SATURDAY 25TH MARCH 2023

CJN Travelled for Medicals, Never Met Tinubu, Says Supreme Court Alex Enumah in Abuja The Supreme Court yesterday dismissed report of a purported meeting between the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola and the president-elect, Bola Tinubu,

in London.

The apex court through its spokesperson Dr. Festus Akande, who spoke with THISDAY on the alleged meeting that has gone viral in the social media, remarked that there was no iota of truth in the report.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Tinubu winner of the February 25 presidential election, having scored majority of lawful votes cast at the poll.

However, four political parties and their presidential

candidates are protesting against Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress’ victory and have gone ahead to file their respective petitions in court.

Only few days ago, Tinubu, according to his media aide, Tunde Rahman, travelled to

the United Kingdom “to rest after the rigorous campaign and hard-won victory at the poll.”

But before Tinubu's travel report could settle down, news of his alleged meeting with the CJN took over the social media.

Responding, the apex court's

spokesperson noted that there was no connection between the CJN's trip and that of Tinubu.

Akande pointed out that contrary to claims by the report that Ariwoola travelled out of Continued on page 5

Emefiele Leads Monitoring Team as CBN Restores Cash Supply... Page 5 Saturday 25 March, 2023 Vol 28. No 10209

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Presidency: Buhari Never Said He Won't Hand Over to Tinubu Says 13 committees already set up to midwife transition 'President's Daura community yearning to welcome him back’ Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Presidency yesterday declared as "unfounded" insinuations in some quarters that President Muhammadu Buhari

who campaigned vigorously for the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the presidential-elect, has vowed not to hand over to him.

Rather, it said the Buhari-led government, which is currently at transition stage, had constituted different committees to midwife a new administration come May 29, 2023.

The Presidency in a statement entitled, “The President Never Said He Won’t Hand Over To Elected Tinubu”, issued by presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, also added

that the hometown of President Buhari in Daura, Katsina State is agog with arrangements for the return of their son after his eight-year tenure as Nigerian President.

Shehu, in the statement said: "The Presidency wishes to denounce as outrageous and fake, and condemns the fake news Continued on page 5

Osun State Comes Alive As Appeal Court Restores Adeleke’s Mandate Join hands with me to build state, dancing governor tells Oyetola Court grants Obi, Atiku permission to serve petitions on Tinubu through APC

Alex Enumah in Abuja, Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo There was wild jubilation across Osun State yesterday following the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which nullified the judgement of the election tribunal that voided the election of Ademola Adeleke as governor.

On the same day, a three-man panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja gave the go-ahead to three presidential candidates – Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Chichi Ojei - to serve their suit against the outcome of the February 25 election on the winner, Bola Tinubu, through his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Mohammed Shuaibu held that the tribunal erred in law in arriving that Adeleke was not lawfully elected as governor in the July 16, 2022 governorship election in Continued on page 5

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Emefiele Leads Monitoring Team as CBN Restores Cash Supply Confirms evacuation of cash to commercial banks Directs banks to open branches on Saturdays, Sundays James Emejo in Abuja The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele will personally lead the apex bank's team to monitor the level of compliance by the banks in various locations across the country, as the central bank yesterday confirmed the evacuation of banknotes from its vaults to commercial banks.

The move is part of a coordinated effort to ease the circulation of banknotes of various denominations across the country.

The CBN’s acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Dr. Isa AbdulMumin, who disclosed this in a statement, added that the bank had also directed all commercial banks to open for operation on Saturdays and Sundays.

He said a substantial amount of money, in various denominations, had been received by the commercial banks for onward circulation to their respective customers.

AbdulMumin added that the CBN had directed all banks to load their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), as well as conduct physical operations in the banking halls through the weekends.

He said, "Branches of commercial banks will operate on Saturdays and Sundays to attend to customers’ cash needs."

The CBN director urged Nigerians to be patient as the current situation would ease soon with the injection of more banknotes into circulation.

This week, the CBN stepped up efforts to end the biting currency scarcity that has inflicted pain

on millions of bank customers nationwide, following a Supreme Court ruling, and a proposed protest by Nigeria Labour Congress, scheduled for next week.

It directed DMBs to pick old N1,000, N500 and N200 notes at its offices across the country for onward disbursements to customers, following a meeting between the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and bank chief

executive officers on Wednesday.

Also, delegates from the CBN met with Nigeria Labour Congress on Thursday to prevent the planned protest by the union over the scarcity of Naira notes in the country.

The meeting, which took place at the Labour House in Abuja, was attended by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and a deputy governor of the CBN.

OSUN STATE COMES ALIVE AS APPEAL COURT RESTORES ADELEKE’S MANDATE Osun State.

Adeleke had on February 9, appealed the judgment of the Osun State Governorship Tribunal which nullified his election on grounds of alleged over-voting.

The tribunal in a two-to-one decision had in January held that the petitioners; immediate past Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, proved their case of non-compliance and over-voting in some polling units in favour of Adeleke and his party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Tertsea Kume, who read the majority judgment had disclosed that the excess votes were deducted following which Oyetola won the election.

Specifically, Justice Kume, noted that after deducting the over-voting figure, Oyetola scored 314,921, while Adeleke polled 290,26Justice Kume subsequently ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Adeleke and issue a fresh one to Oyetola as the duly elected governor of Osun.

But Adeleke in his 31 grounds of appeal argued that the majority judgement erred in law in holding that Oyetola was the lawful governor-elect at the July 16, 2022 guber election and subsequently prayed the court for “an order setting aside the whole decision of the tribunal.”

Oyetola, APC, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) were 1st to 4th respondents respectively in the suit at the Appeal Court.

Delivering ruling in the appeal yesterday, the appellate court in a unanimous judgement held that the tribunal was wrong in holding that there was over-voting in some polling units when such allegations were not proved.

According to the panel, before a case of over-voting can be established, the person making

the allegation must present the Voters Register, the Bi-modal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) - which contains the information of accredited voters, votes cast in each polling unit, results as entered into the forms EC8A, amongst others.

The panel further faulted Oyetola and the APC for hinging their allegation of over-voting on only information they obtained from a secondary source (INEC back-end server report).

Faulting further the tribunal's decision on over-voting, the three justices in their separate judgments pointed out that the failure of Oyetola and APC to call witnesses, especially polling agents who witnessed the voting, was fatal to their case.

On the issue of jurisdiction raised by the appellant, Justice Shuaibu while observing that the law allows the tribunal to suspend decisions on Preliminary Objections until the end of the matter, faulted the tribunal for not showing in writing that it considered Adeleke’s preliminary objection in its merit.

Regarding Adeleke's qualification to contest the July 16 2022 Guber election, the panel held that the tribunal was right in holding that Adeleke was qualified to contest the election, adding that allegations of supplying false and forged documents must be proved beyond reasonable doubt, which the 1st and 2nd respondents failed to prove.

Similarly, the appellate court added that since the Court of Appeal had since ruled that Adeleke was qualified, until a higher court rules otherwise, that is the position of the law.

However, the panel disagreed with Adeleke that the majority judgement was a nullity because the second judge on the panel, Justice Rabi Bashir, failed to write her opinion as required by Section 294(2) of the Constitution.

According to Justice Shuaibu,

there is no law that mandates the judge to write a separate opinion, adding that the signature of the second judge appended in the face of the tribunal’s judgement document was enough evidence that she agreed with the lead judgement.

Similarly, the panel held that Adeleke failed to prove his allegation of bias against the tribunal.

Justice Shuaibu stated that although Justice Kume's comments on Adeleke's proclivity for dancing and particularly the Buga song, is “unwarranted and condemnable”, it does not in any way, prove bias against the appellant.

Having decided five of the eight issues raised in favour of Adeleke, the panel held that the "appeal on the whole is meritorious and is accordingly allowed.

"Judgement of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is hereby set aside."

The panel slammed a cost of N500,000 fine in favour of Adeleke.

Meanwhile, the appellate court in other judgements allowed the appeals filed separately by the PDP and INEC against the decision of the tribunal.

It however, dismissed the cross appeal filed by Oyetola and APC challenging the refusal of the tribunal to disqualify Adeleke on account of alleged provision of false and forged documents to INEC in aid of his qualification for the election.

The panel held that the issue surrounding Adeleke's qualification was already resolved by the appellate court and was yet to be set aside by a higher court.

INEC had returned Adeleke as the winner of the poll.

INEC said Adeleke polled 403,371 votes, to defeat incumbent Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the APC, who got 375,027 votes.

But Oyetola and the APC rejected the result of the poll and headed for the tribunal.

CJN TRAVELLED FOR MEDICALS, NEVER MET TINUBU, SAYS SUPREME COURT Nigeria on 11 March to the United Kingdom, to meet with the president-elect, "the CJN has been in Nigeria, and presided over meetings of the National Judicial Council (NJC) held on 16 and 17 March."

It would be recalled that the CJN had chaired a meeting of the National Judicial Council (NJC), held between March 16 and 17, where the decision to suspend the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Philibus Andetur, from office on account of

misconduct.

He added that it was after the NJC meeting that the CJN, in company with NJC's Secretary, Gambo Saleh, travelled to London on 18 March for medical care.

"On 23 March, the CJN returned from his medical trip to London and later reported in the office (in Abuja), where he worked till 8p.m," he said.

Akande revealed that prior to the CJN's London trip, Mr Ariwoola notified President

Muhammadu Buhari of the trip.

"The only time the CJN travelled earlier this year was on 25 January, when he travelled for Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia. He returned on 29 January, 2023," the Supreme Court spokesperson explained.

Meanwhile Ariwoola was seen yesterday with a retinue of aides walking into a waiting SUV at the apex court chambers to attend Jumat prayers at a mosque within the precincts of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In its January 27, 2023 majority verdict, the Justice Tertse Kume-led tribunal annulled Adeleke’s victory and declared Oyetola the winner of the poll.

However, a minority judgment

by Justice B. Ogbuli affirmed Adeleke as the winner of the poll.

Displeased, Adeleke and the PDP headed for the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal heard the appeal on March 13 and reserved its judgement.

Jubilation in Osun State There was wild jubilation across Osun State yesterday after the Court of Appeal in Abuja, upheld Adeleke’s victory at the July 16, 2022 governorship election.

Many residents of Ede, hometown of the Osun State Governor, thronged his residence in jubilation.

Also in different parts of Ede town, residents trooped to streets to celebrate Adeleke’s victory.

The jubilant residents, who were also sighted around Oja Timi, Oke Gada and Total-all within Ede metropolis, were singing Adeleke’s praise.

In Osogbo, the state’s capital, it was also jubilation galore.

Join Hands with Me to Build State, Adeleke Tells Oyetola Governor Adeleke has extended an olive branch to the immediate past governor, Oyetola, asking him to join hands with him in building the state.

Adeleke made the call after the Appeal Court reinstated him.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to extend sincere hands of fellowship to former Governor Oyetola and the APC. Let’s build the state together.

Let us unite for the good of our people. The State needs leaders across party lines to join hands for robust and accelerated development of the state.

“As brothers and sisters, we are all requested to start the process of healing. Forget party politics as the election is over. All members of the political class in Osun state should join hands with me to take our state to greater heights.”

Adeleke added, “I thank God Almighty and our good people of Osun state. I dedicate this victory to God and my people. This judgement confirmed my earlier position that the judgement of the Tribunal is a miscarriage of Justice. The judiciary has right

PRESIDENCY: BUHARI NEVER SAID HE WON'T HAND OVER TO TINUBU brigade for attributing a false quote to President Muhammadu Buhari and circulating it.

"How can you vigorously campaign for somebody, vote for him and then say you won’t hand over to him? This beggars belief.”

He described the alleged report published by an online newspaper as “pretty pathetic",

adding: "Since their ownership is politically partisan in today’s politics, in fact a loser in the presidential election. Instead of talking about issues, they repeatedly sell lies in the hope that people believe them as truth.

"The government is already in the transition phase. The Transition Committee, made

up of representatives of the outgoing administration and the incoming one is meeting on an almost daily basis planning the handover to the Tinubu/ Shettima administration.

"Thirteen committees as offshoots of the main committee, some to arrange military drills and pulling out of President Buhari, are either all at work

or soon to be. So far, everything is going very well and there is no indication of any hitches.

"As for the President, the Daura community has begun their preparations to receive their son back after the successful administration of the country for two terms of eight years. He, on his part, is eager to return home to enjoy his retirement."

the wrongs of the lower Court.

This has rekindled the confidence of the nation in the integrity of the judiciary as the stabiliser and the last hope of the common man.

“I am particularly glad that the Court of Appeal has ruled that the BVAS machine and voters register are the primary sources, not the report from the server. This has strengthened our democracy and removed a time bomb which the judgement of the Tribunal had planted for our democracy.

“I appreciate Osun people for standing by me and my party through repeated validation of my governorship mandate at the recent federal and state elections. My party won three straight elections from July 16th 2022 to March 18th ,2023. It was a resounding vote of confidence in my governorship by the people of Osun State. The judiciary has now confirmed the will of the people that I am the validly elected Governor of my state.

“My appreciation goes to the civil servants, artisans, market people, clerics, students, women and youth. Osun people defended the mandate from 2022 to date.

“I commend the judiciary for resisting all pressure. Rule of law is strengthened when judgement affirms the will of the people. On behalf of the Osun people and my party, the PDP, we appreciate the judiciary and the men of conscience on the bar and the bench.”

Remain Calm, Oyetola Tells Party Members Meanwhile, Oyetola has appealed to members and supporters of the APC to remain calm and not to be discouraged by the Appeal Court’s ruling, saying his abiding faith in God to reclaim his mandate remains undoubted.

Reacting to the Appeal Court judgement which overturned the decision of the Tribunal, Oyetola in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Omipidan, noted that his belief in the judiciary also remained unshaken.

He further said: "We have heard the judgement of the Appeal Court, but we are yet to receive a copy of the judgement.

"However, from the snippets we are getting, we believe we have a potential ground to approach the Supreme Court. Our belief in the judiciary remains unshaken, just as my abiding faith in God's promise regarding the reclaim of my mandate remains undoubted.

"I, therefore, appeal to our supporters and party members to remain calm as we take the next step."

Court Grants Obi, Atiku Permission to Serve Petitions on Tinubu A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, has given the go-ahead to three presidential candidates to serve their suit against the winner of the presidential election, Tinubu, through his party, the APC.

The panel, led by Justice Joseph Ikyegh, gave the permission yesterday, while ruling in three separate exparte applications brought by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter obi and Princess Chichi Ojei of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and the Allied People's Movement, respectively.

The applications which were predicated on alleged inability to serve their suits personally on Tinubu as required by law, were supported by affidavits of non-service.

While that of Atiku was filed and argued by Mr Etitayo Jegede, SAN, that of Obi and Ojei were filed and argued by Mr Ikechukwu Ezechukwu, SAN, and Mr O. Atoyebi, SAN, respectively.

In a short ruling, Justice Ikyegh granted their request as prayed by ordering that the suit challenging the election of Tinubu be served on him through his party, the APC. Atiku, Obi, Ojei and candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Solomon Okangbuan are challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the February 25 presidential election.

Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, had on March 1 announced Tinubu as winner of the presidential poll and accordingly issued him with a Certificate of Return.

According to Yakubu, the APC's presidential polled 8,794,726 votes to emerge victorious.

While Atiku who came second scored 6,984,520 votes, Obi scored 6,101,533 votes, to come third.

However, dissatisfied with the outcome, five political parties had subsequently dragged the electoral body, Tinubu and the APC to court.

The first was the Action Alliance (AA) and its presidential candidate, Solomon Okangbuan with suit number: CA/PEPC/01/2023; and while the second is unknown as at press time, the third is the Allied People's Movement (APM) and its presidential candidate, Princess Chichi Ojei with suit number: CA/ PEPC/03/2023.

While the fourth; that of the Labour Party and Peter Obi is marked: CA/PEPC/04/2023, that of Atiku is marked: / PEPC/05/2023.

The petitioners have anchored their individual cases on alleged non-compliance with the electoral laws, as well as with the guidelines of INEC. The petitioners also alleged that the February 25 presidential election was characterised by huge irregularities and electoral malpractices following INEC's failure to electronically upload results immediately from its polling units to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IREV).

While some of the petitioners are asking the court to, on one hand, declare them as the authentic winner of the February 25 presidential election; on the other, they are asking for the cancellation of the entire poll and an order for fresh election.

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

Soldiers Did Not Abort 10,000 Pregnancies, Says Former Theatre Commander Michael Olugbode in Abuja The former theatre Commander of Operation Lafia Dole in the North-east, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi, has refuted Reuters’ reports of abortion of

10,000 pregnancies, infanticide and other forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) against the Nigeria military, saying that it was thoughtless as a bunch of lies.

The witness who stated this

NDLEA Applauds Lawmakers for Rejecting Cannabis Bill Michael Olugbode in Abuja Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) has commended members and leaders of the House of Representatives for rejecting yet another attempt to push through a bill to decriminalise cannabis cultivation, sale and use in Nigeria on the floor of the National Assembly.

Responding to the development on floor of the National Assembly on Thursday that killed the plan to legitimise cannabis in Nigeria, the NDLEA said yesterday that the decision by a majority of the lawmakers to reject the bill will further strengthen the gains so far made in the renewed war against drug abuse and trafficking in the country.

He said the 2018 drug survey figure of 10.6 million Nigerians abusing cannabis alone is enough to sound the alarm bell, adding that the strong nexus between drug abuse and the security challenges across the country is incontrovertible.

According to him, “Insecurity is today, a full-blown malady with many manifestations such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, murder, robbery, reprisal killing, name it. Yet there has never been a government that is more committed to ending this spate of insecurity than the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The President has matched political willpower with resources, but the scope and frequency of these acts of destabilisation and the audacity displayed by the perpetrators call for a second, critical look at the malaise.

Lai Mohammed: FG Committed to Opening Up Rural Communities Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Federal government has reiterated its commitment to continue to open up rural communities for industrial and economic growth through the installations of substation transmission outlet across the country.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this in Oro town in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State recently during the flag-off of the construction of 1x60MVA, 132/33KV transmission sub-station worth N3 billion in the town.

He said that, “the gesture is meant to transform the lives of the people of Oro in particular and the entire Irepodun Local Government in general.”

Mohammed said that the power substation expected to be completed in 18 months time was

with 5 kilometre turn-in-turn-out Offa-Omu-Aran, 132KV double circuit transmission lines.

The minister, who described the project as a game changer, said that it was approved by the Federal Executive Council on December 21, 2022. He said “The project will lead to improved power supply to Oro and its environs, boost economic activities in these areas, especially for artisans and small and large medium scale businesses, and enhance the social development of the people.”

He also implored people of Oro to see this project as their own and to jealously protect it.

“We must not disturb the contractor under any guise so that he can deliver the work within the stipulated time. All hands must be on deck to provide all the necessary support for the quick completion of the job.

NAFDAC Says 77% of Nigerian Women Using Bleaching Creams, Risk Cancer Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm that available statistics have shown that 77 per cent of Nigerian women who use bleaching creams are therefore exposed to the risks of cancer.

It has therefore urged journalists across the country to join the crusade against the use of bleaching creams.

Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this at a media sensitisation workshop on ‘The Dangers of Bleaching Creams and Regulatory Controls’ which was organised for

the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHJ).

Represented by the Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, the DG said that the workshop was aimed at educating and challenging Nigeria health journalists to play a prompt line role in the agency’s effort to eradicate the menace of bleaching creams.

She said, “A World Health Organisation (WHO, 2018) study revealed that use of skin bleaching creams was prevalent among 77 per cent of Nigerian women, which was highest in Africa compared to 59 per cent in Togo, 35 per cent in South Africa and 27 per cent in Senegal.

in his oral testimony before the 7-member panel Chaired by Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd) wondered why it is only Reuters as a media organisation that was privy to the said grave human rights violations and atrocious crimes allegedly committed by the Nigeria Armed Forces in the counter insurgency operations in the North-east.

Adeniyi, who is presently the Director, Directorate of Counter Terrorism at the Army Research Centre, said how possible is it that of all the various News Agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, international partners and others, it is only Reuters that published this kind of report.

Responding to the first part of the three-tier report which focused on systematic, illegal and secret abortion programme in the North-east by the military since 2013, the senior military officer said, “In Africa we don’t do such things, you will not say that because soldiers are keeping custody of these returning women you now give them injection so that the babies in their womb will be aborted.”

On the issue of Boko Haram children allegedly killed terminating pregnancies and “deleting children” believed to have been fathered by Boko Haram insurgents on the premise that they will grow

into another generation of Boko Haram and carry arms against the State, Adeniyi rhetorically asked, “What is the meaning of Boko Haram babies?”

Testifying further, he disclosed that solders are not angry that they are fighting Boko Haram insurgency because they are doing their work otherwise “let some of these girls whose pregnancies were reportedly terminated by soldiers come out clear and say so, that will help the panel and indeed everyone to know the truth.”

According to the erstwhile Brigade Commander 37 Artillery Brigade Maiduguri, Borno State, it is sad that somebody clutching

a cup of tea in his cozy and airconditioned room will decide to write this kind of report that has no bearing with the situation on ground.

“The allegation that Nigerian military terminated women pregnancies is not true. Things don’t just happen in the Army. Before anything happens, resources are committed, directives are given and those asked to carry out some actions report back. Secondly if such things happen soldiers will talk among themselves or at least gossip about them. These women I hope they are alive let them come out and say this is what happened to me,” he stated.

TRADING IDEAS… L- R- Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State; Mr. Oliver Nwankwo, African facilitator for EU- UAES Umuagwo research; and Leader of EU team, Mr. Chris Addy-Nayo, when the team paid a courtesy call on Uzodimma at Government House Owerri... yesterday.

Ogun 2023: IPAC Chides PDP, Adebutu’s Action on Election Results James Sowole in Abeokuta The Inter Party Advisory Coucil (IPAC) in Ogun State, yesterday slammed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, over their action on the recent gubernatorial election in the state and in which the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Dapo Abiodun, was declared the winner.

The IPAC warned the PDP and its candidate, against any action, utterances or protest, that are capable of inciting members of the public against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.

The state Returning Officer, Prof. Kayode Adebowale while announcing the result of the election said, Abiodun polled a total of 276,298 votes, while Ladi Adebutu of PDP scored 262,383 and the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Biyi Otegbeye garnered 94,754 votes.

Not pleased with the declaration of the INEC, Adebutu and PDP rejected the result of the election, accusing INEC of manipulating and rigging in favour of the APC candidate.

To drive home his grievances, Adebutu led hundreds of members of the PDP in a protest to INEC office to submit a petition

against the commission, which caused commotion at the commission’s office.

Expressing concerns about the PDP candidate’s protest, IPAC charged Adebutu and the PDP to approach the court instead of making unfounded allegations against the electoral commission.

Speaking at a press conference, the state chairman of IPAC, Samson Okusanya, commended INEC for the success of the election, describing it as free, fair and credible.

Okusanya berated Adebutu for embarking on the protest instead of presenting his case to court, saying Adebutu’s action was “inimical to the peace of the state”.

Okusanya, who was flanked by the state chairmen of 12 other political parties, said they have accepted the outcome of the election and called on Adebutu to present his grievances through the channel recognised by law.

He said, “In elections like this, one candidate will emerge as the winner and anyone that lost out should follow due process which is recognised by law to express their grievances if there is any at all, instead of creating unrest in the state and causing violence.

“We advise them (Adebutu and PDP), as Inter-Party Advisory Council to shun violence. They should also remember that nobody in above the law.

Next Senate President Will Come from South, Says Ndoma-Egba Bassey Inyang in Calabar Former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, has said that the next Senate President must emerge from Southern Nigeria.

Ndoma-Egba said this while interacting with journalists in Calabar, the Cross River capital.

The former Senate Leader said the emergence of the next President from the South and next Vice President from the North are possible pointers to the emergence of the next Senate President from the South.

Ndoma-Egba, who stated he wouldn’t be categorical as to whether zoning would influence

the choice of Senate President said, “I can’t say categorically because there are many factors that you take into account in zoning.

“Fortunately, we know where the President-elect and the vice are from. In the time past, if we have a President from the North, the Senate President also from the North. It was during David Mark that we have Jonathan from the South and David Mark from the North.

That happened because Jonathan’s administration was seen as an extension of Yar’Adua’s administration.

“Essentially the position of a Senate President will go to the

South but between the South and the South-east, there will be so many other factors like national integration, inclusion and so many other factors.

“But, I believe the Presidentelect is a versatile enough politician working with the party to balance all those demands.”

He said the next National Assembly is going to be very interesting, saying “we used to have only two major parties, one in government and the other one in the opposition. If you look at the number, there’s no party that can produce two-third majority.

“They can only pass matters that require simple majority; like in the Senate the APC already have simple majority but when it comes to those important constitutional issues where you require two third, you must go into alliance and that’s is where the beauty of democracy is; the horse trading, the argument, the conversation.

“You’re going to see some improvement in the legislative process, that’s one. Two, for you to even stabilise the place you must make sure that members from all those other parties are willed into one manageable block, so it’s going to be quite interesting.”

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Fintiri: INEC REC Misled Returning Officer into Declaring Adamawa Gov Election Inconclusive Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Governor of Adamawa State and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in last Saturday’s governorship election in the state, Ahmadu Fintiri, has accused the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of misleading the Returning Officer to declare the election inconclusive.

The PDP governorship candidate in the March 18 governorship election said he was leading his closest opponent,Senator Aishatu Dahiru, famously known as Binani, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with a huge margin of votes.

The incumbent governor added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ought to have declared him the winner of the election.

According to the Adamawa State Governor, “Because of the

inexperience and mindset of the REC, he misled the Returning Officer, there was no need for it (inconclusive).

“I was leading by over 35,000.

In Ogun, he (Governor Dapo Abiodun) led by 12,000, issues in various units across the state was over 30,000 but the man was declared. The same thing with Kaduna, the same thing in several other states, if you go round,” Fintiri said.

The governor also accused the REC of listing polling units (PUs) where elections were concluded and results uploaded on the INEC portal among PUs where there were problems. He said INEC should remove the REC to protect its integrity.

“And he went and concocted some PUs and units that had already been concluded. For instance, if you go to Fufore, there is a PU 003 and there are 103 registered voters in that unit, less than 30 voted that day but

25 Killed in Bauchi Road Accident, 10 Injured Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Twenty-five people lost their lives and 10 others sustained various degrees of injuries in a fatal road accident that occurred in Udubo, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The road accident which occurred on Thursday afternoon, was confirmed by the State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) through its Sector Commander, Yusuf Abdullahi while speaking to journalists yesterday.

Abdullahi said that the incident happened at about 4.30p.m. involving 35 people comprising 19 male adults, 11 female adults, two male children and three female children.

He also said that the driver of a Hummer bus lost control and ran into 11 people taking shelter under a tree close to a car wash.

According to him, “The lone

crash occurred yesterday, Thursday, 23rd March, 2023 at Udubo, along Hadeja-Potiskum route in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, involving an Ash Commercial Toyota Hummer Bus with registration number: JMA 59XA. “The crash was caused by overloading, speed violation which led to a tyre burst and loss of control. The driver lost control and ran into some people taking shelter under a tree. You know because the weather is hot, so they were under the tree when some of them were killed.”

He further explained that, “24 people were inside the Hummer Bus while the remaining 11 people were taking shelter under the tree close to a car wash as stated by men of the Nigeria Police Force.”

“Immediately we got the information, our men rushed to the scene for a rescue operation and evacuated the victims to the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, for treatment and confirmation.

Sanwo-Olu Solicits Peaceful Coexistence in Lagos Segun James Following tension associated with the recent governorship election, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to all Lagosians to pray for Nigeria and Lagos for continued growth and peaceful co-existence Sanwo-Olu made the plea at the Special Ramadan Lecture and Tafsir programme held at the Lagos House Mosque Complex and organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs to usher in the commencement of the Ramadan Fast.

He noted that no government can achieve any success without divine intervention and support from its citizens, adding that peaceful and harmonious living would galvanise the desired growth of the economy and foster prosperity for all.

The governor solicited continuous prayers for the administration in order to continue to serve the people right and exceed their expecta-

tions.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat at the event, also seized the opportunity to appreciate residents of the state for massively voting for the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re-election, adding that the trust reposed in his administration will not be taken for granted.

In his lecture titled, ‘Indeed After Difficulty Comes Ease’, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Ahmad explained that every difficulty is embedded in ease as God uses difficulties to instruct, correct and redirect the attention of man to Himself.

He appealed to all Muslim Faithful to trust Allah even in the face of challenges and hardship as difficulties also reproduce security instead of fear, joy instead of doom.

Ahmad also charged the government to eradicate unlawful taxes and levies as demanded by unauthorised individuals in the state.

there was over-voting, it was cancelled.

“There is a PU 017, it was concluded, even on IREV it was concluded, the result is there, there was no over-voting, no issue. But if you check the list of PUs that he listed for the national headquarters as places

that have issues that one is also included.

“With the kind of integrity INEC has built over the years, they should not allow the man to continue,” he stated.

Fintiri, however, said he was not against a rerun as long as it was conducted within the

provisions of the law.

He expressed confidence that he will still emerge winner after the rerun.

INEC had on Monday declared the March 18 governorship election in Adamawa inconclusive.

The candidate of the APC, Binani, scored 390,275 while

the incumbent polled 421,524.

INEC state collation officer, Prof. Muhammadu Mele of the University of Maiduguri declared the election inconclusive due to the margin of votes. The electoral umpire is expected to take a decision on the election in the days to come.

SEEKING ALLAH’S GRACE… L-R: Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Islamic Matters, Hon Jebe Abdullahi Ahmad; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji; Iyaloja General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olarewaju Elegushi and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Lolade Aina, on Thursday at the Year 2023 Annual Ramadan Prayer at the State House Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos.

S’Court Corrects Accidental Slip in APGA’s Leadership Judgement, Replaces Oye with Njoku Alex Enumah in Abuja The Supreme Court in Abuja, yesterday, corrected an accidental slip in its own judgement delivered in a suit which bordered on the authentic leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Consequently, the five-member panel of justices led by Justice kudirat Kekere-ekun, has ordered the deletion of the name of Chief Victor Oye from the said judgement and that it be replaced with that of Chief Edozie Njoku.

The correction was sequel to an application by Chief Njoku, asking the apex court to correct an accidental slip in its own judgement delivered in the suit

on the APGA leadership tussle.

Justice Garba Lawal, who delivered the ruling, noted that Njoku’s application was meritorious and ought to be granted.

He consequently made an order deleting the name of Oye from the judgement and replacing same with that of Njoku.

Justice Lawal, while stating that the issue of chairmanship was not justiciable being an internal affairs of a political party, held that, “the application is granted as prayed and judgement shall be corrected as stated above.”

Recall that a five-man panel of the apex court had last month

adjourned to March 24 for ruling after hearing counsel to parties in the suit.

The application by Njoku was sequel to the January 19, 2023 letter of the Supreme Court, wherein the apex court had addressed Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA and advised him to approach the Court by way of a motion for the regularisation of the amended judgement of Justice Ukaego Mary Peter Odili on May 9, 2022.

Njoku’s lawyer, Chike Onyemenam, SAN, had approached the court pursuant to Order 8 Rule 16 of the Supreme Court Rules and the inherent powers of the Court, to correct a

typographical error and slip in the lead judgement of the Court in the appeal presided over by and delivered by Justice Mary Odili (rtd).

The appellant in the suit is urging the apex court to correct an accidental slip at page 13, lines 3 - 4 of its judgement where instead of stating the name of “Edozie Njoku” who was alleged to have been removed by the parties and whom the trial judge held to have been lawfully removed from his position as the validly elected National Chairman of APGA at the party convention held at Owerri in 2019, mistakenly inserted the name of Victor Oye whose name was never mentioned at the trial court.

Ex-Katsina Gov, Shema, Threatens to Quit PDP Over Suspension Francis Sardauna in Katsina Former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shehu Shema, has threatened to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his suspension by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for alleged anti-party activities.

In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, and made available to THISDAY yesterday, Shema gave the PDP leadership 48-hour ultimatum to revoke his suspension or he will quit the party.

The PDP NWC had in separate press statements by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, suspended Shema, dissolved the Katsina State Executive Committee of the party and appointed a caretaker committee.

But Shema, in the letter titled: ‘Re: Unlawful Dissolution of Katsina State Executive Committee, Appointment of a Caretaker Committee and My Suspension’, said the NWC lacked constitutional validity to

suspend him from the party and dissolve the executive committee of the party in the state.

He admonished the National Working Committee of the party to revoke what he described as unconstitutional and unlawful dissolution of the duly elected Katsina PDP Executive Committee and allow them to complete their tenure.

He claimed that Chapter 10 of the PDP Constitution (2017) as amended (Disciplinary procedure), especially Section

56 (6) (7) and Section 59 (3) were not adhered to by the National Working Committee of the party before his suspension and the dissolution of the state officials.

While noting that the decisions of the NWC clearly demonstrate contempt for democracy, the PDP stalwart said: “Failure to effect these two changes within 48 hours, this letter serves as my formal and official withdrawal of my membership from PDP effective from Saturday 25 March 2023.”

Train-Bus Collision: Lagos to Charge Bus Driver with Manslaughter, Grievous Body Harm The Lagos State Government has said it would charge the driver of a Lagos staff bus that collided with a train at a level crossing with manslaughter and grievous body harm whenever he was well enough to stand trial.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, who gave an update on the matter of the collision between the Lagos State staff bus and the train at the PWD railway crossing at Ikeja, said the train

dragged the bus with its passengers along the tracks until it came to a stop at Sogunle, a suburb of Ikeja, Lagos State.

According to the statement, “The horrific incident which involved LASG staff heading to work in the staff bus and passengers of the train resulted in six fatalities with about 96 others with various degrees of injuries. The injured victims were hospitalised across many Government Hospitals in the State.

“The driver of the staff

bus on the fateful day, Mr. Oluwaseun Osibanjo, was apprehended and handed over to the Police for investigation and possible prosecution by the State. At the end of investigations, the case file was forwarded to the D.P.P. for further statutory actions.

“Upon the receipt and review of the case file by the D.P.P, a prima facie case of Manslaughter, and Grievous Body Harm was disclosed against the driver

of the Staff bus. Accordingly, he is to be charged with six counts of Manslaughter and 10 counts of Grievous Body Harm. Both offences are contrary to Sections 224 and 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

“The Office of the D.P.P. will immediately file charges against the Driver. However, his arraignment before the High Court of Lagos State shall be delayed until he is fully fit to stand trial, having sustained serious injuries during the accident.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 25, 2023

INSIGHT

Is relief in sight?

Ramadan Fasting in Islam

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amadan is the ninth month in the Islamic Hijri Calendar and is a month of fasting, repentance, and good deeds. Fasting in Ramadan upholds Sawm, one of the Pillars of Islam, which means ‘to fast.’

According to religious tradition, fasting is a form of self-discipline and a way to show devotion to God or a higher power. For example, Muslims observe a month-long fast during the holy month of Ramadan, where they abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset each day.

In addition to religious and spiritual reasons, fasting is also practiced for health reasons. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can have a variety of health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, weight loss, and reduced inflammation.

It is pertinent to note that fasting may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any fasting regimen.

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” [Quran 2:183] The purpose of Islamic fasting is to adopt selfcontrol over worldly desires; to surrender to God and develop self-discipline and spiritual awareness, to purify the body, heart, soul, and mind; and to improve patience and empathize with those who are living in hunger and poverty.

Ramadan is one of the lunar months of Islam where fasting is prescribed for all Muslims who have attained puberty, healthy and sane to observe it for the whole month. “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you can learn Taqwa” (Quran 2:183).

The Arabic word Taqwa is translated in many ways including God consciousness, God fearing, piety, and self-restraining. Thus, we are asked to fast daily for one month from dawn to sunset and avoid food, water, sex and vulgar talk during that period.

From the verse above, we understand that fasting is a continuous process that has been practiced by the prophets before Prophet Muhammad (saw).Ramadan is the only month that fasting is compulsory on Muslims.

It is crystal clear that fasting is only compulsory in the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is not compulsory for children, insane, menstruating women, sick

WITH US, NOT FOR US

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arch 21 of every year is international day for the celebration of persons living with down syndrome. The advocacy and push for communal and political recognition of the basic fundamental rights for persons living with various types of disabilities, particularly intellectual disability, just as enjoyed by their peers who do not have any form of challenge – physical or intellectual - has recorded a substantial success around the globe, especially in developed climes.

While the same cannot be said of the situation in Africa and Nigeria in particular, scanty breakthroughs have also been seen over the years, with the dogged efforts by some specialized organizations such as Down syndrome Foundation, Nigeria (DSFN).

The theme for this year’s celebration is “With us, Not for us”. This theme is apt particularly in the current era where the push for inclusion has taken a center stage in the campaign worldwide. While it is comforting to know that people, government and communities alike are now becoming more sympathetic to the plight of persons living with disability, it is also necessary and important that their rights as human beings deserving of not just empathy but concrete benefits accruable to other citizens without disability, is taken into consideration and provided for.

Therefore, it is not enough for the government to map out and create as in Lagos State and few other states, sections in the public schools to admit children or persons with intellectual disability, it is necessary to adequately equip these special schools with the needed “specialized” manpower, infrastructural and educational aids to attain the targeted educational goals for these persons. Likewise, in the provision of better healthcare, economic, social needs of persons with disability, etc.

Garba Adamu Gwangwangwan, Bauchi Persons with intellectual disability do not just need to be specifically educated in accordance with his or her type of disability, but MUST also necessarily be able to aspire to or expect to be employed according to his or her learned ability. That way, a full right, befitting of a person, be he a person with disability or not, T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R is assured. For what is the need of going through a EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE learning process, acquiring a specialized knowledge DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU about a craft or handiwork and eventually still not MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU given the opportunity of gaining employment as CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI supposed, not due to lack of knowledge but for EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN having a disability? No human being should be MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI subjected to such. Our government should do better.

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE The society at large should do better.

The theme for this year is enjoining all stakeholders – the government, communities, corporate organizations, religious bodies/organizations, individuals to open up their hearts, and recognized the urgent T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D and important need to help in the actualization of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA these basic human needs, rights of persons living GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, with intellectual disability as we are all humans. No ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI human rights or needs should be prioritized over DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE the other no matter the state of their health, mental DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI and physical capacity. Stand with us by taking actual SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH intentional steps towards uplifting and elevating ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI persons living with disability. It is not enough to say CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI that you are for persons living with disability, your DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO specific, intentional, targeted actions should ensure TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com the practical applicability of these rights.

person, old person, breast feeding woman and travellers. The sick person, traveller and menstruating woman have to pay back the missing days but the breast feeding woman and old person can feed people during Ramadan in substitute.

The sacred month is divided into three parts in 10- day each; the fist 10-day is mercy of Allah, the second 10-day is forgiveness and the last 10-day is emancipation from slavery.

Many people are fasting today and it doesn’t reflect in them that they are actually fasting. Their behaviour and perception is not changed during the month of Ramadan compared to the months. The prophet said. “many a times, those who fast havenothing for their fasting except hunger and thirst”. So,as a believer who is fasting, you have to adhere to thecommandments of Allah guiding fasting and expiate allacts that can deny you of having reward of what you aresuffering for. Let fasting reflect in all our actions!

The prophet (saw) continues: “fasting is a barrier from evils, so if one of you is fasting, he should avoid all immoral acts, even if someone abuses or fights him, he should look away and say ‘I am fasting.’

Ijeome Fynecontry, Lagos

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 25, 2023

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NEWS Accord Rejects Rivers Governorship Election Result, Calls for Cancellation Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Accord governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has rejected the outcome of the governorship and House of Assembly polls in the state and called for the cancellation of the elections.

Lulu-Briggs, who made this call yesterday while addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat in Port Harcourt, said the party will challenge the outcome of the election in court if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not revert the result allegedly allocated to

FOR IMPROVED BORDER SECURITY… L-R: Comptroller General of Nigeria immigration Service, Isah Jere Idris and Program Officer for Anti-trafficking and Migration at the British High Commission, Mr. John Kane when the later visited him in his office in Abuja... yesterday

Orjiako to Seplat: I Acted within My Authorised Scope in Company’s Best Interest Bennett Oghifo

21, 2023, accused Orjiako of acting unilaterally when he The Pioneer Chairman and communicated with the Federal Co-founder of Seplat Energy Government over a business PLC, Dr. ABC Orjiako, has transaction worth over $300 denied any wrongdoing in the million, allegedly without the letter he initiated to the Federal consent of the company’s Board Government to facilitate the of Directors. The company is consummation of the lingering equally demanding the sum $1.3 billion Mobil transaction, of $5 billion as damages.

2UMLDNR LQ D FODULÀFDWLRQ saying he acted within the scope of his mandate for the in Abuja yesterday, done on his behalf his legal adviser, EHQHÀW RI WKH FRPSDQ\ Seplat Energy had in Suit Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, No FHC/ABJ/CS/386/2023, stressed that the company was ZKLFK LW ÀOHG DW WKH )HGHUDO DOUHDG\ EHQHÀWWLQJ IURP WKH High Court Abuja, on March values created by the letter to

the presidency.

Dr. Orjiako also said he had instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal steps, including seeking appropriate damages from those behind what he described as a “mischief”.

In the reaction titled, “The so-called Law Suit against Dr ABC Orjiako, the Pioneer Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc” issued by his legal adviser, the EXVLQHVV PRJXO FODULÀHG ´7KH attention of Dr ABC Orjiako - the Pioneer Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc - has been

drawn to the various malicious newspaper publications, the last being of the so called Law 6XLW ÀOHG E\ VRPH REYLRXVO\ disgruntled persons claiming to be acting in the interest of the company.

“He had hitherto refrained from joining them in the unforWXQDWH DͿUD\ ,W KDV KRZHYHU become necessary to let the public be aware of the mischief of these individuals who have masked their personal interest over that of the wellbeing of Seplat, a company that has earned a notable repute.

ACF Decries Religious, Ethnic Politics John Shiklam in Kaduna The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the manner in which religion and ethnicity was used by politicians during the just concluded elections.

In a statement in Kaduna yesterday, the forum noted that while the courts will resolve some of the controversies that trailed the conduct of the election, the issue of religion and ethnicity cannot possibly be resolved by the courts.

The statement signed by Murtala Aliyu, Secretary

General of the forum, noted that in spite of the outcry by those that did not achieve their goals, “the exercise passed RͿ IDLUO\ SHDFHIXOO\ DQG WKH outcomes could be said to have UHÁHFWHG WKH EURDG DVSLUDWLRQV of the electorate.”

According to him, the elections were characterised E\ ´GL΀FXOWLHV DQG PLVKDSV polling stations opened late, BVAS failed to upload results real time, there was scattered violence, there was vote buying, voter intimidation, etc.”

The forum said however, that there is nowhere in the world

APC: We Didn’t Suspend Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ajaka Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied reports making the rounds that it has suspended the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Murtala Ajaka.

Ajaka, a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party was purportedly suspended by the executive members of APC, Ajaka Ward 1, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, in a letter dated March 20, over alleged anti-party activities and insubordination.

However, it has emerged that one of the signatories to the said

suspension letter, Danjuma Sani Ejika, had reportedly died in 2022.

Reacting to the purported suspension of Ajaka yesterday, Ward Chairman of the party, Omale Danladi, denied authorising any letter. ,Q D VZRUQ D΀GDYLW GHSRVHG to at the Kogi State High Court, Danladi said at the late hours of 23rd March, 2023, he was informed of a purported letter of suspension alongside a document containing names and signatures of party’s Ward Executive members purportedly present at the meeting where the decision to suspend Ajaka was reached.

where elections are perfect.

“Where in the world do they organise perfect elections? The size of our operations in any event are so vast and complex that isolated incidents of this nature are impossible to prevent,” Aliyu said.

The statement however said the forum was “pleased to note that candidates that felt GLVVDWLVÀHG ZLWK WKH RXWFRPH of the elections, including presidential candidates of the (PDP) Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) have resolved to go to court, not the streets, to

seek redress. That’s the right and honourable thing to do.”

The forum lamented that, “Unfortunately, there is one particular problem thrown up by these elections that cannot possibly be addressed by the courts.

“It is the deployment of ethnic and religious sentiments as a driver of politics in Nigeria.

“As we have seen in Lagos and elsewhere, ethnic and religious zealots have a way of turning political and election campaigns into life and death struggles.

the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

He stated that the election was marred with violence, snatching of ballot boxes, killings, manipulation of election results, police and thugs intimidation on the electorate among others.

According to him, the outcome of the February 25 presidential and National Assembly was responsible for voter apathy in the state.

He alleged that thugs working for the PDP hijacked the electoral process in most of the 6,866 polling units in the state and thwarted the electronic transmission of results.

Election Infractions: Group Exonerates UNIJOS Vice Chancellor Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

elections were announced, there have been several allegations Following allegations about against him including alleged election infractions against ÀQDQFLDO LQGXFHPHQW Led by Barrister Chesil the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Drenkat, League of Concerned Tanko Ishaya, a group known Professionals debunked that as League of Concerned Profes- Ishaya, “a patriotic, forthright, sionals has strongly exonerated God-fearing perfect gentleman” the Vice Chancellor, testifying ZDV WRR UHÀQHG WR EH VPHDUHG with such allegations. to his impeccable character.

Drenkat said, “As concerned The Vice Chancellor served during the February Professionals, we feel compelled 25 Presidential and National to rise to the occasion by not Assembly elections and the only putting issues into their March 18 Gubernatorial and proper perspective but to counState Assembly Elections all ter and dispel this dangerous in Nasarawa State as the State campaign of calumny against 5HWXUQLQJ 2΀FHU %XW VLQFH Prof. Tanko Ishaya. after the results of the March 18

Police Parade Thugs, Display Recovered Firearms Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia The Nasarawa State Police Command has paraded suspected political thugs arrested at the eve of the Governorship/State Assembly Election in the state.

The Police Command equally displayed firearms, vehicles and other items recovered from the suspected political thugs during the exercise.

Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, DSP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Maiyaki Baba.

The PPRO gave a breakdown

that 17 suspected political thugs were arrested, where two English pump action guns, nine locally fabricated guns and 20 live cartridges were recovered.

Nansel continued that 24 handsets of different brands, two unregistered vehicles, 15 pairs of desert boots, a bag containing belt and bullet proof jackets were equally recovered from the suspected political thugs. +H VDLG ´2Q 0DUFK the eve of election, military operatives patrolling along Umaisha, Toto LGA intercepted a Toyota pickup vehicle and a Toyota Sienna bus loaded with persons suspected to be political thugs.

INEC Frustrating Procedure Flood: Ekiti Governor Seeks NEMA’s for CTC Issuance, PDP Alleges Intervention to Avert Disaster Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

made the assertion at a news conference in Asaba yesterday, The Peoples Democratic urged INEC to do the right Party (PDP) yesterday ques- thing by allowing the states tioned the rationale behind the which are the original source directive by the headquarters of the documents to issue of the Independent National the same without comparing Electoral Commission (INEC) with the IREV data.

6SHFLÀFDOO\ $QLDJZX VDLG for Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) in states the reason PDP was seeking and the Federal Capital the CTC of the Form EC8A Territory (FCT) “to ensure was to enable it prove its case comparison with IREV data” at the Presidential election EHIRUH LVVXDQFH RI &HUWLÀHG tribunal, adding that INEC’s True Copies of Form EC8A directive to state RECs to used for the just-concluded FRPSDUH ZLWK ,5(9 ÀJXUHV would be detrimental to election.

Spokesman of the PDP its case since the party was Presidential Campaign Coun- already disputing the contents cil, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who of the IREV data.

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for the intervention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mitigate the impact RQ WKH LPSHQGLQJ ÁRRG LQ KLV state and across the federation.

The governor made the plea when he visited the headquarters of NEMA in Abuja. The LPSHQGLQJ ÁRRG ZDV SUHGLFWHG by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Oyebanji, who appreciated NEMA and its Director General, Mustapha Ahmed for the earlier intervention in the

ÁRRG LPSDFW RI VDLG WKH WDVNV RI PLWLJDWLQJ ÁRRG DQG other natural disasters are so enormous for the state to handle and hence, the need to seek NEMA’s intervention.

He stated that recently rainstorm destroyed property worth millions of naira in OkeAko, Ikole Local Government of Ekiti State The governor also said as part RI WKHLU RZQ HͿRUWV WR DGGUHVV the challenges, the state had started dredging the rivers and clearing all waterways, with adequate sensitisation of the people.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 25, 2023

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Yemi

Adebowale

yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Sirika’s Selfish Moves to Concession Airports

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inister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has sector players? spent almost all his eight years Sirika knows the meaning of Greenfield in office implementing selfish concession but has chosen to ignore this. With agendas. Almost everything in Greenfield arrangement, the concessionaire the Nigerian aviation industry will acquire a virgin land, build, operate and revolves around Sirika and his transfer the airport after a number of agreed interest. This minister cares less about the years. This will create more jobs during and interest of the larger Nigerian society. It is after construction, and drive competition. If usually about Sirika’s pocket. This is why he Sirika truly loves this country, this is what has been pursuing the concession of Nigeria’s he should be proposing to his cronies; not four major airports to private firms with trying to steal existing airports in the name so much vigour. With about two months of concession. left of his tenure, our aviation minister is Nigeria has failed in the area of proper unrelenting. management and accountability at our airports Sirika is proceeding with the concession because of the ineptitude of the likes of Hadi plans, a self-serving and anti-Nigeria project, Sirika running the show from the Ministry despite logical opposition from virtually all of Aviation. Sirika, as minister, has (for selfish stakeholders. In October last year, the minister reasons) made it impossible for good corporate announced the preferred and reserve bidders governance and appropriate administration for three out of four airports, claiming that to happen in Nigerian airports. This country it was in line with the 2005 Infrastructure has capable hands at FAAN, but the likes Concession Regulatory Commission Act and of Sirika keep hindering them for egotistic global best practice. The preferred bidder for reasons. They are the ones responsible for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Sirika political interference in the running of our (NAIA) Abuja is Corporacion America Airports airports.

Consortium. ENL Consortium was selected yet, Sirika is planning to give 60 percent of Some of the best airports in the world are as the reserve bidder. the profit to the concessionaires. If the deal managed by government corporations. The The preferred bidder for Murtala Mu- is allowed, the federal government will still world-famous Dubai International Airport is hammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, be repaying the loans for years, while the operated by a government airports authority is TAV/NAHCO/Project Planet Limited (PPL) concessionaires will be getting the bulk of the called Dubai Airports Company. The Emirate consortium. Sifax/Changi Consortium was profits from the airports. Stakeholders have of Dubai owns Dubai International Airport. selected as the reserve bidder. The preferred communicated these flaws to the minister Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock bidder for Mallam Aminu Kano International and other arms of government involved in company, wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Airport (MAKIA), Kano, is Corporacion the illogical moves but they have refused Emirate and headquartered at its principal America Airports Consortium. There are no to budge. asset, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). reserve bidders for MAKIA. Sirika further The King Abdulaziz International Airport Now, this is the truth that must be told. said the Port Harcourt International Airport With the airport concessioning, Sirika wants is managed by a Saudi Arabian government (PHIA) did not receive any proposal at the to transfer a key wealth of this country (four corporation called Saudi General Authority deadline for submission of interest. most viable airports) to his cronies. This of Civil Aviation (GACA). Nigeria’s FAAN The concession process has not been is unjust, immoral and a violation of the can perform wonders if we have a good transparent. For example, the Outline 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. Section 16 aviation minister and a good government.

Business Case (OBC) was prepared since (10) gives Nigerians a right to prosperity, Less meddling in FAAN’s activities is also 2017 and only made available in August last equal distribution of wealth, equality of pertinent. Unfortunately, this has not been year after every aspect of the deal had been status, happiness and non-monopolisation the case for several years. The likes of Sirika concluded. Also, the transaction advisers on of the economy. are providing self-centered and slipshod the concession refused to consult with the When an airport is concessioned to a leadership. This is why Nigeria continues committee set up by the federal government private player, the global standard is to to deteriorate in all sectors. to advice on the project before submitting its enable development of such an airport to Sirika’s careless management of preferred recommendations. As the Chairman, FAAN’s world-class standard, proper management/ bidders for the major airports has so soon branch of the Air Transport Services Senior accountability and reduction of government become a subject of legal dispute. Just a Staff, Mr. Ahmed Danjuma puts it thus: “The or political interference in the running of few weeks back, a Federal High Court in concession is a one-man project by Sirika.” the airport. Sirika knows this. If we are Lagos ordered the federal government to stay The concession clearly has several booby talking about having world-class airports further action on its planned concession of traps, outright lies and deliberate manipulation in Nigeria, huge foreign loans have been the MMIA, Lagos. Sifax Group of Companies of facts, all aimed at skewing the transaction taken to develop the four listed airports Limited went to court to challenge the bidding against the interest of Nigeria. For example, to the desired standards. A lot has been process. While TAV/NAHCO Project Planet there is no justification for a profit-sharing done at the four airports in this direction. Limited was the preferred bidder for the ratio of 60:40 in favour of the concessionaires. Some of the projects are still ongoing. The Lagos airport, Sifax/Changi Consortium was The federal government has taken huge concessionaires will not be making new selected as the reserve bidder. Sifax in the foreign loans running into millions of Dollars investment in terminal infrastructure. So, suit alleged that TAV breached procedures for the modernisation of the four airports, why trying to hand them over to private by bidding twice. Nigeria is already in a

Chimaroke Nnamani’s Unwise Rants

F

ormer Governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani has become an embarrassment to everyone after losing his bid to return to the Senate. This politician, who has lost touch with his constituency and modern-day realities, went on a rant after losing the Enugu East senatorial election to LP’s Kelvin Chukwu.

Nnamani went for the jugular of Peter Obi, the LP presidential candidate, saying Obi has set the Igbo political trajectory 24 years back. He claimed Obi “served a devious opium to Christians within sections of Nigeria and to Igbo domiciled in different sections of Nigeria which is wicked and dangerous.”

So, how is this responsible for Nnamani’s defeat? This Senator was denied a second term, not because he is not a Christian. Nnamani failed the people. His four years in the Senate has been a waste. The assassination of the

first LP candidate for this senatorial zone, Oyibo Chukwu, also worked against Nnamani.

These are the facts.

Not satisfied with attacking Obi alone, Nnamani shifted to the apex Igbo sociocultural group, Ohaneze, averring that the group “miscalculated” in the 2023 election for backing Obi and that they will live to regret their political miscalculations.

Nnamani adds: “These Igbo leaders, including ‘Asoebi’ governors quite unlike my ‘99 class, danced while Igbo land burnt.

They lacked the liver to condemn sit at home nor condemn the killings. They cowered at Obi’s message of hate, bile and incitement.

They failed!”

I can understand Nnamani’s frustration.

He wanted a second term desperately and believed Obi’s Tsunami swept him off. For me, the major factor that swept Nnamani off was his own failure as Enugu East’s Senator.

Nnamani

As a Senator, Nnamani is a disaster. He failed his people in all ramifications. He could have weathered the storm if he was there for the people of Enugu East. So, he should just shut up and lick his wounds quietly.

mess so early in this useless journey, no thanks to Sirika.

It is heartwarming that the leaders of Nigeria’s three aviation industry unions ANAP, NUATE and ATSSSAN - are battling Sirika over the planned concession of the airports. For the Secretary General, NUATE, Ocheme Aba, the concession project, apart from handing out national assets to Sirika’s cronies, will not favour the workers as it would lead to job losses.

Aba adds: “We call on all patriotic Nigerians to join aviation workers and labour unions to, once and for all, battle to tell our elected leaders that our national assets do not belong to the few opportune individuals in government and their cronies, for them to share and plunder, nor do they have powers to act as they please over national interests without our consent.”

Already, the aviation workers’ unions have dragged Sirika and FAAN to the Lagos division of the National Industrial Court over the airport concession. Aside from labour issues, they are asking the court to rule that Sirika and FAAN do not have the authority to initiate the concession deals without the consent and authorisation of the federal government, the 36 state governments and the 774 local government areas.

Nigerian state governors seem unaware that the states are co-owners of federal assets. As a result, dubious sales and concessioning of such assets go unchallenged.

As the aviation unions rightly indicated, the 36 state governments and the 774 local governments should be consulted before any sale or concessioning of federal assets.

These governors have failed their people on this issue. Federal assets belong to all the three tiers of government.

Sirika is never seen promoting the interest of this country. He has also become an embarrassment to forward-looking Nigerians over his Nigeria Air project.

As at last Wednesday, he was still talking about actualising Nigeria Air. Sirika pretends to be unaware that it is no longer trendy for countries to set up national airlines.

The world has gone beyond this. This guy has been flushing public funds down the drain on the proposed airline. I can’t forget how he wasted huge public funds during the Farnborough air show in London in June 2018, just to announce the birth of the airline that has so far refused to take off. It was a show of shame by Sirika because no foreign investor participated at that fraudulent launch in London.

If the amount so far expended on Nigeria Air is revealed, many will be dazed.

In countries where public officers are held accountable, Sirika would have been severely punished for wasting public funds on this drivel. Unfortunately, the man that should call Sirika to order, President Buhari is playing along with him because of ignorance and incompetence.

At another point, Sirika started making noise that he had entered into partnership with Ethiopian Airlines; that Nigeria Air will be 49 per cent owned by Ethiopian Airlines.

This airline, owned by the government of another country, was offered a controlling stake. So, how can this be described as the Nigerian national carrier? Well, Sirika’s selfish plan with Ethiopian Airlines will also die.

Back to the rubbish airport concession.

The preferred bidders for the three airports are expected to be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) by Sirika for approval.

I urge the FEC to throw the request out in the interest of all Nigerians. Sirika’s plan is a deceitful and selfish agenda which will plunge Nigeria’s flying industry into further crisis. The man called Hadi Sirika remains a tragedy to Nigeria.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 25, 2023

NEWS Archbishop Martins Condemns Ethnic Profiling

YOU’RE WELCOME… L-R: Head of the delegation of the National Defense College Course 10, Colonel Mubarak Al Zaabi of United Arab Emirates and Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, during a visit to NCAC Headquarters in Abuja...recently

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17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 25, 2023

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Davido’s Fans Ecstatic as He Returns, Sets New Album Date Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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Mo Abudu, Idris Elba Partner to Empower African Talents Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 25, 2023

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Hip Movie ‘Eko Miami’ Set with Young Vibes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ehind the scene moments of his latest directorial, ‘Eko Miami’ was all Kayode Kasum shared on his Instagram and in no time, caught the attention of the media public. The feel-good movie is one for the young and Gen-Z. “#EkoMiamiTheMovie – &RPLQJ VRRQµ WKH ÀOPPDNHU ZURWH alongside a footage showing members of the cast and crew on set.

Kasum is seen further dishing out direction while gesturing to a gathering at a night party scene. The upcoming ÀOP ZUDSSHG VKRRWLQJ ODVW 'HFHPEHU with additional photography completed last week. Members of the crew took to Instagram to share first looks and behind-the-scene moments. Efa Iwara shared a few stills from the upcoming movie. ,W VWDUV 6ROD 6RERZDOH ,UHWL 'R\OH Mimi Onolaja, among others. The director also shared a BTS video RQOLQH IHDWXULQJ 'DQLHO (IILRQJ 8]RU Arukwe, Kunle Remi, and BBN Vee ,\H 3URGXFHG E\ 'HEROD /DJRV·V AW Network, ‘Eko Maimi’ is one of Kasum’s highly anticipated projects ZKLFK LQFOXGHV ¶'RPLWLOOD 7KH 5HERRW· created in collaboration with Zeb Ejiro’s Zeb Productions and others.

Set shortly before the Covid-19 outbreak, Eko Miami is about the ‘Japa’ syndrome but in reverse order. It’s about a Nigerian who sees the popping afrobeats scene and on coming back home wants to invest in it. He had invested in setting up an event company

Efa Iwara and Vee Iye

and had started working on a mega party which was already trending on Twitter then Covid struck, putting him, KLV LQYHVWPHQW LQ D À[ “Eko Miami has a lot of party, its Gen-Z; it’s the young vibe and all. But

then again, the movie just reminds us that we survived Covid and the fact that we are still alive is not by accident.

At the end of the day, the movie just makes you want to cherish being alive,” Kasum told this reporter.

Efa Iwara, James Gardiner, and Vee Iye take the lead role. By the way, WKLV· 9HH·V ÀUVW WLPH DFWLQJ 9HH LQ WKH movie is paired to Efa, both playing love interest and couple. Eko Miami will be out soon.

Uyoyou Adia to Direct ‘My Name is Misan’ Tosin Clegg

Artiste, Gaise Baba and John Ikeotuonye (CDO) during the press conference

‘The Xpression with CDO’ Tours Campuses Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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bout 52 universities will experience ‘The Xpression with CDO’ asitembarksonitscampustour, tagged‘TheXpressionwithCDO CampusTour”.Thiswasdisclosed in Lagos on Wednesday by the founder, John Ikeotuonye, popularly known as CDO. ‘The Xpression with CDO’ is a platformsetupwiththemissionoftakingtheword of God to unusual places through gospel music.

“It’s a project that by our own measure we are looking at two years for the first phase,” CDO said.

“And for the first phase has mapped out about 52 universities that we would visit in the first two years. But our intension is that every university in Nigeria experiences ‘The Xpression with CDO’.

We intend to visit every university; every higher institution in the country.”

CDO explained that there are over 30 artistes that have indicated their support. The artistes

have over the year followed ‘The Xpression’ to their events and they are always willing to come along whenever they are called upon. “And also we have some new artistes too that have identified with the platform. So, it’s a platform that is set up for urban gospel, for us to reach the world for us to be able to go out there.”

But most importantly, “the spirit behind is the spirit of Christ. So in all the entertainment in everything, one thing is sure that it is Christ we are preaching, that it is Christ that we are bringing to the world,” he stated. The tour which is billed to commenceonFriday,the31stofMarchwilltake-off at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. Rita Obi, the tour coordinator further noted that “For now we are staring from the western part of Nigeria. Our first school is OAU from there we move to Ekiti, and then to UI. From there we move to Bowen and then LAUTECH. Our focus now is the west. When we are done with the west, we are moving to the south-south and then to the south-east and to the North.”

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s they prepare to hit location, producers of the upcoming biopic, ‘My Name is Misan’ have unveiled award-winning filmmaker, Uyoyou Adia as the director of the flick. Produced by Judith Audu Production and co-ordinated by Chino Obasi, a brand strategist, the movies stars some of Nollywood’s finest including Uche Mac-Auley, Bimbo Manuel, Joke Silva, Paul Adams, Sam Uche Anyamele, Yinka Akanbi and Efe Orhorha.

The screenplay is written by Ifeoma Emo-Onerhime, while Misan Udogie is the Executive Producer.

The movie follows the story of a catastrophe in a once beautiful family setting of Martin and Misan Udogie and the collapse of a highly sought-after Nigerian publication, BottomLINE Newsletters.

Executive Producer of the flick, Misan Udogie noted that it captured her life’s experience including her period of adversity: “Orighomisan means my head is good and I think that was the name that spoke for me through adversity.

The adverse times put a lot of strain on me but it also gave me experiences that enabled me overcome. That’s why I’m sharing my story in the form of a movie.

“The strength and intensity of my story made me put it into a movie. It was actually a pet project. I wanted to do a 30-minute video, but upon contracting a brand strategist and a movie producer, my story became bigger than me. The story is now being adapted into the big screen.”

Adia

Producer of the movie, Judith Audu also noted that the storyline was too compelling to let it pass: “We hope with this movie, we can bring to bear the dangers lurking behind the existential threat posed by societal and religious limitations in dealing with events which lead up to dysfunctional family relationships borne out of unmapped psychological disorders.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 25, 2023

AUTO WORLD

19

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK Tightening wheel nuts: Why is it so important?

Let’s be honest: How often do you check the tightness of your wheel nuts (and wheel bolts)?

Once the wheels have been fitted and the wheel bolts tightened, everything is ready – isn’t it? Not quite! When it comes to safety, it is very important to check the seating of the wheels from time to time, and not just after a tyre change. But why do you have to tighten the wheel nuts?

R-L: General Manager, GAC Motors China in charge of Asia and Africa, Sam Chu, Chairman, GAC Motors Nigeria, Chief Diana Chen, and Super EaglesMoses Simon, Ahmed Musa, Kenneth Omeruo at the opening of the GAC G-Style showroom and unveiling of the GS8 SUV in Abuja… recently

GAC Motors Dealer Opens G-Style Showroom in Abuja

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collaborative automotive industry hub amongst the countries in the region. The hub concept will ensure that each country with an automotive development policy or economic interest in the automotive industry has an important role to play in the supply value chain. We have also recorded the following milestones; Installation and operation of a state-of-the-art automobile in Abuja recently.

According to a statement by the company, assembly facility in Nigeria; Installation and CIG facilitated a joint venture between the operation of an integrated industrial and Governor of Lagos State for the use of 1000 domestic home appliances manufacturing GAC Motors (GS3 SUV & GA4) to create facility in Nigeria; Facilitated the successful an iconic urban public travel project known RSHUDWLRQ RI WKH ÀUVW :RUOG &ODVV 3ULYDWH 7D[L as LAGRIDE. “This project has changed the Project “LAGRIDE” a Joint Venture Partnership overall appearance of the public transportation with the Lagos State Government.”

According to Diana Chen, “GAC is fully comsystem in Lagos State, it has also created more local jobs which has provided Nigerian youths mitted to supporting creative artistry culture and ZLWK PRUH GLJQLÀHG DQG UHZDUGLQJ ZD\V RI its industrial transformation agenda despite the earning a living, including local third-party current economic challenges facing the country. service suppliers.

We are here for the long haul. Our company “Nigeria is an important market for our Africa believes in long term investments which are expansion plans, especially in West Africa, where nurtured through mutual relationships with ZH KDYH LGHQWLÀHG RSSRUWXQLWLHV RI GHYHORSLQJ D like-minded partners. Nigeria’s commitment AC Motor is set to take over the new vehicle assembly responsibility from its licensed importer in Nigeria, Choice International Group (CIG Motors) with the opening of a new G-Style Showroom

to the development of its automotive industry is evident in the GADP, which is still the blueprint automotive policy in the region in terms of creating an enabling environment for the establishment of an automotive industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.” )ROORZLQJ WKH GHEXW RI WKH ÀUVW HYHU *$& G-Style showroom in Lagos, Nigeria, the launch of the second G-Style showroom in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja represents yet another VLJQLÀFDQW WXUQLQJ SRLQW LQ WKH GHYHORSPHQW DQG extension of the GAC network across Nigeria.

GAC has a presence in 17 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where it sells passenger and commercial vehicles through licensed importers.

“As the frontier for the Fortune Global 500 Company of the automotive industry, Africa has become very important for the sustainability of GAC Motors. We are therefore accelerating our growth strategy on the continent by playing a pioneering and leading role in the development of the automotive industry.”

CFAO Nigeria now Official Co-Distributor of Sinotruk Howo

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nd users of heavy-duty trucks and equipment in Nigeria are in for better deals, and a boost in their SURGXFWLYLW\ DQG SURÀW JRLQJ IRUZDUG as CFAO Equipment signed up as WKH R΀FLDO FR GLVWULEXWRU RI 6LQRWUXN Howo in Nigeria towards the end

of last year.

As an internationally recognized company selling premium automotive brands in Nigeria, the Sinotruk Howo models will be given the CFAO Advantage backed by over a century-old service and technical know-how experience in Nigeria.

CFAO has been providing products and services DFURVV GLͿHUHQW FRXQWULHV RYHU WKH \HDUV $QG NH\ among the products and services being provided to its teeming patrons are automobile and construction equipment.

In Nigeria, the company which has positively contributed to the economy for more than 120 years, still prides itself as one of the most reliable brands in automobile and automotive solutions.

Amongst other products distributed by the group, CFAO Equipment, (which is under her Mobility subsidiary) currently distributes FUSO Trucks, King Long buses and Cargo Vans, JCB Construction Equipment and Toyota Forklift Machines.

However, the company has taken another bold step by adding the renowned Sinotruk Howo brand (N Series) to its line-up, with 371hp, 420hp and 430hp respectively with the following models -Tractor head - 6x4, CNG Tractor head - 6x4, Tipper - 6x4/8x4, Mixer-6x4/8x4 and Rigid chassis 6x4 (up to 30 tons).

7KHVH PRGHOV FRPH ZLWK GLͿHUHQW VSHFLÀFDWLRQV and applications depending on the end user needs in construction, logistics or even agricultural usage.

Sinotruk Howo General Manager of CFAO Equipment, Mr. Francois Van Bladel stated, “as a leading automotive company in Nigeria, we have established a wide DQG H΀FLHQW GLVWULEXWLRQ QHWZRUN WKDW FDQ GHOLYHU the trucks to every part of the country. We have the pedigree and the right personnel and technical support for customers, dealers and service centers so they have the necessary skills and knowledge to KDQGOH +2:2 6,12758.·V SURGXFWV HͿHFWLYHO\

7KH 6LQRWUXN +RZR 1 VHULHV RͿHUV D FRPELQDWLRQ RI FRPSHWLWLYH SULFH SRZHU H΀FLHQF\ FRPIRUW VDIHW\ and versatility that makes it an excellent choice for commercial trucking applications, long-term service intervals, lower-priced service parts, and long life of vehicles of up to 10-15 years. Its models and FRQÀJXUDWLRQV PDNH WKHP VXLWDEOH IRU D ZLGH UDQJH of commercial applications such as tipper trucks, mixers, cargo or tanker trucks/tractor units.

Tightening nuts: Safety first Anyone who travels by car on the road every day should have their tyres regularly retightened.

Automobile clubs recommend checking the seating of the nuts after 50 to 100 kilometres and retightening them whenever necessary. The reason for this is that the wheel bolts can loosen over time, meaning the wheel is no longer seated as tightly as it should be. After all, car tyres are subjected to heavy stresses on the road. You can prevent this by tightening the wheel nuts using a torque wrench whenever necessary.

The tightening tool: the torque wrench?

The torque wrench is indispensable both for changing the wheel and for retightening the nuts.

You can only tighten the wheel bolts correctly if you use one. The key to tightening tyres is the torque value (also called tightening torque). This is stipulated for each car or rim and tells you how much force should be used when tightening the wheel bolts.

This value must be maintained so that the bolts can withstand the stresses they are subjected to when driving and hold the wheel securely in place. If the screws are not tight enough, they can come loose whilst driving. If the wheel bolts are too tight, the threads might get stripped or damaged. And this is where the torque wrench comes in.

(Source: Barum)

West Africa’s Largest Car Parts Trade Show Returns in May West Africa’s largest automotive parts and after-market trade show is returning to Lagos in May. Now in its third edition, the West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) will take place at the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island from Tuesday May 16 to Thursday May 18.

The WAAS is forecast to see more than 150 exhibitors from 40 countries and more than 3,500 participants over its three days. Building on last year’s highly successful event, WAAS will include six country pavilions and will launch a new conference alongside the exhibition.

The WAAS Conference will provide visitors with even more opportunity to hear from policy makers and the industry about the automotive sector in Nigeria and West Africa, to find out what’s new, and to discuss policy and trends.

WAAS is the Region’s largest showcase for hundreds of automotive brands from across the world and covers a huge diversity of products, parts and services. It is organised by BtoB Events, which has the largest portfolio of trade exhibitions across the African continent, including the highly popular Food & Beverage West Africa and Beauty West Africa.

Jamie Hill, Managing Director of BtoB Events, is looking forward to welcoming first-timers and the many returning exhibitors and visitors, especially with the new WAAS Conference adding to the show’s support for the automotive sector.

“The West Africa Automotive Show has built a huge following and has already become the largest automotive aftermarket exhibition in West Africa. Visitors appreciate being among the first to see, touch and encounter new products and technologies from across the world on site,” he says.

“The WAAS Conference will add to the experience, bringing together the industry’s key leaders and government officials to discuss trends and challenges. I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Luqman Mamudu, the Director of Policy and Planning at the National Automotive Council, as Conference chair.”

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 25, 2023

EVENTS

T

he founder of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria and Chairman of R. T. Briscoe, Sir Sunday Nnamdi Nwosu clocked 70 years recently. To celebrate, a thanksgiving mass was held at St Bernadette Catholic Church, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos State. A reception followed at the Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun where Yinka Ayefele, a gospel/Juju singer entertained guests. Here are the faces of some of the personalities at the occasion

PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

L-R: Elder Acha Kalu; Sunday Adamu Magwi; and Prof. Samson Duna

Celebrant, Sir Sunday Nwosu (middle), flanked by his wife, Lady Comfort, his children, grand children and, the Church Priests (behind)

L-R: Afeez Hariman and Moses Igbrude

Mr. and Mrs Remi Oni

Otunba and Mrs Dipo Onabanjo

Pastor and Mrs Erastus Akingbola

Mr. and Mrs Akin Ajayi

L-R: Innocent Okorie; Osato Aideyan; and Adebayo Adeleke

Mr. Philip; and Sir Supo Adigun

R-L: Mr and Mrs Mathew Akinlade; and Mrs Bunmi Popoola-Mordi

Mr. and Mrs Sam Ayininuola

L-R: Paul Nwosu; Lolade Tijani; and Emmanuel Agu

SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 25, 2023

TRAVELOGUE Nigeria, An Exciting Country Felicia Marie-Oni

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haplain Mrs Felicia Marie-Oni, an American who was recently in Nigeria to tie the nuptial knot with her Nigerian man, Solomon Oni, writes on her journey to matrimony and experience in the country My life has changed forever because of my diligence, trust, sacrifice and commitment to trust God and go all the way back to the beginning and start all over again. That would begin in Africa. I researched for a few years and studied the lives of Africans and the battles they face.

I never imagined I would meet the love of my life from all the way across the world in the country of Nigeria. But in my search of my purpose, our worlds met. Our spirits were searching and seeking God for our soulmate and his purpose for our lives. And we did this soberly, lonely, feeling rejected, unworthy, and tired of life, as we had been experiencing it and we wanted more.

I tried to alter my personality to a personality that people liked but it didn’t work because it was not me. I was a more gentle, loving, kind, understanding, Godly, African person which was not really cool. Other people rejected her and so did I. I found my life going deeper into a hole that was not befitting for the real me and the vision I saw for myself.

Isawmyselfinthechurch,marriedwithchildren livingarighteouslifeuntotheLord.So,Irejected my past and went back to the real Felicia Marie.

The rejected stone went back home. Home to her real father God. This decision blinded me because I was now walking behind God and not in front of him. It’s a journey that you don’t know where you are going but you know it’ll be ok because I was walking behind God, and I began to become

comfortable in my new shoes and God begins to show favour in my life.

My business grew, my family life grew, everythinginmylifestartedlookingandfeelingmore like right. I began to preach the gospel with no shame and proclaiming the name of Jesus over theinternetwhichishowIwasintroducedtomy loving husband crown Prince, Pastor, Politician, Overseer Solomon Ayodeji Eniola Oni. He found me proclaiming the word of the Lord, and I found him doing the same. When God is in it, there is no limits. Now my husband has come. I knew he was my husband because I was in my season and I saw all the signs that he was heaven sent to me by God. In order to receive from God, you have to believe in God, believe in miracles, believe in signs and wonders. I believed and received. I forsake the challenges and work that needed tobedonetomeetmyhusbandandGodmoved me beyond them.

IlefttomarrymyhusbandonJanuary22,2023.

Once I waited for the plane to touchdown at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, I made it home to my Man, Marriage and Motherland. I knew I was in the right place and with the right people. I knew God was pleased and leading my life. I knew once I made it to the Motherland that I’d been rewarded from God. I was on the road to my new future in life.

You must humble yourself to God all the way. Before you see the goodness of God, you have to see all facets of his life and his people.

Sometimes,allwewanttoseeisthegoodparts of God’s life and his existence but there is good in seeing all of someone. That’s what I saw in Africa. Africa has no shame, it’s a place that is thankful and appreciates its origin and culture.

They’re are struggles in Africa that I’ve never faced before in my life and it has humbled me to appreciate everything the fortunate and the not so fortunate because it all represents a

Felicia and husband, Oni

whole. The life and the death. It’s all part of life.

I was greeted with so much love, compassion, excitement, and acceptance. I didn’t have to put on any airs, I was accepted for me being me. I found my family. Unbelievable. Only God. Upon arriving, my first stop was the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Church of God. This is the first place my husband and I prayed together and blessed our marriage, wedding and praised and thanked God. The people on the Camp were so beautiful to me, we gave to whomever we could because we were just so moved by their hospitality and true love. I felt like I was around people like me. Nobody was a stranger to each other, we all treated each other like brother and sister. It was so relaxing and calming. I felt like I had met myself in so many people especially my husband.

I say I met myself because that’s who I am.

No one is a stranger to me and we’re all equal.

Nobody’s greater. No matter what you may hear about the Motherland, it’s important to go and meet who we really are as a people. We carry personalities that are not who we really are and are afraid to change because we won’t have as many likes, but it doesn’t matter. Be yourself, An African Queen and King, Prince and Princess.

My wedding was as beautiful as we prayed for. My Royal wedding was held at Ibadan North Local Government Registry and our reception followed at Nigeria Army Officer Tiger Mess, Agodi GRA Ibadan with the military officers hosting our reception. It was phenomenal.

I experienced and enjoyed my head being wrapped and wearing custom made clothing which I’d never experienced in my life.

I felt like the Queen that I am. I felt royalty for once in my life in the African way and the country of Nigeria. I felt beautiful, respected, and Royal. My wedding day was very emotional for me because I was getting married in the Motherland to this great man of God surrounded by father of the Day Ambassador Dr. Yemi Farounbi, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipians; General Overseer, Apostle Dr. Opemuyi of Agbala Holy Michael Church, Sanyo, Ibadan, whom also hosted our Wedding Thanksgiving on January 29, 2023, amongst other influential people.

We had some Generals in attendance, like Brigadier General Alex Tawasinmi, Garrison Commander, 2 Mechanized Division, Odogbo Ibadan; Brigadier General Adeyemo, Director of Engineer, 2 Mechanized Divisions, Odogbo Ibadan, who’s a member of 44 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, course mate of my husband.

Chaplain Mrs Felicia Marie-Oni wrote from New York City, USA

INTERVIEW

Ukanwoke: BetKing Has Made Significant Impact in 5 Years OneofNigeria’sleadingsportsbettingcompanies,BetKingrecentlyclockedfiveyears.Inthisinterview with its Managing Director, Gossy Ukanwoke, he spoke on the strides made and how the company has impacted in areas of Corporate Social Responsibility. Olaoluwakitan Babatunde was there

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ongratulations on BetKing’s five-yearjourney.Howwould you describe the Nigerian terrain and how BetKing has weathered the storm to emerge as a market leader?

Nigeriaisoneofthetopthree economies in Africa with one of the largest populations in the world. This positions the country as a valuable region for businesses like ours. BetKing has been able to grow and become a market leader by focusing on our customers. We have built our offerings to bring value to our users, and this has in turn endeared them to us. We have also built our reputation as a reliable provider that ensures our customers receive their winnings no matter how big. As an industry player, we have centered our focus on responsible gambling, compliance, and community development.

OurAgents,SuperAgentsandMasterAgents have partnered us to bring our brand closer to our retail customers by investing in their businesses with us to open up shops across the country.

BetKing has recently implemented some CSR activities. Can you describe these activities and how they align with BetKing’s overall mission and values?

At BetKing, we are deeply committed to improving the quality of life in the communities we operate in across Nigeria. This

of some media broadcasts of the event on television. How often can we expect to see this, or is it a one-time occurrence?

Our involvement in the last AFCON tournament is definitely not a one-time affair. As a brand that loves sports, we have always partnered the media to provide our customers with the best sports experience. We will continuetoexploremoreavenuesforthebrand to strengthen its relationship with the media.

We doubled these efforts in our World Cup campaign as we sponsored over 10 Nigerians to watch the event live in Doha, including our customers and agents, while putting together viewing locations across the country where fans could watch the football matches with other side attractions.

can be seen in the various CSR initiatives we have supported since 2020. These initiatives span across sports, health, education, and the environment - four pillars of focus for all our CSR efforts.

Since our inception in 2018, we have pursued development within these four areas, ensuring that we leave a positive impact through thirdparty and self-owned initiatives.

How does BetKing measure the impact of its CSR activities? Can you provide specific examples of how these activities have positively impacted the communities they are intended to serve?

The impact of our CSR activities can be truly felt when you speak to recipients. Through the objectives of our 4 CSR pillars, we have been able to position BetKing as a morally conscious brand that cares about the general well-being of people and their respective communities. An example can be seen in our last BetKing Cares campaign, an initiative that focused on health, wellness, and environmental sustainability.

During this campaign, we provided medical services and equipment, as well as clean-up exercises, in 7 cities across Nigeria. In all, 2718 people benefited directly from the BetKing Cares campaign, which is to date the most community impact any gaming company has achieved in Nigeria.

In 2020 we supported over 200 market women to rebuild their businesses in markets that were razed by fire. This support enabled

Ukanwoke

these women to return to their businesses and provide their contributions to their local economies.

This year, we intend to extend the reach of the BetKing Cares campaign, work with more organizations, and grow our reach, allowing us to support more people and communities within the country.

BetKing sponsored some winners to participate in the last AFCON in Cameroon, and you were also involved in the sponsorship

A former Nigerian legend, Austin Jay Jay Okocha is one of your brand ambassadors.

How will you describe the impact of having him as the face of your brand?

Jay Jay Okocha as the face of BetKing has brought the brand a good amount of success.

Our customers have been able to connect more with the brand due to our affiliation with the football legend. He is a widely loved and trusted personality, and that in turn has helped our customer base put their trust in us. We can confidently say that his involvement with our brand is one of the key reasons why we have become successful in this market.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 25, 2023

POLITY

Victor Ikeji: Ndi Abia Believe Otti is a Godsend High Chief Victor Ikeji was actively involved in campaigning for Governor-elect Dr. Alex Otti.

A member of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Council, Ikeji responds to questions on the prospects of an Otti administration in Abia State. He spoke with Nduka Nwosu. Excerpts: on what he met on the ground. These are part of the problems facing the Governor-elect, but he is in no way fazed by issues of this nature.

You were actively involved in the Alex Otti campaign network, how do you feel today?

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he feeling comes with a sense of liberation, the realisation of a dream, the understanding that finally it is time to sit down and join the Governor-Elect in this God-ordained assignment to rebuild Abia State and set an agenda for the future. I am happy that in my age, my generation will be part of this re-building project of a state that has all it takes to be a key player in the economic growth of our country.

Do not forget that the former Eastern Nigeria of which Abia State was a part of, and under Dr. Michael Okpara who came from the state, took the economy of this region to a level it was considered Africa’s fastest growing economy. The high point of that growth process was agriculture, complemented with four industrial villages in Port Harcourt, Aba, Umuahia and Enugu. Aba made an impact as a trading hub of the sub-region of West Africa until recently when under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration, its infrastructure network collapsed.

Since then, Aba went into a comatose and its industrial hub diminished in meaning and significance to the extent Governor Okezie Ikpeazu considered the opening of a fast-food joint in the city an achievement.

The Governor-Elect is eager to revamp the infrastructure network in Aba and Umuahia the state capital which looks like a village and without a Government House, whereas Ebonyi State, carved out of Abia, now boasts of two Government Houses and fly overs across the state capital Abakiliki.

Our Governor-elect has all it takes to go to work. Ndi Abia will witness less stress as he goes to fix things in their right places and remove what over the years has proved to be an impediment to the progress of the state. As a private citizen, he has used his Foundation to award scholarships to indigent students, made significant impact in assisting those with life threatening problems and general donations to improve health facilities, built roads in Arochukwu, Isiala Ngwa and Isuikwuato. He has also attracted a First Bank and Diamond Bank branches across Abia while working for the two organisations, and a host of other civic activity contributions too many to mention here, all within his limited resources. Now that he has access to the Abia treasury, he will utilise the resources to effect by deploying them where they are most needed. In the eight years ahead, there will be cause to celebrate. Those who put Abia State to shame, will live to see a difference.

How will the Governor-Elect raise the resources to execute what looks like a gargantuan project, considering the domestic and foreign debt profile of the state?

First, the Governor-Elect will obviously use his connections in corporate Nigeria to do deals that will be in favour of Abia State. He is highly respected in the industry and among his first assignments will be the restructuring of Abia’s debt profile, to get a breather in doing what needs to be done. If you study his manifesto, unity of Abians, rebuilding or reconstruction of the state and security of life and property, will be key points of his administration. The Governor-elect wrote the manifesto and as he put it, it is not the job of a paid consultant. To that extent he knows what he is talking about. The 35-page manifesto is his covenant with the people of Abia. He has said among other things that he would bring power and development to the people through the local governments because that is how it is expected to be.

Abia is a rich state whose economy was squandered by ungodly leaders and the Governor-elect will re-write that narrative. Our internally generated revenue, if effectively managed, will help create wealth outside the resource from oil. Long before now, Abians in the Diaspora had shown keen interest investing their earnings back home. With an improved security network which is a hallmark project in the governor-elect’s

Do you think the Governor-elect will place special emphasis on road construction?

The road infrastructure network in Abia is a major problem on both federal and state roads. The Governorelect Dr. Otti is going to give top priority to road reconstruction. His administration will definitely make a difference. Our neighbours especially Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, have set a pace for us.

Under Governor Sam Mbakwe, Imo State had a road network that was the cynosure of all eyes using Monier Construction Company (MCC) of which he was at a point its legal adviser, to create a modern road network in Imo State. Those halcyon years of trail blazing achievements are the expectations of the people from the Otti Administration. He knows he cannot achieve all of this in a twinkle of an eye, but he is able and excited to do the needful with his team.

Ikeji manifesto, foreign direct investment (FDI) including Diaspora earnings, would help boost resources available to the state.

The Governor-elect will do it the way of former Premier of Eastern Region Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara and the former Governor of Imo State before the creation of Abia State, Dr. Sam Mbakwe. These two great statesmen contributed to the growth of this section of the country. Fastforward, one would have thought that today, Aba should have witnessed the planned integration with Port Harcourt in terms of a huge industrial village or city as was in the original plan of the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria. What do we see instead? A decapitated city whose infrastructure network has been completely shaken down the drain.

The World Bank partnered with the Abia State Government to help in arresting perennial floods in the state especially in the Aba axis. Akwa Ibom was a beneficiary of that arrangement and has gone ahead to produce the expected results from the partnership. Surprisingly as the Ikpeazu administration prepares its hand over letter, that project has not realised its objectives, part of which principally was to halt flooding in Aba and its environs.

The 27.4 billion Ndiegoro Abia World Bank project was queried by Mr. Martins Ichita, a legislator in the Abia State House of Assembly representing Aba South State Constituency. He is not the only one asking questions on how this collaboration has proved beneficial to Abia State, Aba in particular.

Specifically, the Ndiegoro Flood Control Project, was meant to fund road construction and erosion control in Aba, Port-Harcourt Road, Uratta Road, Obohia Road, Ohanku Road and Ngwa Road; this state of affairs gives you an idea of how profligate and unaccountable the Ikpeazu government had piloted the affairs of Abia State these past eight years. There was no attempt to improve

Ndi Abia will remain loyal partners in this rebuilding project The task ahead is enormous but we believe one with God is majority. Ndi Abia believe our new Governor-elect is a Godsend and are therefore wholeheartedly behind him

Considering the huge wastage and corruption that occurred under the PDP, will Governor-elect Otti let go of recovering some of the loot and focus on the more important project of rebuilding Abia?

If you have been listening to his recent interviews, he is saying just that, which is that the task on ground calls for minimum distraction. A probe into the malfeasance that engulfed the state from the word go, will be more damaging than rewarding. Nothing will come out of such a probe. Therefore, the governor is not likely to travel along such a trajectory. My take is that right now the Governor-elect is working towards hitting the ground running from day one. That is who he is.

He knows there are outstanding salaries to be paid; he knows that hungry and sick pensioners have been dropping dead for non-payment of salaries and gratuities; he knows about the problems of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH). He knows that our hospitals and the health sector are severely damaged.

He knows so much is wrong with Abia State, and these are the reasons he is assembling his arsenals for action, gathering a team with zero corruption tolerance as its mantra.

Finally, what is your message to the Governorelect?

I have already sent out my message to him. It is an encapsulation of the way the majority of Abians feel right now comparing him with Solomon, king of Israel who was charged to rebuild the Lord’s temple.

His victory came with a wide margin over his closest contestant Chief Okechukwu Ahaiwe of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His entry into the gubernatorial race was strewn with thorns along the way but he withstood the tests and trials guided by the unseen hand of the Almighty. Ndi Abia are jubilating across the country and the global village where they remained awake praying that this huge opportunity of liberation must not be allowed to slip off our hands by the same forces that held Abia captive for 24 years.

To whom much is given much is expected. There is no doubt that looking at the Governor-elect’s pedigree, that of a man whose mission has been defined, that he would deliver. He is a banker per excellence, just as His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi who chaired Fidelity Bank and helped it experience huge growth. Governor-elect Otti’s years in Diamond Bank as Chief Executive took it out of the doldrums before his resignation to face a greater challenge of liberating Abia State. As an economist and columnist, he has tutored us with brilliant postulations and ideas on how to grow the economy. All of these will come to bear at this momentous opportunity to reconstruct Abia and its economy.

Ndi Abia will remain loyal partners in this rebuilding project The task ahead is enormous, but we believe one with God is majority. Ndi Abia believe our new governor-elect is a Godsend and are therefore wholeheartedly behind him.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 25, 2023

24

POLITY

Ace Economist Uka Ezenwe As The People’s Professor Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

A Diary of God’s Grace: Autobiography of an Academic by Uka Iwuchukwu Ezenwe; Tamaza Publishing Company Ltd, Zaria, Nigeria; 2022; 246pp

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rof Uka Iwuchukwu Ezenwe excelled as the dean of dons in his more than 35 years of teaching in the university. He served as the President of the Nigerian Economic Society but prefers to tell his story from humble beginnings, thusly: “I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I lost my father at the tender age of six. I could not proceed to secondary school after my primary education due to lack of sponsorship and had to start teaching only one year after primary education. My situation helped me to develop an unstoppable mindset early in life, which has paid off.”

Many Nigerian personages gained from the tutelage of Prof Uka Ezenwe, one of whom, the former DirectorGeneral of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Suleyman A. Ndanusa, OON, wrote the Foreword: “The autobiography titled A Diary of God’s Grace, in one swoop, has brought together a story of a life’s journey in virtues and spiritual values laced in humility. Like the author said, the overall purpose of the memoir is to inspire, inform, educate and perhaps entertain and, above all, draw attention to God’s mercies in his life. “ Ezenwe is a survivor who gives God all the glory for his life’s journey, as he writes in the Preface: “Aside from academic pursuits and achievements, I see the manifestation of God’s grace early in my life. I caught yaws at the tender age of twelve months and survived it; I have also survived two armed robbery attacks; one terrible car accident, a fall from ube tree, and a number of dangerous threats to my life.”

Born into the polygamous Ezenweinyinya family of Amaba kindred of Ugwuakwu village in Umuchu town, Aguata LGA, of today’s Anambra State, the young Uka was the 6th child of his mother and the 9th of the 14 children of his father. He renders his ancestry with the mastery of a historian and puts upfront the Ezenweinya Family Tree for all to see.

He started his early education at St. Thomas CMS School, Umuchu in 1945, that is, the year of the end of the Second World War. This his nearby hometown primary school did not have the full complement of primary education, so he had to in 1950 continue his education at St. Peter’s CMS School, Achina-Akpo that was nine kilometres

Ezenwe

away, a distance he had to walk on foot every morning. He placed 3rd at the completion of his primary school education in 1954 but had nobody to sponsor his education in secondary school.

Young Uka had to make do with studying in a 12-month church-sponsored teacher training programme in Ngwo in present-day Enugu State, and was posted as a teacher in 1956 to St. John’s Anglican School, Oko, the hometown of Dr. Alex Ekwueme. Uka was barely 14 years of age and bought a Raleigh bicycle in July 1956. A church evangelization plan entailed that teachers should be taken to their hometowns, and this put Uka back in Umuchu.

He gained further training at St. Cyprian’s College, Nsukka, and St. Mark’s College, Nibo-Nise, and studied privately for his GCE (A-Level) in Economics, British Constitution, and History.

He applied to study in either University of Ghana, Legon or University of Ibadan. While Ibadan denied him Legon answered his prayer. Fortuitously, a friend of Uka’s brother who had some business dealings in Ghana signed on October 5, 1965 to sponsor his studies upon the agreement that the student will refund the money starting from a year’s grace after getting employment.

Uka was in Ghana studying during the Biafra war years, a battle in which his younger brother, Chukwuemeka, died on the battlefield fighting for the independence of Biafra.

After Uka completed his first degree studies, a Dutch Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Stemeers, helped him to secure financial support for an M.Sc Economics programme. Uka

L-R: Wife of the Minister of Works and Housing, Dame Abimbola Fashola; Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, and Managing Director/Federal Commissioner for Public Complaints Commission , Mr. Bimbo Ayo Yusuf during the 2023 Governorship and House of Assembly, Election in Surulere, Lagos…

SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Director Public Health, African Dental Students Association (AFRODSA), Oduneye Olamide; Dentist, Dr. Adebayo Oluwafemi; Lagos State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps, Yetunde Baderinwa; National Below-The-Line Manager, Colgate Tolaram, Anthony Amadin during Community Outreach/ Awareness Rally and Free Dental Check activity to commemorate World Oral Day in Lagos…. recently

also applied successfully to the Geneva-based International University Exchange Fund (IUEF). Prof Ojetunji Aboyade from the University of Ibadan served as the external examiner as Uka Ezenwe became “the second person to successfully defend his M.Sc (Economics) thesis in Legon. “ An ambitious lad, he applied to the University of St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland to pursue a Ph.D. course and was offered admission on the grounds that he must pass the M.Litt course before proceeding to the Ph.D. degree. The Danish Inter-Church Aid and World Service offered him a three-session scholarship.

He briefly visited Nigeria and his Umuchu hometown before flying off to the United Kingdom in pursuit of the coveted Golden Fleece. While studying in Scotland, Uka had to bring over from Nigeria the angelic lady, Miss Regina Ezenwabasili, whom his family had done the necessary traditional rites to be his bride. He got her a clerical job at the Nigerian Consulate in Edinburgh, and Uka even worked as a part-time waiter at the Caledonian Hotel before they wedded on July 21, 1973 at St. Thomas Church of England, Glasgow Road, Edinburgh.

Uka Ezenwe’s eventful 30-year sojourn as a teacher at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria started in October 1973 from the post of Lecturer II, then promoted to Lecturer 1 in 1976, Senior Lecturer 1978, Reader (Associate Professor) 1981, and Professor in 1984, thus becoming the first Nigerian Professor of Economics at ABU, Zaria. He excelled as Dean of the Faculty in 1992, triumphing over the dire politics of a Southerner working in the North. He was even approached by the VC to be the Deputy Vice-Chancellor but murky politics put that on one side.

After his retirement from ABU, he enjoyed a rewarding stint at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Abuja from May 2, 2002 to May 2007. He made a return to the university system at the University of Abuja in 2008.

He published his first book, ECOWAS and the Economic Integration of West Africa, in 1983 and delivered his inaugural lecture on March 31, 1998.

He was the founding Chairman of e-Barcs Microfinance Bank, Abuja, and was given the high chieftaincy title of Ezeugonmuta (Champion of learning). Where he lives in Abuja bears his name: Uka Ezenwe Close, adjacent to the great labour leader’s Hassan Sunmonu Street.

A people’s professor, Uka Ezenwe undertook empowerment and development initiatives in his hometown of Umuchu and in Anambra State. He was unrelenting in promoting education and working in the Lord’s Vineyard. He is a champion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

As a fitting conclusion to A Diary of God’s Grace, Prof Uka Ezenwe renders: “My Thoughts on Nigeria’s Survival: The Criticality of Restructuring.” Prof Ezenwe argues that “what can pull Nigeria out of the brink is the convocation of a sovereign national conference (SNC).”

L-R: Marketing Manager, Promasidor, Debola Williams; Portfolio Manager, Beyond Beer, Nigerian Breweries Plc. Olaoluwa Babalola; Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, Multichoice Nigeria, Dr. Bisola Tejumola; Portfolio Manager, Adjacencies, Elohor Olumide-Awe; General Manager, SBC, Segun Ogunleye; and Executive Head, DSTV Medial Sales, Doris Ohanugo at the 9th edition of African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) in association with Multichoice press conference held in Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Head of corporate marketing and key accounts, Folorunsho Alaran, Chief Operating Officer, West Africa (Pharma) Business Operations, Shalina Healthcare, Arun Raj; overall winner of the Shalina Young Talents Award, Abiona Damilola Peace of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Dr. Ezekiel Akinkunmi; and National Chairman, Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia, Prof. Sunday Idowu at the Grand Finale and Presentation of Prizes of Shalina Young Talents Award Season 4 in Lagos... recently...

DAN UKANA

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 25, 2023

25

POLITY

Alex Otti and the A ‘ bia Demons’ Jones Ike

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bia State is one of the few in Nigeria whose contradictions are quite self-evident. It is an oil producing State. Aba, its big city is not only the commercial nerve centre of the east but a potentially huge money spinner in revenue terms. Mineral resources like gas, kaolin lead, limestone etc. abound in commercial quantities in different parts of the state. It also has huge fertile land resources. Above all, it has a high concentration of entrepreneurs, skilled and semi-skilled human resources.

Abia State has all the potentials to be a developed and model state in the country, yet the reverse is rather the case.

Aba its commercial city is rated as the least developed city in Nigeria. Umuahia the state capital is often referred to as a glorified village on account of absence of basic infrastructure in the place. Most of its rural areas are characterised by dilapidated infrastructure.

The state ranks least in several development indices. The reason for such an ugly state of affairs is because Abia State government policy formulation and implementation have most often been characterised by a great deal of arbitrariness, inefficiency, lack of transparency, accountability and outright failure.

Abians themselves are quite aware of their peculiar predicament and the most conscientious of their political elite has always struggled against it.

Abians often make a joke of the negative forces that have held their state down including the electoral malpractices that have always militated against their democratic choices by derisively referring to them as “Abia Demons” The quest to defeat the ‘Abia demons’ have a long history.

Some trace the origin to the quest by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s “Otu Onu Movement” that sprouted during the 2003 gubernatorial elections while some others refer the origin of a change movement to the quest by Chief Onyema Ugochukwu during the governorship election of 2007.

However, there is a near consensus amongst the intellectual class, that the quest to defeat the Abia demons got a real boost when in 2014, one of its brilliant minds, Dr. Alex Otti, a first-class economist resigned his very lucrative job as the managing Director of Diamond Bank to lead the charge.

He had then reorganised the moribund state chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) into a real fighting force. Otti, parading incredible academic and public sector credentials plus very high level of personal integrity did not have much difficulty convincing most Abians about his messianic message of liberating them from the iron grip of the ‘Abia demons’ that had over the years held them hostage.

Otti Even though Abians voted massively for Otti’s APGA in the governorship election that held on Saturday 11th April 2015, some magic humongous figures suddenly sprouted up in three local government of Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South which were areas that both international and local observers held in their reports that elections did not hold.

On the basis of such reports, the returning officer for the election cancelled the magic results and was about declaring Otti as the winner when he was ordered to return the magic figures thereby enabling a PDP Win. The matter became a subject of intense litigation and dragged up to Supreme Court where the learned Justices held that the card reader, which was the basis of the election was not backed by law. Otti ever so determined tried his luck again in 2019 and the magic figures from the same local governments were yet his undoing in that 2019 gubernatorial election.

The ‘Abia Demons’ were still not done yet. Meanwhile as the demonic forces of electoral malpractices were on full ascent in the elections, which prevented the democratic choices from accessing political power, Abians watched helplessly as their state regressed in all indices of development.

They watched in consternation as their state became the object of rudicle amongst south easterners. They became bemused as the state debt profile, which ballooned in 2015 and kept piling up to the extent that it is estimated to be in the region of N150 billion as at date.

They watched helplessly at the mismanagement of the N27 billion world bank loan, secured to take care of the road and flood problems around Uratta road, Obohia road Porth Harcourt road, Ngwa road etc. Abians watched helplessly as the public sector workers went months after months without any prospect

of having their emolument paid to them. The same was also the situation with the pensioners.

The situation was compounded with the first rains that came which saw the major cities of Aba and Umuahia being submerged by floods. These were the factors that induced a more determined quest by Abians led by Otti and his Labour Party to decisively defeat the “Abia Demons” this time around.

The situation was helped by the emergence of Peter Obi as the leader of the change agents in Nigeria It also has to be noted that Otti with his Labour Party Partisans campaigned very hard in all the nooks and crannies of Abia State to the extent that his acceptability and prospect of winning the election was not in doubt However, the “Abia Demons” as it relates to electoral malpractices were not yet done and were rather prepared for an overkill just like it happened in 2015 and 2019. The magic figures from Obingwa local Government again surfaced on Saturday march 18th gubernatorial elections, which was intended to cancel majority of the votes cast by Abians. As has been proven now, a figure of 9962 was fraudulently changed to 108,000 and with the help of thugs and other armed groups, the figure was successful uploaded into the INEC IREV Server. This must be the most scandalous malpractices ever recorded in the 2023 gubernatorial election. The ‘Abia Demons’ clearly wanted an overkill.

The orgy of wild celebrations witnessed in all the nook and crannies of Abia following the declaration of Otti as the winner of the Saturday 18th march 2023 governorship election goes to demonstrate the relief which the citizens felt over the defeat of the ‘Abia Demons’ as it relates to electoral malpractices.

It has to be noted though that only one part of the “Abia Demons”, the part dealing with electoral malpractices has been defeated. The other part which might even prove more resilient, which has to do with the maladministration and under development of the state, is still waiting and rearing for a fight.

Abians has over the years queued behind Otti’s Messianic message of liberation from the iron grip of the “Abia Demons” because of their conviction that he has the strength of character, brilliance and exposure to liberate them. So much has been given to him in his quest, so much will be expected of him. He cannot afford to fail. In this quest for good governance, he should be aware of the major albatross of his predecessors and that he is the company of all manner of scoundrels, sycophants and jobbers, the yes men.

The bad governance structure in the state has over the years produced large numbers of such people as an industry.

It is also good to note the congratulatory messages and pledges of not challenging the electoral outcome in court. It is a good omen for the state. Otti clearly needs all the good will he could garner in other to enable his government to take off well. Otti is clearly deserving of all the congratulatory messages he is receiving.

NASENI Begins $325.8m Solar Cells Plant Project Olaoluwakitan Babatunde The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna yesterday disclosed that the agency has embarked on a $325,860,690 Solar Cells Production Plant to make power cheaper and affordable.

Haruna revealed this during the foundation laying for NASENI Solar Cells Production Plant in Gora, Nasarawa State, done by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

He said the plant is a game changer in the nation’s energy sector. Haruna said although the agreement for the production plant was initially signed in July 2013, the intervention of Osinbajo made the project to take off.

The NASENI boss said the agency’s goal was to use science, technology, innovation, and engineering to advance local content interventions in power sector reforms.

He said the commencement of the plant signaled the implementation of one of the three projects contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASENI and the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC).

Haruna said: “The cost of solar energy is still beyond the affordability of an average Nigerian hence the necessity of this project. When fully commissioned, the price of per watt of solar power supply will be cheap enough to be affordable to everyone and it is a game changer in energy and power supply industry as well as industrial development of Nigeria.

“This production and research plant consists of four main production sections on a 15.8 hectares of land which are (a) Polysilicon section of 1,000 ton per annum; (b) Ingot of 50MW per annum;(c) Wafers of 50MW per annum; and (d) Solar cells of 50MW per annum “It will cost a total of $171,970,000USD with 85% funding equivalent of $146,174,500USD support from China Africa Development (CAD) fund through the Bank of China and 15% local counterpart funding, equivalent of $25,795,500USD from Nigeria.

“The other two projects are Electric Power Transformer Production Plant at $123,990,000USD and High Voltage Testing Laboratory at $29,900,690USD. The total cost approved for the three projects is $325,860,690 and a total of $276,981,586.5 representing 85% is from China. The 15% counterpart for the three projects is $48,879,103.5 and NASENI has installmentally remitted up to 46.89% or $22,921,505.40 of the 15 percent ($48,879,103.5).

“Excess capacity of polysilicon and future expansion of wafers and solar cells production will lead to exportation for foreign exchange earnings.”

Haruna commended President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the chairman of NASENI Governing Board, for according the agency a new status which has fast-tracked its innovations. He also thanked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for making the plant project a reality.

He added: “This singular project has the capacity to positively change the energy status of Nigeria, the region, and the continent of Africa, since it is the first of its type.

“The agreement to establish this production plant was initially signed in July 2013 and was renewed in 2018 after surmounting various frustrating obstacles and bureaucratic bottlenecks that almost led to the termination of the project.

“This foundation laying ceremony ten years after, is worth celebrating. But I think the Chief Celebrant today and on this project is, His Excellency, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo himself because of the role he played to secure the buy-in and approval of the National Economic Council (NEC) under his Chairmanship, on this and other projects of NASENI. “On many occasions of the proceedings of NEC and on my one-on-one with His Excellency, the Vice President, he has encouraged NASENI to prioritize and invest the limited resources on solar energy and to ensure the success of this project due to the envisaged positive impact on energy security, mitigation of climate change and the overall economic development of Nigeria.”

He said President Buhari and NASENI were still

L-R: Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna; Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu and the President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Otunba Francis Meshioye at the foundation laying of NASENI’s Solar Cells Production Plant in Gora, Nasarawa State yesterday. “quite uncomfortable with status of energy supply in Nigeria and have embarked on the use of science, technology, innovation, and engineering to advance local content interventions in power sector reforms.

“Our intervention using different products of solar energy alternative and climate smart solution, was carefully thought out with identified phases from ideation to commercialization.” The VP congratulated the government and the people of Nasarawa State, as well as the NASENI leadership, on behalf of President Buhari, who is the Chairman of the governing board.

Osinbajo expressed optimism that the NASENI Solar Cells Production Plant will meet and surpass all our expectations when it becomes fully operational.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 25, 2023

26

FAJ/PEOPLE

COUNTERPOINT

Falling in Love with Nigeria

FEMI

Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.

- Dreams by Langston Hughes

O

dd, isn’t it…talking about love in this period when some Nigerians saw the first eight hours (or more) of 18th of March, 2023 as “war-time” of some sorts? In many “battle ground” states - Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Oyo, Rivers, Delta, and quite a large swathe of the country - people were “sharpening” their PVCs, figuratively, to knock the existing order or status quo out of their long-lasting power reverie. Of course, the old mongers were not sitting on their hands - they pruned old and new strategies, both modern and traditional, to thwart the impudent affront of the youth brigade. And the signs were clear that whichever side eventually comes away with the victory plaque from INEC, the trajectory of electioneering and power politics would have shifted significantly out of its usual shadowy cocoon of inevitability and the fraudulent system of godfatherism obsessed with petty trading in power.

Yet, it is love - in its purest ungarnished form - that propels the world to moments of greatness and incredible accomplishments. We are driven by what we love, where we love to be, and for whom or on behalf of those we love.

“For God so love the world…,” the Good Book says…and if we indeed have the DNA of the Divine in us, then it is not surprising what some of us can do for or because of love. In spite of all the harrowing incidents and relentless reports of political failings, economic regression and wanton destruction of infrastructures of the past six decades, if we scratch beyond the

bones, we have no doubt that there are real opportunities and possibilities of pushing this country into a space where it would command regard and admiration of comity of nations.

However, that great dream can only be attained and sustained when her children hold her and treat her with unflinching love and an awesome sense of patriotism.

One is often intrigued when the younger generations write and talk with chuckles their mantra of “May Nigeria not happen to you!”

The clear message is that their country is seen as some sort of gangrenous disease or, less bluntly, an unfortunate occurrence that could set back a promising life. How did we get to a point where the aura of your nation is seen as a delimiting ogre capable of destroying promising or infant activities?

Of course, there are obvious causes for this sorry state. Apart from the first ten years or so (1954 - 1965) of active nation building efforts of our pre-independence political leaders fresh out of British-trained conveyor belts, most of our history is littered with military interventions and social engineering (1966, 1975, 1983, 1985, 1993 and 1998). Most of our founding fathers meant well for their people, even when some of their ideas of nationalism were narrowed by regional considerations and tribal competitiveness. Yet, leaders like Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, Aminu Kano, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Jaja Nwachukwu, Dennis Osadebay, Anthony Enahoro, Muhammadu Ribadu, etc strove to knit some amalgam of contiguous but diverse nationalities to make a united country called Nigeria a thriving reality.

The military struck to correct what they thought was descent into anarchy, and to stem what they believed were steadily corrosive acts of corruption and state roguery.

Of course, they failed spectacularly, leading us into an avoidable bloody civil war, with millions of lives lost in less than three years the war raged (1967 to 1970). All efforts to right the floundering ship of state failed consistently - as

we tumbled from a Yakubu Gowon regime, to a Muritala Mohammed interregnum (which had a semblance of positive movement); then to the stop-gap Segun Obasanjo junta which produced a 1979 transitory election equally as bad as those organised by the politicians in 1964-1965 (from which arose the crises that led to the first military coup). Inevitably, the Shehu Shagari’s boisterous administration was helped out of its clueless bungling by the Muhammadu Buhari/Tunde Idiagbon palace coup of 1983, aftermath of a horrendously contrived national election.

The stern-faced duo was up-ended by one of the subordinates, Ibrahim Babangida ìn 1985 - and thus began a meandering listlessness of political trickery, treachery and barefaced chicanery that still produced a Third Republic without the head placed on the statue of democracy. He annulled the 1993 election that would have climaxed with MKO Abiola as the duly elected president. Then, the darkgoggled one, otherwise known as Sani Abacha, trampled through the entire IBB cesspool, and flung out the baby and the bathwater.

His power grab collapsed on his deathbed in 1998 astride some salacious pretty tales of Indian descent. Stories designed to deepen the suspicions of her citizens and becloud any hope of patriotic zeal germinating in the bowels of her younger generations surrounded and polluted our atmosphere as we trudged towards the fourth attempt at participatory democracy in 1999. And now, here we are…

In our effort to showcase the power and agency of Love in moving our country into levels that will engender hope and inspiration in our youth, and a source of pride to all, we must be frank and truthful in confronting our confounding recent past. Let us face the shame and rigour of truth-telling such that resolution and retrievals of values, virtues and ethos are grounded and permanent in our subconsciousness - a re-engineered DNA, if you like.

Yes, while it may be true that a people get the type of leadership they deserve, our

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

experience in Nigeria differs slightly from that aphorism. Our people, from the truncation of the first republic, have been dealt the short end of the pestle in the making of our national cake (more like Ogbono soup), and therefore the serving and eating have been grossly and wantonly disproportionately in favour of the ruler-class.

Our military interventionists came with their suspicious missions of cleaning the Augean stables, and most, if not all, left with the treasury cleaned! In fact, one of them, still alive to brazenly interject in our current affairs once in a while, was beside himself wondering how the Nigerian economy had not collapsed with the relentless attacks launched at it by unscrupulous managers. Of course, the effect of all these years of pillaging, banditry and sporadic attacks on our economy, hopes, ambitions and infrastructures, and our people by persons who crashed their ways to power, would create in subsequent generations of Nigerians a frightening imagery of hopelessness in forward planning, fruitlessness in new thinking, rigid clutch onto power, remorseless schemes to frustrate peace and progress, and a general sense of strangulation by power addicts bereft of any progressive ideas.

In such a shocking state of dreadful lack of sensitivity or life-changing selflessness, how would the love of Nigeria germinate in any Nigerian youth? How do you prick the hearts of the young ones to plant seeds of patriotism?

How would the usually resilient spirit - the can-do insurgent spirit of our youth - rise against the lethargic spirit of the consumptive Nigerian establishment class, so as to reshape their national destiny?

Yet, we know that Love conquers all - as the Good Book says. Permit me to show you a window, please.

(To Continue)

Rotarian Akinsiku

At Ikeja Rotary Club, We’re Our Brother’s Keeper

The President, Rotary Club of Ikeja, Rotarian Sola Akinsiku tells journalists that the Club supports various communities in education, infrastructure, health, poverty alleviation, among others, but that they employ needs-based assessment in these interventions. During a special session with journalists, the president also explained how the Club funds its projects. Bennett Oghifo reports

H

owdoesRotaryClubIkejaidentify communities to assist?

We intervene in areas of focus that must be in our own immediate community. Every week, we have something to do. Like today (the press conference), what we just did is in line with the expectation of Rotary International.

From time to time, we speak with the media so that we can use the platform to enlighten the public about Rotary. As I said, the very first meeting that we had, the first Monday of July 2022 we held the first poverty alleviation and economic development programme.

Do you have to be invited to carry out the needs assessment?

Now, there are two major platforms. Number 1, we have communities such as the Ipodo community, Ikeja community, Opebi community, and so some of these needs are the needs that we see. This month is a month of environment, water, sanitation and this time next week, we will be donating some items to Ipodo market - sanitation materials. You can take that one for granted that they would need them. We also receiveanumberofinvitationsforinterventionsregularly from communities, colleges, hospitals even individuals.

We may not be able to meet all the requirements, but as far as we can go, the best we can do, we do.

We receive a number of invitations for intervention regularly. They come to us and say they need a toilet, but sometimes we go to them and say we’re Rotary, three years ago we gave you a borehole, so this year, how may we be of help?

L-R: Past President of Rotary Club of Ikeja; Dipo Onabanjo; Past District Governor, District 9110, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Imaginative President, Rotary Club of Ikeja; Sola Akinsiku; Past President, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye with Past President, Thomas Odegbami at a recent Media Round Table organised by the club

We made a donation of almost a million Naira worth of items to the Nigeria Airforce OfficersWives Association (NAFOWA), which has an institute for vocational studies where we train people in all kinds of trades. We donated some sewing machines, we donated some hair dryers, even cake making products. They came here and we donated these items to them. When the graduates were rounding off, we were there to present the items to them. We are also regularly interested in education. We have two schools that we have adopted, the Ikeja Junior High School and Opebi Primary School for primary education. At the Opebi Primary School, we made donations of books and writing materials, dictionaries and the text they used for nutrition. This

year we donated some to them.

We produced some notebooks, some exercise books. Opebi Junior Secondary School happens to be the one that kind of enjoyed the intervention of the Rotary Club of Ikeja most. As I said earlier, we donated a multipurpose sports facility for badminton, squash, volleyball, and basketball, in excess of N10 million. This is the first among secondary schools in Lagos. We have also carried out a number of projects in that school. This year’s tree planting exercise took place there. We were at Igando, the internal displaced people’s (IDPs) location, one of such locations in Lagos, where we made donations of items frequently used.

As a matter of fact, when we did the need assessment,

they said sorry no food but bring bathroom slippers, so we took about 300 pairs of bathroom slippers, bath towels, toothpaste, body creams, because these are what people use frequently, some other organisations give them food.

We also intervened in Modupe Cole, a school for people who need special attention. When we first went there, we took some bags of rice, bags of garri, indomine and all those things there. They said please give us more food and we went back with some bag of rice. But the one we have done consistently in more than 40 years is Christmas day with the then General Hospital, now Lagos State UniversityTeaching Hospital (LASUTH). Every year, we donate medical equipment on Christmas day, we donate medical equipment and we also celebrate Christmas with the patients. During COVID-19, we weren’t able to do any celebration but we still visited and gave them medical equipment, we also helped to boost the morale of their staff and we gave prizes to best performing staff, doctors in all areas. For most of the families here, Christmas day is LASUTH day.

I can’t remember the last time I was at church on Christmas day. As from 7 A.M we are there. We don’t pray to meet the same people every year, but the hospital management will be expecting it because that’s the only form of entertainment that they have, and I can say that it costs so much money. The SOS Children’s Village at Isolo, last year, we built an e-library for them, this year we added some computer sets, we also gave them a 16- inch television.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

25.03.2023

NEWS

BATTLE FOR SUPER-SIX PAGE. 29

Josh Maja Ibrox on the Card?

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 25, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Josh Maja sends an opponent reeling in a Ligue 1 encounter

Josh Maja Ibrox on the Card?

His 13 goals so far this season is one of the reasons keeping Bordeaux’s Ligue 1 promotion hopes alive, but Nigeria international, Josh Maja may not be part of the Girondins team if they eventually gain promotion to the French elite division next season after all, as Glasgow Rangers are waiting in the wings to cash in on the Super Eagle

J

osh Maja’s name has been linked to the Ibrox Stadium as a key target ahead of the summer window as Manager Michael Beale looks to bolster his Rangers frontline.

Amid interesting comments from Beale, who has a strong knowledge of young English-trained players, with the manager claiming he has a striker in his sights.

“I’d like to bring another No 9 into the building that is different to what we’ve got,” said Beale.

“My eyes are on that and I’ve got my target but he’s probably not available right now. He will be in the summer. I don’t want to give you names because everyone else might start liking him.

“I have my eye on a very specific name for the summer and hopefully we’ll be able to do that.”

Maja scored a late winner for Bordeaux as links to Rangers intensify this week with the Ibrox club stepping up their hunt for a new striker.

The Nigerian international forward, 24, netted his 13th goal of a productive campaign with an 81st minute winner against Ligue 2 rivals Nimes Olympique.

The result keeps Bordeaux’s Ligue 1 promotion hopes alive with the club 2nd in a tight division, seven points off leaders Le Havre but only one above Sochaux and two above Metz.

Maja has been central to the club’s promo-

tion hopes this season but the Bordeaux striker could be set to leave the club at the end of the season with Rangers amongst those most prominently linked.

This comes with the striker out of contract come the end of the season following an upand-down stint in France, where the forward moved from Sunderland in 2019.

Loan stints at Fulham and Stoke City have broken up his spell on the continent, but this is the most consistent Maja Bordeaux have seen with the player showing why Rangers were linked under Steven Gerrard.

Maja has been talking about his experience playing for Girondins Bordeaux in Ligue 2 this season.

Despite being relegated from Ligue 1 last season, Bordeaux are on course for promotion this year, and Maja has played a key role in their success, with 13 goals and three assists in 26 games.

In an interview with 90 Football as per Girondins4ever, Maja spoke about the challenges of playing in Ligue 2, where every team they face gives “110%”.

As one of the biggest clubs in the league, Maja said that Bordeaux have a responsibility to be aggressive, to win games, and to dominate. He believes they have mostly achieved that this season, but acknowledges that the opposing teams will always give more against them than against the others.

Maja also talked about the physicality of the

league, with defenders who are “bigger and stronger” than him. He said that his game is mostly based on intelligence and finding the right spaces, and that he has had to adapt to the demands of the league.

Despite the challenges, Maja is optimistic about Bordeaux’s chances of promotion this season. He said that the team has a long way to go to reach their objectives, but that they will give their all.

“With the team, that’s what we have done this season, I think,” Maja said. “We have a long way to go to reach our objectives but we will give our all.

“With the team, that’s what we have done this season, I think… We have a long way to go to reach our objectives but we will give our all. I have the feeling that every team we face gives 110%. We are probably the biggest club in Ligue 2, so we have a responsibility to be aggressive, to win games and to dominate.

“What we have done most of the time this season. The opposing teams will always give more against us than against the others.

So we have to be in the game every week.

Physically, it resembles the championships where I played.

“Of course, the defenders are bigger and stronger than me, so my game is mostly based on intelligence, finding the right spaces. It is certainly a difficult championship. Anyone can beat anyone, we gotta stay focused.”

The Nigerian forward is the top scorer for the French club but has had opportunities hard to come by with the Super Eagles.

He was ecstatic after his 81st-minute goal secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Nîmes Olympique during the 28th day of Ligue 2.

The English striker spoke to beIN after the game and shared his thoughts on the match and their chances for promotion.

Maja expressed his delight at the result, stating that it was a significant win for the club and that they deserved the three points.

He also emphasised the importance of maintaining their momentum and continuing their winning run after the international break.

“We must continue after the break,” Maja said. “It’s very good for the club; we won, we took the three points. We have to continue after the break. We are happy. For the rest, we have to continue in this good state of mind, in training, to hope to win even more.”

Bordeaux’s win sees them second in the standings, just seven points behind the leaders. Maja’s goal could be vital in their push for promotion, and his confident words after the match will undoubtedly give his teammates a boost ahead of their next game.

The striker now has 13 league goals this term and will hope to continue his form after the international break and help his team secure promotion to Ligue 1.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 25, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER NPFL TABLE GROUP A TEAM

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

P W D

L

PTS

9 7 2 9 5 1 9 4 3 9 4 2 9 4 2 9 2 4 9 2 4 9 2 3 9 2 1 9 1 2

0 3 2 3 3 3 3 4 6 6

23 16 15 14 14 10 10 9 7 5

P W D L

PTS

GROUP B TEAM

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

19 15 14 13 12 12 9 8 8 7

WEEK 10 FIXTURES

NPFL Group A leaders, Bendel Insurance would be hoping to maintain the momentum as the second stanza of the league kicks off this weekend

Dakkada v Tornadoes 16:00 Rangers v Bayelsa 16:00 Enyimba v Bendel 16:00 Akwa Utd v Shooting 16:00 Doma Utd v Lobi Stars 16:00 Kwara v El Kanemi 16:00 Plateau v Gombe 16:00 Remo Stars v Nasarawa 16:00 Rivers Utd v Warriors 16:00 Wikki v Sunshine 16:00

Battle for Super-Six Intensifies as Rangers NPFL Resumes Second Stanza Congratulate Mbah on His Election

The second round matches of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, resumes this weekend after mid-season break.

Some of the clubs took advantage of break to bolster their team by injecting new players in suspected weak links in their team. While some teams reinforced to brighten their Super Six qualification chances, other did it to battle relegation.

Remo Stars officially unveiled former Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward Junior Lokosa just few days after the announcement of his arrival.

The management of the Sky Blue Boys announced the arrival of the former Esperance forward until the end of the season.

The coach of the club, Daniel Ogunmodede said after the first stanza of the league that they will bring reinforcement into the team attack.

Lokosa was unveiled on Thursday as the club intensifies

its readiness for the second stanza of the league that will resume this weekend.

Lokosa who has won the league’s top scorer in the past is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the team.

Meanwhile, Ogunmodede said he can’t wait for the resumption of the second round of the league.

Ogunmodede said: “I miss the dugout, the pressure, the banters, the criticism, the pain, the mixed feelings, the happiness. I can’t wait for the second stanza of the season to start.”

Interestingly, Shooting Stars assistant coach, Abimbola Lawal has promised an improved outing ahead of the resumption of the second stanza of the season.

Lawal stated that the quality of the new recruits has boosted the team and increased the level of competition.

“You should expect something good from us when the league resumes,” Lawal told an

online news.

“With the addition of quality players we have in the team, definitely we are good to go.”

Shooting Stars currently occupy the seventh position on the log with nine points from nine matches.

The first three teams in each of the two groups will qualify for the Super Six-where the eventual would be declared winner of the 2022/23 NPFL. Bendel Insurance top Group A, followed by Enyimba of Aba, while Akwa United are third. In Group B, Lobi Stars, Rivers United and Sunshine Stars are the front runners.

A number of Scintillating matches have been lined up for this weekend, Enyimba host league leaders, Bendel Insurance at the Aba International Stadium. At the Godswill Akpabio International, Uyo, the Oluyole Warriors will face Akwa United Stadium, Enugu Rangers welcome Bayelsa United.

Mustapha Targets Better Performance with Plateau Utd Plateau United forward, Ibrahim Mustapha Yuga, said he is optimistic of replicating his goal scoring form for the former Nigeria Premier Football League champions.

The former Al-Hilal of Sudan striker emerged the club’s Player

of the Month for February.

Mustapha was the Peace Boys top scorer in the first stanza with four goals.

The striker hinted that the new players in the team will help improve his performance.

“I’m confident of replicating my goal scoring feat when the season resumes,” Mustapha told an online tabloid.

“The quality of players in the team now can help me improve more on my goalscoring form.”

as Enugu State Governor

Rangers International Football Club and its management have congratulate Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on his victory at the polls as the Governor-Elect of Enugu State.

“Your victory at the polls is a confirmation of your acceptance by the Enugu people and utter belief in your mandate to consolidate towards building a more outstanding Enugu State.

“As a patron and ardent sports enthusiast, we fervently believe your administration will create an enabling platform for budding talents in Rangers and bring forth success in all ramifications of sports development in the state “Your mandate is a testament to your commitment to success and sweet love for our dear Rangers International, which you supported profoundly.

“We, therefore, celebrate this great feat and wish you well as you ascend to serve Enugu people,” stated the management of the ‘Flying Antelopes”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 25, 2023

30

GLOBAL SOCCER

Gift Orban: Sets Milan, Napoli in Transfer Showdown Nigeria’s new kid on the bloc, Gift Orban’s scintillating form with KAA Gent has not gone unnoticed across Europe big clubs and has set a transfer‘war’between Serie A defending champions and leaders-AC Milan and Napoli

Gift Orban celebrating one of hos hatrick against Basaksehir in the Europa Conference League

A

C Milan and Napoli have taken their rivalry beyond the football pitch, as both teams are set for a transfer showdown on KAA Gent striker Gift

Orban.

The 20-year-old sensation is causing a stir in the football world thanks to his impressive performances for KAA Gent in Belgium, where he has scored an incredible seven goals in just six Jupiler Pro League appearances.

According to Calciomercato, scouts from both clubs are reportedly keeping a close eye on Orban and he could soon find himself amid a bidding war between the Italian giants.

The interest in Orban is not surprising given his impressive performances this season. The young striker has been on fire in front of goal and has been catching the attention of clubs across Europe.

AC Milan desperately need a striker as they look to challenge for the Serie A title next season. They have struggled to find the back of the net consistently, and Orban could be the solution to their problems.

Meanwhile, Napoli are also looking to bolster their attacking options and see Orban as a potential long-term replacement for Victor Osimhen, should the Nigerian be prized away from the Siego Maradona Stadium.

Orban has been dubbed Nigeria’s newest scoring sensation, and his potential is clear for all to see. He is quick, agile, and has an eye for goals, making him an exciting prospect for

any club. The youngster only joined Gent in January, but Gent could be open to selling him for the right price.

It remains to be seen which club will win the race for Orban’s signature, but it is clear that the young Nigerian striker will be in high demand in the summer.

Orban‘s meteoric rise to the edge of footballing stardom has been a story of grit, determination, and perseverance From obscurity in Nigeria and Togo to the Belgian Pro League, the 20-year-old striker has taken the football world by storm, scoring goals for fun and winning accolades along the way.

Orban’s journey began in Nigeria, where he struggled to make a name for himself in the footballing world.

However, fate intervened when he moved to Togo for better opportunities. It was here that he caught the attention of renowned Nigerian scout Ola Fowler, who spotted Orban during a trials program in Lome.

Fowler invited him to Nigeria to feature in a program in Uyo, where Norwegian scouts spotted him. They were impressed and invited him to Norway for a trial, and Orban did not disappoint.

He signed for Stabaek FC on loan with an option to buy, marking the beginning of his European journey.

Despite initial hiccups and visa issues, Orban impressed the powers that be at Stabaek FC with his exceptional performances, and they offered him a long-term deal until 2026.

The Bison FC academy product needed little time to adapt to life in Norway, and soon he became a night-

mare to defenders in the country.

Orban found the net with ease and became the top scorer in the 2022 Norwegian First Division with 16 goals, helping Stabaek win promotion to the 2023 Eliteserien.

Orban finished the season with 19 goals in all competitions in 24 games, making him a sensation in Norwegian football.

Orban’s impressive performances caught the attention of Belgian Pro League side KAA Gent, who signed him on a permanent deal for €3.30 million in January 2023. Critics deemed the fee too expensive, but Orban silenced them with his on-field exploits.

He scored nine goals in his first few games, including a stunning brace on his Pro League debut and a historic four-goal haul against Zulte Waregem that makes him the first player from the club to score four goals in a single Pro League game this century.

Fast, clinical, and ruthless, Orban is equally adept with both feet and plays with the seriousness of one who knows that the Belgian Pro League is a step toward something greater.

Orban’s dream is to play in the Premier League, and he makes no secret of it.

He knows he still has much work to do to reach that level, but he is determined to get there.

“My level has to be even higher if I ever want to play in the Premier League. There is still a lot of work to be done,” Orban told Gent’s official website.

With his talent, work ethic, and attitude, Orban is a rising star that could become Nigeria’s next big thing.

Orban’s rise from obscurity to the edge of greatness is an inspiring story of a young footballer who refused to give up on his dream.

Through hard work, determination, and talent, Orban has overcome the odds and made a name for himself in Norway and Belgium.

He is a player to watch, and there is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him.

Orban last Wednesday turned the Europa Conference League upside down, scoring the fastest hat trick in the history of the competition as his Belgian side KAA Gent defeated Istanbul Basaksehir 4-1 last night.

Orban, 20, who switched from Norway to the Belgian Jupiter during the January transfer window scored the fastest-ever hat-trick in the UEFA Europa Conference League in the 31st, 32nd and 34 minutes respectively.

He earlier also scored Gent’s only goal in the first leg which ended in a 1-1 draw. Gent scaled through to the quarter-finals 5-2 on aggregate.

Orban has now netted five goals in the competition, a goal behind leading scorer Luka Jovic.

The young striker scored four times in Gent’s 6-2 win at Zulte Waregem penultimate weekend. He now has 12 goals in nine appearances across all competitions for Gent this season.

Orban was nominated for the UEFA Europa Conference League Player and Goal of the Week awards after his hat-trick in Gent’s 4-1 win against Istanbul Basaksehir.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾MARCH 25, 2023

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Kelechi Ihaenacho watches helplessly as Guines Bissau stun Nigeria

Eagles Fail to Fly as Wild Dogs Scream to Top of Qualification Table Mama Samba Balde’s 29th minute goal, a brilliant strike straight from the training ground, condemned the Super Eagles to a 0-1 defeat at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja yesterday and took Guinea Bissau’s Wild Dogs top of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification table.

Early incursions by Nigeria failed to yield dividends. Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel’s grounder was diverted away from goal in the second minute, Samuel Chukwueze’s 7th minute shot was charged down by an alert rearguard and Victor Osimhen struck the body of goalkeeper Jonas Mendes with 16 minutes gone.

The visitors had threatened in the quarter-hour when it took a quick intervention by Wilfred Ndidi to cut off Alfa Semedo Esteves in the box. The Super Eagles’ defence failed to heed that warning, and 14 minutes later, when Fali Cande heaved a long thrust forward that escaped the attention of both Calving Bassey and Kevin Akpoguma, Balde swiftly caught on, controlled the ball expertly and flicked it past onrushing Francis Uzoho for the only goal of the match.

Coach José Peseiro threw on Paul Onuachu and Moses Simon for Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman at the beginning of the second half, but even as Nigeria created more chances, conversion remained a problem.

In the 56th minute, Simon drew gasps from the crowd as

he missed from six yards, and Mendes saved brilliantly from Osimhen when the marksman was through on goal. Chukwueze blasted a couple of opportunities over the sticks and Paul Onuachu’s header flew away from goal with 12 minutes left.

Defeat meant the Eagles slipped to second place while the Djurtus climbed top, with seven points to the Eagles’ six, ahead of the two teams’ confrontation in Bissau on Monday evening.

Meanwhile, Peseiro has revealed that he decided to snub red-hot Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom for the Guinea-Bissau game because he does not have confidence in him.

Akpom currently leads the English Championship goalscoring charts with 25 goals in 34 games for Boro. And he is almost singlehandedly dragging the team to Premier League promotion.

With his rich form, it was expected that he would get a call-up to the Super Eagles for the double-header against Guinea-Bissau. Paul Onuachu has struggled recently, and Akpom was expected to fill in for the off-color Southampton man.

However, Peseiro had other ideas, and he chose not to invite the London-born striker.

Speaking on his decision, the Portuguese tactician revealed that he decided to snub Akpom because he does not have confidence in him.

“If I ask everybody to choose their 20 players, everyone would not pick the same players,”

Teams P W GD Pts G’Bissau 3 2 +5 7 Nigeria 3 2 +10 6 S’Leone 3 0 -2 2 Sa’Tome 3 0 -3 1 RESULTS D.R. Congo 3-1 Mauritania Uganda 0-1 Tanzania Cape Verde 0-0 Eswatini I’Coast 3-1 Comoros Nigeria 0-1 G’Bissau S’Africa 2-2 Liberia B’ Faso 1-0 Togo Egypt 2-0 Malawi E’ Guinea 2-0 Botswana Mali 2-0 Gambia Senegal 5-1 Mozambique Cameroon 1-1 Namibia Guinea 2-0 Ethiopia Tunisia 3-0 Libya Peseiro said at the pre-match presser.

“I am a coach, I choose the best players for my team. But if I ask other people, they would have their own opinions.

“I know my job, I know my players, I visit them. If I choose a player, then it is because I know him more than others. I am the coach, if I lose, it is my neck that will be cut.

“On each weekend, we watch 48 matches at least to monitor our players. Akpom is a good player, but I don’t have enough confidence in him.

“However, something could still happen, because the National team is open to everybody,” Peseiro added.

Pulisic Backs Folarin to Dump Nigeria for USA Nigeria Football Federation’s hope of having Folarin Balogun play for the Super Eagles may have suffered some setbacks after Chelsea star Christian Pulisic has revealed he would love Arsenal-owned striker to play for the United States national team.

Balogun qualifies to represent the Americans because he was born in New York, but he’s provisionally cap-tied to England where he grew up and also eligible for a third country, Nigeria, through his parents.

There has been intense speculation over the international future of Balogun in recent weeks and on Tuesday, he withdrew from the England U21 squad ahead of their friendlies,

citing an undisclosed injury, which added fuel to the rumors that he is considering switching his allegiance from England to the United States.

The Hale End Academy product has been in sensational form for Stade de Reims since his loan move to France, scoring 18 goals in 29 all-competition appearances.

Pulisic was eligible to play for Croatia’s national team through his grandparents but declined the opportunity in favour of representing his country of birth, United States.

The Chelsea winger is urging Balogun to emulate him by choosing to play for the United States, rather than England or

Nigeria.

In quotes relayed by Goal.com, Pulisic said : “I haven’t really spoken to him personally. I know some of the guys that know him from previous teams or whatever have reached out to him and spoken to him. From our side, we’d love to have him.”

US Soccer previously beat Nigeria to the services of Oguchi Onyewu and Maurice Edu who both represented the Stars and Stripes at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Nigerian-born defender George Bello and West Brom’s Daryl Dike are cap-tied to the Americas, with the latter making the roster for Nations League matches this month.

L-R: Abimbola Reis, founder and convener, Reis table tennis tournament, Olaseni Reis, Chairman, Eko Club, Razaak Amodu and Rotimi Sowunmi

2nd Edition of Reis Table Tennis Serves off May 24 The second edition of the Reis Table Tennis Tournament will serve off on May 24 through 27.

Speaking at a press conference to herald the tournament the Oba of Lagos Sports Hall, Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos, Founder and convener of tourney, Olaseni Reis said the ultimate aim of the tournament is to build lives through sports.

The Lagos State University Mechanical Engineering graduate said participants would be competing in six categories, with the veterans presenting 64 players, while Eko Club presenting 32 players.

Unprecedent number of players are expected in this year’s edition as participants are expected nationwide.

“The veteran category is a way of giving back to those that have played the game in the past. We will adopt 10 stars that emerge from this year’s competition. Two talents would also be sent to the academy and would be placed on scholarship,” Reis said.

Highlighting the mission of the of the tournament, Abimbola Reis said their mission is to develop and promote healthy competition among young individuals while instilling positive values that will shape their future and make them assets to the development of the sport at the grassroots level.

“Our foundation is driven by the belief that sports can be a force for positive change

in our society and that young people have the potential to be powerful agents of change,” Abimbola Reis expressed.

Abimbola noted that the foundation was committed to creating supportive and inclusive environment that encourages young players to develop their skills, build their confidence and become leaders in their communities.

Reis is however grateful to Eko Club for providing the facility for free and Aruna Qadri for providing free training.

The star prize winner of this year’s edition is 250 thousand Naira, while quarter finalists would also be paid handsomely for the four-day event.

GTI Assures Stakeholders of Transparency in Football Ecosystem Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited has assured investors and football stakeholders in the country that they are committed to laying a strong foundation and transparent football ecosystem in the country using The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) as the vehicle in achieving this laudable dream.

TNFF’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, stated this in Lagos during the week.

He revealed that GTI is committing lots of material and financial resources toward ensuring

that NPFL enjoys robust financial support in order to become self-sustaining with necessary measures to ensure transparency in all its dealings with investors, sponsors and other partners.

“The NPFL is currently enjoying a lot of publicity from the media that has been at the forefront of the enlightenment campaign.

“We are also aware that expectations are very high, that is why we hit the ground running using the current abridged league as a test case and ensuring that we put in all the necessary security measures to uphold transparency. For

example, indemnities of match officials and other critical stakeholders connected to the league are being administered seamlessly, using international best practices as our guide.

“As a company, we are strongly committed to a very transparent football ecosystem which is the best way to restore confidence in our sponsors and investors.

No wonder that is why many investors are keying into the TNFF project and stakeholders of football in Nigeria are also embracing GTI strategy of taking our beautiful game to the next level,” Ekejiuba said.

The GTI spokesman also stressed that the league as an asset belongs to Nigerians.

Partnership with Klasha Excites Sporting Lagos FC A member of Sporting Lagos’ governing board, Ekene Agu, has expressed delight over the recent partnership deal signed by the team with Klasha.

Agu stressed that partnering with Klasha was an obvious choice for the one-year-old high flying team campaigning for honours in the Nigeria National League.

He said: “We’re regular customers of Klasha. We order essential sports equipment we can’t find locally, right to our door, and use many of their financial services. We’re excited to take our relationship to the next level with this jersey partnership. We hope

our community will connect with their brand and product the way we have.”

The new jersey, which will feature the Klasha logo prominently, will be worn by the players during all league matches, as well as in any other official competitions.

The jersey was worn at the club’s first game of the season on March 22, 2023 In an away game against Smart City FC and it will be worn at home when Sporting Lagos host Crown FC at Onikan Stadium on Sunday March

26th.

The game promises to be exciting, not just for the football, but for the fanfare that characterises Sporting Lagos home games.

Klasha is known for its cross-border payment solutions, which helps merchants sell to and from Africa. Sporting Lagos, founded in 2021 by Shola Akinlade, Founder/CEO of Paystack, has immediate target of gaining promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The partnership will see Klasha’s brand across the front of the team’s highly sought after Umbro jerseys for the 2023 season.

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MISSILE

Kingsley Moghalu on Naira Redesign “Today, whatever may have been the benefits of the Naira redesign policy have been cancelled out by the economic and social gridlock it has created” –A former Central Bank Deputy Governor, Kingsley Moghalu expressing dissatisfaction with the series of crises created by the Naira redesign policy of the apex bank.

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OKEYIKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Nigeria: Ejindu Cometh!

I

shall reproduce in good measure something that was said here two years ago under the above title. The same thing was reemphasized in different words on the 5th day of March, 2019, thus: “A time comes in the life of a people when a conspiracy of circumstances heralds a new era. This usually happens when no one is expecting it; and also, when all principal actors are occupied with their private schemes. So did it happen in Obodo Mmehie, after decades of suffering and failed promises by various factions of the confiscators of the commonwealth. The suffering of the people and the total disregard for the principles of natural justice, equity and good conscience led to the coming of Ejindu, the Young Man of Valour.

Until Ejindu’s emergence, the people looked up to the self-recycling leadership elite for a radical transformation of their lives. They did not know that conflicts between the various factions of the consumption-driven leaders were always about power and privileges, rather than service. Watch them fight over portfolio allocation after electoral victories and you will be reminded of vampires scrambling over which of them would get the juicier bodies to suck blood from.”

The article in question continued thus: “The deafness of our leaders may yet cost them everything. Yes, everything! Ejindu will come upon any land where genuine morality has left and where the supposed custodians of the law are making cheerful displays of unlawful plunder. It is natural that an Ejindu visitation should dawn on any land that routinely condoned aggravated misconduct and undermined the people’s sense of the sacred. It is natural that there should be a comprehensive redemptive intervention when the high priests, leaders and titled men who are supposed to be the guardians of all sublime values of the community put their imprimatur on profanity everywhere – and with impunity.

The dawn of the new era in Obodo Mmehie began one day with an innocuous incident in the Village Square during a New Yam Festival.

A gangling old man who had witnessed the decay in the land muttered to himself in disgust: “Should decent people always step back just because the depraved are without compunction? Apparently there is no young man in this village who can say ‘Eji ndu eme gini’ and put an end to this nonsense.

Beside him was a tall young man, named Eji Ndu Eme Gini, who turned to stare at the old man in surprise. But the latter took no notice of him at all, as he got up and found his way out of the Village Square. Perplexed, the young man later narrated his strange encounter in the Village Square to his grandfather and asked the old man the meaning and implication of his name.

His grandfather replied: “The words in your name cannot be easily explained, translated or interpreted, my son. Your name actually asks the question: ‘Of what value is one’s life if it is not spent in the service of what is good?

This name is for people who easily act out of conviction and concern for truth and justice, because they want what is right. Such people will always find it difficult to live for nothing,

or keep quiet while the land rots.

“How could things be made right again in this village?” was the only thought in Ejindu’s head afterwards.He recalled how the elders used to be the living symbols of the tradition, law, values and pristine wisdom of the land. But he could now see that these Standard Bearers of right and wrong for the community had embraced the profane. The women and the maidens who once embodied flawless grace and womanly dignity had become something for which he could not yet find a name. The young men and the children who were once very diligent and industrious had become the victims of an older generation that glorified distribution and consumption. Neighbouring villages no longer admired and respected their village. The fertile lands and lush vegetation were still there, but the human beings in Obodo Mmehie had made the community bad.

But no one seemed to know, or was willing to admit, the source of the problem plaguing the now-sick land. The young ones blamed the elders, while the elders blamed the titled men.

The titled men, in turn, said it was the fault of the kingmakers who made a wrong choice. Not to be outdone, the kingmakers declared that it was the fault of the King, who would not listen to anyone. So misery, despondency and weariness of the spirit soaked the land through and through. It was horrible, because people who could not lead, advise, nor admonish, anyone were in charge everywhere.

Desire for cheap and immediate material rewards was the focus. The few good ones among them lost their voice after repeated unsuccessful attempts to show the way. Others had their voices strangulated by the favours they had received, and continued to receive, from various quarters. Thus did the leaders cease to be the Standard Bearers for right and wrong for the people in Obodo Nmehie.

Ejindu was angry at first. Then his anger changed into the desire to eliminate everything that stood in the way to a better society. That led him to develop a plan by means of which he would disrupt the alliance of a questionable elite that was the root of all the problems. So, he sought out other like-minded people. Behold the Handmade of Providence had come!

Ejindu planned, held meetings, consulted and created a small team with a strong moral backbone. All the while he was also sharpening his Obejili, with calm dignity. Finally, he decided that it was time to strike. The precipitating circumstance was the selection of new members for the Council of Elders, shortly before a New Yam Festival. Ejindu came to the Village Square with his Obejili and struck one telling blow.

And what a blow it was! There was a mythical story in the village about Ejindu’s Obejili: that if he struck the air with his machete, the air on both sides of the dreaded Obejili would stand still for minutes before coming together again!

What a machete! What a swordsman!

Many false priests, servants of fake oracles, elders without pedigree, reprobate leaders and their collaborators were sort out wherever they were and struck. Obodo Mmehie witnessed a great cleansing, after which Ejindu summoned the people.

As he stood before them, he remembered a story his father once told him about a great seer who once warned a new king of their village thus: “Your new position was given to you so that you would grow into it with the help of many gifted people in this village. You are not to be guided by only your own ideas, because the people are to learn and grow with you to a new form of responsible leadership that uses diversity to strengthen itself. That is why you are their King today.” The same seer also said to the people: “The gods have given all heads of households the duty to protect legacies and guide the unwary. Responsible farmers and householders do not eat, or ruin, the seed yams meant for the next planting season. Elders and leaders who mislead the people are like householders who are eating the seed yams of the next planting season. They are like springs bringing out dirty water and progressively poisoning the entire community.

The gods would want such leaders to change – or be visited with their wrath.”

With this at the back of his mind, Ejindu began to address every segment of the community.

First, he spoke to the women and pointed out how they could have been more effective as custodians of value. He asked them whether any man would continuously bring home stolen

Coming back to the present, after the last elections and before the one taking place today, we must realise that there’s an ongoing national political education and maturation process.

An awakening about informed decision-making is afoot.The owners of Nigeria, the people, will matter henceforth. The unmitigated myopia and selfishness of a misguided elite will be its may soon stand forth as the undoing.The wrongs to be righted by the religious, traditional and political leaders are still being papered over. Ejindu will be a symbol. A symbol of the new, the vaues of rebirth, the values of sustainable nationhood and of humanity

goods, if his wife constantly raised the necessary queries. He even blamed them for allowing their husbands to travel so far on the wrong road that turning back became difficult, and even impossible, for many of them. He then turned to the men and showed them how most of them had become incapable of clear thinking, because they only kept bad company; and had become too stiff-necked to take the genuine concerns of some of the women seriously.

He did not spare the elders, leaders and priest of various shrines and proprietors of oracular pronouncements who survived the cleansing. To them he said: “Most of you now look cheap and ridiculous because your kind betrayed the people entrusted to them and wrongly humoured evil. You failed to stand up for truth, natural justice, equity and good conscience. Look at you today. Would anyone in your position have died of hunger or thirst if you did not get any of the gifts and favours that cheapened and scandalized you before the people? The misfortunes of many of you are only just beginning, because you are primarily responsible for the evil in the land today.

Not quite done with them, Ejindu thundered further: “Have you asked yourselves why many people can now look the elders, leaders, priests and titled men in the face and say: “Do not push us around, after all several of you were drunk yesterday and the day before.” Can you still guide, control, frighten or rebuke anyone by asking, ‘Do you want the custodians of value to hear about your behaviour?’

Then Ejindu paused. Looking into the far distance, but at nothing in particular, he continued: “Should I be the one to tell you that it takes maturity, a broad and free spirit to lead others? Should a sensible cassava farmer not know that a cassava tuber that was harvested prematurely and left in the village stream to ferment would lose its sap in the water and become a tasteless pulp, after losing its essence? Chaff would be left of the cassava and those waiting to eat from it would go hungry; making the cassava and the people joint losers. Do we not all know that the Ijele, that great embodiment of the highest of all that is noble and royal, doe not dance for money; or lend itself to cheap approbation in narrow and recondite neighbourhoods?

Should leadership be defined by reprobate self-presentation? Should ignorance be granted a faculty building and declared a School of Thought in a citadel of learning? Mbanu! No! Coming back to the present, after the last elections and before the one taking place today, we must realise that there’s an ongoing national political education and maturation process. An awakening about informed decision-making is afoot. The owners of Nigeria, the people, will matter henceforth. The unmitigated myopia and selfishness of a misguided elite will be its may soon stand forth as the undoing. The wrongs to be righted by the religious, traditional and political leaders are still being papered over.

Ejindu will be a symbol. A symbol of the new, the vaues of rebirth, the values of sustainable nationhood and of humanity. The Ejindu principle will find anchorage individuals - but most especially in an increasing number of people who opt for new values.

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