SATURDAY 19TH MARCH 2022

Awka Monarch: Ebelechukwu Obiano Has Desecrated Kingdom By Fighting Bianca, Says Serious Consequences Loom Bianca ‘stunned by the stench of whisky on Obiano’s wife’s breath’ Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Obi of Awka Ancient

Kingdom, Eze Uzu III of Awka, Austin Ndigwe yesterday declared that Ebelechukwu, wife of former governor of

Anambra State, Willie Obiano had desecrated Awka by fighting Bianca, widow of late Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka

Odumegwu-Ojukwu and that the Gods of the Kingdom must be appeased.

Also yesterday, Bianca issued

a statement about the fight, alleging that Ebelechukwu was drunk when she attacked her.

A fight that broke out last

Thursday between the two women during the inauguration Continued on page 5

Buhari Back in Abuja After 2-Week Medicals in London... Page 16 Saturday 19 March, 2022 Vol 27. No 9839

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Malami Celebrates as Court Annuls Section of Electoral Act Barring Political Appointees Says federal government will immediately give effect to the judgment by gazetting it Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia and Alex Enumah in Abuja

A Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State yesterday nullified the controversial Section 84(12)

of the Electoral Act 2022 barring political appointees from contesting elections and ordered the Attorney General

of the Federation "to delete it forthwith," saying that it is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

Barely few hours after the court’s decision, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of

Justice, Abubakar Malami issued a statement saying Continued on page 5

Game on, Court Vacates Order Stopping APC’s Convention, Akpanudoedehe Returns Buni, secretary at party’s HQ, continue ‘preparations along line of scheduled activities’ Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Bello Kawu of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting at Kubwa, yesterday vacated an order of his court restraining the All Progressives Congress (APC), from going ahead with its planned National Convention, pending the hearing and determination of a suit against its conduct.

Also yesterday, the Chairman, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the APC, Mai Mala Buni, met with his supposedly sacked Secretary, John Akpanudoedehe, at the party’s secretariat, thus dispelling the rumour that the latter had been removed.

Justice Kawu vacated the order stalling APC’s National Convention following an application by the party to that effect.

An aggrieved member of the APC, Salisu Umoru, had approached the court for an Continued on page 5

CELEBRATING MUTAWALI OF ILORIN… L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Hajiya Kafayat Foluke Abdulrazaq; the new Mutawali of Ilorin, Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari; Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his wife, Olufolake; during the turbaning of Alimi AbdulRazaq as Mutawali of Ilorin… yesterday

EFCC Moves Obiano to Abuja, Queries Him on Alleged N42bn Fraud… Page 5

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2022

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EFCC Moves Obiano to Abuja, Queries Him on Alleged N42bn Fraud Kingsley Nweze in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday confirmed that the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, had been moved to Abuja for further interrogation on fraud allegations.

Obiano, who was arrested by the EFCC on Thursday night at the Lagos airport while trying to board a flight to the United States, hours after his handover to the new governor of Anambra State,

Charles Soludo, was transferred to Abuja yesterday morning.

The EFCC in a statement last night said Obiano was being interrogated for alleged misappropriation of N37 billion security vote and N5 billion Sure-P funds, totaling N42 billion.

It alleged that the former governor also used part of the N42 billion to fund political activities in the state.

"Willie Obiano was arrested for alleged misappropriation of public funds, including, N5bn Sure-P and N37billion security

vote, which was withdrawn in cash,” said the EFCC. Sources said the EFCC is also in possession of other petitions alleging corruption against Obiano.

One of such petitions, a source said, alleged massive corruption in the management of the N17bn Paris Club refund to the state.

“There are also petitions alleging inflated projects, including the Umueri International Airport project whose cost was believed to be exaggerated. The EFCC has been

doing its investigations all this while and are convinced that Obiano has a case to answer,” adds the source.

In September 2021, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra had asked the anti-graft agency to probe the finances of the state in order to unearth “monumental deception”.

Anambra APC chairman, Basil Ejidike, had alleged that Obiano was “fraudulently” using the state’s security vote.

Obiano had been on the

watch list of the EFCC following the commission’s letter to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service on November 15, 2021, requesting immigration to place Obiano on a watch list and inform it anytime he was travelling out of the country from any of the international airports and other points of entry and exit.

Meanwhile, the EFCC yesterday explained why it arrested the immediate past Governor of Anambra State.

Speaking with BBC

Pidgin, the spokesman of the commission, Wilson Uwajaren said: “Obiano had been on our watch list for some time now.

He had immunity as a governor and that was why we could not arrest him before now.

“Today he lost his immunity and was traveling out of the country before we finally arrested him. Obiano was arrested and he is still in our custody.”

The EFCC official promised to provide the anti-graft agency’s next line of action in the coming days.

GAME ON, COURT VACATES ORDER STOPPING APC’S CONVENTION, AKPANUDOEDEHE RETURNS exparte order of injunction to temporarily restrain the defendants, which included the APC; Chairman of CECPC, Governor Mai Mala Buni; and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting the planned convention slated for March 26, 2021.

Justice Kawu, having found the application meritorious on November 18, 2021 granted the other.

However, dissatisfied and desirous of working in accordance with the timetable of INEC, the APC early in March, this year, approached the court to set aside the said order so as to pave a way for the conduct of the scheduled convention.

Delivering ruling in the application as moved by Shuaib Aruwan, SAN, Justice Bello Kawu, held that the Plaintiff lacked the locus to sustain the restraining order.

According to the judge, the order of injunction issued

against the APC on November 18, 2021, had been overtaken by a recent judgment the Supreme Court delivered on a similar matter.

He subsequently vacated the order and adjourned the Plaintiff’s substantive suit till March 30 for hearing.

Justice Kawu had on November 18, 2021, while ruling in an exparte application, halted the APC convention to enable him reach a decision in the originating summons

by Honourable Salisu Umoru challenging the planned convention.

In the case with suit number FCT/HC/CV/2958/2021 and motion number FCT/ HC/M/9655/21, the plaintiff prayed the court for an Order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd defendants and their agents from organising, holding or conducting the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress in

January and February or at any other date either before or after, pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

The Plaintiff had, among other things, prayed the court to direct the APC and its CECPC Chairman, to halt further action on the planned convention, pending the resolution of legal cases involving the party.

He equally sought an order directing Buni to begin the reconciliation process to resolve

Akpanudoedehe Remains Secretary Buni met with Akpanudoedehe

yesterday at the party’s secretariat, thus dispelling the rumour that the latter had been sacked.

Aides of Buni pushed out photographs from the meeting and unofficially confirmed that Akpanudoedehe had resumed as secretary and that the two men met “to continue preparations along the line of scheduled activities.”

Continued on page 39

AWKA MONARCH: EBELECHUKWU OBIANO HAS DESECRATED KINGDOM BY FIGHTING BIANCA, SAYS SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES of Professor Charles Soludo as Governor resulted in Bianca slapping Ebelechukwu.

Eze Ndigwe also ordered Ebelechukwu to apologise to Bianca within seven days to avoid consequences.

The Obi of Awka, in his press release, said he had given Ebelechukwu seven days to publicly apologise to the entire Igbo people or face serious consequences.

He said the action of the wife of the former governor was sacrilegious, and that as the monarch of the town, he would have to appease the gods of Awka land to avoid calamities.

The monarch said: "She should also tender an unreserved apology to the new Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo for her disgraceful conduct

during his inauguration. The same should go for the chief judge of the state who was conducting the swearing in when she descended.

"This grave sin was committed in the land of Awka which is known for peace and unity. Therefore, as the traditional ruler of the people and chief custodian of our culture, I am under obligation to perform some

MALAMI CELEBRATES AS COURT ANNULS SECTION OF ELECTORAL ACT BARRING POLITICAL APPOINTEES the federal government “will immediately give effect to the judgment by gazetting it.”

President Muhammadu Buhari had recently signed the electoral bill into law with a caveat that Section 84(12) be deleted in order to deepen democracy in the country.

Last week, the Senate surprisingly threw the request of the president out.

However, dissatisfied, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, disclosed that the federal government would explore other means including the court to ensure the said portion of the law which he claimed offends other sections of the Constitution was expunged from the amended Act. Delivering judgment in the matter yesterday, Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court, Umuhia, Abia State, held that the section was unconstitutional, invalid, illegal, null, void and of no effect whatsoever and ought to be struck down as it cannot stand when it is in violation of the clear provisions of the Constitution.

The judge, accordingly, ordered the AGF to forthwith delete Section 84(12) from the Electoral Act. Malami said his office "will, accordingly, give effect to the court’s judgment in line with the dictates of the law and the spirit of the judgment."

He stated that the judgment of the Court would be recognised by the government printers in printing the Electoral

all the disputes that emanated from the local government congresses that were conducted by the party.

In granting the request last November, the judge warned that the subject matter of the case was now subjudice and must not be tampered with.

Act 2022.

In a statement by his media aide, Umar Gwandu, the AGF said, “The Act will be gazetted factoring the effect of the judgment into consideration and deleting the constitutionally offensive provision accordingly.

"The provision of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022 is not part of our law and will be treated accordingly.

"This is in line with the dictates of chapter 7, Part 4, Section 287 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) on enforcement of decisions that make it a point of duty and obligation on all authorities and persons to have the judgment of the Federal High Court, among others, to be enforced."

In striking down the suit marked FHC/UM/ CS/26/2022, Justice Anyadike, held that Sections 66(1)(f), 107(1)(f), 137(1) (f) and 182(1)(f) of the 1999 Constitution already stipulated that appointees of government seeking to contest elections were only to resign at least 30 days to the date of the election and that any other law that mandated such appointees to resign or leave office at any time before that was unconstitutional, invalid, illegal null and void to the extent of its inconsistency to the clear provisions of the Constitution.

Recall that last week, a politician and legal practitioner, Nduka Edede, who is a member of Action Alliance (AA) filed a

suit at the Federal High Court Umuahia seeking to nullify the Section 84(12) on the grounds that it was inconsistent with Sections 66,107,137 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking with journalists after the court verdict, counsel to the plaintiff, Emeka Ozoani, SAN, said it had restored the rights of Nigerian citizens which vexatious subsection 12 of Section 84 of the Electoral Act sought to abridge.

According to him, the court has now, with this judgment, created “a congenial atmosphere for politicking and political space" ahead of the 2023 general election.

He said there was no need again for the National Assembly to bother with amending Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act as requested

by President Buhari as the Court has specifically asked the AGF to delete it since it was an illegal law ab initio.

Counsel to the AGF, Chris Nevo said that the court judgment was in tandem with the position of the AGF, who has always held that it was wrong to use the Electoral Act to abridge the rights of political appointees to participate in the electoral process.

"Originally, we believed that it was a big error on the part of the National Assembly to have inserted the controversial Section 84(12), adding that Nigerians should now heave a sigh of relief as the nation could now face operational issues begging for attention.”

Falana Punches Holes in Ruling

Lagos lawyer and human rights activists, Femi Falana has pointed holes in the judgement of Justice Anyadike, saying that political appointees are not included in the list of persons employed in the public service.

Falana argues: With respect, the learned trial judge fell into a great error. Sections 66 (1) (f), 107(1) (f), 137 (1) (f) and 182 (1) (f) of the Constitution relied upon by his lordship require persons employed in the public service of either the federal government or state governments.

“Specifically, each of the aforesaid sections provides that "No person shall be qualified for election into the Senate or House of Reps if: (f) he is a person employed in the public service of the Federation or of any State and has not resigned, withdrawn or retired from such employment 30 days before the date of election.

“By virtue of section 318 of the Constitution, political appointees are not included in the list of persons employed in the public service. To that extent, section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act was annulled on a very faulty ground.

“No doubt, the Judge would have dismissed the case if his attention had been drawn to the cases of Dada V. Adeyeye (2005) 6 NWLR (Pt. 920) 1 At 19 Asogwa V. Chukwu (2003) 4 NWLR (Pt. 811) 540 Ojonye V. Onu & ORS (2018) LPELR-44223) where the appellate Courts have held that political appointees or political office holders are not public servants as provided for under the Constitution.”

sacrifices to cleanse our land of this filth and pollution and to appease the gods."

The Obi of Awka said he had long spoken to Bianca who told him that what angered her was that Mrs. Obiano walked up to her and called her unprintable names, including querying her presence at the swearing in ceremony.

He added that a study of the scenario showed that Mrs. Obiano's action was deliberate, as she came very much prepared to disrupt the swearing in ceremony.

Ndigwe added that Mrs. Obiano's action was not only against Mrs. Ojukwu, but also against the late Ojukwu, who is the founder of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), whom his widow came to represent.

"It must be pointed out that Bianca was not at that ceremony as Bianca, but as a direct representative of our late father and leader, Chief Odumegwu-Ojukwu, her late husband who pioneered APGA. "Therefore, Ebele's action of casting aspersions on her is an affront on the entire Igbo people. It was indeed on Odumegwu-Ojukwu and not on Bianca as a person. This is an insult on Igbo and it must not go unpunished.

"It is on record that I took Obiano and his wife, Ebere to Bianca Ojukwu where they knelt down while seeking the party's governorship ticket.

Bianca endorsed Obiano and called on all APGA members, including then Governor Obi to support him. Mrs. Obiano has only seven days to apologise as demanded and directed or face serious consequences."

Bianca ‘Stunned By the Stench of Whisky on Obiano’s Wife’s Breath’ Bianca issued a statement yesterday, stating that all guests were seated when Ebelechukwu arrived some one-and-a-half hours later while the inauguration ceremony was on and that she didn't pay any particular attention to her.

The former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain and the Vatican continued: Surprisingly, she then walked towards me

and I thought she was coming to greet me. Instead, when she got to where I was seated, she verbally attacked me with her voice raised, taunting me and asking me what I was there to do and using unprintable vile language. She asked if I had come to celebrate their last day in office. But I ignored her completely. Then, she kept aggressively putting her hands on my shoulders and shouting.

“While I ignored her verbal onslaught, as advised by those sitting around me, I requested twice that she refrained from touching me with her hands.

She proceeded to do so yet again and went further to grab at my head tie, which she attempted unsuccessfully to remove. This very act is considered a sacrilege to a titled matriarch such as myself in Igbo culture. It was at this point that I stood up to defend myself and gave her a dirty slap to stop her from attacking me. As she made towards me, I then pulled away her wig.

“She held onto her wig with her two hands and tried to take the wig away from me.

“The former APGA chairman, Chief Umeh, told her to leave me and told enraged APGA members that had gathered at the spot to lead her away, which they did and took her to the seat next to her husband Chief Willie Obiano who sat through the entire episode, completely speechless. What struck me through the whole episode was the fact that she was clearly intoxicated.

“I was stunned by the stench of whisky in her breath at such an early hour of the day. How could a first lady be so drunk and proceeded to turn up in that state at an Inauguration ceremony that began at 9am?

It is unfortunate that she threw all caution to the wind and imported this kind of melodrama to a state ceremony.

“This was highly embarrassing to the governor who left the venue almost immediately, taking her along with him. Luckily, this did not disrupt the proceedings and I stayed back to witness the ceremony to the end after which we were treated to a sumptuous reception at the Government House.”

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NEWS

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

INEC: Multiple Court Motions, Others Stall Action on Umahi, Other Defections Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday acknowledged the receipt of court orders sacking the Ebonyi State Governor, his deputy and16 lawmakers but said that it suspended taking action because the commission was waiting for the green light from its Legal Services

Department.

Expectations are high as to the course of action INEC would take on the court judgment sacking Governor Umahi, his deputy and the16 lawmakers.

A statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voters Education Committee, Festus Okoye, disclosed that INEC

was waiting for legal advice from its Legal Services and Clearance Committee which is studying the judgments and new processes filed against it in the light of the previously served ones in order to advise the commission comprehensively.

Okoye stated that the commission would meet again next week to decide on the matter and make its decision public.

According to him, the commission had been served with nine separate court orders and various motions from several courts on the matter.

The statement from Okoye: “Just as the commission was about to commence deliberation on them, its attention was drawn to additional court processes served yesterday on the matter.

“Consequently, the commission decided to defer its

deliberation on the Ebonyi cases and stepped down the listed memorandum to enable its Legal Services and Clearance Committee to study the new processes in the light of the previously served ones and advise the commission comprehensively.”

Defection: PDP Leaders Meet Goje in Abuja Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Ahead of the reported defection of former Gombe State governor, Senator Danjuma Goje, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a team of leaders from the opposition party have begun talks.

The PDP leaders who met with Goje at his Abuja residence include the immediate past governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Philip Aduda, and former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose.

It was learnt that the meeting which took place last Thursday night, was also aimed at resolv-

ing some political differences between Dankwambo and Goje to facilitate the growth of the PDP in Gombe State.

Sources at the meeting hinted that the PDP leaders tried to persuade both Goje and Dankwambo to embrace the principle of sacrifice in harmonising political structures.

Goje, a former Minister of Power, was also a two-time governor of Gombe State between 2003-2011 under the PDP before he was succeeded

by Ibrahim Dankwambo.

He left the PDP for APC in the build up to the 2015 general elections.

Goje has been having a running battle with the incumbent Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya.

Masari: I Will Never Negotiate with Terrorists Again Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Apparently regretting his rapprochement with terrorists in Katsina State, Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has vowed not to negotiate or trust the hoodlums again because of their nefarious activities despite the two peace deals he had with them.

The governor added that with the benefit of hindsight, his government should never have negotiated with the terrorists, let alone grant them amnesty because “they are not propagating any ideology, they are criminals.”

Masari explained that some of the ‘so-called repentant’ terrorists who were released from custody as a result of the peace deals are now leaders of terrorists with more than 100 gangs and various camps in Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina states.

In an interactive session with members of a high-powered foreign delegation led by the Head of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, Mohammed Yahya, at the Government House, Katsina, Masari insisted there was no need to negotiate with the criminals.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, Head of Cooperation, European Union in Nigeria, Cécile Tassin-Pelzer

and Norway Ambassador to Nigeria, Knut Eiliv Lein, were among the delegation.

Although Governor Masari said he never regretted his decision at the time, he admitted that information available to him confirmed that engaging the terrorists who had killed and raped innocent citizens in the state was not the right thing to do.

Consequently, he urged the United Nations Development Programme, European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) to support the Nigerian government with the provision of technologies that will enable security agencies to have access to the nation’s ungoverned forest areas.

He said: “Because they (terrorists) said they are Muslims, we went as far as asking them to swear to the Holy Qur’an that they will never participate in banditry again. All of them did in this office but even those that have been in jail for over two years that were brought out are today bandits’ leaders.

“In fact, I will never trust them again because we realised they are not ideologically inclined. So, we are negotiating with thieves. Anybody who says he is going to engage them on anything is free. I will pray for him but I will not do it again.

EYES ON THE BALL… L-R: Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State; APC presidential aspirant, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje and former Borno State Governor, Senator Kashim Shettima, during Tinubu’s visit to Governor Yahaya at the Gombe State’s Governor’s Lodge in Abuja…yesterday.

Saraki: I’m Yet to Get Over the Shock of Ashaolu’s Death Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday, said he was yet to get over the sudden death of the Publicity Secretary of the Kwara State chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Tunde Ashaolu.

Saraki stated this during a condolence visit to the Ilorin family home of the deceased, where he condoled with the father of the deceased, Pa Friday Jimoh Ashaolu and other members of the family.

Late Ashaolu died on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at the age of 47. He was buried on Friday, March 11, 2022 in his hometown,

Odo-Owa, in Oke-ero Local Government Area of the state amidst tears and wailing by sympathisers and members of the state chapter of the PDP. A statement issued by the former Senate President signed by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Mr. Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, quoted Saraki as saying he was yet to get over the shock of the sudden demise of Tunde, with whom he celebrated his 47th birthday just a day earlier.

Saraki described the late Tunde as loyal, industrious, hard working, and dedicated to his work and everything he finds doing.

While noting that the vacuum left behind by Tunde’s death was

too large to fill, he charged the family to accept the loss as an act of God and take solace in the good life he lived and the legacy he left behind.

The former governor of Kwara State prayed to God Almighty to comfort the family and the PDP family.

The father of the deceased, Pa Friday Jimoh Ashaolu, expressed gratitude to Dr. Saraki for finding time out of his tight schedules to visit the family.

He also appreciated him for the confidence he had in Tunde while he was alive. He prayed to God to continue to be with him.

Also speaking, an elder in the family, Dr. Abraham Ashaolu, thanked Saraki and the PDP family

for the love and their unwavering support for the family, both before and after the death of their son.

Dr. Ashaolu on behalf of the family presented letters of appreciation from Odo-Owa community and Oke-Ero LGA to the erstwhile Senate President.

Another member of the family, Mr. Ajide Ashaolu, who led the prayers, prayed for the repose of the departed soul. He also prayed for the immediate family members and the PDP family.

On the entourage of the national PDP leader, were Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, Hon Ali Ahmad, PDP State Chairman, Hon Babatunde Muhammed, Otunba Anu Ibiwoye, among others.

Bamgbose: Why I Want Abiodun’s Job in 2023 James Sowole in Abeokuta

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Prof. David Bamgbose, has said that the need to correct marginalisation of Ogun West Senatorial District, informed his decision to contest for the number one position in the state come 2023.

Bamgbose stated this during a chat with journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The aspirant also slammed the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun for his alleged failure to tackle insecurity, ensure food security, poor social welfare and bring about socioeconomic development.

Bamgbose, who was the

governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state during the 2015 general election, said he had watched with heavy heart how Ogun West, his senatorial district, had been left underdeveloped by successive administrations in the state, despite that the bulk of the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is being generated in the axis.

He expressed confidence that if given the PDP governorship ticket, he would eventually emerge winner in 2023.

The aspirant said if he could garner over 30,000 votes in 2015 in a party such as APGA, he would poll more votes in a more popular party like the PDP, if given the nod by the

party in 2023.

He berated the incumbent administration for concentrating huge capital projects in his senatorial district of Ogun East to the detriment of Ogun West.

According to him, “the money being expended on Agro Cargo Airport and Ijebu Ode-MojodaEpe Road by the governor, can fix many bad roads in Ogun West.”

He further knocked the governor for “just paying lip service” to securing lives and property of the Yewa people who had been ravaged by marauding herders.

Bamgbose, who noted that all of his investments were located in Ogun State, including a private College of Education,

however, said he would ensure even development of the state if given the mandate by the people of Ogun.

The aspirant said the people of Yewa and Ogun West, have learnt their lessons going by the intrigues and outcome of the three elections.

He said his administration would focus more on provision of quality education, agriculture, security, youth employment, social welfare of the people, provision of qualitative healthcare, among others.

He charged eligible voters in the state to ensure they get the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) so that they will be able to vote out the incumbent administration come 2023.

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Convention: Seven APC Chairmanship Aspirants Submit Forms Ahead of Today’s Screening

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Ahead of the March 26 National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), all the seven chairmanship aspirants yesterday submitted their forms ahead of today’s screening.

The chairmanship aspirants that have submitted their forms are: Senator Abdullahi Adamu,

Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Senator George Akume, Senator Sani Musa, former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, Mallam Salihu Mustapha and Muhammed Etsu, 37-year-old chairmanship aspirant.

The sale of forms for the various National Working Committee (NWC) of the party started on Tuesdays and ended yesterday.

Meanwhile, a frontline

chairmanship aspirant and the Senator representing Niger East, Senator Sani Musa, has said that with 43 million members, the party would not beg anybody for money under his leadership.

Musa stated this yesterday in Abuja after submitting his chairmanship form at the party secretariat.

He said he was looking forward to the convention which

would usher in a new beginning and transitional change in the APC. Musa was of the opinion that the ruling party needed a leadership that would bring direction, build consensus between all dividing organs.

He stated: “The executive governors are there to support the party and the party is there to work with the governor. We

want to see a party that will become an institution in Africa. APC is the largest party and all we need to do is to put the structure in place. That is, the political parties need to be very strong.

“We have a democracy in this country that has a very strong foundation, but what we are lacking is the

leadership that will be able to transform our party structure to what it should be. A platform to groom leaders. That is what I’m bringing new to APC. “And APC will not be dependent on anybody to fund it. With 43 million membership, we have no business going cap in hand to beg anybody for money. That is what I’m bringing to APC.”

Osinbajo, Emir of Ilorin Hail AbdulRazaqs as Alimi is turbaned Mutawali Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was among eminent personalities from all walks of life that witnessed the turbaning of Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq as the second Mutawali of Ilorin Emirate by Kwara State Chairman of Traditional Council and Chiefs and Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described the conferment as an honour well-deserved.

Vice President Osinbajo, a Nigerian law schoolmate to the Mutawali, said Alimi brings many sterling qualities to the royal title.

“His accomplishments in law, education and participation in banking industry are

testaments to the quality of Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq. He follows in succession to his late father Alhaji AGF AbdulRazaq (SAN) as the first Mutawali of Ilorin.

“We can all attest to the fact that the new Mutawali of Ilorin brings many qualities to the title.

The first class mind who has navigated the legal profession and the complex world of business and politics at the highest level possible strictly on the merit of his own capacity and the weight of his contributions.”

Osinbajo applauded Mutawali’s outstanding contributions to human rights protection in Africa, which he said set the framework for the establishment of the Africa Court for Human and Peoples Rights.”

FAAN Bans 2 Immigration Officers from Airport Jobs for Extorting 14-year-old Passenger Chinedu Eze The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday announced that it has permanently banned two officers from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) from airport jobs for stealing money from a 14-year-old passenger at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

In a press statement, the agency said the officers had refunded the stolen money and their on-duty cards withdrawn.

On February 19, 2022, the mother of the minor who goes by the name, Imoteda, said on Twitter, that her child was extorted and left with no money to travel abroad.

She said: “My 14-year-old

daughter is travelling by herself.

Immigration took all her money before they let her go. They took money from a 14-year-old. Didn’t even leave her with one kobo or N1,000 so she can buy food while she waits. How wicked?

“I am so angry. A child! Why are you stealing money from a child! And you took all of it and didn’t let her call her mother?

“Whoever was involved, you will die in penury! Your joy will turn to ashes! You will plant seeds and harvest thorns that will tear your flesh.”

FAAN, however, reacted to the incident and said the officers have been caught and have refunded the money. Their on-duty cards have also been withdrawn.

We Won’t Allow Abia Govt Fritter Away $56m World Bank Loan, APGA Vows Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State has defended its persistent calls for accountability in the management of the $56 million World Bank loan obtained by the state government to tackle the huge infrastructure deficit in the commercial city of Aba. APGA said that it has become worrisome that none of the projects for which the loan was meant has been completed hence the need to put the government to task as election year and its attendant

abandonment of projects and diversion of funds is just around the corner.

The opposition party expressed its concern in a statement issued by its leader, Hon. Obinna Ichita and made available to journalists in Umuahia, saying that every well-meaning Abian should be on guard to stop the government from wasting the loan.

“We are actively monitoring the World Bank projects in Aba South (state constituency), as well as the movement of funds for these projects, hence, we shall continue to apply pressure on the state government,” he stated.

BACK WITH A BANG. . .

President Muhammadu Buhari arriving Abuja yesterday after his two-week medicals in the United Kingdom.

JAMB Registers 1.4 Million Candidates,Vows Not to Extend Registration Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examination Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has revealed that over 1.4 million candidates have so far registered in the ongoing UTME registration across the country.

Professor Oloyede disclosed this to journalists yesterday in Kano while inspecting the registration exercise across the

state.

The registrar expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of the exercise in the state and other parts of the country he visited.

“We have done everything humanly possible to register candidates. We are not going to extend the period of the registration, because the candidates who will write JAMB are the same candidates who will write WASCE and NECO.

“The only space available for JAMB is the period we are utilising for the registration and for the conduct of the examination “Therefore, it will not be possible for us to extend. So far, we have registered about 1.41 million candidates, and we expect that other candidates who have reasons to register now.

“We are not going to succumb to any pressure after closing it on March 26. There is no clamoring for the extension.

It’s not possible for us to extend the registration.”

He urged the media to assist in sensitising candidates to register within the timeframe.

The registrar also said that the board was able to generate over N20 billion during the past five years.

According to him, the board also spent over N4 billion on capital projects across the country during the period.

Lekki Residents to Sue Lagos Govt over Illegal Coastal Land Allocation Lekki Estate Residents and Stakeholders Association, has threatened to sue the Lagos State Government for allegedly leasing various parts of land earmarked for Lekki-Lagos Coastal road to churches, event centres, private estate and house developers.

In a pre-action notice dated March 8, 2022 sent to the state government through the law firm of Edward Group Chambers, the residents accused the state government of illegally allowing private developers and church to take over the coastal land road.

The notice was also forwarded

to the state’s House of Assembly, Attorney-General of the state, Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Land and the General Manager, Lagos State New Towns Development Authority, NTDA In the notice, the residents stated that the Coastal land road was acquiredby the state government for ‘overriding public purpose’ from the original owners but is now being allocated illegally to developers for private and commercial building projects.

The residents made reference to several letters written to the state government and House of Assembly drawing their attention

to illegal structures being erected on the costal road and the failure of the appropriate government agencies to stop the illegal development.

They claimed that the various illegal building constructions on the road has now made it difficult for them to access their homes.

The notice reads: ‘We write as Solicitors to some of - The developers, registered land owners, existing estates (with approved layouts), Lekki-Lagos Residents, Lekki-Lagos taxpayers, residents and other strategic stakeholders within the Lekki corridor of Lagos state.

“We refer to all previous written

communication, meetings, site visits, text and e-mail messages concerning the above matter.

“While all the above attachment letters, messages and media reports speak for themselves, we wish to inform you, that it is the informed opinion of our clients, that a piece or parcelofLandthatwasacquiredbyany levelofGovernmentfor-“anoverriding public purpose’, as contained in the Land Use Act, (Coastal Road in this case) cannot be converted or jettisoned for the use of, or allocation to a mosque, church, events planners or other private housing or commercial developmental purposes.

Terrorists Abduct 46 in Kaduna Community John Shiklam in Kaduna Forty-six people have been reportedly abducted by terrorists in Agunu Dutse, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Among those abducted were three people who were said to have visited relatives in the community.

One person was said to have been fatally injured during the operation.

A resident of the community who pleaded anonymity said the criminals stormed the community at about 1a.m. on Thursday.

He said the terrorists who were well armed and in large numbers, went from house to house as they were shooting indiscriminately.

According to him, the community vigilante group “noticed the arrival of the ter-

rorists, but could not confront them because the terrorists were carrying sophisticated weapons and they were many,” adding that the operation lasted for about 30 minutes.

He gave the names of some of those abducted as: “Danjuma Yusuf, Judith Obadiah, Theresa Amos, Alheri Amos, Afiniki Rabo, Adamu Lawrence, Alkali Inusa, Peace Stephen, Bobo Stephen, Baby Stephen, Janet Anthony, Patience

Philip, Precious Philip, Eunice Mathew, Godiya Ishaya and Stephen Magaji among others.

Three people were killed while two others were abducted in an attack on Ungwan Galadima, Gonin Gora, a suburb in Kaduna metropolis.

A resident of the area who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview said the bandits invaded the community at about 1a.m. and operated for over an hour.

SATURDAY MARCH 19, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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MARCH 19, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

PROTECTING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Folorunsho Coker canvasses the need to preserve and restore our natural environment

T

he occasion of the World Wildlife Day, which was marked recently on March 3, offered me an opportunity to contemplate the situation of the natural world, which forms a very significant part of what constitutes the tourist experience, and the native space for those of us who work in tourism. This is so, particularly, as nature continues to witness a series of impacts that have led to the concerns of climate change – evident in heat storms, rising water levels and massive floods, desertification, etc., which are all fundamentally altering the environment that we have come to know, celebrate and work with.

Also, there continues to be the huge biodiversity loss, in terms of the relentless decimation of stocks of wildlife, including the flora and fauna that have enhanced the beauty of the natural ecosystem and brought balance to it.

Our continued preoccupation with experiencing the natural – and even the built – environment through tourism can only be possible and sustainable if and when we are in tune with the emergency that is increasingly getting sounded on its decline, and those of many elements within it, and then making the critical efforts required to mitigate these.

Today, I lend my voice to the advocacy of a range of actors across Nigeria and the world, who understand the stakes that we hold in preserving and protecting the natural environment, the ecosystem – with all its shades of biodiversity, and pushing back their deterioration in very intentional ways.

No doubt, the depletion of the atmospheric ozone layer in the march of the progress of mankind, through the great industrial revolutions and our habits of consumption that followed, resulted in the global warming that has left the climate patterns unhinged.

This has been attendant upon the upsurge of greenhouse gases from the burning of hydrocarbons, as much as it has been due to industrial emissions, deforestation, alongside other environmentally-impacting economic activities.

Consequently, in the past century, not only have our rainforests consistently depleted, even the savannahs and mangrove forests have altered considerably, while an increasing hot Sahel has continued its encroachment, in tandem with the loss of our biodiversity – plants, animals, the various species of wildlife, which are either dying or moving elsewhere in huge waves of transcontinental migration.

The Nigerian biodiversity endowment has equally been a critical form of the endowment of tourism from time immemorial, motivating people to make journeys to locations where certain species of animals or plants were/are in existence, both for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. And, while the increases in human population continuously intensified the need for gaming, hunting and the harvesting of these biodiversity resources, it significantly engendered the trajectory of their loss, and hence the resounding need for protection.

The treasure trove of Nigeria’s biodiversity has been documented as including almost eight thousand plant species, spread across over 300 families and more than 2,200 genera. Also, some 22,000 species of vertebrate and invertebrate species, comprising some 20,000 insects, over 1,000 birds, 1,000 fishes, 123 reptiles

A NUMBER OF THE NIGERIAN WILDLIFE HAVE BEEN MARKED AS ENDANGERED SPECIES, INCLUDING THE OSTRICH, GORILLA, GREY PARROT, GENERA OF CROCODILES, AFRICAN MANATEE, CHIMPANZEE, GIRAFFE, THE WHITE-THROATED GUENON, AFRICAN BUSH ELEPHANT, AMONG OTHERS.

and 247 mammals. Furthermore, almost 1,500 species of microorganisms have been recorded, as essential to the remarkable biodiversity endowment of the country, from the arid North to the wetlands of the Southern Nigeria, and the different vegetation subsets in between.

Despite the variety and range of these treasures, the activities of man in driving the wheels of progress and advancement, as alluded to earlier, have led to huge losses in our biodiversity in the past century. While a lot of the species have been lost permanently, many more remain under the continuous threats of poaching, illegal gaming/hunting and climate change, etc. As such, a number of the Nigerian wildlife have been marked as endangered species, including the ostrich, gorilla, grey parrot, genera of crocodiles, African manatee, chimpanzee, giraffe, the white-throated guenon, African bush elephant, hippopotamus, water chevrotain, Ariel gazelle, and African rock python, among others.

Species of plants/trees under the threat of enduring loss include the African teak, the F.White or Diospyros elliotii (Hiern), African whitewood, fennel flower (or Nigella sativa), the sausage tree or Kigelia, traditional chewing stick or Masilania accuminata, and then the Garcina manni, Oucunbaca aubrevillei, Erythrina senegalensis, Cassia nigricans, and the Hymenocardia acida, etc.

It was in recognition of the great value of the animal biodiversity of the world, their invaluable significance, contributions to the balance of the ecosystem, and alarm at their gradual extinction, due to natural and man-made factors, that the World Wildlife Day was finally created in December 2013. This came about as a proclamation of the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which adopted the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and declared March 3 as the day to raise awareness about and celebrate the world’s heritage of wildlife and wild flora and fauna.

While it has been projected that over a million species of wild fauna and flora, alongside wildlife, are critically in danger of extinction, this motivated the designation of the theme of the 2022 World Wildlife Day as “Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration” to promote the need for the conservation and protection of these endangered species. And, this aligns with and enhances the grand objectives of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, and 15, which all affirm the necessity of commitments towards the sustainable use of the world’s resources and their conservation.

As such, the 2022 edition of the World Wildlife Day speaks to the urgency of reversing the loss of the planet’s critical biodiversity and the restoration of their habitats and the broader ecosystem. The recognition of the need to conserve our wildlife and other key animal and plant species in Nigeria, led to the creation of a network of protected areas, including a biosphere reserve, nine national parks, over 400 forest reserves, about 30 games reserves and close to a dozen nature reserves.

Chief Coker is Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation

NIGERIA’S ‘MASCULINE’ CONSTITUTIONS Adaora Onyechere urges women to do more to break the barriers erected against them

N

igeria’s first constitutions were enacted by an order-in council during the colonial era, when the country was administered as a Crown Colony. The constitutions enacted during this period were the Clifford Constitution in 1922, the Richards Constitution in 1946, the Macpherson Constitution in 1951, and the Lyttleton Constitution in 1954, all males.

To avoid the pitfalls of the First Republic, the constitution mandated that political parties and the cabinet to reflect the “federal character” of the nation. This was a demand for fairness and “equal” distribution of power, right?

Fast-forward to the 1993 Constitution which came and was intended to see the return of democratic rule to Nigeria with the establishment of a Third Republic which was never fully implemented because the military perpetuated themselves in power until 1999.

Then came the 1999 Constitution of the Fourth Republic which “allegedly” restored democratic rule in Nigeria.

Now let’s review the preamble below and evaluate if truly Nigerian women even stood in the consideration and the design of our current constitution. The preamble reads“We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Having firmly and solemnly resolved, to live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation under God, dedicated to the promotion of inter-African solidarity, world peace, international co-operation and understanding - now here’s our pointer- “And to provide for a Constitution for the purpose of promoting the good government and welfare of all persons in our country, on the principles of freedom, equality and

justice” (equality and justice?) and for the purpose of consolidating the unity of our people do hereby make, enact and give to ourselves (who are the selves? were women even allowed in the constitution review at the time?)

Over the years research has shown that even the invisibility of women in language, thought and reality has been so carefully constructed that reference to them is so totally submerged and subsumed in reference to men in our constitution. Even when the principle of federal character, an ideal that is meant to aid equality and justice, we are totally oblivious of the need for a collective drive by both gender, even for the sake of democratic interpretations.

The schema of the female gender ingrained in our short term and long term memories see culture as part of our knowledge base and has perpetuated a patriarchal regime of male dominance.

Even in a country like India where out of 389 members of the Constituent Assembly at least 15 women had a hand in creating the constitution.

Seventy five countries undertook constitution reform in the wake of conflict between 1990 and 2015, but only one in five constitution drafters is a woman.

Women are the single largest group excluded from constitution-making processes. Just 19 percent of members of constitution-reform bodies between 1990 and 2015 were women. Despite increasing attention to women’s roles in processes in recent years and mounting evidence of positive outcomes, women’s roles in constitutional reform remain poorly understood.

The limitation of the Nigerian women has, from time immemorial, been both contextual and sociological which makes it even more difficult to summarily adjudge it as just a problem of

exclusion in the political space but even more so an excommunication of a minority group and a disadvantaged population.

With the interpretation of our constitution, the fervent call of bridging the gap by looking at its nomenclature obviously is founded on the precedents and not just the bias.

On March 8th 2020 the theme for that year’s International Women’s Day was #EachforEqual and I recall the ceremonial statement by the Senate President Ahmad Lawan who said it is only fair that women get the fairest share of participation in governance with the kind of percentage of the population they occupy.

Before that we have had several commemorations for the International Women’s Day and the call to open the space and create an enabling environment for women as far back as 2016 with recent themes that included, #ChoosetoChallenge 2021, #EachforEqual in 2020, #BalanceforBetter in 2019. In 2018 it was #PressforProgress. Earlier in 2017 the theme was #BeBoldforChange, and #PledgeforParity in 2016. Yet over the years with all the demands made by the Nigerian women and the emphatic interventions and engagements made, these commemorations for Nigeria has been nothing but cosmetic.

March 8th 2022, the year women marched to demand their stakes in a democracy that was skewed against them, a march that commenced demystification of the cowardice in the outcome of the presentation of the gender bills, is one of the most unprecedented unified call by the Nigerian women to demand that their rights and their lives count. This was not just a solidarity march but a march to demascluinize our constitution and the

Nigerian parliament, to rescind and recall the five Gender bills as a whole - from the extra seat bill, 35% affirmative action for women in political party structure and also in appointive positions, citizenship and indigenship bill and the gender and equal opportunities bill.

Lessons to be learned going forward: it is important that women must begin to mobilize early.

The rules for electing or appointing members to a constitution-making body are frequently established early in a transition process. Women typically succeed in gaining access when they present a joint front and advocate for inclusion long before the election or nomination process begins.

Women must also understand the negotiating context and get creative. When women have a clear understanding of the constitution-making process, key actors, and major interests, they will frequently find creative ways to overcome obstacles.

It is also important for international donors and those offering technical assistance to support more inclusive constitution-making processes by providing flexible funding and support for women’s early mobilization initiatives. They should also increase assistance for training initiatives focused on advocacy and strategic messaging and these should accommodate a range of women’s perspectives, while facilitating consensus on shared priorities.

As we continue to hold up the conversation, interrogate the odds and break the biases that limit women in Nigeria, it is noteworthy to commend the Nigerian women for their resilience, their indefatigable spirit to dismantle the bonds of patriarchy on our democracy.

Onyechere is an Abuja-based broadcast journalist

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MARCH 19, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

The waiting continues...

Cannibalism and Cash-Minting Machines

David Umahi: Ignorance Is Bliss

I

n Nigeria, a country of contradictions, it has become extremely easy, even effortless, for public office holders to make the lamentable leap from the dignified to the despicable; from the excellent to the egregious.

It is in Nigeria that elected public office holders blatantly abuse power in the public glare, act brazenly and still saunter about with people cheering them on and applauding their actions.

When on March 8, 2022, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja sounded the death knell for the governor and 16 members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party on whose platform they won elections, Mr. David Umahi, the governor, completely lost it. Casting away every pretense to civility, the governor cast aspersions on the person of the trial judge, Mr. Iyang Ekwo.

In outbursts which have drawn the critical attention of the Nigeria Bar Association, Mr. Umahi allegedly accused the trial judge of murdering justice, perpetrating jungle justice and being on a mission to embarrass the federal government and the All Progressives Congress. Mr. Umahi was also alleged to have proceeded on his own to declare the judgement null and void.

While the Nigeria Bar Association, the umbrella body of lawyers in Nigeria, took Mr. Umahi to the cleaners over his attack on the person of the trial judge, a leading APC national chairmanship aspirant and serving senator from Nasarawa State Mr. Tanko Al-Makura came out in a statement to strongly support Mr. David Umahi`s position. According to the former Governor of Nasarawa State, the judgment which will soon collapse as the reckless academic exercise that it is lacks merit and would soon earn its deserved place.

It really beggars belief. It beggars belief that in Nigeria, a state governor who is at the receiving end of a the judgment of a court of law can attack the trial judge with such un complimentary and uncharitable words.

It beggars belief that the governor of a state in Nigeria who is sworn to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can attack a judicial officer in Nigeria with such venom and vitriol for nothing other than the fact that the judge gave a judgment he disagreed with.

It beggars belief that in a country where the separation of powers between the three arms of government is a clear as day, with checks and balances being just as critical, the governor of a state can take leave of the dignity and responsibility of his office to launch such a

scathing attack on the person of a judge whose only offence until proven otherwise appears to be that he sat in his court and gave a judgement that such a party does not agree with.

The character of some of those who straddle the corridors of power in Nigeria is unmissable when they act. They bear fruits that tell their story.

Less than 48 hours after raining invectives on the trial judge, Mr. Umahi hired about 18 senior advocates of Nigeria to test the judgment on appeal. The question must thus arise that if Mr. Umahi knew that the Federal High Court in Abuja sitting as a court of first instance was never the final arbiter in his matter, why did the dignity of his office not compel him to keep his power dry and beseech the appellate courts to expose the judgement for the travesty of justice he claims it was?

He may have apologized for his utterances but the deed was long done.

In the last seven years, the Nigerian judiciary has witnessed some of the gravest attacks on its judicial independence since Nigeria gained independence in 1960.

The APC and those elected on its platforms have largely been the chief culprits.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

C

omputer Age meets Dark Age. Black Magic meets Quantum Mechanics.

Me, a teacher of physics at the university, must do all I could to keep my sanity. This is Africa. The Dark Past just went under, like in a tar pit. That past is resurfacing to haunt us, especially those of us who are keen to segue to science-based modernity. If there ever was “magic,” then science should be that magic and esotericism to us. Alas, Nigeria makes me sick.

What’s all these in the news about exhuming rotting corpses with decades-old funk from public cemeteries and grounding dried fibulas and metatarsals for aphrodisiacs and abracadabra-amulets that open invisible spigots of money in crisp cash formats? There are levels to this grisly money-making black magic.

The folks who desire cash in millions go for living beings, preferably vulnerable young ladies and harvest their body organs for shamans to use in money-magic potions. This is now widespread. Nigeria’s female demographic sector is facing abuse on a scale never experienced before. There ought to be widespread condemnation but there is deafening silence across the land. Government functionaries who ought to promulgate laws to stop head-hunting of living citizens (and dead folks, too, as a mark of respect) are too keen to “preserve culture” for the argument is “what was ok to African ancestors one thousand years ago must be good.” In the meantime, citizens of all shades are murdered and dismembered according to instructions from shamans. This is Nigeria in 2022. Freaking Freak Show.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

Re:AllegationofExtortionat Re: Allegation of Extortion at MMA

F

ollowing a tweeted allegation on the 19th of February 2022 by the mother of a 14-year-old girl travelling on Lufthansa Airline that two officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service extorted the sum of N8000 from her daughter, a team of FAAN Aviation Security officers were commissioned to investigate the allegation.

Upon investigation, they found the allegation to be true, as the officers involved were identified with the help of footages on our CCTV facility, and the cooperation from the Nigerian Immigration Service.

Consequently, the officers were made to refund the exact amount collected from the passenger. Their On Duty Cards were also withdrawn permanently, and they have been banned from working in any Nigerian airport, to serve as deterrent to others.

We would like to commend the mother of the child, who has confirmed receipt of the money, for deeming it fit to escalate the case, and assisting us tremendously in the course of our investigation.

Faithful A. Hope-Ivbaze, Ag. General Manager, Corporate Affairs

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

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NEWS

Immigration Officers at MMIA Save 100 Girls from Traffickers Chinedu Eze

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, said it has helped to stop the tra΀cNing oI Nigerian girls Irom -anuar\ till March 2022.

The &omptroller oI the &ommand, Kemi Nana Nandap, disclosed to journalists at the airport \esterda\ that the girls

Zere prevented Irom travelling IolloZing the deplo\ment oI the Migration InIormation and 'ata Anal\sis S\stem (MI'AS).

She thereIore called Ior the sensitisation oI \oung girls on the dangers oI travelling overseas without purpose, as man\ oI them were deceived dail\ into Eelieving that their lives would Ee Eetter once the\ leave Nigeria.

Nandap explained that

MI'AS is a user-Iriendl\ and customisaEle %order Management InIormation S\stem (%MIS) which helps to collect, process, store and anal\se traveller inIormation and share data in real-time across an entire national Eorder networN. The Comptroller who disclosed this during the pre-arrival ErieÀng oI some returnees to the airport said through the application oI MI'AS, a lot oI

successes have Eeen recorded in stopping potential tra΀cNers.

According to her, man\ \oung girls were usuall\ lured with juic\ joE oͿers outside the countr\ onl\ to turn them into sex slaves.

She however said through the o΀cers· thorough investigation, proper checNs oI passengers· travel histor\, the\ were aEle to detect potential cases oI tra΀cNing.

Optometrists Charged to Eradicate Quacks Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Optometrists across the countr\ have Eeen charged to Àght against TuacNer\ practice in the proIession Ior Eetter e\e care deliver\.

The 5egistrar oI Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians 5egistration %oard oI Nigeria (ODO5%N), ProI. EEele 8]odiNe, gave the charge \esterda\, in her address at the annual general meeting oI and conIerence oI the Guild oI Optometric Directors oI Nigeria (GOODON), held in Port +arcourt, 5ivers State.

According to ProI. 8]odiNe, the optometrists can onl\ achieve a total eradication oI

TuacNs in the proIession iI the\ unanimousl\ Àght the menace.

She advised that in order to Neep the standard oI the practice in line with international Eest practices, there is a need to uphold the integrit\ oI the proIession at all times.

8]odiNe Iurther disclosed that the last surve\ E\ Nigeria National %lindness and 9isual Impairment revealed that over three million persons have visual challenges.

She said, “According to the Nigeria National %lindness and 9isual Impairment surve\ puElished in 200 , it is estimated that 1.13 million individuals aged 0 \ears and aEove are currentl\ Elind in Nigeria.

AMMBAN Decries Indiscriminate Issuance of PoS Terminals by Banks Emma Okonji

BACK FROM THE BRINKS… Yobe State Governor and Chairman APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Mai Mala Buni being welcome back by the National Secretary, Sen. John James Akpanudodehe in Abuja... recently

The Association oI MoEile Mone\ and %anN Agents in Nigeria (AMM%AN) has condemned what it descriEed as indiscriminate issuance oI Point oI Sales (PoS) machines to individuals E\ EanNs without due diligence.

The association, which Irowned at such practice, descriEed it as an aEuse oI the agent EanNing IrameworN put in place E\ the Central %anN oI Nigeria (C%N).

SpeaNing at a press ErieIing in Lagos recentl\, the National President oI AMM%AN, 9ictor Olojo, said the situation would continue to Iuel unproIessional conducts and Iraudulent practices in the ecos\stem, iI not checNed. “What we are seeing now is something close to an aEuse, a clear

violation oI what the IrameworN issued out E\ the C%N. Part oI the IrameworN oI the C%N is that a moEile mone\ or EanN agent should Ee in a EricN and mortar location, liNe an address that is traceaEle. %ut what we have toda\ are agents on the umErellas, and under trees.

“There are traces that scrupulous or unscrupulous individuals now have access to PoS terminals. And that·s wh\ Irom time to time we have continued to raise our voices to see the need Ior more coordination among the pla\ers in the IrameworN oI moEile mone\ and agenc\ EanNing in Nigeria,µ Olojo said. +e explained that there was a need Ior all pla\ers and all staNeholders to come together to address the issue. According

Governors Meet on Epileptic I’ll Continue to Protect Your Interest, Power Supply, Economy Oyetola Tells Physically Challenged ChuksOkochainAbuja

The recent national grid collapse and poor power distriEution across the countr\ in the last couple oI weeNs will dominate discussions when the 36 states governors meet on :ednesda\ next weeN. A statement E\ the +ead, Media and 3uElic AIIairs oI the *overnors· )orum, AEdulra]aTue %ello-%arNindo, said the worried “Governors have sought the attendance oI the Minister oI

3ower, (ngineer Ali\u AEuEaNar, according to an invitation issued to all Governors E\ the 'irector General oI the Nigeria Governors· )orum, NG), Mr. Asishana %a\o 2Nauru.µ The head oI media and puElic aIIairs, said that 2Nauru pointed out that the virtual NG) meeting which is the third oI its t\pe this \ear slated Ior March 23 would commence at 2p.m. prompt.

All governors and other invitees

are expected to Eegin to log in Irom 1300hrs.

The statement said that the econom\ will also Ieature prominentl\ at the meeting as the ChieI Economic Adviser to the President, 'r. 'o\in Salami, has also Eeen invited to discuss the Nigerian econom\ and his new perspectives.

Salami, was until this appointment in -anuar\, Chairman oI the Presidential Economic Advisor\ Council (PEAC).

+e Iurther said that the ChieI Economic Adviser to the President is expected to address all issues on the domestic econom\ and present views on them to the President; closel\ monitor national and international developments, trends and develop appropriate polic\ responses; develop and recommend to the President national economic policies to Ioster macro-economic staEilit\, promote growth, create joEs, and eradicate povert\, among others.

Illegality Outside CAPS, Responsible for Non 2023: Natasha, Supporters issuance of Admission Letters, Says JAMB Defect to PDP Today Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The -oint Admissions and Matriculation %oard (-AM%) has disclosed illegal institutional admissions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing S\stem (CAPS) Eetween 201 and 2020 is responsiEle Ior the complaints E\ students over inaEilit\ to access admission letters Ior clearance.

The admission letters are part oI documents needed Ior their screening and clearance at their respective institutions EeIore the mandator\ National <outh Service Scheme (N<SC).

In a statement signed E\ the %oards spoNesperson, Dr. )aEian %enjamin, and released \esterda\, the Eoard said all the aͿected students should

Elame their various institutions, adding that advisor\ on how to oEtain retroactive admission is selI-explanator\.

“This phenomenon is especiall\ true oI products oI undisclosed illegal institutional admissions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing S\stem (CAPS) Eetween 201 and 2020.

“The series oI complaints emanated Irom the Irustrations oI these set oI students who are expressing anger at the lacN oI Iormal recognition oI their degrees E\ relevant authorities.

“ConseTuentl\, the Minister oI Education, Adamu Adamu, had out oI compassion, approved a Ànal condonement oI these underhand admissions.µ

%arring an\ last minute change, the governorship candidate oI the Social Democratic Part\ (SDP) in the 2019 elections, Natasha ANpoti-8duaghan, alongside her teeming supporters will toda\ deIect to the Peoples Democratic Part\ (PDP).

The National WorNing Committee (NWC) oI the PDP led E\ its National Chairman, Dr. I\iorcha A\u, had on March attended the wedding oI Natasha to Mr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in Kogi State.

The move E\ the PDP leaders appeared to have materialised with ANpotiUduaghan, alongside her supporters, set to join the PDP toda\ in Kogi State.

ANpoti-Uduaghan in a

statement \esterda\ Irom her media o΀ce said, “<es, ever\thing is set. We have reached an understanding with staNeholders and our teeming supporters and we are going to the PDP. “It is an incontrovertiEle Iact that she is miles awa\ Irom other crops oI politicians who are onl\ visiEle during electioneering.

She has Eeen with her people and contriEuting immensel\ to alleviate their predicaments.µ ANpoti-Uduaghan noted that moving to PDP was to actualise her dream oI contriEuting more to the development oI her people.

She stressed that she has the capacit\ and the people at her EacN to domesticate governance that seems liNe rocNet science.

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State Governor, GEo\ega O\etola, has said that his administration would continue to protect the interest oI Persons with DisaEilities(PWDs) in the state.

O\etola said this during an engagement programme with the memEers oI -oint National Association oI Persons With DisaEilities (-ONAPWD), Osun Chapter in OsogEo. The governor, who was represented E\ his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr. OlatunEosun O\intilo\e,

said his administration is committed to their welIare, adding that the\ are important memEers oI the societ\ who deserve to Ee well catered Ior. The governor said to show how important the PWDs are, there is an ongoing Executive %ill tagged ¶Special People·s %ill· Ior their protection.

The Eill when passed and signed into law, persons with disaEilities will Ee saIeguarded against an\ Iorm oI discrimination and also have eTual access to an environment conducive to social and economic development.

32-Year-Old Man Dies in Building Collapse Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Kano State Àre service \esterda\ conÀrmed the death oI a 32-\ear-old man, 5aEiu Musa, due to a collapsed Euilding under construction.

The SpoNesman oI the state Àre service, Mr. Saminu <usiI AEdullahi, explained that the\ received a distress call Irom Nigerian communications commission (NCC) at 1:39p.m. on Thursda\.

AEdullahi pointed out that on arrival, the rescue team discovered that a three store\

Euilding under construction had collapsed and trapped two men at Ahmadu %ello Wa\, opposite state liErar\ Nasarawa Local Government Area. +e maintained that the team succeeded in retrieving two men, 2-\ear-old man Danjuma Tijjani and 5aEi·u Musa.

The spoNesman said the two men were conve\ed to Muhammad AEdullahi Wase Specialist +ospital, where doctors conÀrmed the death oI 5aEi·u who was evacuated Irom the Euilding unconscious.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 19, 2022

Attacks on Personnel: Security Chiefs Must Act Now

W

hen terrorists kill security agents, the standard is for commanders to send forces after them and take their heads off. By this, they will drive a clear message to the terrorists that there is no room for nonsense. This will also hinder the remaining guerrillas from further atrocities. It is a shame that this is no longer happening in beloved Nigeria after the departure of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as President. The last seven years have been dreadful. Terrorists walk in, kill security agents, at times in tons and walk away celebrating. There are hardly penalties.

It’s so sad that 14 days after terrorists killed 22 soldiers during an ambush of the convoy of Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Sama’ila Dabai in Kanya, Danko/ Wasagu Local Government Area of the state, nothing has happened in terms of ensuring the killers pay a heavy price.

Our gallant soldiers were overwhelmed by the guerrillas roaming in hundreds.

Besides, the guerrillas were equipped with much heavier weapons than AK-47.

I thought the Army Chief, Farouk Yahaya, would send a special squad after the terrorists, to take off their heads. It has not happened. It may not happen. I’m shocked that not even a word came from the Army Chief on the killings of his men.

What a shame. This is a big disservice to the souls of the murdered gallant soldiers.

It also emboldens the terrorists. Morale is evidently low among officers and men of the 223 Light Tank Battalion, Zuru, the camp of the slaughtered soldiers.

This Army Chief must raise his game and deal with the killers of his boys.

The policeman attached to the Kebbi Deputy Governor, ASP Idris Libata, was also killed in the Kanya attack. Police IG Usman Baba has also not responded by going after Libata’s killers. This is why terrorists have been killing IG Baba’s men in hundreds without repercussions.

Just last Tuesday, the Divisional Police Officer of Nasko Station in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, CSP Umar Dakingari, and six of his men were killed by terrorists without consequences.

The terrorists overwhelmed Dakingari and his men and looted the armoury.

I expected IG Baba to send his special squad after the terrorists with venom. This has not happened. Four days after, IG Baba has failed to respond appropriately.

This bolsters the terrorists. It is a shame that the police also struggle to rescue their men.

The terrorists were also at a tomato processing company in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State last Monday and killed four policemen at the premises. The tactics of the terrorists is to operate in hundreds. They did so in Ngaski LG with not less than 200 men.

Yes, terrorists are able to raise this large number of fighters for attacks without appropriate response from heads of our security agencies.

I will never forget one of the deadli-

controls the southern part of the Zamfara forest and further into Niger State, killing civilians and security agencies. Everybody knows the whereabouts of Gide and his boys. All the security agents know this location; yet, the militias still launch attacks unhindered.

There is also the blood sucker called Bello Turji, leader of the group responsible for the recent attack that claimed 23 lives in Sokoto State. He is active in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Kebbi states. Security agents know his whereabouts. They can take this killer out but have failed to do so. Is Turji enjoying official protection?

Nigerians urgently need an answer. Also, I have not heard our President specifically directing security agents to apprehend leaders of these terror gangs. This is food for thought for everybody today. As for Farouk Yahaya and IG Baba, I challenge them to henceforth respond lethally to the killings of security agents. Their special squad should be doing this.

Yahaya

Baba

est massacres of Nigerian soldiers by Boko Haram in Metele, Borno State, in November 2018, when scores of soldiers were killed at 157 Task Force Battalion in the town. The exact casualty figure is still a closely-protected secret. The commander of the battalion, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakaba was also killed during the attack. The terrorists that carried out the operation were never smoked out and slaughtered. I will also not forget in a hurry the massacre of soldiers in places like Sasawa, Magumeri, Malam Fatori, Gashigha, Rann, Kanama, Gamboru-Ngala, Mafa, Kunduga, Pridang-Bitta and the rest. The leadership of the military did not respond lethally.

It’s so difficult to comprehend that several months after a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet was downed in Borno State by terrorists, the military is still struggling to locate the crash spot. They can’t even account for the pilot and co-pilot on that crashed Alpha jet.

Some days back, the Operations Officer of the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Warri, Delta State, Lieutenant Musa Yusuf, was killed by terrorists at the popular Enerhen Road in the metropolis.

We were told that soldiers from the same Battalion had launched a manhunt for the killers of the officer. Eight days after, still no result.

In beloved Nigeria, a serving Army General, Husseini Ahmed, was killed in July 2021 by terrorists along Lokoja-Abuja Road on his way to Abuja, and there were no consequences. Months after, the killers have not been apprehended. The same terrorists killed General Dzarma Zirkusu, the then Commanding Officer of the 28 Task Force Brigade (Chibok) and his boys, while in Askira Uba. I also remember how our gallant soldiers were

ambushed by Boko Haram in Gorgi, Borno State in March 2020, and scores killed.

Unofficial sources said the figure could be above 70. There were no consequences.

What a country! In September 2020, an army officer, Colonel S.B Onifade was abducted and killed by bandits after a N10 million ransom was collected. The military could not rescue one of its own.

How will they rescue ordinary Nigerians?

It is instructive to note that from 2016 to 2020, Boko Haram attacked and sacked 22 military posts, killing hundreds of Nigerian soldiers. The sacked military posts were in Gajiram, Mainok, Rann, Geidam, Sasawa, Magumeri, Malam Fatori, Gashigha, Kanama, Gamboru-Ngala, Mafa, Damasak,Gudumbali, Garunda, Kunduga, Kareto, Jilli, Arge, Zari, Arege, Jili (Geidam) and Buni Gari.

So, for how long will terrorists continue to kill gallant soldiers and policemen without consequences? This is a clear indication of failure on the side of the leadership of the security agencies.

Another thing I find intriguing is that the leaders of these terror gangs killing security agents are known to all, yet, there is no deliberate attempt to take them out.

The biggest terror kingpin operating in Zamfara and Katsina states is Ada Aleru.

Aleru and his boys are visible in Faskari part of Katsina State; Tsafe, Bungudu and Bakura LGAs of Zamfara State. Aleru’s boys carried out the attack in Magama area of Jibia town, Jibia LG of Katsina State, some months back, during which a Divisional Police Officer, Abdulkadir Rano was killed. This terror kingpin is operating openly unimpeded. It can only happen in Nigeria. Security agents can claim to be unaware of Aleru’s whereabouts.

Right in Zamfara State is the notorious Fulani militia leader, Dogo Gide, who

Akwa Ibom Teachers in Pain

P

ublic primary and secondary school teachers in Akwa Ibom State are in pain. This is why they have been on strike for days to press for their benefits. Governor Udom Emmanuel must put aside his ego and address the pain of these teachers. His insensitivity to the plight of the teachers influenced the strike.

In this state, hundreds of teachers that retired years back are still struggling for their gratuities. Besides, pensions of retired teachers are yet to be harmonised. Annual leave bonuses of primary school teachers have not been paid for years. There is an unpaid

backlog of promotion arrears (2011 – 2016) for primary school teachers. The teachers are similarly demanding the release of the 2017 and 2018 promotion exercise conducted by the state’s SUBEB, as well as the immediate commencement of 2019, 2020, 2021 promotion exercise. They are dismayed that the governor’s promise to pay at least one of the leave bonuses on compassionate ground, and completion of payment of one-month minimum wage arrears to primary school teachers was not actualised.

Another demand of the teachers is that the Akwa Ibom State Government Teachers’ Amnesty Programme should be reopened

to cover those left out during the last one.

They likewise want teachers appointed as Permanent Secretaries, as well as the release of 2020 promotion results “without recourse to a pass in the Administrative Professional Officers Compulsory Examination, because it was not demanded at the point of the interview.”

My dear Governor Emmanuel, the demands of these teachers are just. Today, I challenge you to respond positively to them in the interest of primary and secondary school pupils in your state; already, many are roaming the streets because of the ongoing strike.

All Debt, No Development

N

igeria’s total public debt stock, comprising federal, state and local governments is N39.556 trillion as at December 31, 2021. This is N1.566 trillion higher than the N38 trillion posted as at September 30, 2021. These latest figures are from the Debt Management Office (DMO).

The comparable figure for December 2020 was N32.915 trillion or $86.392 billion. The DMO explained that the public debt stock for December 31, 2021 included new borrowings by the federal government and sub-nationals.

All we hear today in Nigeria is humongous borrowing figures without commensurate impact on the country; huge borrowing without development.

In practical terms, let’s all look around us; in our homes and those of our neighbours. Of course, we will see an army of unemployed youths. Things have deteriorated in almost seven years of the Buhari government, the huge loans notwithstanding. The state governments have not done better. It is pertinent to note that the federal government is responsible for the bulk of this country’s public debt.

Yes, 83.78 per cent of the nation’s debt stock, as at December, 2020, belongs to the federal government, with the sub-national governments accounting for 16.22 per cent.

No doubt, the Buhari government has been reckless with borrowings.

This government is simply piling up harms. That was why the International Monetary Fund projected that the federal government may spend 93 per cent of its revenue on the payment of interests incurred on its debts by 2022. It said the interest-to-revenue ratio would rise steadily from 86 per cent in 2021, adding that a high interest-to-revenue ratio puts the country at fiscal risk.

I don’t know of any sane society where the government takes loans for things like railways and airports.

Investments in areas like these should be private-sector-driven. Government’s role should be to create an enabling environment for the private sector to go in. Rational governments work to free resources for health, education and other welfare sectors. But in Nigeria, we are persistently busy collecting loans for ventures better handled by the private sector.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

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NEWS Presidential Aspirant Vows to Tackle Challenges Facing Nigeria Ahead of his planned consultative meetings with leaders of thought across Nigeria, the President of Igbo World Assembly (IWA), Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, has disclosed that eliminating corruption and developing reliable security that guarantees the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians remains his top challenges if nominated for the presidential race in 2023.

Anakwenze, who is past leader of different Igbo and Nigerian organisations in diaspora, said part of his consultative meetings in a virtual world press conference at the weekend would be in a closed-door meeting with leaders of Abagana Town Union in

Iwuanyanwu Launches Coalition to Tackle Climate Change

CULTURAL INTEGRATION …

L-R: Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Her Excellency, Clara Escandell receiving a gift from Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, during the Cuban Ambassador’s visit to the NCAC Headquarters in Abuja...recently

Buhari Back in Abuja After 2-Week Medicals in London Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday evening returned to Abuja after a two-week medical checkup in London, the United Kingdom.

The President whose o΀cial plane, Nigeria Air Force 1, touched down by 7.10p.m. at the Presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was received by top government o΀cials including his Chief of StaͿ (CoS), Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; FCT

Minister, Mohammed Bello; Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Sulieman Adamu; Police DIG, Hassan Sanusi; Director General of Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi and Media Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina.

Speaking on the import of the return of the President, Adesina said the President’s return would be most signiÀcant in providing direction to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as it prepares for its National Convention.

On what Nigerians should expect from the President as he returns, the Media Adviser said “he will continue what he’s doing. 14 more months and the administration breasts the tape.

He’s going to give in his very best so that he lands safe and sound. And now particularly that APC has, or has had issues, and it has its convention ahead of him, the President has come at a good time to bring back better cohesion into the party and get the party to hold a successful convention.”

He noted that the President returning to the country two days short of the earlier planned two weeks was an indication that he is in top form, health wise and ready to continue with his duties.

“All is well, that ends well.

He said he was going and he will be away for 14 days, today is the 12th day. So the fact that he came about 48 hours earlier shows that all is well with him physically, spiritually, and we’re glad to have him back,” Adesina said.

Ogunbiyi Set for Surprise in 2023: Amaechi Most Competent Osun’s Political Calculation for Presidency, Says S’East Group

Bennett Oghifo

Feelers emanating from the political camp of Dr. Akinade Aremu Ogunbiyi, a business mogul, philanthropist and politician of repute in Osun State, reveal that he may soon take a major political step to achieve his mission and vision for a new Osun State.

Specifically, reliable sources in political circles and top aides of the trail blazing entrepreneur tilt towards taking a pro-active decision on his engagement with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a failed gubernatorial primary that has resulted in acrimonies and political war of attrition with no end in sight.

Recall that Ogunbiyi, a consumate business man who has ventured into politicking with the intention to rescue the state from the jaws of poor governance, was compelled to pull out of the PDP primary a day to the contest sensing massive planned rigging and a corruption.

He announced his withdrawal from the contest over failure of the PDP National Exco to genuinely address myriads of complains and multiple courts judgements that heralded the controversial primary which finally snow- balled into a stalemate producing multiple candidates in the person of Dotun Babayemi and Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Ubani Tells State Governors to Demand for Stamp Duties Revenues Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states have been urged to unite, stand up and collectively demand for the Stamp Duties’ revenues without fear or favour.

The Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Consultant, Maroct Consultants Group, Chief Ubani Uzoma Francis, made this call while delivering a paper in Abuja on ‘Stamp duties: Practical Approach to Fostering United Front on Issues Bothering On the Collective Interest of the States,’ during a recent meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

He opined that all the stamp

duties’ revenues belong to the different states of the Nigerian federation, adding that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), is only an agent to states on the collection of stamp duties.

He said, “We, therefore, enjoin you, the different states of the Federation, to form a united front and demand for the stamp duties revenue that rightly belong to you by the very clear provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.”

Njikoka Local Government Area, his home town.

During the consultative meetings, Anakwenze, who has been in the vanguard for a better Nigeria, said he would look into the viabilities of declaring his candidacy for the presidential race in 2023.

Anakwenze, who is also the Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana Town Union, while fielding questions from journalists amid his nationwide tour this month, said he would also focus on youths and women capacity development and hands on empowerment to harness the natural resources for the benefit of all Nigerians if voted for a president.

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka A group, South-East Nigeria Democratic League (SENDL), has said that the Minister of Transportation, Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, is the most competent to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group called on the minister to run for the position of president of Nigeria, saying they have seen in him inherent leadership qualities that others jostling for the position lack.

Coordinator of the group, Prince Jude Emeka Okoye while speaking to journalists in Anambra State yesterday, said that Amaechi has

acquitted himself creditably both as governor of oil-rich Rivers State and as minister, having supervised the infrastructural rejuvenation with tremendous work on the railway system across Nigeria.

Okoye said: “As the Muhammadu Buhari administration nears terminal date, it is very clear that what the country needs now is a courageous, hardworking and widely accepted persons with good knowledge of the system to carry-on with the ongoing infrastructure rebirth and reforms that can ensure survival of the country in spite of multifarious challenges. Amaechi undoubtedly fits the bill.”

Sanwo-Olu Increases Support for Lagos Employment Trust Fund by 100% Mary Nnah At the second edition of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) in conjunction with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB) employment summit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu pledged a 100 per cent increment in capital subvention to LSETF. The governor doubled the agency’s subvention in a move to further increase access to finance for budding entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses through soft loans and funding support.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed this during the second edition of the Lagos Employment Summit organised by LSETF. The event with the theme: ‘Sustainable Job Creation Strategies: Collective Action and Prosperity for All’ held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu said the incentive would further strengthen other state government’s interventions initiated towards empowering and upskilling innovative young people, while also providing support grants for established businesses.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Elder statesman and the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Global Coalition for Sustainable Environment, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has expressed desire to work in partnership with other professionals to help create solutions to environmental problems caused by climate change.

Iwuanyanwu, who is an engineer by profession, pledged to use the remaining part of his old age and resources to support massively noble global causes

such as promotion of love and upliftment of humanity.

Speaking yesterday at the meeting of the group in Abuja, Iwuanyanwu said the coalition intends to pursue a campaign for an eco-friendly environment that maintains harmonious balance with human activities on a sustainable basis.

According to Iwuanyanwu, the campaign for global peace and sustenance of the environment is part of his own commitment towards fulÀlling the major commandment of God to mankind which is summarised in Love.

Ghana Vice President to Host 3rd Africa Public Sector Conference Sunday Okobi

The Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will host African public sector leaders in this year’s Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA).

The event, scheduled to hold on May 11 and 13, 2022, at the Plush Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Ghana, will feature African thought leaders to share ideas, discuss the newest trends, economic issues and experiences from across diͿerent countries on

the continent A statement signed and made available by the Group Chief Executive O΀cer (GCEO) of InstinctWave, Akin Naphtal, the organiser of the APSCA, Africa’s Premium B2B event and media specialist, also announced the call for entries for nominations for the three-day event.

It noted that nominations and submission of entries has begun and will close on April 22, 2022, through its websitewww.africapublicsector. com

Akokites Endorse Fayemi for President Rebecca Ejifoma and Innocent Megbolu Akokites Graduates Initiative for Transparency and Development (AGITAD) has unanimously endorsed the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for President of the nation.

The group made this known in a media parley on the theme, ‘Towards a New Nigeria: 2023 in Focus’.

In his remark, the Director of Media and Public Engagements AGITAD, Dr. Hanson Aimofumeh said, “We have come to the indisputable conclusion that Dr. John Olukayode Fayemi, the governor of Ekiti State, has what it takes to lead Nigeria after the tenure of President Muhamadu Buhari in 2023.”

He further described Fayemi, who doubles as the

Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum and former Minister of Solid Minerals, as a young, vibrant and calm man with distinct leadership qualities.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Euphoria 360, Anthill Studios Showcase First Project from Slate Ferdinand Ekechukwu

‘K

ing of Thieves’, an epic film by Euphoria 360 and Anthill Studios, is set for release. The film premieres April 8, 2022. Sub titled ‘Ogundabede’, the epic drama marks the first slate in an anticipated rollout of huge budget Yoruba epics in the new studio partnership deal between Niyi Akinmolayan’s Anthill studios and Femi Adebayo’s Euphoria 360.

As part of its release plans, the movie debuted its spanking new trailer last week. The Yoruba epic led ensemble promises drama, action, suspense. The new trailer depicts slick visual effects that are tightly well done with an intriguing storyline and plot set in Ajeromi, an ancient Yoruba kingdom that is forced into chaos following the invasion of the vicious Ageshinkole.

Scripted by Yinka Laoye from a story

by Femi Adebayo, it follows the story of the Kingdom of Ajeromi, which is being terrorised by a band of thieves led by an all-powerful bandit named Ageshinkole. Concerned by his pillaging, the kingdom moves to destroy him, through the hunters, witches and priests, thus beginning this adventurous saga of revenge, bravery and glory.

Recall that principal photography kicked off in June 2021, with co-executive producer Femi Adebayo unveiling BTS from the thenongoing production, showing an impressive lineup of Yoruba stars in the lead role such as Toyin Abraham, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Chatta, Adedimeji Lateef, Aisha Lawal, Mr Macaroni and Broda Shaggi in supporting roles.

The partnership with Euphoria 360 has the access to the trove of Yoruba stories with actors, location and everything that

Collage of pictures from the set of the movie

makes the story works including their fan base. Co-partner, Niyi Akinmolayan, exclusively shares how this partnership was birthed, what makes it crucial at this time and why it marks a new milestone for the next generation of Nigerian movies.

Akinmolayan said: “It is important for the industry to scale. There is no indus-

try in the world where scale happens without collaboration. And when this collaboration happens, both parties understood where their strength lies and must set out to then combine these strengths to not only push boundaries but break old milestones and achieve new ones to inspire the next generation of creators.

“The beginning of this partnership struck

Woli Arole’s First Christian Comedy Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Comedian and Actor, Oluwatoyin Bayegun popularly known as Woli Arole recently set the pace for a new era in the Nigerian entertainment scene with the success of his show, The Revelation, which has been tagged the first Christian comedy concert in the country. The event which held at the expansive Eko Hotels and Suites, follows Arole’s giant strides in the comedy industry and further stamps his feet as one with rare combination of talent, art and a deep sense of spirituality.

Amongst other things, the event featured praise, prayer, worship and declaration sessions which blessed all the guests present. Also, on ground to add colour to the event were popular gospel acts, Tope Alabi and Chioma Jesus, singer; Timi Dakolo, actress, Toyin Abraham as well as comedians, Macaroni and Alibaba.

According to some of the guests, the two-hour show may just have ushered in a new wave of event ideation in the country, seeing how it featured no iota of profanity but instead celebrated Christ in a glamourous way along with rib cracking comedy, ear-soothing music, drama and prophetic decrees- an unusual element in events of such nature.

“I am very proud of Arole for daring to pull this off. It is not an easy feat to loudly proclaim Christ in a saturated industry like the Nigerian entertainment circle. I believe an initiative like this is commendable and I believe Arole is charting a new course in solidifying Christian Entertainment in Africa and the World at large,’’ Idowu Abiodun, one of the guests said.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the event, the 32-year-old describes himself primarily, as a messenger who has only chosen to use the platform of entertainment as a medium to preach the gospel. He explained that the concept of laughter is synonymous with joy which in itself is a fruit of the spirit, as

such a gift from God. Arole adds: “In his words, I am delighted at the success of the show and grateful to God and everyone that supported in one way or the other. I feel strongly that with this, we have a set a new wave in the industry and proven to all and sundry that Christ is the reason for our laughter and the happiness we enjoy.

“I believe strongly that it is hard to dissociate laughter, joy from the gospel of God because it is an intrinsic part of God’s nature and I am hopeful that with the success of this, we have proven that comedy can be entertaining and wholesome at the same time and I feel honoured to be championing the concept of Christian Comedy and Entertainment in Nigeria. The goal is to constantly proclaim

Arole

Christ and in the nearest future, we will be taking over Africa and the global entertainment space with the message.”

A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Arole started off his career as an emcee in same university and upon graduation, took advantage of the social media to release short videos bordering on comedy, real life experiences with spiritual nuances. These factors differentiated him and earned him a spot in the minds of many Nigerians and as a finalist at the Alibaba Spontaneity contest in Lagos. He has since gone on to do exploits and tried his hands on live shows with his The Chat Room with Woli Arole and a movie, The Call, which was released in 2018. The Revelation event is his first public event and was sold out.

off from working with Femi Adebayo in the movie “Progressive Tailor’s Club” and other amazing Yoruba actors I worked with in “Prophetess”.

I’ve always loved Yoruba actors and the nature of their stories. Now that I’m co-producing with Femi Adebayo to create a new slate of projects like this, the nature of how to scale it up excites me a lot.”

AMVCA Unveils Nomination List for 8th Edition

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omineesfortheEighthEdition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ ChoiceAwards(AMVCAs)will be unveiled today in a special broadcast on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv from 9pm WAT. Nollywood actors, Adesua Etomi-Wellington and Daniel Etim-Effiong, will announce the nominees in all 33 categories for this edition.

Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels,MultiChoiceNigeria,Dr.BusolaTejumola speakingonthebroadcastsaid,“Wereceivedagood numberofqualityentriesfromacrossthecontinent forthiseditionoftheAMVCAsandwearepleased torevealthefinalshortlistofnominees,whichwe areconfidentembodytheexcellencetheawards are renowned for.”

Forthisedition,AfricaMagicannouncedanew categoryforBestOnlineSocialContentCreatorand thereturnoftheBestAfricaMagicOriginalDrama Series and Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series,bringingthetotalnumberofcategoriesto 33.12categorieswillbeopentoviewers’voteand 21willbedecidedbythepanel of judges headed by veteran filmmaker, Victor Okhai.

Some of the other categories include Best Movie in Southern, East and West Africa, Best Director and Best Cinematographer.The eighth edition will also see the return of the Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series, Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series as well as the Best Dressed Male and Female, which will be voted for on the night of the event.

Viewers can join the conversation using the hashtag #AMVCA8 and follow @africamagictv for live tweets. The full list of nominees will be published on the Africa Magic website following the announcement. Africa Magic, in association withMultiChoice,announcedthecallfortheeighth editionoftheAfricaMagicViewers’ChoiceAwards (AMVCAs).

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Timaya Goes Back-to-Back with Release of ‘Charger’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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s far as 2022 goes, singer-songwriter, Timaya is intent on going back-to-back with smash hit singles as he releases yet another hit single with stirring Amapiano rhythm titled ‘Charger’. This comes on the heels of his recently released 2022 debut inspirational single, “No Pressure”, which is currently enjoying massive airplay.

Charger is the third single off Timaya’s next studio album titled “Chuloverse”. Produced by Nigerian

Amapiano powerhouse duo, Smeez & D3an, ‘Charger’ just like many of Timaya’s classics, effortlessly leaves listeners in awe. Just like ‘Cold Outside’ and ‘No Pressure’, ‘Charger’ is poised to earn millions of streams on multiple spots and top playlists worldwide.

Timaya relies on modish Amapiano beat caressed by his unique, rhythmic vocals to score deserved points. This track leaves you no choice but to move your body as you groove to the beat. Call it a club banger and you’d be correct.

The award-winning musician has released eight studio projects; True Story, Gift And Grace, De Rebirth, LLNP Long Life N Prosperity, Upgrade, Epiphany, Chulo Vibes EP and Gratitude 2020.

Papi Chulo as he’s fondly called has won several notable awards and nominations including the Headies Awards, AFRIMMA Award, Nigeria Music Award, NEA Award, amongst others. His songs explore different genres, themes and ideas. ‘Charger’ was released on Wednesday 16 March, 2022 and is available on all streaming platforms. ‘Charger’ is great music that listeners will find irresistible to add to playlists!

Timaya

StarTimes Backs Epic Movie, The Rise of Igbinogun

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he Rise of Igbinogun, a mix of valour, revenge, anger, art, and musical folklore, got Nollywood movie enthusiasts’ attention when it premiered last Tuesday.

The premiere was supported by entertainment platform, StarTimes, as part of its commitment to the growth of Nollywood and the celebration of quality productions.

The epic action-thriller was screened to the press, Nollywood industry icons, and movie critics at the Sky cinemas, Ajah. The Rise of Igbinogun will eventually premiere in cinemas nationwide from March 18.

With a rich feel of ancient African culture, Igbinogun is an epic tale of a young warrior who fights against injustice in her land while battling her own demons.

As Igbinogun steals from the rich and helps the poor, she must watch out for the king and his guards as well as her own father. Ultimately, this is a story of a young woman embracing her destiny.

Written and directed by Ideh Chukwuma Innocent, this is a creative and adrenalinefilled film complete with drama, romance, and action. Featuring Enyinna Nwigwe, Blossom Chukwujekwu with supporting roles from Ego Nwosu, Tina Mba, Shaffy Bello, and Akin Lewis, the film is certainly entertaining with its plot twists and colourful casts like Damilare Kuku and

L-R: Asst. Marketing Director, StarTimes, Bose Adewara; Marketing Lead, StarTimes, Fared Jiang; Nollywood Actress, Bella Salami; and PR Manager, StarTimes, Lazarus Ibeabuchi at the private screening of Igbinogun at Sky Cinema, Lagos

Bella Salami.

Igbinogun was produced by Tunde Aina and Innocent Chukwuma Ideh.

Commenting on the movie, Nollywood actress, Bella Salami, said “Igbinogun is one movie I really enjoyed. The cast nailed

their roles. The dialogue, picture quality, and creativity were on point.”

Speaking at the private screening, Fared Jiang, Marketing lead, StarTimes Nigeria said, “StarTimes is proud to associate with the producers of Igbinogun.

An outstanding project like this tells African stories from an African perspective. We say kudos to our COO, Tunde Aina, for setting standards on the quality of local folklore film.

“Coincidentally, our Easter promotion is starting today to delight our customers.

Customers who renew their subscription for two months on a low bouquet will be upgraded to a higher bouquet to enjoy our premium local and international content for two months. And a customer that subscribes for two months on classic or super bouquet will get extra 7 days for free.

“StarTimes has a wealth of content to keep families happy from popular international series like season 2 of Queen of Flow; kids channels like Toonami and Nickelodeon to bring your children happiness and growth; exciting sports content like La Liga, Bundesliga, etc; indigenous channel like Orisun for Yoruba; ST Dadinkowa for Hausa; Isimbindo for Igbo; and excellent Nollywood content on ST Nollywood Plus; in addition to top Bollywood content on Starplus,Star Life, Zee One and so on, to satisfy all your imagination of Bollywood.

“As a business, we are focused on providing affordable quality service to entertain the family. And as such, will keep making a deeper commitment to Nollywood.”

Lagos Partners Tourism Operators on Summit Justina Uzo

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agosStateChapteroftheFederation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) will be holding the second edition of its LagosTourism, Hospitality, Arts and Culture Economic Summit (LATHACE), on March 24, at the Eko Hotels

and Suites.

This is coming after the success of the maiden editionoftheconferencelastyear,whichshaped tourism direction in Lagos amid the pandemic.

This year’s event is in collaboration with Lagos State Government and the Hotel Owners and Managers Association, (HOMAL).

The President of Aircraft Owners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Alexander Nwuba, an aviation expert, is expected to be the keynote Speaker at the event. Also expected at the summit is Mrs. Aderonke Oyelami, a consultant with a wealth of experience in the process of land use charge.

Guests expected include the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, industry players and stakeholders.

Speaking during a press briefing recently in Lagos, the chairman planning committee of LATHACE, Mr. Gbenga Sunmonu, said this year’s theme titled “RethinkingTourism for Economic

AdaptationinaPostPandemicEra”wascarefully chosen as outcomes will be of benefit to both government and industry operators.

In her remarks, the coordinator FTAN Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. lme Udoh stressed that “LATHACE 22 is about tourism business and making the sector as vibrant as possible.”

Udohadds:“Godhasblesseduswithbothnatural and human resources to grow our economy and attract investors into the tourism sector.

This is what LATHACE 22 seeks to achieve.”

Sunmonu,whoisalsotheNationalPresidentof theNigerianHotelandCateringInstitute(NHCI), explained that the event would bring together the tourism industry players both in the public and private sectors, to put heads together in order to salvage the travel industry. He also said they were ready to proffer solutions to forge ahead in the post-COVID-19 era.

He said pressing hospitality industry issues wouldbetackledalongsidethecontroversygeneratedbytherevisedLagosStateEnvironmental and Land Use Charge, among other challenges hindering the growth and development of the sector in the state. Sunmonu appreciated the Lagos State Government and the stakeholders for believing in the vision and also for their immense support.

The NHCI President Commended AkinbileYusuf for prioritising the implementation of the agreements reached at the forum last year.

Kolade Julius Tunde, Vice President, South West, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN); Ime Udoh, Lagos State Coordinator of FTAN and Gbenga Sunmonu, Chairman planning committee of LATHACE at the press conference… recently

Part of the agreement by all stakeholders last year, he said, was the increased participation between government and stakeholders and the need for government to widen and expand the net.

The Vice President, FTAN South-west, Mr.

Kolade Tunde, said the forthcoming event would be a hybrid one with over 1000 industry stakeholders expected in attendance. He added that the event “is strictly by invitation and will be streamed live on Zoom and on social media platforms.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

TRIBUTE

Ugwuanyi@58: Celebrating a Peaceful Leader Louis Amoke

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he consensus that he is a man of peace and a God fearing leader is growing beyond imagination. The verdict that he is humble, caring, kind-hearted and compassionate about the lowly, downtrodden and the less privileged in the society is

indisputable.

The endorsement of his visionary approach to governanceandremarkableachievementsinoffice with limited resources at his disposal in the face of enormous challenges in the country remains overwhelming. His popularity across the board keeps swelling by the day. His political sagacity, acceptance and accommodating spirit are by all measures charming.

His sheer determination in striking a balance to close the wide gap existing between the urban and rural dwellers in terms of distribution of democratic dividends is unprecedented in the annals of Enugu State.

Attaining 58 years of age on Sunday, March 20, His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, fondly known as ‘Gburugburu’, has proved beyond reasonable doubt that these striking traits, widely acknowledged by his peers and beyond, are inbuilt and his unbeatable sterling attributes are not easily found among his contemporaries.

In one of his assertions, the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka described Ugwuanyi as a rare, peaceful and God-fearing leader who has continued to lead the state with uncommon zeal, passion and humility even after his re-election in office, stressing that “Enugu has never had a kind-hearted leader like Ugwuanyi”.

Also in his recent verdict, Rev. Fr. Mbaka stated that Gov. Ugwuanyi remains the most peaceful governor in Nigeria, adding that the governor is a father to all and a very friendly governor who cannot do without making peace.

The Spiritual Director stressed that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s“nameshouldbepeace”,maintainingthat peace is in the governor’s nature and “peace is in his integrity”.

Conferring the ‘Most Peaceful Governor in Nigeria’ award on Gov. Ugwuanyi recently, the National President of the Messengers of Peace Foundation, Dr. Sulaiman Adejoh, explained that the honour was in recognition of the governor’s zeal,steadfastnessanduntiringeffortsatensuring that“thereiscalmnessinEnugu State and Nigeria by extension”.

According to Dr. Adejoh, “We have taken note of these efforts because it is not ordinary. It takes somebodythathassomethingupstairsandaman ofpeacetobeabletousealltheconnectionsincluding God to make sure there is peace in his state.”

Peace no doubt is expensive to maintain in terms of finance, sacrifice and forbearance but guarantees security, rapid development and growth. Ugwuanyi’s simplicity, open-door policy, tolerance, penchant for peace and direct contact with everyone, irrespective of class or status, are eloquent testimonies to his sophisticated background and extreme commitment to the progress of Enugu State and well-being of the residents.

Serving as a governor when the economy of the country is facing severe challenges with lean resources to attend to the needs of the people, coupled with the issues of insecurity and public health(COVID-19),whichoccupiedthemajorparts of2020and2021,UgwuanyiwhoentrustedEnugu StatetotheHandsofGod,hasensuredapeaceful, secure, inclusive and rapidly developing state.

This is despite the fact that he is the first to govern Enugu State under such harsh economic, securityandpublichealthchallengesinthecountry.

Consequently, he is the only governor of Enugu State to witness two economic recessions in six yearsofhisadministration,therecent#EndSARS protestsandapandemic(COVID-19)thatbrought a major setback to the entire world in terms of growth and development.

Besides, Ugwuanyi is also the first governor of Enugu State whose political party (PDP) is not in control at the national level with all the associated disadvantages in terms of special privileges that assist states of the ruling party to achieve governance breakthrough when it matters most.

Keeping faith with his driving principles of

entrenching peace and good governance and addressingthehydra-headedimbalancebetweenthe urban and rural populace, Ugwuanyi has provided

Ugwuanyi quality leadership and opened up the rural areas with massive infrastructural development and otherbasicamenitiesinamannerthathasendeared him to the dwellers.

The governor’s special interest in taking democracydividendstothedoorstepsoftheruraldwellers of Enugu State, the long neglected, to give them a sense of belonging is novel in the state’s history and a mark of conscience.

This was obviously the major reason the people of Enugu State overwhelmingly reelected him in 2019 with unprecedented 95.54 percent of the votes cast. The landslide victory was actually the highest in the nation’s electoral history.

In spite of the nation’s unfriendly economic realitiesandothersundrychallenges,Enuguunder Ugwuanyi’s watch is in the list of few states that payN30,000newminimumwagetotheirworkers with the consequential adjustment, without any form of rancour.

His administration has covered about 700km of urban and rural roads largely concentrated in the rural areas. The first flyover bridge to be constructedbyEnuguStategovernmentisnearing completion at Nike Lake Road T-junction, Enugu, courtesy of Gov. Ugwuanyi.

The ultra modern 5,000-seat capacity Township Stadium, Nsukka, aimed at promoting and encouraging grassroots sports development and youth empowerment, is at the final stage of completion following the successful installation of AstroTurf, tartan tracks, seats, and flood-light stands, as well as pavement works. It is gratifying to note that the construction of a similar befitting township stadium in Oji River Local Government Area was captured in the 2022 budget.

Deeply concerned about the well-being of the rural dwellers, Ugwuanyi has renovated District Hospitals and constructed healthcare facilities such as Type 3 Healthcare Centres, Cottage Hospitals with Isolation Wings and an Amenity Hospital (ongoing) in the rural areas to provide adequate and affordable healthcare services to the people.

Besidestheongoingmassiveconstructionworks atthepermanentsiteofEnuguStateUniversityof ScienceandTechnology(ESUT)TeachingHospital and College of Medicine, Igbo-Eno, a multi-billion naira project, Ugwuanyi’s administration rehabilitated the former Colliery Hospital Enugu, with the construction of new structures, and transformed it to Enugu State Infectious Disease Hospital, for isolationandtreatmentofpatientswithinfectious diseases.

In Education, Ugwuanyi’s administration has recruited 5,030 primary school teachers under the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) and over 2,000 secondary school teachers under the Post Primary Schools ManagementBoard(PPSMB).Hisadministration has constructed, renovated and equipped 1,255 classroom blocksand other schoolprojectsunder ENSUBEB, and procured and distributed over 50,000 classroom furniture and other learning toolsforprimaryschoolchildrenandtheirteachers.

Under the PPSMB, Ugwuanyi’s administration

has so far supplied and installed computers in 209 secondary schools and science equipment in 294 secondary schools; constructed and renovated classroom blocks, offices and hostels, among others.

The story is the same in the state owned tertiary institutions. For instance, the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu which is now a degree-awarding Institute courtesy of Ugwuanyi’sadministrationhaswitnessedmassive infrastructuraltransformationthroughconstruction of multiple landmark projects.

These projects include block of 15 ultra-modern classrooms on two suspended floors with seating capacity of 1,224 students; block of ultra-modern offices for Registry Division (Exams and Records) with accommodation for a minimum of 75 staff; block of fully furnished ultra-modern Academic Staff Office complex comprising 60 offices with intercomfacility;andaworld-classMedicalCentre with all necessary appurtenances for provision of quality medical services to staff and students of IMT Enugu.

Duringtheirinaugurationrecently,Ugwuanyidisclosedthattheinterventionbecameimperativeto providetheneededinfrastructuraltransformation inIMT,Enugu,aswellassavetheInstitutefromtotal collapse and full withdrawal of its accreditation. It wasonlypossibleunderUgwuanyi’swatchforIMT, Enugu to hold its first convocation, after 11 years.

Insecurity,Ugwuanyiasasecurityconsciousand peace loving leader has made huge investments to keep Enugu State safe and secure as well as maintain its enviable status as one of the most peacefulstatesinNigeria.Allthesecurityagencies have continued to appreciate the governor for his outstanding support and cooperation.

TheEnuguStateJudiciaryhasequallywitnessed unprecedentedinfrastructuralinterventionsinits history with numerous landmark projects such as thebuildingandequippingof24MagistrateCourts (16 of which are brand new); massive renovation of theStateJudiciaryHeadquarterscomplex,Enugu; construction of the first Enugu State Customary CourtofAppealHeadquartercomplexinEnugu;and

theconstructionof34brandnewmodelCustomary Courts (two per local government) across the 17 localgovernmentareasofthestatesimultaneously, to give them a new lease of life and relevance in line with international best practices for efficient and effective dispensation of justice in the rural areas and beyond.

Huge investments have also been made in other sectorssuchasinvestmentpromotion,agriculture, workers’welfare,ICTinnovation,SmallandMediumsizedEnterprises(SMEs)andyouthempowerment, housing development, among others.

It is interesting to note that Enugu, yet to be recognized as an oil producing state, under Gov. Ugwuanyi’s watch, was rated among the six economically most viable states in the country that can survive without federal allocations. It was also rated as the second most advanced state in Nigeria, on the Ease of Doing Business by the World Bank Group; one of only three states out of the 36 states of the federation that have fulfilled obligations to their workers (BudgIT); and among the seven states that are solvent with an impressive over 30 percent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund additional economic activities (Economic Confidential magazine verdict), among others.

Politically, Ugwuanyi has exercised effective and inclusive leadership, galvanized the ruling PDP in the state to record landslide victories in all the elections contested under his watch, asserting that “in the fullness of time, dialogue, justice and equity shall take pre-eminence” in respect of 2023 general elections.

As family members, friends and well-wishers of Ugwuanyi roll out the drums to celebrate a man of peace and great achiever of inestimable value on Sunday, the remarkable occasion connoting with the Lenten Season reinvigorates the governor’s long-held belief in charity and alms giving, in appreciation to God for His mercies and kindness to him as “Nwaogbenye”. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency!

Amoke writes from Enugu.

Babangida, Others for Recognition at St. George’s Ambulance Foundation’s Anniversary

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he 18th St. George’s Ambulance Foundation is set to hold in Abuja on the 25th of May, 2022, according to the organisers.

A statement signed by the Foundation’s Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, Engr. Adams Hamzat, the event billed for Transcorp Hotel, Abuja will give honorary awards and investiture to some personalities in recognition of their leadership roles and service to humanity.

According to Hamzat, who doubles as National Coordinator of the foundation, eminent personalities to be awarded include former military President and Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, GCFR, who is the Grand Patron of the foundation, former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, (Great Grand Patron), former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, GCON, (Life Patron).

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja11), will be the royal father of the day.

His national peace initiatives and remarkable contributions during the heat of Covid-19 will also be rewarded.

Others to be awarded are the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, Managing Director, National Inland Waterways, Chief (Dr) George Moghalu, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar Maikano, Administrative Officer to the President, Managing Director, Passmark Construction Limited, Chief Paul Onwuakpaoke Kanu, DIG Abdulmajid Ali (rtd), Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu,AmbassadorAbazieIfeanyiandformer

Babangida Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko for.his.innovative Mother and Child Hospital.

The list also include the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Muhammad Mamman Nami and Ezeani of Mmaku Kingdom, Enugu State, Igwe Maduabushi Nevobasi.

The statement further stated that St. George’s Ambulance Foundation is the foremost humanitarian organisation that has championed emergency ambulance services in Nigeria.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

PEOPLE Elendu-Ukeje: Nigerias Must Elect a President that will Unify the Country in 2023 Nnena Elendu- Ukeje was the Chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs in the 8th House of Representatives. She talks to Tobi Soniyi on a number of pressing national issues, including the qualities Nigerians must watch out for in electing a new president come 2023

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igeria is on the March again looking for Mr. President.

What kind of president should Nigerians elect in 2023?

In the words of Jimmy Carter, he said people will get the leadership they deserve, and I think for too long we’ve talked of leadership we deserve and it’s time to talk of the leadership we need. Everybody says Nigeria is a country of huge potentials but of greater challenges. People who are generous to us call us a fragile state, those who arenot,callusafailedstate.Peoplehaveusedwords like “Nigeria is on the brink,” “Nigeria is bleeding,” “insecurity is taking over Nigeria,” “Nigeria is the third most terrorised country in the world,” “Nigeria is the poverty capital of the world” and the rest.

Michael Moore says it is the economy stupid?

The kind of President we need is someone that understands the economy, somebody who’s been a unifying force. I think one of the greatest problems we have is that Nigeria has become so balkanised andNigerianshavefallenintoourdifferentcleavages in a way that there doesn’t seem to be any bridge for a rapprochement. We need somebody who is smart enough, who understands global politics; able to make Nigeria again the continental leader that we’ve always been; someone who understands the importance of engagement across board, a true leader, and I’m saying someone who is able to identify the potentials in people and bring them on board irrespective of where they come from; someone who understands that there is need for there to be real inclusion, and someone who has the energy to rule this country.

People in different fora have said- and it’s very uncharitable I believe- that they don’t envy whoever wants to be President of Nigeria because things have gotten so bad, it’s going to take a lot of work to pull us back from the brink. He has to be someone who is hands-on and understand the issues, he has to be someone who is ready to roll up his sleeves from day one and address the real fundamental issues. I think, one of the important things also, he has to be someone that thinks outside the box, not someone who is conventional. And I’m talking about asphalt leadership and I’ll tell you why. The reason why people think that China was so successful, was not because of the Infrastructure and growth; it was because China was able to put things in place that pulled over 300 million of its people from poverty.

Now, when a country has a young agile ballooning population, what that country needs is a leader who has the vision to bridge the gap of inequality.

That’s really what we need, someone who is ready to engage and put us back on the map, someone who has the energy, the intellect to understand the economy, robotics, artificial intelligence, and just puts us on a path with a lot of discipline. Because, I believe there are so many places that are leaking.

Weneedsomeonewhoisfocusedandhasthevision that from the first day...luckily, there’s that piece of legislation that says they will have to appoint within 30 days, I think it is, ministers...we need a visionary- most people don’t agree with visionaries, but the policy is always better at the end. So, we need a visionary who is able to pull us back from the brink, unify this country, deal with insecurity, understandthenuancesoftheeconomy,andbridge the gap on inequality... Anybody who can do that will have my vote.

Do you see any of the major parties giving their presidential ticket to a woman as presidential candidate? Unfortunately, as it stands today, I’ve not seen any woman vie for that job... What is responsible for that?

Because we’re breaking down walls ...and this is me. I mean Nigerian women want to run to where?

The disaster that was meted out to us at the National Assembly if it’s anything to go by it means that Nigerian women are going to build the blocks.

We’re going to create opportunities where we can actually stand on the shoulders of our forebears

El d Uk j Elendu-Ukeje

and build the blocks until people start to realise that this indeed is an egalitarian society. Let’s not forget that the figures state that it’s going to take us 145 years to bridge the gap of political inequality in Nigeria. As far as the political equality index is concerned, Nigeria is 149 ranked out of 155 countries.

So wanting to be the President of Nigeria, I would love to see a woman as the President of Nigeria, but I would also love for us to start by seeing a woman as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I try to be realistic, and I even say it to people when people speak about the United States and Kamala Harris. And I say that had Biden not chosen Kamala Harris, to be the Vice President, Kamala Harris, wouldn’t have been the

Vice President. So, what I want to see, is probably a male President, who has the gumption to pick up a femaleVice President in way that gives us a seat at the table at the topmost level, and conversations that keep the door open for them to walk through and show their competence.

You were part of the 8th National Assembly and I’m sure you’ve been following the efforts of the 9th House, would you give it a pass mark, or you believe it’s a rubberstamp to the Executive as alleged?

You know something; we fought for the autonomy oftheNationalAssembly.Therewerecertainthings that we did, I recall a certain headline that said ‘Coup at the National Assembly, Reps elect Tambuwal Leader.’ That was the beginning of the emancipation. Legacies of militarism and colonialism and

The kind of President we need is someone that understands the economy, somebody who’s been a unifying force. I think one of the greatest problems we have is that Nigeria has become so balkanised and Nigerians have fallen into our different cleavages in a way that there doesn’t seem to be any bridge for a rapprochement. We need somebody who is smart enough, who understands global politics; able to make Nigeria again the continental leader that we’ve always been; someone who understands the importance of engagement across board, a true leader; someone who understands that there is need for there to be real inclusion, and someone who has the energy to rule this country

so on and so forth, has suppressed, repressed the Nigerian political space. And because the National Assemblywasalwaysabsentwhentherearemilitary interventions, it took the National Assembly a lot of work to fight to have a space at the table. Even though they said there are three different but equal arms government, the truth of the matter is that the National Assembly has to continue to fight for relevance within the political space.

And Nigerians were quick to embrace a National Assembly that was at loggerheads with the executive, and I use the word “loggerheads” advisedly.

Now, the reason I said that was because, the way the executive arm of government is situated in Nigeria with the amount of over- bearing powers the arm of government has- they control the military, the police, I mean the Exclusive list is fraught with all amazing things that prop up the Executive and strengthen it. Now, we continue to have to fight for our space. So, because of that, there’s the impression that the National Assembly, once it’s on its back leg in disagreement with the executive arm of government, we become the darlings of the Nigerian people.

Now, there’s also a saying that you can’t talk with a full mouth, the impression, ab initio, was that the leadership of both House and Senate were darlings of the executive arm of government. Because of that, from the beginning, there was suspicion for that leadership. Let’s also not forget that there was a lot of rancour as well in the elections of the opposition; and so, if you recall, Femi Gbajabiamila as the opposition leader was very vociferous on the floor of the House, people don’t see that amount of fire anymorefromtheoppositionintheParliament.They probably have their own style of doing things. But, you know, parliament is a place where the Nigerian people want to watch and hear you speak on their behalf. There’s also the saying, of course, that the opposition will have its say, the majority will have its way, but the Nigerian people want to hear the minority speaks vociferously on their behalf about things that affect them. Unfortunately, that voice was not as loud as the Nigerian people want it. So, it would appear, should I say that they have been emasculated by the ruling party.

And because those voices are not loud, it gives the impression that the National Assembly is acquiescing. Unfortunately, leadership in the time of social media is difficult, things that other people got away with, people are watching government in real time, everybody has a ringside seat to government, and you know Nigerians are very opinionated people. And so, things that have affected the people, like the valuation of the Naira, the high inflation rate and so on and so forth. Nigerians are a bit more disenfranchised, and they expect a parliament that is whipping at government everyday; they don’t hear that. So, a lot of Nigerians are of the opinion that parliament is a little docile in the face of heightened poverty that a lot of Nigerians face.

Let me also make a point that a lot of things have conspired to create this feeling of disaffection in Nigeria. Covid has done that. Coronavirus caused lockdown, loss of income, global devaluation and so on and so forth. It has created a lot of frustrations, poverty and anger within the polity.

Of course, the security has not helped, the transborder crime, the movement of ISIS, the banditry and so on has not helped. Nigerians are yearning to see that government is coming up with actionable plan. They’re not seeing that from the executive and they’re not hearing loudly enough, the National Assembly condemning it. So, people are concerned about the strength of the National Assembly.

That, I believe has formed the opinions. However, I’ve seen flashes of excellence. I’ve seen some very interesting bills passed in this constitution review, my Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill, I’ve seen them try to do something about it. I’ve seen them do something about devolution of powers in this constitution amendment in certain ways. I’ve seen some audacious pieces of legislation, but as with everything else, there’s room for improvement.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

SUPER SATURDAY Harrysong

My Wife is My Best Friend; She’s a Very Understanding Person Harrison Tare Okiri, better known as Harrysong, is one artiste who has held on to stardom through hard work and tenacity. The singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist recently shared a message he got from a lady threatening to expose sex tape involving him. In this interview with Ferdinand Ekechukwu, the ‘Ofeshe’ crooner describes it as “cheap blackmail” and revealed why he decided to go public first. Newly married Harrysong denies the sex tape drama being a publicity stunt to usher in his upcoming album…. Excerpt

H

arrysong, how are you and your baby and wife doing?

My family is perfect...

Can you describe your experience of fatherhood?

It is responsibility and I’m ready for the responsibility.

What’s up with you at the moment you have been busy travelling lately?

I’m busy doing shows because I have a recent song that’s banging and amazing on the streets right now which is the ‘She Knows’ song, featuring Olamide and Fireboy DML, it’s on top chart right now. That’s why I’m busy travelling and doing events. But at the same time, we are also recording and preparing to drop another single because we would drop an album in the next two months. It’s called ‘God Amongst Men’, that’s the album for the year.

Can we talk about your scandal you recently informed the public about a sex scandal involving you?

I don’t really see it as a scandal. It’s just a blackmail; a cheap blackmail basically.

Could you tell us more about it? Why did you decide to go public?

Why I thought to inform my fans is because I have stayed at least for a while so I wasn’t sure if the person has evidence or a video evidence of me according to what she said. But I wasn’t even expecting it to come out now because it happened six years ago and why is she bringing it up now just to come collect money from me basically you know. So, that’s why I just thought.

Because I didn’t have a control of it you know.

So that’s why I just thought to clear it out should in case she decided to really want to drop the video if she has recorded me, because I don’t know if she did record me. I don’t know but yeah she said she has video evidence basically so I just thought to clear my fans first should in case she comes she wouldn’t hit us too hard and we try to protect my image and my name, my brand and hard work.

But how did your wife take the news you know she’s a woman?

No, no…. my wife is my best friend; she’s a very understanding person. She’s cool.

Is the lady still threatening you at the moment?

No. I have reported her to the police, my lawyer is aware of it, and the police are trying to get hold of her. I have blocked her. I’m not in

Harrysong contact with her anymore. I have handed her to the Nigerian police.

How many times have you paid her, and how much have you paid so far?

I have paid her twice. The law told me not to reveal how much I paid her until they get hold of her.

Not that she ask for any specific amount prior to you paying her?

No, she didn’t ask for any specific amount.

What will you do if she makes good her threat to expose you?

It would be really, really heavy on my side. It wouldn’t be easy for me to handle. But as at this point, I’m praying to God as I would also want the world and my fans to pray that she does not have it; I pray she’s just bluffing. I pray! Even you that is interviewing me now, ‘follow me pray that she’s just bluffing o!’ because if she truly has that video man, it’s not going to go well.

And you don’t think she truly has it? You don’t think that encounter she truly recorded you in any form that you weren’t aware of?

I don’t know because I’m not sure! And because it’s six years ago! I can’t even remember, yes! I can’t even remember a lot about that.

I have met people before that time. I’m a man.

So, that’s why, first of all I was begging. If I was sure, I would not even have begged or paid. But because I’m not sure, I don’t know. That’s why at least I begged for a while, paid once, paid twice, until I now see that she’s insisting; she just needs money, and insisting on actually putting out her evidence you know. I know there’s nothing else I can do about it because I’m not on her side.

In the light of the sex tape scandals, what do you make of people making tapes of their

sexual activities?

First of all it’s against the law. If you don’t have somebody’s permission you cannot record the person. That is why I am on the right because police is going to look for her until they get her. I don’t do that on a normal. I don’t have this kind of things on my phone! I don’t go and I’m having sex and I want to record it. I don’t do it! I’m not even supporting it. So, this one if she truly has it, it’s illegal and it’s against the law.

And it’s like a trend for some women now. They try to take celebrities where they can record them, hold evidence and get money from them.

But why do you think she could be coming out at this point, at this particular time to blackmail you?

She may just be broke and needs money. All she talks about is money, money, money. She just needs money, I think so.

And this is not some kind of publicity stunt on your part in anticipation of your upcoming album?

No! In all my careers have you heard anything like this from me?

I’m actually going to that that if this is the first time somebody will be coming up with such blackmail, no previous encounter of such?

Yeah. I’m a very serious person. I don’t have time to joke…

Early last September you posted something like “Don’t marry a woman that is heavy on social media, that can’t have the discretion to know what to post and what not to post, because everything becomes content to attract brands to her (sic).” Why do you believe that marrying a social media addict can be detrimental to marriage?

Yes. The negative effect that social media

has got on marriage is much more than the positive effect. And marriage is personal.

Marriage is a personal thing; it’s not a general thing. It’s about two different people from two different upbringings, from two different backgrounds coming together to want to build one home, not two different homes o… One home! So, first of all, social media is a social place, a social platform where the mad, the craze, the drug addict, the one that has different sexual mentality, some are illiterate, some are literate. So, the people there are different people. So when you bring your personal home that you want to build into a platform where different people of different opinion, different backgrounds, people that you are not seeing; you can’t see them. They only have an opinion when you bring an idea. Yes! So it’s not good and it’s not safe when you want to build a home you bring it public place. So, when you are a social media addict, try as much as you can to keep your home serene. Because when you start to bring it to them, when they begin to give you opinions and drag you, don’t say that they are putting mouth in what doesn’t concern them o! You first of all brought them into the matter because they have no idea about your home basically. So it’s just for the safety of people that actually interested and homely enough to want to build a good home you know. So, social media is not actually the place. I just advised for people to be careful about that basically.

How is Altarplate Music doing?

Altarplate is doing amazing, it’s doing fine.

Thank you.

What new talent have you got on it at the moment?

Yes after my album we are going to do an unveiling of one of the artistes that’s going to take over the industry. His name is Meshach. So watch out for Meshach!

22

SATURDAY MARCH 19, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 19, 2022

23

POLITY

Ehirim: The Technocrat who wants to be Soludo of Imo Onyedikachi Nkemjika

H

e holds a doctorate degree from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa; young, restless, angry and with huge grudge about how wrong things have gone in his home state, Imo. That may be an attempt at describing Tobechukwu Justice Ehirim, popularly known as TJ Ehirim, the intellectual and erudite don pressing to occupy the Imo State seat of power in the next

election.

Ehirim had nurtured the desire more than three decades ago, which had to take on a new life and fresh desire due to the turn of events in the which he feels stultified development.

He is disturbed by how bad the affairs of his lovely state have turned.

To him, the abstinence of men of quality has foisted on the state, poor thinkers and non-performers and he feels there is no better way to express his misgivings over the abhorrent state of things in the state than to throw his hat into the ring so as to implement the blueprint he has nursed for so long. He has therefore taken it as a major project, a mission driven by a passion that makes him swear like the Mandelas, Mbekis and Malemas of South Africa- no retreat, no surrender.

It was at the last edition of the Annual Igbo Heritage Lecture series, in Johannesburg, South Africa, that he unfolded his plan and regaled his audience in detail how he would devote all his time and resources to rid Imo State of the current bad government “The Imo State of the Mbakwes cannot claim to be the heartland of Ndigbo and display such shameful and lacklustre performance in the choices of who governs them. My people must be emancipated, let the best of us lead the rest of us. Allowing the worst of us to lead the rest of us, is to deny ourselves modern freedoms, genuine growth and top quality development (not 419); a fatal error that requires marshal intervention and urgent remedy or we suffer the adverse consequences. The present governor of the state is not only grossly inadequate, he is insufficiently prepared for the job he got from the backyard and he must go,” he fumed.

The youthful administrator and technocrat with the above words, seemed to have served quit notice to present occupiers of the office; further vowing that he was ready as his warrior ancestors, to go the whole hug and ensure the change.

Waxing both historical and philosophical, he opined that his grandfather must have seen tomorrow when he named nwanagankpa, (the child that solves the hard tasks), which has since been upgraded to a chieftaincy title of nwanagankpa n’ Amazano, by his community of Umudim-Akuure, UmueleAmazano, Umuaka of Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State. He therefore sees his quest as an ancestral command which would not be above his efforts to achieve.

“I have served Governor Hope (Uzodimma) a quit notice and he understands the seriousness that I attached to the notice. It is nothing personal. My state is in the state of emergency and all that is required is speed and urgency and I’m glad that the youths, the churches, the communities the civil society and the sons and daughters of the soil, home and abroad are unanimous in this new thinking that our destiny must only be resided in the hands of the best of us and not in the worst of us.

“I shall be the voice speaking for the millions who are disillusioned by the dismal performances of Uzodimma.

It’s all about principle of nemo dat quod non habet, which simply means, you can’t give what you don’t have. Hope Uzodimma is an accidental leader, almost a disaster, who has shown that he is incapable of the high quality leadership that my state yearns”, he insisted.

Of grave concern to Ehirim is the wanton killings in Imo State which blame he on the doorstep of the governor, saying it was the consequence of entrusting people without leadership capacity with power, adding, “No leader worth his salt will supervise the systematic elimination of his fellow men and women, especially the youths and students, who are the critical workforce he requires to compete in the fourth industrial revolution, the way Uzodimma did. We can’t make a governor of men who have no conscience, who are affidavitely educated and whose pasts are not only tainted but riddled with the exact traits that our parents, teachers and Clergies warned us to avoid.

“Who does not know the occupation of our governor before his magical ascendancy into the red chambers and the catapult into the Douglas House? When people in power are those who went to kindergarten institutions, holding short term certificates and with little or no sources of reference are allowed entrance into the arena that is the preserve of the honorables and the celebrated, this is the result you get. It is this shame and hopelessness that I have come to erase and replace with the real hope. It is time to give the Imo situation the Anambra treatment.

“What we have is like a cancer eating deep into the state.

The level of decay that I see in my state today cannot be viewed as ordinary. Hopelessness which has filled the air and the obstinacy of the man at the helm can be likened to that of pharaoh and how God used him to give His people freedom.

“Uzodimma is not an easy nut to crack, given the huge amount of wealth he has amassed to himself and the federal might. But I am the David, the only man in Imo State that can bring down the Goliath. He comes with a combination of incumbency power and the federal might but I come with the might of the people and the promise of God. I am the next

Ehirim Governor of Imo State. I have come to liberate my people and the political heavyweights in the state agree with that contention.

“I will be mobilising the greatest civil movement in history and raise a tsunami against the evil enterprise in Imo State.

Because of me, the oppressed, the downtrodden and through the power of the Almighty, the courts, the riggers and even the presidency will yield to the will of the people.”

Ehirim who likens himself to former US President, Barack Obama and Chukwuma Charles Soludo, insists that the best in the society, rather than the dregs must occupy the political space and give sound leadership, adding that collaboration between him and Soludo would produce Igbo emancipation in values and development.

“It was on the crest of the same philosophy of the best must step forward and lead, wherever they are that the son of the poor Kenyan father emerged from obscurity to become the leader of the free world. It was with the same thinking that ndi-Anambra were able to dismantle the mafia network to produce the governor they deserve. We will be replicating the same in my state. Obama rose to become a doctor of law, it was not his money that made him the President, it was his quality. Soludo rose to the height of his profession.

It was not his money that made him the Governor-elect in the presence of a very fierce opposition, it was his quality. It was through the same thinking that Thabo Mbeki emerged from exile to become the wonder-working president of South Africa. I have also reached the pinnacle of my chosen career in Health and Public Service. There are lots of similarities between myself and those men. It is only fair that I be given an

The Imo State of the Mbakwes cannot claim to be the heartland of Ndigbo and display such shameful and lacklustre performance in the choices of who governs them. My people must be emancipated, let the best of us lead the rest of us. Allowing the worst of us to lead the rest of us, is to deny ourselves modern freedoms, genuine growth and top quality development (not 419); a fatal error that requires marshal intervention and urgent remedy or we suffer the adverse consequences

opportunity to serve my people,” he submitted.

On his pedigree, he said, “Everywhere I go and everything I’ve touched has turned gold. I graduated the best pupil in Umuele primary school in Umuele-Amazano and repeated the feat at St Augustine Grammar school, Nkwerre, a special model school set aside then, for the gifted children, before proceeding to University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to study pharmacy, where I also graduated with distinction. I served at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Owerri, where I left as the best graduating intern and later, State Specialist Hospital, Ekiti, where I also came out tops.

“I’m not the only one. Excellence actually runs in my family.

My father, Chief Livinus Uzoma Ehirim, was a pioneer staff of the Nigerian Customs, who later fought the Nigeria Civil war on the Biafra side. My mother, lolo Adaeze Ehirim, knew that her son would one day become the leader of people. At birth, my grandfather saw the uniqueness in me and named me nwanagamkpa (the child that is destined to solve problems and resolve challenges. This is the background that influenced my past and is pushing my future. It is a tradition that hates slavery and detests the sight of people in anguish.

“In fact, I can say that my ambition to become the Governor started 32 years ago, when the Ozoigbondu, Chief Arthur Eze visited my school and the honour to decorate him with garlands fell on my little self as the brightest. Chief Arthur Eze, who lowered his frame almost to a breaking point, to facilitate the performance of the job my school gave me, told us how the future was ours to take and that the sacrifices they were making then was to prepare us to become future Governors and Presidents. I retired that day with the conviction that I was going to become a governor. Another prophesy came from a classmate back in 1991, George Ashiegbu, who later became a pastor, that I was going to become a Governor some day.

Ashiegbu now leads Dunamis church in Ghana.

Indeed, spiced with a lot of philanthropic activities, his pedigree of excellence, diligence and ability to break new grounds, couple with his grip with the grassroots, may have been responsible for the huge fellowship he seems to be commanding presently, particularly amongst the youths.

“I arrived South Africa in 2003, at a time that going to school was not fashionable for our people. I was told that there is no place for people like me here, which I quickly rejected. I instantly chose the road less travelled and I assured them that I was going to break the glass ceiling. After initial difficulties, I was able to pay and write the qualifying exams that opened the doors and windows for the journey that later ensued. The South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) was swift in confirming my South African Bachelor of Pharmacy, followed by the admission into the prestigious South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). In 2008, I topped it with a Supply Management Qualifications from the South African Development Institute and later an MBA from the world class institution, the Millark Business School in Johannesburg before crowning it with a Doctor of Philosophy.”

Narrating further, he said he later found himself in another huge medical facility, the Helen Joseph Hospital, where he held various top management positions, including the Pharmacy Manager; Coordinator, Mid-Term Strategic Plan Committee. It was here also, that he was again noticed by the Provincial Government, where he became a member, Department Special Task Force on Quality Pharmacycare and Reduction in Waiting Time for Patients at Gauteng Public Health Facility.

Other positions he held were, Operations and Warehouse Manager/Chief Pharmacist, Gauteng Medical Supplies Depot; Director, Procurement Authority, Gauteng Provincial Medical Supplies; Member, USAID/SCMS Re-engineering; Manager, Pharmaceutical Services, Gauteng Department of Health and many others.

“What is important in all these positions is the fact the South Africans didn’t have a problem handing the keys to their life into the hands of a foreigner. It didn’t matter to them that I am a Nigerian. All that mattered was my quality.”

He added: “In my first one week in office, I will declare a state of emergency on Imo State to atone for the lives of our people that were wasted, to satisfy the desperation and the ambition of one man and offer prayers for the repose of their souls. My Government will also seek compensation to the families of those who died the deaths they shouldn’t die.

“I will also declare state of emergency in health, education, hunger and basic infrastructures, like roads. These are what every responsible government should give to the governed as a matter of human right and without expecting a thank you. No human being should be allowed to suffer the pains and the indignity of the lack of basic necessities of life and that I will pursue.

“In addition, I promise to replicate what I did in the health sector in South Africa in Imo State. I will revolutionise the health sector and bring Primary Health Care to the doorsteps of every person living in Imo State at no cost to them.

“The message of the campaign, let the best of us lead the rest of us is now fast spreading across the Imo and beyond like a wild fire and the people, especially the youths are prepared to take their state back. I am the next governor. I’m the only person that has sufficient capacity to dare this lion and snatch the baton off him. I am the only person he is afraid of because he sees Ihedioha and Okorocha as people he can beat even in a sleep. Another Soludo is coming to Imo.”

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 19, 2022

POLITY

My Fears for Buhari

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari must thank his stars for the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo erstwhile Premier of the Western region. He practically rode on the late sage’s back to the Presidency. So what’s the nexus between Awolowo and the Buhari presidency?

Awolowo was without any doubt one of the most impactful leaders Nigeria ever had. Apart from being at the forefront in the fight for Nigeria’s independence, he founded Egbe Omo Oduduwa (Descendants of Oduduwa Kingdom), Action Group(AG), and Unity Party of Nigeria(UPN).

While the Egbe Omo Oduduwa activities were localized and rooted as a rallying point for the Yoruba, the political parties became platforms for galvanizing national support for his ambition to lead Nigeria. In seeking to lead Nigeria in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Awolowo was running on his welldocumented pedigree as a Premier of the Western region where he revolutionized agriculture, education, healthcare, human capital development, and created an economy in the west that was the envy of other regions.

Right from 1959 to 1983, Awolowo’s lifetime ambition, to borrow from Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was to lead Nigeria.

Regrettably, he failed to fulfill that lifetime ambition when he passed on in 1987. So he went down in history as the greatest President that Nigeria never had. It was the same sentiments that ruled supreme in the polity when General Muhammadu Buhari sought the presidency in 2015.

Although lacking in the sterling democratic, academic, and human development credentials and pedigree of Awolowo, Buhari had something in common: his failed but persistent quest for the presidency which began in 2003, 2007, 2011 when he announced his retirement from politics. This persistence essentially cast him in the mold of Awolowo as yet another president that Nigeria may never have.

However, providence smiled at him when he came out of retirement in 2015. Given the growing disenchantment with President Goodluck Jonathan over his uninspiring leadership style supported by the messianic posturing of Buhari, he rode to power on the back of people’s sentiments.

This group of people went all out to ensure that he did not end up as another Awolowo by voting him to office.

When he took office, Buhari gave the impression that he succinctly understood what Nigeria’s problems were and

promised to tackle them head-on in his inaugural speech. Hear him: “At home, we face enormous challenges. Insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel, and power shortages are the immediate concerns. We are going to tackle them head-on. Nigerians will not regret that they have entrusted national responsibility to us. We must not succumb to hopelessness and defeatism. We can fix our problems.”

He went ahead to promise that even “With depleted foreign reserves, falling oil prices, leakages, and debts the Nigerian economy is in deep trouble and will require careful management to bring it round and to tackle the immediate challenges confronting us, namely; Boko Haram, the Niger Delta situation, the power shortages, and unemployment, especially among young people.

For the longer term, we have to improve the standards of our education.”

It has been seven years since Buhari came to power, how has he been able to turn around the fortune of the people and the country? Let us begin from security, an area where many had opined that given the President’s military background, insurgency days were numbered. In the early days of the administration, Nigerians were told that Boko Haram was ‘technically defeated.’

Whatever that meant, soon after, the group unleashed more deadly attacks and undertook daring kidnapping escapades forcing the administration to pay huge ransoms for the release of some of the children that were abducted.

The hopeless and continuously deteriorating security situation in the country in which over 350,000 people have reportedly been killed by state and non-state actors, has led to the proliferation of regional outfits like Amotekun, Yan Sakai, Onyabo, Ebube Agu, and the Civilian Joint Task Force.

All promises by Buhari that at the end of the hostilities when the group is subdued the “government intends to commission a sociological study to determine its origins, remote and immediate causes of the movement, its sponsors, the international connexions to ensure that measures are taken to prevent a recurrence of this evil”, have since evaporated.

The President and his cohorts have charted an entirely bizarre and dangerous trajectory choosing to house the so-called repentants in posh accommodations. The government has also been giving them preferential treatment and absorbing them into the arms forces even against advice from concerned citizens.

It is clear that the Buhari government is romancing the insurgents and demoralizing the Armed Forces that he promised “will be fully charged with prosecuting the fight against Boko haram.”

THEFRONTLINES JOSEPH USHIGIALE jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)

In Nigeria today, the sanctity of human life is no longer guaranteed.

If you are not felled by the bullets from Fulani and other criminal militias who are engaged in kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery, you would be killed by yahoo boys and ritualists who are now engaged in rituals to make money, by all means, using human parts.

In the area of electricity supply, Buhari lamented that “It is a national shame that an economy of 180 million generates only 4,000MW, and distributes even less. Continuous tinkering with the structures of power supply and distribution and close on $20b expanded since 1999 have only brought darkness, frustration, misery, and resignation among Nigerians. We will not allow this to go on. Careful studies are underway during this transition to identify the quickest, safest and most cost-effective way to bring light and relief to Nigerians.”

After seven years on the saddle, as I write, the country is in perpetual darkness. The system collapsed twice in a week throwing the entire country in darkness. Industries are parking up and throwing people out of jobs. Manufacturers are groaning under the weight of having to provide power using generating sets. With the cost of production spiraling out of control, the prices of goods are also not affordable to the common man. Everywhere you go is misery accentuated by the Buhari administration.

The worst part is that even the 4000 MW that he inherited from the previous administration can not be sustained. Today, the total generating capacity is less than 2000 MW. Even with its much-vaunted campaign that it has generated 11,000MW of electricity, this is figure is only on paper. Most power plants are either not functioning as a result of low water levels like Kainji and Shiroro dams, those using gas turbines have no gas to power them in a country that exports liquefy natural gas.

With less than a year and a half to go, Buhari who recently apologized to Nigerians to bear with him is clueless and has no single idea of how to salvage Nigeria from the brink.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Interrogating Zoning in Enugu State Dennis Agbo I observe that some mischief makers (I do not know whether or not they are from Enugu State) have been serenading materials purporting to discuss the zoning arrangement in Enugu State. It is clear that these persons are against Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s declared bid for the governorship of Enugu State. These people are actually entitled to hold their political opinion and preferences of candidates in the political contest. What I don’t like is this idea of raising only the issue of zoning in trying to discourage the Distinguished Senator from running.

This handful of persons seems not to care about what the generality of Enugu people want. Otherwise, I would have thought they should allow the candidates to contest for the people’s support instead of drumming up only zoning to silence mass appeal and popular support. They misrepresent the subject of zoning in Enugu State to serve their own interest.

I personally do not like this reference being made to a certain meeting in 2013 held ostensibly to zone the governorship to Enugu North then. Why was a zoning meeting required for Enugu North to take their turn in the governorship, even when the other zones had already taken their turns from 1999 to 2015? Could any of the other two zones have wanted to retain the position by 2015? Why do these people think Enugu North needed a motion by Dubem Onyia, amended by C.C Egumgbe, or supported by Sen. Collins Ndu, (all from one cultural zone) to take their own turn at the Governorship?

Which motion did they move and second for Enugu East to have their turn? Which motion did they move or second for Enugu West to have their own turn?

Indeed, if a motion needed to be moved and seconded, it should have been at the onset in 1999, definitely not in 2015 when the other two zones had already taken their turns.

So, to me, the so-called zoning meeting, if there was anything like that, was completely unnecessary. Enugu North is the largest zone in the state; the population of the zone is about the population of the other two zones combined, and having waited to have their turn last did not need anybody to move or second motions.

So, to me, the so-called motion, if at all the hotly contested document is real, was not much about zoning, but more about the amendment, to extract yet another turn of Governorship by the same Enugu East that had had the position for three times. And it was not surprising who had to introduce the amendment - someone from Enugu North LGA, which today

falls into Enugu East zone , and tomorrow falls into Enugu West. These things are known !

They would likely retort that the motion became imperative because of Ekweremadu’s alleged governorship ambition in 2015. But I know, just like everyone else can recall, the widely reported statement by Sen. Ekweremadu during an interaction with the press on 3rd June 2013, where he stated repeatedly that he had no governorship ambition for 2015. The internet doesn’t forget and simply searching “2015: I’ve no governorship ambition” will clear any doubts. So, I maintain that Enugu North needed no motion in that particular governorship contest.

Meanwhile, when they claim that His Excellency, Okwesilieze Nwodo, was in the said meeting, I ask: Nduka Agu, the person Okwesilieze supported for Governorship in 1999, is from which zone? He is from West!

We all know that leaders had decided that for equity and fairness, Enugu West should produce the Governor in 1999 (they were the only zone that had not had a Governor by then). The two front-runners supported by Jim Nwobodo and Okwesilieze Nwodo respectively, were from West. Somehow, they were muscled out and the governorship went to East.

Now another muscling is going on in the name of a purported zoning meeting, to deny the same Enugu West the opportunity, but West seem to have a stronger candidate to contend with this time around.

I thrill at political analysis that mixes up statements by politicians from every political party, to make a point that suits.

Enugu State is PDP, and so it is suspect to import statements from H/E Sullivan Chime or Sen. Ken Nnamani of APC, to support an argument on zoning in PDP. What we get from all this are nothing but deliberate mischief, half-truths and outright lies.

I conclude that rotation has served Enugu state well, but I know that sincerity, openness and fairness, are embedded in the spirit of rotation. Mischief makers should not pull a wool over our eyes, and carry on as if they were the last wise men that God created.

The truth is that by 2023, the three zones would have had their turns at the Governorship from 1999, and any of the zones can start the second round of rotation. Indeed, by critical appraisal, Enugu North that had the last turn should actually go first in the second round. Or else, Enugu West that has had the governorship only once, (Enugu East, thrice; Enugu North, twice) should take the slot.

As I just stated, after the first round, the second round of rotation can start in any of the zones. And I am not alone in this line of thought. In a recent viral Arise TV interview on rotation/zoning of presidency, granted by Dr. Nwodo, a former

Ekweremadu National Chairman and National Secretary of the PDP, he stated unequivocally that PDP’s idea of zoning was that the presidential seat should be occupied in turns by each of the six geopolitical zones after which power cold actually head anywhere based on competence. Although he spoke about the presidency, which is yet to go round, the same logic can be stepped down to Enugu State where all the three zones have occupied the Lion Building.

Power has gone round in Enugu State and in searching for the next governor, especially in such a critical time as this when states, not only Enugu, are facing serious security, economic, and indeed multifarious challenges, we need to go for our best among the available choices. In fact, with Prof. Charles Soludo recently sworn in as Governor of Anambra State, it could be said that God had preserved his coming for a time like this when the services of people of tremendous capacity like him are needed.

– Hon. Dennis AGBO (FCA), a former Member of the House of Representatives writes from Enugu Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 19, 2022

25

POLITY

Ukanwoke: BetKing Changing the Face of Sports Betting In this interview with Duro Ikhazuagbe, Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director, BetKing Nigeria discusses the company’s 4th anniversary celebration as well as it’s commitment to social responsible initiatives Tell us more about BetKing and its presence in Nigeria

the Nigerian population accessed the internet via mobile device.

This share is projected to grow to 659.7 percent by 2026. We can expect that there will be growth in our industry and business as more people use the internet conveniently.

B

etKing is a sports betting business of KingMakers, an Africa-focused sports and digital entertainment company offering online services, and agency services in Nigeria. We are currently present in four countries - Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ghana.

BetKing started in Nigeria in February 2018 and has grown to become one of the biggest players in the industry in the country, and just on February 22nd, we celebrated a four-year anniversary. We have become a recognisable brand that customers trust as their bookmaker both online, and in retail.

BetKing has been four years in the sport betting industry in Nigeria, what are some of the challenges since opening shop?

BetKing unlike any other business wants to be known for more than a business that allows individuals to be entertained. We want to change the face of sports betting in Africa and in doing so, we are committed to initiatives that improve the conditions of the society where we operate. Entering a market where other industry players have already established themselves and building brand recognition and trust do not happen overnight. To get where we are, we needed to stay true to what we stand for and be consistent – an ethical gaming business that is investing in building robust retail and online betting platform that meets our customers’ needs, empowers individuals and local communities. Four years in and seeing the success of individuals who have been able to start their own businesses and grow their shops from one to six is what brings the reward. It is not easy, for many reasons, but it is worth it.

With operations in three other African countries, how would you describe the Nigerian environment in terms of returns on investments?

Across multiple sectors, Nigeria has an advantage over many other African countries due to the size of our population and the collective purchasing power of the people. We have the advantage to have started out in Nigeria and it is

Ukanwoke an important market for us in our business. By staying active in the Nigerian market, we have been able to grow our business to other African countries. There is no better description of the return on our investment in Nigeria than this. We have also worked with so many Agents who help deliver our services to our retail customers and there has been a steady increase of agents across the country. We are seeing the return on that investment in the agent network with the wider recognition of our brand and the brand trust that is built from being present in many communities in Nigeria.

Your operations are IT driven, how has the network providers impacted on your business?

Our business services are delivered to our customers through our desktop and mobile platforms and through our agents who also use our agent platform in their service delivery. To access the internet, we need network providers. All our platforms are only accessible through the internet and as such, we are one of the industries heavily reliant on the coverage, stability, and availability of network services to customers and businesses.

Over the last few years, we have seen improved internet penetration across the country with more people having direct access to the internet through their phones. If you look at the data from Statista, you will see that in 2021, 48.12 percent of

Some of your CSR have included giving out cars in your AFKON promo. Which other areas have you been impacting in your operational communities?

Giving away cars was a part of the AFKON campaign, and we always make sure we have that element incorporated in our strategy – people love winning, and we love giving. As part of our 4th-yearth year anniversary celebration, we launched a campaign under the theme of “4 Years on the Throne”, which entailed several activities designed to reward its community of Kings and Kingmakers (customers & agents). In our four years of operations in Nigeria, we have been at the forefront of gaming in the market, creating over 50,000 jobs through our agency network.

During this time, we have made some significant contributions to the socio-economic transformation of Nigeria and have impacted positively on people and communities. Some of the key initiatives we recorded include: Sponsorship of the KidsPort Initiative - an after-school football program that recognizes young people in orphanages and in communities with football talent who are given the platform and training to develop the talent and transform their lives. As part of the build-up to the Anniversary ceremony, a novelty match was recently hosted between BetKing staff & senior team of the KidsPort initiative.

Also, we empowered 200 market women in rebuilding their shops: in collaboration with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF). In addition, we supported the Asisat Oshoala Foundation to develop young women in sports & education and supported job creation and entrepreneurship promotion in the creative sector through support of the Aba Fashion Week.

As part of the initiatives to mark our Anniversary, we planted 4 trees at our new headquarters site in Lagos. For me, these 4 trees signify 4 years of stellar operations in Nigeria, and we hope that as we nurture the trees and they grow, so our brand grows with the environment feeling the effect.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Representative of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Aliyu Ibrahim Ahmed; 5for5 promo million naira winner for February, Mohammad Garamba Husseini; North Regional Manager, Wema Bank, Aisha Musa and Representative of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. H.H Gaya presenting the One million Naira Cheque during the promo draws held in Kano ... recently

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Dr. Ifeoma Anyanwutaku; Ambassador of Tourism, Ikechi Uko; DG of Nihotour, Turaki Nura Kangiwa; and Charge De Affairs, Tunisian Embassy, Abdelkhalek Dhoukkar, during the presentation of Tourism CEO of the Year 2021

by Travellers Awards to Turaki Nura Kangiwa in Abuja...recently.

L-R: General Manager, Reckitt, Sub-Saharan Africa, Akbar Ali Shah; Nollywood actress and Mortein Brand Ambassador, Kate Henshaw; Head Regulatory Affairs, Reckitt, Sub-Saharan Africa, Aladegbola Bolanle and Marketing Director, Reckitt, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Tanzim Rezwan at the 2022 Mortein ‘FIGHT TO END MALARIA’ Campaign Kickoff and Brand Ambassador Unveiling ceremony in Lagos...

BIODUN AJALA

L-R: Gladys Odidi, Franca Elema, Efe Osamuede, FIDA Chairperson Violet Olumese, Nosa Edo-Osagie, Ose Akhahon, Tega Esuakpor, Anthonia Asagba, Ayans Eweka and Rosemary Otobo during the International women Lawyers -FIDA Edo State Chapter courtesy visit to Nosa Edo-Osagie as prelude to activities to mark the FIDA WEEK in the new dispensation in Benin City..... recently

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SATURDAY MARCH 19, 2022 • T H I S D AY

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

19.3.2022

NEWS

TOP FOUR IN MIND PAGE. 29

Destiny Udogie Dreaming World Cup with Nigeria

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 19, 2022

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Udogie celebrates his equaliser for Udinese against AC Milan at the San Siro Stadium

Destiny Udogie Dreaming World Cup with Nigeria His recent form has been very impressive for Udinese so far this season and with two goals in his last two Serie A games, three Italian clubs-Juventus, Napoli and Atalanta are already scrambling for the signature of the Italianborn Nigerian. Destiny Udogie is already dreaming of donning the greenwhite-green colours of the Super Eagles at the Qatar World Cup despite having played for Italy at the age-grade level

T

he World Cup is the dream of every professional footballer, and Udinese youngster of Nigerian descent has expressed his desire to feature at the ultimate stage.

Udinese wing-back Destiny Iyenoma Udogie has confessed that he is looking forward to being a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later in the year.

By the time the last edition of the Mundial kicked off four years ago in Russia, Udogie was still a starry-eyed 15-year-old slugging it out in the Hellas Verona youth academy, unsure of what the future held for him.

Fast forward to the present times, and the 19-year-old is having the best of times in Serie A, where he has made 24 appearances, scored against AC Milan at the San Siro, and netted the goal that shot down Sampdoria.

Udogie has been a part of the Italian youth system from the under-16 to the under-21, giving the European nation a significant advantage over his allegiance.

But the versatile young defender remains eligible to represent three-time African champions, Nigeria, through his parents.

Super Eagles interim technical adviser, Augustine Eguavoen, has excellent left-back options in Paderborn’s Jamilu Collins, Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi, and Rangers’ Calvin Bassey. Still, Udogie could gate-crash the party if he maintains his upward trajectory.

He has not shown any interest in representing the West African nation, but

he has hinted that he would jump at the opportunity to take part at Qatar 2022.

“Going to the World Cup is the greatest dream because it is played for the whole country. For me, it would be a great satisfaction,” Udogie said.

Udogie is the rave of the moment in the Italian top-flight, with some of the country’s biggest clubs keeping a tab on him, including Juventus and Atalanta.

The young defender, however, makes it clear that he shares a relationship with his Nigerian father and still listens to his instructions, which are helping his development.

“My father always tells me to stay calm, to enjoy the moment, to play carefree and not to freak out because I’m still young,” the on-loan Hellas Verona lad said.

“I try to follow these tips. I try to enjoy Serie A and the moment because I’m still young.

“Now, as a wing-back, I feel good because it is a role in which I can express myself. I think I would feel better as a full-back than a half-winger.”

Udogie has a loan deal with Udinese until the end of the season, with the Little Zebras retaining the rights to make his deal permanent. He is currently valued at €9 million.

After scoring two goals in his last two Serie A appearances, Udogie has cemented himself as one of the best revelations of the campaign.

The young left-back is a youth product of Hellas Verona, but he currently plays

for Udinese on loan.

The 19-year-old scored a controversial goal against Milan in round 27 which secured an unlikely point for the Zebrette at the San Siro.

The Italian also found the back of the net when Udinese hosted Sampdoria last weekend.

According to Calciomercato, Juventus are in the race to sign Udogie next summer, but will face competition from two other Serie A big boys.

In addition to the Bianconeri, Napoli and Atalanta are also interested in the up-and-coming fullback.

Udogie is of Nigerian origins but has been representing Italy in several age classes. In September 2021, he made his debut for the Azzurri’s U-21 side.

Undoubtedly an interesting talent, the Verona youngster was always bound to attract the interest of some of the bigger names in the league.

But while Juventus are hoping to reinforce their left-back department this summer, the management usually prefer to send the younger players out on loan in order to gain more experience.

Therefore, even if the Bianconeri manage to secure his services, a more experienced player could end up replacing Alex Sandro instead of the young Udogie.

Serie A side Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio are also keen on signing young ItalianNigerian wing-back when the summer transfer window opens, says Italian transfer news-focused publication, Calcio Mercato.

Udogie is enjoying an excellent maiden season in the Italian top-flight after his breakthrough at the Hellas Verona academy.

Some of the highlights of the youngster’s campaign include netting the equaliser for the Little Zebras in the 1-1 draw against AC Milan at the San Siro and hitting the target in the 2-1 win over Sampdoria.

Udogie however admits he ‘wasn’t sure’ whether he handled the equaliser against Milan, as refereeing pundits ask why the goal wasn’t disallowed.

The wing-back bundled over the line from close range after Roberto Pereyra kicked it back over his head, Alessio Romagnoli failed to cut it out and Udogie was ready.

However, Udogie looked suspiciously sheepish during his celebration and confessed to DAZN afterwards there was a good reason.

“I honestly wasn’t sure if I got it with my arm. I looked over at the linesman and he gave it, so it went well.”

There was a VAR silent check for possible handball after the goal, but the officials opted not to call the referee over for an on-field review.

DAZN refereeing pundit and former official Luca Marelli said he was “frankly surprised” the VAR did not intervene, because from some angles it certainly looked as if the ball went in off Udogie’s arm.

When the handball is used to score a goal, intent is irrelevant, so the position of the arm makes no difference to whether the goal should be disallowed.

The Black and Blues are noted for their endless energy and attacking vibe and Super Eagles-eligible Udogie is believed to be a perfect fit for manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s style of play.

Udogie has played for Italy at every level of youth football from the U-16 to the U-21, but he is yet to feature for the senior team, making him eligible for the Super Eagles.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 19, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Arsenal Take Top-four Quest to Villa Park Arsenal’s top-four quest suffered a setback midweek after going down at home 0-2 to a rampaging Liverpool side. Not deterred however, the Gunners will continue their fight for a Champions League spot as they visit AstonVilla today

Premiership Table Man City Liverpool Chelsea Arsenal Man Utd West Ham Tottenham Wolves Aston Villa Southampton Crystal Palace Leicester Brighton Newcastle Brentford Leeds Everton Watford Burnley

29 29 28 27 29 29 28 30 28 29 29 26 29 29 29 30 27 29 27

50 55 38 12 8 12 9 5 2 -9 1 -5 -10 -17 -13 -33 -18 -26 -16

70 69 59 51 50 48 48 46 36 35 34 33 33 31 30 29 25 22 21

Premier League TODAY

Aston Villa v Arsenal 12:30 Sunday Leicester v Brentford 14:00 Tottenham v West Ham 16:30

La Liga TODAY

Alavés v Granada 13:00 Elche v Valencia 15:15 Osasuna v Levante 17:30 Vallecano v Atlético 20:00 SUNDAY

Espanyol v Mallorca 13:00 Cádiz v Villarreal 15:15 Celta Vigo v Real Betis 15:15 Sevilla v Sociedad 17:30 Madrid v Barcelona 20:0 Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn waltzes past Arsenals duo of Rob Holding and Thomas Partey to shoot Villa into the lead

A

rsenal will endeavour to get their top-four charge back on track when Aston Villa welcome them to Villa Park for today’s early Premier League kickoff.

Steven Gerrard’s side went down 2-1 to West Ham United last weekend, while the Gunners lost 2-0 to Liverpool in midweek.

It was an emotional occasion at the London Stadium last Sunday, but unfortunately for Aston Villa, there was little joy to be had, as topfour chasing West Ham abruptly ended the Lions’ three-game winning streak with a 2-1 success on their own turf.

Ukraine’s Andriy Yarmolenko caused a few tears as he opened the scoring in clinical fashion in the 70th minute before Pablo Fornals seemingly made sure of the result with eight minutes remaining, although Jacob Ramsey struck a sublime late consolation to make things interesting.

However, Villa’s three-game winning run with three clean sheets intact before the West Ham loss has seen Gerrard’s men cement their position in the top half of the Premier League table, with the Lions sitting pretty in ninth at the time of writing.

Gerrard’s crop may have put four unanswered goals past Southampton during their last game at Villa Park, but performances at home have been rather hard to come by for the West Midlands side, who had previously gone four without a win on their own turf before the Saints paid a visit.

Villa have developed something of a penchant for lunchtime kickoffs, though - winning each of their last four 12:30pm Saturday encounters and Mikel Arteta is less than happy with the Gunners’ lack of recovery time for the early journey.

Attempting to get one over a rampant Liverpool was a step too far for top-four chasing Arsenal, and although a resilient first 45 minutes sparked optimism among Gooners, the Reds’ clinical qualities came to the fore in the second period.

The Gunners’ nemesis Diogo Jota beat Aaron Ramsdale at his near post seconds before being taken off for Roberto Firmino, who had the simple job of converting from close range just after the hour mark after some strong play from Andy Robertson down the left.

Arteta witnessed his side’s fivegame winning run come to an end in frustrating fashion on the Emirates soil, but the Gunners remain in the driving seat when it comes to the Champions League race - still in fourth and a point clear of Manchester United with two games in hand.

Arteta was not a happy bunny after the Liverpool loss as he navigates a recovery period of less than 72 hours for the trip to Villa Park, but the fatigued Gunners can take confidence from their four-game winning run away from home in the Premier League, and their youthful attackers have struck 13 goals on rival turf in that period.

Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners when they welcomed Aston Villa to the Emirates earlier this season, but they have suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats at Villa Park since the Lions returned to the big time in 2019, and it is clear who the fresher set of legs will belong to this weekend.

Meanwhile, a key battle in the Premier League’s top-four race takes place in North London on Sunday afternoon, as Tottenham Hotspur host local rivals West Ham United for a London derby.

The Lilywhites were 2-0 winners over Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek, while David Moyes oversaw one of the most famous

European nights in the Hammers’ history.

Kane latched onto a long pass from Rodrigo Bentancur to coolly slot home past Robert Sanchez and become the most prolific away marksman in Premier League history - surpassing Wayne Rooney in the process.

One would expect the England captain to break that 100-mark pretty soon, but a return to home comforts now awaits Tottenham, whose midweek win saw them leapfrog Wolverhampton Wanderers into seventh place - three behind bitter rivals Arsenal having played a game more before the Gunners face Aston Villa today.

The Gunners’ defeat to Liverpool on the same night has given Spurs that slight bit of hope in their Champions League pursuit, but Antonio Conte’s inconsistent side have made a habit of winning one then losing one in recent weeks, which does not bode all that well for Sunday.

However, the Lilywhites have suddenly discovered a hot goalscoring streak under Conte - striking 13 times across their last four Premier League matches - and as memorable as West Ham’s Thursday evening was, fatigue could certainly work in the hosts’ favour here.

While they also had the efforts of Alphonse Areola to thank, West Ham forced extra time on the night through Tomas Soucek’s header, and a few days on from his emotional goal against Aston Villa, Ukraine’s Andriy Yarmolenko was in the right place at the right time to send the Hammers into the quarter-finals in the 112th minute.

The full-time whistle sparked pandemonium at the London Stadium as they wait to learn the

FA Cup

Sixth Round TODAY

Middlesbrough v Chelsea 17:15 SUNDAY

Crystal Palace v Everton 12:30 Southampton v Man City 15:00 N’ham Forest v Liverpool 18:00

Hot Shot PLAYERS

CLUB

Mo Salah Liverpool Diogo Jota Liverpool Cristiano Ronaldo Man Utd Harry Kane Tottenham Sadio Mané Liverpool Heung Son Tottenham Ivan Toney Brentford Riyad Mahrez Man City Jamie Vardy Leicester Raheem Sterling Man City Bruno Fernandes Man Utd Emmanuel Dennis Watford Kevin De Bruyne Man City Emile Smith Rowe Arsenal Raphinha Leeds Wilfried Zaha Palace

GOALS

20 13 12 12 12 11 11 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9

fate of their quarter-finals opponents and David Moyes’s troops have little time to recover before a crucial battle in the top flight.

Before Sunday’s fixtures kick off, West Ham sit one place better off than Tottenham in sixth but are only above their North London rivals courtesy of a better goal difference, and each of the Hammers’ last three games away from home in all tournaments has ended in defeat.

West Ham have come up trumps in the last two Premier League meetings with Spurs - both of which were in front of their own fans - but they lost 2-1 in North London in the EFL Cup quarter-finals back in December and will certainly not be at peak fitness after two hours of gruelling Thursday night action.

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 19, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

L-R: The Managing Director, Chrisland Schools Limited, Mrs Ibironke Adeyemi (front role, centre) with parents and World School Games 2022 athletes

Chukwueze Set for Bayern Onslaught in UCL as Aribo Hopes to Go Past Braga The draws for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League took place yesterday in Nyon, Switzerland. And some Nigerian stars were involved.

While some got somewhat favourable opponents, others would have to dig deep if they are to secure a spot in the semi-finals of Europe’s elite football competitions.

In the Champions League, Nigeria has just one playerVillarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze. The Super Eagles star faces former champions Bayern Munich in what promises to be a tricky tie.

The German giants have one of the deadliest attacks in Europe, and Chukwueze and his teammates would

have to dig deep. A victory for Chukwueze and his Yellow Submarine would be a big upset.

However, they would look to draw inspiration from their 4-1 aggregate victory over Juventus in the round of 16.

They play hosts to Bayern Munich in the first leg on April 6, before travelling to the Allianz Arena six days later for the second leg.

In other quarterfinal fixtures, Chelsea faces Real Madrid in a repeat of last year’s semi-final fixture, Manchester City lock horns with Atletico Madrid, and Liverpool trade tackles with Benfica.

In the Europa League, three Super Eagles stars are involved, but they all feature for just one club- Rangers.

Rangers beat Red Star

Belgrade in the last round, while Braga saw off Monaco.

It promises to be a very tough tie for the Scottish Champions, as Braga are one of the top sides in Portugal.

Nonetheless, with Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey, and Joe Aribo, the Gers could fancy their chances. The last time Rangers faced Braga was in 2020, and Rangers saw them off with a 1-0 victory. Of the Nigerian trio, only Aribo was involved in that game.

Rangers traveled to Portugal on April 7th for the first leg before welcoming Braga at Ibrox a week later.

The other Europa League quarter-final fixtures are West Ham vs Lyon, Eintracht Frankfurt vs Barcelona, and Rb Leipzig Vs Atalanta.

Osimhen One Goal Shy of New Nigerian Serie A Record Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is one goal away from setting a new Nigerian record in the Italian Serie A. According to Napolicalciolive.com, Osimhen will become the first Nigeria footballer to hit double figures for goals in two different seasons in the Serie A with his next goal in the Italian top-flight.

Former Super Eagles strikers Obafemi Martins, Stephen Makinwa and Victor Obinna, and Salernitana loanee Simeon

Tochukwu Nwankwo all missed out on the record.

Inter Milan icon Martins came close to being the first Nigerian player to score double digits in the Serie A in two different seasons, finishing the 2004-2005 campaign with 11 goals and notching nine the following season.

With nine matches to the end of the 2021-2022 season, it is almost a foregone conclusion that Osimhen will become the

first Nigerian player to finish with at least 10 goals in two different seasons.

In his debut season in the Serie A, the 2015 U17 World Cup Golden Boot winner tallied 10 goals and has gotten his name on the scoresheet nine times this term.

Osimhen will be eyeing the new Nigerian record when Napoli face off with Isaac Success’ Udinese at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples thisday afternoon.

Chrisland Schools Shines at 2022 World School Games Athletes representing Chrisland Schools won a total of 34 medals across various competitions and categories at the 2022 World School Games which took place in Dubai from March 10 and March 13, 2022.

The school participated in both the U-11 and U-13 categories of the four-day annual competition with schools from all over the world.

An impressive display at

the event saw the school win gold medals in 400m, 4 X 100m mixed relays, 4 X 100m relay (boys), triple jump, long jump, 80m hurdles, shot put among other events.

The medal haul includes five gold medals, seven silver medals and one bronze medal at the U-11 category and ten gold medals, six silver medals and four bronze medals at the U-13 category.

The school’s stellar performance did not go unnoticed, as one of its students, Durowoju Temiloluwa emerged as the Most Valuable Athlete (U-13) at the end of the competition.

The Managing Director, Chrisland Schools, Mrs Ibironke Adeyemi, commended the students for making the institution proud and assured them of the school’s commitment to nurturing their talents.

Vbank Reveals Plans to Sponsor 2022 NUGA Games Ugo Aliogo

One of the Nigeria’s foremost digital banks, V bank has announced its plans to sponsor the 26th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) taking place at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka between March 19-26.

According to a statement by the bank, the sporting fiesta tagged: ‘NUGA in the City’ has over10,000 student athletes and officials from 136

universities participating and competing in 17 different games including football (male and female) volleyball, basketball, handball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, hockey, martial arts, cricket, and others.

The statement also noted that as an institution that is passionate about accelerating people faster to their goals, the NUGA Games provides a read audience of young Nigerians with lofty aspirations that the bank can reach.

The Managing Director, VFD Microfinance Bank, Gbenga Omolokun, said: “Vbank is committed to helping everyone achieve their goals. While some of the athletes here today wish to have flourishing athletics careers, others have unique aspirations they hope to attain on and off the field. Regardless of age, gender, or aspirations, Vbank is perfectly positioned to help these youths attain their goals in several facets, financial literacy being one of them.

Enitan Oshodi, third from left with some ITTF executive committee members in Singapore

Oshodi Continues to Soar at ITTF, Gets Task Force Appointment Nigeria’s Wahid Enitan Oshodi’s profile in table tennis continues to rise globally, after he was appointed into the fiveman International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)’s Task Force saddled with the responsibility to monitor the situation and coordinate efforts to allow Ukrainian players to continue participating in international events.

Being one of the major items discussed during the meeting of the ITTF Executive Committee ongoing in Singapore was the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

The ITTF Executive Committee expressed concern over the war while reaffirming its full solidarity with the Ukrainian Table Tennis community.

It was the outcome of their discussions that led to the formation of a Task Force which has members as ITTF President, Petra Sörling (Sweden), Executive Committee, Khalil Al-Mohannadi (Qatar), and Oshodi (Nigeria), alongside Zoran Primorac (Croatia) who is Athletes’ Commission Chair, and Steve Dainton, ITTF Group Chief Executive Officer.

The ITTF Executive Committee

was held in parallel with the firstever WTT Grand Smash while the $2m prize money event received high praise from all the members, which were particularly impressed by the sports presentation, the quality of the organisation, and its service level.

Additionally, the Executive Committee agreed efforts towards sustainability should be accelerated, the importance of reducing a negative environmental impact being stressed.

Meanwhile, with the introduction of World Table Tennis, the Executive Committee is considering reviewing the current limit of 40 teams for the World Team Championships Finals. It will open discussions with the Busan 2024 Organising Committee, the item will be included on the next Board of Directors’ meeting agenda.

The ITTF Executive Committee is composed of the following with nine members elected at the ITTF Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 24th November 2021 in Houston, Texas. They joined the ITTF Athletes Commission Chair, Zoran Primorac, and IOC Member Ryu Seungmin to form

the complete ITTF Executive Committee.

Also, portfolios were allocated during the Executive Committee meeting as follows; Petra Sörling: Strategic Plan, Human Resources, Sustainability, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Academies, External Relations, Member Relations, Diversity (Gender, Universality). Khalil AL-Mohannadi: Continental Council, Events, World Championships; Alaor Azevedo: Health, Innovation, Para Table Tennis; LIU Guoliang: Commercial (WTT), High Performance, ITTF Museum; Masahiro Maehara: Entourage, Home of Table Tennis, Sport Science; Alaa Meshref: Athletes, Development, IT & Digitalisation; Roland Natran: Finance, Veterans; Oshodi: Communications & Protocol, Governance, World Ranking; Graham Symons: Clean Sport / Integrity, Equipment, Sport for All; Zoran Primorac: Athletes Commission (together with Dr. Alaa Meshref) and Ryu Seungmin: Olympic and Paralympic Games (together with Petra Sörling).

Shoretire, Anjorin, 10 Other Nigeria-eligible Players Get England Invites The English Football Association announced the Young Lions rosters yesterday ahead of international matches later this month, with 12 Nigeria-eligible players getting invites.

Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun and PSV winger Nonso Madueke have been selected for the England U21 squad for their European Championship qualifiers against Andorra at Bournemouth on March 25 and in Albania the following Tuesday.

The two players already have competitive caps for England at U21 level, with Balogun making his debut against Kosovo in September while Madueke

debuted at the U21 EURO back in March 2021.

Chelsea-owned attacking midfielder Faustino Anjorin and West Ham U23 skipper Ajibola Alese have received call-ups to the England U20 squad for matches with Poland and Germany.

England U20s will tackle Poland at the Stadion Miejski Bielsko-Biała on March 25 and four days later face Germany at Colchester United’s Jobserve Community Stadium.

Five players of Nigerian descent in the shape of Tim Iroegbunam, Carney Chukwuemeka (both Aston Villa), Tobi Oluwayemi (Celtic), Daniel Oyegoke (Brentford), and Sam Edozie

(Manchester City) have been named in the England U19 squad.

The five players will link up with the Young Lions for crucial U19 EURO qualifiers against Republic of Ireland (March 23), Armenia (March 26) and Portugal (March 29).

Iroegbunam has earned his first U19s call-up following his progression into Aston Villa’s first team this season.

Shola Shoretire has surprisingly been named in England U18 squad for their friendly matches with Sweden and Denmark in Marbella on March 25 and March 28 respectively.

El Clasico, Other La Liga Games Live on DStv, GOtv SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to the second ‘El Clasico’ La Liga clash for the 2021/22 football season.

They can also anticipate the action from other Round of 29 La Liga matches.

The biggest game of the week will see league leader Real Madrid welcome Barcelona to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday at 9pm on SuperSport La Liga.

The Blaugrana have enjoyed a resurgence since the end of January, but they are not in a

position to challenge for the title just yet. Nonetheless, Barca will hope that their January recruits -Adama Traore and PierreEmerick Aubameyang continue their fine form.

“He has scored goals all his career. He gets into space well. He is mature, intelligent, humble, and positive,” said Barcelona manager Xavi of the Gabonese striker.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, is hoping his team shrugs off their penchant for slack performances in the first

half of games: “It cost us to go into the games with the necessary intensity, it’s a soft spot that we have had and we are going to fix it,” said the Italian.

Fresh from knocking Manchester United out from Europe, Champions Atletico Madrid faces a tricky match against neighbours Rayo Vallecano today at 9pm on SuperSport La Liga.

Sevilla host Real Sociedad on Sunday at 6:30pm on SuperSport La Liga and SuperSport Football.

31

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 19, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Alhassan Yusuf sent an opponent reeling

Alhassan Yusuf

Guaranteed Future with Super Eagles He has shown high level of consistency since his time in Sweden where he won several awards including IFK GoteborgYoung Player of theYear in 2020 before he was snapped by Royal Antwerp. With five goals so far for the Belgian powerhouse- an impressive record for a defensive midfielder, AlhassanYusuf has been knocking the door for a place in the Super Eagles. Little wonder Augustin Eguavoen said,“He has that quality I want”and assured he would hand the Royal Antwerp midfielder a call-up in future Alhassan Yusuf performance so far with Royal Antwerp had not gone unnoticed and he has turned to a golden fish with no hiding place. It is no surprise therefore that several top European clubs are on his trail with even his country’s senior national side a no exception.

Nigeria’s caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has indeed assured that he will hand a national team call-up to the midfielder who molds his game after that of France’s N’Golo Kante in the near future.

The 2019 Allsvenskan Newcomer of the Year is knocking on the Super Eagles door after his impressive start to life in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, for whom he has made appearances in the Europa League, Jupiler Pro League and Beker van Belgie.

In 30 outings across all competitions, Yusuf has directly participated in five goals, not bad for a player who is actually a defensive-minded midfielder.

Eguavoen’s trusted associate based in Belgium brought back glowing reports

about Yusuf after running the rule over the former IFK Goteborg wonderkid.

“We are closely looking at everyone and there’s a player also in Antwerp.

Belgium is my home as well,” Eguavoen told Elegbete TV Sports.

“There’s a midfielder in Antwerp, I’ve told people to help me check him out as well and get his contact, I only saw him on TV. “I have to travel to Antwerp when the time is right. Because of the quality I said I’m looking for, one of my friends Mark, he’s a Belgium citizen, has helped me check the boy out, so the boy has that quality that I said I want.”

Yusuf has not been capped by Nigeria at any level but was on the radar of the Flying Eagles coaching staff before the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup. If reports making the rounds are anything to go by, Yusuf may next season be plying his trade either in the English Premier League or in the Scottish elite division after Rangers and Brentford had made enquiries about the Nigerian midfielder.

Rangers have been spot-on with their scouting in recent years. The Scottish giants are however not alone in the hunt for the defensive midfielder with Brentford set to rival the Bears to secure his services.

The young Nigerian who joined the Swedish side back in 2018 before moving to Antwerp in the summer has been regular in the middle of the park and is drawing attention for his all-around ability despite being only 22 years old.

The likes of Wolves, Sheffield United and Club Brugge are also keeping close tabs on Yusuf.

Yusuf is comfortable with the ball at his feet and loves to burst forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas of the pitch. He can feature as a deep-lying playmaker, thanks to his exquisite pressing and intercepting skills.

He can also slot in as a box-to-box player with swift movements and off the ball work rate, coupled with his down the middle runs.

Born in 2000, Kano, the path to European football is not an immediately obvious one. In the central north of the country, the city has long been documented as a site of Christian and Muslim co-habitance. Not always a peaceful one either.

Yusuf’s recollection of playing football in his native country is largely a positive one.

‘It was fun, but tough. Especially when playing against the older players.’

This image of a young Yusuf battling against bigger opposition, is now not an uncommon one. At 5’7 he is rarely anything other than the shortest player in the centre of the park. Rather than be overburdened by a height disadvantage however, Yusuf has learned to use it to his advantage.

Yusuf was spotted by the Tiki Taka Development Group as a youngster in Nigeria. The Swedish-based academy set up a Nigerian wing of their operation in the last decade. Working with grassroots clubs and players, the academy’s aim was to provide coaching infrastructure for young Nigerians to forge a career in European football.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

EVENTS

O

n Sunday March 13th, 2022, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital was agog with jubilation and celebration when Muslim Faithfuls from all walks of life came together for the Inauguration and Turbaning Ceremony of Sheik Salis Alao Adenekan as the Grand Caliph of Tijaniyya of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States of Nigeria. The ceremony held at Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta was chaired by First Deputy President of Muslim Ummah of South- West, Nigeria, Edo and Delta States (MUSWEN) and Pro-Chancellor/Chairman Governing Council, Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti. The well attended ceremony of the newly turbaned Tijaniyya is an attestation that Sheik Adenekan is a Devoted Moslem to whom all is well pleased. Here are some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion.

L-R: Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Sheik Salis Alao Adenekan, Sheik Ibrahim Inyas and Sultan M.A. Ola Yusuf

L-R: Sheik Salis Alao Adenekan, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Sheik Ibrahim Inyas, Chief of staff to Ogun State governor, Salisu Afolabi and Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti

Baba Adeen Tijaniyya of Nigeria, Sultan M.A Ola Yusuf with the organising committee of the event

Representatives of Chief Imam of Lagos with Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti

L-R: Sheu Albayan Mohamodu-Awwal, Sheu Farouk Onikijipa and Alhaji Samusideen Apelogun

Cross section of Muslim clerics at the event

L-R; Hajia Riskiah Adam-Adedimeji Group Head Retail, Lotus Bank, Hajia Modinat Yusuf and Alhaja Sekinat Osho

L-R: Imam Tajudeen Fakorede, Imam Suleiman Kehinde and Prof Kamardeen Balogun

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

33

EVENTS

L-R; Oba Quazim Gbadamosi, Ologijo of Ogijo and Imam Abdul Bari

L-R: Alhaji A.A. Adenekan and Sheik Zakariyah Abadaki Walihulahi

L-R; Sheik Abdulwasiu Salahudeen and Sheik Abdulfatah Adediran

L-R; Alhaji Shakir Sanni and Alhaji Gbolahan Taiwo

Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheik Sa’adallah Bamgbola

L-R: Alhaji Ismail Muraina and Alhaji Abdulazeez Adeniyi

L-R: Chief Imam jamiu Jadesola and Alhaji Abdulrauf Orelope

L-R: The Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor, Salisu Afolabi and Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti

Captain Raji Alhaji Samusideen Apelogun and Kamardeen Akintunde

L-R: Sultan M.A Ola Yusuf, Sheik Salis Alao Adenekan, and Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

How Do I Know If My Tyres Need to Be Balanced?

Tire balancing is a tune-up for your wheeltyre set. It makes sure that weight is evenly distributed around the entire circumference of the unit. The common symptoms of outof-balance tires are uneven and faster tread wear, poor fuel economy, and vibration in the steering wheel, the Áoorboard or the seat that gets worse at faster speeds.

When all areas of the wheel-tyre unit are as equal in weight as possible, the tire will roll smoothly. This helps it wear evenly, for the longest life. Balancing also contributes to ride comfort: Imbalanced tires will wobble or hop up and down, which causes vibration.

If a front tire isn’t properly balanced you’ll likely feel vibration in the steering wheel. If the problem is in the rear the tremor will be noticeable in the seat or Áoor.

Imbalanced tires are easily corrected, but the work is precise. It’s done by attaching small weights, just fractions of ounces, to the wheel.

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ dashboard

Mercedes Further Upgrades V8 Models of AMG GT 4 Door Coupé

T

he six-cylinder models, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ and the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ have also received a technical and visual upgrade.

In addition to design modiÀcations, these include the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension, which is Àtted as standard on the V8 models. With the facelift, customers have an extended choice of equipment details at their disposal. This allows them to adapt their desired model even more speciÀcally to their personal requirements. A wider range of wheels, upholstery, trim and exterior colours oͿer more customisation options. As with the Àrst

performance hybrid from Mercedes-AMG, the GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE (fuel consumption weighted, combined: 7.9 l/100 km; combined weighted CO2 emissions: 180 g/km)1, the attractive model range is rounded oͿ by two exclusive editions. The market launch will take place in Europe from April 2022, according to a statement issued by the automaker.

At Àrst glance, the facelifted eight-cylinder models of the AMG GT 4-Door Coupp can be recognised by the individually designed front apron, which was launched with the new top model of the series, the GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE. It now appears even more to be cast from a single mould and blends homogeneously into the dynamic design of

the overall vehicle. The outer air intakes are wider and more pointed towards the centre of the car. The airÁow is now channelled through three vertical Àns to the radiators.

“In the 4-door coupp segment, the Mercedes-AMG GT oͿers the perfect balance between everyday practicality and sportiness. On the one hand, it is the superior Gran Turismo for the whole family and, on the other, the current record holder on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in the Executive-cars category. As the fastest and most powerful medical car in Formula 1® history, the GT 63 S is also celebrating its debut this season and is ready to provide rapid emergency care with maximum race track performance.

Stallion Celebrates Rolls Out 100,000th Bajaj Keke in Nigeria

S

tallion Auto Keke Limited (SAKL), a member of Stallion Group and Nigeria’s sole distributor of Bajaj 3-wheelers quadricycles (4ute), has said it rolled out 100,000 Bajaj Keke into the nation’s tricycle market, in less than 18 months.

Making the announcement in Lagos recently, Mr. Manish Rohtagi, Managing Director, SAKL and VON Automobiles of Nigeria Limited, attributed the extraordinary feat to his company’s relentless effort towards delivering international quality Kekes’ and creating economic value for Nigerians.

According to the SAKL boss, the company embarked on overall cost-effective empowerment program for the Nigerian youths by making the Bajaj Keke the most affordable in the country (N97 ,000 per unit).

“To this end,” Manish explained, “we embarked on empowerment of Nigerians, empowerment of females and empowerment of our staff, thereby creating a winning team, which facilitated the unprecedented production of 100,000 units of Bajaj Keke within a short span of 18 months.

“For effectiveness, we also introduced auto finance, an essential ingredient of the nation’s Auto Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), thereby working closely with Microfinance banks, towards empowering Nigerian youths.

“While we provide the unemployed youths with riding skills and techniques, our partner Microfinance Banks provide liquidity with a zerogestation period to ensure their daily income as micro entrepreneurs. As a result of the foregoing efforts, driving Keke has, today, become the best

100,000th Bajaj Keke flanked by elated personnel of Stallion Auto Keke Limited and customers during the milestone celebration held at the company’s Assembly plant in Lagos… recently

Micro Entrepreneurship in the country.

“Basically, in return for empowerment and support we gave our stakeholders, including riders and dealers, we are getting supports from all corners of Nigeria, which explains why we achieved such high volumes. And not resting on our oars, we also rolled out new range of top quality products like the all New Face-Lift Bajaj

RE-4S , the new super Keke RE-2 0 with higher capacity engine and innovative technology and the Bajaj Cargo.”

It would be recalled that, from inception, the company, in collaboration with Stallion Empowerment initiative (SEI), embarked on training and hiring of females to work either as assembly plant technicians or field mechanics.

How Do Wheels Get Out of Balance?

Everyday wear on tyres will contribute to imbalance. Normal manufacturing imperfections are also a cause: Tyres and wheels don’t have precisely equal weight distribution. They’ll be slightly heavier in some spots.

Just half an ounce in weight diͿerence is enough to cause a vibration when you’re driving.

How Tires Are Rebalanced Rebalancing is done in a tire shop by putting the wheel-tyre unit on a tire balancing machine that takes measurements to pinpoint lighter or heavier areas and making adjustments to account for these weight diͿerences. The best time to get it done is when tires are being rotated, both for convenience and because you might have a tire out of balance on the rear of the vehicle and won’t feel it until it is moved to the front.

Here’s how it’s done: A tire mounted on a wheel is attached to a tyre balancing machine.

The wheel is spun while vibration measurements are taken. This tells the tech if the weight is spread evenly, how much weight to add and where on the wheel to attach it.

If an imbalance is found, the technician may be able to rebalance and adjust the weights (adding more). But sometimes it requires the tech to also move the tire on the wheel and then rebalance. This is because a heavy spot on the wheel and on the tire can sometimes line up together, causing a greater imbalance that needs to be corrected.

Balancing Versus Alignment Though both should be part of regular auto maintenance, balancing isn’t the same as getting an alignment. Wheel alignment corrects the angles of the tires so they travel in the same direction and make contact with the road properly. Alignment reduces uneven tire wear and extends the life of your tires.

Oftentimes tire balancing and alignment are perceived to be the same thing, but are not.

When to Get Tyre Balancing Done: You feel vibration in the steering wheel, the Áoorboard or your seat.

You get them rotated, generally every ,000 miles.

At the very least every two years, once yearly if you drive rough roads.

You get a Áat and repair a tyre.

You buy any new tyre(s).

A weight that used to be on the rim falls oͿ.

You notice uneven tire wear.

Tire balancing and rotation are often done at the same time, but they aren’t the same service. Tyre rotation is when a vehicle’s front and rear wheels are switched to even out tread wear between them. Since both require removing each wheel, it’s convenient to do them at the same time.

(Source: Les Schwab)

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

AUTO WORLD

New Lexus LX Shows Opulent Craftsmanship, Broad Customer Choice

T

he all-new Lexus LX, arriving next month, introduces qualities that represent the next chapter of Lexus, from its powerful design to new powertrains, advanced technologies and superb performance, whether driving in the city or on the harshest rough-road routes.

A statement by the automaker said “Exacting customers will be able to select the grade that best suits their lifestyles with Lexus oͿering the broadest choice of variants ever with its Áagship luxury SUV. Two new Lexus engines - twin-turbocharged petrol LX 600 and diesel LX 500d V6 units - are smaller in capacity than the model’s previous naturally aspirated V8s, yet deliver signiÀcantly more power, higher torque and improved fuel economy.

As the Àrst full model change in 14 years, the all-new LX debuts F Sport and range-topping Ultra Luxury grade as well as seating for four, Àve or seven, depending on the grade.

The all-new Áagship SUV range opens from $148,8001 for the 3.3-litre twin-turbo LX 500d, while the 3.5-litre twin-turbo LX 600 sibling is priced from $152,300.1 The seven-seat LX 500d and LX 600 are generously equipped, including the new Tazuna Cockpit where the design and layout of the

controls and information displays are precisely calculated for quick and easy operation with least movement of the eyes or body.

A 12.3-inch main display, 7.0-inch lower display, 8.0-inch multi-information display and a colour head-up display communicate a vast array of information through the latest-generation Lexus multimedia operating system.

Lexus Safety Sense+2 - now with improved and additional functions - is provided as standard on the new LX, adding to the vehicle’s comprehensive safety and security.

New driver-assist technologies include intersection turn assist2, which can detect a high collision risk with oncoming vehicles or crossing pedestrians. The pre-collision safety system also gains emergency steering assist2 that provides extra steering support during an emergency manoeuvre.

A wealth of oͿ-road features include Multi-Terrain Select and Multi-Terrain Monitor2 for precise vehicle control and positioning on challenging terrain.

Crawl control2 - activated at the press of a button at speeds below 10 km/h - automatically controls engine output and braking in very rough or slippery conditions, so the driver can focus on accurately steering the vehicle. A new turn assist function2 uses brake pressure to increase response to the driver’s steering inputs and give the vehicle a tighter turning radius.

The all-new Lexus LX A comprehensive range of Lexus Connected Services3 adds further assurance for owners with valuable safety, security and vehicle information features.

Other speciÀcation highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, newly developed fourwheel active height control suspension, heated and powered front seats with leather-accented

upholstery, Shimamoku Black ornamentation, wireless smartphone charging4 and a 25-speaker Mark Levinson®5 premium audio system oͿering impeccable audio quality.

An Enhancement Pack - adding striking 22-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof and a handsfree tailgate with kick sensor - is available for an extra $5,500.

Volkswagen, Ford Expand Collaboration on MEB Electric Platform

F

ord Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group are expanding their e-mobility partnership. Ford plans to produce another electric model for the European market based on the MEB platform.

The automaker will also double its planned MEB volume to 1.2 million units over a six-year timeframe. The agreement was signed as part of the strategic alliance between Volkswagen and Ford, which includes e-mobility, commercial vehicles and autonomous driving. Designed as an open vehicle platform, the MEB (Modular Electric Toolkit) allows car manufacturers to electrify their portfolio quickly and cost-eͿectively.

Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board of Management member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components: “ProÀtability and speed are now crucial for Ànally achieving the breakthrough of e-mobility in Europe. We are tackling both together with Ford. Today’s agreement will further accelerate the electriÀcation of the two companies. This is also proof of the strengths of the MEB, which provides a unique package of high-tech, competitive costs and speed in implementing projects. The electric platform is thus the ideal solution for companies looking

Volkswagen electric car

to speed up their electriÀcation.”

The Àrst Ford model to use the MEB will be an all-electric crossover. It is expected to roll oͿ the assembly line at the Ford ElectriÀcation Center in Cologne from 2023 and will give a further push to the automaker’s e-mobility strategy. Ford had originally planned just one model based on MEB with a total volume of around 600,000 units.

The company has not yet released any details about the second planned model.

Stuart Rowley, Chair of Ford of Europe: “Our strategic alliance with Volkswagen is an important element of Ford’s commitment to oͿer an all-electric range of vehicles that are uniquely Ford and designed to meet the mobility needs of a modern Europe that is leading the Àght against climate change.”

For Volkswagen, expanding the collaboration with Ford will take it one step closer to becoming a platform supplier for electric vehicles as a further pillar in addition to the core business.

The MEB platform, which can be used by various brands and manufacturers, already provides the technology base for ten electric models from Àve brands. Used to build approximately 300,000 units in 2021, it is one of the leading electric platforms worldwide.

Deadly Distracted Driving Habits

S

ometime in 2017, I was privileged to be deployed to Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The deployment was one of my best for several reasons. First it gave me the opportunity to work in an environment I had desired for a long time to live and work. Secondly, it aͿorded me the privilege to worship at the House on the Rock (DESTINY PLACE), under the set man, Papa Yusuf Akila. Thirdly,in Jos, I made and met friends. I also met brethren in the course of worshiping God in DESTINY PLACE. These acquaintances have played signiÀcant roles in my Christian life as well as in my career as a road safety o΀cer. Lastly, the visit to Jos, was a divine precursor to my participation in 2019 in a unique course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos. It’s been over four years since the Àrst visit. While I reÁect on the brief but impactful working experience, Tuesday, 14th November, 2017, will always remain special in my work of saving lives. On that day, I was driving along RayÀeld, in Jos the Plateau State capital, when I

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

cited a man in his late forties driving close to Atiku junction for those very familiar with RayÀeld.

Sitting beside the man on the front passenger seat, was a woman whom I suspect to be his wife.

Two risky driving behaviors of the man caught my attention. On the lap of the woman (mother) was a little boy of about four years despite the warning that children within that age should not sit in the front, rather they should be properly strapped in a car seat. Despite this unsafe habit of transporting the 4years child, the man (father) was equally holding his phone with one hand while answering a call which was the second risky driving behavior.

My attempt to call him to order was

rebuͿed as he continued answering his calls and zoomed oͿ. I had to Àght the temptation of a chase to avoid a possible crash that would expose both the driver and other road users to unnecessary risk.

However, when I got home I kept pondering on why parents or guardians indulge in the use of Phone while driving which is a distracted driving habit. Today I wish to again remind people like the man I cited in Jos, and others who indulge in distracted driving behavior to always reÁect on the road tra΀c crashes statistics which states that about 650 people are killed each day in road crashes throughout Africa, Nigeria inclusive.

Let me also drew our attention to the concern raised by the United Nations , on the projected increase in urbanization, motorization, infrastructure development projects and vehicle ownership in the region over the coming decades and the attendant road tra΀c fatalities and injuries that will continue to take a rising toll on the continent if no signiÀcant changes are made.

Arising from these, observers among other interventions recommend implementing basic laws such as use of seat belts and helmets, child safety seats, as well as

prohibiting drunk drivers which was my focus last week.

These observers in keeping with the tone of the global body also re-echoed the need to have a national vision and leadership.

Other recommendations include placing more resources in collecting data, which is imperative in the development of strategies.

According to experts, reliable data is needed to achieve the Decade of Action for Road Safety, and the Sustainable Development Goals, which include a target calling for road fatalities and injuries to be halved by 2030, and another target related to safe and aͿordable access to sustainable transport systems for all by 2030.

Having refreshed your memory with these facts and realities, let me bring you back to the focus on the need to guard against distracted driving as contained in the Park your phone while on the road being run by the federation Internationale de l’Automobile(FIA). The UN Special Envoy Mr Jean Todt who is also the President of FIA summed up this concern when he noted that “drivers, cyclists and pedestrians need to understand the dangers of using smartphones in tra΀c.”

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 19, 2022

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

Currency of ‘Being’

P

LEASE note, once more, that you do not ‘pick’ calls, but take calls.

THISDAY Front Page of March 12 formally welcomes us today with this schoolboy howler: “…the conversion of the enormous gas resources currently being flared to ammonia.” What is the function of ‘currently’ here in the circumstance of ‘being’? Both words cannot co-function, no matter the lexical environment because of their encompassing characterization. Similarly, ‘been’ indicates past.

“Amidst (Amid) tears and wailing (wailing and tears), the remains of late (delete ‘late’)…was (were) laid to rest at his home town….”

Wrong: on the grounds of defection (THISDAY Back Page of the edition under review) Right: on grounds of defection “…There ‘II be no cover up (cover-up), gov assures” (New around the City, March 9) Who did the governor assure? “…who disclosed this, in Abuja, yesterday, said the party has (had) also nominated….”

(NATIONAL NEWS, March 9) “Ayu said the party’s action is (was) in compliance with the judgment of the….”

Wrong: certificate of returns Right: certificates of return “Coronation MFB: Optimism, uncertainty besets (beset) Nigeria’s 2022 outlook” “UK, UBA, 10 others launch over N10bn to aid girls (girl) education, employment in developing countries” THE GUARDIAN of February 21 takes over the baton from NATIONAL NEWS under focus: “For close to five years, he raced through the banking sector like a bull in a china hall.” Get it right: a bull in a china shop.

“Singapore jails senior civil servants over (for) corruption” “ANA postponements (sic) (postpones) February reading” “Peugeot plans to inject $7.26b on (into)

research, development” “South African Airways celebrates 80 years (years’ or 80th year) anniversary” “LASU Management re-opens (reopens) the university” “You lived well and you have gone to (preferably for) a well deserved (well-deserved) rest.

Rest in perfect peace.” (Full-page advertisement) Except for graveyard peace, ‘peace’ is an absolute and does not need inflection, intensification or adumbration. So, rest in peace (R.I.P—not R.I.P.P)!

Finally from the Back Page of THE GUARDIAN under review: “One has witnessed at different occasions dissenting opinions of doctors as regards prescriptions for patient’s (a patient’s) ailment.” The Guardian youth speak: on different occasions.

“Heritage Bank plans listing in (on) capital market” “Pact with China conducive for peace, says Taiwan (Taiwan’s or Taiwanese) president” “Otherwise, there is no point we engage in importing that much on yearly (a yearly) basis.” “…he said though the institute has (had) developed 62 rice varieties for farmers, five most prominent varieties are (were) in circulation and are (were) doing very good (well).”

“NEMA, stakeholders meets over displaced persons” You can readily identify the boyish slip-up.

“With the LG polls now fixed for next week Tuesday….” Either next Tuesday or Tuesday, next week—no jumbo-mumbo!

Lastly from DAILY TRUST: “Replicate your performance to (in) your constituents (constituencies)” “Security at airports: Police deploys (sic) sniffer dogs at (in) Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, 5 others” (AIT News, 4 p.m., February 20) “PIB: Senate to re-open probe” (Source: as above) My comment: already treated.

From DAILY TRUST we move to THISDAY of

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

February 18 for the next four entries: “I am not in FCT for politics, says Mbu” It categorically means you were in Rivers State for presidential wife’s politics! That is the latent power of words.

“Absence of interpreter stalls trial of Portuguese woman charged for (with) drug trafficking” “Thumb (Thumbs) up for Nigerian refs in Mali” “Obasanjo : Amaechi’s k-leg (knocked leg) has been straightened” “Failure of Oduah to handover (hand over) stalls….”

The following five solecisms are from DAILY INDEPENDENT of February 18 starting from its front page: “DHQ assures of continued offensive” Who did it assure?

“Battle for soul of FCMB intensifies” So the battle intensifies itself?

“Harnessing potentials of local software industry in Nigeria” ‘Potential’ is uncountable, but we have ‘potentialities’, “…who had at one point or the other (or another) been to Oyo State….”

“Tackling voters apathy in Nigeria” This way: voter apathy SATURDAY INDEPENDENT of March 11 disseminated all manner of juvenile mistakes right from the front page: “Fear has grip (gripped) notable politicians in Ebonyi State following findings by….” Most of the ensuing blunders were caused by sheer carelessness and loose thinking as the computer system has an in-built mechanism that detects most of the spelling errors contained herein.

“The discovery was made when the SSS arrested some kidnappers in the state alleged to be the brain (brains) behind high profile (high-profile) kidnapping in the state.”

“The SSS in the state said on Friday that it has (had) arrested….” “…motorists were made to watch a bizzare (bizarre) spectacle, (needless comma) as four

Perceptions 2023: Requiem to the President of our Dream

U

nlike our Lord Jesus Christ who selected his 12 disciples with uncommon wisdom, and only Judas Iscariot was the sore thumb...our list of 12 probable presidential gladiators may have more than one Iscariot. We are sadly saddled with recycled leaders who have serially and methodically betrayed and frustrated the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians for many decades, while parroting cliches such as public service, patriotism, welfarism, equitable share of resources, federal character, democratic dividends, and such nonsense.

Today marked the end of the Perceptions 2023 series which began on this page two months ago (January 15, 2022), and trailed eleven individuals considered noteworthy in their seeming aspirations to be the next occupant of Aso Rock Villa. In eight editions prior to this, we chronicled the perceptive nuances of the following people, in order of publication: Rochas Okorocha, Bukola Saraki, Kayode Fayemi, Kingsley Moghalu, Nyesom Wike, Yahaya Bello, Aminu Tambuwal, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and Atiku Abubakar.

Of course, there are a couple of names that their non-inclusion in these perceptions would raise eyebrows among the uninitiated. It is proper to recuse ourselves from interrogating their ambitions on account of our personal relationships - as either positive or negative submissions would arguably be considered as dubious and untenable, and capped with a shrug of “what else do you expect?”

Here is our twelfth and last serious person of interest as far as the 2023 presidential election is concerned. Of course, he would swear confidently and convincingly that he has not told anyone he is contesting, especially as it will bring him, at this point in time, in direct collision with the ultimate desire of his benefactor and political leader. It is as it should be expected.

However, we are not moved by sophistry, nor the affectation of humility and responsible subjugation of an otherwise bright prospect, and a clearly more attractive ticket, to neutrals...

on the altar of queuing behind someone else’s lifelong ambition, which by a combination of mishandling, hubris, strategic manipulation, and other factors, have tied on it the potential to suffocate, and be trampled, before it reaches the finishing line...if that is possible. But we run ahead of ourselves.

PERCEPTIONS 2023: YEMI OSINBAJO Heavily fortified academically - what else do you expect from a professor of law with a litany of scholarship awards, academic laurels, and oratorical accolades, right from his secondary school, Igbobi College, Lagos, as far back as 1971?

After 22 years learning, teaching and advising law in diverse ramifications, Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, became a professor of law at 40 (1997) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) - two years before he was headhunted to become Lagos’ first Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the Fourth Republic. He served two terms in Bola Tinubu’s administration before he returned to UNILAG’s Faculty of Law as Public Law lecturer.

Osinbajo was seemingly enjoying the grace of pastoring the highbrow parish of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on Banana Island Road, Ikoyi (the Olive Tree Mission) when he was first drafted, in 2014, to work, alongside others, on the directive programme of actions for the new political party, All Progressives Congress, APC. And the “Roadmap to a New Nigeria” was crafted, which became the party’s manifesto.

Dubbed the “Star Boy” by alluring supporters, Osinbajo should more appropriately be tagged “Lucky Boy” - for by the end of the same 2014, he had moved, in bizarre circumstances, from a man whose intellectual acumen was needed to hone a vital document, to one whose personality was germane to mitigating the toxic perception of the polarising flag bearer of APC in the southern part of Nigeria.

The Ikenne-rooted, Lagos-born and bred part-time politician and academician became the running mate, and subsequently, the loyal Vice President to former army general, farmer and incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari...

EBERE WABARA

now in the twilight of their second term in office.

On few occasions during the turbulent first term of the Buhari-Osinbajo administration, Providence and poorly kept presidential ailment prodded Osinbajo to step up as a substantive president, in acting capacity - at least, on those rare occasions when the president “remembered” to send a ‘hand-over’ note to the National Assembly. His swift actions and “body-language” during those fleeting moments endeared him to some, and triggered alarm bells in others.

One of his constitutional duties as VP, with anything resembling executive function, is to superintend the National Economic Council, and advise the president on effective recommendations to steer the country into prosperous waters. The jury is still out on the efficacy or otherwise of that team of economic experts, and its supervisor.

But is Osinbajo ever going to bite the finger that fed him? Would he have the spunk to paddle his own canoe, especially as he is much better positioned and advantaged, to strike the iron while piping hot? Though many of those who are ferocious supporters of his godfather are tenderized by his sterling qualities: commitment, loyalty, calmness, erudition and other virtues...they are somewhat alarmed at the creeping campaigns to hoist the image of Osinbajo as a more capable, tested, unifying, non-threatening, and easier-to-swallow alternative - not to mention he is younger, well-positioned and not unduly weighed down by negative baggage.

It is remarkably strategic and evident of his maturity and growing astuteness in the cloak-and-dagger side of politics that a sweeping, well-coordinated, prod-the-barrel, underground campaign is going apace, on his behalf, and yet, he sweetly appears above and beyond the fray - to the consternation of party faithfuls whose allegiances are being tested by the probability of an Osinbajo entry into the presidential race while his mentor is actively traversing the country scouting for endorsements and reassurances.

policemen beat a man gave (who gave) his name as…to a state of stupour (stupor).”

“The policemen, who drove to the scene in a patrol van with registration number KJA 284 AX, threw caution the winds (sic) (threw caution to the winds).”

“Federal University Lafia, (otiose punctuation) matriculates 380 students” Would it have matriculated traders? Just yank away the last word in the extract!

“Community sends SOS to FG over harrassment” Spell-check: harassment, but embarrassment.

Still on SATURDAY INDEPENDENT under focus: “…Buhari has already served the people creditable well…” This is an over-kill: use either ‘creditably’ or ‘well’. Both cannot co-function in the same environment.

“Adewale Ayuba is one musician (music/musical) act who has been around for years. “ “My husband usually ask (asks) me to abort my pregnancy, woman tells court” Finally from SATURDAY INDEPENDENT, a voice of your own: “Movie directors threaten sanction on (against) actress” Next on focus is DAILY INDEPENDENT of February 10: “They buy at N159 and sell at N167, the CBN has (had) addressed last year when….”

“But what the banks decided to do is (was) to even stop selling.”

“Middle aged (Middle-aged) man commits suicide in Jos…Police tries (try) to uncover his identity” “IITA creates 40,000 jobs under cassava to ethanol (cassava-to-ethanol) project” THISDAY of February 6 contributed to the pool of infelicities: “Budget: APC threatening the lifewire (livewire) of Nigeria, says FG” “Edo: Court remands killer cop (killer-cop)…”

“CBN said money is (was) missing from federation (the federation) account.”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

However, in a more enlightened and vigorously accountable political environment, Osibajo would have a herculean task, despite his undoubted personal accomplishments, industry, vitality and cosmopolitan nature, to convince Nigerians that he would perform much better than his boss. He was a strong member of an administration largely dismissed as effete in dealing with critical issues of securing the nation, uplifting the economic conditions of the majority of its people, and equipping Nigerians with tools, dividends and tangible results that will invoke in our people a sense of positive movement and hope of a better tomorrow.

Of course, the administration he is a co-pilot in has made tremendous progress in expanding the infrastructural frameworks of the country, a lot of efforts have been expended in increasing transport networks, expanding the provision of food crops and infusion of short-term interventions to stem nationwide poverty from spiraling out of control.

Yet, the problems and anguish of Nigerians seem to escalate and metamorphose into levels never before experienced: in health care, security of lives and property, economic conditions, educational systems, provision of services and amenities, ease of doing business, and many other challenges admittedly common with a developing nation.

In spite of Yemi Osinbajo’s glowing attributes, and compelling characteristics, especially evident in the brief moments he was allowed to actually act for his principal during few of the several absences, Osinbajo would have a hard time in assuring Nigerians he would be a breath of fresh air, and a strong conduit of hope and positivity for the hardworking and honest throng of his country people. We wait….

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2022

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION ANAMBRA: TIME FOR AGBOGHO NMANWU Watch this masquerade enter the venue of any event and you will through up your hands in dismay and consternation. Never through the popular pathway, or entrance, mbanu! Sneaking into the community square from nearby farms, or bushes, unnoticed is his ken. Watch him meander to where unsuspecting women are absorbed in the celebrations. See how Onuku will, quietly and without warning, at least none of the women will notice on time, as he inflicts hugs and all manner of disconcerting molestations on his unlucky victims.

The only masquerade you would sometimes find receiving beatings from, or getting involved in fights with, women is Onuku: a symbol of debauchery, degenerate manhood and the profane. This masquerade often made the job of mothers who wished to keep their rascally children on the slippery path of moral rectitude easy. An exasperated mother may rebuke her boy by asking whether he wished to grow up and become like Onuku.

It always worked like magic.

A shudder would sometimes even accompany many a boy’s emphatic “no” to such a query from the mother. Some boys would burst into tears at the very thought of becoming like Onuku. Many a child thus queried may even need to be consoled and petted for a long time thereafter. Most pregnant women would do anything to avoid

setting their eyes on Onuku, throughout the duration of their pregnancy. Reason? There was the belief that pregnant women should generally avoid bad and abominable things during the period of their pregnancy; so as not to give birth to malformed or evil children. Yes, mothers dreaded the thought of giving birth to a creature so wretched, so despicable and so degenerate in appearance, behaviour, character and spirit as Onuku.

Onuku is just Onuku.

And Anambra has had its fair share of Onuku’s. So, enough! It’s time to put an end to tomfoolery! Which is not to say that Onuku has been the only troublesome masquerade in Anambra politics.

The companion male masquerade that also had Anambra State under his dominion is Okwonma, or Agaba. The very name of this masquerade is interchangeable with ‘the wild one’. His arrival anywhere meant danger, unrest, end of fun, arbitrary assertion of dominance and authority. That is why he strikes terror into the heart of almost everyone. And Anambra politics has had its political Okwonmas, none of whom has totally turned a new leaf. But back to the masquerade itself.

Okwonma is of massive build. He wielded an intimidating barrel of a chest and bodied forth an imposing height. The form and frame of this masquerade are alarming in every

way. So is the ‘face,’ with its intimations of unedited daredevilry. That is why the sight of Okwonma was always an alarm bell to run for shelter. He bespoke manly strength.

But it was manly strength of the baffling, barbaric, destructive and purposeless type.

Okwonma used incomprehensible malignity and unbridled violence as raw materials; representing purely physical, manly energy that is devoid of feelings and blind to emotions.

That is perhaps why he is also unblinking in the damage he does. No, there is nothing edifying, or uplifting about this masquerade.

Everything associated with it is always of the violent and dangerous type. It wields a big, sharp and well-made machete. Its every movement is swift, daring, sudden and totally threatening. The steps are firm, menacing and broadly claiming right of way. Other masquerades quickly vacate the community square on its arrival. Everything and everyone in its way is a potential victim of motiveless manhandling.

That is perhaps also why Okwonma, or Agaba, is sometimes held by a strong and long restraining rope. This leash is usually tied around its waist; and several of its followers, or assistants, contend with its never-ending struggle to be rid of this restraint. Which means that the restraining rope gave no guarantees about the masquerade ever being of good behaviour. If, as occasionally

happened, the masquerade managed to break free of its restraint, people fled in unidentified directions. Abject terror would be written on many faces while they were at it.

You cannot blame them because this dangerous masquerade does not understand the consideration women deserve in public.

It respects no one’s belongings, as it boldly tramples on the wares of traders, if it ran into them. Fun loving people avoid this masquerade, like a monster. Others, fun loving or not, loathe it as a source of panic and fear. It uses terror and ‘mad’ behaviour to recreate its environment whenever it arrives.

Just as women in every festive square often kept a concerned lookout for Onuku, there was no one who would be so daring as not to always try to avoid crossing paths with Okwonma. The way women would pray not to give birth to an Onuku is the same way everyone would pray not to encounter this masquerade, or give birth to a son who would be a law unto himself. In sum, Okwonma is a living terror, symbolising brute, unrefined manhood. People stood out of its way, giving it the right of way, in order not to get hurt.

I have not said anything about the Ijele here, because it is not a masquerade. Yes, the Ijele is the Ijele! The collective protection and “ownership” of the Agbogho Nmanwu will be proof that the Village Square is ready for the Ijele. Enough said!

has been operating a government of revenge.

They are not building national unity nor are they interested in profitable management of our diversities. They have weaponised government against their own citizens to the point that for the first time in our history, all the geopolitical zones are simultaneously engulfed in one major crisis or the other: Boko Haram in the North East, banditry and terrorism in the North West and North Central; kidnapping, ritual killings, abductions, and separatist movements in the South West; separatism, restiveness, and sitat-home in the South East.

In a report released in February 2022, SBM Intelligence, a socioeconomic research firm, put media-reported killings in Nigeria in the last quarter of 2021 at 2,085 persons. This figure, according to SMB Intelligence, brings to 10,366 the number of persons killed in violent incidents, including attacks from Boko Haram, militia herdsmen, abductions, gang clashes and terrorists in 2021. The 10,366 deaths represents a 47 per cent increase in media reported killings when compared to 7,063 fatalities in 2020 to 10,366 in 2021. Add the downing of Nigeria’s fighter jets in the North West and the “missing” fighter jet in Borno State in 2021, the mass kidnappings, the control and governance of parts of Nigerian spaces by insurgents and bandits, and the number of schools either destroyed or closed due to the activities of uninhibited criminal cartels, then it can be unarguably be concluded that the APC has plunged a whole country into the ocean like a drunk pilot. You would wonder where all the billions of dollars approved for arms purchase and security for the government have gone to.

Meanwhile, it is in this government that the Auditor-General of the Federation is reporting that 178,459 arms and ammunitions are missing, among them over 88,078 AK-47 rifles and 3,907 assorted rifles and pistols from the police armory. The essence of government comes within the realms of leviathan principle, which vests legitimate coercive powers in the

government alone, while the people donate parts of their liberties to the state in exchange for protection. But the state’s monopoly of leviathan or legitimate coercive power has been badly diminished and even compromised.

In fact, the government is on ‘AWOL’. It is only such contradiction that will make a Chief Security Officer of a state – the governor – to negotiate with arms-slinging bandits.

It is noteworthy that Nigeria has faltered on the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index for a second consecutive year.

In the latest report (2021), Nigeria scored 24 out of 100 points, and ranked 154 out of 180 countries surveyed, thus slipping five places from the rank of 149 in 2020 placing as the second most corrupt country in West Africa.

Nigeria had earlier dropped from 26th place in 2019 to 25th in the 2020 assessment.

It took the interventions of the House of Representatives for the so-called palliatives and social interventions to get to a fraction of Nigerians. For the past six years they have voted N500 billion annually for the poor. This comes to N3 trillion. But when directed by parliament to publish names of beneficiaries, they disingenuously claimed the beneficiaries would be unhappy to be identified by the public as poor.

In fact, like everything else, our health sector has collapsed as their leaders embark on medical tourism, while Nigerians remain as trapped victims of APC’s delinquent leadership.

Lately, the universities and polytechnics have also been shut.

Indeed, the jury is out: APC is irredeemably delinquent; it is a palpably dysfunctional organisation, monumentally incapable of redeeming itself, let alone rescuing our nation. Going forward, Nigerians must employ a better sense of judgement to ensure an APC sunset in 2023.

APC: THE LIMITS OF PROPAGANDA of the debt burden was recorded between June and September 2021 alone. According to FG’s National Development Plan 2021-2025, the Federal Government hopes to push its public debt stock to N50.22tn by 2023, with domestic debt standing at N28.75tn and external debt at N21.47tn. Only recently, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, blamed the delay in completing some major project, including railway projects on paucity of funds occasioned by the stoppage of funding by China. “We are stuck with lots of our projects because we cannot get money. The Chinese are no longer funding. So, we are now pursuing money in Europe”. Who would blame China?

APC constitutes a clear and present danger to the Nigerian economy, as no sector of the country is working. Their economic strategy appears to be limited to borrowing and taxing citizens and businesses to death. Just before ex-President Jonathan handed over, Nigeria was Africa’s biggest economy, the country was equally projected by CNNMoney to be the third fastest growing economy in the world after China and Qatar. But in May 2016, about a year after they captured power, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that that Nigerian economy had shrunk to its lowest in 25 years.

While Zenith Bank, FCMB, and Ecobank laid off 1,200 staff, 700 staff, and 50 per cent of its top management staff, respectively within a year of APC coming to power, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce reported that over 50,000 Nigerians had lost their jobs in Abuja alone. The job losses have since worsened.

Rather than blame the divestments from Nigeria by notable multinational businesses on government’s impulsive policies, reckless statements and de-marketing of Nigeria by the President himself, the needless six-month delay in constituting a cabinet, thoughtless policies on foreign exchange that triggered a panic in the system, the APC were busy blaming their ineptitude on 16 years of the PDP. Even the promissory note of $1 to N1 exchange advanced to Nigeria during the 2015 campaigns

Buhari has metamorphosed to $1 to nearly N600. In addition, while the APC is busy celebrating wood-inflated rice pyramids, Nigerians are piling away in hunger and destitution, ejected from their farms by insecurity. They closed the borders for over a year for no good reason, and reopened it for no reason, as they achieved nothing. Smuggling thrives and our borders have never been this leaky, while cross border crimes and arms importation going on arbitrarily and unchecked.

Even worse, the APC for the past six years,

•Hon. Okechukwu, a lawyer and policy scholar is Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives

GAME ON, COURT VACATES ORDER STOPPING APC’S CONVENTION, AKPANUDOEDEHE RETURNS Continued from page 5

A source at the meeting added: “Contrary to reports claiming that CECPC had removed its secretary, the leadership of the party has declared that his office remains intact. In line with President Buhari’s directive that things should go back to status quo, Akpanudoedehe remains the Secretary.

In an interview yesterday, Akpanudoedehe also confirmed that he remains the party’s secretary, noting that President Buhari’s directive that status quo ante be maintained, solidified that position.

Akpanudoedehe said: “Our Chairman (Buni) cannot go against the instruction of the President. In his last letter, the President has given the directive that the status quo ante should remain. The Chairman is a very brilliant man, he respects the President and will not go against that.

“I am the National Secretary of APC and the Constitution is very clear on that. The INEC has said for you to sack any of us, you need 21 days’ notice. I want to also thank the APC for giving content to the media houses to sell their papers. We have promoted your economy in the last month.

“I should be celebrated for standing with the Chairman. We should celebrate loyalty, integrity. You can only celebrate good. Why would I be punished for standing with the chairman? It is a virtue. So, nothing has changed in APC. I remain the National Secretary and reconciliation efforts are ongoing. It is one party.”

Meanwhile, the Buni-led APC caretaker committee has continued efforts at reconciling aggrieved members of the party ahead of the March 26 National Convention.

Reconciliatory efforts, it was gathered, were to ensure that the forthcoming Convention is seamless and that party stakeholders and members are united for a successful outing at the convention and at the general elections.

Buni was said to have started meeting with aggrieved Chieftains of the party across board in this regard.

For months, there has been internal wrangling in the party over the National Convention.

There were allegations that Buni had perfected plans to scuttle the party’s national convention in order to remain as Caretaker Chairman.

Buni and John Akpanudoedehe, CECPC’s Secretary, were alleged to have used a third party to obtain the court order temporarily restraining the ruling party from holding its

convention until the substantive suit is heard and determined.

Nasir el-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna, on March 9, alleged that Buni’s lawyers colluded with a petitioner to “destroy” the National Convention.

He described the said court order as a “hidden nuclear weapon” that would have hampered the party’s chances in the 2023 general election.

Last Thursday, Buni, who returned to Abuja, and back to his job as caretaker chair, after the failed coup to remove him, said the party was at the finishing line of its preparations for the March 26 National Convention.

He also thanked his Niger State counterpart, Abubakar Bello, for his efforts while he was away.

Buni’s comments came after his return from a medical trip to Dubai and meeting with President Buhari in London over the leadership crisis rocking the party.

The leaders, who met at the Yobe State Governors’ Lodge in Asokoro, were flanked by members of the caretaker committee except for Akpanudoedehe.

Buni stated, “You know that since I travelled, the party has not stopped. His Excellency (Bello) has done very well in managing the affairs of

the party. We are here to discuss the issues going forward.

“We are now at the finishing line in the preparations for our National Convention, which is at hand. We are putting heads together to achieve this task ahead. I want to emphasise that the March 26 National Convention is sacrosanct.”

On Akpanudoedehe’s absence from the meeting, Buni explained, “You know that this is not a formal meeting of the committee.

These members of the CECPC just came to welcome me back to the country and wish me well after returning from a medical trip outside the country.

“So, it is not a formal meeting that one will ask whether the secretary is here or not.

However, he was in the house earlier today.”

In a separate statement, Buni pledged not to reverse the decisions taken in his absence, especially with regards to the membership of the sub-committees set up to plan the convention.

Earlier on Thursday, the APC had released a new list of the sub-committees showing that there had been a minor shake-up.

In a statement shortly after, however, Buni said he would not be reversing the actions of Bello and asked members of the public to discountenance the new list.

Saturday, March 19, 2022

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MISSILE

Shehu Sani on the Pains in Nigeria “National grid on the verge of collapse, Airlines companies to ‘shut down in three days’, terrorists on killing spree and then ASUU…we are just the African version of Ukraine at the moment” –Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani lamenting about the sufferings in Nigeria.

OKEYIKECHUKWU Anambra: Time for Agbogho Nmanwu T EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

he Lady masquerade, or Agbogho Nmanwu, is the physical embodiment of mature feminine beauty. She oozes ladylike decency, unaffected elegance and a graceful ambience, that is at once admirable and reassuring. Her very essence, and also the physical appearance, showcase the ideal form of womanly gentleness and dignity. The ‘face’ and features of Agbogho Nmanwu portray flawless calmness. The form of the body is totally and unaffectedly supple in a refined sort of way. The steps are graceful and sure.

The hand movements are dainty. The gestures are nice and reassuring. Everything about Agbogho Nmanwu shows effortless control.

Children love this masquerade. She is the very soul of everything womanly in whatever she does. The wildest of men controlled themselves in behaviour and speech whenever she approached, or was around. In her presence all coarseness were kept at bay. The people always endeavoured to protect Agbogho Nmanwu whenever there was a stampede during a celebration in the community square; or anywhere else for that matter. No, she was not to be violated!

Mothers used her as a reference for their female children. Women of questionable reputation, that is women of controversial self-presentation, always stood rebuked by the very nature and existence of Agbogho

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Soludo nmanwu. Angry men relaxed on sighting the Lady Masquerade. Children cheered up for the same reason. Yes, Aghoho nmanwu at once symbolized a mature woman and a virtuous maiden; to be shielded from all debauchery and degeneracy.

With the swearing in of Soludo as governor,

Ndi Anambra must now either collectively rise in bold defence of new paradigms for responsible public service and leadership excellence, or say goodbye to becoming part of a 21st century world. The state has had its fair share of terrible “masquerades.” Let us look at just two of the worst types that have held that endowed state hostage for the last two decades.

One of the most invidious, most reprehensibly offensive and roundly disgusting of these masquerades is ‘Onuku.’

The name simply means ‘fool,’ or the fool.

This masquerade has the form of a man.

But what a wretch of a man he represents!

Onuku embodies and symbolises degenerate manhood. It is the very worst type of man anyone could possibly hope to see, or imagine.

Undignified, unwilling to take part in open, manly contests, wielder of unearned titles and winner of wresting contests where he either had no challengers, or where he first neutralized his opponents by either poising or by violating the Rules of Engagement and compromising the umpires. Such a man lives, but no one really knows his means of livelihood. He pays people for loyalty and does not understand the meaning of truth, service and selflessness. And Anambra has had political Onukus prancing all over the place for some time now. But back to the masquerade called Onuku.

His shabbiness is legendry. IHis looks, in facial feature, are undisguisedly repulsive.

Its total lack of dignity, grace and refinement stand out in abject repugnance. Totally without any redeeming feature, Onuku’s costume is offensive, dull, drab and dreary in every way. The ‘face’ wears a permanent and abominably lecherous leer. The nose runs. The tongue droops, hanging from one side of the mouth, as if it would drop to the ground at any moment. The steps are purposeless. The gait is unsteady. The general movement, considered for a full-grown man, is wishy-washy. The bearing is annoyingly wobbly. The carriage is beggarly. The sagging shoulders suggest everything despicable you can think of in a man.

Onuku never walks in a straight line, no!

He also does not walk with the sure and firm steps of a healthy, or bold, man. This masquerade will rather continuously enact the zigzag path of a drunkard as it walks, to the irritation and annoyance of observers.

Worse still, he is never accompanied by drummers, or assistants. Onuku offers no cheery entertainment of any sort, does not sing, does not dance, does not try to amuse anyone and does not even ask for money, the way some masquerades do. So, what does Onuku ever really offer?

Continued on page 39

TOBYOKECHUKWU APC: The Limits of Propaganda O GUEST COLUMNIST

n May 29, 2015, The Cable online newspaper catalogued the 81 promises with which the All Progressives Congress (APC) wooed Nigerians ahead of the 2015 presidential election. Nigerians were given postdated cheques that APC was ab initio aware would bounce.

However, time crystalises everything.

Had the APC not come to power, albeit on the strength of their “Change” propaganda, they would have probably remained the best government Nigeria never had. But today, they have unraveled. Evidently, APC was empanelled to capture power, but lacked the capacity to govern. Virtually seven years after they grabbed power, Nigeria is at crossroad, as the ruling party has exhibited manifest contradictions in all facets of our life. Nigeria has become a laboratory of the absurd, experiencing chaotic and combustible economic, security, and social services conditions.

Perhaps, nothing exposes APC’s hypocrisy better than the chaotic energy situation sufficiently manifest in the multiple collapse of the national grid; disjointed subsidy regime evident in the import of toxic fuel and the interminable fuel queues across the country; the pyric rescue of

a collapsed aviation sector by the National Assembly; and the dysfunction of the railway sector where trains break down in the middle of nowhere, leaving stranded citizens at the mercy of marauding bandits.

From serially declaring fuel subsidy as “sheer fraud and corruption” before they came to power to ‘baptising’ it as under-recovery, the APC has presently made a volte face on fuel subsidy removal, demanding over N3 trillion for the purpose to continue with the same “sheer fraud and corruption”. It is an evident lack of capacity by a government to confront the ghost of its deceptive past.

Prior to 2015, the APC claimed that 30 million litres daily fuel consumption during Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration was fraudulent, but under the APC government, Nigeria claims to consume over 100 million litres of fuel daily, with little or no certainty of statistics regarding Nigeria’s needs. Even after the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Silva, recently described it as “crazy figures”, the bazaar continues with the comedy of errors and corruption.

Nigerians will not forget in a hurry that the APC met the refineries working at what they admittedly described as “minimal capacity”.

But we were meeting a bit of our daily need.

Today, they have run the refineries aground, completely. Not only have they been unable to fix the refineries for nearly seven years or build new ones as promised, they have also jeopardised the chances of doing so. Despite awarding a contract of $1.5 billion in March 2021 (about N575 billion at the time) to fix the Port Harcourt Refinery, they are unable to deliver a litre of refined products. Yet the refineries recorded a whooping N10.27 billion in “operational expenses” in 2020 for producing nothing. And instead of fixing our refineries; instead of withdrawing subsidies to apply it to the capital development of the country and freeing us from loan burdens, they have destroyed our economy by throwing money at problems yet again.

Furthermore, the party that promised cohesion and new direction for Nigeria has been enmeshed in intractable crisis and unable to constitute, since inception in 2013, a Board of Trustees as stated by their party’s constitution. While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is issuing guidelines for the 2023 election, deservedly nicknamed the “All Progressives Confusion” by the prolific Mahmud Jega, is in crisis as always. Laden with caretaker committees,

their attempts at organising congresses have snowballed into numerous factional chairmen and multiple lawsuits in almost all the states.

Unfortunately for Nigeria, it is this interminable crisis that they have constantly imported into our national life. They have been unable to manage themselves, let alone manage a vast nation like Nigeria.

There is complete disarticulation in their government marked by flip-flops on policies.

Citizens have been treated to theatres of the absurd, as government functionaries engage themselves in street fights - governors against governors, ministers against ministers, cabals against cabals, leaders against leaders while government agencies drag one another to court.

Nigeria has never had it this bad.

Even long after the APC would have been gone, Nigerians will live with their stockpiled debts, which are never borrowed based on any reliable projected direction, but on an ad hoc arrangement. Nigeria’s debt stock has shut up from N12.1 trillion inherited by President Muhammadu Buhari administration in on May 29, 2015 to N38.005 trillion by the end of September 2021. A whooping N2.540 trillion Continued on page 39

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