TUESDAY 24TH JANUARY 2023

History as Buhari Inaugurates $1.5bn Lekki Deep Sea Port, Witnesses First Cargo Ship Offloading Inaugurates rice mill, bestaf lubricant plant Chinese envoy says it's sign Nigeria's investment climate can be trusted Deji Elumoye in Abuja, Eromosele Abiodun, Segun James, Peter Uzoho, Gilbert Ekugbe and Oluchi Chibuzor in Lagos

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, performed the historic inauguration of the Lekki Deep Sea Port located at Itoke village,

Ibeju-Lekki, in Lagos State, and observed the first offloading from CMA CGM Mozart at the quay.

The project, an investment in

excess of $1.5 billion, is a joint venture between the federal government, through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos State

Government, Tolarams Group (owners of the Lagos Free Zone), and China Harbour Engineering Company.

At the ceremony, Buhari led Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Continued on page 32

Nigeria Tells London Court to Overturn $11bn Damages Bill to P&ID... Page 32 Tuesday 24 January, 2023 Vol 28. No 10149. Price: N250

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NAFDAC Destroys N95bn Worth of Banned Tramadol in Cotonou... Page 6

Najaatu Mohammed: Tinubu Induced Govs to Emerge APC Presidential Candidate Says ex-Lagos gov incapable of leading Nigeria You were sacked for incompetence, campaign fires back Kingsley Nwezeh and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential

Campaign Council, Hajia Najaatu Mohammed, yesterday, alleged that the candidate of the party, Bola Tinubu, shared money to the party’s governors to influence his emergence

as the presidential standard bearer of the party, a situation she described as "shameful".

Mohammed said the gaffes and blunders trailing Tinubu’s campaign

appearances were an indication of ill health, and the fact that he was incapable of presiding over the affairs of the nation.

The former APC member, who

said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo would have been a better choice given Tinubu’s poor health, however, dismissed supporters of the presidential hopeful as greedy

and interested only in his money.

But the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the APC, has said, Continued on page 32

Nami: FIRS Raked in Unprecedented N10.1tn Tax Revenues in 2022

Oil, non-oil taxes contributed 41%, 59%, respectively N1.81 trillion in tax waivers impinged on collections Laments political interests, multiple tax authorities hampering revenue drive Buhari hails achievement

James Emejo in Abuja Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, yesterday, disclosed that N10.1 trillion was generated as tax revenues by the service in 2022.

The figure represents the highest tax collection ever recorded in the history of the service and any other revenue agency in the country. But it falls short of the N10.44 trillion target for the year under review.

Speaking to journalists after presenting the FIRS 2022 Performance Update to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, Nami emphasised that it was the first time the service would cross the N10 trillion mark in tax revenue collection. He said the service would have surpassed its projection for 2022, but for the various tax incentives granted under the respective laws, which amounted to N1.81 trillion. He added that this was not part of the total tax receipt for the year under review.

Continued on page 32

INAUGURATION OF BESTAF LUBRICANT PLANT IN APAPA...

L-R: Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; President Muhammadu Buhari, and Chairman, MRS and Bestaf Lubricant Group of Companies, Sayyu Dantata, at the inauguration of Bestaf Lubricant Plant in Apapa, Lagos… yesterday

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

INAUGURATION OF THE LAGOS RICE MILL...

L-R: Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; President Muhammadu Buhari; Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Agoro; member of the House of Representatives, Hon Jimi Benson; Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Gbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II and Opeluwa of Lagos, Chief Lateef Ajose, during the inauguration of the Lagos Rice Mill in Imota,.. yesterday

Confusion, Disappointment as Buhari Leaves Bauchi Rally Abruptly It’s not true, president, Tinubu electrified crowd, says APC At Emir’s palace, commander-in-chief says he’s done his best Lawan, governors give reasons north should back presidential candidate Ruling party tells Mohammed to start preparing handover note Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Thousands of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, yesterday, left the venue of the party’s presidential campaign rally in Bauchi disappointed. This was after a visibly disturbed President Muhammadu Buhari and APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, could not address the crowds at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium due to a technical glitch with the public address system.

But the Tinubu Media Office dismissed the alleged displeasure at the venue as sheer insinuation, saying the crowd of party supporters and other residents, who thronged the streets of Bauchi to receive Buhari and Tinubu, were electrified by the duo.

However, at the palace of the Emir of Bauchi, His Royal Highness (Dr) Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, Buhari assessed his over seven and a half years’ rule as civilian president and gave himself a pass mark. He said he had been able to serve Nigerians diligently to the best of his ability.

Buhari’s assessment came as President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, and the APC governors gave reasons why the north should vote Tinubu as the next president at the general election. And the ruling party

told the Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, to start preparing his handover note ahead of the March 11 governorship election. The senate president and the governors said the governorship candidate of APC, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar (rtd), was waiting to take over.

THISDAY observed that the embarrassed supporters, who came in large numbers from various states of the North-east for the rally, started leaving the venue after the address of the Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong. Following this development, a visibly embarrassed Buhari and Tinubu, who were invited to the podium in tow to address the crowd, could not do so as a result of the malfunctioning of the sound system.

The power supply at the stadium also went off shortly after the national chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, alongside Buhari, Tinubu and others mounted the podium to give their speeches.

After waiting for some minutes and the technical crew could not rectify the problem, Buhari and Adamu presented the flag to the gubernatorial candidate of the party.

But at this point, the president just went round the podium and waved to the apparently disappointed

crowd, who were already on their way out of the venue.

The president then led other dignitaries down the podium into the waiting cars and drove out of the stadium to the airport en route to Lagos.

Earlier, Buhari, who arrived Bauchi around 10:20am, had proceeded to the palace of the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Adamu, for a courtesy visit before heading to the Sir Tafawa Balewa stadium, venue of the

campaign rally.

At the Emir’s palace, Buhari, according to a release by his media adviser, Femi Adesina, acknowledged the warm reception accorded him and the continued show of love by Nigerians. He stated that the huge crowds that welcomed him wherever he went was a demonstration of genuine love and loyalty.

Buhari was quoted as saying, "I normally call on Emirs and Chiefs, whether on political or personal tours

Nigerian indigenous oil and gas company, Eroton Exploration and Production Company, has confirmed a well-head fire incident that occurred at the Akaso field of the Cawthrone Channel operational area of its OML 18 Asset in Degema Local Government Area of River State on January 20, 2023.

The company spokesperson, Mercy Max-Ebibai, in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday, stated that the well was reported to be releasing hydrocarbon to the environment with wildfire due to suspected

vandalisation and bunkering activity attempted on the XMAS Tree containment valves of the wellhead.

According to the statement, “An oil-laden wooden boat was initially observed in the vicinity and a loud bang was also reported.

“This resulted in the fires drifting to two wellheads, only one of which is still aflame at the point of reporting. Akaso6LS fire has died out while Akaso15L is still on fire.”

Furthermore, Max-Ebibai added that an Emergency Response Team (ERT) has been convened and the company’s skilled well control engineers are working with an

anybody."

Buhari commended Mohammed for his transformation initiative through huge investment in infrastructure across the state. He urged politicians across the country to play politics according to the rules of the game, even as he applauded the governor for providing a level playing ground for political activities in the state.

Continued on page 35

Report: 76% of SMEs Use Intermediaries in Interfacing with SON Oluchi Chibuzor A perception survey conducted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) has shown that about 76 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country use intermediaries in interfacing with Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

This was as they cited SON's complex operational processes as time consuming, hence they prefer consultants and in most cases pay additional fees, prompting experts to worry it could lead to compromise in quality of products.

The research titled, ‘Efficiency and Impact of Regulatory Activities of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) On SMEs' was presented to the public recently.

According to the report, “76 percent of them use intermediaries because they think the SON operational processes are complex and time consuming. Hence, they prefer the consultants to take that burden away from them.

“Over 40 per cent of the SMEs reported that they had to pay additional monies to resolve their challenges, 45 per cent of the SMEs had to engage the services of a third party while 35 percent of the SMEs reported resolving their challenges

Eroton Confirms Well-head Fire Incident at OML 18 Asset, Suspects Sabotage Sunday Okobi

to states, to show my gratitude. I like to mention that between 2003 and 2011, I visited all the local governments, and in 2019, when I was seeking my re-election for a second term, I visited all the states of the federation and the people that turned out to see me were more than what anyone could buy or force and there, I made a promise and pledge that I will serve Nigeria and Nigerians to the best of my ability and so far, I have not disappointed

experienced wild-well control vendor “who has been contracted to carry out an assessment of the current wild well fire situation, design a technical solution and firefighting strategy.”

The spokesperson also confirmed that all regulatory obligations had been adhered to with the relevant authorities duly notified within the allowed window and that they are working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and determine the extent of the damage.

She stated that the safety and well-being of the company’s employees and host communities

are their top priority, adding: “We continue to appreciate the effort of the authorities, and the entire oil and gas industry to stem these incessant, unfortunate, and expensive incidents.

“Eroton is the operator of OML 18 on behalf of the NNPC/Eroton JV. OML 18 oil field situated in the Eastern Niger Delta and covers a total area of 1,035 sq km in an onshore swamp terrain. Eroton has a clear vision for the future, which is evident from the six-fold increase in production since the asset was acquired in 2015. Eroton is based in Lagos and Rivers States in Nigeria.”

via a superior officer or authority.”

It however recommended that SON should develop swift and prompt response services that swiftly address demands of SMEs. “This might be accomplished by implementing a successful digital response management system to give SMEs better and faster customer assistance."

Meanwhile, speaking at the event to launch the report in Lagos, the President, LCCI, Dr. Michael Olawalecole said the chamber's ‘Strengthening Private Sector Participation and Capacity to Effectively Support Post-COVID Economic Recovery in Nigeria' project seeks to support reform efforts within SON. He said they would continue to advocate for the ease of doing business and the transformation of Nigeria’s institutions towards making them effective and supportive to private businesses, especially SMEs and generally to be globally competitive.

He acknowledged the commitment and cooperation of SON officials in driving through this process for a win-win situation for business and government.

According to him, “One thing is clear, with the growing complexity and diversity of business regulations and socio-economic challenges, business problems are now government problems - and vice versa.

“Therefore, strategic partnerships under Public-Private Dialogues (PPDs) and other stakeholders’ forums are pivotal in stimulating required policy reforms for improved business climate.

“For this cause, a study was

initiated and executed to advocate for regulatory improvements that will facilitate the post COVID-19 economic recovery through institutional reforms to minimise corruption and strengthen efficiency in the regulatory environment of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)."

However, for him and other key stakeholders present, the report further showed that SMEs lacked adequate knowledge of the guidelines, processes, utilisation of technology and resources provided by SON. “These gaps can lead to inducement of officials and in most cases prompt compromise in quality," they experts noted at the event," experts stressed at the event.

Continuing, Olawale-cole added that, “Consequently, unscrupulous officials take advantage of the ignorance of the private sector operators to demand for unreceipted/unofficial payment thereby casting aspersion on the entire agency. In the conduct of the research.

“We engaged with our sister chambers of commerce, Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, and Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. The findings are therefore not restricted to Lagos but many parts of the country."

The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Trade Promotion, Mr. Rilwanu Tukur, said a programme of this nature was apt and commendable which is in partnership with LCCI and other stakeholders of the engine growth of the economy.

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NEWS

EMIR OF ZAZZAU IN BANGKOK...

L-R: His Highness, Amb Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau and immediate past Nigeria's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand and H.E. Amb Oma Djebah, Nigeria's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand during a courtesy visit by the former to his successor at the Embassy of Nigeria, in Bangkok, Thailand... at the weekend

Board Chair: NNPC Fails to Stop Ararume's N100bn Case against Unlawful Removal As two SANs storm out of proceedings Court fixes March 28 for judgment Alex Enumah in Abuja The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) yesterday failed to halt hearing in a N100 billion suit instituted against President Muhammadu Buhari over the alleged unlawful removal of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as Board Chairman of the NNPCL, just as two senior lawyers representing the oil company in the suit stormed out of the proceedings.

Hearing in the matter filed by

Ararume at the Federal High Court, Abuja had been stalled on two previous occasions by the NNPCL. The plaintiff, Araraume had instituted a N100 billion suit against Buhari, over his alleged unlawful removal as Non-Executive Chairman of the newly-incorporated NNPCL. Besides Buhari, the NNPCL and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) were second and third defendants respectively.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had

on January 11, adjourned the matter to January 23, for definite hearing.

When the matter up yesterday, the judge directed parties to identify and adopt their processes as their brief of argument in the matter.

Reacting, lead lawyer to the NNPC, Prof. Koyinsola Ajayi, drew the court's attention to a motion for stay of proceedings challenging the January 11 of the Court, which had declined to take the NNPCL's motion of preliminary objection to the substantive suit.

Ajayi, was of the opinion that the application for stay be taken and the court takes a decision one way or the other before progressing with the case.

Responding, Justice Ekwo declined, insisting that the court would take all motions together, including the substantive suit.

After several attempts to make the judge take the application for stay first, failed, Ajayi, while observing that the position of the court has placed him at an uncomfortable

NAFDAC Destroys N95bn Worth of Banned Tramadol in Cotonou Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has disclosed that its enforcement team working in collaboration with the government of the Republic of Benin destroyed five 40- feet containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals including tramadol in Cotonou, the capital of the Republic of Benin.

The agency put the street value of the destroyed drugs at an estimated at N95 billion.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who disclosed this in Abuja, yesterday, said the agency secured an order from Cotonou Court before destroying the consignment of the illegal drug last year, December 21 and 22.

Addressing journalists at the headquarters of NAFDAC, Adeyeye said that a team of NAFDAC officers (including Investigation and Enforcement Directorate officers), led by Prof Adebayo, the Director of Ports Inspection Directorate travelled to Cotonou where the destruction exercise of the five containers took place on 21st and 22nd December 2022.

This international landmark achievement (that had never been recorded in the history of the two countries and NAFDAC) did not come without the unflinching efforts of the staff of Ports Inspection Directorate in Apapa and Seme Border.

"The management and Governing Council of NAFDAC would like to recognise the support of the following partners in the fight against misuse and abuse of drugs: The Government of the Republic Benin, Nigerian Embassy in the

Republic of Benin, Nigeria Customs Service, and Ghana Food and Drug Agency," she said.

Adeyeye paid tribute to the gallant officers of Ports Inspection Directorate (Seme and Apapa) who refused to be compromised by ensuring that the Agency continue in her efforts at safeguarding the health of the nation.

While giving account of how the agency swooped on the illicit drug dealers, Adeyeye said that following an intelligence report from the Presidency in August 2018, NAFDAC informed the Director of Ports Inspection Directorate, Prof.

Samson B. Adebayo on the intention of some unscrupulous importers to ship thirty-one (31) containers of unregistered pharmaceutical products including tramadol 200mg and above from India.

She said the containers were labelled building materials and for bonded terminal.

However, she said that the Director, Ports Inspection Directorate, working with his Intelligence and Monitoring Unit commenced the surveillance and monitoring of the reported containers from the ports of loading to the successive ports where they were transloaded along the sea routes.

According to NAFDAC Boss, the initial approach was to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service to track the movement of the containers.

She said 21 of the containers containing different classes of tramadol drug were eventually discharged at the Apapa port in Lagos.

“One container couldn’t be tracked because of a missing container number. Out of the

21 containers, only two had building materials. However, as the importers of the containers became aware that NAFDAC was tracking and monitoring the containers on arrival at the Apapa port and intercepting them, they decided to change their strategy by diverting the remaining away from the Nigerian port.

"Four containers never got to Nigeria but were discharged at transhipment in Malaysia. One container was transferred to the Cotonou port in the Republic of Benin while the remaining four were initially diverted to the Tema Port in Ghana but later diverted them to Cotonou having met resistance from Ghana Food and Drug Agency

that NAFDAC already contacted for collaboration to stop the four (4) containers," she said.

However, Adeyeye said as the importers of the containers became aware that NAFDAC was tracking and monitoring the containers on arrival at the Apapa port and intercepting them, they decided to change their strategy by diverting the remaining away from the Nigerian port. Four containers never got to Nigeria but were discharged at transhipment in Malaysia.

Adeyeye said it took about one year plus but that Ambassador Aluko stayed on the case until the court made the judgement that the containers could be destroyed in Benin.

position, asked the judge for permission to withdraw from the proceedings.

Responding, Ekwo reminded the lawyer that he was not the one who engaged Ajayi and as such the senior lawyer was at liberty to take whatever decision he seems good.

At this juncture, Ajayi withdrew from the proceedings and walked out of the court and was followed

by Etigwe Uwa, SAN, who represented NNPC at the January 11 proceedings.

However, the court reminded Ajayi that a process already filed before a court was deemed adopted even if the lawyer refuses to do so.

The judge subsequently called on other parties to adopt their various processes.

Responding, Ararume's counsel, Chief Chris Uche, urged the court to invoke the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) to nullify the removal of his client as the Chairman of the NNPCL. Uche argued that Buhari acted outside the law to remove Ararume as Board Chairman after incorporating the oil company in his name and was billed for inauguration in that capacity.

But Buhari's lawyer, Mr. Abubakar Shuaib, disagreed with Ararume and prayed the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that it was statute barred at the time it was filed.

Specifically, Shuaib argued that Ararume's suit offended Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Act and as such was incompetent.

Similarly, lawyer to the Corporate

Affairs Commission (CAC), Mr Akeeem Mustapha SAN, told the court it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Mustapha in exonerating the CAC claimed that his client did not play any role in the removal of Ararume, other than incorporating NNPCL as a limited liability company based on the document submitted to it.

He, however, submitted that Ararume's appointment was political, adding that the president has the power to hire and fire.

He stressed that Ararume's appointment had nothing to do with the CAMA law.

Shortly, after parties adopted their brief of arguments, Justice Ekwo announced that ruling and or judgment in the suit is fixed for March 28.

Araraume had asked for N100 billion to compensate for damages caused him by the alleged unlawful and unconstitutional way and manner he was removed as the NNPCL chief after using his name to incorporate the entity.

In the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/ CS/691/2022, the former Senator formulated four issues for determination by the court.

One of the issue was whether in view of the provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the NNPC, Companies and Allied Matters Act 2010 and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the office of the Non Executive Chairman is not governed and regulated by the stated provisions of the law.

Osun Residents Lament Scarcity of New Naira Notes, Seek Extension of Deadline No going back on deadline, CBN reiterates

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Market women in Osun State have pleaded with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the January 31st deadline for the return of old N200, N500 and N1000.

The market women in Osun State equally lamented the scarcity of the new naira notes.

Speaking during the sensitisation of stakeholders on the central bank’s Naira Redesign project held at Atakumosa market in Ilesa, some market men and women lamented the scarcity of the new naira notes with a plea that the

apex bank should extend the date for the deadline.

They said non-availability of new notes might make it practically impossible to meet up with the deadline set by the CBN. The market women led by Osun Iyaloja General, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade and her counterpart from Atakunmosa West local Government, Mrs. Annah Awe, explained that the commercial banks in the state have not made the new notes available to customers in the state.

Speaking, a trader at Atakumosa market, Mr. Isiah Ojo said he has

only come in contact with one piece of the new N1,000 note, adding that most banks and galleries with Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in his area do not issue the new notes to customers.

Also speaking, Mrs. Awe Christiana lamented that banks were not paying customers with the new note as they were complaining not having the new naira note which according to her was contrary to the message the CBN was preaching to Nigerians.

She appealed to the CBN to extend the deadline in the interest of the market women, especially

those in rural communities.

In his response, the CBN Director of Research, Dr. Adebiyi Micheal Adebayo, urged Nigerians not to wait till January 31, to retire their old banknotes for newly redesigned currencies.

He insisted that the January 31, deadline for old notes to cease being legal tender was sacrosanct.

He urged market traders, business operators and Nigerians to embrace various cashless channel outlets to return old currencies in their possession, and make use of the same cashless transaction channels as preference for cash transactions.

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NEWS

UBA WINS BEST BANK OF THE YEAR AND INTERNATIONAL BANK OF THE YEAR...

L-R: Executive Director/Group Chief Operating Officer, Operations, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Alex Alozie; Managing Director, BusinessDay Media Limited, Ogho Okiti; Deputy Managing Director, UBA, Muyiwa Akinyemi, Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA, Oliver Alawuba; Publisher, BusinessDay Newspaper, Frank Aigbogun; Executive Director, Risk & Finance, Ugo Nwaghodoh and Editor, BusinessDay, Tayo Fagbule during the presentation of the “International Bank of the Year’ and ‘Bank of the Year’ awards won by UBA at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards 2022 in Lagos, on Friday

Airlines Suffer Huge Losses after 14-Hour NAHCO Workers’ Strike Air Peace loses N500m as stakeholders condemn industrial action

Chinedu Eze

Flight operations by domestic and international airlines serviced by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) resumed after the workers called off their 14 hours strike yesterday.

Nigeria’s major carrier Air Peace said it lost about N500 million to flight cancellations from the morning the strike started till when it was called off as its aircraft were unable to fly.

In a letter signed by National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, NAHCO management and observers, stated that following a joint meeting held between the aviation unions and the management of NAHCO, the strike was called off following agreements being reached on salary increment and staff welfare.

The letter explained: “Management has decided to withdraw the suit and vacate the earlier obtained court order; a counter offer to the union’s demands will be issued by the management before close of business on Monday 23rd, January, 2023.

“Negotiations on staff welfare will commence on Wednesday, 25th January, 2023 and all negotiations will be concluded within the week.

“All staff should resume work immediately and no staff would be victimised as a result of the strike action,” the joint letter stated.

The aviation unions said it gave five – day notice of strike to NAHCO management last week, citing slow progress in negotiation for salary review.

The industrial action which started in the early hours of Monday,

paralysed operations of domestic and international airlines that use NAHCO’s services as the airlines were forced to abruptly stop operations when the company’s workers failed to turn up to provide service to the airlines early Monday morning.

The airlines, which did not have prior notice of the strike, were told that the workers of the company embarked on strike over issues relating to their wages.

Passengers who turned up for early morning domestic flight service and passengers on international destinations became stranded as airlines stopped operation, waiting and hoping that there could be solution to the problem.

A statement from Air Peace stated that the strike action paralysed its large network.

“Air Peace, Nigeria's leading airline, has disclosed that the ongoing strike has cost the airline over N500 million, adding that the industrial action has paralysed its operations across its large network.

“Neither NAHCO nor the striking union informed us of an impending strike. Our staff reported to work and noticed an ongoing industrial action.

If we were informed beforehand, we would have conveyed same to our passengers early enough.

“Now, all morning flights and other subsequent flights have been disrupted- cancelled, delayed and rescheduled. This has cost us over 500 million naira as we operate over 100 flights daily.

“Passengers are also attacking our ground staff, as they cannot fly. We have notified the flying public of the strike but it is important to stress again that the action is by the staff of NAHCO, not Air Peace. It is an action against the management of

NAHCO, and Air Peace has nothing to do with it,” the statement added.

From Monday morning till later afternoon when the industrial action was called off, several flights that should have emanated from the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), known as Domestic Terminal 1, where Arik Air and Air Peace operate most of their flights and the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, (MMA2) Lagos were disrupted.

International flights serviced

by NAHCO that flew in early Monday morning to the Lagos airport, THISDAY learnt departed with empty aircraft, losing huge amount of money in revenue.

One of such airlines was Qatar Airways, which arrived at the airport, discharged passengers and

returned to its base without boarding hundreds of passengers waiting for the flight because NAHCO workers refused to service the plane.

Industry analyst and one of the passengers affected by the strike action, Alex Nwuba, explained that NAHCO staff in the early hours of yesterday walked out of international airport, saying they were on strike and would not handle any passenger.

"Even the Qatar flight I'm traveling with this morning landed and has returned to Doha as there was no one to handle the flight," Nwuba said.

He said passengers were frustrated as they have been kept outside to avoid a crisis and no information, announcements or emails was sent to passengers.

Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region have been urged to collaborate with the board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in order to reposition and ensure that the Commission becomes an effective interventionist agency.

The Chairman of the Governing Board of NDDC, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, made the call at the end of a 3-day board and management retreat of the NDDC, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement by the Director,

Corporate Affairs of NDDC, Ibitoye Abosede, Onochie was quoted to have urged stakeholders in the region to support the board and management to enable them actualise the mandate of the Commission.

Onochie said it was imperative that all stakeholders in the Niger Delta region, including the staff of the Commission, support the vision of the new leadership in NDDC. She appealed to Niger Deltans to be part of the changes that were beginning to manifest in the drive to reposition the NDDC. The chairman was quoted to have said: “I urge all our stakeholders to

the airline sought to get jet starter (equipment for starting aircraft) from Skyway Aviation Handing Company Plc (SAHCOL), but the company refused and said that the alliance it has with NAHCO and other handling companies barred airlines from seeking service of any member not officially the handling company of that airline.

Sanusi described it as callous, pseudo-monopoly, which should not be encouraged in a free, deregulated market.

“This unfortunate strike action has caused the country a lot of hardship, including airlines and passengers and has put Nigeria in a bad light in the international aviation circles.

Continues online

PDP PCC: North Won't Vote ‘Fake Muslim’ as President Says over reliance on bribing electorate will fail

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Ahead of the February 25 presidential election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has said the north would not vote a "fake Muslim" in the name of a pretentious and mischievous Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, a southern Muslim, chose the former Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, a northern Muslim as his running mate in the forthcoming election.

The decision of the ruling party to float a Muslim-Muslim ticket had

generated uproar in the country, while some Christians leaders within the party had to quit.

But, the Director of Strategic Communications, PDP PCC, Dele Momodu in a statement issued yesterday, said the Muslim-Muslim ticket "scam" was dead on arrival.

He said he had read with bemusement many of the polls about the forthcoming presidential election and came to the conclusion that the elitist polls had failed monumentally due to the over-reliance on technology in a largely illiterate population.

Momodu said he decided to help situate the forecasts based on

NDDC Seeks Collaboration to Reposition Agency Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

THISDAY learnt that NAHCO handles check-in, boarding and ramp services for several international airlines including Air France/ KLM, Qatar, Ethiopian Airlines, Delta Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Air. In one of the message by Air Peace to its passengers, it explained that due to NAHCO strike, its flight schedule had changed.

A source at NAHCO disclosed that the management had met with the staff on Sunday over the proposed strike and there was a court injunction against the action, which the workers defied and laid down their tools.

The Managing Director and CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi disclosed to THISDAY that as NAHCO workers were on strike

embrace the new spirit of change so that we can all join hands to turn things around for good in the Niger Delta region. We need the support of everyone in this quest to fast track the development of the region.”

She noted that the board and management retreat was very successful, considering the quality of information and knowledge shared during the technical sessions at the learning programme.

“We have learnt quite a lot at the retreat. It has been a very fulfilling time for members of the Board and Management. Since our

inauguration, have said consistently that we will do things differently.

“The retreat has equipped us to chart a new course to enable us bring positive changes in the Niger Delta region. This is important and we need everyone to be on board for us to achieve the goal of taking Nigeria’s oil rich region to greater heights.”

Onochie, promised that the Commission would carry out training and skills acquisition programmes for the youths and execute projects across the Niger Delta region, irrespective of political or ethnic inclinations."

the established political history of Nigeria and empirical data.

The PDP chieftain explained that the presidential candidate cannot depend totally on votes from outside his home base to win the forthcoming election.

He said it was a fact of history that whenever the south produced two strong candidates, the dominant northern candidate won, citing the situation in 1979 and 1983, when both Obafemi Awolowo and Nnamdi Azikiwe from the South contented alongside Shehu Shagari.

Momodu explained that Tinubu was far weaker today in the Southwest and Awolowo was by far more formidable.

He described the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi as the new Azikiwe –the first Governor General and President of Nigeria in the south-east, and the presidential candidate of New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso as the current Aminu Kano.

Momodu predicted that the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar would dominate the north-east, north-west, northcentral and the south-south, while Tinubu might pick a few states in the north and South-west but won't have enough to win.

He noted that the bridges required to cross to victory took Atiku 30 years to build, saying Tinubu had not been able to lock

down the entire South-West not to talk of the whole of Nigeria.

Momodu noted: "Over-reliance on bribing the electorates will fail.

Hoping to rig brazenly will also fail spectacularly. I repeat, the entire north and the south-south will make Atiku the next President. Atiku will still be competitive in the South East and South West.

"Wherever Obi is number one in the east, Atiku will be number two. Wherever Tinubu is number one in the south-west, Atiku will be number two or vice versa."

Momodu also predicted that Atiku would be the first to cross the line of recording 25 per cent in 24 states and would also get 25 per cent automatically in the 19 states of the northern regions and would pick six in south-south automatically.

He also forecasted that Atiku would get 25 percent in all of the five states in the south-east – a traditional base of the PDP and would get same in the south-west.

Momodu noted: "I do not know of any state PDP will not record 25 per cent and eventually win the overall popular votes. Nigeria has become so divided that the people are going to vote majorly along ethnic lines as well as primordial sentiments.

"The north will not vote a "fake Muslim" in the name of a pretentious and mischievous Muslim/Muslim ticket. The scam is dead on arrival."

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T H I S D AY ˾TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2023

POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com (08033025611 SMS ONLY)

Presidential Candidates and Burden of Corruption Allegations Ahead of the February 25 presidential election, the leading presidential candidates are entangled in one corruption allegation or the other, leaving Nigerians with no choice but to choose a lesser evil at the poll. Adedayo Akinwale writes:

Atiku

W

ith 32 days to the February 25 presidential election, Nigerians will once again have the opportunity to decide on who will direct the affairs of the country for the next four years.

Unfortunately, the leading presidential candidates – Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) are all entangled in one corruption allegation or the other.

What this means is that Nigerians are to make their choice at the polls among the leading presidential candidates in the next few weeks.

Unlike in 2015, when the then opposition APC portrayed General Muhammadu Buhari as the untainted ‘Mr. Integrity’ who was out to save Nigeria, none of the leading presidential candidates in the forthcoming election could be easily described as untainted and incorruptible.

Though the last seven and half years have shown that President Buhari packaged for Nigerians by the APC would be leaving Nigeria worse than he met it, despite his sterling record in infrastructure development

Accusations and counter accusations Recently, there had been accusations and counter accusations between the APC, PDP and LP over alleged corruption of their principals.

The Presidential Campaign Council of APC threw the first punch when it asked security agencies in the country to invite, arrest, interrogate and prosecute Atiku over what the party described as AtikuGate.

Referencing a video clip made by one Michael Achimugu, said to be a former aide of Atiku, the APC PCC said Atiku as vice president between 1999 and 2007, colluded with his then boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, to operate an illegal account tagged, “Special Purpose Vehicles” (SPVs).

One of the spokespersons of the PCC, Festus Keyamo, accused the PDP-led administration between 1999 and 2007 of running a criminal enterprise, describing the era as the “SPV Years.”

“Those SPVs were companies Atiku admittedly registered upon assumption of office as Vice-President (with the approval of President Olusegun Obasanjo) using “trusted allies” as shareholders and Directors. The purpose was to divert government contracts to these companies as “consultants” and then paid monies into these companies and used those monies to fund the PDP and their private businesses and family activities,” Keyamo said.

The APC PCC also gave 72 hours ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices andOther Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to arrest, interrogate and prosecute Atiku for what it termed; offences against Code of Conduct for Public Officers, Offence of Money Laundering; Offence of criminal breach of trust and criminal misappropriation; and offence of conspiracy.

Responding, the Campaign Council of PDP described Tinubu as a ‘convict’, who should not be in the presidential race, adding that Tinubu’s alleged $460,000 drug money forfeiture was

Obi

evidence of a crime.

The spokesperson of the PDP campaign, Kola Ologbondiyan, said since Tinubu has opened up on the allegations of corruption on his own, the PDP campaign was prepared to help him to fill the gaps he wanted closed.

He challenged Tinubu to explain to Nigerians how billions of naira belonging to Lagos State and meant for the welfare of the people, reportedly found its way into Soft Alliance and allegedly ended in bits and pieces in foreign currencies into domiciliary accounts allegedly owned by him in commercial banks.

Ologbondiyan said: “In the days ahead, our campaign will not hesitate to furnish Nigerians with a compendium of corrupt practices as well as the list of SPVs used by the APC Candidate to loot public funds in key government agencies thereby depriving Nigerians the benefit of our national patrimony.

“Now that Tinubu’s evil diversionary scheme against Atiku Abubakar has failed and Nigerians have seen that there is no iota of truth in his allegation against Atiku Abubakar, our Campaign demands that Tinubu should tender an unreserved apology to Atiku Abubakar, he should listen to the voice within and withdraw from the Presidential race.”

Legal fireworks Making real his threats, after the expiration of the 72 hours issued to the anti graft agencies, Keyamo approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, for an order compelling three anti- corruption bodies to arrest and prosecute Atiku over allegations bordering on misappropriation of public funds.

The anti-corruption agencies which were sued alongside Atiku as 2nd to fourth defendants include; CCB, ICPC and EFCC. Keyamo told the court that the legal action was triggered by the refusal of the anti-graft agencies

Tinubu

Kwankwaso

to honour his petition against the former Vice President as well as Atiku’s refusal to make himself available to the agencies for investigation of corruption allegations.

In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/84/2023 and filed on his behalf by one Fetus Ukpe, Keyamo submitted that the defendants are duty bound to investigate and prosecute anyone who has been accused of corruption in the country.

The plaintiff said based on Achimugu’s revelations he immediately wrote to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants drawing their attention to the facts and urged them to act in accordance with their statutory powers and duties.

“The plaintiff further avers that after submitting the petitions, he observed from all indications that the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants are unwilling to investigate this matter.

“The plaintiff avers that till date, the 1st defendant has not made available to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants, for the purpose of aiding their investigation, information available to him in respect of a certain bank account belonging to a company named Marine Float and other accounts of two undisclosed companies.”

He therefore prayed the court to declare that Atiku “is under a legal obligation to make available to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants, for the purpose of aiding their investigation, information available to him in respect of a certain bank account belonging to a company named Marine Float and other accounts of two undisclosed companies, which information he disclosed to a certain close aide of his called Michael Achimugu, as to how the said accounts were used as a “Special Purpose Vehicles” to secretly divert and misappropriate public funds between 1999 and 2007 when the 1st Defendant served as Vice President of Nigeria.”.

Keyamo further prayed the court for a mandatory order compelling the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants to invite and/or arrest, investigate and (if found wanting) prosecute the 1st defendant.

He submitted that if the court does not grant the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, a grave crime and/or infraction of our laws would have gone undetected. No date has been fixed for hearing.

Another lawyer, Obunike Ohaegbu, has also petitioned the EFCC, ICPC, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (NDLEA) and the CCB to arrest and interrogate Tinubu and Obi, over their alleged involvement in corruption.

Ohaegbu, a member of the PDP in a peti-

tion addressed to EFCC, ICPC, CCB, IGP and NDLEA, dated 19th January, 2023 and made available to journalists insisted that Tinubu and Obi should also be arrested and prosecuted for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices.

In addition, he pointed out that Nigerians deserve to know the truth about the alleged connection between 70 years old Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu of Lagos State and 85 years Lamidi Amoda Sangodele from Iragbiji in Osun State.

The petition read: “Nigerians deserve to know if both are one and the same person. That would also clear some issues concerning the Primary and Secondary Schools he attended and consequently resolve the puzzles surrounding his schools certificates.

“Investigation on the allegation of conviction of drug related crimes in the United States also needs to be made and Nigerians promptly informed of steps taken to investigate the allegation. The Nigerian voters deserve to know if he actually forfeited the sum of $460,000 to the United States of America for his convictions on narcotics trafficking and money laundering in the United States.

“The maintenance of Domiciliary Accounts while serving as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria despite the express provisions in the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. These concerns are more worrisome as there are strong allegations that the accounts through which monies were forfeited in the drug prosecution case in the USA remained active even when he was the Governor of Lagos State.”

On Obi, Ohaegbu challenged the anti-graft agencies to investigate allegation of allocation of Anambra State land to a company allegedly belonging to his family, SABmiller Nigeria Ltd, the producers of Hero beer and the investment of over $20 million equivalent to about N13 billion in the same company when the company allegedly had financial challenges to start productions.

The petition added: “Allegations that choice lands were appropriated from the state and given to the Shoprite Conglomerates in Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi because he had family investments in the company.

“The allegations of money laundering published on the Pandora Papers on October 4th, 2021. The allegations of mass murder of 25 bodies found in Ezu River between January 19th, 2013 and January 20th, 2013 and other human rights abuses allegedly perpetrated in the state when he was the governor using the notorious Nigerian Police Department known as SAARS with office in Awkuzu, Anambra State which has been scrapped.

“The allegations of the appropriation of the funds meant for the 21 Local Government Areas in Anambra State for eight years without proportionate investments in the various Local Government Areas through the unconstitutional appointments of Caretakers for the local government in the pretense that a court restrained the conduct of the Local Government Elections but suddenly vacated the restraint few days after his successor was elected.”

Asitstands,Atiku,TinubuandObiwhoaretheleadingcandidates in the February 25 presidential election have one corruption allegation or the other levelled against them and Nigerian voters may have no choice but to choose one of them.

While no dirt has been dug up against the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former Governor of Kano State, however, does not enjoy the nationwide acceptance like the trio

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

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T H I S D AY ˾TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2023

POLITICS

Political Stakeholders in Abia Move to Rescue State Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo reports that critical stakeholders in Abia state including politicians across political divides and retired military officers have keyed into the rescue mission programme floated by All Progressives Congress’ Governorship candidate in the state, Ikechi Emenike

O

ver the years, major stakeholders in Abia State have largely remained indifferent to the electoral process.

But the outcome of the governorship polls in past election cycles had always left them with sour taste in the mouth.This is because while they desire for the right person to lead Abia would emerge from the polls, they hardly get involved to make it happen. When their expectations fail to materialise, the passive stakeholders grumble and grumble over poor governance in Abia.

Thus, it has become an unending cycle of frustration and complaints about the retrogression of God’s own state due to bad leaders thrown up at each election cycle since 1999.

Not any more. The stakeholders have been aroused from their years of apparent deep slumber. They are now taking more than cursory look into the affairs of Abia. They have been sufficiently roused to take keen interest in leadership selection process of Abia and 2023 has become their defining year. The change of attitude didn’t come without serious prodding.

It was as a result of relentless efforts of High Chief Ikechi Emenike, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State. Even before his emergence as the flag bearer of the main Abia opposition party following the May 26, 2022 primary, Emenike had seen the need to galvanise Abia’s stakeholders to save their state from misrule.

As far back as 2019 the development economist cum politician embarked on his tour of the 17 local governments of the state to rally stakeholders for political participation.

The target groups in the mix included retired top civil servants, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, ex-servicemen, and professionals in the private sector. Many of these stakeholders had already made it and on their own could afford to enjoy life ensconced in their palatial mansions without caring a hoot about

Emenike

their own state. But in reaching out to them, Emenike impressed it upon the stakeholders that they must get involved in efforts to take Abia to the level where it should be.

The message has struck the right chord among the various segments of Abia stakeholders.

The ex-servicemen are now among the group in the frontline of Emenike’s liberation movement “to rescue and develop Abia(RADA)”.

At the last count no fewer than six retired generals have enlisted in the movement under the banner of APC. Among them are a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, former GOC 3 Armoured Division, Jos, Maj Gen Jack Okechukwu Nwaogbo(rtd), former GOC 2 Division, Ibadan, Maj Gen Chinedum Abraham, former Commandant, Army School of Infantry Jaji, Maj Gen Charles

Ogbonna Okoro, and former Director of Training, Nigeria Army, Brig Gen Victor Nnorom.

Top ranked retired police personnel, some in the rank of Assistant Inspector General(AIG), retired personnels of the Department of State Service(DSS) and other retired paramilitary personnels are not left out.

In one of the stakeholders meetings hosted on March 10, 2022 by Ihejirika at his Ovim Isuikwuato country home, the ex-servicemen resolved to join forces with Emenike to liberate Abia from the vicious grip of bad leaders.

“We are united for one purpose,” Ihejirika had announced. “We are all concerned because whatever concerns Abia concerns us”.

The former COAS stated that prominent Abians like him “are ashamed of how things are going down in Abia”, adding that Abians in the Diaspora were equally worried and have been “calling and asking what should be done to save the state”.

According to him, the condition of Abia “is giving us sleepless nights (hence) we cannot just go home and sleep”. He, therefore, declared that the retired generals have teamed up with the APC to rescue Abia, assuring all concerned Abians that “we have embarked on a victorious journey”.

Gen Nwaogbo (rtd) added that the exservicemen of Abia origin decided to take interest in the affairs of the state in order to stop the rot going on in the state. He lamented that Abia has been under the vicious grip of bad leaders whose stock in trade has been the devastation of the state.

Like the retired servicemen, other professionals in various fields of endeavour, who have been enjoying their comfortable retirements have equally responded to Emenike’s clarion call.

For instance, a retired bank executive, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu, has come out of his comfort zone to help in efforts to save Abia and get the state working for the inhabitants. His passion

for Abia’s revival propelled him to plunge into politics and he is currently the state chairman of APC in Abia.

In explaining his foray into politics, Ononogbu said “when things are as bad as they have become in Abia all of us cannot be sitting on the fence”.

The financial expert noted that the neighbouring states of Abia like Enugu and Ebonyi States started experiencing remarkable development “when the right people came into government and started making a difference”.

He said that it was human beings that activated the referenced states to start working, adding that stakeholders in Abia could no longer continue to remain docile. “Until we break the evil hands holding Abia State down, we won’t make a headway,” he stated, adding that 2023 “is now a golden opportunity for us to reclaim Abia”.

The Abia APC chairman pointed out that the only way to change the sad narratives of Abia is to change the government. He said the party has got “strong pillars” with which it would dislodge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Abia Government House.

Expectedly, Emenike is pleased with the good fruits his mobilisation efforts have continued to yield. It didn’t come easy, though. The Abia stakeholders were unhinged from their walls of indifference following persistent persuasion in the course of the series of town hall meetings Emenike held with them across the state.

He is particularly grateful that the exservicemen have come to identify with his Abia rescue movement. The Abia APC leader noted that it was rare in Igboland for retired servicemen to show interest in politics. “It is, therefore, gratifying that people that have served Nigeria (at top levels of their careers) are now showing interest in what is happening in Abia”.

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

As Aketi Hosts APC South West Presidential Rally in Akure...

Ismail Omipidan writes about the South West campaign of Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which was flagged off recently in Akure, the Ondo state capital

Tinubu

I

t was not a South-West rally per se. But it wore the toga of a regional campaign.

The crowd was intimidating. It could only have been mobilised by a party that is on the ground.

And Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo Governor and South-West Coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign demonstrated that at the Moshood Kasimawo Abiola Democracy Park, Oja Oba, Akure, on this day.

If anyone had been in doubt of Akeredolu’s resolve to lead the All Progressives Congress (APC) to victory in Ondo State come February 25, the Saturday, January 7, 2023 rally provided the ground to clear such doubts. The message too was clear, as all the music artistes who entertained guests and party supporters did not mince words on the import of the gathering.

Remarks from all those who spoke on the occasion too hit the right chord.

But that of the APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, hit what appears

Akeredolu

to be the target when he X-rayed two of his opponents and concluded that they have nothing to offer Nigerians, especially looking at their backgrounds and antecedents.

Tinubu while canvassing for support told the electorate in Ondo State that he stands a better chance to secure the future of Nigeria than any of the other candidates aspiring for the position.

He noted that neither the former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) flag bearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, nor that of Labour Party (LP), Mr.Peter Obi, who was a former Anambra Governor, deserved to be entrusted with the destinies of millions of Nigerians in view of their past records.

Speaking specifically, the former Lagos State Governor noted that Atiku would “sell everything” that

Oyetola

Nigeria has, just as he noted that Obi, on the other hand, is too stingy to adequately attend to the basic needs of Nigerians.

He described the former Vice President and serial presidential hopeful as an individual who “doesn’t want to do the brave and hard work required to build a better nation.

“Instead, he would rather sell your birthright to the highest bidder and run off with the proceed.

“He cares little that his policies and actions will impoverish you and leave you with nothing.”

Justifying why the electorate must not look the way of Obi, Tinubu who out of little or nothing, turned around the socio-economic fortune of Lagos State when he governed the State from 1999 to 2007, noted that the former Anambra State governor spent eight years in office saving money instead of catering for the welfare and basic needs of the people of Anambra who elected him into office.

For the eight years he governed Anambra, Tinubu continued, all Mr. Obi could boast of

was that he saved money.

“But I tell you, it is a wicked parent that holds money in his hand yet allows his children to starve.

“Likewise, it is a heartless governor who holds back money when people go hungry; and schools, road and clinics go into disrepair.

Neither the city-dweller nor farmer prospered under him.

“In the end, he refused to save the people because he preferred to save money.

“And he claims to be of the Labour Party.

You will have to be labouring under a terrible delusion if you think he will do better for the nation than he did for Anambra State.

“Buyer, beware of salesmen selling fake merchandise.

-Omipidan writes from Lagos NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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20 T H I S D AY TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2023 TR

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& RE A S O

Tuesday January 24, 2023 Vol 27. No 10147

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

BEN AYADE: ON THE MARCH Ayade is shining asset to the APC, writes ALHASSAN AUWALU

See page 21 ABIA: WHO REPLACES IKONNE? NDUKA NWOSU asks who the contenders and pretenders are, among PDP hawks seeking to replace Uche Ikonne as Abia PDP Governorship candidate

See page 21 EDITORIAL

IGP, PSC TUSSLE AND PUBLIC ORDER

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MICHAEL OWHOKO urges Nigerians to vote wisely

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TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2023

Ayade is shining asset to the APC, writes ALHASSAN AUWALU

BEN AYADE: ON THE MARCH As the 2023 general election approaches, him for laurels he earned in his political it is timely to put some issues concerning VRMRXUQ %RUQ LQ 2EXGX /*$ RI &URVV the election in proper perspectives for River State on 2nd March, 1968, he received Nigerians to make their viable choices. his primary education at St. Stephen’s Considering that the presidential election Primary School, Obudu before proceeding has been narrowed to a three-horse race to Government Secondary School, Obudu among the incumbent all Progressives for his secondary education. He earned Congress (APC), the major opposition his Bachelor of Science in microbiology at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria’s premier University of Ibadan in /DERXU 3DUW\ OHG E\ D IRUPHU JRYHUQRU 1988. He then proceeded to obtain his MSc of Anambra State, Peter Obi playing (1990) and subsequently his Doctorate an underdog, this intervention seeks to from the same prestigious institution of highlight the chances of APC with Senator higher learning. He won the Best Doctoral Dissertation Award. His insatiable quest IRU NQRZOHGJH VDZ KLP EDJJLQJ DQ //% law degree in 2010 from the Delta State University, Abraka where he taught and was appointed to the rank of professor.

When the erudite governor joined APC in 2020 following a protracted disagreement in PDP where he pitched his political tent, then Acting Chairman, Mai Bala Buni remarked that ‘’a giant has joined us and our chances are made even brighter with Nigerians.’’ That he joined APC with his robust followership across the country was an added advantage for Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State the ruling party. rallying support for the party and Bola In the APC, Governor Ayade has proved that he is a politician worthy of Tinubu, her presidential candidate.

Governor Ayade is a shining light reckoning. During the party’s elective within the political annals of Africa’s national convention in early 2021, he was largest democracy. Since his election a major factor that teamed with other into the 7th Senate in 2011, Nigerians notable leaders of the party to produce the have come to know and identify with Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National this intellectual colossus. Instructively, Working Committee. His protégé who his term in the red chambers was made served as his commissioner for health with more colourful by his unprecedented distinction, Dr. Betta Edu was supported record of sponsoring 40 one bills. His bills WR HPHUJH DV 1DWLRQDO :RPHQ /HDGHU RI centered on housing rights, employment, the ruling party, a strategic position that poverty reduction, social welfare and the could enhance the chances of the party in advancement of Nigeria from third-world the forthcoming elections. nations to a functionally developed one. During the runup to the national Within his time in the Senate, the young convention of APC to produce a and intelligent senator from Cross River presidential candidate for the party, was the envy of his colleagues, both Ayade considered a run for the highest R΀FH DQG JDUQHUHG VLJQLÀFDQW VXSSRUW ranking and fresh term senators.

In appreciation of his sterling qualities, across the country. Being a loyal party the good people of Cross River state man, he realigned his aspirations with elected Ayade as their governor during that of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the eventual the 2015 election. This was another winner of the primaries where he played ample opportunity for the intellectually D YLWDO UROH DQG HDUQHG WKH FRQÀGHQFH RI laden politician to prove his mettle. the candidate. He has campaigned with 6LQFH DVVXPSWLRQ RI R΀FH WKH JRYHUQRU the candidate across the country and has demonstrated an unwavering rallied support for victory. commitment to industrialising his state Interestingly, governor Ayade has and creating employment opportunities presented himself to the good people for the teeming youthful population. To his of Cross River North Senatorial credit industries like the Pharmaceutical Constituency as candidate for February’s Factory, Vegetable Oil factory, Cocoa to senatorial election. His people now have Chocolate Factory, Poultry Factory, Seed another opportunity to send their best and Seedling Factory, Feed Mill, Industrial to represent them by ensuring his return Starch Factory and numerous others of to the National Assembly. When elected strategic importance were established back into the Senate, his constituents with some of them awaiting concessions would have given Nigerians a rare gift because Ayade possesses the necessary while already operating.

It was vintage Ayade who also earned wherewithal to bring his wealth of the credit of being the governor with knowledge and experience on board to the highest length of dual carriageway lead the 10th National Assembly of the in Nigeria with his dualization of the Federal Republic. His robust educational Calabar-Odukpani road; the Obanikwu- background, his continual commitment Bekwara road dualization; the Ogoja- to the democratic process and the strength Yala road dualization amidst other roads of his character marks him out as a opening up rural communities. These clear contender for the exulted seat and roads have in no small ways enhanced Nigerians would be better for this. agricultural and industrial productivity in Alhassan, the state.

MFR, writes from Wuse, Abuja Governor Ayade’s foundation prepared

NDUKA NWOSU asks who the contenders and pretenders are, among PDP hawks seeking to replace Uche Ikonne as Abia PDP Governorship candidate

ABIA: WHO REPLACES IKONNE? Even before the admission last week by Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu that Abia State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate Professor Uche Ikonne, was down with an ailment that has kept him out of public view, the news of the jostle for his replacement was already abuzz in the state.

Who would be a substitute for Ikonne as the PDP governorship candidate in the March Governorship election if indeed the speculation is right that there is a groundswell of campaign in search of a new governorship candidate?

One opinion held the view the governor was having issues asking Ikonne to step down considering the implications of going to the polls with an absentee governorship candidate; another said it was in order as far as the electoral

the run leading to the election. What seemed to be the governor’s unwillingness to force Ikonne to hand over his baton to someone else was his admission that Ikonne was down but was responding to treatment. He humorously noted that when he was sick himself, permutations were on, and people were allocating positions to themselves.

Ikpeazu assured everyone Ikonne was recovering “progressively and gradually.”

He added: “It is unfortunate that he is lately indisposed but I want to report some progress and the progress is that Ikonne is recovering gradually and progressively,” asking his subjects to keep hope alive. “ At every turn of event to the 2023 Presidential and Governorship elections as well as the National and state Assembly elections, Abia State has been in the news for the wrong reasons. The ruling party, the PDP, has recorded a low approval rating since the administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Poor governance, corruption, nepotism, prebendalism, and more importantly the governor’s unwillingness to play by the rules of the Abia Charter of Equity which he EHQHÀWHG IURP DQG ZKLFK GHPDQGV SRZHU rotation after the Governor of a particular senatorial zone would have completed his act and the constitution have no issues with that. two-term tenure, became issues of concern In fact, a former governor of the state was in for the party. detention when he was declared winner of the The governor’s membership of the G-5 has contest. alienated him from the state party chieftains Just last week Director, Media, and Publicity, and his Deputy Oko Ude-Chukwu, who is for the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign the Abia State Chairman of the Atiku/Okowa Council in Abia State, Chief Kingsley Megwara PCC. Ikpeazu’s self-seeking adventure may said plans were on course to welcome PDP come to an end if the speculations are right Presidential candidate former Vice-President that the governor is returning to the fold Atiku Abubakar to the state on February 10 soon and would give Vice President Atiku but that unfortunately, the state governorship all the support he needs to gather maximum candidate in the 2023 general elections Professor support from the Abia electorate.

Uche Ikonne has not been on the campaign The current absence of Ikonne has WUDLO IRU WZR PRQWKV UXQQLQJ FRQÀUPLQJ rekindled the search for an acceptable VSHFXODWLRQV KH ZDV VXͿHULQJ IURP LOO KHDOWK candidate that can carry the party to victory. A and might not be available for presentation few names with their strong and weak points to Abians by the PDP Presidential candidate. were thrown up for consideration with their The Ngwa Development Initiative (NDI) had strong sponsors behind them. earlier kick started the conversation, expressing And who are the possible contenders worry over the prolonged absence of Ikonne and pretenders that can be shortlisted for from public view asking for an explanation the ultimate choice? There is no doubt by the state government and the ruling party. the governor must have been worried at According to its President Daniel Nkasiobi, the WKH VWDWH RI DͿDLUV ZRUNLQJ DJDLQVW WKH PDP governorship candidate was last sighted on calculation of making a seamless handover November 24th, 2022, at the Umuahia Township in the expectation of victory in the March Stadium when the Governorship campaign was 11 Governorship elections. The elders of the ÁDJJHG RͿ )RU KLP LW ZDV D IXQQ\ JDPH DLPHG DW party were equally concerned and threw up hoodwinking Ndi Abia while calling for prayers possible replacements if Ikonne agreed to for the governorship candidate’s recovery. step down.

The spokesman of the Atiku/Okowa Beginning with the primaries where Campaign Council Chief Kingsley Megwara Ikonne’s performance was hugely unrivalled expressed a similar worry in an interview with LQ WHUPV RI WKH ÀJXUHV &KLHI /XFN\ ,JERNZH THISDAY last week. As he put it, the Abia PDP is came second in the contest. Having lost, visibly worried about Professor Ikonne’s absence he pledged to work with the governorship and inability to do what he should be doing now, candidate whose youth mobilisation scheme campaigning and being accessible to the people; became an attraction for Igbokwe, a 41-yearright now, he says, that is not happening adding old mobiliser whose popularity among the that a lot of people have been worried not seeing youths was generating interest in the Ikonne him in the campaign trail. “For some of us, that is for Governor Vanguard. There is no doubt worrisome, and I would think that the PDP Chair that Igbokwe has done a good job in the youth in Abia State Dr. Asiforo Okere should respond to mobilisation campaign exercise. Beyond this, this.” The PDP chairman in Abia State Dr. Asiforo he has an eye for the crown and would not Okere, who had earlier agreed to speak on the mind a second contest at the primary if the issue, became inaccessible, and could not shed need comes up. What may count against some light on what was going on and the way Igbokwe is the fact that he is not from Abia forward.

South, Ikpeazu’s favourite Senatorial zone for Ikpeazu eventually came out to admit all his successor. was not well in the PDP camp, that Ikonne was indeed indisposed but was on his way to Nwosu recovery and would be good enough to complete is a former Deputy Editor of THISDAY

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EDITORIAL

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

IGP, PSC TUSSLE AND PUBLIC ORDER It is time the President addressed this issue once and for all

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(1)(m), section 153 subsection (2) and section 215(1) espite his constitutional role as (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of chairman of the Police Council, 1LJHULD DV DPHQGHG DQG 3DUDJUDSK SDUW President Muhammadu Buhari has of the Third Schedule to the Constitution, is invalid, DOORZHG WKH FULVLV EHWZHHQ WKH R΀ FH RI QXOO DQG YRLG DQG RI QR HͿ HFW ZKDWVRHYHU µ the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Although the appeal to that judgement is now and the Police Service Commission before the Supreme Court, the appeal court had also (PSC) to degenerate. Rather than working together, given an order of perpetual injunction restraining the two institutions have for years been undermining the police and the IGP from interfering in the one another without anybody calling either side to commission’s discharge of its constitutional and order. Yet, in a period of national insecurity when we & 6 statutory functions in “respect of the appointment, need a synergy of positive mix of ideas between the 3 promotion, dismissal, or exercise of disciplinary ,*3 R΀ FH DQG WKH 36& WKLV QHHGOHVV VTXDEEOH LV WR control over persons holding or aspiring to hold say the least unfortunate.

R΀ FHV LQ WKH 1LJHULD In a letter to IGP Usman Police Force other than Baba leaked to the the Inspector General of media, the PSC decried Addressing the safety and security challenges currently confronting Police.” The implication the recent posting of is that as the law stands the Commissioner of Nigeria is the function of the men and officers of the police. That today, the powers to recruit, Police for the Federal discipline and promote all should make the IGP more than a ceremonial head Capital Territory (FCT) FDGUHV RI R΀ FHUV RI WKH ZLWKRXW LWV QRWLÀ FDWLRQ police reside with the PSC. “The commission is all And it is on the strength the more concerned of these powers being allegedly infringed upon that T H I S D AY by this act of illegality as the 2023 general election WKH FRPPLVVLRQ KDV EHHQ À JKWLQJ LQ WKH SXEOLF VSDFH EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU approaches wherein state governors may want DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA even though that is also unfortunate. postings of commissioners of police of their choices MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO Ordinarily, the functions of the Police are to to their states, which can lead to political violence DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU maintain public order, enforce the law, detect and and crisis during the elections,” the PSC, currently CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI LQYHVWLJDWH FULPH HWF 7KHVH IXQFWLRQV PDNH LW GL΀ FXOW headed by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN for the institution to whimsically disobey the law.

MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI Clara Ogunbiyi, warned in the letter that makes a THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE But we also cannot understand the present situation dangerous political insinuation in a crucial election where the powers to recruit and discipline reside season. outside the Force with the IGP rendered practically This crisis has gone on for far too long. Two years impotent. As we have repeatedly argued on this ago, the Court of Appeal declared certain aspects T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D page, addressing the safety and security challenges EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA of the Police Act 2020 signed into law by President GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, FXUUHQWO\ FRQIURQWLQJ 1LJHULD LV WKH IXQFWLRQ RI WKH Buhari unconstitutional and void. According to the ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI PHQ DQG R΀ FHUV RI WKH SROLFH 7KDW VKRXOG PDNH court, “any piece of legislation or instrument relied DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, the IGP more than a ceremonial head. This is also an upon by the Defendants (including but not limited ANTHONY OGEDENGBE issue that needs to be addressed, hopefully by the to the Police Act and the Police Regulations) in DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI 1DWLRQDO $VVHPEO\ SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH exercising or purporting to exercise the powers to Meanwhile, for the umpteenth time, we urge ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI appoint, promote, dismiss or discipline persons KROGLQJ RU DVSLULQJ WR KROG R΀ FHV LQ WKH 1LJHULD CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI 3UHVLGHQW %XKDUL WR GLVFDUG KLV DWWLWXGH RI LQGLͿ HUHQFH DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO by inviting the two sides to work out a solution in the Police Force, being inconsistent with the provisions of TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com interest of our national security. the Constitution particularly section 153 subsection

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS DRUG ABUSE AND 2023 POLLS As the 2023 general elections approach, there is the need to draw attention to the nexus between drug abuse and electoral violence. Looking at the statistics of 2011, post-election violence led to the death of at least 800 people over three days of rioting LQ VWDWHV DFURVV QRUWKHUQ 1LJHULD ³ WKH ZRUVW FDVH VR IDU LQ WKH FRXQWU\·V SROLWLFDO KLVWRU\ 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ WKH 1LJHULDQ \RXWKV who are the supposed leaders of tomorrow are used as a medium by greedy politicians to visit mayhem on their opponents DQG LQQRFHQW FLWL]HQV DQG WKLV VLQJXODU DFW DͿ HFWV WKH FUHGLELOLW\ of democracy, which elections are supposed to project.

Political thugs cannot fully operate without the use of illicit substances. This is so because drugs and crime work hand-inKDQG 7KHUHIRUH WKH 1'/($ ZKLFK LV QRZ DFWLYH DQG HͿ HFWLYH under its current leadership of respected former military administrator of Lagos, Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) should deploy more HͿ RUWV LQ WKH DVSHFW RI GUXJ VXSSO\ UHGXFWLRQ EHFDXVH ZKHQ the chain of drug manufacturing and distribution is broken the crime rate during this election will be brought down to the barest minimum.

7KH 1'/($ FRQWLQXHV WR PDNH VHL]XUHV RI ODUJH TXDQWLWLHV RI GUXJV RQ GDLO\ EDVLV 6LQFH 0DUZD DVVXPHG R΀ FH RQH FDQ DO

most say that the drug cartels have been living in hell because of the intensity of heat he daily puts on them. Listening to him VSHDN DW D PHGLD EULHÀ QJ ODVW , SLFNHG WKH IROORZLQJ ZRUGV RI reassurance from him. According to him, “Last year, I issued a 1HZ <HDU DSSHDO WR WKHP DQG DOVR ZDUQHG WKDW WKRVH ZKR UH IXVHG WR KHHG WKH ZDUQLQJ ZLOO À QG WKHPVHOYHV LQ D GL΀ FXOW VLWX ation. Already, we have 34 barons in our net and they are facing the music in court. We have secured orders for the temporary forfeiture of their assets. With our prosecution being topnotch, WKH\ FDQ ORRN IRUZDUG WR D ORQJ WLPH LQ SULVRQ DQG À QDO IRUIHLWXUH of their wealth and assets. Those involved in the illicit drug trade should take a cue from our actions. They can again look forward to a tough time this year. ´7KH VLJQV DUH FOHDU ZH KDYH DOUHDG\ LQ WKH À UVW WZR ZHHNV of this year taken down three major drug cartels, one of which has built extensive networks across the world while at least six of their kingpins are in our custody. The details you will get to know in the coming days. In these two years, we arrested 26, GUXJ WUD΀ FNHUV DPRQJ WKHP EDURQV ,Q PRQWKV ZH VXFFHVVIXOO\ SURVHFXWHG RͿ HQGHUV ZKR ZHUH FRQYLFWHG DQG KDQGHG YDULRXV MDLO WHUPV LQ FRXUW 2I WKH FRQYLFWLRQ À JXUH

were recorded in 2022 alone, which is the highest in the history of the agency and almost doubled the highest ever recorded in WKH \HDUV RI 1'/($ 7KLV LV QRW KDSSHQFKDQFH EXW D UHVXOW RI professionalism, determination, commitment and hard work of RXU R΀ FHUV PHQ DQG ZRPHQ µ Putting aside the fact that election violence is fuelled by greedy SROLWLFLDQV DQG RWKHU SXEOLF R΀ FH KROGHUV LW LV DOVR WUXH WKDW WKHUH are people who consume drugs on their own during the election in an attempt to calm anxiety but end up engaging in crimes. It LV QRW WKH GXW\ RI WKH 1'/($ DORQH WR PDQDJH HOHFWLRQ YLROHQFH but it is that of the citizens and other stakeholders as well. We also need to take this campaign to every doorstep in our various FRPPXQLWLHV RXU ZRUVKLS FHQWHUV PDUNHW VTXDUH KRPHV DQG VFKRROV 6LQFH WKH 1LJHULDQ \RXWKV DUH WKH RQHV ZKR DUH PRVWO\ used as thugs to perpetrate election violence and also the largest population who use drugs, the media can also assist to sensitize them as they are also the largest population who use the social media.

Nkup Nanzem, Jos, Plateau State

23

TUESDAY, ͺͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

THE ALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

Do You Have Religion or Indoctrination?

T

he majority of the people on Earth did not choose their religion. It was handed down to them by their parents, who got it from their parents, who got it from theirs. You were not born into any religion. Except you chose it as an adult, you were indoctrinated into it.

One of the most ignorant statements people make is ‘I am a born Christian’, or ‘I am a born Muslim’. Even Scripture says “naked I came from my mother’s womb”-Job 1:21. Your entire identity, including your name, and often your religion was determined by others.

Your date of birth is when you were born.

Your date of awareness is when you realised that you came into this world with a clean slate, and almost everything you grew up with until you became an adult, especially your identity, is the result of other people’s decisions. You only become a true adult when you seize control of the process.

People do not know themselves. And with smartphones and the Internet, it has become worse. Billions of people distract themselves with their devices and think they are living.

The type of deep thought that led Newton to discover the Law of Gravity under an apple tree is now a rarity.

Scripture says “the kingdom of God is within you.”-Luke 17:21. If we are always distracted by television, smartphones, the Internet, and modern living, how will we ever get a chance to look within by way of meditation? And if we don’t do that, how can we find the Kingdom of God? There is a toxic relationship between indoctrination and extremism. Without one, there cannot be the other. The more people are aware of the fact that they are as human as the other person, and that we are all evolving beings with no moral absolutes, the more this world will be a better place.

And this is why though I am an unshakeable believer and follower of the man wrongly called Jesus Christ, but whose Name is in reality Yeshua, and whose Title is Hamashiach, I make it a duty to learn about as many other religions as possible.

Not because I have doubts about mine. Never, ever, ever, to a thousand degrees. The reason I do this is because I want to understand people better.

You see, where there is understanding, there is cooperation. And where there is misunderstanding, there is confrontation. And that is the biggest challenge facing my country, Nigeria.

Always try to understand people. It does not mean you agree with them. It means you respect them enough to listen to them and see their point of view. It is the greatest courtesy you can give anyone. And it makes them more likely to like and cooperate with you.

Which is why I have strongly recommended that every Christian student must compulsorily study Islamic Religious Knowledge, and every Muslim pupil must mandatorily take Christian Religious Knowledge.

Understanding your neighbour will not necessarily make you agree with him, but it will definitely help you disagree with him without the disagreement leading to confrontation. That is why it is almost impossible to quarrel with someone who nods his head as you speak.

That act of nodding is not agreement. It is a testament to understanding.

When you look at the various religions on Earth, many of them do not even understand themselves enough to agree on the basics of their faiths, and rather than come together to reach an accord, they break into denominations and schisms.

But when you make an effort to truly understand people, your paradigm shifts from confrontation to cooperation.

For example, while I do not necessarily agree with all of their theology, it is my opinion that fringe Christian denominations, like Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses, tend to be some of the purest forms of Godliness on planet Earth, while more mainstream ones, especially evangelicals and Pentecostals, make you question if what they are all about is still Christianity as Yeshua Hamashiach taught it.

Sadly, people approach these fringe groups with preconceived biases and suspicion, fed, not by Scripture, or actual knowledge of their workings, but by the media, and organised

Learning About Buddhism From Buddhist Monks In Kathmandu, Nepal. religion, which feels threatened by them.

Catholicism is a bit different. They try to balance European paganism with Scriptural beliefs. And while there are issues with that, they have developed a way of life that ensures a sort of balance which guides adherents from the cradle to the grave. It is hard to fault that.

In terms of personal discipline and self-control, it is difficult to beat an Adventist. And in terms of devotion to God, you can hardly fault Witnesses.

The only people who, in my opinion, come close, are Muslims. But unfortunately, crowds are carried away by miracles.

Out of curiosity, I went to see the magician, David Copperfield, at one of his live shows in the US. If that man performed the magic I saw him perform, with my own two eyes, in a Pentecostal church, he will be the busiest Daddy GO on planet Earth, bar none. And precious few will question his theology, But my people do not read Scripture. Mesmerise them with miracles, and they will do the very thing Scripture asked them not to do.

The sad truth is that most people on Earth are unconscious. Unfortunately, they are not aware of it. Just think of a product in a supermarket. It is brought in barcoded and that barcode determines its life, until it leaves that store and is consumed by the end user.

That pretty much sums up the existence of most people on Earth.

They are born and have no control over their parentage, gender and birth nationality. Then, they are named by their parents. When they come of age, they are indoctrinated into their parents; religion, or lack of it. By the time they get to school, they are put on an assembly line of a life destined for 22 years of classroom moulding, 35 years in a cubicle they call a job, and then 10-15 years to enjoy what is left of their lives.

And then death.

Only few buck this trend of living the result of other people’s choices and calling it life. And those few are labelled by the rest of the crowd in order to bring them into line.

You are eccentric. You are weird. You are odd.

Almost nowhere on Earth is this manufactured reality so poignant as in Northern Ireland, where the nation is divided between Catholics and Protestants. Same ethnicity, same nationality, same origin. But different branches of the same root religion.

Iraq is a facsimile of Ireland, where Shia and Sunni Muslims are at each other’s throats.

Meanwhile, in São Paulo, Brazil, Dimas Aliprandi and Elton Plaster were mistakenly switched at birth, and lived lives and had names, religions, and lifestyles suited to their parents and environment.

This went on for 24 years, until In December 2008, a chance event made them realise the error that led them on different paths, and they are now trying to reconcile their lives to their new realities. True story.

Do you now see how easy it is for outside forces to shape your lives from the cradle to the grave?

Who are you? You are not the name your

parents gave you. And the reason we know this is because when we die, we will be given our real names in God’s Kingdom.

We see this in Revelation 2:17.

“I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”

So, you are not your name.

We also know that in heaven, there is no gender. We see this in Mark 12:25: “When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”

Angels have no gender.

But more importantly, in heaven, there is no religion. Only love. Unconditional love.

We see this in 1 John 4:8: “God is love.”

God is not Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or any other religion. He is love. And not only is He love, but Scripture tells us in John 3:16 that He loves the world.

So, stop hating and fighting others on the basis of a barcode that was handed to you at birth. Be like God. Be love and love your neighbour as yourself, irrespective of the barcode they were given at birth.

On The Issue of Misprinted New Naira Notes If you Google misprinted dollar bills, you will see multiple actual misprinted US Dollar bills, printed by the United States Treasury Department. Hundreds of thousands of errors are made annually by that well regarded branch of government. And these bills are highly sought after, as the error increases their value. Please do not take my word for it. Research it yourself. Of course there will

be misprinted Naira notes. It does not mean that Nigeria is a useless country. The only perfect kingdom in existence is the Kingdom of God. But as long as you are under heaven, expect imperfection. Give your country a break. Cut it some slack. You can use your mouth to finish bad officials. But don’t use it to finish Nigeria! #TableShaker

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TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2023 •T H I S D AY

LAWYER TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023

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L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji cutting the tape while the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice John Adeleye (eft), Chief Wole Olanipekun CFR, SAN, Chairman of the Body of Benchers and his wife, Erelu Lara Olanipekun look on

Olanipekun: Giving Back to the Judiciary and Legal Profession

II

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

IN THIS EDITION

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Hon. Justice e of Ekiti State, le the Chief Judg ing the tape whi ipekun look on dun Oyebanji cutt , Erelu Lara Olan Governor, Abio wife e his Stat i and s Ekit L-R: y of Bencher irman of the Bod CFR, SAN, Cha

Admissibility of Affidavit Deposed to

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ipekun ), Chief Wole Olan John Adeleye (eft

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JI ADELEKE

QUOTABLES ‘Governance in Nigeria, is a criminal enterprise.’ - Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sokoto ‘It is in the interest of all Nigerians, our democracy and the electoral process, to have this election take place on schedule.’ - Festus Okoye, Lawyer, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information & Voter Education, INEC

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

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

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

LAWYER

STEPHEN KOLA-BALOGUN Stephen Kola Balogun, is a vastly experienced Legal Practioner who obtained his LL.B from University of Ife and LL.M from School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London. He has Post-Graduate Diplomas in Intellectual Property Law, Construction Law, Management and Arbitration. He has served in various capacities since his Call to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, including practicing at Akinjide & Co., and lecturing part-time at Oxbridge Tutorial College. He was the Honourable Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Needs, State of Osun, August, 2011 to November, 2014. He is currently the Principal Partner at Kola Balogun & Partners. SKB, as he is fondly called, is accredited with several publications to his name, both International and Domestic.

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE: EDITOR, JUDE IGBANOI: DEPUTY EDITOR, PETER TAIWO, STEVE AYA: REPORTERS

III THE ADVOCATE

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023

IG Baba’s Tenure Extension and Other Matters

Our Visit to Ekiti: New High Court & ABUAD e were in Ikere Ekiti last week, to attend the commissioning of the High Court Complex donated to the Ekiti State Judiciary by the Chief Wòle Olanipekun CFR, SAN, Chairman of the Body of Benchers. The ultra-modern court rooms and facilities are above par, and as I inspected the building, what went through my mind was my hope that the Complex will be well maintained by the Ekiti State Judiciary. If as many us were as generous to our society, indeed, Nigeria would be a better place.

We also visited ABUAD (Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti), and we were astounded with what we saw. The facilities are something to write home about. In just 13 years of existence, ABUAD has been ranked the best University in Nigeria by the Times Higher Education Rankings, and one of the best 400 Universities in the world. Kudos to Aare Afe Babalola CON, SAN, a legal icon, who founded ABUAD in 2009 at the age of 80. He has certainly given credence to the saying that “age is just a number”, with him being able to achieve at an advanced age, what people 50 years younger than him have not. We paid a courtesy call on Aare before 9am, and he was in his office, having worked till the small hours of the morning.

At 93, he’s still standing straight and walking unaided, with a sharp mind. Needless to say, Aare is in a class of his own. An Educationist par excellence! I definitely developed a new respect for him. Congratulations to the two Chiefs!

And, of course, where our other telephone networks disappointed us, I ‘GLOED’ with pride, as my GLO line worked excellently throughout my stay and travels into the depths of Ekiti State.

W

APC & PDP: Allegations & CounterAllegations I cannot but comment on the new allegations and counter-allegations, that the APC and PDP have levelled against their rival Presidential candidates, respectively. Since the unproven allegations border on corruption on the PDP side, and drug-related matters on the APC side, they may lower the estimation of the candidates in the eyes of right-thinking members of society; but, again, the allegations do not meet the threshold set by Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2018) (the Constitution), for the disqualification of Presidential candidates, at least, not yet - not until they are proven in a court of law. While Festus Keyamo’s actions are nothing more than grandstanding, the PDP's reaction is also nothing more than showing that "people who live in glass houses, should not throw stones!". Either Party calling for the opposing candidate to step down is just wasting their time, although I would say the whole outing is an embarrassment for both parties.

Either party’s allegations, or even if they were formal accusations, do not satisfy Section 137 (1)(d) or (e) of the Constitution. See the case of Buhari v INEC & Ors (2008) LPELR-814(SC) per Niki Tobi JSC. Also see the case of Effiom & Ors v Crosiec & Anor (2010) LPELR-1027 (SC) per Tabai JSC. It seems that Festus Keyamo, SAN and PDP are unaware of the latter case, in which the Supreme Court held inter alia that “….it is not enough to allege that the person had been indicted for embezzlement or fraud….Such an assertion remains a mere allegation, and no more. To amount to a disability, it must be established that the person claimed to have been indicted, was tried and found guilty for the alleged embezzlement or fraud by a Court or other Tribunal established by law…..”.

I’m sure we can safely extend this dictum for embezzlement and fraud, to drug-related and other criminal allegations. While these allegations are nonetheless weighty and

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

The

Advocate “An amendment to Section 7(2) of the PA is required aside from the provision that the appointee must not be less than than the rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police, an additional inclusion that the person to be appointed to the office of IG must have an excess of four years left in service, so that the issue of the irregular extension of tenure does not arise……” shameful, they remain mere allegations; and, neither group can call for the resignation of the other candidate until the allegations are proven in a court of law, and they are convicted of some offence or the other. We all know that they would have completed their term(s) in office before any of their cases will be concluded, if ever they even reach trial stage!

The truth of the matter is that, the inadequacies in the provisions of Section 137 of the Constitution and other similar provisions, allow these integrity issues to be pushed aside as being irrelevant, and are conveniently described by some, especially spokespersons and supporters of the candidates, as time-wasting witchhunting of their candidates by those who raise them; and we are then asked to concentrate on other more relevant matters like the manifestos of the candidates instead; as if the characters of those who want to lead us, especially with regard to honesty and integrity should not be of concern. I do agree that an individual’s level of honesty or integrity, is not a measure of his or her capacity, but it is relevant since it affects decision making, and also, particularly when corruption has become one of the major problems in a country, whose incoming leaders claim to be the ones that will eradicate this evil from our society.

Inspector General of Police’s Tenure of Office And, it is partly this contempt for integrity that translates into contumacious

administrations who have no regard for the Judiciary and the rule of law, and observe the laws in their breach with gusto and aplomb, or at best, govern on the edge.

In February 2021, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba (IG) was appointed. Section 215(1)(a) of the Constitution provides that the President shall appoint the IG from serving members of the Nigeria Police Force on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council (NPC), which comprises of the President, Governors, Chairman of the Police Commission and the IG. Also see Section 7(3) of the Police Act 2020 (PA).

Did the NPC properly advise the President on his choice of IG, that’s if he even sought their opinion? Why appoint someone whose term of service would mandatorily end before the term of office ends? This IG’s tenure should come to an end in February 2025, four years from February 2021; but, come March 1, 2023, the IG will be 60 years old, and two weeks later, would mark 35 years he enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force. The IG is a Public Servant, and by virtue of the fact that he is a member of staff of the Nigeria Police Force, an authority established for the Federation

by Section 214(1) of the Constitution, and is subject to the Federal Public Service Rules 2009 (PSR). Specifically, Rule No. 020810 thereof, provides for the compulsory retirement of all grades of public service officers at age 60 or 35 years of service, whichever comes first - in this case, the IG’s birthday comes first.

Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and Editor, THISDAY LAWYER, Onikepo Braithwaite

According to the said Rule, the IG is obliged to step down on March 1. This PSR retirement age provision, is mirrored in Section 18(8) of the PA, and as the word 'shall' is used in this provision too, it is mandatory. See the case of Ishola v Ajiboye 1994 6 N.W.L.R. Part 352 Page 506 per Rhodes-Vivour JCA (as he then was); and also Ibrahim & Ors v Akinrinsola 2010 LPELR-4144 (CA) on the the word 'shall' being mandatory.

Section 7(6) of the PA also provides for a four year tenure for the IG, and the word 'shall' is also used in the said provision. See the case of Ishola v Ajiboye (Supra).

So, what is the consequence of appointing someone who doesn’t have up to four year’s left in service, as the IG who has a four year tenure? I believe that the correct position of the law on the IG’s situation is that on March 1, 2023, the day he turns 60, he shall cease to be a serving Police Officer of the Nigeria Police Force by virtue of Section 18(8) of the PA, and it will be both unlawful and unconstitutional (see Section 215(1)(a) of the Constitution) for the President to seek to extend the IG’s tenure, even in the face of Section 7(6) of the PA, because he will no longer be a serving Police Officer.

Conclusion An amendment to Section 7(2) of the PA is required - aside from the provision that the appointee must not be less than than the rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police, an additional inclusion that the person to be appointed to the office of IG must have an excess of four years left in service, so that the issue of the irregular extension of tenure does not arise, must be inserted to avoid the controversy that has arisen in recent times, at least in the case of the last three IGs. Government must not continue to operate as if it’s word or that of the President, are above the laws of the land, because they are not. The President does not have the power to amend the law, with an executive action or instruction. After all, we are purportedly in a democratic setting, not a military regime.

The issue of the IG’s retirement keeps cropping up. In 2019, the word was out that the President intended to extend the tenure of the then IG, Ibrahim Idris Kpotum whose 35 years of service was completed on January 3, 2019, less than two weeks before his 60th birthday.

In 2021, the President unlawfully extended the tenure of IG Mohammed Adamu by a period of three months, on the excuse that Government needed time to appoint his successor, only to appoint a successor whose retirement age/term of service was not in consonance with the PA? I will not bother to go into the Federal Government’s contravention of Sections 1(2) & 14(3) of the Constitution in some of its appointments - disobedience of Federal character provisions and concentration of powers in certain groups of people; and I will conclude that, Government’s contumaciousness and disregard for the rule of law, has become contagious, infecting not only it’s agencies and officials, but also flowing down to the people generally.

L-R: Onikepo Braithwaite; Aare Afe Babalola, SAN and Deputy Editor, This Day Lawyer, Jude Igbanoi on a visit to Aare at ABUAD last week

IV LAW REPORT

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

Admissibility of Affidavit Deposed to

by Legal Practitioner Acting as Counsel Facts The Appellant contested and emerged the winner of the 1st Respondent’s rescheduled primary election conducted on 4th June, 2022 with 46 out of 74 votes cast, for the election of candidate for the Ezza-North/Ishielu Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State for the House of Representatives’ election in 2023. The 3rd Respondent also partook in the rescheduled primaries, where he recorded zero votes cast. The zero vote notwithstanding, the 1st Respondent’s preferred candidate was the 3rd Respondent, consequent upon which the 1st Respondent approached the Appellant to ask for his withdrawal from the race.

Owing to the Appellant’s refusal to back down from the race, the 1st Respondent forwarded the 3rd Respondent’s name to the 2nd Respondent on 17th June, 2022, as its candidate for the said Federal Constituency for the 2023 election into the House of Representatives. Aggrieved by the actions of the 1st Respondent, the Appellant commenced an action via Originating Summons at the Federal High Court, Abakaliki (the “trial court”) filed on 29th June, 2022, where the Appellant challenged the submission of the 3rd Respondent’s name to the 2nd Respondent in lieu of his name, and sought declaratory reliefs that the substitution was null and void.

In a judgement delivered by the trial court on 28th July, 2022, which shows a “scanty review of the affidavit evidence before that court, no evaluation of the evidence was even attempted and no reasons, howsoever, were stated for the conclusion that … the suit lacks merit and resolving all the issues in favour of the 3rd Defendant against the Plaintiff” (Appellant herein).

On appeal, the Appellant complained about the failure of the trial court to evaluate the evidence placed before it, consider the issues raised and to proffer or give any reason for the dismissal of the substantive suit. The Court of Appeal, however, dismissed the appeal after resolving all three issues raised in the appeal against the Appellant. Still dissatisfied, the Appellant further appealed to the Supreme Court.

At the Supreme Court, the 3rd Respondent filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection challenging the competence of the appeal as gross abuse of court process, in view of the earlier decisions of the Supreme Court in Appeal No: SC/363/2022 – Chief Chukwuma Odili Ifeanyi v Sen. Joseph Obinna Ogba & 20 Ors. and Appeal No: SC/CV/939/2022 – Mr Mbam Ojimba Chikodili Fidelis v Peoples Democratic Party & 2 Ors. Issues for Determination The issue in the Preliminary Objection was subsumed in the second and third issues raised by the Appellant, and the first and second issues of the 3rd Respondent.

The first Respondent was not represented by counsel, and no Brief of Argument was filed on its behalf. The 2nd Respondent on the other hand, raised a sole issue for determination on whether the 2nd Respondent acted and performed its statutory role in the conduct of the primary election of the 1st Respondent. This issue, which did not derive from any of the Grounds of Appeal before the court, was discountenanced by the Apex Court.

The following three issues, comprising the issue in the Preliminary Objection and the issues posed in the main appeal, were determined by the Supreme Court: 1. Whether the appeal is a gross abuse of the process of the Supreme Court, and whether the Appellant can derive any legal benefits or rights from the primary elections of the Peoples Democratic Party held in Ebonyi State on the 4th day of June, 2022, which said primary elections had been declared unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect whatsoever by a court of competent jurisdiction.

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was in error when it held that the inadmissible affidavit evidence of Adams U. Oboke, Esq. relied on by the trial court was admissible, when same was contrary to the decision of the Supreme Court in AKINLADE v INEC (2020) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1754) 439 and also inadmissible.

3. Whether on a proper evaluation of admissible evidence before it and application of relevant principles of law as canvassed, the Court of Appeal was right when it held that the Appellant failed to establish a case worthy of success at the trial stage.

Arguments Arguing the appeal, the 3rd Respondent’s Preliminary Objection, which formed the fulcrum of the 3rd Respondent’s argument, was that the trial court had nullified the 1st Respondent’s primary election conducted on the 4th and 5th June, 2022 in Ebonyi State in Suit No. FHC/AI/CS/88/2022 between ODILI v PDP &

Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 9th day of December, 2022 Before Their Lordships Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun Mohammed Lawal Garba Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa Adamu Jauro Justices, Supreme Court SC/CV/1353/2022 Between Emmanuel Nnabuike Nwite …

1.

2.

3.

……

And

Appellants

Peoples Democratic Party Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Dr Johnson Obinna Nwachukwu

Respondents

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC) ANOR and that the decision of the Supreme Court delivered on 14th September, 2022 in Appeal No. SC/CV/939/2022; ODILI v OGBA & 2 ORS had affirmed the cancellation by the trial court. The Preliminary Objection contended that the Appellant seeks to rely on the cancelled primary election of 4th June, 2022, to base his claim for being the rightful candidate of the 1st Respondent selected for the election in question.

The 3rd Respondent, therefore, urged the Apex Court to strike out/dismiss the appeal on the above basis. Refuting the submissions above, counsel for the Appellant contended that the 3rd Respondent failed to provide the judgement referenced in line with Section 128 of the Evidence Act, and merely provided oral summary of the said decision. He contended further that the election cancelled in the said judgement is the gubernatorial election of the 1st Respondent for Ebonyi State conducted on 6th June, 2022, and not the election for Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency, which the Appellant won.

On issue two, the Appellant argued that the affidavit evidence of Adams U. Oboke was inadmissible, for the reason that the evidence was incompetent on the authority of AKINLADE v INEC (2020) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1754) 439 at 557.

He contended that Adams U. Oboke, Esq. was

“The Rules of Professional Conduct…..do not render evidence deposed to by a legal practitioner in a client’s case in which he appears as a counsel, inadmissible in evidence in the proceedings of court, they render such legal practitioner liable for unprofessional conduct in contravention of the Rules”

not a competent witness for the 3rd Respondent in the case which was contentious, and that he cannot act as both counsel and witness to a client.

Counsel for the Appellant argued further that the affidavit evidence deposed to by Oboke, Esq. was documentary hearsay since he did not witness the conduct of the primary election of the 1st Respondent, and the evidence was inadmissible by virtue of Section 38 of the Evidence Act. On the other hand, counsel for the 3rd Respondent posited that the instant case is distinguishable from the decision in AKINLADE’s case which motion was contentious. He argued that though it is not desirable for counsel to depose to an affidavit in a case, it is not illegal, since no law prohibits same if counsel is conversant with the facts or where the facts are within his personal knowledge – SODIPO v LEMMINKAINEM (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 15) 220. He argued further that the evidence of Oboke, Esq. was not hearsay as he is a member of the 1st Respondent who had personal knowledge of facts deposed to. More so, there is nothing in the judgement which shows that the trial court relied on the affidavit of Oboke, Esq. and that in the absence of the evidence, the Appellant needed to succeed on the strength of his own case since he sought declaratory reliefs.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Resolving the issue in the Preliminary Objection, the Supreme Court held that the only evidence of the contents of a judgement of a court of law or any other judicial or official proceedings, is the judgement itself, for purpose of admissibility. The court, however, noted that the Appellant had gone ahead to produce the said judgements in court as additional authorities, and held that it could consider the contents of the said judgements, which were then before it. Considering the referenced judgement of the Federal High in Suit No. FHC/AI/CS/88/2022, CHIEF CHUKWUMA ODILI IFEANYI v PDP & INEC, their Lordships held that the decision dealt with the governorship election conducted in

Ebonyi State, and not the subject of this appeal, and that the Appellant was not a party in the said suits.

Further, the Supreme Court held that in the lead judgement of the referenced decision, the court did not at any point pronounce on the nullification of the primary election conducted by the 1st Respondent for Ebonyi State Governorship election, or affirm the nullification or cancellation ordered by the trial court above. Thus, the Preliminary Objection of the 3rd Respondent and his issues one and two, were resolved in favour of the Appellant.

In respect of arguments canvassed on accidental slip, which was the basis of the Court of Appeal changing the Suit No. of the case before the trial court as contained in the record of appeal, on the prodding of counsel for the 3rd Respondent, when parties did not challenge the record of appeal, the Apex Court held that appellate courts are bound by the records of appeal before them. It remarked that there is a procedure for challenging records of appeal on ground of “accidental slip”; as such, the party complaining about the slip should have challenged the record at the court below, and seek for an amendment, rather than proceed to alter any conceived slip at the appellate court.

To this end, the Apex Court held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to have allowed the argument that the trial court made an accidental slip in using FHC/AI/CS/61/2022 in lieu of FHC/AI/CS/88/2022.

The holding of the court was that this amounted to altering the record of the trial court, without an application to so do.

Regarding the Appellant’s argument on the admissibility of the affidavit evidence of Adam U. Oboke Esq., the Apex Court held that by the provisions of the Evidence Act, any evidence, oral or documentary, on relevant fact/s given is admissible, unless excluded in accordance with the Act or any other Act/Law or legislation validly in force in Nigeria. The Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2007 made pursuant to the Legal Practitioners Act, LFN 2004, constitutes any other law or legislation mentioned in the Evidence Act. Rule 20(1), (4) and (6) prohibit a legal practitioner from being a witness for his client in a case in which he appears as counsel for such client … particularly where contentious issues are involved. Although the Rules do not render evidence deposed to by a legal practitioner in a client’s case in which he appears as a counsel, inadmissible in evidence in the proceedings of court, they render such legal practitioner liable for unprofessional conduct in contravention of the Rules.

On the case before the Supreme Court, their Lordships held that there was nothing in the scanty judgement of the trial court (which did not evince the court’s analysis to reach its conclusions) suggesting that the trial court relied on the affidavit evidence of the deponent, in reaching its conclusion.

Given the foregoing, the Supreme Court went ahead to evaluate the evidence supplied to the trial court, having established that there was no proper evaluation of the evidence before the trial court. The Supreme Court found that the affidavit evidence relied on by the Appellant was uncontroverted. Worse still, the 3rd Respondent denied participating in the rescheduled primary election which was the dispute in court. The 3rd Respondent only claimed to have participated in the alleged original primary election, which the 1st Respondent admitted never held but was rescheduled to 4th June, 2022. In the result, the Apex Court found that the decisions of both courts below were perverse for not being supported or even borne out by the credible evidence adduced by the parties in the case.

Further to the above, the Supreme Court unanimously allowed the appeal and ordered that the submission of 3rd Respondent’s name was contrary to Section 84(5) of the Electoral Act, and that the name of the Appellant shall be submitted to the 1st Respondent. The 2nd Respondent was also directed to accept the Appellant as the PDP candidate for the House of Representatives for Ezza-North/ Ishielu Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, for the 2023 general elections.

Appeal Allowed.

Representation F.S.N. Ogazi, Esq. with Petrus I. Elechi Esq., Nnamdi U. Mba Esq., Chibuzor Ezike Esq., F.S.Agbakoba Esq., and J.O. Nwanga for the Appellant.

1st Respondent not represented.

Prince Adebiyi Adetosoye, Esq. with Isaac Idota Esq., Rabi Umar Mohammed Esq., Adekemi M. Olusegun Esq., and Ogonna Bria Maduabuchi Esq. for the 2nd Respondent.

Chief Mudiaga Erhenede Esq with Egwu Kelechi Okpani Esq., Adams Uzuakpunwa Oboke Esq., D.C. Onocha Esq., Abigail U. Chukwu Esq for the 3rd Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An Affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

V

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

My Brief by SKB STEPHEN KOLA-BALOGUN

stephenkolabalogun@yahoo.com

Flawed: Section 134(3) of the 1999 Constitution on Presidential Election Runoff Introduction ast week, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NBA, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, wrote the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting the ‘correct’ interpretation of certain Sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that could determine who wins a Presidential election.

The Electoral Act 2022 states that “…the result (in an election to the office of the President or Governor) shall be ascertained by counting the votes cast for each candidate and subjected to the provisions of Sections 133, 134 and 179 of the Constitution, and that the candidate that receives the highest number of votes shall be declared elected by the appropriate returning officer.”

I must state for the record, that I don’t quite agree with this approach by the learned Senior Advocate, in that INEC is not a Court of law vested with powers to interpret the Constitution, unless of course, the Learned Silk was merely goading INEC to go and seek appropriate interpretation of the relevant sections in a court of law.

In his letter to INEC Dr Agbakoba, SAN, stated that he was worried that there could be multiple interpretations of Section 134 of the 1999 Constitution, which prescribed the requirements to be met by a Presidential candidate to become the President of Nigeria.

L

Section 134 of the 1999 Constitution In case of an election with only two candidates, Section 134(1) of the 1999 Constitution states that a Presidential candidate shall be deemed to have been duly elected where he has “the majority” of votes cast at the election, and has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

But, in a case where there are more than two Presidential candidates, Section 134(2) provides that a candidate shall be deemed to have been duly elected where he has the “highest number” of votes cast at the election, and has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing ambiguous about this particular aspect of Section 134 of the Constitution in the slightest.

In parliamentary and constitutional procedure, the term "majority" simply means "more than half". In this sense, as it relates to a vote, a majority vote is more than half of the votes cast. In short, where there are two candidates the winner is expected to have more than 50% of the votes cast between them; but, when there is more than two candidates, he who secures the highest number of votes amongst the candidates is the winner.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also said Section 134 of the Constitution wasn’t explicit enough, as to whether the two-thirds votes a candidate must secure as mentioned in the Constitution would include or exclude the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu He asked if, to be declared winner of the Presidential election, a candidate must win a quarter of votes in 24 States – which makes up the two-thirds – as well as the FCT, or without the FCT.…does this mean that the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is incorporated in the 24 States? Or…does it mean that the Presidential candidate must also score not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja?”

Once again this part of Section 134 of the Constitution is not ambiguous in my view. Section 134 (2)(b) of the Constitution specifically provides: “…….. and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja”. It does not use the words inclusive. That implies that a candidate that scores not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in 24 States of the Federation, but fails to score one-quarter of the votes cast at the election at the Federal Capital Territory cannot be duly elected as President of Nigeria. There isn’t much to debate here in terms of meaning, but can this be just? The subsection does seem rather absurd, in the sense that it implies that if a candidate manages to secure a majority of votes cast in an election and satisfies the requirement of securing one- quarter of the votes cast in two-thirds of the 36 States of the Federation, he or she might still not be eligible to become President,

“Although inadvertent, Dr Agbakoba, SAN has perhaps, drawn our attention to what could turn out to be a highly significant issue in any Presidential runoff race. In strict legal parlance, a majority means at least 50% of the votes cast, and if this interpretation is strictly applied to Section 134 (3) (b) instead of the meaning attached to highest, then we could easily find ourselves in yet another constitutional stalemate…..”

if he/she fails to secure one-quarter of the votes cast in the FCT. This seems to suggest that the FCT is of special status, and even more significant than a State.

It would have been more appropriate to use the word “inclusive” of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja instead of “…….. and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja”.

This subsection should therefore, accordingly be made subject to a constitutional amendment. Unfortunately, it is too late for this to be done before next month’s Presidential elections. This is rather unfortunate, considering we have been operating the 1999 Constitution for about 24 years now, and a fundamental flaw of such magnitude is just being noticed.

Section 134 (3) “In default of a candidate duly elected in accordance with subsection (2) of this section there shall be a second election in accordance with subsection (4) of this section at which the only candidate shall be (a) the candidate who scored the highest number of votes at any election held in accordance with the said subsection (2) of this section; and (b) one among the remaining candidates who has a majority of votes in the highest number of States, so however that, where there are more than one candidate with a majority of votes in the highest number of States, the candidate among them with the highest total of votes cast at the election shall be the second candidate for the election.

As earlier mentioned, the word majority is used and relevant where there are two candidates. Section 134(3)(b) itself seems to erroneously suggest that there could be more than one candidate with a majority of votes in the highest number of States.

This can’t be correct. There can’t be two candidates with a majority of votes. As mentioned earlier, there can only be two candidates to be able to use the word majority, since you must exceed 50% for a simple majority. Section 134 (3) (b) therefore,

is grammatically incorrect in constitutional and parliamentary terms and the draftsman ought to have used the word highest instead of majority, since there could be more than two candidates who qualify under Section 134 (3) ( b) of the 1999 Constitution ( as amended) The draftsman probably didn’t want to use the words …..has the highest votes in the highest number of States. He was probably avoiding using the word highest in the same sentence in two different contexts; but in trying to avoid this, he has left the section open to wrong interpretation.

Conclusion Although inadvertent, Dr Agbakoba, SAN has perhaps, drawn our attention to what could turn out to be a highly significant issue in any Presidential runoff race. In strict legal parlance, a majority means at least 50% of the votes cast, and if this interpretation is strictly applied to Section 134 (3) (b) instead of the meaning attached to highest, then we could easily find ourselves in yet another constitutional stalemate, in the sense that there may be no outright winner under Section 134 of the Constitution; and neither might there be a runoff challenger to whoever emerges with the highest number of votes under Section 134(3)(a) of the Constitution if the strict interpretation of majority which ordinarily should mean at least half of the votes cast is adhered to. Since as we have already noted, this is the meaning given to majority and highest under 134(1) and 134(2) of the 1999 Constitution, why or how can we interpret Section 134(3)(b) any differently? In any case some Lawyers would argue and insist on this strict interpretation, and this could lead to yet another constitutional stalemate similar to the 1st Republic case of Akintola v Adegbenro & Anor – [1963] 3 All ER on the removal of a sitting Premier and the 2nd Republic 12 2/3 case of Awolowo v Shagari SC 62/ 1979. Since there is every possibility that this situation could actually play itself out, INEC would be well advised to seek legal interpretation in a court of law before the elections begin in just under a month’s time.

VI COVER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

L-R: Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice John Adeleye; Governor Oyebanji commissioning the new High Court while Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN his wife (directly behind him) and AG Ekiti, Dayo Apata SAN, in dark glasses two rows behind Chief Olanipekun, SAN look on

Olanipekun: Giving Back to the Judiciary and Legal Profession In an act of selfless philanthropy, one of Nigeria’s foremost legal titans, Chief Wole Olanipekun CFR, SAN built and donated to the Ekiti State Judiciary, an ultramodern High Court complex in his hometown, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State, which was commissioned last Thursday. Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi who were present at the epoch making ceremony, report In Chief Olanipekun: Touching Lives

There is no gainsaying the fact that kindness resides in the heart and life of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN. In demonstration of this fact, the legal colossus has in the past few decades touched lives and humanity in different ways. To honour God, he built a mighty church auditorium for his hometown town, Ikere Ekiti; and in the service of humanity, he established a Foundation to cater for the needs of widows and indigent women in the community. In education, Chief Olanipekun’s scholarship scheme benefits hundreds of students and beyond. He built a 20 bed ward for the Ekiti State Hospital at Ikere, complete with a brand new ambulance.

There are others too numerous to count, including lecture auditoriums he built

and donated to universities across the country. He also built a radio station for the community, New Cruise FM. But, for his legal profession, he built and donated a befitting Bar Centre for the NBA Ikere Ekiti Branch, and subsequently bought a new Toyota Bus for the Branch in 2019 to ferry members.

In his unstoppable quest to positively impact his profession, he took this building an ultramodern court complex at Ikere Ekiti and donated it to the State Government.

Olanipekun, SAN who was the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2002- 2004, is the current Chairman of the Body of Benchers. He is totally committed, to the advancement of the legal

“Primarily, the law profession constitutes my natural habitat…..I am convinced that I am not committing any misdemeanour, if my charity should begin at home”

profession and the Judiciary.

Guests The Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji cut the tape, to declare the court open.

Also present were President of the Court of appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem; Acting Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojodu, the 3 Senators representing Ekiti in the 9th National Assembly, Senators Abiodun Olujimi, Opeyemi Bamidele and Olubunmi Adetumbi, Senior Lawyers and many judicial officers.

Chief Olanipekun’s Address: Decision to Build/Donate a High Court Complex Chief Olanipekun explained that his decision to build and donate the complex to his community, was a result of calls received from stakeholders of the law profession, on the poor and dilapidated condition of the High Court Complex, making it difficult for Judges and Lawyers to carry out their duties.

He said ‘Lo and behold, I started receiving ‘Macedonian’ calls from

my primary constituency, that the High Court Complex in my hometown was derelict, to the extent that it had become very unconducive and almost uninhabitable for Judges and Lawyers to carry out their sacred duties in the temple of justice. We all know what administration of justice entails, its raison d’etre, its very essence to humanity, as well as its primary importance to the existence of mankind. Justice is at the heart and hub of any meaningful and peaceful co-existence, either among governments, governments and citizens or citizens inter se. Law and justice constitute the distinguishing factor between human beings and animals.

In the peculiar circumstances of Nigeria today, the law courts virtually decide everything, including those who govern us, from the President to members of the National Assembly, crisscrossing to the Governors and members of their State Houses of Assembly. The Yoruba proverb which says that “T’igi ba wo lu igi, t’oke l’ako ma gbe”, literally translated thus: “When a tree falls on top of another, we lift the one on top, first”, came to my consciousness, and a decision to embark on this High Court Complex first, before the Senate Building project was taken, and the funds already earmarked for the Senate

VII COVER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

Olanipekun: Giving Back to the Judiciary and Legal Profession Building project were diverted to the High Court Project; but, before taking the decision, I briefed and pleaded with the University Vice-Chancellor. We are convinced and persuaded that we did not take a wrong decision, and we thank God that this project, which was initiated with the consent and permission of the Honourable Chief Judge of Ekiti State, who also approved and modified the drawings appropriately, has today been commissioned by our amiable, dignified, noble and excellent Chief Executive, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. Let me also state for the record that, before now, both the present and immediate past Chief Judges of Ekiti State had repeatedly beckoned on me to assist at repairing, renovating or refurbishing the old court building which has been there for almost five decades.

Why I Built the Court Chief Olanipekun said “I am very sure that a lot of people will be asking, either within themselves or in private conversations with others, why Chief Wole Olanipekun and his law firm, Wole Olanipekun & Co., would donate a High Court Complex to the Ekiti State Judiciary, rather than allowing the Government, whose responsibility it is to provide such facilities, to do so; more particularly, when Chief Wole Olanipekun could have deployed the resources invested in the High Court Complex in other charitable ventures. It has been whispered to me, even within this nativity of ours, that I should have established a factory or an industry instead of building a 1,600 Capacity Auditorium for my local Church here in Ikere in 2020; or straying into core government responsibilities by donating and equipping an Ultra-Modern Amenity Ward to the State Specialist Hospital here in Ikere in 2015, among other sundry interventions, both within and outside Ekiti State.

“For those who are agitated or might be agitated by the gathering of today or the reason for the gathering, may I plead with them to hold their peace.

Primarily, the law profession constitutes my natural habitat; and through the profession, which I believe is my calling by the Almighty God, I have bountifully received grace, favour, mercy, blessings and benevolence from the Creator, and as such, I am convinced that I am not committing any misdemeanour, if my charity should begin at home.

By the way, in 2014, we donated and equipped a Bar Centre to the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikere Branch, in order to encourage and motivate the young Lawyers from the Branch to aiming for and attaining greatness in the profession; and without being immodest as well, we went further to pay their Bar Practising Fees for four years. In addition, we donated a 16-Seater Capacity Bus to them. I am happy to note that, with these token of encouragements, the Branch has grown in leaps and bounds, and it is one of the most formidable Branches

Chief Wole Olanipekun Bar Centre, Ikere Ekiti

of the NBA in Nigeria.”

Chief Olanipekun quickly reminded the august gathering that “I have no single case, before any court in Ekiti State. I haven’t appeared in any court in Ekiti State, in the past 20 years”.

He called on Government at all levels, including private individuals, to pay attention to what he described as the deteriorating state of court facilities in the country, noting that a well-equipped court room would build litigants’ confidence in our judicial system.

“The walls and roofs of a good number of our courtrooms, are collapsing and caving in. Basic facilities such as toilets are not available in a good number of courts all over the country; in most instances, functional libraries are not available.

“The ambience of a typical or average courtroom should reflect an atmosphere of learning which Judges and Lawyers subscribe to, and are known for, rather than representing both from within and without, a rough, untidy, unclean and unkempt theatre”, he said.

Governor Oyebanji’s Comments Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended Chief Olanipekun for the gesture to the Judiciary, describing it as noble and unprecedented, adding that the new court room would in no small measure, enhance the administration of justice.

The Governor who commissioned the new court room, explained that his administration would remain committed to the development of the State’s Judiciary with effective policies and provision of a conducive

“The court is equipped with two state of the art courtrooms and Judges' Chambers, complete with a sitting capacity of 50 litigants each. In addition, the court has four dressing rooms for Lawyers, 13 toilets, 120 KVA generator, meeting rooms…. and a Law Library”

environment, calling on individuals to contribute to the development of the society, and not leave everything to the Government.

Governor Oyebanji said, “There is no doubt that, Chief Olanipekun is a man who takes pleasure in giving back to the society and institutions that once nurtured him. This is yet another demonstration of his commitment to giving back to the law profession, where he has made his mark as a distinguished member of the Bar. “As a Government, our administration understands the importance of law and order to the progress and development of our State. We are committed to effective administration of justice that serves the public, by ensuring that condition of our courts and the welfare of the judicial officers are well attended to.”

Ekiti CJ’s Comments Also speaking at the event, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Oyewole Adeyeye who lamented the growing infrastructure decay in the judicial sector, lauded the former NBA President for the timely donation of the edifice, which he said would enhance effective administration of justice in the State.

CJ Adeyeye said, “Our prayer was for the renovation of the existing structure; the Learned Silk, by way of consequential order, granted us a brand new fully furnished court complex. That the project was delivered within such a record time is not only a testimony to determination and commitment, but also a manifestation of a promise kept.

“Let it be quickly stated however, that today’s occasion is by no means an admission of failure or helplessness on the part of the Government, in its social contract with the people through the provision of enabling facilities for service delivery.

“Rather it is testimony to the need for the private sector to intervene when necessary, in order for the wheels of governance not to grind to a halt.”

Chairman, NBA Ikere Branch’s Comments NBA Ikere Branch Chairman, Dr Michael Afolayan stated “We are

solidly behind Olanipekun. We’ll strongly reject any effort to rubbish and tarnish his image”.

He enjoined the Governor Oyebanji to renovate the courts in other judicial divisions, and give Judges and Magistrates befitting cars.

In the court complex, a court room was named after the late Hon. Justice Olatawura of the Supreme Court, and another courtroom named after the late Hon. Justice Ekundayo Ogundare.

The Snake Incident An unforgettable incident, led to the building of the court complex. The earlier courtroom was in such a dilapidated and unkempt state. Things came to a head when the Judge came into the court, and met a huge snake staring at him from inside a drawer. Both Lawyers and litigants stampeded out of the court, and the Judge thereafter, sought an immediate transfer to the nearby Ilawe Ekiti Division of the State High Court.

On hearing about this ugly incident, Chief Olanipekun, SAN said ‘No!’, and wasted no time in taking up the challenge of building an ultra modern court complex, which was commissioned last Thursday.

About the New Court Complex The court is equipped with two state of the art courtrooms and Judges Chambers, complete with a sitting capacity of 50 litigants each. In addition, the court has four dressing rooms for Lawyers, 13 toilets, 120 KVA generator, meeting rooms, 26 air conditioners, 30 fans, computers and a Law Library named after the doyen of the Bar, Aare Afe Babalola CON, SAN. The library boasts of over 4,000 publications, and more have been ordered and are being expected.

He told Governor Oyebanji that “Ekiti State is not poor! Ideas rule the world, and Ekiti State has leaders with ideas”.

Conclusion Perhaps, the first of its kind in Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN has set a precedent, an excellent example of giving back, which will not be that easy for others to emulate. In the interest of the development of the profession, it is the hope of Lawyers, that those who are in a position to do so, should embark on similar laudable projects of enhancement.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

IMAGES

Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency, Abiodun Oyebanji

Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN

L-R: Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Chief Wòle Olanipekun, SAN and Erelu Lara Olanipekun

L-R: Former NBA General Secretary, Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN (left) and Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN

L-R: Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN; Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo. SAN; former Chief Judge of Ondo State, Hon. Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi and Hon. Justice Oyinkan Oluboyede

L-R: Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi; Senator Biodun Olujimi; Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN; and Senator Babafemi Ojodu

Erelu Lara Olanipekun (left) , and Editor of This Day Lawyer, Onikepo Braithwaite

Chief Olanipekun’s Personal Assistant, Nelson Olumakaiye (left) and Bode Olanipekun, SAN

Attorney-General of Ekiti State, Mr Dayo Apata, SAN (left) and Governor Biodun Oyebanji

L-R: Social Secretary, NBA Ikere Branch, Sola Folayan; Bode Olanipekun, SAN; Chairman, NBA Ikere Branch, Dr Michael Afolayan; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Chairman NBA Oyo Branch, Olajide Olanipekun; Treasurer, NBA Ikere Branch, Oluyemi Akintayo and Udo-Umo Medara, member of NBA Ikere Branch

Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice John Adeleye

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

L-R: Pastor Tope Orolu; Dayo Akinlaja, SAN; Mrs Oluyemisi Adefarati; Feyi Ogoji and Idowu Olonaede

L-R: Hon. Justice A.O. Adebusoye (left) and former Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice A.S. Daramola

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; and his wife, Erelu Lara Olanipekun; and Bishop of Akure, Bishop Michael Ipinmoye (rtd), Hon. Justice Daramola L-R: Erelu Lara Olanipekun; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Bode Olanipekun, SAN; and Chief Roland Otaru, SAN

L-R: Represntative of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, Prof. Abiodun Ojo (lrft) and Eikiti State Attorney-General, Mr Dayo Apata, SAN

Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi (left) and former Deputy Governor, Ekiti State, Abiodun Aluko

L-R: Judge of Ekiti State High Court, Mr. Gani Faniyi and Senator Abiodun Olujimi

President, Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Toyin Abodunde (left) and former Chief Judge of Ondo State, Hon. Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi

L-R: Mustapha Ogunsakin; Assistant Inspector General of Police (rtd), Tunde Ogunsakin and Obafemi Adewole, SAN

L-R: Olutayo Akintayo; Dayo Akinlaja, SAN; Ms Nwadishi and Sola Folayan

L-R (front row): Governor Biodun Oyebanji; Erelu Lara Olanipekun; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN and Acting Chief Judge of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Abiodun Adebara and others

L-R: Bode Olanipekun, SAN; Ayo Joseph; Deacon Dele Adesina, SAN and Roland Otaru, SAN

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN

0809 889 8888 SMS ONLY

Ethics and Discipline in Law: Akin to Waiting for Godot (Part 8) Introduction thics and discipline are at the core of legal principles and precepts; because law is a set of beliefs and values which society has accepted, either formally in written codes, or unwritten codes like customs and traditions. In either case, they are norms which are based on what society regards as ethical behaviour, or best practices applicable in any given context or circumstances. They are usually flouted, at the risk of sanctions. This is where discipline comes in. Please, read on.

citizen should accept and cooperate with those leaders who tend to unite them, and transcend religious, cultural and ethnic differences. A citizen should liaise with the Police, in detecting and reporting deviancy and other social problems in society. Such information should be protected and rewarded. If the Police and the public relations are more cordial, people will be willing to help in detecting and curtailing indiscipline in society.

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2. Eradication of Poverty:According to a popular adage, ‘”poverty is the root cause of all evil”. This becomes more of a problem, when it exists side by side with Affluence. It is the duty of the State, to ensure that a greater percentage of its citizenry live above poverty line. Poverty eradication can be done through various means. Budgetary measures which ensure full employment for all, control resources effectively, and ensure a sound productive base for the economy.

These will help greatly. Fiscal and monetary measures, could also be geared towards control of inflation and currency stabilisation. Once poverty can be eradicated, the citizenry will be more disciplined, honest and hard working.

Discipline of Lawyers The applicable rules relating to the discipline of Lawyers, is the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee Rules 2006. The breach of any of the rules of professional conduct in the legal profession, could be held to constitute an infamous conduct in a professional respect.

See Rule 55(2) RPC 2007. Suffices however, to say that any aggrieved party can write a written complaint against a legal practitioner to any of the following: The Chief of Justice of Nigeria; The Attorney-General of the Federation; President, Court of Appeal or Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal; The Chief Judge of the High Court of a State or that of the FCT; The AG of a State; Chairmen, Body of Benchers; and President, NBA or Chairman of a Branch of NBA. See Rule 3(1) LPDC Rules 2006.

Procedure for the Discipline of Lawyers The procedures for the discipline of Lawyers can be summed up as follows: Receipt of a complaint or petition; Any of the persons authorised to receive the petition or complaint shall forward same to the NBA, which shall cause the complaint to be investigated; Investigation, and if a prima facie case is established, the NBA shall forward a report of such a case to the Secretary of the LPDC together with all documents not considered by the NBA and a copy of the complaint; Appointment of a legal practitioner by the NBA to present the case before the Committee; Hearing of the case of a party, either personally or through a counsel of his choice; On the direction of the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, the Secretary shall fix a day of hearing and serve notices to parties (either through personal service, registered post or e-mail etc); There must be at least 15 days between the service of hearing notices and the date of hearing; Except where the service is by publication in the newspaper, the Secretary is to serve on parties, other than the complainant, both the hearing notice and copies of the report and the complaint prepared by the NBA; Upon proof of service, the Committee may proceed to hear and determine the case in the absence of the counsel against whom the complaint was made; An absent party may however, within 30 days from the date of the pronouncement of the findings and direction of the Committee apply for a re-hearing; If the Committee is satisfied that it is just to hear the case, it may grant the application upon such terms as to cost or otherwise; The Committee shall hear witnesses and receive documentary evidence, such as would assist it in coming to its conclusion regarding the truth or otherwise of the allegations; The provisions of the Evidence Act are to apply to the Committee proceedings; At the

conclusion of hearing, the Committee may call for written addresses; Proceedings and announcement of the Committee decision shall be held in public; If the Committee finds that the allegations have not been proved, it shall record its findings; If it finds that the allegations are proved, it may give the following directions: a) Order the Registrar of the Supreme Court to strike off the legal practitioner’s name; b) Suspend the practitioner from practice; (c) Order the practitioner to refund money or hand over documents in his possession; (d) Admonish the practitioner, (e) Directions made by the Committee are to be gazetted.

It must be stressed here that, where the conduct of a legal practitioner is a conduct incompatible with his status as a legal practitioner, then his name cannot be struck off the roll; the appropriate punishment is either suspension or admonition. Where directions are made by the LPDC, an affected legal practitioner has 28 days within which to appeal. The direction shall not be effective, save after the 28 days stipulated for an appeal.

Where there is no appeal or where there is an appeal but it is withdrawn or struck out or dismissed, the directions become effective.

Appeals from the decision of the LPDC, lie to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The Supreme Court and the Chief Justice, also constitute disciplinary authorities.

Where the name of a legal practitioner has been struck off the Roll or suspended,

“The list of misconducts that Lawyers can be punished for in Nigeria and in different parts of the world, is inexhaustible. Such misconducts include advertisement, contempt of court, Solicitor making himself a beneficiary of a will and offering a bribe to a Judge”

an application for restoration can be made to the Disciplinary Committee or the Chief Justice or the Supreme Court, depending on who ordered the striking off of the name. The following considerations are normally taken: i. The gravity of the offence or offences necessitating the striking off or the suspension order as the case may be; ii. Whether there is sufficient evidence of genuine remorse shown by the applicant in the period between the striking off of the name and the submission of the application; iii. Whether in all the circumstances of the case, the court is satisfied that the applicant has in the intervening years become a fit and proper person to be incorporated as a member of the legal profession.

Common Cases of Professional Misconduct in Nigeria The list of misconducts that Lawyers can be punished for in Nigeria and in different parts of the world, is inexhaustible.

Such misconducts include advertisement, contempt of court, Solicitor making himself a beneficiary of a will and offering a bribe to a Judge. On many occasions, the legal profession has also frowned upon champerty, negligent handling of a client’s case, making extra-judicial statement prejudicial to a pending matter, in-house Lawyers engaging in private practice, failure to pay practising fee, lateness in paying practising fee, and sundry procedural misconducts as filing frivolous matters.

Measures to Control Indiscipline 1. Participation of the Citizens:A disciplined citizenry, will surely participate in the control of indiscipline in their society.

This is a duty of each and every citizen in any society; such duties can be performed in a number of ways , that is, by paying out taxes, by refusing to involve ourselves in corrupt or undisciplined activities and practices. It is also our duty to expose any act of indiscipline at societal units of interaction, that is, at home, school or work. A citizen should be hardworking, patriotic, responsible and always ready to defend his/her country at all times. A

3. Exemplary Leadership:Leadership by example, is the best form of leadership. Once a leader with leadership qualities, displays such qualities in his own persona, he easily and simply transmits them to the followership. As such, an undisciplined leader, that is, corrupt or fraudulent or morally bankrupt, will definitely produce a similar followership. A disciplined leadership, will not aggravate inequalities in society. Rather, it will cultivate a situation whereby everybody is given equal opportunities in life. A disciplined leadership will neither accept nor condone indiscipline, in all aspects of social life. In addition, he should be able to eschew all vices in private and public life including corruption, dishonesty, electoral malpractice like self-succession, ethnic and religious bigotry.

4. Social Legal Responses Measures:As Indiscipline is not so clearly defined as crime in the judicial sense, but a form of deviation from modes and ethics of society, solutions are mainly left to the family and community.

As such solutions include: Ensuring stability in the family, adequate/proper socialisation, proper adherence to religious tenets, parental and peer group supervisions, and controlling the influence of mass media.

5. Code of Conduct Bureau/Tribunal: The Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 Constitution, in Section 153(1)(a) makes provision for a Code of Conduct Bureau, and in its Fifth Schedule, Code of Conduct for Public Officers and a Code of Conduct Tribunal This is an important step towards controlling corruption and indiscipline, by making all public officers (from the President downwards), to declare their personal asserts before their appointment in office or after leaving office. The Code of Conduct Bureau is a body with nine members, including a Chairman. It’s responsibilities include; to receive declarations by public officers, to retain custody of such declarations, to examine such declarations and to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the Code, to receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of this Code and to refer such cases to the Code of Conduct Tribunal where necessary.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal is established by the President, and headed by a Chairman.

The Tribunal has the power to try and punish, all officers found guilty of contravening any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau.

Punishment ranges from vacation of an officer’s office, seizure and forfeiture to the State of any property acquired in abuse of or corruption of office. (To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “In civilised life, law floats in a sea of ethics.”

(Earl Warren)

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T H I S D AY ˾ DAY ͰͲ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email: chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 07010510430

Advocacy for Cleaner, Safer Lagos As part of an ongoing campaign to ensure a cleaner and safer Lagos, the state's first lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu recently lent support the advocacy championed by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that Isale Eko residents were drawn into the Switch to Gas and Trash for Cash initiative

Residents hauling in their trash for cash

Some of the gas distributed for residents of Isale Eko

L-R: Chief Executive Officer of Smart Gas & Petroleum Ltd, Dr. Dr Yinka Opeke; Executive Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Tijani Adetoyese Olusi; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen; Guest of honour, Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Dolapo Ayokunle Fasawe at the Sanwo Switch to Gas (SS2G) / trash 4cash campaign held at Elegbeta Playing Ground, Isale EKo Lagos Island, recently

L-R: Member, The Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Mrs Bukola Akoshile; Beneficiary, Sanwo Switch to Gas (SS2G) / trash 4cash campaign, Eleto Qudus Olamilekan; Guest of honour, Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Beneficiary, Sanwo Switch to Gas (SS2G) / trash 4cash campaign, Moshood Aramide and the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Dolapo Ayokunle Fasawe at the Sanwo Switch to Gas (SS2G) / trash 4cash campaign held at Elegbeta Playing Ground, lsale Eko Lagos lsland, recently

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cooking and other solid and fossil fuels dependent processes are reduced and phased out where reasonably practicable, whilst returning value to the pockets of residents and improving the overall quality of life.

The First Lady, commended LASEPA and its partners for this initiative and other various pilot projects carried out in line with the noble objective of protecting the environment, including waste for LPG (Gas) cylinders, waste for cash, waste for free health insurance, waste for free public transport, and waste for food schemes, and others, revealing that these initiatives is positively impacting the environment.

She, however, enjoined all Lagosians to support the “Sanwo Switch To Gas Project” and see the call to join the fight to safeguard the environment as a collective duty and a responsibility owed to future generations.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, said that the Lagos State government is proud to introduce to the Lagos Island Community an inclusive approach and intervention mechanism to the various myriads environmental issues. " This program, is put together to further reward those who embrace circular and sustainable processes in their every day activity, and provide cleaner alternative for cooking as against the use of firewood, charcoal and kerosene stoves. " Also to reiterate the ban on open air burning amongst others. We therefore encourage appropriate handling of various domestic, commercial and

or an initiative that is specifically targeted at empowering women and youths, the ongoing campaign for a cleaner and safer Lagos by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) recently received a boost from the state's first lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. At the Isale Eko end of the ongoing campaign, which has been taken to several communities across the state, the first lady advocated for a cleaner and safer Lagos with the Sanwo Switch to Gas (SS2G).

The SS2G is part of the 'Trash for Cash' initiative from LASEPA where residents gets cash, food produce, Health insurance cowry card and gas cylinder from the government in exchange for plastic wastes, unserviceable and abandoned electrical appliances, used or black oil, among others.

Initiated by LASEPA, the campaign is targeted at the sustainability of the environment, especially with the global climate change crisis.

Dr. Ibijoke further called on residents of the state to embrace the “Sanwo Switch To Gas Project” at the event at Elegbata Sports Complex, Lagos Island last Saturday.

This advocacy, which is meant to promote friendly attitudinal change, will be pioneered around the 20 Local government area and 37 local council development areas of the state and would continuously educate the people on the need to ensure their environment is clean and safe.

The First Lady who said that she was delighted to identify with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) for the flag off the “Sanwo Switch To Gas Project” at Lagos Island, said that the initiative, is in line with the commitment of the administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to ensure sustainable management of the environment.

According to her, “This project, which is an offshoot of the Eko Clean Air Initiative, was launched in 2022 to encourage an attitudinal change and promote a paradigm shift from wood

and kerosene stoves to cleaner and more sustainable energy for improved Air Quality in Lagos State, thereby making a measurable impact in Climate Change.

“As a Medical Doctor, I have an appreciable knowledge of the nexus between health and the environment.

This is why the second pillar of the THEMES Agenda is focused on health and environment.”

The Governor’s wife made reference to a study carried out by the World Bank in 2021, where it was revealed that air pollution was empirically adjudged to be responsible for most premature deaths annually with children below the age of 5 as the most demographically affected.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu informed that Lagos State, as a coastal city, is especially impacted by various human-based activities and a growing population estimated to hit 40 million residents by 2050, saying that the development and challenge of ensuring the fair and judicious use of the environment for all, amidst multi-level bottlenecks are of critical concern to the state government.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the SSG Project is specifically targeted at ensuring emissions from various

The Sanwo Switch to Gas is part of the 'Trash for Cash' initiative from LASEPA where residents gets cash, food produce, Health insurance cowry card and gas cylinder from the government in exchange for plastic wastes, unserviceable and abandoned electrical appliances, used or black oil, among others

industrial wastes through the newly introduced incentivised initiatives “Eko Clean Air’’ and ‘’Trash for Cash”."

The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environment, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Omobolaji GAJI, disclosed that ‘’Sanwo Switch To Gas’’ initiative cuts across the 57 LGAs/LCDAs of Lagos State, having been implemented in areas like Itedo Community in Lekki Phase 1, Ibeshe, an Island of Oriade LCDA and Ikorodu Town in the year 2022.

The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe said that the idea of ‘’Sanwo Switch To Gas’’ was informed by the need to take decisive and deliberate plans about the health of Lagosians and the environment.

She pleaded with participants at the event to cultivate the habit of re-using non-degradable plastics and proper management of wastes, saying that somebody's waste is another person's raw material.

Fasawe stated that the concept and implementation of a circular economy is now being advocated globally due to the ongoing environmental infractions caused by improper handling and disposal of various wastes, including plastics, waste oil & oily waste, waste electrical & electronic equipment and trade effluent amongst others.

The General Manager, added that circular economy also showcase the clear tenets of waste to wealth as a socio-economic pollution control mechanism, which can stimulate business growth with huge economic potential from unwanted items or trade effluent, similar to the “Sanwo Switch To Gas Project” being championed by LASEPA. According to LASEPA CPAO, Bola Ajao, symbolic presentations of BRT Cowry card, free health insurance card, money, rechargeable lamp, raw food items, Gas Cylinder were made to some beneficiaries by the Lagos State First Lady, assisted

by Dr. Fasawe and some other top government officials at the event.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2023

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Julius Berger Launches Major Beams at Opebi-Ojota-Mende Link Bridges, Roads Bennett Oghifo

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ulius Berger Nigeria Plc has launched the first few beams on the ongoing Opebi-OjotaMende link bridges, considered a major step towards the early completion of the link bridges and roads.

The Project Manager, Engr Dmytriy Denysenko said no fewer than 228 pre-stressed beams will be launched on the bridge to move the project forward.

He said with the launch of the beams on the unveiled pillars, the project was now headed for completion as

scheduled. “After the piling we did earlier in July 2022, this is the next and most important stage of the project.“ The Project Manager said, “It is one of the major stages of the project. When the beams are placed, we proceed with the decks, and slabs casting. After that, just a little more work will be required to complete the work planned for May this year.”

Assistant Director in the Ministry of Works, Engr.

Soyombo Adesanya in his comments congratulated Julius Berger “for the progress

and good quality of works done so far,“ adding that the government plans to visit the project site more often in the coming weeks to follow up on the progress being made.

In January 26, 2022, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flagged off the Ojota-Opebi link bridges and approach roads tasking Julius Berger to complete the project earlier than the scheduled time.

Apart from Engr Denysenko, Engr. Frank Rutten and Engr Rasheedat Anifowoshe were on the Julius Berger team at the event.

Installation of beams on the ongoing Opebi-Ojota-Mende link bridges in Lagos… recently

Wilder Institute, NCF Award Scholarships for Cross River Gorillas’ Conservation Bennett Oghifo The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with the Wilder Institute/ Calgary Zoo and the Center for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR) in Ghana, has awarded scholarships to three postgraduate students of the University of Calabar to strengthen capacity for gorilla conservation in Cross River State.

The award is a form of community conservation initiative

to protect the endangered Cross River gorilla which will bring enormous ecotourism benefits to the people of Cross River through preservation and conservation efforts of these species.

The beneficiaries who were awarded scholarships in environmental sciences are: David Agabi-Eneji and Adekanmbi Adeyinka who were awarded with an M.Sc. scholarship for two years; and Wilfred Ayambem who was awarded a Ph.D scholarship

for three years. These are the first set of recipients out of the five students that will be beneficiaries from the 5-year community conservation graduate student scholarship programme.

The scholarship covers registration and tuition fees, operating and living expenses, accommodation, field research expenses, study materials and equipment. The programme which is full-time. involves a mandatory paid six-month internship at the NCF and a

compulsory one-month handson training during an exchange visit to CBCR Ghana.

In 1987, NCF led a team to Afi Mountain in Cross River which led to the rediscovery of the Cross River gorilla which was hitherto considered extinct. Currently, NCF is working with Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Canada; the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research, Ghana; and the University of Calabar on research that promotes the conservation of

the Cross River gorilla. Other partners providing technical support for this project are the Cross River National Park and the Cross River Forestry Commission.

“As a leading conservation organisation in Nigeria who understands the implication of losing biodiversity at a rapid rate, NCF sourced funds to address the challenge by engaging experts and consultants in conducting result-oriented research that will promote the conservation of endemic Cross

River gorilla,” Dr. Joseph Onoja, DG, NCF. NCF is the foremost environmental NGO in Nigeria dedicated to nature conservation and biodiversity resources management. A key pillar in the 2021-2025 NCF Strategic Action Pillar (SAP) is “Saving Species in Peril”, designed to rescue and conserve species, especially those endemic to Nigeria such as Cross River gorilla, Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee, Ibadan Malimbe and many others.

Lagos Commissioner Calls for Review ARCON Tasks National Assembly on of Power Generation, Distribution Law Legal Backing for Building Code The Lagos State Government has called for the urgent review of Nigeria’s power generation and distribution law under the purview of the Federal Government based in view of the huge amount spent on diesel daily by industries especially the manufacturing sector in the State.

Lagos State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Olalere Odusote made this call on Wednesday as part of his submission at the end of the 3rd Real Estate MarketPlace Conference and Exhibitions held in Victoria Island.

Speaking on Sustainable Energy Solutions in the Real Estate, the Commissioner said that personal energy generated by individuals, corporate organisations including real estate practitioners usually come with huge financial burden in addition to the environmental pollution that comes with it.

According to him, the country’s Real Estate sector is still begging for huge investment in the area of power to make the sector more viable and attractive to potential investors.

He explained that this became necessary as most private individuals and businesses in Lagos utilised diesel powered generators rather than electricity from the national grid.

According to him, the two distribution companies in Lagos State – Eko Disco and Ikeja Electric – established nine years ago, sell about 800 to 900 megawatts initially and have only improved to 800 to 1,000 megawatts nine years after.

“Nothing has changed in the national grid sector nine years

after. However, Lagos State within a spate of nine years had grown from having about 8,000 megawatts of installed diesel capacity to about 23,000 megawatts.

“The diesel market of the off-grid market has grown by about 300 per cent but the grid market has not grown at all or just about one to two per cent,” he said.

He added that the state injected almost 1,000 transformers into the grid to improve electricity supply to its residents, but without the desired result.

Odusote said a lot of the energy utilised in Lagos came from diesel generators, and that because of the high population of the city, the emission from that energy source had become unsustainable.

The Commissioner explained that Lagos had been projected to be city with the largest population in the world in 50 years, therefore energy for the housing infrastructure needed for the population must be put into consideration.

Odusote said that was why the state government came up with the Lagos Electricity sector policy, with the aim of providing universal access to electricity for all residents of the state.

He stated that the draft of the Lagos electricity law had been completed and was before the state’s House of Assembly for consideration.

Odusote explained that the bill, when implemented, would take regulation of electricity from the centre and domicile it with the Lagos regulatory agency.

“The Nigerian constitution domiciles the responsibility of

regulation and distribution of electricity with the state government but when the law was passed in 2002, many states were not ready for the responsibility.

“Many housing estates in the state run on diesel generators because they are unable to benefit from the grid, yet they cannot share from the excess capacity they currently have because the Federal Government does not permit it.

“Lagos is now ready, willing and in the process of passing the law. It means we will be able to locally determine our faith when it comes to electricity,” he said.

According to him, the Lagos Regulatory Agency will work with the residents and the state government to determine the need of the electricity market and make laws that will enable investors to invest in identified gaps.

The commissioner said the state was working with the Federal Government to ensure its laws were reviewed and the new law passed at the National Assembly aligned with the state’s law and in line with the development of the sector.

Odusote explained that the state was working with the built environment and other private sector operators to create a framework that would ensure that by 2036, everybody that wanted electricity in Lagos got it.

On her part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs Toke Benson Awoyinka promised that LASRERA will sustain the use of sanctions to rid the industry of fraudulent Real Estate Agents.

Bennett Oghifo Registrar, Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Arc. Umar Murnai has called on the National Assembly to expedite action to deliver a law that will give a legal backing to the National Building Code in the country.

Murnai said the absence of an enabling legislation for the document has largely contributed to its ineffectiveness in the area of regulating procedures and processes in the nation’s real estate industry.

The architects’ chief spoke recently in Abuja during a week-long programme organised by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, where engineers within and outside the country gathered to discuss “Domestication and Development of Codes, Standards and Regulations as Panacea for Engineering Infrastructural Failure in Nigeria.”

Speaking on “National Building Code: “Challenges and Solutions for Modern Infrastructure”, Murnai said, currently, the code was yet to be backed by any legislation hence most professionals were yet to accept it as a document to guide let alone the public who are always apprehensive of new ideas.

He said that the code provides that all state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) should domesticate the document, but wondered how many of the states have the full document in operation.

According to him, the building code was aimed to

establish minimum requirements to safeguard public health, safety and general welfare in the process of predesign, design, construction and post-construction stages of the life cycle of buildings and structures.

He added that by implication it applies, in terms of control of all matters concerning the design and specifications, cost effectiveness, construction, alteration, addition to, moving, demolition, location, repair and use of any building or structure, for existing or proposed building work accordingly.

“Building code and regulations exist to safeguard the public health and general welfare from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment.

“It is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard public health, safety and general welfare in the processes of predesign, design, construction and post-construction stages of the life cycle of building and structures.

The building regulatory system is to minimise the risk commonly associated with buildings such as fire, structural integrity, means of escape in an emergency and so forth” the ARCON boss said.

“The code was produced and approved in the year 2006 for use in Nigeria. It is to among others address incessant collapse of buildings, fire incidents in buildings and other disasters; dearth of referenced design materials for professionals; use of non-professional; use of untested products and

materials; inadequate planning of our towns, cities and other built environment abuses; lack of adequate regulations and sanctions for non-compliance; inadequate database to aid sustainable building process.

Apart from the lack of legal framework for the code despite its existence since 2006, Murnai also said that the code is confronted with other obstacles that need careful analysis in order to comprehend and find solutions for modern infrastructural development.

Murnai said that the major challenges could be attributed to the complexities in the building code, lack of capacity building among the relevant stakeholders, lack of technical training of building code users and assistance, lack of legislation for enforcement and compliance, inadequate awareness and government attitude are militate against the development of the national building code.

But, he noted that, most of these challenges could be minimized through proactive, training, raising awareness, provision of resourceful technical support to the code users so also legislation on the enforcement and compliance, simplifying the code requirements and domestication by state governments.

The architect added that enlightenment among the professionals through the regulatory bodies and professional bodies will go a long way in providing solutions to the challenges of building code for modern infrastructural development in Nigeria.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023

25

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

J A N U A R Y

S & P INDEX

2 3 , 2 0 2 3

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.25%

INDEX LEVEL

613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

9.56%

1-DAY

0.16%

YEAR TO DATE

7.64%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10.52%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.44%

With Global Energy Headwinds, Massive Importation, FG’s Subsidy on Petrol Jumped 213.5% in 2022

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja As the Russia-Ukraine war took its toll on the world oil market and Nigeria’s total petrol imports increased massively in 2022, the country’s subsidy bill grew by as much as 213.5 per cent compared with 2021, a THISDAY review of available information has shown.

THISDAY checks showed that while Nigeria expended N1.43 trillion on under-recovery in 2021, the bill jumped to N4.39 trillion (about $9.7 billion) in 2022.

The N4.39 trillion was quoted in a Reuters report obtained from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

Numbers analysed by THISDAY further revealed that the expenditure on fuel subsidy in 2021 exceeded that of last year by about N2.96 trillion, with the difference more than doubling the subsidy last year.

Also worsening the rising cost of subsidy was the weakening value of the naira compared to the American dollar, the currency mostly used

in global oil transactions.

Previous governments in Nigeria have tried and failed to remove or cut the subsidy, a politically sensitive issue in the country of 200 million people. Nigeria imports nearly all its refined fuels because local refineries were shut due to years of neglect.

This year alone, Nigeria is expected to keep its costly subsidy until mid-2023 and set aside 3.36 trillion naira ($7.5 billion) to spend on it.

Between January and October

of 2022, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed that Nigeria spent a total of $12.44 billion on the importation of petroleum products, according to the apex bank’s October 2022 Economic Report stated.

When the NNPC was still making public its monthly subsidy data until it stopped around mid-year 2022, information from the company indicated that the government subsidised the commodity with N1.593 trillion between January and June 2022, before finally hitting

N4.39 trillion by the end of the year.

The amount spent as subsidy on petrol in January, February and March were N210.38 billion, N219.78 billion and N245.77 billion, respectively. A total of N271.59 billion, N327.1 billion and N319.18 billion were spent as subsidy in April, May and June respectively during the year.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has confirmed Nigeria’s December production of 1.235 million barrels per day (bpd)

in December, with the country retaining its position as the largest oil producer in Africa during the month.

Going by direct communication, this means that Nigeria’s oil output increased by 50,000 bpd, OPEC said.

The NNPC had recently said that improved security surveillance along major crude oil pipelines was helping to raise oil production from about 900,000 barrels per day to 1.59 million barrels per day.

Continued on page 26

Yellen: Russian Oil Price Cap Could Save Afric an C ou n t r i e s $ 6 b n A n n u a l l y Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Russia’s war in Ukraine is hitting Africans particularly hard by exacerbating food insecurity and putting an unnecessary drag on the continent’s economy, United States Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, has said.

Yellen noted that ending the

war would be the best thing to help the global economy, but estimated that a group of seven-led price cap on Russian crude oil and refined products to limit Russia’s revenues could save the 17 largest net oil-importing African countries $6 billion annually.

Speaking at the start of a three-

country visit to Africa, Yellen said some emerging market countries were saving even more by using the price cap to negotiate steeper discounts with Russia, and the Treasury was encouraging others to follow suit.

G7 countries and Australia implemented the oil price cap on December 5, banning the use

FOOD

of Western-supplied maritime insurance, finance and other services for cargoes priced above $60 per barrel.

A Reuters report stated that a further cap on Russian refined petroleum products, such as diesel and fuel oil, is due to take effect on February 5.

Yellen said the United States

COMMODITIES

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

RICE

100KG

ABUJA

N35,000 – N45,000

SORGHUM

50KG

OYO

N35,000 – N45,000

50KG

PLATEAU (JOS)

N32,500 – N42,000

50KG

KWARA

N24,000–N27,000

50KG

LAGOS

N35,000 – N45,000

50KG

RIVERS

N36,500 – N46,500

50KG

SOKOTO

50KG

EDO

SIZE

PRICE

STATE

100KG JIGAWA

was working with African leaders to mitigate the damage caused by Russia’s “illegal and unprovoked war” in Ukraine, which along with COVID-19 had slowed growth and pushed millions of Africans into poverty and hunger.

Washington provided about $13 billion in emergency aid and food assistance last year, and was now

setting up a US-Africa strategic partnership to address the shortterm food needs of more than 300 million Africans, Yellen said.

The Secretary of the Treasury is the first of a number of top US officials who plan to visit Africa this year, including President Joe Continued on page 26

T O D AY

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

N30,000

BEANS

50KG BAG

MAIDU GURI

N22,000 – N30,000

100KG LAGOS

N36,000

100KG

KANO

N35,000

100KG

DELTA

N36,000

100KG

ABIA

N35,700

100KG

BENUE

N32,000

100KG

KADUNA

N32,000

50KG

ENUGU

N24,000

50KG

LAGOS

N26,000

N60,000 – N70,000

100KG

DELTA

N35,000

N17,000–N20,000

100KG

ABIA

N36,000

26

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS FOOD

NAME OF COMMODITY

PALM OIL

COMMODITIES

PRICE

STATE

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

100KG KANO

N20,500

ONIONS

N24,000 – N35,000

100KG BENUE

N27,000

25CL IBADAN N22,000 — N35,000

100KG LAGOS

N32,000

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

25CL LAGOS N20,000-N35000 25CL

PH

NAME OF COMMODITY

GROUNDNUT

SIZE

T O D AY PRICE

MAIZE

100KG

OYO

N10,000

100KG

IBADAN

N60,000

100KG KANO

N30,000

100KG ENUGU

N16,500

BENUE

N65,000

100KG DELTA

N14,000

100KG PLATEAU

N45,000

100KG

ABIA

N11,000

50KG

LAGOS

N9,000

100KG KANO

N9,400

100KG

N24,000 – N36,500

100KG DELTA

N34,000

100KG DELTA

N50,000

25CL

EDO

N20,000 – N35,000

100KG

N27,000

100KG LAGOS

N60,000

N23 000

100KG ENUGU

N45,000

100KG ENUGU

LOCATION

PRICE

IMO

25CL ABUJA N25,500 – N35,000

SIZE

STATE

25CL

ABIA

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

50KG

BENUE

N6,000

Oil Industry Stakeholders Brainstorm on Ways to Revamp Nigeria’s Petroleum Institute Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Stakeholders in the oil and gas sector from private and public establishments have held a one day interactive meeting on how to reposition the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State.

A statement from the Director of Information, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Enefaa Bob-Manuel, stated that the move was part of efforts to restructure the institution for effective service delivery.

In his address at the event held in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Tanimu Aduda said

that at inception, PTI had specific functions and was expected to be a major force in improving the lot of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

“Indeed, it started well, but along the line, some things happened and today, the institute has become a shadow of itself,” he added.

Aduda told the stakeholders that the whole idea of the meeting was to discuss and fashion out pathways that could help in repositioning the institute to be able to deliver on its mandate to the oil and gas industry.

He stated that it was extremely important that issues such as the

Mustapha: With Rapid Population Growth, Biotechnology Remains Viable Solution to Food Insecurity The Director General/CEO of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has underscored the imperative of agricultural biotechnology as the viable and sustainable solution to global food insecurity in this era of increasing population growth.

Demographic experts, he said, predict that the global population will hit about 9.7 billion in 2050 with Nigeria experiencing one of the highest demographic growths in Africa with 216 million in 2021.

He also acknowledged that market research analysis in 2021 showed that the expected growth in the biotechnology sector would increase from $173 billion

to $1000 billion. He argued that Africa and Nigeria should not be left out of this bio-economic expansion.

To safely and adequately address food insecurity, he urged governments across the 3 tiers, Organised Private Sector (OPS) and stakeholders in the agricultural food value chain to invest in science engineering and biotechnology for sustained and rapid development of the country’s economy.

The DG, made the disclosure while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2023 STI Expo on Friday with the theme: “Actualizing Effective Diversification of Nigerian Economy through Science, Technology and Innovation,”

in Abuja.

He added that without deliberate and adequate investment in science, engineering and biotechnology, Nigeria would be receding back to the dark ages.

While advocating for more investment in knowledge-based economy, he explained that there is an urgent need to provide infrastructural facilities in various science and research laboratories across the country for optimal performance.

He said: “Biotechnology is the tool for economic development.

It makes use of biological systems, organisms, technology and products that help preserve life and health of our plants.

“Biotechnology plays a key

role in protecting our planet resources and enhance people’s lives. It has four major areas, which we concentrate on in NABDA. They include healthcare, crop production and agriculture, industrial technology and environmental usage.”

He urged investors to explore the huge untapped market in the sector, lamenting that Africa is yet to explore the biotechnology market, adding that the companies that are investing in industrial biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology are making huge profits across the world, adding that the top 25 biotechnology companies that are making huge investments across the world, that none of them comes from Africa.

Nigerdock Reposition for Growth, Unveils New Vision Nigerdock, a leading Nigerian maritime and logistics company, has announced its new vision, mission statement, and values.

The brand purpose repositioning underlines the company’s diversified operational focus.

Under its new vision, Nigerdock said it is committed “to be a leader in providing maritime and logistics infrastructure,

strengthening global trade with West Africa.”

According to Nigerdock’s CEO, Maher Jarmakani, “We have a legacy of promoting Nigeria’s industrialisation goals, and we have incorporated a growth strategy to build one of the largest selfsustaining trading hubs to facilitate the expansion of mid-to-largesized businesses across the continent. Redefining our purpose gives our people

greater clarity regarding the journey ahead.” “Alongside the vision, the company’s mission statement going forward is, “to deliver seamless supply chain and free zone solutions that bring value to customers, while being responsible for our people and the environment.”

“As businesses adjust to the global economic climate, our internal and external stakeholders remain critical

to our success, commitment to excellence, and sustainable operations,” Jarmakani added. Nigerdock’s values have also been redefined as Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, and Synergy – IDEALS. The values reflect the company’s track record of best practices, sector prominence, performance, innovation, and environmental consciousness, “he added.

act setting up the institute and its sources of funding , among others should be revisited.

He told the gathering that the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) was looking up to the PTI for the manpower training and development of Africans in the oil and gas sector.

The statement added that the minister informed that in this regard, APPO had put up a team that would visit the institute within the first quarter of 2023.

In her address, the Director, Human Resources Management at the ministry, Mrs. Asma’u Adaji, said the PTI was the foremost manpower training institution in the country with an enviable record that impacted the oil and gas industry in Nigeria and beyond.

She however noted that in view of fallen standards, industry players

began to overlook the PTI for their training needs.

Adaji relished the enthusiasm demonstrated by all stakeholders in the drive towards repositioning the institute since the restart of the process.

“This is quite encouraging and a strong motivation for the ministry of petroleum resources to provide the needed leadership that is required to attain the set goals,” she posited.

In his remarks, the Principal PTI, Dr Henry Adimula, said the institute was envisioned to be the leading oil and gas technological manpower in the whole of Africa.

He re-echoed the view of the permanent secretary about the institute starting well because it was servicing the training needs of the oil and gas industry and providing the needed technical manpower.

TCN Takes More Delivery of Transformer Accessories in Lagos, Ogun Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said that it has received more trucks of transformer accessories in Lagos and Ogun states in its efforts to boost power supply in the country.

The company’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, stated that the Alagbon 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Lagos recently received truckloads of 2 x 100/125 MVA of the equipment.

In addition, she noted in a statement in Abuja that the transformers when installed, will increase the capacity of the Alagbon substation to 480MW. In Ijora, the TCN stated that the 132/33kV transmission substation, also took delivery of trucks containing one 100MVA transformer and accessories at its 132/33kV Ijora transmission substation, Lagos. “The transformer will add 80MW to the capacity

of the substation,” it noted.

Also in Ota, the company disclosed that the 132/33kV substation received truckloads of transformer accessories while the 1X100/125 MVA, 132/33kV transformer will however be delivered to Ota transmission substation in Ogun state by this week.

On the other hand, Mbah stressed that the TCN’s Egbin 330/132kV transmission substation took delivery of 330kV and 132kV switch gears and accessories. These equipment, it said, are for the replacement of all obsolete 330kV and 132kV switchgears for efficient operation of the grid.

“All these projects are a part of TCN’s ongoing World Bank funded projects and in line with TCN’s policy on the efficient execution of its grid expansion plan, the projects are being vigorously pursued to ensure their timely execution and completion,” the company noted.

they were purportedly designed to help in the first place.

“This can leave countries with a

legacy of debt, diverted resources, and environmental destruction,” Yellen stated.

YELLEN: RUSSIAN OIL PRICE CAP COULD SAVE AFRICAN COUNTRIES $6BN ANNUALLY Biden, as Washington seeks to deepen ties with the continent and provide a counterweight to

China, whose collateralised loans have left many nations deeply in debt.

“While our approach may be exacting, we believe it delivers lasting results. Countries need

to be wary of shiny deals that may be opaque and ultimately fail to actually benefit the people

WITH GLOBAL ENERGY HEADWINDS, MASSIVE IMPORTATION, FG’S SUBSIDY ON PETROL JUMPED 213.5% IN 2022 In the month under review, the oil production of Angola which had earlier overtaken Nigeria, stood at 1.088 million bpd, while Algeria pumped 1.01 million bpd, based on direct communication with the

respective countries.

Furthermore, the country’s oil rigs count grew from 10 to 12 during the period. This was a marginal rise given that Nigeria’s oil rigs count fell from 16 to eight

between 2019 and 2022, underscoring the magnitude of challenges the country has faced in producing OPEC monthly allocation.

The latest OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) showed

that while the average rigs count was 16 in 2019, it fell to 11 in 2020, and then further to seven in 2021, but climbed to 12 in December 2022.

In the first quarter of 2022, the count was eight, it was 11 in the

second quarter of the year, and again fell to nine in the third quarter last year, according to the OPEC data.

In the oil and gas industry, the rigs count is a major index for

measuring activities in the upstream sector. While for instance, 26 rigs were in operation, on both onshore and offshore terrains, in 1997, this number has reduced markedly in the last few years.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023

27

BUSINESSWORLD

OIL & GAS

Drilling Oil Well in Nasarawa In continuation of oil exploration activities in inland basin, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is now set to drill the first oil well in Nasarawa State, reports Igbawase Ukumba.

A

vailable data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has confirmed the presence of hydrocarbon in Nasarawa State; precisely in Keana Local Government Area, which is located in the Benue Trough. The data confirming availability of the hydrocarbon in Keana followed several exploratory activities carried out by the NNPC Limited in form of gathering the right data and making the right decisions.

Perhaps, the oil reserve in Keana could be bigger than the 1.2 billion barrels discovered in Kolmani. This is because the Kolmani oil had acquired what is called 2-D and the 3-D, hence it was able to define the 1.2 billion barrels. However, Keana has only acquired 2-D that is called enhanced 2-D, because of technology. Hitherto, the reserve size of Keana is already bigger than Kolmani.

Nevertheless, the dream of Governor Abdullahi Sule towards that direction is to pursue for the establishment of a petroleum refinery in the state to refine the petroleum products in Keana. He insisted that instead of transporting the expected oil and gas to be exploited in Keana to the sea, his administration would pursue for the setting up of a refinery to refine the petroleum products in Keana.

It was in this vein that the governor, when raising fund for his re-election campaign activities in Abuja, used opportunity of the fund raising ceremony to appeal to prominent investors, as well as influential political office holders present at the event, to spread the gospel towards wooing investors to come and develop the oil potentials of the state.

He particularly pointed out that mostly as a result of the erratic nature of the oil industry, the International Oil Companies refused to come in to develop the Kolmani, but for Africa Oil, which invested $3 billion in that oil field. Sule insisted that the only way the oil reserve in Keana could be developed was for local investors to come in and invest their money in the project.

“All the international oil companies (IOCs) refused to go to Kolmani. Only Africa Oil, which is operating onshore felt comfortable to go and invest over $3 billion in that place.

We have some very wealthy people here. I know the influence they also have. We have some practical cooperate people here. I know the influence they have too.

“That is the reason why I am appealing, now that we have prospective investors here.

I am appealing to you, now that we have people who have influence, Nasarawa State is ready to explode with economic activities once we are able to develop Keana,” he stated.

The governor particularly commended the NNPC Ltd for introducing the integrated field development at the Kolmani, which was not obtainable previously in the country, where the issues of pipeline vandalization and environmental degradation were addressed.

“What the NNPC Limited has done, we don’t even have anywhere in Nigeria. Not in Niger Delta, not anywhere. In the oil and gas sector, there is what we called Integrated Field Development where you produce the oil there, refine it there, you produce the gas there, you generate the power there, you produce the chemicals there,” Sule said.

BASINS ACROSS NIGERIA The governor, therefore, explained that with similar concept in Keana, as well as all the other basins in the country, there would be no need laying pipelines for over 200 or 300 km in order to evacuate the oil to the terminals located in the Niger Delta.

Consequent upon that, Nasarawa State is now set to join the league of oil producing states in the country as the first oil well will be drilled in March this year in Keana Local Government Area of the state. Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Ltd, Mele

Kolo Kyari, disclosed this when Governor Abdullahi Sule led a high-powered delegation from Nasarawa State on a visit at the corporate headquarters of the company in Abuja, recently.

According to the NNPC GCEO, available data has confirmed the presence of hydrocarbon in Nasarawa State, with the company ready to commence drilling the first oil well in Keana by March. He explained that once the Keana oil well proves successful, it has the capacity to transform the potentials of the state tremendously.

Kyari said: “We have carried out several exploratory activitiears in the form of gathering the right data and making the right decisions. We are very convinced at this point in time that very soon Nasarawa State will join the league of states with hydrocarbon presence.

“This is not far away. As a matter of fact, we believed that we will start the first well in Nasarawa State by March and this is to confirm. It is very typical science that once we are able to make a success of that well, then the potentials of Nasarawa are beyond what I can explain at this point in time.”

This was even as the NNPC Limited GCEO, however, warned that the process needed to be hastened as the world was now moving away from fossil fuel towards renewable energy.

“It is a work on progress, but the opportunity of our life time is in our hands. This also must be done very fast. I must warn that there is something called energy transition. Today, the whole world is turning away from fossil fuel, the earlier you go to the market, the better for you.

Otherwise, ten years from now, you will not find anyone agreeing to put money

into petroleum business, except it comes from your cash flow. Everything we must do, we must do them now so that we can create the cash flow that will continue to sustain the project going forward,” he cautioned.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Harping on the need for a clement environment to undertake the oil exploration in Keana, the NNPC Ltd boss said the company has sufficient experience from the Niger Delta, as well as globally. He stressed that his firm was taking adequate steps to avoid them in Gombe, Bauchi, in the Chad Basin, as well as anywhere else that the NNPC Ltd was going into exploration activities.

He however said: “Support from communities is very eminent and must necessary. As we leave this place, we will continue to engage so that those mistakes of the past don’t repeat themselves, so that we can accelerate development in the communities,” Kyari stated.

Corroborating the NNPC Ltd GCEO, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva, said the country was willing to produce every available oil in the country, especially at a time when the world was moving away from fossil fuel. The minister continued that that explained the provision in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), to ensure that there was enough funding to be able to look for oil in new territories.

“The more oil we find, especially in this time when the global community is trying to move away from oil, this is the time to find all the oil that we have in Nigeria. It is in your interest to produce as much crude as possible, take it out

“We have carried out several exploratory activitiears in the form of gathering the right data and making the right decisions. We are very convinced at this point in time that very soon Nasarawa State will join the league of states with hydrocarbon presence”

of the ground and monetize it as quickly as possible so that even if the world moves on, we would have at least taken advantage of our resources.

“That is what we are about. That is why I will assure you, Mr Governor, that you can count on this office in whatever way, to support the production of oil in Keana. We are here on the same page,” the Petroleum Minister said.

Timipre Sylva concluded that his ministry had also adopted the integrated field development because that was the easiest and a remedy for pipeline vandalization.

In his remarks during the visit, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, said Nigeria had so many opportunities and so many areas of great potentials like the Chad Basin, Benue Trough; where Nasarawa State belongs, the Sokoto Basin, Benin Basin and Anambra Basin amongst others.

SULE APPLAUDS KYARI Sule, therefore, used opportunity of the visit to congratulate the NNPC Limited GCEO, management of the company and Nigeria as a whole for adopting the integrated field development in Kolmani oil field, an entirely new innovation that was not available in the country previously.

“I want to appreciate you because the main purpose of our visit is to congratulate you, the management of NNPC Ltd, Nigeria as a whole for what you have just demonstrated at Kolmani. A lot of people do not really understand what you have done. But in reality, you have come up with an initiative that is not well known to us.

For us to have a full Integrated Field Development at Kolmani, it looks very strongly that Nigeria is taking a new dimension, it is going to be similar to what we see in Saudi Arabia,” Governor Sule maintained.

On his part, the Emir of Lafia and chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Traditional Rulers, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), who spoke on behalf of the host community, said since the founding of Nasarawa State, there was nothing as great as the discovery of oil in Keana.

The royal father, therefore, expressed appreciation that oil exploration was taking place in Keana under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, who has made Nasarawa State his second home.

28

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Edo Spent over $150m on Flood Control, Erosion Mgt, says Obaseki

From left: Director, AG Mortgage Bank, Mrs. Theresa Ntong; Chairman, AG Mortgage Bank, Rev. Ejikeme Ejim; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FITC, Ms. Chizor Malize; Managing Director, AG Mortgage Bank, Mr. Ngozi Anyogu and Director, AG Mortgage Bank, Rev. Vincent Alaje at the AG Mortgage Bank 2023 Annual Board and Management Retreat themed: Collaborating for the Next Level, which held in Lagos.

Labour Charges Govt on Workers’ Welfare, Cost of Governance Ugo Aliogo Organised labour has charged state governors to reduce cost of governance, block conduit pipes for corruption, create infrastructure development and improve welfare of workers in 2023.

Specifically, they called on governors that still owe salaries, to add value to the lives of their workers.

Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Funmi Sessi, who described 2022 as a difficult year for workers, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

Sessi, who urged other governors to emulate Sanwo-Olu, said the

governor also promised to increase salaries due to the economic downturn and announced a 100 per cent end of year bonus for the yuletide.

She said for other states to make their workers happy too, they should reduce cost of governance and block conduit pipes for corruption.

Ahead of the general elections, she urged workers to support candidates that have workers’ interest at heart.

According to her, candidates that live for humanity that will bring the beauty out of the ashes Nigerians are facing now.

Corroborating Sessi, Lagos State Council Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Gbenga Ekundayo, hoped for a better administration and people that can

take the right decision for the sake of the futuree Praying that leaders for once live by example, he said the challenges in the nation affect everyone.

“Import dependence has a direct impact on workers. Purchasing power keeps getting eroded with the devaluation and inflation, survival has become even more difficult. Take home that takes workers to the bus stop can even barely take them close to the bus stop now. It’s been challenging, especially with friends and families that have lost their jobs since COVID-19, who are dependent on those that have jobs,” he said.

While commending Sanwo-Olu for improving workers’ welfare, he advised governors that owe

workers salaries, saying, “What they are doing is against God’s instructions on taking away food from people’s mouths and not paying workers their wages. We will get to that point where states that are not viable will be under states that are viable.

“Some States are not worthy to be alone and some governors are not worthy to be called governors.

How on earth can governors not pay workers who have worked for them and they earn salaries? We will continue to tell them to do what is right. In as much as we continue to appeal, I hope it doesn’t get to a point that the workers in those states will need to take their destiny in their hands and deal decisively the way we do.”

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the weekend, said the government has spent over $150m on flood control and erosion management, reassuring that the government will sustain efforts at protecting the environment and ensuring improved livelihoods for Edo people.

The governor decried that most of the environmental challenges faced by the state were man-made, noting that the government is taking critical steps at building a progressive and prosperous Edo that is resilient to climate change and anchored on sustainable environmental development and a circular economy.

Obaseki spoke at the official launch of the Edo State Flood, Erosion, and Watershed Management Agency (Edo FEWMA), a new agency established by the state government to sustain the gains recorded in erosion control and flood management started under the World Bank-assisted Edo State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (Edo NEWMAP).

Stating some critical steps by the government to sustain gains recorded in the management and control of flood and erosion, Obaseki warned that any agency intending to build roads in the state, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), must first register its design with the Edo FEWMA to ensure proper engineering design and erosion control mechanisms.

According to Obaseki, “Over the

last 10 years, we have spent over 150 million dollars trying to repair what we have damaged ourselves.

We should ask ourselves if this is the way we should continue to go. Can we not prevent some of these things that are leading to the environmental challenges we are faced with?

“Majority of the cases are all man-made. You have a contractor, who was given a contract, and he decides to begin construction, but he doesn’t share the plan, and he doesn’t tell how the water will be terminated.

“He does his own, collects his money and leaves the problem with the communities. That is a major cause of the problem we are having with erosion control.

“So, as a government, we will insist, going forward, that no agency, not federal, not local, even the NDDC, will undertake projects without coming to register with Edo FEWMA because you just can’t come to the state to say you have a contract, you begin to work and not let us know the extent of engineering drawings and how you are going to deal with issues of erosion control.”

Obaseki continued, “As you know in Edo State, over the years, due to neglect we are now witnessing many challenges that we didn’t see before, particularly gully erosion.

“The way we have lived in the last 20 years or more, I don’t think we should continue that way; we behave as if our environment does not matter, and nobody cares about land management.

29

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 20Jan-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.49% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.83 3.89 12.28% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 10.38% Anchoria Equity Fund 150.72 152.41 3.98% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.22 1.22 -1.06% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 22.71 23.40 11.97% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 535.39 551.53 18.67% ARM Ethical Fund 46.00 47.38 18.07% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.13 1.13 4.37% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.12 1.12 9.99% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.17% ARM Short Term Bond Fund 1.04 1.04 107.04% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 100.31 100.31 5.48% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,101.98 1,101.98 -2.17% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.10 2.10 2.43% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.36 2.41 7.65% CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.05 1.05 0.46% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.36% Paramount Equity Fund 18.53 18.87 3.04% Women's Investment Fund 148.69 150.49 1.47% CHD Nigeria Bond Fund 109.00 109.00 12.11% CHD Nigeria Dollar Income Fund 1.06 1.06 9.34% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.96% Cordros Milestone Fund 140.36 141.39 1.99% Cordros Fixed Income Fund 106.06 106.06 10.06% Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund 103.65 103.65 8.57% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 113.40 113.40 5.79% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.21% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.07 1.07 10.43% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.10 1.10 44.05% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 105.02 105.02 0.60% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1479.54 1479.54 12.32% FBN Balanced Fund 204.54 205.96 2.43% FBN Halal Fund 123.81 123.81 12.72% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.90% FBN Dollar Fund 120.74 120.74 6.69% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 172.08 174.61 3.91% FBN Specialized Dollar Fund 104.54 104.54 9.71% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.70% Legacy Debt Fund 3.53 3.53 -11.83% Legacy Equity Fund 2.04 2.08 17.29% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.26 1.26 4.44% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1

Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

Bid Price 4,284.96 3,728.87 100.00

Offer Price 4,316.41 3,728.87 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 33.40% 8.23% 13.86%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.13 1.13 5.85% GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.gtcoplc.bank; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.61 12.61 2.33% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.99% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 101.17 101.17 8.45% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 11.95% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.61 1.66 2.70% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.51 11.69 3.69% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.16% PACAM Equity Fund 1.48 1.51 4.37% PACAM EuroBond Fund 123.53 126.45 8.43% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 127.76 130.14 0.05% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 11.05% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,714.10 3,744.56 9.57% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 245.66 245.66 4.28% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.47 1.48 17.06% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 333.78 333.78 6.59% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 269.45 272.76 15.38% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.91% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 12,727.29 12,867.64 16.50% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.37 1.37 6.06% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 121.43 121.43 3.87% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 115.62 115.62 8.69% Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund 4,589.25 4,589.25 7.88% Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund 3,351.58 3,393.73 20.56% Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund 4,309.05 4,324.46 13.18% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.98 1.00 2.81% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.41 1.44 3.25% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.18 1.19 1.57% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.11 1.11 9.71% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.96 1.96 7.56% United Capital Eurobond Fund 125.74 125.74 5.55% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 14.37% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 14.18 14.31 7.54% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 16.28 16.44 11.36% Zenith Income Fund 23.67 23.67 7.83% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.96% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 4.34 4.44 8.06% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.24 6.34 6.67% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 19.23 19.43 8.69% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.70% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 24.33 24.53 21.65% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 140.26 142.26 -11.03% REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.19 52.92 101.31 9.92

7.68% 3.98% -13.13%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.31 137.33 107.51 17.40 16.40

14.41 139.72 109.38 17.50 16.50

2.30% 7.62% 7.53% 0.42% 4.11%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

106.75

0.00%

Fund Name

SFS REIT Union Homes REIT Nigeria Real Estate Investment Trust UPDC REIT

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

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

T H I S D AY ˾ AY, JANUARY 24, 2023

30

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Report: Opportunity Abounds for Sustainable Growth in Leasing Industry in 2023 Dike Onwuamaeze The Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) has projected that the leasing industry in Nigeria would abound in 2023 that would enable the leasing industry to continue on the path of recovery in 2023. Obviously, opportunities abound for leasing.

It, however, noted that this could “only come into full fruition with the proactiveness of lessors and goodwill from other stakeholders for a more sustainable leasing industry.”

This projection is contained on a report titled “2023 Outlook: Continued Recovery, Amidst Heightened Turbulence,” that was released yesterday by the ELAN. It said: “In 2023, the leasing industry is expected to remain resilient in its recovery and sustain its growth trajectory, in the face of economic challenges.

However, the extent of disruption in the macro environment, especially the outcome of the general elections, will invariably shape the performance of the leasing industry. Essentially, many of the industry-specific conditions in 2022, are expected

to remain largely unchanged” The report further projected that the Nigerian Leasing landscape in 2023 would be characterized by expected growth in new business volume, continued adoption of strategic objective and approach, continued absence of appropriate funding mechanism and full implementation of the Equipment Leasing Act 2015.

Other features of the leasing industry during the year, according to ELAN, would include expansion of new entrants into the market, the rising cost will continue to impact volume and service delivery and increasing business opportunities.

The ELAN said that the expected growth in new business volume would be driven by the current “growing appetite for asset finance by consumers in the face of tight cash squeeze and rising cost of assets” while continued adoption of strategic objective and approach would enable “lessors to withstand shocks brought about by the pandemic and prevailing economic conditions, ensuring business survival and continuity.

“Lessors will still be on their guard, adopting effective cost

control mechanism, improving processes and customer relations e.t.c., to navigate through the challenges to stay afloat and improve the bottom-line.”

It added that continued absence of appropriate funding mechanism would remain an albatross for the leasing industry. “Money is the raw material for leasing, its adequacy, availability and cost, is key to the success of the industry.

“This issue is becoming more challenging, with the prevailing economic conditions that have further tightened liquidity in the system. ELAN, continues to engage financiers locally and internationally for an appropriate funding mechanism for the industry.”

The association also hoped that full implementation of the Equipment Leasing Act 2015, especially the inauguration of the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA), “will be a game changer. The inauguration and commencement of operation of ELRA, is expected to take place this year with the sustained pursuit

by ELAN, supported by other stakeholders.”

Abbey Mortgage Bank Receives “A-” Rating Oluchi Chibuzor Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc has been assigned “A-” rating with an evolving outlook for the year 2022/2023, by DataPro, a technology-driven Clcredit rating agency (CRA).

In a statement, the agency’s Client Services Manager, Mr. Kehinde Rasheed, explained that the “A-” indicates low risk, adding that the rating also shows very good financial strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standard established by DataPro. He stated that the bank, in the opinion of DataPro has strong ability to meet its ongoing obligations.

According to the statement, the DataPro Rating Committee approved the rating after as-

sessment of the bank’s financial performance, capital adequacy, asset quality, liquidity, profitability, corporate governance, risk management/factors as well as future outlook of its current healthy profile in the medium to long-term period.

“The bank’s key financial indicators were largely improved during the year under review,” the statement said, adding that “the bank injected additional capital of N3billion in the year 2021. Additional funding also came through improvements in its institutional and wholesale business segment.,” The statement said.

It disclosed that the bank successfully reversed its loss position to profit during the year 2021. Accordingly, it’s financial result for the nine months ending September 2022 showed an

increase in revenue, total asset and equity to N3.9billion, N44billion, and N7.5billion respectively.

Rasheed pointed out that the rating of Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc is also supported by the bank’s strong revenue growth and experienced management and good liquidity.

“Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc had a Short-Term Rating of “A1” which indicates good credit quality and capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

Meanwhile, DataPro noted that the rating carries a maximum shelf life of 12 calendar months, in line with International best practice, explaining that the rating is rnot an offer to trade in securities nor a substitute for the user’s judgement. “It is meant for reference purposes,” the statement warned.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with the Manager, Ports Project, Port of Antwerp International, Mr.PhillippeeDroesbeke,afterameetingoftheBeninRiverPort(BRP)ProjectCommitteewiththegovernorand therepresentativesofthePortofAntwerp,attheGovernmentHouseinBeninCity...recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

As seasoning cube brands jostle for relevance with consumers, nothing beats the feeling of being recognized as the Outstanding brand of choice in the seasoning category.

At the heart of the recognition is the superior value of unique taste, exciting aroma and flavour, that Terra Seasoning Cube adds to cooking pots across Nigeria.

Executive Director of Allied Integrated Promotions Management Limited, organizers of the National Quality Awards, Obinna Ndukwe, stated that the practice is to conduct surveys on different product categories in the market and Terra Seasoning Cube stunned us in the way consumers have easily and quickly warmed up to it, he said.

“For us, it was remarkable in the sense that a product that was barely four years old in the market had performed so creditably in the annals of our yearly surveys.

The surveys are conducted using actual product users as respondents

“Consumers told us they liked the fact that Terra Seasoning Cube was readily available, easy to crumble, in addition to its unique taste, exciting aroma and flavour.

We also learnt that consumers were impressed with the brands variants of chicken, beef, shrimp and Jollof, thus giving them a gamut of options to choose from,” he said.

Ndukwe is convinced that Terra Seasoning Cubes will, in no time, become the country’s seasoning of choice if the makers of the product, TGI Group do not relent in the painstaking attention to quality and standards that has differentiated it as the favourite seasoning of millions of homemakers, chefs, caterers and all those who use it to enhance the taste of their food.

Deepanjan Roy, Group Executive Director - TGI while expressing his gratitude for the award and recognition stated that it is a testimony to the high quality

of products associated with the company, a major factor that has endeared it to the Nigerian consumers. He also noted that the award validates the company’s resolve to ensure that Terra Seasoning Cube continues to be admired for its unique taste, exciting aroma and flavour.

“We are truly humbled by this award”, Roy said. “For us at TGI Group, it is a privilege not just to maintain the quality that has made Terra Seasoning Cube the number one choice of consumers in 2022, but to work harder to ensure we maintain the quality and standard that would continually make the brand the first choice of consumers.”

Probal Bhattacharya, Chief Marketing Officer - TGI Group, said the award of Outstanding Seasoning Cube Brand of the Year given to Terra Seasoning Cube would further motivate the organisation to strive for excellence in the foreseeable future.

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

AIPM: Terra Seasoning Deserves Outstanding Brand Award

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2022

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ͰͲ ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $92.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.09 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

31

T H I S D AY ˾ AY, ͰͲ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

Stockbrokers Optimistic of Nigeria’s Economic Growth in 2023 Kayode Tokede Top Stockbrokers yesterday in Lagos forecasted recovery in 2023 despite the headwinds and uncertainties associated with the economy.

The Nigerian economy is going through a tough period with headwinds, including imported inflation, huge debt service-to-revenue ratio, high exchanges rates, forex scarcity, devaluation of currency, budget

deficit of N12 trillion in 2023, removal of fuel subsidy on petroleum price, insecurity and uncertainty about the outcome of the upcoming presidential election amongst others.

Speaking at a conversation organized by Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) on “The Nigerian Economic Review of 2022 and Outlook for 2023”, two prominent stockbrokers, President of Association of Capital Market Academics,

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

Professor Uche Uwaleke and Chairman, Research and Technical, CIS, Mr. Ayo Ebo, who spoke on the “Macroeconomic Performance and the Capital Market” and The Nigerian Economic Review of 2022 and Outlook for 2023 respectively assured the investing public that the economy had strong potential to bounce back this year.

They, however, urged whoever emerges the Nigerian

S E C U R I T I E S QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

President after this year’s election government to address structural issues that militate against the country’s economic development.

According to Uwaleke, “Contrary to projections in several quarters, government’s fiscal position is likely to improve in 2023 on account of the following: Improvement in crude oil revenue from increase in crude oil production, assuming crude oil price does not disappoint

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

and incidence of oil theft continues to go down. Savings from fuel subsidy removal will increase in government revenue.

Implementation of Finance Act 2022 and unification of exchange rates will boost economic growth and development .”

On the outcome of 2023 general election, he explained that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) may not improve as the three candidates have the same manifestos.

AS O F

The three major presidential candidates he mentioned are: Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); Peter Obi, Labour Party and Asiwaju Tinubu Ahmed, All Progressive Congress (APC).

“All three seem favourably disposed to untying the Gordian Knot currently facing the Nigerian economy namely fuel subsidy removal and elimination of multiple exchange rates,” he said.

2 3 / 0 1 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

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32

TUESDAY, ͺͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

THIRTY-TWO

Nigeria Tells London Court to Overturn $11bn Damages Bill to P&ID Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigeria yesterday told a London High Court that the country was the victim of "a campaign of bribery and deception" over a collapsed gas processing project.

The country's lawyer had earlier appealed against an $11 billion damages bill for which the case is now underway.

A London arbitration tribunal

in 2017 awarded $6.6 billion in damages to Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID), a littleknown British Virgin Islandsbased company, for lost profits related to the failed project.

The interest has now swelled to just over $11 billion, or around 30 per cent of Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves, Reuters reported.

Nigeria alleged the 20-year

contract awarded to P&ID in 2010 was procured by bribes paid to senior officials at its Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

It also alleged that, when P&ID took Nigeria to arbitration for breaching the contract, P&ID bribed Nigeria's legal representatives, who then did not properly defend the case.

P&ID had, in written submissions to the court, denied it paid

bribes to procure the contract or that it colluded with Nigeria's legal team during the arbitration, arguing that Nigeria breached the contract and it is entitled to enforce the tribunal's award.

At the start of an eight-week trial, Mark Howard, representing Nigeria, told London's High Court that P&ID obtained its contract "by telling repeated lies and paying bribes to officials",

and then "corrupted" Nigeria's lawyers to obtain confidential documents during the arbitration.

Howard added in court documents that P&ID paid bribes and relied on false evidence "to dupe (Nigeria), the tribunal and this court into giving P&ID an extraordinary amount of money on the back of a campaign of bribery, corruption and deception".

P&ID, however, argued the gas processing agreement was "a genuine contract which P&ID genuinely wanted to perform".

Its lawyer, David Wolfson, said in court documents that Nigeria's loss in the arbitration "had nothing to do with any corruption".

Wolfson will make opening arguments on behalf of P&ID on Tuesday.

by FIRS to private investors and Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for road infrastructure under the Road Infrastructure Development Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, created by Executive Order No. 007 of 2019, amounted to N146.27 billion.

Nami further attributed the historic tax performance to the “dogged implementation of strategic reforms over the past two years; a renewed commitment by officers of the service, accompanied with a boosted morale, as well as the innovative deployment of technology for automation of both tax administration and operational processes.”

He said, “This collection was possible through collaboration with our stakeholders, from our colleagues at the executive branch of government to the members of the judiciary, to our brothers and sisters at the National Assembly as well as the tax advisory committee, professional bodies, unions, and, most crucially, our taxpayers.”

Nami said FIRS would build on the current reforms, achieve full automation, and continue to establish a resilient service that would continue to provide sustainable tax revenue to fund the government.

He added, “We intend to maintain, and even improve on the momentum in 2023. We have peaked, but this is not certainly our peak. In fact, my hope is that this would be the least sum the service would ever collect going forward.

“Our goal is to identify more

areas where we can improve on in the delivery and efficiency of our collection, and plug loopholes, while deploying innovative reforms in data and artificial intelligence.”

The FIRS boss also said, “Ultimately, we believe that the FIRS can shoulder the responsibility of providing the revenue needed for the governments across the federation to cater to the needs of the Nigerian people through taxes.

“This is feasible once we get the much-desired support from the three tiers and arms of government, as well as all stakeholders.”

He commended Buhari for his support, as well as Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, and Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clem Agba.

Nami also praised all patriotic taxpayers who paid their taxes correctly, stakeholders for their support, and officers of the service for their dedication to duty.

This is the second consecutive year that FIRS would be recording unprecedented tax collection.

In 2021, the service achieved a record tax collection of N6.41 trillion, representing over 100 per cent of its collection target for the year, and it was the first time the service crossed the N6 trillion mark.

Buhari hailed FIRS under Nami for the feat so far recorded in tax collection. He urged the agency to sustain the achievement and do more to enable the tiers of government to pay salaries and meet other obligations to citizens, including infrastructure and equipping security agencies to protect life and property.

NAMI: FIRS RAKED IN UNPRECEDENTED N10.1TN TAX REVENUES IN 2022 Nami also said political interest and distractions, including litigations against the service, hindered its tax collection drive last year.

He said, “We would have actually done better, but for several issues, some of which are political and very sensitive to discuss in the public domain.

“But the most important one is distractions from certain interests within the federal government itself and the sub-nationals or people who want to do what FIRS is doing – in other words, those that want to perform the statutory functions of FIRS of assessing, collecting, and accounting for taxes in Nigeria.”

The FIRS chairman added, “These are not just mere issues but people instituting legal actions against FIRS to further distract us.

People instituting, even federal agencies instituting legal actions against laws that have been passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by Mr. President.

“So, these challenges impacted negatively, because you see on so many occasions people writing in to find out that ‘tax A, we are confused, we don’t know who to pay to now that there’s a court ruling to restrict you from collecting such taxes’. So, this really impacted negatively on what we did last year.”

Nami urged the three tiers of government to apply the funds generated by the service to critical sectors of the economy in order to “give value back to taxpayers as far as their monies are concerned”.

He stated, “We appeal to them to

continue to invest the little we are generating judiciously so that they are able to encourage taxpayers to continue to comply and pay more so that together we are able to fix Nigeria.”

He added that if well-managed, the tax revenues should “address the issue of constant borrowing by the three tiers of government to fund their budgetary requirements”.

Nami stressed the need for the three tiers of government to discuss the possibility of harmonising the country’s tax system. He said the global best practice was to have a single tax authority with a single technology to drive tax administration.

Nami argued that a multiple tax system would only help people

to dodge tax payments, stressing that harmonisation would help boost tax receipts in the interest of the economy.

He explained that of the total tax receipts for 2022, oil taxes amounted to N4.09 trillion or 41 per cent of total collections, while non-oil taxes accounted for N5.96 trillion or 59 per cent of taxes collected last year.

The report showed that Companies Income Tax (CIT) accounted for N2.83 trillion of the total collections, while Value Added Tax (VAT) totalled N2.51 trillion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy stood at N125.67 billion, and N353.69 billion came from Earmarked Taxes.

The report further stated that the total value of certificates issued

NAJAATU MOHAMMED: TINUBU INDUCED GOVS TO EMERGE APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE contrary to claim of quitting the party out of her freewill, Mohammed was sacked for her incompetence, quarrelsomeness and after being uncovered to be a mole planted in the campaign.

In a no-holds-barred interview with THISDAY, Mohammed said she was shell-shocked, when Tinubu told her he didn't have a blueprint for the North but instead, asked her to itemise what she thought should be the needs of the north.

Disclosing that the party primary election was a cash and carry exercise, she said, "You see, there is nothing like democracy in this democratic system. The whole thing is a hoax. I will tell you for instance what happened in their primary election. People were given ballot papers with Asiwaju written on it.

That was what happened and we saw a clip in which governors were collecting money. It's so shameful.

It's a disgrace.

"Yes collecting money, sharing money given to them by Asiwaju.

It is such a disgrace. It is the first time that I have heard or seen such.

At least in this dispensation, I have been in politics for decades, I was born into it. But this is the first time that a presidential candidate will be sponsoring governors.

"This is what is happening. So, you see Asiwaju is synonymous with money. So, for God's sake, if all it takes is money, then, what else will he do when he takes over power? It's for him to retrieve his money. It is not even about Egbe Omo Oduduwa, Osinbajo is even more Egbe Omo Oduduwa than Tinubu.

"He's a Professor, he's brilliant.

For few weeks he was given to govern this country, he did a great job. But the Lagos-Ibadan press, they said all sort of things against him. Tinubu controls the strongest propaganda machine in this country, which is the Lagos–Ibadan press."

The former director of the APC campaign in charge of civil society, said, the candidate's supporters were a greedy lot only after Tinubu's war chest.

"Let me tell you why they are following Asiwaju, they know that he's incapable. They know that he can't decipher, they know that there is something seriously wrong with his brain. It is like they say in Hausa, somebody will hold the horn, and you will be milking. So, all of these people talking all these nonsense know that he's incapable, know that he's handicapped but they also know that he's already a cabal that they can depend on for the piece of a pie.

“No more, no less. I want to tell you that I have not spoken to anyone, both in or outside APC from up north that I know that has told me or that believes Asiwaju is capable. But all they are saying is that you know we have to get something out of it.

"The problem is extreme selfishness. All these people that you are talking about are thinking of themselves as individual, their personal interest; they don't have the country at heart. That is why I said I have to follow my conscience because I cannot afford…in fact, to be silent is criminal. This is my position. Anyone that refuses to talk when they are supposed to talk is either a hypocrite or a coward or both. So, that is why I took the position I took.

"These people that you are talking about, in Hausa, we say they are the plugs from north to south. But they are an insignificant minority and the voice of the generality of Nigerians that they have allowed themselves to be pulled by the nose, some out of ignorance, some out of tribal or religious sentiments.

"Let me tell you what our prophet said, when they said Muslim-Muslim ticket,...because Islam is explicit on the question of leadership. What it says is a chosen atheist is better than an unjust Muslim. The first law chosen by God is the law in which Allah himself put on himself. The first law was that if he had denied himself the right to oppress, that is the law and then he went on to say that he had denied injustice within my creation. So, what are we talking about, what the hell about Muslim-Muslim," she said.

Explaining Tinubu's assertion that he had no blueprint for the North, she said: "It started the day he made that declaration in Ogun when he said it is his turn.

By saying that, it means that Nigeria has become the personal property of some people. It is like…you pound the yam now, you cut your own, you eat you own, now it is time to cut my own. That was what he said and that is what he meant.

“I excused that because in life, you have to be patient, you have to use your wisdom. I didn't partake in any of their activities and then they called me to be the director of the civil society organisations, which I rejected. Having rejected it, they started to plead with me, please in the name of God, please take it. I said I don't want to take it because I haven't sat with Asiwaju to actually tell me what he has for us, particularly, up north and I don't want to be arrogant.

“So to cut a long story short, we agreed that I will be sitting with Asiwaju as soon as possible and if I am not satisfied with what he tells me, then, I can opt out. And that is why if you noticed, when they put my name, two names were put, I was made a co-director in case I rejected it, they still have a director, So that I wouldn't be embarrassing them if turned them than.

"I went to London the next day to see Asiwaju on his invitation, because he called me to say Naja, I appreciate your stand that you rejected the appointment. I said yes sir, because I can't be a zombie at this point in time, I have to know what you have for us, then he said if I can come to London. I took a

flight the next day and went to see him in London and we sat down for two hours.

“The first question I asked him was what he has for us up north, he told me point blank that he didn't have anything. I asked him, I said sir, you mean you don't have a blueprint, he said no! I cannot have a blueprint until I win the election. I said sir, if we wait for you to win the election, there will be a lot of distraction, you have to have a blue print. You have to be able to tell us what you intend to do.

"I said we have so many problems, aren't you aware of the insecurity? Aren't you aware Continued on page 36

HISTORY AS BUHARI INAUGURATES $1.5BN LEKKI DEEP SEA PORT, WITNESSES FIRST CARGO SHIP OFFLOADING of Lagos State; Minister of Transportation Muazu Sambo; Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ciu Jianchun; top government officials; and traditional rulers to witness the offloading from the container ship, sailing under the flag of Malta.

Speaking at the occasion, SanwoOlu said, “Mr President, we are happy this is happening in your time. It all started in your time and it’s been completed in your time.

“We are excited that the size of the vessels that will berth at the port would be four times the size of vessels that currently berth at Apapa and Tin Can Island Port.

“We are excited that in your own time, something fresh has been birthed in this country and it is going to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.”

Sambo noted that the inauguration of the project was made possible by the expedited manner the president handled all requests made by the Federal Ministry of Transportation concerning the Lekki Deep Seaport.

The minister stated, “The very fact that the letter of intent between the proponents of Lekki Deep Seaport and its financial partners was signed as recently as April 2019 and by January 2023 the wide-ranging impact project is already being commissioned is a testament to the tenacity of purpose of the Federal Ministry of Transportation through the Nigerian Ports Authority.”

He thanked the president for approving the ministry’s extraordinary request to designate Lekki Deep Seaport as Customs Port and approved Wharf and its publication in the Federal Government Official Gazette in record time.

Sambo said, “With seaports being under the Exclusive Legislative List, the Nigerian Ports Authority’s provision of a sinking fund for Lekki Deep Seaport federal government’s equity contribution gave this project the necessary statutory cover and financial guarantee in line with the law.

“Completing a project of the magnitude and impact of a deep seaport in a record time of 45 months shows the effectiveness of tenacious ministerial supervision, strict regulatory oversight and strong presidential backing.”

Sambo described the project as one of the major legacies of the Buhari administration, adding that over 170,000 jobs would be created as operations commence.

In his goodwill message, Jianchun said the landmark gateway project jointly built by five parties from four countries was a fitting example of a good business model.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria stated, “This project is a joint venture between China, Nigeria and Singapore, and is run by a French company. The model of ‘five parties from four countries’ is a way of taking advantage of the wisdom and strength of all parties.”

He pledged that China would promote the business model to pursue a win-win outcome, particularly, in support of the growth, development and progress of Nigeria.

He added, “The government doesn’t need to worry about the existence of guarantees or debt risks.

It also shows that the investment climate in Nigeria can be trusted. We have every reason to be confident in Nigeria's future development.”

Managing Director of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Author-

ity (NEPZA), Professor Adesoji Adesugba, recalled that when the construction of the port began in June 2020, with the flag-off by Mr. President, very few Nigerians believed that it would become a reality, especially with the challenges of COVID 19 ravaging the country and the entire world at the time.

Adesugba said, “Therefore, we should all be proud as Nigerians that this has not only become a reality, but a free zone has built and completed the largest sea port within four years, which will reposition Nigeria as a regional hub globally for maritime business.”

He pledged that NEPZA would continue to give Lagos Free Zone and, indeed, all free zones licensed under it, the institutional support required to sustain the project and all other projects in the free zones.

Adesugba stated, “We are ready to lead in partnering with agencies at national and sub-national levels and the private sector to provide the needed support for this investment to thrive.

“Particularly, we will partner with the Nigeria Customs Service to perform its role effectively in order to achieve the objective of making this project stand as a testament to the legacy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“We must not allow the momentum generated by the commissioning today to wane.

All hands must be on deck to sustain this reality.”

Speaking earlier, Managing Director, NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, said the Lekki Deep Sea Port would be the deepest and most modern port in Nigeria, with a depth of about 16.5 meters, adding that it would be able to bring in bigger vessels and more cargoes.

Bello-Koko said, “Therefore, economics of scale would set in and we believe that the cost of doing business in this country will be lower compared to other countries and it will also provide employment opportunities and it will be more efficient. It will also be a model for other upcoming deep sea ports in Nigeria.”

He stated that NPA would be the regulator and be responsible for providing marine services, adding that the authority has gone ahead to purchase the necessary equipment that will ensure safe and secure berthing of vessels at the port.

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, said a lot of issues affected the country's economy, saying the maritime industry remains the surest path to rapid growth and economic development.

Jamoh said the Lekki deep sea port would inject nothing less than $361 billion into the economy, while creating over 190,000 job opportunities for the country's youth.

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Emmanuel Jime, said the council had the responsibility of monitoring and ensuring that there was efficacy of service at the port.

Jime said, “Today, when we set our mind to achieve something, all that is required is to have a committed leadership. That is what the president has demonstrated.

“Lekki deep seaport represents a dynamic change as far as the maritime domain is concerned. This is a port that is fully automated.

The implication of that is that for once we are going to have a port Continued on page 36

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REWARD FOR HUMANITARIAN SERVICE...

Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh (left) and Chairman, Unubiko Foundation, Mr. James Ume, who is a nominee for The Sun Newspapers Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2022, during a visit by a delegation of the newspaper’s management in Abuja…yesterday

PSC Denies Backing IG's Tenure Elongation RULAAC says extension unconstitutional as lawyer sues Buhari Alex Enumah and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Police Service Commisson (PSC) yesterday denied backing tenure elongation for the Inspector-General of Police (IG), Usman Baba.

In the same breath, the Rule of Law Accountability and Advocacy Center (RULAAC) faulted the claim by the Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi, that the IG had four years tenure, insisting that his continued stay in office after March 1 was unconstitutional.

This was just as an Abuja-based lawyer, Mr. Maxwell Opara has dragged President Muhammadu

Buhari to court for extending Alkali’s tenure.

Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi, recently said that the IGP would not be retiring when he turns 60 years on March 1, 2023, noting that Baba’s appointment was for a single tenure of four years.

But a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Spokesman of the Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC said the Commission did not endorse the elongation of the IG's tenure.

It said contrary to reports that the Commission endorsed the tenure elongation of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, the PSC at

no time made such endorsement.

"The Commission, therefore, wishes to state that it has not endorsed any tenure elongation for the current Inspector General of Police. As a matter of fact, the Commission was never contacted on this subject at any time,” it explained.

It noted that it would always commit itself to the letters and spirit of the laws of the land and would not at any time support or encourage any attempt to subvert these laws.

"The Commission will also continue to work to ensure an effective and efficient Nigeria Police rooted in the rules and regulations

governing its operations", it said.

In a related development, RULAAC has faulted the claim by Dingyadi that the IG had four years tenure insisting that his continued stay in office was unconstitutional.

"He skipped the candidates who had up to four years in service, according to what the Police Act said, and picked this current IGP. "This is what we have always seen with successive presidents; they would handpick whoever they want. There are cases where they have handpicked a Commissioner of Police and given them rapid promotion and then appointed them inspectors general of police,

FG Reports Meningitis Outbreak in Jigawa Declares more cases of Diphtheria likely Says over 65 million Nigerians received COVID-19 vaccines Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has alerted Nigerians on the rising cases of Cerebrospinal meningitis in Jigawa state.

It disclosed that as at yesterday, preliminary reports indicated a total of 117 suspected cases and 12 confirmed cases.

Speaking at the bi-monthly Ministerial Press briefing organised by the Federal Ministry in Abuja, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Ifedayo Adetiba said the Centre has deployed a national Response Team to support Jigawa state’s response to the outbreak.

He also said the state have been provided with items to deal with the disease outbreak.

The NCDC boss who was represented by a Director of Special Services at the centre, Dr. Prescilla Ibekwe said: "We have been notified of rising cases of suspected CSM in Jigawa state. Preliminary reports are of 117 suspected and 12 confirmed cases, with a CFR of 27 per cent from epidemic week 49, 2022 and epidemic week 2 of 2023.

"The NCDC has deployed a national RRT to support Jigawa State’s response to the outbreak.

We have provided commodities also.

"On the other hand, due to proximity of Jigawa to Yobe and Katsina States, we have also deployed RRT members to Yobe

and Katsina States to assess, improve on the level of preparedness and to conduct active CSM case finding for early detection if cases already exist."

The NCDC also gave updates on the spread of Diphtheria, saying there has been an increasing number of infection across the country It said: "An increasing number of Diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection that affects the nose, throat and sometimes, skin of an individual, has been observed in the country with attendant mortalities."

He said Nigeria collaborated with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to organise a 5-day workshop on enhancing laboratory diagnosis of diphtheria in Nigeria for laboratory scientists working in NCDC’s National Reference Laboratories and its lab network (this was planned before cases were reported as part of preparedness).

In the same vein, the NCDC boss said the Centre had written to all states Health Commissioners to institute immediate and necessary public health measures for timely detection and response to diphtheria at state level To reduce the risk of diphtheria, the NCDC said it published a public health advisory, accessible on our website, which educates Nigerians on risk factors and offers advice, including; It urged parents to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated

against diphtheria with 3 doses of the pentavalent vaccine "Healthcare workers should maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria Individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of diphtheria should isolate themselves and notify the LGA, DSNO or the NCDC through our toll-free line (6232).

According to the NCDC cases Diphtheria have been reported to NCDC from Kano, Lagos Yobe and Osun States.

It explained that in addition to clinically suspected cases, there have

been laboratory-confirmed cases, adding that the NCDC was working with state Ministries of Health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.

"This includes keeping the public informed on staying safe at home and in their communities "Given the sub-optimal coverage for the third dose of the diphtheria containing pentavalent vaccine (54% - 2021) in the country, we expect more cases from more states,” he said.

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and these are usually for political motives", he said.

Nwanguma argued that the president did not consult with the police council as demanded by the Act before appointing the IG. He noted that it was of concern to the civil society group that the president’s reported decision to extend the tenure of the serving IGP, irrespective of what the Act says, remained illegal.

"He is due to retire either by virtue of having attained the age of retirement or having reached the limit of the number of years of service which the Police Act made reference to", he said.

The RULAAC boss affirmed that obeying the rule of law guaranteed stability in the polity hence the president's violation of the law was an action that should be frowned upon.

"People talk about the need for stability but the greatest guarantee for stability is the rule of law and because we know that the president has been notorious for violating the law so even if it is for the purpose of the future, we need to point out that it is not correct that the president violates the law to perform any act", he said.

Meanwhile, an Abuja -based lawyer, Mr. Maxwell Opara has dragged Buhari to court for extending the tenure of Alkali.

Specifically, the lawyer has asked the Court of Appeal, Abuja, to restrain Buhari from allowing Alkali continue as IG from March 1, 2023, pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice, seeking to determine whether

a person can stay in office as IG after he is no longer a serving Police Officer.

According to the appellant, Alkali's tenure as IG would expire on March 1, 2023, as such he would cease to be a serving Police Officer after then.

He therefore prayed the court to restrain the president to rescind the decision of extending the tenure of Alkali because whatever document he (Alkali) signs after March 1, would be a nullity.

The lawyer in the motion ex parte, informed the court that he had a pending appeal on whether the president has powers to allow any occupant of the office of the Inspector General of Police continue to stay in office after he is no longer a serving Police Officer.

Joined as respondents in the appeal numbered CA/A/ABJ/ CS/106/2021 along with the president were Mohammed Adamu Lafia (the then IGP), the Attorney General of Police and Minister of Justice and the Nigeria Police Council.

He said, while the appeal was pending and adjourned for hearing, the president announced his intention to allow the current occupant of the office of IG to continue to occupy the office after he is no longer a serving Police Officer.

While praying for urgent hearing of the matter by the appellate court to avoid destroying the subject matter, the lawyer said, in his affidavit in support of the motion for interlocutory injunction that he filed the suit that gave rise to the appeal at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

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Northern Group Congratulates Ume Over Nomination for Award, Confers Him with Traditional Title

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), has congratulated the Founder and Chairman of Unubiko Foundation, Chief James Ume over his nomination for The Sun Newspapers’ Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2022.

In a statement yesterday in Kaduna, the group also announced the conferment of a traditional tittle- “Garkuwan Matasan Nijeriya.”.

The statement signed by Mohammed Danlami, spokesman of the group, described the philanthropist as, “a unifier, bridge builder and a

role model to Nigerian youths.”

Danlami, described Ume as a blessing to humanity and called on wealthy Nigerians to emulate him for his love and sacrifices for humanity.

“Let me on behalf of Arewa Youth Assembly use this medium to celebrate and congratulate Chief James Ume (Ike Abam), Founder and Chairman of Unubiko Foundation, on your nomination as nominee for The Sun Newspapers Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2022, “Every moment with you is an opportunity to learn how to serve humanity, that is the only what gives you joy”, the statement reads.

“You are detribalised, caring, always trying to be of assistance to everyone you meet.

“You always bear the zeal to bring peace and happiness on every face and your enormous sacrifice to embrace every one irrespective of ethnicity, class and religion is another angelic character of yours.

“Most important about you is the simple fact that you are humble and down to earth. You believe we can only make Nigeria greater if we work together as a formidable team.”

The AYA said Ume’s nomination did not come as a surprise, considering his track records as

a philanthropist, stressing that, “whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness - great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation and great joy.”

Danlami said, “As a youth yourself, you are teaching us how to leave the society better than we met it by contributing our own quota positively.

“You have always repeated and maintained that service to humanity is service to God.” The group noted that, Unubiko Foundation had touched the lives of many downtrodden people across the nation.

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NAVY SIGNS MOU WITH NPA...

Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (left) and Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Mohammed Bello Koko, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) at Naval headquarters in Abuja... recently

PDP Asks Court to Declare Tinubu Ineligible to Contest Insists former Lagos governor cannot stand for election by virtue of Section 137 Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Atiku/Okowa Campaign Organisation said it has resolved to approach the court to declare the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu ineligible to contest the February 25 presidential election having "been convicted" in United States court.

The spokesperson of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Kola Ologbondiyan, while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, said it would also approach the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately delist Tinubu as the presidential candidate of APC or any other political party for that matter and expunge his name from all materials and documents related to the next month’s presidential election.

He said Nigerians were not unaware of the matter concerning Tinubu, with respect of his "criminal" conviction and sentencing by a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States over a case of trafficking in narcotic for which Tinubu forfeited the sum of $460,000 to the state.

Ologbondiyan said for the avoidance of doubt, the United States Court in sentencing Tinubu had ordered,

“that the funds in the amount of $460,000 in account 263226700 held

by First Heritage Bank in the name of Bola Tinubu represent proceeds of narcotics trafficking or were involved in financial transactions in violation of 18 U.S.C. S1956 and 1957 and therefore these funds are forfeited to the United States pursuant to 21 U.S.C. S881(a)(6) and 18 U.S.C S981.”

The spokesperson stated categorically that from the declaration of the court and the sentencing, it was clear that Tinubu was summarily convicted by the court, while adding that the former governor of Lagos state took no step to challenge the judgment, but acceded to the forfeiture of the $460,000 found to be the proceeds of narcotics trafficking.

Ologbondiyan pointed out that it was already established that trafficking in narcotics was an international crime which all nations were obligated by international conventions and statutes to arrest, prosecute and implement any court judgment imposed on offenders anywhere in the world, as well as the consequential effects of such judgements.

He said: "You will further recall that as our great party, the PDP had already established, the presidential candidate of the APC, having been convicted and having acceded to

be guilty as charged by way of forfeiture of the $460,000, Nigeria being a signatory to International Convention is mandatorily obligated to execute the consequential effect of that conviction by virtue of Section 137 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

"For clarity, Section 137 (1) (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that:(1) A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if….(d) He is under a sentence of death imposed by

any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria or a sentence of imprisonment or FINE for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud (by whatever name called) or for any other offence, imposed on him by any court or tribunal or substituted by a competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him by such a court or tribunal.

"The import of the foregoing is that under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), having been so convicted and fined and having acceded to

As the five aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), commonly referred to as G-5 Governors continue to keep their supporters guessing on their preferred presidential candidate, a group in the south-east zone has urged them to endorse the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. The group under the aegis of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders(COSEYL) said the G5 governors would be writing their names in gold by throwing their weight behind the former Anambra governor.

The G5 governors - Nyesom Wike,

Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu and Seyi Makinde have been at loggerheads with their party and have been demanding that the PDP National Chairman should step down.

For months now the G5 also known as integrity governors have been hinting on the possibility of adopting a presidential candidate other than Atiku Abubakar, their party's candidate.

But COSEYL in a statement signed by its president-general, Goodluck Ibem, said the five governors should wait no more to announce their preferred candidate for the February 25 presidential poll, adding that Obi should get their nod.

"The G5 Governors should think about the legacy they will leave and

the 1999 Constitution (as amended) fundamentally illegal, invalid and must be expunged immediately."

The spokesperson emphasised that Nigeria remains a signatory to such international conventions and therefore was mandatorily obligated to implement the consequential effect of the conviction imposed on Tinubu by a Court of Competent jurisdiction in the case of trafficking in narcotics.

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Appeal Court Orders Fresh Conduct of Benue APC Guber Primary in 11 LGAs George Okoh in Makurdi The Appeal Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State capital yesterday ordered the All Progressive Congress (APC) to conduct fresh primary election in 11 local government areas of the state.

It directed that the result of the rerun should be added to the existing results of the 12 local governments which would be used to determine the nomination of its gubernatorial

candidate for the forthcoming general elections.

Justices Mohammed Danjuma, Justice Abraham Biobelle and Justice Ibrahim Wakali Jauro presided over the delivery of the judgment.

Delivering judgment on the appeal filed by one of the governorship aspirants, Prof. Terhemba Shija, Justice Danjuma who read the judgment said the court agreed with Shija in his assertion that there was no valid primary election held on May

Group Urges Aggrieved PDP Govs to Endorse Obi for President Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

the sentencing by way of forfeiture of $460,000 and having not received any State pardon or acquitted by any court of competent jurisdiction, Asiwaju Tinubu remains a convict and the consequential effect is that he cannot contest election at any level in Nigeria.

"The effect is that the listing of the name of Bola Tinubu, who stands convicted by a Court of Competent jurisdiction on the ballot for the 2023 Presidential election is by the virtue of Section 137 (1) (d) of

live true to the promise to endorse a presidential candidate that will make Nigeria better than he met it," the group said.

"Peter Obi is vibrant, effective, efficient, effectual, intelligent, competent and versatile. The greatest legacy that the G5 governors will leave, will be to support Mr Peter Obi that understands the urgency of now," COSEYL said.

According to the group, Obi's rivals in the presidential race have nothing to offer the nation since they, "are simply driven by the desire to fulfill an 'age-long ambition' with a primary aim of looting of our commonwealth for themselves, families and cronies."

"An endorsement of Peter Obi will resolve the contradictions in favour

of the forces of good, of patriotism, of progress, development and growth," COSEYL said, adding that Peter Obi as president will knit the fabrics of our democracy and restore the dignity of Nigerians both at home and abroad."

COSEYL, which claims to be the apex sociopolitical youth organisation in the south-east also reminded the G5 governors that, "the Nigerian people, the youths and women alike are saying that they want Mr. Peter Obi as their president come 2023" hence they should listen to the voice of the people.”

It added: "We want the G5 Governors to know that the urgency of now is profoundly manifest in the agitation of the youths for a new Nigeria come 2023.

27th by APC for the nomination of its gubernatorial candidate which Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia was declared winner.

Justice Danjuma said after evaluating evidence submitted by Shija which among others was the appeal panel report that sat after the primaries and issues of concerns were raised by the aspirants that the primary election was not valid.

However, the court agreed with the APC on the rerun of June 9, 2022, which took place in 12 local government of the state, saying it was very valid and still stand.

"Yes, I have seen that APC did not conduct a valid primary election on the 27th of May, 2022, reason the appeal panel ordered a fresh election that was conducted on the 9th of June 2022 in some local government.

"In the interest of justice, I cannot allow those voters in the remaining 11 local governments to be disenfranchised, therefore, APC should go back and conduct election in 11 local governments within 14 days and INEC should recognise the winner after adding both earlier primary results.”

The 11 councils where the court ordered fresh primary election are: Gboko, Gwer- East, Gwer-West, Guma, Katsina, Logo Makurdi, Otukpo, Ukum,Tarka and Vandeikya.

The local government that rerun was held on June 9, 2022, were:

Buruku, Kwande, Agatu, Konshisha, Ogbadibo, Ushongo, Oju Okpokwu, Ado, Ohimini Obi and Apa local government.

In the same vein, the court also delivered judgment on the case filed by another governorship aspirant, Senator Barnabas Gemade.

The Court of Appeal upheld the judgement of the Federal High Court which had earlier dismissed the suit against Fr. Alia for being statute barred.

The appeal of the PDP against the APC House of Assembly candidates and House of Representatives candidates was also dismissed.

The court held that PDP had no locus standi whatsoever to meddle into APC or another political party's affairs.

In his reaction, the APC governorship candidate, Alia appealed to supporters to remain calm adding that he would respect the judgment of the court.

"We are law-abiding citizens and respect the judgment of the court and appealing to our teeming supporters to remain calm.

We are still going to be on the ballot. We are all in this for the greater of our state and of God,” he said.

Also reacting, the state chairman of the APC, Austin Agada, urged the supporters to remain calm saying, the people had already spoken, "we believe that the voice of people is the voice of God.”

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NDDC BOARD AND MANAGEMENT RETREAT...

L-R: Chairman, NDDC Board, Mrs. Lauretta Onochie; Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Major Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd) and Executive Director, Projects, Mr. Charles Ogunmola, during the NDDC Board and management retreat at the Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State…recently

INEC: We're Partnering EFCC, ICPC to Tackle Vote Buying Says president has done everything for a credible, peaceful poll Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it was already partnering the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Matters Commission (ICPC) to ensure that the issue of vote buying didnot play in the forthcoming general election.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Rivers State, Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem, who disclosed this yesterday in Port Harcourt, during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Correspondents' Week of the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists

(NUJ), noted that vote buying had eaten deep in the Nigerian system.

Represented by Mark Usulo, Head, Voter Education and Publicity, Sinikiem, who said INEC has also sensitize youths in various villages in the country to monitor and report anyone involved in the act of vote buying during the elections, added that President Muhammadu Buhari had done everything possible to ensure peaceful and credible elections.

Speaking on the theme, "Media Vigilance Ahead of Peaceful 2023 Election in Rivers State", the INEC boss in Rivers, noted that in the new Electoral Act, anyone found with a permanent voter's card (PVC) that did not belong to him or her,

risked a jail term.

He said the security agencies, especially, the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) had been briefed to watch out for people in possession of PVCs that were not theirs.

"When we talk about peaceful election in Rivers, INEC will work in synergy with critical stakeholders in the state, including the media.

This time, we are not going to experience any act of hijacking of ballot boxes at polling units.

"We have collaborated with EFCC and ICPC, in case of vote buying, which is eating deep in the society. We have sensitised people even in the rural areas, to track

any form of manipulation to rig or vote buying," he said.

Sinikiem, however, lauded President Buhari for endorsing the New Electoral Act, saying, "President Buhari has done all he could to ensure we have a free, fair and credible elections by signing the electoral act."

The REC, who called on the media to ensure accurate reportage of INEC activities before, during and after the elections, assured the people that the electoral body would ensure free, fair, credible and violence-free election.

In his remarks, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, charged the media and Nigerian journalists to be patriotic in the reportage of the forthcoming

Wike: Amaechi, Cole Siphoned Money Meant for LGAs Devt Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said the likes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, and former Governor Chibuike Amaechi of the state were not fit to rule the state, saying the duo allegedly siphoned money that could have been disbursed for the development of some local government areas in the state.

Wike alleged that Cole and Amaechi, denied the unmentioned LGAs development, stressing that they have been charged to court to defend the allegations.

Wike, who made the allegation, yesterday, at the campaign flag-off rally of the Rivers State PDP, held in Omuma Local Government Area, reiterated that, “The money that should have been used to develop Omuma and some other local governments of Rivers State was siphoned by Tonye Cole and his master. That's is why we have charged them to court because we will not allow anybody who stole our money to come to power through backdoor.”

The governor insisted that such persons could not be allowed to preside over the state, saying Rivers

people would deliver votes to those who have promised, fulfilled such promises and delivered projects.

He assured the people that Rivers State would be safer in the hands of Peoples Democratic Party governorship (PDP) candidate, Siminialayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The governor said the PDP governorship candidate and his running mate were seasoned technocrats with requisite experience about the workings of govern-

ment, and have the capability to consolidate on the gains made already while continuing in the same development trajectory.

Wike recalled that when he asked Omuma people to vote for him as governor in 2015 and 2019, he made promises that have all been fulfilled in terms of delivering development projects to the area, and added that, he had come back to ask for electoral support from them for Fubara because such support would secure

more infrastructural development for them.

Wike, who noted that this was the first time Rivers would be blessed with two technocrats, who have such wealth of experience and ready to steer the affairs of state, said many people have started to come to them with promises, thinking Rivers people had forgotten how they shared money meant for development when they had the opportunity to preside over the State affairs.

DSS Assures Nigerians on Peaceful National Elections Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Department of State Services (DSS), yesterday, said it would collaborate with other security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the conduct of peaceful elections.

The DSS made the pledge at a four-day strategic workshop for its state directors of security and heads of institutions in Abuja.

A statement issued by the spokesman of DSS, Peter Afunanya, stated that the Director-General of the agency, Yusuf Bichi, reiterated the need for professionalism and neutrality of operatives in the discharge of their duties before, during, and after the 2023 general election.

He also assured INEC of the service’s support, which he said was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s pronouncement to

the world to bequeath a free and fair general election on the nation.

Also, speaking at the event, the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, assured the DSS of the commission’s determination to deliver free, fair and credible election.

In his remarks, the electoral umpire, through its Director of Legal, Oluwatoyin Babalola, educated participants on the Electoral Act 2022 and its implications for security agencies.

elections in the country.

Nkwocha, a veteran journalists and Head, Corporate Communications, Indorama-Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, called on journalists to be careful about spreading fake news from various interest groups, saying there was need to check sources of informa-

tion before going ahead to use such stories.

Earlier, in his address, the chapel chairman, Amaechi Okonkwo called for a peaceful election in the state, adding that the relevant stakeholders should ensure the safety of journalists in the field for their professional duties.

CONFUSION, DISAPPOINTMENT AS BUHARI LEAVES BAUCHI RALLY ABRUPTLY The president further appreciated the Emir and traditional institutions in the state for complementing government's efforts towards promoting peaceful coexistence in their domains.

Mohammed said, although, the president was in the state for APC activities, he was honoured by his commendation.

However, the governor assured the president of his commitment to consolidating on the efforts put in place to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free 2023 general election.

The governor also commended the federal government for its fight against insecurity and insurgency in the North-east, saying the area is gradually regaining its sanity and safety.

In his welcome address, the Emir, who spoke earlier, remarked that it was delightful when political leaders in modern state system honoured the traditional institutions with a courtesy call. He said this was a practical demonstration of love and respect to the traditional institutions.

The traditional ruler thanked Buhari for the landmark developments, which his administration had brought to Bauchi State, declaring that the Kolmani Integrated Project is a legacy for which Bauchi State and, indeed, the North-east remains grateful.

According to him, "We cannot thank you enough and we follow the example of our governor to express our greatest gratitude. We are also pleased that you have kept your promise of reforming the electoral processes through continuous and progressive reforms and by ensuring the independence of the electoral body, of which our son, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, is the current head.

"Your determination in this and other areas of governance has been an inspiration to all right-thinking people across the country."

The Tinubu media office, in a statement by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, painted a different scenario of what transpired at the rally, saying the presence of Buhari and Tinubu electrified the crowd, which danced to campaign songs, while Buhari and Tinubu waved to the crowd as they moved around the podium.

Addressing the rally, Lawan hailed Buhari for discharging himself creditably and making the party proud. He said the huge turnout of people indicated the appreciation of the North-east to the Buhari administration for liberating them from the menace of Boko Haram, in addition to other benefits brought to the people.

The senate president said, "PDP abandoned the North-east to Boko Haram. They left us in their hands to kill us. At a point, when we complained they blamed us for it.

But when you came, you liberated our people, you changed the story.

"It is incumbent upon us to continue to do what is expected of us by voting for the APC in appreciation of the benefits our people got from your leadership."

Lawan, in a statement by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, stated, "Mr. President (Buhari), we in the North-east are probably the most beneficiaries of your administration.

In fact, we were the first to start enjoying your administration more than any other part of Nigeria because Boko Haram was technically defeated immediately you came into office.

"You appointed our son, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, as the Chief of Army Staff, and, of course, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff. They did so well that your government provided the security that we are enjoying today.

Continues online

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TINUBU IN A CONSULTATIVE SESSION WITH FOCI...

L- R: Minister of State, Ministry of Works and Housing, Hon. Umar El- Yakub; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite, and President of Federation of Construction Industry in Nigeria (FOCI), Chief Vincent Barrah, in a group photograph shortly after the APC Presidential Candidate met with members of FOCI at Abuja...recently

Atiku: I'll Give Everyone Sense of Belonging in My Government Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar,. has promised to give every part of the country a sense of belonging in his government if elected president in next month’s election.

The former vice-president stated this yesterday at the presidential

rally of the party in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

Atiku also urged the people of Bayesla not to make a mistake of leaving the main opposition party.

He stated: "I want to remind you that since the beginning of democracy, Bayelsa has been PDP and PDP has been Bayelsa.

Everything you see in Bayelsa today was provided by the PDP

government. Therefore, I am calling on you, the people of Bayelsa not to leave PDP, don't make the mistake of leaving PDP. "You have produced governors, a president and you are going to provide many more. So, the future of Nigeria and Bayelsa is tied to PDP. I want to appeal to you, you have listened to my programmes.

I said I am committed to imple-

NAJAATU MOHAMMED: TINUBU INDUCED GOVS TO EMERGE APC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE of out-of-school kids? Aren't you aware of the hunger? That people cannot go to the farms? He said look Naja, if you can please, write out what you want so that I can put it in my manifesto. I was angry, I still remain patient. I left him, I stayed back in London, I mobilised our people and we came out with some demands so to say.

Till date, sir, they have refused me to see Asiwaju and give it to him. I did everything possible, I haven't seen Asiwaju; I haven't sat with Asiwaju since then. They didn't allow me to see him. The man is caged," he said.

But the APC-PCC, in a statement, last night, by the Adviser on Public Affairs, Tinubu Media Office, Mahmud Jega, said Mohammed deceived the gullible public by claiming that she resigned.

According to Jega, "The Asiwaju/ Shettima Presidential Campaign Council received with amusement the hasty ‘resignation’ of Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed from her position as Director of Civil Society Organisations just before she was sacked for incompetence, quarrelsomeness and after being uncovered to be a mole planted in our winning campaign in order to leak sensitive information to our desperate opponents.

"Although she deceived the gullible public by claiming that she resigned, her sack letter with ignominy from the campaign and the party had just arrived at her desk."

The campaign noted that Mohammed's desperate, fact-free, machination-filled and imaginary utterances since her sack from the campaign has proven beyond doubt that she was unfit to serve in the first place, until it was discovered that she was actually a "mole".

It added: "Not being a medical doctor but whose profession in the last three decades was as a political jobber

and expert name dropper, she nevertheless issued a pseudo-medical report on our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after a brief meeting in London."

The campaign stressed that even the association of native doctors would sack her for quackery and for reaching a medical conclusion without any test.

It added that despite his position as the clear front runner in the 2023 presidential race, Tinubu has been running the most punishing campaign schedule of any of the presidential candidates, and has already visited many parts of the country with an almost non-stop schedule of rallies, town hall meetings and meetings with professional, community, business and religious groups and associations.

"Naja’atu claimed that when she asked Asiwaju what plans he had for the North, he answered that he had none. This is strange and questions the integrity of the woman and her story.

"Asíwájú has unfolded an Action plan for the whole country, in which problems bedeviling the North got very comprehensive attention. Asiwaju also attended the Arewa Summit last year, at which he unfolded and elaborated on these programs," the statement stated.

The APC campaign stressed that as a conclusive proof of her unstable and unreliable character, Mohammed said in her pre-emptive “resignation letter” that she was quitting party politics as the political parties have no ideological differences and her values and beliefs no longer aligned with party politics.

It further noted, however, that, "Within a day, pictures surfaced in the media showing her meeting with the PDP presidential candidate and declaring her support for him.

All Nigerians must be wondering what kind of “values and beliefs” she has apart from opportunism,

selfishness and greed."

The ruling party said it was least surprised about her dramatic exit, coming after she went on TV to disparage the party and President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that, "Only a mole could behave in such a manner."

The party, therefore, urged its supporters all over the country to ignore the antics of “this political soldier of fortune and concentrate on the job of delivering the Tinubu/ Shettima ticket at the polls in barely a month from now.”

menting five key programmes in this country, starting from the unification of this country. The reason why I want to unify the country is because we have never been this divided along a number of fault lines either north-south or Muslim and Christian.

"I am going to give every part of this country a sense of belonging in the next PDP government. I promise to tackle insecurity. Here in Bayelsa state, you have faced a number of security challenges, you have lost so many people, due to breach of law and order, I promise I will restore security in this country."

Atiku further promised to revamp the country's economy, which he said was now in comatose; provide jobs and other opportunities for the young men and women to be gainfully employed either in the private or public sector.

Also, the Director General of the campaign and the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, said the last president produced

by PDP was from Bayelsa State, adding it was time for Bayelsans to appreciate the PDP again by coming out en masse to vote for all the candidates of the PDP in the February and March elections.

He noted that Atiku was the only candidate in this election with a clear pathway to restructure Nigeria.

The vice-presidential candidate of the party and Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, said the south-south was the home of PDP and expressed confidence that the party would win.

"What we have come to tell you today is that we need to go from house to house, market place to market place, from community to community. This time, we want to come out with the vote that will make Nigerians to respect the South-south.

"This is the best opportunity we have as a party to reclaim the presidency and I am sure that Bayelsa is ready. Go out there and ensure that you deliver a minimum of 700,000 votes and I know that in

the South-south geopolitical zone, we are committed to delivering a minimum of five million votes and I know that it is doable. We must work to deliver that quantum of votes."

On his part, the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, urged the people not to abandon the party, saying the main opposition party cared for the people unlike the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

"Do not abandon this party, this is the party of the people and with the people, we shall stand by. It is because of that a few made a mistake of voting for the other party.

Let me tell you if you vote for them, they will always disappoint you.

Is rice not 50-something thousand now? Have they not disappointed you? Everybody in this country is suffering.

"We need to come back to power and continue doing what we know doing best – developing our people, looking after those issues that touch them,” he said.

HISTORY AS BUHARI INAUGURATES $1.5BN LEKKI DEEP SEA PORT, WITNESSES FIRST CARGO SHIP OFFLOADING that will ensure not only that things are conducted diligently but also seamlessly.”

Chief Executive Officer, Lekki Freeport Terminal, operated by CMA Terminals, a subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group, Mr. Denrick Moos, stated that in addition to its state-of-the-art infrastructure, Lekki port would become a new generation container terminal, a game changing infrastructure in Nigeria and West Africa.

The port is Nigeria’s first deep seaport and is equipped with 13 quay cranes for a capacity of 2.5 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) on a 1.2 kilometre quay with a depth of 16 meters, it will operate vessels with a capacity of up to 15,000 TEUs and become one of the largest in West Africa.

Chairman of Lekki Port, Mr. Biodun Dabiri, expressed gratitude to the president and his team for giving all the necessary backing that ensured the project came to fruition.

At the Bestaf Lubricant plant owned by Sayyu Dantata, the founder and CEO of MRS Holdings Limited said the plant, with the capacity of producing 1,700 different products, will contribute to foreign exchange generation for the country through products export, as well as meet the needs of neighbouring

countries.

The 200m litre lubricant plant covers the whole value chain of lubricants.

Buhari arrived at the Bestaf facility about 6.15 pm and performed the symbolic tape cutting exercise in company with Sanwo-Olu and Chairman of MRS and Bestaf Group, Mr. Sayyu Dantata, among other dignitaries.

The president did not make any comment when he came into the hall for the unveiling ceremony, where guests were waiting for his arrival.

But Sanwo-Olu, who made a short speech explaining why Buhari did not deliver an address at the event, said the Bestaf facility was the third commissioning exercise performed by the president that same day. The governor said the president had a very busy itinerary for the day.

Sanwo-Olu said the president was excited that Lagos continued to remain the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and that the assertion had been confirmed by all the three projects inaugurated, especially, the lubricant plant.

The governor, who described the $450 million lube plant as an integrated first class factory, stated that it would boost youth employment, generate a lot of revenue, reduce

the country's import dependence, and generally help the economy.

He added that the president was excited that the captains of industry in Nigeria had, despite the global pandemic challenge, continued to rise above all odds in making Nigeria a destination of choice.

Sanwo-Olu said, "I'm sure you've all noticed that his (Buhari's) itinerary has been extremely packed very full. This is his third commissioning in Lagos this afternoon and he has expressed his best wishes to all of you.”

Earlier, in an interview with journalists, Managing Director of Bestaf Trading Company, Mr. Andreas Wielsch, said with the lubricant plant, the company would be able to produce about 50 per cent of Nigeria's annual lubricant consumption of about 364 million litres.

Wielsch stated, "If you assume in 2021 what was the size of the country's lubricant market, it's roughly 364 million litres per annum.

We at Bestaf can produce 200 million litres of lubricant per annum, which means we already can produce 50 per cent of the consumption of the Nigerian market.

"We are not only looking at the Nigerian market, but the whole West African market."

Wielsch said the company invested between $300 and $450 million in the construction of the facility.

Buhari, also yesterday, inaugurated the Imota Rice Mill, conceptualised and completed

by Sanwo-Olu. The Imota 32 metric tonnes per hour (MTPH) rice mill in Lagos is expected to provide over 250, 000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.

The project has an annual paddy requirement of over 240,000MT to produce 2.5 million bags of 50Kg rice per annum. Sanwo-Olu said the project was conceived as part of efforts to support the rice revolution in the country.

Buhari, who performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting, arrived the premises about 5.29pm and left around 6.00pm without speaking at the event Sanwo-Olu explained, “Imota Rice Mill is an effort by Lagos State to support the country's rice revolution."

The Imota Rice Mill, which is a 2 x 16 metric tonnes per hour (MTPH) stands on an area of 8.5Ha land.

Buhari would today inaugurate the historic first phase of the Blue Line of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit in Marina and the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History at Onikan roundabout.

TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

CONDOLENCE VISIT...

L-R: Chief Risk Officer , Union Bank Nigeria (UBN) Plc, Olajumoke Sherifat Odulaja ; Company Secretary , Somuyiwa Adedeji Sonubi; Non-Executive Director, Andrew Ojei; Board Chairman , Mr. Farouk Gumel; President , Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, Faruk Umar, and Managing Director/CEO , Mr Mudassir Amray, during a condolence visit by the UBN team to the family of late Kabiru Muktar in Kano…recently

LG Boss Escapes Death, Councilor Killed as Bandits Raid Niger LGAs Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Chairman of Shiroro Local Government Council, of Niger state Alhaji Akilu Ishyaku Kuta narrowly escaped being killed when gunmen ambushed him on his way to Minna from Kuta his local government headquarters on Sunday.

However one of the newly elected councilors representing

Allawa ward in the local government was not lucky as he was killed by the gunmen.

The bandits, according to reports, between Saturday and Sunday wreaked havoc in three local government areas of the state, Shiroro, Munya and Paikoro, injuring many of the villagers apart from rustling their cattles and making away with food stored in bans.

Ogun Monarchs Assure Senator Adeola of Victory James Sowole in Abeokuta The Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege, the Forum of Awori Traditional Rulers and Yewa Obas in Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, have assured the Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senatorial Candidate for Ogun West, Senator Solomon Adeola, of victory in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly election based on his antecedents and his good deeds for Ogun West even before becoming the senator of the district.

The traditional rulers, expressed their preference, at the palace of Olota of Ota where the senator went on a

courtesy call as part of his 5 -Day campaign tour of the 16 wards of Ado Odo Ota Local Government.

The position of the traditional rulers, was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director, Media and Publicity, Adeola Campaign Organisation, Chief Kayode Odunaro.

Speaking through selected kings, the obas and the Olota, stated that voting for Adeola and all APC candidates is not about politics, but about the development of the senatorial district.

They said the coming of Adeola and the development he is already attracting to the areas, is a good sign that better days are ahead with Senator Adeola as senator of Ogun West.

A statement made available to THISDAY by the Co-Convener of the Concerned Shiroro Youths Mr. Abubakar Yussuf Kokki, said the bandits operated for several

hours in the affected areas without any hindrance.

“Just yesterday in broad daylight, a number of communities were attacked in

Shiroro local government, Egwa a suburb of Kuta, along KutaGwada road came under siege with attendant consequences” Kokki said in the statement

adding that the terrorists barricaded the road which passes through the town and carried out their heinous operations unhindered and uninterrupted.

Police Launch Manhunt for Killers of Imo LG Sole Administrator Perpetrators insist on no election in South-east

Amby UnezeinOwerri

The abduction of the Sole Administrator of Ideato local government council of Imo State, Chris Ohizu last Friday in his home and his subsequently beheading on Sunday has thrown the State into a state-of-confusion

after allegedly collected N6 million ransom, even as the Police have promised to arrest the killers to serve as a deterrent to other hoodlums.

The perpetrators in a gory video they released on Sunday while beheading the victim insisted that elections won’t be held in

the South-east because they were disenchanted with the development of things in the country.

The Imo State Police Command in a statement said the command is “aware of the iniquitous and obscene video that has gone viral on social media where, a man, suspected to be the

abducted Ideato North LGA Sole Administrator, was seen kneeling down, his hands tied undergoing inhuman act and subsequently killed by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN).”

Ondo Monarch Berates Poor State of Public Schools in Nigeria Fidelis DavidinAkure

The Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi,x yesterday expressed concern over the poor state of public schools across the country.

The Chairman of the state Council of Obas stated this while playing host to students and members of alumni of the

Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure during a courtesy visit paid to his palace as part of the event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the school.

The monarch, who is also an alumnus of the school, lamented that alumni associations across the country were not doing enough to assist government in the areas

of the infrastructural development of their old schools, stressing that for the overall development of the public schools in the country, the old students must not relent in giving back to their former schools.

The monarch therefore, appealed that alumni associations should, as a matter of necessity, support the public schools in the provision of basic needs and infrastructure

either through individuals, groups, graduating class of any set or chapters in the Diaspora.

While felicitating students and alumni of Oyemekun grammar school on its 70th anniversary celebration, he expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the gift of life and the privilege to be among the celebrants witnessing the 70th anniversary of the school.

INEC Urged to Investigate Alleged Withholding of PVCs in Lagos Political Economist, Prof. Pat Utomi yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)to investigate allegations of witholding/non issuance of permanent voters’ cardxxzs (PVCs) to electorate in Lagos State.

Utomi, the Convener and Chairman of the Big Tent Coalition for Obi-Datti presidency, urged the

commission to look into allegations of deliberate plan to disefranchise people by making collecting the PCV difficult for some group of people in the state.

He made the call at the inauguration of the Lagos state chapter of the Big Tent coalition for Obi-Datti.

“NEC must consider this

alleged abuse as a violation of the electoral Act and act in an accountable manner on the matter and tackle it headlong.”

He lamented the destruction of campaign materials of Labour Party candidates saying: “Tearing up the posters of others and beating up citizens for wearing vests of other parties is far from

civilised conduct and unbecoming of people who claimed to be progressives and enlightened.

“The use of area boys and thugs to intimidate and threaten voters in Lagos state is said to reach proportions of taking some people to the international criminal court.

A modern Lagos state ought to be an arena of democratic freedom.”

Enugu State’s quest to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to gather momentum as he enjoyed more endorsements from council areas and communities in the district.

They also endorsed other candidates of the PDP in the state

candidate, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and his running mate, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai.

The people gave the endorsement and support when Governor Ugwuanyi visited their areas to interact with them and seek their blessings ahead of the flag off of the PDP campaign in Enugu State billed to hold on

The governor’s first port of call was his local government area, Udenu, where he was given a rousing reception.

Addressing his kinsmen and constituents, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked them for the support they have been giving him over the years, stating that he has not taken it for granted.

upcoming campaign of the PDP and his visits to the six local government areas of Enugu North Senatorial District, disclosing that he found it imperative to “first come to the people that own me to inform them first, seek their blessings and support before commencing the campaign formally.”

Energy Correspondents Urge Stakeholders to Address Gov Gets More Endorsements as He Visits Communities Lingering Fuel Scarcity Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of including the party’s governorship January 27, 2023.

He informed them of the Peter Uzoho The National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) has expressed concerns about the lingering fuel scarcity in Nigeria, urging all relevant government agencies in the downstream petroleum sector to collaborate in arresting the prevailing chaos in the fuel market.

NAEC in a statement issued last night and signed by its General Secretary, Mr. John Meze, lamented that the development had brought untold hardship to Nigerians and caused huge man-hour loss, which ought to have been put into productive ventures to be wasted at filling stations.

While long queues persisted at stations now selling petrol at

N185 per litre in Lagos and over N250 in other parts of Nigeria, the association stated that other marketers had started to take advantage of the situation, causing serious hardship to Nigerians and dislocation to the market through hoarding and profiteering.

“Black marketers have not only returned, but they have also been smiling to the banks at the detriment of helpless and hapless Nigerians. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited stations and marketers, both independent and majors, have hiked their pump prices for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol, for the second time in less than sixty days.

The lowest price for the product is now N185 per litre from N175 per litre sold two months ago.”

2023: Okowa’s Aide Blasts PDP Members for Defecting to APC Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Media, Nelson Egware, has berated some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who belong to Delta Unity Group (DUG), for defecting to the

opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, saying the development was an exercise in futility.

In a statement yesterday in Asaba, Egware described the DUG members as a group of failed politicians and intolerant losers who had their time in privileged positions in the past

but have apparently failed to justify the privileged positions by impacting meaningfully in the lives of the people.

Describing the decision of the defecting PDP members in the DUG as the last kicks of a dying horse, Egware observed that no one pulls down the house he helped to build.

He equally decried the resort to celebration of the defecting DUG members by the Deputy President of the Senate and Governorship Candidate of the APC, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, saying it was “dead in the water” because election day would terminate his gubernatorial ambition.

TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

38

NEWSXTRA

Police Kill Three Suspected Kidnappers, Arrest Nine Others in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Kwara State Police Commissioner, Mr. Paul Odama, has said that three suspected kidnappers have been killed while nine others were arrested at different operations in the state.

Odama said that the trio were killed during a shooting encounter between the men of the command and the kidnappers at their hideout at

Balogun area, Bode-sadu in Moro Local Government Council of the state while preparing to lay siege on the residents of the area.

He said that “the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area mobilized vigilantes, hunters and police men and stormed the bush were they engaged the kidnappers.

“During exchange of gun-fire, three of the kidnappers were neutralised while two suspects Lagi Bala “M” and Iliasu Idris

FMBN, NLC Inaugurate 100 Housing Units in Sokoto Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday inaugurated 100 housing units for civil servants in Sokoto State.

Speaking at the low-cost housing behind Giginya Army Barracks, venue of the event, the Managing Director of FMBN, Mr. Madu Hamman, urged civil servants to key into the NHF, which is a mandatory contribution scheme that requires Nigerian workers in both public and private sectors.

Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Zubaida Umar, Hamman said the unveiling is an affirmation that the NHF scheme is meeting its mandate of providing access to homeownership to the

overriding majority of the middle and low-income working class in Nigeria, who is also the commanding majority of the contributors to the NHF scheme.

He noted that FMBN has provided the construction funds for the development of the housing estate at a concession interest rate of 10 percent, and provides mortgage financing for the purchase of these houses to buyers at the rate of 6 percent which is also the lowest interest rate in Nigeria with a repayment period.

Hamman observed that under this phase, the bank is delivering 40 units of 3-bedroom semidetached bungalows at N8.3 million; 36 units of 22-bedroom semi-detached bungalows at N6.8 million, and 24 units of 11-bedroom semi-detached bungalows at N3.1million

“M” were arrested.”

He added that “during the incident, three locally made guns were recovered while the arrested suspects confessed to be kidnappers and cattle rustlers.

The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), has called for improved security in Ifite, a nearby community to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, which provides accommodation for university students that are living off campus.

The call followed an upsurge in criminal activities in Ifite as many students are being terrorised on a daily basis by armed robbers.

There have also been incidences of cultism, killings, and reported cases of rape of female students in their hostels in Ifite.

Speaking in a press conference, the Financial Secretary of NANS Zone F, Mr. Okafor Ernest, who represented the NANS’ zonal chairman, called for a reinforcement of security in Ifite to give students living in the area a sense of security.

Ernest also absolved police of blames over a recent attack on students living in the area.

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki Ebonyi State Police Command yesterday said that 14 out of the 26 suspects arrested over the killing in Ekoli-Edda, Afikpo South Local Government would be arraigned in court.

Briefing newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in Abakaliki, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Chris Anyanwu added that the suspects

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), yesterday said that it would write to the 36 states governors to identify and show them areas that would be affected in the 2023 flooding across the country.

The NEMA said that there would be is going another round of flood this year but could not say anything about

would be arraigned for conspiracy, armed robbery, arson, unlawful possession and malicious damage.

The police spokesman noted that the incident led to loss of three lives (Esien Kalu Egwu, Insp Festus Akpan and Emy Orji) burning of houses/ vehicles, damages and sundry other criminal acts in the affected community of Ekoli-Edda.

According to him, “a scrupulous intelligence-led investigation into

the crime led to the arrest of the 26 suspects, including Kenneth Okoro Agha a.k.a Mukoro, Azubuike Okoro, Okporie Nnanna Oti, Egwu Famous Chinedu, Chimeremeze Stephen Umeh, Oburu Okoro Orji, Uka Amah Orji, Orji David , Aku Sunday, Oledi Philip, Onyemuche Uka Ama, Igwe Okoro Ozi, Eni Kalu Eni. Others are: Chima Nnachi Kalu, Chinecherem Orji Morgan,

Chima Oke Nkama, Okechukwu Mba, Okoro Ifeanyi, Ukam Igbor, Nnamdi Omeoha, Ikechukwu Omiko, Obinna Ugoba, Onuorah Nnamdi Isaac, Tochukwu Alo, among others.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include, One AK47 rifle and its live ammunition, two Pump-Action rifles, One dane gun, One village gong, One trumpet, and three AK47 magazines.

there is no doubt about it but how severe it going to be is what it doesn’t know for now but it is going to flood again.

It said: “After the release of the Seasonal Climate Prediction

by NiMet and the release of the flood outlook by NIHSA and we do the risk mapping, we will write to the governors.”

The Director General of NEMA, Mr. Mustapha Habib Ahmed, made the disclosure at

the opening ceremony of the one-week Strategic Executive Seminar for NEMA staff and wider Nigerian Emergency Management Stakeholders in Abuja.

Ahmed, in his opening speech, hinted that the unprecedented 2022 flooding across the country leaves not fewer than 662 persons dead even as it added that 3,174 others suffered an injury and

2,430,445 individuals displaced by the floods.

He said that all stakeholders have to collaborate as it could not work if it’s moving on one side and the states are moving on the other side.

He noted that asides million Nigerians displaced, thousands of houses, hectares of farmlands, and several critical national assets were destroyed by the raging floods.

CSO Lauds N’Assembly Service Commission for Training Legislative Aides Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

A pan-Nigerian advocacy group, Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice, has hailed the leadership of the National Assembly He said that the attack, which Service Commission for its the students wrongly attributed commitment to human capital to men of the police force, was development. actually carried out by robbers.

In a statement signed by “We have investigated the its National Coordinator, incident, and we are convinced James Okoronkwo, the group that it was not the police that raided commended the Chairman of the students’ lodges. It was actually the Commission, Ahmed Kadi robbers that attacked the students. Amshi, for “quality service We apologise for all damages our delivery of the key workforce allegation may have caused the of the National Assembly.” police.

Okoronkwo, who described “We also want to say that Ahmed as “a rare breed there was no rape in any lodge who is changing positively in Ifite as reported by some news the fortunes of the National organisations. The rumour is fake. Assembly with patriotic We visited most of the lodges and gusto,” said: “Commencement we interviewed students and came of the training of the to the conclusion that it was an legislative aides to senators armed robbery attacks and not police raid, and no rape was and House of Representatives members on basic law-making recorded.

“We are, however, appealing processes and procedures by to the police; we know it is a the National Assembly Service herculean task to provide security, Commission will improve the but they should deploy all skills and working conditions deployable to secure the students of legislative aides.

“Ahmed is a management in Ifite.

27, 2022.”

Lawal queried Adeleke if he wasn’t worried that his administration has brought a large scale insecurity where lives and property of the people are no longer safe as the state has become a breeding colony for notorious political thugs who attack and kill their victims who are mostly members of the opposition APC at will?

The acting state APC chairman, who is criticising the Adeleke administration, told him that it has scored zero in the statutory duty of protecting lives and property of the people irrespective of their political leanings since he came on board.

He observed that it was disturbing and worrisome that information abound that the Ede

commissioner, Mr. Odama, said that the men of the command have arrested another five suspected kidnappers that have been terrorising the people of Eiyenkorin area of the state.

NEMA to Write 36 States Govs on Preparedness Ahead of 2023 Flooding Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Militarised Operations, Propaganda Expose Weakness of YourtheGovt, Osun APC Tells Adeleke state governor on November country home of the Adelekes has Yinka Kolawole inOsogbo The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned the state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, that belligerence, militancy and propaganda “cannot bail him out of his political conundrum as he pathologically lacks the prerequisites to govern a complex state like Osun where there’s an abundance of upwwardly mobile men and women in quantum.”

According to a statement issued yesterday by the acting Chairman of the state APC, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, in Osogbo, the state capital, “It is because the governor is not imbued with leadership qualities, and that has made him miss every of his steps in the policy making since his ascension to power as

arrest the remaining members of the kidnapping gang, while the two arrested suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.”

Similarly, the police

… To Arraign 14 Suspects over Ebonyi Killings

Attack on UNIZIK Students: NANS Calls for Improved Security David-Chyddy ElekeinAwka

“The suspected kidnappers also confessed to be responsible for the series of kidnapping cases in Malete and Shao area of Kwara State “Investigation is ongoing to

become a safe haven for political thugs “who have been operating unhindered across the state.”

Lawal further alleged that there has been nothing to portray the Adeleke administration of having understanding or running a democratic government as the tones of comments from all the governor’s aides are offensive, dictatorial, abusive, combative and non-explanatory “which have no place in a democratic dispensation.”

The state APC chairman told Adeleke that his alleged use of thugs to oppress, suppress and subjugate the opposition would be counter-productive as history has shown that it is the same thugs that would sooner than later consume their paymaster.

prodigy imbued with human kindness and humility, and fully committed to improving the skills and working conditions of the National Assembly legislative aides.”

In the same vein, the group

commended the acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sani Magaji Tambuwal, for his unwavering devotion to human capital development and industrial harmony in the National Assembly.

Meanwhile the group has appealed to the management of the National Assembly to join forces with the acting CNA to enhance legislature as well as to sustain national development.

39

TUESDAY, ͺͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Sports Minister Renders Support to Ailing Brodericks

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare, on Monday rendered financial support to ailing former Golden Eaglets coach,

Sebastian Brodericks-Imasuen who is currently recovering from stroke at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

The minister who did not disclose the support which he sent through

his Special Assistant on Media, Toyin Ibitoye, describes Brodericks as a national hero who needs all the care he can get to bounce back to good health.

Ibitoye told Helen, the wife of

Brodericks, that the minister felt compelled to help the 1985 FIFA Under-16 World Cup winning coach in Japan to ensure he gets the best of medication at the UBTH. Ibitoye said, "The Minister asked me to come to Benin to see Coach Brodericks personally and deliver the message which is between him and the family of the coach.

"I am happy to see that Coach

Brodericks is making good progress and the Minister is also elated about this," stressed Ibitoye.

The wife of Brodericks while responding, thanked the minister for his gesture saying her husband was responding to treatment.

"I thank the minister for this kind gesture. It shows that the plight of my husband is getting to the right channel. I pray that he would

continue to receive the support he needs to get back to his feet.”

She further gave supplications to God for sparing Brodericks life. “He is better now compared to when we brought him to the hospital.

Hopefully, he can get better and be relocated to another ward to continue treatment. I urge that he get more support as he continues his recovery.

Everton Sack Iwobi’s Coach Lampard Femi Solaja with agency report This may not be the best of times for Super Eagles’ in-form midfield star, Alex Iwobi following the sacking of Coach Frank Lampard by the Management of Everton yesterday.

The Nigerian star player has been in great form for the Toffees side and enjoyed more playing time under Lampard's reign but the team has been struggling to stay above the water in the on-going season.

And after a spell of bad results, the former Chelsea and Derby boss was told his 357 day spell in charge had come to an end during a phone call with Farhad Moshiri, Everton’s major shareholder.

It was the inevitable conclusion following weeks in which he has been on the brink and UK’s Sportsmailunderstands Marcelo Bielsa is Everton’s No. 1 choice to take over.

Lampard had Sunday in discussions with Moshiri, Chairman Bill Kenwright and Kevin Thelwell, Everton’s Director of Football, after a 2-0 defeat at West Ham – Everton’s 11th loss in their last 14 games in all competitions.

Everton, who are in desperate need of new players, are close to finalising a deal to sign Arnaut Danjuma on loan until the end of the campaign but that business has been concluded while Lampard awaited to learn his fate.

The 44-year-old had 18 months left on the contract he signed on January 31 last year.

It has not yet been confirmed but it is expected his backroom

Frank Lampard...sacked by Everton

Lagos International Polo to Gallop off Jan. 28 Draw ceremony for this year’s 2023 Lagos International Polo Tournament has taken place with 35 teams that would vie for honours in the annual event in attendance.

The much sought after Lagos polo extravaganza is scheduled to start next week in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Three top teams were drawn for the event’s biggest prize, the Majekodunmi Cup, six teams for the Open Cup, while 13 teams each picked their slots for the campaign for the Lagos Low and Silver Cups respectively.

The ambitious teams which are fully armed with foreign professionals and fortified with thoroughbred Argentine horses are competing for honours for top laurels in subsidiary prizes like the Oba of Lagos Cup, the Governor’s Cup, Adedapo Ojora’s Cup, Sani Dangote Cup, Italian Ambassador’s Cup and Heritage Cup, among others.

For the second year in the rich history of the international festival, the glamorous event would be decided over three weeks of bumper to bumper polo actions

running from Tuesdays to Sundays, with the Open Cup tussles taking the lead in the opening week.

Expectedly, Lagos Open Cup, the event’s second most wanted prize, will again provide the electricity that would thrill the grand fiesta that is revered as the biggest sporting festival in the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. Meanwhile the high stake Majekodunmi Cup promises to be an even bigger web to untangle.

A record 26 teams with enough men and horse power to success-

fully mount a calvary will mix it all up before any favourite emerges in the crowded Low Cup and Silver Cup respectively.

Host Lagos will be ably represented by the lords of Ribadu Road, who are the masters of the running game. But make no mistake, visiting teams demystified these dreaded Lagos legends before and they have all its takes to do it again this year.

The draw ceremony was conducted by the Polo Captain, Rotimi

Makanjuola with the Nigerian Polo Association President, (NPA) Ayo Olashoju, President Lagos Polo Club, Bode Makanjuola, Tournament Manager, Olumayowa Ogunnusi, among other top polo patrons and players in attendance.

Tournament Manager, Mayowa Ogunnisi disclosed after the draws that loads of social events have been incorporated into the programme to make the 2023 Lagos polo festival the most exciting and memorable in years.

staff of Joe Edwards, Chris Jones, Paul Clement and Ashley Cole will also leave with Lampard.

He had seen Everton miss out on a number of transfer targets that he was keen on – most notably Danny Ings, who left Aston Villa to join West Ham – and was on the back foot from the start of the season after Richarlison was sold to Tottenham.

Since the World Cup, the Toffees have picked up just one point from five league games - a draw against Manchester City - while they have also crashed out of the FA Cup to Manchester United The 44-year-old arrived at the club at the end of January 2021 having been out of work for more than a year following his departure from Chelsea.

AJ Agrees to Face Jermaine Franklin at the O2 in April Anthony Joshua has agreed a deal to face American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on April 1.

According to UK’s Sportsmail, Joshua has not stepped foot in the ring since his second-successive defeat by Oleksandr Usyk in August 2022 - having lost his WBA, WBO and IBF belts to the Ukrainian in September 2021.

But Joshua will face Franklin who trained alongside Tyson Fury in the build-up to his showdown with Dillian Whyte in November 2022 - in a must-win fight as he looks to work his way back to the top of the heavyweight division.

Joshua and Franklin have agreed on the financials for the fight and were due to sign the final paperwork late last night.

Joshua will be looking to reassert his dominance in the heavyweight division, while Franklin will be looking to bounce back from his defeat by Whyte in November 2022.

Joshua looked set to face Fury in December but negotiations between the two British boxers collapsed

in October after the Gypsy King grew frustrated with how long AJ's team were taking to sign the contract.

AJ was disappointed to see the deal fall through as they had made good progress - having agreed on the financial terms of the fight, splitting the purse 60/40 in the favour of the WBC champion.

The pair had also named the Principality Stadium in Cardiff as the chosen location and agreed on the TV rights - which were said to be stumbling block. However, it wasn't meant to be.

AJ was then linked to unbeaten Australian heavyweight Demsey McKean as the southpaw called for the fight after he won the IBF Intercontinental heavyweight belt last October.

However, Sportsmail can confirm that Joshua has agreed a deal to face Franklin at the O2 Arena on April 1 instead.

Franklin went toe-to-toe with Whyte in November 2022 but the British boxer emerged victorious with a majority decision after their 12-round contest at Wembley Arena.

Morocco’s Hakimi Named Arab Sportsman of the Year Morocco and Paris Saint Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has been named Arab Sportsman of the Year for 2022.

The 24-year-old full back received the accolade at the Joy Awards in his country's capital Riyadh after a memorable year on the international and domestic stage.

Hakimi played a key role as the

Atlas Lions reached the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations in January, before helping the North Africans to a record breaking World Cup campaign.

Morocco, who had only once made it out the group stages at a World Cup prior to Qatar 2022, became the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the tourna-

ment before being eliminated by France.

Hakimi, who has 61 caps and eight goals to his name for the national side, scored four goals and registered six assists in 38 games in 2022 for his club side Paris St-Germain, who secured a record equalling 10th Ligue 1 title last April.

Anthony Joshua...battling to get back to relevance in the heavyweight category

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

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Afenifere to Political Parties “Candidates and Political Parties that have good programmes to execute would not resort to verbal or physical attacks. We urge Parties and their candidates to focus on what plans they have to put an end or at least ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians. An end should be put to mutual self-abuse either verbally or physically “ --Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, telling political parties to stop verbal attacks and focus on issues.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Emefiele, CBN And Our Future A

t some point later today, January 24, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele is bound to be back in the news as the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) concludes its 289th meeting and offers its position on the future direction of the country’s macro-economic environment. Would the CBN adopt a further hawkish position and tighten rates or adopt an accommodative, wait-and-see position, this being the MPC meeting before Nigeria’s general elections? What are Nigeria’s takeaways and lessons from the global economic ecosystem as indicated by signals from the Bretton Woods Institutions, the Eurozone and the recently concluded global economic forum in Davos? What would be the message from the MPC with regard to inflation, Naira re-design, money supply and the foreign exchange regime?

Whatever the CBN Governor says today, would be a signal of the country’s immediate economic direction and also of his effective return to work after the drama in-between his trip to the United States in December 2022 as part of President Buhari’s delegation to the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit, his sudden disappearance from the radar, due to his taking his annual leave in addition to a medical leave, and his eventual return to the country on January 13, 2023. The drama in-between that we refer to has been well reported, namely the story that the Department of State Services (DSS) wanted to arrest the CBN Governor on allegations that he is a financier of terrorism and economic crimes of national security implications. The DSS went to court to seek the leave of court to arrest the CBN Governor upon his return to the country. There have been court cases in this regard from which a lot has been revealed about our country and the conflict of its institutions and what appears to be the complete lack of co-ordination and synergy among state institutions.

Early December 2022, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice J. T. Tsoho had declined an application by the DSS to arrest and detain the CBN Governor. Justice Tsoho declined the ex parte application by the DSS, citing the absence of any concrete evidence to substantiate its claims. The matter subsequently came up again in this case, in the court of Justice Maryam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory’s High Court where the Incorporated Trustees of Forum for Accountability and Good Leadership sought an order of court to enforce Emefiele’s fundamental human rights. Justice Hassan again declined the DSS application, in a ruling delivered on December 29. Justice Hassan has been rightly praised for handling the matter expeditiously, but His Lordship made even more far-reaching declarations that should be underlined.

One, the two courts agreed that the DSS does not need the leave of court to arrest the CBN Governor whose office does not fall under the purview of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution which grants immunity from prosecution, while in office, only to the President, the Vice President, Governors and their Deputies making a total of 74 persons that are entitled to such privilege. Two, both courts stressed the point that the CBN Governor cannot be arrested on the basis of mere suspicion or allegations without concrete evidence. Justice Hassan had used the word “an important person” or something like that, but what the court was drawing attention to is the tendency of the security agencies to arrest just about anyone on a whim and a caprice, without any prior evidence or investigation, or the establishment of a prima faciecase. If Emefiele had not been the CBN Governor, he could have been picked up like “a common criminal” and subjected to a harrowing experience only for the same state to discover that that there is no case to submit to court. This case highlighted again that we run a justice system that applies different rules according to status, ethnicity and class - in outright violation of the rule of law as prescribed by the country’s basic law, the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Maryam Hassan made the additional point

Emefiele that if the DSS wants to arrest the CBN Governor, it should have sought the clearance of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to start with, or put the accused person on notice given the strategic position that he occupies and the implications for national security, financial stability and the flow of foreign investments. Obviously, it would appear that the DSS did not inform the President and if they did, nobody has told us. What everyone has seen is that when the CBN governor returned from his long stay overseas, and he met the President during a visit by the Arab Bank for Economic Development boss, he was warmly welcomed by the President. This has been interpreted by those expecting the President’s intervention, body language or voice, to mean that the President has no problem with Emefiele. The CBN Governor is an appointee of the President of Nigeria, even if the CBN Act of 2007, Sections 1, 8, 11 thereof grant the CBN autonomy, and requires in Section 11, the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senate in matters relating to the appointment or removal of the CBN Governor.

The position of a Central Bank as a political agency and its neutrality is a much-discussed subject in the study of Central Banks worldwide. What needs to be pointed out here is that indeed, the point about the international dimension of the move against Nigeria’s CBN Governor, highlighted by the court of Justice Hassan, has been proven, now that the international media is beginning to focus heavily on the subject especially Bloomberg. The principal role of a Central Bank with regard to financial stability is signalling. A Central Bank as an institution sends out signals about the health and direction of a country’s economy. When the wrong signals are sent, the entire economy could be affected. Where else in the world does the Department of State Services openly discredits a serving Central Bank Governor?

By making Emefiele a target, the Department of State Services may have inadvertently created more problems than it seeks to solve. It has issued denials here and there but so much damage has been done.

The matter could have been handled differently and better in the over-arching interest of the country and its financial system. It is a shame that it all got so messy with the sordid matter descending to the street level, with reports of sponsored protests and demonstrations in favour of the CBN Governor on the streets of Abuja, his residence being occupied by the police and no one claiming responsibility for

the occupation. The Department of State Services (DSS) has more far-reaching responsibilities than the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). It must resist the temptation to behave like everyday law enforcement officers. Doing so will be a disservice to the scores of intelligent and well-trained men and women among its ranks.

The DSS should be reminded that there has been a precedent in this regard. In 2014, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, CBN Governor as he then was, faced a similar situation when the DSS seized his international passport upon his arrival from Niger where he had gone to attend a meeting of governors of the Central Banks in West Africa. He was suspended from office while he was away in Niger. He was equally accused of terrorism financing, and misconduct.

Lamido was further accused of having violated the Financial Regulations Council Act. The fiery Lamido who believed he was a victim of a witch-hunt for trying to expose malfeasances within the system went straight to court to defend himself. The court not only ruled in his favour, the court awarded him damages to the tune of N50 million and asked the Federal Government to apologize to him. At the time, the DSS threatened to go on appeal and it did. I have no immediate facts as to whether or not Sanusi Lamido Sanusi eventually got the N50 million that the court awarded in his favour. Years later, it is the turn of Godwin Emefiele. Why is the DSS always linking CBN Governors to terrorism?

The opaqueness of the allegation indeed confounds not just the courts but also the fair-minded and reasonable man on the street. Why would Nigeria back-to-back, advertise the managers of its monetary policy as rogue elements, knowing that this could sabotage the county’s economic fortunes and bring the country into international disrepute?

But what I find curious, and let me discharge this quickly is that more than any other CBN Governor before him, Godwin Emefiele has been a far more hands-on regulator and administrator. His remit is monetary policy but under his watch the CBN has been at the centre of everything, completely over-stretched beyond its traditional mandate. I don’t consider this to be a good thing. But in the face of the total abdication of responsibility by other departments of state, Emefiele’s CBN stepped early into the void, and did whatever was possible to prioritize Nigeria’s economic interest, and the people’s well-being. When the people who had been employed to manage Nigeria’s fiscal policy could not deliver, and chose instead to demonstrate gross and insufferable incompetence, Emefiele stepped in with policies hitherto reserved for the fiscal space. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has been unimpressive since 2015, it doesn’t even have a reliable Farmers’ Register. Emefiele’s CBN stepped in with the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme and began to talk about value chain addition in the agriculture sector. COVID happened. The CBN again under Emefiele’s watch stepped in and mobilized the private sector to provide necessary support.

Although we are still waiting for a proper audit of all the contracts that were awarded to wives and girlfriends under that scheme, nobody can deny the leadership that Emefiele and the CBN provided. This same CBN introduced anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

However, in its new-found role of helping the government to meet its needs and goals, Emefiele was ever so willing to support the Buhari government with ways and means, shoring up a debt of over N22 trillion in careless violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Without Ways and Means, however the country would have been completely bankrupt – a clear sign of the cluelessness of the people Nigeria voted for in 2015. The only problem is that the CBN has no right to break the law in trying to help the situation. Let me add this: given his vantage position, Emefiele has so far created winners and losers in the Nigerian system. As the custodian of the country’s foreign exchange, his management of that regime is probably at the root of his travails. Those who lost out in Nigeria’s rent-sharing system are not expected to

sing his praise. But what is more worrisome is how the Nigerian state keeps reducing the fortunes of an entire country to the level of an individual, rather than focus on institutions. Emefiele has suddenly become the subject rather than the CBN as an institution, or the larger subject of state failure.

I am not saying that Emefiele is above the law or beyond it. Far from it. I am saying that hounding Emefiele ignores the deeper issues. When will the CBN be fit for purpose? Emefiele has not gone to court directly, like Sanusi Lamido before him, to defend his integrity, but he may well find himself doing so at some point. But the question needs to be asked: can the DSS inquire into the monetary policy of the CBN as it now purports to do? Defining monetary policy is not part of the core function of the DSS. To do so brazenly would amount to an overreach, in the absence of incriminating evidence.

The standard procedure would have been for the government of the day to order a forensic audit of the CBN or compel it to release its full audited financials as required by law. The enabling law provides for that. And incidentally, the CBN has not published its own audited reports as required by law. To separate myths from realities, the best that the state can do is to insist and follow up on due process. Where are the CBN’s audited reports? But to reduce the Central Bank of Nigeria to a spectacle of games within games, between the security and the political establishment is tough to watch. The bigger question that Nigeria needs to resolve is this: Do we want an independent CBN or not? How do we protect the independence and neutrality of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and shield it from partisan disruption, even of its leadership?

The argument that the CBN Governor is in the eye of the storm because he redesigned some denominations of the naira notes is silly if it is true. In that regard, the CBN has not done anything illegal. It is perfectly within its purview to seek to control money supply, redesign the national currency and check counterfeiting.

It may be argued that more time should be given to allow the new notes to circulate as has been done in the United Kingdom in a similar situation, but this cannot be a reason for the current hullabaloo!

Emefiele argued that the currency redesign was in part a bulwark against inflation. He may have been proven right, given that the exchange rate has been relatively stable for a while, even if the December effect may have had something to do with that as well. Some commentators have asked him to resign.

I think that would even complicate the situation further. Resignation is not an option at this time. The law requires him to follow due process and give a three months’ notice. During the pendency of that notice, a Deputy Governor is required to act. The uncertainty that could result from all of that at this time of transition in Nigerian politics, cannot bode well for the Nigerian economy. Emefiele has two more years in office. If it suits the next government that will assume office in May 2023, to remove him, then let it be up to that new government to follow due process and act as it deems best in the overall interest of Nigeria. In the meantime, he can be investigated if there are concrete grounds for doing so.

Having said all these, the point must be made that this particular CBN Governor – Godwin Emefiele- is embattled because he made the mistake of showing interest in partisan politics. His pain is significantly self-inflicted. The CBN Act is patterned after the enabling Act of the Bank of England. At the height of political provocations, Governors of the Bank of England stay completely above the fray and avoid partisan politics. Emefiele crossed the line. He allowed himself to be deceived by those who told him he could become President. When the same spell-binders abandoned him, he was left alone to carry the can.

This is the cause of the kind of embarrassment he currently receives and the CBN being brought down to the level of the street. Even outright imbeciles now offer opinions about CBN policies these days and it is frustrating to see. Future CBN Governors would have to learn from his travails. His best bet is to prepare for the worst after the elections.

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