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Presidency Insists Presidential Election Was Free, Fair Confirms THISDAY story that govs are desperate to win by all means Says naira redesign policy greatly reduced kidnapping Nume Ekeghe in Lagos, Kingsley Nwezeh and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The presidency, yesterday, insisted that the February

25 presidential and national assembly elections, won by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, was a free and fair exercise despite misgivings

in some quarters.

Presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, who appeared on the Morning Show, an Arise News breakfast show, however, confirmed THISDAY’s

lead story of yesterday that some governors were trying hard to win tomorrow’s election by all means possible, but expressed confidence in the ability of the security agencies

to contain any threat to the process.

Shehu also said the raging controversy over the mode of transmitting election results was solely at the purview and liberty

of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), although the commission had assured Nigeria and the Continued on page 5

Atiku to Tinubu: Begging for Endorsements is Act of Desperation... Page 5 Friday 17 March, 2023 Vol 28. No 10201. Price: N250

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I'm Best Prepared to Take Lagos to Next Level, Sanwo-Olu Pleads with Lagosians... Page 6

Obi: My Trust in INEC Evaporated, I'm Confident in Judiciary Says electoral body promised so much, couldn’t deliver minimum

Emameh Gabriel in Abuja Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has

reiterated confidence in the judiciary to adjudicate in the controversial presidential election, despite the controversy

surrounding some of their rulings in recent times, but said his trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC) has evaporated.

Obi, who spoke as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise programme, yesterday, said his

confidence was drawn from the fact that the justices were Nigerians and were aware of how bad the situation had been

in the country, adding that, only the truth and justice would Continued on page 5

Tinubu: Character, Competence Will Determine My Cabinet Make-up Says his mind is set on governance, while other aggrieved candidates head to court Declares new parties' good showing speaks to strength of democracy

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja President-elect Bola Tinubu, has assured Nigerians that in selecting his government, he would not be weighed down by considerations extraneous to ability and performance, saying the day for political gamesmanship was long gone.

Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed, yesterday, said while there had been talks of a government of national unity, his aim was much higher, because he sought a government of national competence.

Reiterating that he would assemble competent men and women and young people from across Nigeria to build a safer, more prosperous Nigeria, the president-elect noted that an important step towards restoring economic normalcy Continued on page 5

PRESENTATION OF LETTER OF INTENT...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Executive Jets, Siza Madiba; Chairman, Quit Aviation and Executive Jets Services Ltd., Sam Iwuajoku; Governor Dapo Abiodun; Group CEO, Access Corporation, Herbert Wigwe and Deputy Governor, Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, at the presentation of letter of intent to establish Maintenance, Repair and Operations facilities at the Gateway Agro Cargo International Airport, Ilishan - Iperu Road in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State…yesterday

Polls: IG Orders Restriction of Movement in 36 States... Page 9

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Atiku to Tinubu: Begging for Endorsements is Act of Desperation Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, yesterday stated that Bola Tinubu’s aides begging for endorsements from foreign governments was an act of desperation.

He accused the Presidential Campaign Organisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of ‘shopping for endorsements’ and begging the United States President, Joe Biden, to call to congratulate their principal, Tinubu.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Phrank Shaibu , Atiku highlighted how the APC PCC Director of New Media, Femi Fani-Kayode, took to Twitter to say that although the US State Department had congratulated Tinubu, there was a need for Biden to add his voice as both the US and Nigeria shared a historic relationship.

“Yes, the American State Department and the American Ambassador to Nigeria both congratulated Asiwaju. For this, we are eternally grateful,

and it reflects a measure of respect.

“However, it's time for Joe (Biden) to pick up the phone and add his voice. We are a big nation, we deserve no less,” the statement quoted Fani-Kayode as having tweeted. But Atiku stated that Fani-Kayode’s remarks were evidence of desperation from Tinubu.

He described the statement from the Tinubu camp as appalling even as he called on him and his team to stop forcing foreign countries to recognise the “sham election conducted by INEC”.

“After being the beneficiary of the worst and most fraudulent election in the history of Nigeria, Tinubu and his ilk are now running from pillar to post, begging Western powers to recognise Tinubu. This is the height of desperation.

“It is reminiscent of the Sani Abacha days where the maximum ruler tried to ingratiate himself with the West after refusing to recognise MKO Abiola as the winner of June 12 election and deciding to seize power over a people that did not want him.

“Even the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, stated expressly that Nigeria’s election was below the expectation of Nigerians.

Several credible media houses locally and internationally, as well as EU observers, have all questioned the credibility of this election. Yet, Tinubu and his ilk want a stamp of approval on it? ,“he added.

The statement noted that even Chatham House, an independent policy institute based in London, in an analysis by one of its fellows said the February 25 presidential

election showed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to learn new lessons.

The London-based Think Tank had stressed that the electoral umpire failed to adhere to its own guidelines, which it put in place before the poll, especially the one bordering on the uploading of results in real-time.

Atiku advised Tinubu’s campaign team to save their strength for the legal challenge in the coming weeks rather than beg the US president to recognise his ‘tainted’mandate.

to share money in order to win.

“INEC has made it clear that if anyone is caught sharing cash, they will go to jail, the same day, and I hope that they act this out. So, what we need to do is give Nigerians the assurances that they need and that they just need to come out and exercise their own franchise.

“Nobody should intimidate them. Clearly, I understand and accept the fact that there is desperation on the part of some of the governors to win at all costs. But I tell you that law enforcement is ready also to ensure free and fair elections at all costs.”

Addressing alleged violence during the presidential poll, he added that there were only a few isolated cases but that the election was an improvement on previous exercises.

His words: “The talks about violence, I have seen a few of these reports and I do not deny that but to say that this election has been characterised by violence, nobody can justifiably say so. Yes, a few isolated cases but all of the things we saw were significant departures from the past.

“For this, I believe this country has every reason to be thankful to the law enforcement agencies, because they were effective and they made sure that 98, 99 per cent of Nigerians voted in a free environment without fear or any sort of intimidation.”

"An important step towards restoring economic normalcy has been taken by the Supreme Court's decision on the parity of old and new notes. This restores both the rule of law and economic decency. But this is not the end of the story. It is merely the beginning of a more comprehensive solution to our economic challenges."

The president elect further said his "Action Plan" outlined goals for greater economic growth in cities and rural communities, and assured the people that he was committed to an economy of doubledigit GDP growth, greater food security and one with a strengthened manufacturing base as well as an active digital economy, where young people would have ample space to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

Commenting on the February 25 presidential and National Assembly election, Tinubu said a fair, credible election had been held and had been won, adding that the honour of the victory and the steep responsibility it entailed has fallen on him.

"I say this not to gloat or boast because there is no room for such behaviour. I merely state the facts as they are," he said.

The president-elect restated that he realised many good and well-meaning Nigerians voted for other candidates, saying they are naturally disappointed that their favoured candidate did not win, while other candidates have voiced their dissatisfaction, stating they would go to court to contest the election.

Tinubu noted: "This is inherent to the democratic process. We defend their right to seek legal recourse. While they exercise the legal rights afforded them in our democracy, I have set my course and mind on the leadership of this nation.

We have important work to do and I am committed to getting that work done for the benefit of all the people, whether or not they voted for me or even voted at all."

He pointed out that this was not the time for continued

acrimony and partisan recrimination, saying such negative things could incite strong passions, but that they were not the pathway to a better nation.

"Critics of Nigeria have been too quick to conclude that our political system is fragmented because of the impressive showing of new parties and their candidates.

These critics are wrong.

The emergence of the new parties and their candidates underscores the dynamic strength of our democracy.

People want democracy to work and they want to have their voices heard and interests met within it. This is a good thing to be promoted, not something to be feared.

"What must concern us is not the growth of parties but the regrowth of old prejudices and bigotries such as ethnicity, creed and place of origin. As a nation and as individuals imbued with the love of God and of our fellow man, we are better than this. At some point, we must decide whether we shall be enticed by the ills of the past or shall we more bravely and nobly be encouraged by the eminent prospect of a brighter future.

"There have been times in our past when our governing institutions created more questions than they answered.

But the arc of our political history gives me confidence that we can overcome that past.

We have walked through the thick of the night to emerge into the light of brighter days to come. There is no good reason to retreat into the darkness of years past," he said.

The president-elect said there was a need to begin to repair and rebuild the nation, saying though there was time to complete the task, time is also of the essence.

Tinubu stressed that he and his team had been daily engaged in discussions and meetings, refining their ideas and policy solutions so that they could begin actively working towardsthe common good the very first day they assume office.

false, and that he was challenging the process and the declaration.

“My trust in INEC has evaporated with what they did on February 25, setting out a rule for the election and abandoning it in the middle of the game,” he said, stressing that a majority of Nigerians had declared a vote of no confidence on INEC,

because everybody saw that they promised so much and could not deliver even the minimum.

The LP standard bearer likened what INEC did on February 25 to a restaurant promising a sumptuous meal, serving the a la carte but failing to bring the main meal.

Directly speaking to his

supporters ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial and state Assembly elections, Obi said they should vote for Labour Party candidates in their states, and where there is no candidate they should vote with a new Nigeria in mind, looking out for competence, character, capacity, and capabilities.

TINUBU: CHARACTER, COMPETENCE WILL DETERMINE MY CABINET MAKE-UP had been taken by the Supreme Court's decision on the parity of old and new notes.

He said this had restored both the rule of law and economic decency, adding that this was not the end of the story, but the beginning of a more comprehensive solution to the country's economic challenges "As your incoming president, I accept the task before me.

There has been talk of a government of national unity. My aim is higher than that. I seek a government of national competence. In

selecting my government, I shall not be weighed down by considerations extraneous to ability and performance. The day for political gamesmanship is long gone.

"I shall assemble competent men and women and young people from across Nigeria to build a safer, more prosperous and just Nigeria. There shall be young people. Women shall be prominent. Whether your faith leads you to pray in a church or mosque will not determine your place in government. Character and competence will.

"To secure our nation and to make it prosperous must be our top priorities. We cannot sacrifice these goals to political expediency. The whims of politics must take a backseat to the imperatives of governance," he said.

Tinubu stressed that there were bridges and roads to build not just for commerce and travel but to connect people of different faiths, parties and different outlooks in harmonious dialogue and common purpose.

According to him, “We have families to feed not just

to eliminate hunger but to nurture enlightenment, civic responsibility and compassion.

We have jobs to create not merely to put people to work but to afford all a better standard of living by which families and communities are improved and democracy deepened.

“We have water to replenish not just to quench physical thirst but to ignite a thirst for creative and better solutions to society's challenges. We have a nation to protect such that we eliminate danger and even the fear of danger.

PRESIDENCY INSISTS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WAS FREE, FAIR world from the get-go that it would embrace the electronic transmission of results.

According to him, the presidency believed that the presidential election was free and fair and an improvement on the previous exercise with 98 per cent of Nigerians casting their votes without intimidation and oppression.

Further dwelling on the THISDAY lead story that some governors were determined to win by all means, he noted that the security situation in Nigeria had improved following the recent naira redesign, which he claimed aided in reducing kidnapping in recent times.

Reiterating that the federal government was committed to ensuring a free and fair election tomorrow, he said the security agencies were aware of the desperation of some governors and reassured the people that there would be a fair and secure election across Nigeria.

“The BVAS machine is to accredit voters before the exercise and I want to say the new equipment has done this excellently well and it has helped the country for the first time to rid the process of multiple voting and fake voters.

Yes, there were glitches, because it was supposed to transmit results to the main server.

“It failed to do this not because INEC was unwilling or government didn’t want this to happen. The minister

of the digital economy, Prof Isa Pantami announced 16 million attempts were made at hacking on the particular day of the election. The important thing is the integrity of the election was preserved. Therefore, we ended up with the most improved election we have had so far.

“I'm not a lawyer but from our own understanding of what INEC is supposed to do. The Electoral Act 2022 clearly says INEC has the liberty to choose the mode of transmission, therefore, it's not by law that this transmission must be done electronically. Yes, it can be done. It's an option but INEC doing it manually doesn't take away from the credibility of the election,” he said.

Quarrying the disparity of his figures and what the minister said as well as the statement from INEC, which stated that, there were no attacks, he said, “I'm supposed to believe the Minister of the Nigerian government. Please, bring the two together, the minister of the digital economy and let them resolve this issue. I'm simply a spokesman for the Nigerian president. And I'm not into all of those details.

Shehu insisted that there has been a decrease in kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria as a result of the naira redesign policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), saying, “These kidnappings and all of that is going down and it is helped greatly, especially lately by the

new policy by the central bank to change our currency note.”

On the gubernatorial and state assembly elections slated for this weekend, including and the security threats and possible collusion with ‘desperate politicians’ he said he knew the security agencies, having seen the developing stories knew what to do.

“On the specific issue of the election on Saturday, I do know that the law enforcement agencies would be reading THISDAY newspaper front page and they will be deciding on what to do. For the part of the president, I want to say that this government is elevated and is well above scandal or conspiracy on matters of outcomes, and processes of this election.

“The president is determined that he will bequeath the legacy of the best election ever, and we're not disappointed so far.

Going back to the last election and it has shown clearly that governors are not god in our affairs in the country. You know, it used to be assumed that when you finish being governor, you automatically walk into the Senate and take a seat there.

“About four or five of them have been shown that no, you don't take Nigerians for granted. So, Nigerians are determined and the sense I have is that law enforcement is ready for just everyone, including people who want

OBI: MY TRUST IN INEC EVAPORATED, I'M CONFIDENT IN JUDICIARY save the country.

“The Justices desire a better Nigeria for themselves and their children and that can only come through doing the right thing and telling the people the truth of any situation. For me, I have no cause to doubt the courts; it’s we, the politicians that are bent on corrupting every aspect of

our national life," he said.

On what his reaction would be if the nation decided to go on with the situation, Obi said he would be shocked if the country went on with the rascality of criminality.

The former Anambra State governor said, it was disheartening that the giant of

Africa could not deliver a simple election, when small nations like Ghana could deliver with a small error margin and big nations like India also delivered with less than a five per cent error margin.

Obi reiterated his earlier position that what the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared was

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

JONATHAN ON CONDOLENCE VISIT TO DIRI...

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, Former President Goodluck Jonathan and wife of the Governor, Dr. Gloria, during the former President's condolence visit to the governor over the passing of his father, Pa Abraham Diri, at Sampou community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area yesterday

Buhari Identifies Corruption as Threat to Nigeria’s Existence Says no economic development without vibrant, successful Small and Medium Enterprise Sector Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated his desire that the foundation laid by the present administration in the war against graft would be sustained by successive governments in the country saying corruption remains an existential threat to nations.

The president, who spoke yesterday, at the State House, Abuja, while playing host to Management of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, led by the Chairman, Danladi Yakubu Umar, expressed his desire for a sustained anti-graft war saying, “it is our hope

that the foundation which has been laid by this administration will be carried forward and continued, as the issue of corruption remains an existential threat to all nations.”

He described the Code of Conduct Tribunal as, “an important tool in our fight against corruption over the last seven years."

Buhari added that such frontline agencies, “which are in the trenches are relied upon to demonstrate that the government means what it says and remains committed against corruption in all its forms.”

The president recognised the sacrifices being made by the Code

Group Says Buhari's Response to Supreme Court Judgment on Old Naira Notes Deceptive Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNGs) has described the response

by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Supreme Court judgment on the old naira notes as deceptive.

The president had in a statement issued recently by his Media Aide, Garba Shehu said, the CBN had no reason not to comply with court orders on the excuse of waiting for directives from the president.

But, the group in a statement issued yesterday, by its spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, wondered why Buhari or the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele refused to address the nation on the new directive, the same way they did when they were imposing the policy on the nation.

It noted that it was curious that days after the said directive by the president, the naira scarcity was showing no sign of abating.

The group said: “Instead, the situation is worsening by the day, as both the old and new notes are deliberately withheld by government.

“And while innocent families go hungry, businesses crumbling and tension mounting while Buhari and the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele appear to be in isolation or living in total denial.”

The group stressed that rather, both Buhari and Emefiele only made clumsy, scanty ambiguous

statements through their spokespersons.

The group added: “At this point, it has become obvious that Buhari is using Emefiele in a sinister scheme to revisit on the nation, his harsh, illconceived, autocratic 1984 currency review that created untold mass suffering and widespread frustration and the death of several Nigerians.

“The insincerity in Buhari’s pronouncements is further confirmed by the fact that since they were made, investigation by the CNG across Northern Nigerian states have shown that since the deceptive directive was given, the Deposit Money Banks have not been reimbursed with neither the old nor the new notes."

The group added that this explained why the banks resorted to issuing less than N5,000 to customers with legitimate need for their own money as against the Supreme Court order that no president or any officer in government has the right to deny citizens access to their own money.

The northern group stressed that sadly, Buhari was in the last lap of his tenure and had allegedly chosen the path of dishonor, dictatorship, aristocracy and was bound to leave behind a very bad legacy to the nation.

It suggested that state governors should meet with the president-elect and fashion out a way out in order to halt the current national drift toward greater conflict.

of Conduct Tribunal and similar agencies, “in the midst of very challenging economic and revenue shortages,” and pledged innovative and new models of financing very important agencies and work programs that are critical.

Earlier in his remarks, the Tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar, commended the Buhari’s administration for the salutary impact it has made in the area of infrastructural development, agriculture, and provision of social services, among others.

According to him, the Tribunal was hampered by funding challenges, poor staffing, and appealed for Presidential intervention.

Meanwhile, the president, yesterday, declared that for any economy to grow and create jobs, an equally vibrant and successful small and medium enterprises sector was also needed.

This, he said, informed why he recently signed the Business Facilitation Bill into law.

The president spoke at the State House, Abuja, while playing host to the Governing Council and members of the Institute of Directors (IoD), led by its President and Chairman, Dr. Ije Jidenma.

According to him: “This administration has, despite the difficult times brought upon us by a variety of external shocks, done much to ensure survival and development of SMEs. “It is also my pleasure to share with you that your visit comes just a month after I signed into law the Business Facilitation Bill which eases various constraints for micro, small and medium sized enterprises. I am confident that this act will go some way in improving our business environment especially for the MSMEs.

"I was particularly interested to learn that you not only cater to large corporates, but are aware that for any economy to grow and create jobs, we need an equally vibrant and successful small and medium enterprise sector.”

Buhari, while congratulating the Institute on attaining the milestone of 40 years, noted its commitment to nation building, stressing the values of transparency and good business ethics. He urged all stakeholders to recognise the noble roles that the Institute can play in the provision of the support base for the development of the economy.

“Let me congratulate the Institute on attaining this very important milestone of 40 years in existence. This is certainly a proud moment not just for the Institute, but for the nation as it signifies your commitment towards the objective of improved corporate

governance, ethical business practices, improved corporate governance and transparency.

“These values are not just important pillars in the private sphere. They are also the keys to success in governance in the public sector, where the people have handed to us in trust, the responsibility to lead, guide and protect them.

“As our economy and conversely our private sector continues to grow and evolve, it behooves all stakeholders to recognize that such a resourceful institution not only exists, but is equipped and capable of providing the necessary support and development for the country.”

Earlier in her remarks, Jidenma noted that the reforms executed in various sectors of the Nigerian economy in the past eight years have increased expectations on the performance of business leaders and boards of public sector organisations.

I'm Best Prepared to Take Lagos to Next Level, Sanwo-Olu Pleads with Lagosians Lists achievements in four years Urges voters to shun violence Insists no electoral victory worth the blood of any Lagosian Segun James Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pleaded with Lagosians that he offers the best option for a greater and better future for all residents irrespective of the tribe, tongue or affiliation.

The governor who said this in a broadcast to mark the end of campaign yesterday, adding that Saturday's election was "a decision about the collective future “we share as a people.”

“The decision is about who can best secure our state, our future and our upward trajectory for continued economic growth,” he added.

He recalled what he called the "finest season" of development in the state since he took over as Governor in 2019, even as he recalled that there were moments of challenges.

"We are at the threshold of one of the finest seasons of our lives as a people. From May 2019 till date, we have taken bold and giant steps to build world class infrastructure and improve the quality of your lives as Lagosians.

"Even as we have made great

progress, there is still a lot more to be done, and we are fully up to the task. Together we will navigate all the challenges facing us as a people. We do not seek a world that is without challenges, for that would be unrealistic, instead, our goal is that the challenges we face will unite us and inspire us to come up with innovative solutions that will make the world a better place for us all," he added.

He stressed that just as the state had triumphed over the Covid-19 pandemic, "we will triumph as a united and resolute Lagos over everything else we are faced with. Most recently, we have had to deal with the harsh impact of a recent currency redesign exercise. As your elected Governor, I feel your pain, and I salute your forbearance in this very difficult time.

"We have made our position known to the concerned authorities, and because of the intervention of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on this matter, there is now light at the end of the tunnel."

As he urged the people to exercise their civic duties tomorrow, Sanwo-Olu told them that the "decisions about

destiny and direction are never to be taken in anger, nor must they be borne out of emotions. They must be taken after careful consideration of facts and truths, devoid of emotion and sentiment.

"The decision we are about to take is not about me, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, my Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, or our party. It is a decision about the collective future we share as a people. The decision is about who can best secure our State, our future and our upward trajectory for continued economic growth and development.

"It is a decision about who is best prepared to build the 4th Mainland Bridge and to open up the Lagos-Badagry corridor and the Lekki Free Zone, and to create an atmosphere where Foreign Direct Investment continue to see Lagos as a destination of choice for investment and prosperity. It is about asking ourselves, into whose hands shall we entrust the continuation of the 2nd Phase of the Blue Line Rail from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, the completion of the Red Line and the expansion of

the BRT and Ferry Systems?

"Who shall we trust to complete the Lekki Regional Road, that will connect Lekki Phase 1 to VGC and relieve pressure on the Lekki-Epe Expressway?Who is best prepared to complete the ongoing construction of the 7-storey Massey Street Children’s Hospital, which will be the largest Pediatric Hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa when completed or the 500 bed Psychiatric and Rehabilitation Center in Ketu-Ejirin?

"In whose hands shall we entrust our lives, the destinies of 22 million resilient souls, and the leadership of Africa’s fifth largest economy? As I often say, even if you do not believe what we say, you cannot disbelieve what we have done and are doing.

"You know me, and you know my Deputy: between us we have decades of dedicated service to Lagos State and to Lagosians. We stand out because we know this land better than everyone else contesting, and we have a solid and tested track record of service."

Continued online

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PUBLIC LECTURE IN HONOUR OF ALHAJI FEMI OKUNNU AT 90...

L - R: Former Secretary - General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Federal Commissioner of Works, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, and Minister of Works & Housing and Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, at the Public Lecture in honour of Okunnu in commemoration of his 90th birthday held in Lagos…yesterday

UNODC Raises the Alarm, Says There is Potential for Expansion of Cocaine Market in Africa, Asia Michael Olugbode in Abuja The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has raised the alarm over the potential for the expansion of cocaine market in Africa and Asia.

The UNODC in a new report yesterday, also decried the growing cultivation of coca bush and improvements in the process of converting coca bush to cocaine hydrochloride, warning that West

and Central Africa were increasingly being used as key transit zones for the drug.

The new report released by UNODC read: “Global production of cocaine has jumped dramatically over the past two years following an initial slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Global Report on Cocaine 2023 detailed how coca cultivation soared 35 per cent from 2021 to 2022, a record high and the sharpest

year-to-year increase since 2016, with the rise being a result of both an expansion in coca bush cultivation and improvements in the process of converting coca bush to cocaine hydrochloride.

According to the report, the steep growth in supply had been matched by a similar swelling in demand, with many regions showing a steady rise in cocaine users over the past decade. While the cocaine market remains quite

concentrated in the Americas and parts of Europe, the report warned that there was a strong potential for a large expansion in Africa and Asia.

Nevertheless, interceptions of cocaine shipments by law enforcement around the world have also risen sharply, with seizures reaching a record high of nearly 2,000 tons in 2021.

“The surge in the global cocaine supply should put all of us on high

Report: Nigeria among Least Internet Restrictive Countries

Dike Onwuamaeze

A new report on Internet Freedom Around the World (IFAW) released yesterday has ranked Nigeria among the countries with the fewest internet restrictions in the world.

Nigeria, which was ranked 10 out of 20 countries that were covered by the report, had a censorship score of three over 11; internet freedom score of 57 and internet restriction score of 5.4 over 10.

However, Nigeria was among the lowest countries with number of people online with 49,968 people per 100,000 online users. Nigeria was ranked 18 out of 20 countries ahead of India and Bangladesh which had 46,430 and 30,715 people respectively per 100,000 online users.

But the United Kingdom had the highest number of people online at the ratio of 99,231 per 100,000 people.

The report also showed that the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany topped countries with the greatest internet freedom while China, Iran and Egypt were ranked as nations with the highest internet restrictions in the world, which are clamping down on digital rights for internet users.

The report noted that, “internet freedom is fast becoming an increasingly important issue, as governments around the world seek to limit their citizen's digital rights, restrict access to or censor information, or even prevent reliable internet access altogether.

“Internet freedom is also on the decline globally, with some activists taking advantage of residential proxies and VPNs to speak out

against corrupt regimes and create a fairer society.”

It added that, “internet access is a key aspect of internet freedom, as some governments chose to silence opposing voices by limiting the internet infrastructure of certain areas. This is not the case in France however, as it takes third place for this factor, with just over 94,000 people per 100,000 being regular internet users.”

The report, which was prepared by experts at Proxyrack, United Kingdom, gave a table of 20 countries that it categorised as those with the most, and least, internet restrictions based on their analysis of variables such as internet freedom, censorship, the number of people online per 100,000 people and social media restrictions to give each listed country an ‘Internet Restriction Score’ out of 10.

The report stated that countries with most internet freedom are The United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, United States of America, Italy Brazil, Mexico, Philippines and Nigeria.

But the countries with highest internet restrictions, according to the report are China, Iran, Egypt, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Turkey, Russia and Indonesia.

The report added: “The United Kingdom is the least Internetrestricted country in the world, with 99,231 people online (per 100,000), a censorship score of two, an Internet freedom score of 79 and zero social media restrictions.”

The report also stated that, “China is the most internet-restricted country in the world, with 71,534 people

online (per 100,000), a censorship score of 11, an Internet freedom score of 10, and two social media restrictions.”

Further breakdown of the report showed that there, “are around 65,000 people online per 100,000 in the top five most restricted areas, as opposed to 94,000 in those with looser internet restrictions.”

Further findings from the study also showed that Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The United Kingdom, and The United States have the least internet censorship in the world, all with a score of two over 11.

They were followed by Mexico, Philippines and Nigeria with censorship scores of four, five and three respectively on the list of countries with lower internet restrictions.

According to Mr. Sam Hall of Proxyrack, the report further stated that “social media is banned in both China and Iran, prohibiting the use of western sites and heavily restricting the use of political media.”

The UK, according to the report, “takes the top spot as the country with the most internet freedom, scoring the lowest, zero out of 10. The country has the highest proportion of people online and tops the list for its internet freedom score. The UK also places no restrictions on social media sites.”

Similarly, Japan was ranked second among countries with the most internet freedom with 0.40 point out of 10 internet restriction score.

It said that Japan “has one of the highest proportions of internet users and ranks very low for internet

censorship, sharing last place for the factor. Japan also takes second place thanks to its high internet freedom score.”

The third country is Germany with 0.66 point out of 10 internet restriction score. Germany was ranked “highly thanks to its internet freedom score of 77 and sharing second place for this factor. Germany also doesn't restrict user access to social media and the country has one of the lowest censorship scores.”

However, China topped the countries with the most internet restrictions with 9.21 out of 10 internet restriction score.

The report said: “China has the most internet restrictions, as the Chinese government has banned its citizens from western social media sites, giving it one of the lowest scores for the factor. The country also heavily restricts its political media on the internet, giving the highest internet censorship score.

“Taking second place is Iran with 8.16 over10 internet restrictions score, as the nation has banned western social media sites and heavily restrict citizen access to political media. The country also has a very low net freedom score thanks to its failure to protect the rights of its users.

“Next up is Egypt, scoring 6.84 out of 10 internet restriction score. The North-African nation has a relatively low proportion of citizens who use the internet, ranking in the bottom five for this factor. It also ranks in the bottom five for internet freedoms, as the Egyptian government has been known to imprison journalists and human rights campaigners for their actions online.”

alert,” stated UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly in reacting to these findings.

“The potential for the cocaine market to expand in Africa and Asia is a dangerous reality. I urge governments and others to closely examine the report’s findings to determine how this transnational threat can be met with transnational responses based on awareness raising, prevention, and international and regional cooperation.”

The report examined the emergence of new hubs for cocaine trafficking, noting that countries in Southeastern Europe and Africa – particularly those in West and Central Africa – were increasingly being used as key transit zones for the drug. Ports on the North Sea like Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Hamburg, meanwhile, have

eclipsed traditional entry points in Spain and Portugal for cocaine arriving in Western Europe.

Traffickers are also diversifying their routes in Central America by sending more and more cocaine to Europe, in addition to North America.

The modalities of cocaine traffickers were also examined in the report, with findings showing that the criminal landscape was fragmenting into a myriad of trafficking networks.

The demobilisation of fighters from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) - who had previously controlled many of Colombia’s coca-growing regions – created an opening for others to step in, such as new, local actors; ex-FARC guerillas; or even foreign groups from Mexico and Europe.

Amosun Going into Political Oblivion, Says Ogun APC James Sowole in Abeokuta

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun, yesterday urged the people of the state to ignore the Senator Representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun, stating that the Federal lawmaker was gradually going into political oblivion.

The remark of the party, which came against the alleged disloyalty and anti-party behaviour of the former governor, was contained in a statement signed by the APC Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye.

The statement read in part, “We do not wish to join any issue with the man famous for disloyalty and boastful egoism.

"If we may ask, what bigger shame and disgrace could face a man who, as a sitting Governor and APC senator-elect was suspended from the party. That was, perhaps, the first time such will happen in the annals of Nigeria’s politics.

"The party felt he has repented and that was why the suspension was later lifted. However, from all indications, the leopard will never change its spots.

“But for the endurance of Ogun people generally, particularly people of Yewa, Amosun will not be strutting the streets of Ogun state pretending to be a friend of Yewa

and purportedly clamouring for an Ogun West Governor.”

The statement alleged that Amosun was not pursuing the interest of the Yewa people.

It stated, "Amosun marginalised Ogun West more than any government in history. One of the foremost leaders of Yewa, Prof. Emeritus Anthony Asiwaju, in his book published in 2018 described Amosun as a Governor whose tenure, far more than any other, witnessed the emergence of Yewaland as the historic zone in the state known for abandoned projects.

He cited the two principal examples of the Ilara-Oja Odan-Ilashe road and Ipokia Polytechnic/ University projects as highpoints of hopes raised and dashed with reckless abandon during the era of the former governor.

“Amosun also abandoned more projects in Ogun Central than any government in history even as he shunned Ogun East in the execution of projects.

“While we appreciate the concern raised by genuinely worried people, we urge the good people of Ogun state to remain steadfast in their support for Prince Dapo Abiodun for second term in office based on his unparalleled performance in his first tenure, while ignoring Amosun - the puppeteer and his puppets.”

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NEWS

ACCESS BANK HONORARY RECOGNITION AWARD FOR WOMEN...

L-R : Senior Retail Advisor, Access Bank, Robert Giles; Nigeria’s Celebrated Traffic Warden, Georgietta Yehouenou; Singer and social activist, Onyeka Onwenu; Deputy Managing Director, Retail, North Directorate, Access Bank Group, Victor Etuokwu; Veteran Actress, Dame Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Group Head, Women Banking, Access Bank, Abiodun Olubitan, during a honorary recognition award ceremony for selected women in diverse fields, in Lagos… yesterday

Eight Guber Candidates Step down, Endorse Oborevwori in Delta With two days to the gubernatorial election, eight governorship candidates in Delta State have stepped down their ambitions and declared support for the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

The leadership of the political parties also endorsed Oborevwori.

The candidates led by Prince Henry Eze of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) said in a news conference in Asaba that their decision to jettison their ambitions and endorse Oborevwori for Saturday's election was in recognition of the achievements of PDP, especially Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration in the state.

The political parties Action Alliance (AA), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party and Booth Party.

According to Eze, Delta is a traditional PDP state and for stability and furtherance of

an atmosphere for inter-party harmony and cohesion, it became necessary to adopt a governorship candidate with good political credentials, pedigree and general acceptability as consensus candidate for the 2023 governorship election in the state.

He said: “The choice of our consensus candidate fell on Hon Sheriff Oborevwori of the PDP who happens to be the current Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

"Oborevwori has worked very hard, embarked on ward-to-ward campaigns and done wide consultations with virtually all known stakeholders in the state.

"Delta State political stakeholders believe in continuity and the present Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has performed creditably well in office and it is therefore natural that another PDP Governor should continue from where he stopped in order to consolidate on the gains of his administration."

He added that it was common knowledge that All Progressives Congress (APC)

administration in the country had plunged Nigeria into untold hardship, created an embarrassing security situation that led to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other security challenges.

"The recent acute fuel scarcity in Nigeria, the biting naira squeeze and near collapse of our educational system has made it clear that the APC government is not one to vote for.

"As Nigerians battle to upturn the stolen Presidential mandate by Ahmed Tinubu, we should not on the other hand be repeating the same mistake by installing the leprous APC government in Delta State," Eze stated.

Eze further remarked that the eight governorship candidates came together to endorse Sheriff Oborevwori "as consensus candidate based on the following reasons": "Delta State requires a candidate that would continue the laudable projects of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and Rt. Hon Oborevwori has proven to be a good administrator and a team player, having become the longest serving Speaker in

the history of the Delta State House of Assembly and the first to transmute from one administration to another.

"Oborevwori is a calm, calculated workaholic, a devout God fearing Christian who can be entrusted with the management of human and material resources.

"Delta people can no longer endure the pains of another APC government after causing suffering, anguish, deaths and pains that is making Nigerians look like beggars in their own country.

"Like the Americans would say, there is no changing the winning team. PDP Governors in Delta have brought peace and development to the state and there is no reason why we should change a party that is doing well.

“From this end, the governorship candidates of APM, Prince Henry Eze, Emeka Bidokwu (AA), Oghenejabor Onome (AAC), Cosmos Annabel (APP), Emmanuel Ogba (ADP), Engr. Okolie Austine (ADC), Fred Obi of (Accord), and Umudane Sylvester of (Booth Party), are stepping down their

Polls: IG Orders Restriction of Movement in 36 States FCT excluded Reiterates ban on VIP aides, escorts, state security outfits Urges citizens to be law abiding, assures of unhindered exercise of franchise

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Ahead of tomorrow’s gubernatorial and state houses of assembly elections, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, yesterday ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm on election day in all states where elections would be conducted.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Olumuyiwa

Adejobi, stated that those on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, accredited media and observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, among others, were exempted.

It said the directive excludes the Federal Capital Territory as no election would be conducted in the territory.

The statement said the IG reiterated the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

"State established and owned security outfits and organisations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management.

"The Inspector General of Police, therefore, urges all citizens to be law abiding during and after the elections even as he assures that all necessary security arrangements have been emplaced to ensure they exercise their franchise unhindered," it said.

It also urged the general public to contact the Nigeria

Police Force Headquarters via 08033440189 (DIG Operations), 08033027731 (AIG FEDOPS), and 08034040439 (CP Elections), the ‘NPF Rescue Me App’ on Android and ios, and via the NPF Rescue Me Emergency Toll-free line on 08031230631, to request emergency security response.

"Similarly, other election situation room numbers which have been shared on Nigeria Police social media platforms will be repeatedly released by concerned State Police Commands for necessary emergency contact," it said.

governorship ambitions to declare their support for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

"We have taken this all

important and crucial decision with the backing of the relevant organs and membership of our various political parties".

Ondo Takes Gender-based Violence Campaign to PWDs, Launches Braille Version of VAPP Law Fidelis David in Akure Ondo State Government, in conjunction with Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) yesterday launched the braille version of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAAP) Law in the state.

Braille is a system of touch reading and writing for blind persons in which raised dots represent the letters of the alphabet.

Speaking at the event, the Country Director of WFD, Mr. Adebowale Olorunmola, said the gathering was to sensitise PWDs and sensitive them on the VAPP law.

According to him, about 15 percent of Nigeria’s population, or at least 25 million people, have a disability, many of them face a number of human rights abuses including stigma, discrimination, violence among others.

His words: "WFD is partnering with OSAA-GBV to support the implementation of the VAPP law which is to ensure that every single individual regardless of status in the society is not violated, to protect all of us, particularly the most vulnerable and when we are talking about the most vulnerable, we are not only talking about minors, but we are also speaking of persons with disabilities.

"And there is no way therefore, we will continue the implementation of the law without carrying every single person along, including PWDs and that is why we are having the launching of this braille.

"WFD is an organisation that was founded in the UK, 30 years ago to strengthen democracy around the world. We thought there is need to have VAPP law, so that our brothers and sisters who are virtually impaired can also understand the content of the law and will be able to work as survivors or instrument to

get justice.

“So, what we are saying in essence is that the law will only be useful when all of us understand the content of the law, because it is meant to protect us as an instrument to seek justice," Olorunmola stressed.

The country Director noted that the VAPP law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and imposes sanctions including fines and prison sentences on those who contravene it.

Olorunmola added that the sensitisation and launch of braille version of the law was to build on previous activities of supporting the state government to deepen the implementation of the VAAP Law and Child Right Protection Policy of the State.

In her keynote address, the Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, represented by Mrs. Ngozi Okoro, said it was important for PWDs to be familiar with the law signed into law by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State in 2021, for them to seek justice appropriately, pointing that stakeholders must ensure that the message reaches all the nooks and crannies.

Also, in their separate remarks, the Chairman, Ondo State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Mrs. Folasade Arise and the Chairman, Ondo State chapter of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) said their disabilities make them vulnerable to violence, especially rape, noting that it was a boost to the protection of human rights.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary, Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence (OSAAGBV), Bolanle Afolabi, said the braille launch would enhance the sensitisation programme already started by her agency, stressing that the VAPP law exists to protect everybody, including men and women.

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NEWS

A SOUVENIR FOR THE PRESIDENT...

President Muhammadu Buhari receiving a present from President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria , Dr. Ije Jidenma during a courtesy visit of the Institute to the Presidential Villa , Abuja...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Nigerians Must Hold INEC Accountable to Conduct Free, Fair Elections, Say Situation Room Lists 7 states as flash points of violence Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Civil Society Coalition, (Situation Room) has said Nigerians should hold the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accountable to conduct free and fair Governorship and

State Houses of Assembly elections tomorrow.

In a bid to help prevent disruption of the electoral process, the coalition identified violentprone areas to include Lagos, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Kano.

Situation Room said INEC was

Institute Seeks Improved Performance by INEC, Security Agencies During Saturday’s Polls Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to improve performance in Saturday’s polls.

The Institute in a statement signed by its Director Overseeing the Office of the Director-General, IPCR, Gabriel Jiya, while commending Nigerians for their peaceful conduct during the presidential election as well as after the election result was declared by INEC, said they should bear in mind that typical of electoral contest, a winner would emerge and be declared by the electoral body, who is expected to be magnanimous in victory.

He urged other candidates to demonstrate sportsmanship and patriotism in exploring constitutional channels for ventilating their grievances.

Jiya said: “As a public-oriented institution, the Institute believes in the improvement of our electoral system and therefore urges INEC to learn from the experience of the last presidential election in organising, conducting and ensuring that Saturday 18th March 2023 for the gubernatorial and Houses of Assembly election is both peaceful and credible.”

He added that: “This is fundamental for democratic consolidation, representational governance, entrenching the culture of peace and sustaining the electorates’ confidence in the electoral process.”

He said: “We have also noted the conduct of the security agencies in mitigating violent incidents and securing the electoral space from the activities of political thugs and other criminal elements.

“Once again, the Institute urges the security agencies to improve on their election duty by being professional and civil in the discharge of their responsibility throughout the exercise in order to protect lives and property as well as safeguard the sanctity of the election.

“The Institute notes with appreciation the conduct of political parties, their candidates and supporters in receiving, appreciating and modestly celebrating the outcome of the presidential and National Assembly election, which is a sign of their firm believe in the capacity of the electoral process, including the judiciary, to deliver on credible outcomes.

“We call on them to continue to exercise confidence in the country’s democracy and support INEC in ensuring that the state-level election is both peaceful and credible.”

He noted that: “As a people, we have chosen constitutional democracy because it affords us the opportunity to collectively chart a future for ourselves through consensus building and the rule of law. Therefore, we must individually and collectively conduct ourselves peacefully and eschew any form of violence during and after the Saturday 18th March 2023 gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly election.”

expected to have taken lessons from the challenges experienced during the presidential and National Assembly elections and must have made adequate arrangements to forestall the recurrence of the gaps observed during the elections.

Speaking at a media briefing to mark the reconvening of Situation Room for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, the Convener, Ene Obi said Nigerians expect that the glitches that led to the malfunctioning of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) ought to have been resolved She said Nigerians should demand that officials of INEC be prosecuted if they fail to adhere strictly to the constitutionally allowed process in the conduct of Saturday's polls.

"We are holding them accountable because some of impunities keep occurring during

elections because Nigerians are not holding these INEC officials accountable for their actions. There is no way government will spend so much money to acquire new technology and then you go back to the old manual process.

"Situation Room expects that the glitches that led to the malfunctioning of the INEC IReV have been resolved and that the issues that occasioned the inability of the Commission to conduct elections in some polling units and late opening of polls in others have been addressed.

"In particular, the Situation Room calls on INEC to address the shortages in the number of ad hoc staff available for the elections, make adequate transportation arrangements, conduct additional training for the ad hoc staff, and promptly reconfigure and deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)

and other materials required for the elections. Most importantly, ensure that it communicates in a timely manner to the public on any challenges or changes made to the electoral process," she said.

Obi said it was important to remind the electoral body that the result of any election was as important as the process used to arrive at such outcome.

Ahead of the Saturday's elections, the civil society organisation said the security situation across the country appeared tense, with reports of violence, kidnap and assassination in several States including Lagos, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Kano.

Obi lamented the harassment and physical violence unleashed on female candidates in the ongoing elections, adding that the security agencies owed it a duty to provide maximum protection for female candidates.

"As such, Situation Room reminds the Nigeria Police and other security agencies that they have a primary responsibility to guarantee the safety and security of election officials as well as other election stakeholders, including voters, polling agents, election observers, the media and service providers.

"Security agencies should take adequate measures to forestall the recurrence of acts of voter suppression, disruption of voting, and outright violence experienced in some places during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

"Furthermore the Situation Room calls on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to ensure that they are non-partisan, professional and will avoid any actions capable of being interpreted as acting in support of any political interest," she said.

Again, Bode George Expresses Support for Rhodes Vivour, Insists LP Candidate is 'Omo Eko Pataki' Segun James Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, yesterday threw his weight behind Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party governorship candidate for Lagos State.

By his endorsement of RhodesVivour, George, the leader of the PDP in Lagos state has finally divorced himself from Dr. Olajide Adediran (Jandor), who is the PDP gubernatorial candidate in tomorrow’s election.

George, who made the public adoption of Rhodes-Vivour at his office in Ikoyi, Lagos, said the endorsement signified a new dawn for the liberalisation of the State, even as he called the LP candidate an "Omo Eko Pataki.".

He was however quickly to make it clear that he remains a member of the PDP. "I remain an irredentist member of PDP," he insisted.

He also made it clear that his endorsement of the LP guber

candidate was under the auspices of the Lagos socio-cultural group, Omo Eko Pataki Group and not in his capacity as a member of the PDP. He appealed to the teeming supporters present not to be deterred by the performance of 'Oro rituals,' in some part of the state, saying they should come out en masse and vote for the candidates of their choice.

"It is with a good sense of humility and responsibility that I make one final call to all compatriots of Lagos to stand united in our collective struggle to save the soul of our State.

"This is our finest hour to immortalie the memory of our dear son, the Late Engr. Funsho Williams. We must not let his contributions be in vain. On this premise, Omo Eko Pataki group, a new socio political movement, is born to ensure that our electoral process in Lagos will be free, fair and just. We insist on the use of Electronic transfer of results rather than

the unreliable, archaic, manual system. 'O to ge.'

"All registered voters must come out to cast their votes without fear.

On this, I appeal to all security agencies to ensure protection of lives and properties of our people.

All marauders and violent thugs must be arrested and be treated according to the laws of our land.

"The opportunity to liberate ourselves by the power of the Almighty God has arrived.

"To all victims of the recent spate of attacks and all those who have lost properties and their sources of livelihood during this period, rest assured that this will be revisited in the new era of a legally-elected democratic government.

"To all civil servants and pensioners, welcome to the dawn of a new era.

"It is pertinent to raise a germane issue about the appointee and surrogate of a presidential candidate who is presently the man in charge of information technology at INEC. Yesterday, the INEC spokesperson said there is no such person in

their organisation.”

Speaking further, the PDP chieftain said: "My question is, is that fellow not a consultant/ contractor for the ICT department in the INEC office? Mr. INEC spokesperson, be bold enough to tell the public what Mr. Femi Odubiyi is doing in the INEC office."

He therefore appealed to INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, "to do the right thing and save Nigeria from being the butt of jokes in the comity of Nations."

Reacting to his adoption, RhodesVivour commended Bode George for endorsing his candidacy in Lagos gubernatorial poll, saying the PDP has remained a very strong opposition in the state.

While appreciating George for speaking the truth to the power, the LP candidate stressed that he joined the party to realise his ambition.

He stated that the glory of public schools would be brought back in the State if he is elected in as the next governor of the State.

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POLITICS

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

Labour Party, Obi and Hope of a Future

Emameh Gabriel looks at the prospect of Labour Party that seems to have earned its place in the nation’s political mainstream

T

he much anticipated presidential elections have come and gone and winners have been declared and some losers frowning at the outcome.

The elections will go down in history as the most keenly contested in the country as no less than four major candidates across party lines flexed muscles at the polls.

It was the first time since 2007 that the country had more than two major candidates in a presidential election and the first time since 1983 with four major candidates in a presidential race.

The outcome compared closely with the 1979 presidential election that saw Shehu Shagari winning with 34%, Obafemi Awolowo who came close to him with 29%, Nnamdi Azikiwe 16%, Aminu Kano 10.28% and Waziri Ibrahim who came last with 10% gave an almost similar picture.

In this year’s election, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) with its presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was given a run for its money and federal might by former vice president Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi of the new national movement on the platform of Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) all of whom registered their strengths.

But one thing has stood this year’s election out; the emergence of a Third Force with Labour Party making a surprise inroad in less than ten months to challenge the status quo.

Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor came into the race to change the game and leading the new Third Force in Nigeria’s political sphere after he successfully galvanised the support of millions of youths, especially in southern Nigeria after dumping his former party, the main opposition PDP for the LP. Obi, 61, was adjudged by INEC to have lost the presidential election after winning 12 states, including Lagos and other former strongholds of the two previously dominant parties.

Though the Labour Party has for sometime been one of the parties in the Nigerian multi-party democracy albeit as a fringe party initially called Party for Social Democrats (PSD), even though every now and then it comes to the fore depending on the interest and whims of political actors, like the case of former Ondo state governor, Olusegun Mimiko, who rode on its back to power and governed on the platform between 2009 and 2017.

However, it assumed a new status when on 30th May, 2022, former Anambra state governor and 2019 vice presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) emerged as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections found the party as a fertile ground to sow on.

In the build up to the February 25, 2023 election, the party galvanized huge sections of the Nigerian public, particularly the youths and the working class, who seem to have been disenchanted with the main political parties, just as it gained inroads with the support of the christian community across the country.

The outcome of the presidential election results saw the party coming third with a total of 6, 101, 533 votes after the ruling All Progressives Congress Bola Tinubu which won the day with 8, 794, 726 and the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar 6, 984, 520 votes.

The party succeeded in winning a total of 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T). States such as Lagos, Nassarawa, Plateau, Cross Rivers voted massively for Peter Obi, with the Labour Party securing six senate and 34 House of Assembly seats.

From the voting pattern, it was clear that most urban and forward looking states and constituencies of the country rallied to the

high ranking member of the national assembly, Senator Philip Aduda in the Abuja senate race, Thaddeus Atta beating Babajide Obanikoro in Lagos and a host of many others.

Peter Obi has vowed to challenge the results of the election in court but what does the future holds for him and the Labour Party even as Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party is also laying claim to the throne?

clarion call of the party for a New Nigeria, including Lagos, which is the country’s center of commerce, and Abuja, as the seat of the nation, both comprising of Nigerians of all tribes and shades.

In heterogeneous megacities where the party performed spectacularly well, it witnessed non indigenes riding to power on the wave of the Obi - Datti movement.

The likes of Hajia Ireti Kingibe displacing

An Uncertain Future?

In Nigerian politics, four years is a very long time in the ever dynamic inter - play of centripetal and centrifugal forces, with new alignments and realignments every now and then. While the Labour party was largely taunted as having no structures and unlikely to make significant showing, it has proven its detractors wrong, in a way by showing that all structure is based and built on popular support.

By winning through the ballot new legislative positions, it no doubt will now have the capacity to erect new bases and bastions of support and more effectively structure its party organization.

While some analysts believe the possibility of these new legislators or other members of the Labour party being porched or joining more larger parties, this is no doubt the fate of the party when it was complacently at the fringes and even in the preparations for the general elections.

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

Why South-East Deserves House Speakership Udora Orizu writes that the leadership of the All Progressive Congress should consider zoning the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives to the South east zone in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness

A

s the race for National Assembly leadership kicks off, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to consider various factors before zoning the position of the Speaker of House of Representatives to a particular area in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness.

With the issuance of the certificate of returns to the members-elect of the House of Representatives by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and a meeting between the lawmakers and President-elect, Bola Tinubu; his vice, Kashim Shettima; the race for the principal offices, particularly the Speaker, has begun, ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on June 13.

Though Tinubu at the meeting said he has no preferred candidates for the leadership of the federal legislature, the party leadership while making decisions on zoning should display integrity, and also strike a balance in terms of geo-political representation in the leadership of the National Assembly. And to ensure this is achieved, the party should back calls for a South East Speakership.

This will not only address the issue of underrepresentation of the Igbo but would also send a message that the party is committed to ensuring that all the citizens are fairly represented.

Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, the Southeast geopolitical zone is yet to have the opportunity to produce a speaker of the House of Representatives, while almost all the other geo-political zones have held that position for several years.

From 1999 to 2007, the position of Speaker was zoned to the North West with

Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Na’Abba and Aminu Bello Masari taking their turns.

From 2007 to 2011, the South West had it with Patricia Etteh and Dimeji Bankole presiding, while the position went back to the North West between 2011 and 2015, with Aminu Waziri Tambuwal presiding.

In 2015, the North East manned the affairs of the Green Chamber again with Yakubu Dogara as Speaker. By 2019, it returned to the South West again with the current speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.

As the race for who will take Gbajabiamila’s seat in the 10th National Assembly has commenced, from established political norms and antecedents, in the spirit of natural justice and equity, the party should bequeath the Speakership of the House of Representatives to Southeast and when done, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is the right man for the job.

The newly elected members of the green chamber from the six geo-political zones of the country should support the initiative

by electing one of her own and member representing Bende federal constituency of Abia State, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, as Speaker.

Kalu who recently won his second term re-election bid was appointed Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs and official spokesperson of the Ninth House by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

As Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, he launched the first ever magazine publication of the Assembly called, “The Green Chamber Magazine”, which, according to him, would be a tool of transparency for reporting all activities of the House.

In the past three years, his innovative approach towards legislative activities through bills and motions has ranked him as one of the top 10 members of the House by bill sponsorship.

He also attracted various projects to his Bende constituency including road rehabilitation, construction and rehabilitation of schools and medical centres, and distribution of educational material.

As a first time legislator, he hit the ground running by moving the first motion of the 9th House.

He had since then sponsored several motions. One of his notable motions was the motion praying for the evacuation of Nigerians from China as Coronavirus spread from that country to other parts of the world.

Another notable motion, was the motion on the need for intervention in the public health crises of Tuberculosis in Nigeria.

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

19

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2023

POLITICS

U.S Presidential, Diplomatic Heavyweights Travel Across Africa Chido Nwangwu writes that Nigeria is not included in the state visit of the United States Vice President Kamala Harris to three African countries from March 25 to April 2.

T

he United States has faced increasing and strong competition for influence and leverage across different regions of the African continent for many decades. Some of the American administrations didn’t engage the changing dynamics in different parts of Africa properly, early enough and realistically hence, they seem to be playing catch-up.

But I don’t think it’s too late. Or, do you think, it is?

The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, will travel to three African countries beginning from March 25 to April 2, 2023.

VP Harris, the first Black woman to be elected into this position is scheduled to be in Accra, Ghana; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Lusaka, Zambia.

“The trip will strengthen the United States’ partnerships throughout Africa and advance our shared efforts on security and economic prosperity,” according to a statement from the vice president’s spokesperson, Kirsten Allen.

Significantly, VP Harris will not visit Africa’s largest economy and most populated country, Nigeria, at this time.

USAfricaonline.com has learned from an influential former diplomat at the U.S State Department that the decision to skip Nigeria was made “due to the unresolved issues arising from its February 2023 elections and some human rights matters.”

I recall that on January 25, 2023., U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, announced on his official Twitter page regarding Nigeria: “To support Nigeria’s upcoming elections, today I am announcing visa restrictions for those involved in undermining democracy in Nigeria. The United States supports Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”

Many Nigerians are still wondering and asking how far has that been implemented?

Who, among those that facilitated the rigging of the February 25, 2023 presidential and national assembly elections, perpetrated fraud and violence against democracy and the electoral process have been denied visa?

The sad truth is that some of them will set their anti-democracy violations in motion on Saturday, March 18, 2023 governorship and State Assembly elections. Blinken has been to Nigeria.

Blinken started his travel to Ethiopia and Niger, from March 14 to 17, 2023.

On March 15, Blinken visited Ethiopia’s

capital, Addis Ababa, where he discussed “implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement to advance peace and promote transitional justice in northern Ethiopia.” He also met with African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and discussed “shared global and regional priorities.”

He also met some of Ethiopia’s “humanitarian partners and civil society actors to discuss humanitarian assistance delivery, food security, and human rights.”

On March 16, 2023, he became the first U.S Secretary of State to visit crisis-torn Niger — which is Nigeria’s neighbour.

With the increasing influence of China and Russia in the area, Blinken mission is essentially to enhance the U.S.-Niger partnership on diplomacy, democracy, development, and defense.

According to the U.S State Department, Blinken will also “engage youths from Niger’s conflict zones, who have completed the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) program, to learn about their contributions to peace in Niger.”

Meanwhile, the office of VP Harris notes that her “visit will build on the recent U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit that President Biden hosted in Washington in December 2022.... Throughout the trip, in partnership with African governments and the private sector, the Vice President will advance efforts to expand access to the digital economy, support climate adaptation and resilience, and strengthen business ties and investment, including through innovation, entrepreneurship, and the economic empowerment of women.

The Vice President will meet with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Samia Hassan of Tanzania, and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia to discuss regional and global priorities, including our shared commitment to democracy, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, food security, and the effects of Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine, among other issues. The Vice President will strengthen peopleto-people ties and engage with civil society, including young leaders, business representatives, entrepreneurs, and members of the African Diaspora.”

It is equally important to note that before Vice President Harris and Secretary of State Blinken announced their diplomatic and strategic security trips to parts of Africa, this year, the First Lady of the United States Jill Biden and the U.S Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made their own trips of humanitarian and economic incentives engagements in a number of African countries.

The United States has faced increasing and strong competition for influence and leverage across different regions of the African continent for many decades.

Some of the American administrations didn’t engage the changing dynamics in different parts of Africa properly, early enough and realistically — hence, they seem to be playing catch-up. But I don’t think it’s too late. Or, do you think, it is?

Time will tell.

-Dr Nwangwu, is Founder of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com.

Follow him on Twitter @Chido247

20 T H I S D AY FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2023 TR

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& RE A S O

Friday March 17, 2023 Vol 27. No 10198

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

NIGERIA DECIDES: A FEW PERSPECTIVES

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA reckons that Nigeria now has three major political parties

See page 21

SOLUDO, ONE YEAR ON The Anambra State governor has to buckle up, writes PAT ONUKWULI

See page 21 EDITORIAL

DANGER OF SPEED LIMIT VIOLATIONS

22

1

Time and prevailing circumstances seem to have intervened in favour of the incumbent, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

THE BATTLE FOR LAGOS The battle for the soul of Lagos sounds like the title of a Nollywood movie. But it’s a summation of the struggle for the political FRQWURO RI /DJRV 6WDWH ,W·V QRW D IUHVK ÀJKW though, it occurs every four years. However, this latest one is more intense because of the rude disruption that occurred two weeks ago.

Bola Tinubu, hitherto undisputed generalissimo and godfather of the politics of the state, was defeated by Peter Obi, a rising political actor, in a presidential contest that confounded many political analysts.

Although Tinubu eventually subdued Obi nationally, the Lagos outcome was shocking as it threw up the possibility of a new political order in a state that had been under the control of a particular political tendency since 1999.

That upset has since given life to the Yoruba adage that all kinds of knives surface upon the death of an elephant as less-known quantities have taken to the big stage to bid for power. It is in these circumstances that tomorrow’s gubernatorial and legislative contests, qualify as an epic battle for the soul of the commercial capital of the nation. :KDW ZDV D WZR FRUQHU ÀJKW EHWZHHQ Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the incumbent and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, and Abdulazeez Adediran of the Peoples Democratic Party became a tripartite battle with Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party stepping up to challenge for the title.

Incidentally, the last that was not in the reckoning now looks like the main challenger whose supporters have become so loud and insistent on claiming the title.

The enthusiasm and hope of RhodesVivour’s supporters are understandable.

With Obi’s upset of Tinubu in his stronghold, it is now thought that nothing is indeed impossible. But this might be misconceived as those factors that colluded to produce the outcome of the presidential contest in Lagos may not be present tomorrow.

Four main issues have been isolated as the causal factors of Tinubu’s defeat: religion, ethnicity, youth anger, and discontent among APC members. His choice of a Muslim as running mate attracted the anger of the Christian community which mobilised massively against him. The large Igbo community’s votes went to Obi, while the youth who have been seething with anger from a combination of the #endSARS protests and general frustration also cast their ballots across ethnic lines against him. Meanwhile, his party’s foot soldiers who should have stood up for him were reticent because of years of neglect by a greedy and conceited leadership that had not only become divided EXW DOVR WDNHQ LWV UDQN DQG ÀOH IRU D ULGH But time has intervened to remove or moderate these factors. The Christian

community would not be able to deny that Sanwo-Olu is of its faith. Indeed he has been engaging its leadership since the shock of 25 February. The Igbo have little or no stake in tomorrow’s contest as Obi is not on the ballot, although Rhodes-Vivour’s maternal origin and marriage traced to Igbo are now being canvassed. The angry youth would seem to have been so disappointed by the eventual comprehensive defeat of Obi that they might have become lethargic.

Finally, following introspection, Tinubu relocated to Lagos last week to take charge.

No longer distracted, he has been engaged in intense housekeeping, settling internal disputes, and realigning forces. Evidence that ranks are being closed manifested in the return, to the hefty votes-bearing Alimosho area of Lagos, of Rauf Aregbesola, minister of Interior and former governor of Osun State, who had been estranged from the mainstream Tinubu political family. He has since joined WKH JURXQG RͿHQVLYH LQ KLV VWURQJKROG ZKHUH the LP prevailed penultimate week.

Sanwo-Olu too has been on the streets engaging directly with the electorate in a bid to woo them to his side. “Our issues are not with you but your principal; and we have settled our scores with him during the presidential poll,” one young lady told him during his engagement with some youths in a market in the heart of Lagos. Her view UHÁHFWV WKH GRPLQDQW RSLQLRQ DPRQJ WKH young voters who enthusiastically trooped out for Obi penultimate week.

Sanwo-Olu’s arduous task would seem to have been made less tedious by his engaging personality, ability to communicate HͿHFWLYHO\ NQDFN IRU GHWDLOV SHGLJUHH DQG evident record of performance look good to KHOS KLP JR WKURXJK &DUULHG LQWR R΀FH E\ DQ established political machine he had worked for at various levels, including holding sensitive executive positions, Sanwo-Olu’s performance in the last three years plus is an ample testimonial that his over 15 years of governance experience is not a waste.

The substantive evidence that he had been properly schooled in good governance principles is his decision to build not only on his immediate past predecessor’s

achievements and complete uncompleted projects but to also faithfully continue the implementation of the 25-year development plan instituted by Tinubu around 23 years ago. That plan has now been reviewed and redeveloped into a 35-year development plan. This explains his delivery of big-ticket projects planned or started some years ago, including road, rail, and waterways infrastructure.

His star projects include the multi-billiondollar Lekki Deep Sea Port; the 13km railway Blue Line Phase 1 and Red Line, the Imota Rice Mill; major link bridges, including the Pen Cinema Bridge, expansion of Ikotun – Egbe Bridge; extension of Iyana Ipaja Bridge, Iyana-Era Bridge along Iyana Era Road in Ojo; Ogudu Alapere Link Bridge, Kosofe; and over 300 internal roads across the three senatorial districts of the state. His imprints are also evident in the education and health sectors as well as youth empowerment and poverty alleviation.

It is not that Adeniran and Rhodes-Vivour KDYH QRWKLQJ WR RͿHU WKRXJK %RWK KDYH played largely in the private sector excelling LQ WKHLU GLͿHUHQW FDOOLQJV %RWK KDYH DOVR been in the political mix for some time. The former had been a fringe player in the APC before crossing over to the PDP after he was marginalised in his erstwhile party. The latter had been with the PDP before he joined the LP when he couldn’t make headway in the main opposition party.

The two main challengers had attempted an alliance but could not agree apparently due to ego and ambition. Actually, RhodesVivour was the dominant player in the PDP and was good to clinch the gubernatorial ticket until Adeniran showed up.

Outmaneuvered, Rhodes-Vivour bided for Adeniran’s deputy but things didn’t work out hence the move to the LP. Interestingly, at that time LP was not a big deal in Lagos.

It was Obi that changed the course of things.

The prospect of victory has made RhodesVivour, who had shown interest in being a deputy, a dry stick to bend.

With the collapse of the alliance move, Rhodes-Vivour and Adeniran are set to split the votes with which they could have sent Sanwo-Olu out of Alausa, the seat of power in Lagos. Not a few people now think though that given the place of Lagos in the economic and political equation of the country, it is not a place to be left in the hands of private sector fringe players without a strong political machine to sustain their hold on power.

Does the generality of the people also think so? Tomorrow will tell.

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

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FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2023

JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA reckons that Nigeria now has three major political parties

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The Anambra State governor has to buckle up, writes PAT ONUKWULI

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22 4

T H I S D AY

FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

DANGER OF SPEED LIMIT VIOLATIONS The FRSC should intensify efforts to ensure safety for road users

F

As the nation’s lead agency for road safety ollowing a recent fatal accident along PDQDJHPHQW DQG WUD΀F DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ WKH )56& the Kwali-Abaji expressway, the Federal has consistently canvassed the idea of installing Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corps speed limiting devices in vehicles as a means of Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu cautioned achieving safe driving on our roads. The argument is drivers against violating prescribed WKDW E\ VORZLQJ GRZQ YHKLFOHV WKH WUDYHO ULVN IRU DOO speed limit. He also admonished against motorists may be lowered by reducing the number night trips while urging those on such duties to of collisions and mitigating the severity of those always observe rest period of 30 minutes after every that do occur. In many countries, speed is estimated four-hour drive. The main cause of the crash which to be the main contributory factor in about 50 per claimed no fewer than 17 lives was excessive speed, cent of all crashes. Excessive speeding decreases and fatigue. Speed limit violation, according to driver’s response time in an emergency and may %LX LV D SUHGRPLQDQW FKDOOHQJH WR FROOHFWLYH HͿRUWV LQFUHDVH WKH ULVN RI D FUDVK ,W HTXDOO\ UHGXFHV KLV to stem the tide of avoidable crashes on Nigerian ability to manoeuvre safely on the road, extends the highways. distance necessary to stop a vehicle. This is because 7KH LVVXH RI VSHHG KDV EHHQ LGHQWLÀHG E\ WKH :RUOG the higher the speed of a Health Organisation vehicle, the shorter the :+2 DV D NH\ ULVN time a driver must stop IDFWRU LQ URDG WUD΀F Controlling vehicle speed can prevent crashes from happening and and avoid a crash.

LQMXULHV LQÁXHQFLQJ Speed also contributes ERWK WKH ULVN RI D FUDVK can reduce the impact when they do occur, lessening the severity of to the severity of the as well as the severity impact when a collision of the injuries that result injuries sustained by the victims does occur. For car from crashes. In fact, occupants in a crash with :+2 DQG WKH *OREDO DQ LPSDFW VSHHG RI NP Road Safety Partnership, T H I S D AY KU WKH OLNHOLKRRG RI GHDWK LV WLPHV ZKDW LW ZRXOG in its publication, “Speed Management: Road Safety EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU KDYH EHHQ DW DQ LPSDFW VSHHG RI NP KU )RU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA 0DQXDO IRU 'HFLVLRQ 0DNHUV DQG 3UDFWLWLRQHUV µ MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO instance, the use of speed limiters in many countries, recommended that speed limits be introduced in DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU HVSHFLDOO\ LQ (XURSH GDWHV WR )HEUXDU\ ZKHQ D every country as part of the global strategy to cut CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI &RXQFLO GLUHFWLYH ((& UHTXLUHG VSHHG OLPLWHUV down road fatalities. Nigeria is yet to come to terms EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN WR EH ÀWWHG LQ FHUWDLQ FDWHJRULHV RI YHKLFOHV %\ with that prescription.

MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI 1RYHPEHU WKH (XURSHDQ 3DUOLDPHQW DQG WKH THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE The relationship between speed and injury &RXQFLO 'LUHFWLYH (& H[WHQGHG WKH UDQJH severity is particularly critical for vulnerable RI YHKLFOHV WR EH ÀWWHG ZKLOH LQ -DQXDU\ LW ZDV road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. For H[WHQGHG WR PRUH FDWHJRULHV RI YHKLFOHV :LWKLQ example, pedestrians have been shown to have a T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D $IULFD 7DQ]DQLD DQG .HQ\D IROORZHG VXLW LQ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA SHU FHQW FKDQFH RI VXUYLYDO ZKHQ VWUXFN E\ D FDU GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ZKLOH 8JDQGD LQ =DPELD LQ DQG 2QWDULR WUDYHOOLQJ DW NP KU RU EHORZ EXW OHVV WKDQ ]HUR ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DQG 4XHEHF WRRN WKHLU WXUQV LQ SHU FHQW FKDQFH RI VXUYLYLQJ DQ LPSDFW DW NP DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, :KLOH WKH GHEDWH DERXW WKH LQWURGXFWLRQ RI VSHHG hr. Pedestrians have almost no chance of surviving ANTHONY OGEDENGBE limiters to address some of the challenges posed by DQ LPSDFW RI NP KU :KDW WKLV PHDQV LV WKDW DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI VSHHG LQGXFHG URDG WUD΀F FUDVKHV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH controlling vehicle speed can prevent crashes from ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI continues, we urge the FRSC authorities to intensify happening and can reduce the impact when they do CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI LWV HͿRUWV WR HQVXUH VDIHW\ IRU WKH 1LJHULDQ URDG occur, lessening the severity of injuries sustained by DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO users. the victims.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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

LETTERS TINUBU, ATIKU, OBI AND THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS President Muhammadu Buhari is counting days to leaving ofÀFH HYHQ DV %ROD $KPHG 7LQXEX ZDLWV LQ WKH ZLQJV WR WDNH RYHU ZKLOH 3HWHU 2EL DQG $WLNX $EXEDNDU KHDG WR FRXUW WR FRQWHQG IRU ZKDW WKH\ FRQVLGHU D VWROHQ PDQGDWH DW EHVW GXULQJ WKH JHQHUal elections. How earnestly Nigerians yearn for the day when elections will be decided at the polling units with all parties reposing their faith in the process and eschewing recourse to court so that at least the courts can concentrate on other pressing matters. But the VLJQV ZLWK WKH JHQHUDO HOHFWLRQV DUH WKDW 1LJHULD LV VWLOO D ORQJ way from that promised land. $OUHDG\ ÀUHZRUNV KDYH HQVXHG LQ WKH &RXUW RI $SSHDO ZLWK WKH application by the Independent National Electoral Commission ,1(& IRU DQ RUGHU RI FRXUW WR UHFRQÀJXUH WKH PXFK GLVFXVVHG Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BvAS). The application was heard and granted to set the stage for the governorship elections ZKLFK KDYH QRZ EHHQ PRYHG IURP 0DUFK WR 0DUFK :KLOH ,1(& VHHNV WR SXW LWV KRXVH LQ RUGHU DQG JHW LWV DFW together and the courts listening to all those who would contend WKDW WKH SUHVLGHQWLDO HOHFWLRQV ZHUH LUUHGHHPDEO\ ÁDZHG LW LV important to remember that nature abhors a vacuum and barring D FRXUW RI ODZ ÀQGLQJ RWKHUZLVH RQ 0D\ %ROD $KPHG

7LQXEX ZLOO EH VZRUQ LQ DV 1LJHULD·V 3UHVLGHQW :KDW D SUHVLGHQW he would be. :LGHO\ UHFRJQL]HG DV D NLQJPDNHU LQ WKH 6RXWKZHVW DQG LQ /Dgos State where he was a two-term governor, he came to national prominence when in historic elections he helped forge the coalition that brought the 16-year-long reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to a shuddering end. He has been in and around the current government for the last eight years. It was probably why he felt so strongly that it was his time to step out in the sun. That feeling and Tinubu’s unashamed expression of it succeeded in DOLHQDWLQJ VR PDQ\ 1LJHULDQV ,W LV GRXEWIXO WKDW LI KH WDNHV WKH VDGdle as president, he will be able to bring many Nigerians aboard especially those un-benighted by ethnic and religious bigotry.

Nigerians wanted Peter Obi. At least all those who wanted 1LJHULD WR ZRUN ZDQWHG 3HWHU 2EL ZKRVH YLVLRQ IRU 1LJHULD KDG WKULOOHG DQG WUDQVÀ[HG 1LJHULDQV LQ HTXDO PHDVXUH )RU PDQ\ 1Lgerians, it was Peter Obi or no one else. And suddenly, a man who had no structure was surging to over six million votes on the platform of a party that was just a year ago, it was just one of many Nigerian political parties stewing in obscurity.

From the moment he polled the highest numbers in the primary

HOHFWLRQV RI WKH $OO 3URJUHVVLYHV &RQJUHVV IRU WKH R΀FH RI WKH 3UHVident, many predicted that Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win or at least put in a strong showing. He put in a strong showing when he SROOHG YRWHV WR VKUXJ RͿ RWKHU FDQGLGDWHV :KDW 7LQXEX KDV QRW EHHQ DEOH WR VKUXJ RͿ LV WKH ZLGHO\ GLVWULEXWHG SHUFHSWLRQ WKDW KLV DQWHFHGHQWV DUH XQÀW IRU WKH FRXQWU\·V KLJKHVW R΀FH $V KH UDQ IRU R΀FH PDQ\ 1LJHULDQV DW KRPH DQG DEURDG TXHVWLRQHG WKH VRXUFH RI KLV VWDJJHULQJ SHUVRQDO ZHDOWK 0DQ\ VDLG KH KDG DFTXLUHG VXFK ZHDOWK E\ FRQVWDQWO\ DQG FRQWLQXRXVO\ PLONLQJ /DJRV ZKHUH KH ZDV *RYHUQRU IRU HLJKW \HDUV Some Nigerians would readily disagree with the above assertion. Prof. Itse Sagay, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), has averred that Bola Tinubu KDV ]HUR WROHUDQFH IRU FRUUXSWLRQ 0DQ\ 1LJHULDQV ZRXOG GLVDJUHH ZLWK WKLV DVVHUWLRQ 7KH\ DOVR EDON DW WKH IDFW WKDW VRPHRQH ÀQJHUHG IRU WKH NLQG RI FRUUXSWLRQ ZUHDNLQJ KDYRF LQ 1LJHULD LV VHW WR RFFXS\ WKH FRXQWU\·V KLJKHVW R΀FH ,W DOVR GRHV QRW KHOS 7LQXEX·V FDVH that the’ bullion van’ whispers have never really gone away.

Kene Obiezu, @kenobiezu

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023

23

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

M A R C H

S & P INDEX

1 6 , 2 0 2 3

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.55%

INDEX LEVEL

612.93%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.22%

N461.46/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

10.80%

1-DAY

0.30%

YEAR TO DATE

0.22%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

11.65%

MONTH-TO-DATE

1.44%

Experts Raise Concern over Foreign Airlines’ Inability to Repatriate Funds from Nigeria

Chinedu Eze Besides charging Nigerian air travellers exorbitant fares, aviation experts have raised concern over foreign airlines’ inability to repatriate trapped funds in Nigeria, insisting that Nigeria has become a country with the highest amount of foreign airlines’ trapped funds while highlighting its implications.

The implications according to them include the designation of Nigeria as a high-risk country in doing businesses related to aviation; the increase in insurance premium due to country

risk and also the reluctance of lessors to lease aircraft to Nigerian carriers or to do so at very high cost.

Experts believe Nigeria having the highest amount of the trapped airlines’ funds is not good for the country because of the perception of Nigeria in global aviation industry.

Speaking, the Managing Director and CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi told THISDAY that said that the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility owned

by Aero Contractors, benefit from credit guarantee extended to MROs by suppliers, but explained that this

might be suspended because of the rising amount of trapped airlines’ funds in Nigeria.

He noted that in global reckoning, the policy or action taken by a country influences how the companies in that country are treated.

He said no matter the goodwill enjoyed by a Nigerian company, international financiers, lessors and aircraft insurers like Lloyd, may not deal with any company in Nigeria without considering policies and actions taken by the Nigerian government.

“This is why the designation of

a country determines how airlines in that country are dealt with. If a country is designated as high risk, it influences the way companies in the country are perceived and related with. So if the trapped funds are not remitted to the airlines and the funds keep piling up, it is not good for the country. “It will affect Nigerian airlines when they want to lease aircraft. Some lessors may not want to deal with the airlines because of country risk. They may ask the airline to pay almost two times what an airline in another county will pay for similar leasing arrangement. We

have what we call consumables in aircraft maintenance. Suppliers give MROs credit facility up to $300, 000 to $400, 000 but when the look at Nigeria and they see the piling airline debts, they may decide not to extend the guarantee to Nigeria. They will term Nigeria a high-risk country, so they won’t give us credit facility,” Sanusi said. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Tuesday disclosed that the trapped funds belonging to foreign airlines operating in Nigeria had reached $734,721,097 from $662 million in January 2023.

IATA disclosed this in a letter

addressed to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and signed by the Area Manager West and Central Africa, Dr Samson Fatokun.

Nigeria has remained the country with the highest amount of trapped airlines’ funds and in December last year, IATA published the countries with the highest trapped funds as follows: Nigeria: $551 million, Pakistan: $225 million, Bangladesh: $208 million, Lebanon: $144 million and Algeria: $140 million.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

FG Cautioned against Additional Borrowing from Central Bank Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie The Chief Executive Officer, CFG Advisory, Mr. Tilewa Adebajo has cautioned the federal government against borrowing from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Following the proposed steps, which the federal government wants to take in refinancing the

N23.7 trillion of the nation’s total debt, he proposed a resolution trust special purpose vehicle (SPV) backed by legislation within the Debt Management Office (DMO) act and framework as against securitising ways and means.

Speaking yesterday as a guest on the Morning Show of ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers,

Adebajo also said the approval of the N1trillion to finance the budget deficit for the year by the House of Representatives was illegal.

According to him, “The government has to continue, we cannot shut down government, we need to pay the civil servants and continue to fund government activities because government is a continuum.

“If you say securitization is illegal, what solutions are you offering? I cannot work on this alone, Debt Management Office has to be involved, Ministry of Finance has to be involved and the Central Bank of Nigeria has to be involved as well because it is culpable as its the balance sheet that has been used for this.”

He however urged the public to look at alternatives regarding

securitisation.

“I have provided some alternatives for the legislators to consider, and we have been getting a lot of feedback, I have also been consulting widely on this. “N21 billion is a lot of money.

The DMO is able to raise just about N360 billion every month, so in a year the best they can do is N4.5 trillion as that’s the capacity they have right now.

“So this year they will raise at best N5 trillion in the market, but we have N21trillion refinance, so the capital market does not have the capacity to absorb these funds and that is where the problem is,” he noted.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, M A R C H 1 6 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price ^14.20 14MAR-2024 ^13.53 23MAR-2025 ^12.50 22JAN-2026 ^16.2884 17MAR-2027 ^13.98 23FEB-2028

10.362, 00 10.459, 00 10.287, 00 11.168, 00 10.386, 00

Change Updated Time (%) 10.82 -0.01 January 6, 2023 January 11.11 -0.71 6, 2023 January 0.00 6, 11.35 2023 January 12.60 0.00 6, 2023 January 12.92 0.00 6, 2023

Yield

BILLS MATURITY

Discount

NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23

3.01

NTB 11May-23

3.23

3.01 2.21 3.20

3.27

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Change Updated Time (%) 3.01 -0.01 January 6, 2023 January 6, 0.00 2023 3.02 January 6, 2.22 -1.71 2023 January 6, 3.23 0.00 2023

Yield

January 6, 0.00 2023

MATURITY FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23 MREP CP VI 11-APR-23

Change Updated Time (%) January 6, 9.26 9.43 0.00 2023 January 6, 14.15 14.64 0.00 2023 January 6, 10.52 10.81 -0.01 2023

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CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate Updated Time ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS JAN 25 469.87 January 6, 1 2023 2023 January 6, NGUS FEB 22 2 472.05 2023 2023 NGUS MAR 29 474.23 January 6, 3 2023 2023 NGUS APR 26 476.42 January 6, 4 2023 2023 NGUS MAY 31 478.60 January 6, 5 2023 2023

24

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Dana Air Takes Delivery of Aircraft from Maintenance, Introduces New Rate A I R

Dana Air has taken delivery of some of its aircraft from maintenance facility.

The airline in a statement, said it has received some of its aircraft from maintenance and would be introducing a flash sale of N45,000 for those who plan their trips early enough and book ahead on its website wwwflydanaiar.com.

According to the statement,

“We are pleased to announce that we have taken delivery of some of our aircraft from maintenance.

These aircraft have undergone proper maintenance in line with our strict safety standards, documentation and certification to be released for our scheduled flights.

“Also, for customers who prefer to plan their trips and book ahead, we have introduced a flash sale

of N45,000 so our customers can start booking their Easter trips ahead by visiting our website www flydanaair.com today. We would introduce additional flights as soon as we receive more of our aircraft from maintenance” Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with a varied fleet of nine Boeing aircraft and daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Enugu.

Virgin Atlantic Joins SkyTeam Alliance Virgin Atlantic has announced that it has formally joined SkyTeam, the global airline alliance.

The accord was reached at a signing ceremony in London Thursday. The move means Virgin Atlantic becomes SkyTeam’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester airports.

Virgin Atlantic customers would now benefit from a consistent, seamless customer experience, across 1,000 global destinations in

over 170 countries. Customers can conveniently book every SkyTeam member flight on a single ticket, checking in with baggage just once through to their final destination.

Flying Club members have more opportunities to earn Virgin Points and Tier Points across all member airlines, accelerating both their rewards and tier status.

Additionally, Flying Club members will be able to redeem hard-earned points on SkyTeam member airlines, alongside joint venture partners Delta & Air France-KLM, which

and represented 72.9 per cent of the pre-COVID total visitor volume reported for December 2019, down from November’s 75.5 per cent.

Overseas visitor volume to the United States of 2,481,680 increased to over 46.0 per cent from December 2021.

December 2022 was the twenty-first consecutive month that total non-US resident international arrivals to the United States increased on a year-over-year (YOY) basis.

Of the top 20 tourist generating countries to the United States, Colombia (with

99,472 visitors), and Costa Rica (with 34,559), were the only countries that reported a decrease in visitor volume in December 2022 compared to December 2021, with a less than 23.3 per cent, and a less than 11.8 per cent change respectively.

The largest number of international visitor arrivals was from Canada (1,370,912), Mexico (1,162,746), the United Kingdom (315,610), Brazil (150,616) and France (121,284). Combined, these top five source markets accounted for 62.2 per cent of total international arrivals.

NGO Dismisses Allegations against S e p l a t ’s CEO, Explains Facts Emma Okonji Empower Nigeria, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) dedicated to the protection and enhancement of civil liberties has waded into the controversies around Seplat’s CEO, Roger Brown, bordering on claims of forced resignations and sacking of Nigerian staff based on discriminatory policies, alleged enforcement of manipulative ranking scheme in the company, allegation of different retirement age for Nigerians and expatriates and other sundry claims.

The NGO, in a statement, said it launched an investigation with the determination to get to the bottom of the issues thrown by these allegations and in the process, unveiled the truth.

According to the statement signed by the Spokesperson for Empower Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Aderemi, “The claim of forced resignations and sacking of Nigerian staff based on discriminatory policies, was not true. As against this claim, there was no mass sack or forced retirements of Nigerian at Seplat with Roger Brown as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The true state of affairs is that between 2020 and 2022, eight Nigerian staff of the company voluntarily resigned or opted to take early retirement in the exercise of their rights as spelt out and protected by the law.

Their decision was conveyed to the management of the company in writing via official channels. Seplat paid the affected staff generous end of service benefits and thereafter made appropriate notifications to NUPRC in accordance with Notification schedule as per their exit.

“Allegation of enforcement of manipulative ranking scheme was not also true. We found out that this allegation is not supported by facts but is a product of a hunting expedition. Arising from the observations and input made by the staff on the need to review the former 5-point ranking system which the staff considered to limit opportunities especially around the 75 per cent cut off mark required for promotion, management reviewed and replaced it with a 3-point ranking scheme.”

The statement further said that the aim of the 3-point scheme (Outstanding Strong and Average), was to ensure that staff rewards are tied to results which are transparent and verifiable. More importantly, it laid to rest staff complaints about the 5-point system which they believe limited opportunities for promotion. The claim that the Average rating applied only to Nigerian staff is untrue as out of the 5% of staff (24 persons) ranked Average, the number included an expatriate.

This is without prejudice to the

Aero Introduces Mobile Scanners to Eliminate Long Queues During Boarding

include Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, MEA, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines and XiamenAir. The airline’s Flying Club members will receive host of benefits, which will enhance their journeys across the SkyTeam network. Virgin Atlantic Silver Card holders are recognised as SkyTeam Elite Members, whilst the airline’s Gold Card members have become Elite Plus.

US Welcomed 5,015,338 Int’l Visitors in December 2022 In December 2022 international visitor arrivals to the United States increased to over 46.2 per cent, compared to December 2021.

Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), shows that in December 2022 international visitor arrivals to the United States totaled 5,015,338, which is an increase of +46.2 per cent compared to December 2021.

Total non-US resident international visitor volume to the United States of 5,015,338, increased to over 46.2 per cent compared to December 2021

WATCH

fact that expatriates constitute a small part of the entire workforce of over 500 workers in the company.

“The claim that Seplat operates different retirement age for Nigerian and expatriate staff, is an allegation that is false and a disingenuous ploy to sow seeds of discord among the staff of the company. The retirement policy of the company is not discriminatory but is based on the laws of Nigeria stipulating that all employees working in Nigeria both local and expatriate retire at 60 years.

This has been the practice in Seplat since it commenced operations.

“Given the delicate nature of these claims and its implications for industrial harmony, it is our considered position that news organisations who publicise these allegations should carry out thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity of the claims in matter.

This is in the interest of equity, fairness and justice.

“The non-compliance with this basic tenet before exposing Seplat to media trial, while it achieves the aim of the sponsors of this orchestrated smear campaign does grave injustice to the noble profession of journalism.

“Seplat has been an exemplary players within the country’s oil sector. The current attempt to impugn it hard earned reputation is indeed regrettable,” the statement further explained.

Chinedu Eze Nigeria’s foremost carrier, Aero Contractors, has scored another first by introducing the latest technology for quick boarding process, known as Pro-Ranger Boarding Pass Mobile Scanners.

The airline in a statement explained that mobile scanners would expedite the boarding procedures, “thereby enhancing On Time Departure (OTP) and the scanners would allow passenger data gathered at the check-in counter to be verified at the boarding gate, thus reducing time spent to board passengers and prevent passengers with invalid boarding pass access to the aircraft.

“It will also enable production of valid and comprehensive passenger flight manifest in addition to enabling remote check-in (Mobile check-in device). This enhances efficient passenger facilitation. Aero Contractors known for its safety record and on time performance, is introducing the latest technology to improve service delivery to her customers. “ Meanwhile, as Aero Contractors expands its operations since resumption of service last year, it has introduced new schedule to take cognisance of adjustments on existing destinations.

Reacting to the development, the Managing Director and CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi said: “Aero strives to remain ahead by always finding ways to make its customers comfortable through easy facilitations, hence the introduction of the Pro-Ranger Boarding Pass Mobile Scanners. This is a new technology recently introduced in the industry in Nigeria. It will enable passengers; especially light travellers to avoid long stay on queues during boarding process. It will also reduce the pressures encountered during boarding.

“In addition, we have introduced new flight schedule putting into consideration the preferred travel times by our customers. We have over the years built invaluable goodwill with our customers who enjoy our high safety record and derive comfort in our flights. We are poised to render the most efficient service and urge our customers to always take advantage of our enviable in-flight service.”

Explaining how the device works during a press conference held at Aero headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the company’s Head of Ground Operations, Mr. Peter Omata, said: “This is one of the products that will enhance our mode of operation. As you are all aware, one of the cardinal things in aviation is passenger facilitation. So, we acquired the mobile Pro-rangers to improve our facilitation.

It is a device that aids facilitation and it has other functionalities that make the working process seamless and will make passengers enjoy their stay or their travelling through Aero Contractors. And one of the important functions of this software is that it quickens the boarding procedures. And once the boarding procedure is enhanced, invariably our on-time performance will be efficient and there will be no delays. And it also allows the company to

capture passengers’ data from the checking point at the boarding gate in an on-time manner and aggregate information.”

According to him, “The security aspect of it is that it will detect passengers if they are avoiding passes at the boarding gate; thereby enabling us to have appropriate profile for our passengers.

It also enables us also to produce a comprehensive manifest. As you all know manifest is a key part of aviation and one of those things required. So, the total number of passengers onboard must tally with what we have in the document checked in; so one other key functions of this product is that you can check-in remotely. You can check-in from any part of the airport.

“So, you mustn’t go and stand at Aero counter, we can take people off line, especially people without baggage and check them in, it makes it faster. So, by doing that we are making facilitation seamless for the traveling public. And we have started using the product, we have commenced the usage and it is user friendly and we will look at other products that will enhance the success of Aero Contractors.”

Omata said the device remained very reliable, noting that it is a web-based device.

“So, if you login, once you login with your code, you can open up any flight wherever in the country. So you will get the list of flights and the passengers on it. So, by the time we simulate it, you will see if it is 121 passengers leaving Lagos for Abuja, you will see passengers who are booked on it. And so, as you assign the seat, you will see the seat there and all the information.”

Omata further said: What this device does is that at the boarding gate, the boarding pass has a barcode, so you scan the barcode and it captures it on this system. So, you have authentic boarded passengers are the boarding gate. Like for airports like Abuja where you don’t have a definite boarding gate, you see people coming from the presidential wing, from the VIP.” We have designed it in such a way that if you do the boarding, we swipe it at the foot of the aircraft, so we have a central point rather than staying at the foot of the aircraft and people coming from several areas to board and at the end you keep on trying to reconcile your passengers. By the time they do that at the foot of the aircraft, the manifest prints itself out, Omata explained.

On adjusted flight schedule of the airline, the Head, Commercial Department, Aero Contractors, Mrs. Chika Ubendu said: “For the schedule, it is not that we increased frequency; it is just that we have made it more in tune with what the passengers should have. I will give you an instance as a listening airline.

Asaba for instance is one destination that we had late afternoon flights. We listened to the customers who said that they prefer morning flights, so we had to tweak our schedule to sooth that. So, we might not necessarily have more frequencies or more destinations but what we want to achieve is that whatever we have is what passengers will be comfortable with. Our interest is the customers’ interest.”

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023

25

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

As Foreign Airlines Jostle for W’African Market International carriers have dominated the air travel market in West Africa, due to lack of capacity of indigenous airlines and intrigues by individual countries in the sub-region. Consequently, African airlines continue to struggle to have a piece of the market, writes Chinedu Eze

W

ith a population of about 429,312,101 and passenger traffic of over 21 million per annum, West Africa has been a juicy market for international carriers which connect the rest of the world from the state capitals of the 16 countries in the sub region.

Over the years these foreign carriers led by Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, all European carriers with inroad being made by the Middle East carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways and the EuroAsian carrier, Turkish Airlines, international operators, have succeeded in taking over the market in the sub-region.

THISDAY learnt that today, Ethiopian Airlines has advanced in penetrating the market and has remained the only African carrier effectively competing with these international airlines. But using the vestiges of influence from colonialism and aero politics, these European carriers still corner a huge slice of passenger traffic in the West Coast and this is enhanced by aviation policies enunciated by most countries in West Africa, which tend to protect the market against African airlines while keeping their airspace wide open to these international airlines that use diplomacy and lope-sided bilateral air service agreements (BASA) to sustain their dominance of the sub-region.

It is said like a joke that African leaders feel flattered when presidents of European nations ask for favours from them, like allowing their carriers to have foray into their countries. Reports indicate that in 2013 Arik Air requested to balance the (BASA) agreement, which gave UK 21 frequencies, 14 frequencies for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways to Lagos and seven frequencies to Abuja from London for BA. Arik Air wanted to be designated for London-Abuja flights at Heathrow airport, but British airport authority insisted that Arik must buy slots, which was not part of the reciprocity clause as outlined in the BASA agreement.

The Minister of Aviation then, Senator Stella Oduah insisted that Arik Air must be given a slot at London Heathrow to Abuja or government would stop British Airways from operating to Abuja. This matter dragged on until one day the then UK Prime Minister called the then President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan.

Nigeria quickly acquiesced to UK request and the matter was rested.

Stakeholders said that because European countries wield enormous influence in West Africa, these mega carriers have no problems in drawing favourable BASA agreements from these West African nations and industry stakeholders heap the blame on African leadership.

That’s one of the factors that inhibit the growth of major carriers in the sub-region.

POOR CONNECTIVITY

According to studies, West Africa and perhaps Central Africa may be the least connected sub-regions

of Air Peace and the Vice-President of AON, Allen Onyema said during the conference that for SAATM to work there must be fairness in its implementation.

“SAATM is very good idea that would help Africa, it would help connectivity, it would boost tourism. However, nations must be sincere in the implementation of the SAATM. I want to use this opportunity to tell everyone present that we must be sincere in our implementation of SAATM for all this to be enjoyed by everyone.

If it is one sided, where Nigerian airlines are being deprived of landing permit or when given in the other part of Africa, they make it very impossible for them to operate, then the objective of SAATM is defeated.

“However, we have to support it but be sincere in its application. Flying over francophone countries have become something of a nightmare to Nigerian airlines, when they bring bills you start wondering how it happened. Sometimes there is a lot of conflict, then it goes to blackmail, and they do not accept reconciliation,” he said.

Many industry observers express suspicion that there is externally induced dichotomy and rivalry between English speaking countries and that of French speaking nations, which are still strongly attached to their ‘benefactor’, France; like a baby monkey holding tenaciously to its mother. in Africa because the areas do not have major airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways or South African Airways so West African countries, comprising Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, have remained relatively isolated in terms of air connectivity, thereby hampering business activities within the sub-region.

This is the reason the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is committed to the realisation of “Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Ideally SAATM stipulates the full liberalisation of intra-African air transport services in terms of market access, traffic rights for scheduled and freight air services by eligible airlines thereby improving air services connectivity and air carrier efficiencies.”

IATA explained that SAATM is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, an initiative of the African Union to create a single unified air transport market in Africa to advance the liberalization of civil aviation in Africa and act as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration agenda. SAATM will ensure aviation plays a major role in connecting Africa, promoting its social, economic and political integration and boosting intra-Africa trade and tourism as a result.

Reports indicate that out of the 16 countries

in the West Coast, only very few are connected by direct flights. To link some countries it could take 24 hours for a journey of less than two hours by flight because the passenger may first fly to one European city before coming back to Africa and his destination.

BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENTATION OF SAATM

THISDAY gathered that governments of many West African nations seem not to be enthused

by SAATM because they are yet to allow for the liberalization of their airspace to African airlines, which they see as rivals and indulge in protectionism. An African scholar who had a conference in one French speaking West African nation narrated his experience that all the resource persons from Europe and Asia travelled to that country without visa or visa on arrival but it was only him who was an African and coming from another African nation that was requested to obtain visa before coming to the country. That caused three days delay and he nearly missed the conference.

During the Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) conference held in Abuja recently, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) pointed out some inhibitions to SAATM. The Chairman and CEO

MARKET PENETRATION

Travel expert and organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador IkechiUko told THISDAY that in terms of passenger movement there are three African airlines that have carved out slice of the West African market and these include Ethiopian Airlines, ASKY and African World Airlines (AWA). According to him, these airlines are being run by seasoned African aviators, including AWA, which was established by Chinese investors but was managed by Sean Mendis who left the company sometime ago. IkechiUko is of the view that African airlines do better when they partner with fellow African airlines or when they operate on their own, using well seasoned experts who have garnered experience working for different airlines or have put many years in one successful airline.

“Every partnership in Africa with non-African carrier has struggled. The defunct Virgin Nigeria Airways was doing well until Richard Branson left and the top team of the airline was made of experienced African aviators led by an expatriate who left and a Nigerian took over who was eventually succeeded by an Ethiopian; until the airline was taken over and renamed. There was a Kenyan who was the The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Ukadike: Infrastructure Remains Key Driver of FMCG Industry Growth Recently, there have been a number of funding announcements for investments along the FMCG value chain in Sub-Saharan Africa. These include investments in ecommerce and accompanying investments in distribution channels which are expected to improve the business prognosis for existing and new manufacturers, improve efficiency and reduce revenue leakages. Consumer goods analyst at Vetiva Capital Management, Chinma Ukadike in an interview with Kayode Tokede speaks on these trends in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.

With the global uncertainties that have persisted in the last few years, would you say that the FMCG industry in Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced growth? would say yes, within the context of revenue growth when looking at our coverage companies. For major players in the space, we can also see bottom-line resilience, and this is important to note especially given the significant headwinds these companies have faced during the period. Apart from this, there has also been evidence of expansion – I mean a drive towards achieving scale – across market sub-segments Ukadike within the region. population growth in recent years.

What do you think has been Also, we have seen increased industry driving this growth across the capex spend across SSA countries on SSA region? the back of significant incentive for I believe that a key driver for the investments in the region and this growth we have seen in the SSA continues to impact various segments FMCG industry has really been the of the FMCG value chain positively. increase in consumer spending across That being said, another growth driver various countries within the region, we cannot ignore is technology, both which has itself been driven by rapid on the demand and supply sides of

I

prices have behaved in a similar manner and so on. Also, beyond operational expenses, financing costs have also been a burden for companies operating within this space, with interest rates rising globally at a historic pace. The implication of this is that critical capex spend will likely stay below required levels to drive growth, at least in the near term.

Amid these challenges, what would you say are tailwinds that FMCG players have enjoyed, nonetheless?

The FMCG industry thrives on quick and regular substitution where consumers can easily switch from one product to another based on a number of factors ranging from trends to lifestyle choices to affordability.

Affordability is especially important, as data has shown, over the years, that household income distribution in Africa and especially in the SubSaharan Africa region is skewed towards lower income households,

with little or no brand loyalty.

For this segment of the population, a large portion of household income - averaging 70per cent across SSA - is spent on Food and other necessities.

Another interesting point is that despite the low-income per capita scenario in the region, the fast-growing population in Africa has supported increased consumer spending in the region in absolute terms and this is a huge positive for the FMCG sector.

This is also why the investment spend I spoke about earlier has come at a good time. With so many choices and low substitution costs, players who can hack the route to market strategy and deploy efficient distribution infrastructure would win today’s consumer.

Another thing to note, is that the uneven distribution of the population towards low-income households in the region has capped manufacturers’ pricing power.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

26

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 15Mar-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 202.14 203.29 7.58% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 11.36% Nigeria International Debt Fund 330.41 330.41 6.70% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 107.05 108.15 1.45% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 6.25% Anchoria Equity Fund 154.75 156.40 6.76% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.25 1.25 1.50% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 23.60 24.31 7.54% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 551.36 567.98 5.78% ARM Ethical Fund 47.59 49.02 5.48% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.14 1.14 1.05% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.12 1.12 1.46% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.31% ARM Short Term Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 1.27% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 94.51 94.51 0.62% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,124.90 1,124.90 -0.14% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 1.74% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.02 1.02 1.71% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.35% Paramount Equity Fund 20.01 20.38 5.38% Women's Investment Fund 157.07 158.50 5.04% CHD Nigeria Bond Fund 101.87 101.87 10.72% CHD Nigeria Dollar Income Fund 1.00 1.00 10.48% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 1.00 10.17% Coronation Money Market Fund 0.00 0.00 -100.00% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.39 1.39 -1.58% Coronation Fixed Income Fund EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1506.75 1506.75 12.04% FBN Balanced Fund 210.01 211.55 5.16% FBN Halal Fund 126.01 126.01 12.35% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.92% FBN Dollar Fund 121.94 121.94 6.92% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 175.22 177.54 5.80% FBN Specialized Dollar Fund 106.10 106.10 9.61% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.55% Legacy Debt Fund 3.52 3.52 -12.08% Legacy Equity Fund 2.12 2.16 21.85% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.28 1.28 6.10% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1

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

Bid Price 4,385.48 3,770.34 100.00

Offer Price 4,414.44 3,770.34 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 20.81% 7.74% 11.26%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.14 1.14 5.66% GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.gtcoplc.bank; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 13.23 13.29 7.43% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.02% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 102.49 102.49 9.73% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 10.14% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM EuroBond Fund N/A N/A N/A SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 135.24 138.48 7.58% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 11.02% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,825.53 3,853.73 12.81% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 247.13 247.13 4.91% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.51 1.52 20.24% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 336.64 336.64 7.51% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 281.45 284.49 20.43% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.18% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 12,989.65 13,145.92 18.97% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.38 1.38 7.09% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 122.50 122.50 4.78% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 117.03 117.03 10.01% Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund 4,652.41 4,652.41 9.36% Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund 3,435.84 3,478.95 23.58% Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund 4,387.76 4,404.34 15.26% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 1.06 1.09 11.54% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.57 1.60 14.94% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.27 1.29 9.35% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.13 1.13 9.99% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.98 1.98 7.25% United Capital Eurobond Fund 126.72 126.72 5.46% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.97% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 14.57 14.71 5.07% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 16.55 16.71 4.70% Zenith Income Fund 23.90 23.90 1.45% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.00% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 4.32 4.42 7.50% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.99 7.09 19.53% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 20.08 20.28 13.48% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.79% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 25.44 25.64 27.17% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 142.02 144.02 -9.92% REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

115.40 53.52 101.31 9.93

1.31% 4.74% -13.05%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

17.09 139.53 112.32 17.40 16.40

17.19 141.96 114.27 17.50 16.50

10.39% 9.34% 12.34% -3.28% 0.46%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

106.75

0.00%

Fund Name

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

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

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

This

Weekend

Group Features Editor: CHIEMELIE EZEOBI chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

07010510430

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023

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WEEKLY MAGAZINE

DR. YAKUBU ISHAKU TERI:

Bridging the Gap in Global Financial Markets

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COVER

DR. YAKUBU ISHAKU TERI:

Bridging the Gap in Global Financial Markets Dr. Yakubu Ishaku Teri is the Managing Director of Kwakol Markets. A self-motivated and conscientious individual, who holds a degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Afe Babalola University Ekiti State, Nigeria, Teri has shown wizardry in budget, financial consultancy, business decisions, market research, and analysis and has participated actively in the evaluation of business operations in Kwakol. In recent years, he has contributed to building Kwakol, a fastgrowing startup Fintech company by demonstrating competence in assessing macro-economic linkages with industries and firms. In this interview with MARY NNAH, he talks about the company’s plans for the nation’s Fintech sector and more You studied Medicine and Surgery.

Why did you abandon this for market research? hile I enjoyed my time studying Medicine and Surgery, I realised that my true passion was in finance and entrepreneurship. I was always interested in the financial market and investing, and I felt that pursuing a career in finance would allow me to combine my analytical skills with my interest in the markets.

What sets you apart from the competition?

The company was founded to bring a new light on innovation in the online investing industry. We are a team of energetic and young analytical thinkers, with a client-centric approach in everything we do. A happy client makes us happy and pushes us to achieve new heights every day. Our growth is backed by our client’s satisfaction and that is what gives us an edge in the market.

Our blend of a clear understanding of the context and our world-leading innovations uniquely position Kwakol Markets to serve our customers as no alternative can. Our ability to bring our knowledge and experience within our context and blend that with frontier technology innovations allows us to get it right in delivering our promise to clients. The world would be missing a lot if Kwakol didn’t exist.

W

Tell us about your experience building Kwakol and the opportunities in the Fintech industry.

Building Kwakol was a challenge that excited me and my team. We live in an exciting period where ideas can be taken to market relatively quickly and with a bit more ease than before. The main thing is finding a great idea, a winning idea. Ours came while we were studying and experimenting with innovations at the intersection of technology and global finance. The moment we saw the opportunity for developing a business around some of the innovative product and service ideas we had, we knew we were on to something. It has been a cycle of ideating, building, testing, launching, getting feedback, making improvements, and iterating the whole innovation process since then.

Kwakol Markets began operations in May 2021 with a vision to bring emerging opportunities in the global financial markets to untapped markets as well as innovate around products and services that push the frontiers and create new opportunities.

Kwakol Markets is a global multi-asset broker, creating new opportunities in the financial markets for the global audience, wherever they are, and helping them create the future they deserve. Kwakol provides a simple, secure, and superior trading experience and services with transparency and innovative technology.

Kwakol Markets is an authorised Finance company by Australia Security and Investment Commission (ASIC); We are authorised to provide financial product advice, deal in financial products/issue, and apply for, acquire, vary, or dispose of financial products for clients.

We are a global multi-assets broker operating in a growing number of jurisdictions including Nigeria, Australia, Canada, the US, and New Zealand. We provide a simple, secure, and superior trading experience with transparency and innovative technology.

I am always happy to share the motivation for why we do what we do. We are driven by the mission to empower people to earn reliably and sustainably as they look to secure their future. Technology innovations in global finance open up several opportunities for people to generate wealth, even for those with limited capital who have previously been financially excluded. We identified online trading as a low-hanging fruit for people, especially young people, on a wealth-building journey. At Kwakol, we see ourselves as the vehicle that delivers this opportunity to people, especially those in underserved markets; while remaining globally competitive. Our experience trading with a plethora of brokers helped us identify gaps in their services that we believe we are well-positioned to plug and deliver more value to traders.

How has your background in Medicine influenced you as an entrepreneur?

My background in Medicine has helped me to develop strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail, which are both essential in the world of finance. Additionally, my experience in the medical field has taught me the importance of empathy and effective communication, skills that are also crucial in building successful business relationships.

Teri

Given our experience trading with a plethora of brokers, we identified gaps in their services that we believed we could plug and deliver more value to traders like ourselves and enhance the general experience; including profitability. The lockdowns back in 2020 provided an opportunity to lay the foundation for what Kwakol is today. Since then, the evolution has been incredible and the building journey has been as worthwhile.

We have managed to acquire licenses in several markets including Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada with some other market entries lined up over the next few quarters.

We believe it is important to have views about where the world is going to go and what will be important in the future. Therefore, we strive to envision the future to the best possible approximation to allow us to build a company and innovate around products that thrive in the short as well as long term. We rather proactively seize the future than re-actively struggle to shape-shift to survive in the future. This is a challenging but incredibly exciting exercise for us.

Africa is not the typical headquarters of a global brokerage firm. Is Kwakol Markets making a stand?

That’s a factual assessment of the global landscape of trading in particular and also finance in general. We recognise that this has significant implications for the service that traders get from these traditional brokerage firms. Beyond just wanting to create a truly African brand with a global reach, we believe that we are best positioned to meet the unique needs of traders and tackle their pressing pain points that other brokers may overlook.

Kwakol Markets is quickly acquiring licenses in Cyprus, Australia, Hong Kong, and local Nigeria. What‘s next for the broker?

We are anchored by our mission to

help individuals and institutions to create deserving financial futures. To do this, we devote our people, capital, and ideas to innovate around products and services that help us to achieve this mission. Today, this can take the shape of a brokerage service that enables people to earn sustainably and reliably OR a product that democratizes access to trading education as with Kwakol Academy. The immediate goal is to iterate on these offerings to serve clients in the best way possible and extend our award-winning services to new clients and markets. We are currently seeing growth in our client base from Europe and Asia and we want to consolidate our global standing. In the future, we rely on the incredible team of innovators we have on the team to help break new ground. So, watch this space.

Tell us about some of your memorable moments as a Tech leader Every product or feature launch is exciting but with our approach to innovating and improving on current offerings, they hardly remain memorable as we look to the next idea. Same with the recognition within the industry at both national and international levels. The truly memorable moments come from conversations with customers or messages from clients that signal to us that our work is having a real-life impact; truly helping people create the financial future that they deserve, whether is giving them financial independence or simply easing their budget constraints a bit.

What are some of the challenges encountered?

Some of the challenges encountered in the world of entrepreneurship include raising capital, developing a viable business model, building a strong team, and navigating regulatory hurdles. Additionally, there is often intense competition in the industry, so staying ahead of the curve and adapting to changing market conditions is critical.

What should we look out for from Kwakol soon?

Our starting point is that the world should and can be different and we are responsible for making it so. Our lofty ambition may not provide a clear vision for the careless observer but expect the picture to develop over time as we launch some exciting products and services.

We are a customer-obsessed company and what we are building is informed by the customer experience and our vision.

Expect to see new features, products, and services that ease customers’ current pain points, enhance their trading experience including profitability, and expose them to new opportunities. The immediate goal is to iterate on current offerings to serve clients in the best way possible and extend our award-winning services to new clients and markets. We are currently seeing growth in our client base from Europe and Asia and we want to consolidate our global standing.

In the future, we rely on the incredible team of innovators we have on the team to help break new ground. So, watch this space!

We believe that everyone deserves a financially secure future and that we will make that a reality. We have managed to bring together a group of brilliant individuals that are constantly innovating and generating new ideas. Our promise to our clients is that we will always commit our capital, people, and ideas to helping them create the future they deserve. That’s exactly what success looks like. People building lasting wealth. That’s the impact we want to have.

Building a world-class and market-leading company is only the vehicle to success.

We have recently announced our foray into new markets, the launch of exciting clientfocused tools and apps that enhance the trading experience, and new licenses. Our young and vibrant team is always innovating around products and tools that advance our clients’ pursuit of financial freedom.

We have a slew of developments in the pipeline. So, watch this space.

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NEWS

Foundation Lauds Women’s Efforts in Digital Space Stories By Mary Nnah Voice of Women Foundation for Peace and Unity recently joined the world to celebrate the United Nations International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th.

They also commended women who have contributed to technological advancement in the digital space.

Founder of Voice of Women for Peace and Unity, Mrs. Chizoba Anyika, who also doubles as Deputy Director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), posited that the 2023 IWD theme tagged: “Digital Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality” #EmbraceEquity emphasises the importance of technology in bringing gender issues to light and celebrates women who are contributing immensely to the digital space.

She described the theme as apt and called for equity in the digital world and across

Voice of Women for Peace and Unity, Founder, Mrs. Chizoba Anyika

all facets of life, encouraging The Voice of Women more women to take bold steps Foundation for Peace and to improve their various fields Unity is a registered NGO under the Corporate Affairs of endeavour.

Commission in Nigeria. It is a group for African women who are underprivileged worldwide, addressing women suppressed under the yoke of religion, culture and tradition and as such are viewed as inferior to their male counterparts.

Voice of Women Foundation seeks to erase such notions and help women in Nigeria gain their identity and rightful place in their homes, families, communities, society and the nation at large.

According to the group, there is need to have a reset about womanhood that should start from the cradle with the girl child at home, to the schools where values are being instilled before they grow into adults.

The Voice of Women Foundation has identified Nursery, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions to drive the identity campaign for the liberation of the girl child who grows up to become a woman.

Omojafor, Eiremiokhae, Babaeko, Others Set for ‘The Industry Awards 4.0’ The management of The Industry Newspaper, organisers of ‘The Industry Summit/Awards, ’ has stated that some distinguished marketing communications professionals in the country would be conferred with some highest awards in this year’s event scheduled to be held on Friday, March 31st, 2023 in Lagos.

The year’s award is looking at the performances of 2022 and the top winners include Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor, Chairman, STB-McCann Limited, Mr. Steve Babaeko, Group Chief Executive Officer, X3M Ideas, Dr. Felix King Eiremiokhae, CEO MABISCO/ Oracle Experience, Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, CEO NECCI, Mrs. Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami, Head Marketing & Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, Chief Brand Officer, Dangote and Mr. Adedayo Ojo, CEO Caritas.

Others are Mr. Rotimi Bankole, CEO SBI Stagwell, Mr. Olugbenga Victor Afolabi, CEO GDM Group, Chief Charles Azu Chijide, CEO Charella Group, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and Mr. John Ehiguese, CEO Mediacraft Limited.

Sir Omojafor, an accomplished marketing and advertising practitioner is unanimously voted The Industry Doyen of Advertising for 2022, the category won by Dr. Biodun Shobanjo last year for the 2021 Awards. Omojafor, a former Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc has unarguably accomplished in a career span over four decades.

Coincidentally, Omojafor would chair this year’s summit, which parades some of the best brains in the industry that would discuss issues in data management and government policy as it affects the manufacturing sector.

In another category, Dr. Eiremiokhae has emerged as CEO of the Year in a very keenly contested category. He won the category because of the work has put in to grow and expand Mayor Biscuits Company (MABISCO) during the year under review.

Dr. Eiremiokhae is a renowned integrated marketing communications professional who majors in experiential marketing but branching out to build one of the biggest beverage companies in Nigeria and making extensive strides in such a few years is monumental, said Chairman of the Industry Awards Panel, Ms.

ORGANISATION HOLDS EMOTIONAL WELLNESS SEMINAR FOR WOMEN The African Wonder Women Organisation is set to host the 11th edition of its monthly, “Every Emotion is Valid”, seminar on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Founded in response to the death of the founder’s husband at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic to serve marginalised African women, The “Every Emotion is Valid” seminar began on February 13, 2022 and has since been held as a monthly virtual seminar for marginalised women and African widows to provide a safe space for expressing their emotions and learning about healthy outlets to express their feelings without guilt or pressure, as well as to advocate against the injustices faced by African Widows.

Themed, #Embraceequity: An Emotional Wellness Approach, in Line With International Women’s Day 2023 Theme - #Embraceequity, the seminar aims to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness about discrimination experienced by marginalised women while attempting to drive gender equality. The convener, Princess Folaji Fasanya-Omoyeni, Serial Entrepreneur, STEM Woman, Transformation and Confidence Coach, while speaking on behalf of AWWOrgCIC said, “We believe that through the different segments of the seminar, the unmet wellness needs of women will be met.

NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY HAS IMPROVED IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, MAC ROC Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Music producer and talent developer, Efeoghene Macdonald has said that the musical industry in Nigeria has grown in the last 10 years across all strata including production, promotion and streaming. He made this assessment known recently.

The producer, known by the sobriquet, Efe Mac Roc, said the industry has changed with independent artistes now sourcing for funds and sponsorship while the quality of music and production has also been substantially impacted.

“There have been a lot of growth and improvements. As of 2013 lot of singers did not have the courage and mind to do things on their own.

“They just felt they should be on a label and do record deals, but now you have independent artistes sourcing for funds and sponsorships.

“The quality of music has changed, and production has grown.

Social Media has also helped to discover a whole lot of artistes. “ If not for social media, you probably won’t know a lot of artists.

Even comedians and content creators won’t have been discovered.

“The internet has also helped in making the transition so smooth.

So far, so good the quality of music has changed, show promotion has changed, streaming has changed and a whole lot of things have changed for the better in the last 10 years,” Mac Roc said.

The graduate Benson Idahosa University has been into music production since 2018.

NSUKKA PROFESSIONALS SUE FOR PEACE IN ENUGU Precious Ugwuzor Omojafor, Eiremiokhae, Babaeko, Others Set for ‘The Industry Awards 4.0

Clara Okoro.

In another development, The Industry Lifetime category was renamed ‘The Industry ALL STAR’ and winners emerged after a painstaking evaluation and analysis of each recipient over 10 years and above on their roles in advancing the growth and development of the imc industry.

The winners in this category date back to 2019 which are Mr. Udeme Ufot, GCEO, SO&U, Mr. Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, Chairman, C&F and Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, Chairman Prima Garnet. 2020 winners are Mr. Jimmy Awosika, Executive Vice Chairman, Troyka Holdings, Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, GCEO, CMC Connect, Mr. Tolu Ogunkoya, RGEO, OMG WeCA and Dr. Eiremiokhae.

The 2021 winners were Mr. Emeka Okeke, CEO Dentsu

Mediafuse, Engr. Dozie Mbanefo, CEO of New Crystal, Dr. Onyekachi Onubogu, CEO of Frutta Juice & Services, Dr. Phil Osagie, CEO of JSP Communications, Mr. Kunle Onime, CEO of Marketing & Promotion Concepts Limited and Mr. Enyi Odigbo, Chairman, CASERS Group.

According to Ms. Okoro these practitioners were carefully chosen and they represent some of the brightest practitioners who have made a huge impact in the industry and they deserve to be rewarded with this laurel.

“This is the first time the category would be honouring 10 practitioners and there are other categories ranging from corporate, individual, brand and legacy categories,” she added.

Speaking on this year’s event, the convener, Mr. Goddie Ofose stated that despite the several

challenges faced by businesses last year, imc organisations have continued to hold their ground as well as sustain the high standard occasioned by digitalization and technology.

“Professional, individual, corporate and product brands deserve to be celebrated at the time because to whom much is given much is expected.”

The keynote speaker for the 2023 summit is Tolu Ogunkoya of OMG WeCA and the co-speaker is Ekuma Eze of Nigerian Bottling Company. Both would be speaking on the papers: Data to Action: How Marketers Can Rationalize Performance Measurement & Drive Efficiencies with Intelligence’ and ‘Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG): Impact of Government Policy Shift on the Industry, Consumers respectively.

Ayo Charity Foundation Hosts 4th Edition of Bowling Fundraiser Supporters of Ayo Charity Foundation attended the 4th annual Bowling Fundraiser at the Lucky Strike, Hollywood, California. The setup was cozy and modern with a welcoming ambiance. The day’s activities included auctioning a Stephen Curry self-autographed basketball jersey, autographed basketballs, art, and more.

According to a p[ress release made available to THISDAY, the highlight of the evening was when Founder, Ayodeji Egbeyemi addressed the attendees and introduced Ekene Anyiam-Osigwe; the MVP at

the foundation’s last Elite 30 Camp in Lagos Nigeria.

Ekene now goes to school on a full scholarship at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, California, largely due to the support and donations towards the foundation. It was an emotional moment.

There was a display of the foundation’s merchandising which had trendy t-shirts, jackets, and hoodies.Attendees enjoyed finger foods and refreshments, networking, and a good game of bowling.

The highest bowler of the night even went home with a basket kindly donated by Lucky Strike.

It was a great event and everyone went home with goodie bags. This year we were able to raise over $10,000 and we look forward to hosting the 5th annual fundraiser in 2024.

Ayo Charity Foundation is a Nigerian Non-Governmental Organisation that was created to provide life-changing opportunities for youth inAfrica, through the game of basketball.

The foundation’s growth over the years proves that anything that seems impossible, can always be achieved through hard work and the consistent support of the community.

For the forthcoming gubernatorial elections, the Nskukka Professional Association (NPA), Enugu State, has sued for peace in the state. They also called on the Inspector -General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba and other heads of security agencies to, urgently fish out those behind the gruesome murder of the Labour Party Senatorial Candidate, Mr. Oyibo Chukwu.

Chukwu was murdered a day before the February 25, Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The association also raised the alarm over plans by some political thugs to cause violence and rig the March 18 gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections, especially in Enugu East Senatorial district. Addressing Media men in Lagos, the President of the group, Mr. Charles Nwodo, said the Enugu people in general were appalled that since the killing of Chukwu,, no arrest has been made and nobody has been interrogated.

He said: “We want the murder to thoroughly investigated, and justice served on the guilty in accordance with the law.

We don’t want him to die in vain. We also want to the police to intervene in election violence and malpractices.

“We have credible intelligence at our disposal that desperate politicians in Enugu are planning to compromised key officials of Independent Electoral Commission, police, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies in the state. ‘ We also had it on record that some politicians are planning to disenfranchised our people from voting for the candidates of their choice. We called on the INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to rescue his staff from compromising on the forthcoming Governorship and National election so as to reinforce the credibility of the electoral process.”

Nwodo further said, as a group they also had report that some politicians are planning to import armed thugs and cultists into Enugu North Senatorial zone, adorn them in Police andArmy uniforms and deployed them to terrorize voters in the area.

He said, “We have credible reports of plans by desperate politicians in Enugu State to compromise key officials INEC , the Nigeria Police Force,Army and other security agencies in Enugu State with a view to frustrate the conduct of free, fair and credible elections. We are informed that some INEC officials in the state have been specifically accused of coordinating plots to disenfranchise Enugu voters.

“There is also plan of politicians to disrupt the election in targeted polling units and wards. We are raising the alarm to call the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, DSS, and International Community.

“We want to remind the GOC 82 division, Enugu State, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja; the Commissioner of Police,AhmedAmmani; Director of State Security Service, Mr. Ayo Adesina, and the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, to remember their oaths of office, and the standard operating procedures approved for the 2023 election by the respective agencies.”

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Malize: Female Tech Leaders Driving Transformational Changes in Economy Oluchi Chibuzor

Female tech leaders are leading transformational changes across several sectors of the economy, the Managing Director/CEO of FITC, Chizor Malize has said.

To highlight their contribution, she said the FITC has released a list of Top 50 Women in Tech, in honour of women who are leading the way, and spearheading technology drive and innovative impact in their industries.

According to her, the inaugural FITC Top Women in Tech list, which recognised women in diverse sectors, was unveiled at the FITC International Women’s Day event themed; “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology as Enablers for Gender Equality,” held in Lagos.

According to Malize, these women were painstakingly selected focusing on critical factors such as innovation, leadership, and societal impact, with a notable focus on technology for good.

The hybrid event was a gathering of thought leaders, technology experts, female leaders, and representatives from several organizations within the financial services sector and beyond, in a highly engaging panel session.

In her address, Malize, noted that the focus of International Women’s Day for the year 2023, which is #EmbracingEquity, and the theme of the FITC IWD 2023 event: “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology as Enablers for Gender Equality”, is a call to action for the need to have inclusive and transformative technology and digital education for women and girls, which is crucial for a sustainable future, as advancements in digital technology offer immense opportunities to address development and humanitarian challenges, and to close the inequality gap.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Chairman, FITC Board, and Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Central Bank

of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, the Deputy Director, Other Financial Institutions Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Monsurat Vincent noted that the financial system is critical in addressing the gender divide, being the centre point for promoting economic integration and digital financial services. She further noted that education can make it easier to promote equity. “Technology through the internet has made it easier than ever before for women to access educational resources and learn new skills. Women can now gain knowledge and expertise that may have once been out of their reach,” she said.

Non-Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Rabi Isma, reiterated that technology helps to ensure that the woman who wants to stay home to cater to the kids can still launch a business in the comfort of her home, thus making it possible for women to access the world from wherever they are, run their businesses.

Allotees Extol Sanwo-Olu’s Achievements, Corporate Governance Policy Gilbert Ekugbe Lagos State Land Allottees under the aegis of Orisan Waterfront Residential Scheme has commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s milestone achievements in building critical infrastructure to transforming Lagos into a 21st century State.

In a statement issued by the allottees, they lauded the Governor’s efforts in restoring corporate governance policy in provision of employment opportunities, social infrastructure and driving local and foreign investments in the State.

The group also called on the Lagos State government to prioritise impactful outcomes

and decisions to allocate assets to budding investors in the State.

The statement noted that Sanwo-Olu’s administration is revamping institutions by improving the State’s infrastructure with project delivery while reiterating the need for the State government to allocate lands to fully paid allottees of Orisan Waterfront Residential scheme to consolidate the gains of infrastructure development in Lagos Metropolis.

The allottees asserted that the allocation of assets and resources to private sectors and investors in the state would quicken development and unlock growth potential

to boost Lagos’ economy for good while also creating a level playing ground for businesses and investments to thrive.

They lauded the Governor ’s infrastructural milestone and corporate governance policy, maintaining that his efforts has largely reflected on private investments within the economic corridors of Lagos state to establish business interests and enterprises.

The allottees applauded efforts of the various MDAs, Bureau of State Lands, New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) and Ministry of Land and Survey to facilitate trade and allow businesses operate without constraints.

EEDC Begs for Support over Activities of Vandals The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC) has continued to cry out to its customers on the increasing rate of attack on its facilities, a situation that is almost crippling its activities and impacting its service to customers.

The Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, made this cry while interacting with newsmen in Enugu on Wednesday.

Ezeh lamented that the activities of vandals has become a torn in the flesh of the company and appealed for vigilance and continued support by customers.

According to him, fifteen vandal suspects were arrested between January and February, this included a receiver of vandalized items.

He commended the various vigilante groups within the franchise area for their assistance and support in apprehending these vandals.

“All the vandals were arrested by vigilante groups”, Ezeh said.

In Abia State, the duo of Ogbu Igwo and Daniel Olugu were arrested for vandalizing XLPE of Agborji distribution substation and some towers

belonging to EEDC, while Chibuzo Egbuta was arrested for vandalizing aluminum conductors at Ozu-Item community.

Also, at Onuiyangan Community in Bende Local Government Area, Chinaemerem Azubuike was arrested while vandalizing aluminum conductors.

In Anambra State, one Amadi Okey, was arrested while vandalizing steel copper wire, and 26-year-old Onyekachukwu Ifennadolu was arrested for vandalizing Aluminum Bare Conductor at Umueri Ezumeri village Oraifite, along Onitsha/ Owerri Road.

Greenwich Merchant Bank Unveils Women Network To commemorate the International Women’s Day, Greenwich Merchant Bank has unveiled the Greenwich Women Network (GWN).

The Greenwich Women Network is conceptualised to support the women to deepen competence through mentoring, coaching and peer to peer knowledge exchange.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Managing Director Mr Bayo Rotimi noted that “the women have

continued to play a pivotal role across functions and as an inclusive brand, focused on aggregating competencies and harnessing innate potentials, we have unveiled the Greenwich Women Network to further support the resilience, hard work and dedication of the women to our vision”.

As an institution, our mandate remains to build an inclusive workplace where equity and diversity

are upheld as key components of business success, where women are enabled to fulfil their potentials and meaningfully contribute to the organization’s bottom line” Rotimi added.

Commenting on the network, the Company Secretary Omobola Makinde noted that “the launch of the Greenwich Women Network is particularly exciting for us because it provides a platform to support and nurture our women.

L-R: Chief Digital Officer, Wema Bank, Olusegun Adeniyi; Divisional Head, Brand People, and Culture,Ololade Ogungbenro; Executive Director, Digital and Retail Directorate,Tunde Mabawonku; Head Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility, Abimbola Agbejule, Head Of Innovation, Solomon Ayodele; Head Brand and Marketing Communications,Mabel Adeteye and Chief Transformation and Innovation Officer,Babatunde Mumuni, at the launch of ALAT Hackaholics 4.0 press conference held in Lagos...recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 8 MARCH, 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $84.37 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $84.59 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

31

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023

MARKET NEWS

Stock Market Maintains Negative Trend, Decline by N313bn Kayode Tokede Investors on the stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday lost N313 billion in market capitalisation as the market continued its negative performance for the successive session active trading.

As the NGX All Share Index (ASI) fell by 574.59 basis points, representing a decrease of 1.04 per cent

to close at 54,915.61 basis points, investors lost N313 billion in value as market capitalisation declined to N29.916 trillion.

The stock market sectoral performance was negative as the NGX Banking dropped by one per cent, NGX Consumer Goods depreciated by 0.17per cent and NGX Industrial was down by 0.10 per cent, while the NGX Oil and Gas sector closed flat.

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

Market breadth closed remained negative as 25 stocks lost relative to eight gainers.

Chams Holding Company recorded the highest price gain of 8.70 per cent to close at 25 kobo, per share.

University Press followed with a gain 7.57 per cent to close at N1.99, while LivingTrust Mortgage Bank gained 3.37 per cent to close at N3.07, per share.

Sterling Bank appreciated

by 2.67 per cent to close at N1.54, while Zenith Bank rose by 2.52 per cent to close at N24.45, per share.

On the other hand, ETI led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N10.80, per share. Industrial & Medical Gases Nigeria followed with a decline of 9.32 per cent each to close at N7.30, while Royal Exchange lost 8.22 per cent to close at 67 kobo, per share.

S E C U R I T I E S

T R A D E D

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

R.T. Briscoe Nigeria shed 7.69 per cent to close at 24 kobo, while International Energy Insurance shed 6.92 per cent to close at N1.21, per share.

Meanwhile the total volume of trades decreased by 24.23 per cent to 137.287 million units, valued at N1.510 billion, and exchanged in 3,489 deals.

Transactions in the shares of Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) topped the activ-

AS O F

ity chart with 26.085 million shares valued at N33.979 million.

Zenith Bank followed with 14.721 million shares worth N353.890 million, while Sterling Bank traded 13.231 million shares valued at N20.019 million. United Bank of Africa (UBA) traded 10.242 million shares valued at N81.385 million, while Access Holdings transacted 7.626 million shares worth N66.201 million.

1 6 / 0 3 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

MULTICHOICE CONTENT DISCOVERY DAY...

L-R: Head of Production, MultiChoice West Africa, Victor Sanchez Aghahowa; Executive Head of Content & West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr. Busola Tejumola; Executive Head, Corporate Affairs, Caroline Oghuma and Executive Head, Marketing, MCN, Tope Oshunkeye, at the MultiChoice Content Discovery Day in Lagos ... yesterday

Senate Minority Leader Says FCT Senator-elect, Kingibe, Too Old for Parliamentary Rigours Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Philip Aduda (PDP), yesterday disclosed that he would challenge the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) declaration of the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Ireti Kingibe as Senator-elect of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at the tribunal.

He stated this while

addressing journalists in Abuja.

He described as unacceptable, a situation where a woman old enough to be his mother would be declared winner of a cosmopolitan constituency like the nation's capital.

He alleged that the election which produced Kingibe as Senator-elect ought to have been declared inclusive.

He said he had established cases of over-voting, cancellations and other

irregularities that characterised the exercise in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

Aduda said, “Though the 2023 senatorial elections came with its challenges and concerns that we hope to address legally, we strongly believe that with your continuous support and prayers for a better FCT under our leadership, we will come out stronger.

“The faith to continue the

LP Benue Governorship Candidate Denies Endorsing PDP Guber Candidate George Okoh in Makurdi The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate for Benue State, Mr Herman Hembe has denied report that his party has endorsed the Benue State Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) candidate, Mr. Titus Uba in the governorship election in Benue state.

According to Hembe, the said endorsement came to his knowledge through sponsored radio and media announcements by the PDP that he had stepped down.

He said "Let me state categorically that nothing in this world would make me consider joining the failed PDP, a party in government that owes 64 months of pension arrears, owes 17 months of civil servants’ salary arrears, a party that has borrowed and plunged Benue into over N180 billion in debt, a party that refused to pay bailout funds to workers and pensioners, a party that has destroyed the local government system and continues to deny that tier of government its needed autonomy. An anti-people, antifarmer, and anti-Benue party and government."

He said the people of Benue have appropriately rejected the PDP at the last polls and would do so again this Saturday.

Asking what then would be his incentive for identifying with such a lost cause?

"Add to the above is the fact that the PDP parades the worst gubernatorial candidate in Benue state and an exiting governor who has performed abysmally for nearly eight years and LP has nothing to do with Benue PDP or outgoing governor Samuel Ortom, and would never contemplate any such relationship. House of Assembly candidates of our party too have not, and will not step down for any party."

The PDP had claimed that the Benue state wing of LP and the governorship candidate of Action People’s Party, had endorsed the PDP candidate, Rt Hon Titus Uba. It said in separate ceremonies yesterday, at Makurdi, the State Chairman of LP Engr. Ibrahim Idoko Otene had said the decision of the party to support Uba to win the governorship election was sequel to the collaboration the presidential candidate of the party, Mr Peter Obi received from the PDP in the state.

Otene, who was accompanied by members of the State Working Committee of the LP stated that their action was a directive from the National Secretariat of the party.

According to him, the support Governor Samuel Ortom gave to their presidential candidate had to be reciprocated.

He said the governor stood for equity, fairness and justice, and even risked his

senatorial ambition for the Obi presidential bid.

The Benue State Labour Chairman, also commended Engr Titus Uba for his humility and synergy with other key players, expressing optimism that the PDP guber candidate would serve the state diligently.

Responding, Ortom thanked the two political parties for voluntarily deciding to endorse Uba to win the governorship election.

He assured them that Uba, being an experienced lawmaker and administrator would not disappoint the Benue people.

struggle has come from the famous quote of Franklin D. Roosevelt that; ‘Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that there is something more than fear.’”

He urged the Senator-elect for FCT to show the people, her antecedents and how she had benefited the people of the FCT. He said his opponent spoke out of ignorance when she claimed that he has done nothing tangible for the people of the FCT as their representative.

The Senate's principal officer said, “When somebody is afraid that nothing is chasing the person of course the person is bound to say so many things.

The person has alluded that he has stayed in the FCT since 1988. Simply put where are her corporate social responsibility?

“If you want to contest election sometimes and for you to endear yourself to the people you go and execute a project like one or two boreholes here and there.

“Maybe she should tell us what she has done as community service to earn her the love and support of the people. But unfortunately, apart from the fact that we had too many over voting, these elections were canceled and she

talked about it in the press, it was all over the country.

“But somehow, from nowhere we heard that the results were declared. So these are not issues that we are going to talk about because I believe that I have represented the people very well and I have done the best that I can.

“Let me say that as a young man, of course, I came into the National Assembly at the age of 33. By age 41, I was in the Senate. So as a youth I think I have done very well and if the FCT feels that voting in an old woman of about 70 years old and giving her capacity for a 53 years old young man and bringing somebody who is old enough to be my mother and auntie, I think that something is wrong.

“Because even the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in some fora has said that people should begin to retire at 70. So, we are thinking of retiring her at the age of 70 and she is just beginning to represent us.

"She's too old to represent us in the FCT because she lacked the physical strength to carry out the rigourous legislative activities.?”

Aduda said he had been able to change the dynamics of administration through

unprecedented leadership in the FCT. He said, “I have constantly also put the issues of youth and women inclusion in my administrative style on the front burner, which largely reflects on my various programmes of empowerment, and it's visible in my appointments of my aides, which cuts across all kinds of people irrespective of tribe, ethnicity and religion.

“Not forgetting also that at 52 years of age, there couldn’t have been a more vibrant and resilient character as myself as symbol of youth representation.

“Because of our antecedent in politics, our works have earned us reelection for three consecutive tenures at the National Assembly, not by sharp practices, but premised solely on competence, character, credibility, performance and proven track records.

“I became a Councillor in 1996 at the age of 26, and later became a Supervisory councillor in AMAC at 32, all these were before my foray into the National Assembly where I gained very valuable experience having also humbly risen to become the Senate Minority Leader, making me a Principal Officer of the National Assembly.”

Alleged APC Thugs Attack Oworu’s Campaign Meeting in Surulere A campaign meeting by supporters of Olumide Oworu, Labour Party’s candidate for Surulere Constituency 1, was yesterday, reportedly attacked at Bode Thomas Junction, Surulere, allegedly recording scores of victims who sustained various degrees of injuries.

Although THISDAY gathered that Oworu was not present at the very meeting, many of his supporters, who were holding the meeting at an eatery, however, sustained injuries arising from the attack by thugs,

believed to be supporters of the ruling party.

In a viral video of the attack seen by THISDAY, a certain, woman who spoke on the background, although still in shock from the tone of her voice, said they were peacefully having their meeting, when the thugs came and tacked them, claiming, “This is Lagos” and as such, LP was not welcomed.

According to her, the thugs lined up everyone, took their phones and stabbed as many as possible, who according to

her, had been taken to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention.

While several efforts to reach Oworu to confirm story of the attack did not yield, the woman in the video, explained thus: “The police is (sic) just coming after almost 20 minutes of their mayhem. Look at bottles. They said they are APC supporters; that we cannot do anything.

That Labour Party should not come out to campaign; that Lagos belongs to them.

“They stabbed a lot of

people, so many of them are in the hospital right now.

They collected more than 20 phones, vandalised the vehicles; they break the eateries (sic).

Everything here was shattered away (sic), shot at some people.

The police is (sic) just coming in now. This is on the 16th day of March, 2023.”

Further giving details of the address, the woman said, “Bode Thomas Junction, Surulere, under Constituency 1. Everybody you see here, their phone has been stolen.”

33

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

DISCUSSING COLLABORATION AROUND SUSTAINABILITY BETWEEN GOVT, BUSINESS, AND COMMUNITIES...

L-R: Senior Manager, Business Development and Advisory Services, N1 Solutions, Mr. John Febbraro; Economic Development Officer, The Corporation of the Township of Dubreuilville, Chantal Croft; President, CSR-in-Action Consulting, Canada, Bekeme Olowola; Vice President, Human Resources and Communities, Green Technology Metals, Mr. Roger Souckey; and People Lead, Red Chris Block Cave Project, Newcrest Mining, Mr. Uche Okpalugo,during a meeting to discuss collaboration around the nexus of sustainability between government, business, and communities, during the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2023 Conference in Toronto, Canada, recently.

Wike: Amaechi Desperately Wants Cole to Become Governor to Frustrate their Ongoing Trial for Theft Rivers state govt. petitions Minister of Defence, others over Ex-governor’s plot to unleash violence during polls Declares today public holiday, to release N570m for youths Says drinking with N50m weekly better than destroying homes Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike yesterday, alleged that the reason why his predecessor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi desperately wants the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Tonye Cole to become governor of the state was “to frustrate their ongoing prosecution for theft.”

Wike stated this in a statement yesterday.

According to Wike, “If Amaechi has any modicum of conscience, he will know who actually should be accused of stealing state’s resources.”

The statement noted that Amaechi, “who is yet to recover from the devastating political blow inflicted on him since 2015, by governor Nyesom Wike, has of recent developed a penchant for making spurious and baseless allegations against the Rivers State governor.”

It added: “It is rather ludicrous for the former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi, who is standing

trial with his crony, Tonye Cole for embezzlement of $50 million belonging to the State government, to turn around and accuse Governor Nyesom Wike of stealing.

“It will be recalled that Amaechi had surreptitiously sold Rivers State government assets including the gas turbine power stations built by the Dr Peter Odili's administration to Tonye Cole's company, Sahara Energy at the sum of $308 million.

“This money was paid in December 2014. By the time Governor Wike assumed office on 29th May, 2015, what was left in the account was $308,000. Until date, Amaechi had been unable to account for $307,692,000.00 being proceeds from the sales of the turbines.

“Curiously too, under Amaechi's watch, the sum of $50 million was transferred from Rivers State government in Access Bank to Sahara Energy. It is for these reasons that he is being prosecuted with Tonye Cole.

“It is ironical that Amaechi, who sold Rivers State owned Olympia Hotel to Tonye Cole and squandered

CRPP Adopts Mbah as Enugu Guber Candidate Gideon Arinze in Enugu The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Enugu State has endorsed the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Mbah ahead of the polls on Saturday.

Addressing newsmen yesterday, the chairman of CRPP, Samuel Ani said the coalition decided to adopt Mbah, after extensive consultations because he remains the candidate best suited to deliver quality leadership to the people of Enugu State.

Ani said the coalition had signed an MOU pledging to work together to help get the best governorship candidate for Enugu State.

"We engaged in debates and considered the yearnings of the people and also looked at the manifestos of the leading candidates in the race after which we discovered that Mbah's plans serves the genuine hopes of the people and guarantees a better future for the people of the state," he said.

The coalition urged the people of Enugu state to ensure that they come out en masse and vote for Mbah on Saturday.

Accepting the endorsement, Mba thanked the coalition and promised that his administration would deliver good governance to the people if given the opportunity.

Mba who was represented by the director of communications/ spokesperson of the PDP campaign council, Nana Ogbodo, noted that the decision was founded on meritorious assessment of the present and future of the state.

He maintained that he intends to run the affairs of the state with the experience he had garnered in the public space, adding that he would offer disruptive innovation and do things differently.

"We shall not fail the people of Enugu State and the entire Nigeria," he said. "Enugu is blessed with human and material resources which we intend to use to make lives better for the people".

over N50 billion on now abandoned one kilometre monorail to pretend that he loves Rivers State.

“There is no doubt that the reason why Amaechi desperately wants Tonye Cole to become governor of Rivers State is to frustrate their ongoing prosecution for theft.

“If Amaechi has any modicum of conscience, he will know who actually should be accused of stealing state resources.”

In a related development, the Rivers State government has petitioned the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff and other relevant authorities not to release army personnel to Amaechi or any politician to interfere in Saturday’s election.

Wike, in a state broadcast yesterday, said the state government decided to petition the aforementioned based on credible intelligence indicating plans by Amaechi and the APC to overrun and disrupt the Saturday elections in Rivers State with army personnel and civilian thugs and cultists dressed in army and police uniforms.

The governor alleged that Amaechi , who alongside Cole, were indicted by a Judicial Panel of Inquiry for fraudulently acquiring the State’s valued assets and diverting the state’s $50,000,000.00 to

themselves, want to unleash violence during Saturday election.

“We have written to notify the Hon. Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, and the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, and requested that no military personnel is released to Rotimi Amaechi or any other politician to interfere with next Saturday’s elections in Rivers State.

“Furthermore, we have noticed that the Anti-terrorism Unit of the State Police command continues to provide VIP security services to politicians in defiance of the Inspector-General’s order to withdraw all police personnel attached to VIPs during the elections.

“We, therefore request the Inspector-General of Police to enforce his order by ensuring that all political leaders are restricted to their polling units and prevented from moving about with police escort,” he added.

Wike also requested the security agencies arrest and prosecute l27 local politicians he alleged were plotting to disrupt the elections with armed thugs, cultists, and gangsters in military and police uniforms.

Wike said the State government expects the security high command

to live up to their assurance of providing adequate security beef-of throughout the state to forestall any security breaches or breakdown of law and order during and after the elections.

“We assure everyone that we will do everything within our power to resist and prevent a repeat of what happened in 2019 when the Nigerian Army was used to rig, kill our people and destroy property during the elections across the state,” he added.

The governor urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to guarantee and ensure that next Saturday’s elections are free, fair, and credible, by allowing the electorate to decide their leaders.

Governor Wike stressed that with the quality of progress his administration had delivered in the last eight years, it was evident that Rivers State would be more outstanding and closer to fulfilling its purpose if the current development tempo is strengthened and sustained for the next four years.

Meanwhile, has promised to release the sum of N570 million to the youths of Rivers state for the construction of their permanent secretariat and accumulated subventions.

This was sequel to the request by the state Chairman of the National

Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Mr. Chijioke Ihunwo, urging the governor to consider the plight of the youths and released the longed accumulated grants.

The NYCN state chairman, while speaking at a solidarity rally convened by Tony Okocha in Port Harcourt, in support of Fubara in the governorship election, reminded the governor at the event of the N70million accumulated subventions.

Ihunwo said the youths were happy for the reduction of insecurity and level of infrastructure development in the state.

He demanded that the 10,000 jobs be reserved to the youths and not political godfathers, saying that, "Any attempt by any politicians to submit list for the 10, 000 jobs will be resisted.”

Reacting on the request by the NYCN, Governor Wike said the youths leadership would handle the allocation of the 10,000 jobs.

Wike further asked the state leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria to follow right away to the Government House and collect their accumulated subventions totalling N70 million.

He then announced that N500 million be released to start the construction of what he called a befitting state secretariat in Port Harcourt.

Saturday Polls: Resist Intimidation, Violence, Abe Charges Rivers’ Voters The gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has charged all voters in the state to dutifully turn out to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice and also defend their votes.

Abe, gave the charge while responding to his conferment with the Chieftaincy Title of Dike Di-Ora-Nma Ndigbo by His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. Innocent Adiele Maduagwu, Eze Onu N' Ekwuru Igbo III Eze Ndigbo Rivers/ Bayelsa States in his palace.

A statement yesterday, quoted him to have said: "On Saturday, March 18, 2023, we all, as Nigerians, have the right to go out and cast our votes for

the candidates of our choices in the Governorship and House of Assembly Elections.

“I want to use this opportunity to remind the Igbos, the Hausa people, Yoruba people, Akwa Ibom people, Edo people, the Andonis, Ogbas, Kalabaris, Ndokis, Ibanis, Ekpeyes, Wakrike, Abuans, Odual people, Engennis and all Rivers people that call this place our land, our home, must come out and vote for who we all want to govern us, despite his ethnicity or religious slant and ensure that the same votes are counted and the same votes count, so that we have a leader whom we have all voluntarily elected at the end of the day.

“Stay back after voting and be

sure that your votes truly count.

Any manner of threats and or intimidation to try to force anyone to vote one way or another must be resisted, because it is totally against the law.

“Let us all freely vote for whoever we want to lead our dear Rivers State, going forward as we all come together united under one leadership."

The SDP Guber flag-bearer expressed appreciation to the Igbo community in Rivers and Bayelsa States for finding him a worthy friend and ally to partner for the realisation of collective dreams of growth and development, assuring that he would not treat such trust with levity.

Earlier, the Eze Ndigbo Rivers/

Bayelsa States, Innocent Adiele Maduagwu, Eze Onu N'Ekwuru Igbo III had described Senator Magnus Abe as a friend and brother in times of need, one who truly keeps to his word and not given to threats and frivolities, pointing out that "the entire Igbo Community in these two states are indeed happy to associate with you over the years and so you deserve to be recognized and installed as one of our chiefs".

Several other titled Igbo chiefs, women, young men and their wives, many of whom are doing legit businesses in and around Rivers/Bayelsa States were present at the brief, but colorful installation ceremony in Port Harcourt.

34

FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

IOD NIGERIA MEDIA BRIEFING...

L-R: Honorary Treasurer of IoD Nigeria, Mr. Austin Enajemo-Isire; Past President, Ms. Benedikter Molokwu; Director General/CEO, Mr. Bamidele Alimi and President, Dr. Ije Jidenma, during a press conference held in Lagos to announce the plan for the 40th Anniversary of the institute...recently

Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Write Buhari, Say Uneasy Calm in Country Chuks Okocha in Abuja Leaders from Southern Nigeria and the Middle Belt have called

the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to what they described as uneasy calm and uncertainty that have since

Election: Court Restrains Police from Arresting PDP Leaders, Members in Osun Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo has restrained the Police from inviting, arresting and detaining leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State ahead of the House of Assembly election on Saturday.

Justice N. Ayo-Emmanuel gave the order yesterday, following an application brought before the court by some leaders of the ruling party members in the state.

In an originating summons for the enforcement of their fundamental human rights, Hon. Ibukun Fadipe, Hon. Sarafadeen Awotunde, Ojo Abiodun Michael, Hon. Abiodun Ojo Fafa, told the court that PDP leaders and members had come under serious and imminent threat of indiscriminate arrest and unlawful detention by the officers and agents of the Police on the malicious instigation of opposition political party members with respect to the forthcoming State Assembly elections.

The PDP leaders prayed the court to protect their fundamental rights to liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of association especially as it concerns their right to participate freely and actively in the due electoral process without being inhibited or being disenfranchised in anyway.

Respondents in the suits included the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Assistant Inspector General of Police (Zone XI Command Osun State), the Osun State Commissioner of Police.

In his ruling, Justice Emmanuel acceded to the reliefs sought

specifically by and in respect of the named PDP leaders/members pending the determination of the substantive originating summons for right enforcement.

"An order restraining all the defendants from arresting, detaining or further arresting/detaining the plaintiffs and their members across Osun State so as not to infringe or further infringe on the rights of the plaintiffs to dignity of human person, liberty and freedom of movement and expression guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and under the African Charter on Human and People's Rights (particularly in relation to the opportunity to freely, actively and outrightly participate in the forthcoming Osun State House of Assembly election scheduled to take place on the 18th March, 2023), pending the final determination of the originating summons in this case.

"An order restraining all the defendants from making efforts or restrict liberty of the plaintiffs, dignity of human person, and freedom of movement and expression guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and under the African Charter on Human and People's Rights (particularly in relation to the opportunity to freely, actively and outrightly participate in the forthcoming Osun State House of Assembly election scheduled to take place on the 18th March, 2023), pending the final determination of the originating summons in this case."

trailed the outcome of the February 25, 2023 presidential election in the country.

The leaders made some serious observations in a letter titled: ‘Post-2023 Presidential Election and State of the Nation, signed by the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, the Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, President, Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, His Excellency, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, a former Governor of Anambra State, and Secretary General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, The prominent Nigerians noted that the 2023 presidential election was considered fraudulent by various groups and youths, who participated in the election.

They further stated that many foreign observers were of the position that the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC), failed to meet the expectations of Nigerians, and did not adhere to the Electoral Act 2022 and its own guidelines in the conduct of the poll They lamented that INEC performed woefully in spite of the huge amount of tax payers’ money given to it and its promises of free, fair and credible elections to Nigeria.

They noted that Nigeria would have been under serious tension if not for the appeals by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the election, Mr. Peter Obi, and members of the group and prominent Nigerians across the country.

They, however, blamed Buhari for alleged violation of the electoral 2022, when he displayed his ballot paper to the public in Daura on February 25, shortly after voting.

The group faulted a statement by the presidency, signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and

Publicity, Mallam Shehu Garba, that Buhari would hand over to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, who was declared winner in the election.

They noted that there would not be another June 12 as the President has no powers to annul any election in a democracy.

They urged the President to give the deserved attention to the pertinent issues they raised about the state of the nation “not only in the interest of Nigeria’s unity and stability, but the sustenance of our democratic journey as well.”

The group urged the president to allow the Judiciary to do its job, without interferences, and relieve Nigeria from any political crisis, warning that, “If you can hear the hissing of a snake, don’t complain when you are bitten.”

They equally faulted the curious swiftness with which INEC approached the Court

of Appeal to ‘reconfigure’ the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used for the conduct of the February 25 Presidential Election, contrary to experts opinion that, “the BVAS devices need not necessarily be reconfigured before holding the Governorship and House of Assembly Elections.”

Their other observations included that, “The cunning manner in which INEC rescheduled the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections earlier scheduled for today, March 11, few hours after securing the relieve they sought from the Court of Appeal, Abuja; and the seeming reluctance of INEC to timeously allow lawyers of the presidential candidate of Labour Party access to inspect and obtain essential materials used across Nigeria for the conduct of the February 25 Presidential election, despite an Order of the Court of Appeal to that effect.”

Jonathan Cautions against Do-or-Die Politics Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has admonished politicians against a do-or-die politics ahead of the governorship and House of Assembly elections this Saturday.

The former Nigerian President gave the admonition yesterday at Sampou community in Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, shortly after paying a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri over the demise of his father, Pa Abraham Diri.

Jonathan stressed that politics should be about service and not about self, urging politicians to wait for God's time to get into leadership positions, adding also that in a democracy, the people play a critical role and wondered why those who aspired to lead wanted to

force themselves on the people.

He advised people of the state to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the House of Assembly elections.

On the late Pa Diri, Jonathan said the death of a parent was painful but urged the family of the departed to take solace in the worthy legacies he left.

The former president noted that the fact that the deceased produced a governor meant he inculcated good virtues in his children and prayed God to give the Diri family the fortitude to bear the loss.

"Leadership is not by force.

It is about serving the people.

So, if you want to lead the people, you cannot kill them before you lead them. In Bayelsa, the challenges will be minimal because we do not have governorship election on

Saturday. But I urge our people to conduct themselves well.

“When you go for condolence visit, sometimes you lack words. We are lucky that our father lived for 88 years but that is not the most important.

What you will be remembered for is what matters. From the messages so far, it is clear he lived a worthy life.

"He had good qualities that probably helped him produce a governor. We have come to join the governor and members of his family and community to console you and the rest of the family,” he said.

The Bayelsa governor, on his part, described the visit of the former president as special, saying his family and community were strengthened by his presence.

He traced his relationship

with Jonathan to when he was Bayelsa deputy governor, saying he became very close to him until he became governor and appointed him Commissioner in his administration.

Diri said Jonathan’s rise to the position of president was divine, and that the people of the state were proud of him and his achievements in politics.

The governor said he was overwhelmed with joy by the former president’s show of love, whom he said was among the first to call him and even sent his wife to visit before coming in person.

Diri, however, stressed the need for the people of Bayelsa to exhibit same brotherly love and unity in order to move the state forward.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

CCT MEMBERS VISIT BUHARI...

L - R: CCT member, Julie Anabor ;. CCT member , Atedie William ;. CCT Chairman , Danladi Yakubu Umar ; President Muhammadu Buhari ; Chief of staff to the President Professor Ibrahim Gambari and the Attorney general of the Federation and Minister of Justice , Abubakar Malami during the Courtesy Visit by Management of Code of Conduct Tribunal to the Presidential Villa , Abuja...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

INEC Confirms Awarding N434m Contract to Firm Linked to APC Governorship Candidate Commission urged to obey order permitting use of temporary voter's card

Alex Enumah and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed its award of contract to the tune of N434 million to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa state, Aishatu Binani The contract documents signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, showed that the contract was awarded to Binani Printing Press, owned by the APC chieftain.

The N434,372,649 contract was for the printing of election results sheets for the 2023 general election.

But reacting to the media report in a statement issued yesterday, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter

Education, Festus Okoye, however, said Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed was not listed as one of the Directors of Binani Printing Press Limited.

He said the procurements in the Commission went through open competitive bidding and Binani Printing Press Limited was one of the security printing companies that applied to print security documents for the Commission.

Okoye noted: "Our attention has been drawn to a news report that the Commission awarded a contract for the printing of sensitive election materials to Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed.

It was alleged in the report that she owns Binani Printing Press Limited.

"Procurements in the Commission go through open competitive bidding and Binani Printing Press Limited was one of the security printing companies that applied to

Seven Remanded for Hacking into Firm's Server, Siphon N435m Wale Igbintade Men of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID) Annex, Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos, have arraigned a seven-man syndicate before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly hacking into a server named 'Payvice', an electronic platform of ITEX Integrated Services Limited, and fraudulently withdrew N435, 386, 699. 99.

The alleged fraudsters were arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa are, Aderuku Oluwafemi Adedayo, Adigun Anuoluwapo Benjamin, Awopetu Tosin, Ajibade Taiwo Ayomide, Ojo Olamide Olwaseun, Miller Dunsin Oluwafemi, Olaleye Damilola Samuel and Ajibade Kehinde Ayodeyi.

Police prosecutor, Morufu Animashaun, during their arraignment told the court that the defendants conspired among themselves to commit the offences with others now at large since September 7, 2022.

He told the court that all the defendants jointly hacked the company's server and defrauded the company of different sums amounting to N435, 386, 699. 99.

He further told the court that the first defendant benefitted from the fraud with the sum of N29.9 million, the second Defendant received N51million, while the third and fourth Defendants received N19 million and N20 million respectively.

Animashaun also informed the court that the fifth to eighth Defendants received N13 million, N3 million, N13 million and N20 million respectively.

He said the first, second, third, seven and eight Defendants after perpetrated the alleged frauds, transferred parts of the sums to some people in different banks.

He told the court that the offences committed by defendants were contrary to sections 8(a), 1(1)(a), 2(a) and 7(2)(b)of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act. All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their 'not guilty' plea, the prosecutor asked the court to remand them till the determination of the charges against them.

But the defence' counsel, F. F. Abisagbo, told the court that he had filed his clients' bail application and same has been served on the prosecution, but the prosecutor contended that he has not been served with the application.

The court also confirmed that defendants' bail application was not before the court.

Consequently, Justice LewisAllagoa ordered that the Defendants be remanded in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), and adjourned the case till April 27, for commencement of trial.

print security documents for the Commission.

"After inspecting the company’s facility and carrying out due diligence at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Commission was satisfied that they are qualified printers with the requisite technical capacity, security consciousness and expertise in printing security documents."

Okoye stressed that the Commission decided to print all the security documents for the 2023 general election in the country to help Nigerian printers and assist in growing the national economy.

He assured that the Commission would continue to carry out due diligence in its procurement activities.

Meanwhile, an Abuja based lawyer, Mr. Victor Opatola, has called on INEC to obey the judgment of a Federal High Court which permitted the use of Temporary Voter's Card (TVC) in the forthcoming governorship and state houses of assembly's elections.

Opatola, made the call yesterday, in Abuja, while briefing journalists on moves by the electoral umpire to deny his clients opportunity to

exercise their franchise as directed by the court.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court, Abuja, had in a judgment delivered on March 9, ordered INEC to allow eligible voters with the Temporary Voter Cards, (TVC) participate in the March 18 governorship and state houses of assembly's elections.

Justice Egwuatu had predicated the order on the grounds that the plaintiffs were duly registered and captured in the INEC's database.

"An order is made compelling the defendant (INEC) to allow the plaintiffs to vote using their Temporary Voter Cards issued by the defendant, the plaintiffs having been duly captured in the National Register of Voter's database. " A declaration is made by this court that the plaintiffs, having fulfilled all necessary legal requirements to register and having consequently been captured in the defendant's (INEC's) central database and manual, printed paper based record or hard copy format of the defendant's maintained Register of Voters, the plaintiffs are entitled to vote using their Temporary Voter Cards in the forthcoming 2023

General Election," the judge said.

Opatola however, lamented that rather than comply with the order, INEC went on appeal and was seeking an order of stay of execution of Justice Egwuatu's order.

"Despite fulfilling all legal requirements, including registering to vote, my clients were denied their Permanent Voter's Card (PVC), and INEC has refused to comply with the court's judgment which compels INEC to allow them vote using their Temporary Voter's Card", the lawyer said.

Speaking on INEC's appeal, Opatola, pointed out that a stay of execution and filing of notice of Appeal does not invalidate the existing judgment of Federal High Court in this matter.

According to him, "INEC is mandated by law to comply with the subsisting judgment of court until the Court of Appeal decides otherwise. It is also trite law, that the judgment of Court is valid until set aside and takes effect immediately upon pronouncement by the Court, and that as soon as the Court makes the order, that order takes immediate effect."

While regretting that INEC chose

to ignore the court's decision and has continued to imply their intent to deny eligible voters their right to vote by not complying with the Court's Judgment, he called on the international community to "condemn INEC's actions and to stand with the people of Nigeria in demanding that it complies with subsisting Court judgment until if it is upturned as they have appealed it should".

Opatola also called on all Nigerians who have been disenfranchised by INEC to unite in a call on INEC to obey Court Judgments, adding that, "This is not just about an election; this is about the future of our democracy. We cannot allow INEC to undermine the very foundations of our society.

We must stand together, united in our commitment to democracy, and demand that INEC respect the rule of law and the rights of Nigerian citizens."

The plaintiffs, Kofoworola Olusegun and Wilson Allwell in the suit filed on February 8, and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/180/2023, had dragged INEC to court for refusing them to vote with their TVC in the 2023 general elections.

Abiodun Hosts Aviation Investors, Projects Ogun as W’Africa’s Agro-processing Hub Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has said the vision behind the construction of the Gateway Agrocargo International Airport was to expand the industrial base and open up the State as an agro processing hub in the West African sub-African.

Speaking when he hosted investors in the aviation industry at the airport, the governor was quoted in a statement to have said the airport when completed, would be of international standard, and on completion, would handle both agro and passengers’ services.

The airport, the governor noted, started with collection of approval from relevant agencies in 2006, stating that it was situated at the centre of the State and would leverage on its closeness to Lagos, the economic capital of the country.

The governor said the construction of the airport was in fulfilment of the vision his administration has for the state, adding that it would host a Special Agro-Processing Zone, where conglomerates in the agricultural

sector, would process agricultural products for export.

While promising that the airport would be one of the best in country, Abiodun said many investors have indicated interest to invest in the airport, while the Nigerian Air force and the Nigeria Customs are to set up their base and training school at the airport.

"This airport has been built within one and half years because it fits into our transportation master plan, it allows us to have a multimodel approach that connects the road transport to the sea or ocean transport, to the rail transport and of course to the air transport.

"This airport is an agro cargo airport but it is also an international airport, so we will have activities for both agro and non-agro and then we have passenger traffic as well.

"We have one of the biggest cargo aprons in the country, our apron is like four times the size of the cargo apron in Muritala Muhammad International Airport,

about 82,000 square meters. We are also constructing a second apron, so one apron will be dedicated for cargo, the other will be dedicated for passenger, we have runway that is about 4km in length and about 60 meters in width "By the time we finish our terminal building, you will see that there is flow in our designs, our terminal building also looks exactly like the control tower admin building and the reason for that is very simple because we envisaged that this airport will be expanding quite rapidly, so we wanted to make for a design that allows us to expand the airport in due course.”

The governor said his administration would commence the construction of warehouses "because if this is going to be a cargo airport, there is need for us to have warehouse". the governor submitted.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Access Corporation; Herbert Wigwe, said his company was the first to

key into the vision of the governor's desire to build a world class airport in the state.

"I think this airport will certainly be one of the very best we have in the country and perhaps in the continent and I think when it is completed, it will serve several other purposes in terms of an export processing zone.

"I happened to be at the bankers’ committee at a particular point in time where we were thinking of how to resolve some the challenges we are facing in Nigeria as far as export is concerned and apart from the seaport, this airport was designated as one of those airports that will be used to solve the problem of export in Nigeria.

"As a banker, I feel extremely fulfilled to be part of this project, a project by a responsible entity, one in which the leadership is fully aware of the implication to the wider economy, I am talking in terms of employment, development of the facilities and areas around the airport," he added.

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FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS SENATOR-ELECT…

L-R: President Mohammadu Buhari receiving Senator-elect, Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim in Abuja…recently

Guber Poll: Kwara PDP Protests, Seeks Level Playing Ground Police Commissioner warns against violence

HammedShittuinIlorin

Ahead of tomorrow’s governorship and state house of assembly elections in Kwara state, youths of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday staged a peaceful protest to the office of the Independent National Electoral

Commission(INEC), Adewole, Ilorin in order to ensure a free and fair poll.

This is just as the Kwara state Police Commissioner, Mr. Paul Odama, warned criminal elements and political thugs in the state to shelve any plan to cause any breakdown of law and order before, during, and after the election.

Adeleke Hosts Security Council Meeting, Reassures Osun People of Peaceful Polls Yinka KolawoleinOsogbo Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on residents of the state to troop out en masse next Saturday to cast their votes in the state elections, reassuring them of maximum security throughout the process.

Speaking after the second State Security Council meeting held yesterday within the premises of the Governor’s Office in Osogbo, the state capital, the governor stated that the service commanders have concluded arrangements to secure lives and property, warning hoodlums and political thugs to

stay away from the state.

According to Adeleke, “Let me use this opportunity to warn agents of political violence to stay away from Osun State. Our security arrangements are water-tight and there will be no hidden place for those plotting to disrupt the peace of the state.

“I have issued directive to the security chiefs to clamp down on anybody scheming to create mayhem. The service commanders will comb all criminal hideouts and flush out criminals who are targeting the election day for their trade. Election must be peacefully held in this state.”

The protest, according to THISDAY checks, might not be unconnected with the alleged involvement of the INEC in the state during the February 25 poll.

The protest was later joined by

the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Shuaib Yaman Abdullahi .

Addressing journalists at the INEC office, Ilorin, the PDP governorship candidate, Abdullahi raised concerns that the ruling All

Progressive Congress (APC) had reduced the state democracy to that of pecuniary gains.

He alleged that the APC had perfected plans to ‘intimidate’ voters on election day through vote-buying

with N10,000 for each prospective voters at the polling units .

Abdullahi, however, vowed that the opposition PDP would “brake the trajectory of poverty in the state”.

Three Feared Dead, Others Injured as Oyo APC, PDP Members Clash in Ibadan Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Less than 48 hours to the governorship and House of Assembly elections bloody violence broke out yesterday evening at Ile-Tuntun area of Ibadan South-east Local Government Area of Oyo State between members of

the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Three persons were reportedly killed while 13 others sustained severe injuries in the mayhem.

It was learnt that the entire area was deserted as sounds of gun shots boomed

intermittently with unverified number of motorcycles and vehicles damaged with shattered windscreen scattered all over the place.

According to a source, the dead bodies have been evacuated to morgue while the injured are currently receiving medical attention at a nearby

hospital.

It was gathered that members of the APC were holding meeting at their party office at Iyana Court, Ile-tuntun, Ibadan when vehicles of the PDP members passing by provoked members of the APC to throw objects at them.

Rivers ADC Candidate Steps down for Tonye Cole of APC Blessing Ibunge inPortHarcourt

The governorship candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Tonte Ibraye and his deputy, Tonto Dike have stepped down for Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate

in the state.

This development is coming less than 48 hours to the Governorship and House of Assembly election of March 18, 2023.

Speaking during an event in Port Harcourt, Ibraye said they decided to go into the alliance with the APC because of the belief that

Cole is the most qualified amongst all the governorship candidates.

He called on other governorship candidates of the Kalabari extraction, especially Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs of the Accord Party and Dawari George of the Action Alliance (AA) to support the APC governorship candidate for victory

on Saturday.

The ADC governorship candidate said: “Architect Tonye Cole, most of you have seen his curriculum vitae. He is not contesting for governor because he does not have a job and wants to take advantage of the people of Rivers State to use their resources.

Trade Unions File Suit to Stop Proposed Concession of International Airports

Group Donates N1m to The Air Transport Services Senior Staff consent and authority of the Industrial Court, Lagos, the trade Federation of Nigeria.

According to documents put Association of Nigeria(ATSSSAN), Federal Government, the 36 State unions are seeking amongst other National Union of Air Transport Governments and the 774 Local things a declaration that the Aminu before the court, the claimants Akere Market Fire Victims theEmployees(NUATE) and two Government Councils in Nigeria. Kano International Airport, Kano, said they were junior, senior SundayOkobi

A group, Every Lagosian Matters (ELM), has donated N1million to Akere Motor Parts andAllied Dealers Association (AMPADA) whose members lost a 65-year-old security guard and numerous goods worth millions of naira as a result of a fire ignited by suspected hoodlums at Akere spare parts market in Kirikiri, Olodi-Apapa in Ajegunle area of Lagos State.

The group Leader and DirectorGeneral Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, Mr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, led a five-member team

from Abuja to Lagos on a charity visit to the victims, where a pro-Tinubu support group, BAT 2023 Campaign Organisation led by its National Coordinator, Chief Sola Ebire, commended the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu’s swift response to the plight of the victims.

Ibe-Kalu told AMPADA’s Chairman and Vice, Messrs.

Izuchukwu Uba and Aloy Donatus respectively, that Every Lagos Matters rose as a responsive and responsible charity group to assuage the plight of the fire victims, urging them to continue to take heart and keep hope alive.

Church Leaders in Abia Demand Credible Guber Poll EmmanuelUgwu-Nwogoin Umuahia Church leaders in Abia State have called on all stakeholders in the March 18 governorship election to ensure that the poll is devoid of violence and other malpractices.

They made the call yesterday at a press conference in Umuahia, Abia State capital, saying they

would not like a situation where the anomalies that occurred during the presidential/National Assembly poll rear their heads in the governorship/state Assembly election again.

The concerns of the church leaders were expressed in a statement read by the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),Apostle EmmanuelAgomoh.

other trade unions in the aviation industry have dragged the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to court over the proposed concession of the nation’s international airports without the

The other trade unions are the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, FAAN Branch.

In a suit dated March 14, 2023 and filed by their lawyer, Femi Falana,SAN, before the National

the Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory are owned by the

and professional staff of FAAN whose employment is guided by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Reviewed Conditions of Service, 2021 which was made pursuant to the Federal Airports Authority Act.

Election: Okiro Tasks Police, Journalists on Professionalism Ayodeji Ake Retired Inspector General(IG) of Police, Mike Okiro, tasked security personnel and journalists to be professional in handling elections matters in the country.

Okiro, who condemned attacks on the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC) materials during the last February 25,2023 presidential election, urged journalists reporting any ugly event, such as snatching of ballot boxes or destroying ballot papers or policemen compromising, to indicate date and location in their reports for easy verification by security agencies.

Okiro, who spoke newsmen in Lagos, recently condemned the attacks as he observed during the previous election and he charged security personnel on adequate security ahead of the governorship and state house of assembly elections.

He said: “Many critics, including international observers

that monitored the February 25, 2023 presidential and national assembly elections, described the process as flawed and a travesty to democracy. Some of the areas fingered pointedly were that the elections were compromised and rigged, and that the poll results were doctored or falsified.

LP Accuses APC of Playing the Ethnic Card in Lagos Kingsley Nwezeh and Adedayo Akinnwale in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos

As the electoral battle for the soul of Lagos State gathers momentum, the Director-general of Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign, Akin Osuntokun, yesterday, accused the All

Progressives Party (APC) in Lagos State of playing the ethnic card ahead of the saturday’s governorship and state house of assembly elections.

Osuntokun, who spoke during an interview with Arise News Channel last night, said the rising tension ochestrated by the APC, stemmed from the the defeat

suffered by APC during the presidential election which had triggered desperate manouvers ahead of Saturday’s polls His assertion came against the backdrop of a viral video showing a meeting of Labour Party members at the Bode Thomas Junction Constituency 1 Surulere Lagos, which was disrupted by

suspected APC thugs.

Members of the party including women said the thugs unleashed violence at the meeting, injured many people, who were later hospitalised, robbed them of their laptops and handsets and destroyed the facility.

Osuntokun said it was the APC that was playing the ethnic card.

FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

37

WORLD OF ISLAM Lagos Re-Arraigns Kidnap Kingpin, NEWS XTRA

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Evans, for Attempted Murder Preparing for the Month of Mercy Wale Igbintade

Lagos State Government yesterday re-arraigned convicted billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans, before a Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square over alleged kidnapping and attempted murder.

Evans was arraigned alongside Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba and Okapara Linus before Justice Ibironke Harrison.

They are facing five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted

murder, preferred against them

by Lagos State.

The case started denovo (anew) after the case file was transferred from Justice Adedayo Akintoye who is now retired.

Evans and his co-defendants were arraigned for allegedly kidnapping Chief James Uduji and collecting a ransom of $1.2millon.

They and others at large allegedly committed the offence on September 7, 2015, at 7th Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos.

The defendants were also accused of attempted murder

by allegedly firing shots at Uduji and Donatus Nwoye, which hit him on the hand and also shot one Mr. Jereome Okezie on the hand and head.

When the matter came up for re-arraignment, Mr. H. Owokoniran announced his appearance for the prosecution, while Mr. Nelson Onyejiaka held the brief of Evans’ lawyer who was absent and also appeared for the second defendant.

Mr. A. K. Orajiuka, appeared for the third defendant, while Mr. Emmanuel Ochai appeared for the fourth defendant.

Dredge Rivers Niger, Benue, Build Dams, Kogi Monarch Urges FG Ibrahim OyewaleinLokoja Worried by the annual flooding and its attendant challenges , a traditional ruler and the Chairman of Ibaji Traditional Council, Eje of Ibaji, Ajofe John Egwemi, has called on the federal government to dredge the Rivers Niger and Benue and let them build dams on the two major rivers.

He also urged the federal government to emulate smaller countries having their dams because every day, we are facing threats from Cameroon over the release of water.

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEGOKE OLUWATOSIN ADEBIMPE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OYETUNJI OLUWATOSIN ADEBIMPE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS SADU OMOWUNMI MIUYBAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS YISA MUYIBAT OMOWUNMI . All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MARY ADESUWA GEORGE now wish to be known and addressed as MARY ADESUWA FOWODE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NWAJU CHIDINMA QUEENETH now wish to be known and addressed as MORDI CHIDINMA QUEENETH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I , formerly known and addressed as MISS EZINWANYI NNEOMA IROECHE, now wish to known and addressed as MRS EZINWANYI NNEOMA AMEFULE. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ONI MARIA ODUNLEYE now wish to be known and addressed as ONI MARIA AKINTOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS JOSEPH FUNMILAYO BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BENJAMIN FUNMILAYO BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that HEGEN SEDOO ANGEL MALAIKA and HEGEN ANGEL MALAIKA refer to the same person. I prefer to be called: HEGEN SEDOO ANGEL MALAIKA. All former documents remain valid. All former documents remain valid. WAEC/ NECO and the general public should please take note.

The monarch made this appeal when he received the Managing Director of Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, in his palace in Onyedega, headquarters of the Council, while on tour of communities ravaged by floods as a result activities hydro-electric power generating dams.

He said there was great need

to commend the commission, saying: “When you are helped by somebody, it is good to say how much he has helped you so that he can do more for you.

“HYPPADEC is a blessing to us in Nigeria. You have done so many things for us.

We call on you to help shout to the federal government and relevant authorities to come to our aid.

Ohuhu Clan Reaffirms Support for Abia APC Guber Candidate The Ohuhu Clan in Umuahia North Local Government of Abia State has disownedagroupofrenegadesunder theaegisofLeagueofEminentOhuhu Sons, saying that their purported support for the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Alex Otti was untenable.

The apex Ohuhu socio-cultural organisation, the Ohuhu Welfare Union and the Ohuhu Traditional RulersCouncil,OhuhuEldersCouncil andprominentpersonalitiesofOhuhu Clan at home and in the Diaspora have all risen in unison to condemn the action of the renegade group.

They all reaffirmed their unwavering support for High Chief Ikechi Emenike, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives

Congress (APC), who is a prominent Ohuhu son, assuring him of their readiness to ensure a successful outcome of his 2023 governorship project.

The President-General of Ohuhu Welfare Union, Chief Okechukwu Uwazie, stated that the entire Ohuhu Clanhasnothingtodowiththegroup of saboteurs who were being used by the enemies of Ohuhu to undermine the governorship project of High Chief Emenike.

“What I can tell the renegades is that they have embarked on a futile adventure which will lead them to no whereas Emenike has already won the hearts and minds ofAbians who are solidly behind his movement to rescue and develop Abia (RADA).

Edo People Charged to Vote LP Candidates

Adibe Emenyonu inBeninCity

A senior lawyer, Solomon Asemota, SAN, and the Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN), have called on all Edo people to come out in their large numbers to vote all candidates of the Labour Party (LP) in tomorrow’s election.

They said the called became necessary so as to enthrone a well structure political movement that does not believe in rigging and other electoral malpractices to attain power.

Speaking at a press confe-rence in Benin City, yesterday, organised

by CSMN, Chairman of group,

Solomon Asemota, who played a double role, while giving the charge, added that for almost eight years, the state did not have a functional House of Assembly as both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressive Congress (APC) have been two sides of one coin, determined to promote oppression in Nigeria with the help of federal might which has made the state assembly to remain moribund.

Against this backdrop, he said with the emergence of LP candidates in the election, people of the said would now have the opportunity for a rebirth to revive the law making process in the state.

MultiChoice Unveils Content for New Calendar Year Africa Magic has unveiled a bumper chain of indigenous and international content for customers across DStv and GOtv channels for the new calendar year.

The exciting catalogue of content includes news, music, sports, reality TV shows, documentaries, drama series, movies, and children’s programmes.

Speaking at the Content Discovery event in Lagos, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr Busola Tejumola, said customers should expect a new and diverse set of captivating and relatable indigenous stories across Africa Magic channels.

“It’s been 20 years of Africa Magic and Nollywood growing together, building global careers and talents. In 2003, we began the journey of telling authentic Nigerian stories on Africa Magic to build a platform where everyday Nigerians see themselves in relatable stories reflecting our culture. In 2023, we’ve found ourselves celebrating 20 years of creating and telling Nigerian stories.

“This year, we intend to break more boundaries and find new frontiers in local storytelling. We look forward to ensuring Africa Magic remains at the forefront of Nigeria storytelling.”

By: Maryam Amir Ebrahimi/ SuhaibWebb/IslamiCity

A

lot of us yearn to prepare for Ramadan, but we have no idea how to start. Below are a few tips to insha’Allah (Allah willing) help prepare our minds and hearts for this upcoming Month of Mercy.

day until Ramadan begins - and even through Ramadan, let me make the intention that I will now pray 2 extra rak`at of sunnah after ishaa’. And every time I pray these extra 2 rak`at, which are more than what I normally pray, let me remember that I am doing these with the intention of asking Allah (swa) to help me be prepared to strive and exert my utmost effort during Ramadan.

Make the Intention Simple to do, with a powerful impact.

Maybe you want to prepare for Ramadan, but between school, work, family, and your other activities, you just have no idea how to fit in ‘prepare for Ramadan’ time. Instead of separating ‘prepare for Ramadan’ from your daily activities, make your daily activities a MEANS of preparation for Ramadan.

For example, perhaps your mom asked you to pick up your brother from school on the day you finally had time to read a few extra pages of Qur’an. Instead of feeling upset as if you have lost a great opportunity to prepare for Ramadan, make the intention that you are picking up your brother to please Allah (swa) and prepare for Ramadan by obeying your mother, helping your family members, building ties of kinship...and the list continues.

The point is that preparing for Ramadan does not have to be some magnificent, enormous, extra-special thing that needs to be done at a certain time of the day. Many of your daily actions can be turned into Ramadan preparation actions with a sincere intention insha’Allah.

Make a Du`a’ (prayer) List Today This is THE MONTH to ask for EVERYTHING, both related to this life and the Next. Let us not wait until the last 10 nights to make special du`a’, and then once `Eid passes realize that we completely forgot about fifty other things we needed to make du`a’ for.

Let’s start making our lists now and add to it as more things come our way.

Insha’Allah this should help us remember to make constant du`a’ in this month where dua`a’ is accepted, and help our hearts pour out to the One Who can make those du`a’ happen (swa).

Do these Easy-to-Reap-Reward Actions 1.Ask Allah (swa) to forgive your brothers and sisters. “Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [at-Tabarani, classed as hasan by al-Albani] 2.It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah radi allahu `anhu (may Allah be pleased with him) said “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: ‘Whoever says subhan Allah wa bi hamdih (praise and glory be to Allah) 100 times, morning and evening, his sins will be erased even if they are like the foam on the sea.”

[Bukhari, Muslim] 3.If a person says, “Subhan Allah (glory be to Allah),” 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away.

[Muslim 2073] 4.Remember Allah (swa) when you go shopping. “Whoever enters a market and says: “Laa ilaha illallah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khair, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadeer.”

[There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise; He causes life and death and He is the Living and does not die; in His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent] Allah will write for them a million good deeds and erase a million bad deeds and raise him a million levels.” [at-Tirmidhi, classed as hasan by al-Albani]

Make a Plan!

Look at your objectives and try to plan out how to realize them in this month. For example, perhaps you are really struggling to pray your sunnah prayers. In this month, realize the enormity of the ajr (reward) of praying the sunnah prayers. Think that perhaps these sunnah will be the deeds that will be heavy on your scale of good deeds when you are intensely in need of them - on Yawm al-Qiyamah, the Day of Judgment. Therefore, fight to keep doing them all throughout Ramadan.

If you can’t pray your 2 rak`at after dhuhr (the afternoon prayer) right away, make sure to do them as soon as you get the chance.

Your plan might look something like this: Objective: Pray all my fardh prayers.

Method: Envision myself on the Day of Judgment seeing the weight of praying my sunnah consistently during this month. Make sure to pray sunnah immediately after salah (prayer). If I cannot, do it as soon as the opportunity arises - don’t let myself put it off!

Another example is that of finishing the Qur’an: Objective: Finish the entire Qur’an in this month.

Method: Read 4 pages of the Qur’an after every salah; 5 prayers X 4 pages = 20 pages; 20 pages= about 1 juz; 1 juz X 30 = the entire Qur’an.

So many Muslims have passed away since last month. So many people have not made it to Ramadan this year. Last year was their very last Ramadan. Will you make it to this Ramadan? Will this be your last Ramadan?

Aim to strive this Ramadan. With a very small amount of effort, such as just making a small intention or adding a few extra acts of worship, we pray that Allah (swa) will help our hearts soften and honor us with making it easy to turn to Him and open up to Him. May Allah (swa) make us of the successful in Ramadan and make it easy for us to turn to Him completely and perpetually. Ameen.

Up Your Worship To help condition your heart for this blessed month, intensify your worship before Ramadan begins. Just a small, consistent amount is enough. The Prophet told us: “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.” (Bukhari, Muslim) For example, say I always pray 2 rak`at (units) of sunnah (compulsory prayer) after ishaa’ (the night prayer) from this

Write out Your Objectives for Ramadan Praying all your fard (obligatory) prayers? Praying all your sunnahs?

Reading the entire Qur’an? Giving money in charity a day? Making itikaaf (a time for reflection and prayer in seclusion) in the masjid? Leaving one serious sin that you’ve been trying to get away from for some time now? Sincerely turning back to Allah (swa)? Write out a list, put it somewhere you will see it, and make du`a’ for your success in fulfilling your objectives.

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FRIDAY, MA ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Benchwarmers Dominate Peseiro’s Squad for Guinea Bissau

Duro Ikhazuagbe Super Eagles Head Coach, José Santos Peseiro, surprisingly included benchwarmers like Ahmed Musa, Joe Aribo, Wilfred Ndidi and a host of other senior Nigerian players in the squad to play Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus in a double header 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture later this month.

In a list of 23 players invited to camp by the Portuguese gaffer, Captain Ahmed Musa who has had cameo appearances for Sivasspor and was an unused sub as the Turkish team lost scandalously 1-4 (aggregate 1-5) in a Europa Conference League to Fiorentina last night, leads the benchwarmers to the all important double header.

Both Aribo and Frank Onyeka who have not seen actions for Southampton and Brentford are

A F C O N 2 0 2 3 Q UA L I F I E R S also listed in the squad. Ndidi too has dropped in form and has not been as regular as used to be for Leicester.

Usual suspects like in-form forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are in the squad along with the likes of Zaidu Sanusi, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu.

Captain of Nigeria’s U20 team that finished in third place at the recently-concluded Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt, Daniel Bameyi was listed alongside team goalkeeper, Chijioke Aniagboso.

In-form goalkeeper Victor Sochima, one of the reasons Rivers United FC have inched close to a CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final

ticket, will contend for the number one shirt with Francis Uzoho.

Nigeria and Guinea Bissau clash at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja from 5pm on Friday, 24th March, and then make it a second date at the Estadio 24 de Setembroin Bissau on Monday, 27th March, also starting from 5pm.

According to a statement issued by the NFF’s Communications Director, Ademola Olajire, the invited players are expected to start arriving at the team camp in Abuja on Sunday, 19thMarch.

Table-toppers Nigeria are on maximum six points from their defeats of Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe, with the Djurtus in second place on four points from their defeat of Sao Tome and Principe

and draw with the Leone Stars.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Victor Sochima (Rivers United); Kingsley Aniagboso (Giant Brillars) Defenders: Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce

SK, Turkey); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Calvin Bassey (FC Ajax, The Netherlands); Daniel Bameyi (YumYum FC); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal) Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England);

Joe Aribo (Southampton, England) Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal CF, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Southampton FC, England)

Napoli Hitman, Osimhen, Ready to Make Decision on Man Utd Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimm hen, has given another update on his situation at Napoli amid reported interest from other top European clubs and has admitted that he will undergo talks with his current clubs at the end of the season.

Osimhen has cemented his status as one of the world's most potent strikers in Europe this season, scoring 23 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions and is expected to be in high demand once the summer transfer window opens.

Manchester United are on the hunt for a new central striker and are speculated to be interested in entering negotiations with Napoli over a potential deal for Osimhen.

The 24-year-old has been vocal in his admiration of playing in the Premier League and provided another update on his future when questioned about United's apparent interest in an interview with Sport1.

“I don't know what the future holds. I think I'm on the right track,”

said Osimhen.

“At the end of the season, I will sit down with my agents and discuss everything. I will also be in talks with the club.

“I am incredibly grateful to Naples. We will find a good solution together,” he added.

Should he decide to swap Italy for England in the summer then Osimhen could round off an already spectacular individual season with the Serie A and Champions League titles.

Napoli maintain an 18 point lead at the top of the Italian top-flight and look set to lift their first league title since 1990, with Osimhen the division's top scorer.

The Nigerian increased his Champions League tally for the season to four goals with a brace in Wednesday's victory over Frankfurt that saw Napoli progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Any potential deal for his services would likely come with a price-tag

NGF President Commends Ganduje for Upholding Status of Kano Golf Club The Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and President, Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has commended Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State for dispelling an online media report that Kano Golf Club has been stripped of its Certificate of Occupancy by the state government.

While reacting to Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Mallam Muhammad Garba statement debunking the online report, Runsewe said that the development has come as a cheering news to the golfing community in Nigeria.

Runsewe stated that the Nigerian golfing community was apprehensive upon reading the fake news because of the strategic position of Kano Golf Course as one of the oldest in Nigeria and in West Africa.

He said that the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), the Nigeria golfers and the golfing world are excited by the swift response of the Kano State Government, debunking the fake online report.

“On behalf of the golfing community in Nigeria, I salute the courage

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje (left) and Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) and statesmanship of His Excellency, Governor Ganduje as exhibited in taking this bold decision,” stressed the NGF President.

While stating that the NGF and the Nigerian golfing community remain grateful to the governor, Runsewe reassured stakeholders that golfers in Kano will continue to operate within the ambit of the laws of the land.

EUROPA Fenerbahce 1-0 Sevilla Feyenoord 7-1 Shakhtar Freiburg 0-2 Juventus Real Betis 0-1 Man Utd exceeding £100m, meaning that only a handful of the world's biggest clubs could afford to sanction a move for the star.

He currently has over two years left on his current Napoli contract after previously joining the club from French Ligue 1 outfit Lille in 2020.

THE IRREPRESSIBLE STRIKER...

Victor Osimhen...the irrepressible was how UEFA described him on their official Twitter handle after scoring two goals and emerging Man of the Match in Napoli’s 3-0 defeat of Eintracht Frankfurt to reach historic quarter final of the Champions League on Wednesday night

BetKing Celebrates Nigeria’s New Para World Champion from Morocco Goodness Nwachukwu who returned from the Para Athletics Grand Prix in Marrakech, Morocco with two gold medals in shot put and javelin, was given a rousing welcome on Wednesday by BetKing Nigeria Limited at their corporate headquarters in Ikoyi Lagos.

The leading sports betting company are also supporting two other para athletes in the country.

Ms Nwachukwu who is the Commonwealth Games champion, launched 9.52m to break the women's F42 shot put record in a dominant display in Morocco where four other Nigerian Para athletes where also on parade. She had earlier at the Birmingham Games set a World Record of 36.56m in the Discuss event on the way to winning the gold medal for Nigeria last summer.

The obviously elated athlete expressed her happiness at the show of love by BetKing. “I am short of words to express my joy at the way BetKing are showering love on me. May God replenish their pockets as they support the careers of Nigerian Para athletes.”

She however admitted that going to Morocco to set another world record this time in Shot Put did not come as a piece of cake. “After the National Sports Festival in Asaba where i won three gold medals for Delta State, athletes were decamped.

I only trained for one week before heading to Morocco to win the two gold medals for Nigerian.”

Goodness Nwachukwu (left) and Managing Director of BetKing Nigeria, Gossy Ukanwoke, at the welcome reception for the Nigerian athlete who set new world record in Para Shot Put at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Marrakech, Morocco...recently Nwachukwu was unfazed that officials of the Grand Prix in Morocco wrongly presented one gold and one silver to her instead of the two gold medals she merited. An

official complaint has been lodged while the organisers have promised to send the right gold medal to Nwachukwu in Lagos.

The world champion however

stressed that after the Grand Prix, she was looking forward to the World Championships in July before the Paralympic Games in Paris next year.

“We have the World Championship and the African Games for Para athletes coming up this year. I want to do well in these competition before heading to Paris 2024,” Nwachukwu emphasized.

Communications Manager of BetKing Nigeria, Anjola Martins, told THISDAY at the ceremony that BetKing decided to take up the responsibility of supporting three para athletes because “the athletes are not recognized enough despite the fact that they have won more gold medals for Nigeria than the able body athletes.

“We at BetKing are filling in that gap of celebrating these wonderful athletes not just in Nigeria but across the continent.”

She hinted that BetKing was ready to give all that these worthy ambassadors of the country need to emerge world champions at the Paralympic Games next year.

Other para athletes that are also enjoying the support of BetKing include, Temitope Hassan and Promise Emeka.

The sports betting company was the sponsors of the Para Athletics category of the last National Sports Festival in Asaba.

It was the first of its kind and went a step further to support a number of individual athletes to with Funding and Gear.

FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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MISSILE Osuntokun to Lagos LP’s Critics “In Lagos, the fear factor being currently stoked and weaponised is that the Igbos would take over Lagos if LP wins Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections. In their desperation, they are even shamelessly questioning the ‘Yoruba-ness’ of our candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour(GRV), despite the fact that he is from one of the best known families in Lagos, whose ancestral tree can be traced to over 200 years” –LP DG PCC, Akin Osuntokun, cautioning those employing ethnic hatred in Lagos politics.

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EBUN-OLUADEGBORUWA GUEST COLUMNIST

INEC and Controversial Elections Y ear in and year out, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts elections into various offices in Nigeria, either through the main general elections, the bye-elections or other elections. INEC has been involved in the conduct of elections for an unbroken period of twenty-four years on, from 1999 to 2023. It would seem however that there is still a lot to do get the electoral umpire moving. For sure, INEC is the only statutory body authorised to organise or conduct elections in Nigeria, in respect of certain offices created by the Constitution.

INEC is one of the federal executive agencies of the state established under section 153 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, with its functions stated in paragraph 15 of the Third Schedule of the said Constitution. Under and by virtue of paragraph 14 of the said Third Schedule, the Chairman of INEC should be at least forty years old, he must be non-partisan, he must not be a member of a political party and he must be a person of unquestionable integrity.

By law, the major functions of INEC are to: organize, undertake and supervise all elections into major positions of national importance as stated in the Constitution; register political parties; monitor the organisation and operation of the political parties, including their finances, conventions, congresses and party primaries; arrange and conduct the registration of persons qualified to vote and prepare, maintain and revise the register of voters for the purpose of any election; monitor political campaigns and provide rules and regulations which shall govern the political parties.

From all the above, INEC is the alpha and omega of major elections in Nigeria.

This is further confirmed by section 158 (1) of the Constitution which states that INEC shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person. In plain language, the Constitution has set out to establish an electoral body that is truly independent, because of the unique roles that INEC has to play in the emergence of leaders across the land. Statutorily and financially therefore, the goal is to make INEC a self-accounting body, in order to guarantee its independence and impartiality.

But this has not been the case at all, over the years.

Now let us relate all these with the recent presidential and National Assembly elections that were held on February 25, 2023. There were too many challenges associated with the registration of voters and issuance and collection of the permanent voter’s cards, which indeed should be the foundation of any electoral success. Without any doubt whatsoever, there was some form of disconnect between INEC and the voters, in terms of voter education and information, especially in relation to the collection of the voter cards. The procedure was unduly bureaucratic, unwieldy and

Yakubu

frustrating. You just have to keep going and going, at times for many days on end. With the resources committed to this exercise, there is no reason any voter should have been denied this entitlement at all. To the extent that a court in Abuja had to issue an order upon INEC to allow Nigerians with temporary voter cards to participate in the elections!

Then comes the main election. The first thing to note is that INEC cannot boast of adequate personnel to handle its very sensitive matters. For sure, the Constitution has stated clearly that its personnel must be impartial and non-partisan. For crying out loud, how do you recruit youth corps members from all over the country and you don’t expect them to be partisan? When they have parents and relations some of whom are actively involved in politics? And some

of the youth corps members themselves are active politicians! There is just no way anyone can expect loyalty from a youth whose father, mother, brother or uncle is contesting election on the platform of a political party, no matter the jurisdiction of his posting, as loyalty for the presidential election for instance, is to the party, not the individual.

Then comes the returning officers, who are mostly members of the academic community, recruited on temporary contracts to assist in the collation and announcement of the election results. These are very elderly men and women mostly in their late fifties or early sixties, who have risen in rank through the system to become Vice-Chancellors, over many years. The Supreme Court has recently ruled that civil servants are not exempted from participating in politics, thus making it possible for these returning officers to have allegiance to certain political interests. This is not to impugn their integrity in any way, but it is possible that in the process of time, a lecturer may have become influenced by one political leaning or the other. The issue then is that there is no way INEC could boast of the impartiality or neutrality of its ad hoc personnel, not to be biased in one way or the other, in favour of or against a particular political party.

On the day of election itself, we met the unexpected, as there were cases of locations that were totally neglected by INEC, which did not benefit from the distribution of election materials, especially in the difficult terrains of the Niger Delta and other rural areas. In some other cases, the election materials did not arrive early, whilst yet in other cases, INEC personnel were simply overwhelmed by partisan security agencies or thugs recruited by politicians. It was a case of general unpreparedness on the part of INEC, notwithstanding all the time it had to prepare and organise the elections and the huge funds committed to it. For a fact,

Whereas we do not at all discountenance the efforts put into the electoral process

by INEC, but once the lapses seem to overwhelm these efforts, it becomes very difficult to assess the electoral body for any serious pass mark. Thus, we all expect a better outing, come Saturday.

Enough has been said, time has been given and fund has been provided, so let there be no further excuses

INEC budgeted a whooping N355B for the 2023 elections, broken down into several categories. Nigerians put pressure on the National Assembly to approve the budget in order to guarantee free, fair and credible elections. The breakdown includes: Printing of ballot papers; Logistics expenses; Logistics for technical officers Procurement of nonsensitive materials; Feeding of policemen and other security personnel; Election day allowances for ad-hoc staff; Deployment of support staff; Campaign finance tracking; Monitoring of parties, primaries; Supervision and reconnaissance; Outreach activities; Interface with groups; Advertisement; Voter education; * Situation room, etc.

There are still many more of these ridiculous items budgeted by INEC and for which fund was duly released, but for which no tangible results were obtained.

It should be possible for the National Assembly as part of its oversight functions, to do a thorough audit of INEC finances, especially against the background of the poor outing of the agency in the last presidential and national assembly elections, which is nothing but money down the drain. As we approach the governorship and house of assembly elections, the only way the electoral umpire will continue to earn the confidence of Nigerians is to go back to the drawing board to improve upon its game. Elections most times have to do with the perception of the people and unless there is an apparent display of neutrality and capacity, the people may soon become weary with INEC and its controversial elections. Given that technology is subject to errors and glitches as they now call them, there is an urgent need for INEC to douse the suspicions that characterized the presidential and National Assembly elections. The governorship and house of assembly elections are generally regarded as local games for which there is a greater degree of involvement by the people in the grassroots, which is why there is need for solid preparations by INEC in order to avoid the pitfalls of the past. Through the tracking device of technology, INEC should be able to determine the locations of its personnel who have been assigned to different polling units into monitors and checkmate cases of late deployment of staff and failure to upload election results.

Whereas we do not at all discountenance the efforts put into the electoral process

by INEC, but once the lapses seem to overwhelm these efforts, it becomes very difficult to assess the electoral body for any serious pass mark. Thus, we all expect a better outing, come Saturday. Enough has been said, time has been given and fund has been provided, so let there be no further excuses. We are all concerned that election holidays have now graduated from the Saturday of the election into days and even weeks of uncertainties.

•Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), writes from Lagos

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