TUESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2021

Delay in PIB Passage Dangerous for Economy, Says Lawan National Assembly targets bill becoming law May Communities, IOCs oppose provisions of proposed law Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, yesterday warned against further delay

in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as it will result in more colossal losses to the Nigerian economy.

Lawan, in his remarks at a two-day public hearing

on PIB organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Petroleum Sector (Downstream), Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Gas, committed the National

Assembly to pass the bill

by April so that by May it would have become law after President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent.

However, at the hearing,

critical stakeholders in the nation's oil and gas sector, including oil producers and host communities, kicked against certain provisions of the bill, which they called

on the National Assembly to revisit before passage.

Lawan, while declaring the public hearing open, assured Continued on page 8

Insurance Stocks Gain Momentum on Recapitalisation Prospects... Page 6 Tuesday 26 January, 2021 Vol 26. No 9424. Price: N250

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Miyetti Allah Agrees with Govs in Ban of Open Grazing Underage, night herding, illegal occupation of forest reserves to be outlawed Nyiam, Yusuf urge Buhari to take responsibility for defence of Nigerians Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Mary Nnah in Lagos and James Sowole in Akure Troubleshooting efforts to douse the tension generated by conflicts between herders and host communities, particularly in the South-west paid off yesterday as governors and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders

Association (MACBAN) rose from a meeting, agreeing to ban open grazing, including underage and night herding.

The governors, under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF) and MACBAN, at the meeting in Akure, also agreed with the Continued on page 8

FG Warns against Ethnic, Political Sentiments Deepening Tensions Says Buhari tackling issues fuelling insecurity Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The federal government has cautioned Nigerians against political and ethnic sentiments capable of swelling the current ethnic and religious clashes over security issues in some states.

It stated that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is

working assiduously to address all issues currently creating tensions in the country.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at a joint press conference with his counterpart in the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, briefed reporters yesterday in Abuja Continued on page 8

STANDING WITH PIB...

L-R: President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; Chairman, Joint Committee on Petroleum (Down Stream), Senator Sabo Nakodu; and a member of the committee, Senator Albert Akpan, during the public hearing on Petroleum Industry Bill in Abuja…yesterday julius atoi

Without Restructuring, Nigeria Risks Becoming Failed State, Atiku Warns...Page 5

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NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Without Restructuring, Nigeria Risks Becoming Failed State, Atiku Warns Canvasses devolution of power to states to improve federation's efficiency

Chuks Okocha and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday warned that if the foundational challenges preventing the federal government from discharging its responsibilities are not resolved, Nigeria risks becoming a failed state.

He also cautioned against ignoring the growing calls for restructuring, saying that doing so could lead to a potential fulfilment of recent predictions that Nigeria could soon become a failed state.

He advised that Nigeria cannot continue to toe the same path and expect a different result, noting that many of the challenges facing the nation were foundational problems that needed to be resolved collectively.

Atiku, in an article titled: “Nigeria Needs the Peace Serum of Restructuring,” which he released yesterday, described the current ethnic and religious clashes bedevilling Nigeria as symptoms of the disease of refusing to restructure.

He said the unitary system, which is now being practised under a different nomenclature, at the time it was established, was not meant to be a long-term solution but an ad-hoc arrangement, following the 1966 coup.

Describing a failed state as one which is unable to carry out basic responsibilities, such as the security of life and property as well as upholding law and order within its territory, Atiku stated that although the country has not yet failed, it could soon without a deliberate attempt at pulling it back from the brink.

He said: “Nigeria needs peace, unity and prosperity.

But all three of these virtues are dependent on Nigeria having social justice. Without justice, there cannot be cohesiveness in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation like Nigeria.

“Nigeria has foundational issues, which we have to resolve. Until we resolve those issues, our nation may not fulfil its potential of being the beacon of light for the Black race, even if we have the most righteous people at the helm.

“It has been said by many behavioural scientists that ‘the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results."

According to him, Nigeria has been operating from the same unitary foundation and has given it several names since January 15, 1966, stressing that other than slight name changes, the mould has remained the same and the yield has changed little.

“Yes, there will be improvements and retrogressions here and there, due to the character and personality differences of the men and women at the helm. However, until the foundational fault lines are addressed, whatever progress one man makes, can be undone by his predecessor, often in a matter of months,” he stated.

He said if half of Nigerians expend their energies pulling the country in one direction, and the other half counter by pulling it in the other direction, the nation will never know peace, unity and prosperity.

Atiku added: “Nigeria needs to restructure to

avoid the various failed state prophecies, first advanced by an American think-tank against Nigeria in 2006 most recently regurgitated by the Financial Times of London, about a month ago.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

"What is a failed state?

A failed state is a political sovereign geographic territory whose government has deteriorated to a level where it cannot fulfil a sovereign government’s basic responsibilities, such as the security of life and property, and upholding law and order.

“Nigeria is not a failed state. However, we are at risk of becoming a failed state, if we do not resolve our foundational challenges that make it rather difficult for the central government to discharge her responsibilities effectively.”

The former vice president stated that although Nigeria should have been restructured a long time ago, it is not late doing so, going by the Chinese proverb that “the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago” while “the second best time is now.”

According to him, the time has come to trust the

component units of the federation with devolution of powers from the central government to handle issues such as policing, in tandem with the federal government.

Atiku said good men, heading institutions without good foundations, will still produce destruction, adding that it is time to feel the nation’s pulse and steer the ship of state away from a failed state destination.

He noted that restructuring is the lighthouse that will guide the Nigerian state’s ship back to the safety of land, saying that today, Nigeria is dependent on

food imports for much of its food needs, primarily or even entirely because agriculture is controlled from Abuja.

He said the disconnect between Abuja and the states has led to a situation where one of the most fertile and stable nations on earth has to import food.

“We must stop fighting each other as Nigerians, and we must start fighting for Nigeria. Arise, o compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey. Nigeria is calling for restructuring.

And I urge all Nigerians to obey our mother’s voice,” he said.

VISIT TO THE CALIPHATE...

L-R: Controller-General of Federal Fire Service, Dr. Ibrahim Liman; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; and Deputy Controller-General, Mr. Quintus Azogu, during a courtesy visit by the controller-general to the Sultan on Sokoto Central Market fire outbreak in Sokoto...yesterday

Lukman Urges APC to Implement El-Rufai Committee’s Report Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Director-General of Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has called on the National Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, to initiate processes of consultations with the executive and legislative arms of government in order to commence the processes of implementing the recommendations of Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s Committee on federalism.

He said if the party was able to move recommendations contained in the report of the el-Rufai committee to the level of implementation, the current levels of misplaced anger against the APC and the

federal government in the country would have been moderated.

Lukman stated this yesterday in a statement titled, 'Ethnic and Religious Hatred and the Deceitful Campaigns in Nigeria.'

He said the current challenges facing the country today may present a golden opportunity for the ruling party to be able to initiate processes of implementing the recommendations contained in the report of the APC Committee on federalism.

He stated: "What may be required in the circumstances is for the APC Caretaker Committee led by Mai Mala Buni to initiate internal processes of consultations both within the party and across the executive and legislative arms of government. Given that

there already exist APC tripartite consultative committee, chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), with both the party Chairman; Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; PGF Chairman, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; and Chief of Staff to President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, serving as members, the initiative to commence processes of implementation can be started."

Lukman said the problem of hate is making Nigerians lose their humanity so much that the notion of survival both for individuals and groups is more about the ability to defend and rationalise inclinations even when lives of other citizens

are in danger.

He argued that the instinct of Nigerians to rationalise unacceptable realities has worsened, adding that it is “certainly extinguishing our humanity to the extent that there is hardly any difference between leaders and followers as well as educated and illiterate citizens.”

Lukman stressed that education is making most Nigerians become leading campaigners and promoters of disagreements and wondered why Nigerians should hate one another on accounts of ethnic and religious differences.

He said it is worrisome that as supporters in one or the other of the ongoing campaigns to promote ethnic and religious hatreds, everyone is blinded and deafened by all the distaste

for each other that have taken over national conversation.

The director-general stressed that the current challenge around the criminal conducts of kidnappers and bandits who, based on all the accounts, hide under the guise of Fulani herdsmen, affect every Nigerian irrespective of ethnic and religious grouping, including Hausa-Fulani.

Lukman emphasised that those who have farms are being affected by the activities of these criminal elements too, "notwithstanding our Hausa-Fulani lineages."

He explained that those whose farms are located in the Northern part of the country and not in the Southern part are also faced with the painful reality of these criminal elements.

Lukman said the report of activities of bandits in the North-west and North-central

confirm that the problem of taking over forests by bandits also affect the North in the same way, if not worse, which should make everybody to be equally interested in pushing the government to tackle the problem.

He lamented that more worrisome was that some leaders and public officials are completely possessed by what is clearly the anger in the land.

The director-general lamented that both citizens and political leaders get trapped in the deceitful consciousness that the solution lies in bias preferences, which encourages Nigerians to further polarise society and citizens.

Lukman noted that as the society and the nation are more polarised, the problem of criminality gets bigger and overwhelming.

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NEWS

Insurance Stocks Gain Momentum on Recapitalisation Prospects NSE sectoral index rises 27.6% in 15 days Goddy Egene Insurance stocks have gained momentum at the stock market with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Insurance Index recording the highest appreciation of 27.6 per cent so far this year, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

This follows renewed demand by investors who are hopeful that the insurance companies will successfully recapitalise after the December 31, 2020 deadline was shifted indefinitely.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) had announced the suspension of the recapitalisation, citing the need to obey the December 21 restraining order by Justice C. J. Aneke of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court.

The commission had directed insurance firms to comply 50 per cent with the recapitalisation requirement and 100 per cent by September 30, 2021.

However, Justice Aneke had restrained NAICOM from taking any further steps in implementing its deadline date for insurance and reinsurance companies to recapitalise.

THISDAY checks showed that confident that the breather from the court will enable the companies to ensure compliance, investors have swooped on insurance stocks since the beginning of 2021.

This development, which has led to the appreciation in prices of most insurance stocks, boosted the market capitalisation sector and lifted the sectoral index ahead of others.

The market capitalisation of the insurance sector has appreciated by N35.7 billion from N148.7 billion at the end of 2020 to N184.3 billion as at yesterday while the NSE Insurance Index, which

measures the aggregate price gains of the sector, has jumped by 27.6 per cent.

The sector has thus outperformed the benchmark NSE All-Share Index and other market indices.

It is followed by the NSE Oil & Gas Index, which declined 13.8 per cent last year, thus, trailing the insurance sector with a year-to-date (YTD) growth of 21.2 per cent.

The NSE Consumer Index has recorded a YTD growth of 5.6 per cent, the NSE Banking Index rose by 4.4 per cent.

Market analysts said some discerning investors are finding insurance stocks attractive considering their low valuations and efforts made by some of the companies to comply with the new capital requirements.

According to the NAICOM, insurance companies that want to remain in life business will need a minimum capital of N8 billion from N2 billion; general insurance companies from N3 billion to N10 billion while composite insurance firms' new capital was jacked up from N5 billion to N18 billion. Those in the reinsurance companies will need N20 billion new capital, as against the current N10 billion.

Many of the companies have activated strategies and plans to meet the recapitalisation deadline. While some have raised additional capital via right issues, some are considering merger and acquisitions.

An investment analyst, Ms. Efeomo Olotu of George Etimi & Partners, had said that the introduction of the new minimum capital requirement was a welcome development to help improve the insurance sector the way the banking recapitalisation in 2005 helped shape the future and development of the Nigerian

banking industry.

According to her, currently, Nigeria’s insurance sector is still one of the most underdeveloped compared to its peers.

"With a population estimated at 200 million people, a growing middle class and increased life expectancy rate for Nigerians (55.2 years average for men and women in 2018 from 54.5 years in 2017), the potential for growth in the sector is significant.

However, at 0.3 per cent, Nigeria has the lowest insurance penetration level amongst notable African countries. Currently, South Africa is at 14.7 per cent, Kenya at 2.8 per cent, Angola

at 0.8 per cent and Egypt at 0.6 per cent.

“Similarly, the sector’s insurance density is still one of the lowest when compared to its peers," she said.

She noted that in the previous years, Nigerian insurers have operated on marginal scales, adding that this may be cited as a reason why the market has not benefited much from the sector.

She said the principal objective of the reform is to have an emergence of bigger and stronger players in the industry with enhanced capacity to reach and cover the majority of Nigerians.

Before the court order

that lead NAICOM to halt the suspension of the recapitalisation, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of insurance companies were said to have urged the commission to waive the first phase of its segmented recapitalisation from December 31, 2020.

The CEOs were said to have made the call during a meeting with Insurance Commissioner, Mr. Monday Thomas, in Ogun State.

One of the CEOs was quoted as saying: “The waiver will give the insurance and reinsurance companies more time to settle back to business and pursue their full recapitalisation programme in order to meet the commission’s

set objectives by December 31, 2021.”

Similarly, the House of Representatives had called for the suspension of the recapitalisation following the adoption of a motion by Hon. Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia).

According to Kalu, in addition to the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian economy was just announced to be officially in a recession, noting that this signified that there will be a significant slowdown in economic activities and the liquidity position of both the government and businesses are seriously impacted albeit, negatively.

CACOVID TO THE RESCUE...

L-R: Director, Corporate Affairs, African Industries, Mr. Uche Iwuamadi; Chairman, Mr. Raj Cupta; Managing Director/CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Ms. Zouera Youssoufou; and Group Head, Branding and Communications, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, at the Coalition Against COVID-19’s presentation of oxygen to the federal government in Lagos…yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Barkindo: Divestments from Oil Sector will Not End Carbon Emissions Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr. Mohammed Barkindo, yesterday said the current moves by countries and big investors to divest from the oil and gas industry will not reduce global emissions.

He explained that rather than shutting down the industry by withdrawing investments, the international community should focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve the long-term goal of the Paris Agreement.

Speaking at the virtual OPEC/ World Economic Forum Connect in Vienna, Austria, he stated that trying to ‘ostracise’ the oil industry in the attempt to save the

environment was not the most viable path to achieving zero global emissions and urged world and business leaders to explore other options.

According to him, all sources of energy will be needed in a post-pandemic world, noting that despite all the noise about the irrelevance of oil in the future, the commodity will still retain the largest share in the energy mix even by 2045, going by OPEC's projections.

He said: “That takes us to the crux of our agenda today, as we discuss current trends in the investment community and wider societal pressures that could have a profound impact on the investment requirements that are essential to meet the demand needs of tomorrow.

“The efficacy of ‘divestment’

has also been called into question by figures as prominent as Bill Gates, who famously said in an interview last year, 'Divestments to date probably have reduced about zero tonnes of emissions.’

“This is a significant statement because the international community’s focus must be on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve the long-term goal of the Paris Agreement.”

He said this requires ‘all hands on deck’ and not the ostracising of an industry that could make a major contribution to the achievement of this goal, explaining that the narrative of an energy transition from one source to another is misleading.

According to him, the challenge of tackling emissions

has many paths and all should be explored.

“At OPEC, as responsible global citizens, we take the climate challenge extremely seriously. We advocate enhanced global collaboration to address the challenge and support the multinational channels that would allow a more coherent, a balanced and integrated approach for realising the Paris Agreement goal and interlinked sustainable development aspirations.

“The energy transition must be holistic, inclusive, fair and equitable in accordance with the core UNFCCC principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,” he stated.

Barkindo added that technological innovation,

including Carbon Capture and Sequestration technologies (CCUS), utilisation of hydrogen, enhanced investment for energy access and improved energy efficiency will be crucial in securing a sustainable future and building resilient societies in the post pandemic era.

Barkindo also called for a strategy to overcome financial and institutional capacity constraints and support innovative funding for new technologies with an inclusive approach.

He reiterated his takeaways from the OPEC’s flagship publication, the World Oil Outlook 2020, on the need to increase investment in the sector rather than the call for divestment.

He said: "The first important point to emphasise is that the

outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the sharpest downturn in energy and oil demand in living memory, something nobody could have foreseen when we met last year.

“All forms of energy will be needed to support the post-pandemic recovery and address future energy needs.

Oil is expected to retain the largest share of the energy mix throughout the outlook period, accounting for a 27 per cent share in 2045.

“World oil demand is projected to increase from nearly 100 mb/d in 2019 to around 109 mb/d in 2045.

To meet this future demand, the global oil sector will need a cumulative investment of $12.6 trillion in the upstream, midstream and downstream through to 2045.”

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PAGE EIGHT DELAY IN PIB PASSAGE DANGEROUS FOR THE ECONOMY, SAYS LAWAN the stakeholders of the speedy passage of the PIB this year.

According to him, “The National Assembly will pass the bill by April and I'm sure it will get presidential assent

by May, this year."

He thanked the stakeholders for their contributions in shaping the bill and assured them that the National Assembly has been working assiduously in conjunction with critical stakeholders to pass it this year.

Lawan said: ''The Ninth Senate in its wisdom, made the passage of the bill a priority in its legislative agenda and has since in conjunction with critical stakeholders been working assiduously to get the bill passed this year. ''Arguably, Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has experienced several shocks and challenges over a long period as a result of outdated laws. These challenges include those dictated by global

practices, the persistent calls for the deregulation of the downstream sector, the agitation of the oilproducing communities and the unbundling of the NNPC, all these, underscore the need for urgent legislative reform.”

Communities, IOCs Oppose Bill Stakeholders, including oil producers and host communities have kicked against certain provisions of the PIB with a plea to the National Assembly to revisit them before passage.

In rejecting the 2.5 per cent provided in the revised PIB, the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) said it won't accept anything below 10 per cent.

HOSTCOM National President, Mr. Benjamin Style Tams, in his presentation, said it will be absurd and

economically illogical to deprive "HostCom" the right to equity shareholding in both the establishment of the NNPC Limited, the commission, the authority and the boards.

It said: "This quest to take over complete control of all our national assets by a very unpatriotic few has to stop.

"In the case of the gas flare penalty funds, the host communities, which are the direct recipients of the negative effects, are the ones to receive the gas flare penalty. "Regarding the environmental management and sustainable development of the host communities, it's imperative that all laws and policies precedent to the commencement of any action must conform with the existing international standards inherent in our submission."

In their presentation, the oilproducing companies under

the aegis of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), led by Mr. Mike Sanger, faulted the bill for not making provisions for investment in the oil and gas sector.

"If the PIB is passed in its current form, it will not meet the government's objectives of making Nigeria the leading destination for oil and gas investment and the recent scarcity of investment, only $3 billion out of $70 billion in Africa, will continue. Nigeria faces ever-increasing competition for investment and despite having the largest reserves, only $3 billion out of the $70 billion committed in Africa for projects sanctioned between 2015-2019 were attributed to Nigeria, representing a meagre for per cent.

"This lack of competitiveness is caused in part by the high cost of doing business in Nigeria, with overall project costs and operations costs being 69 per cent and 42 per

cent higher than the global average respectively.

“A PIB, which safeguards existing projects and introduces competitive terms, is required to fully utilise the country’s resources for the benefit of all Nigerians," Sanger said.

In another presentation, Women In Energy Network (WIEN) also raised concern over the proposal in the PIB, which stated that "each settler, where applicable through the operator, should contribute an amount equal to 2.5 per cent of actual operating expenditure in respect of all petroleum operation."

President of WIEN and Managing Director of Zigma Limited, Mrs. Funmi Ogbue, said the 2.5 per cent is too expensive.

She said: "WIEN posits that a total of not more than one per cent consistent with other statutory provisions like the Nigerian Local Content Act 2010, replace the current figure

captured in the PIB. "This will improve investors’ perception that the industry is already overtaxed, which will attract even more foreign direct investment to the sector and the country at large.

"WIEN would like to see the deliberate inclusion of policies that will ensure that at least 35 per cent of each governing board is constituted by women."

In his presentation, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipreye Sylva, stated that the petroleum sector is faced with internal and external problems, including the COVID-19 pandemic that threatened the international market since 2019.

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Mele Kyari, expressed concern that the nation's petroleum industry has been stagnant since 2000.

communiqué said.

The communique clarified that the Ondo State governor’s ultimatum was for illegal occupants of the forest reserves, saying the media misrepresented his directive.

"No one had sent anyone away from any state or region but all hands must be on deck to fight criminality,” it stated directing: "Criminals should be apprehended and punished, no matter their origin, class or status.”

Saying security agencies have been trying to stem the tide of criminality in the country but must step up their efforts in the fight, the communique recommended strengthening alternative security arrangements to complement the mainstream security agencies.

It also stressed the need to build a partnership for peace and security with MACBAN and jointly wage war against criminality.

"Insecurity is a national challenge and not peculiar

to any tribe or region but must be addressed by the cooperation of all," it added.

Noting that MACBAN also suffers insecurity and kidnapping and thus desire peaceful coexistence, the communiqué said the association is ready for any peaceful move by the states to engender security.

As a measure to strengthen the relationship among various stakeholders, the communiqué recommended the setting up of a standing committee comprising farmers, MACBAN and the government in each state (where they don't exist) to ensure synergy and result.

It urged states to create economic opportunities for the people and reduce opportunities for criminalities.

Earlier in their opening remarks, the various stakeholders had highlighted happenings in their states for discussion.

Fayemi used the opportunity to clarify that herdsmen were not asked to vacate Ondo State

as Akeredolu did not order the Fulani to leave the state.

Fayemi said: “Many members of MACBAN were born in the South-west. So, Akeredolu cannot ask Fulani to vacate Ondo State. The area concerned is the forest reserves and it is about registration and also to work in line with the law.

“What we are after are the criminals, not Fulani herdsmen. Criminals are criminals irrespective of their ethnic group.”

MIYETTI ALLAH AGREES WITH GOVS IN BAN OF OPEN GRAZING Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), on issues that necessitated the issuance of a seven-day ultimatum asking unregistered herders to quit the state's forest reserves.

MACBAN, the group that has been speaking for herders, until yesterday had opposed the ban on open grazing and insisted that it would alter the itinerary nature and culture of the herders, who for years, have roamed their cattle from the North to the South of the country.

It has also persistently opposed the idea of ranching for the same reason.

However, in a communiqué, issued at the end of the meeting, the NGF and the MACBAN agreed to end “free-range grazing” and kicked against the illegal occupation of forest reserves in states.

The meeting, at the instance of the presidency, was convened in the wake of the tension generated

by Akeredolu’s deadline to illegal herdsmen to vacate the state's forest reserves as part of precautions to combat kidnapping, robbery and murder, allegedly being perpetrated by the herders.

The meeting came just as a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof. Usman Yusuf, and a public affairs analyst, Col. Tony Nyiam (rtd), called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take responsibility for protecting lives and property of Nigerians, stressing that the increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry and criminality by herdsmen are signs of a failed government.

Chaired by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the meeting was attended by the leadership of MACBAN led by its Chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Kiruwa; governors, Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Akeredolu (Ondo),

Muhammed Badaru (Jigawa), and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), and heads of security agencies in the states.

In the communiqué read

by Fayemi, the stakeholders agreed that night and freerange grazing should be banned henceforth.

In banning underage herding, they described it as inimical to national security.

The stakeholders condemned herders' occupation of state forest reserves and described it as illegal.

Fayemi said the meeting was conveyed to find lasting solutions to the incessant killings, kidnapping and crises between herdsmen and farmers in the South-west.

He said free-range grazing must be stopped to avoid conflicts between the farmers and the herders.

"MACBAN should embrace and be committed to modern breeding process by creating grazing reserves and practice ranching to prevent cattle roaming about," the

Nyiam, Yusuf Urge Buhari to take Responsibility for Defence of Nigerians Meanwhile, a former Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Yusuf, and public affairs analysts, Nyiam, have called on Buhari to take responsibility for defending Nigerians, stressing that the increasing cases of Continued on page 9

FG WARNS AGAINST ETHNIC, POLITICAL SENTIMENTS DEEPENING TENSIONS on efforts being made by the federal government to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminalities.

The briefing came against the backdrop of renewed tensions in some states, especially in the South-west, over the frequent face-off between host communities and herdsmen who are being accused of various crimes, including kidnapping, rape and killing, among others.

The crisis reached another tipping point last week when Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), gave herdsmen illegally occupying the state's forest reserves a seven-day ultimatum, which expired yesterday, to quit.

Also, a Yoruba activist and conflict entrepreneur in Oyo State, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, popular called Sunday Igboho, issued a similar ultimatum to Fulani herders in Igangan, Oyo State, who are being accused of heinous crimes against their host community.

Igboho, in defiance of warning by Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, led a band of his supporters last Friday to enforce the quit notice, during which the Seriki Fulani in Igangan, Mr. Saliu Abdulkadir, was sacked from his home and some property

destroyed.

However, Mohammed said with the renewed determination and vigour by the government, the security agencies are set to sustain their onslaught against terrorists, bandits and criminals.

He added that the Buhari administration is fully aware of its responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians and the president has committed the government to not relenting in learning and adapting to changing threats to national security and civic wellbeing.

“I think we need to be very careful in making ethnic, political and religious statements that will aggravate the current conflict we have in some states. We should lower the temper; efforts are being made to address the issues.

That is what I can say for now,” Mohammed said.

Highlighting what he called the ‘’recent successes’’ recorded by the armed forces and other security/intelligence agencies in the fight against terrorists, bandits and other criminals, Mohammed said since the beginning of the year, the armed forces had neutralised 158 suspected criminals nationwide.

Scores of other terrorists and bandits have also been killed

during air strikes, while some 52 suspected criminals were arrested, with scores of arms, ammunition and equipment recovered.

According to Mohammed, troops have also rescued a total of 17 kidnapped victims nationwide while a total of 684,856 barrels of stolen crude oil, 1,724,000 litres of stolen diesel and 500,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) have been recovered.

“Furthermore, a total of 1,184 of 25kg bags of Yaraliva Nitrabor Fertilizer were impounded by the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“Please note that in addition to the numbers of neutralised criminal elements quoted above, many others were incapacitated and their camps destroyed,’’ he added.

The minister said the government will not relent until peace has been restored to every troubled part of the nation, adding that the president has continued to provide the security agencies with the wherewithal to successfully prosecute their various operations.

He said: “The security agencies have been discharging their responsibilities creditably.

It is now up to us, as citizens, to give our undiluted support

to the security agencies, who daily sacrifice to keep us safe.

“The successes being recorded by the security and intelligence agencies in fighting insecurity did not come cheap.

“They have come as a result of the unrelenting efforts and sacrifices of the gallant officers and men of the military as well as other security and intelligence agencies that conduct operations across the country.’’

The minister stated that even though some of the troops paid the supreme price during the operations, the security and intelligence forces have consistently exhibited gallantry and resilience in the various operations.

Giving a breakdown of the successes recorded in combating insecurity, the minister said in the North-west, 118 bandits were killed in addition to a total of 11 kidnapped victims that were rescued since the beginning of the year.

According to him, “In the North-east, 30 suspected terrorists, including some of their commanders, were killed by troops, apart from the scores killed in air raids/ attacks during the period under review.

“Several gun trucks were captured in addition to the 13

recently captured at Marte in Borno State, while some others were destroyed by the gallant troops. Also, a total of 13 assorted rifles and 2 anti-aircraft guns were recovered from Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, in addition, several arrests were made - including high value targets - within the period.

“Now, during the past week alone, five Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were eliminated by troops as they attempted to overrun Abbagajiri and Dusula towns in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno.”

He stated that the troops, from the 402 Special Forces Task Force Brigade, on Wednesday, had encircled some terrorists’ enclaves at Abbagajiri and inflicted heavy casualties on them.

Mohammed said in the South-south, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted anti-crude-oil theft and illegal-oil-bunkering operations, in addition to antiillegal-maritime activities.

In the South-west, troops of Operation AWATSE destroyed some illegal refining sites and arrested eight boats engaged in illegal activities, he stated.

The minister explained that in addition to the kinetic military operations, the armed forces routinely carry out non-

kinetic operations in form of Civil Military Cooperation Activities (CIMIC), fostering several stakeholders and reconciliation meetings among hostile communities and carrying out medical outreaches in host communities.

He promised that the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police will be re-energised and reorganised, with a view to enhancing their capacity to engage, push back and dismantle the operations of both internal and external extremists and criminal groups.

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NEWS

NEF Urges Buhari to Find Solution to Growing Tension John Shiklam in Kaduna Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately summon a meeting of governors and heads of security agencies to find solutions to the growing tension in the country.

In a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna, NEF’s Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem BabaAhmed, noted that “events in the South-west are assuming national dimensions, and only a national approach will provide short and long term solutions.”

They also appealed to all Nigerians to exercise great

restraint in their comments and actions in these trying times.

The statement called on leaders at all levels to contribute to the search for solutions rather than “threats which will make all our lives worse.”

The statement said NEF has closely followed developments involving Fulani communities, host communities and governments in Oyo and Ondo States as well as reactions across the entire country, stressing that it is “deeply concerned that the country is threatened by irresponsible actions and comments by people

with the responsibility to exercise caution and provide constructive leadership.”

The forum noted that governors in the Southwest met with Fulani organisations yesterday, a day after the expiration of the quit order by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to Fulani herders to leave a forest reserve.

“Persons who are known to be threatening Fulani communities and attacking them are still free.

The Forum hopes that the meeting will achieve the objective of assuring Fulani communities living lawfully in the South-west that they will be protected, and assure

all other citizens in Southwest states that they will continue to receive protection of the state from kidnappings and other crimes,” it stated.

NEF further noted the limitations of all state governors in terms of their capacities to adequately respond to the security needs of populations.

NEF argued that the resort to regional outfits like Amotekun and other self-appointed guardians of security of communities are not solutions to these limitations.

It stated: “In the last few days, the nation has noticed the problems with these outfits and actions of

locals who masquerade as defenders of ethnic interests.

“At all cost, Nigerians who break the law should have no cover or immunity, whether they are Fulani or local enforcers or organisations.

“The forum believes it is time for the federal government to recognise and deal with the issue of cattle herding as a national challenge, and adopt policies that will mitigate the problems it poses to the economy, farmers, herders and all communities.”

According to the forum, “Most important, the forum advises President Muhammadu Buhari to meet immediately with all

state governors and heads of security and law and order agencies to examine how the current tensions in the country can be de-escalated.

“Events in the South-west are assuming national dimensions and only a national approach will provide short and long term solutions,” the NEF said, adding: “The forum appeals to all Nigerians to exercise great restraint in their comments and actions in these trying times. It appeals to leaders at all levels to contribute to the search for solutions to developing threats which will make all our lives worse.”

FG Extends COVID-19 Lockdown Measures by Four Weeks Says UK strain now in Nigeria Vaccines to cost $3-$10 per dose Olawale Ajimotokan and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has extended the guidelines on phase three of the eased lockdown by one month with effect from today.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, announced this yesterday at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja.

Mustapha, who chairs the task force, said cases of B117 strain of COVID-19 have been recorded in Nigeria.

The strain was first reported in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

The PTF also put the cost of each dose of the vaccines at between $3 and $10.

Mustapha said the decision to extend all extant measures that were prescribed in the guidelines in phase three of the ease on lockdown were

premised on the fact that the country has continued to see an increase in COVID-19 cases.

In line with the new guidelines, all government employees on GL 12 and below will continue to work from home while the government will continue to sanction international passengers that fail to show up for day-seven post-arrival testing.

Also, bars, night clubs, pubs and event centres and

recreational venues are to be closed for the period as they are considered super spreader places for the virus.

The extension also affected restrictions on weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities.

They must have in attendance not more than 50 persons, while mosques and churches should not be filled beyond 50 per cent of their installed capacity.

He stated that efforts to access and deploy vaccines are progressing as COVAX is due to deliver the initial 100,000 doses next month.

Mustapha added that the B117 variant first reported in the UK has been found in three persons travelling out of the country and in one resident.

He said local virologists had been sequencing the variants of the virus.

According to him, the federal government is currently

working with Saudi Arabia on the deportation of 600 Nigerians.

He said the deportees will arrive in two batches on January 28 and 29.

Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccines will cost about $10 per dose while the Oxford/AstraZeneca will cost $3 per dose.

Marwa Proposes Drug Tests for Students, Govt Appointees Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) has given a hint that his agency will seek the government’s approval to conduct drug tests on new students of tertiary institutions, security agencies’ fresh recruits and all newly appointed government employees.

Marwa has also given commanders of the agency in all the states of the federation and special commands marching orders to mop up illicit drugs across the country.

He stated these yesterday

during a meeting with commanders of the 36 states, FCT and special commands at the agency's headquarters in Abuja.

While informing the commanders who briefed him on their posts and areas of responsibility that he is honoured and proud to serve as Chairman of NDLEA, he said all commanders must be desirous of keeping drugs out of Nigerian streets and homes, insisting that, "all of you must shape up and get all those engaged in the nefarious business to face the music, and I need results from now on.

"Our maxim will be offensive action. This means we must

go all out constantly on the offensive against the bad guys,” he said.

According to him, "the success we make of this particular task goes a long way to determine the socioeconomic stability of the nation. We need not be told of the nexus between drug use, crime and criminalities.

The exponential growth of the nefarious drug activities can be directly linked to the upsurge in crimes such as insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping, cultism, political thuggery, gangsterism, rape and other maladaptation bedeviling today's Nigeria."

He noted that it is not going to be business as usual.

"It is a moving train. Please, let nobody stand in its front.

The train will crush any such person. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. To the unbending drug crime perpetrators, I would like to let them know also that the game is up! It is high time they embraced another trade.

The Federal Government Policy on Agriculture is a window for them to leverage on," he added.

He said he would soon propose to the government the necessity for drug tests for all tertiary institutions resuming students, NYSC members, new workers, all security agencies new recruits and random tests

for government appointees.

"NDLEA is ready to help and we must help,” he added.

Marwa who also expressed his determination to run with the ‘National Drug Control Master Plan, Our Road Map,’ said toll-free call centres/ helplines will soon be set up for the use of Nigerians ready to give information or seek intervention from the agency.

"Ours is a national assignment. Drug has littered everywhere; every community.

We will lead the fight and we will succeed. Make no mistake about it, it’s a collective effort,” he told the commanders.

Continuing, he said: "As I made it known in my inaugural

address here at the headquarters last week, the task ahead is well spelt out even as it is onerous.

Drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking have become the nation’s worst nightmare with more 14.3 million Nigerians involved in drug use, according to the UNODC drug survey 2018.

"This figure is about the highest, globally. Reversing this ugly trend is non-negotiable and we must do so speedily."

He also promised some overhauling of the agency, adding that his aim is to reposition the NDLEA to make it more purposeful, resourceful and aggressive in pursuing its target.

Nyiam added that it is obvious that the South-west has been strategic to the nation in terms of the economy, human resources and the tolerance of the average Yoruba.

"The issue we have watched in the last three weeks or a month is that the Fulani militia has been kidnapping Yoruba people, raping their women and those who were intermediary within, were their so-called Seriki Fulani.

I mean, how much more can the Yoruba take?

"People alleged that Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, gave an ultimatum, no! It is the people that gave the ultimatum. Sunday Igboho is only the voice of the people," he added.

He said it was a mistake for the governor of Oyo State to have reprimanded Igboho.

"I do know that the Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde, a very good governor, tries to be careful but you see, when things get to a point, as the

chief security officer of a state, the governor should stop being neither here nor there.

"I think the example we have seen of Governor Akeredolu of Ondo State is what we expect from governors across the country generally because you cannot be a governor when the primary function of government is to provide security and yet you don’t," he stated.

Nyiam, one of the surviving coup plotters against the regime of General Ibrahim Buhari (rtd), traced the source of weapons of the herdsmen to military officers who invested in cattle rearing.

Nyiam said he came to this conclusion after a clash between the herdsmen and his community in Ogoja in Cross River State.

He said the clash resulted in the death of a Fulani man who had been living in Ogoja for ages.

He explained that military officers went to the old

Gongola region (Taraba and Adamawa States) to buy cows as an investment and gave arms to the herdsmen to protect themselves and their cows against harassment.

According to him, after the clash between his community and the herdsmen, the army officers living in Ogoja Cantonment were worried on how to recover the guns given to the herdsmen after the clash.

Nyiam, therefore, charged Buhari to rise up to the occasion as the patron of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and a leading Fulani to protect Nigerians from criminal herdsmen.

He accused Buhari of protecting the interest of Fulani when he is also constitutionally bound to protect all Nigerians.

He commended the governors of Ondo and Oyo States for rising up to protect the people against the invading criminal herdsmen.

MIYETTI ALLAH AGREES WITH GOVS IN BAN OF OPEN GRAZING kidnapping, banditry and criminality by herdsmen are signs of a failed government.

Both spoke yesterday on ARISE NEWS Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers.

Yusuf, who blamed the federal government for the continued crisis of banditry, kidnapping and criminality among herdsmen called for the intervention of religious and traditional rulers, saying the government cannot fight insecurity alone.

He said Northerners, the Yoruba and the Igbo have a generational history of living together without crisis and that should not be reversed now.

He called on the religious leaders and traditional rulers to intervene in the crisis in the South-west to prevent it from escalating.

Yusuf, who identified himself as number one critic of the Buhari administration on insecurity, urged traditional rulers and religious clerics to

emulate Rev. Yakubu Pam and Sheikh Ahmed Gumi who travelled to Ruga settlements to canvass peace and the need for peaceful coexistence.

He said: "The traditional rulers and religious clerics should speak out. There are several drums of war everywhere. It is easy to start a war but no one knows where the war would end.

"Government needs to involve community elders in events like this. This is because no one knows where such a crisis could lead. Nigerians have rights to live anywhere in a peaceful environment.

"All these drums of ethnic warfare are an essential threat to the continued unity of Nigeria and the federal government should not encourage it any longer.

The community leaders must speak up. This is not the time for silence. This should be the time for dialogue."

Yusuf also called on the federal government to set up forest rangers to monitor

and compliment the efforts of the law enforcement agencies in checking herder-farmer conflict.

He warned that the present trend is dangerous to the continued unity of Nigeria, adding: "This is the time for Yoruba leaders to step in and ensure peace."

Speaking on the topic, "Conflict and Likelihood of Violence," Nyiam, who warned against the danger of granting unfettered access to suspected terrorist herdsmen in southern Nigeria accused Buhari of insincerity.

He explained: “For some time, I have always said that the president lacks the sincerity of purpose and political will. I say this because if you remember, when we had the same thing happening in Benue, one had to intervene and call the president, that the president cannot shy away from such an issue.

“We need to see him stop being nepotistic and taking sides."

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NEWS

10 Feared Killed in Military, IPOB Clash in Imo Uzodimma imposes curfew in nine LGAs Amby Uneze in Owerri Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has imposed curfew in nine local government areas in Orlu part of the state following yesterday’s alleged killing of no fewer than 10 people in a clash between the army and members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

THISDAY gathered that members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a security arm of IPOB, allegedly killed a soldier and in a reprisal, soldiers stormed the area in their numbers, shot indiscriminately, and allegedly killed many people.

Several houses were also

burnt during the clash.

All efforts made by THISDAY to reach the spokesperson of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze near Owerri and the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orlando Ikokwu proved abortive.

To restore peace in Orlu, the governor said in a statement that he had ordered a curfew in some local government areas namely Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre.

The governor who condoned with the families of the bereaved and all the victims of the unfortunate

incident assured them that those who committed the heinous crime against them and their loved ones will never go unfurnished.

He said, “This afternoon, I received a very disturbing report on the activities of a group of militants who unleashed a shooting spree in the Orlu area of the state,killing and maiming innocent citizen in the process “I am totally appalled by this sad report which appears to paint a picture of near breakdown of law and order in the Orlu area.

The government condemns in its entirety this act of extreme hooliganism and brigandage.

“This is completely unacceptable to this administration.

Those behind this callous barbarism will surely regret their actions.

“Consequently, I have directed the security agencies to fish out without fail, all those behind the carnage and immediately bring them to book. Let no one be in any doubt that the perpetrators of this dastardly act will ever

escape justice. I assure them that they will pay for for their cruelty against a peace-loving and innocent people.

“As an interim measure to immediately restore the peace in Orlu zone, a dusk –to- dawn curfew (6 pm to 6 am) is hereby imposed in the following Local Government Areas of Orlu zone; namely; Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideao South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre.

“All law-abiding citizens are advised to comply

strictly with the curfew as announced. Anyone caught violating the curfew will be treated as a suspect.

“The government wants to assure all Imo people that the situation in Orlu area is under control.

Security operatives have been deployed on a 24-hour patrol of the zone. Equally, e v e r y s e c u r i t y m e a s u re necessary has been put i n p l a c e t o e n s u re t h a t law-abiding citizens can go about their businesses i n t h e a ff e c t e d a re a s without any fear of m o l e s t a t i o n.”

Katsina Gun-runner Admits Selling 20 AK-47 Rifles to Bandits Francis Sardauna in Katsina A notorious gun-runner, Haruna Yusuf of Sawarya village in Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina State, yesterday admitted before police authorities that he sold 20 AK-47 rifles to bandits terrorising communities in the state for N600,000 each.

The 47-year-old suspect, who was among other suspected gun-runners and bandits paraded by the Katsina State Police Command, added that he also sold three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) for N4,000,000 to the marauding bandits.

He confirmed that he bought the sophisticated weapons from one Hussain from Damagaram in Niger Republic and ferried them into the country through illegal routes within border towns in Katsina.

Haruna, who was nabbed by police in his residence in Sawarya village with 179 Anti-Aircraft ammunitions, said he also sold over 5,000 ammunition to the hoodlums operating in the state.

He said: “I sold 20 AK-47 rifles for N600,000 each and three GPMGs for N4,000,000

to bandits. I do buy them from one Hussain from Damagaram in Niger and conveyed them in my friend’s vehicle to Katsina”.

Parading Haruna alongside other suspects, the State Police Commissioner, Sanusi Buba, said the command after getting credible information about the criminals, raided their hideouts and recovered two GPMGs, 179 rounds of Anti-Aircraft ammunitions, one Lar riffle and currencies of different denominations.

He said the prime suspect confessed to being the gang leader as he usually received the supply of arms and ammunition from Niger Republic, which he handed over to Lawan Zayyana, Haruna Adamu and Auwal Abubakar of Muduru village in Mani Local Government Area of the state.

He expressed worries about the influx of arms and ammunition in the state, attributing the scenario to the porous land borders.

He, however, said the command would continue to work assiduously with other security agencies in the state in order to tackle banditry and kidnapping in the state.

Police Confirm Killing of Personnel, Soldier by Gunmen in Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Delta State Police Command yesterday confirmed the killing of a policeman and a soldier by suspected gunmen at a military checkpoint at Oton area of Sapele.

The incident, THISDAY learnt, occurred last Sunday night.

It was gathered that the deceased were attacked by the bandits at their military post through the community river in speedboats.

Sources in the community claimed the gunmen had stormed the scene through the Oton River in Sapele in an attempt to kidnap some

prominent persons in the area.

It was learnt that the operatives were repelling the bandits when gunshots from the gunmen killed the security agents.

THISDAY could not confirm if any of the bandits was killed during the attack, but sources disclosed that the attack caused tension in the community.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the incident.

She said: “Two security operatives were killed.

We are investigating the incident but we are yet to arrest any suspect over the attack.”

INSECURITY ON THEIR MINDS…

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (left), and Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, during a joint news conference on security in Abuja...yesterday

Anambra Threatens to Arrest Prophet for Throwing Naira Notes into River The Anambra State Government has threatened to arrest a prophet, who goes by the name Jesus of Nkpo, based in the Idemili Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Awka, the state capital.

He accused the prophet of “criminal and indecent conduct in the name of religion.”

Adinuba said the prophet’s conduct had portrayed Anambra State in bad light to right thinking people.

The statement read in

part, “The Anambra State Government is in possession of some videos produced by one person, who goes by the name of Onyeze Jesus, based in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

“He not only claims to change the economic status of his adherents by magical means, but also throws a lot of Nigeria’s currency notes into the river and compels his adult followers, both male and female to bath naked in the river and records them on video which he distributes gleefully to all manner of people through the Internet and other means.

“The state government is

appalled by the conduct of this man. Anambra people are famous throughout the world for their industry, knowledge, ingenuity, perseverance, a high savings rate and an infectious business drive, all combined to enable them to achieve tremendous success in various fields. Their success is not overnight nor through magic.

“Onyeze Jesus promotes superstition and strife in society. By telling his gullible and brainwashed followers that their misfortune is caused by family members, relatives, friends and business associates through magical powers, he is fomenting serious troubles and

instigating eternal enmity in various places and businesses.

Some of these troubles can lead to physical fights, bodily injuries and even deaths.

“By throwing naira notes into the river regularly as part of sacrifice to the river goddess and filming it and distributing the film to the whole world, he has brought Anambra State into global ridicule and, worse, gregariously committed a criminal offence.

“Burning or destroying the naira through any means is an offence criminalised by the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007, and the offender is liable to imprisonment.”

US Launches Air-quality Monitors to Track Lagos, Abuja Pollution The United States Ambassador, Ms. Mary Beth Leonard, yesterday launched Air Quality Monitor to link Nigeria to air quality index information and health messaging from the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A statement from the US Consulate General noted that the monitor would supply data to the ZephAir app.

Leonard expressed optimism

that the new equipment will enhance the Consulate’s capacity to provide reliable data on air quality.

She also highlighted the United States’ commitment to environmental sustainability.

The ambassador said, “Through a team effort, we have successfully procured air quality monitors for Embassy Abuja and Consulate Lagos through the Greening Diplomacy Initiative’s Department

of State’s Air program. This will strengthen our ability to collect and share reliable data on air quality as it corresponds to the time of the day and the seasons of the year.

“We are proud to contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to protect the environment and improve human health. The Mission will continue to promote environmental policies that balance environmental protection and economic growth.”

The statement explained that the US Department of State’s 65 -plus air quality monitors, which are housed at U.S. Embassies and Consulates across the world, are made in the United States to Environmental Protection Administration specifications, as delineated by the Clean Air Act. “Nigeria now hosts one monitor each in the U.S. Embassy, Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos,” it added.

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COMMENT

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

UGANDAN ELECTION AND SIGHT-TIGHT SYNDROME The silence of African leaders in the face of atrocities in Uganda speaks volumes, writes Chinemerem Onuorah

T

he controversy, violence and human rights violations that were reportedly perpetrated by the incumbent President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni against main opposition parties is a microcosm of how some African leaders react to the slightest threat to their long reign in power. Mr Museveni has just been elected as President for the sixth term in controversial circumstances but his main opposition, 38-year-old Bobi Wine is still under house arrest on the orders of the President. The young legislator who dared to challenge the status quo is still licking his wounds as state security have barricaded him and his family from the outside world. This was preceded by total shutdown of the internet amidst massive reported election rigging.

The shocking aspect however is the silence of other African leaders to the happenings in Uganda during and shortly before the election. None of them spoke out about the violence, the intimidation, or the shutdown of the internet in the country. Their silence spoke louder than anything they could have said, however.

It said that they were aware and in support of the oppression, and that they were all afraid of the political revolution which could possibly sweep through the continent.

Mr Museveni is not the only African leader culpable of sit-tight syndrome. The President of Djibouti, Omar Guelleh is reportedly planning to extend his tenure to a fifth term as president. In his rule so far, all private media are banned, and so only state media exist in the country; opposition party members are often harassed and arrested; and the government has taken several steps to limit citizens’ access to social media.

Similarly, Idriss Déby who has been the President of Chad since 1990 is going to run for a sixth term come April 2021. Report by African Centre says, “Déby is one of Africa’s least constrained presidents”, because he controls other branches of government in Chad, runs the security sector, and holds a tight grip on the media. It is reported that when an opposition party tried to hold a conference in October, 2020, the police surrounded the venue, and prevented the meeting from taking place.

When he runs for President again in March 2021, Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso would be Africa’s third longest-serving leader. For the people of Congo, 37 years of Nguesso in power has meant political suppression. Opposition parties exist, but only to fulfil constitutional righteousness, as members are always often bullied into stepping down. Private media exist, but they are placed under heavy regulations and risk fining and closure, should they break any regulations.

Cameroon is not left out, as their President Paul Biya is the longest-serving non-royal leader in the world,

THE BEST WAY FOR AFRICA TO DO AWAY WITH LEADERS WHO CLING TO POWER WOULD BE FOR THE YOUTHS TO INCREASE THEIR INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS

having been in power since 1982. At 87, he is still ruling the country, and does not seem to be ready to relinquish power.

The novel practice in some part of Africa lately is the constitutional removal of term limits for running for Presidential office. This is despite the fact that most of the conventional democracies in the world have a maximum of two tenure of four years apiece.

While Nigeria may not have entirely the same case, former President Olusegun Obasanjo unsuccessfully tried to review the constitution to enable him run for third term; many Nigerian lawmakers have been in office for as long as 18 years. This is as a result of lack of tenure restriction for lawmakers. This has hindered young emerging politicians from fulfilling the dreams of representing the people thereby restricted progress in constituencies.

If African leaders see the Presidency as an opportunity to serve the country, rather than to wield and abuse power, they would not have a problem with stepping down after their tenures. Do your best, then move out of the way for someone else to come in with novel ideas. A country should have leaders who love her enough to want her progress. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “a great democracy must be progressive or it will soon cease to be a great democracy”.

While many countries in Africa suffer from corruption, underdevelopment and general bad leadership, it is worse in countries whose presidents refuse to let go of power. None of these clingy leaders hold on to power in order to fully transform their country to become the best; the corruption in these countries are usually through the roofs. Zimbabwe, for example, ranked 160 out of 180 in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index of 2016, under Robert Mugabe who was in power for 30 years.

All hope is not lost, however. The best way for Africa to do away with leaders who cling to power would be for the youths to increase their interest and participation in politics. It is better to actively run and not win, than to not run at all. The more you attempt, the better your chances of winning. In Nigeria, the NotTooYoungToRun bill already made the job easier by lowering the age limits for running for office, and movements like ReadyToRun seek to help groom and support young, aspiring candidates. The hope is that by the next batch of elections, especially that of Nigeria that comes up in 2023, there would be many more youthful candidates. When the youths see themselves as the solution to this problem, only then would Africa be truly rid of clingy leaders. r0OVPSBI JT B $PNNVOJDBUJPO "TTJTUBOU BU :JBHB "GSJDB

REBUILDING THE RUINS OF NIGERIA Babs Onabanjo argues the urgent need to restructure the federation

R

ight before our very eyes, the political class in Nigeria has brought Nigeria to her knees. The nation is battling with recession and unprecedented levels of insecurity in every part of the country.

Tears flow down my eyes whenever I read stories of insecurity, banditry, and wanton corruption in our nation.

Nigeria is at a crossroads. We are sitting on a gunpowder waiting to explode. You do not need a prophet to tell you that Armageddon is imminent.

It will take supernatural interventions to turn back this coming storm over our nation.

The signs are everywhere. Recently, His Royal Majesty, the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, penned an open letter to General Buhari - who by the way is not aware of anything happening around him and in the country except issuing press releases in defense of marauding herdsmen.

The open letter entitled “Yoruba Question in Nigeria Conundrum.” In the letter, the revered monarch expressed his worry about the security situation in the country, especially in the South West geo-political zone, and the entire Yoruba-speaking area of the country including Kwara, Kogi and Edo States.

He noted that “This has to do with the incessant and increasing menace of Fulani herdsmen that have laid siege in almost all the highways of Yoruba land.

Whether in Owo, Akure, Ilesa/Ife-Ibadan road or Ibarapa zone and Ijebu area of Ogun State, the story is the same.”

“I have held series of consultations with opinion moulders and eminent Yoruba leaders across board about the menace of these cattle herdsmen with such assault like raping of our women and in some occasions, in the presence of their husbands. That is apart from massive destruction of our agricultural lands, which ultimately points to imminent starvation.”

“On top of it all is the menace of professional kidnappers usually in military uniforms. What is more worrisome about the kidnapping notoriety is what looks like impunity in which these kidnappers enjoy their nefarious activities.”

He warned of the looming anarchy and resort to self-help by the people if the security issues are not tackled forthwith. Then came the quit notice given to the Fulanis in Ibarapa in Oyo State after they were accused of kidnapping and invading the farmlands of the people. News reports stated that two people were feared dead and houses burnt during the confrontations.

Nigerians, this is a pointer to what is to come. Now is the time to nip it in the bud. If we want peace in Nigeria, now is the time to act.

This is a clarion call for a proactive, nonviolent, constructive, and decisive actionable steps by the Awujale of Ijebuland, Alake of Egbaland, Okadigbo of Remoland, Olu Ilaro of Yewaland, all Yoruba traditional rulers and all stakeholders in Yorubaland. No one can afford to be silent at this moment. You must #SoroSoke! The senators and the

House of Representatives members must #SoroSoke. Above all the Governor must make a statement as the Chief Security Officer of the State addressing specifically the security of life and property, defending against terrorists, kidnappers, rapists, bandits, the pursuit of liberty and happiness in the South West and Nigeria in general.

Recall that the former president Olusegun Obasanjo warned severally about the impending disintegration, collapse and insecurity in the country to no avail. It is disheartening to learn that the Nigerian soldiers are backing the Fulani which is amazingly worrisome and must cease. The soldiers are sowing the seed of discord, violence, mistrust and have become an enabler to the atrocities committed unabated by the Fulani.

The Fulani have been empowered by the soldiers who are charged to protect the nation not an ethnic Fulani group. They have been empowered by the government apparatus to forcefully occupy Yorubaland. The Yoruba must act and defend the Yorubaland.

What else do you need to know a failed nation? For a nation who takes pride in settling terrorists N100bn to stop kidnapping, oh mercy, we can only conclude that we have an inept police force, and a failed and inept government.

We need to do better and create prosperity and peace. Without peace, there can be no unity, only chaos and deceptiveness, no development, only looting, destruction, violence, and anarchy.

We need to build strong institutions.

What we have now is an aberration. Let us learn a lesson from the United States of America – democracy prevailed at last and remains strong after the aberration promoted by the former president.

Our history as a nation is nothing but an unrealistic dream with meandering turns and stairs leading to nowhere. It is time we abandoned the journey to nowhere and change our course to a destiny of civilization, hope, progress, unity, justice, and peace.

As it is now, Nigeria is a failed state.

It’s in ruins. Successive political leaders have destroyed what is left of Nigeria’s nationhood.

The starting point of the rebuilding process is to restructure Nigeria.

Restructuring will reduce the tension in the land. Every region will have control over its government and resources.

If this is done, never again will the destiny of the masses be determined by one man in Aso Rock. Peace will reign.

Let us rebuild it together by restructuring Nigeria into six regional autonomous entities or regional autonomous zones, reform the constitution and electoral laws and steer Nigeria on a new path towards unity, equity, progress, justice, and peace. The time for a referendum is now!

Time is ticking away. We must act fast to rebuild the ruins of Nigeria. r1SPG 0OBCBOKP JT UIF 1SFTJEFOU $&0 PG " % ,JOH 'PVOEBUJPO 64" BOE 1SFTJEFOU /JHFSJBO "MMJBODF GPS %FNPDSBDZ

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

EDITORIAL

ELECTIONS AND CRIMINAL CARTELS

Containing the activities of criminal elements will require the active support of critical stakeholders

I

n a television interview last month, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello confirmed what most Nigerians already know: That those who seek public offices in the country employ the services of thugs who eventually become a menace to the larger society.

“When politicians begin to stop the use of thugs, touts, or some other group of criminals, that is when we will begin to have safety and security in our land,” said the governor. He added that because these miscreants are usually dumped when election is over, they had no other options than to become “hydra-headed monsters” in the society. Bello, whose female IF WE WANT TO FIGHT VIOLENT supporters were captured CRIME IN NIGERIA, WE MUST in a trending FIRST BREAK THE NEXUS video canvassing that oppoBETWEEN POLITICIANS AND nents be shot GANG LEADERS THEY USE during his last WHILE SEEKING POWER re-election, of course played the saint.

However, it is important to focus on the message rather than the messenger. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) once carried out a survey which revealed that prices of machetes usually go up before elections and drop immediately after. Which is why it is always laughable when politicians declare their endless ‘wars’ against those felons considering that there is a nexus between do-or-die politics and organised crime in our country. Over the years many violent cults and criminal gangs owed their origins to political campaign organisations. It is also a fact that most of these notorious criminals usually graduate from motor parks to political thuggery before eventually venturing into the more lucrative business of robbery, kidnapping, and banditry.

At all the election periods in Nigeria, wraps of Indian hemp and other related substances are almost always freely distributed among

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

ZAINAB AHMED AND SALE OF FG’S ASSETS

T

he proposed plan by the federal government to sell-off government assets in order to fund the 2021 federal budget has drawn applauses and punches from Nigerians.

Often, economists and national planners look at this type of move purely from the economic advantages to the nation, forgetting the political consequences, which are paramount as well.

To some citizens, the sale of national assets is an emotional issue not only in Nigeria, but the world over. It is an issue that may boomerang politically against a government despite the economic advantages, if the right steps were not taken. The federal government must design an exceptional strategy that addresses potential political and economic implications of the sales and educate the nation and its citizen on the economic imperative to sell-off some of these assets. The government must be ‘politically-correct’ on this issue, despite it being purely an economic matter. The Minister of Finance Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed said on January 22, 2021, that only moribund state assets would be sold. This is the first step in enlightening the citizens on the matter. But how would Zainab reach both the elite and

the waiting ‘army’ of violent men that take over campaign trains, brandishing axes, clubs and other dangerous weapons. When the illustrious ‘guest’ finally arrives the scene, the entire wagon of these street urchins are then herded into vehicles that move to the campaign ground for the usual show of strength with their opponent. Besides, it is not uncommon for an elected governor to beg known criminal gang leaders to restrain their ‘boys’ so that some peace and security could reign in their states. Yet until we smash this evil triad, we cannot successfully deal with the issue of law and order in Nigeria.

But the problem persists because the authorities have been willing collaborators. For instance, there have been several bans on the indiscriminate use of siren, revolving lights, tinted glasses and police supernumerary (SPY) plate numbers by those the police describe as ‘unathorised persons’ in the public and on highways across the country. Suspected criminals continue to hide under the cover of certain official privileges and courtesies to evade police and other security checks.

It is also a notorious fact that majority of these criminal elements who terrorise innocent people are well known to many of our political gladiators. They are also known by many clerics who pray for them before embarking on their nefarious operations. Members of the killer squad set up and funded by influential politicians are equally well known to the law enforcement institutions. Therefore, smashing these gangs of sundry criminal elements in our society will only require the willingness to act on the part of critical stakeholders at all levels.

There have been talks about enacting laws or creating some tribunals for electoral violence but it is a waste of time. If we want to fight violent crime in Nigeria, we must first break the nexus between politicians and gang leaders they use while seeking power. That is where to begin. There are enough laws in the country to deal with this challenge. What has always been lacking is the political will.

the common man at the same time and convince them for full support? Zainab and her team should launch a ‘heavy’ but short-time enlightenment campaign using all the channels of communications to inform Nigerians on the need and advantages of selling moribund national assets. A small committee made up mainly of non-government officials can be engaged to develop objective public communication strategies, which will be all-encompassing, achievable and implementable within a short-time.

Another approach to address the issue is collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. On November 17th, 2020, the Senate Committee on Privatization said that the Senate is not aware of any plan by the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) to sell or concession some national properties to help fund the 2021 budget. The Chairman of the committee, Theodore Orji, disclosed this to the public. He also complained that the relationship between the panel and the BPE has not been cozy. So there is a need for synergy between all concerns.

Research by The World Bank Research Observer pointed out that private ownership alone is no longer argued to automatically generate economic gains

in developing economies; pre-conditions (especially the regulatory infrastructure) and an appropriate process of privatization are important for attaining a positive impact.

Most of Nigeria’s strategies on privatization were mainly those developed in the 1980s and 1990s which are deficient in some issues that have recently come to the fore, especially income distribution and political consideration. So the experts and managers of our economy, including the economic team, should always assess issues from the perspective of local needs, the common man, and his needs. In fact, our economic programmes should be largely homegrown and off-the-shelf approaches that would include the views of laymen, the real local players in the markets, social commentators, academics, farmers, etc. This approach will increase the pool of opinions and local content in our economic strategies. The first step is for the minister to put in place an excellent public communication strategy to enlighten Nigerians on the need and advantages of selling-off moribund national assets. r;BZZBE * .VIBNNBE +JNFUB "EBNBXB 4UBUF

ICE CREAM IS STILL NICE

O

ne of the possibly few positive outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic is the return to a simpler life although it hasn’t rarely been voluntarily.

On the weekend we went to see an Australian film, “Penguin Bloom”, well worth seeing, and we bought an ice-cream cone, a simple pleasure or so I thought.

While waiting for the start of the film I read the information on the side and there were 22 components. This seemed complicated since as a child our grandmother used to make it for us with milk, sugar, cream, vanilla extract and maybe salt. Some of these products were unknown to me although Google tells me that “Maltodextrin” can “improve flavor, thickness, or shelf life” and warns that Colors 102 and 133 are suspected of causing Asthma attacks. I wasn’t sure whether to eat it but decided to take the risk.

I know the world of horse and buggy has gone for most of us, but it was easier, probably safer and certainly less polluting. It seems that most people’s worlds have shrunk recently although balanced by the fact there is more connection with their local neighborhood.

Let’s put out phone away and look for the simple pleasures of life. r %FOOJT 'JU[HFSBME .FMCPVSOF "VTUSBMJB

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TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021 •T H I S D AY

TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021

18

POLITICS

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

Sunday Igboho: Rights Actvist or War Monger?

Suddenly, Sunday Adeyemo, better known as, Sunday Igboho who was arguably known only to his immediate family, friends and associates has shot to national spotlight on account of the recent quit notice which he issued to Fulani herders in Ibarapa area of Oyo State, writes Kemi Olaitan

Makinde

B

efore Thursday, January 13, 2021, little was known about Yoruba actvist, Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo (popularly called Sunday Igboho) even though he has been around for quite some time. Born on October 10, 1972 in Igboho, Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, his hometown after which he is nicknamed, he rose to limelight following his role in the Modakeke-Ife communal crisis in 1997, while defending the Modakeke people.

Much of the information concerning him may be dismisses by analytical minds as myth and fairy tale. Whenever and wherever the name ‘Sunday Igboho’ is mentioned, the impression what readily comes to mind is his perceived metaphysical ability to command a gun from the air, an action many claim to have witnessed in the past. He is dismissed by the discerning as a “thug’, who may be condoned for his nuisance value. Igboho, however, has an elevated opinion of himself. He does not see himself as a troublemaker, but rather a human rights activist who is ready at any time to fight for his people and against injustice.

Speaking on this, he once said, “People just shout Sunday Igboho, Sunday Igboho — Who can say he saw me in a public fight? Who can say he has seen me cheat or oppress people?

If you hit my car, I tell you to go because if I did anything untoward, people would say I was oppressing such a person because of my personality.”

It was in fighting injustce that he did the unusual on January 14 when he stormed Igangan in Ibarapa area of Oyo State, where insecurity had become the order of the day. He went to the Fulani colony in the community where he accused the Seriki Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir of conniving with Fulani herders to commit atrocities in the area. Adeyemo subsequently issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Seriki and those he described as criminal herders to quit not only the community but the entrire Ibarapaland.

For Adeyemo, the increasing spate of killings and kidnappings of the residents of Oke Ogun and Ibarapa is the handiwork of herders. To checkmate these criminal activities, it became necessary to issue a strong warning in the form of a seven-day ultimatum.

Adeyemo in a video that went viral on social media told the Seriki, “Alhaji, I am here to tell you that we are not pleased with the way your people are killing our people. I cannot continue to fold my arms when your people are killing my people. We hereby give you seven days to leave this place.

“What you have done in Yoruba land is enough, go back to your North. If you claim stubbornness and stay, you will have yourself

Adeyemo

to blame. I respect you by coming here to notify you but if you don’t respect yourself and decide to stay, you will see.”

This action of his suddenly led to his fame soaring as he immediately hit the national and the world scene. While his action received accolades from many quarters in Yorubaland and the Diaspora turning him into a hero of the race, Governor Seyi Makinde kicked against the ultimatum issued to the Fulani herders.

He accused Adeyemo of stoking the embers of ethnic crisis.

Makinde in a statewide broadcast said, “ The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which I swore to defend and protect, guarantees freedom of movement in Section 41(1), such that citizens are free to reside in any part of the country without fear. We are determined to preserve that right in Oyo state.”

But despite the warning by the governor, Adeyemo returned back to Igangan last Friday with a mammoth crowd welcoming him to the Town Hall in the community where he addressed them. The visit led to clash between some Yoruba youths and Fulanis in the community with the house of the Seriki burnt and lives allegedly lost.

The Convener of Igangan Development Advocates (IDA), Mr Oladiran Oladokun, in throwing his weight behind him, said the people needed somebody who would remove the burden of their oppressors from their necks and Adeyemo offered to do that with what he did. He said, “For years, farm plundering was their full-time business, growing audaciously in bounds even as Seriki Saliu ensured no

Ladoja

Fulani was prosecuted for offences they were caught committing.

“With no disciplinary measures ever meted to the feared Fulani herdsmen, their audacity has grown from just grazing upon the sweat of Ibarapa farmers to maiming and lynching any farmer who dares to raise a voice. Igangan and Ibarapaland are a peaceful place where the Fulani culture of undue exploitation under the draconian reign of their kingpins became cancerous. No one was spared that was why everyone was there when Sunday Igboho responded to our cry.”

Foray in Oyo politics Adeyemo was involved in the dirty politics between the late political leader, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, and former Oyo State governor, Senator Rasheed Ladoja whom he supported and acted as his bodyguard throughout the tussle and also led his camp in the violence that occurred then. Ladoja was illegally impeached as Oyo governor in 2006 due to a political disagreement he had with the late Adedibu but was later reinstated after 11 months through a court order.

Explaining his role during the period, he said, “By nature, I’m a gentleman, but I hate cheating and injustice. I have my supporters who are loyal to me and who also believe in me, just as I believe in Ladoja and I was also loyal to him. Me and my supporters, who some people like to describe as Sunday Igboho boys, decided to fight the injustice against Ladoja.

“By nature, I’m not violent, but when the other party is not only being violent, but also being openly supported by ex-President

It was in fighting injustce that he did the unusual on January 14 when he stormed Igangan in Ibarapa area of Oyo State, where insecurity had become the order of the day. He went to the Fulani colony in the community where he accused the Seriki Fulani of Oyo State, Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadir of conniving with Fulani herders to commit atrocities in the area. Adeyemo subsequently issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Seriki and those he described as criminal herders to quit not only the community but the entrire Ibarapaland. For Adeyemo, the increasing spate of killings and kidnappings of the residents of Oke Ogun and Ibarapa is the handiwork of herders

Obasanjo, to the extent of even using police against Ladoja and his political interests, we had no choice than to fight back. When we decided to fight back, people now said Sunday Igboho and his boys were violent. When you give me a dirty slap, do you expect me to turn the other cheek to you or to run away?

God forbid, I always fight for my right and I’m fearless and bold.”

Adeyemo has also at different times been accused of land grabbing, using armed thugs against original owners of the land. But he has also defended himself with the arguments that he only fights on land matters when he is invited to do so as part of his job entails helping people reclaim their grabbed land and ensure that it goes back to the rightful owner. This profile fits his assumed title, “Akoni Oodua”, which means Warrior of Yorubaland.

He said, “Those who follow me are like my younger brothers and none of them can do anything unlawful. But the problem is most thugs and misguided youths cause trouble in my name. They do bad things and claim to be Sunday Igboho boys. I have never seen these people before; whenever they are arrested by the police and they are asked whether they can identify me, they then confess that they have never seen me before. I am a lawful person.

Even when someone reports land-grabbers, I will tell people to go and call them and I will warn them to release the lands to their rightful owners.”

Quick Facts About Adeyemo r )F CFDBNF GBNPVT BGUFS UIF QBSU IF QMBZFE in the Modakeke/Ife war between 1997 and 1998, where he was a defendant of Modakeke people. He is therefore a war monger. r )F JT B QPMJUJDJBO BOE CVTJOFTT NBO )F JT the chairman of Adeson International Business Concept Ltd and the Akoni Oodua of Yoruba.

He played a part in the emergence of Makinde as governor of Oyo State. r )F SFMPDBUFE UP *CBEBO BGUFS UIF *GF Modakeke war where he met former Oyo State Governor, Lam Adesina through a courageous step while trying to defend the rights of the people at a fuel station. r )F XPSLFE XJUI GPSNFS (PWFSOPS 3BTIFFE Ladoja and became one of his most trusted aides. r "T UIF "LPOJ 0PEVB PG :PSVCB MBOE IF JT known for fighting for the right of the Yorubas where he possesses metaphysical powers and advocating for the Oduduwa Republic. r "EFZFNP JT B $ISJTUJBO NBSSJFE UP two wives and has children, including three professional footballers playing in Germany. r )F TUBSUFE MJGF BT B NFDIBOJD BOE NPUPSDZDMF repairer.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021

19

POLITICS

APC Govs Consolidate Grip on Party Structure Governors elected on the platfirm of the All Progressives Congress have consolidated their hold on the structure of the ruling party, writes Adedayo Akinwale

Fayemi

Buni

Akeredolu

Uzodinma

W

Political analysts, however, believe that the reconstitution of the party structures will give the president and the governors leverage in deciding how the party’s candidates will emerge ahead of the 2023 general election as they will ensure that only people whose loyalty they can count on emerge as party leaders from ward to national levels.

In spite of the fact that the influence of the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu within the ruling party has been wittled-down, especially with the removal of Oshiomhole and Ibrahim Magu as acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), thought by Tinubu’s rivals to support his cause, but the former Governor of Lagos State shows no sign of slowing down as he continues in his quest to succeed Buhari.

Tinubu’s supporters have swung into action with the launching of his campaign under the banner of ‘South-West Agenda 2023’, with the fitting acronym SWAGA. As Tinubu tries to recover ground, it is equally believed that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, like most politicians from the South-west, is also nursing presidential ambition.

Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, is also a popular contender; who is politically astute and trusted by Buhari.

Even though, it was gathered that the governors have all but agreed that one of them will succeed Buhari, they have not been able to zero down on who the successor might be.

While the South-east are insisting on producing the next president, none of the politicians from the South-east has openly declared his interest yet, unlike what is being witnessed now from the politicians from the South-west.

The Presidential ambition of former Governor of Imo state, Sen. Rochas Okorocha is not hidden. He is not putting all his

eggs in one basket, while he likes to be the president, the Imo Senator may not say no to a Vice Presidential slot either if power remains in the north.

Moreso, while politicial activities conrinue to gather momentum ahead of 2023 elections, few days after the tenure of the caretaker Committee was extended, Buni said that the amendment of the party’s constitution was more important than the membership registration and revalidation exercise.

Buni who was represented by the Secretary of the party, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, stated at the inauguration of state chairmen of the party said: “Apart from the issue of membership registration, there are the outstanding issues of constitutional amendment. This is a matter that is as important as reconstitution of leadership, if not more important. I believe that our capacity to strengthen our rules through constitutional amendment will help us to put all the problems that led to the crisis that brought us to this point behind us. I will therefore invite you to take all the necessary steps to forward recommendations that will enable us to strengthen our rules.”

The proposed amendments to the constitution, it was gathered will prioritise party discipline as well as accountability, and would also take into consideration the use of its discretionary waiver which confers on a new entrant the privileges enjoyed by older members.

Other amendments being considered include a change in nomenclature, membership and number of persons eligible to be on the party’s Board of Trustees.

An Elders’ Council, made up of present and former Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Senate President/ Deputy Senate President as well as former National Chairmen of the legacy parties, who are still members of the APC, it was gathered, will form the nucleus of the council.

A member of the party’s National Execu-

tive Council, who preferred anonimity revealed: “If the changes being proposed scale through, you will see a different APC going forward. We intend to have an Elders’ Council to replace the BoT, which has not even been inaugurated since we formed the party. If it was functional, we probably wouldn’t be having the problems we are having within the party today.”

“There is also this issue of people joining the party’s today and flying the party’s flag tomorrow. We want to put measures in place to discourage people from joining the party solely because they want a platform to contest elections. This is part of our plan to reward loyalty to the party. The use of our discretionary waivers will be strengthened to guard against abuse. It is not something that a national chairman can just wake up and hand out, the process and procedure will be respected.”

After the initial postponement, the caretaker Committee has revealed that it will soon release a detailed timetable for reconstitution of party leadership at all levels after the completion of party’s membership registration/revalidation exercise.

The party said already, the process of membership registration/revalidation has commenced, adding that everything was being done to ensure that party membership would be updated regularly, and membership registration would be a continuous exercise.

It assured that nobody would be disenfranchised and therefore appealed to all members and leaders at all levels to cooperate with the members of the registration/revalidation teams that will work all over the country to conduct the exercise.

The party stated: “Our party’s membership registration/revalidation will be followed by activities for the party’s leadership reconstitution at all levels, from ward, local government, states to national. Ahead of all that, the Caretaker Committee will release a detailed timetable for all activities very soon.

“And ahead of the Congresses and National Convention, competent party leaders will be invited to serve in committees to ensure that the mandate of NEC is achieved before June 30, 2021. Our congresses and National Convention will democratic and transparent. Our goal, in line with our founding vision is to return our party to the membership.

“As a party, we want to assure all our members that our commitment to lead the process of political change in Nigeria is unwavering. Our ability to constantly strengthen the structures of our party is part of our change credentials.

“Other important requirements, which will include the review of our rules and other operational requirements, which are needed to make our party and our elected representatives more accountable to Nigerians will be considered and all the necessary steps required will be taken.”

ith less down 763 days to the 2023 general election, the governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are leaving nothing to chance as they consolidate their grip on the party structure.

The dissolution of organs of the party at the state, zonal and national levels during the party’s emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) held at the State House in Abuja in December 2020, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari was a pointer that the governors are not ready to lose their control of the soul of the party anytime soon.

Despite stiff opposition by some power blocs within the party, the governors who are already in control of the party ensured that the tenure of the party’s Caretaker/ Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee, chaired by Yobe State Governor, Mr. Mai Mala Buni, was extended by six months at the last NEC meeting.

The caretaker committee was raised in June following the dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC), led

by Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, whose suspension plunged the party into a leadership crisis with two factions of the party laying claims to its interim chairmanship.

The caretaker committee was saddled with the task of reconciling factions in the party and organising a national convention that will birth a new party leadership, was given till December 25 to conclude its assignment.

However, just a month after the committee was inaugurated, the committee was alleged to be working towards tenure elomgation, an allegation which was immediately debunked, but later turned out to be true.

But with the dissolution of the party’s structures last December, the President, along with the governors, who form the two major power blocs in the party will play dominant roles in picking candidates to fill the various posts when the structures are being reconstituted.

Briefing journalists after the NEC meeting, one of the governors of the Northern states, along with his counterparts from Imo and Ondo States, Senator Hope Uzodinma and Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, said the committee also directed the immediate reconstitution of the dissolved organs in an acting capacity.

“NEC approved the immediate dissolution of the party’s organs at the polling unit, ward, local government, state and zonal levels as well as the non-National Working Committee component of the National Executive Committee as well as their immediate reconstitution and composition of the dissolved excos to serve in their respective offices in a caretaker committee capacity but excluding the non-NWC members of NEC,” he said.

The governor further explained that the party extended the tenure of the Committee of the party by another six months.

While politicial activities conrinue to gather momentum ahead of 2023 elections, few days after the tenure of the caretaker Committee was extended, Buni said that the amendment of the party’s constitution was more important than the membership registration and revalidation exercise.

Buni who was represented by the Secretary of the party, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, stated at the inauguration of state chairmen of the party said: “Apart from the issue of membership registration, there are the outstanding issues of constitutional amendment. This is a matter that is as important as reconstitution of leadership, if not more important

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

20

FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

Holistic Reformation for the Police Chiemelie Ezeobi, Rebecca Ejifoma and Oluwabunmi Fache, who monitored the recent interview of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, report that aside the critically-needed holistic reformation of the police, other equally important issues like decentralisation of police powers for optimum performance, the EndSARS protest, salary and pension upgrade, standardised training for the police, and need for modern policing equipment, were tackled

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onstitutionally, the primary reasons why the police exist are to serve and protect the citizens and their properties.

Although this is a global practice, same cannot be said to be totally true in Nigeria, as decades of corruption and human rights abuses have polarised the police despite past reformatory attempts by different inspectors general of police.

But despite these partial reforms, over the years, there has been a huge deficit in police relations, management of scarce resources, adherence to basic human rights, equipment acquisition and maintenance, forensic investigation, and manpower.

It is therefore no gainsaying that there is indeed a compelling need for holistic police reform if the force is to be at par with global standards, as well as regain public trust.

Championing these reforms of late is the 20th Inspector General (IG) of Police, Mohammed Adamu. According to him, since assumption of office in 2019, he has championed the cause for better pay for officers and men, modern equipment and even training.

In a recent interview on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, the IG tackled some of these issues including decentralisation of police powers for optimum performance, the EndSARS protest, salary and pension upgrade, standardised training for the police, reforms and need for modern policing equipment.

Inaugural Address When he assumed office, Adamu, in his inaugural address, identified the absence of transparent, knowledgeable, accountable and motivational leadership as the problem of policing in Nigeria, adding that his appointment represents a charge to restore the image of the force.

Speaking after the baton of leadership was officially handed over to him, Adamu said he was determined to combine his national and international policing exposure to bridge the missing link in the Force.

He said: “My appointment represents a call to duty and a charge to restore the dwindling primacy of the Nigeria Police Force within the internal security architecture of our beloved country. All that you desire, from my experience, is a transparent, responsive, motivational, accountable, and knowledgeable leader who will not only treat you with the dignity you deserve in your line of duty, but who is sensitive to your welfare needs and fair in the manner your promotion and other reward regimes are addressed.

The absence of this level of leadership has always been the missing link in policing in Nigeria.

“It is my firm conviction, therefore, that if the quality personnel potentials of the force are blended with purposeful and motivational leadership at strategic levels within the organizational hierarchy of the Force, the lost glory of the Nigeria Police Force which remains a concern to governments at all levels, citizens, human rights groups, the international community and indeed well-meaning officers and men of the force shall be restored.

“With my appointment and assumption of duty, I am determined to draw on my national and international policing

Police IG, Mohammed Adamu

leadership experience to bridge this missing link. I assure you on this day that I will provide the highest possible level of professional and responsible leadership for you while trusting that you shall march hand-in-hand with me as dependable professional colleagues, to advance the fortunes of the force.

“I demand that you henceforth resolve to abstain from conducts that will drag the police into disrepute and put your career in jeopardy, and join me in the common course of changing the narratives of policing in the country for good.“ Journey so Far Giving an update of the journey so far at the ARISE interview, Adamu said upon assumption of office, his first task was the 2019 presidential elections. “When I was appointed as the IG of Police it was at the eve of the 2019 general elections and we were saddled with the responsibility of making sure we provide free, fair and credible election.

And that entailed a lot of things to be done in terms of identifying our officers that we met on ground, whose morale were down, through training and retraining on what is required for them to understand what is required of them for the general elections to be conducted free and fair.

“Then the deployment of the required resources. We sat down, and strategised with INEC staff and also the hardcore staff and collaborating with other security agencies for us to to be able to have a free, fair, and credible elections. That we did successfully. The NGOS and observers that came attested to that.

“Apart from the general elections we met, it was challenging that time. We inherited issues of banditry, kidnapping and activities of again kidnappers along Abuja/Kaduna road. We needed to do something to deal with the situation.

If you remember, Zamfara was like

epicentre of kidnapping and banditry.

Again, a new strategy needed to be out in place to put the situation to order. I had to sit down with the new governor elected. “ I went to Zamfara with my team and had a discussion with the stakeholders there, bought the ethnic groups fighting themselves including the Fulani's and the traditional rulers, and religious leaders. We sat down, and ironed out and identified what the problems were, and resolved to solve them. Collectively, with connective efforts and negotiations we were able to arrest a lot of kidnappers, bandits, some of the bandits surrendered willingly. Kidnapped victims were released. Today, Zamfara is no more the epicentre of kidnapping and banditry.

“Abuja/Kaduna road was also an issue. Again, we had to come up with an operation, Operation Gagwada, where officers were given special training for them to intervene day and night when banditry and kidnapping were prevalent.

Our priority was to clear Abuja/Kaduna road, which we did successfully.”

“Then we moved to another area that was very disturbing in terms of attacks, which is around Binugwari in Kaduna State. There is a place called Kuduru, headquarters of bandits. We had to strategise, got the equipment necessary to fight and got officers that are trained to go and do the fighting. So we entered that forest and dislodged the kidnappers and the extremists there.”

Pay Upgrade Also on ARISE News Channel, Adamu said it was in a bid to boost the morale of police personnel that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the upgrade of police salary structure.

Admitting that the police do not have same salary structure with other federal civil servants, he said: “In terms of the

salary of the personnel, the Nigeria police personnel don't have same salary scale with other staff of the federal civil service.

It is a different structure. Still, it needs improvement. Because of the realisation that for this thing to be better taken care of, get better pay, this government has already given approval for upgrading the salary of police personnel at all level.

“There is a committee now working. In fact, one of my staff got in the meeting on the upgrading of police salary to a better level that every police office will feel proud that when he takes that salary monthly there is no basis of anybody coming to entice him with money to compromise.”

Pension Over the years, one of the welfare challenges that bugged the police was their pension. Like civilians, it was a long road to Golgotha as some even died in the process. Year in, year out, the policemen have been groaning over poor retirement benefits since the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the Pension Reform Act of 2004, a scheme that crippled their rights to be paid after years of dedicating their lives to the service of this nation.

But now, the situation is about to change as police pensioners are also expected to benefit from the president’s gesture. On pension, Adamu also commended the federal government for approving the Police Pension since the one on ground now is not serving retired police officers very well.

He said: “So there is a scheme that is ongoing that police will be completely removed from that scheme to a different scheme which other services are enjoying and getting better pension.

A committee from the office of the SGF and PENCOM for the Nigeria police to get out of that existing pension structure to the new one so that we can have a

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

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FEATURES

Police reform must be holistic

better pension when you leave office.

“For example, in the public service, when the permanent secretary retires, he goes on with the salary he takes as his pension. In other services, people of that level go same way. So why shouldn't it be the same in the police? That is not the case now. But this government is correcting that error. When you reach certain level, you can go home with your salary as your pension.”

Training On training, the police boss said there are many areas that require reform in the police just as he stressed the need for a change in police training curriculum from a regimented system into a more problem-solving curriculum that police officers should know.

Noting that the police colleges have a training curriculum that is out of date with modern policing, he said the police have started the process of changing them to fit modern policing, adding that instead of the regimented type of curriculum that was being thought, the force now has more problem-solving curriculum that police officers should know.

Modern Equipment A workman without tools labours in vain. This can be said of the police. With no provision for work tools (except for their guns and ammunition, a typical policeman buys his uniforms, shoes, and even writing materials to take statements), the force can be said to have been set up to fail.

In some stations, it’s not out of place to see rickety vehicles, derelict houses and even out of date equipment and this was made worse by the recent violence that marked the hijacked #EndSARS protest.

Addressing the need of adequate equipment, Adamu said: “The personnel themselves, the kind of logistics they require for them to police the society requires a modern type of logistics, which are difficult to come by. But gradually, the authority understood the need for modern equipment that is needed for doing policing instead of moving around the streets without firearms in volatile areas and the standard operating procedure for engagement is not commensurate with the level of crime in the society, all those ones needs changing.”

Reforms On reforms, the IG further noted that almost every successive administration in the history of Nigeria tends to come with one police reform or the other, adding that different committees had been set up.

“We had Ahmed Ali committee, we had the MD Yusuf committee; we had Parry Osayande committee on police reforms. Police work within the society, the society is dynamic so the function of the police is also dynamic,” he said. #EndSARS Protest Addressing one of the most trying times faced by the police- the #EndSARS protest, the IG lamented that it was started by fake news over the alleged death of someone, which turned out to be false. He noted that when the viral video started off the protest, he engaged the youths and even human rights organisations, adding that even when the presidency acceded to the demands of the protesters, they refused to leave the streets, which later led to violence.

Lamenting the violence faced by policemen and their stations during the protest, he said “When these people came in multitude, attacking police stations and police property, the expectations of some people were that police should use firearms and kill. You can't kill your people. So police showed maximum restraint, professionalism and made sure that they did not create fatality during the protest.

“The protest was not even on police property alone. Corporate organisations were destroyed, individual houses and businesses were destroyed including media houses; hence, we vowed that never again in the history of this country will we allow such violence to take place.

Let me also correct the impression that policemen were not seen somewhere.

You destroyed the police station that was built within your community to protect lives and properties, where do you want the police officers to be?

“The police officers that neither lost their lives nor got injured moved to the headquarters. They were doing their police duties daily, but within the communities where the stations were destroyed, no place for them to stay. They never for one day abandoned their jobs.

With all that happened, as human beings, the morale of the personnel went down.

I had to go round and reassured them that what they did in dealing with the situation was professional. They saved the country from more anarchy by not being provoked to the extent by using their firearms to kill people. At the end of it, a lot of arrest was made of those who attacked people and vandalised public property. They were taken to court in different states.

“We have arrested and charged to court some of the masterminds of the protests. We are looking for those who are on the run. We have evidence that they sponsored the protest. They masterminded it. We are looking for them to face the music. This is a country that has laws, and the laws must be obeyed. There is no country in the name of peaceful protest will cause violence and you say you will go free. It is never done. “ Addressing the issue of compensation for police families who lost their loved ones on active duty, Adamu said: “For most officers that lost their lives or were injured, we have a system in place for compensation. The federal government put in place some processes for their compensation. Some state governments have also taken it upon themselves to compensate them and their families.

“On our own part, we motivated those who were injured and those that died by promoting them to a higher rank so that they feel encouraged to do more.

These are people that didn't abandon their duty post; they stayed and tried to protect their police stations. Although they were overwhelmed, they survived and needed to be compensated.”

Decentralisation of Powers As part of the several reforms contained in the Police Act 2020 to revitalise the law enforcement agency to tackle the nation’s security challenges, Adamu said decentralisation of the police came to being. According to him, Commissioners of Police (CPs) in state commands and divisional police officers (DPOs) have been invested with more powers in discharging their responsibilities.

Adamu revealed that implementation has begun already in the 36 states of the country, adding that commissioners of police manning those states do not need his approval before taking decisions in their areas of responsibility (AOR).

He further stated that the areas the CPs take charge are not limited to administrative duties but extends to and criminality and maintaining law and order.

According to the IG, state commissioners of police do not need to get approvals from his office or the office of the Assistant-inspector general of police in charge of the zone before taking decisions in their states.

“The decision-making structure in the police needs to be decentralised. Not everything should come to the commissioner of police for a decision to take. Not everything should come to the Assistant-inspector general in the zone a decision to take and not everything should come to the Inspector-general for the IG to make a decision. Decision must be decentralised.

“And so in reforming the police, we believe and we’ve started implementing it, that the structure we have, yes we have one Inspector-general of police but in every state command we have Commissioners of police who are in charge of that state and the state has a government with a governor.

“So the commissioner of police responsibilities and area of jurisdiction and powers stay within that state and is to work with the governor and implement policies of government of that state in areas of crime and criminality and law and order. He doesn’t need to refer to the Inspector-general for any decision to be taken. The Commissioner of police must have the ability to take the decision himself.

“The same thing with the DPO (Divisional Police Officer) at a local government area. There’s a local government authority there with the chairman of the local government and his council, the DPO is part of the council. So any matters on security, crime and criminality discussed within the local government must be implemented there, the DPO must take decision without waiting for the commissioner of police to tell him what to do.”

Summarily, the IG, while speaking on police relationship with the general public, said policing the society is not to cause hardship for people, but to serve them- a crucial factor that should be indoctrinated in both officers and men if the much touted police reform would work.

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TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021 •T H I S D AY

LAWYER

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WEEKLY PULLOUT

US President, Joe Biden Jnr

The Biden Presidency: A New Dawn for USA

26.01.2021

2/DASHBOARD

26.01.2021

LAWYER

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

26.01.2021

US President, Joe Biden Jnr

Limitation Bar: Applicability to Payment of Pension and Other Terminal Benefits PAGE 4

IBA President Congratulates President Joe Biden PAGE 5

The Biden Presidency: A New Dawn for USA QUOTABLES ‘We agree that we have a critical situation on our hands currently, with the increasing number of cases being recorded. However, we have made a lot of progress since Nigeria’s first Covid-19 case was recorded in February, 2020. We have activated nearly 120 laboratories.....We have significantly ramped up our testing capacity and case management.’ - Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Professor of Law, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

‘Our courts have played a very controversial role in elections. For example, we can look into the elections of the Governor of Imo State......Osun State, amongst many. The courts have replaced the people as the electorate, which is frankly, unconstitutional, and it is wrong.’ - Professor Fidelis Oditah QC, SAN

Former AGF Abdullahi Ibrahim SAN Passes On PAGE 5

Evans Denies All Criminal Allegations in Open Court PAGE 5

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26.01.2021

Issues in Akeredolu’s ‘Ultimatum’ Governor Akeredolu’s ‘Ultimatum’ When I heard that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, had issued an ultimatum for all Fulani Herders/Herders to leave Ondo State, I thought it sounded bizarre, because like any other Lawyer, let alone a Senior Advocate, he is well aware of of Sections 41(1) & 43 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution) which guarantee our right to freedom of movement and acquisition of immovable property anywhere within Nigeria. I knew that he couldn’t have made such an obvious and basic error. Not like some Northern Youths and their “Kaduna Declaration” of 2017, in which they issued an ultimatum for all Igbos to vacate Northern Nigeria by a particular date, or face reprisals; or those who have sought to expel Bishop Kukah from Sokoto, because of his Christmas Day Message.

Be that as it may, the freedom of movement guaranteed by Section 41(1) of the Constitution, is limited by the provisions of Section 45 (1)(a) & (b) in the interest of defence, public safety, public order or public health; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of others, respectively.

However, it seems that a law is required, if such freedom of movement is to be derogated from, whatever the interest it may be in.

Subsequent news reports revealed that the allegations levelled against Governor Akeredolu were somewhat false, as it seems that the Governor had only issued an ultimatum for occupants of the forest reserves to vacate same within seven days; or to register with the State Government within seven days, failing which they should vacate the forest reserves (‘the Ultimatum’). They were never asked to leave the State.

My first submission is that, the issue of the Governor breaching anybody's right to freedom of movement, does not particularly arise in this circumstance (as is being peddled by some), because from the look of the Ondo State Government's statement, those who register with the Government may not be required to vacate the forest reserves, and in any event, vacating the forest reserves does not translate to expulsion from Ondo State. And, even if Governor Akeredolu, as the Chief Security Officer of his State, did decide to evict everybody from the forest reserves in the interest of public safety, public order and protecting the rights and freedoms of the people of Ondo State, since the forest reserves have been identified as the principal centre of criminal activities in his State, like murder and kidnapping, once the eviction is supported by a law enacted by the Ondo State House of Assembly to that effect, or that the forests reserves can only be occupied by those with a licence from the State Government, Governor Akeredolu will be within his rights.

The question which first comes to mind, is whether the occupants of the forest reserves have the legal right to be there grazing their livestock in the first place, and if evicting them from there can then amount to an infringement of their right to freedom of movement, if they have no right to be there ab initio. In this regard, issues of trespass which I will address below, must also be considered.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu

Much More than Ethnic/Tribal Sentiments I support the Governor’s initiative, because this is an extremely serious matter bordering on the security and welfare of the people of Ondo State, the people of the South West, and indeed, all Nigerians, the protection of whom is the primary purpose of the Ondo State Government, and the Federal Government of Nigeria (Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution). And, it must be treated as such, instead of being trivialised and reduced to ethnic, religious or tribal sentiments, as we have a habit of reducing everything in Nigeria to. Should the Governor fold his arms until the situation in his State deteriorates to that of Borno State and the North East? I think not. And anybody who expects Governor Akeredolu to sit around pussyfooting while things are rapidly spiralling out of control, in order to be politically correct, I apologise on the Governor’s behalf for whoever’s sensibilities have been hurt. But, the truth is that, he will be failing in his duty, if drastic steps are not taken to stem this tide of violence and criminality forthwith.

I do agree that it is wrong and somehow derogatory to stereotype any tribe as being criminals, since there are criminals from all tribes. Are all Yorubas and ‘Bendelites’ armed robbers because two of the most notorious armed robbers in Nigeria, Dr Ishola Oyenusi (Dr of Armed Robbery) and Lawrence Anini are from their tribes? Are all Igbos kidnappers, fraudsters or drug barons because some of the most notorious ones are from their tribe? NO. Similarly, all Herders/Fulani Herdsmen cannot be labelled as kidnappers, murders or rapists because of the bad eggs within their tribe. My point? Just as there may be criminals/criminals masking as Herdsmen operating within the confines of the Ondo State forest reserves, so also will there be many non-criminals simply trying to eke out an honest living. I would imagine that it may be in recognition of this fact, that Governor Akeredolu may also have directed that the occupants of the forest reserves register or be licensed, in order to separate the wheat from the chaff, the good from the bad.

Has the Governor done wrong in trying to keep track of the occupants of his forest reserves, if that will assist in curbing criminality in his State and protecting his people? Is it too much to ask the occupants of the forest reserves to register their presence with the State Government? Will the registration exercise also not be beneficial and a good protective measure for the Herdsmen who are in the forest reserves truly grazing their livestock, and are not involved in any type of criminality?

The Law and Matters Arising Section 1 of the Land Use Act 1978 (LUA) vests all land within the territory of each State in the Governor of that State, to hold in trust and for the benefit of all Nigerians. Though there have been many allegations that some of the Herdsmen who are responsible for the violence and mayhem that we have seen in several parts of the country are not Nigerians, for the purpose of this discourse, I’m referring to Nigerians. Ergo, my second submission is that the Governor of Ondo State holds the land within his State for the benefit of all Nigerians, including Nigerian Herdsmen.

The forest reserves are probably under the control and management of the Local Government that covers the area in which the forest reserves are located (Section 2(1)(b) of the LUA), as they cannot be located in urban areas and therefore, qualify as non-urban "other lands". Section 6(1)(b) of the LUA empowers Local Governments to grant customary rights of occupancy to any person or organisation, inter alia, "for the use of land for grazing purposes". Section 2(2) of the LUA however, makes the consent of the Governor mandatory, if the Local Government grants a customary right of occupancy over land measuring 5000 hectares or more, for grazing purposes.

A pertinent question to ask at this juncture, is whether any of the Local Governments in Ondo State granted the Herdsmen customary rights of occupancy in respect of the forest reserves they occupy, or whether they are simply illegal occupants/ trespassers or there at the Governor’s pleasure.

What is the arrangement, if any, between the Herders and the Ondo State Government? My third submission is that, if the Herders do not possess any customary right of occupancy, nor are they there with the consent of the Governor, they could be described as trespassers.

Trespass Trespass is the unlawful or unauthorised entry into the land of another, or remaining on the land or placing something on the land, in this case, grazing cattle - ‘quare clausum fregit’ (‘breaking the close’ of someone’s land - be it the land of an owner or one who is in lawful possession). See the case of Mr Onagoruwa v Mrs Akinremi & 2 Ors 2001 13 N.W.L.R. Part 729 Page 38 where the Supreme Court held that it is a continuing tort of trespass for a person to remain in another’s land, without the person’s authority or consent. In Yekini Adedokun Oyadare v Chief Olajire Keji 2005 1 S.C. Part 1 Page 1 the principle that a true owner of a land or one in rightful possession can disturb the possession of a trespasser, was also restated.

It is also trite law that, even if a person entered another’s property lawfully or with consent, and subsequently abuses that privilege, he/she becomes a trespasser ab initio, so that his/her abuse essentially relates back and makes the initial entry trespass. See the case of Ajibade v Pedro 1992 5 N.W.L.R. Part 241 Page 257. This means that even if some of those who entered the forest reserves did so with the consent of Ondo State Government, and later turned to any kind of criminal activity, the criminal activity relates back and makes their initial entry into the forest reserves, trespass. Additionally, trespass is about possession, not necessarily about title; therefore, “exclusive possession by a trespasser is good against the whole world, except the person who can show better title” (in this case, Ondo State Government has title/better title) - Ufomba v Ahuchaogu 2003 8 N.W.L.R. Part 821 Page 130 at 148 per Ogundare JSC. In other words, the Herdsmen’s possession of the forest reserves, cannot be good against the title of the Ondo State Government.

Legal Options My point? whichever way you choose to look at the situation, Governor Akeredolu is covered, and is acting within the ambit of the law. Nigeria is purportedly a Federation, and unless the land is described as Federal land, it belongs to the State in which it is located. Therefore, the Federal Government does not really have a say in this matter; Governor Akeredolu, on the other hand, does! So, if he evicts the occupants from the forest reserves in the interest of public safety, public order and so on, once it is done in accordance with provisions of Section 45 of the Constitution, it will be difficult to fault him.

Similarly, if the occupants of the forest reserves are not there lawfully, that is, if they are trespassers, the Governor can also institute proceedings to evict them.

The now famous judgement of Justice Adewale Thompson in Suit No. AB/26/66 (which to the best of our knowledge has not been overturned by a higher court and therefore, remains a precedent on this issue), which banned open grazing in 1969, ordering cattle herders to fence and ranch their animals in the interest of peace and tranquillity, also works in Governor Akeredolu’s favour. It seems that in any event, the Governor has taken a cue from Benue State, and also banned night grazing.

Conclusion I align myself with part of the statement of the

“THE ISSUES BETWEEN THE ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE HERDSMEN CAN BE RESOLVED AMICABLY WITH DIALOGUE AND UNDERSTANDING, NOT BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PRESIDENCY SEEKING TO WHIP UP FUTILE ETHNIC OR TRIBAL SENTIMENTS, GRANDSTANDING AND SPREADING BILE”

Director General of Progressive Governors Forum, Dr Salihu Lukman, who called for caution in the misinterpretation of the Ultimatum. I agree with him that the utterances of the Presidential Spokesman has activated divisive politics in the country, which is far from what Nigeria needs presently. What we are in dire need of, is nationwide security, without which there cannot be much progress for us as a country, let alone one that attracts FDI (foreign direct investment), as Insecurity and FDI are like oil and water - they do not mix; they are antithetical.

My advice? (whether you want it or not!) The occupants should submit themselves to the Ondo State Government’s registration exercise. It’s a small price to pay, in order to enjoy the benefits of the forest reserves, if that is what is required of them.

Support Governor Akeredolu, Governor Zulum and all others, who seek to make our country a safer place for us all to live peacefully in.

The issues between the Ondo State Government and the Herdsmen can be resolved amicably with dialogue and understanding, not by representatives of the Presidency seeking to whip up futile ethnic or tribal sentiments, grandstanding and spreading bile. Nothing riles people more than when they are given the impression that a group of people are more special than others, in a country where the Constitution provides that equality and fairness must be promoted (Section 42(1)(b) of the Constitution). No one, whether Fulani, Igbo, Hausa, Bini, Yoruba or Efik Herdsmen, is above the law (or below it). If members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association have nothing to do with the criminality and banditry that has pervaded Ondo State, surely, they should be happy to cooperate with Governor Akeredolu to restore peace and tranquillity to the area.

My dear colleagues, please, share your thoughts on this matter which affects us all.

4/LAW REPORT

Limitation Bar: Applicability to Payment of Pension and Other Terminal Benefits Facts The Appellant was an employee of the Respondent until his employment was terminated by a letter of termination dated 26th April, 2000, on the ground that “his service no longer required”. Consequently upon this, the Respondent filed an action against the Respondent at the Federal High Court. By the Originating Summons dated 9th July, 2003, he sought an order of court compelling the Respondent to pay his pension and medical benefits, following the termination of his employment.

The Respondent filed a Preliminary Objection challenging the competence of the suit, on the ground that the action was statute barred by virtue of Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act. The trial court delivered its ruling on the Preliminary Objection, holding that the action was not caught by Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act as it was an action bordering on right to pension and other benefits which were not limited by the said Act. The Preliminary Objection was thus, dismissed.

Dissatisfied, the Respondent filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal, which court allowed the appeal. The Appellant therefore, appealed the decision of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court.

Issue for Determination The Appellant formulated three issues for determination.

The Respondent also formulated three similar issues for determination. In its determination of the appeal, the Supreme Court subsumed the issues formulated by the parties into one issue thus: Whether the terminal benefits of the Appellant are subject to Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act, 2004.

Arguments Counsel for the Appellant argued that the Appellant’s cause of action and his consequential right to sue the Respondent for his terminal benefits were not caught/ limited by Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act, 2004, as the injury occasioned by the Respondent’s neglect to pay the Appellant his pension and medical benefits, was a continuing one.

Conversely, counsel for the Respondent argued that the Appellant’s cause of action accrued on 26th April, 2000, the date the Appellant’s appointment was terminated by the Respondent, and that the Appellant’s action was statute barred by reason of the Appellant’s failure to bring the action within twelve months of that date, as provided in Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act. Court’s Judgement and Rationale The Apex Court reproduced the provisions of Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act, 2004 which provides that “Notwithstanding anything in any other enactment, no suit against the Corporation, a member of the Board or any employees of the Corporation for any act done in pursuance or execution of any enactment or law, or of any public duties or authority, or in respect of any alleged neglect or default in the execution of such enactment or law, duties or authority, shall lie or be instituted in any court, unless it is commenced within twelve months next after the act, neglect or default complained of or, in the case of a continuance of damage or injury, within twelve months next after the ceasing thereof”.

The Court held that although Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act puts a bar on the time within which an action can be instituted against the Respondent Corporation for a completed act; the same Section however, recognised an exception; which is where the injury is a continuing one. Where the injury is continuous, the continuance of the damage or injury constitutes an exception to the general rule regarding time bar, thus, where there has been a continuance of the damage, a fresh cause of action arises from time to time, as often as damage is caused.

Reliance was placed on INEC v OGADIGBO LOCAL GOVERNMENT & ORS (2015) LPELR – 24839 (SC); OBIEFUNA v OKOYE (1961) All NLR 357 at 360; NNPC v NWODO & ORS (2018) LPELR–45872 (CA) and OLAOSEBIKAN v WILLIAMS (1996) 5 NWLR (Pt. 449) 437 at 456-457 D-H. The Court held that the completed act which could have been caught by the limitation bar under Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act, was the termination of the Appellant’s employment on 26th April, 2000, over which the Appellant’s right to sue the Respondent expired and abated in the following 12 months, in April 2001.

The continuance of the “neglect or default complained

Honourable Uwani Musa Abba Aji, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 5th day of June, 2020 Before Their Lordships

Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta Olukayode Ariwoola John Inyang Okoro Amina Adamu Augie Uwani Musa Abba Aji SC.103/2007 Between ABUBAKAR ABDULRAHMAN And NIGERIAN NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION

APPELLANT

RESPONDENT

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Uwani Musa Abba Aji, JSC)

“......ALTHOUGH SECTION 12(1) OF THE NNPC ACT PUTS A BAR ON THE TIME WITHIN WHICH AN ACTION CAN BE INSTITUTED AGAINST THE RESPONDENT CORPORATION FOR A COMPLETED ACT; THE SAME SECTION, HOWEVER, RECOGNISED AN EXCEPTION; WHICH IS WHERE THE INJURY IS A CONTINUING ONE.....A FRESH CAUSE OF ACTION ARISES WHENEVER THE RESPONDENT NEGLECTS OR DEFAULTS TO PAY THE APPELLANT HIS PENSION AND MEDICAL BENEFITS”

of or, in the case of a continuance of damage or injury” to pay the Appellant his pension and medical benefits, constituted an exception to the general rule of Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act. From the Appellant’s statement of facts, it could be deduced that the pension, which was the Appellant’s claim and which was the basis of the appeal, is recurrent in nature and fell due for payment to the Appellant every month. Hence, a fresh cause of action arises whenever the Respondent neglects or defaults to pay the Appellant his pension and medical benefits, same being his terminal benefits. Such default on the part of the Respondent constitutes continuous injury to the Appellant, and thereby brings his grievance within the exception to the general rule in Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act. Furthermore, on the inapplicability of Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act and subsistence of the right of the Appellant to pension and medical care as provided in the Respondent’s Conditions of Service, the Court approved the decision of the Court of Appeal, per Obaseki-Adejumo J.C.A. in UGBECHE v NNPC (2016) LPELR-42033 (CA) in which His Lordship held that: “Section 173 of the 1999 Constitution relates to the protection of pension rights….Section 210(1) and (2) provides… simply that pension or gratuity should not be withheld under any circumstance, thus the permission of Section 2(a) of the Public Officers Protection Act will not be applicable to the claims of the Appellants.

It is inhumane and wicked for a retiree or pensioner to be denied his pension or gratuity when he ought to enjoy same, and when he ought to be enjoying the fruit of his labour. The 1999 Constitution vide Section 210 is to the effect that, pension or gratuity shall never be withheld under any guise or condition that is not clearly stipulated”.

The Court laid particular emphasis on the part of the decision where the Court of Appeal held that: “The Appellant’s claim herein is a claim bordering on terminal benefits, to wit, pension and gratuity… “Pension is a serious matter. It is designed to cushion the retiree from the hardship of life in retirement, and to also serve as a reward for the retiree’s past meritorious service to the employer. I am therefore, of the firm view that the decision of this court in POPOOLA & ORS v A-G, KWARA STATE & ORS is applicable to the instant appeal, to the extent that in so far at the Appellant’s claim as reproduced above relates to pension and gratuity, Section 12(1) of the NNPC Act cannot apply to bar the Appellant from instituting an action on the ground that same is statute barred. In this regard, Section 12(1) appears to be inconsistent with Section 173 of the 1999 Constitution which safeguards every citizen’s pension and gratuity rights.”

Relying on its decision in NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY v CONSTUZIONI GENERALI FARSURA COGEFAR SPA & ANOR. (1974) 1 All NLR (Pt. 2) 463, the Apex Court held that since the suit or relief sought by the Appellant was not against the termination of his employment, which suit or right would have abated 12 months after the termination of his employment on 26/4/2000, that is since 26/4/2001; the right to pension and medical benefits having been earned and owed as contained in the Respondent’s Conditions of Service, the action cannot be said to be statute barred.

At the date of the termination of the Appellant’s appointment, there was no breach of the Respondent’s obligation to pay pension to the Appellant; hence, the cause of action could not have accrued on that date, as the Appellant had not suffered any injury giving him the right to seek redress in court. The termination of the Appellant’s appointment was not the cause of action, but the neglect, default and failure of the Respondent to honour its obligation to pay pension to the Appellant.

Appeal Allowed.

Representation A. Manta, Esq. for the Appellant.

Paul Usoro, SAN, Nnamonso Ekanem, SAN with Ime Edem-Nse for the Respondent.

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

26.01.2021

NEWS/5

IBA President Congratulates President Joe Biden The President of the International Bar Association (IBA) last Thursday, congratulated the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden on his inauguration.

In a letter signed by the IBA President, Sternford Moyo, he said ‘On behalf of the International Bar Association, I congratulate Joseph R Biden Jr on his inauguration as the 46th President RI WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV DQG ORRN forward to the restoration of a multilateral model of LQWHUQDWLRQDO DͿDLUV ‘As the global voice of the OHJDO SURIHVVLRQ WKH ,%$ ZRUNV to ensure global stability and peace, through the administration of justice and support of the rule of law. In this respect, we ORRN IRUZDUG WR WKH %LGHQ $Gministration promoting the rule of law and championing human rights as main centrepieces of US foreign policy, as well as consigning coddling and praise

US President, Joe Biden Jnr

of authoritarian governments to the past.

‘We fervently hope that President Biden will restore

US alliances, a global strategy DQG $PHULFD·V FUHGLELOLW\ E\ securing a foundation for an open-minded rules based in-

Former AGF Abdullahi Ibrahim SAN Passes On A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and former Chairman of Body of Benchers, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN is dead.

In a statement from a partner LQ KLV ODZ ÀUP ,EUDKLP SDVVHG on Sunday afternoon.

“He died this afternoon.”

Alhaji Ibrahim is suspected to have died in Abuja from heart complications.

Ibrahim was a Commissioner, International Boundary, National Boundary Commission from 2000 to 2006. He was a member of the Nigerian team that successfully negotiated the Maritime Boundary Treaty between Nigeria and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, and also the Unitisation $JUHHPHQW RI WKH =DÀUR (NDQJD RLO ÀHOGV +H ZDV 1LJHULD·V $JHQW and later Co-Agent in the dispute between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Cameroon at the International Court of Justice, the Hague Netherlands. He also led the Nigerian delegation to the United Nations Conference on the establishment of the International Criminal Court.

He was called to the English Bar in 1963 where he practiced in chambers for a while, before returning to Nigeria. He was later called to the Nigerian Bar in 1964. +H ZDV DW GLͿHUHQW WLPHV /HJDO

Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, SAN Adviser at the then Ministry of Finance, Northern Nigeria and New Nigeria Development &RPSDQ\ D RQH WLPH 6HQLRU State Counsel and head of Prosecutions at the Ministry RI -XVWLFH .DQR 6WDWH $OKDML Abdullahi Ibrahim has since 1973 remained in active private legal practice.

He was admitted into the Inner Bar as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1982. He is D 1RWDU\ 3XEOLF D /LIH 0HPEHU of the Body of Benchers and ZDV WKH %RG\·V 9LFH &KDLUPDQ and Chairman between 1999 and 2001. He was a member of the National Judicial Council

1-& EHWZHHQ DQG &KDLUPDQ /HJDO 3UDFWLWLRQHUV· Disciplinary Committee between 2001 and 2006 and DOVR &KDLUPDQ /HJDO $LG Council from 1990 to 1994.

He was a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria (FCIArb) and a Member of the Chartered Institute of $UELWUDWRUV 8.

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he was also a Fellow of the ,QVWLWXWH RI $GYDQFHG /HJDO 6WXGLHV 1LJHULD ),1$/6

Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim served the nation at various times in several capacities as Commissioner for Education in the old Kwara State, Nigeria, Federal Minister of Education, 6FLHQFH DQG 7HFKQRORJ\ 0LQister of Transport and Aviation and as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim ZDV &KDLUPDQ 1LJHULDQ 6WRFN Exchange, Kaduna Branch and as a member of the National 6WRFN ([FKDQJH KH ZDV WKH ÀUVW Vice President of the Nigerian 6WRFN ([FKDQJH LQ +H ZDV Chairman, Nigerian Institute of ,QWHUQDWLRQDO $ͿDLUV IURP to 1994, and also Chairman of New Nigeria Development Company between 1992 and 1998.

Bookseller Imprisoned for Pirating Copies of the Bible The Federal High Court, Uyo, $NZD ,ERP 6WDWH KDV VHQWHQFHG a trader, Mr. Chinonso UgoFKXNZX WR RQH \HDU LPSULVRQment for pirating the Holy Bible DQG RWKHU ERRNV 8JRFKXNZX was found guilty on two-count charge, bordering "on pirating, EHLQJ LQ SRVVHVVLRQ DQG RͿHULQJ for sale, 578 copies of various OLWHUDU\ ZRUNV LQFOXGLQJ WKH Holy Bible (Revised Standard version)".

A witness, Martins Umoh, D VWDͿ RI 1LJHULD &RS\ULJKW Commission (NCC) told the Court presided over by Justice F.O. Riman, that the Commission received complaints from copyright owners including the

Bible Society of Nigeria, alleging WKDW WKHLU OLWHUDU\ ZRUNV ZHUH being pirated. As a result, they HPEDUNHG RQ D VHDUFK LQ VHYHUDO local government areas of the State, and that it was during the search that several copies RI SLUDWHG OLWHUDU\ ZRUNV ZHUH IRXQG LQ 8JRFKXNZX V VKRS located at No 17 Grace Bill 5RDG (NHW LQ $NZD ,ERP 6WDWH Also testifying during the trial, D VWDͿ RI WKH %LEOH 6RFLHW\ RI 1LJHULD 2OXZDIHPL $NLQGHOH WROG WKH &RXUW WKDW KLV R΀FH translates the Holy Bible, typesets it and sources for funds to publish it. He said that they observed that while the products were everywhere

LQ WKH PDUNHW LW QHYHU UHÁHFWHG LQ LWV R΀FLDO %LEOH GLVWULEXWLRQ ÀJXUHV $FFRUGLQJ WR KLP WKDW was when they observed that most of the products in the PDUNHW ZHUH SLUDWHG FRSLHV and made formal complaints to NCC which led to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of 8JRFKXNZX 7KH RͿHQFH FRQWUDYHQHV 6HFtion 20(2)(c) of the Copyright $FW &DS & /DZV RI WKH )HGeration of Nigeria which attracts one year imprisonment. The Judge also gave the convicted person, an option of N30,000 ÀQH DQG WR FRPSXOVRULO\ IRUIHLW the recovered materials to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

ternational order, and solidarity ZLWK OLNH PLQGHG GHPRFUDFLHV ¶)XUWKHUPRUH ZH ORRN IRUward to America reengaging

with the global trading system, abandoning trade wars and DWWDFNV RQ WKH :RUOG 7UDGH Organisation (WTO).

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American membership of the WHO is vital for a collaborative international response to Covid-19 and any future pandemics.

‘As the other urgent challenge of climate change has been side-lined in recent times, it is heartening that President Biden has committed America WR RQFH DJDLQ WDNLQJ ¶D OHDGLQJ UROH LQ WKH ÀJKW DJDLQVW FOLPDWH FKDQJH· :H ZHOFRPH KLV pledged immediate re-joining of the Paris Agreement, and HPEUDFH WKH JOREDO HͿRUW to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

¶,Q WKH ZHHNV DKHDG ZH hope that President Biden will also overturn Executive Order 13928 – the addition of the ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &ULPLQDO &RXUW·V Prosecutor and personnel to the ‘Specially Designated Nationals DQG %ORFNHG 3HUVRQV /LVW· D move which the IBA roundly condemned. Furthermore, in the interests of international justice, we are hopeful that 3UHVLGHQW %LGHQ·V DGPLQLVtration will provide greater support to the Court.

‘Undoubtedly, the world expects much of the new Biden Administration. The FKDOOHQJHV DUH VWDUN GDXQWLQJ and immense. However, with D /DZ\HU ZLWK JUHDW GHFRUXP at the helm, placing the rule of law, diversity and equality at WKH FHQWUH RI GHFLVLRQ PDNLQJ we are optimistic. The IBA wishes President Biden, VicePresident Kamala Harris and WKH HQWLUH WHDP WKH YHU\ EHVW· Moyo said.

Evans Denies All Criminal Allegations in Open Court Peter Taiwo .LGQDS NLQJSLQ &KXNZXGLPHPH 2QZXDPDGLNH DOLDV Evans, has denied all criminal DOOHJDWLRQV RI NLGQDSSLQJ against him by the State of /DJRV ZKLOH LQVLVWLQJ WKDW KH is a legitimate businessman.

The alleged Kingpin told -XVWLFH +DNHHP 2VKRGL RI DQ ,NHMD +LJK &RXUW /DJRV that his name isn't Evans and that he only admitted being a NLGQDSSHU LPPHGLDWHO\ DIWHU WKH 3ROLFH NLOOHG IRXU VXVSHFWV who refused to cooperate with them.

The Defendant made this revelation while being led in defence by his counsel, 9LFWRU 2NSDUD However, Evans is standing trial alongside Uche Amadi, 2JHFKL 8FKHFKXNZX &KLODND ,IHDQ\L 2NZXFKXNZX 1ZDFKXNZX DQG 9LFWRU $GXED RYHU WKH DOOHJHG NLGQDS RI Mr. Donatius Dunu, who is WKH &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI 0D\GRQ 3KDUPDFHXWLFDO /WG The six Defendants were arraigned on August 30, 2017 on two counts of conspiracy DQG NLGQDSSLQJ While testifying before the court, Evans stated: "My QDPH LV &KXNZXGXPHPH 6RPWRFKXNZX 2QZXDPDGLNH , DP IURP 1QHZL 1RUWK /RFDO government in Anambra State.

I live at Fred Shoboyede Street, 0DJRGR 3KDVH ,, /DJRV , DP a businessman and I deal in 2UQDPHQWV DQG +RUOLFNV :KHQ DVNHG LI KLV QDPH RU QLFNQDPH LV &KXNZXGXPHPH 2QZXDPDGLNH DOLDV (YDQV DV alleged by the Prosecution, he UHSOLHG 0\ /RUG P\ QDPH is not Evans and I don't have D QLFNQDPH In his defence over the alOHJHG RͿHQFH RI FRQVSLUDF\ DQG NLGQDSSLQJ DORQJVLGH other Defendants , Evans narrated that he has never met the other Defendants

Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike

before, except on the day the Police paraded them at $UHD ) ,NHMD 7KH DOOHJHG NLQJSLQ VDLG " What I can remember is that on Saturday, 10th of June, 2017, a group of armed Policemen stormed my residence at Magodo.

On that fateful day, which was a Saturday morning, I heard some people banging at my gate and I instructed P\ VHFXULW\ JXDUG WR ÀQG out who it was. The security man returned to inform me that it was the Police, and I instructed him to open the gate for them.

"When he opened the gate, I came downstairs to meet with them. But, immediately I opened my security door, they rushed at me. The Police 2΀FHUV WKDW FDPH WR P\ KRXVH are: Mr Philip Elelenwa, Mr Idowu Haruna, one Mr Christian and other Police 2΀FHUV 7KH\ DVNHG LI , ZDV WKH one living in the house, and LPPHGLDWHO\ , UHSOLHG ¶\HV· 0U Philip screamed, 'Oya get in'.

"They started beating me and hit my head with a gun.

I was beaten to the ground.

7KH\ GUDJJHG PH EDFN LQWR WKH KRXVH DQG UDQVDFNHG my bedroom, my wife's and

children's bedroom. They searched everywhere, and SDFNHG VRPH LWHPV RXW RI my house.

"They brought me downstairs again, and Mr Philip ordered WKHP WR KDQGFXͿ PH 7KHQ , EHJDQ DVNLQJ WKHP ZKDW RͿHQFH GLG , FRPPLW 7KH\ told me to shut up that I am a FULPLQDO DUPHG UREEHU ULWXDOLVW etc. They called me all sort of names. I now begged them to allow me call my people but they refused.

“I also told him that I GLGQ W NLGQDS DQ\ERG\ DQG that I was in my house on that fateful day, which was )HEUXDU\ WDJJHG DV /RYHUV Day. I told the IPO that if he ZDQWV WR FRQÀUP WKH WUXWK he should go to my Estate and investigate.”

In court, the Prosecutor then DVNHG (YDQV WR FRQÀUP WKDW RQ WKH GD\ KH ZDV ÀUVW DUUDLJQHG before Justice Oshodi, that the FKDUJHV RI WKH DOOHJHG RͿHQFHV were read to his hearing and he understood same.

Evans replied yes, and afÀUPHG WKDW KH KDG SOHDGHG guilty to the charges. But, added that there was a reason behind his earlier guilty plea before the court. :KHQ DVNHG LI KH ZDWFKHG the two video clips (exhibits) which was played before the court showing him confessing WR WKH DOOHJHG RͿHQFHV GXULQJ a closed door interview by the PW 4 (Prosecution witness) - Inspector Idowu Haruna, Evans replied yes.

The Prosecuting counsel also DVNHG WKH ZLWQHVV LI KH FRXOG recall admitting on the video tape that his name is Evans, and also admitting to all the charges against him.

0\ /RUG , FDQ W UHPHPEHU that", Evans said.

-XVWLFH +DNHHP 2VKRGL adjourned the matter to February 5, 2021 for continuation of trial.

6/

26.01.2021

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation This article by Sam Kargbo explains the origins of the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, particularly in Nigeria (AGF), outlining the vast duties and responsibilities of the office, and concluding that the present AGF, Abubakar Malami, SAN, will go down in history as one AGF who laid down firm precedents in Nigeria’s fight against corruption Origins of the Office of the Attorney-General

A

n Attorney is a person designated to transact business for another – a legal agent with the authorisation of a principal, to do what the principal can lawfully do. The expression Attorney-General, was originally used to refer to any person who holds a general power of attorney to represent a principal in all matters.

In modern usage, Attorney-General refers to the Law Firm of the State. Its origin or basis is said to have been that, as the Sovereign – President, Prime Minister, Governor, et cetera, as the case may be – could not appear in person in his/her own courts to plead in a case in which he/she had an interest; an Attorney appeared on his/her behalf.

The complexities and expansive nature of the functions of modern constitutional Sovereigns have not only widened the role and duties of the Attorney-General, but have also made the office very burdensome and controversial. The scope of the office has since gone way beyond the maintenance of the interest of the Sovereign in the courts of the land, and/or advising the Sovereign and all offices, institutions, agencies and departments, and authorities and persons exercising legislative, executive and judicial powers with a view to having them conform to, observe and apply the provisions of the Constitution. The Attorney-General's Office is also responsible for the drafting of legislation initiated by the executive, and vetting of all contracts or agreements of which the government is a party, including international agreements, treaties or conventions. In most modern democracies, the Attorney-General’s Office is made permanent by their constitutions or laws and, in some other cases, executive functions of a cabinet grade are added to the office.

Origins of the Office of the Attorney-General in Nigeria In the case of Nigeria, the Constitution creates the Office of the Attorney-General (AGF) who shall be the Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Minister of the Government of the Federation, who must be qualified to practice as a legal practitioner in Nigeria and has been so qualified for not less than ten years. By virtue of the Constitution, the AGF also serves as the Minister of Justice – concerned with questions of policy and their relationship to the justice system.

According to Abubakar Malami, SAN, the current AGF and Minister of Justice, one of the major challenges militating against the effective administration of justice in Nigeria, is the lack of a clear and coherent National Policy on Justice, leading to an absence of a mechanism for coordination and development of the sector. He declared that the Ministry has responded by initiating reforms and consensus building among justice sector institutions and practitioners, for the purpose of collectively addressing the challenges hindering effective justice delivery in the country.

In order not to mistake the Federal Ministry of Justice for an appendage to the Attorney-General’s Office, a historical narrative to the Ministry is expedient. I cannot do better than the following historical perspective by the late jurist, Niki Tobi, in an article titled “The Federal Ministry of Justice as Government's Legal Adviser to the Ministry of External Affairs in Nigeria”, published in Dalhousie Law Journal, (1979) 5:1 DLJ 199: “Before the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Justice, there was in existence the Colonial Legal Department, which was headed by a Briton. He was the Registrar and Taxing Master of the then Supreme Court between 1863 and 1901. In addition to this duty, he functioned both as the Queen's Advocate and the Queen's Proctor.

The exact date in which the Office of the AttorneyGeneral was created is not known, but there is evidence that it was created during the era of Lord Lugard. The first incumbent of the Office of the Attorney-General was Sir Donald Kingdon who was in office for almost twenty years. He vacated the office in 1943 to become the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The Law Officers Act made provision for the Offices of the Attorney-General, Solicitor-General and Crown Counsel, who were designated as Law Officers of the Federal Government.

The Attorney-General and other Crown Counsel had the right to practice ex-officio as ‘barristers, advocates and Solicitors’ of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. They also had the right to appear in court in all parts of the Country as Counsels.

The Federal Ministry of Justice was formally established on October 1, 1960, when Nigeria attained independence.

The first incumbent of the office of the Attorney-General was Mr. Justice T.O. Elias. The Ministry was then divided

Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN

into three departments, vis: the Departments of the SolicitorGeneral; Administrator-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions. The developing economy of the country necessitated the expansion of the Ministry in the early sixties. In a reorganisation exercise, the Ministry was divided into five divisions. These are the Divisions of the Solicitor-General; Industrial and Mercantile Law; Research, Law Review and Law Reporting; International and Comparative Law;

“.....ONE NOTICEABLE EFFORT, IS THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE AGF TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION. MALAMI’S NOHOLDS-BARRED POLICY HAS AFFECTED ALL SECTORS OF THE ELITE COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE......MALAMI COULD BE FORGOTTEN TOMORROW, BUT THE FIRM PRECEDENTS HE HAS LAID IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION, WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN”

Constitutional and Administrative Law and Director of Public Prosecutions. In April, 1968, following the creation of States, the Ministry lost to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice the Department of Administrator-General which dealt with the administration of estates of deceased persons within the former Federal Territory of Lagos.

In July, 1977, the Ministry was again reorganised.”

The Duties of the AGF The AGF is the Chief Law Officer of the Federation; and is complemented by the Offices of the Solicitor General (SGF) and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The prosecutorial powers of the Attorney-General may be exercised by him in person, or through officers of his department, or through private legal practitioners under his fiat. Although such prosecutorial powers are most times exercised by the DPP and staff, the Attorney-General maintains formal control, including the power to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria, other than a court-martial, in respect of any offence created by an Act of the National Assembly, and can take over and continue such criminal proceedings and terminate public prosecutions.

There are also certain offences that require the individual consent of the Attorney-General. This is generally said to be for offences whose illegality is of a somewhat controversial nature, or where there is perceived to be a significant risk that prosecutions of a political nature may be embarked upon. The Attorney-General also has the power to issue a nolle prosequi with respect to a case which authoritatively determines that the State (in whose name prosecutions are brought) does not wish to prosecute the case, so preventing any person from doing so.

The English jurist and philosopher, Sir Francis Bacon, known to be a master of the English tongue, once said that the Office of the Attorney-General was the “painfullest task in the realm.”

Another English occupant of the Office, Sir Patrick Hastings, is recorded to have said that to be an Attorney-General is to be in hell. The Office is by its nature bound to be that onerous and challenging. It is the job of the Attorney-General to advice the Government on the constitutionality of policies and actions taken or embarked upon by the Government. It is his job to give or proffer justification for the actions, policies and laws of the Government. It is the Attorney-General who, for instance, advices the President on whether proposed legislation by the National Assembly comply with the provisions of the Constitution, or treaties freely entered into by the Federal Government. The Attorney-General is adviser to all Federal Executive Council Meetings and that invariably makes it cont'd on page 7

26.01.2021

/7

The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation cont'd from page 6

“ACCORDING TO ABUBAKAR MALAMI, SAN, THE CURRENT AGF AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE, ONE OF THE MAJOR CHALLENGES MILITATING AGAINST THE EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN NIGERIA, IS THE LACK OF A CLEAR AND COHERENT NATIONAL POLICY ON JUSTICE, LEADING TO AN ABSENCE OF A MECHANISM FOR COORDINATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECTOR”

imperative for the Office of the AGF to be abreast of all Memoranda slated for consideration at such meetings. As the legal adviser to each and every Department or Institution of Government, the Office has its reach and hands on every sector of the Government. Besides the highly technical job of drafting statutory instruments and conveyancing instruments concerning national and transnational businesses, the Attorney-General is the defender of the Government’s interests in all of such transactions.

Coordinating the personnel or legal officers across the length and breadth of all Federal departments and bodies, the Office of the Attorney-General is arguably the busiest and most engaging Office in the Federation. This may also explain why Nigeria has never had a popular Attorney-General.

Theoretically, the Attorney-General is not subject to any control while discharging his constitutional responsibilities.

The Courts have laid the firm precedent that, as the Chief Law Officer in whom is vested the constitutional responsibility for bringing and defending actions on behalf of the State, the Attorney-General is not subject to any control, and that no other functionary or institution of the State can exercise such powers without its authorisation.

Who then, is the Master of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice?

If your eye is pure, there will be sunshine in your soul.

But, if your eye is clouded with evil thoughts and desires, you are in deep spiritual darkness. And oh, how deep that darkness can be! You cannot serve two masters: God and money. For you will hate one and love the other, or else the other way around (Matthew 6:22-24).

The relationship between the Government and the people is spelt out in the section of the Nigerian Constitution that provides that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom the government, through the Constitution, derives all of its powers and authority. By that section, the people are the owners of the supreme power of the State and the Government, and its officials are responsible and accountable to the people. The Government and all authorities and persons exercising legislative, executive or judicial powers, are meant to conduct their public functions or businesses for the security and welfare of the people.

As has been illustrated, the role of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice is beyond that of a Lawyer, Advisor and Minister. It includes administrative and investigative duties. It is the job of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, to advice the Government and its officials to act and conduct their businesses within the limits of the powers allocated to them by the Constitution. It is, therefore, natural to blame the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice for acts of lawlessness or abuse of power by Government and/ or public authorities and persons.

The AGF also serves as a border guard or immigration officer, to the boundaries and spheres of influence allocated to the three arms of Government under the principles of separation of powers. The office is also supposed to provide buffer zones, not only between the people and public authorities/institutions, but also between the people and the individual. The Attorney-General has the power to institute in any court of competent jurisdiction any civil proceedings, with or without a relator, involving the rights and interests of the public which he deems necessary for the enforcement of Federal laws, the preservation of order and the prevention of public wrongs. In other words, when a corporation or public authority clothed with statutory powers exceeds them by some act which tends in its nature to interfere with public rights and so to injure the public, the Attorney-General has the power to intervene for the remediation of such an injury.

In that respect, the AGF should not only a champion of the rule of law, but also a maintainer and protector of the Fundamental Rights of the individual.

As the Chief Law Officer of the nation, the AGF enables the President to fulfil his obligation to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to execute and maintain the Constitution, all laws made by the National Assembly, and in all matters with respect to which the National Assembly has the power to make laws.

The President depends on the advice and opinions of the Attorney-General in the exercise of the executive powers vested in him, in accordance with the Constitution and laws made by the National Assembly. It is the further unenviable job of the AGF to ensure that the President exercises his powers in the spirit of that necessary balance prescribed by the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. It is, therefore, incumbent on the AGF to not only be knowledgeable in the law, but must as of necessity, be attuned with the policy direction of the Government.

In sum, the AGF is not only the Chief Law Officer of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for law enforcement purposes; he is a member of the Cabinet, and must be available to advice the President as a counsellor on matters involving policy, as well as law. Whereas the laws are written and clear about their purposes, policy agendas on which a President is elected by the electorate are not. They are definable, only within the overall purpose of attending to the security and welfare of the people.

Although there is no constitutional or statutory provision spelling it out in black and white, it is the job of the AGF to vet bills that require the assent of the President, to ensure

Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN

that such bills conform to – or are not in conflict with – the Constitution. This is an obvious area of friction between the Office of the AGF and the National Assembly. The legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are vested in the National Assembly, and Section 58 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, provides a very rigorous mode of exercising that power. It is, therefore, not a palatable duty to have the power to advice the President not to assent to a bill that has gone through such rigours. There may be moments when, because of their numerical strength and representative capacity, members of the National Assembly are tempted to be adventurous and go into overdrive with the powers to make laws. It is for the Attorney-General to set such adventurous bills or motions against the letter and spirit of the Constitution and extant policies, and advice the President accordingly. However, the AGF be reminded of the fact that he is a political officer charged with legal and not political duties. His judgements in the form of pieces of advice and opinions must not be swayed by political considerations, but by the law and nothing but the law.

The AGF must bear in mind that his office is accountable to the National Assembly, and that the National Assembly can clip its wings through its funding and oversight powers.

There are moments when conflicts arise between the Presidency and another organ of government, and the question will then be: to which of the two arms should the AGF place his loyalty? The Office of the Attorney-General is as political as any of the cabinet offices created by the President. The President can, for instance, sack him at will.

There is, therefore, no need to emphasise the point that the Attorney-General must, as a necessity, maintain the confidence of the President.

It has been argued that the Attorney-General's duty of loyalty should be to the President, as the Attorney-General is the President’s Lawyer, the conduit through which the President faithfully executes the law, a close political and legal advisor to the President, and a Cabinet member. However, such loyalty should not undermine the Constitution and laws made by the National Assembly. It is, therefore, better to say that in his capacity as the Chief Law Officer, his ultimate duty demands fidelity to the Constitution and public interest. It is in this spirit that the point is made that the Attorney-General assumes a public trust for the government, overall and in each of its parts, and is responsible to the people in our democracy with its representative form of government. Each part of the government has the obligation of carrying out, in the public interest, its assigned responsibility in a manner consistent with the Constitution and the applicable laws.

The call for the depoliticisation of the Office of the Attorney-General is nothing more than a claim that, by its nature, the office is incapable of rendering unbiased, objective and reasoned legal advice. Funny enough, such claims are also most times not founded on unbiased, objective and reasoned considerations. Many a time, they are made upon the failure to influence the AGF to abandon legal advocacy for political and moral advocacy.

Assessing Abubakar Malami, SAN, as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice

When he was first nominated to join President Muhammadu Buhari’s first cabinet, I remarked that Abubakar Malami, SAN, has always been with Mr. President and had been at the forefront of his judicial battles. No notable politician from his Kebbi home State would frown at his nomination. Although he had, between 2007 and 2015, vied for one political office or the other, what he has going for him most is humility and the ability to creep into people effortlessly. My back-of -the-envelope measurement was that he would make a good Attorney-General for his boss. I do not think that I have any reason to detract from that characterisation of his person, and ability to do the job. He is still the humble gentleman, with the smiling face. But, his assessment as the holder of the influential Office of the Attorney-General, must go beyond his personality and legal competence. It must include his ability to make – and coast on – that delicate balance of serving his appointor, the other arms of Government and the people for whom his appointor and all other public offices and organs, act and function.

It would be taking on too much to try to assess Malami, on the basis of his daily legal briefings to Mr. President. It is easy to guess that he still retains the confidence and appreciation of his appointor.

It is in the area of policy formulation and drive, that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice serves the people directly. In that regard, one noticeable effort, is the contribution of the office of the AGF to the fight against corruption.

Malami’s no-holds-barred policy has affected all sectors of the elite community and people from all walks of life, including members of the ruling party – All Progressives Congress (APC), Judges and Justices, not excluding the former Chief Justice of Nigeria – Walter Onnoghen, former first lady, top military officers, including retired service chiefs, former Governors, former Ministers and many politically exposed bigwigs. Ironically, the former acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), charged with the responsibility of coordinating the various institutions involved in the fight against money laundering and enforcement of all laws dealing with economic and financial crimes in Nigeria, was removed from office and is now facing a probe on allegations of corruption. The spate of high-profile convictions and recovery of looted funds and proceeds of corruption and money laundering by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is attributable to the commitment of the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, which supervises and superintends their activities. Malami could be forgotten tomorrow, but the firm precedents he has laid in the fight against corruption, will not be forgotten.

Sam Kargbo, Legal Practitioner, Abuja

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D I S C O The Biden Presidency: After what many termed the most contentious Presidential election in the history of the United States, a new battle ensued. The battle of how to evict Trump from the White House, and it was, to say the least, fierce and deeply worrisome. It pitched Republicans against Democrats, America’s Christian Fundamentalists, the Evangelicals against the rest of Americans, pushing the world’s greatest democracy to the brink of a coup. Last Wednesday, the acclaimed winner of the contentious election, Joe R. Biden Jnr and his Vice, Kamala D. Harris, were sworn in as the 46th President and 49th Vice President of the USA, amidst tight security. Kingsley Jesuorobo, Emeka Eze, Jefferson Uwoghiren and Kede Aihie dissect the complex issues that surrounded Biden’s emergence as President, particularly the attack on Capitol Hill, the impeachment of Donald Trump and the possible consequences flowing therefrom even after Trump has ceased to be President, and what Joe Biden’s Presidency portends for Nigeria and the world “CONSTITUTIONAL

Can Trump be Tried or Impeached Outside Office?

SCHOLARS WHO HAVE DELVED INTO THE ISSUE,

Kingsley Jesuorobo

SEEM TO BE AGREED

Background

THAT THERE IS NO

O

n January 6, 2021, the United States of America suffered a brazen breach. The iconic Capitol of one of the world’s oldest democracies, was breached in a manner not seen since the foreign (British) invasion of the democratic citadel on August 24, 1814.

In his departure address to Americans, President Donald Trump touted: “I am especially proud to be the first President in decades, who has started no new wars”.

Whilst Trump was trumpeting his “no new war” claim, Americans were reeling from the horrific aftermath of an unprecedented internal war waged by insurrectionists.

American prosecutors are now rounding up and prosecuting the perpetrators who allegedly besieged Washington and marched on the Capital, at the behest of Trump.

Regardless of the deep political divide in America and the polarised perspectives of people around the world about Trump, there appears to be a united opinion around the view that a wrong was committed against the United States of America by the insurrectionists. Said Trump himself of the insurrection in his farewell address: “All Americans were horrified by the assault on our Capitol. Political violence is an attack on everything we cherish as Americans. It can never be tolerated.”

In a swift and unprecedented response to the insurrection, the House of Representatives of the United States has retaliated against Trump, with his impeachment. A Senate trial is imminent, with Trump facing a real possibility of a conviction.

Meanwhile, Trump’s tenure as the President of the United States ended on January 20, 2021, with the swearing in of Joseph Biden as the 46th President.

Against the backdrop of the fact that the power of presidential impeachment was primarily designed to remove an erring President from office, legal and political pundits now ponder whether Trump can or should be tried in the Senate on the charge in respect of which he was impeached, since he is no longer in office.

Constitutional scholars who have delved into the issue, seem to be agreed that there is no express bar against a trial and possible conviction of a former President.

It is also generally agreed among scholars that, in the event of a conviction, Trump could

EXPRESS BAR AGAINST A TRIAL AND POSSIBLE CONVICTION OF A FORMER PRESIDENT”

US President, Joe Biden Jnr face censure and a ban from ever holding any public office. A Senate trial therefore, has potential remedial consequences.

Hallowed Legal Principles In light of this, I contend that the discourse ought to be engaged upon from the angles of two hallowed legal principles.

Let’s address the first principle. There is no legal system on earth that is not anchored on the popular Latin maxim “Ubi jus, ibi remedium”, which means: where there is a right, there is a remedy. The expanded meaning is that where law has established a right, there should be a corresponding remedy for its breach. When assessed from this angle, one should easily see why the trial of Trump ought to proceed to its logical conclusion, even after his departure from office.

Assuming that he committed the alleged constitutional breach, letting Trump off the hook simply because he is no longer the president will leave Americans without a remedy for the breach which they have suffered at the hands of the former President.

The second relevant legal principle is that, no man is above the law in any constitutional democracy. Though originally scripted by the great American President,Theodore Roosevelt in his Third Annual Message to Congress on December 7, 1903, wherein he said: “No man is above the law, and no man is below it”; this phrase that is associated with the broader principle of the “rule of law” has assumed irreversible significance in all constitutional contexts. This principle is not only immutably

fundamental, but at least in the Presidential context, is illustrated and aided by another hallowed principle that “nemo judex in causa sua”, that is, “no one can be a judge in his own cause” - a principle that underpinned Department of Justice’s opinion, that the President of the United States cannot pardon himself. When this discourse is also assessed from this angle, one should easily see that it behooves the Congress to hold the former President accountable, through the completion of the impeachment trial process. To not do so just because the accused is no longer in power, renders him unequal to others who are held liable for infractions, irrespective of their stations in life.

election on Tuesday, 3rd November, 2020.

The Democratic Party ticket of former Vice President Joe Biden and the immediate past U.S. Senator from California, Kamala Harris; the duo defeated the Republican Party ticket of then President Donald Trump and Vice President, Mike Pence. With the defeat, Trump became the first U.S. president since George H. W. Bush in 1992 and the eleventh incumbent President in the country's history, to lose a bid for a second term. Not only that Democrat, Joe Biden, passed the necessary 270 electoral votes threshold to become the 46th U.S. President, he also scored more votes (77 million) than any other presidential candidate in U.S. history.

Kingsley Jesuorobo, former President, Canadian Association of Nigerian Lawyers (CANL)

Biden's Swearing-In and Trump’s Absence The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States took place on January 20, 2021, marking the commencement of the four-year term of Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President. In one of his first official actions as President, Joe Biden has issued about seventeen executive orders reversing many of the controversial policies of his immediate predecessor. The orders were diverse in their impact, ranging from a mask mandate on all federal property, to revisions of directives introduced by former President Donald Trump, including halting the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, Biden rejoining the Paris Climate Pact, and resumption of her membership of the

Legal Implications of Trump's Absence at Biden's Swearing In Chukwuemeka Eze Introduction The United States held its presidential

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U R S E A New Dawn for USA

WHO, among others.

However, President Joe Biden's Inauguration looked much different from those in years past, particularly when it came to who will not be in attendance. Presidential inaugurations typically, are attended by hundreds of dignitaries; including former Presidents, Supreme Court Justices and members of Congress. Those who were not there for the swearing in of the 46th President included two of Biden's predecessors: Presidents Donald Trump and Jimmy Carter, though they did not attend for different reasons.

On the part of President Donald Trump, he had posted on Twitter, before Twitter terminated the operation of his account, that he wouldn’t attend the swearing in ceremony of his successor. Trump’s decision to skip Biden’s swearing-in ceremony, came after weeks of him refusing to acknowledge that Biden had defeated him in the November 3 election. By skipping Biden's inauguration, Trump had broken from White House tradition that was broken in the 19th Century by former President Martin Van Buren, after he lost to Henry Harrison. Prior to the act of President Martin Van Buren who was in office between 1837 and 1841, some Presidents had allowed political animosities to triumph over a symbolic demonstration of national unity.

Trump’s absence will be the fourth example of a President who did not attend his successor’s swearing-in amid a polarised political climate, or after a contested presidential election, thereby following the footsteps of Presidents John Adams, the second U.S. President; John Quincy Adams, the sixth President; and Andrew Johnson, the 17th President and the first to be impeached. All three were also one-term Presidents.

Trump’s absence at the Inauguration may violate recent social norms, but it does not violate the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution doesn’t require an outgoing President to attend an incoming President’s Inauguration. But, the presence of the outgoing President has come to be seen as important, because of what it represents. For example, Woodrow Wilson, still in poor health after a debilitating stroke towards the end of his presidency, accompanied his successor Warren G. Harding on a ride to the U.S. Capitol, even though he was not well enough to attend the outdoor inauguration ceremony. The image of the past and present Presidents at the U.S. Capitol, is seen as an image of the continuity of government, and a graceful and peaceful transfer of power.

All of these makes the snub of an incumbent not attending his successor’s inauguration, seem queer. Of the 10 previous Presidents who received their party’s nomination and lost re-election, the last eight have attended the inauguration of their successors. John Adams in 1801 and John Quincy Adams in 1829, refused to do so, hence allowing political animosities to triumph over a symbolic demonstration of national unity, just like President Trump has done.

Can Trump be Impeached despite his Exit as President?

The raging question by some legal scholars include: Can the Senate hold a trial for an ex-President?

It’s the debate that has been raging in legal and constitutional circles for a week: Does the Senate have any business deploying its most potent punishment against Trump as a private citizen?

One camp, personified by Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), says no. According to him, “The Founders designed the impeachment process as a way to remove office holders from public office, and not an inquest against private citizens.” In other words, you can’t remove from office, someone who has already relinquished the office of the President.

The other view, given voice in the recent

by Steve Vladeck, a University of Texas Law

Kingsley Jesuorobo Professor, posits that of course, a former President can be convicted. The Constitution doesn’t just provide for removal, but also for the Senate to bar that former President from ever holding federal office again. In Vladeck’s view, how could the framers have designed a “disqualification” system that could be defeated, if the target simply resigned minutes before the process was complete? The bottom line is that Congress, by deciding to hold an impeachment trial after Trump’s exit, is daring the courts to wade into a territory that Judges typically avoid. The Constitution gives the House and Senate the “sole power” to handle matters of impeachment. Judges have frequently cited this, to determine that they have no role in telling lawmakers how to wield their own constitutional power.

Should impeachment prevail, the consequences of impeachment according to the 1958, Former Presidents Act: he would be denied his $200,000 annual pension, a $1 million annual travel stipend, and extra

“TRUMP’S ABSENCE AT THE INAUGURATION MAY VIOLATE RECENT SOCIAL NORMS, BUT IT DOES NOT VIOLATE THE U.S. CONSTITUTION”

Chukwuemeka Eze funding for his future staff. However, by an order signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, President Trump will still be guaranteed his lifelong secret service detail.

Constitutionally, the practicability of the Senate to act on impeachment of President Trump is narrow, if not fruitless. The reason being that, it’s a question of concern whether the inquest of the Senate extends to when the person sought to be impeached had left office. The likely consequences on President Trump if the Senate trial will take place after his exit from office, might be that the Senate may vote on banning him from ever running for public office again if found guilty of insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution, and not for impeachment; this is by virtue of Section 3 of the 14th amendment which provides as follows: “No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But, Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability".

In an opinion piece published in The Washington Post, Yale Law School Professor, Bruce Ackerman, and Indiana University Law Professor, Gerard Magliocca, argued that members of Congress have another, perhaps easier, path to barring Trump from office. They pointed to Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, aimed at preventing people from holding federal office if they are deemed to have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution. The Professors write that, if a majority vote of both houses agree that Trump engaged in an act of insurrection or rebellion, then he would be barred from running for the White House again. Only a two-thirds vote of each House of Congress in the future could undo that result.

There is precedent for the Senate preventing public officials from seeking office again after impeachment. Judges Robert Archbald (in 1913) and West H. Humphreys (in 1862) were both banned from seeking office after

impeachment, although this fate has never befallen a President before.

The Siege on Capitol Hill The storming of the United States Capitol by a mob of pro-Trump supporters, was a riot and violent attack against the United States Congress at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to overturn his defeat in the 2020 presidential election.

The riot led to the evacuation and lockdown of the Capitol, and five deaths.

As a result of the invasion of the Capitol, posers have been raised and answers have been provided. t 8JMM UIF SJPUFST XIP FOUFSFE UIF 64 Capitol be prosecuted?

The top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia, Michael Sherwin, said that "all options are on the table for charging members of the violent pro-Trump mob that stormed the US Capitol, including sedition, a rarely used charge”. Sherwin said that prosecutors planned to file 15 federal cases by the end of the day for crimes, including unauthorised access and theft of property. t 8JMM 5SVNQ GBDF DPOTFRVFODFT The consequences have so far, been mostly political. In the immediate aftermath, he lost support of several members of his own administration. Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao, resigned over the incident, followed by Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. Several other aides stepped down.

Social media companies also reacted to the events. Facebook barred Trump from posting on that platform and on Instagram, which it owns. Also, Twitter locked Trump's account permanently. Several politicians from both sides of the aisle, called for Trump's swift removal from office. In a nutshell, the siege on Capitol Hill had subjected President Trump to another impeachment saga from the House of Representatives. The Senate could not convene for his trial before he exited.

Appointment of Three Nigerians by President Joseph Biden The United States President, Joe Biden’s appointment of three Nigerians into his cabinet is a thing of pride, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African continent. Biden first appointed 39-year-old Adewale Adeyemo, who was the first President of the Obama cont'd on page 10

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The Biden Presidency: A New Dawn for USA cont'd from page 9

Foundation, as United States Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. Next, Biden appointed 26-yearold Miss Osaremen Okolo, who hails from Ewohimi in Esan South East Local Council of Edo State, as his Covid-19 Policy Advisor. Miss Okolo is a graduate of Harvard University, and a former Senior Health Policy Advisor in the US House of Representatives. The latest Nigerian young talent Biden has appointed, is Funmi Olorunnipa Badejo whom he appointed White House Counsel. Badejo, a Lawyer and an alumnus of Berkeley Law College in the US, has served as a counsel for policy to the Assistant Attorney-General in the Civil Division of the US Department of Justice, Ethics Counsel at the White House Counsel’s Office. She was also Attorney Advisor at the Administrative Conference of the United States during the Obama-Biden administration. The appointment of Nigerians by President Joe Biden and Biden’s telephone call to a Nigerian family based in Illinois, U.S.A. which went viral on social media on 21st January, 2021, is a indication that Nigerians and Africans at large will receive favourable treatment in policies of Joe Biden presidency.

Conclusion The eventual transfer of power to President Joe Biden, despite Trump’s refusal to cooperate, demonstrates the resilience of America’s democratic institutions. The siege on the Capitol shows the level of desperation the supporters of a leader could evince, in order to change the course of history. Twitter’s clampdown’s on Trump’s account teaches us that when the interest of an office holder conflicts with that of the States, individuals and corporate citizens should defer to the superior interest of the State. On the matter of impeachment, Trump has made history as a U.S. President impeached twice by the House of Representatives within his one term of four years.

Biden’s appointment of three Nigerians into his cabinet is evidence that, merit has no racial colour. It is indeed, a new dawn for Nigerians and Africans.

Chukwuemeka Eze, Lecturer of Diplomatic and Consular Relations at the Postgraduate level, Faculty of Law, Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Chairman of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, South East Zone

Donald Trump: An Anarchy Bows Out Jefferson Uwoghiren The United States Presidency, is a much praised and much damned institution. But, President Donald Trump raised the level of damnation higher, with his childish attempts to imperialise it. Over the years, no office within American Government has commanded the attention, nor generated the kind of positive and negative motions, nor stirred the imagination of global audience as the American Presidency.

The Role of the American President With its multifaceted and plethora of responsibilities, the U. S Presidency and the President of United States, have come to embody the dominant and preeminent role of America in global politics.

Within American political systems, the President is the hub and centre of a delicate moving wheel, with executive officials relying and looking to him for direction, coordination and inspiration in the generation and implementation of policies; distinguished members of Congress look at him for establishing priorities, exerting influence, while while legion of heads of foreign governments and partners look up to him for articulation of positions, conducting of diplomacy and keeping world safe. The ordinary man on the street, in far flung cities look to him for enhancing global security, solving problems, and exercising moral and symbolic leadership.

Unfortunately for Donald Trump , these expectations, and much more, exceeded his abilities to meet them, and more horribly important, he failed to see America beyond America physical borders and was unwilling to attract the right persons to firmly and vigorously help him attain these lofty ideas of the Presidency. The resultant disenchant-

Kede Aihie ments, decline in confidence in the ability of Donald Trump to meet these objectives, plummeted his country’s moral ratings and leadership, hampered its development plans, and ultimately electoral defects for the GOP. President Donald Trump’s inelegant responses to these challenges in the last few days of his Presidency almost resulted in the fetus of anarchy, an ugly stillbirth that will shame Americans for years to come. But, for the strength and resilience of its democratic institutions, Trump would have supplanted a fixed and old convention, with illegitimate legalism.

In all this, Donald Trump came away as a reluctant puppet of a hostile government, bent on foisting a Boris Yeltsin on America, in an elaborate covert gambit of retaliation and implosion. The history of the damages Donald Trump caused America in four years of tomfoolery will fill a Library, and I'm imagining how many Americans will scream and shout in anger, ‘’ Never Again!’’.

Jefferson Uwoghiren, Human Rights Lawyer, Benin City, Edo State

“BIDEN’S APPOINTMENT OF THREE NIGERIANS INTO HIS CABINET IS EVIDENCE THAT, MERIT HAS NO RACIAL COLOUR”

Jefferson Uwoghiren

US 2020 Presidential Elections, Biden’s Emergence and Lessons Therefrom Kede Aihie Donald Trump's exit from the White House, as President of the United States, ends in ignominy. His Presidency will no doubt come under scrutiny, as even Richard Nixon's Watergate scandal, pales into insignificance.

Trump’s Double Impeachment Trump was impeached by both Democrats and Republicans by 232 to 197, in the House of Representatives. So, he makes history as the first President in American history to be impeached twice. American democracy, though wounded, stood the test of time and there is no doubt, that if there is any lesson to be learnt by other democracies, it is the resilience of the American people and its institutions. Here are my takeaways.

Takeaways First, is strong institutions. Taking a cue from other countries’ dictatorships, the role of strong institutions will be appreciated, considering how Trump was stopped in his tracks and desperation to overturn his election defeat. An unknown sub-national official from Georgia, Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, was able to rebuff Trump's pressure asking him to “find” votes for him in a disparate phone call recorded and leaked to the Washington Post. To understand the scale of Trump's pursuit of post-election litigation, he filed about 62 lawsuits, and not a single case was successful. Some of the Judges who presided over his lawsuits, were his appointees.

Second, is a flawed electoral process.

Thanks to Trump's baseless claims about winning the elections, the century old American Electoral College system, has exposed flaws, in the over two centuries use of the Electoral College system. In the 2000 and 2016, presidential elections, the winner earned fewer votes nationally than the loser. So, the concept of national popular vote is not what most people see. Instead, an Electoral College system designed by Federalist Congressmen in 1803, determines who becomes President. Certification of the Electoral College win, which ought to be a formality by Congress, enshrined in the Constitution, became contentious and was challenged, with Trump pressuring his Vice President, to bend the rules.

Third, is the influence of big tech companies.

The biggest lessons, from the Trump years, to my mind, are the role of social media as an alternative means of communicating government policies. Big tech companies are facing scrutiny, following their effective truncation of President Trump's oxygen of publicity, social media. Facebook, Twitter, Snap chat, Instagram, YouTube, have cut off Trump's account, following his incitement of insurrection against Congress, and the mob attack of the Capitol by Trump’s supporters.

Add Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, to the mix, these tech giants, are worth over $7 trillion combined. Facebook and Google made record amounts of revenue from the U.S. elections. Trump and Biden, both spent about $100m each on Facebook advertising alone. So, the issues worth debating are infringement on free speech, censorship, and free enterprise. The moral question hanging is, was is right for the social media companies to block Trump`s account? The tech firms, justify their action against Trump, by accusing him of “repeated and severe” violations of its civic integrity policies.

The debate about free speech has been fuelled

by German Chancellor, Angela Merkel's comment about free speech as a “fundamental right of vital importance” that could be restricted, “but only in accordance with the laws and within a framework defined by the legislature - not by the decision of the management of social media platforms”.

Fourth, is the role of the Media. The media played an important part in moulding opinions, and acting as watchdogs. CNN made Trump a subject of interest for the four years of his Presidency. From 20th January 2016, when Trump began his Presidency on a lie based on the crowd size of attendees at inauguration, to his chaotic last days in January 2021. Right wing media, politicians furiously defended Trump. Most Republican lawmakers rejected the election results. In the words of one Republican politician, Trump's grip on the party and fear of losing their local elections, made a lot of them cow to Trump's conduct.

There are a lot of burning questions, but there are no easy answers, so it is worth posing the following: Who were his enablers? - the right-wing media, White evangelical Christians, the Republican party, or the 73 million Americans, who voted for him? It would be extremely difficult to pinpoint exactly why Trump was able to get away with his appalling and egregious behaviour, as President of the United States, POTUS. The moral burden of Trump's conduct as President of the United States, will be subject of discussions for decades to come.

Kede Aihie, Chair of the Nigeria Magazine

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Analysis of Insolvency-Related Revisions to BOFIA 2020 (Part 2) or claim against the transferred assets: Section 41(5). Further, PAMVs owe no responsibility to shareholders and creditors of a bank except where there is fraud or gross misconduct directly affecting the rights of such shareholders or creditors: Section 41(8).

Introduction

T

he Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020 (BOFIA 2020) was passed into law on 13 November, 2020. BOFIA 2020 repealed the Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act, 1991 (BOFIA 1991).

This three-part discourse examines revisions which BOFIA 2020 has introduced to Nigeria’s bank resolution and insolvency legal framework. This is the second of the three part discourse.

Cooperation with the CBN in Banking Crisis Section 36(1) of BOFIA 2020 mandates relevant government agencies to cooperate with, assist, grant waivers and forbearances as the CBN Governor may require for resolving banking crisis. Indeed, the foregoing provision imposes a mandatory obligation on relevant government agencies “notwithstanding the provisions of any other enactment”.

The banking crisis contemplated under this provision will occur when two or more of the following incidences occur: (i) when critically distressed banks control 12.5% or more of total assets in the industry, (ii) when 12.5% or more of total industry deposits are threatened, (iii) when 12.5% or more of the banking system’s total loans are non-performing, (iv) when 25% or more of banks have applied for liquidity support in excess of 50% of the aggregate takings from CBN’s window or total interbank funds in the market or have been suspended by their settlement banks for failure to meet clearing obligations.

The CBN Governor may vary the above conditions, or prescribe additional conditions as he deems fit.

Bail-in of Failing Banks and Bail-in Certificates The importance which BOFIA 2020 places on facilitating rescue of banks is well highlighted

by Section 37(1) which empowers CBN to take additional resolution measures in dealing with failing banks “notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any law or contract.” One of such measures is the bail-in. A bail-in involves the rescue of a failing bank by, and/or at the cost of, internal stakeholders such as creditors, bondholders or depositors.

In this regard, the CBN may direct that an eligible instrument which a failing bank has issued or is a party or subject to, should be cancelled, modified, converted or changed in form: Section 37(2). CBN will give this directive through a bail-in certificate where the CBN considers that the eligible instrument would be useful in facilitating the bank’s rescue. The CBN may also make the directive where the failing bank’s available assets are not sufficient to meet its liabilities as they fall due: Section 37(3).

“Eligible instrument” is defined as (i) any equity instrument or other instrument which confers or represents a legal or beneficial ownership in the bank, except an ordinary share; (ii) any unsecured liability and unsecured debt instrument which is subordinated to unsecured creditors’ claims of the bank that are not so subordinated; and (iii) any instrument with a right to be written down, cancelled, modified, changed in form or converted into shares on occurrence of a specified event: Section 39(6).

Failure to comply with a directive in a bail-in certificate will attract a liability of imprisonment for a term of not less than 6 months or a fine of not less than N2,000,000 or to both.

Moratorium and Regulations on Bail-In of Eligible Instruments Another novel resolution measure introduced

Sale of Business Tool BOFIA embodies a new sale of business tool empowering CBN to transfer shares or instruments issued by a bank to a purchaser. The CBN may also transfer all or any of the bank’s assets, rights and liabilities to a purchaser: Section 42(1). CBN is required to take all reasonable steps in obtaining commercial terms for such transfers: section 41(2).

Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Garba Abubakar

by BOFIA 2020, is the automatic moratorium on all claims and judgement debt enforcement relating to eligible instruments. The aim of the moratorium is to give the failing bank some respite to reorganise its affairs. It comes into effect on the date a bail-in certificate is issued and remains in force throughout the period indicated in the bail-in certificate or determined by the CBN Governor by a written notice: Section 39(1).

In furtherance of the above, the CBN may make regulations imposing a requirement on banks to ensure that contracts governing the eligible instruments: (i) contain a requirement that parties to the agreement agree for the eligible instruments to be subject of a bail-in certificate, and (ii) parties agree to be bound by a CBN-issued bail-in certificate: Section 39(2). This may be a surplusage considering that Section 37(1) empowers CBN to bail-in eligible instruments of failing banks in facilitating rescue “notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any law or contract.”

“ANOTHER NOVEL RESOLUTION MEASURE INTRODUCED BY BOFIA 2020, IS THE AUTOMATIC MORATORIUM ON ALL CLAIMS AND JUDGEMENT DEBT ENFORCEMENT RELATING TO ELIGIBLE INSTRUMENTS”

The regulations may also specify (i) types of eligible instruments and banks to which the requirement applies, and (iii) provide consequential/transitional matters: Section 39(3). In exercising the foregoing powers, CBN may have regard to the desirability of giving pre-resolution creditors and shareholders the priority they would have enjoyed in winding-up proceedings: Section 39(4).

Suspension of Contractual Termination rights BOFIA 2020 empowers the CBN to suspend the exercise of termination rights in certain contracts. These contracts are those involving: (i) a bank that is a subject, or proposed subject, of a resolution measure; and (ii) an entity that is part of the same group as a bank where: (a) the bank is the subject, or proposed subject, of a resolution measure, (b) the termination right is exercisable on the bank’s insolvency or other financial condition, and (c) the entity’s obligation under the contract are guaranteed or supported by the bank: Section 40(1) and (2). This anti-ipso facto provision is aimed at ensuring that failing banks are not stripped of useful contracts which could consequently accelerate their failure.

Persons whose termination rights are suspended cannot exercise the right during the suspension period without CBN’s prior written consent: Section 40(7). Any exercise of such right of termination will be of no effect: section 40(6). Even after the expiration of the suspension period, a termination right may not be exercised on the ground of (i) the resolution measure taken for the bank, or (ii) occurrence of an event connected to the resolution measure: Section 40(8).

Asset Separation Tool Still in relation to rescue of banks, BOFIA 2020 empowers CBN to transfer a failing bank’s assets to one or more Private Asset Management Vehicles (PAMVs) for a consideration: Section 41(1) and (3). The objective is for PAMVs to manage the assets with the aim of maximising value for an eventual sale or an orderly liquidation: Section 41(6). Assettransfer to PAMVs will be effective without the consent of the bank’s shareholders or any third party. Further, the transfer will be effective notwithstanding non-compliance with any procedural requirements under any law or contract.

To forestall any interference with transferred assets, shareholders and creditors of a bank are disallowed from enforcing any right, judgment

Netting BOFIA 2020 seeks to preserve netting agreements involving banks after the revocation of licenses, issuance of winding-up orders or appointment of liquidators. Section 54 makes netting agreements to be binding on the liquidator. Further, any payment or settlement instruction that has been delivered to another bank, the CBN or a third party under specified conditions will be binding on the liquidator. Any payment or settlement obligation or instruction that, inter alia, has been determined through netting prior to the revocation of licence, issue of winding-up order or appointment of liquidator will also be binding on the liquidator. Where a bank (prior to the revocation of its license or winding-up order) had provided an asset to the CBN or another bank as security for a loan in respect of its settlement or payment obligation, the asset may still be used to the extent required for the discharge of the settlement obligation.

Management and Control of Failing Specialised Banks and Other Financial Institutions Section 62 of the repealed BOFIA 1991 which dealt with management and control of failing “other financial institutions” has been expanded in BOFIA 2020 to include “specialised banks”. Further, while Section 62(3) of BOFIA 1991 required any other financial institution whose license is revoked to be wound up by “a person” appointed by the CBN. BOFIA 2020 says either “the NDIC” or “a person” appointed by the CBN: Section 62(4). A newly introduced step which CBN is required to take in managing a failing financial institution is granting advances to non-interest banks in a grave situation or which the CBN determines require liquidity support: Section 62(2).

Avoidance of Pre-liquidation transfers Section 73 of BOFIA 2020 embodies preliquidation avoidance provisions. A liquidator may set aside transfers and recover assets from: (i) gratuitous transfers to insiders or affiliates made within 5 years prior to liquidation; (ii) gratuitous transfers to third parties made within 3 years prior to the liquidation; (iii) transactions at an undervalue made within 3 years of the liquidation; (iv) transactions based on forged or fraudulent documents to creditors’ detriment; (v) actions intended to withhold assets from the bank’s creditors or impair their rights within 5 years prior to the liquidation; (vi) preferences to creditors done one year prior to the liquidation; (vii) attachment of security interest within 6 months prior to the liquidation.

The avoidance provisions may be employed to swell assets available for distribution to creditors. Prior to BOFIA 2020, a bank liquidator could make recoveries with the aid of the avoidance provisions in the Companies and Allied Matters Act. This may still be done, subject to the new avoidance provisions in BOFIA 2020; Section 55.

To be continued.

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26.01.2021

Bishop Kukah, Fatwa and Religion as Opium of the Masses “Fatwa” is an Islamic religious Decree, issued by the Ulama. A death fatwa calls for the head of a person. The “Ulama” is a body of Muslim scholars, who are recognised as possessing specialist knowledge of Islamic laws and theology. I am compelled today to make a second outing on Bishop Mathew Kukah’s Christmas homily, and call for those beating the drums of war to immediately STOP. God-Given Freedom The last time I checked, the secularity of Nigeria has been guaranteed

by Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution. What is Bishop Kukah’s offence, that some rabidly misguided, intolerant and ethno-religiously bigoted individuals styling themselves as Muslims are calling for Kukah’s head? When did almighty, omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent God tell religionists He needs their help or defence?

Let these 'defenders' of God read the Quran, Al- Baqara 256 ("there is no compulsion in religion"). Let them read the Quran, Al - Kafirun, 109:1 ("I worship not that which you worship, nor do you worship that which I worship...to you be your religion, and to me my religion"). For Christians, read Galatians 5:1 ("it was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery"). Let them read Acts 5:29 ("But Peter and the Apostles answered ,'we must obey God rather than men' ". The meaning of these biblical and quranic verses, shredded of aesthetics, is freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Section 38(1) 1999 Constitution).

Do we uphold this God-given freedom? No wonder, Karl Marx (1818-1883), in his works, "Die Religion...ist das Opium des Volkes" , once described religion as ".....the opium of the people". When did criticising President Buhari or government become treason, such as to provoke some people taking the laws into their hands in the name of religion? When, why, how and where did we lose our humanity, brotherhood, friendship, mutual respect and tolerance?

Buhari’s Election When Nigerians, in a hotly disputed election (which was all but free, fair, transparent and credible) re-elected President Buhari in February, 2019, I didn’t recall it was only Northerners or Muslims who voted for him. They did not, could not have, and were never able to enthrone Buhari alone. It took Southern Nigeria’s Intervention (especially the Christianly-dominated Southwest) to make Buhari President, after his serial and dismal failures in 2003, 2007 and 2011. He actually wept publicly in 2011, vowing never to contest again. Only the Southern Nigeria’s life line, breathed oxygen into his vanquished political machine.

Annul the Fatwa So, why are a particular religion and a section of the country suddenly appropriating (or better still, misappropriating) the President to themselves, as a sectional, ethno-religious warlord that is immune from criticism by the very people he governs? Is this not the same government that periodically welcomes, embraces and cuddles Rev. Father Mbaka (of the same Kukah’s Catholic Christian faith) as a friend, brother, idol, prayer warrior, religious mentor and spiritual guide, simply because he preaches in favour of the same Buhari government on his Adoration Ministry grounds in Enugu? Do these fatwa-wielding people not always embrace Mbaka, for being on the side of Buhari and his inept colourless regime? What kind of government and cult-deity-worshippers of double standards, duplicity, intolerance, tribalism, ethno-centrism, nepotism, prebendalism, impunity, favouritism, insecurity, upgraded corruption, decimation of citizens’ rights, subjugation of rule of law, liberties and court orders, vindictiveness, brutality, insensitivity, tears, sorrow, blood, pains and pangs, are these?

Make no mistake about this: CANCEL, ABROGATE AND ANNUL THAT FATWA ON KUKAH’S HEAD, IMMEDIATELY. When did criticising Buhari and his non-performing government of opaqueness, non-inclusiveness, serial borrowings and second recession become an attack on Islam or Muslims? Do these people credit Nigerians with brains, and a sense of history at all?

That the fatwa and quit notice to Kukah by the Muslim Solidarity Forum was authored by one Isa Muhammad Maishanu, a Professor, makes the threat more damaging, odious, disgusting, highly unexpected and unacceptable.

Bishop Kukah’s Christmas Message: Speaking the Truth to Authority What did Kukah say in his Christmas message, that these government bootlickers and fawners masquerading under religion have found difficult to catch any sleep over since then? They said he called for a coup. How? Kukah merely accused the President of nepotism and other governance infractions, in his Christmas message. He said if Buhari had been a Southerner and a non-Muslim, and such a ruler had done a quarter of what Buhari had done as President, there would have been a coup. True or false?

For speaking truth to authority (conscience is an open wound; only the truth can heal it – Uthman Dan Fodio), Kukah was accused

by Lai Muhammed (Minister of Information) of attempting to stoke the “embers of hatred, sectarian strife and national disunity”.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) joined the fray, by terming

Bishop Mathew Kukah Kukah’s honest and refreshingly invigorating Christmas message as “reckless, inflammatory and unguarded”. Was it really? NO! Except for those with thin skin for criticism. Kukah had earlier told Dr Khalid Aliyu, Secretary-General of the Jama'atu Islam (JNI), the umbrella body led by the Sultan of Sokoto, that he would be "more than happy to apologise " if they could show, 'as a matter of honour ', where he attacked Islam or Muslims. To date, mum is the word. And is forever, because Kukah never did.

It later became the turn of the Muslim Solidarity Forum (MSF) to take the threats a notch higher, by declaring, “We wonder how Kukah, who lives peacefully and comfortably in the heart of the Sokoto Caliphate, can make such a callous and senseless statement”. Not done, he (Professor Isa Maishanu), who signed the statement, ordered “Kukah to immediately stop his malicious vituperations against Islam and Muslims and tender unreserved

“BISHOP KUKAH IS A PANNIGERIAN, NON-SECTIONAL, NON-ETHNO-RELIGIOUS CLERIC. LEAVE KUKAH ALONE”

apology to the Muslim Ummah or else, quickly and quietly leave the seat of the Caliphate”. Hear! Hear!! Hear!!! Even the very indigenes of Sokoto State who are minority Christians, were termed “Christian guests”. Has Professor Isa Maishanu cared to also know that all Muslim minorities are allowed to live peacefully and carry out their legitimate endeavours in the largely and predominantly Christian-dominated parts of Nigeria, such as the entire South-East, South-West, South-South, Middle-Belt, and most or many parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Nassarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and the Zulus? What happens if the said Christians were to declare their own Fatwa?

Will there be any country called Nigeria left?

Why did Prof Isa strain Kukah’s phrase of “a pool of violence to draw from” to mean “reference to those he has always characterised with violence – the Muslims”? Why? How did that term refer to Muslims, whether directly or by way of innuendo, which Isa regarded as “a serious provocation”?

Did Isa ever read, or care to read and digest Bishop Kukah’s earlier clarification of his statement, to the effect that he NEVER called for a coup? Kukah, dripping as ever, with his intellectual fecundity and lucidity, had clarified: “If you call for a coup, it means it is something that is not here. It is something that will happen in the future. So, it is grammar”. Was this tutorial not clear enough, especially since no Nigerian, Muslim, Christian, journalist, or those at the corridors of power, has ever challenged this Kukah’s clarified position? By the way, are these Muslim bodies, JNI, MURIC, and others ceaselessly baying for Kukah’s holy and spiritual blood no longer led by the temperate, suave, urbane, exposed, cerebral, accommodating and pan-Nigerian Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar CFR? Is Bishop Kukah no longer a Northerner, simply because he is a Christian? Or is the Northern space is no longer available for non-Muslim Northerners and non-Northern Christians?

When has it become a crime to criticise and critique government, or speak truth to power and interrogate authority? When did Nigerians ever agree to suspend our inalienable, civil and constitutional rights, liberties and freedoms, simply because President Buhari is in power? When did Nigerians agree to elect into office a Loius XIV of France, who, in his inebriation with the liquor of power and absolute despotism, once proudly stood in front of Parliament (on April 13, 1865) and declared imperiously, “L’etat c’est moi” (“I am the State”)?

Are these bootlickers, fawners, ego-masseurs, and corridors-ofpower- crawlers and grovellers really helping President Buhari at all to find rhythm, compass and synergy? Didn’t they hear that even white pigeons stubbornly refused to obey Buhari and fly out of their cages, days ago, at the commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day? Was this not enough ominous sign that it is not only Nigerians, but even the animal kingdom that is fed up with Buhari’s chaotic, vacuous, incompetent, clueless, abrasive and iron-grip rule of impoverishment and adjective penury.

LEAVE KUKAH ALONE. LET KUKAH BE. TOUCH NEITHER A LIMB, NOR A HAIR OF HIS. Kukah is Psalm 105:15 and Chronicles 16:22 (“touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm”). It was the Holy Sea, the Papacy in Rome (the only country within a country), that posted Bishop Kukah to serve in Sokoto. No man, woman or group in Nigeria, has the capacity, authority or right to send him packing, or threaten him to leave Sokoto.

About Bishop Matthew Kukah Fiery 69-year-old Bishop Hassan Mathew Kukah, has been working in the Lord’s vineyard for 45 years as a Priest. The no-nonsense pulpit terror of bad governments and dictators, was ordained a Catholic Priest on December 19, 1976. He attended the University of Ibadan for a Diploma in Religious Studies; Pontifical Urban University, Rome in 1976, for a Bachelor of Divinity; University of Bradford, United Kingdom in 1980, for a Master’s degree in Peace Studies; and the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in 1990, for a Ph.D. It was during his doctoral studies that he produced his first book, “Religion and Politics in Northern Nigeria”. The former Secretary of the Oputa Truth Commission was a consultant to the Vatican for 5 years, and has remained a powerful resonating voice in Nigeria’s polluted socio-economic and political firmament.

So frustrated have I also personally been with President Buhari’s nepotic and sectionalistic government, that I once asked rhetorically in exasperation (in an earlier write-up): “Are we not fast sliding into the “Northern Republic of Nigeria”, or “Federal Republic of the North”, or “Northern Nigerian Republic”, or “Republic of Northern Nigeria”, or “Federal Republic of Northern Nigeria” or “Republic of Northern Nigeria and others”.

Bishop Kukah is a pan-Nigerian, non-sectional, non-ethnoreligious cleric. LEAVE KUKAH ALONE. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK "It is the desire of the good people of the whole country that sectionalism as a factor in our politics should disappear..."- Rutherford B. Hayes.

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

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Quick Takes NIMC Arrests Illegal NIN Enrolment Agents

INDUCTION CEREMONY

L- R: Associate Counsel D.J. Fadesere & Co, Olufunmilola Micah; Company Secretary/Head Legal, Admin. & HR, Brent Mortgage Bank Ltd, Fatimah Ahmed; Registrar/CEO Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Taiwo Ganiyat Olusesi, and Partner Tax Services, Deloitte Nigeria, Seye Arowolo, during the induction of new Associate Members of ICSAN, held in Lagos… recently

Full Deregulation, PIB Passage Top Marketers’Expectations in 2021 Peter Uzoho Marketers of petroleum products in Nigeria have reeled out their expectations for the downstream sector in 2021.

Top on their expectations include the total deregulation of the downstream sector, the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and the completion of the Dangote Refinery.

The Chairman of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Managing Director of 11Plc, Mr. Adetunji Oyebanjo, told THISDAY that operators equally hope to recover from the losses they incurred last year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and its attendant collapse of oil price and the oil and gas industry in general.

Controversies have continued to trail the federal government’s claim that it has deregulated the

ENERGY downstream sector of the nation’s petroleum industry as marketers have maintained their position that the market has not yet been deregulated.

They cited the continuous interference in petrol pump by the government and the privilege granted to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which is the sole importer of petrol to be getting dollars at special exchange rate.

However, oil and gas players have been betting on the passage of an investment-friendly PIB to open up the industry for increased investment and massive participation by players.

Also, the Dangote Group had announced that refined products from its 650,000 barrels per day refinery currently under construc-

tion at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos, would be in the market by the last quarter of this year.

All these, according to Oyebanji, are highly needed for the industry to be beehive of activities again this year and beyond.

“First and foremost, we are hoping that we will be able to recoup some of the lost grounds in 2020. As you know, for all industry, COVID-19 really dealt a very serious blow.

“So, hopefully, at least may be as from second quarter, we hope that we begin to see a reverse of some of the huge losses that all of us incurred because it was a very tough year in 2020. So that will be one thing.

“Then, we are hoping that finally, we will see a PIB in place, but not just a PIB for the sake of it, but a PIB that will actually enhance and help the industry to grow and attract investment

and all that,” Oyebanji said.

He added: “Then, hopefully, we will begin to get towards where the Dangote Refinery, even if it is not in use in 2021, at least it will be close because when that happens, it will be like a game changer.

“Also, we hope that we will finally have true deregulation and not the kind of deregulation in which one day we will say we have deregulated and another day we will say we have reduced the price by N5.

“So we hope that we will have a consistent, full and total deregulation backed by law. I think those are the key things we are hoping for 2021.”

Oyebanji, however, justified the call by state governors for the NNPC to end its DirectSale-Direct-Purchase (DSDP) Continued on page 24

TCN: Discos Used Short-term Funds for Long-term Investments Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has maintained that part of the challenges in the electricity supply industry in the country was that power Distribution Companies (Discos) used short term funds for long-term investments in the power sector.

General Manager, Market Operations of the transmission company, Mr. Edmund Eje, who spoke during a virtual power dialogue organised by the Power Hub, posited that the illiquidity within the system was triggered by that singular mistake.

He argued that the industry had moved away from a tariff gap, which he said occurs in every market from time to time,

ECONOMY due to the movement of some macroeconomic indices, to what he described as a market gap.

He added that although this forced the federal government to assist with a number of subventions which amounted to about N1.5 trillion injected into a business that had been privatised, the funds failed to reflect in terms of increased supply.

Eje, alleged that the power distribution companies were sold to investors who lacked enough capital and who borrowed funds from banks and therefore were trying to repay the loans instead of strengthening their networks

initially.

“Now we are talking about funding. What we also learnt about these acquisitions is that public utilities cannot be given to a single person to own. It cannot be given to money borrowed from the bank, but equity.

“It is understood that most acquisitions were done through credit loan and these loans became a very staggering weight on some of the Discos. This prevented some of them from reducing ATC&C because their first charges became bank charges.

“But they started very well. If they had enough equity to start with enough capital, they would have done a lot to strengthen the network. It was not so in Nigeria because of funding. We

will not say funding generally because it is a private business.

“You cannot say government did not fund because it is no longer government business.

Individuals and groups that bought these utilities needed to fund them themselves. I can’t remember that we funded generation because it is a private entity.

“So, the problem started at this point and since the market started widening, the Discos resorted to reducing their invoices monthly and this affected the amount of energy they will take.

“By reducing the amount of energy you take, you restrict the amount of energy to be evacuContinued on page 24

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), last week, raided illegal operators of the National Identification Number (NIN) in Kano and made some arrests with the support of its legal team.

NIMC, which gave the information on its official twitter handle explained: “We have arrested some illegal operators of NIMC activities by some Business Centre operators in Kano metropolis. For three days we went round Kano and we successfully made arrest of some illegal NIN enrolment agents, who pretend to be licensed NIN enrolment agents and deceive some Nigerians to illegally enrol them into the NIMC database.”

The Legal Officer at NIMC office in Kano, who was part of the raid, said the exercise was to find out areas where illegal NIMC activities were going on in Kano, especially in business centres.

He said arrests were made and NIMC documents were recovered in the business centres during the exercise.

He listed the documents to include NIMC’s original NIN slips, fake NIMC plastics identity cards and other vital documents that were not supposed to be under the custody of non-NIMC staff.

He said those arrested have been handed over to the Police and investigation has commenced, and they would be charged to court for prosecution after the Police investigation.

NIMC had warned Nigerians not to register with agents that are not duly licensed by NIMC. NIMC had in December last year, licensed 200 enrolment agents comprising of 173 agents and 30 state governments/public sector institutions to conduct enrolment of all persons, including legal residents into the national identity database of the the National Identity Management Commission on behalf of NIMC.

Firm Pledges Supply of Petroleum Products

BonnyLight Energy and Offshore Limited, a wholly indigenous petroleum downstream company, has announced its latest supply of 20,000 metric tonnes of diesel to the Nigerian market, with a pledge to maintain steady supply of products to the market.

The company said the product lifted from Amsterdam, Netherland would serve key markets situated across the region through its base in Kirikiri, Ijegun, and Creek Road in Lagos; Warri and Oghara in Delta State as well as Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It said the product supplies came at the crucial times occasioned by high consumption of diesel from corporates, transporting institutions and even households, and aimed at ensuring product security across all sectors.

The Vice Chairman of BonnyLight Energy and Offshore Limited, Mr. Toyin Banjo, said in a statement that “BonnyLight is proud to be an active member of the industry’s stakeholder community committed to the continual delivery of premium fuel that drives our fast-emerging economy amid the recession and the attendant COVID-19 pandemic era.

“Furthermore, we are poised to support the Federal Government’s efforts to revamp the energy sector and successfully steer the economy towards a fully market-led and deregulated regime in the downstream petroleum sector,” it added.

Amazon Seeks to Halt Union Election

Amazon.com Inc. has filed a motion asking the US National Labor Relations Board to halt the union election at its Bessemer, Alabama warehouse, scheduled to start February 8.

The company also requested a review of an earlier labor board decision to hold the election by mail due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a filing dated January 21.

Amazon’s first US union election since 2014 was scheduled to begin with the mailing of ballots in early February and a vote count starting March 30. The online retail giant, which is the second-largest private employer in the United States after Walmart Inc, has long avoided unionization and has trained managers to spot organising activity.

According to Reuters, the company alleged multiple gaps in labor board precedent, errors made by the acting regional director, and missed opportunities for mail-ballot improvements to back its motion.

“While it has been a challenging year for the oil and gas industry due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis also provides us with the opportunity to re-define our industry for transformative moments” Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva

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BUSINESSWORLD FULL DEREGULATION, PIB PASSAGE TOP MARKETERS’ EXPECTATIONS IN 2021 arrangement, saying the governors might have felt that the arrangement was opaque and not beneficial to all.

He said such arrangement does not encourage competition in the industry, adding that why it might appear that there is no more scarcity and queues at the filling stations partly because of such arrangement, the actual cost needs to be interrogated.

He added: “You know, I told you that the only thing the press and Nigerians don’t want to hear is scarcity of petrol but nobody is looking at the cost. That is where what the governors are talking about comes into play.

“So, the point is, yes, there are no queues, there is no scarcity.

But this is the dilemma Nigeria has. We don’t want to face the reality of the economics of the products.

“People think petrol should be a social welfare product like health and education which should not be, because if you do it like that, you will not get the people who should invest in it to invest.

TCN: DISCOS USED SHORT-TERM FUNDS FOR LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS ated through the transmission.

Energy consumed, energy generated, energy evacuated is not stored anywhere although there are new technologies coming out now.

“But as the generator is generating, transmission is transmitting or evacuating and the consumer gets it. Any imbalance between these three causes a lot of friction, especially when they Discos drop load for whatever reason,” he noted.

He explained that this has caused problems for the transmission company which battles to stabilise the system each time there’s an imbalance.

In her contribution, the Chief Financial Officer, Ikeja Disco, Wunmu Olukoju, identified electricity theft as one of the biggest challenges in the industry.

“With respect to internal funding, there are two major issues. One is energy theft by consumers and we have two groups of people. There are customers who steal electricity and are using the energy.

NEWS

Fashola: Ongoing Varsity Road Projects Will Enhance Quality Education Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has stated that the ongoing 43 road projects in various universities in the country will provide the right environment for quality learning in the benefitting institutions.

Fashola, who spoke while handing over a two kilometre internal road project which the ministry rehabilitated and reconstructed at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, noted that the infrastructure gap in the country was steadily being bridged by ongoing repairs, renewal and construction of major highways.

The minister who was represented at the event by the Federal Controller of Works in Benue State, Mr. Charles Oke, added that the road intervention project had not only impacted on the condition of learning in the schools but had also created jobs and generated employment for Nigerians.

“It is undebatable that quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention had taken place.

“There are currently 43 road intervention projects within tertiary Institutions across Nigeria being executed by this ministry. The students are expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because some defective roads have been restored to good condition,” he stressed.

Fashola urged the school authority to take ownership and ensure that the road asset was properly utilised, assuring that the federal government would do more for the development of its institutions.

Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Richard Kimbir, in his comments, said the commissioning of the road project came less than two months after a 8.25MW Solar Hybrid Power Plant was commissioned in the school.

“The eloquent message from these projects is that the gap in infrastructural needs of the university is being steadily bridged by this administration.

The university is really deficient in the quantum and quality of adjectives to convey her true feeling of gratitude and happiness.

“The positive impact of this project on campus life is highly invaluable as it addresses infrastructural needs of the university with direct bearing on the quality

of learning environment, easy movement on the campus for staff, students and members of the host community,” Kimbir noted.

He added: “The commitment of the university is that the infrastructure would be protected for maximum utilisation. Suffice, however, to state that many more of such campus roads are crying for rehabilitation.

“It is imperative to say that these campus roads have not been maintained since inception of the university over the last three decades.”

In attendance at the ceremony were traditional rulers and some members of the university governing council.

Loading Resumes after ExxonMobil lifts Force Majeure on Qua Iboe Crude oil exports of Nigeria’s key crude, Qua Iboe, is set to resume for the first time in almost six weeks after a fire at the terminal halted production and

loadings, shipping and trading.

Reuters reported that a spokesman at ExxonMobil, who preferred anonymity, confirmed it had lifted force majeure on Qua Iboe crude loadings.

Qua Iboe production started to ramp up to normal levels of 200,000 b/d in the past week, according to sources, with the release of both the February and March loading programmes.

The VLCC Dalia was also in the process of loading a 1-millionbarrel stem at the Qua terminal since January 21, according to data intelligence firm Kpler. This will be the first export of Qua Iboe since December 15.

Qua Iboe is one of Nigeria’s largest export grades, and is very popular among global refiners, with India, the US, Canada, Italy, Spain, Indonesia, and the Netherlands being key buyers.

Qua Iboe prices have taken a hit as a result of the disruption.

S&P Global Platts last assessed

the grade at a discount to Dated Brent of 50 cents/b, down from a premium against the benchmark in December.

Bonny Light, a mainstay Nigerian crude which typically trades at roughly the same level as Qua Iboe, was last assessed 30 cents/b higher.

“If you get a cargo of Qua now it could be 50 cents to a dollar below Bonny even,” a trader said. “A January cargo is completely out of cycle and the reliability issues mean people won’t touch it.”

February and March loading programmes have been issued for Qua Iboe averaging 169,643 b/d and 153,226 b/d respectively.

Production of this key grade ranged between 180,000-220,000 b/d in 2020, according to S&P Global Platts estimates.

Qua Iboe is a light sweet crude, which has a gravity of 36 API and sulphur content of 0.13 per cent.

Ex-lawmaker Remanded for Illegal Connection in Nasarawa A former member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, representing Uke/Karshi constituency, Mr. Alhassan Gora has been arraigned before the Uke Upper Area Court for assault, breach of public peace as well as dishonest and fraudulent reconnection of electricity.

The prosecutor said Gora stole the electricity of the Abuja

Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) contrary to sections 264, 286(2), 113 and 114 of the penal code, laws of northern Nigeria.

In the First Information Report (FIR) filed before the court, the police also alleged that Gora slapped one Mr. Samson Sabo, a marketer with the AEDC, three times thereby assaulting him while

carrying out his official duty in the community.

A statement by the AEDC in Abuja, alleged that Gora assaulted its staff who was carrying out his legitimate duty, saying that the exlawmaker had reconnected himself without the consent of AEDC, despite an outstanding debt of N324,000.

On arrival at his house, the team led by Mr. Sabo found that Gora had illegally reconnected himself thereby stealing the electricity of AEDC. “AEDC promptly reported the matter to the Uke Division of the Nigeria Police Force who charged him before the Upper Area Court on a one count charge of assault,” the statement added.

It stated that when the matter came up for hearing, the accused person pleaded not guilty and was granted bail for N200, 000.

In the alternative, the magistrate, Abdulsalam Abubakar, ordered that he be remanded at the Keffi correctional centre until the next adjourned date, which is February 12, 2020.

Climate Change: IFAD Seeks Support for Small-scale Farmers

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

ÒÓØÏÎß äÏ (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

ß×Ï ÕÏÑÒÏ (Money Market) ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

If investments to help rural small-scale farmers adapt to climate change do not substantially increase, we risk widespread hunger and global instability, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Gilbert Houngbo has warned.

This followed a recent United Nations’ announcement that 2020 was one of the warmest years on record, with catastrophic temperature rises expected this century.

“It is unacceptable that small-scale farmers who grow much of the world’s food are left at the mercy of unpredictable weather patterns, with such low investment to help them to adapt,” a statement quoted

Houngbo to have said.

“They do little to cause climate change, but suffer the most from its impacts. Their increasingly common crop failures and livestock deaths put our entire food system at risk.

“It is imperative that we ensure they remain on their land and sustainably produce nutritious food. If not, then hunger, poverty and migration will become even more widespread in the years to come,” he added.

In response, Houngbo will announce the launch of IFAD’s Enhanced Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP+) at the Climate Adaptation Summit on January 26, alongside IFAD’s Goodwill Ambassadors Idris and Sabrina

Elba, who will discuss the topic with Alexander de Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium, and Dag Inge Ulstei, Norway’s Minister of International Development.

Only 1.7 per cent of global climate finance – a fraction of what is needed - goes to small-scale farmers in developing countries despite their disproportionate vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, according to a report released by IFAD in 2020.

ASAP+ intends to change this. It is envisioned to be the largest fund dedicated to channelling climate finance to small-scale producers. It aims to mobilise US$500 million to reduce climate change threats to food security, lower greenhouse gases and help more than 10

million people adapt to weather changes. Austria, Germany, Ireland and Qatar have already pledged commitments.

ASAP+ will focus on low income countries that depend the most on agriculture and face the greatest challenges in terms of food insecurity, rural poverty and exposure to climate change. It aims to bring four million hectares of degraded land under climate resilient practices, and sequester around 110 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent over 20 years. It will also help countries achieve their nationally determined contributions set under the Paris agreement.

“Small-scale farmers in rural areas play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainability, stability, and

security in the world. Climate adaptation funding must not leave them behind,” Director of IFAD’s climate change division, Jo Puri said.

“ASAP+ will contribute to the global call for reducing greenhouse gases while ensuring significant income-related benefits for rural farmers and other vulnerable people.”

Small-scale farming systems currently produce half of the world’s food calories, but are often entirely reliant on natural resources, including rain. As a result, they are at significant risk from increasing temperatures, erratic rainfall, pest infestations, rising sea levels, and extreme events such as floods, droughts, landslides, typhoons and heat waves.

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Gas to the Rescue

As the debate over the long-term relevance of crude oil rages, Nigeria appears to be shifting its attention to the exploration of the country’s huge gas deposits, writes Emmanuel Addeh

T

he year 2020, unarguably remains the most devastating period in the history of oil and gas in history as the product hit its lowest point.

In the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic, Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy, entered recession for the second time in five years, after a contraction in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for a second consecutive quarter.

Largely dependent on revenues from crude oil export for its survival, the country’s economy contracted by 3.62 per cent in the third quarter of 2020, after having already declined by 6 per cent in the previous quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Nigeria’s revenues dipped by as much as 60 per cent while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that it expected Nigeria’s GDP to decline by 5.4 per cent in that turbulent year.

But while experts continued to debate the waning relevance of crude oil in the global marketplace, the growing place of renewal sources of energy and other emerging issues, Nigeria maintains that it is not oblivious of global trends in the industry, oil and even gas are not going extinct soon.

It notes that oil is not going into oblivion soon and that with renewed attention being given to its gas resources, it is moving closer to gas sufficiency as a replacement for dirty fuels.

Yet again, the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, 2021, offered major players in the industry including the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari and the Secretary General, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr Sanusi Barkindo, the opportunity to speak on the issues which have been on the front burner in recent years.

Kyari, who spoke on the second day of the programme on the topic, “Delivering Energy Access in the Developing World”, noted that although the country aligns with the push for renewables, it is now focused on using its oil and gas resources in developing infrastructure till when the commodities become less relevant in about 40 years.

He disclosed that Nigeria with significant gas reserves, has approximately $3 to $4 billion projects currently ongoing in the sector, some of which have reached advanced stages, in the country’s effort to rev up production for domestic use and for export.

“We are not a petroleum country in the real sense. It’s agreed that we have the 10th largest reserve of oil and a significant gas reserves. Of course what everybody recognises is the oil.

“The reality today is that we have a country in excess of 200 million people. Seventy per cent of this population is well below 30, with a growing middle class and one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.

“More importantly, for us today, an energy deficient country, over 60 per cent of our country is not electrified, poverty level is very high, extremely challenging. But so much is going on to see how we can reverse this trend. When you combine all these, you will see that as a country of focus today, many things are happening in the energy sector.

“For instance, we are seeing investment in our energy infrastructure, especially in the area of gas in excess of $10 billion, this is ongoing. There are a number of gas-based projects about 3 to 5 billion dollars and some of them are at Final Investment Decision (FID) stage,” he stated.

He maintained that Nigeria as a country is currently in transition and not necessarily in energy transition, but added that the country was not oblivious to the changes in the global oil and gas sector.

According to the NNPC boss, Nigeria is at the moment witnessing increased domestic gas demand in the industrial and power sectors, leading to increased production and reduced gas flaring.

Kyari, explained that the country is also witnessing increasing household access to gas networks and natural gas in the main cities, saying that there are deliberate plans to expand that access to rural areas.

He added that the federal government’s recent plan aimed at deepening domestic gas consumption, led to the advent of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and that it was part of the policy to deploy resources in the right places.

“The best of forecasts have said that in 30 years we will still have at least 100 million bpd of oil consumption.

Kyari “So, oil and gas will still remain relevant in the near future, but transition is real. What countries and nations are doing is to move towards much cleaner fuel and this cleaner fuel is clearly gas and that’s why we as a company are focused on gas resources, making sure to supply the domestic market and create opportunities for export.

“So, what we see as an energy resource-based country is to utilise the available resources of today to create the enabling environment for growth and prosperity in the country and that clearly aligns with the reality on the ground.

“We have significant goodwill and understanding across countries, nations and companies. For instance , we have significant engagement with the United States department of energy in the sense that we receive some support in our transition to cleaner fuels, so that we can develop our gas infrastructure so that we move away from the liquids to gas ultimately,” Kyari noted.

On the question of whether Nigeria can survive without oil, especially given the current crisis in the global oil market, the GMD explained that Nigeria was gradually moving away from its dependence on oil.

“What does this mean for a country like ours which depends on oil for cash? Obviously, we have seen how we can transit to something better for our country, so we don’t depend on that today. You may be aware that today, the country’s resources are mostly coming from taxes and those taxes are growing because population and prosperity is growing and we want to get more work done.

“As a country, we are facing the new realities and we are moving towards the use of gas and also we are developing our resources as quickly as possible so that when the real transition comes in 30 to 40 years’ time, we will be in a position to say this is a developed country that has taken advantage of its resources,” he stated.

In a different forum, Kyari stated that the NNPC is now focusing on condensates, which are excluded from the April 2020 production cuts announced by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), to curtail the crude oil supply glut and boost government revenue.

On the country’s renewed focus on gas and condensates for revenue generation, he said that the country’s plants now produce as much as 250,000 to 350,000 barrels of condensates daily, while projects to rev up gas production were in the offing.

The position of the OPEC boss, Barkindo, was not also markedly different from Kyari’s as he argued that the notion that renewable sources of energy would overtake the use of fossil fuels in the coming decades was still a long way away.

Speaking on the, “The Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation,” the former Group Managing Director of the NNPC maintained that though renewable sources of energy will continue to develop, oil and gas will remain very relevant, occupying over 50 per cent of the energy mix by 2045.

He noted that with the world’s population projected to grow by 1.7 billion over the next two and a half decades and the world economy more than doubling, oil and gas will remain relevant.

Highlighting the continued role of oil and gas in the global economy and its role in the energy transition, Barkindo insisted that though OPEC was not opposed to the growth of renewable energy, all the talk about oil and gas suddenly becoming useless was not founded on hard facts.

“Although, there are some who believe the oil and gas industries should not be part of the energy future, that they should be consigned to the past, and that the future is one that can be dominated by renewables and electric vehicles, it is important to state clearly that the science does not tell us this.

“And the statistics related to the blight of energy poverty do not tell us this either. The science and statistics tell us that we need to reduce emissions and use energy more efficiently.

“Renewables are coming of age, with wind and solar expanding quickly, but—even by 2045 in our WOO—they are only estimated to make up just over 20 percent of the global energy mix.

“Oil and gas combined are forecast to still supply over 50 percent of the world’s energy needs by 2045, with oil at around 27 percent and gas at 25 percent.

“We appreciate that some will view this as an OPEC forecast, dispute the numbers, and state that the organisation is against renewables.

“In response, it is clear that many OPEC member countries have great solar and wind resources, and huge investments are being made in this field.

OPEC welcomes the development of renewables.

“However, we do not see any realistic outlook projecting in their business-as-usual base cases that renewables will come anywhere close to overtaking oil and gas in the decades ahead,” he said. The OPEC helmsman stated that the world will continue to need more energy in the decades ahead, in the near term as the world recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic—and looking longer term to 2045, as the world prepares to rid itself of the scourge of energy poverty.

“Looking at the scale of the challenge of the energy transition, we need to utilise all available energies, and it is crucial that we appreciate just what each energy source can provide in the

decades ahead.

“The challenge of tackling emissions has many paths, and we need to explore them all. Complex problems require comprehensive solutions. The oil and gas industries are part of the solution; they possess critical resources and expertise that can help unlock our carbon-free future,” he said.

Barkindo reiterated that globally, the oil and gas market would require over $12 trillion investment between now and 2045, warning that there might be further energy shortfall without the needed investment.

“The future requires massive investments, with the WOO 2020 highlighting that the global oil sector alone requires a cumulative investment of $12.6 trillion through to 2045.

“It is vital that the required investments are made, in all energies, to ensure stable and continuous supplies, and to help reduce and, ultimately, eliminate emissions.

“Without the necessary investments, there is the potential for further volatility and a future energy shortfall, which is not in the interests of either producers or consumers,” he stated.

The Global Atlantic Council event also coincided with Nigeria’s continuing efforts to rev up its operations in the gas sector, with President Muhammadu Buhari pledging to continue the federal government’s diversification drive through the efficient use of the revenues from oil and gas resources in the country.

The president further declared that Nigeria will continue to strengthen its position as a regional leader in the oil and gas industry, even as his administration will spare no effort in ensuring maximum benefit from the nation’s huge natural deposits.

Speaking during the inauguration of the National Oil and Gas Excellence Centre (NOGEC) at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) headquarters, Lagos, which was partly virtual and partly physical, the president declared that through the deployment of revenues from oil and gas , he planned to reduce poverty and grow the economy.

The newly commissioned project is expected to house the various flagship centres to comprehensively cover key areas of the industry, including the Search, Rescue and Surveillance (SeRAS), Command and Control Centre and the National improved Oil Recovery Centre (NIORC).

It also comprises the Oil and Gas Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC), Oil and Gas Competence Development Centre (CDC) and the Integrated Data Mining and Analytics Centre (IDMAC).

The latest project adds to the other ones that are ongoing in the sector including the AKK pipeline project, the NLNG Train-7 project, and the completion of the 5,000 barrels per day Waltersmith Modular refinery.

The president explained that the integrated centre will enhance the contribution of the oil and gas sector to the nation’s GDP as well as strengthen Nigeria’s position as regional leader in the industry.

He noted that the centre had opened a new set of opportunities for the Nigerian petroleum industry in terms of investments, cost reduction, safety in operations and capacity development.

At the event, the Nigerian leader urged all industry practitioners and stakeholders to support the task of nation building to realise the abundant opportunities in the country.

Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva, in his comments stated that the project would lead to the realisation of the $10 per barrel oil production cost target.

He said: “Let me at this point to highlight the main elements of each of these centres to underscore its role in driving cost reduction, increasing production and enhancing value in the industry.

“Search, Rescue and Surveillance (SeRAS) is a flagship programme of the centre designed to enhance safety management, emergency preparedness and response and routine transportation for bed space management.

“SeRAS will, therefore, drive cost reduction and improve operational efficiency across the industry.

“Conservatively, it is projected that upon full implementation of SeRAS, the annual industry expenditure for offshore and remote locations, flight logistics and emergency response will reduce by up to 50 per cent, a significant gain towards our target of reducing cost-per-barrel across our operations.”

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DrivingCostEfficiency,ValueOptimsationinOilIndustry Efforts at addressing major challenges being faced by players in the Nigerian oil and gas industry received a major boost last week with the launch of the National Oil and Gas Excellence Centre Lagos to improve safety, optimise value and ensure cost efficiency in the industry, reports Peter Uzoho

L

ast week, players in the Nigerian oil and gas industry received a great relief with the eventual launch of the National Oil and Gas Excellence Centre (NOGEC) Lagos by President Muhammadu.

The integrated resource centre, whose major flagship units are domiciled at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) headquarters annex, in Lagos, is a well-thought out regulatory intervention of the agency to tackle some of the major challenges being suffered in industry.

NOGEC is structured to drive three-prong objectives of safety, value and cost efficiency in the Nigeria oil and gas industry, under five flagship centres, including Search, Rescue and Surveillance (SeRAS) Command and Control Centre.

Others are National Improved Oil Recovery Centre (NIORC); Oil and Gas Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC); Oil and Gas Competence Development Centre (CDC); and Integrated Data Mining and Analytics Centre (IDMAC). According to plan, the last two units – the CDC and IDMAC are sited in Osubi, Delta State and Brass, Bayelsa State, respectively.

President Buhari was joined virtually and physically at the ceremony by a host of government officials and industry players, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva; the host of the event and Director of DPR, Mr. Sarki Auwalu; Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari; and the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote.

Others were Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, Mr. Bitrus Nabasu; Chairman of Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) and Managing Director of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mike Sangster; and Chairman of Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), Mr. Demola Adeyemi-Bero, amongst others.

The Challenges The issues of operational safety, value of investments and cost of operation are at the heart of oil and gas business across the world and as such, the main drivers of investment decisions undertaken by operators. For the industry, particularly in Nigeria, safety of assets and personnel is critical; hence companies spend big to ensure adequate safety and protection of their employees and assets.

Also, oil companies in Nigeria, just like their counterparts in other sectors, place great importance on their assets and investments and try all means possible to protect them in order to continue to get commensurate returns on them and continue to thrive.

Equally, as a sector driven by huge capital outlay, which is mostly made possible by loan facilities, the oil and gas industry pays greater attention to the cost of their operation and always look after businesses they can play in, in a much more cost efficient and profitable manner.

However, in Nigeria, the oil and gas industry, especially the upstream segment, faces a lot of risks arising from insecurity of assets and personnel, dwindling value of assets and high cost of operation.

These pose major disincentive to investors and result in heavy drop in investments as some companies that could no longer cope with the situation have had to move their investments out of the county.

Oil assets in the Niger Delta are, on a regular basis, attacked by militants and oil thieves either by blowing up oil pipelines at the slightest provocation and protest or by stealing huge volumes of crude on a daily basis, to the detriment of the companies and with huge economic hemorrhage to the nation.

The development remains a major reason why Nigeria has not been able to achieve its three million per day oil production aspiration.

Ironically, to mitigate such losses, the companies resorted to committing huge amounts of their hard-earned money to either employ more security to guard their assets and personnel or engage in paying the same militants and thieves to stop or slow down their evil deeds on the assets, aside the normal corporate social responsibility

Auwalu commitments to the host communities.

They also spend even more on fixing their assets that have been destroyed. All these significantly contribute to the high cost of operation which the industry suffers in the country, which does not exist in other countries.

It was this high cost of oil-per-barrel production in Nigeria which is far above $10, unlike many oil producing nations, which prompted the pursuit of $10 per barrel oil production benchmark by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), whose target was set for the end of fourth quarter of 2021.

Those industry challenges, including issues around skills gap and outdated method of operations, are what the NOGEC is set to significantly address, for the benefit of the companies, the nation and the communities.

Opportunities Inaugurating the facility, Buhari said the centre has opened a new set of opportunities for the Nigerian petroleum industry in terms of investments, cost reduction, safety in operations and capacity development.

According to him, “The establishment of the National Oil and Gas Excellence Centre (NOGEC) aligns with my administration’s commitment to foster stability, growth and sustainability of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry consistent with the economic development and sustainability agenda articulated in the National Petroleum Policy 2017, National Gas Policy, 2017, Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), 2020.

“This ceremony of the official launch of the National Oil and Gas Excellence Centre (NOGEC) – an integrated resource complex to drive Safety, Value and Cost efficiency in the Industry - is yet another milestone in the development of the oil and gas sector and the realisation of greater value for all stakeholders.”

He said the creation of NOGEC at this time further demonstrated that the Nigeria oil and gas industry had come of age, even against all odds, explaining that NOGEC would, “serve as oil and gas industry cost-reduction centre and hub for industry best practices, technical support and competence.”

Buhari added that NOGEC, “will also act as the oil and gas tecno-economic bureau to support Government and its entities in policy development and implementation efforts.

“Above all, the Integrated Centre will enhance the contribution of the oil and gas sector to the nation’s GDP as well as strengthen Nigeria’s position as regional leader in the oil and gas industry.”

While acknowledging the achievements recorded so far, Buhari said, “we must not relent. Rather, we must redouble our efforts and confront the challenges of global energy dynamics, resurgence of the corona virus, unstable oil prices, and alternative energy.”

He added: “I therefore charge you all to rededicate

yourselves to national duty and take full advantage of this Excellence Centre to meet the challenges confronting industry. On our part, we will spare no effort to ensure that every Nigerian gets the maximum benefit from the huge natural resources.

“We will continue to leverage oil and gas for development and pursue our economic diversification drive across all sectors. I urge all industry practitioners and stakeholders to join me in this task of nation building to realise the abundant opportunities in our country.”

The president who directed Sylva to cut the tape and unveil the NOGEC plaque on his behalf, however, commended Sylva, the director of DPR, and the entire staff of DPR on the actualisation of the centre that will guarantee cost reduction, safe operations and value creation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry for the benefit of the industry, Nigerians and all stakeholders.

Supporting Ministerial Priorities Aligning with the president’s thoughts, Sylva said the centre was a testament to the successes achieved in the nine key delivery priorities rolled out for the oil industry growth and sustainability as mandated by the president at the beginning of the administration.

He said the ministry has continued to implement sustainable reforms and policy directions in the Nigerian oil and gas industry targeted at driving optimum value from petroleum resources for Nigerians.

“The National Oil and Gas Excellence Centre which is being commissioned today is a testament to the successes achieved in this regard. NOGEC has been carefully designed to support the achievement of the ministerial priorities – significant amongst which are cost reduction, increase in production, and value maximization in the industry,” he stated.

Sylva said the centre, which is under the direct supervision of the DPR, would leverage the existing capacity of the National Data Repository (NDR) as the principal data warehouse of the industry to drive initiatives that would enhance safety, value and cost efficiency across all operations in the Industry.

He added that the establishment of the centre was not only a response to a safer, cost efficient and sustainable oil and gas industry, but also a strategic move to position Nigeria as regional and global leader in cost efficiency, breakthrough solutions and value- added services for the industry.

The minister of state for petroleum said NOGEC will help the country to achieve reduction of annual cost of operations in both offshore and remote locations by 50 per cent, adding that the projected 50 per cent reduction will also lead to the realisation the $10 per barrel oil production cost target.

Sylva said: “Let me take a few moments to highlight the main elements of each of these centres to underscore its role in driving cost reduction, increasing production and enhance value for the Industry.

“Search, Rescue and Surveillance (SeRAS) is a flagship programme of the Centre designed to enhance safety management, emergency preparedness & response and routine transportation for bed space management. SeRAS will therefore drive cost reduction and improve operational efficiency across the Industry.

“Conservatively, it is projected that upon full implementation of SeRAS, the annual industry expenditure for offshore and remote locations flight logistics and emergency response will reduce by 50 per cent – a significant gain towards our target reduction of cost-per-barrel across our operations”.

He also said the National Improved Oil Recovery Centre (NIORC) on the other hand, was designed to promote the implementation of improved and enhanced oil recovery technologies/methods to arrest the incidences of production decline and resultant high cost in many assets especially in the matured Niger Delta Basin.

“In essence, NIORC will trigger secondary and tertiary recovery operations in the industry. The Centre will collaborate with operators, global technology centres, international oil and gas regulators and other relevant parties to leverage experiences and best practices for application in Nigeria.”

On the Oil and Gas Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC), Sylva noted that that was created to arrest the prevalent value erosion attributable to sub-optimal development or non-development of oil and gas assets due to lingering disputes in the industry.

According to him, the ADRC shall offer arbitration, mediation and conciliation services by utilising industry’s technical experts who will provide fair and balanced resolutions of industry- related disputes from an informed position.

Sylva further said: “By the same token, the other two (2) units namely, the Integrated Data Mining and Analytics Centre (IDMAC) and the Oil & Gas Competence Development Centre (CDC) are structured to position Nigeria as a top-tier destination for credible, bankable and investment grade data in oil and gas and to serve as regional hub for competence development respectively.

“These centres will provide cost-effective data and analytics solutions for investors, financiers, operators as well as resources for oil and gas capacity building and trainings.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the DPR Director, Auwalu, thanked the president for granting the necessary approvals for the establishment of NOGEC and for graciously approving the relocation of the Department’s Head office to Abuja. He said such approvals created the opportunity for the setting up of the ultra- modern and state-of-the-art integrated NOGEC. Auwalu, however, commended the Nigerian oil and gas industry for its tenacity and resilience in the face of several challenges, pointing out that the journey to NOGEC began with the express mandate of the president for the industry to reduce cost, improve efficiency and create employment.

“Based on these directives and the ministerial delivery priorities, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) identified five (5) key initiatives that will help to achieve the intent of Mr. President’s mandate. It is pertinent to note that the entire oil and gas business is hinged on revenue and safety, which provide the basis for identifying the five (5) initiatives that form the pillars of NOGEC,” the director said.

According to him, the centre encompasses industry-focused programmes that will drive strategic mediation in operations, skills and competence development, use of Big Data, Internet of things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for decision making, deployment of proven technology for secondary and tertiary oil recovery as well as coordinated response for emergency.

Auwalu added: “Today, we have concluded the framework and implementation modalities for successful take-off of these Programmes within the National Oil and Gas Excellence Centre due for imminent commissioning.

“We have no doubt that the Industry now has the resource and platform to interact, cooperate and collaborate on salient industry issues that remain impediments to cost reduction, safe operations and optimum value optimisation”.

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

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How NSIA is Supporting Nigeria’s COVID-19 Fight Hamid Ayodeji

T

he quality of health care in any country is a vital component of the standard of living. Indeed, it can be argued that healthcare is the most significant component of meaningful amongst the indicators of the quality of life.

No wonder the popular saying that, “health is wealth” has remained evergreen. Inasmuch as life is the greatest gift of God to man, the provision of health care facilities is needed in superfluity in order that life may be sustained on earth.

Unfortunately, in today’s Nigeria, the provision of health care facilities seems to still be at low ebb as many Nigerians remain vulnerably exposed to the danger of untimely and preventable deaths.

This situation accounts for the huge spend on medical tourism by citizens, which by some reports was in excess of $1billion in 2013 and continues to increase.

With a projected population of 263 million by 2030, the current slow pace of investments in health care infrastructure, poor condition of existing infrastructure, under-funding and mismanagement of existing facilities, inadequate equipment, undertraining of health workers and deficiencies in domestic pharmaceutical industry and have indeed called for an emergency response.

Concerned by these developments and in alignment with government’s broader agenda to reverse the trend of medical tourism, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) had prioritised the health sector as one of its six strategic investment areas of focus.

This is because as a manager of the Future Generation Fund, one cannot talk about the future generation without being healthy or alive and this is one of the reasons why the NSIA is investing in this sector as a strategic and important area for Nigeria.

The NSIA is also of the view that the health sector has suffered some years of neglect and as such, equipment that are needed in certain facilities are either inadequate or obsolete or both.

With the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, which has infected more than 122,000 people and killed over 1,500 according to statistics from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, it has become compelling to boost the level of investment in the health sector.

While the past five years have witnessed remarkable private and public sector efforts to develop Nigeria’s health care sector, some experts are of the view that the impact of these efforts on reducing the challenges in the health sector is still marginal.

However, it is clear that after decades of sub-optimal performance, and near lack of seriousness, there is noticeable momentum by stakeholders under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to chart a new and more progressive path forward.

Now more than ever before, there is a growing need to impact the quality of lives of Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable through a decent health care system and this is a huge step towards providing necessary comfort for the citizens.

To achieve this, the Board of the NSIA will on Thursday, formally hand over 126 units of Patient Monitors and 63 units of Oxygen Concentrators to 21 Healthcare Institutions across the six geopolitical zones of the country as part of the Authority’s COVID-19 relief programme. The project would be inaugurated by top government officials such as the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr. Boss Mustapha; the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; the Minister of Health Dr Osagie Enahire; and the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu.

Also expected at the event are the Chief Medical Directors of the 21-target medical centres, the Board of NSIA, and representatives of Civil Society Organisations.

The donation of the health equipment is part of measures aimed at supporting the containment of the recent surge in the reported cases of Covid-19 infections in Nigeria and the significant impact this development may have on the economy.

The NSIA said it is donating the medical

Orji equipment to augment the Federal Government’s ongoing effort to enhance clinical care available to Covid-19 patients and add to the stock of critical medical equipment needed in hospitals across the country.

The Board of NSIA said it is hopeful that this modest contribution will go a long way towards supporting the management of Covid-19 cases and enhancing the efforts of the frontline responders providing care and treatment to people already infected with the virus.

The items constitute a commitment of resources which NSIA expects will be crucial for the long-term sustainability of domestic healthcare centres and their treatments programs.

The NSIA said it recognizes the fact that many of these centres struggled with patient care at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and with the surge being experience under the second wave, they may struggle even more.

Even though it had been established that the number of ventilators in the country was inadequate to meet the domestic requirement, an even more daunting challenge was experienced with respect to ICU and Regular monitors as well as Oxygen Concentrators which are all required to treat early stages of many respiratory ailments and thereby give patients a fighting chance.

The NSIA said its objective in the donation of this equipment is to bridge this gap. While the decision to donate equipment to these target institutions is part of NSIA’s broader COVID-19 intervention to augment government’s ongoing efforts, the donation of the items represent a more strategic approach to enhance patient care by adding to the stock of critical medical equipment needed nationwide.

Speaking on the plan to donate the equipment, the Managing Director, NSIA, Mr. Uche Orji, said the Authority expects that the supply of these equipment will help in alleviating the inventory gaps in these hospitals.

With the nation’s economy still in recovery, Orji said the Board was of the view that there is the need to add to this stock of critical medical equipment required for the containment of the virus in Nigeria.

The NSIA Boss said the supply of oxygen concentrators and patient monitors is expected to boost Government’s efforts to provide an efficient and effective healthcare response for those affected by the virus.

He said, “With the nation’s economy still in recovery, and medical facilities in need of additional government support to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 virus, the Board felt the need to add to this stock of critical medical equipment required for the containment of the virus in Nigeria.

“The supply of oxygen concentrators and patient monitors - a gap identified during the first wave is expected to boost Government’s efforts to provide an efficient and effective healthcare response for those affected by the

virus.

“We expect that these equipment would strengthen government’s capacity to minimize potential fatalities.”

The donation of the equipment would be coming about five months after the Federal Government unveiled the World Class Umuahia Diagnostic Centre.

The NSIA had invested over $20 million in

establishing three ultramodern healthcare centres of excellence in the country. Recently, up to $5.5 million was invested in the establishment of the ultra-modern medical diagnostic centre which is located within the premises of the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia state.

Prior to this, a diagnostic centres had been established in Kano at the Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and a Cancer treatment centre was set up within the premises of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

NSIA’s investment strategy in the healthcare sector is to partner with both public and private institutions to create Centres of Excellence in the healthcare delivery in Nigeria, focusing on diagnostics, tertiary healthcare targeting non-communicable diseases and medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. NSIA funded the construction of its diagnostic centres, including the acquisition and installation of modern laboratory and radiology equipment which will aid the provision of comprehensive diagnostics for the delivery of the highest quality of services.

The investment is providing improved diagnostic service delivery within the South Eastern geopolitical zone, reduce waiting times for high quality diagnostic services at FMCU and improve affordability of high-quality tests to patients.

It would also help to provide high quality training opportunities for local professionals.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed had said “President Buhari’s administration is placing a focus on greater investment in the healthcare sector and working to ensure increased access to safe, high quality service for every Nigerian.”

She further highlighted the fact that “investment in healthcare is critical to a thriving economy as a healthy people are an enabler for productivity.”

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TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

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IMAGES

Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

L-R: Secretary-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Amb. Okey Emuchay; President- General (PG), Prof. George Obiozor; Deputy President-General, Chief Kroham Joel, and former PG, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey; during a maiden press conference on way forward for the organisation in Enugu...recently

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Staff to the President Prof Ibrahim Gambari, SA Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina and SSAP Domestic and Social Event, Mallam Abba Sariki during a virtual FIRS 1st National Taxation Dialogue in Abuja...recently PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

L-R: Representative of Coca-Cola Foundation, Mr Ademola Yusuf; Head of Human Resources, Baywood Foundation (BF), Mrs Juliet Ude; Board Members, BF, Rev Emmanuel Ugwu; Rev Amos Madu, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Enugu State, Mr Ugonna Ibe; Chairman, Udi LGA Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Agu and Country Director, BF, Mr Chukwudi Ojielo during the inauguration of Coca-Cola Foundation Youth ICT and Skills Acquisition Pilot Project in Enugu...recently

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State(right) and some government officials inspecting onging construction work at the Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze road...recently

L-R: Osayaba Giwa-Osagie, SAN & Nosa Edo-Osagie,Esq. at the supreme court during the conferment of SAN on Osayaba,in Abuja...recently

Personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Central Naval Command, at Baron Fish Farm, Yenagoa receiving lecture on tilapia and catfish feed production, during a one-week agricultural training programme organised by the Command Headquarters in conjunction with Umes Agro Venture as part of retirement plan for senior cadre personnel of the Command in Yenagoa...recently

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021

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PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Purple Group Launches Scheme, to Deliver 1,000 Homes Fadekemi Ajakaiye

A

s part of its contribution to the development of real estate in Nigeria and engender wealth creation, Purple Group has launched ‘Purple Living’.

With Purple Living, which was designed to help address the estimated 18 million home deficit in the country and create wealth, Purple promises to provide Nigerians with an opportunity to own premium, gated, and affordable homes in the heart of Maryland and Lekki with flexible payment plans.

Homes are an essential good

and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has facilitated a reality where more white-collar workers and entrepreneurs are spending more time at home.

This has brought about the need to invest in new homes or secure their savings in real estate investments over other financial instruments.

Purple CEO, Laide Agboola, made this disclosure at the Nigeria Real Estate Market Outlook meeting, coordinated

by Northcourt Real Estate recently in Lagos.

Purple Living is working to create homeownership and facilitate real estate investment while preserving the ultra-modern standard of living. With the rising cost of

rents in a cosmopolitan city like Lagos, structured payments have also been created, which will offer maximum customer satisfaction and an unbeatable long-term returns on investment. With Purple Living, investors have the opportunity to make fortunes from their property investment. Essentially, discerning investors could generate huge returns from their investment in property as well as to create a portfolio of property investment with a view to building wealth.

During his presentation at the event, Agboola said, “Our initiative will eradicate all the challenges of owning a house in different highbrow locations around Lagos and spread real

estate opportunities to property lovers in a very subtle and convenient way.”

He pointed out that Purple is focused on providing top facility management and services while developing more properties that fit into future smart-cities.

Developments are to follow an urban village model, mixed-use assets where residences are in close proximity to essential and entertainment facilities.

“Purple will help transform the landscapes of urban communities and place Nigeria at the forefront of development in Africa,” he mentioned.

Purple Living consists of three major projects. First are the Nano apartments right in the heart of the current mixed-use

“Urban Village” facility called Purple Lekki which is also currently under construction set in Lekki Phase 1 and expected to be completed between Q4 2021 and Q1 2022. It comes fully serviced with proximity to commercial cities and other communal social amenities.

The Macro apartments are premium and modern-styled residences situated on the mainland and consist of one, two and three bedrooms.

The Urban apartments are strictly residential and gated developments also within the Lagos metropolis. These developments will be a mix of fully detached duplexes, semi-detached duplexes, pent apartments and 3 and 4 bed-

room apartments.

The Nigeria Real Estate Market Outlook event also had in attendance other top business executives and investors including CEO of Northcourt, Tayo Odunsi; Director of Actis, Funke Okubadejo; CEO Dutum Construction, Temitope Runsewe; and Associate Director Ernst & Young, Sandra Momah.

Purple Group, formerly known as Purple Capital was founded in 2010 is an investment firm creating lifestyle experiences through investments in superior mixed-use facilities, real estate, finance and entertainment across Nigeria.

The company has the vision to shape the future by redefining the real estate industry globally.

Periwinkle Residences Names ‘BBN Duo’, Ozo, Nengi Newest Ambassadors Bennett Oghifo Periwinkle Residences Limited has unveiled Nigeria’s Reality TV show stars and ‘BBN Lockdown edition duo’, Mr. Ozoemena Joseph Chukwu (Ozo) and Miss Nengi Rebecca Hampson (Nengi) as It’s newest ambassadors. The much-loved housemates of the just concluded BBN Lockdown edition, who were known for their affection towards each other have been named the firm’s ambassadors.

Ozo and Nengi are Lagos based celebrities, models and top brand influencers with over a million followers on their social media platforms.

They both have an exciting and vivacious personality which will help drive the brand higher and reposition its investment destination. Ozo & Nengi, who were officially revealed as PERIWINKLE Residences’s ambassador on 18 January, has invested in one of the developer’s most iconic projects, Oxygen Apartments, which is the most luxurious residential apartment in Lekki Phase 1.

At the unveiling event, the CEO/MD of the company, Mr. Chiedu Nweke noted that signing two brand ambas-

sadors was expedient and a strategic move to increase brand awareness and reposition the Company’s luxury products and services, in line with fresh challenges in the property sector of the nation.

In their remarks, the 2020 top five finalists of the most viewed Reality TV show, Big Brother Naija expressed their overwhelming joy and delight; describing the agreement signing as another remarkable milestone in their career path and stated that it was a pleasure teaming up with a company that is genuinely committed to redefining the way investment in real estate is perceived and delivering exclusive lifestyle to the Nigerian real estate industry.

“We are honoured to be held in such high esteem by one of Nigeria’s most professional and dynamic property developers and look forward to promoting Periwinkle Residences in the country and beyond,” said Ozo. They further maintained that the location of the estate, the serene environment, the Waterview, the value and return on investment associated with properties at the estate are first-of-its-kind and thanked the management for conceptualising and delivering

such iconic projects, particularly for making them a part of the history.

The duo noted that Periwinkle lifestyle is an investment haven for real estate investors specifically because of its location, which is voted as one of most sought-after locations, Lagoon District, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The estate presents unique residences and prides itself on the tenets of innovation, quality and exclusiveness.

Each apartment in the estate is designed by top interior designers with an enviable blend of foreign and timeless trends that merges into contemporary themes. The Estate incorporates first-class amenities and luxurious materials in delivering exceptional services and first-class luxury living experience giving buyers a perfect blend of live, work and play environment.

Nweke said he was confident that with a partner like Ozo, Nengi and other stars who would be appointed as Brand Ambassadors, the company’s efforts at redefining luxury lifestyle, creating wealth and rebranding real estate in the country would become flexible through their influence.

He added that the exclusive lifestyle estate is an opportunity

Delta to Complete Flood Control Projects in Effurun, Warri Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Delta State Government has expressed its determination to complete all on-going flood control projects under the Phases 1 and 2 contractual agreements.

Director-General, Warri/ Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, gave the assurance while inspecting various sites of the projects in Warri and Effurun.

He noted that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is keen on completing the projects on time to stem the perennial challenges of flooding in

the axis.

“His Excellency has said he is doing everything possible to make sure all hindrances are taken care of, including paying the contractors as well; and he is a man I take by his words, serious, anytime he speaks,” the DG stated.

Further expressing satisfaction on the level of works done by the contractors handling the projects, the former Secretary to the Delta State Government; noted that work time was lost due to the Corona virus pandemic in 2020.

“I am very satisfied with what I am seeing both from the CCEC-end and Levantend. You can see that they’re

maintaining the integrity of the job. The job is of high quality.

“Even the areas that are complicated, they’re able to do their best to make sure that we come out with something good. So far, I will say they’re trying.

“What we have achieved within this period of time that we’ve come back to work (referring to COVID-19 break) is commendable and I am sure we will try as much as possible to meet the target.”

He expressed the confidence that the contractors will work faster once the State Government takes care of all utilities and compensations.

for investors to diversify their portfolio and capitalise on one of Lagos’ most soughtafter property markets which guarantee at least 50% return on investment.

“The next few years are shaping up to be some of

the most exciting in PERIWINKLE’s history,” said Mr Nweke “With the new projects on the horizon and the expansion into other locations is set to go from strength to strength and we are really excited that we can be a part of it all.

By becoming an ambassador for PERIWINKLE Residences, Ozo & Nengi are in good company, joining the property development firm’s elite team of celebrities who represent the organisation in key global markets.

L-R: Mr. Ozoemena Joseph Chukwu (Ozo); CEO of Periwinkle Residences Limited, Mr. Chiedu Nweke; and Miss Nengi Rebecca Hampson (Nengi), when the ‘BBN Lockdown edition duo’ were signed Ambassadors of the company… recently

Used Vehicles Hindering Climate Change Mitigation Efforts, Says UNEP Report Bennett Oghifo A new report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has said millions of used cars, vans and minibuses exported from Europe, the United States and Japan to the developing world, including Nigeria, are of poor quality, contributing significantly to air pollution and hindering efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The report shows that between 2015 and 2018, 14 million used light-duty vehicles were exported worldwide. Some 80 per cent went to low- and middle-income countries, with more than half going to Africa.

Used Vehicles and the Environment - A Global Overview of Used Light Duty Vehicles: Flow, Scale and Regulation, the first-ever report of its kind, calls for action to fill the

current policy vacuum with the adoption of harmonised minimum quality standards that will ensure used vehicles contribute to cleaner, safer fleets in importing countries.

In general LDVs do not exceed a gross weight of 3.5 tons, and include saloon cars, SUVs and minibuses. Vehicles above 3.5 tons are categorized as Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs) and these include different types of trucks and buses.

The fast-growing global vehicle fleet is a major contributor to air pollution and climate change; globally, the transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of energyrelated global greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, vehicle emissions are a significant source of the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) that are major

causes of urban air pollution.

“Cleaning up the global vehicle fleet is a priority to meet global and local air quality and climate targets,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “Over the years, developed countries have increasingly exported their used vehicles to developing countries; because this largely happens unregulated, this has become the export of polluting vehicles.”

“The lack of effective standards and regulation is resulting in the dumping of old, polluting and unsafe vehicles,” she added. “Developed countries must stop exporting vehicles that fail environment and safety inspections and are no longer considered roadworthy in their own countries, while importing countries should introduce stronger quality standards.”

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021

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PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

World Bank Plans to Invest over $5bn in Africa’s Drylands Bennett Oghifo

T

he World Bank plans to invest over $5 billion over the next five years to help restore degraded landscapes, improve agriculture productivity, and promote livelihoods across 11 African countries on a swathe of land stretching from Senegal to Djibouti.

World Bank Group President David Malpass announced the investment at the One Planet Summit, a high-level meeting co-hosted with France and the United Nations that is focused on addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, according to a statement by the Group.

“This investment, which comes at a crucial time, will help improve livelihoods as countries recover from COVID-19 while also dealing with the impact of both biodiversity loss and climate change on their people and economies,” said Malpass.

The statement said the more than $5 billion in financing would support agriculture, biodiversity, community development, food security, landscape restoration, job creation, resilient infrastructure, rural mobility, and access to renewable energy across 11 countries of the Sahel, Lake Chad and Horn of Africa.

Many of these efforts are in line with the Great Green Wall initiative. This builds

on World Bank landscape investments in these countries over the past eight years that reached more than 19 million people and placed 1.6 million hectares under sustainable land management.

“Restoring natural ecosystems in the drylands of Africa benefits both people and the planet,” said Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Working with many partners, PROGREEN, a World Bank global fund dedicated to boosting countries’ efforts to address landscape degradation, will also invest $14.5 million in five Sahelian countries – Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, Mali, Mauritania.

The World Bank Group is the biggest multilateral

funder of climate investments in developing countries. In December 2020, the World

have climate co-benefits, on average, over the next five years.

Bank Group announced an ambitious new target for 35% of its financing to

Lagos Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat at a housing event… recently

Ondo Oil Well Fire Continues, Threaten Environment, Says HOMEF Bennett Oghifo An environment group, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), has alerted the nation that the fire which broke out at an oil well in Ondo State in May last year is still raging and has become a threat to the community’s environment.

A statement by the group said, “Eight months after, the fire outbreak which occurred on the Ororo-1 Well in Chevron’s operated Oil Mining

Lease (OML) 95 in Ondo State following a blowout from Grace-1 HWU, a Hydraulic Work over rig, is still burning.”

The public was earlier made to believe that the fire eruption which happened in May 2020 had been stopped after some months, HOEF said in its statement. “However, community contacts and a report by Africa Oil + Gas Report affirm that the fire has continued to burn at the time of this Alert.

“The blowout in the oil rig,

followed by a fire, already had huge impacts on the environment generally, the aquatic ecosystem particularly and the livelihoods of community members, especially fishers.

“Considering the enormity of the incident and its impacts, the pall of silence over it is rather dreadful. It is sad to note that oil companies operating in the Niger Delta are rapidly setting a pattern of totally ignoring oil spills for weeks and months in the same way they have ignored gas flares

for decades.

“This impunity must stop.

Our people deserve better. The Niger Delta must not continue to be a sacrifice zone,” according to Nnimmo Bassey, the Director of HOMEF. The statement said National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) had tweeted on 18 May 2020, after the blowout and fire outbreak, that Halliburton had been engaged to assist in extinguishing the fire. According to NOSDRA, “It will

certainly take at least six weeks in the earliest to accomplish.

Chevron itself battled a similar fire outbreak on [a] well head last year (2019) and it took it eight weeks to extinguish the fire through an indirect well.

Joint Investigation was carried out yesterday Sunday because of the emergency nature.

“It is saddening that eight weeks have become eight months and counting, yet, the fire has not been extinguished and is still causing destruction to the environment,” said

Ogechi Cookey, HOMEF’s Communications and Research Officer..

“HOMEF calls on Chevron Nigeria Limited to immediately take steps to stop the fire. Besides stopping the fire, Chevron should be adequately sanctioned for this act of ecocide, impacted communities and fishers should be adequately compensated. NOSDRA should be adequately supported to discharge her responsibilities without hindrance.”

Land degradation – the reduction or loss of the productive potential of land – is a global challenge. Over 20% of the Earth’s vegetated surface is estimated to be degraded, affecting over 1.3 billion people, with an economic impact of up to US$10.6 trillion.

Land degradation reduces agricultural productivity and increases the vulnerability of those areas already at risk of impacts from climate variability and change. Addressing land degradation, Sustainable Development

Goal (SDG) target 15.3 and a key component of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, is essential to improve the livelihoods of those most affected, and to build resilience to safeguard against the most extreme effects of climate change.

Smallholder farmers, women and indigenous communities are the most vulnerable, given their reliance on land-based resources, compounded by their exclusion from wider infrastructure and economic development.

GEF Project to Eliminate Land Degradation The Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project entitled “Strengthening Land Degradation Neutrality data and decision-making through free and open access platforms”, known as Tools 4 LDN, will combine tools, databases and expertise from leading organisations and universities researching best practices and approaches to eliminating land degradation.

The Tools 4 LDN Project will have four major outcomes: Increase resolution of datasets for monitoring land condition through

Trends.Earth; Improve the understanding of the interactionc between land degradation, drought, and socio-economic factors as they contrivute to the development of vulnerable communities; Develop approaches to support monitoring of LDN target progress integrating field data collection and remote sensing data at multiple scales; Build capacity on planning, monitoring, and reporting of LDN in support of the UNCCD reporting cycle.

The project activities will occur from September

2019-September 2021, and the objective is to provide improved methods for assessing land degradation and understanding the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable communities in affected areas through the integration of free and open platforms to support country level reporting to the UNCCD The project components is the improvement of land degradation biophysical indicators to support monitoring towards land degradation neutrality; and understanding

the socio-environmental interactions between drought, land degradation, and poverty to support development of monitoring frameworks for UNCCD strategic objectives 2 and 3.

Project Component 3 is to upport planning and monitoring of land degradation neutrality (LDN) priorities from field to national scales, and Project Component 4 is support UNCCD and its signatory countries by building capacity to support planning, monitoring, and reporting.

Julius Berger Pledges Modern Standards in Constructing Second Niger Bridge Bennett Oghifo Modern construction standards would be used in rendering the second Niger Bridge, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc., Engr. Lars Richter has said.

The managing director, who stated this at the inspection/ town hall meeting at Asaba, Delta State, recently, recalled the rich history of the first Niger Bridge and its significance to commerce and industry in the country.

Richter said the need for a complementing bridge arose due to a combination of factors like population growth in the area, high rate of urbanisation and the geometric increase in traffic volumes over the years.

“The second Niger Bridge is part of a new motorway ring which aims to minimise traffic congestion on the old bridge and to strengthen the entire region – it therefore strengthens Nigeria generally and its domestic and international trade routes as well,” Richter said.

He said the project was split into three phases, and that the Phase 1 comprised a 1.6km bridge and 10.3km roads, Phase 2A is a 17.5km Asaba link road and Phase 2B a 17.5km Onitsha link road.

On the progress made so far, the Managing Director said the entire substructure of the Second Niger Bridge is completed, while the super structure and finishing works are in progress. He added that

secondary bridges on the main project are also completed.

The remaining works which include soil improvement works, culverts and drainage, Owerri interchange, as well as the toll gate are in progress.

“There is no doubt that upon completion, the Second Niger Bridge will ease traffic flow, improve road safety and create greater opportunities for local residents. It will advance the commercial viability of the immediate area and have a regenerative effect on economic life,” Richter further said that “the bridge adds a robust artery to Nigeria’s transportation grid, ensuring a solution fit not only for today, but for Nigeria’s tomorrow, because it is being built to cater for the

expected growth in traffic over the next 50 years resulting from increased economic activities, population growth and new urban developments.”

According to him, “As a key infrastructure linking the East and the West of the country and a main artery within the Trans-African highway between Lagos and Mombassa, this bridge is a key national infrastructure that will invigorate the South-East of the nation, promoting greater economic growth and boosting of trade and commerce locally for residents, nationally and internationally.”

He said the Second Niger Bridge will spur an increase in investments, agriculture and trade, particularly with the Onitsha Main Market in

the region, which is a major trading hub and key commercial capital. The bridge, he emphasised, will allow for improved, more efficient and quicker connection to Lagos, another key commercial hub.

It will surely reduce hardships of commuters, improve traffic flow and road safety, Richter said.

Speaking on the technical challenges involved in the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, Richter said, “The chosen right of way for the project’s adjoining roads was carefully chosen to ensure minimal impact on citizenry and urban development,” adding that, “the construction works have to be achieved on an extremely soft and swampy terrain.”

The Managing Director said Julius Berger has met the identified challenges with strong solutions, taking proper consideration of “the varying water level of the River Niger of up to 12 metre between the dry and rainy seasons.” This consideration, he added, has further been supported by soil improvement measures “including vertical drainage and horizontal dam base reinforcement, which are implemented to guarantee the load-bearing capacity and to accelerate the settlement of the sand dams.”

Richter said the construction of the Second Niger Bridge is of high priority to the President Buhari’s administration and the Federal Ministry of Works.

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T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

UNCTAD: Nigeria Attracted $2.6bn FDI in 2020 Obinna Chima With $2.6 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) it attracted in 2020, Nigeria has emerged the second preferred investment destination in Africa, after Egypt, according to data obtained from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

UNCTAD, in its 11-page ‘Investment Trends Monitor,’ which focused on global FDI flows, however, stated that inflows to Nigeria in 2020 declined to $2.6 billion, lower than the $3.3 billion the country recorded in 2019.

Egypt was the top recipient of FDI, despite a significant decline in inflows (-39%), to an estimated $5.5 billion recorded by the country in the year under review.

Also, FDI to South Africa almost halved to $2.5 billion

last year, from the $4.6 billion the country recorded in 2019.

The report showed that FDI flows to Africa decreased by 18 per cent to an estimated $38 billion in 2020, down from $46 billion in 2019.

It said: “Greenfield project announcements, an indication of future FDI trends, fell 63% to $28 billion, from $77 billion in 2019. The pandemic’s negative impact on FDI was amplified by low prices of and low demand for commodities.

“FDI inflows to Sub-Saharan Africa decreased by 11 per cent to an estimated $28 billion. Inflows to Nigeria declined to $2.6 billion from $3.3 billion in 2019. Lower crude oil prices, coupled with the closure of oil development sites at the start of a pandemic due to movement restrictions, weighed heavily on FDI to Nigeria.

“Senegal was among the few economies with higher inflows

in 2020, registering 39 per cent increase to $1.5 billion, supported by rising investments in energy.

“Inflows to Ethiopia declined by 17 per cent, but were still substantially at $2.1 billion. Significant investments took place in the manufacturing, agriculture and hospitality sectors. FDI inflows were also steady in Mozambique, decreasing by only six per cent to $2 billion as the implementation of the $20 billion LNG project led by Total continued, although at slower than planned speed.

“FDI to South Africa almost halved to $2.5 billion from $4.6 billion in 2019. However, several large projects were announced, including an investment by Google (United States) of approximately $140 million in fibre optics sub-marine cable and an additional investment of $360 million by Pepsico (United States) to expand the capacity of Pioneer Foods.”

MARKET INDICATORS

Access Bank’s Lawyer, Ogunba, Accuses Seplat of Intimidation, Blackmail Davidson Iriekpen Lawyer to Access Bank Plc, Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN), has accused Seplat Petroleum Development Company of embarking on blackmail and intimidation over his discharge of his professional duties to the bank.

The senior lawyer, was reacting to reports that he had been dragged to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for alleged gross misconduct and unethical practices by the indigenous oil company.

Ogunba posited that the socalled petition against him, if it exists at all, was meant to create all kinds of roadblocks which would delay the payment of the debt the oil firm owes Acesss Bank Plc. While noting that he had not been formally notified of the said petition to prompt a formal response, Ogunba advised the oil company that rather than embarking on a wild goose chase, it should indeed begin the process of liquidating its huge financial obligation to the bank.

Insisting that the attempted blackmail and intimidation would not work, the senior lawyer noted that he was merely discharging his duties to his client in the court case between the two companies.

“It is obvious that the petition (if any) is an attempt to blackmail me and avoid the payment of huge indebtedness of Seplat to Access Bank Plc and nothing

more.

“Seplat is better advised to take steps to liquidate its debt rather than attempt to intimidate me, a lawyer merely doing my duties as such. Once again, I reiterate the fact that the petition has not been formally brought to my attention for a formal reaction,” he stated.

He expressed surprise that he was being targeted by the oil firm rather than facing the issues at stake, asking Seplat to focus on the substance of the case, rather than attempting to hound him.

“It is stock in trade of these huge debtors to peddle petitions all around in a bid to avoid the payment of their debts. I was not there when they borrowed the funds and they have obviously targeted my person for the nuisance value rather than take steps to liquidate the debt.

“This particular debt was part of the huge debt overhang that sunk the defunct Diamond Bank and they don’t mind if Access Bank goes under for their sake too,” he noted.

However, in the petition to the LPPC, also copied the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) , the company accused Ogunba of violating Rules 1, 15, 24, 30 and 32 of the Rules of Professional Conduct 2007 and called for sanctions against the lawyer in line with paragraph 55 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Seplat accused Ogunba of instructing the invasion of No. 16A Temple Road, Ikoyi Lagos, housing its corporate offices, a and rentedthe LPPC to “imme-

diately commence disciplinary action against the senior lawyer over steps and actions it said it considered “unbecoming of a legal practitioner of his standing and constitute a danger of bringing disrepute to the legal profession” Seplat alleged that having locked up its corporate office in a commando style, “the agents of Adekunle Ogunba served certain court processes on Seplat containing an Originating Summons, a Motion on Notice and interim ex parte Order in suit No FHC/L/CS/1588/2020”.

The oil firm also accused Ogunba of obtaining the said ex parte orders with “patently false” claims, adding that he deliberately misled the court and failed to adduce any documents to support the claims.

“This information is patently false. In support of the affidavit, a deed of debenture, an offer letter of banking facility and a personal guarantee were exhibited to the affidavit. None of these documents had Seplat as a party, nor bore its signature or corporate seal.

“There was no documentary information exhibited to the affidavit sustaining that Seplat used Cardinal Drilling as a ‘vehicle’, ‘smokescreen’, ‘decoy’, or ‘shell company’.

“Furthermore, the loan and security agreement exhibited

by Adekunle Ogunba do not show that Seplat was part of this banking relationship or loan arrangement or received any part of the proceeds disbursed

by Access Bank to Cardinal Drilling”, Seplat noted.

Fidelity Bank Hosts Capacity Building Programme Fidelity Bank Plc is set to organise a national capacity building webinar for small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

The programme is part of efforts to assist entrepreneurs across all sectors of the Nigerian economy develop requisite capacity to unlock their full potentials and take their businesses to the next level of growth.

According to a statement from the bank, targeted specifically at existing businesses operating in critical sectors of the economy

including trade and commerce, manufacturing, hospitability, education, entertainment, transportation and agriculture, the virtual sessions would take place across the country on a state-by-state basis, with the maiden edition slated for Enugu State on January 27, 2021.

The Enugu event is organised in collaboration with the Enugu State Ministry of Trade and Commerce and the Enugu SME Centre; Small and Medium Enterprises Devel-

opment Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN); Nigeria Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA).

Themed “Funding and Financial Management”, the Enugu Edition will have in attendance special guests including the First Lady of the state, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi; Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Roban Stores, Robert Anwatu and Director, Michelle Laboratories Limited, Chiedozie Atuegwu.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͰͰ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $54.69 a barrel on Friday, compared with $55.14 the previous day, 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), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela) SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

33

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Norrenberger Optimistic in 2021 Economic Outlook Goddy Egene Norrenberger Financial Group, a financial services group has released its Nigerian economic outlook report for 2021, providing detailed analysis of the Nigerian economy in 2020.

The report also analysed the current economic trends and projections for economic performance in 2021across global financial markets.

According to firm, the report,

titled: “Seizing The New Reality,” was designed for local and foreign investors who seek to understand the investment/ capital market in Nigeria.

Commenting on the report, the Group Managing Director, Norrenberger, Anthony Edeh, said: “We are proud of the in-depth analysis and extensive work of our Research team on this report.

It is a valuable document that will act as a compass for the local and foreign investor navigating

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

the Nigerian market in 2021.”

For instance, in the report, the Norrenberger analysts posited that the activities of the bears would outweigh the positives in the equities in 2021 based “on the limited upsides of stocks given the overbought status, mid-term uncertainties, the weak macroeconomic backdrop and thin foreign investors’ participation.”

Looking at the fixed income market this year, Norrenberger

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

said amid unclear direction of yields in 2021, their outlook is largely influenced by the drivers of market liquidity.

“With the announcement of the federal government’s N5.06 trillion deficit in the 2021 budget and the activities of corporate borrowers, we expect minimal impact on fixed income rates. We also project corporate issues between N2 trillion and N3 trillion, for a meaningful impact on yields.

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

In our opinion, rates would remain low over the short term while pressures build-up for an upward movement in yield over the medium term,” they said.

According to them, while major policies and actions from government authorities and international organisations should be enough to restore economies to the growth path, aggregate consumption is expected to grow at a gradual pace.

O F

“ Equities market are likely to remain favoured. The Nigerian equities market in 2021 will be shaped by system liquidity, corporate earnings, attractive corporate dividends, foreign exchange and foreign portfolio investors. The fixed income market may likely return to higher yields on the back of overbought in the equities securities market, local borrowings, and monetary policies,” they said.

2 5 / 0 1 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Moderna: COVID-19 Vaccine Effective against UK, South Africa Variants US biotechnology firm Moderna on Monday said lab studies showed its Covid-19 vaccine would remain protective against variants of the coronavirus first identified in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

But out of caution, the company will test adding a second booster of its vaccine — to make three shots in total — and has begun

preclinical studies on a booster specifically for the South African variant.

“We are encouraged by these new data, which reinforce our confidence that the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine should be protective against these newly detected variants,” said Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO. “Out of an abundance of

caution and leveraging the flexibility of our mRNA platform, we are advancing an emerging variant booster candidate against the variant first identified in the Republic of South Africa into the clinic.”

To study the impact of the existing vaccine, called mRNA-

1273, Moderna took blood samples from eight people who had received two doses of the vaccine, and two primates that had also been immunized.

For the B.1.1.7 variant, first identified in the UK, there was no impact on the level of neutralizing antibodies — which bind to

the virus and prevent it from invading human cells — that were produced by the shots.

But for the South African variant, B.1.351, there was a sixfold reduction in the neutralizing antibody level.

Even so, it remained above the quantity that was shown to

be protective in earlier tests on primates that were infected on purpose.

The company, which carried out the studies with the National Institutes of Health, has submitted the study to a preprint server so it can be analyzed by the wider scientific community.

Biden Overturns Trump’s Ban on Transgender US Troops US President Joe Biden on Monday overturned Donald Trump’s ban on transgender personnel serving in the military, saying “all Americans” qualified to serve should be able to do so.

Biden’s new policy was set in an executive order signed at the White House.

“Simply put, transgender service members will no longer be subject to the possibility of discharge or separation on the basis of gender identity,” the White House said in a statement.

The military “thrives when it is composed of diverse Americans who can meet the rigorous standards for military service, and an inclusive military strengthens our national security.”

The move undoes Trump’s controversial decision in July 2017 to bar transgender personnel

from serving “in any capacity” in the military.

As commander-in-chief, the US president has enormous latitude to set Pentagon policies.

Trump chose to nix a plan implemented by former President Barack Obama for the military to start accepting transgender recruits.

Trump had claimed the Obama-era policy was disruptive, expensive and said it eroded military readiness and camaraderie among troops.

But in Biden’s order undoing Trump’s ban, the White House cited a 2016 study that found “enabling transgender individuals to serve openly in the United States military would have only a minimal impact on military readiness and health care cost.”

Italy PM, Conte, to Quit Today Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, announced he will resign today, in what media reports said was an attempt to build a new government after weeks of turmoil.

He called a cabinet meeting for 9:00am (0800 GMT) when he “will inform the ministers of his desire to go to the Quirinale (President Sergio Mattarella’s office) to resign”, his office said.

Media reports suggest he will seek a new mandate to form a new government to run Italy as it battles the coronavirus pandemic, which has left more than 85,000 people dead in the country and crippled the economy.

The ruling coalition has been teetering on the edge of collapse since former premier Matteo Renzi withdrew his small Italia

Viva party on January 13.

Conte survived a parliamentary vote of confidence last week but failed to secure a majority in the Senate, the upper house, leaving his government severely weakened.

His resignation comes ahead of a key vote on judicial reforms later this week, which commentators suggest the government was on course to lose.

Shortly before the announcement, the largest party in parliament, the populist Five Star Movement (M5S), said it would stand by Conte.

“We remain at Conte’s side,” said a statement from the party’s leaders in both parliamentary houses, Davide Crippa and Ettore Licheri.

DIPLOMATIC VISIT...

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (left), and the Deputy Head of Mission, British High Commission, Lagos, Mr. Peter Thomas, during the envoy’s courtesy call on the governor in Asaba...yesterday

California Ends Wide Lockdown as COVID-19 Hospital Strain Eases California lifted blanket “stayat-home” orders across the US state Monday, paving the way for activities including outdoor dining to return even in worst-hit regions as the pandemic’s strain on hospitals begins to ease.

The western state has suffered one of the nation’s worst winter Covid spikes, with hospital intensive care units overwhelmed, ambulances backed up for hours at a time, and cases more than doubling since December to over three million.

The “stay-at-home” measures were ordered for some 20 million people in southern and central California since December 3, but public health director Tomas Aragon said the state was now

“turning a critical corner.”

“California is slowly starting to emerge from the most dangerous surge of this pandemic yet, which is the light at the end of the tunnel we’ve been hoping for,” the state’s health secretary Mark Ghaly wrote in a statement.

“Seven weeks ago, our hospitals and front-line medical workers were stretched to their limits, but Californians heard the urgent message to stay home when possible and our surge after the December holidays did not overwhelm the health care system to the degree we had feared.”

The decision to end the sweeping regional measures — which included blanket

bans on gatherings and “nonessential” activities, and closed outdoor dining and personal care businesses such as hair salons — is based on forecasts for intensive care unit capacities improving across all California regions.

Latest ICU capacity in southern California is currently at zero percent, but with daily new cases falling sharply, projections show more than 15 percent will be available within four weeks.

But previous restrictions based on individual county conditions will return, meaning bans will remain on dozens of activities including bars, indoor dining and live sport crowds in most counties.

Individual counties can choose to impose stricter rules than the state requires, meaning severely affected regions including Los Angeles may even opt to retain current restrictions.

Los Angeles officials did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

California has recorded more than 3.06 million Covid-19 cases, including almost 36,000 deaths.

The state has delivered just under 1.8 million vaccine doses so far, having converted sites including Disneyland and the Dodger baseball stadium in Los Angeles into mass inoculation centers.

Voting Machine Maker Sues Trump’s Lawyer for Zimbabwe Apologises for Calling Defamation A voting machine manufacturer called the “Big Lie” behind the other commercial ventures — allegations are false,” it said.

Doctors Medical Assassins

A spokesman for Zimbabwe’s government who called doctors in the country “medical assassins” has apologised.

In comments posted to Twitter, Nick Mangwana had suggested that four cabinet ministers who died in recent months of coronavirus had in fact been “eliminated”.

Zimbabwe’s medical association reacted with fury.

They insisted their staff were working hard, with few resources and little pay, to fight the pandemic.

Following the backlash, Mr Mangwana stated on Twitter that he “had no intention to offend”, and said he hoped

Zimbabweans could move on and “not be distracted from work at hand”.

He since appears to have deleted all his posts on the matter from the social media platform.

More than 28,000 people in Zimbabwe are known to have contracted the virus in Zimbabwe since the outbreak began, of whom more than 800 have since died, including Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo last week.

The BBC’s Africa correspondent Andrew Harding says the virus has overwhelmed the country’s chronically underfunded health system.

sued Rudy Giuliani, the lawyer for former US President Donald Trump, on Monday after he claimed the company had cost Trump last November’s election.

In a defamation lawsuit seeking damages of $1.3 billion, Dominion Voting Systems said Giuliani and other Trump allies had damaged its reputation by alleging its widely used voting machines were part of a “massive fraud” that Giuliani claimed had “fixed the vote” for now-President Joe Biden.

Dozens of state and federal rulings, as well as the US Congress, have rejected such claims.

But the allegations underpinned what Dominion

January 6 attack on the US Congress by Trump supporters attempting to overturn Biden’s victory.

Former New York mayor Giuliani and his allies “manufactured and disseminated the ‘Big Lie,’ which foreseeably went viral and deceived millions of people into believing that Dominion had stolen their votes and fixed the election,” Dominion said in the suit, filed in Washington federal court.

Giuliani did not immediately comment on the lawsuit.

Dominion said Giuliani, 76, had requested $20,000 a day from Trump’s campaign for pushing the fraud argument, which he also used to publicize

selling gold coins, cigars and cybersecurity services.

“Even after the United States Capitol had been stormed by rioters who had been deceived

by Giuliani and his allies, Giuliani shirked responsibility for the consequences of his words and repeated the Big Lie again,” it said in the suit.

Dominion said Giuliani knew the claims that Dominion’s voting machines produced false counts were bogus because, while he repeatedly promoted the idea in public, he declined to say so in court before a judge.

“He was unwilling to make false election fraud claims about Dominion and its voting machines in a court of law because he knew those

The viral claims saw Dominion pilloried online and in conservative media and forced the company to repeatedly defend its reputation, despite no evidence that its vote tallies were erroneous.

It was the second such case filed by Dominion.

On January 8 it sued Sidney Powell, another attorney representing Trump in the effort to overturn the election results, also for $1.3 billion.

Similar to the Powell suit, the Giuliani suit said he worked “in concert with” conservative media companies Fox News, Fox Business, Newsmax, One America News Network, and The Epoch Times to push “defamatory falsehoods.”

35

TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Alleged $2m Fraud: Court Discharges Atiku’s Lawyer, Brother Davidson Iriekpen A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday dismissed a charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accusing former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s lawyer, Uyiekpen Giwa-Osagie, of money

laundering.

Osagie was arrested on August 8, 2019, and arraigned alongside his younger brother, Erhunse Giwa-Osagie, on three counts of money laundering before Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Upon the transfer of the case file

COVID-19: CACOVID Supplies FG with Oxygen to Stem High Death Rate In its efforts to join the fight against the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the private sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has supported the federal government with critical oxygen to manage COVID-19 patients in isolation centres across the country.

Updating journalists on the latest donations by the CACOVID yesterday in Lagos, the Managing Director and Chief Executice Officer of Aliko Dangote Foundation, who doubles as an administrator of CACOVID, Zouera Youssoufou, said the provision of oxygen to all the isolation centres across the country was made available by a key partner of CACOVID, Mr. Raj Gupta of African Industries Group, at no costs, immediately the request for oxygen was made by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

She said: “As you all know, we are experiencing a severe oxygen supply problem in the country with this second wave. CACOVID, through one of our founding members, Mr. Raj Gupta of African Industries Group, immediately stepped up and has been providing oxygen in Abuja, mainly to the National Hospital and Gwagwalada

Specialist Hospital in FCT. Since December 21, 2020, when we first received the request for oxygen from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, 1,300 cylinders have been delivered, and we will continue to do so as long as this is required.”

Youssoufou said the same offer has been made to Lagos State, where there is oxygen shortage, and that CACOVID, as at last week, provided 122 cylinders already refilled for use and sent to the Yaba Medical Centre.

She said: “In addition to the oxygen that has been provided

by African Industries Group, CACOVID has also purchased over 1,000 cylinders to be distributed to the states that have the most need.”

Making a commitment on behalf of CACOVID, Raj Gupta of African Industries Group said: “...we will continue to support Nigeria with oxygen for free for as long as this is required. No COVID-19 patient in any public hospital or isolation centre should have to pay for oxygen... We have been in Nigeria for 50 years and this year marks our 50th anniversary. We manufacture oxygen as one of our steel making processes, but when we noticed that COVID-19 patients are dying of lack of oxygen, we have to step in through CACOVID.

FCTA Demolishes Petrol Station in National Assembly Complex Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished a petrol station under construction inside the National Assembly complex.

The Director of FCTA Department of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, stated yesterday that the structure was demolished because the developer allocated the land for construction of the filling station for commercial purpose and decided to unilaterally commence the building of a residential property adjacent to the land earmarked for the filling station.

He said the allocation was reviewed and revoked after series of complaints from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) about the security implications of allowing a filling station to be sited inside such complex.

Galadima stressed that while compensation has been paid for the property on the filling station site and land, no compensation would be paid for the adjourning residential structure that was bulldozed earlier yesterday.

He said: “This property you see here is a petrol station. The place was allocated to a corporate entity for the provision of a filling station within the National Assembly.

“Unfortunately, it was later observed and reviewed as a mistake for obvious security reasons for such a facility to be situated within the Three Arms Zone. After necessary diligence, the FCT Administration deemed it fit to remove the structure and give way for the office of the NSA to take over the land.”

Responding to the inquest why his department delayed the demolition of an illegal structure marked for demolition since 2015, Galadima explained that he had to follow a lengthy procedure.

“When the FCTAdministration received correspondence regarding the obvious security implications of the facility, we had to follow due process because approval was granted for this development, so we had to assess and value the property as well as pay compensation to the affected party. That was why it took us this long to remove this structure,” he said.

from Justice Oweibo, the suspects were re-arraigned before Justice Chuka Obiozor in October 2019.

On Friday, March 6, 2019, the defendants were brought before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the same court.

The EFCC accused the two brothers of making a cash payment of $2 million without going through a financial institution in the build-up to the 2019 general

election.

It said the amount which exceeded what is authorised by law was meant for the 2019 elections.

During trial, the EFCC testified that sometime in 2019, it received intelligence that some politicians were moving around with dollars to influence the result of the last general election.

It called two witnesses who

testified in favour of its allegation that the $2million was evidence of such activity.

The EFCC had closed its case on January 14, 2021, after calling two witnesses and tendering documents in evidence.

The defendants through their counsel, Uduak Kufre filed a no-case-submission.

They opposed the anti-graft agency, arguing among others

that they never acted illegally.

Ruling on the application yesterday, Justice Aneke held that the anti-graft commission failed to establish evidence that the defendants committed the alleged offence.

He added that the antigraft commission also failed to establish that the money in question was illegal.

PRODUCT LAUNCH…

Chairman/CEO of Mikano International Limited, Mr. Mofid Karameh (left), and Minister of Industries, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, during the unveiling of Geely flagship Models- EMGRANG 7 and X7-SPORT, in Lagos...recently ABIODUN AJALA

Gambari Leads FG Delegation to Commiserate with Sokoto over Fire Disaster Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Following last week fire outbreak at the Sokoto central market, Sokoto State, which destroyed many shops and other property worth billions of naira, the federal government has sent a high-powered delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the president, Prof Abdullahi Gambari, to commiserate with the victims and the state government.

Speaking at the chamber of the Government House in Sokoto yesterday, Gambari said President Muhammadu Buhari was touched when he heard the unfortunate news of the fire outbreak.

According to Gambari, the president should have be in Sokoto in person but couldn’t make it due to official engagement, hence he mandated them to come and commiserate with the good people of the state.

He added that the president promised that the federal government would assist the state government to rebuild the market.

While responding, the state Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, thanked President Buhari for not abandoning them at the trying moment.

He told the delegation that the fire was caused by electrical faults from the transformer serving the market.

Tambuwal further disclosed that the market has 16,000 shops with 60 percent of the shops razed by the inferno He pleaded with the federal government to assist the affected victims as the fire had affected their means of livelihood.

The delegation went into a closeddoor meeting with the governor, and later paid a courtesy call on the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

Herdsmen: Dare Asks Makinde to Tackle Oyo Security Crisis Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has advised the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to be more proactive in handling the security situation in the state.

The minister, who is an indigene of the state, in a statement issued yesterday accused Makinde of being scared to take a decision

that would protect indigenes of his state from attacks.

He said the worsening situation was due to the inactions of a “hesitating fiddling leader.”

The minister opined that Makinde’s policy has not been proactive enough to resolve the issues, saying the governor seems to be paralysed by fear regarding the security situation in the state.

According to Dare, ‘’For several months, citizens of Oyo State

have watched with increasing concern as the security situation in our beloved state degenerated.

Troubling accounts about killings, kidnappings and herdsmen versus farmers’ conflicts abound. Like all the people of Oyo State, I expect the governor to act prudently but with reasonable dispatch to quell the security situation before it got out of hands. ‘’We all waited for proactive steps and responses from the state

authority but the waiting has been certainly been in vain. Yet, Oyo State, with its population and strategic location in the Southwest political and economic equation, should not be allowed to fall into a deadly security malaise for trouble that will not be limited to the state alone, because this can spread to other states given our strategic importance and position.

PSC Approves Suspension of Police Officer IG probes Apostle Suleiman’s alleged sex scandal Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the suspension of Mohammed I. Musa a Superintendent of Police (SP) following a recommendation by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

Musa has been in the eye of the storm over allegations that he had illicit sexual affair with

the wife of a top police.

This is coming as the InspectorGeneral of Police, Adamu has ordered a probe of the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, over alleged carnal knowledge with the wife of Pastor Mike Davids, a pastor in his church.

The pastor also accused Suleiman of threatening his life

and denying him access to his children.

The suspension order approved by the Permanent Secretary/ Secretary to the Commission, Mr Ferdinard Eke, said the suspension followed a recommendation by the IG. “Please refer to your letter with reference number 105697/FS/FHQ/AB3/13 dated January 19, 2021 on

the above subject matter, 1 am directed to write and convey the approval.

“In accordance with the Public Service Rule 030413, the Commission has approved the suspension of Mohammed I. Musa, a Superintendent of Police from performing the functions of his office with effect from 20th January, 2021”, it read.

36

TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

Herdsmen Crisis: Govs Interested in Checking Criminality, Not Eviction, Says Fayemi Chuks Okocha, Udora Orizu in Abuja and Abiodun Eromosele in Lagos The Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has said that there was no eviction notice against any Fulani herdsman or any Nigerian living in Ondo State or any part of the South-west, clarifying that the South-west governors are interested in checking criminality in the forest reserves in whatever form.

Fayemi stated this yesterday on ARISE NEWS Channels, a sister broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, following the meeting of governors of the South-west states and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN).

He noted that the position of the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu was focused on all illegal occupants of the forests reserves in state.

The governor also urged Nigerians to refrain from ethnic profiling and focus on insecurity

and how to tackle it.

Fayemi said, ‘’There was no ultimatum given to the Fulanis by the Governor of Ondo State against Fulani herdsmen, the reporting of this was mischievous and sensational; I think we should concentrate on substance; how do we manage diversity and difference in our country. That is what the Nigeria Governor’s forum is interested in and we are interested in checking criminality in whatever hue or form it comes.

Criminality has no ethnicity and

we should refrain from ethnic profiling of criminals. Let’s focus on apprehending criminals. Our duty as Governors is to ensure the security and welfare of Nigerians”. ‘’At our meeting today with the MACABAN, they didn’t express any aversion to those in forest reserves being registered. What they were concerned about was an indiscriminate eviction notice, and there was no eviction notice against any Fulani herdsman or any Nigerian living in Ondo State or part of the South West. Those

who are making mountain out of a mole hill are those responsible for misconstruing the governor’s position. ‘’The governor is only concerned about security in the state; many people have been kidnapped, killed, and he has the right as the chief security officer of the state to worry and do something about it. There’s no need for him to apologise about that; he didn’t do that; all he stated was that he never issued an eviction notice to any ethnic group.

‘’The ultimatum was focused on all illegal occupants of the forests reserves in Ondo State; it was not an eviction notice given to Fulani herdsmen living in Ondo State. Even legitimate Fulani herdsmen are victims of crimes and criminality and that’s why I do not want us to focus on the ethnicity of criminals but to treat them for who they are and bring them to book. We have to be tough on crime. Let’s focus on insecurity and how to tackle it. Let’s not engage in ethnic profiling”.

Court Orders Relocation of Zakzaky’s Wife to Isolation Centre John Shiklam in Kaduna A Kaduna State High Court yesterday ordered the state Correctional Centre to move the wife of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiite, Zeenat El-Zakzaky, to a government isolation centre to commence treatment for COVID-19.

The court, presided by Justice Gideon Kurada, issued the order at the resume trial of the IMN leader and his wife yesterday.

The duo have been in detention since December 2015 following clashes between IMN members and soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The IMN leader and his wife are being prosecuted by the state government for alleged culpable homicide, unlawful assembly among others.

Mrs. Zeenat, El-zakzaky’s son, Mohammed, in statement issued last Thursday said his mother had tested positive for COVID-19 at the Kaduna Correctional Centre, where they are being detained.

He also alleged that the prison authorities refused to release his mother for treatment.

However, at the resumed trial yesterday, counsel to the accused persons, Femi Falana

(SAN), told the court that Mrs. El-Zakzaky has tested positive for COVID-19, and presented a medical report to prove it.

Falana appealed to the court to allow his client to seek proper medical treatment outside the Correctional Centre in line with the protocols that have been outlined by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

However, the prosecuting counsel, who is the SolicitorGeneral of the state, Mr. Chris Umar, did not object to Falana’s appeal.

In his ruling, Kurada ordered that Mrs. Elzakzaky should be immediately moved to a government-approved isolation and treatment centre.

Four witnesses were presented in court by the prosecuting counsel.

More witnesses, including a General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army serving in the North-east region, are expected to testify before the court in continuation of the trial today.

As usual, all roads through the vicinity of the high court complex were blocked, causing traffic gridlock as motorists had to divert to alternative routes. Journalists were also not allowed into the court premises.

FCT Police Clash with Shiite Muslims, Arrest Five Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The FCT Police Command yesterday dispersed protesting members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shiites.

The command in a statement said it restored calm after dispersing a violent protest by the group.

It said members of the sect went on a rampage destroying public property and attacking innocent citizens, including police officers with stones and other dangerous objects.

“The FCT Police Command on Monday, 25th January, 2021 has successfully restored calm in the Central Business District after professionally dispersing a violent protest by some members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN)-Shiites.

“Unfortunately, the members

of the disbanded sect went on a rampage destroying public property and attacking innocent citizens including police officers with stones and other dangerous objects”, it said.

The command said six members of the proscribed sect were arrested and would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigation.

“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police CP. Bala Ciroma wishes to reiterate that the Command will not condone any form of attack on its personnel, equipment or other public property, as all culpable persons will face the full wrath of the law.

“While appealing to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, the Command wishes to reassure residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property within the FCT”.

A NEW MEGA PROJECT…

L-R: Director, Browncon Group, Mr. Adedipe Oluwafemi; Founding Partner, Osas and Osoji Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Mr. Aigbekaen Osas; mother of the Chief Executive Officer of Browncon, Mrs. Dorathy Brown; and CEO, Browncon Group, Mr. Samuel Brown Ndubuisi, during the official inauguration of Browncon corporate headquarters in Abuja …yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

Blasphemy: Kano Singer Appeals against Retrial Asks appellate court to free him Ibrahim Shauibu in Kano Kano musician, Yayaha AminuSharif, who was recently freed of death penalty passed on him for blasphemy, has filed an appeal against a retrial for the same offence.

The two-ground notice of appeal was filed at the Court of Appeal in Kano.

The appellate division of the High Court of Kano State had on January 21 quashed the death sentence passed on Aminu-Sharif

by an Upper Sharia Court in August last year.

But the High Court, which cited irregularities in the Sharia Court’s previous trial, ordered that Aminu-Sharif be tried afresh by the same court.

The High Court’s judgment was delivered by a panel of two judges, comprising the Chief Judge of Kano State, Nuraddeen Umar, and Nasiru Saminu.

Aminu-Sharif however, yesterday filed two grounds of appeal against the High Court’s

decision, insisting that he ought to be discharged and acquitted instead of being ordered to be subjected to a fresh trial.

“The learned judges misdirected themselves in law when they annulled the judgment of the trial court and then ordered for a retrial at the Shari’a court in Hauswa-Filin Hockey instead of granting the defendant a discharge and an acquittal,” the appellant’s lawyer, Mr. Kola

Alapinni, argued in his client’s notice of appeal.

Alapinni argued that under the Nigerian criminal law system, “the defendant is entitled to a discharge and an acquittal” where “the prosecution fails to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt.”

He added that the Nigerian criminal law prohibits trying a person twice for the same offence for which he has already been tried.

Igboho: Make Our highways, Forests Safe again, Says Ojudu The Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on political matters, Hon. Babafemi Ojudu, has insisted that farmers should be able to carry out their occupation without fear of being kidnapped in the country.

He said this in an article released yesterday on his encounter with Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemi,

popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

Ojudu, who described Igboho as a person who has a conscience, said, “This was my encounter with Sunday Adeyemo alias Sunday Igboho, lately crowned a hero in Yorubaland, by the reign of terror by herders and bandits.

“He has that occasional

conscience you can appeal to.

Let those who can rein in the herders do so and make the forests and highways safe again.

Let farmers be able to carry out their occupation without fear of kidnap, murder, and rape.

“Let us find a modern and permanent solution to this issue of itinerant herding that pitches a group of Nigerians against

the other. Let us not ethnicise criminality. A criminal is a criminal and a crime is a crime whether perpetrated by Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Junkun, Bachama or Ibariba.

“We should do everything possible to stave off this crisis and stop beating the drums of war before it reaches a crescendo.

Bookseller Bags OneYear Imprisonment for Pirating Holy Bible, Others Rebecca Ejifoma The Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, sentenced Mr. Chinonso Ugochukwu, to one year imprisonment for pirating The Holy Bible among several other books.

Ugochukwu, a trader, was found guilty on two-count charge bordering on pirating, being in

possession, and offering for sale 578 copies of various literary works including The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version).

A witness, Mr. Martins Umoh, who is a staff of Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), told the court presided over by Justice F.O. Riman that the commission received complaints from copyright owners including The Bible Society of Nigeria alleging that their literary

works were being pirated.

Umoh confirmed: “It was during the search that several copies of pirated literary works were found in Ugochukwu’s shop located at 17 Grace Bill Road, Eket in the state.

A staff of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Oluwafemi Akindele, told the court that his office translates The Holy Bible, typesets it and sources for funds to publish it.

He, however, noted that they

observed that while the products were everywhere in the market, it never reflected in its official Bible distribution figures because the products in the market were pirated copies.

Ugochukwu’s offence contravened section 20(2)(c) of the Copyright Act, Cap C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria which attracts one year imprisonment.

TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

ECOWAS Raises Concern over Growing Terrorism Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Presidents of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have expressed concern over growing terrorism and piracy violation in West Africa sub-region.

They also called on member nations to pay up their commitments to the fund set aside to fight terrorism in West Africa.

A communique issued yesterday after the 58th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS, which was held on January 23, 2021 via videoconference, under the chairmanship of President Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo of Ghana, stated that the act of terrorist attacks in frontline countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, despite the intense efforts deployed by these countries has become worrisome.

It further noted with concern the increased spate of attacks, in the form of reprisals, against the civilian population as seen in the attack perpetrated in Nigeria by the Boko Haram on November 29, 2020, in the vicinity of Maiduguri, in Borno State, during which dozens of farmers and fishermen were killed, and in Niger Republic January 2, 2021, when armed individuals killed around 100 people in attacks on two villages in the Tillabéri region along the border with Mali.

The heads of state also reaffirmed their determination to relentlessly combat this scourge and expressed solidarity with the affected member states and their populations.

They noted that diligent and effective implementation of the 2020 - 2024 Action Plan to eradicate terrorism in the region has become a matter of categorical imperative.

They also appreciated the

contribution of Ghana and Nigeria to the fund dedicated for the plan but however appealed to all member countries to pay up their pledges in other to eradicate terrorism.

In the light of this, Ghana’s

President and Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, were appointed to lead the financial and technical resource

mobilisation efforts.

The ECOWAS Presidents were also worried over the state of maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea, noting that the significant contribution of maritime activities to the economic and

social development of member states in the region is being jeopardised with the increasing number of illegal activities at sea, including maritime piracy, toxic waste dumping, illegal and unreported fishing.

Okorocha Shameless, STAND WITH YOU… Irredeemable, Says Imo Govt WE Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma (left), and Acting Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC), Imo State, Mr. Ndubuisi Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The feud between the Imo State government and former Governor Rochas Okorocha, over an allegation that the incumbent governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, ordered the invasion of a warehouse reportedly belonging to the daughter of the ex-governor, deepened yesterday with the state government describing the Okorocha as shameless and irredeemable. .

In a reaction to the invasion, Okorocha had said that Uzodinma was overwhelmed with governance and asked the governor to learn a few lessons in administering a state like Imo. He said the latest attack on him was because during a burial in the state, the people of the state expressed their love for him , while the entire people went silent when Uzodimma stood up to speak.

But angered by the comment, the Imo State Government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Declan Emelumba, said Okorocha would have long been a candidate for jail if not

for the fact that the government wanted to follow due process to the letter.

“For a man that his hands are filled with a stinking, shameful past to be boasting of a nonexisting popularity confirms that he is shameless and irredeemable,” the government said.

The government argued that it was an insult on the person of Uzodimma for Okorocha to have offered to teach him some lessons in governance.

“What is he going to teach Uzodimma? How to loot the state?

How to build China roads? How to convert Government University to personal property? Or how to run ‘familitocracy’? You cannot give what you don’t have,” the state government stressed.

The statement said that it was unfortunate that the former governor had not come to terms with the fact that Imo people wanted him to be thrown into jail for his alleged atrocities in office for eight years.

According to the Imo State government, those whose lands were forcibly taken by Okorocha are angry that the present government is yet to prosecute the former governor.

Kidnapped Son of Bauchi Auditor-General Escapes from His Abductor’s Den Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The kidnapped son of the AuditorGeneral of Bauchi State (Au-GBS), escaped from his captors yesterday and returned home after spending a day with his abductor.

Zilkifiru Mohammed, who is the 25-year-old son of the AuGBS, Mr. Abdu Usman Aliyu, was kidnapped on Saturday evening together with his father’s friend Mr. Iliyasu Suleiman, on the Bauchi-Tafawa Balewa Highway after the auditor-general was attacked and shot by some gunmen in an attempt to kidnap him.

THISDAY checks confirmed that Mohammed returned home yesterday after he escaped from the kidnappers’ den.

However, our source said that no ransom was paid for

his release, adding that, “the auditor-general’s son returned home after he escaped from the kidnappers.”

Aliyu was attacked and shot on his way to his village, Kardam in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state while in company of five other people that included three women in his car.

The other occupants of the car were said to have ran in to the bush and the kidnappers were said to have taken two and went away to unknown destinations.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP. Ahmed Mohammed Wakili, could not be reached to confirm the development.

However a senior police officer who pleaded anonymity assured that Mohammed had returned home.

Ucheghara, during solidarity visit to the governor at the Government House, Owerri...yesterday

Abumet Nigeria Appoints Belinda Ajoke Disu Chairman Abumet Nigeria Limited has appointed Mrs. Belinda Ajoke Disu as Chairman of its Board of Directors with effect from January 1, 2021.

She replaces Dr. Bamanga Tukur who recently resigned from the board.

Mrs. Belinda Ajoke Disu is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and Northeastern

University in Boston, USA. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Massachusetts and a Masters of Science in Leadership from the Northeastern University also in Boston, Massachusetts USA. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management of Nigeria (MNIM) and the

Institute of Directors of Nigeria (MIOD). She was also conferred with the French National Honour, Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres (CAL). She is currently the Executive Vice- Chairman of Globacom Limited, Chief Executive Officer of Cobblestone Properties & Estates Limited, a Director on the Board of Mike Adenuga Centre and a Director

on the board of Julius Berger Nigeria plc.

Abumet Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. is a leading solutions provider for the planning, processing and installation of aluminium and glass products, from single standard windows to sophisticated facades and large-scale design masterpieces.

C’River, EU Destroy 260 Arms, 5,510 Ammunition in Calabar Bassey Inyang in Calabar The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)European Union arms destruction exercise commenced yesterday in Calabar, Cross River State capital, with the destruction of a total of 260 arms and 5,510 ammunition.

The state Governor, Professor Ben Ayade; representatives of ECOWAS-EU as well as service commanders in the state took part

in the destruction exercise.

The destroyed arms were surrendered by militant groupsBakassi Strike Force and Khaki Boys-hitherto operating in the creeks and forest of the state.

Speaking at the occasion which was held at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Ayade called for the inclusion of the Bakassi Strike Force in the Amnesty programme of the federal government.

He recalled that a similar exercise was carried out by his government in 2018, where over 5,000 militants surrendered their arms, but regretted that “up till now, they are waiting to be enrolled into the federal government Amnesty programme.

“I would prefer that we seek a way to find an alternative job for them. Let the entire members of the Bakassi Strike Force and

the Khaki Boys be included in the Amnesty programme of the federal government.”

Ayade lamented that with over 32 immigrant routes in Cross River State, the state has become a veritable source for harvest of arms and young men.

The governor, therefore, appealed to the federal government to give the state special consideration in terms of financial assistance.

Niger Delta Group Urges Buhari to inaugurate NDDC Board UgoAliogo

A socio-cultural, political and economic pressure group, Niger Delta Development Initiative (NDDI), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the legally recognised Board of the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which he appointed in August 2019.

In a petition signed by the President of the group, Chief Ebikalome Tonye Anselm and Secretary, Johnson Oghenekevbe, the NDDI drew the attention of President Buhari to the illegalities currently going on in the commission and the urgent need

to act in accordance with the law setting it (NDDC) up.

President Buhari had sent the names of members of the Board of the commission to the Senate for approval in October 2019 for screening.

The Senate eventually confirmed the appointment of Dr. Pius Odubu and Bernard Okumagba as chairman and managing director.

The lawmakers also confirmed 13 other nominees as members of the board of the commission.

Instead of inaugurating the board, the president went on to approve the appointment of an

Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee the affairs of the commission.

In their petition, the NDDI also appealed to Buhari to sack the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for taking-over the functions of the commission in violation of the spirit and letters of the enabling Law that set up NDDC. “Mr. President, we agree that there is a fundamental basis for probing into activities of the commission, but we are worried that such exercise cannot obliterate the legal foundation upon which

the commission is founded.

“For the avoidance of doubt, your excellency, we are of the firm view that over the NDDC are nothing short of an assault not only on established legal framework governing the management of the commission, but an assault on the sensibility of the people of Niger Delta and nine member states of the commission. This has continued despite the cacophony of voices that have risen against the decapitation of the commission by the ministry”, the group lamented.

MONEYReport Makes Danbatta Man of theYear The Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, is MONEYReport Magazine’s ‘Man Of The Year ‘(2020).

Making the announcement in Lagos over the weekend, the Publisher and Executive Editor

of MONEYReport Magazine and Publications, Mr. Nik Ogbulie, noted that Danbatta emerged winner after considerations by the Board of Editorial Advisors of the publication at the end of the 2020 economic development calendar in the country, where the leadership efforts and impacts of major operators in the Nigerian

economy were x-rayed.

He noted that, “the erudite scholar has demonstrated outstanding and selfless sense of responsibility as a leader and a super transformer of the Nigerian communications industry, with commanding innovations that have optimised Nigeria’s very long walk to telecommunications

efficiency.

The annual award and honour to Danbatta will be unveiled on January 26, in Abuja in a strictly organised condition in adherence to the ruling protocols in the country.

He added that attendance would strictly be by invitation.

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TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Tuchel to Take Over from Sacked Lampard at Chelsea Former Paris St-Germain Manager, Thomas Tuchel, has been scheduled to take over from Frank Lampard who after 18 months in charge at Stamford Bridge was fired Monday afternoon.

Lampard, 42, leaves with the club ninth in the Premier League after last week’s defeat at Leicester City, having won once in their past five league matches.

His final game was Sunday’s 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round win against Luton.

Lampard was appointed on a three-year contractwhen he replaced Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge in July 2019.

The former Chelsea midfielder guided the Blues to fourth place and the FA Cup final in his first season in charge, and a 3-1 win against Leedsin early December

put the club top of the Premier League.

However, the Chelsea have suffered five defeats in their past eight league games, as many as they had in their previous 23.

In a statement, Chelsea said: “This has been a very difficult decision, and not one that the owner and the board have taken lightly.

“We are grateful to Frank for what he has achieved in his time as head coach of the club. However, recent results and performances have not met the club’s expectations, leaving the club mid-table without any clear path to sustained improvement.

“There can never be a good time to part ways with a club legend such as Frank, but after lengthy deliberation and consideration it was decided a change is needed now to

give the club time to improve performances and results this season.”

Owner Roman Abramovich said Lampard’s status as an “important icon” of the club “remains undiminished” despite his dismissal.

“This was a very difficult decision for the club, not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect

for him,” said Abramovich.

“He is a man of great integrity and has the highest of work ethics. However, under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers.”

Hire and fire has become a recurrent decimal at Chelsea, with the frequency more rampant since Russian Billionaire, Abramovich bought the club 17 and a half years ago.

Below is list of men who have managed Chelsea since 1986; 1. Bobby Campbell 2. Ian Porterfield 3. David Webb 4. Glenn Hoddle 5. Ruud Gullit 6. Gianluca Vialla 7. Ray Wilkins 8. Claudio Ranieri 9. Jose Mourinho 10. Avram Grant 11. Felipe Scholari

12. Ray Wilkins 13. Guus Hidink 14. Carlo Ancelotti 15. Andre Villas Boas 16. Roberto Di Matteo 17. Rafael Benitez 18. Jose Mourinho 19. Guus Hiddink 20. Maurizio Sarri 21. Antonio Conte 22. Frank Lampard 23. Thomas Tuchel ????

NPFL

Enyimba Maintain Steady Climb to Reach Third Spot Duro Ikhazuagbe Enyimba FC defeated Adamawa United 2-1 yesterday to climb to the third spot of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Elephant of Aba have returned to consideration for the title of the Nigerian topflight in addition to qualifying for the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. Enyimba are scheduled to play Rivers United in the final playoff.

Anayo Iwuala fired Enyimba into lead in the 8th minute with Ima Obot Consolidating in the 32nd minute. Adamawa’s Idris Abubakar scored from the penalty spot in the 61st minute for the consolatory goal.

Elsewhere yesterday, Wikki Tourists defeated Jigawa Golden Stars 2-0 in Kaduna.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s representative in the CAF Confederation’s Cup Rivers

United have arrived in Kaduna ahead of Wednesday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday six tie against Kano Pillars.

The “Pride of Rivers” returned to Nigeria from Port Novo, Benin Republic on Sunday after defeating Bloemfontein Celtic 3-0 (5-0 aggregate) and on Monday flew in comfort abroad Azman Airline to Kaduna for their Wednesday’s league match against hosts Kano Pillars, the club announced yesterday evening.

Rivers United were upstaged from the summit of the NPFL on Sunday evening after Nasarawa United defeated Warri Wolves 2-1 at the Ozoro Township Stadium to amass 14 points from six matches.

The in-form Stanley Eguma wards can reclaim the top spot if they beat Pillars by whatever margin on Wednesday to climb to 15 points from six games.

Ahmed Musa on West Brom Radar West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in signing a Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa, on a short-term contract.

According to the UK’s Daily Mail, the Baggies have requested a UK visa for the Nigeria international, who is a free agent after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr last year.

Musa scored 11 goals in 57 games for the Riyadh-based club but requested a termination of his contract after stating his desire

Ahmed Musa...wanted at West Brom

to play at the top level in Europe once again.

The 28-year-old starred for CSKA Moscow after joining the Russian club from VVV-Venlo in 2012 and a move to Leicester City duly followed. He failed to find his feet at the Premier League club, netting five just times in 33 matches before returning to Moscow on-loan.

A permanent move away from the Foxes came after the 2018 FIFA World Cup and having spent the last two years playing in the Saudi Professional League, he now yearns for European club football once again.

Apart from England, Musa is also understood to have attracted interest from clubs in Spain, Italy and Russia in recent months.

In November last year, it was reported that Musa had been offered to Newcastle United, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Burnley.

West Brom currently occupy 19th spot on the Premier League standings and are six points from safety.

Frank Lampard...fired as Chelsea manager

Tanzanian Club, Simba SC, Grab Junior Lokosa on Loan Deal One-time revelation of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Junior Lokosa, has sealed a move to Simba SC of Tanzania as they hoped to improve their squad in the CAF Champions’ League group stage which will commence in March.

The Tanzania Mainland League champions were drawn in same group with the Democratic Republic of Congo outfit in Group A alongside defending champions Al Ahly and Sudanese heavyweights El-Merreikh in a draw conducted at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt on Friday, January 8.

“Welcome Junior Lokosa,” the 21-time league champions posted on their official social media outlets.

“An established player from Nigeria who also played for Esperance is ready in Msimbazi after completing his move to the club.

“Our primary target is to reach the semi-finals of

the Caf Champions League as well as successfully defend the league title and the FA Cup. “Welcome to Simba established striker Lokosa Junior. The Simba Super Cup competition is eagerly waiting for you.”

The Nigerian came in as a free agent after

being released by the Tunisian heavyweights.

He was deemed surplus to requirements and was dropped by coach Moine Chaabani alongside fellow countryman Samuel Atvati and Algerian Tayeb Meziani.

The 26-year-old was signed by Esperance after

a good run in the Nigerian Professional League in 2018 where he scored 19 goals to emerge the top scorer.

However, he did not have an impact at the North African outfit owing to a cruciate injury and struggled to make 11 appearances for the team, scoring two goals in the process.

Junior Lokosa...joins Simba SC on loan deal

Sports Minister Condoles with Family of Late NIS Director The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has condoled with the family of the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Dr John Dadi-Mamud over his untimely death on Sunday. ”My deep condolences

to the family of the late Dr. John Dadi- Mamud over the sad news of his death.

“I was utterly shocked to learn about his demise.

He was such a dedicated, hardworking Director of one of the most strategic Institutions under our Ministry.

“His zeal and work ethics was quite encouraging. We have lost a dutiful, loyal and committed worker.

His death has robbed Nigeria of a very bright mind, astute administrator and humane personality.

May God console his family, colleagues and

friends and give them the strength to bear this huge loss”, the statement from the minister’s media office stressed.

Dr Dadi- Mamud who hailed from Kogi State reportedly died on Sunday after returning from a trip.

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TUESDAYSPORTS TRANSFER NEWS...

Come and Get Me, Mbappe Sends ‘SOS’ to Real Madrid Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe, is believed to be desperate to get a move to Real Madrid over the summer, but Los Blancos know affording him will be easier said than done.

Real have been plotting to sign Mbappe for years now, waiting until he enters the final year of his contract this summer before swooping in and landing the 22-year-old for a ‘cut-price fee’ of

After Ozil, Fenerbahce Target Iheanacho to Reinforce

Fenerbache are reported to be chasing Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho in a loan deal on the back of the massive coup of signing Mesut Ozil from Arsenal.

Fenerbache have not yet made a formal bid for Iheanacho, but according to A Spor, the striker is top of their shopping list as they have not been happy with the return of strikers Papiss Cisse and Kemal Ademi.

The Istanbul side have already formalised their signing of Nigerian-born Bright Osayi-Samuel from

no more than £200m.

The deal was seen as feasible before the Covid-19 outbreak obliterated Real’s finances.

They have been left needing to sell numerous fringe players - the likes of Gareth Bale, Marcelo, Isco, Luka Jovic, Brahim

Diaz and Dani Ceballos have been mentioned but according to ABC, even that may not be enough.

Mbappe is believed to be concerned that Real’s financial struggles have left them unable to sign him, and it’s said that

he has reached out to the Spanish side to make sure they are actually going to pursue him in the summer.

Real want to do business with PSG but are aware of the enormous cost of the deal. A fee of £142m is

suggested, and Real know offloading those fringe players won’t get them that k i n d o f m o n e y.

Florentino Perez feels as though he w o uld have to authorise two major departures this summer.

English Championship side QPR. Last week, Iheanacho was also linked with move away from ‘The Foxes’.

Leading newspaper Bild reported that the 24-year-old striker was one of several targets for Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

Leicester City first-choice striker Jamie Vardy has been sidelined after several weeks after undergoing a minor surgery and Iheanacho was expected to stake a claim to lead the attack of the Premier League club.

NBBF Aims at Bubble Format for 2021 Domestic League Season As Nigerians anticipate the calendar of the 2021 domestic basketball season, the NIgerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) is considering available options.

This is in light of the recent successes of the bubble format initiated by the National Basketball Association (NBA) as well as FIBA Africa during its last Afrobasket qualification series in Kigali, Rwanda.

The federation reasoned that due to the harsh reality of the

Ahmadu Musa Kida...NBBF President

Covid-19 pandemic and the new normal, there is a need to quickly adapt to the situation.

The board said, “What we are trying to do most especially in basketball is to learn from the experience that we have had from the organisation of the NBA where they set up bubbles and people played as long as they were kept in one place with very limited contact with the outside world.”

The board is optimistic that the best decisions will be taken after due consultation with stakeholders and club owners ahead of the 2021 Zenith Women Premier League and the Total sponsored Men’s Division One and Two leagues.

Referencing the FIBAAfrobasket qualifiers held in November, 2020, the federation said, “The same thing happened in Kigali at the end of November with FIBA Africa showing it could organise the bubble also for the 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers. That was successful and we have another outing in February which will be held in similar fashion.”

Kylian Mbappe...desperate to join Real Madrid

Man Utd Suit My Winning Mentality, Says Fernandes Bruno Fernandes has revealed that Manchester United suit his mentality because they are “a club who wants to win everything” as he marks his one-year anniversary at the Premier League leaders this week.

The 26-year-old Portuguese international has transformed the fortunes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’s side since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020.

His winner in Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 win over Liverpool in their FA Cup fourth-round tie was his 28th goal for United.

“I come to the club

because I knew I will come to a club who wants to win everything – and my mentality, my way to be in my life and football is about winning,” Fernandes told the Press Association news agency.

“And so you have to be confident, you have to trust your teammates, you have to trust yourself, and you have to believe.

“And I will believe until it’s not more possible, you know? Like when I see someone get the trophy before me, then I will (have) lost my belief.”

Fernandes’ winning mentality is fuelled by his

FA C U P

Spurs Subdue Stubborn Wycombe to Set up Everton Clash Tottenham left it late to overcome a stubborn and spirited Wycombe side 4-1 to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Wycombe, bottom of the Championship, had stunned their Premier League opponents when Fred Onyedinma slotted in the opener midway through the first half.

But Gareth Bale marked a rare start with the equaliser just before half-time, hooking in Lucas Moura’s cross.

Tottenham upped the pressure in the second half but Wycombe repelled numerous attacks as they looked set to take the game to extra time before Harry Winks curled home to give Spurs the lead with minutes to go.

Tanguy Ndombele ensured there would be no late drama when he finished from close range then stabbed home a fourth in injury time to set Tottenham up with a fifthround tie at Everton.

Bruno Fernandes...enjoy his game at Old Trafford

hatred of losing.

“I don’t conform with losing games is normal stuff,” he said. “For me, losing is not normal so my mentality comes from that.”

United have lost four semifinals since the Portuguese arrived at Old Trafford, the latest earlier this month in the League Cup to Manchester City.

The club have not won the league since Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and they last won silverware in 2017.

Fernandes, who has faced criticism over his recent performances, came off the bench to score with a

thumping free-kick against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Sunday.

The midfielder denied he was beginning to feel the strain of a punishing season.

“Tired? With 26 years old I can’t be tired,” he said.

“If I’m tired now, when I arrive at 30, 32, I will not play. I will play one game in five so, no, I’m not tired.

“Of course, the coach (Solskjaer) knows what is better for the team and (for the FA Cup tie) he choose to play with Donny (van de Beek) to give some freshness to the team.”

Tuesday January 26, 2021

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Price: N250

MISSILE Imo Govt to Okorocha “Okorocha is shameless and irredeemable for his failure to apologise to Imo people for running the worst form of government since the creation of the state in 1976” – Imo State Government accusing former Governor Rochas Okorocha of squandering the state resources within the eight years he held sway in the state.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Sunday Igboho and the Yoruba Nation

I

n the past week, in the South Western part of Nigeria, we have been treated to stories of conflicts in Ondo and Oyo States between herdsmen, identified as Fulani, and the Yoruba owners of indigenous communities. In Ondo State, the issue at stake is the conversion of the state’s forest reserves into a criminal space by herdsmen who violate the integrity of the reserves and a hide-out for kidnapping, extortion and killings. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu affirming his powers as the Chief Security Officer of the state gave a seven-day ultimatum to the herdsmen in the forest reserves to vacate the place immediately.

He also directed that the open grazing of cattle on main roads and within the city has been outlawed. The Governor further asked for a proper registration of all herdsmen within the state. Governor Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria has been praised for his courage and assertiveness by Yoruba socio-cultural groups and leaders of thought. He has been condemned by groups and stakeholders from the North of Nigeria who classify his objection as a case of ethnic cleansing. The Governor insists however, that his directive is based on security considerations.

His ultimatum expired yesterday, the same day that a meeting of South West Governors, their counterparts from Kebbi and Jigawa, and the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) was summoned by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, to chart a path for peace and reconciliation.

In neighbouring Oyo State, the people of the South West were faced with a similar situation in areas identified as Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, Igangan and the whole of the Oke Ogun area.

Whereas in Ondo State, the Governor led the protest against the menace of the so-called Fulani herdsmen, in Oyo State the state Governor, Seyi Makinde sounded more accommodating.

Despite reports of wanton killings and destruction by herdsmen in parts of the state, the loss of valuable lives and properties, the Oyo State Governor chose to toe a safe, acquiescent path.

He ignored the yearnings of those who asked the government – state and Federal- to stop the killings and come to the people’s rescue.

He in fact was on record as having asked the authorities to arrest and sanction anyone who raised any objections to the situation in the troubled parts of the state. With the state Chief Security Officer, from whom empathy and action was expected, behaving in such manner, the people of Oyo State found solace in a certain Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. Igboho is from Oyo state, precisely from a community known as Igboho. He grew up in the Modakeke part of Ile-Ife. He was reportedly involved in the intra-ethnic conflict between Ife and Modakeke in the 90s, as a warrior on the Modakeke side. Over the years, he acquired quite a reputation as a very powerful man. His critics describe him as an able-bodied man for politicians as he once was for Alhaji Rasheed Ladoja, the bi-lingual former Governor of Oyo State, or they dismiss him as a land-grabber, a label he vehemently denies. Igboho’s admirers regard him as an ethnic patriot, a defender of the Yoruba nation, a man of justice, an activist and a freedom fighter, who has chosen to stand up for the rights of the oppressed.

The Igboho phenomenon deserves some close attention. Sunday Igboho showed up in the fight against criminal herdsmen in Oyo State because of the shocking absence of leadership. The state Governor failed to defend the people’s interest.

He did not stand up to the truth like Governor

Igboho Akeredolu of Ondo state. He provided a vacuum which a Sunday Igboho decided to fill. The failure of leadership from the right quarters has its consequences and this is what we are seeing in Oyo State. In Ondo state, there may be other Sunday Igbohos, with as much fire in their bellies, but they did not step forward in a similar fashion, because they could see the man they voted into power making an effort to put the people’s interest first. Akeredolu was challenged by the Federal Government, indeed the Presidency in a statement through Garba Shehu, Presidential spokesman, tried to teach the Ondo Governor some elementary Constitutional Law. This was widely interpreted as an attempt by the Buhari Presidency to defend Fulani interests.

Akeredolu stood his ground. In so doing, he got broad support, from lawyers, community leaders and major Yoruba stakeholders. By the time his one-week ultimatum to those who had seized control of the Ondo forest reserves expired yesterday, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) already offered its services to help enforce the Governor’s directives. Governor Makinde may well in the long run pay a heavy political price for his apparent cowardly mishandling of the current crisis in his state. He is perhaps being careful, but there are certain moments that demand sincerity. He failed the test.

Sunday Igboho took full advantage of the situation. On his own, he visited Igangan and Ibarapa East Local Government Area, without any governmental authority behind him. He had the support of the youths of the area, and also the backing of traditional rulers, one of whom had to pay a ransom to get his son released by kidnappers. Igboho was reportedly shot at, but bullets we were told could not penetrate his heavily fortified body. An axe was raised against him, but again, they said it had no effect. He confronted the Seriki Fulani in the community, and asked him to produce the herdsmen who were terrorizing the people so the law could take its course. He gave a seven-day ultimatum. If the criminals could not be produced, he expected the Fulani community to leave the territory. And he promised to return in seven days. And he did. His demands were not met. The result was mayhem. The home of the Seriki Fulani was set ablaze. His vehicles were torched. He and his family ran into the bush. The Seriki is said to have fled all the way to Ogun State, where we are told a group of herdsmen backed by the military recently lined up recalcitrant traditional

rulers and gave them the beating of their lives, for having the audacity to say they do not want Fulani herdsmen in their community. Igboho, the latest strong man in Yoruba politics is a product of myth, history and the failure of the Nigerian state.

How on earth would any individual openly boast that nobody, not the Governor of the state, not the Inspector General of Police not even the state Commissioner of Police can arrest him, and get way with the temerity? During the weekend, Garba Shehu using the platform of the Presidency, announced that the Inspector General of Police had ordered the arrest of Sunday Igboho. Igboho laughed it off. He said he was waiting for anyone to dare arrest him.

In the end, nobody did. In fact, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police who should have carried out the directive, ended up having a meeting with Sunday Igboho! He proved untouchable.

This merely deepened his myth. The man and his supporters talk about Igboho’s formidable spiritual prowess. He even wears a coat of amulets to Church. He can command guns to appear and disappear at will. Nobody knows how much of that is true or not, but Igboho has managed to capture the public imagination. He won’t be the first of his type. When the state fails the people, people like Igboho emerge to provide leadership. He is again a symbol of the mistrust at the heart of the Nigerian arrangement: like Isaac Adaka Boro in the Niger Delta in the 1960s, Odumegwu Ojukwu defending the interest of the Igbos in 1967 and beyond, Ken Saro-Wiwa leading Ogoni nationalism and the cause of environmental justice in the 90s, Dr. Frederick Fashehun and Ganiyu Adams of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Nnamdi Kanu of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), and all the aggrieved persons from Southern Kaduna the Middle Belt, Adamawa and elsewhere who believe that they have been served badly by Nigeria, for both ethnic and religious reasons.

Of all the many ills that afflict Nigeria, the most prominent recently has been the conflict between indigenes and settlers, and specifically, between pastoralists and farmers, and the animosity between both over land and access to resources. It is an old, historical problem tied to ethnicity, religion, the politics of space and primordial sentiments. This conflict has caused so much mayhem in the past, exactly at those moments when the state was complicit in promoting one side against the other, and when the politics of proximity was privileged over the national interest or the objectives of peace and stability. It is a double-edged sword, for those who end up playing the politics of proximity end up short-changing their own people. The Fulani question which is now being played up is related to this. The people of Fulani stock have lived across Nigeria, in different communities for more than a century. Cattle rearing is not new. Cattle herders have lived amongst other Nigerians for as long as anyone can remember, and so attractive is the business that there are closet cattle owners among virtually every Nigerian group. The real owners of the cattle are not the stick-wielding, now gun-wielding herders, who add banditry and kidnapping as side vocations, the real owners are the big men in high places – and they are not all Fulani- for whom the ownership of cattle is business, and a source of prestige. How does this cross-ethnic elite class behind the modern mutation of the business fuel the conflicts? This is a question we need to interrogate. Who provides the arrogant and criminal-minded herdsmen with guns, or

state protection or the kind of oxygen that blows into their heads and grants them the confidence to boast that they are in charge of Nigeria, every land and every resource?

Nigeria’s history has been one of constant tension between push and pull factors, centripetal and centrifugal forces which often threaten to tear the union apart. It will be remembered, no matter what government spokespersons say that the Buhari administration has managed to create an impression that it is pro-North, pro-Islam, and pro-Fulani and that anything to the contrary is not likely to attract the same empathy. This is the crux of the matter. In Igangan, Sunday Igboho was told that only President Buhari can ask the herdsmen to leave Oyo state. In Ondo state, similar sentiments were expressed. To an average Yoruba audience, this is bound to throw up primordial attachments about the ownership of land. The Yoruba have not forgiven the Fulani and Afonja, who betrayed the Yoruba race, for the implantation of a Fulani Emirate in Ilorin.

The battle of Osogbo (1840) which was where the Yoruba, led by the Ibadan army, put an end to Fulani incursion into Yoruba territory is still referred to as if the war was fought yesterday.

Any talk about the Fulani laying claims to space and authority in Yorubaland is bound to cause enormous tension. It should be understandable therefore why Sunday Igboho has received praise from key Yoruba figures, Governor Akeredolu has various socio-cultural groups behind him and the Alaafin of Oyo has penned an open letter to President Buhari. Those who criticize the Buhari administration for openly supporting the Fulani agenda have a lot to point to: the seemingly open and undisguised support for Miyetti Allah, the aborted RUGA settlement idea, the justification of grazing routes, which has now been countered afresh with a detailed reference to a 1969 judgement by late Justice Adewale Thompson of the Abeokuta Division of the High Court (as he then was) and the repeated failure of the government to bring errant herders involved in criminal conduct to book. The arrogance of certain commentators has not helped matters either: how dare anyone claim so insensitively that every piece of land in Nigeria belongs to the Fulani? Perhaps there are certain elements out there stoking the embers of crisis for their own purposes. It is also not impossible that there are so many cattle herders out there, who are not even Fulani, but who hide under the ethnic label even when they cannot speak a word of Fulfulde. But when government fails to deal with the obvious challenges of poverty and criminality, and considers the defence of an ethnic group a major priority, this is what happens - it widens the gaps among the people, and encourages the kind of resort to self-help that is represented by the Igboho phenomenon. It has been said that Sunday Igboho has political ambitions which probably explains the opposition to him by the incumbent Governor of Oyo state. And that is part of the problem: we play politics with everything in this country.

But those who lost their loved ones will not remember the politics of it. They will remember their loss and the pain that they now live with: the women who were raped, the children of late Fatai Aborode, Ph.D who have lost a father, the farmers whose farms were destroyed by cattle-rearers, the families that paid ransom and still had to pick up the corpse of their loved ones by the roadside, the many untimely widows and orphans in Ondo, Igangan, Imo, Southern Kaduna and elsewhere. Will they ever get justice?

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