? Do you think your hypnotism of your members can come and catch us and be making us swallow every word that comes

out of your mouth?

I think APC should unleash FFK of Cambridge on you. Let him use some of those colourful words on you so you can go and climb the mountain or wherever it is you go to get the inspiration to be talking about all the crap that you spew.

Look, Tinubu deserves all these and more but even this one is low. It is base inconsistency and smacks of an arrogant outlook believing that you are speaking to ‘mumu’ people all over the place. I pity you, you had better go and rest before one small girl in your church will stand up and say, ‘pastor shut up’.

Okonkwo

Wike

Adeleke

Udofia

KENNETH OKONKWO IS THE BEST SPOKESMAN EVER These elections have thrown up a new class of ‘professionals’ which is party spokesmen. Political spokesmen have a herculean job. Selling their parties, its candidates and generally managing communications and reputation. They do the real job because they surf media platforms reaching out to millions at a go and becoming the real superstars of the lot.

Of the lot, Mr. Okonkwo stands out.

He has been very pragmatic and neat.

Watching or listening to him has been like seeing poetry in motion. Falling ever so strongly on his background as an actor, you see the way he understands camera angles, projection and elucidation. He flows and weaves and hits ever so sweetly almost like watching Mohammed Ali box in those days.

Even when his deep Igbo accent doesn’t allow him to mention Yoruba names well, he still manages to make it feel elegant.

The thing used to make me laugh, but the confidence in which he massacres the names and the dramatic sequencing in saying ‘emilokaaaaan’ just makes you laugh.

His background as a lawyer also comes into play with his deft use of logic and snazzy arguments. He comes across as soft but firm unlike Keyamo who is brash and spittle driven. But Okonkwo is delicate, his mannerisms are such that he understands the psychology of the

audience. He understands that this is a performance, that it’s all about persuasive communications and not the ‘bolekaja’ variant that is the lock stock and barrel of his colleagues in the other parties.

If his party wins and he is made the Minister of Information, then we would be seeing a new vista in that position. I can’t remember having any meaningful persona holding that position in recent times.

Kai, as I dey write, I just imagine Dino as Minister of Information. Ahhh, I cast and bind. Ahhh, that one will go to the United Nations and be singing “ko ni da fun yin”, and be dancing with his boxer shorts on display. Kai. Kai. Kai.

humour. Apparently, in trying to leave a befitting legacy there has been a rash of infrastructure commissioning but this very locality saw workers being kidnapped and this infuriated our governor.

Complete with his musicians, he stormed the community and gave this very powerful speech: “I don’t understand why you will be enemies of progress,” he thundered. “Why would you be kidnapping workers?

We are bringing progress and you are kidnapping workers. Shame. Real shame to the community and their partners in this kidnapping business though.”

Then he dropped it: “You traditional rulers, what are you doing? Why are you not asking your gods to intervene? Are they sleeping? Every time you will go and be pouring libation. Better go and warn the gods otherwise I will take a bulldozer and go and clear their shrines.”

By this time, I was already on the floor, forgetting that my account balance was looking like a federal government treasury after Buhari had finally gone.

Wait o, it is getting worse o –” if you don’t go and warn your gods, I will flog them,” and that moment the cameras went straight to one big traditional ruler who looked like he wanted to faint.

Kai, Wike na wa oo. I will miss him when his tenure is over. He was a different kind of leader. Very fearless and bold. Kai, a great man in that sense. A truly great man.

Flog the gods? Only Wike. Kai!

Bakare

NYESOM WIKE: THE GODS ARE NOT TO BLAME The great Mr. Wike who seems to have out dribbled himself never ceases to amaze me. I like his theatrics though and I am thinking of doing a play in his honour as he is leaving the office.

When I am bored and feeling down and out - you know this is January and person don broke, so I am touchy and irritable. When I want to get myself out of the mood, I will just go to social media and watch Wike’s clips. He is a showman extraordinaire and could have a second career in Nollywood or stage. I won’t mind having him at rehearsals.

The one I watched just before this write up was classic Wike - fearless, bold, intimidating and with a large dose of

OLANIWUN AJAYI: THINGS ‘DADDY’ TOLD ME Let me first apologize to this great man’s family for disturbing his welldeserved sleep and bringing him back to the murky waters of Nigeria’s politics,especially as it affects the socalled Yoruba elitist intelligentsia.

I had just taken over as the Managing Director of the wonderful Aquila Asset Management Limited and was going through the list of our clients and stumbled on the name. This was a great name. A name that had contributed to the country in several spheres so I decided to pay him a visit.

I called and got an appointment and my partner and I headed up to his village somewhere in Ogun State, I think. We sat with him and had over four hours of meaningful dialogue which opened my eyes to the folly of the so-called Yoruba elitist intelligentsia.

He talked about the emergence of what is now seen as the ‘emilokan’ phenomenon and its attendant decimation of the Afenifere as the bastion of Yoruba pride and its main vehicle for cultural and political influence. The rude incursion of Tinubu and his ‘funny’ ways of doing things lacking in pedigree and a true sense of fair play and justice was the bane of the destruction of the structures that held Yorubaland as

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LOUD WHISPERS designed by Awo and his Action Group and Egbe Omo Oduduwa Very unlike me, I was not hungry and didn’t ask for a drink as I soaked the wisdom and knowledge from this great man. We agreed to a second session and I must state that the engagement inspired my partner to run for elections in Ogbomosho on the tenets that daddy has spoken about. He failed woefully.

As I watched the goings-on in the land, especially the role of the Yoruba elitist intelligentsia, the words of Chief Ajayi come back to me in sadness. The Yoruba elitist intelligentsia are watching with annoying apathy in some instances and with vigorous involvement as the weakened structures of the Awo principled-led leadership push is muddied in the very watery waters of Emilokan. I am very sorry but the truth has to be said. This campaign has broken and bended every conceivable rule as it trudges to what is looking like a possible victory. From qualifications, to religion, to campaign funding, to rules of engagement, everything has been destroyed or bent to unrecognition and the Yoruba Intelligentsia is either watching or being a part of it.

Will Awo run this kind of campaign?

How will Jakande rate this campaign?

Then I watched people who are otherwise very sensible defend this and I just feel like slapping them How can Fashola lend his intelligence to this cacophony? I see otherwise very intelligent Yoruba elites either keep quiet or thrown in very powerful but mischievous arguments as this train wreck is moving.

Oga will shout- if you vote for me, I will soak bread and give you a slice and people with PhD, internationally-respected economists and highly intelligent lawyers who have argued cases at the world court will shout in agreement. Oh my God. Let’s not even go to Atiku’s camp, which is just a nest of vileness. We are doomed, I swear and I will put the blame firmly at the feet of the Yoruba elitist intelligentsia. They are the ones who have finally destroyed the levers that hold the country with this thing we are seeing.

Come and beat me.

GWEN NWACHUKWU: NICE TO MEET YOU MA As I walked away from Chief Anyaoku’s table, one sweet looking lady beckoned at me. “Duke, I read you every weekend and do not miss your column. But last week, I did not agree with you on one of your stories.” I bent down. She was matronly and still very, very beautiful.

I liked her, the kind of mummy you do not want to offend or to even know that you had an eye for her housemaid.

I said, Mummy, which story is that and she said, she cannot remember. As she spoke, I saw my primary 4 teacher – Mrs. Nwuchukwu. Mrs Nwuchukwu was the first woman I ever had a crush on. She had asked in class, “who can tell me the source of the River Benue,” and the Holy Spirit gave me the answer – Cameroun Mountains or something like that, I shouted and she said correct and smiled. Na that smile enslaved me for 40 years o.

That was the smile I saw on this sweet lady as she spoke. I said “ohhh thank you so, so much ma, I will keep writing if they allow me. How are you ma?” And she said fine and I said, “sorry ma, can I meet you?” And she said, “Mrs. Ike Nwachukwu,” and pointed at the empty seat beside her.

You know that saying, ‘Old soldier never die’ and as I don’t want pellets in my buttocks, I said “oh ok mummy, thank you so much, goodbye let me run.” She smiled. Mrs. Nwachukwu smiled again but this time, I no look abeg.

Seriously, I used to read a lot about her in the 90s and used to admire her carriage and disposition. But meeting her personally was kind of an epiphany.

A true lady, her composure and carriage were just something else. They just don’t make her type again. Well-done ma and thanks for the nice words. She even asked after the Duchess oooo. Maybe I should send that one to Madam for some lessons o. Kai! ADEMOLA ADELEKE: YOU CANNOT EVEN PLAY Did you see the video of my favourite governor about to do a kick off at a football match recently?

From the way he was dressed, I just knew

A GENTLEMAN, CHIEF EMEKA ANYAOKU, IS 90 YEARS

Anyaoku

“Duke, I will be celebrating my 90th at the Metropolitan Club. Where can I send your invite? I felt humbled. This was Chief Emeka Anyaoku and not Dino Melaye o inviting me to his 90th at the elitist bastion known as the Metropolitan Club.

I said, “Sir, you will see me,” and he responded “Ok. I will send your Invite.”

I wanted to ask if they will serve Afang. I will not hold it against them if they don’t, it’s just so that I can make alternative arrangements just in case. I cannot shout.

Anyways, the day came and I totally forgot.

Then my new egbon ‘Shex’ , former MD at Lisabi Mills called, “Duke, are you here?” I shouted and jumped and ran to the venue.

As I walked in, I saw ‘past power’. People we used to watch on NTA news. They were plenty, old and distinguished. Wellkept and beautiful. I recognised plenty o. I saw General Danjuma and his ever beautiful wife, Daisy. I saw Fola Adeola, Subomi Balogun, Bode Emmanuel, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, Mutiu Sunmonu, my Oga, Nduka Obaigbena and my best friend in this world, Asue Ighodalo Chief Osunkeye was there and my favourite Yoruba man Chief Olusegun Osoba was there looking very resplendent in his white agbada and then the President was represented by Gambari, and then I saw my favourite aunty Titi Adebiyi seated beside Uncle Yemi Ogunbiyi.

Then former President Obasanjo waltzed in and the hall went into a frenzy. His charisma undeniable and grabbing everyone’s attention and moving up and down the hall to go and grab Mrs. Anyaoku who was seated at the back of the hall and moving her to the high table where His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was elegantly seated with his super sweet wife.

You see, the problem with Chief Obasanjo is that he is too ‘forward’. Mrs. Anyaoku was well positioned to catch any side chic that would enter; that was how Chief Obasanjo went and blew her cover.

Thankfully, at 90 and with his pedigree, there will not be any side chics today.

I also saw Chief Ojora and his Queen Erelu. Kai, old money and pedigree all seated in one room at the Metropolitan Club all in honour of one of the greatest ever Nigerian.

Chief Anyaoku remains an enigma.

An internationally respected statesman.

I cannot come and be writing his achievements and pedigree. Please go to

Wikipedia for that one, me I no get time for that one. For me, this is one of the few remaining in that class. When you talk about astuteness, strong principled-led life and adhering to the ethos that builds not only man but society, then you will begin to understand why Chief Anyaoku is a rarity and a living colossus. Almost our own Mandela type figure without the prison. Kai. Oya, let me talk the one that concerns me. As I was seeing the menu, I was not seeing Afang, so I called Jevnik, the restaurant nearby, that they should prepare an emergency Afang. What I am seeing here is making me hungry. The food was sumptuous and delicious judging from the way my brother Nicholas Okoye was going at it but as no Afang, I decided to leave after walking the room and greeting everybody that I knew and knew of me.

Then I walked to the most powerful table in the room to greet the celebrant Chief Anyaoku. As I got to him, he jumped up and waved and was genuinely happy to see me. “Duke of Shomolu,” he screamed and Chief Obasanjo – remember I did his play ‘Aremu’ also jumped up and the waiters were looking at me with surprise.

Those ones were thinking I was their mate because I didn’t comb my hair. Then Chief Anyaouku wanted to start explaining me to Chief Obasanjo. “He is a brilliant writer and he does plays …. And Chief Obasanjo said, “Emeka, I know Duke o.” I hugged both of them and then I looked at His Excellency.

Now His Excellency Babajide is a very handsome man and was looking very neat and sweet with his white agbada but I no happy with am sha. He knew why and as the sharp man that he is, thought to himself ‘before this crazy boy will go and yab me in front of my madam,’ quickly said, “Duke, Segun mentioned, don’t worry I have your number, I will call you.”

I said call me o. Excellency, call me o, otherwise I will tell madam o. He looked at me, winked that kind abeg, abeg wink and I said ok. You na my paddy. Great guy.

Happy birthday, Chief Anyaoku. You have lived the life most of us can only dream of and you have made a great mark. Please be inviting me to all of your birthdays going forward as I really had fun but next time, please let there be Afang o because I really do not understand where the caterer go learn her own work. Kai.

he could not play. That dressing is the one people we used to call ‘otun’ in Shomolu used to dress. They will wear all the uniform correct. Nice jersey, fine shorts, expensive boots, colourful socks complete with shin guard and towel on their neck.

All of that is to distract o. As talent no dey, you go showcase na.

My Governor was now walking on to the pitch with swagger. You know the bobo get style, him big bele notwithstanding.

He strutted on the field and stood by the ball.

Then they said, oya. He suddenly saw an Okocha in him. He moved to the left, moved to the right, moved again to the left, moved to the right. By this time the crowd had gone into a frenzy. They were screaming their heads off. He did the move again and like one small chicken, kicked the ball to one side and bounced a little bit and walked away.

His swag seems to be reducing as we are no longer seeing the dance videos and the rest. Looks like someone has said, it is not elegant for the Governor to be dancing about like a drunk with STD. but I no gree, the people of Osun voted very overwhelmingly for him despite that and that is his DNA, his edge.

My Lord, let’s keep dancing abeg. You are different and eccentric and that is why we all love you. Please keep being who you are. Make your own rules and don’t be limited by what people think. Sha try reduce the bele sha so at least you go fit still dey see your something. Kai. AS AKAN UDOFIA CROSSES THE RED SEA Finally Pharoah and his army could not stop the chosen one from crossing the Red Sea. As I was rounding up this week’s column, the breaking news came that the Appeal Court has finally cleared the APC governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Akan Udofia, paving the way for his participation in the upcoming elections.

Last week, I was with Udofia and his main man, Scott Tommey at the prestigious Legacy Hotel in Lagos and I asked him- Incoming, ‘you no dey fear?

This thing don dey fear me oo. You sure say we nor go migrate leave this thing’ and he laughed and said, ‘there is nothing bigger than God.’ What has dragged me firmly into his corner apart from the delicious Afang and Fufu that I have eaten in both his Uyo and Lagos homes - by the way the Uyo own sweet pass the Ikoyi own- is his optimism.

He is just so bent on his vision and mission in Akwa Ibom. They have stoned him, pushed him, all to no avail.

Even me sef, wey just dey sideline dey shout Akan, Akan, they have asked me not to come to Akwa Ibom in a long while.

Yes o, someone called me and said, ‘This Akan you have been shouting, make sure you stay away from Uyo for a long time.’

I say mummy you don’t have to repeat it.

I am not coming o. I can still get the Afang in Shomolu.

Akan’s perseverance and firm commitment has withstood the vagaries of Nigerian politics and I would wish to not only congratulate him but also the judiciary that has stood by the truth and justice and lastly the millions of Akwa Ibom youths who have remained unwavering in their support .

PRISCA ETUK IS MY SWEET VIOLET Before you people will start trying to call Duchess that I have started again o, Prisca is my brother Cyril’s daughter.

She recently celebrated her 21st and my brother reached out. ‘Edgar, I need you to celebrate my daughter at 21’.

Then he sent me some information about Prisca that weakened me. She was born premature and was grossly mismanaged at the hospital. She struggled through that and at two years old, she fell mysteriously ill. A sickness that to date has not been diagnosed. Kai, this illness took her to her 7th year after which it miraculously disappeared and she regained her health.

Today she is a second-year student at the University of Uyo and the light of the Etuk family. It is fitting to note that she was named after the former MD of Nicon Insurance Plc where her papa worked as stenographer- Lol. Happy birthday my daughter and may God who has started something very beautiful in your life lead you to glory in Jesus mighty name. Whenever you are in Lagos, let’s do Afang but your papa will pay, he dey owe me. Bless you.

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Subomi Balogun: The True Definition of a Real Wealthy Aristocrat

Sekinat

Olori Sekinat Elegushi’s Homily No amount of words is enough to express the unconditional love of a mother. A mother’s love is a peaceful and powerful force to be reckoned with.

A true mother’s love and affection were recently on display at the palace of Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom when the elegant Olori Sekinat Elegushi took the centre stage to celebrate the New Year party with over 200 children from within her kingdom and its environs through her Quality and Selfless Empowerment Foundation.

The annual New Year party is one of Olori’s humanitarian programmes for residents in the community, particularly the indigents. The children, who had a quality time of entertainment, amusement and merriment, also received different items including school bags, writing materials, lunch boxes, water bottles, snacks and toys.

In her remarks, Olori Elegushi thanked God on behalf of the children for keeping them alive and healthy to witness another year. She advised them to be focused, and disciplined and shun all forms of social vices, to make their parents and the country proud.

She thanked her husband and patron of the foundation as well as other trustees for their support and for also spending time with the children and equally thanked the International Women Society (IWS) and other organisations for their partnership and collaboration.

When Property Expert, Alobo-Bakare, was Honoured Over time, Hakeem Alobo-Bakare’s exemplary life achievements and awesome potential for positive social transformation have earned him recognition, rewards as well as laurels from far and near.

With his exemplary lifestyle, this gentleman extraordinaire has earned recognition across the country for being a detribalised Nigerian.

Coming from a very humble background and rising to the position of a successful businessman of national and international repute, Alobo-Bakare’s life as a philanthropist of a rare breed and a social reformer of distinction has not come as a surprise to those who know him.

This was on display when he was penciled down for a chieftaincy title as Otunba Bobajiro of Jogan -Orile, in November 2022, by His Royal Highness Adeyemi Adekeye JP, as many who can attest to his charming character applauded the decision. Expectedly, his circle of friends built over the years cuts across the who-is-who in high society, including captains of industry, monarchs, politicians, socialites and celebrities.

It is, therefore not surprising when a man with such high-net-worth and high-wired connections plans an event, you can bet that it will never be in half measure.

Perhaps, this explains the frenzy and buzz in social circles, as the respected Lagos socialite received his title last week Tuesday.

Society Watch gathered that the sleepy town of Jogan-Orile was literally shut down for the once-in-a-lifetime experience as the prominent building developer installed the Otunba Bobajiro amid pomp and pageantry. The event paraded many Nigerian politicians, business moguls and Obas.

The name Otunba Subomi Balogun means different things to different people. To some, the name stands for courage, and tenacity, while for others it means inventiveness, brilliance, and distinction to some others. Balogun in all ways is like the proverbial huge elephant. Your description is determined by which side you are viewing from.

By every standard, Balogun is a colossus in the Nigerian money market. A man of excellence, and integrity; a trailblazer and pioneer extraordinaire in the sector.

A trained lawyer, Balogun came into the financial sector at a time when the country was seriously in need of top intellectuals like him. He did not disappoint. In no time, he reshaped the industry and became a household name.

Balogun wrote his name with a golden pen when he became part of those who stood up to be counted in the rewriting of the story of the

country’s financial sector and launching it into the global map. His philosophy is: “All things are possible if you believe.” It is a known fact that many discover themselves in moments of trouble.

Almost two decades after retiring from active banking, the octogenarian banking legend is still wielding much influence in Nigeria’s banking sector. Some even argue that he has as much influence after his retirement as he did while he was very active as Chairman and CEO of the first wholly-owned Nigerian Merchant bank, FCMB. At 88, many would have expected this old dandy tycoon to be retired from the hustle, rather he has shown no signs of slowing down as he advances in years. Just as he has been making fortunes from his banking days, this stylish billionaire is unrelenting and he continues to make billions from many of his

Balogun

Double Celebration for Communication Wizard, Steve Omojafor

Omojafor

Before he emerged as the then number two citizen in Osun State in 1999, Iyiola Omisore had embraced success, and indeed already established a solid relationship with success, to the envy of others.

It has now been revealed that his success story in the past years can be attributed to years of hard work, dedication, perseverance and goodwill.

His influence and power spread all over.

His businesses spread across the country, while his wealth cuts across and his star shines brightly. He is simply a man with the Midas touch, as anything he touches turns to gold, although his political trajectory could be described as a sweet-bitter experience.

The Ife, Osun-State-born prince has suffered many humiliations in the murky water of Nigeria’s political scene that ordinarily would have consumed any lilylivered person. But the more the war, the more he sprouts out like a seed watered freshly by the morning dew.

Today, the businessman-turnedpolitician, after years of vacating office as a deputy governor and senator, has continued to remain relevant and it is not in doubt that he remains a force to be reckoned with in the

To many, January 6 of every year is like any ordinary day in their lives. But this is not so for Nigerian businessman and veteran advertising expert, Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman of STB-McCann. For him, the day is always worth celebrating, as it signifies the beginning of his earthly sojourn.

The marketing communication expert clocked 77 this year and as such, provided another opportunity to celebrate the man whom many have drunk from his fountain of knowledge and are today ‘irokos’ of sorts in the nation’s thriving marketing communication industry.

As gathered the day was a double celebration for the expert as it was also his wedding anniversary. That day, 47 years ago, he married his lovely wife, Mojisola, so the anniversary was tagged ‘777!’

It was disclosed that a thanksgiving mass was held at his home in Osborne Estate, Ikoyi, followed by a very well-attended reception

that had a six-man Jazz Band with exquisite cuisine and exotic drinks, in good measure.

Omojafor, a thoroughbred marketing communications professional, mentor, author, statesman and servant of God is a man of many colourful parts. His career spanned through the Daily Times of Nigeria (1972) as Sub-Editor and then into advertising - first at Lintas Limited, before the joint formation of Rosabel Advertising Limited and finally MD/CEO of STB-McCann Lagos. He is now retired but remains the Group Chairman and Regional Consultant.

A man with a deep love for humanity, Omojafor remains involved with numerous NGOs and community development projects.

Honoured by the Pope many years ago as Papal Knight Commander of the Catholic Church, he is also Chairman, the Board of Trustees of Augustine University in Epe, Lagos State.

Iyiola Omisore’s Staying Power

daily.

While he is described by some naysayers as a hostile and arrogant man, his admirers are always quick to come to his defence and thump their chests for him as a hugely misunderstood personality. According to his supporters, this narrative was created by some unscrupulous elements merely for political reasons.

However, Society Watch gathered that the billionaire businessman that built his first house at the young age of 22 is one of the most generous human persons around.

It is also on record that he is one of the biggest individual donors at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, where he has been a regular face for many years.

So, this year was not going to be an exception as he visited on January 1, 2023, as usual, to bring succour to those who are in need. It was disclosed that he brought smiles to the faces of many when he offset hospital bills of patients who had no hope of paying their medical bills.

He parted with several millions of naira for this purpose, a source disclosed.

Omisore

scheme of things in the game of politics.

Little wonder his homes, both in Lagos and Ile-Ife are like a Mecca of sorts where many go to seek one favour or the other

Conquering Spirit of Real Estate Wizkid, Sijibomi Ogundele For those who have been wondering about his rising profile as a businessman, one of the things working for Sujimoto Group boss, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, is that he always sees opportunities where others are bogged down by the morbid fear of failure. Besides, he pursues his dreams with an unbent resolve to succeed, irrespective of the challenges that may come his way.

Interestingly, Ogundele who recreated the sector with his luxury buildings within the space of coming into the industry is today a household name in the sector and still waxing stronger.

In eight years, Sujimoto has disrupted the luxury real estate space in Nigeria, injecting quality and value creation, which before now, was a scarce commodity. The property merchant is building structures that people once thought were impossible; setting standards, and constantly challenging the limit of height and possibilities in the luxury real estate sector in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

Society Watch gathered that having

Ogundele

conquered the field, he is gradually spreading his tentacles and breaking new ground as has recently set up Sujimoto Smart City (SSC) in Epe, Lagos State to make lands and housing available for as many as possible. With a focus to give Nigerians the opportunity to own lands in a Sujimoto inspired Smart City, enjoying all

super amenities that are synonymous with 21st-century cities and more, at an affordable cost.

It was gathered that the SSC brings three key elements to contemporary cities together in one place that has never been seen anywhere before. They are strategic location, 21st-century infrastructures and affordable pricing. This revolutionary project will definitely change the way Nigerians live totally. It also has a plaza with retail shops, cinemas, offices, rooms, hotels, casino, a rooftop pool, a spa and restaurants As revealed this year, more than ever before, his firm has embarked on a strategic internal restructuring as an organisation that was described as corporate governance, alignment, and expansion strategy. This is simply because he understands that he cannot dream to compete globally and think locally.

This new era in his corporate existence allows him to see the world as his marketplace, consolidate his local presence and export his vision to all corners of the globe.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 24 2012

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

22. 1. 2023

The Trouble with Those Resurrected Memories…

Despite the maelstrom of controversy swirling around it, Prince Harry's bestselling memoir, Spare, remains a valuable peek at the behind-the-scenes life of the British royal family.

Okechukwu Uwaezuoke writes

S

ome decisions just have to be taken. For Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, one of those decisions—an unavoidable one after the uproar that trailed his "stepping down" from royal duties—is the writing of his controversial autobiography, Spare. In the 471-page memoir, which has EHHQ R΀FLDOO\ RQ WKH ERRNVWDQGV VLQFH January 10 and, according to CNN, chalked up a record sale of 1.4 million copies in its ÀUVW GD\ RI SXEOLFDWLRQ WKH \HDU ROG prince, so to speak, tells his "own side of the story."

And why would his side of the story EH GHHPHG QHFHVVDU\ LQ WKH ÀUVW SODFH" Consider that Prince Harry—the second child of the late Princess Diana, the exwife of the reigning British monarch, King Charles—has been in the public glare since his boyhood. Isn’t it obvious that most of what is known about his public and SULYDWH OLYHV FRPHV IURP WKH PHGLD" 6R in a crazed world where no one seems to care about man's true purpose of existence, trivia like the "glitzy world" of the royals is deemed a front-burner issue. Of course, there are often attempts to blur the true motives behind the intrusiveness, scandalmongering, and outright slander with the SKRQH\ MXVWLÀFDWLRQV WKDW WD[SD\HUV QHHG WR know how their money is being spent. But then, cleverly distorting facts to give them wrong meanings to the detriment of the hounded subjects remains a reprehensible act before the laws of natural justice.

Now, doesn’t this explain why this otherwise beautifully written narrative, a compelling read by all standards, sometimes reads like a litany of complaints against the paparazzi, who seem to delight in chasing, hunting, and haunting KLP" 7KLV LV ZKHQ WKH UHDGHU LV QRW EHLQJ reminded, albeit tangentially, about the fact that fate—a "fate etched in stone," as he calls it—had assigned him the role of a "spare" to the "heir."

7DONLQJ DERXW EHLQJ D VSDUH D ZRUG that gave the book its title), he brings this fact early in the narrative to the reader’s attention in his riveting description of his room at Balmoral Castle, a residence of the British royal family in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. “My half of the room was far smaller, less luxurious,” he writes. “I never asked why. I didn’t care. But I also didn’t QHHG WR DVN 7ZR \HDUV ROGHU WKDQ PH Willy was the Heir, whereas I was the 6SDUH 7KLV ZDVQ·W PHUHO\ KRZ WKH SUHVV UHIHUUHG WR XV³WKRXJK LW ZDV GHÀQLWHO\ WKDW 7KLV ZDV VKRUWKDQG RIWHQ XVHG E\ Pa and Mummy and Grandpa. And even *UDQQ\ 7KH +HLU DQG WKH 6SDUH³WKHUH was no judgment about it, but also no ambiguity. I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B. I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy. I was summoned to provide backup, distraction, diversion and, if necessary, a spare part. Kidney, perhaps. Blood transfusion.

6SHFN RI ERQH PDUURZ 7KLV ZDV DOO PDGH explicitly clear to me from the start of life’s journey and regularly reinforced thereafter.”

Copies of Spare on display

Prince William and Prince Harry

Yet, Prince Harry’s circumstances of birth—for the average man, accidental but by no means so in reality—are ones that millions would wish to trade places with him for. Indeed, much of his experiences— both substantiated and unsubstantiated PRUDO LQMXULHV LQÁLFWHG RQ KLP E\ WKH PHdia—arise from a lack of understanding of the true purpose of man's earthly existence and the circumstances surrounding it. If the earth-dwelling creature has become blind to reality outside his bodily senses, it is due to millennia of the frantic pursuit of material possessions. Even though it is enveloped by material coverings, his true essence, the spirit, whose existence is sometimes vehemently denied or derided, is blindly groping about in this dense material realm. It is for this reason, especially owing to his inability to make sense of his physical reality, that he deems such things as the circumstances of his birth accidental.

Undeniably, the narrative documented in the memoir's three parts, which are labelled with lines borrowed from the FODVVLF E\ WK FHQWXU\ (QJOLVK SRHW :LO-

liam Ernest Henley—interesting given that Harry isn't the bookish type—revolve around Harry's paying the price for beLQJ UR\DO 7KH UHOHQWOHVV KDUDVVPHQW E\ the paparazzi, his rivalry with his older EURWKHU :LOO\ ZKLFK FOLPD[HG LQ WKH ODWWHU NQRFNLQJ KLP WR WKH ÁRRU GXULQJ DQ DUJXPHQW WKH SDODFH VWDͿ V ZLO\ VFKHPHV DQG his father, the then-Prince of Wales, who seemed to lack compassion and would not stand up for his "darling boy," are but a few examples of this. Should it come as a surprise, then, that the darkening and toxicity of his immediate ethereal surroundings were to blame for his reQXQFLDWLRQ RI UR\DO GXWLHV" 2I FRXUVH WKH VWRU\ RͿHUV PRPHQWV RI psychic reprieve from all this toxicity. His brief stay in Australia and the frequent periods he spent "in Africa," a general term that ignores the reality that he is referring to a whole continent with 54 countries, DUH H[DPSOHV RI WKHVH H[SHULHQFHV 7DONLQJ DERXW $IULFD ³VSHFLÀFDOO\ %RWVZDQD³LW is often depicted as an epicurean haven of refuge, where he feels safe from the harassment of the paparazzi and protected

from the vitriol trailing his frequent, albeit unintentional, faux pas. One of his more obvious faux pas is his controversial donning of a Nazi costume in 2005 during a "native and colonial" theme party in London, which was feasted upon by the 8. WDEORLG 7KH 6XQ $ERXW WKH VFDQGDO which he later apologised for and described as "one of the biggest mistakes in my life," Harry blames it on the encouragement of his brother and his wife, Kate. “Well, ZKDW QH[W"µ WKH FHQVRULRXV %ULWLVK VFDQGDO mongering public seems to wonder. Since being revealed as a drug addict, the prince appears to have a habit of hopping from one scandal to the next.

Still on psychological reprieve, the Afghan war provides a perfect escape, which is probably why he apparently begged for a second deployment. Ditto his excursions to both the North and South Poles.

7KHQ WKHUH LV 0HJ 0HJKDQ 0DUNOH who has phenomenally survived the intrigues of the British establishment and WKH UDJLQJ VWRUP VWLUUHG E\ LWV PHGLD 7KLV LV DIWHU WKH ÁDPHV RI +DUU\·V SUHYLRXV relationships were extinguished by the latter. It is gratifying that despite the maelstrom, she became the mother of two healthy babies: Archibald and his sister, Lillibeth.

Meanwhile, the memoir, whose dedication reads: "For Meg, Archie, and Lili... and of course, my mother," has been called out for factual accuracies, which, among others, include inconsistencies in the circumstances surrounding his *DQ *DQ·V JUHDW JUDQGPRWKHU GHDWK and his allegedly getting an Xbox for KLV WK ELUWKGD\ LQ IURP KLV ODWH mother before she died when the device was invented in 2001 and didn’t get to Europe until 2002.

All of this does not, however, take away from the worth of the book, which was released by Penguin Random House.

It also doesn't matter that it was purportedly ghostwritten by J. R. Moehringer, who CNBC said had previously penned two other best-sellers.

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

62

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22, 2023

ARTS & REVIEW\\POT POURRI PUBLICATION $QG 6R /DG\ 'RQOL %URXJKW WKH /DJRV 3DQLF WR $EXMD« $QWLFLSDWLQJ (GX7LPHV $IULFD Segun Ade-Martins

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ast year, on Friday, 'HFHPEHU /DG\ Donli organised a homecoming concert at the romantic Mambaah Cafe in Abuja. She was accompanied E\ WKH /DJRV 3DQLF EDQG 7KH show’s opening acts were the angelic songstress Nunu Eluma DQG VPRRWK YRLFHG /REL ZKR each performed intimate sets, serenading the crowd with their bedroom R&B tunes. /DG\ 'RQOL DQG WKH /DJRV Panic’s set started at around 10 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. not because they kept fans waiting, but rather EHFDXVH D VLJQLÀFDQW QXPEHU RI fans came late. Refreshing professionalism from the performers.

8QGHU WKH FDQRS\ RI OLJKWV DQG WUHH EUDQFKHV /DG\ VKLPPLHG DQG rocked the night in her electric blue ERG\VXLW 6KH VD\V KHU ODWHVW LQÁXence is James Brown, and you can VHH LW LQ KHU PRYHPHQWV RQ VWDJH This Pan-African rock star earned her money with this perIRUPDQFH 6KH UHYHDOHG ZKDW KHU music is about by performing her KLWV ´&RUQHUµ ´6XͿHU 6XͿHUµ DQG ´&DVKµ 0DQ\ 1LJHULDQ IDQV FRPSODLQ WKDW PRVW RI WKHLU IDYRXULWH musicians are poor performers.

Their recorded music is a remarkably better experience than their OLYH VKRZV +RZHYHU LQ /DG\ 'RQOL·V FDVH the opposite is true. Her recorded PXVLF LV EULOOLDQW EXW KHU OLYH performances are the core of her musical expression. Songs that are struggling to get airplay and traction on the charts come to life in a beautiful way. The band and VKH DUH ORFNHG LQ KHU SRFNHW 8VX-

Lady Donli in performance DOO\ HYHQ JRRG VLQJHUV JHW SLWFK\ ZKHQ SHUIRUPLQJ EXW /DG\ ZDV in perfect pitch.

She says a sign of success for her is playing in sold-out stadiums like %H\RQFH V 2QH FDQ VHH WKDW VKH FDQ reach such heights as she interacts ZLWK WKH FURZG 6KH LQYLWHV D JX\ RQ WKH VWDJH WR FKDQW +HOOR /DG\ to her. Her mastery of performance is undeniable.

After a successful debut album, atoughtimeduringtheCOVID-19 pandemic, an excellent Extended 3OD\ (3 UHFRUG :LOG DQG D IHZ singles,oneexpectshersophomore album to be stunning. Although she was tight-lipped about what H[DFWO\ WR H[SHFW VKH GLG UHYHDO WKDW WKHUH ZRXOG EH DQ HYROXWLRQ of sound and style, and it would EH WKH PRVW SHUVRQDO WKDW ZH KDYH heard from her. Her collaboration wishlist includes contemporary Fuji-inspired artists such as Bella Smurda.Anunusualcollaboration, RQH ZRXOG VD\ EXW IRU /DG\ 'RQOL unusual is her domain.

MUSIC She is a pure artist, and the world is not in sync with her. The ZRUGLQJ LV LPSRUWDQW WKH ZRUOG should synchronise with her, not because of her ego, but because RI KHU WDOHQW +RZHYHU WKH YHU\ thing that makes her a brilliant artist and a breath of fresh air in D ZDYH RI VLPLODULW\ VHHPV WR EH hindering her. She is open about her struggles as an independent DUWLVW (YHU\WKLQJ D PXVLFDO DUWLVW with backing can do, she has to self-fund. For example, for three \HDUV SURPRWHUV KDYH UHIXVHG WR RUJDQLVH DQ $EXMD VKRZ DQG /DG\ Donli stepped in and organised it herself.

One can only speculate on why D WDOHQW VR EULJKW GRHVQ·W KDYH major labels and management in line to sign her and promote her.

My theory is that her unfettered FUHDWLYLW\ LV VHHQ DV DQ XQWHQDEOH

business risk for a label. If there is truth to this, it’s utter nonsense. +RZHYHU PD\EH /DG\ 'RQOL QHHGV WR UHLJQ LQ KHU WDOHQW /LNH VR PDQ\ JHQLXV OHYHO WDOHQWV EHIRUH her,shemayneedto"dumbdown" her total package. That is, to focus KHU FUHDWLYLW\ RQ D JHQUH 5LJKW now, she can express herself in multiple genres. She may look up to Beyonce as a musical role model, but she may need to VWXG\ /DG\ *DJD·V VWDUW $NRQ who brought her to the limelight, said that in the beginning, they had to reduce her musical ideas for the label to sell her music and EXLOG D IDQ EDVH /DG\ 'RQOL QHHGV WKLV LQWHUYHQWLRQ DQG KRSHIXOO\ she can endure the constraints to blossom into the megastar she is capable of.

'LG $EXMD JLYH /DG\ 'RQOL D EHÀWWLQJ KRPHFRPLQJ" ,Q VRPH regards, the answer would be yes. <HV LQ WHUPV RI /DG\ V HPRWLRQDO attachment to the city and its people. After all, she acknowledged her primary schoolmates were in attendance, as well as old IULHQGV DQG PRUH VLJQLÀFDQWO\ KHU mother. In a commercial sense, $EXMD OHW /DG\ 'RQOL GRZQ 7KH IDQV VKRXOG KDYH VKRZQ XS RQ time, and many more should KDYH DWWHQGHG DQ DPD]LQJ performance, but they didn’t.

Essentially, manyAbujans missed out on the wonderful experience WKDW WKLV DUWLVW SURYLGHG ZKLFK VKRXOG QRW KDYH KDSSHQHG 7KH hope is that by December this year, Nigeria and the world will recogniseherperformanceabilities DQG ÁRFN WR KHU VKRZV ,W ZRXOG be a life-changing experience.

$GH 0DUWLQV ZULWHV IURP $EXMD

(YRNLQJ WKH (PRWLRQV RI WKH %LDIUDQ :DU ([SHULHQFHV Nwokedi’s ‘Shred of Fear’ masterfully captures a phenomenological account of a three-year hellish journey towards the unfulfilled dream of a promising nation, Biafra. Anthony Ogbo writes

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he mechanisms underlying childhood memories are still a mystery, with socialisation,neurological maturation, DQG RWKHU IDFWRUV IUHTXHQWO\ LQÁXHQFLQJ DQ LQGLYLGXDO V PHPRU\ RI VLJQLÀFDQW FKLOGKRRG H[SHULHQFHV 8FKH 1ZRNHGL ZULWHV D FKURQLFOH RI his experiences during the Biafran :DU DOVR NQRZQ DV WKH 1LJHULDQ &LYLO :DU LQ KLV ERRN 6KUHG RI )HDU +LV PHPRU\ LV XQULYDOOHG DQG LQFOXGHV PDQ\ VLJQLÀFDQW HYHQWV that the younger generation is not familiar with. $FFRUGLQJ WR 1ZRNHGL ´&KLOGhoodmemoriesofthattimeremain indelibly etched into my psyche.

Now and then, I see them in my mind’s eye, in shades of sepia, like old photographs from a family DOEXP µ 7KH DXWKRU LV FRQÀGHQW DERXW KLV memories of the war and explains WKHLU VLJQLÀFDQFH ´, WUHDVXUH WKHVH memories and hold fast to them, as they are the watershed years of my journey in life so far. I fully HPEUDFH WKH HPRWLRQV WKH\ HYRNH withnoapologiesforwhatthechild UHPHPEHUV µ 7KH VWRU\ RI WKH %LDIUDQ :DU LV QRW QHZ <HW D ORW RI WKH HYHQWV VXUURXQGLQJ WKLV EORRG\ PD\KHP KDYH not been told, and unfortunately, WKH DGYHQW RI VRFLDO PHGLD DQG WHFKQRORJLFDO LQQRYDWLRQ KDV QRW made telling the story of the great Biafran journey any easier. For LQVWDQFH VHYHUDO DQDO\VHV ERRNV DQG SXEOLFDWLRQV KDYH SHUYDGHG theinternetwithGoogle-generated XQVXEVWDQWLDWHG FRQWHQW (YHQ

BOOKS some authors who fought in the ZDU KDYH UHQGHUHG VXEMHFWLYH DFFRXQWV WR DSSHDVH VSHFLÀF VRFLDO DQG SROLWLFDO LQWHUHVWV 6RPH DFWLYLVWV equallywentastray,creatingBiafran ZDU FRQWHQW WR SXUVXH WKHLU :H WKH People" agitation crusades.

Shred of Fear, on the other hand, is far from those. Shred is not a political written handout. It is not a children’s bedtime storybook.

It is a masterful rendition of the %LDIUDQ :DU GHYRLG RI *RRJOH speculations. The author, a child DW WKH WLPH FUHDWLYHO\ FDSWXUHV D phenomenological account of a three-year hellish journey toward WKH XQIXOÀOOHG GUHDP RI D SURPLVLQJ nation. Indeed, from beginning to end, Shred unloads, from a unique SHUVSHFWLYH WKH YHU\ LQWHUHVWLQJ DQG UHODWLYHO\ XQNQRZQ HYHQWV WKDW PDUNHG WKLV KRUULÀF VHDVRQ

Butthemostexcitingandcredible endorsement of this book comes fromChiefArthurMbanefo,acomPLVVLRQHU DQG URYLQJ DPEDVVDGRU LQ %LDIUD ² $FFRUGLQJ WR &KLHI 0EDQHIR ´$V RQH ZKR participated fully in the Biafra :DU 6KUHG RI )HDU LV D SRZHUIXO DQG YLYLG IDFWXDO UHFROOHFWLRQ RI HYHQWV WKDW GHÀQHG WKH ZDU IRU WKH DXWKRU :ULWWHQ ZLWK VXFK EULOOLDQW simplicity, one is taken on a journey of the changes in life in a time of war by the author. A must-read. +LJKO\ UHFRPPHQGHG µ One remarkable aspect of this book is the author’s representation of Aba, the great Enyimba city, which he describes as "one of those quintessentially colonial Nigerian towns with all the hallmarks of a place with plenty of growth potenWLDO )URP $ED V &LW\ /LIH WR 7KH Pound Road Bombing to the "Fall ofAba," the author paints a realistic picture of what happened inside Biafra during the early stages of the

ZDU $JDLQ KHUH LV WKH DXWKRU ´, saw pictures of mutilated bodies DQG WKH\ JDYH PH WKH FKLOOV 7R crown it all, there were constant mobsofangryyoungmenrunning through the streets of Aba carryLQJ OHDYHV FU\LQJ IRU YHQJHDQFH and chanting in the Igbo language, ¶2MXNZX JLYHV XV D JXQ WR GHIHQG RXUVHOYHV ·µ In addition to music, which becameatherapeuticpartoftheculture in the Biafran land, the author recounts how air raids became the KDOOPDUN RI WKLV ZDU .LOOHU ÀJKWHU jets preyed on innocent masses at will. In his own words, Nwokedi ZULWHV ´:H ZRXOG VHH WKH 0,*V >MHW ÀJKWHUV@ VXGGHQO\ VZRRS GRZQ IURP WKH VXQ OLNH KDZNV Á\ ORZ SDVW WKH *5$ >*RYHUQPHQW 5HVHUYHG $UHD@ ERPE WKH WRZQ center and markets, climb back XS LQWR WKH VN\ DQG WKHQ OHDYH DV TXLFNO\ DV WKH\ KDG FRPH µ Anotherinterestingaspectofthis book is the author’s recollection of the Aburi Accord. On January 4 and 5, 1967, delegates and repreVHQWDWLYHV IURP ERWK WKH )HGHUDO *RYHUQPHQW RI 1LJHULD DQG WKH (DVWHUQ 5HJLRQ OHG E\ /LHXWHQDQW Colonel Emeka Ojukwu, met in Aburi, Ghana, to agree on what is now known as theAburiAccord.

This meeting at Aburi was supposed to be the last opportunity for ERWK SDUWLHV WR UHVROYH DQ\ FRQÁLFW WR SUHYHQW FLYLO ZDU 2JER 3K ' LV RQ WKH (GLWRULDO %RDUG RI WKH :HVW $IULFDQ 3LORW 1HZV +H LV DOVR WKH 3XEOLVKHU RI WKH *XDUGLDQ 1HZV -RXUQDOLVP DQG 57) 3URIHVVRU

Aspecial publication "Edutimes Africa" published

by Adebiyi Oke will be R΀FLDOO\ ODXQFKHG YLUWXally on Monday, January UG 7KH EULHI DQG YHU\ businesslike ceremony is billed to begin at 3pm and end by 4pm.

A statement signed by the Editor In Chief of the magazine, Oladapo Akande, disclosed that the monthly magazine was jointly founded by the trio of Adebiyi Oke, Oladapo Akande and Kammonke Abam, who are deeply worried about the poor state of the education sector on the African continent.

He said it was disheartening that youths now consider education as a scam and lamented the general neglect of WKLV YLWDO VHFWRU E\ JRYHUQPHQWV The Editor-in-Chief lamented the high unemployment rate in the country and condemned the perennial strikes by the $FDGHPLF 6WDͿ 8QLRQ RI 8QLYHUVLWLHV $688 DQG RWKHU stakeholders, which always disrupt the academic calender.

He described "EduTimes Africa" magazine as a necessity which connects education to people in a way that is practical and useful. +H VDLG YDULRXV VHJPHQWV RI WKH PDJD]LQH HQOLJKWHQ DQG JXLGH WKH $IULFDQ \RXWK DQG EULQJ WR WKH IRUH LQQRYDWLRQV DQG JHUPDQH SHUVSHFWLYHV ZULWWHQ E\ VHDVRQHG HGXFDWLRQLVWV and patriots.

The "How Education Made Me" segment of the magazine FRQWDLQV LQVSLUDWLRQDO LQWHUYLHZV RI KLJKO\ VXFFHVVIXO LQGLYLGXDOV ZKR DWWULEXWH WKHLU VXFFHVVHV LQ OLIH WR VRIW VNLOOV YDOXDEOH KDELWV DQG SRVLWLYH DWWLWXGHV JDUQHUHG LQ WKHLU trajectories, before and after graduation.

Dignitaries expected at the launch include Professor Segun Ajibola, former President of the Chartered Institute of BankHUV 1LJHULD DQG FXUUHQWO\ D OHFWXUHU DW %DEFRFN 8QLYHUVLW\ Mrs Maureen Ihonor, an Education Consultant and retired Director of Corona Schools Trust Council and Mr Guido Stock, head of the Commercial section at the Austrian Embassy.

CULTURE

:$1'$$ 3D\V +RPDJH WR ,IH &XOWXUH Yinka Olatunbosun $W WKH ODVW VHDVRQ RI WKH FXOWXUDO HYHQW :$1'$$ KRVWHG DQG SURGXFHG E\ $LVKD 6DQQL 6KLWWX D YDULHW\ RI GDQFH GUDPD IRRG DQG KLVWRU\ RI ,OH ,IH ZDV H[SHULHQFHG E\ FXOWXUH EXͿV LQ /DJRV +HOG DW WKH :DWHUIDOOV (YHQW &HQWUH 2UHJXQ ,NHMD WKH VHULHV ZKLFK is the third of its kind is initiated to celebrate the nation’s cultural GLYHUVLW\ ZKLOH KDUQHVVLQJ FXOWXUDO DVVHWV IRU HFRQRPLF JURZWK $Q DFURQ\P IRU ¶:H $UH 1RW 6R 'LͿHUHQW $IWHU $OO · :$1'$$ LV D TXDUWHUO\ HYHQW WKDW DFFHQWXDWHV WKH EHDXW\ LQ FXOWXUDO GLYHUVLW\ For the end of the year edition, Ile Ife was celebrated using theatrical elements of dance, music, chants and drama. Ile Ife is reputed as the capital and principal religious centre of the Yoruba Kingdom of Ife. The Yorubas also consider the site of Ife as the place of creation while the creator god Oduduwa separated the earth from water and PDGH DOO OLYLQJ FUHDWXUHV DQG KLV FKLOGUHQ UXOHG RYHU WZHOYH FLWLHV Some aspects of the history of Ile Ife were dramatised in a short presentation by some members of the National Troupe. Another VHJPHQW RI WKH HYHQW WDJJHG ´7UXVW <RXU 6HQVHVµ IHDWXUHG WKH <RUXED DFWRU <HPL 6KRGLPX +H ZDV PDGH WR WDVWH VRPH QDWLYH FXLVLQH OLNH water yam pottage called Ikokore. The food is also popular among WKH ,MHEXV $ UHSUHVHQWDWLYH RI WKH 2RQL RI ,IH JXHVWV ZKR DUH ,IH indigenes as well as other cultural enthusiasts graced the occasion.

The producer reiterated the importance of the cultural gathering LQ KHU RSHQLQJ UHPDUNV DW WKH YHQXH ´:$1'$$ LV FUHDWHG WR SURPRWH RXU FXOWXUDO GLYHUVLW\ DQG RQH 1LJHULD DQG WR VKRZFDVH WKH EHDXW\ RI RXU FXOWXUHV :KHQ ZH XQGHUVWDQG WKH FXOWXUH RI RQH DQRWKHU ZH UHVSHFW WKHP µ VDLG Aisha Sanni Shittu.

A cultural presentation at the event

63

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22, 2023

CICERO

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

IN THE ARENA

Courting Presidency and Gagging the Press The recent forceful prevention of an ARISE NEWS Channel cameraman from covering a dialogue between the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, and members of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group ahead of a crucial general election signals danger both for the media and Nigeria’s fledgling democracy, Louis Achi writes

I

n Nigeria, the media is often criticised - accused of trespassing on personal privacy and hunting witches, which exist only in its own imagination. But then, the traditional and new media have been like this for centuries in many countries all over the world. Nigeria is not different.

All that is new is that technology has given them a bigger bite. But it is hard to see how a democratic society can fully flourish without a free media. Some of the demons it pursues and the devils it reveals deserve their fate. If it tramples upon privacy, the result is often the truth. It holds the ring between vested political interest and the common public good. It is the Fourth Estate.

It is against this backdrop that the unseemly ruckus that occurred penultimate Friday in Abuja when the Presidential Campaign Council’s (PCC of the All Progressives Congress (APC)) forcefully prevented an ARISE NEWS Channel cameraman from covering a dialogue session between the APC’s presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu and members of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) can be best assessed. Tinubu had unfolded his economic plan before the organised private sector under the aegis of NESG. Of course, angry reactions have trailed this deliberate attempt to gag the media.

In its studied reaction, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) held that “the APC-PCC’s blatant disregard for the rights of a journalist performing a constitutionally-protected function at a time when the party was still seeking to persuade Nigerians to vote its candidate into the highest office in the land, portends grave dangers for the media should that candidate prevail in the elections.”

In a statement issued in Lagos, last week, MRA’s Programme Director, Mr. Ayode Longe, stressed that the action of the party’s PCC that was made public by its Director of Media Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, was bizarre, highhanded and a violation of the rights of the media.

Apparently unaware of the potential backlash, Onanuga had claimed on Twitter that the ARISE cameraman was caught, allegedly clandestinely live-streaming Tinubu’s campaign event without authorisation and had accused him of being “on espionage mission.”

But Longe expressed outrage at the allegation and the justification for the unconstitutional action, describing it as ridiculous and baffling.

According to Longe, “What authorisation does the journalist require to perform his professional duty of covering a political campaign event? How can a purely journalistic act by a cameraman from a television station filming a public political campaign event and beaming it live to a public audience be characterised as espionage?

“Should the cameraman have first made a public announcement that he is covering the event so as not to be accused of doing so clandestinely?” he queried.

It was not the first time the APC-PCC would attempt to gag the media. At the peak of calls for presidential candidates to attended town hall meetings, the spokesmen of the PCC had cleverly excluded their principal, Senator Bola Tinubu. They defended and resisted it vehemently. Nothing to contrary made them see reason why Tinubu should attend any town hall meeting. This was followed by

Tinubu attacks on the media houses which dared to question why the APC presidential candidate should come forward to tell Nigerians how he hope the salvage the country if elected president.

This perhaps was what further clearly miffed Longe when he said he found it “particularly bewildering because Mr. Onanuga, who issued the justification and made the accusation of espionage, spent a significant portion of his career as a professional journalist engaged in what came to be known as guerrilla journalism, for which he and the two media outlets, TheNews and Tempo magazines, where he served as an editor, were widely applauded by people like Senator Bola Tinubu.

“It is the worst form of irony that he is now attempting to condemn a journalist engaged in his professional pursuit as having committed a capital offence.”

Further according to the MRA’s Programme Director, “If this attitude is indicative of the vision of the party or its presidential candidate on the role of the media in the democratic process, then we shudder to think of what the future holds for journalists and the media community should this attitude and mentality be brought into the highest political office in Nigeria.”

He also noted that it was the duty of the media to scrutinise and hold accountable public office holders and institutions as well as public figures, including political parties and candidates seeking public office, and to ensure that the members of the public have as much information as possible about them, their programmes and their track records in and out of office.

“The media cannot properly play their role in the electoral process if they are prevented from having access to public events which form part of the process,” he said, noting that anyone unwilling to be subjected to scrutiny by the media has no business seeking public office.

It was contrary to the code of journalism practice in Nigeria and everywhere else in the world that institutions or individuals who were being held accountable should be the ones to determine the media organisations or journalists that are allowed to hold them to account, he stressed, insisting that journalists are entitled to and should be given the fullest access to all electoral events, and that such access should be non-discriminatory.

Effective media interface between the political parties, government and the public is especially important in countries in transition like Nigeria, where major changes in all aspects of life have left the citizenry uncertain about the incoming political leadership and their often foggy agenda. This is such a period.

To reach large numbers of the population, political parties and governments everywhere rely heavily on the media. The media filters and analyses information, making these available to the citizens, thus enabling them to take informed decisions. Political parties need to learn to tolerate and appreciate the role of an independent media in the democratic process as an essential supplier of feedback as well as a communication channel.

According to the Texan economist and philosopher, Clarence E. Ayres, the essence of democracy is the idea that each citizen has a voice, actualised in the right to vote, and when these diverse voices come together a majority rule is formed. But democracy is not just the fact that the majority rules, it is the process of inquiry by which consensus is formed.

Former US Secretary of State, Condeleza Rice, at Edward R. Murrow Journalism Programme at the State Department, keyed into the foregoing distinctions when she held that, “There is no more important pillar of democracy than a free and active press,” what American “founding father” Thomas Jefferson called “the fourth estate.”

What Jefferson meant, according to Rice, was that without a free and active press, “the people could not be certain that their views would be known to their leaders and that their leaders’ views would be known to them.” A free and independent media is one of democracy’s most important institutions.

Clearly, gagging the media, either by governments or political parties aspiring to rule, is a form of dictatorship that no serious democracy should accommodate. A deep democracy functions in no small part through an informed and engaged citizenry.The media helps to shape this through open and responsible journalism.

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

Lalong’s Turn for Blunders at APC Rally

Lalong

That some leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have lost every sense of direction on their electioneering has become a subject of debates. Everywhere they go to it is one form of blunder or the other. Another case in point was when at the party’s presidential campaign rally in Ilorin, Kwara State, last Tuesday, the Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council and Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, appealed to Nigerians to allow Tinubu to become the next President of Nigeria because it was his turn to chop (slang for eat).

He said Tinubu has done good for the party and deserves a regard (chop), adding that if you chop alone, you will die alone.

“If you do me good, I’ll do you good. If you

do good on the other side, we’ll do good on this side. That is Emi Lokan. Is that not Emi Lokan?”, he asked party supporters. Asiwaju has done good. It is his turn, it is your turn, it is our turn. If you chop alone, you will die alone. He didn’t chop alone; so, it is his turn to chop. And that is why Emi Lokan is very important”, the governor said.

Not many Nigerians were shocked at the comments by Lalong at a campaign rally.

The Plateau State governor’s comments were not only a blunder, but complete embarrassment.

Little wonder the comments unsettled the party’s vice presidential candidate, Senator Kashim Shettima, who was standing near Lalong. The former Borno State governor

called the attention of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and muttered something to him.

Rather than telling Nigerians how they will fix the non-existent power, tackle insecurity, the country’s rising debt profile, poor healthcare, education and other myriad of challenges confronting the country, all some of the party’s leaders are concerned about are bizarre and mundane things.

In several reactions, Nigerians say Lalong’s bizarre speech suggests the APC was seeking to retain the presidency for pecuniary gains.

“At this point, the choice is yours. It will be a national disgrace if this set of people is handed over the affairs of this nation”, @SammyKing tweeted.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22, 2023

BRIEFINGNOTES Obaseki’s Exemplary Leadership on Edo Train Station Attack The prompt rescue of all the train passengers abducted by armed herdsmen in Igueben Train Station in Edo State by security agencies without the usual payment of ransom was a demonstration of the efficiency of a resilient security system in the state. Ejiofor Alike writes that other governors should emulate this high level of commitment and transparency demonstrated by the Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration in coordinating the rescue operation and stop abandoning kidnap victims and their relations to pay ransom to bandits

W

hen armed herdsmen invaded the Igueben Train Station on Saturday, January 7 and abducted over 30 people, an angry Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, had made a strong commitment to ensure that security agencies rescue all the victims unhurt.

The state government had quickly mobilised soldiers, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), police personnel and vigilantes to track the abductors.

The state police command had in a statement, said the kidnappers were herdsmen armed with AK-47 rifles.

Narrating the incident, the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, had disclosed that one of the abducted victims escaped at 8.15pm on the same day of the incident, adding that 31 others were still with their captors.

Nehikhare stated that the abductors came with cars but took their victims into the bush on foot.

“The police, working with the vigilante and hunters, started combing the bush almost immediately and one suspect has been arrested and he is helping the police in their investigation.

“The Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu visited the scene of the incident and we are sure that with a suspect apprehended, the investigation will lead to the arrest of others and the rescue of the victims.

“The state government commends the police for their prompt response while we also praise the vigilantes and hunters who took part in the bush combing operation. We hope this will be the last time an occurrence like this will happen in the state,’’ the commissioner reportedly explained.

On his part, the Onogie of Igueben and Okaigun of Esanland, Ehizojie Eluojierior I, also confirmed the rescue efforts.

He reportedly said, “the police, vigilantes, and the hunters are working together on the issue.

They combed the bush till midnight on Saturday and resumed on Sunday morning.”

With the strong determination of the state government and the security agencies to rescue the victims, it was not surprising that six persons were rescued just two days after the incident even as the kidnappers had reportedly made contact with some families of the victims and demanded N20 million for each of them.

Nekhihare, while giving an update on the efforts by government and security agencies, appealed to the Edo residents to be vigilant, adding that, “Operation Bush Combing” was still on going, and

Obaseki that nothing would be left to chance.

“A large portion of the forest is being combed.

We call on Edo people to be vigilant. If you see something, say something,” Nekhihare said.

He also said: “Our Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, spoke with me this morning to share the latest information on the efforts being made by the military, police and personnel drawn from other security agencies, including the vigilante and hunters who know the bushes like their backyards to ensure the kidnapped passengers are released soon.

“The governor has provided the needed logistic support to the various security agencies that are combing the bushes, small settlements, forests and everywhere around the place of the incident to smoke out the kidnappers.

“Governor Obaseki has mandated his deputy, Philip Shaibu, to coordinate the operation. The governor urged citizens to remain calm and pass any useful information to his office or the security agencies,” he added.

Also one week after the incident, the state police command disclosed that 12 more abducted

passengers had been rescued unhurt at Udo Forest in Ughboa.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, also released the names of the rescued victims.

Dankwara said the operation had brought to 18 the number of victims rescued.

The sustained efforts of the security agencies also recorded another success last Sunday when Nehikhare disclosed that 12 of the remaining 14 kidnapped victims had been rescued.

Obaseki later visited the 12 rescued victims at the Police Cottage Hospital in GRA, Benin City, where they had been taken for medical attention.

He assured the families of the two remaining abductees that he would deploy the full apparatus of the state to ensure their release.

The governor said information at his disposal indicted some traditional rulers in the area who disobeyed government’s directives against open grazing as they still harboured herders in their communities.

“We have information that some traditional rulers in that area do not obey and respect the

government’s decision to discourage open grazing by herders in their forests.

“I have instructed that those traditional rulers should be investigated and anyone found to be harbouring the herders will have questions to answer because that was what led to this incident. Communities that obeyed don’t have such incidents in their domain.”

Asked if ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims, Obaseki said: “No money was paid for their release as our special forces engaged in the joint operation and overpowered the kidnappers and rescued 12 persons and the kidnappers ran away with two victims.”

“We are happy as a state and people that we have been able to secure the release of 12 of those kidnapped at the Igueben Train Station over a week ago. It has been a very difficult situation as the might, will and security system we put in place in Edo State have been tested. We are glad the system is resilient,” he said.

On his part, the state Commissioner of Police, Dankwara, said the kidnappers operated at the Ugboha and Udo forests where special security forces laid ambush for them for over a week.

He noted that as the kidnappers were trying to move their victims around that location, they were intercepted and were only able to escape with two other victims.

He added: “We are working to ensure those two are released. We have arrested some persons who are a syndicate of this kidnapping gang. They are in our custody. Initially, we rescued 10, with this 12 rescued we have just two left with the kidnappers. We assure Edo people that we will rescue them.”

The state government matched its words with actions as it last Wednesday confirmed the rescue of the remaining two passengers and the arrest of two village chiefs in connection with the train attack.

Nehikhare disclosed that seven other suspects had also been arrested in connection with the incident.

The Edo State Government and the security agencies in the state have set a standard, which other governors should emulate. The state government, DSS, police, army and the local security outfits have demonstrated that the security architecture in the state is resilient. Other state governors should muster the political will to set up similar security structures and implement the anti-open grazing laws like Obaseki. Governors should also not abandon the relations of kidnap victims to pay ransom. Payment of ransom is the incentive that encourages abductions in the country.

NOTES FOR FILE

When Uzodimma Plays Politics with Insecurity

Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State recently told Nigerians that as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the state, he knows what others do not know about the insecurity ravaging the state.

In his reaction to the recent attack on the home of thespokespersonfortheCoalitionofUnitedPolitical Parties (CUPP), Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Imo State governor was quoted in the media as saying that Ugochinyere was attacked by gunmen because he violated the agreement he had with them that there should be no election in the South-east.

Unknown gunmen had stormed the residence of Ugochinyere, who is also the PDP candidate for Ideato Federal Constituency, and shot about three persons dead.

Butreactingtothecarnage,Uzodimmareportedly

accused Ugochinyere of being the architect of his ownmisfortune.Healsoclaimedtobeawareofthe meetings between Ugochinyere and the gunmen.

The governor alleged that the agreement was that elections would not hold in the South-east, adding that Ugochinyere violated the agreement by running for the election.

Many believe the shocking revelation was an indication that Uzodimma as the CSO knows something about the activities of the unknown gunmen ravaging the state.

What the Imo State governor did not reveal is the reason behind his failure to tackle the gunmen.

Having allegedly admitted that he was privy to the meeting between Ugochinyere and the gunmen, he should tell Nigerians why he did not share such

vital information with security agencies to track the gunmen.

Reacting to the governor’s comments, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Imo State, Collins Opurozor had reportedly said: “What this self-confessionhasestablishedisthatUzodimma was aware of the attack even before it was carried out. He knew how it was conceived, planned and executed. By his admission, Uzodimma knows who the so-called unknown gunmen are. He knows where and how they met. He is privy to their agreements, documents and action plan.

So, what is unknown about the gunmen if the governor could boast of knowing everything about them, including their meetings and their resolutions?” he queried.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22, 2023

CICERO/ISSUES

When IG’s Retirement is in Abeyance The uncertainty surrounding the fate of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, who is due for retirement in March, was clarified last week by the Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi, writes Kingsley Nweze

Baba

Dingyadi

T

he Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi, last week stirred the hornet’s nest when he disclosed that the Inspector General of Police (IG) Usman Alkali Baba would not be retiring midway into the general election, disclosing that the police boss already has an appointment letter, extending his term in office.

Dingyadi, who briefed State House Correspondents after the first Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of 2023, explained the Police Act 2020 has changed the rules for an IG’s retirement.

There have been speculations lately that the police chief, who will clock 60 years on March 1, 2023, may not honour the rule that mandates public servants to go on retirement at 60 due to the general election that will be ongoing at that period.

Responding to a question from a journalist on whether or not the IG would be retiring as the law provides, Dingyadi said: “I don’t know where you got your record but let me say that by the provision of the Police Act 2020, the IG is now supposed to have a kind of four-year period and Mr. President has already given him a letter of appointment in that regard. So the issue of IG going out during this election period does not arise.”

Before Dingyadi’s clarification, there were intrigues within the police high command and the corridors of power in Abuja in the foggy race for the police top job.

Baba will turn 60 on March 1, 2023, four days after the presidential election and 10 days before the governorship elections scheduled for February 25 and March 11, respectively.

According to Baba’s profile, he was born in 1963 and commissioned into the police on March 15, 1988, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. He will, therefore, be due for retirement on March 1, since the mandatory age to leave for officials to leave public service is 60 years or after 35 years in service.

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed the then DIG Baba as the acting Inspector General of Police on April 6, 2021. The Police Council confirmed him as the substantive IG on June 2021.

Recall that there had been concerns over the expected retirement of the IG Baba, as well as three Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), many Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), 10 Com-

missioners of Police (CPs) five Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), about 30 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), over 35 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), 47 Superintendents of Police (SPs), 55 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and 70 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) in the first quarter of 2023.

Findings by THISDAY showed that the retirement of such a number of police officers in one fell swoop at a period of elections, has become a serious cause for concern for the authorities, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“There are fears over security during the general election as the full compliments of police personnel are needed nationwide in February when the presidential and National Assembly elections hold as well as March, when the governorship and state Houses of Assembly election will take place,” a source said.

It was gathered that before IG’s statutory retirement in March, three DIGs are expected to leave the force this month as they reach their retirement age.

Sources in the police revealed that among those expected to retire are Mobile Squadron Commander and Area Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs). Usually, such police officers get strategic postings during elections owing to their critical positions, it was gathered.

When contacted on the expected mass retirement in the police, an official of INEC, who does not want his name in print, said the commission was focusing on how to organise credible elections while leaving such matters as security to be handled by those concerned.

On whether he was afraid that mass retirement in the police may affect election security, he said: “I should think that the federal government knows what to do.”

While it was not clear what the Police Service Commission (PSC) would recommend to President Buhari, regarding the mass retirement of the IG and others at this critical time, some retired police officers said the option of service extension till after the elections could be explored.

Just like in civil service, where the retirement age for public service officials is 60 years or after 35 years in service whichever comes first, the Police Act, signed by President Buhari recently, also pegs the retirement age of police officers at 60 years of age or 35 years of service.

Specifically, Section 18(8) of the new Act states: “Every police officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years or until the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.”

By law, the police chief is appointed by the president on the “advice” of the Police Council.

The council is chaired by the president and has the 36 state governors, Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the IG as members.

But even when the Police Act pegs the retirement age of police officers at 60 years of age or 35 years of service, another section also pegs the tenure of the IG as four years.

For instance, Section 7 subsection 2 of the Act provides that: “The person to be appointed as Inspector General of Police shall be a Senior Police Officer not below the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police with the requisite academic qualification of not less than a first degree or its equivalent in addition to professional or management experience.”

Many analysts have argued that the clause that pegs the tenure of the IG for four years after he has attained 60 years of age or 35 years of service contradicts the public officers’ rule and Section 18(8) of the Police Act. A former IG said the officers could get an extension in the circumstance. According to him, the officers due for retirement should be given three months extension for effective monitoring of the elections.

The former IG who did not want to be mentioned, said: “It is not easy to immediately fill their vacuum.

Already, INEC and some people are saying that due to insecurity the elections may not hold. In internal security, the police are the bedrock, the first to be called upon. And the elections involve internal security.”

Justifying his recommendation for extension, he said: “The Civil Service Rules say a civil servant is due for retirement after serving 35 years or after attaining 60 years of age, but the president has the prerogative to extend anybody’s tenure.”

A retired DIG from the North, who pleaded anonymity, said it would be the first time such a large number of police officers would go on retirement at the same period, which makes it imperative that “at such a critical period, as during national elections, the president could grant an extension. It is not about the people who are to retire, but for national security. We need all the policemen to be around during elections,” he said.

A retired AIG, on his part, said: “I fear that effective

monitoring of the elections may be affected if such numbers are allowed to go at this crucial period of the elections. It is not possible to fill the vacuum immediately.”

A commissioner at the PSC, who declined to be named, said as a responsible body made up of experienced people, the PSC would not be against extension of the service period of IG and the officers concerned.

“If the IG feels that the large number of the officers due for retirement will affect effective monitoring of the elections, let him write to the President for their extension. For the IGP, it is the Presidency that will determine his fate. We (PSC) have no objection to whatever that would be done to maintain stability and security, “ he said.

A security expert said retirement is statutory in the police, military and civil service generally and should not cause any anxiety.

“The authorities know what to do, in the best interest of the country. Therefore, there should not be cause for alarm,” he said.

Recall that Baba’s predecessor, Mohammed Adamu, also faced a similar issue prior to his leaving office.

But President Buhari extended Adamu’s tenure by three months after he reached the mandatory 35 years in service in February 2021.

The matter was subsequently taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja, and the court affirmed Buhari’s decision on the grounds that the constitution gives the president the power to appoint the IG. According to the court, by implication of the powers of appointment, the president can extend the tenure of an IG who is due for retirement, pending consultation with the police council on the approval of a substantive replacement.

But a security expert, who spoke to THISDAY, argued that any tenure extension given to Baba would further confirm the allegations of favourtism and nepotism levelled against the President Buhari’s government since he took over the affairs of the country in 2015.

The analyst, who did not want his name mentioned in print for security reasons, said: “Why is it that it is only northerners that Buhari always extends their tenures? He did the same thing to the former IG, Mohammed Adamu. What he is doing is setting a very dangerous precedent. We hope that whenever a southerner mounts the position in future, successive governments will do the same thing to the person.”

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22, 2023

CICERO/ISSUE

Matching CJN’s Tough Talks with Actions

Since his assumption of office, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has continued to talk tough against the flagrant violations of the rule of law in the country. Alex Enumah writes that it’s high time the CJN matched his tough stance with actions

J

ustice Olukayode Ariwoola was on October 12, 2022 sworn in as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). His sudden elevation to the office was due to the voluntary retirement of then CJN, Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, who relinquished the office on health grounds.

He was first appointed in acting capacity on June 27, 2022, pending his confirmation by the Senate. But since his appointment as substantive CJN, Justice Ariwoola has however, not hidden his intention to redeem the battered image of the judiciary.

Since the beginning of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded the homes of some judicial officers, including a then serving Justice of the Supreme Court, the late Justice Sylvester Ngwuta in October 2016, the integrity of the judiciary has remained under scrutiny. Only last year, a group of persons purported to be from a special committee under the Federal Ministry of Justice also invaded the residence of the then serving Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Peter-Odili (rtd) in another botched operation.

Apart from the invasion of the homes of judicial officers, courts are also being desecrated especially by both security operatives and thugs across the country. A team of DSS personnel had also invaded a Federal High Court in Abuja in a bid to re-arrest the convener of #RevolutionNow, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, shortly after he was granted bail.

However, Ariwoola shortly after assuming office has been talking tough and sending out warnings to relevant quarters that his administration would not hesitate to wield the big stick both within the judiciary and outside especially against those who flagrantly violate the rule of law.

Speaking recently at a Conference of Attorneys General in Abuja, the CJN again warned politicians and others who are in the habit of disregarding the rule of law that it would no longer be business as usual under his watch.

Ariwoola warned that the silence of the judiciary must not be mistaken for weakness or vulnerability. While stating that the rule of law has been assailed from all fronts, especially by those who are supposed to uphold and guard it jealously, the CJN who was represented by a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, lamented that judicial officers and court facilities have been variously attacked, molested, harassed and desecrated across the country.

“I wish to let whoever cares to listen to know that nobody, no matter his or her position in society, should mistake our golden silence for weakness or vulnerability.

“The judiciary under my watch will not sit by the sidelines to watch the temple of justice and ministers of justice being flagrantly chastised and whipped into silence,” he explained.

In what seemed to be directed at

Ariwoola the security agencies in the country, the CJN said: “No one in this country is permitted under any guise to take the law into his or her hands simply because he or she has the guns to wield”.

Some police officers had in two separate incidents in December last year shot dead two Nigerians, including a Lagos-based legal practitioner, Mrs. Bolanle Raheem, who was said to be pregnant with twins.

In an apparent reference to such incidents, Ariwoola advised that the earlier judicial officers and the courts are respected the better for all Nigerians.

To restore the sanctity of the courts and its officers, the CJN charged stakeholders in the justice sector to ensure fairness, equity and the rule of law prevail at all times.

He specifically called on the attorneys-general in the country to begin to live up to their callings by repositioning

the judiciary in their respective states through the manner they conduct their affairs.

While he warned them that “oppression and suppression of perceived enemies must not have a bearing on your conduct,” he added that, “judicial officers must not suffer intimidation and chastisement and chief justices must not go cap -in-hand to beg for funds to run their courts”.

Ariwoola urged all participants in their various capacities to start making a comprehensive approach to the effective and seamless administration of criminal justice and the implementation of the rule of law.

The CJN had at a recent capacity-building workshop and formal inauguration of members of the 2023 Election Petition Tribunals, also warned that his administration “will not condone

any act of recklessness, abuse of power and public trust”.

He advised judges to see their membership of the tribunals as a rare privilege for which they must give a good account of themselves.

“Your Lordships should count yourselves worthy to be so entrusted with this humongous responsibility of deciding the fate of those that would be contesting elections into various political offices in the country in 2023.

“Though judicial officers are not known to possess some supernatural powers to perform wonders, I can confidently assure you that the society in which you operate will certainly expect the impossible from you as members of Election Petitions Tribunals”, the CJN noted.

He explained that aside the expectations of the public, the judges should prepare themselves for all sorts of verbal assault and uncomplimentary remarks from some aggrieved politicians and their supporters but must remain steadfast and focused.

“Trust is a burden and you must discharge it with utmost sincerity, honesty and transparency, because conscience is an open wound healed only by truth.

You must rise and operate above every sentiment that might play out in the course of your adjudication in the various tribunals.

“There is no doubt that temptations, tribulations, intimidations and even sheer blackmails may be unleashed on you but as thoroughbred judicial officers, you must guide your loins to rise above them and do what will earn you accolades from your creator and also from the court of public opinions”, he added.

Ariwoola’s tough stance against the violation of the rule of law and acts of misconduct by judicial officers has rekindled hope in the Nigerian judiciary.

To restore the people’s full confidence in the judiciary, the CJN should match his words with actions.

He should ensure that judicial officers no longer look helpless in the face of assaults by the other arms of the government.

Security operatives and the heads of security agencies that violate the orders of the courts should be committed to prison without being given any soft landing. Ariwoola should ensure that nobody is above the law, no matter the number of troops or armed security operatives the person commands.

The CJN should make sure that judges make pronouncements that instill confidence in the judiciary.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) under the chairmanship of Ariwoola, in late last year set up a probe panel to investigate 15 judges of various High Courts. While Nigerians await the outcome of the probe, it will be really interesting to see the CJN match words with actions by not only punishing judicial officers who has breached their oath of office or found to have engaged in corrupt practices but also endeavour to apply the full weight of the law against public officers violating the rule of law, no matter how highly placed.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANAURY 22, 2023

INTERNATIONAL From Pope Benedict XVI to Jacinda Ardern: The Challenge of Poor Health versus National Leadership

P

ope Benedict XVI was a former Head of the Catholic Church worldwide, a Pope Emeritus who lived for 95 years(1927-2022)beforehepassedawayinamonastery in the Vatican on Saturday, 31st December, 2022. In other words, he was an old man before he passed on. His passing on at old age was very significant in terms of what he stood for before his death. He was specially recognised for being the first Catholic pontiff in about 600 years to resign his position as Pope. He did not seek to die in office.

He recognised his failing health and incapacity to carry the heavy burden of leadership.

His successor, Pope Francis, said of him at the Saint Peter’s Basilica, that Pope Benedict XVI was a‘noble person, so kind and we feel such gratitude in our hearts, gratitude to God for giving him to the Church, andtotheworld.’Moreimportant,PopeFrancisalsoexpressed‘gratitude to him for all the good he accomplished and above all for his witness of faith and prayer, especially in these last years.’This is one legacy for which he would always be remembered. But why resign from office?

He had been contemplating resigning since 2002.

Jacinda Ardern was born on 26th July, 1980. She became the Prime Minister of New Zealand and the Leader of the Labour Party in 2017.

She was elected at the age of 37 years and was therefore adjudged as the youngest female Head of Government. She has faced several challenges which partly explain her decision to resign with effect from 7th February 2023.The challenges included the COVID-19 pandemic, terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch,White Island volcanic eruption in Napier, and political challenges. Prime Minister Ardern did not principally announce her resignation because of these challenges but mainly because of self-recognition of incapacity and incapability to carry the burden of the challenges, that is, the inability to deliver the mandate she swore to execute.

Put differently, the issue of poor health as a critical challenge to performance of official duties, prompted Pope XVI to opt to resign. It is noteworthy that Pope Francis, his successor was scheduled to pay official visit from January 31st to February 5th, 2023 to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan following his inability to travel as earlier scheduled. As noted by Mercedes de la Torre, a Mexican journalist based in Rome and reporting on theVatican since 2006,‘the Holy Father intended‘to visit the cities of Kinshasa and Goma from July 2nd to 5th and Juba, the capital of South Sudan, from July 5th to 7th (2022) but had to postpone the trip for medical reasons.’

In the same vein, for various considerations, the Prime Minister of New Zealand also announced to resign her position, though quite younger a person than Pope XVI. Again, but why? Regardless of the reasons for resigning, there is no disputing the fact that self-appraisal of inability in the discharge of official duties is an expression of selfprobity, integrity of purpose, non-selfishness and most patriotic way of ensuring national security, economic growth and development, as well as collective happiness. By resigning and paving way for a more capable hand, more time is not wasted on non-productive political governance.This is why the rationales for resignations of Pope XVI and Jacinda Ardern should be comparatively explicated in the context of Nigeria’s 2023 presidential elections with the ultimate objective of drawing lessons for the future.

Incapacity versus National Leadership In Africa, many people aspire to provide leadership of their countries but care less about the situation of their health. Many people even simply slump and die during political campaigns. They simply fail to recognise the situation of their poor health. For instance, there is nothing wrong in seeking to become the president of a country. It is a good thing to so desire. In this regard, however, it cannot be sufficient to aspire without having good health to sustain the aspiration. Good health undoubtedly enhances ability, capacity and mental alertness for nation-building. Poor health cannot. It only undermines ability and capacity. It deepens incapacity to act objectively, constructively and expeditiously.

Additionally, it cannot be sufficient to be elected and not know when one’s body is weakening and to decide when to call it quit. Without doubt, Pope Benedict XVI’s case of poor health as a reason to resign his position as Head of the Catholic Church is a relevant case in point. His case raises many controversial issues in Nigeria’s electoral politics and

with

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Pope Benedict XVI particularly as regards Nigerian leaders. In Africa, and more so in Nigeria, it is considered an offence to seek to know the situation of health of a leader. It is seen to be a matter of private life, whereas, the leader is occupying a public office which requires public accountability and transparency in political governance.The health situation of political leaders is always of public concern and news in developed countries, but the contrary is the case in Nigeria. This is in spite of the fact that the same leaders fund their medical bills with public funds.

ThepointofProf.AdekeyeAdebajooftheInstituteofAfricanThought and Conversation (IPATC), University of Johannesburg, is pertinent here. He noted in his article,“Opinion: Africa’s Sick Presidents,”of June 6, 2017, that“local journalists have often been barred from reporting on the health of leaders under threat of arrest, while various presidential spokesmen either keep mute or report the leader as being“hale and hearty”or“fit and fiddle.”This has led to sometimes farcical situations.

The editor of a Guinean newspaper was arrested in 2008 for carrying a photo of an ailing president, Lansana Conté, and forced to publish a different picture of a more, sprightly president. But Conté still died a week later’(vide uj.ac.za).

Prof. Adebajo also recalled that ‘since 2008, the leaders of nine countries –Nigeria (UmaruYar’Adua, pericarditis), Gabon (Omar Bongo, intestinal cancer), Guinea (Lansana Conté, undisclosed), Guinea Bissau (Bacai Sanha, diabetes), Ghana (John Atta Mills, stroke and throat cancer), Malawi (Bingu wa Mutharika, heart attack), Ethiopia (Meles Zenawi, undisclosed), Zambia (Levy Mwana, stroke, and Michael Sata, undisclosed) - died in office of illness.’

And true enough, many are the reasons for wanting to die in office.

Most African leaders are fantastically corrupt and fraudulent.They need to remain in power to be protected under the rule of immunity from prosecution. Some of them want to enjoy state burial while some of them need state funding for medical cover for their general family.

Whatever is the case, what the leaders are hiding eventually kill them and information on the cause of their death is generally revealed in their post-mortem reports. Consequently, hiding information about

From the foregoing, there is no disputing the fact that incapacity is necessarily a negation of any quest to provide national leadership. In the same vein, the general debates held at the level of the presidential candidates in Nigeria have not clearly shown the extent of mental health and capacity of each candidate beyond political promises. And perhaps more interestingly, promises are made without articulation of the modus operandi for the achievement of the promises. All the candidates purport to be healthy and fit, and not having any inhibitions that can prevent the active discharge of their official duties. Agreed, but sight must not be lost on the need to promote self-evaluation in terms of character and self-discipline, because whoever is not honest with himself can never be honest with another person. A person who cannot lead himself right can never rightly lead others . Consequently, all those who are currently in government and all those currently aspiring to occupy public positions should all borrow a leaf from the objectivity of purpose of Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand and the late Pope Benedict XVI of the Vatican. Lack of good character, loss of traditional values of self-respect, respect for the elder, pursuit of money by crooked means, and loss of national consciousness are responsible for today’s armed bandit insurrection and boko haramism in Nigeria. This is indeed, a manifestation of a Nigerian mental illness that must be addressed by all presidential candidates during their campaigns

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VIE INTERNATIONALE

the ill-health of any leader can only be for a temporary time.

The ideal thing is to have an open door policy regarding the health status of all leaders for the purposes of good leadership. Hiding one’s disease or ailment is self-deceit. Self-deceit is crime against oneself.

Whoever engages in self-deceit can never be trusted of capability to tell others the truth. Self-deceit is unpatriotic and can be very misleading in political governance.

For instance, Ghanaian President, Dr John Evans Atta, died in office on July 22, 2012. Before his death he had not been well and unable to fully execute his duties for some time. By the time he knew that his illness was to become an impediment to good performance, why should he not resign? African leaders hardly accept to leave office even at the end of their electoral mandate. They are sit tight presidents. In fact, the Brookings institution has revealed a list of 19 countries that have lost a sitting president or Head of State: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria and Zambia. With Gabon, Guinea and Nigeria having lost each two sitting presidents, the total number of leaders who have died in office is 22.

What is of concern here is the Brookings institution’s observation that‘many African governments adamantly conceal their ailing leader’s health status. In fact, in some African countries, discussions of a leader’s health are considered as criminal offences punishable by death.’And more significantly,‘the phenomenon of concealing a leader’s health is not unique to Africa: US presidents Kennedy, Reagan, and Franklin Roosevelt, as well as French president François Mitterrand, all concealed illnesses while in power. However none of these men died in power as a result of ill-health’(vide brookings.edu,“The Health of African leaders: A call for more transparency, Tuesday, August 7, 2012”, by Mwangi S. Kimenyi and Vera Songwe). As shown above, if African and American leaders do conceal their illness, how do we explain the fact that the American leaders do not die in office, but African leaders do die in office? Why should it be so?

While Pope Benedict XVI openly told the world about his failing health and the need to take a rest and address his medical fatigue, African leaders not only often take the bad end of the stick, but also take sanctions against whoever ordinarily talks about their ill health. In Nigeria,thereisnothingtosuggestthatallthepresidentialcandidatesdo not have one medical problem or the other. People, for various reasons, think it is only the All Progressives Congress standard bearer, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who may be sickly. What prevents making a full medical report on every presidential candidate a requirement and a condition sine qua non for election eligibility to avoid a midway-term medical emergency after election?

In fact, funding is another major issue in the quest to live well.When President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) was elected in 2015 as President of Nigeria, his state of health was, at best, very poor. He was very fragile.

The fragility of his health and old age was ignored by voters. After his election, PMB had to go on medical tourism to the United Kingdom for four months. As explicated by The Guardian editorial of 19 July 2017, entitled,‘African leaders and medical tourism,’‘things were never this bad. It is also true that Africa, especially Nigeria, has very competent hands that can render that the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, were once on the top list of health facilities in Africa. As Head of State then, General Yakubu Gowon’s wife had her baby at LUTH. Members of the Saudi Royal family once patronised UCH all the way from that kingdom. Also, the nation’s teaching hospital have produced first class doctors who now practises in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean to mention but a few. Indeed, some wealthy Nigerians who travelled to Saudi Arabia in the 1980s found themselves in the care of Nigerian ancestry.’This point of observation is noteworthy:theNigeriandoctorsperceivedbackhomeasincompetent end up being the same extraordinary medical consultants that have to attend to the ailments imported from Nigeria.

In this regard, if the African leaders are patriotic enough, and are especially building necessary health infrastructure, there would not have been too much of gaspillage in medical tourism. As Nyasha K. Mutizwa of the Africa News wrote on 3rd October, 2019,‘in Uganda, the funds spent to treat top government officials abroad every year could build ten hospitals. Not only do the leaders travel with elaborate entourages,buttheyalsotravelinexpensivecharteredjets.Forexample, the cost of parking Buhari’s plane during his spell in London in 2017 is estimated at £360,000 – equivalent to 0.07% of Nigeria’s budget allocation for health in that same year.’ It is against this background that the condition of good health should be discussed in the context of the 2023 presidential elections and extent of incapacity.

2023 Presidential Elections and Incapacity Nigeria’s 2023 presidential elections are likely to be quite interesting because of its manifestations from various perspectives. Before now, election rigging, ballot box snatching, and vote buying are some of the hallmarks of the elections. In the 2023 elections, these acts of electoral indiscipline are expected to be thrown into the garbage of history.

The introduction of electronic voting, the expected impact of youth voting and entry into force of the new Electoral Act, etc. all point to the remoteness of election rigging. However, this hypothesis may not hold with the purported proven allegations by the opposition parties that the ruling party, APC, is already planning to rig the elections by seeking to print its own PVCs. The allegations were made during a press conference.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22 , 2023

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ENGAGEMENTS

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Peter Obi and the Northern Challenge

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oliticians on a nationwide campaign for the top job in the land are condemned to a life of compulsive nomadism. They are perpetually on the go, sometimes armed with a compass they alone can read or no compass at all. Mapping their itinerary can be quite an arduous task. Worse still, matching the marketing routes of key political candidates in a large and diverse country like Nigeria can be a disarming and troublesome undertaking.

Perhaps the best way to mediate between a key politician and his choice of where to go hunting for votes is to match the route of his wandering with whatever his core message is. A serious politician is mostly an itinerant salesman who must go first to the places where his essential message resonates and can also garner the most votes. In a fatally injured polity such as today’s Nigeria, the imperative is for leading politicians to go to those places where most voters reside and where the nation bleeds the most. Therefore, political campaign travels tend to be transactional road shows: politicians go promising to fix everybody’s leaking roof in return for votes.

Of the major contestants for the presidential podium in this campaign season, Mr. Peter Obi has shown unusual depth of independent knowledge of “the trouble with Nigeria.” Like the rest of his colleagues, he has made speeches on the insecurity, the poverty, the criminal corruption and recklessness in public finance management as well as the disunity and factionalism in the land. Over and above the rest, however, he has analytically dissected and linked these problems while demonstrating an impatient desire to go at Nigeria’s problems head on from day one in office. His difference from the rest is in the articulation of a clear social democratic vision. Going for him is his background of impeccable discipline, service delivery and moral astuteness.

This implies a concerted subversion of the present endangered social order, wobbly state and alienated politics. His is a vision of a new Nigeria which neither fellow politicians nor the enlightened public has yet faulted. Of course the other top contenders have their own vision of Nigeria under them. We cannot call it a name yet nor has any of them had the courage of calling their destination a ‘new’ Nigeria! Only Mr. Obi has had the temerity to name his destination. It is a political risk because it threatens the existing behemoth and its supporting infrastructure of special interests and hegemonic warlords.

But curiously, Mr. Obi’s campaign itinerary has not quite featured so much of the core north. He has concentrated instead on the south with occasionally forays into the north central zone. Yet the avalanche of depressing statistics that Mr. Obi constantly uses to enliven his campaign presentations are abundantly domiciled in the north. From all estimates, the north has become an embodiment of the Nigeria challenge at the present moment.

Irrespective of our political leanings and preferences, no matter where else in Nigeria we live and call home and no matter what deities we worship and which direction we face when we pray, a common reality stares us all in the face. The development challenges and virtual carnage in the northern half of Nigeria concerns us all. It is in fact the most pressing urgency of our national existence today. And I doubt that we can anticipate any sensible political outcome in next month’s election without thinking deeply about where the outcome will place the north. In a certain curious sense, therefore, we are all northerners now on the basis of the national consequences of the many troubles we face in the north.

Nowhere else is the new order of Obi’s message crying so loudly for its urgent realization than in what I choose to call the nation’s “Northern Hemisphere”. Obi wants to change Nigeria fundamentally by tackling the challenges that bedevil us. But

Obi

he has not quite paid sufficient attention to the core north in his campaign road show so far.

In the last eight years of Nigeria under Mr. Buhari’s APC government, the situation in the north has degenerated to a desperate level. Of the nation’s population of 130 million multi dimensionally poor people, 65% are in the north. Of the 20 million out of school kids in Nigeria, nearly 18 million are in the northern states. Since after the abduction of the 175 Chibok schoolgirls, another 1,500 school kids in the north have been abducted and trucked away from their schools into slavery in all forms. A total of 11,336 primary and secondary schools all in the north have been closed because of the menace of terrorist abductors and kidnappers. Over 40,000 lives have been lost to terrorist insurgency mostly in the north in the last decade. Of the estimated N680 million that has been paid as ransom to kidnappers, more than 60% was spent in the north, a region whose economic situation continues to tank by the day. Unemployment of youth prevails while foreign contractors and miners are perennial targets of kidnapping and senseless murder.

A proliferation of small to medium military grade weapons ranging from AK- 47s, assorted machine guns, rocket propelled grenades and their launchers has rendered the region and the rest of the country a virtual playground for non state violent actors. Instead of learning plumbing, auto mechanics and other artisanal trades, healthy youth have been taught the rudiments of the fabrication of IEDs. Some of the northern states have graduated into net ‘exporters’ of armed dangerous herdsmen and other unknown gunmen to other states of the nation.

Of the 19 states in the region, about half are virtual diarchies in which armed bandit war lords have been blackmailed into power sharing arrangements with democratically elected governors, sharing authority and sovereign control in murky exchanges of troves of cash.

These challenges coincide with the objects of Mr. Obi’s national retrieval message. But he has not quite yet articulated a comprehensive vision for the recovery of north. Yet, this is where the bulk of our national wealth is trapped. All that vast arable land, the numerous solid mineral fields, the vast human resources waiting to be empowered with skills and knowledge etc. Mr. Obi has admittedly spoken briefly about combining Koranic education with skills and entrepreneurship training. He has also expressed a commitment to better security all over the country, better education, an agrarian revolution, and general improvements in health care. None of these indicates deep enough reflection or a comprehensive project of modernization on the scale of what has taken place in parts of the new Middle East. The Obi campaign work group needs to school itself on the instruments of the raging contemporary modernization in the Islamic and Arab world.

Measured against its demographic size and its share of our current national problems, the north has not received the level of attention

it deserves from the Labour Party in terms of campaign visits. Regrettably therefore, in spite of his growing national and international presence and gravitas, Mr. Obi remains a distant and vague presence in the imagination of the average core northerner.

This should not be so.

The Obi message of economic and socio political emancipation in a new Nigerian order where the people become the custodians of state power is a message our people in the core north need to hear. It is not an ethnic message nor a religious one. It is not a geopolitical message either. People in the north do not want to hear the message of Nigeria’s recovery from the Buhari holocaust through hearsay or through surrogate messengers.

The tumultuous crowds of Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, Maiduguri are waiting to get a first hand feel of Peter Obi’s personal magnetism.

The noise of his political difference needs to be relayed first hand. When he embarks on this long awaited campaign tour, his pop star charisma should be complemented by a clear message delivered to local audiences preferably through Datti-Ahmed, his very brilliant and cosmopolitan deputy. When that hour comes, people who attend those rallies will go home not with empty promises, paltry cash, branded little bags of rice and boxes of Indonesian noodles. There will be a hope that that perhaps after these elections, their lives will return to normal in a place of peace and calm they used to know.

On the contrary, both Mr. Bola Tinubu of the APC and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP have made copious visits to the north. Arguably, these other candidates are on home ground campaigning in the north because they find it a convenient catchment area on account of their faith. There is nothing in that landscape that Mr. Peter Obi should be afraid of. Wherever he goes, he is on Nigerian soil with a patriotic message and mission.

The prevalent mood of the region or even the entire nation is not one dictated by faith alone. It is a time of intense collective self -assessment of their experience in the hands of leaders who spoke this familiar language of politics as usual in the past.

In response to the politics of ‘turn by turn’ the people of the north are now openly questioning the last eight years under the Buhari presidency. After all, it has been eight years under a fellow northerner; eight years under a Muslim leader and eight years under a former army general. The people of the north are asking why their lot should be the litany of woes that now characterize their daily lives.

In this nightmare, they have lost their farms to bandits, their livestock to sundry rustlers, their wives and daughters to armed rapists and bandits. They have lost the freedom to live their simple lives in peace because fear has become their most common daily experience. The kids they sent to school cannot come back except with knowledge of captivity as hostages in the hands of armed strangers sometimes speaking in strange tongues. A whole generation of young innocent Nigerians will grow up with life long trauma and psychological stress disorder. Even traditional rulers have been kidnapped for ransom. There is now a consensus throughout the region that their lives need to either be restored to the normalcy they knew before Buhari or improved in a new order.

Irrespective of the outcome of next month’s presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi has earned the singular right to be taken seriously in the current campaign season. To that extent, his message and stated mission have become national assets which need to be shared by all Nigerians. He must not however run the risk of allowing his message to be quarantined away from any part of the nation. We all are entitled to the dividends of Peter Obi disruptive politics. In order to change our reality for the better, we must look the Nigerian monster in the face wrestle it to the ground and surmount it for a better future. The north is an auspicious battleground for our collective national salvation and renewal.

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 22, 2023

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B AC K PAG E C O N T I N UAT I O N FIVE COMMON ERRORS ABOUT NIGERIA (I) Once upon a time, Nigeria was the sixth largest producer of oil in the world and was on list of countries with the largest oil reserves. These facts created the impression that “Nigeria is extremely rich”. Hence, the key details often escape our attention.

How do you measure the wealth of a nation? If we want to define our richness by oil revenue, things still do not add up. In 2021, Saudi Arabia (population: 36 million) earned $161.7 billion from oil exports; Russia (143 million), $82 billion; and Canada (38 million), $74 billion (7.5%). But Nigeria (200 million) earned $30.6 billion. For context, Kuwait, with 4 million people (less than the registered voters in Kaduna state), earned $36 billion from oil exports same year. Nigeria with over 200 million people earned less than Kuwait which has just 2% of our population. Our oil revenue, even if well spent, cannot service our population.

Why then do we think that we are rich based on petrodollars?

If we choose to measure the wealth of a country by using the benchmark of gross domestic product (GDP), we are still not rich.

GDP aggregates the income generated by a nation’s economy during a given period.

This gives us the value of its economic activities and indicates the strength of the economy. GDP-wise, the US is biggest with $20.89 trillion, followed by China ($14.72 trillion), Japan ($5.06 trillion), Germany ($3.85 trillion), and the UK ($2.67 trillion).

These are 2022 data as provided by the World Bank. Nigeria, with a GDP of $441 billion, has the biggest economy in Africa, followed by South Africa with $418 billion and Egypt with $402 billion. But there is

devil in the details.

By the time you adjust the GDP figures for population, a bigger picture emerges.

Nigeria (200 million) has a GDP per head of about $2,066. South Africans (56 million) are thrice “richer” — $7,055 per head. For Egypt (109 million), it is $3,699. In contrast, the US (331 million) has a GDP per capita of $63,413; China (1.4 billion), $10,434; and Japan (126 million), $39,048. Now, if we choose the route of gross national income (GNI) per capita using the purchasing power parity (PPP), which measures what a dollar can buy locally, Nigeria is still not up there, although figure improves to $5,200. South Africa goes up to $14,340 and Egypt $12,320.

These are World Bank data for 2021.

Or are we confusing individual wealth with national wealth? Speaking in Nairobi, Kenya, sometime in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan said, and I paraphrase, “How can they say Nigeria is one of the poorest countries in the world when Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the richest black man, is a Nigerian?

Since we arrived here, Kenyans have been talking about the number of private jets that Nigerians flew into Kenya.” But assuming we define “Nigeria is rich” by the wealth of a few individuals, we are still missing it.

When we say we can afford to build all the roads and provide free electricity and free healthcare to 200 million of Nigerians, we surely cannot be talking about Dangote’s wealth.

Perhaps when we say “Nigeria is rich”, we are not really talking about the oil revenue and the GDP. Rather, we are thinking of the potential: natural resources, human capital and arable land, etc. In that case, I agree

completely. We can reach a compromise on that by saying if Nigeria was well managed, it would be among the richest countries in the world — howsoever defined. In GDP, we would be rich because we have capacity to build a very productive economy. In revenue, we would be very rich because the economy would be robust. Even in oil wealth and other mineral endowments, we could be far richer because the chronic mismanagement would be wiped out.

Unfortunately, the prevalent notion that “Nigeria is rich” because of the petrodollars is one of the things holding back our ability to become rich. For one, a typical Nigerian does not want to pay cost-reflective tariffs for the commodities they consume. In all of West Africa, Ghana and Benin Republic inclusive, citizens pay for petrol and electricity at the market prices, with VAT and other taxes added on top. They do not see cheap fuel or electricity as a birth right. In Nigeria, we feel entitled because “Nigeria has oil” and “Nigeria is rich”. Any attempt to make the necessary and sensible adjustments is resolutely resisted. We would rather burn N3 trillion on petrol subsidy than invest it in hospitals.

Also — and this is paradoxical — it is argued that millions of Nigerians should not pay income tax because they are “poor”. But shoe shiners and hairdressers pay income tax in Ghana. Are our own shoe shiners and hairdressers poorer? We just think we are special in this country because we have oil. Our poorer neighbours have higher tax-to-GDP ratio compared to us. In fact, we have the lowest tax-to-GDP ratio in Africa and one of the lowest in the world.

In the pre-Independence Nigeria when Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo presided over the regions, woe betide you if you didn’t pay your income tax (poll tax) claiming to be poor! What happened to us?

Our mindset today is built on the notion that Nigeria is rich and its citizens do not have to bear part of the cost of providing and maintaining public services. Businesses share most of the tax burden while most individuals escape the net. This has damaged the critical element of state-society intercourse in a democracy, where citizens — riding on their fiscal contribution to the state —engage with the government on the issues of accountability and transparency over “taxpayers’ money”. Instead, we are all going for our share of the oil money by hook or crook. After all, isn’t Nigeria rich?

Let us just gather and share the money and have fun. It is a miserable mindset.

My summary: the notion that Nigeria is rich is not backed by the cold facts. But I agree absolutely that Nigeria is potentially rich. However, we can only attain our potential through good governance at all levels (not just in Abuja, which I intend to discuss in the next article). We can only become rich through massive investment in the productive capacities of our people.

What is mineral wealth when it only induces mismanagement? What is arable land when yield per hectare is poor? What is human capital when people are illiterate, hungry and sick? How can we deliver first-class healthcare and education when we are burning scarce resources on the egos and libidos of the elite class?

And Four Other Things…

SUBSIDY COMEDY As I write this, Nigerians are buying petrol at between N250 and N300 per litre but, according to the federal government, this is not yet a price increase. And, yes, we are still going to subsidise the product with N3 trillion in the first half of 2023. Let me take that again. We have a subsidy bill of N3 trillion to make petrol available at N170/litre in order to “protect the poor” but motorists are buying it at nearly double that price and the “poor people” have been paying higher transport fares reflective of the effective pump price.

Meanwhile, we are basically borrowing to pay the subsidy. If you understand this brand of economics, you definitely deserve to win a Nobel prize. Weird.

WAITING IN VAIN The PDP G5 governors, led by Chief Nyesom Wike, promised to endorse a presidential candidate and campaign for their choice ahead of the February 25 election. Wike, the governor of Rivers state, has so far been speaking in parables over when the group will announce their pick, although he did promise January and we still have over a week to go.

I can guess that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, their party’s candidate, is not going to be that choice — except a miracle happens. It is a straight fight between APC’s Bola Tinubu and Labour Party’s Peter Obi. Why is something telling me that the group will eventually not announce any candidate but would work underground for him? Waiting...

RMK VS OBI Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has again rejected suggestions that he should have been running mate to Mr Peter Obi, the flag bearer of the Labour Party. Many political observers are of the opinion that it would have been a strong pairing. Kwankwaso played up his credentials on why he cannot be running mate: he was in politics before Obi, was deputy speaker of the house of reps in 1992, was twice elected governor of Kano state, was a minister, and holds a PhD. It is probably a good thing that they did not team up. Otherwise, we would be separating fights in Aso Rock everyday if they end up winning.

Egos.

GOOD WORK, GABKWET In July 2021, when bandits shot down the Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet in Zamfara state, Flight Lt Abayomi Dairo successfully ejected and escaped being captured or killed.

This drew applause from many Nigerians who would normally downplay the positives.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesperson at the time, worked behind the scenes to put the air force pilots and personnel in positive light. Indeed, his writing and storytelling skills easily stood out. He has now been moved to Jos as station commander in the recent rejig of the high echelon. Gabkwet did a good job in his 22 months as the information manager of NAF’s war on terror. We will miss him. Commendations!

AS WE SPRINT TOWARDS THE 2023 POLLS (3) The flip side of the expected keen contest is that the winner of the February 25th election may be elected by a minority of those who vote on that day. Between 1999 and 2019, the winning candidate secured between 53.96% and 69.60% of the valid votes. This time around, it is likely that the winner will secure between 30% and 40% of the valid votes.

This will be within the range of the percentage of votes scored by the losing candidates in the previous six elections (31.97% to 44.96%), save for 2007 when the candidate that came second got only 16.66% of the votes. (Of course, everyone—including the winner of the election—agreed that the 2007 poll belongs in the temple of infamy.)

Ordinarily, this likely turn of events should not be a cause for concern as we operate the first-past-the-post voting system. Apart from meeting the spread requirement of securing 25% of votes cast in 24 states and FCT, whoever scores the highest number of votes is the winner, even if the margin of victory is just one vote. In any case, rarely does most of the registered voters turn up on election day. (Average voter turnout over the previous six election cycles is 51%, a range of between 69% in 2003 and 35% in 2019).

But a major shift may happen this time around. For the first time in this republic, we are likely to see a situation where the elected president may not be the preferred candidate of the majority of those who vote on election day. This will be on account of good showing by the other candidates who are likely to split the votes of the majority

INEC Chairman, Yakubu

of voters.

This scenario takes us back to 1979, when we held our first presidential election. That election remains our most competitive multiparty election till date. The five parties polled as follows in the presidential election held on 11 August 1979: National Party of Nigeria (NPN), 33.77%; Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), 29.18%; Nigerian People’s Party (NPP), 16.75%; People’s Redemption Party (PRP), 10.28%; and the Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP), 10.01%.

Though UPN unsuccessfully went to court to challenge the election on account of the spread principle (the famous 12 2/3 saga),

NPN’s Alhaji Shehu Shagari became the president even when 66.23% of the voters didn’t vote for him. The game is the game.

Why should a repeat of this possibility raise any eyebrow? My simple answer will be: because the contexts are different. The political climate in Nigeria today is more heated and more fragile than it was 44 years ago. The lines of division are sharper now, certain factors that didn’t register much on the political/electoral scales are now more salient, and our country is facing its most security challenges in decades.

Based on the way the competition is set up in 2023, the divided majority of

voters may include key ethnic, regional, religious, class and demographic groups that are hurting or feel alienated already.

The outcome of the election may deepen their sense of hurt and alienation in many and may negatively impact national unity and security, among others.

While it may be too late in the day to prevent this from happening, it is not too early to start preparing for that possibility.

Interestingly, 1979 offers some insight in practical and reasonable politics. NPN had a different challenge back then. It didn’t have the parliamentary majority needed to get the ministers approved and key legislations passed. For example, NPN had only 36 or 38% of the 95 senate seats while UPN, NPP, GNPP and PRP had 28, 16, eight and seven seats respectively. NPN formed an accord with NPP and ceded to NPP some ministerial positions, the Deputy Senate President position (Senator John Wash Pam), and the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke) even when NPP had only 78 of 449 House members.

If the winner of the 2023 elections gets elected by a minority of voters as I have sketched out here, he may or may not need to strike such a political bargain. But he will definitely need to actively reach out to and assure the hurting and alienated majority that reject him at the poll. His most important job will be national healing, accommodation and reconciliation. Next in scale will be managing expectations and preparing the country for the pains of necessary adjustments.

(The series is hereby concluded.)

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R JANUARY 22, 2023

70

NEWSXTRA

High Cost of Vessels, Inadequate Trucks Responsible for Fuel Scarcity, Say Marketers Peter Uzoho The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) has attributed the lingering fuel scarcity in the country to high costs of vessels and inadequate trucks to deliver petroleum products from

depots to filling stations across Nigeria.

The marketers explained that these high logistics and exchange rate costs continue to put pressure on their operations with ripple effects on the pump price.

They made the clarification

Global Professionals Set Agenda for Presidential Candidates The Forum of Global Nigerian Professionals (FGNP) yesterday noted that the most critical issues that affect majority of Nigerian voters are still begging for serious, practical attention.

FGNP, an assembly of accomplished professionals in the Diaspora, listed the issues to include high poverty level, poor electricity supply, food insecurity, the exchange rate of the Naira and security among others that required a detailed plan of action on how they will be tackled come May 29.

The conveners of the Forum include Sir Dan Amechi, Dr. Victor Oluwi, Chief Stanley Wokocha, Mr. Dauda Yusuf, Olanrewaju Adebayo, Dr. Sanni Mahmud,

Mr. Yemi John and Mr. Chuks Nwanosike.

In a statement it issued yesterday, the forum claimed that the challenges confronting the average Nigerian today, required more attention than the parties and their candidates are giving.

The statement added that the plans and programmes of the presidential flag bearers in detailed practical action plans would make all the difference.

According to the forum, it is true we have seen their manifestos, which in truth has told Nigerians their policy outlook, but Nigerians want to interrogate them more on how they will deliver on these promises, given among others our dwindling revenue, massive debts among other challenges.

Group Holds Workshop on Security in Yorubaland Wednesday Amid the growing concerns over the spread of banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes in the country, the Yoruba Leadership and Peace Initiative (TYLPI) has unveiled plan to hold a high level workshop on safety and security in the region.

TYLPI, a foremost Yoruba advocacy group, announced the plan in a statement by its president, Mr. Olusegun K. Ahmadu yesterday.

The statement said the workshop with the theme, “Safety and security in Yorubaland: An advisory for stakeholders, “ would hold at the Conference Hall, Lead City University, Ibadan on Wednesday.

The statement listed the speakers at the programme to include Orangun of Oke-Ila, Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Rear Admiral Leye Jaiyeola (rtd), formerly of the

Nigerian Navy Intelligence Corps; Brig.-Gen. Kunle Togun, Commander, Oyo State Amotekun Security Corps; Chief Tunji Alapini, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Dr Modupe Albert of the Department of Politics and International Relations, Lead City University, Ibadan.

The statement added that topics slated for discussion at the workshop include insecurity in Yorubaland: the challenge confronting the security agencies; the role of traditional rulers in combating abductions and terrorism; taming the monsters of abductions and terrorism in Yorubaland; the imperatives of a decentralized security landscape in combating banditry in Nigeria as well as the challenges and prospects of the military in mitigating the crisis of kidnapping and terrorism.

Tirex P&E Completes Ikike Well-drilling,Gets Contract Extension Tirex P&E has announced the completion of the Ikike well drilling and well intervention campaign for Total Energies.

A statement by the company said the project commenced in July 2021, at the Ikike Field, located approximately 20km offshore Nigeria, as part of the Oil Mining Lease (OML99) with a total of five wells drilled and completed and a 120-day well intervention scope at the Amenam Platform.

The statement also noted that the Ikike well drilling campaign is a direct product of Tirex P&E’s support for the growth and development of indigenous drilling companies operating in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

According to the statement, “More importantly, Tirex P&E is pleased to have participated in such

developmental strides that will be of great impact to the growth and capacity of Nigeria, particularly in the promotion of local content by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

This milestone will help the West African energy giant revitalise its oil output following a decline in production in the past two years due to issues including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukraine war and declining investments in exploration as well as natural declines in legacy projects.

Subsequently, and as a result of confidence in Tirex P&E’s service excellence, Total Energies has extended the offshore drilling contract which was awarded in 2021 for an additional exploration well with potentially one to two additional wells on this extension.”

in a statement Friday, saying the fuel queues “are caused by exceptionally high demand and bottlenecks in the fuel distribution chain.”

“The major cause is the shortage and high costs of daughter’s vessels for ferrying product from mother vessels to depots along the coast,” it said.

“Next is the inadequate number of trucks to meet the demand to deliver products from depots to filling stations nationwide.”

MOMAN said it sympathises with Nigerians over the chal-

lenges they are facing in the purchase of petrol at filling stations across the country.

Over the past three months, it said its staff members have worked diligently at depots and filling stations to relieve the stress faced by Nigerians through the Christmas and New year periods.

“Our members have again agreed to extend depot loading hours as well as keep strategically situated service stations open for longer hours to ease access to fuels for our customers,” the association said.

It noted that it shall continue to

use its best endeavours to ensure that product is sold at the pump at prices currently approved by the regulatory authorities, despite pressure on price by demand and costs in immediate operating environment.

“A final resolution to these challenges will be the full deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector to encourage liberalisation of supply and longterm investments in distribution assets. We urge the government to work towards this end goal,” it said.

In recent months, especially

since the government announced plans to remove fuel subsidies, Nigerians have had a hard time getting petroleum products at filling stations.

The scarcity has persisted despite the government’s repeated claims it had enough petroleum products in stock. In many parts of the country, operators of filling stations sold at prices higher than the government’s pump price.

The Nigerian government Friday night said it has not approved any increase in the pump prices of petrol across the country.

HOMAGE TO ROYAL FATHER… Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao (left), and the Olowa and Paramount Ruler of Igbara-Oke Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede, when the Air Force chief paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the monarch in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State…weekend

Methodist Prelate Laments Worsening Insecurity, Seeks Credible Elections Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia The Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Aba yesterday lamented worsening insecurity and economic hardship, which he said, had put the country in a horrible situation.

Consequently, the prelate challenged Nigerians to vote for credible leaders, who could change the fortune of Nigerians

during the 2023 general election.

He made these remarks at a session with journalists shortly after he inaugurated the Diocese of the Methodist Church of Nigeria in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital, yesterday.

At the session, the prelate explained that the current situation in the country needed credible leaders that would change what he described as the bad situation

for the better.

Aba lamented that Nigerians had not had it so bad in the past like what was happening currently in terms of worsening insecurity and economic hardship under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling for change in government.

He also noted that it was high time for Nigerians to come together and vote only credible leaders that would unite the people and enthrone

peace in the forthcoming general election.

He said: “Nigeria is the only country we have. So, I call on Nigerians to vote only credible leaders who will take us to the next level of a better Nigeria. As we go to the poll in this year’s general election, let everybody have the fear of God and vote credible leaders that will take Nigeria to a better country.

FG Unveils Policy to Check Brain Drain in Health Sector Okon Bassey in Uyo The federal government at the weekend pledged to strengthen capacity and respond to health threats in the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire disclosed this at the inauguration of projects at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital.

He explained that the Federal Ministry of Health had now introduced “a one-to-one policy

that would now allow a Chief Medical Director to make an immediate replacement of a doctor or nurse who is permanently out of service.”

He said: “This policy is to enable the federal government address gap in manpower in health sector in the federal civil service.

“CMDs should be careful not to abuse this policy as this has thwarted the process when newly introduced where one doctor leaves and the management

brought in a dozen unrelated persons which over crowded the hospitals.”

The projects commissioned by the minister at the UUTH included molecular laboratory complex, new Oxygen Plant, patients clinic complex and medical out patients clinic.

Others were surgical out patients clinic, orthopaedic out patients clinic, genealogy, pharmacy/ laboratory unit, radiology complex, renovated and re-equipped intensive care complex- all funded

by the federal government under Covid -19 funds.

The minister, who expressed satisfaction with management of the hospital, compared the trajectory of development in the Hospital to that of one of the frontline hospitals in India.

He said the many projects commissioned was a reflection of the federal government’s commitment to provide modern equipped health care centres to citizens in fulfilment of its mandate to Nigeria.

Melaye under Fire for Peddling Lies against Tinubu Fidelis David in Akure The spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Council (PDP-PCC), Dino Melaye yesterday came under fire for peddling falsehood against the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu.

Melaye’s vicious use of falsehood against the presidential candidate caught the attention of Social Rehabilitation Gruppe

(SRG), pointing out his recent “unguarded utterances aimed at tarnishing Tinubu’s public image.

Faulting falsehood against Tinubu by Melaye in a national TV programme recently, Convener of SRG, Dr. Marindoti Oludare, a medical doctor based in the United States, said: “Uncle Dino was spewing a bunch of balderdash trying to defend Atiku’s unfolding instances of clear malfeasance.

“He is Citizen One of simpletons. Uncle Dino didn’t know, so let’s educate him.

The man Tinubu was never indicted by any law court.

Accounts belonging to the man were investigated by prosecutors and that was termed as indictment by those who do not know.

“Now for you to know what an indictment is, a New York judge once said that prosecutors can indict a piece of arm sandwich, especially bread

and egg; and in the Tinubu case, he came out of it all clean, unblemished,” Oludare appraised.

The SRG convener particularly tasked Dino to respond to weighty allegations bothering on abuse of office and unhealthy business deals levelled against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, “rather than turn his responses to a circus show of forging lies against Tinubu in a laughable, diversionary method.”

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 22 , 2023

71

SUNDAYSPORTS

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

NPFL

South West Derby Lights up Group A as 11 Teams Look for First Wins Fisayo Dairo

Victor Vi t O Osimhen i h scored d hi his 13th lleague goall as N Napoli li d defeated f t dS Salernitana l it 2 2-0 0 yesterday t d

Osimhen’s Napoli Reach 50 Points Half Way Mark of Italian Serie A DZȱȃȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱǻ ȱ Ĵ Ǽȱ ȱ Ȅ Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

A

fter Victor Osimhen scored his 13th Serie A goal yesterday as Napoli defeated Salernitana 2-0 to go 12 points clear of second-placed AC Milan, Manager of the Naples-based team, Luciano Spalletti, insisted his wards cannot hit 50 points half way RI WKH ,WDOLDQ WRSÁLJKW DQG QRW win the Scudetto.

Goals from Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Osimhen helped

Napoli to a routine 2-0 victory over the strugglers on Saturday, moving them 12 points clear of second-placed Milan ahead of the Rossoneri’s trip to Lazio on Tuesday.

The result made Napoli just the third team to reach 50 points in WKH ÀUVW KDOI RI D 6HULH $ VHDVRQ DIWHU -XYHQWXV LQ DQG 2018-19) and Inter (in 2006-07).

2VLPKHQ KLW WDUJHW LQ WKH WK minute to double the Napoli lead after he followed up on a rebound. Halfway through the campaign, the Super Eagles striker is now just a goal shy of his total tally for last season.

Osimhen thought he had even put his club in front earlier in WKH ÀUVW KDOI EXW WKDW HͿRUW ZDV

FKDONHG RͿ No team has ever failed to win Serie A after reaching a half-century of points at this stage of a campaign, and head coach Spalletti knows Napoli have an incredible opportunity WR FODLP WKHLU ÀUVW OHDJXH WLWOH since 1990.

“We know that we have an unprecedented opportunity,” Spalletti told DAZN after the win. “We must not squander the possibilities we have. We must remain humble and do things professionally.”

Napoli had to remain patient before making the breakthrough in Salerno, recording their lowest VKRW WDOO\ LQ WKH ÀUVW KDOI RI D 6HULH A match (two) since February

2021 (one v Atalanta).

The Partenopei were good value for their victory after Di Lorenzo hammered home on the stroke of half-time, however, leading Spalletti to praise the way they improved as the game went on.

“These matches can be conditioned by us having too much responsibility,” he said. ´<RX KDYH WR WDNH WKH ÀHOG with the right mentality and always play football well, with the correct rhythm, which is what makes you win the games. ´,Q WKH ÀUVW KDOI ZH FRXOGQ·W ÀQG WKH VSDFHV DQG LQGHHG ZH could have risked some dangerous restarts. In the second half, however,everyonedidverywell.

Match-day 3 of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season promises another round of scintillating football action with a tasty South West derby at Ikenne-Remo and a crunchy North East derby in Maiduguri the pick of the encounters.

Remo Stars have successfully carried on from where WKH\ OHIW RͿ ODVW VHDVRQ KDYLQJ ZRQ WKHLU ÀUVW WZR matches, keeping clean sheets on each occasion.

Today though, they face their sternest test yet in Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan.

3SC are now coached by Gbenga Ogunbote who steered Remo Stars to third place last term but the Oluyole :DUULRUV DUH VWLOO VHDUFKLQJ IRU WKHLU ÀUVW YLFWRU\ WKLV WHUP after playing out draws in their opening two games.

3SC are not the only team in search of a win in Group A: WKH SPNLFN RͿ RQ 6XQGD\ EHWZHHQ 1DVDUDZD 8QLWHG DQG $NZD 8QLWHG DOVR SLWV WZR VLGHV ORRNLQJ IRU WKHLU ÀUVW ZLQV DJDLQVW HDFK RWKHU :KLOH 1DVDUDZD KDYH ORVW WKHLU ÀUVW WZR JDPHV E\ WKH VDPH VFRUHOLQHV $NZD 8QLWHG KDYH RQH SRLQW FRXUWHV\ RI D GRJJHG draw at Enyimba on Wednesday.

After recording an impressive win over Nasarawa 8QLWHG LQ -RV ODVW ZHHNHQG (Q\LPED DUH EDFN LQ WKH 7LQ &LW\ WR IDFH ODQGORUGV 3ODWHDX 8QLWHG RQ 0DWFK GD\ DV 3ODWHDX 8QLWHG JR LQ VHDUFK RI WKHLU ÀUVW ZLQ RI the season.

Surprise group leaders Bendel Insurance have a trip WR ,EDGDQ WR IDFH .ZDUD 8QLWHG ZKR DUH JUDGXDOO\ coming around as the draw specialists. Having been KHOG LQ ,EDGDQ E\ *RPEH 8QLWHG RQ 0DWFK 'D\ the Harmony Warriors again battled stadium owners Shooting Stars to the same 0-0 score-line on Thursday.

7KH\ QRZ JR LQ VHDUFK RI WKHLU ÀUVW JRDO DQG ZLQ RI WKH season against Monday Odigie’s Insurance on Sunday.

RESULTS MATCH-DAY 3 GROUP A Nasarawa

vs

Akwa Utd

Plateau Utd

vs

Enyimba FC

Kwara Utd

vs

B’Insurance

El-Kanemi

vs

Gombe Utd

Remo Stars FC

vs

Shooting

GROUP B Rangers

vs

Sunshine

Abia War’

vs

Lobi Stars

Bayelsa Utd

vs

Wikki

Doma Utd

vs

Dakkada FC

Rivers Utd

vs

N’Tornadoes

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool, Chelsea in Another Tepid Display at Anfield Liverpool and Chelsea have produced a long history of dramatic occasions and classic PDWFKHV DW $QÀHOG 7KLV ZDV QRW one of them.

When referee Michael Oliver VRXQGHG KLV ÀQDO ZKLVWOH $QÀHOG·V QHDU VLOHQFH ZDV D EUXWDO UHÁHFWLRQ RI WKH IDFW WKLV PDWFK was nowhere near as entertaining as the 0-0 scoreline might suggest. ,QGHHG $QÀHOG ZDV VXEGXHG throughout as two of the Premier League giants - currently going through a period of mutual struggle - delivered graphic evidence of why their respective campaigns

are those of underachievement.

Liverpool and Chelsea, in their GHIHQFH FDQ RͿHU XS PLWLJDWing circumstances in the shape of injuries and - in the visitors’ case - a remarkable spree in the transfer market that has seen a near coachload of new arrivals pitch up at Stamford Bridge requiring integration.

There was still, however, enough quality on the pitch to produce better than the monument to mediocrity erected by Liverpool and Chelsea over these 90 minutes.

The Premier League table tells

the tale of how the two sides, locked in relentless pursuit of big prizes in recent years, have currently fallen from their former standards. $W WKH ÀQDO ZKLVWOH /LYHUSRRO stood in eighth position and Chelsea two behind them, nine points

RͿ WKH WRS IRXU DQG WKRVH SUHFLRXV Champions League places after a GLVPDO HQFRXQWHU ZLWK RQO\ ÀYH shots on target.

It was certainly no way for /LYHUSRRO·V -XUJHQ .ORSS WR celebrate his 1,000th game in management.

RESULTS

Liverpool Bournemouth Leicester Southampton West Ham Cry’Palace

0-0 1-1 2-2 0-1 2-0 0-0

Chelsea Forest Brighton A’Villa Everton Newcastle

Both Chelsea and Liverpool exposed why they are mid table teams with another tepid display at Anfield...yesterday

....NFF Extends Tenure of IMC Team Till End of Season President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has extended the tenure of the Interim Management Committee of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) till the end of the 2022/2023 League Season.

The NFF President said he decided to extend the IMC’s tenure in order to allow the team to concentrate fully on the organisation and management of the ongoing NPFL season, which is only heading to its Matchday 3 this weekend.

Gusau had inaugurated the Interim Management Committee of the NPFL, headed by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, on 21st October 2022 with an initial mandate of three months, and a slew of terms of reference aimed at engendering a new life generally for Nigeria’s elite division.

At the Draw Ceremony for the new season, staged on 28th December 2022, the NFF President had thumbed up the IMC for the tremendous work it had been doing since inauguration and assured it of NFF’s support in turning around Nigeria’s domestic League for the better, including fostering a viable football economy.

Due to time factor, the IMC opted for an abridged format for the 2022/2023 NPFL Season, with 10 Clubs in Group A and 10 Clubs in Group B. The current season is scheduled to end in May.

TR

Sunday 22 January, 2023

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N400

MISSILE

NNPP to Atiku/Tinubu “Nigerians are tired of recycled politicians who have numerous cases of corruption, drugs, birth, educational certificates, health and questionable source of wealth” – New Nigeria People’s Party urging the presidential candidates of PDP, Atiku Abubakar and his counterpart in APC, Bola Tinubu to withdraw from the presidential race over serious allegations of corruption and drug peddling

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Five Common Errors about Nigeria (I)

N

igeria is a rich country. You have heard this a million times, haven’t you? What exactly do people mean by “Nigeria is rich”? They believe we have enough money to build all the roads in every nook and cranny of the federation, provide piped water to every house, build world-class hospitals in every village, and provide free primary, secondary and tertiary education — and still have plenty to spare for petrol and electricity subsidies and free healthcare for 200 million people. The biggest problem, they say, is corruption and waste. Therefore, if we end corruption and waste today, Nigeria will be so rich our problem will no longer be money but how to spend it. This is a common belief.

In a series of articles starting from today, I intend to highlight five common errors we make about our country. They are so common that we just repeat them without scrutiny. Times were when people would say inaccurate, misleading or sometimes downright false things about Nigeria and I would quietly face my lane and pretend as if I was not around. However, as I got older, I started feeling like I had a duty to do something about certain misleading notions,

Buhari

even though people are eternally entitled to their opinions. As we say in journalism, facts are sacred but opinions are free. You can hold whatever opinion you like but you are not allowed to make up the facts as you desire.

Here we go. The projected revenue of the federal government for 2023 is N9.73 trillion.

The projected expenditure is N21.83 trillion, meaning we are going to borrow at least N11 trillion if the budget is to perform at 100 per cent. All the money to be stolen or wasted will be accommodated in budget.

Let’s even say the revenue of N9.73 trillion is grossly understated and it may be double that amount if pre-remittance leakages are accounted for adequately. That gives us an assumed “true” revenue of N19.46 trillion.

We can still safely assume that everything to be stolen or wasted at the federal level in 2023 will be from the N21.83 trillion budget.

Right? I am driving somewhere.

According to various estimates, Nigeria needs about $80 billion yearly over the next 10 years to bridge its critical infrastructure gap. Critical infrastructure includes roads, power, water and healthcare. At the current “official” exchange rate of N454/$, that means we need N36 trillion per year for the next 10 years for critical infrastructural. That comes to N360 trillion (or $800 billion). Even if we add all the oil income and tax revenues of the federal government, 36 states and 774 local councils together (I don’t have the figures), I don’t know where the N36 trillion revenue per year will come from. I am even assuming

we would not pay salaries and pensions or fund public agencies.

Do not get me wrong: I am not saying we do not have a corruption problem. I am not denying that we waste money like water. I am not that silly. I am very much aware of the money heist that is going on at every level of government — federal, state and local.

If nothing else, I read the bulletins from the EFCC and ICPC. But my argument is that even if no kobo is stolen or wasted, Nigeria still does not have enough money to meet its critical needs. Even if every kobo is spent conscientiously and judiciously, Nigeria will still not be able to finance its critical needs.

Now imagine the tragedy of stealing and wasting what is patently not enough! It is a case of double jeopardy for Nigeria.

The impression that “Nigeria is rich” may be a product of conceptual fallacy. I suspect that people say this because of the oil wealth. It is generally believed that since we are among the biggest producers of oil in the world, then we are among the richest.

When people say “Nigeria is rich but our problem is waste and corruption”, I think they are calculating the barrels of crude oil and the prices in the international market.

Continued on page 69

WAZIRIADIO POSTSCRIPT

As We Sprint towards the 2023 Polls (3)

A

t five weeks to the landmark 2023 presidential poll, it is not too early to start thinking of and preparing for the morning after. The emerging consensus among pundits and keen political observers is that the result of the February 25th presidential election will show a keen contest among three or four candidates, making this election cycle the most competitive since 1999.

If things go as projected, this will be a major shift in and a toast to the health and maturity of our Fourth Republic. But the projected tightness of the race is a doubleedged development, worth celebrating and risk-proofing at the same time. I will examine this duality today as I conclude my three-part countdown series on the 2023 polls.

First the exciting and commendable part.

Since 1999, Nigeria has effectively been a multi-party democracy only in name.

The contest has largely been between two political parties, with the gaggle of other parties (sometimes numbering more than 80) merely making up the numbers. You can call them paper parties.

In the five election cycles between 2003

and 2019, the two leading parties combined cornered between 86.26% and 98.92% of the valid votes. In 2019 for example, the two dominant parties snapped a combined total of 96.82% of the votes, leaving the remaining 71 other parties that fielded presidential candidates to scramble for a measly 3.18% of the votes. The candidate that came third overall polled only 0.40% of the valid votes cast, and even that could have been because his party sounded almost like one of the dominant parties.

The highest proportion of the votes a third party has ever garnered in the presidential elections since 1999 is 7.45%. This record was set by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in 2007 when he was the presidential flagbearer of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Some scholars like Thomas Carothers have a name for the divergence between multipartyism on paper and in reality. They call it feckless pluralism.

The projected competition in 2023 thus will make our electoral system truly more plural and will further expand options for voters. This is good for our electoral politics and for our democracy.

It is worth stating quickly that there

is nothing wrong with having just two parties or with a multi-party democracy with two dominant parties. You can have real alternatives and good competition in a two-party system. In actual fact, most established democracies have two dominant parties that regularly alternate power.

The issue with our current two dominant parties is that they rarely offer voters much to choose from in terms of ideas or personalities, they are populated by the same criss-crossing politicians, and they run on the same philosophy of patronage politics. And most fundamental, they are too entrenched and too conceited to see the need to constantly read the room, reinvent themselves or embrace reform. It is thus easy to see them as two damaged peas in the same rotten pod.

The possibility of a third force or the viability of candidates running on previously obscure or relatively new parties is thus a needed wake-up call for the two leading parties and a necessary shock to the system.

I suspect that no matter how this election goes, we will still have two dominant parties, even if those parties are not the current ones. I say this because I believe that the

experiment started by General Ibrahim Babangida (when he forced two parties on the country during the aborted Third Republic) has become a major part of our political culture.

Based on the dynamics of the coming elections, my considered view is that the era when political parties take the voters for granted and without consequences is coming to a necessary end. Even if either of the two parties wins the elections, I want to believe they have seen the bold writing on the wall.

This thus will be a major win. And should be seen as another major marker of progress in the Fourth Republic, alongside other key milestones which include: holding out for more than two decades, featuring more than two consecutive elections in a republic and recording two term-barred presidents, three transitions and the defeat of at least a ruling party. The multiplication of options for the voters is also a potential incentive for better governance.

But every good thing has a potential downside.

Continued on page 69

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