SATURDAY 4TH MARCH 2023

Buhari: I will End Insecurity Before Bowing Out Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday vowed to end all forms of insecurity in the country before bowing out of office on May 29.

The President, who spoke from his country home in Daura, Katsina State, while virtually inaugurating

700 Ashok Leyland’s Troop-Carrying Vehicles assembled in Lagos, said his regime remained committed to winning the war against terrorism and other forms of insecurity and would stop at nothing to ensure citizens have a new Nigeria free from insecurity.

He pledged more support for

the welfare of the military, while assuring that their labour will not be in vain.

President Buhari, who scored Nigerian security agencies very high, based on their performance during the polls last Saturday, said the sacrifices of the Armed Forces remain appreciated by Nigerians.

He said: “I wish to commend the resolve of our armed forces towards the defeat of insurgency and its support in maintaining law and order as was demonstrated in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.”

The President said the war against terrorism and criminality

in the country will be sustained, and boosted with supplies of hardware and better care for the security outfits.

“Moving forward, I charge you to consolidate on the gains we have achieved, towards sustaining the peace and stability of the country.

“Let me firmly assure Nigerians that the federal government remains

steadfast and committed to winning the war against insurgency and other criminalities. Surely, the federal government will not rest on its oars until Nigeria and indeed Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora are free from the menace of terrorism Continued on page 5

Seven States Discontinue Suit Seeking S' Court's Review of Tinubu’s Victory... Page 8 Saturday 4 March, 2023 Vol 28. No 10188

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S’Court Declares Old Naira Notes Valid Till December 31 Apex court: Buhari’s disobedience of court order, a demonstration of autocracy El-Rufai, Gbajabiamila: It’s victory for all Alex Enumah, Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja It was jubilation galore across the

country yesterday following the ruling of the Supreme Court that the old N1,000, N500 and N200 bank notes should remain in circulation

till the end of the year.

The CBN had in October 2022 announced the redesign of N200, N500, and N1,000 notes, and asked

Nigerians to deposit their old notes before January 31, 2023 when they would cease to be legal tender. The deadline was shifted to February

10 following difficulties obtaining the new notes.

Thereafter, governors of Kaduna, Zamfara and Kogi states dragged the

federal government and the CBN to the Supreme Court over the time Continued on page 5

APC: Electronic Transfer of Results Complaints Not Supported By Law Constitutes legal team, says Atiku, Obi will meet waterloo at Tribunal A'Court orders INEC to allow PDP, LP presidential candidates inspect election materials Alex Enumah and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday claimed that complaints about the botched electronic transmission of the results by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar and that of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, in the February 25 Presidential election was not supported by law.

The APC PCC also applauded the decisions of Atiku and Obi to challenge the result of last Saturday’s presidential election, adding that the two candidates will meet their waterloo in court.

It further announced that a legal team had been constituted to defend the mandate given to the party and the president-elect, Bola Tinubu at the Presidential election Petition Tribunal.

The media team of the APC PCC

stated these at a press conference in Abuja.

The Special Adviser on Media and Communication of the APC PCC, Mr. Dele Alake, said Section 38 of the Electoral Act 2022 referred to by the PDP and LP has nothing to do with transmission of election results.

Alake said: Section 60, Sub-section 2 of the Act deals with transmission of results and it is at the discretion of INEC. The Act does not contain any mandatory provision regarding the transmission of results.

"In any case, the process of transmitting results from polling units, whether real-time, two days later or at any time, cannot in any way change the results that have been announced right after the counting in the presence of the parties’ agents and to the hearing of the voters. It is, therefore, nonsensical to insinuate that Continued on page 5

SEEKING ALLAH’S DIRECTION… L-R: Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State; Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State; President-elect, Bola Tinubu, and others observing Jumat prayers at the Central Mosque, Abuja…yesterday

Leaders of Thought Rally Support for Sanwo-Olu... Page 10

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PAGE FIVE APC: ELECTRONIC TRANSFER OF RESULTS COMPLAINTS NOT SUPPORTED BY LAW time variation in uploading results would cause a change in the figures.

“Those who laid claim to democratic credentials are expected to be conscious of those inimitable minimum requirements of law and order even in the face of a perceived injustice.”

He noted that “the initial knee-jerk and hothead call for anarchy by their proxies was ill-advised and would in no way serve any noble cause,” saying it was good to know that reason has prevailed.

Alake stated: "We must thank the two of them for finally opting for the rule of law as against the initial belligerent posture as they continue their baseless journey of chasing after a mirage."

He said the ruling party welcomed “the decision of both the PDP and LP and also the NNPP candidates to test their claims, as ridiculous as they are, in the court of law as provided for by the constitution.”

Alake stressed that this was without prejudice to the conciliatory efforts of Tinubu.

Alake said: "We must say, however, that listening to both Atiku and Obi yesterday left us in the APC family confounded. We understand that there has been an orchestrated campaign by the acolytes of PDP and LP in the media to discredit the presidential election.

"What we did not expect is that the two presidential candidates and, indeed, their political parties, would shamefully re-echo the puerile and unimaginative arguments that are being canvassed by political illiterates and mischief-makers who are crying wolf on social media."

Alake said the two otherwise experienced politicians are pinpointing lack of adherence to the guidelines as basis for discrediting the votes lawfully cast by Nigerians.

The campaign noted that the claim that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not use the BVAS was false.

Alake explained that those who voted across Nigeria, including Atiku and Obi, were accredited by BVAS. He said, “save for the bad losers that Atiku and Obi have proven to be, they should rather be celebrating the tremendous improvement the use of BVAS has brought to the country's electoral process.”

Alake pointed out that the 2023 presidential election was a watershed as it produced unprecedented outcomes and defied conventions.

He said the deployment and use of BVAS was the only reason the elections produced these strange outcomes and upsets in many cases.

The campaign noted: "The loss of Katsina and Lagos to PDP and LP respectively were contrary to expectations. BVAS brought the intended credibility to voters’ accreditation such that many governors and well-established politicians lost elections in what should be safe bet areas.

"The era of ghost-voting and stuffing of ballot boxes is gone. As the experience in the last governorship election in Osun State has shown, over-voting would automatically lead to outright cancellation of the

results of the polling units based on the provision of the new Electoral Act. "The same PDP that is trying to pull the wool across the face of Nigerians was the culprit in the Osun State governorship election. Did they try to do it this time and it failed?

Or did they do it in the areas they unexpectedly won? Did they have a grand plan to hack the INEC server if results were uploaded in real time?

Nigerians will soon find out."

Alake stressed that contrary to the false claims of Atiku and Obi, the reasons for losing the elections were foretold, adding that besides the delusional expectations created during the campaigns to hoodwink the public, most PDP leaders knew their party had been decimated by Mr. Peter Obi. He said the South-east and Southsouth that were traditional strongholds of PDP constituted the core support base for the Labour Party.

Alake stated: "PDP went into this election without its limbs and lied to itself that it could win the race. It is worthy of note that Atiku also accepted this fact during his press conference yesterday, when he lamented that his party’s votes in the South-east and South-south regions were carted away by the LP. "The PDP also found itself in No.3 in Kano, with a former member, Kwankwaso running away with over 900,000 votes.

"How far could the PDP have gone with what was left of it? Not so far as the results of the elections have shown. The members of G65 were key leaders of the party who had substantial political influence.

They also went away with their own pound of flesh, leaving a crippled PDP to scavenge for crumps of votes."

For Obi, Alake said he “would go down as Nigeria’s most dangerous and divisive politician,” saying “he elevated his well-known clannish mentality to a most unfortunate height by openly anchoring his campaign on religion and ethnicity.”

He said, “Obi presented himself as a poster boy for and a champion of the country’s fault lines and also took advantage of the youths whose expectations are fast-paced, who are uninterested in excuses, and who were in search of a hero.”

Alake said, “Obi pumped up their sentiments and rode on their emotions while grandstanding as a saviour with pretense.”

Alake said If the Labour Party could not fill up its quota for polling booth agents with a shortfall of over 40,000, how did it intend to compete with political parties like APC and PDP? He said: "It would be interesting to see what evidence of rigging the Labour Party will present before the court when the party could not appoint agents to monitor nearly a quarter of the venues of election.

"As we look forward to an encounter with both the PDP and LP at the court, we want to enjoin the two of them to pursue their grievances with decorum. They should encourage their members, supporters, and ethnic and religious consultants to follow the path of the rule of law.

"We note that both Atiku and Obi are claiming victory. Wouldn’t it make

sense for them to agree who the actual winner is before challenging APC in court? Meanwhile, the APC train has left the station, as we continue our effort to make Nigeria better for all Nigerians."

At the press briefing, the Spokesperson of the PCC, Festus Keyamo, announced that a legal team had been constituted by the APC to defend its presidential mandate.

Though he did not reveal the names of members of the legal team, Keyamo only identified himself as part of the legal team.

He said: “As I am talking to you, we have constituted our legal team.

We are going to court too. Let it not be that they are the only ones going to court. I am part of the legal team.”

Court Orders INEC to Allow Atiku, Obi Inspect Presidential Election

Materials

In a related development, the Court of Appeal yesterday granted the request of Atiku and Obi to inspect documents used by INEC for the conduct of the February 25 presidential election.

The permission was sequel to two separate Exparte Applications filed by Atiku and Obi, who came second and third respectively in the presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the APC. However, they are alleging substantial non-compliance with the electoral laws, in addition to violence and rigging which they claimed marred the conduct and outcome of the election.

Consequently, the duo who had at separate media briefing on Thursday in Abuja, vowed to ventilate their grievances at the soon to be constituted Presidential Election Petition Tribunal had approached the Abuja division of

of non-state actors and transnational criminals had impacted the overall security architecture of the nation, noting that the threats were not peculiar to Nigeria.

He said: “These threats are not peculiar to Nigeria alone, they have impacted negatively on global, regional and sub – regional peace and security environments, giving rise to massive continental immigration, internally displaced persons and grave humanitarian crises for nations to grapple with.

“Consequently, most governments employ varying degrees of hard and soft power elements to curtail this prevailing insecurity."

President Buhari affirmed that in the past seven years plus, the federal government was able to revitalise the Armed Forces for the full restoration of Nigeria’s territorial integrity that was once violated by the Boko Haram insurgents and other

affidavit and urged the Court to grant the application.

In the other application, Obi's lawyer, Mr Alex Ejeseme SAN, also prayed the appellate court to grant the reliefs sought in the motion exparte in the interest of justice.

Ejeseme also informed the Court that they had deposed a 15-paragraph affidavit and are relying on all the averments therein in urging the court to grant the application.

After listening to the applicants, the presiding Justice, Joseph Ikyegh subsequently granted the request of the two applicants.

Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu had declared Tinubu winner of the February 25 presidential election after securing majority of votes cast at the poll.

Besides, Tinubu met the constitutional benchmark of scoring 25% in two thirds of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

S’COURT DECLARES OLD NAIRA NOTES VALID TILL DECEMBER 31 limit, and the court gave an interim order suspending the February 10 deadline. The three states were later joined by 13 other states bringing the total number of plaintiffs to 16, just as two other states took the side of the federal government.

Yesterday, a seven-man panel of the apex court presided by Justice John Okoro, ruled that the old Naira notes should circulate alongside the new notes until December 31.

The Supreme Court declared the Naira redesign policy invalid on the grounds that it was not done with due consultation and in line with constitutional provisions.

The apex court held that "no reasonable notice was given as required by Section 20(3) of the CBN Act," adding that the public only became aware of the policy through press remarks, which cannot qualify as a notice to the public.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the judgment held that President Muhammadu Buhari cannot unilaterally take such a decision of currency redesign without consulting stakeholders which the plaintiffs are a part and to that extent his actions are invalid.

Agim, added that the CBN Governor's meeting with the governors to explain the policy was not only an afterthought but also an admission that the federal government ought to have consulted the plaintiffs including other stakeholders before commencing the implementation of the policy.

Furthermore, Agim stated that the president in his February 16, broadcast admitted the hardship Nigerians are going through as a result of the policy.

While stating that such a policy of Naira redesign is usually realised through partnership and not by handing down to the people, Justice Agim pointed out that the three-month timeline was not only too short, and maintained that the deadline was not in tune with the CBN's Act and as such, unconstitutional.

Besides, the apex court argued that president Buhari usurped the

powers of the CBN when he issued the directive banning the old N1,000, N500 and N200 notes from February 10, 2023.

The panel in their unanimous decision berated the president for disobeying the orders of the court halting the banning of the old Naira notes.

"The disobedience of the orders of the Court is a sign of the failure of rule of law", the apex court held and subsequently granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.

Amongst the reliefs granted are a declaration that the demonetisation policy is inconsistent with the CBN Act. The apex court also declared that in issuing the policy, the president is under an obligation to carry the national council of states along.

The court in addition declared that the policy has impeded the functions of state governments, adding that the directive of the president is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

Agim accordingly ordered that the old version of the Naira notes shall continue to be legal tender with the new Naira notes until 23rd December 2023.

Earlier, the apex court had dismissed the federal government's objection to the hearing of the suit on the claim that the court lacked jurisdiction to do so.

According to the apex court, there was sufficient evidence to show that the dispute is between the federal government and the state and not the CBN as argued by the defendants.

Besides, the apex court held that the issue of joining the apex bank as a necessary party does not arise since it is an agent of the federal government.

"The CBN needs not be joined when its disclosed principal has been sued. It has been held in many cases that an agent of a disclosed principal is not a necessary party. This suit is not between banks. It is therefore not within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. It is a dispute between some states and the federation over the way and manner the federal government made a

BUHARI: I WILL END INSECURITY BEFORE BOWING OUT and other forms of harm,” the President said.

Buhari noted that the vehicles would increase the capability of the Armed Forces, especially their combat efficiency levels.

“I am pleased to be invited here today as the Special Guest of honour at the commissioning of the 700 Ashok Leyland Troops Carrying Vehicles, procured by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

These vehicles, I understand, were assembled by Stallion Motors Limited at Ojo, Lagos.

“This is an important milestone in the annals of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, especially the troops engaged in operations in various theatres. This demonstrates the commitment and importance the federal government attaches to the fight against insurgency, criminalities and welfare of personnel,” he noted.

President Buhari said the activities

the Court of Appeal, for permission to inspect the materials used by INEC in the conduct of the election.

While Atiku filed his own motion on March 1, that of Obi was dated March 2.

Atiku's lawyer, Adedamola Faloku, in arguing the motion prayed the court to grant the Exparte application brought before it pursuant to Section 146 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022, Paragraph 47 (1, 2 &3) of the first Schedule of the Electoral Act of 2022 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the Court as referenced by Section 6 (6) A & B of the 1999 Constitution.

The application which was predicated on six grounds, sought for seven reliefs, adding that a schedule of the documents to interrogate the respondent (INEC) was also contained in the application supported by a 12-paragraph affidavit.

Counsel to the applicant adopted all the averments contained in the

forms of criminalities in the country.

He said: “Some of you may recall that in my inaugural speech as president, I promised to put an end to Boko Haram insurgency, which hitherto had posed a grave threat to Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

In fulfilling this promise, I made professionalism and capacity building of the armed forces a major security policy thrust of my administration.

“Training and the acquisition of brand-new platforms and other supporting equipment for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies were intensified. The procurement process of military hardware was simplified, thereby removing inefficiency and corruption.

This was in practical fulfilment of my promise to re-professionalise and adequately equip our military so they could effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities."

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister

of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd), said security of the country remains top priority for the government, and that supplies and welfare of the military would be sustained.

Magashi explained that the procurement of the vehicles followed Executive Order Number 5, while highlighting the partnership between the private sector and the military, which had translated into delivery of better equipment for more precision and efficiency of security operations.

He noted that the company had also offered training of the engineers of the military on usage and maintenance.

Magashi appreciated the President for his interventions in ensuring a repositioning of the Armed Forces, with massive acquisition of hardware, like jets, ships and patrol boats, and providing a dynamic and exemplary leadership.

policy without the involvement of the national council of states," Agim held.

Before delivering its verdict yesterday, the apex court had issued an interim order against the federal government on February 8, asking it to put on hold the implementation of the policy pending the hearing and determination of the case of the state governments.

El-rufai: It’s Victory for Nigerians

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai yesterday described the apex court’s ruling on the old Naira notes as a victory for Nigerians.

Speaking with journalists in Kaduna State, the governor reiterated that the policy was designed to prevent the APC from winning the elections.

“A full court of seven justices gave a unanimous judgement 7-0 that all our prayers to the court have been accepted. This is a victory for Nigerians,” el-Rufai said.

“But this policy which was designed and targeted at a political party and its candidates has brought hardship on our people, this is why the three of us took the decision to come to the supreme court.

“We are APC members, the president of Nigeria is from the APC, but we disagreed with him on this policy and its implementation and when we tried everything to settle this behind closed doors, we had no option but to come to the supreme court.

“The other decision of the Supreme Court is that the policy of currency confiscation where you deposit money in the bank and the bank chooses what to give you is unlawful and illegal.

“Nigerians can go to the bank and collect whatever they have deposited and get on with their lives.

“Those that said we went to the court because of elections are wrong. We went to court because our people in our states are suffering and businesses in our states are coming to a halt, lives are being destroyed, that’s why we went to court.

“We left elections in the hands of God and we all know the result.

Although this policy was designed to ensure that we did not give them the essential edge in the elections, we have won.”

Gbajabiamila Hails Supreme Court

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has hailed the decision of the Supreme Court, which invalidated the deadline for the currency policy introduced by the CBN. Gbajabiamila noted that by the decision, the apex court has once again proved that it is the highest court of justice in the land.

He said the House had faulted the implementation of the policy as it went contrary to the law establishing the CBN, and that the Supreme Court's decision has validated the position of the House.

In a press statement yesterday, Gbajabiamila said, "It has always been the position of the House of Representatives that despite the noble intentions behind the currency swap policy, the design and implementation of the policy have been fatally flawed and contradictory to the ends of law and public policy.

"The decision of the Supreme Court suspending the currency swap policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and extending the implementation deadline to December 31, 2023, validates the position of the House in its entirety."

Describing the implementation of the policy as "remarkably haphazard," Gbajabiamila stated that it fell way short of international standards.

"It deviated from the prior practice of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) without providing any benefits to the Nigerian people or the economy of Nigeria, both of which have suffered significant harm as a result."

He said the CBN must respect the apex court's judgement and act quickly to give it full effect.

North-west APC Calls for Malami's Resignation

The All Progressives Congress (APC), North-west chapter has called for the resignation of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and the Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele over the Naira redesign policy.

The APC National Vice Chairman, North-west, Dr. Salihu Lukman in a statement issued yesterday said party leaders from the region expressed delight over the ruling of the Supreme Court declaring the federal government’s Naira redesign policy as unconstitutional and a violation of the fundamental rights of Nigerians as provided under the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended.

He noted that it was also unfortunate that President Muhammadu Buhari could be misled into such acts of illegality and abuse of executive powers as pronounced by the Supreme Court.

The APC chieftain said given the injurious nature of the consequences of the cashless policy of the federal government as was implemented thus far, and the damage of the Supreme Court ruling to the profile of Buhari, Emefiele and Malami must take personal responsibility for this act of illegality by the federal government.

Lukman stressed that in advanced democracies, public offices who commit such acts of illegality voluntarily resign from their appointments.

He added, "Therefore, if indeed, the cashless policy of the federal government was supposedly designed to conform with extant legal provisions of the Nigerian Federation, now that it turned out in the direct opposite, both Emefiele and Malami should accept the limitations of both their knowledge of the law and commitment to democracy by resigning from their respective offices forthwith."

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 4, 2023

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NEWS

News Editor Charles Ajunwa 09157401421 (sms only) Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

NUPRC Begins Probe as Police Confirm 12 Persons Dead in Rivers Pipeline Fire Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Rivers State Police Command yesterday confirmed the death of 12 persons in an oil pipeline explosion that occurred in the early hours of the day at Rumuekpe community in Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State.

THISDAY gathered that the incident happened at about 2a.m. yesterday when a bus loaded with illegal crude oil exploded just on its way from the site,

killing about a dozen people.

Among the victims were women who were said to have been burnt beyond recognition even as many other vehicles and tricycles around the vicinity at the time of the incident were also badly impacted.

It was learnt that the incident happened at the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) that passes through the Rumuekpe community. Recall that the problematic TNP line, Nigeria’s major liquid hydrocarbon delivery channel, was under force majeure for the better part of 2022.

Failure to Adhere to Electoral Act in Conducting ElectionVoids Result Okon Bassey in Uyo The Director-General, Peter Obi Campaign Council, Akwa Ibom State, Captain Augustine Okon, has said that the failure of the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) to follow the constitutional procedure in announcing the result of the just concluded presidential election was an indictment on the electoral umpire.

Okon made the assertion yesterday at a joint press conference with a coalition of civil society organisations in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

He regretted that INEC promised the world free, fair and credible elections only to be derailed by declaring results alien to any constitutional or approved electoral process.

“Prior to the election, the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, had promised Nigerians that all unit’s results will be uploaded to the IReV portal from such units through the BVAS. “But without any notification or explanation, INEC proceeded, follow the electoral process to manually collate and announce the so-called election results.

“This doesn’t only give room for suspicion but eventually shows a grand gang up to not

just suppress the will of the people but impose an unpopular candidate on Nigerians through a flawed process.

“In Akwa Ibom State, we noticed the brazen connivance between the INEC and the agents of the PDP, who not only intimidated, bullied, maimed and forcefully abducted ad hoc staff of INEC and ended up presenting results outside what the people expressed at the polls.”

Okon stressed that the Akwa Ibom Presidential Campaign Council of Peter Obi “demands that INEC should come out clean of this daylight robbery and produce the original results which clearly HE Peter Obi winning the election with a significant majority of the total votes and having the required constitutional spread.”

He said the people of Akwa Ibom State and indeed Nigerians have lost trust in the INEC as presently constituted hence “this INEC lacks the credibility, integrity and honesty to conduct any free and fair processes.”

He maintained that the Labour PCC Akwa Ibom State has collated enough evidence to prove that Obi won the election in Akwa Ibom State, promising to liaise with the legal team to ensure that the stolen mandate is recovered.

IPAC Adopts Gov Abiodun for Re-election James Sowole in Abeokuta The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Ogun State, yesterday, endorsed the incumbent Governor of the State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the next weekend gubernatorial election, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as the council’s candidate.

The IPAC, at the end of its meeting in Abeokuta, the state capital, said its decision was sequel to the performances of Abiodun, in various sectors of the state.

Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting attended by chairmen and other officers of some registered political parties, the IPAC Chairman and Ogun State Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Mr. Samson Okusanya, said residents of the state, would benefit more if Abiodun, is returned for second term as the governor.

Specifically, Okusanya said the IPAC was impressed by the

completion of many developmental projects he inherited from his predecessor.

He said, “We members of political parties under IPAC met and deliberated on issues affecting the state including the March 11 governorship election in the state and resolved that there is no need to change the winning and performing team.

“We have therefore adopted and resolved to ensure that the incumbent Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is reelected as the governor.

“The Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun administration in the last three and half years, has touched all sectors of the state and the residents of the state, would benefit more if Abiodun is returned to office. We are therefore enjoining electorate to work for the success of Abiodun so that there can be synergy between the federal government and the State Government under the same APC.”

It’s a key pipeline capable of transporting about 180,000 barrels of crude per day to the Bonny Export Terminal and is part of the gas liquids evacuation infrastructure which is critical for continued domestic power generation and liquefied gas exports.

Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace IringeKoko, said aside from the listed number of victims, five vehicles and motorcycles were burnt in the incident.

“Preliminary investigation by the police command indicates that the victims were scooping crude oil when the site caught fire. So far, about 12 persons are

believed to have been burnt to death. The identities of the victims are still unknown.

“Five vehicles, four Keke NAPEP (commercial tricycles), and one motorcycle were all burned to ashes,” Iringe-Koko disclosed.

The police admonished members of the public to stay away from illegal oil bunkering, and avail themselves of the hotlines made available by the police command to report any incident they believe has the potential to lead to crime or the breakdown of law and order.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Youth and Environment Advocacy Centre (YEAC), Fyneface Dumnamene, said the

investigation by the organisation revealed that all those who were at the exact tapping point in the “pit” got killed.

He added that some of those who had loaded the crude or were waiting to load, including women, were also killed by the explosion.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday confirmed the incident on the shell-operated line, noting that the matter had been reported to the regulatory agency. However, it noted that the incident took place on Thursday night.

“The NUPRC wishes to announce that an explosion leading to a major fire incident near a pipeline in Rumuekpe

Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday night has been reported.

“The commission in line with its statutory regulatory oversight of upstream petroleum operations in the Nigerian oil and gas industry has commenced investigations into the incident in conjunction with relevant stakeholders and will provide updates appropriately,” it noted.

According to a statement personally signed by the Chief Executive of the commission, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, although there were speculations about the level of casualties, the commission could not confirm any until after its investigations.

MAKING THE ROUNDS… The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah (2nd from left) during a visit to traders at Ogbete Market...yesterday.

Jang to INEC: RedeemYour Battered Image with Credible Governorship Elections Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Following the widespread irregularities that characterised last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections across the nation, a former governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah Jang, has admonished the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its image from the generally poor perception Nigerians hold about the commission by striving to conduct a credible governorship polls by next Saturday.

In a statement he signed, Jang also tasked all election stakeholders, including INEC and security agencies, to do what is necessary to forestall a repeat of the shortcomings of the presidential and National Assembly polls.

He pointed out that INEC, in particular, should recognise that the destiny of the over 200 million Nigerians has been entrusted to them and that setting the nation on fire wilfully, either by omission or commission, is unpatriotic, and only posterity will judge.

The former governor also

warned that a vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 11 governorship and state House of Assembly elections will be a subscription to further hardship and neglect suffered by Plateau people of the state in the past eight years.

He recalled that “the last eight years brought us untold hardship; we were almost robbed of our identity. Forces alien to us took control and nearly destroyed everything we stood for, all in an attempt to curry personal favour from the government at the centre;

we cannot afford to endure another eight years of total misrule; we must resist those who attempt to coerce our mind into believing that we are second class people.”

He added that the pains and lessons of the past eight years, when APC was in government both in Plateau and at the national level but with no benefit, was instructive. “Let us, therefore, vote for a governor who will have the backing of the State and National Assembly members in pursuing the interests of the Plateau people.”

Shekarau Not against My Candidature, Says PDP Gov Contender Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Sadiq Aminu Wali, has stated that it was not true that Senator Ibrahim Shekarau is working against his candidature as rumoured in some quarters.

Responding to questions from reporters on his recent victory in court, where the Supreme Court reinstalled him as the PDP gubernatorial candidate as against Muhammad Abacha only 10 days to the election, Wali assured that Shekarau had to remain unbiased due to the court case.

Wali alleged that the PDP was mischievously placed in the situation in which it is by the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and his supporters who left the party at the last minute before election.

He further alleged that the ongoing campaign of calumny against Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau is a ploy to create friction within the party and weaken it ahead of next weekend’s gubernatorial elections.

It would be recalled that Shekarau defected to PDP from the NNPP in the build-up to the 2023 elections late last year.

The PDP guber candidate emphasised that he can unequivocally say that Shekarau is working for him for the success of the PDP in the state.

According to Wali, the rumour might have emanated from the silence of Shekarau in the PDP tussle in Kano because the case was in court.

“It is not true. What will Shekarau benefit from it if he works for Gawuna now? I can unequivocally tell you that Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau has no problem with my candidature. It is just nonsense to say Shekarau is working

underground against my candidature.

“Shekarau just decided to remain silent in the PDP crisis at the state level because the case was in court. As a man who respects law and democracy, he should not speak on a case that is before the court. But, as far as I am concerned, it is not true that Shekarau is working for APC,” he said.

The former Commissioner for Water Resources also stressed that he would not step down for any candidate or merge with any party even as he has only nine days to prepare for the election.

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NEWS Senator Risch: U.S. Shouldn’t Rush to Embrace Nigerian Election Results Bennett Oghifo U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has advised that the American Government “shouldn’t rush to embrace Nigerian election results.”

Risch, in a statement he released on March 2, 2023 on Nigeria’s recent elections, said: “The ongoing electoral process in Nigeria

is widely viewed as deeply flawed by election observers and many Nigerians. It is disappointing to see the administration rush to embrace the result while the full picture of what occurred during this electoral process is yet to be seen.

“I’ve expressed similar concerns related to other areas of our relationship with the Nigerian government. I worry this rush to judgement will undermine our

ability to be an effective partner to all Nigerians, especially given their long standing desire for democracy.

“With Nigeria heading into state-level elections in just a few days, it is important that the United States be more concerned with supporting the Nigerian people and their democratic aspirations than embracing the Nigerian

government.”

The U.S Government had congratulated Nigerians on the elections and the President-elect, Bola Tinubu on Wednesday March 1, 2023, a day after INEC declared Tinubu the winner of the presidential election.

A statement by the spokesman of the State Department, Ned

Price said, “The United States congratulates the people of Nigeria, president-elect Tinubu and all the political leaders.

“We understand that many Nigerians and some of the parties have expressed frustration about the manner in which the process was conducted.

“Nigerians are clearly within

their rights to have such concerns and should have high expectations for their electoral process,” Price said, urging political leaders to register their concerns through established legal “mechanisms.”

“We call on all parties to refrain from violence or inflammatory rhetoric at this critical time.”

Seven States Discontinue Suit Seeking S’ Court’s Order for Review of Presidential Election Alex Enumah in Abuja Seven states of the federation have discontinued their suit at the Supreme Court wherein they had sought an order of the apex court for a review of the just concluded presidential election.

The seven states comprising Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Taraba and Sokoto states had approached the apex court to challenge the conduct and subsequent collation and announcement of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.

The plaintiffs in the originating summons marked: SC/ CV/354/2023, had specifically asked for an order, “directing a wholistic review of all results so far announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which were carried out other than through the manner prescribed by the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022; and the INEC Manual for Election Officials.”

However, before the case could be listed for hearing, the plaintiffs through their lawyer brought a Notice of Discontinuance pursuant to the inherent powers of the apex court.

The notice dated March 3 and filed by Prof. Mike Ozekhome,

SAN, read, “Take notice that the plaintiffs doth hereby wholly discontinue this suit against the defendant herein.”

Although no reason was stated for the discontinuance, it is however believed to be due to the fact that results had already been announced and a President-elect declared and as such the proper place to ventilate their grievances over the outcome of the election is the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

The suit brought by the Attorneys General of the seven states was filed on February 28, barely a few hours before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as winner of the presidential election.

They predicated their case on the grounds that: “The collation of the national election results from the 36 States of the Federation, and that of the Federal Capital Territory, for the said 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections have not been carried out in compliance with the mandatory provisions of relevant sections of the Electoral Act, 2022; the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022, made pursuant to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022; and the INEC Manual for Election Officials, 2023.”

You’ve Admitted Election Was Flawed, Atiku Replies Tinubu Campaign Chuks Okocha in Abuja The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, said that the Tinubu/Shettima’s Presidential Campaign Council’s claim that there was rigging in the South-east is evidence that indeed the election was fraught with irregularities.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday by Atiku’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, the PDP presidential candidate said it was unfortunate that the APC Campaign Council had continued to attack and mock the Nigerians whose mandate it stole.

Shaibu said it was obvious that Nigerians did not want Tinubu and this was proven in Lagos where he had turned into his personal fiefdom.

He said, “Festus Keyamo’s claim that there was massive rigging in

the South-east and that the APC will be challenging the votes in that region proves our claim that this election was fraught with irregularities. This is the more reason we are seeking the cancellation of the results.

“Is it not funny that Tinubu claimed he wanted to replicate the developments of Lagos across Nigeria and yet the same people of Lagos rejected him at the poll?

He and his minions unleashed thugs on the people of the state and yet still lost.

“We ask them to save their strength for the legal fireworks ahead. Nigerians and the world will see how All Progressives Criminals (APC) stole the mandate of the people and most importantly, they should explain to Nigerians why people have been partying in Columbia while there is grave silence in Nigeria since the declaration of their candidate.”

JOSTLING FOR POWER… L-R: Former Governor and Senator-elect for Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel; former Deputy Governor, Segun Adesegun, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and Deputy Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hakeem Balogun at the All Progressives Congress campaign rally at Abigi, headquarters of Ogun Waterside local government on Friday

Okowa Appeals to Religious Leaders, Deltans to Support Oborevwori Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has appealed to religious leaders and Deltans to rally round the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in the state, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in the March 11 gubernatorial election.

Okowa made the appeal yesterday at a meeting with members of Isoko Church Leaders Council held at God’s Fountain of Life Mission, Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of the state.

He also urged them to vote

for all the PDP candidates for the Delta State House of Assembly in various constituencies across the state.

While thanking members of the Forum for the opportunity given to him to talk to them, Okowa who was PDP Vice presidential candidate in the February 25 presidential election, said Sheriff Oborevwori was a God-fearing man, adding that he has the needed experience to inspire more development in the state.

According to him, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and PDP Guber candidate in the state would consolidate the tempo of infrastructural and human capital development recorded in the state by his administration if elected as governor.

On the outcome of last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly election, Okowa said that the exercise was compromised, adding that the outcome of the election was not the will of God.

“We saw the manipulation of the election coming and the church of Christ prayed against the situation which we have just found ourselves in.

“Obviously, this is not the will of God. It is not the will of God that the Chapel in Aso Rock will be closed for four years as a result of the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This is the time for us to truly pray. It is a time for me to encourage the church of Christ to continue to pray.

N21m Pension Fraud: Accountant Bags 21 Years Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja A former Accountant, Pensions Account, Office of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF), Garba Abdullahi Tahir, also known as Tahir Garba, was yesterday, convicted and sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for stealing N26.1million meant for pensioners.

A statement by the Spokesman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren, said Abdullahi was prosecuted by the anti-graft

agency at a Federal High Court, Abuja, on a seven-count amended charge that bordered on money laundering.

Count four of the charge reads: “That you, Garba Abdullahi Tahir (also known as Tahir Garba) on or about the 18th of January, 2010 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court converted the sum of N3,000,000.00 into cash by Ecobank cheque no. 92 drawn in favour of one Sani Abdullahi through your bank account with Ecobank Plc which sum represented part of the proceeds of crime of criminal

breach of trust committed by you in the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation with the aim of concealing its illicit origin and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 and punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act.” Count six reads: “That you Garba Abdullahi Tahir (also known as Tahir Garba on or about the 12th April, 2010 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court converted the sum of N7,800,000.00 into a

bank draft or Manager’s Cheque in favour of Charo Bureau de Change Ltd through your bank account with Ecobank Plc, which sum represented part of the proceeds of crime of criminal breach of trust committed by you in the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation with the aim of concealing its illicit origin and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 14(1)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 and punishable under section 14(1) of the same Act.”

NLC Suspends Strike in Abia as Govt Agrees to Tackle Salary, Pension Arrears Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia Five days after workers in Abia State embarked on strike, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday suspended the industrial action following an agreement between the organised labour and the Abia State government.

The national leadership of NLC had declared industrial action against Abia State government on February 28, 2023

after the expiration of 14-day ultimatum issued to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to offset arrears of workers’ salaries and pensioners retirement benefits.

With the effect of the strike biting hard on Abia residents, especially the attendant power outage, the government was compelled to negotiate with the organised labour to end the industrial action.

At a news conference the parties announced their agreement as outlined in a memorandum of

understanding (MoU) at the end of negotiations.

The government team was headed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chris Ezem, while the NLC delegation was led by the Assistant General Secretary, Chris Onyeka.

The SSG said that the government had found itself in a situation where workers had embarked on strike in the last few days, adding that “we engaged extensively and exhaustively with NLC” in order to restore industrial harmony.

He pledged that the government would remain resolute in implementing the agreement reached with the organised labour and urged workers to have hope and confidence in the government’s commitment to their welfare.

Onyeka on his part said that the national leadership of NLC “heard the cries of our people in Abia” and decided to come to their rescue, adding that it is inhuman for the Abia government to treat workers like inconsequential people”.

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NEWS Prosecute Masterminds of Electoral Violence Before Governorship Poll, CSOs Tell IGP Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY… L-R: HRM, Oba Dr. Daniel Abayomi Salako, Aboro of Iboroland; HRM, Oba Matthew Ayinde Ajibulu, Olu of Onigbedu; Dangote Cement Ibese Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin; HRM, Oba Rotimi Oluseyi Mulero, Aboro of Ibeseland and HRM, Oba Kayode Adio Kusoro, Olu of Aga Olowo during a the inauguration of some CSR Community Projects, at the Dangote Cement Ibese Plant, Ogun State...recently.

Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of National Coalition For Unity And Peace have called on the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, to commence full investigations into the various electoral violence witnessed across the country during the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly polls and SURVHFXWH WKH PDVWHUPLQGV The coalition whose members included former governors, ministers, serving and former members of the National Assembly, ambassadors, captains of industry, women and youth leaders, expressed serious concerns that the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC) disappointed Nigerians by its inability to deliver on its promises to deploy the best of technology, including electronic WUDQVPLVVLRQ RI UHVXOWV The groups’ Protem SecreWDU\ 'U &DLUR 2MRXJERK D former member of the House of Representatives, explained that the meeting discussed the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, held on Saturday 25th February, as well as other critical PDWWHUV RI QDWLRQDO LPSRUWDQFH According to him, they resolved among others that the Presidential and the National Assembly elections were generally held peacefully in most parts of the country ODVW 6DWXUGD\

Soludo Begs Anambra People to Vote Leaders of Thought Rally Gov APGA Candidates to Sustain Development Support for Sanwo-Olu David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Mary Nnah Committed to peaceful coexistence through the spirit of unity, a joint leadership of the Lagos State Leaders of Thought led by Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) and Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, have called for calm and understanding with the nonindigenous citizens, especially the Igbo extraction and supporters to support and re-elect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second WHUP LQ R΀FH Addressing journalists in Ikeja, President, Yoruba Council Worldwide/Secretary General, Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council, Aare Oba Oladotun Hassan, on behalf of the group said the call for support for Sanwo-Olu’s re-election was hinged on his landmark achievements and sustainability of peace, unity and development of Lagos DQG E\ H[WHQVLRQ WKH <RUXED ODQG Reading from a statement, Hassan said careful observation shows the incendiary plot and intrigues by the fake elements of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by its Secretary-General, one Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who has been unveiled through a news platform where he hides XQGHU WKH FDPRXÁDJH RI HWKQLFLW\ in inciting the public to vote out Governor Sanwo-Olu in the forthcoming gubernatorial HOHFWLRQ “By this, he has no doubt crossed the red line of the law in gross violation of the constitution

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria while exposing his nefarious conspicuous agenda to incite ethnic violence, precipitating our demands to the Inspector General of Police and DSS to ÀVK RXW WKLV FXOSULW DQG SURVHFXWH this disgruntled terrorist led IPOB hiding under the most respected indigenous Igbo group: Ohanaeze 1GLJER &RXQFLO ´,VLJX]RUR D΀UPHG LQ KLV seditious material that the sociopolitical organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has vowed to hold the Governor, Oba Akinolu of Lagos DQG 0U 0XVLOLX $\LQGH $NLQVsnya (MC Oluomo), responsible for the attacks on Igbo in the state, especially following the victory of the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in Lagos State as alleged by him, while he was even calling for self-defense in any of such subsequent attacks while emphasising that self-defense is a universal law, the attempt that equal to a subtly beating of the drum of war where there is no war and by building a mountain LQ D PROHKLOO LQ IXWLOLW\ “Sequel to that intemperate outburst and incendiary statements, he had conspicuously established his nefarious mindset at fanning the ember of ethnic tension, violence, disharmony, and anger among the peace-loving and good people of Lagos, even irrespective of their ethnic nationalities and diverse political D΀OLDWLRQV DQG SHUVXDVLRQV µ WKH VWDWHPHQW IXUWKHU QRWHG Alluding to Hassan’s statement,

the President Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State chapter, High Chief Sunday Osai, said the need to address the public through the media became obvious following the inciting statements by Isiguzoro, which he said is very wrong and capable of imploding the society, turning a united SHRSOH DJDLQVW WKHPVHOYHV He averred that Isiguzoro acted on behalf of the national Ohanaeze and not the Lagos State FKDSWHU ´(YHQ LI KH ZDV DFWLQJ on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo national, he should have consulted with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State chapter to get on-the-spot information on what happened in Lagos during the presidential HOHFWLRQ “He didn’t do this, instead, he went on air to express his agenda, which we, Ohanaeze Ndigbo /DJRV GHHPHG YHU\ ZURQJ Therefore, as the president of Lagos State Ohanaeze, I represent the mouthpiece of Ndigbo in the state, I hereby debunk the statement that Ndigbo asked Governor %DEDMLGH 6DQZR 2OX WR UHVLJQ 7KH VWDWHPHQW LV XQR΀FLDO DQG does not represent the position of Lagos Ohanaeze Ndigbo and by extension the national Ohanaeze 1GLJER “Governor Sanwo-Olu is a friendly governor not just to Ndigbo but to all ethnic nationaliWLHV LQ WKH VWDWH $ YHU\ FRUGLDO relationship has existed between *RYHUQRU 6DQZR 2OX DQG 1GLJER If Ndigbo is rooting for anyone to become the governor of Lagos

6WDWH WKDW SHUVRQ LV 6DQZR 2OX He represents everything Ndigbo QHHGV WR SURVSHU 7KLV FDQ EH DWtested to give the business-friendly SROLFLHV RI KLV DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ µ Admitting there were pockets of crises in the state, the leaders of thought commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his swift response with an immediate directive to the security agencies in the state that peace be maintained and SURSHUWLHV EH ZHOO SURWHFWHG According to Osai, “Yes there were pockets of crises in some parts of the state, especially in Ijedodo, where some of our people were ill-treated and SURSHUWLHV YDQGDOLVHG , YLVLWHG the place and had an audience with the Eze Igbo of Ijedodo, Eze Nwokedi, and we went round IRU RQ WKH VSRW DVVHVVPHQW “Visiting the scene was helpful, as it not avail me with what transpired but how the Eze Igbo Ijedodo and the Baale of the Ijedodo had pronto our visit ÀQG D VROXWLRQ WR WKH FDXVH RI WKH FULVLV µ KH DGGHG The Lagos Ohanaeze leader further said that the consolidation of Governor Sanwo-Olu rests solely on the law enforcement agents that also spontaneously rise to the challenge of arresting DQG WDPLQJ WKH XJO\ VLWXDWLRQ “I want to use this opportunity to reassure Governor Sanwo-Olu that come March 11, Ndigbo in Lagos will vote for you and it ZLOO EH D UHVRXQGLQJ YLFWRU\ :H will mobilise Ndigbo to massively FDVW WKHLU IRU \RX µ

$QDPEUD 6WDWH *RYHUQRU 3URI Chukwuma Soludo, has appealed to people of the state to vote for candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in next 6DWXUGD\·V HOHFWLRQ He said doing so will help him sustain the tempo of development across the 21 local government DUHDV RI WKH VWDWH APGA, the ruling party in the state had last Saturday failed to clinch any of the three senatorial VHDWV LQ WKH VWDWH It only won four out of the

11 federal constituencies, with the Labour party clinching a PDMRULW\ RI WKH VHDWV Next Saturday’s election is viewed to be a tough one for Soludo, who needs as many legislators from his party to be DEOH WR IXQFWLRQ HͿHFWLYHO\ Soludo, who appealed to Anambra people through his &KLHI 3UHVV 6HFUHWDU\ 0U &KULVWLDQ Aburime, yesterday, said the best way for the people to support his administration’s development strides was for them to massively vote the candidates of APGA in WKH HOHFWLRQ

Wike Joins Oyo Gov, Makinde, to Inaugurate 3.2km Ibadan Airport Road, Aviation Fuel Facility Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

term in order to enable him continue to deliver landmark Oyo State Governor, SURMHFWV WR WKH VWDWH The Rivers State governor Seyi Makinde, was joined yesterday by his Rivers State HTXDOO\ ÁDJJHG RͿ WKH 2PRcounterpart, Nyesom Wike, to lolu Olunloyo Park, which LQDXJXUDWH WKH NLORPHWUHV will serve as a car park for dual carriage Ibadan Airport transport services to and from Road named after a former WKH DLUSRUW Wike, who was the special JRYHUQRU RI WKH VWDWH 'U 9LFtor Omololu Olunloyo and guest of honour at the event, the 500,000 Litres Aviation said, “Today, I am happy Fuel Storage and Dispensing to see history being made Facility located within the LQ 2\R 6WDWH ,W JLYHV PH pleasure to know that an ,EDGDQ $LUSRUW $ODNLD The two projects, embarked aircraft will take fuel from this upon by the state government, $LUSRUW %HIRUH QRZ ZKHQ were lauded by Governor aircraft land here, they go Wike as part of the Makinde back and refuel, but now, no administration’s infrastructure going back; you land and take revolution, even as he called IXHO KHUH 0D\ *RG FRQWLQXH on residents of the state to re- to bless His Excellency for elect the governor for another KLV SHRSOH

IBB Back in Minna After Two FG Donates Food Relief to Victims of Maiduguri Monday Market Fire Weeks Medical Vacation Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Among the food items presented include 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of The federal government has macaroni and Spaghetti and donated food items to victims JDOORQV RI YHJHWDEOH RLO Farouq, who accompanied of Maiduguri Monday Market Muhammadu ÀUH LQFLGHQW LQ %RUQR 6WDWH President Minister of Humanitarian Buhari to visit the ruins left $ͿDLUV 'LVDVWHU 0DQDJHPHQW of the Maiduguri Monday and Social Development, Market, expressed sadness Sadiya Umar Farouq, made at the complete destruction the presentation to the Gov- of the biggest trading hub in HUQRU RI %RUQR 6WDWH 3URI the North-east region while Babagana Umara Zulum, EULHÀQJ WKH 3UHVLGHQW She sympathised with the when she paid a condolence YLVLW WR WKH VWDWH JRYHUQPHQW Borno State Government

and said she had directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assess the level of damage after discovering that everything was burnt in WKH ÀUH Farouq said after the assessment, the ministry would submit a full report to the President to seek special LQWHUYHQWLRQ IRU WKH YLFWLPV “We are handing over 20 bags of 25kg rice, 10 cartons of macaroni and Spaghetti and 5,000 gallons of vegetable

RLO <RXU ([FHOOHQF\ WKLV LV DQ emergency relief intervention, but we will collaborate with the Borno State Government to provide building materials WR UHEXLOG WKH PDUNHW µ VKH VDLG The Chairman of the Market Association, Awaji Bukar, expressed deep appreciation to the President for the visit and appealed for more support from the federal government to assuage the colossal loss incurred by WKH WUDGHUV

Laleye Dipo in Minna Former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida returned to Minna, the Niger State capital, on Thursday evening after a WZR PRQWK YDFDWLRQ DEURDG Babangida came into Minna E\ DLU IURP $EXMD He was accompanied by his eldest son, Mohammed DQG GDXJKWHU $LVKD According to a source close to their Minna residence, most of his close friends and associ-

ates have been trooping to the UHVLGHQFH WR ZHOFRPH KLP General Babangida travelled out of the country before the presidential and national assembly election as a result did QRW YRWH LQ WKH SROOV Before leaving the country, he had received the major front runners in the presidential race, especially the now victorious Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President, $WLNX $EXEDNDU

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MARCH 4, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

What a waste!

Why Election Results Must Not Be Truncated

I

t beats imagination how Nigerians keep pushing an overzealous sense of entitlement on almost every aspect of governance as if we inhabit a planet extraneous of the terrestrial ecosystems.

The U.S.A which has earned the position of the bastion of democracy and the indisputable leader of the free world refuses to make their electoral processes transmissible electronically largely for the fear of cyber compromise. Nigeria, a fledgling democracy is being taunted by all manner of unpatriotic denizens to cancel a process that has achieved the greatest upsets in the history of electoral politics with many political gladiators losing their strongholds and power panjandrums being upstaged by rookies and neophytes in politics.

It is reprehensible that a former president would rush to the podium to indict the election umpire pushing unverified narratives.

The Labour Party’s unassailable and overwhelming performance in Lagos alone speaks volumes to the impartiality of INEC and the transparency of its operational processes whilst not totally discounting some teething logistical and administrative problems some of which are not peculiar to election management in Africa but can be identified even in advanced democracies the world over.

The results released so far have shown the fact that we have grown exponentially in our political awareness and the BIVAS technology has largely eliminated the manipulations embedded in the old manual accreditation process. To now throw away the proverbial baby of these renaissance in the birth water of impatience, unproven judgmental rhetoric, unstatesmanlike postulations and general escalation of irredentist atavism is to push the nation along the path of existential hiatus.

Bukola Ajisola, bukymany@yahoo.com

Witchcraft Persecution and Advocacy without Borders in Africa

T

he Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges Africans to campaign against abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs everywhere.

This call follows the rescue of Nigerian nationals, who were accused of witchcraft in Kenya. As reported, the police rescued these Nigerians in Thika Town in Kiambu County. It was stated that an angry mob beat and almost lynched them while they were performing some rituals. These Nigerians claimed that they were conducting some prayers.

It was not stated the kind of prayers that they were conducting. The police intervened, resisted the mob, and took these nationals, who sustained some injuries, to a nearby hospital.

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches commends the Kenya police for intervening and rescuing these foreign nationals.

As in many parts of Africa, witchcraft accusation is a killer phenomenon, and a death sentence. These foreign nationals were fortunate. Police rescued them. In many instances, the police arrive late, after the damage has been done.

Recently, Kenya recorded incidents of witch persecution and killing. Last week, two elderly women, accused of witchcraft, were lynched in Murang’a County. There is still no information regarding the arrest and prosecution of suspected perpetrators of this heinous crime. In other African countries, such as Ghana, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, accusations of witchcraft and witch persecution take place. Alleged witches have been attacked, killed, or banished.

However, in most cases, locals are the target. People often accuse members of their neighbors, members of their family or community. This incident draws attention to the fact that foreigners are also at risk of being accused. Africans should look beyond their borders in advocating against witchcraft-linked violations. People often demonize strange and unfamiliar prayer and ritual forms. They regard them as evil, as invocations of occult harm. African Christians and Muslims have been indoctrinated to demonize, occultize and witchcraftize religious others, especially traditional religions or any ritual forms that deviate from religion, as they know it. As this incident has illustrated, those who conduct prayers and rituals that depart from local norms are at risk of being accused of witchcraft and evil magic.

Witchcraft accusation is a threat to the lives of Africans everywhere. Africans should not look the other way as alleged witches are attacked and killed in other countries. They should know that everyone is at risk of being accused or killed for witchcraft, whether you are a local or a foreigner. Africans should strive to advocate against witchcraft accusations and witch T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE persecution without borders.

DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO for Alleged Witches DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

Not Really Homeless

E

x-prince Harry and his wife Meghan have been asked to move out of Frogmore Cottage, which they rarely used. It’s not like a lot of people who leave the family business, they won’t be homeless, or in their case mansionless, but there are millions who are in both their old country the UK and in their new home the US.

I am sure the cottage could shelter dozens of families rather than one old uncle that no one want to know. Just a thought!

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 4, 2023

NEWS APC Donates N100m to Victims of Maiduguri Market Fire Disaster The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, yesterday announced a donation of N100 million from the party’s headquarters to the victims of Maiduguri Market disaster.

The market, said to be the largest in the North-east geopolitical zone, was razed down on Monday morning following an intense fire outbreak.

Abdullahi, who made the donation when he paid a sympathy visit to Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, said “The party (APC) leadership

TIDYING UP… Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, addressing party members at Umukabia Okpuala country home in Umuahia North Local Government Area...recently

Mbeki to Tinubu, Don’t Forget African &RQWLQHQW :KHQ <RX $VVXPH 2ͿFH Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Former South Africa president and Head of Commonwealth Observer Mission to Nigeria, Thabo Mbeki, has urged the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, not to forget the African continent when he assumes office.

Mbeki made the call when he

visited the President-elect in his Abuja residence on completion of the Commonwealth Observer Mission.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by Tinubu’s Media Office and signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman.

He said: “Nigeria is the most

populous country in Africa with a big economy. Whatever happens here sets the pace for the rest of Africa.

“We need a strong Nigerian presidency that will also focus on the African region.

“Your opponent will be looking for a smallest thing to throw stones.

That is the way of democracy,” he added.

The president-elect assured the former South African president of his commitment to further African integration and economic development and promised to work with Mbeki and other leaders of the continent in this direction.

Be Extra Vigilant on Governorship Abia APC Refutes Claims Members in Ukwa/ Election, LP Urges Rivers People Ngwa Adopted Rival Guber Candidate Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) in Rivers State, Fafaa Dan Princewill, has urged indigenes and residents of the state to come out en masse to vote on March 11, 2023, stressing that the people must be vigilant to defend their votes at the governorship poll.

Princewill, who claimed to be the governorship candidate of LP in the state, said Rivers people will not vote “any product of anti-democrat” who will yield gangster government.

Speaking with journalists yesterday in Port Harcourt, the LP chieftain condemned what he described as anti-democratic posture of some politicians, and wondered why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reneged on obeying the Electoral Act which duly enshrined electronic transmission of results.

He said Rivers people must put an end to the loss of young lives in the state, adding that electoral violence has no place in a decent society, noting that LP is a party for the hope of the present and future generations.

“We believed INEC but what ZH VDZ ZDV GLͿHUHQW WKH UHFRUGV are there, everyone is aware even the international community has WHVWLÀHG WKDW WKH HOHFWLRQ GLG not meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“The BVAS is for both accreditation and uploading of results. That’s what the Electoral Act says but unfortunately that did not happen.

“I believe the next election will EH GLͿHUHQW , ZDQW WR HQFRXUDJH everyone not to despair. Please, come out and vote massively for LP on March 11th; take pictures of the result sheets, your phone is now your power, record every activity around the polling units.

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted the alleged adoption of a governorship candidate of a rival party by executive members and stakeholders of APC in Ukwa/ Ngwa political bloc.

Speaking with journalists in Umuahia, the state capital yesterday, the state secretary of Abia APC, Chief Chidi Avaja, stated that at no time did party leaders in Ukwa/ Ngwa take such reprehensible action of adopting any other candidate other than the Abia APC candidate for the March 11 poll, High Chief Ikechi Emenike.

The APC executives and stakeholders from Ukwa/ Ngwa axis were reported to have abandoned their party

and adopted the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Okey Ahiwe, who is their kinsman.

But Avaja said that the report was borne out of the “insidious imagination of the party’s detractors who are bent on distracting its rescue movement which is fast gaining currency across the nook and cranny of the state.

“I can tell you authoritatively that the so-called leaders and executive committee members are not members of our party and have never ever been,” he said.

The party scribe noted that it was unthinkable that any genuine member of the Abia APC family would adopt any other governorship candidate “when we have the most formidable candidate who has no blemish or political baggage.”

Production of 700 Military Trucks: Idemili North, South LP House of Reps Winner, Uche Buhari Praises Stallion Group Okonkwo Lauds Constituents for Giving Him Victory President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday praised the Stallion Group for its role in the nation’s industrial development, citing the production of 700 military trucks built in Nigeria by Nigerians from their Ojo, Lagos, automobiles assembly and production plants.

“It gives me pleasure and honour to commission the 700 Stallion Ashok Leyland Troops Carrier Vehicles procured by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“These vehicles, I was informed, were produced

by Stallion Motors Limited at Ojo, Lagos. This is an

important milestone in the annals of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, especially the troops engaged in operations in various theaters.”

The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi, said the procurement done in line with Executive Order Number Five, was a demonstration of the success of the partnership between the ministry and the private sector.

He said in addition to the thousands of jobs created, the company will also train engineers from military establishments on the maintenance of the trucks.

Sunday Okobi

drive populated by ‘Obidients’ under Okonkwo, beat the The winner of the Idemili Peoples Democratic Party North and South federal (PDP) two time incumbent, constituency in Anambra Obinna Chidoka, from Obosi; State, Uche Okonkwo, has humbled the APGA candidate, expressed gratitude to the Ike Cubana from Oba, and people of his constituency tamed the All Progressives IRU YRWLQJ IRU KLP WR IXOÀOO Congress (APC) candidate, his ‘Rescue Idemili Agenda’, Ifeanyi Ibezim, in the election.

While reacting to his victory, as the Labour Party (LP) candidate won the hotly Okonkwo said: “God bless contested House of Represen- all Obidients from Idemili tatives constituency election North and South federal constituency. You have spoken resoundingly.

In a tension-soaked electoral loudly and wisely. God has contest between personalities heard our voice that to rescue of the zone, the status quo was Idemili is a mission possible broken, and the redemption and anointed.

will stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this trying time, Your Excellency. We are therefore donating N100 million to support you in providing relief to the victims of the unfortunate fire incident that happened on Sunday.”

The APC National Chairman was accompanied on the visit by Senator Abubakar Kyari, Deputy National Chairman (North), Ambassador Usman Sarki, Special Adviser on Policy, Ambassador Habib Habu, Special Adviser on Protocol and Programme and Nata’ala Keffi, Special Adviser on Media.

LG Tackles Cholera Outbreak with N23.5m in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Safana Local Government of Katsina State said that it has procured and supplied drugs worth N23.5 million to curb Cholera outbreak and other communicable diseases in the area.

The Council Chairman, Hon. Muhammed Kabir-Umar, told journalists in Safana that the drugs were distributed to all the health facilities across the local government.

He explained that the drugs were procured to ensure that victims of the outbreak receive the best treatment, and called

for a concerted effort towards bringing to an end the menace of cholera outbreak in the area.

He said: “From the inception of my administration to date, we spent N23.5 million on procurement and supply of drugs to fight cholera. We decided to procure the drugs to assist our people that are victims of the cholera outbreak.

“As their representative, it is part of our responsibility to come to their aid. That’s why we have purchased and supplied enough drugs for emergency cases of Cholera and other communicable diseases, and we will continue to do that for them”.

Presidential Polls: Tinubu/Shetima’s Group Denies Monetary Support from Wike for Tinubu’s Victory Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

lence, administrator with an unmatchable track record of achievements foresight and The Tinubu/Shetima Grass- bold visions. A Man reputed roots Independent Campaign as a Mason of Men. “It is important however &RXQFLO KDV FODULÀHG WKDW WKH Rivers State chapter of the All to state that the credit for the Progressives Congress (APC) victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not receive monetary sup- and the APC in Rivers State port from Governor Nyesom belongs to all Rivers persons Wike to ensure the victory of its who turned out to vote for the presidential candidate, Ahmed candidate of our party and to the dynamic campaign structure Bola Tinubu in the state.

Mr. Augustine Wokocha, that carried the message of member of Presidential Cam- Renewed Hope to all the nooks paign Council and Independent and crannies of Rivers State.

Campaign Council of the APC, PDGH WKH FODULÀFDWLRQ \HVWHUGD\ during a media chat in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State.

Wokocha, who is the leader of the Tinubu/Shetima Grassroots Independent Campaign Council, also dispelled the rumour that APC received alleged N2 billion from the Rivers State governor to work for Tinubu’s victory.

The leader of the Grassroots ICC, said APC and people of the state worked in the interest of the candidate, adding that the victory could not be appropriated to any individual.

Wokocha noted that the election of Bola Tinubu was a natural cause of events following his pragmatism, stating that the credit of the victory of Tinubu belonged to APC and people of Rivers State who voted the APC at the polls.

He said: “In our statement we state that the victory of our President elect was a natural cause of event given his phenomenal pedigree as an astute politician per excel-

SATURDAY MARCH 4, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 4, 2023

SUPER SATURDAY Sandra Okunzuwa

I’m a Lover of Good Life Nollywood actress, Sandra Okunzuwa is a lover of the good life and positive with all good vibes. Also a producer, Sandra is currently working on a project so dear to her which she believes is going to be one of, if not, the biggest coming out of Nollywood. Though stardom may be relative, to the law graduate, her aim is to make a mark in the entertainment industry while she aspires to the peak of her career. She tells Ferdinand Ekechukwu more…

W

hat set are you on at the moment and which was your last?

Currently I just finished a project called ‘Ruthless’.

‘Ruthless’ has to do with female MMA fighters - Mixed Martial Art fighters. It’s a first of its kind. It’s a beautiful movie. It’s like a limited series for Netflix, directed by Dimeji Ajibola. It’s a good movie, good storyline. And with good cast. So that’s the last project I was on.

Take us through a bit of your journey into acting. What attracted you?

If I should cast my mind back, this thing came to me while I was a child.

Sandra Okunzuwa During my childhood when I will get to watch Nigerian movies a lot of them starring the likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke, Patience Ozokwor. So, you know they kind of like appeal to me and I would mimic them you know just acting it out with my peers. It was quite an interesting one. And from my childhood I knew that I want to get into the entertainment business and not just being an actor but also becoming a producer as well. So, so far it wasn’t really easy.

I graduated as a lawyer. I was called to the Nigerian Bar and from there getting into an industry that you don’t have any family background on it or have anybody in the industry you have to strive, try… I attended Royal Arts Academy. I wanted like a foundation for my acting; I wanted to start from somewhere. I needed like a platform that’s why I started from film school. That was where I got to meet Emem Isong (renowned movie producer).

From disturbing her every now and then with my monologues, going for auditions the ones they will pick me and the ones

they wouldn’t pick me to the ones I will have to sit down and cry bitterly why wasn’t I chosen (laughs). Dealing with the whole disappointment wasn’t easy. But so far, I’m thankful, I’m grateful.

Were there criticisms from friends and family at first?

Of course! Okay so from family, family gave their full support. When I say family, I’m talking about my mum and my siblings. But from my extended family they were always like ‘what are you doing in the movie industry you are

17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 4, 2023

SUPER SATURDAY I Feel Like I am Still Trying to Make a Mark in the Industry a lawyer for God’s sake. You should actually focus on that and make money and make the family proud.’ But for my mum she was so supportive, my siblings were supportive as well. Then friends, well I think friends did not have a choice.

It’s whatever you are doing they will just support you. I don’t think they have control over what I do and the choice of career I have chosen for myself.

What’s the most expensive gift item you have ever received or let’s say most expensive material possession?

My most expensive gift I have ever received I would say a car. And the most expensive material thing that I have…I would just say a property, it’s a London property. So a car and a property those are the most expensive possessions that I have.

What fond memory do you hold growing up with regards to your background/family?

Okay so the fond memory that I can remember now while growing up, family background and all of that was when my father will sit all of us in the sitting room and we crack jokes… it was really funny my father will crack us up with jokes. He will say so many things back then. It was really an interesting one; simple family, funny, loving and we are just together. Another one was when my dad told all of us that we weren’t going to get Christmas clothes only for us to get back to the house Christmas eve we saw different clothes on the couch in the sitting room and then for me my own problem was the fact that I’m already older, and my father wouldn’t listen. He will keep buying me, wearing me those clothes we call it ‘mama tie me belt…’ despite how grown I was already at that time. But you know, parents will always be parents. And then my mum, my mum was a funny one like you know African mums. If she wakes up before you, she will pour water on your body, she will send you on errand and she will put spit on the floor and said before this spit dry you should be back. It was really funny.

How has the celebrity world affected your lifestyle?

I have always known that I wanted to get into the entertainment industry…. it has been a journey. At some point I had to start my own production. I produced like several movies Greenwealth Production. So, acting has affected my lifestyle especially in terms of my relationship.

You have partners who are scared to be with an actress. They would be like ‘oh I don’t like the whole drama that comes with it…I can’t stand the whole someone kissing you on screen or having a bedroom scene, sexual scenes and all of that. These things are not really real. It’s just a make believe. It’s a job, its entertainment. Someone has to do it anyway. It has been like a struggle especially in terms of my relationship.

But if you really love the person to care about how the person feels you just have to reduce the way you take up such roles if you really love the person enough to care about how the person feels. And for my lifestyle, am I happy that I’m an actor? Yeah… And with the whole people recognizing you and all of that, sometimes I get shy because I miss those times that I can actually go to Balogun Market, buy things, and do anything that I want, jump buses and all of that.

But now when some of them just see you, especially with the last incident that happened that made me stop going to Balogun market was I went to Balogun market to go buy like my undies and I was just there picking some other stuff and then the next thing a fan just came ‘ah I know you Sandra nice, nice’…and the next thing just turned facing the bra and pant and took a picture of the both of us (laughs out loud) it was really funny right but at least I’m grateful for people to recognize my craft and compliment me shows that I’m on the right path and I’m doing something good.

You have within a space of timeshared set with some of the big names in the industry. How would you describe the experience?

I have been opportune to work with big names the likes of Chidi Mokeme, Kate henshaw, Iyabo Ojo, Zubby Michael, and a lot of other big talented artists. So far, I just got to understand that they are really disciplined and well trained. They are disciplined actors in the sense that when they get on set, they are not with their phones, unlike the recent day actors or actresses that we are always on our phones 24/7. It kind of makes me know that ‘okay it’s a serious business you know’. So, you have to come all or go home. I got to learn from them, they were super supportive. It was a great experience from been star struck when I saw them like ‘these are the people I used to watch on TV’ you know . . . and then getting to work with them it was a dream come true for me. It was an interesting one an interesting experience and I would want to do it again over, over and over again.

Are there any projects you are working on right now?

Yes, I do. I have my own personal project because apart from being actor I am also a producer. I have produced couple of films. Like Vida, Enitan the movie that premiered at AFRIFF 2022, I have the ‘Switch’ for African Magic, I have ‘Serious Mind’ and also I’m about launching my own YouTube Channel called Sandra Okunzuwa TV. It’s going to be one of, in fact if not, the biggest YouTube Channel for Nollywood movies and all of that. So, that is the project that I’m currently working on because I’m creating content for the YouTube channel at the moment. It will be launched in March.

What’s the one movie you featured in that easily comes to mind and why?

I would say ‘Pure’ because it’s one movie that I filmed at my lowest point in my life and it was a challenging role.

I have to play the role of a mentally and disabled person. And it was an emotional one for me. So, I felt it and

Sandra

I was glad that when it came out, a lot of people really liked it. It was a movie that starred Stan Nze and Alex Osifo. It was the first time working with Veterans like that. It was a good movie it was number one RockTv for 2021….yeah.

It was a great one and it also opened more doors for me in terms of people saying that I can be able to pull off a challenging role. Then another movie too that comes to my mind is called ‘Osas’. It’s different because I have to play like a cab driver. It comes to my mind every time and even the recent one I’m producing called ‘Something like Gold’. Those are the movies that come to mind.

Would you say you have hit stardom looking at your status in the industry at the moment?

About hitting stardom, to be honest, I feel like I am still trying to make a mark in the industry. This 2023 is going to be like my fifth year in the industry and the journey so far has been good but quite challenging and demanding. But I will say I am trying, I am doing my best every day. I’m taking one step at a time.

And gone are those days you play like a lead role and you are already blown. But these days you have to keep pushing you have to keep being on several movies until the big break comes. I feel like every year there’s an improvement for me. I do better every year than the current year and the previous year. So the stardom, stardom you are talking

about for my level I think I have but there’s still room for improvement till I get to that point that I don’t need to introduce myself and everyone just knows that this is Sandra Okunzuwa and a firebrand to be reckoned with so yeah…

What do you keep up with when you are not on set?

Well when I am not on set (laughs) I love dancing yea. I think maybe you must have come across my funny videos dancing. I love dancing, l love swimming, I love traveling, you know just hang out and chill…’omo you have to just be enjoying yourself o’ (laughing).

I’m a lover of life; I’m a lover of nature, arts, people, and good things. Other than acting its either you are seeing me on the red carpet or I’m dancing in one video or tiktoking or just hanging out with my friends just to chill, eat or drink some wine. Yeah and those things keep me going.

At least it’s good for my mental health, not every time trying to be in the personalities of another person like for an actor it’s quite draining because you have to play different roles; you have to fill into the shoes of different people, you have to feel what it feels like to be that character so yeah when I’m not on set it’s a good time for me to unwind.

What are some intimate things about you; say your hubby, favourite food, favourite colour, favourite genre of music...your favourite car and things like that?

Hmmm I’m a lover girl; I love to love even if sometimes especially as an actress it can be hard even when you are trying to show love to people they will be like ‘oh are you acting?’ ‘Is this really you?’ But I’m a lover. I’m kind, I’m generous, and I’m a free spirit person.

I love to dance. I love good company.

I love good great energy; I give good energy as well. I love swimming. I love just being me. Okay for food, omo this is the sweetest part…food, food, food okay so I love banga soup and starch a lot. I love seafood okro and poundo yam…I love plantain and rice. Yes, give me like a very sweet rice and plantain I’m very good. And for my genre of music I love afrobeats especially… I just love music! And for my favourite car, (laughs) I love Range Rover! Range Rover is basically like my dream car.

Fans are often interested to know the man in the life of their favourite celebrity. What kind of man interests you? Is he in the industry?

He’s not in the industry. He’s not in the industry let’s keep it like that (laughs). And then I like a man who is kind, who loves God, who is quite generous, and also takes me as a priority. Someone who is a lover, someone who is a good company, good vibes, and quite understanding.

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 4, 2023

AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Yes, You Can Put Synthetic Oil in a Classic or Just Plain Old Car

Mercedes-AMG

Customers, Fans of Mercedes-AMG to Hone Skills at ‘Race Track Experience’

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nterested customers and fans of the performance and sports car brand Mercedes-AMG have the opportunity from April to October 2023 to hone their driving skills through the AMG RACETRACK EXPERIENCE and AMG LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE. With professional instructors, participants experience the driving dynamics and performance of the latest Mercedes-AMG models for themselves.

On renowned racetracks and serpentine roads they will master the safe and skilful handling of these high-performance cars and learn about the technology that powers them.

From Tuscany and South Tyrol to renowned Formula 1™ courses or a trip back in time to explore the heritage of the Mercedes-AMG brand – all events include spectacular drives, culinary highlights and unforgettable thrills. A professional photographer will capture lasting memories for everyone.

Driver training for novices and experts The RACETRACK EXPERIENCE covers all

OHYHOV RI H[SHUWLVH DQG GL΀FXOW\ IURP FXULRXV beginners and experienced drivers to seasoned experts. Venues include the Mercedes-Benz Testing and Technology Centre in Immendingen, which is normally closed to the public. Events will also take place on the racetracks in Estoril, Portugal, and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium as well as the driving safety centre, Grand Prix track and north loop of the legendary Nürburgring in Germany.

The basic event is the half-day DISCOVER programme, where the focus is on safe driving techniques and getting to know the Mercedes-AMG models. In the subsequent PERFORMANCE and ADVANCED courses, the drivers take to the road to expand their skills and learn how the physics of driving feels in practice. They also gain in-depth knowledge on the handling of high-performance cars and the use of Mercedes-AMG driver assistance systems in challenging situations.

To be eligible for the PRO level, drivers must have previously completed AMG ADVANCED

training or a comparable programme. The MASTER training level, with GT2, GT3 or GT 4 racing cars similar to the Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, is ideal for drivers with track day ambitions. Through intensive experiences in the driver’s seat, followed by individual feedback from such seasoned competitors as Maro Engel, Bernd Mayländer and Maximilian Götz, both RQ DQG RͿ WKH WUDLQLQJ VLWH SDUWLFLSDQWV WHVW WKH limits of their driving skills. The culmination of the MASTERS programme is a two-day training course on the Nürburgring north loop or the “Ardenne toboggan” at Spa Francorchamps.

Enjoyable discovery tours immersed in the AMG brand Programmes under the LIFESTYLE EXPERIENCE label range from discovery tours in Croatia, South Tyrol or Tuscany to a trip to a Formula 1™ race. The SPIRIT OF AFFALTERBACH SURJUDPPH RͿHUV D EHKLQG WKH VFHQHV ORRN DW WKH world of the Mercedes-AMG high-performance luxury brand.

JET Systems Wins Nigeria’s Electric Vehicle Company of the Year Award

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et Systems Automobile Industries Limited, a wholly Nigerian company, has said it is committed to championing Nigeria’s transition from combustion to electric vehicles.

Jet Motor Company, which was founded in 2018 by a team of passionate professionals, started with LWV ÁDJVKLS EUDQG WKH -HW 0RYHU a multipurpose van, to push the acceptance and use of locally made vehicles.

However, the company said its main aim was the production of electric vehicles and after about three years of research, testing and LWHUDWLYH GHYHORSPHQW WKH\ ZHUH ÀQDOO\ DEOH to achieve their objective with JET EV. This commitment to the future of electric mobility earned Jet Systems Automobile Industries Limited the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) ‘Electric Vehicle Company of the Year’ award on February 9, 2023.

Thus, Jet Systems electric vehicle is the ÀUVW IXOO\ ORFDOO\ PDGH HOHFWULF YHKLFOH WR run on the Nigerian road. The new electric vehicle was made to have zero emissions and is eco-friendly.

Recently, Jet Motor said they have seen the need to prepare the country and the continent for the future of mobility. In a bid to preserve the environment, the world is making a gradual shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles.

The company said it also plans to introduce PRUH SURGXFWV WKDW ZRXOG PHHW GLͿHUHQW needs of mobility options at a budget-friendly price, in addition to innovating to provide energy solutions as it relates to electric vehicles.

Reacting to his company’s emergence as the Electric Vehicle Company of the Year award, Sanjay Rupani, Director of Sales and marketing stated that, “We are delighted to have received the Nigeria Auto Journalists

L-R: Head Business Development, Emmanuel Rosilu; Director of Sales, Sanjay Rupani; and Chief Operating Officer, Oluwemimo Osapini, all of JET Systems Limited, after winning the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) ‘Electric Vehicle Company of the Year’ award, held in Lagos… recently Association (NAJA) award. We interpret this recognition as a challenge to accomplish more in terms of development and innovation.

He said Jet Systems has set out ambitious future plans to ensure that the transformation in WKH H PRELOLW\ VSDFH LV LQWHQVLÀHG DFURVV 1LJHULD to promote the adoption of E-mobility and to educate the public on electric vehicles (EVs).

“We will also encourage relevant stakeholders such as governments at various levels, ÀQDQFLHUV LQYHVWRUV JHQHUDO SXEOLF DQG WKH other assemblers to come together and develop the policies that will promote the systems.

“While the rest of the world is progressively phasing out combustion engine vehicles, Nigeria still depends heavily on fossil fuels. So, Jet Motor has seen the need to prepare the country and the continent for the future of mobility.

“We wanted to create a global product that is built to last. We were obsessed with getting it right because, if our vehicles can work well on Nigerian and African roads, they can succeed anywhere in the world. Generally, our testing has led us to see what is best for the Nigerian and African market and that is what we have built with Jet Mover.”

It protects better, performs better, and lasts longer, and it’s no longer made with a chemical compound that could hurt older vehicles.

Modern synthetic oil is safe to use in all types of vehicles, ranging from new purchases to classics to aging not-soclassics.

The idea that synthetic oil could harm old engines probably comes from a time before synthetic oils had been extensively tested.

Whether you use synthetic or conventional lubricant, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for oil viscosity.

So, you have a classic car and you want to put synthetic oil in it, but something you read on the internet or something your dad told you 20 years ago or just plain old anxiety is staying your hand. Never fear. We’re here to clear up any confusion you have related to \RXU FDU·V YLWDO ÁXLGV :H·OO VWDUW RͿ VORZ Yes, you can use synthetic oil in your classic car. Or your 20-year-old Taurus.

Or really anything you’ve got on hand.

Feel better?

If you’re still skeptical, allow us to break it down. Synthetic oils are composed of chemically engineered molecules designed to provide higher performance and better protection for your engine than conventional oils, which are derived from crude oil without VLJQLÀFDQW LQWHUYHQWLRQ IURP FKHPLFDO HQJLQHHUV 6\QWKHWLF RLOV WHQG WR RͿHU better performance at extremely high or extremely low temperatures and retain their lubricating properties longer than conventional oils do.

The idea that synthetic oils are bad for older cars probably comes from the fact that early synthetic oils (we’re talking 1970s) contained a chemical compound that could damage engine seals and, in some cases, cause leaks. These days, all types of motor oils are tested to make sure they won’t damage your car’s engine, and synthetics no longer use the chemical compound (ester) that caused these problems. If you won’t take our word for it, look to the manufacturer. You VKRXOG EH DEOH WR ÀQG UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV for oil in classic cars, and it’s not uncommon for full synthetic to be the oil of choice. You can even look for a stamp of approval from your car’s manufacturer on the back of the jug of oil, which will tell you that the company has tested that oil for compatibility with its engines.

If you’re dealing with an owner’s manual and recommended service intervals that were written before synthetic oil came onto the scene, you PD\ ÀQG WKDW \RX FDQ JR ORQJHU EHWZHHQ changes after you make the switch.

These oils are engineered to last longer before breaking down, so they won’t start leaving sludge in your engine as soon as conventional oils would. Some synthetics have additives that are designed to help VORXJK RͿ VOXGJH ,I \RX·UH VZLWFKLQJ WR V\QWKHWLF RLO IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH FRQVLGHU easing into the longer change intervals LQ FDVH WKHUH DUH VLJQLÀFDQW GHSRVLWV OHIW from bygone lubricants.

There is, of course, one downside to XVLQJ V\QWKHWLF RLO LW·V VLJQLÀFDQWO\ PRUH H[SHQVLYH WKDQ WKH FRQYHQWLRQDO VWXͿ ,W·V up to you to decide whether the perforPDQFH EHQHÀWV DQG WKH ORQJHU LQWHUYDOV between changes outweigh the cost.

No matter what type of oil you decide to put in your car, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for viscosity.

(Source: Car and Driver)

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 4, 2023

AUTO WORLD

Toyota Launches All-New Prius PHEV in Japan

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igh-performance driving DQG UHÀQHG HQYLURQPHQWDO friendliness combine to make the daily drive more exhilarating than ever Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announces today that it will commence sales of all-new 3ULXV 3OXJ LQ +\EULG 3+(9 PRGHOV RͿHUHG as the Z grade, on March 15.

Developed under the “Hybrid Reborn” concept, the new Prius has evolved into an exhilarating package that adds a design LQVSLULQJ ORYH DW ÀUVW VLJKW DQG FDSWLYDWLQJ driving performance to its core strength as an environmentally friendly car. Prius HEV models were launched in January this year, and they are already enjoying a great reputation.

7KH QHZ 3ULXV 3+(9 RͿHUHG DV WKH = JUDGH has been reborn as a high-performance version equipped with the latest plug-in hybrid system, which combines a compact, high-capacity drive battery, high-output drive motor, and KLJK H΀FLHQF\ JDVROLQH HQJLQH The main features of the Plug-in Hybrid System are as follows.

PHEV can cover the majority of daily driving, including commuting and going shopping, using just the electric power from the charged

EDWWHU\ ,W RͿHUV WKH RXWVWDQGLQJ TXLHWQHVV DQG brisk motor-based driving performance of a battery electric vehicle (BEV). On longer drives, such as going on a trip, the engine supplements battery power to serve as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that ensures the cruising range needed for traveling long distances with peace of mind. At the same time, the combination of motor and engine delivers the powerful yet comfortable driving performance unique to PHEV vehicles from the moment the gas pedal is pressed.

A unique PHEV external power supply system enables the car to supply power in a range of scenarios from daily living to emergency situations. This includes an external power supply mode that enables the car battery to provide power during outdoor, leisure, and other activities. There is also an external emergency power supply mode that provides a larger supply of power during blackouts, disasters, and other emergencies by using the engine to generate electricity.

The new Prius PHEV achieves a high level of dynamic performance with a maximum system output of 164 kW (223 PS) of power.

7KLV PRGHO DOVR RͿHUV JUHDW IXHO H΀FLHQF\ RI 26.0 km/L*1 with 19-inch tires and 30.1 km/L*1 with 17-inch tires*2. BEV driving distance is

The all-new Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

87 km with 19-inch tires and 105 km with 17-inch tires, with the 105 km representing an improvement of 75% compared to the previous model*1. As a result, the new Prius

PHEV delivers both enjoyable driving and environmental performance in a car that many customers will continue to cherish as their car of choice for generations to come.

Kia EV9 SUV Exterior Teased in Video Clips

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ia Corporation today unveiled a set of video clips to tease its highly anticipated Kia EV9, the brand’s dedicated battery electric SUV. 7KH .LD (9 ÁDJVKLS SUV is set to accelerate the company’s transformation into a sustainable mobility solutions provider in the era of HOHFWULÀFDWLRQ The Kia EV9 teaser video, available to watch at Kia Worldwide YouTube Channel, showcases a silhouette of WKH ÁDJVKLS 689 PRGHO IHDWXULQJ LWV prominent front and sleek body surfaces.

The striking lighting patterns created by the front and rear lamps complete the EV9’s bold identity.

The video clips also preview the Kia EV9’s unique blend of sleek and VFXOSWXUDO GHVLJQ DQG FRQÀGHQW DQG assertive geometry.

The name, EV9, comes from Kia’s EV nomenclature, pairing the SUHÀ[ ¶(9· HOHFWULF YHKLFOH ZLWK WKH QXPEHU ¶ · QLQH ZKLFK UHSUHVHQWV the model’s segment among Kia’s dedicated electric vehicle lineup.

Like the Kia EV6, the Kia EV9 is built upon the company’s dedicated battery electric vehicle platform, Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

Kia will fully reveal both the exterior and interior design on March 15th, and the product information will be fully disclosed during the Kia EV9 World Premiere in late March.

The Kia EV9 SUV

Do You Know Your Tyre Tread Depth Gbemisola Richards, (not real name) is a female member of my Church. She drives a 2003 Honda CR-V. During my usual safety rounds on Sunday 26 February, 2023, my eagle eye spotted abnomalies on all her four tyres. As usual, I counselled her on the state of her four tyres.

The four tyres by my physical inspection were substandard. The tread depth was dangerously low.

But like a typical road user, she was very ignorant of the risk and astonished at my submission. Her reaction was further heightened when she heard of how much the new tyre now cost.

Gbemi is the second road user from my Church in a space of two weeks who drives around ignorant of the dangers her tyres poses to her. Like I told you last week when I wrote on the first lady from my Church, this ignorance is not peculiar to our clime as even those in developed clime exhibit same. I therefore urge you to take time to regularly check the state of your tyres.

But while you may be considering changing some or all of your tyres, I wish to bring you up to speed on shady deals by some tyre dealers as shared by two of my friends when they went to Apo mechanic village in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory to buy new tyres. I don’t know what the experience is in other parts of the country especially in places like Lagos, Onitsha, Kano among others.

Tim was the first to lament on what he called a new dimension by some dealers. “They have shown me pepper in that place. I bought four new tyres, and at the point of fixing it to the car, it was changed to re-grooved ones by the dealer! They bought me yam pepper soup to keep me away from their antics, not knowing that I will inspect the entire tyres before payment. This took my time, and I swore not to go to Apo again. Many of them are full of tricks.”

Shola equally shared his own experience, saying that “I’ve had the same experience before in Apo. Both the apprentice and Oga are criminals. Police

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

need to set up an investigation into their activities.”

This is why as a practice I only patronise known dealers to avoid being ripped by these fraudsters who care less about human life.

Let us now conclude on our focus on tyre tread depth. Like I told you last week, the legal limit of tyre tread is 1.6mm.The legal tyre tread is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, with the tread having to have this minimum requirement across its complete circumference. Like I told you last week, following new research findings in the United Kingdoms, experts have urged the Government to rethink the law to help protect drivers from facing danger on the roads.

Some of these experts submit that the current legal limit for tyre tread depth is too low and it’s putting millions of motorists at risk. What this means is that your tyre may meet the legal limit but may not be fine or safe. Yet a huge number of motorists whose tyres are dangerously low on tread assume that, if their tyres meet the legal requirements, they must be fine.

When I wrote about tyres in December 2022,I urged you to always seek an expert to conduct a careful examination of all areas of the tyre, inside and out, by a trained specialist. The removal of the tyre from the wheel is essential because internal damage is not visible while the tyre is fitted.

Before your tyres are worn down to the legal limit of wear like the case of Gbemi, it is a good idea to check your tyres regularly for tyre wear. But how? Here’s a simple way to tell if your tyres are worn out using a Michelin tyre. A Michelin man figure on the shoulder of a Michelin tyre shows the location of the tread wear indicators situated in each of the main grooves of the tread. These indicators are small raised areas at the bottom of the grooves of the tread pattern.

If the surface of the tread rubber is level with these raised areas, the tyre tread depth is most likely very close to the legal limit of 1.6 mm. Beyond this limit, you are putting your safety at risk and you are breaking the law. Even if the remaining tread depth is greater than 1.6 mm, you should adapt your speed and driving style to the external conditions, particularly on wet roads. Winter tread wear indicators at 4 mm (only in some European countries) The intermediary tread wear indicator indicates a remaining tread depth of 4 mm.

What if your tyre shows signs of aging: Tyres have no predictable life. It doesn’t matter when the tyres were made. Tyres age even when not used, or if only used occasionally. There are many factors that will affect the life of the tyre such as temperature, maintenance, conditions of storage and use, load, speed, pressure as well as driving style. These will have a great impact on the length of service life you can expect from your tyres. Pay regular attention to your tyres.

For these reasons, Michelin recommends that all drivers pay regular attention to the external appearance of their tyres for clear signs of aging or fatigue. This can include cracking of the rubber or deformation, etc. Excessive aging of tyres may lead to loss of grip. Michelin also recommends all tyres, including the spare, are inspected regularly by a tyre specialist. They can tell you whether your tyres should continue in service.

How old is too old? Your tyres should be

thoroughly inspected at least once per year. If the need arises, follow the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer regarding replacing the original equipment tyres. As a precaution, if the tyres have not been replaced 10 years from their date of manufacture (see how to read a tyre sidewall), Michelin recommends replacing them with new tyres. Even if they appear to be in usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator.

What if your tyre is damaged? Your tyre can be seriously damaged if it impacts any solid object on the road, like a kerb, pothole, or sharp object.

Any visible perforation, cut or deformation must be checked thoroughly by a tyre professional. Only they can tell you whether the tyre can be repaired or has to be changed. Never use damaged tyres or tyres that have run flat or at very low pressures unless they have been thoroughly examined internally and externally by a tyre professional. Inspection by a professional is absolutely necessary because internal damage is not visible while the tyre is mounted; only then can a decision be made as to whether the tyre can be out back into service.

Remember I also guided you on what to do should you have a puncture reminding you that modern tyres are very sturdy and can cope with most things. Punctures, though, can and do still happen. A tyre specialist should check your tyre after a puncture to decide whether it can be repaired.

Meanwhile, there are safety procedures to follow when you have a puncture while on the move: The first thing is to always consider your safety and that of your passengers; therefore you should pull off the road in a safe place. Put on the parking brake, switch off the engine and put the car in a low gear (or in Park on automatics) and switch on your hazard warning lights. Then you should wear a yellow high-visibility vest and place a warning triangle at the side of the road 100m behind the car. Your safety comes first – always!

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 4, 2023

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 4, 2023

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 4, 2023

22

POLITY Umo Eno: I will Make Akwa Ibom State Nigeria’s Investment, Tourism Destination Pastor Umo Eno is the Peoples Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom State. He is an accomplished entrepreneur and visionary leader, who at a time the second highest employer of labour in the state after the government. In this interactive session with select journalists, including Olaoluwakitan Babatunde, Eno discusses his life story and vision for the state Akwa Ibom is generally regarded as a civil service state, how do you intend to change that perception?

T

hat impression is not true. Yes, that used to be the case but governments over the years have worked hard to refocus the state and its people. Having lived and done business here for over 25 years, I can say that things have changed remarkably. Indeed, Governor Udom Emmanuel has done a lot in the area of industrialization. That is why we now want to connect the dots and ensure that there is a trickle-down effect of the infrastructure and industries on the people.

Is this what has inspired your ambition to run for Governor?

Becoming governor for me is a calling not an ambition. I believe that God at any point in time controls the destinies of men. I believe that with my experience, expertise and track record, I have so much to offer our people by serving as their governor. And we have very clear short, medium and long term plans. Our current government, like I said earlier, is investing heavily in infrastructure. For example, it has done major roads, set up Ibom Air and facilitated the setting up of many industries.

Therefore, we intend to ensure that our people enjoy the benefits of these industries and natural resources. We intend to connect the dots while furthering peace and prosperity.

What will be your major focus?

We will be all about jobs, jobs and more jobs.The next government would provide jobs in so many ways. We will put resources into the completion of the Science Park which was started by Governor Victor Attah. We will promote the knowledge economy by also funding and creating ICT hubs that will engage our talented youths. We will award grants and as well as, low interest loans to SMEs. As someone who started business from the very scratch, I know full well how funding can hamper a budding entrepreneur. So, this will be a top priority.

We want our people to earn a decent living through the work of their hands which we believe will be ultimately blessed by God. In addition, we will be involved in massive rural development. We intend to invest in primary health care, rural electrification, revamp our schools and ultimately reduce rural-urban drift.

We are an agrarian state. We will harness our agriculture potentials for example, the oil palm.

We will invest in and explore the agriculture value chain of various crops. Agri-business will be encouraged because of its job creation and economic benefits. Because of the current realities of the country and even the world, our state needs someone who understands the practical aspects of running the economy not just people who talk about it. I keep telling our people that if God gives me the opportunity, we intend to create a middle-class for this state.

Eno

Akwa Ibom has a vast array of waterbodies, any plans for the riverine areas?

Of course, we have 129kms of coastline. I have promised that within our first six months

Myself and my running mate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi want to assure Akwa Ibom people that the future they desire for themselves and their children is possible. We intend to run a state couched in Christian values and virtues. With the votes of our people, I am promising that we are about to enter the golden years of Akwa Ibom State

in office, I will invest in trawlers and boats for our people, build refrigerating facilities and put a fish canning factory along those areas.

The people are really suffering, they are not making much from their sweat because others own everything they use. Our government will stand in the gap for them. We will also collaborate with the security agencies to give them adequate protection along the waterways.

Also, we will develop the tourism potential of these water bodies, our beaches will be ugraded and we will tie this with our comprehensive hospitality and tourism plan.

You know hospitality and tourism is my forte.

We will upgrade all our tourists’ sites, harness our tourism assets and revamp our beaches to international standard as well as provide all support services. Our goal is to make Akwa Ibom the number 1 tourism destination in Nigeria.

Seriously, we intend to make the state very investment friendly, our people are hospitable, we gave excellent road network, our state is peaceful. So, Akwa Ibom will be the one-stop open to business and as a businessman, I know what is required to make this happen.

In addition, I am probably the only candidate who has conducted a needs assessment and have plans for all sectors and LGAs of this state. My vision is to deliver a prosperous state with ease of doing business. We want to create a state every Akwa Ibom person will have a sense of belonging and where every part of the state will be developed based on comparative advantage.

I will round off by saying that I have an economic blueprint encapsulated in what we have called the ARISE Agenda. Which covers agricultural revolution, infrastructural renewal and maintenance, women and youth empowerment, ICT development security management and sound education and healthcare sector management, sports and tourism development, reorganisation and upskilling of the civil service as well as wealth creation.

A lot of people say that you do not have the requisite political experience for the job at hand?

Really? I am probably one of the few who combines public sector and private sector experience. In terms of political experience, I have been in politics for decades though not an active participant. I began my stint in public service courtesy of Obong Victor Attah who made me Chairman, Akwa Ibom Hotels and Tourisim Board from 2004-2007. While there, we made our modest contribution. It was under my watch that the first Hotel/Tourism Directory was published.

After that assignment, I went back to my business until Governor Udom Emmanuel invited me to become Executive Director, Agricultural Investments Directorate of Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation (AKICORP). While there, among other things we planned and developed the first ever comprehensive data base of farmers in the state.

And we covered crops and animal farmers. It has helped government to easily coordinate,

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 4, 2023

23

POLITY My Mum Gave Up Everything to Take Care of All of Us, Six of Us support, educate and execute programmes.

Also, I was made to Chair the team to establish the Ibom Fadama Bank. This was a project that had been in the pipeline for years, but we were able to get all the approvals done. The bank is now up and running. It was while still on that assignment that I was made Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources. I was there for slightly over a year before I resigned to face this gubernatorial race.

In the private sector, I began my work career in banking and left paid employment as a Group General Manager to start my own business called Royalty Group, a company that at a time employed over 2500 people and was second highest employer of labour in the state.

That is why I say with all sense of modesty that no one in the race has my job creation credentials.

Let’s mellow down a bit. I have heard that your story is an inspirational one. Tell us about growing up?

I grew up in the Police Barracks. I am a Barracks boy. I started from the lowest of the low.

I grew up in the barracks because my father was a police officer. Therefore, because of my upbringing, I understand community living, I understand inter- tribal living. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. As someone from that kind of setting, people sometimes may look down on you, because you have to struggle to survive. But the culture of discipline was something that helped to shape one’s life.

Tell us about your dad, the police officer?

Fine police gentleman, one of the finest I have seen. My father was trained by the British, a very strict disciplinarian, someone who will not take no for an answer, a man who brought us up under strict disciplinary conditions, clean person. I remember that while growing up that he won the award of the cleanest officer of the year in Police College, Ikeja many times. He was meticulous. He was the kind of man that when he sits down, he will rub his hands on the table, to see if it was dusty. If it was, you will be in trouble.

My father will put his radio (radio Nigeria) on to listen to the 4 O’clock news because he will come back home by 3pm and he knew where he left the setting of that radio. So if anyone tampered with it, he usually finds out.

He will call me, Umo, who touched the radio? and you dared not lie to him because he knew what had happened. That was the kind of father I had. He paid attention to details.

I think some of these characteristics I have imbibed and I will eternally remain grateful to him.

What of your mum?

My mum was everything to me and I don’t like talking about it in interviews because sometimes I become emotional. You know my father died in active service in Kaduna and my mum was barely forty years then. My mum gave up everything to take care of all of us, six of us. My mum was there for us, she never got married again. We were her only priority. I am happy that later, she came to live with us and enjoyed her older years. She was able to live peacefully with my wife in the same house until she passed. She was my prayer warrior.

To her, I was still that small boy. She will scold you for things you didn’t do right and for the ones you did right, she will hug you and pray for you. My mum was just special.

Take us into your educational journey?

My first school was Local Authority Primary School in Ikeja, we just used to trek to school because it was close to the Ikeja barracks.

While other boys used to go out to play football after school, I could not because I used have so many chores to do and you dared not go out without finishing all my tasks. That was how I lost interest in football. When I finished my primary education at Local Authority,

my parents felt that we had to understand our language and culture because at the time, when you speak Ibibio to us, we could hear but we could not speak. We only spoke English, pidgin and Yoruba. My father and all police officers from here decided to send their children home. That was how I was bundled to St. Francis secondary school in Eket.

I spent only two years there because to be honest with you, I couldn’t really cope with the environment, the disciplinary nature, the punishments, it was just something I couldn’t stand so after my second year when I went on vacation, I was seriously sick so my mum decided that I should not return there despite my father’s insistence. That was how my mum took me to Victory High School in Ikeja which was where I eventually finished.

Fill us in on the years between Secondary School and University?

The truth is that if you look at my CV, there is a lot of gap in my educational sojourn because when I finished secondary school, I decided to work to augment the income of parents and also save some money to continue my education. I had been working for about two years when my father died. I was the eldest of six siblings, so I had to grow up very fast and become a bread winner. At the time too, I was courting my wife and she lost her mother too. She had five siblings as well and they too became my responsibility.

I was at the bank and we were attending an Apostolic Church. It was in that church that I met a gentleman, Mr. Albert Inyang, MD, Bertola Machine Tools Nigeria Limited who invited me join his business because he knew the troubles I was going through and he stated that, if I worked hard, the money the bank was paying me one year, I can make in one month.

He is still alive; he is one of the greatest men I respect because he gave me encouragement and that was how I found myself working for him as his Commercial Director and I moved on in life. So, the gap in my education are the years spent trying to raise my kids and family. I eventually went to stùdy at University of Uyo after I formed Royalty Group and relocated to Akwa Ibom State.

Now that you have mentioned Royalty.

How did it happen?

From Bertola, two of us were invited for an interview at Norman Holdings. I was the preferred candidate. You know, they referred to me as preferred candidate. So that name has been with me from way back. I have always had the grace of God in my life and that was how I joined Norman Holdings as Investment Officer.

I grew through the ranks and became the Group General Manager. The company needed to do some expansion and I led the team that was commissioned to come up with three areas of investment that we would like the company to dabble into.

After weeks of hardwork, I made my presentation to the board. We asked the company to consider investing in hotels, water bottling and salt. My Chairman said, ‘Umo, you have done well but I don’t think this will work. We think you should go and do some more research’.

We have been working on this thing for six months and I knew how thorough and solid our research was. I felt really sad especially the fact that the Board had lost confidence in my abilities. So, I went to my immediate boss and we used to discuss in pidgin English, and I said, ‘Aunty I dey go.’

I told her I believed in these projects and God helping me, I will go and execute them. I tendered my resignation. At the time I took this decision, I was very much well paid. But I had made up my mind. That was how I decided to come back to Eket, Akwa Ibom State and we started Royalty Group.

Eno

We built our first 5-room hotel facility. Which was a story in resilience and today, we have many other facilities in other parts of the state and also into other businesses including water bottling.

You are reputed as someone who loves to serve. Kindly expatiate?

I am in the hospitality industry and I love serving my customers. I would not sit and watch my staff do everything. You show leadership, if I walk into a place and things are not done right, I make it right. We are all called to serve and besides, I am a pastor and a pastor is a servant.

At Royalty you called yourself Executive Governor, how did this come about?

I had two inspirations. In those days I used to go to Nightshift, the owner of the place was Ken Calebs Olumese and they used to call him the governor. He was always working, serving and I really admired that. Secondly, I always wanted to be different. Everybody was called MD, so, I wanted to create my own identity, an empire where I will charge, so that was what propelled me to call myself Executive Governor.

How do you see your chances especially with the opposition that characterized your emergence?

The PDP is a very formidable force in Akwa Ibom State. Virtually all the accolades the state receives today is the work of the PDP. The party is strong but we are not resting on our oars. We campaigned vigorously and tried to sell our vision. On my emergence, we had to deal with court cases. All manner of cases, some very frivolous and annoying, outright lies but I am told it comes with the territory.

We have overcome them, winning all the way to the Supreme Court. Like I have said, I abhor no grudges, we are going to run an all-inclusive government. Myself and my running mate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi want to assure Akwa Ibom people that the future they desire for themselves and their children is possible. We intend to run a state couched in Christian values and virtues. With the votes of our people, I am promising that we are about to enter the golden years of Akwa Ibom State.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 4, 2023

24

POLITY

An Overview of Gov Abiodun’s Renewed Social Contract Femi Ogbonnikan

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he campaign for the March 11 governorship election is gradually winding to an end after months of rigorous engagements with the critical stakeholders at the grassroots. But for the inauspicious timing of the unpopular Naira swap policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its attendant hardship precipitating some pockets of resistance, the exercise has been very peaceful in Ogun State under the watchful eyes of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Unlike the experience of the 2019 general elections which was characterized by tension, the political temperature in the state has been largely tolerable due to the leadership quality of the governor as well as the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, politicians, traditional rulers, civil societies, and the citizens.

While the eruption of violent protests against the naira scarcity threatened the reigning atmosphere of peace in the state, the governor was proactive enough to nip the crisis in the bud. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, he deserves all accolades for his swift response to the brewing social unrest occasioned by the activities of miscreants who wanted to take advantage of the situation to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens and the assets of the financial institutions operating their legitimate business.

Thus, he maintained regular dialogue with the banks to ensure that the interest of the masses was adequately protected and people have access to their money. He also went further to demonstrate his compassion for the common people by suspending his re-election campaign to attend to the crisis even when others elected to maintain a conspiracy of silence in the face of misery and anger deliberately instigated by some power mongers against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make it lose the election.

At the risk of being labeled recalcitrant, he stood tall among men of honour and integrity who had the courage and temerity to voice out their opposition against the policy, seeking the suspension of the fire brigade approach adopted by the Federal Government in its implementation at the Supreme Court. The nation awaits the outcome of the ensuing legal tussle.

One of the lessons the drama of the naira swap policy has taught us as a people is the need for the electorate to be more circumspect in entrusting their mandate to the state actors who populate the political space masquerading as defenders of public interest. By keeping silent on the policy in apparent deference to the plight of the common people,

opposition parties and their candidates have shot themselves in the leg, for the electorates now know who they can trust with their votes.

By all standards of measurement, Governor Abiodun has established himself as a trusted and dependable leader given the profound impact his stewardship has had on the socioeconomic well-being of the people of Ogun State. A profound impact that has spurred the people’s voluntary support and endorsement of his re-election bid. Today, the imprints of his achievements could be seen in virtually all aspects of the economy, investment inflow, industry, infrastructure, healthcare service delivery, human capital development, job creation, youth empowerment, increased capacity for Internally Revenue Generation (IGR), and social welfare, among others.

One major takeaway from his campaign tour of the nooks and crannies of the state is the promise of a better tomorrow given another opportunity for a second term. By giving him a second term, he will be able to nurture his vision for the industrial transformation of the state into fruition.

Thus, preparatory to the final round off of his campaign activities ahead of the INEC timeline, Governor Abiodun has made his renewed social contract with the people allencompassing, promising to promote enhanced inclusiveness, participatory governance, grassroots development, completion of the ongoing infrastructural projects, conducive and sustainable business environment, joint border cooperation Abiodun between Ogun and Lagos State, and economic prosperity for all and sundry to mention but a few. demonstrated its commitment to accelerated development of the Because of his over-arching objective of promoting inclusive council areas. As a strong believer in the financial independence of governance, he has set the development of local administralocal government as a third tier of government, he has shown the tion as his top priority. Evidence from the World Bank has right way to achieve the goals and objectives of a functional local shown that Poverty is best tackled at the local government administration. By taking a lead in giving support to the passage level. This is because not only that strong local governance of financial independence of local government, he has laid the can foster strong local democracy, but also tackle insecurity foundation for grassroots development. and stimulate the local economy, thereby opening opportuniApart from the fact that Ogun is the first state in the Southwest ties for all and sundry. Regrettably, over the years, the politics to pass the bill, the governor has also gone a step further to set of state/local government joint account has been largely up a special committee to look into the ways of releasing some responsible for the abysmal failure of Local Governments to sources of Internally Generated Revenues to the local governments meet the need of the people at the grassroots level. Every to make them more functional. With the provision contained in the attempt to grant autonomy to local governments had been bill which allows for a special account into which all allocations due met with resistance from some state governors who often to Local Government Councils from the Federation Account and argued over the right to exercise close oversight over them. from the state government are to be paid, elected chairmen can now The latest of such resistance was the recent opposition to determine their priority projects.

President Buhari’s Executive Order 10 of 2020, which grants financial autonomy to local governments as well as state Ogbonnikan wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State. legislatures and judiciaries.

By supporting the autonomy bill, the Ogun State Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com government under the leadership of Governor Abiodun has

LR: Treasurer, Board of Trustees, Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN), Mrs. Osobemekun Kafilat; Secretary, Board of Trustees (APFSPN), Mrs. Ibidunni Layade; Guest Speaker, Mrs. Deola Fadaze; Chairperson, Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN), Mrs. Monioluwa Osho; and Member, Board (APFSPN), Ololade Otuyemi at the Association of Professional Food Service Provider of Nigeria 2023 Annual Conference/Induction, held in Lagos. … yesterday

L-R: President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Ejezie Rollas ,Host/Convener, Pastor Paul Emmanuel; representative of Lagos First Lady, Mrs. Nkem Sofela; General Overseer, Revival Assembly Church, Apostle Anselm Madubuko and wife, Pastor Mrs. Emmy Madubuko at the Celebrity Prayse at Civic Centre in Lagos…..recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Proprietor, Augustine University Ilara (UAI), Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins; Chancellor, AUI, Mr. Femi Otedola, CON; former first Lady of Lagos State, Lady Doja Otedola; and Chairman board of trustees (UAI), Sir Steve Omojafor during the commissioning of the completed block A of the engineering building and turning of the soil for the building number 2 of the faculty of engineering complex Augustine University Ilara, Epe donated by Femi Otedola, in Lagos, yesterday…..yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi–Kadiri; President, Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Frances Meshioye; and Chairperson, Corporate Affairs and Strategic Planning Committee (MAN), Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe at the MAN Presidential Media Luncheon and Reporter of the Year Award held in Lagos … yesterday ~ SUNDAY ADIGUN

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 4, 2023

25

Masari’s War against Anti-Party Cabinet Members Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State pummels cabinet members for alleged anti-party activities, writes Francis Sardauna

A

lthough majority of the local and international observers have adjudged the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections fairly credible, the aftermath of the exercise in Katsina State has ushered in political tsunami which further triggered the already existing battle for the soul of the state between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The exercise which saw the ruling APC suffering a crushing defeat in the hands of the opposition PDP in the presidential poll, the APC, however, swept all the three senatorial seats and nine out of the 15 House of Representatives seats, leaving the PDP with six. The polls were generally peaceful, but voter apathy, late arrival of materials and officials marred the elections in some polling booths.

Apparently peeved by the outcome of the elections, Governor Aminu Bello Masari, terminated the appointments of the state Commissioner for Works and Housing, Hon. Tasi’u Dahiru Dandagoro, the Permanent Secretary, Sustainable Development, Fatima Ahmed, and her counterpart at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Aminu Waziri, barely 48 hours after the exercise.

In a press statement dated February 27, 2023 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Muntari Lawal, Masari also dismissed the Chairman, Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yusuf Barmo, with immediate effect.

The governor, in another statement by the SSG, also dismissed the Executive Director, State Emergency Agency (SEMA), Babangida Mohammed Nasamu; Chairman, Governing Board of the Katsina State Transport Authority (KTSTA), Bilyaminu Mohammed-Rimi and his Special Adviser on Girl-child Education and Child Development, Amina Lawal Dauda, all in less than a week.

Although, Masari claimed that the dismissal of the top government officials was part of his move to make some strategic realignment and adjustment of his cabinet,

diate suspension of the APC chieftains was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the party, Sani Ali-Ahmed.

Ahmed, in the statement, adds: “The State Working Committee of the party hereby reaffirmed their decisions pending the findings of an investigation committee set to investigate the matter. By the separate letters served to the two state Excos, they have therefore been directed to handover all the properties of the party which are in their possession to their subordinates with immediate effect”.

Unequivocally acting on Masari’s directive, the chairmen of Batagarawa and Jibia Local Government Areas, Hon. Bala Garba-Tsani, and Hon. Bishir Sabi’u, in separate press statements, terminated the appointments of five special advisers, three supervisory councillors and one special adviser respectively. While Sabi’u hinged his action on anti-party activities, Tsani said the decision was in strategic realignment and adjustment of his cabinet.

Meanwhile, Masari’s continued loyalty and calm mien each time he faces political challenges endeared him to many critical stakeholders in the state, including a Katsina-based business mogul, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Masari but his recent action reportedly halt the age-long THISDAY reliably gathered from credible government’s relationship because majority of those sacked by the sources that his action was in connection with the defeat of the governor over apparent anti-party activities are ‘Mangal President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the state during the boys’. presidential and National Assembly elections.

But the governor who appears to have instituted a “There is no doubt that the government reviewed and is still revenge mission against the ‘Mangal boys’, may have reviewing the roles of various persons that culminated in the done that because they refused to work for the victory party’s defeat in the state. I assure you that very soon more of the APC during the presidential and National political appointees will be sacked by the governor for their Assembly elections after “collecting millions from the daily anti-party activities. state government to deliver the state to Tinubu”. They “Those sacked or dismissed worked against APC during the are alleged to have also perfected plans to work for the presidential and National Assembly elections despite receiving opposition PDP during the March 11 governorship poll. salaries from the coffers of the state government for years.

Therefore, for Governor Masari, it is time for revenge So, His Excellency deemed it fit to relieve them from their seemingly because most of the dismissed government appointments”, one of the government’s sources said. officials boycotted both the presidential and governorAs the leader of the APC in the state, Masari might ship campaigns carried by the APC across the 361 have also influenced the suspension of the Secretary of wards across the 34 local government areas of the the party, Malam Shitu S. Shitu and its Legal Adviser, state. They were reported to have shunned the APC Barrister Nasiru Umar-Wagini from the party. The imme- campaigns based on alleged Mangal’s directive.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 4, 2023

26

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

‘June 12’ Memories

Y

OU are welcome to this quarter-end month.

Let’s go sporting: “Inter banks on resurgence Lukaku” Either resurgent Lukaku or resurgence of Lukaku “To win the battle ahead is the reason behind the calling of (on) a SAN....”

“Our foreign policy as double standards” Basic knowledge: double standard “Lack of forum (quorum) forces Senate to adjourn” Do they ever form a quorum except when there is bribe money to be shared?

“Why June 12 presidential election was annuled” This way: annulled. The nostalgia about that poll lingers!

“Mother of raped girl demands for missing parts” ‘Demand’ does not admit ‘for’ when used as a verb.

“Hajj bound aircraft impounded” Little things that count: Hajj-bound (a hyphen, next time) aircraft.

“Artists unite to ward-off sale of National Theatre” Get it right: phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation (ward off).

“It has happened in South Korea, where all the military presidents who, by the way, were responsible for their economic miracle were put behind bars and made to refund all their loots.” ‘Loot’ is uncountable.

“The police laid a siege on (to) the MASSOB headquarters in Okigwe, Imo State….” “...the anti-crime vigilante (vigilance) out-fit (sic) operating in the SouthEastern commercial towns of Aba and Onitsha.”

“The police cannot win back the trust

of Nigerians by firing first and asking questions later as it has (they have) just done in the Okigwe massacre.”

“With these uneducated boys joining (climbing or jumping on/aboard) the business bandwagon in droves...” “…pooling resources together and founding conglomerates and multinational companies...” Delete ‘together’, please “Every component that make (makes) up the car is imported and cannot qualify as a car manufacturing country.” And this: a car-manufacturing country.

“Chief Onyema Ugochukwu is from Abia and as such should represent not the interest of oil producing communities and the entire state in (on) the board.” And this, again: oil-producing community.

“The community demands range from employment opportunities, provision of basic infrastructure for host communities, compensation for environmental degradation resulting from oil exploration activities and (to) some extreme reparation from the period oil exploration began in the community.” No task: range from...to (not ‘and’).

“Italy clubs reject calls to foot violence bill” Get it right: Italian clubs.

“With no precedence (precedent) in place with regard to invoking the full powers of the law on the miscreants of the past….”

“CBN governor assures on cash distress” Tell us who the man assured!

“Experts proffer solution for pollution in oil and gas sector” No news: solution to (not for).

“I still receive my correspondences as a national vice-chairman for the SouthSouth zone.” ‘Correspondence’ does

not take any inflection.

“There has been no mention of the citizens of each country holding a referenda to approve or disapprove what their governments think is good for them.” Singular: referendum; plural: referenda or referendums. “…talkless of (let alone/not to talk of) taking them to the Promised Land.”

‘Talkless of’ smacks of illiteracy.

“What obtains now is a clear case of the presidents and heads of states of....” Strange union: heads of state (not states, which is implied).

“It was clear to me, the last time the General holstered his gun and stopped in his track (tracks), that he did it as a tactical withdrawal, knowing fully (full) well that he will not abandon that road permanently....” “…in memory of the students that lost their lives in the mysterious fire incidence (incident) that gutted the female hostel of GSS, Gindiri, Plateau State.”

“The police officer said he had not read the constitution, it was a new document and that all they have been told is that any gathering or meeting of Nigerians require (requires) police permit.”

“On this basis, he ordered that we dispersed (disperse).”

“As early as 9 a.m. in the morning it is already hot.” ‘A.m.’ is a Latin phrase meaning ante meridiem (in the morning, before midday). So, ‘a.m. in the morning’ is sheer lexical atrophy.

“Consequent upon the above, we hereby pass a vote of confidence on (in) the governor....”

“Similar heated debates also marked the periods of long electioneering campaigns that usually preceded regional and federal elections.…” Either

Felicitations: My February People

U

nsurprisingly, the hullabaloo that presaged and enveloped the 25 February, 2023 national elections made many birthday celebrations within that period go under the radar. Even as we look towards the next set of elections on 11 March (for governors and state legislators), the drums for personal celebrations of some of our finest creative persons would still be a little underplayed. However, gems should not be discarded on account of existential tug of war for naked political power, by people who may or may not appreciate the prescience of artistry or the finer elements of authentic creativity. Let us go ahead, and celebrate them.

TAIWO AJAI-LYCETT, OON A household name in Nigeria and Britain of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Even today in her 80s, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett has remained a faithful thespian - unadulterated by age, trend or circumstance. She attained iconic status with her heroic performance many years ago, when she acted through her make-believe role (even as the real-life loss of her husband, Tom Lycett, was announced to her just before she climbed the stage) in 1993! That legend has remained an enduring photographic aphrodisiac to all creative practitioners - encountered only in truly great works of art.

She made her debut in 1967, at the UK’s AvantGarde, Royal Court Theatre, London.

She later trained at: Guildhall School of Music and Drama, City Literary Institute, The Dance Centre, and The Actors’ Studio, all in London.

She is also a card-carrying member of the British Actors Equity Union.

Her reputation was signposted by the way she handled her tiny, non-speaking part in Conor Cruise O’Brien’s Murderous Angels, staged at the Gaiety Theatre in 1971, during the Dublin Theatre Festival, where she played Pauline, the wife of the slain African patriot, Patrice Lumumba. Her expression of grief was so intense and authentically African in pathos

that O’Brien penned a landmark tribute: “Rarely has an actor done so much for a part with so little help from the author”!

She appeared in two productions at the 1972 Edinburgh International Festival: Stanley Eveling’s Caravaggio Buddy and C.P. Taylor’s The Black And White Minstrels. Forty seven years later, she returned to the Edinburgh International Festival for Ifeoma Fafunwa’s Hear Word! Naija Woman Talk True (2019), the first Nigerian stage play to appear at the Harvard University’s The American Repertory Theatre….

Her television credits are even more robust: the well-loved BBC’s Some Mothers Do A ‘v ‘Em (1973 - 1978, BBC); Crown Court (1972 - 1984, on UK’s ITV network); General Hospital (1972 - 1979, on ITV); Frankie Howerd’s History of England (1974, British TV movie); and Angels (1975, UK)....

Back home, she also starred in some of our classic weekly television shows: Laolu Ogunniyi’s Winds Against My Soul (1979), NTA’s For Better for Worse, The Honourable, Eyo Fancy, Jab Adu’s The Young Ones, Rasheed Gbadamosi’s The Mansion, and the current spectacle, the Africa Magic’s Tinsel (2008 - date).

Her debut in film was in the 1978 movie, A Warm December, starring the first AfricanAmerican Oscar winner, Sidney Poitier (who also directed)...By the way, she’s 82 now, and doesn’t look like she’s slowing down that quickly.

OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE, MFR Former model, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde latched onto acting like duck to water - she is endowed with the looks, temperament and talent to excel in front of the klieg lights - and from the mid 1990s, as a strapping 17-year old, Jalade sauntered through Reginald Ebere’s Venom of Justice (1995) with such great promise unusual in a novice. The linchpin of her career, however, was the ‘sick’ lead role in Andy Amenechi’s Mortal Inheritance (1996) where she played a sickle-celler who would wade through daunting challenges. The

performance fetched her the first major honour at the Reel Awards in 1997 - the Best Lead Actress in English Language. At only 19 years old, she was perhaps the youngest recipient of such a big accolade in any major award property - even till now!

She has gone on, in her 27-year career, to mount many other hills...with some of her admirers claiming she’s starred in more than 300 movies…. Surely, the wide-eyed debutante of the mid 90s is today’s filmic phenomenon - and she’s only 45 (on 7 February).

GLORIA ANOZIE-YOUNG Just back from a study stay abroad in 1984, all Gloria Ijeoma Anozie wanted to do was to express her creative self. She started as a proper journalist with Daily Times on the energy beat around 1986, after a two-year training at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ. She also had stints with Poise magazine - and her journey to human-interest avenue kicked off.

She later freelanced with high-stepping Quality magazine (owned by Newswatch). Of course, it was inevitable that she’d be one of the foundation members of the vivacious May Ellen Ezekiel’s Classique magazine in 1989/90. Soon after, she was ensnared by the rambunctious lifestyle of musician and TV producer, Charles “Charly Boy” Oputa, and they combined to give bemused Nigerians the wildly unpredictable Charly Boy Show, from 1990.

Her biggest break remains the staggeringly seductive (for its time), Glamour Girls (1994/1995), produced and written by Ken Nnebue, directed by Chika Onukwufor. The adorable magistrate of the popular analgesic TV commercial also graced several videos and TV soaps. Anozie-Young is married to star method actor, Norbert Young, and turned 56 on 4 February.

DESMOND ELLIOT Before he joined the political hustle in 2014, Desmond Oluwashola Elliot was a fine specimen of appropriate characterisation in

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

electioneering or campaign. Both cannot co-function. “…theatres for every hot and stormy debates on the controversial issue of the equitable revenue allocation formula for the country.” This way: all hot and stormy debates or every hot and stormy debate.

“Not only because of his aversiveness to titles and temporal honours at a time when men in his position seek deification and shortcuts to fame.” A banker’s odyssey: averseness or aversion to titles.

“I recall the days I use (used) to have hot exchanges of words with some officers....” “…it would mean that prayers of the faithfuls did not reach the ears of God....”

No channel noise: the faithful (a collective term which does not take any alphabetical interjection).

“But it happens to be a dirty war out there, and incumbents are never known to lose elections in (on) these shores even with the bad governance of our past years.”

“Even the most learned members of the clergy in the state have declared that they have no moral dilemma about the activities of the vigilante (vigilance) group, as they have also dared anyone to proffer a better solution.” “…they continued to mop-up (mop up) violent criminals who have….” “…one of the spiritual cogs in the wheel of Nigeria’s match (march) to greatness.”

“Access to education, clean water, jobs, health facilities are (is) grossly minimal in (on) the continent.” The key word is ‘access’—not the infrastructural elements!

“So the inefficiency of government agencies are (is) to be paid for by us.”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08033622806- (SMS Only)

his multifarious roles, supposedly unleashed in about 300 movies, apart from a bunch of TV soaps and series. He had a soapy entry into acting - with parts in TV shows: Everyday People, One Too Much and Saints and Sinners.

The years 2004 to 2007 were his most prolific period, as he was throwing his acting skills all over the place... The stats are verging on the incredulous - see, within those four years, he flirted with over 200 movies! This feverish rush for all sorts of roles simmered drastically to about 15 per year in 2008 onwards. Yet, whatever the lure of politics, Elliot is still in his prime for a boisterous acting return… at 49 (on 4 February).

Beyond the highflyers whose details are at my fingertips, we extend hearty February felicitations to the following: Tiwa Savage (5th in 1978), Foluke Daramola (15th in 1978), Adesuwa Etomi (22nd in 1988), Osita “Pawpaw” Iheme (20th in 1982), Fathia “Balogun” Williams (5th in 1969), Korede Bello (29th in 1996) and Malaika (15th in 1973).

We also remember the unvarnished brilliance of our departed stars: Bukky Ajayi (2nd in 1934), Francis Agu (18th in 1965), Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (9th in 1948), Geraldo Pino (10th in 1939) and Orlando Owoh (14th in 1932).

Due to the eclectic nature of modern information gathering tools, some of these dates may be a little off the mark. We plead for understanding, and encourage the wronged owners of those dates (or their inheritors) to make efforts at published corrections.

Regardless of any ‘dated’ hesitation, it is doubtless that these are “February Forever” celebrators, and we wish them all - the living and the memories of the dead - unquenchably flourishing legacies. Felicitations!

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

4.03.2023

NEWS

RESCUE MISSION TO KWARA PAGE. 29

Wilfred Ndidi Racing against Time at King Power

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 4, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Wilfred Ndidi tries to dispossess Liverpool’s Mo Salah

Wilfred Ndidi

Racing against Time at King Power He was once regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders not only in the Premier League but in Europe. However, with the injury he sustained two seasons ago, Wilfred Ndidi, who used to be one of the first names on the Leicester City’s team sheet has now been limited to playing sparingly with the exit door of the King Power Stadium open widely to the Nigerian

T

hough Leicester City Manager, Brendan Rodgers insists that there is still room for Super Eagles defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi at the King Power Stadium, but on condition that he can still move the ball forward

very well.

The Nigerian used to be one of the first names on Leicester City’s team sheet, but as he returns to fitness he is still not guaranteed to start.

The Super Eagles star missed 17 games due to injuries in the 2020/21 season and the same number as the 2021-22 campaign.

Ndidi is already feeling the cumulative effects of the injuries he has had in the past two seasons, which explains his struggles for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

He has been left out of the squad six times this season and has been substituted on five occasions in the Premier League.

Rodgers has recently been choosing a new-look trio in the centre in recent weeks without an outright defensive midfielder. Papy Mendy was the only one available against Aston Villa, but Rodgers chose to leave him on the bench, with Youri Tielemans, Kiernan DewsburyHall, and James Maddison selected.

Given the result, it seemed like that would be the way forward for City over the next few months as they battle relegation. In that case, the likes of Ndidi, Mendy, and Boubakary Soumare may have limited game-time.

That’s particularly the case for Ndidi.

He was available for selection again last weekend, when City played Tottenham, but it was obvious that the Nigerian was still struggling in the middle of the pack.

Not too long ago, Ndidi was one of the first names on City’s team sheet, with results dropping off considerably when he was unavailable. Now, he faces a real battle to regain his starting spot, especially with Soumare back fit from next week too. Proving he can keep the ball and serve it forward will be vital to him getting his place back.

Rodgers said this week: “The one thing I would say is you need to be able to win the ball in the midfield, but you also need to be able to keep it. That’s key.

“The strength of any of my midfields has been about the three players. They have to look after each other. Whatever the balance is, you need to win the ball back. But that will also come from the top of the field, it’s a collective effort for everyone to defend.

You need to have that pressure high up the pitch and the support behind that.

“It’s not a necessity, but ideally, you would have one with a specific role to win the ball. But that person winning the ball has to be able to pass the ball as well and play forward.

“If you make it too defensive, you end up playing sideways and backwards too much. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll have lots of options in there to do what it is we need to do.”

However, when explaining what his ideal midfield looks like, Rodgers seemed to suggest the attributes provided by Tielemans,

Dewsbury-Hall, and Maddison are the right fit.

Rodgers said: “You always need one controlling the game from behind. You then need a running player who can break the lines with and without the ball. Then you need one who can create a goal and score a goal. All three have to run, work and press, but then their talents come together to give that balance in midfield.

“I always like to have more midfield players. That’s where the game begins. If you have a midfield that can control a game, it sets you up well. We have really talented players and we have choices. Whatever the combination is, it has to work with the balance of the team.”

Before his injury, among the King Power Stadium faithful, Ndidi was a cult hero, and to Leicester City Manager the midfield enforcer is indispensable.

The Nigerian was then a sure starter and statistics proved that he was Foxes most important player in the last two years.

To some then, it was still a miracle that Leicester City were able to hold on to their jewel in spite of inquiries from big European clubs of the former Nathaniel Boys player.

For several transfer windows, Ndidi has been linked with a move to Old Trafford to take command of the holding midfield, an area the Red Devils have been found wanting but somehow Leicester City held on the midfielder.

Ndidi had severally proven to be one of the best tacklers in Europe. In the Community Shield game against Manchester City, Ndidi

rose to the occasion for Leicester City and was the boss in midfield.

Ndidi also increased his passing accuracy and he hardly makes mistakes when protecting his back three or back four and he gives his central midfielders the confidence to surge forward.

At the end of the 2021/22 season, he has had 591 tackles in 152 premier league games, 325 interceptions and 355 clearances. He has 1,291 ball recoveries and has won 1,277 duels, one of the best records in the Premier League.

How much value Ndidi adds to Leicester City has never been lost by Brenden Rodgers and the Irish has never stopped showering encomiums on the Nigerian describing him as irreplaceable.

“It’s impossible to find what we have, we’ve got good players, but specifically the job Ndidi does in breaking up play and just his overall defending and in the box, he’s irreplaceable for us,” Rodgers had said.

“He’s one of the top players in world football. His quality in his football is improving all the time. He is irreplaceable for us.

He’s fantastic for a young player.

“What is pleasing as a coach, is that he wants to learn. He will improve and get better. I’m so happy he plays in my team,” Rodgers once said.

Though Ndidi’s contract with Leicester does not expire until 2024, with his fitness still suspect after two seasons, it remains to be seen if King Power Stadium would remain a home for the midfield enforcer at the end of the season.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 4, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER NPFL TABLE GROUP A TEAM

Bendel Bendel Enyimba Akwa Utd Plateau Utd Remo Stars Gombe Shooting Kwara Nasarawa El Kanemi

P W D L 8 6 2 9 7 2 9 5 1 9 4 3 9 4 2 9 4 2 9 2 4 9 2 4 9 2 3 9 2 1 9 1 2

PTS 0 0 3 2 3 3 3 3 4 6 6

20 23 16 15 14 14 10 10 9 7 5

P W D L

PTS

GROUP B TEAM

One of Rangers consortium of coaches passing instructions to the players

Kabiru Dogo on Salvage Mission to Kwara United

W

ith nine points from the same number of matches, Kwara United currently occupies the eighth position on the log of the 10 teams in Group A of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) abridged-league. The team would need and a great improvement if they are hoping to campaigning in the Nigerian top flight next season.

As one of the club’s managements’ measures at salvaging the situation, Kwara United FC has handed coach Kabiru Dogo a three-year contract.

Kwara United FC on Tuesday unveiled Kabiru Dogo as the Technical Adviser of the club. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the club unveiled Dogo at a brief ceremony, held at its secretariat in Ilorin.

Speaking at the event, Bashir Badawiy, the General Manager of the club, said that they did the unveiling in keeping with the standard of the team as a reputable brand.

Badawiy said that they handed the coach a three-year contract and that the management would try its best to support him in order to succeed, noting that the club completed Dogo’s appointment a few weeks ago.

“This unveiling is like a ritual for us. Coach Kabiru Dogo is one of our own, and we must give him the respect,” he said.

The GM expressed belief in the new gaffer to deliver for the club.

Badawiy said that they handed the coach a three-year contract and that the management would try its best to support him in order to

succeed.

He thanked the state government under the leadership of Abdurrahman AbdulRazaq for his support for the club and promised that the management would not relent in its efforts towards taking the team to enviable heights.

In his remarks, Dogo said the dream of every coach and player was to work for Kwara United, given its status as one of the big outfits in the country.

He also thanked the management for giving him the opportunity to serve his state.

“I want to assure everybody that by God’s grace during our time, Kwara United will continue to progress and achieve more,” he said.

The former Wikki Tourists coach stated that his immediate goal was to ensure the club’s stability. He added the team was replete with experienced and young players who will be used to get results.

“What I met on the ground in the team is good. We only need to change their mentality, psyche them up and change their attitude towards work, and they are now responding well,” he said.

While commending his predecessors, the tactician said he would leverage on their achievements to take the club to the highest level.

Meanwhile, Kwara United currently occupies the eighth position on the log of the 10 teams in Group A of the Nigeria

thanked God for the safe return of players that traveled for the national polls while encouraging the players and coaches to improve their performances so that the club’s target would be achieved at the end of the season.

“I must say a very big thanks to God almighty for journey mercies granted to those who traveled for the national elections. Let me also thank those that stayed back and continued training for the great task that we have on our hands. I charge you all to come up with your best on and off the pitch to help us achieve our set target for the season which is qualifying

19 15 14 13 12 12 9 8 8 7

C. Obioma Enyimba I. Osarenkhoe Insurance R. Mizo Bayelsa O. Ifeanyi Plateau K. Suur Lobi Y. Taiye Gombe I. Seriki Bendel J. Atule Lobi U. Abba Lobi

7 6 6 4 4 4 4 4 4

NFF Technical Committee Management Hails IMC on NPFL

Kabiru Dogo

Professional Football League (NPFL) abridged-league with nine points from nine games after the first stanza of the league.

The club, which currently hosts their home games at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, will hope to turn things around for good when the NPFL resumes after the election break.

Rangers Management Charges Players to Improve Performance The management of Rangers International F.C, the ‘Flying Antelopes’, has charged players of the club, who are resuming after a one-week break to participate in the last presidential polls, to improve their performances so as to achieve the club’s target in the remaining part of the 2022/2023 football season.

The Administrative Secretary of the club, Ferdinand Ugwuarua, gave this charge in a welcome address to the players, Thursday, after the morning drills supervised by coaches Mbwas Mangut, Benedict Ugwu, Gabriel Ezema, Tony Donwa, and Okey Odita.

The administrative secretary

Lobi Stars 9 6 1 2 Sunshine 9 4 3 2 Rivers Utd 7 4 2 1 Abia Warriors 8 4 1 3 Tornadoes 9 3 3 3 Doma Utd 9 3 3 3 Rangers 8 2 3 3 Bayelsa Utd 9 1 5 3 Wikki Tourist 9 2 2 5 Dakkada 9 2 1 6

for the super-six and picking a continental ticket,” stated the young club manager.

He further said, “It may look daunting with our present placement but with the ‘Never Say Die’ attitude that we are known for, we surely, shall turn the difficult tide with commitment and determination from all of us.”

Twenty-nine players trained, Thursday, just as others joined yesterday’s session while efforts are on to get some fresh quality legs to join efforts with the current squad to push for a strong finish in the abridged NPFL season and the national Aiteo Cup.

Member of the NFF Technical Committee, Dahiru Sadi says the league administration is steering the NPFL in the right direction.

The Interim Management Committee, IMC has earned praise for the performance of the NPFL, albeit in the early weeks of the 2023 season.

Sadi told FL that previously, it was “very difficult” for teams to compete on a level playing field domestically, and it had an adverse effect on the quality of representation when the team’s compete on the Continent.

He also revealed that teams are now focused on talent development and the transparency in game officiating has forced the big teams to step up their performance.

“Generally, Nigerian teams are improving now,” Sadi posits.

“The IMC is working to ensure all teams play and win fairly; you don’t rely on referees, now you have to raise the team. The big clubs that depended on referees see what is happening to them.

“With what is happening now in Nigerian football, it’s like a new sheriff is in town you have to sit up, you have to raise a team, you have to build a team.”

“There was a time when some Chairmen had the guts to tell the players that, “you are not the one that will win matches for me, I have paid the referee”. All that nonsense must stop.

“I am so happy with what is happening now, you have to build your team, develop young players. Football now is for young kids, what was happening before was they were just recycling old players from this club to this club and the team did not have time to develop,” he concluded.

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 4, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Erling Haaland marshalled Manchester City to acoming from 3-1 down to draw Newcastle 3-3 iwhen both sides met in the first leg

City Mounts Pressure on Arsenal with Newcastle’s Visit Having seen Arsenal extend their lead to five points after pumelling Everton 4-0 midweek, Manchester United would be hoping to mount pressure on the Premier League leaders as the Citizens welcome Newcastle to the Etihad in the first match of this weekend’s league matches. In spite of having to win matches in a trot, Pep Guardiola is still dreaming to match legendary Sir Alex Ferguson as one of the two coaches to have the Premier League three times in a row in modern era

O

ffthebackofcontrastingresultsin two different cup competitions, Manchester City and Newcastle United lock horns at the Etihad Stadium for a Premier League clash today.

While the Magpies are seeking to bounce back from their EFL Cup final heartache last weekend, the Citizens will be looking to build on their comfortable FA Cup fifthround victory in midweek.

Manchester City completed their run of five successive away games unbeaten when they eased to a 3-0 victory at Bristol City in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday, courtesy of a Phil Foden brace and a late strike from Kevin De Bruyne.

The Citizens had previously cruised to a 4-1 win away against Bournemouth in the Premier League to ensure that they remain in touch with leaders Arsenal in the title race.

The reigning champions still have some catching up to do, though, as they remain five points behind the Gunners with 13 games to play, while in-form rivals Manchester United are hunting them down in third, sitting six points further back with a game in hand.

Following a lengthy period away from the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s side will welcome a return to home soil, with four of the next five matches to be played on the blue side of Manchester including today’s clash with Newcastle, who the Citizens have beaten in each of their last 13 Premier League home meetings – only Everton against Fulham (14) have ever had a longer winning home run against an opponent in the division.

Man City currently boast the best home record in this season’s Premier League, accumulating 31 points from a possible 36 available, with a 2-1 defeat to Brentford

and a 1-1 draw with Everton the only blots on their copybook. The Citizens have also scored a total of 41 league goals on home soil so far this term, more than any other team in England’s top-four divisions.

Guardiola’s side should have few problems finding the net against Newcastle, as they have scored in each of their previous 28 league meetings with the Magpies, but keeping the ball out of the net could prove challenging having kept just three clean sheets in their last 16 top-flight matches, a surprisingly poor run of form on the defensive front that needs to be addressed if they wish to close down Arsenal at the summit.

Newcastle supporters have had plenty to cheer about this season and the Toon Army were in full voice as their side took to the Wembley pitch for the first time since 1999 for Sunday’s EFL Cup final.

However, hopes of lifting their first major domestic trophy for 68 years were quashed at the hands of Man United, who came out on top to secure a 2-0 victory courtesy of first-half strikes from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

The euphoria of lifting silverware could have acted as a catalyst to turn their recent league form around, but Eddie Howe has insisted that their cup final heartache will not affect their efforts to push for Champions League qualification.

Newcastle have recently slipped out of the top four following a run of just one win in their last seven Premier League matches, and they are now tasked with ending a four-game winless run with a trip to Man City, a fixture that Howe has labelled as the “most difficult in the football calendar”.

Not since the days of Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer have the Magpies won a league game on the blue side of Manchester, with the latter netting the only goal in a 1-0

victory back in September 2001 at Maine Road – Erling Braut Haaland’s father Alfe-Inge Haaland also played in that match for the Citizens.

Despite their recent form, Newcastle will have reason to be optimistic today as they have not lost any of their last eight top-flight away matches, while they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Man City at St James’ Park earlier this season, a contest that they were leading 3-1 before Haaland and Bernardo Silva restored parity in the final half-hour.

However, seeking a fourth Premier League win on the bounce to remain in control of their title destiny, Arsenal welcome relegation-threatened Bournemouth to the Emirates today.

The Gunners thumped Everton 4-0 on Wednesday night to extend their lead at the summit, while the Cherries’ most recent contest ended in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Replicating their one-goal victory over the league leaders at Goodison Park from a few weeks ago was always going to be a tall order for Everton, who shipped goals at will to Arsenal once their resistance was finally broken in the 40th minute.

Having made full use of their game in hand, Arsenal have re-established a five-point lead over Man City in first place - taking a whopping 60 points from their opening 25 games of the season - although the champions can close that gap for a couple of hours when they meet Newcastle United earlier.

Not since losing to Brentford on the opening day of last season have Arsenal failed to beat a newly-promoted side in the Premier League - winning each of their last eight such games - and those making the long journey north from Bournemouth will no doubt travel in unfounded hope rather than expectation.

Premier League Table TEAM

P

GD

PTS

Arsenal Man City Man Utd Tottenham Newcastle Liverpool Fulham Brighton Brentford Chelsea Aston Villa Crystal Palace Nottm Forest Leicester Wolves West Ham Leeds Everton Bournemouth Southampton

25 25 24 25 23 24 25 22 23 24 24 24 24 24 25 24 24 25 24 24

33 39 13 11 20 12 5 10 7 -2 -8 -10 -24 -6 -17 -6 -10 -19 -26 -22

60 55 49 45 41 39 39 35 35 31 31 27 25 24 24 23 22 21 21 18

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Man City v Newcastle 12:30 Arsenal v Bournemouth 15:00 Aston Villa v Crystal Palace 15:00 Brighton v West Ham 15:00 Chelsea v Leeds Utd 15:00 Wolves v Tottenham 15:00 Southampton v Leicester 17:30 SUNDAY

Nottm Forest v Everton 14:00

LA LIGA TODAY

Getafe v Girona 13:00 Almería v Villarreal 15:15 Mallorca v Elche 17:30 Atlético v Sevilla 20:00 SUNDAY

Valladolid v Espanyol 13:00 Barcelona v Valencia 15:15 Vallecano v Bilbao 17:30

Hot Shot PLAYERS

CLUB

Erling Haaland Harry Kane Ivan Toney Marcus Rashford Gabriel Martinelli Aleks Mitrovic Bukayo Saka Rodrigo Miguel Almiron

Man City Tottenham Brentford Man Utd Arsenal Fulham Arsenal Leeds Utd Newcastle

GOALS

27 18 14 14 11 11 10 10 10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 4, 2023

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Alex Iwobi

Everton Boss Rules Out Fenerbahce Move for Iwobi Ahead of his side’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, Everton manager Sean Dyche, has dismissed speculation linking Alex Iwobi with an imminent move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Reports emanating from the Turkish press suggested that the Super Eagles playmaker was unhappy at the Toffees and wanted to depart the club.

The reports added that the Yellow Canaries were considering signing Iwobi on loan before the

close of the winter transfer market early next week.

In what has been a dismal season for Everton, the Hale End Academy product has been one of the club’s bright sparks.

Signed from Arsenal in the summer of 2019, Iwobi will enter the final year of his contract on July 1, 2023, and has been offered a new deal to extend his stay at Goodison Park.

When asked to react to reports about Iwobi being unhappy, Dyche said : “Well I have seen him today and he seems to be quite happy at the moment so I can only go on what my eyes are telling me and what my feeling is telling me.”

On the chances of Iwobi joining Fenerbahce, he replied : “It is unlikely, I would suggest”.

In 28 all-competition appearances for Everton this season, Iwobi has registered nine goal involvements (1 goal, 8 assists).

Akpom yet to Confirm Boro’s Commitment Middlesbrough Coach Michael Carrick has reiterated that the club wants to keep Chuba Akpom, but nothing concrete has come up from their negotiations with the striker.

The Nigerian striker has been in wonderful form since Carrick took over at the club, but he may leave the club soon.

Boro had a tough start to the season, but they found their feet after Carrick took over in November 2022. Under Carrick, Middlesbrough have won twelve Championship games.

An important part of Carrick’s success at North Yorkshire has been Nigerian striker Akpom.

The 27-year-old striker has 19 goals in 27 Championship appearances, 13 of which have come in Carrick’s reign.

He is currently the leading goalscorer in the league, and some Premier League clubs have started keeping tabs on him. Middlesbrough are in a race against time to pin Akpom down to a new deal as his current one expires at the end of next season.

Coach Carrick has revealed that the club is still in talks with the 27-year-old goal poacher, but they are yet to make headway.

“Chuba(Akpom) is obviously doing great for us

and it’s(contract extension) something we are looking at between now and the end of the season,” Carrick said per Gazette live.

“However, it’s not just Chuba alone but also contracts for players moving ahead into the summer and next season. Individually though, there is nothing concrete on Chuba now,” Carrick added.

Middlesbrough currently sit third in the Championship, seven points behind Sheffield United who sit second.

If they continue with their form, they could overtake the Blades and finish in the second automatic promotion spot.

Osimhen Battles Di Maria, Others for 2022 Serie A Player of the Month Nigeria International, Victor Osimhen, has been nominated for the Serie A Player Of The Month for the second time this year.

The 24-year-old was named the Serie A player of the month for January after scoring in every Serie A game in which he participated, with the exception of Napoli’s defeat to Inter Milan.

The Nigerian player contributed an assist and 5 goals in January, including a brace in their 5-1 thrashing of Juventus.

The Super Eagles forward

was nominated once again in February, and this time, he would have to battle Russian Aleksei Miranchuk, U.S. Lecce defender Federico Baschirotto, Juventus attacker Ángel di María, and his colleague Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to win it.

Di Maria has been instrumental in Juventus Serie A’s ascent back to the top; in February, the 2022 World Cup winner scored a goal and supplied two assists for the Old Lady.

Nonetheless, the former LOCS Lille attacker maintained his

remarkable February performance by scoring in every match for the Parthenopeans.

He scored five goals, including a brace against Spezia Calcio when Napoli visited Stadio Alberto Picco, bringing his total to 19 goals.

Notwithstanding the statistics, the League, through their social media platform, has given sports fans a chance to nominate their favourite player.

Nigerian star, Osimhen, scored goals in all his February fixtures for Luciano Spalletti’s men.

Firmino to Leave Liverpool at End of Season Brazil forward Roberto Firmino is to leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old has been with the Reds since joining them in a £29m deal from Hoffenheim in June 2015.

Firmino has helped Liverpool win the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Club World Cup during his time at Anfield.

He has made 353 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 107 goals and providing 70 assists.

Liverpool manager Jurgen

Klopp had said he wanted Firmino to stay with the club and, while the player had been in discussions over a new contract, he has chosen to move on.

The Brazilian’s playing time has been limited recently due to muscle injuries and the arrivals of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.

Firmino, who is held in high regard by Reds fans, played in the centre of Liverpool’s iconic attacking trio - flanked by Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who left the club to join Bayern

Munich last year.

Together they helped Liverpool lift their first English league title in 30 years when they won the Premier League in 2019-20.

Firmino has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists.

He missed out on Brazil’s squad for the World Cup last year and, when the Premier League resumed after the tournament, had a spell out injured before returning as a substitute in the derby win over Everton on 13 February.

Flying-Eagles celebrating their goal against Egypt

Egypt 2023: Gusau Charges Flying Eagles to Go for Final Ticket President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has told the country’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles to focus their minds on winning Monday’s semi-final clash with The Gambia to reach the Final of the 17th Africa U20 Cup of Nations ongoing in Egypt.

Speaking to the players and officials in their dressing room at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium after the victory over Uganda on Thursday, which qualified the Flying Eagles for this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals, Gusau lauded the spirited efforts of the squad and implored them to do even better against the opponents in the last four.

“You have done a great job in achieving our first objective here, which is to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. With the World Cup ticket in our pouch, it is now time to go for the trophy itself.

“Our country has won this same trophy seven times before but our last triumph was eight years ago, in Senegal. Time for another triumph. For now, the semi-final is what is in front of you and what you must focus hard on,” Gusau, who was in company with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Alhaji Nura Abba Rimi, said.

An own goal by Ugandan defender, Ibrahim Juma, in a

panicky touch following Ibrahim Muhammad’s shot that rattled the upright, sent the Flying Eagles to the semi-finals and also earned a FIFA U20 World Cup ticket, for Nigeria’s 13th appearance at the global finals.

At the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, Nigeria have been winners seven times, finished as runners-up twice and been bronze medallists three times.

At the global level, the Flying Eagles have been silver medallists on two occasions and won the bronze medals once, as well as reaching the quarter finalswhen Nigeria hosted in 1999, in Canada in 2007 and in Colombia in 2011.

Iheanacho Nominated for Premier League Player Award Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho is in the running for the Premier League Player of the Month award for February 2023.

The left-footed striker was in superlative form for the Foxes in the month – grabbing two goals and three assists for Leicester City.

Iheanacho will battle Manchester forward, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur star Emerson Royal, Fulham

duo Manor Solomon and Bernd Leno for the award.

“The Nigerian’s five goal involvements came in a devastating two-match spell,” a statement on the Premier League website read.

“He got a goal and two assists in a 4-2 win at Aston Villa and followed that up with a goal and an assist in Leicester City’s impressive 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.”

The fans can vote for their favourite via the EA

SPORTS website until 12:00 GMT on Monday March 6.

The public votes will be combined with those of a panel of football experts to decide the winner, who will be revealed next week.

Iheanacho, who was born in Owerri, Nigeria, has so far scored three goals in 18 league appearances for the Foxes this season.

The former Manchester City player was once named Premier League Player of the Month, March 2021.

Barcelona Host Valencia, Other Live Matches on GOtv this Weekend After a shocking 1-0 defeat at Almeria last weekend, league leaders, Barcelona will look to bounce back when they face Valencia in one of week 24 La Liga fixtures at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Barcelona, who are currently top of the Spanish league table, will be looking to return smiles to the faces of their home fans when they host Valencia. They are currently on a two-game

losing streak after losses to Almeria and Manchester United. The match will be live on Super Sport La Liga (Ch. 32) at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday.

Also, on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on Super Sport La Liga (Ch. 32), Real Madrid will aim to secure an away win at Real Betis in an effort to cut the point deficit with league leaders Barcelona.

Before Sunday’s games,

fourth-placed Atletico Madrid will face Sevilla today in an attempt to displace third placed Real Sociedad, live on Super Sport La Liga (Ch.32) at 9:00 p.m.

To enjoy this clash and other La Liga matches, take advantage of the GOtv Step Up offer by upgrading your package and GOtv will step you up to an even higher package, for free, after 48 hours.

Paris 2024: Olympic Eagles Back in Camp for Guinea Head Coach Salisu Yusuf has called to camp 30 players ahead of this month’s Africa U23 Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture against Guinea.

The list includes four goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders and eight forwards.

Nigeria, conquerors of

Tanzania in the second round of the race, will host the first leg of the fixture against Guinea at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on Wednesday, 22nd March.

All the players were directed to report at the Chida Hotel, Abuja yes-

terday, March 3, ahead of the contingent’s departure to the Oyo State capital.

In the second round of the series, the Olympic Eagles drew 1-1 with Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, and then spanked their visitors 2-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium a week later.

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Presidential Election “This is the worst election conducted by INEC…. As it turned out, many Nigerians voted, but their votes did not count, which was frustrating” –The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide rejecting the presidential election results declared by INEC.

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JAMESOKOLIE Who Really Killed Oyibo Chukwu?

GUEST COLUMNIST

I

t was William Shakespeare, who wrote in “Macbeth” that “There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face”.

Also, the Scriptures in Jeremiah 17:9 says: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know (understand) it?”

Tongues have expectedly been wagging since the death squad visited wickedness on Enugu State on 22nd February, which happened to be the last day of campaign for many political parties ahead of the 25th February presidential and National Assembly elections. The driver of a branded campaign bus belonging to PDP’s Hon. Ofor Chukwuegbo Campaign Organisation was attacked and burnt along with the bus at Topland area of Amechi Road. They proceeded to the popular Eke Otu Amechi Awkunanaw where they attacked and set ablaze a fine soul, an illustrious son of Nkanu land, and Labour Party senatorial candidate for Enugu East, Barr. Oyibo Chukwu. The death squad did not spare the convoy of the governorship candidate of the APC at Agbani, but luckily, no human casualty was recorded.

Although about five souls were lost, the callous killing of Oyibo Chukwu, the Labour Party senatorial candidate for Enugu East zone has naturally been the focus of commentaries. William Shakespeare writes that “When beggars die, there are no comets seen; (but) The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes”. Permutations and conspiracy theories have continued to evolve. While some believe that Oyibo’s tragedy was a happenstance, just like the numerous killings in Enugu by unknown gunmen, some also swear by the gods that it was a calculated political assassination.

However, my take is that whatever the motive, it is a heinous crime and the perpetrators must not go unpunished. They belong to the hottest part of hell. But while we have continued to pray for peaceful repose of Oyibo’s soul and eternal damnation of the perpetrators, the manner some political players in the opposition and the Labour Party in particular have now turned Oyibo’s death to campaign manifesto and are bent on making a political capital out of it should naturally get some of us thinking. Could there be more to Oyibo’s death that meets the eye?

Going by numerous examples in history, it is old strategy in the game of power for some stonehearted power mongers to carry out nefarious activities like killing, arson, etc. to turn the heat on their opponents, whip up sentiments, and sometimes find reasons to destroy those they consider as stumbling block to their plot. It is a fact of history too that sometimes, the culprits even cry more than the bereaved.

On Monday 27th February 1933, exactly four weeks after Adolph Hitler was sworn in as the German Chancellor, the Reichstag (Parliament) building was gutted by fire in an apparent case of arson. Hitler quickly attributed the fire to Communist agitators without allowing any form of investigation and used it as pretext to sell the narrative that Communists were planning against the German government. He manipulated

Late Oyibo Chukwu

President Paul von Hindenburg to issue the Reichstag Fire Decree, a kind of state of emergency law, which halted civil liberties and empowered Adolph Hitler to pursue a “ruthless confrontation” with the Communists.

Thus began indiscriminate arrests of communists, including their delegates in the German Parliament by the Nazi-controlled police, paralysing communists participation in the 5th March 1933 elections. Van der Lubbe, who was found in the Reichstag during the fire was convicted and executed.

But many years later, it came to be known by historians and researchers that the Reichstag arson had been planned and ordered by Hitler’s Nazis as a false flag operation to implicate and get rid of those standing in the way of a fully Nazi Germany. Van der Lubbe was pardoned posthumously under the 1998 law that nullified unjustly passed verdicts. But the harm had already been done. Therefore, Reichstag fire incident is considered very fundamental in the establishment of Nazi Germany, which paved the way for the evil that Adolph Hitler represented to happen not only to Germany, but the entire world.

In similar vein, the series of contrived crises that were carefully woven by Napoleon Bonaparte, which ultimately made the “Code Napoleon” and “The Livret”, legal but draconian weapons with which he decimated his opponents, a fiat accompli are still flowery in the annals of history.

Just a few minutes after the dastardly killings of that evening, the Labour Party governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, took to his Facebook page to point accusing fingers and to incite the public. But wiser counsels must have prevailed as he quickly deleted the post. Also, when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, he craftily stoked the same emotional and inciting lines, saying that Oyibo Chukwu was killed “in a manner that recalls the days we thought we had left behind… and thanked Sullivan

Chime for putting behind”.

Again, speaking on Thursday 2nd March, Edeoga, rather than calling for the arrest and punishment of the perpetrators to assuage the soul of Oyibo Chukwu, said rather instructively that only a total victory for the Labour Party in the 11th March governorship election could soothe Oyibo Chukwu’s spirit. To my mind, this selfish act of placing political gains over and above human life speaks volumes.

Also, while addressing his supporters at his Itchi residence, the senator-elect for Enugu North zone, Chief Okey Ezea, did not campaign for Edeoga on any manifesto or programmes. He instead told the people to prepare for the 11th March election as a “do-or-die game” for Nsukka cultural zone to which Edeoga belongs, to retain power and also to avenge the death of Oyibo Chukwu.

In all, there has been deliberate programmes, planned processions, video and audio messages, etc. centred around the Oyibo Chukwu in a clear and desperate bid to sensationalise and make a political capital out of another man’s misfortune. This is why Ndi Enugu must pause and think twice before jumping into conclusions over the real motives and persons behind the Labour candidate’s death.

We must note that Oyibo Chukwu’s death is not just any other death. It holds deep and wide ramifications not only for the 25th February and 11th March election, but also for the politics of Enugu in general and Nkanu land in particular. It is also said that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Therefore, anyone familiar with these implications and the two-family dichotomy in Nkanu land should also know that anybody or candidate or party that stands to gain from the deliberately stoked public sentiments and widening of the divides in Nkanu land occasioned by Oyibo’s death at the verge of a governorship election that Okey Ezea has already declared as a do-or-die war between Nkanu and Nsukka cultural zones should not be overlooked in the search for the real culprits and motives behind his death. Oftentimes, what eats the leaf lives in the leaf; the reason investigations into murders usually start from the inside to outside.

Meanwhile, the elders of Amuri and Nkanu must rise now to save what remains of Nkanu unity. For the elders of Amurri in particular, this is the time to utilise their famed potent traditional means of solving crimes and murders to get to the root of Oyibo’s death so that we don’t bark the wrong trees. Remember, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know (understand) it?”

But importantly, this is the time to do away with polemics, incitements, and all forms of divisive utterances as the state goes into the final lap of the 2023 general election. A recent trending video of the senator-elect and Labour Party senatorial candidate for Enugu North senatorial district, Chief Okey Ezea, is typical case of beating the drums of war.

Like other states, Enugu State is made up of three senatorial districts, namely, Enugu East, Enugu West, and Enugu North (where the current governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi hails from). With the incumbent governor, the governorship seat has rotated fully among

the senatorial zones and the rotation is supposed to start from Enugu East, which is predominantly Nkanu people in addition to Isi-Uzo LGA, which used to be part of the old Nsukka zone. The candidacy of Edeoga, who is from Isi-Uzo is therefore promoted by the likes of Ezea as an opportunity for Nsukka cultural zone to retain power for another eight years, hence making it a contest between Nsukka and Nkanu.

Addressing his supporters at his country home in Itchi, Igboeze South LGA, Ezea said: “The March 11th election is a straight fight between Nsukka and Nkanu to know who is bigger than the other because Nkanu people want to turn us, the majority, to minority.

So, you must prepare very well. You must make sure the directive goes round. This is about Nsukka. Young men, please, you must prepare yourselves very well. We are going into a war on March 11th and it is a do-or-die game. Nobody can come from outside to use Nkanu votes to intimidate us here”.

This is most unfortunate coming from someone that rode on the crest of Peter Obi’s credibility to the Senate and someone, who by the reason of election into the senate has joined the club of statesmen.

But it is reassuring that Ezea’s diatribe has been widely denounced by all and sundry in the state. For instance, an elder statesman and former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has condemned it in its entirety, noting that such utterances were capable of not only dividing the state, but also capable of precipitating war and bloodshed in Enugu State in the March 11 governorship election.

Nwobodo, who addressed a press conference on the development at his country home in Enugu stated unequivocally: “I watched a video where Okey Ezea (Ideke), the SenatorElect for Enugu North Senatorial Zone, was saying that the governorship election would be a do-or die battle.

“I was shocked that somebody, who has just been elected to represent his people at the National Assembly could make such an inciting statement while addressing a gathering of his people. He was inciting the good people of Nsukka against the people of Nkanu, literally drumming up war on the day of the next election.

“First, I want to plead with the peaceloving people of Nkanu not react violently to the unprovoked statement made by Ideke.

The people of Nsukka are our brothers and sisters and not our enemies. As a governor of Old Anambra State, I had a very good relationship with Nsukka, and they were my great supporters.

“I strongly believe that statement from Ideke does not represent the view of the good people of Nsukka that I know”.

This is a soothing and timely intervention and it is hoped that all men of peace and goodwill will rise to the occasion so that Enugu people will continue to co-exist as brothers and sisters that they have always been both during and beyond the 2023 general election.

•Okolie is an Enugu-based psychologist

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