TUESDAY 26TH MARCH 2024

to Apprehend Fleeing Binance Executive

Officers responsible for his custody arrested FIRS files tax evasion charges against cryptocurrency company Says Binance failed to register operations, collect, remit various taxes to federation We are collaborating with Nigerian authorities to quickly resolve issue, company declares My husband treated well, seemed comfortable, Binance executive’s wife told UK newspaper

SElEctiOn AnnOuncEmEnt Of thE 10th cOhOrtS Of tOny ElumElu fOunDAtiOn...

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Tinubu Approves Creation of Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund to Bridge Infrastructure Gap

FEC: $35bn required for funding annually Okays N1.267trn for 28 roads, bridges

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of new Infrastructure Development Fund to facilitate effective infrastructure development across the nation's critical sectors, including agriculture, transportation, ports, aviation, energy, healthcare, and education.

Tagged, “Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund,” the fund is expected to invest in critical national projects, which, according to the presidency, will among other things, promote growth; enhance local value-addition, create employment opportunities, and stimulate technological innovation and exports.

Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, in a release issued yesterday, listed the objectives of the fund to include, “Establishing an innovative infrastructure investment vehicle to attract and consolidate capital, serving as a dynamic driver for economic advancement.

“Execute strategic and meticulously chosen national infrastructure projects across several key sectors, including road, rail, agriculture (irrigation, storage, logistics and cold chain), ports, and aviation, among others.

“Efficiently utilise and aggregate accessible low-interest loans, such as concessionary loans and Eurobonds, supplemented by the procurement of other favourable financing options, in addition to budgetary allocations.

“Guarantee Nigeria secures the most advantageous arrangements for financing, construction, and subsequently, operation and maintenance

Subsea

Emma Okonji

of the identified projects, ensuring optimal long-term outcomes for the nation.”

The presidency also said the fund will identify appropriate approaches in its investment strategy, such as direct project financing through budgetary allocations and SPVs; co-financing (public-private partnerships) with key institutions, multilateral development institutions, as well as equity investments.

On agricultural infrastructure and food security, the statement explained that the emphasis was on the development of robust agricultural infrastructure networks.

“This encompasses the establishment of national food storage facilities, integrated irrigation systems, ranching for animal husbandry, and the enhancement of agricultural logistics and distribution,” it stated.

According to the presidency, on ports revitalisation, the strategic thrust revolves around the rejuvenation of port facilities and associated infrastructure to streamline operations and enhance the ease of doing business.

“By modernising port facilities and implementing advanced monitoring systems, the goal is to optimise efficiency, attract investments, and bolster Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub,” the presidency affirmed.

It said on aviation enhancement, the focus was on the revitalisation and modernisation of major airports nationwide.

“Through targeted investments and infrastructure upgrades, major airports will undergo comprehensive refurbishment, including improve-

ment in terminal facilities, runway expansions, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety and operational efficiency,” it said.

On road infrastructure, some of the strategic projects to receive attention, according to the release, include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the Sokoto-Badagry Road, among other key road projects across the nation. This is to enhance connectivity, facilitate transport efficiency, and stimulate economic growth across regions, the statement said.

On rail infrastructure, it said Lagos- Kano and Eastern rail lines were among the projects to be prioritised by the fund, adding that the aim is to ensure the modernisation of transportation networks, fostering interconnectivity between key urban centres, and facilitating the movement of goods and people with greater speed and reliability.

Tinubu also approved that the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) be absorbed into the new Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF), “which will successfully eliminate identified bureaucratic inefficiencies, enhance domestic and external counterpart funding opportunities, and expedite project delivery timelines for the benefit of the Nigerian people.”

The statement added, “As the major infrastructural enabler of his global push for foreign direct investment across sectors, the president has further directed that the projects funded under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund

(RHIDF) reflect an equitable national spread, such that every Nigerian is impacted by the initiatives of his administration in the most qualitative fashion possible.”

Shedding more light on the fund after the regular meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Tinubu was determined to ensure that the infrastructure deficit across the country was bridged.

“We're all aware that Nigeria is having challenges in terms of its infrastructure,” Idris stated, recalling a study which concluded that Nigeria will require about $878 billion between 2016 and 2040 to bridge gap.

According to Idris, “Now, what that means is that from 2016, going to 2024, about $25 billion will be required annually to bridge that infrastructure deficit.

“Therefore, Mr. President, in his wisdom and with the approval of the Federal Executive Council, today approved the setting up of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund to be domiciled in the Thepresidency. fund will be domiciled in the presidency."

Giving more details, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zaach Adedeji, explained to newsmen, “What we've observed is that we’ll need national infrastructure backbone

He said that comes down to about $35 billion annually needed to bridge the infrastructure gap in the country.

and to get this done, because if you look at the analysis of the Integrated Infrastructure Masterplan that was commissioned in 2020, we will require $895 billion in the next 10 years to actually bridge the gap of infrastructure problem that we have.

“So, for us to do that it requires that we think really outside the box and compare what has worked elsewhere, whether within our country or in other advanced countries that we are actually proud to be associated with. In coming up with this, in the wisdom of Mr. President and magnanimity, so to say, of the Council, that they've approved the establishment of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund as the catalyst to actually drive our infrastructure agenda.

Umahi: FG Saved N300bn from Redesign of Second Niger Bridge Bypass

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the federal government saved over N300 billion by redesigning a defect noticed two weeks ago on the Onitsha axis of the Second Niger Bridge bypass in South-east Nigeria.

Umahi, a statement from his spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said, also expressed his commitment to building lasting road infrastructure,

Cable Cut: 35 Networks Restored, Full Restoration to Gulp $8m

West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), the parent company of Open Access Data Centres (OADC), and one of the companies with the largest capacity that is involved in the restoration of subsea cables that were damaged in the Atlantic Ocean penultimate week, yesterday, gave update on the level of restoration.

WIOCC’s CEO, Mr. Chris Wood, who gave the update via a virtual conference, said 35 networks across West African countries, Nigeria inclusive, have been restored to full capacity resilience, adding that it will take another four weeks to fully restore internet services to all network operators that are

connected to the affected four submarine cables that came from Europe, with landing points along the West African coast.

According to him, it will cost a total of about $2 million to achieve full restoration to a single subsea cable, depending on the extent of the cut on the cable. This brings it to a total of about $8 million to fix the affected four submarine cables that were affected by the cut. Wood however said the owners of the affected cables would bear the cost of restoration of the individual subsea cables.

The affected cables include: MainOne Cable, West African Cable System (WACS), African Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable

and SAT3 subsea cable systems. All four subsea cables came from Europe and they all have landing points at the coast of West African countries, including Nigeria.

Wood who ruled out the possibility of sabotage or any other factor that have been speculated to be the cause of the multiple cuts on the affected four submarine cables, said from the ongoing restoration exercise, he suspected that the cables were affected by heavy landslides from the coast of Cote d I’ voire, where debris from landslides effect may have rolled down into the ocean to cause the damages. He however said ships have been deployed to the affected areas to carry out repairs on the affected cables, and

that until the ships arrive in few days time to effect repairs and investigate the real cause of the submarine cable cuts, it would be difficult to ascertain the real cause of the multiple cuts on the affected submarine cables.

“Since the subsea cable cut, we have restored internet services to 35 networks across West Africa, amounting to 2.5 Terabytes capacity with over 100 links. We recently deployed equipment worth $100 million in accessing new cuts on undersea cables. What we did was to use our capacity on the Equiano cable that was not affected by the cut to restore services to other facilities and operators currently suffering outages in Lagos and elsewhere on the continent.”

with the most effective design at the lowest possible cost.

The minister spoke during an inspection visit to the ongoing rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway section IV (Aba-Port Harcourt) being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd( CCECC) at the weekend.

He highlighted the need for cost effectiveness, speed and high standard job delivery as well as innovations that would guarantee zero maintenance as well as durable road infrastructure in Nigeria.

He urged contractors to always consider the sufferings of the road users as they set up their work plans, enjoining them to ensure that the roads are made passable for commuters during the rainy season.

On the section being handled by CCECC, he directed that in seven days, the upper bound lane should be totally repaired to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.

“I feel for them very highly. When you go through this road, you now need to take a number of painkillers. It's not desirable. So I'm begging CCECC, the controller and engineers to do everything possible in the next seven days and create a smooth sail on this right hand side.

“...And just only two days back,

with these leaders, we went to Asaba to look at the design of the bypass of the second Niger bridge, and we went to Onitsha.

And by that singular movement, we saw that the design was defective and we agreed on a new kind of design. That was how we saved the country over N300 billion by that singular movement to that location," he added.

Umahi also visited the upgrading of the 15km section of the East-West road section III of the Port Harcourt-Eleme Junction to Onne Junction in Rivers State, handled by the RCC, the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway Section 3, Enugu- Lokpanta handled by CGC and the rehabilitation work at the collapsed bridge site at the New Artisan Bridge near NNPC mega filling station, Enugu State. He expressed satisfaction with the job being done, but charged contractors to step up their pace to cover a milestone ahead of the rainy season.

The stakeholders from South-east, who accompanied the minister on the tour included the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and ex-Senate President, Senator Pius Anyim as well as a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh.

Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa(UBA), Mr. Oliver Alawuba; Co-Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Dr. Awele Elumelu; Founder Tony Elumelu Foundation and Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa(UBA), Mr. Tony Elumelu; and CEO, TEF, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, during the selection announcement of the 10th Cohorts of Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme held at UBA House, Marina, Lagos at the weekend

AkpAbio EngAgEs ipU prEsidEnt in switzErlAnd...

Shettima: Despite Tough Times, We’re Appealing for Nigerians’ Support

Michael olugbode in Abuja

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has appealed for the support of all Nigerians in ongoing government’s efforts at addressing the challenges bedeviling the country.

Shettima, made the appeal yesterday, in Abuja, at the official inauguration and investiture of the Academy of International Affairs Nigeria, a private led think-tank that aims to contribute to foreign policy formulation and implementation in the country.

The Academy is founded by respected Professor of International Affairs and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi who also doubled as the president of the Academy.

Speaking at the occasion, the vice

president who was represented by the Special Adviser, Political Affairs in his office, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, said the present administration accept that there are challenges but only needed the people to have faith and support the government in its effort to bring Nigeria out of the woods.

He said: "This administration acknowledges the severity of our challenges, although we are also convinced that Nigeria shall survive its current challenges.

"What we need is faith and support, the same assets that saw us through major challenges in our past."

He added that: “Nigeria lives with historic limitations and multiple contemporary challenges, and we will not claim that we are self-sufficient in answers to deal with poverty

levels, limited resources for critical infrastructure and raising skilled and educated younger Nigerians.

"We need to begin to think of a future full of opportunities as well. In the next two decades, Nigeria will have one of the largest, youngest and most enterprising population in a world that will be aging and changing.

"We need to survive our current challenges with courage, wisdom, patriotism and vision of a great future full of our opportunities for the next generation of Nigerians."

Speaking on the Bolaji Akinyemiled Academy, Shettima commended its emergence at this period of need, stating that: "The international environment is becoming increasingly more complex and more demanding of our best intellects, professionalism,

commitments and visions to find spaces within areas demanding consensus, or in competitions with others and managing conflicts."

He added y that: “Nigeria lives with historic limitations and multiple contemporary challenges, and we will not claim that we are self-sufficient in answers to dealing with poverty levels, limited resources for critical infrastructure and raising skilled and educated younger Nigerians."

The Vice President assured the Academy that government doors would be opened to it. He added, "We will leave our doors open to this Academy for ideas and recommendations. This Academy will be a think-tank we cannot afford to ignore. We need your inputs on achieving our priorities in the contexts of often harsh and

Coronation Group, Access Holdings, Safaricom, M-PESA Africa Partner on Remittances in Africa

dike onwuamaeze

The Coronation Group, Access Holdings Plc, Safaricom Plc and M-PESA Africa (the parties) have forged a strategic alliance that would broaden access to remittances across Africa and propel financial inclusion that could nurture economic prosperity for millions across the continent.

The collaboration would explore solutions that could provide a remittance corridor between East and West Africa and connects some of the continent’s largest economies.

According to a statement yesterday, the collaboration would see the convergence of Access Holdings’ robust Pan-African banking infrastructure, spanning 14 African countries; Coronation Group's comprehensive array of technology-infused financial services offerings in West Africa; M-PESA mobile money and digital payments service that connects more than 60 million customers and processes more than $1 billion a day in transaction value and Safaricom’s ICT and financial services provider to deliver superb services to clients.

Commenting on the collaboration, the Chairman of Access Holdings and Coronation Group, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, highlighted the ethos of empowerment that formed the foundation of this collaboration.

Aig-Imoukhuede said: “We stand at the threshold of an extraordinary journey, one poised to shape the financial landscape of Africa.

“This partnership encompasses more than a convergence of capabilities; it signifies the fusion of collective expertise, resources and an unwavering commitment to drive financial inclusion, empowering millions throughout Africa.

“Through collaborative innovation, shared vision, and resolute determination, we are primed to unlock unprecedented opportunities, transform lives, and make an indelible imprint on Africa's trajectory.”

Speaking in the same vein, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Bolaji Agbede, affirmed that the collaboration has the power to recalibrate the trajectory of financial services in Africa.

Agbede said: “By combining our strengths with those of Coronation Group, Safaricom and M-Pesa Africa, we will deliver on our promise of sustainably impacting our stakeholders, empowering individuals, and significantly contributing to the continent's economic ascension.”

According to the Managing Director of M-PESA Africa, Mr. Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, African countries trade more with nations outside the continent than within themselves but initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would seek to address the lack of intra-continental trade.

Therefore, “this partnership with Safaricom, Coronation Group and Access Holdings seeks to explore remittance corridors between East and West Africa bringing alive the

AfCFTA spirit,” Lopokoiyit said.

In his comment, the Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, said: “We will be collaborating with M-PESA Africa, Coronation Group and Access Holdings to explore secure, convenient, and affordable remittance solutions that will connect our customers to opportunities in West Africa.

“Africa remains an underserved region especially for remittances within the continent making such

partnerships crucial in closing the gap.”

The statement noted that the initial phase of the collaboration would concentrate on pivotal markets such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania.

It added that the collaboration was subject to commercial discussions and definitive agreements, internal corporate approvals of the respective parties and relevant legal and regulatory processes.

unforgiving circumstances.

"It is a great honour to witness the birth of an Academy which has great potential to make great improvements in the management of our foreign policy as we speak and in future.

"It is even more remarkable that the inspiration and impetus behind the formation of this Academy was entirely the initiative of distinguished foreign service officers who have paid their dues to our country many times over.”

"You have vindicated a widelyacknowledged truism that nations which know what was best for them trusted the conduct of their foreign policy only to its best and the brightest.

“Allow me therefore to place on record today, the nation’s inestimable gratitude to all our foreign service officers who saw our nation through its best and most challenging moments.

"I hope there are enough serving foreign service officers in this building today who should draw inspiration from the undying passion of service to the fatherland from all the Fellows and other members of the foreign service officers."

He also congratulated Akinyemi and other Fellows of the Academy, "for stepping up when the nation needs them most. The selection of Fellows of this Academy reminds Nigerians of its wealth in human resource, both active and relatively unutilised.

“I hope this Academy triggers an active interest among other professional groups to organise

and place assets at the disposal of the nation.”

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, who was the Chairman of the occasion, in his remarks, described the emergence of the Academy as timely, especially now that President Bola Tinubu was heading the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“While there are several government agencies that are created to perform vital roles in formulating and implementing foreign policy, the wisdom and experience of private citizens with many years of foreign service are invaluable. I therefore urge you Academy for International Affairs (AIA) to offer your services and collaborate with this and successive administrations to ensure that Nigeria's rightful place as a global voice and leadership is secured at all times," he added.

Those inducted as fellows of the Academy were: Akinyemi; former Director General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa; Amb. Godknows Igali, Prof. Joy Ogwu, Henry Odien Ajumogibia, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Amb. Joe Keshi, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi, Prof. Tijjani Mohammed Bande, Gen. Martins AGwai (rtd), Amb. John Shinkaiye, Amb. Segun Apapta, Amb. Jaiyeola Lewu, Prof. Akinjide Osuntokun, Amb. Hadiza Mustpha, Prof. Akin Oyebode, Prof. Nuhu Yaqub, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, Prof. Hassan Saliu, Prof. Eghosa Osagie, Amb. Brownson Dede, Prof. Jide Owoeye, Gen. Obidan Ethan (rtd), Amb. Jibrin Chinade.

Akpabio Challenges IPU to Speak Up on Israeli-Gaza Conflict

sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) to lend strong voice to the restoration of lasting peace in Gaza.

Akpabio, made the call while contributing to discussions at the ongoing 148th Session of the International Parliamentary Union Assembly, holding in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Senate President, according to a statement by his media office yesterday, stressed the need for nations to rise above sentiments and invoke the spirit of humanity.

He said it was by so doing that what was required to bring sustainable peace to the region, would be achieved.

Some of the resolutions accord-

ing to him, should include access to humanitarian aid, restoration of normal life to Gaza, as well as meetings on a permanent truce.

He added, "This is a lone voice from Nigeria. We tried our best in Angola and we failed to lend a collective voice to what is happening in Gaza.

"Today, the world is very expectant. We must drop ego. It has nothing to do with which country brings the proposal.

"The basic tenets of humanity demands that we leave here with a resolution for the rest of the world, to show that we have human feelings in us.

"The issues are very clear. If you notice the proposal for 12 blocs; they attempted to even marry the proposals from South Africa.

"Yes, South Africa has a right

to be emotional, but we have children who are dying even as we are talking now.

"We have people who do not have water to drink even as we are talking now. We have people who are going to suffer infection from gunshots.

"We have to show the world that we are human beings. The cessation of hostilities must be a part of our resolutions.”

He added: "Access to humanitarian aid must be a part of our resolutions. At the same time, release of hostages and even those who are Prisoners of War, because if both sides take steps in releasing the hostages, releasing the Prisoners of War, it means that both sides have agreed that the International Community can go to the next stage, which is negotiation

for sustainable peace.

"If they cannot agree, I would urge that from here, we have a three-man drafting committee to come up with those resolutions which we must make before we leave here.

"We can no longer allow a child to die tonight, without lending our voice. It doesn't matter which side. We are all parents. If we come here to look for ego and then, try to be emotional, it's not affecting them.

"There's nothing affecting Denmark, there's nothing affecting South Africa. The people affected are over there and nobody will agree to the lone resolution from Israel. It must be all-encompassing, so that we stand up from here as human beings. That would be my plea.

L-R: Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan; Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; President of IPU, Hon (Dr.) Tulia Ackson and Executive Committee member of Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU)/President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, at the on-going 148th Assembly of the IPU, in Geneva, Switzerland.

FEC MEETING...

L-R: Minister of Steel Development, Shuaib Abubakar; Minister of Art , Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, at the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday

Afreximbank, CDP Sign MoU for €200m Facility to Support Food Security across Africa

Pact to enhance cooperation between Italian, African companies Fragility, unstable exchange rate, inflationary pressure, others to characterise African economies, says bank

James Emejo in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A (CDP)

Italy, the official Italian financial institution for international development cooperation and the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have signed a new financing facility worth €100 million to support the Bank’s interventions in food security and climate-smart agriculture in Africa.

The financing added to an initial commitment from CDP of €100 million, lifting the total financing from CDP to €200 million.

This was just Afreximbank stated that the future of African economies would be characterised by fragility, high inflationary pressure, tight monetary policy, unstable foreign exchange (FX) regimes and increased debt services

The CDP and Afreximbank also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster synergies between Italian and African companies.

The partnership between both institutions was announced during the inauguration of CDP’s new office in Cairo, the first operational headquarter of the Italian institution in Africa.

Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, Haytham ElMaayergi and the Chief Executive Officer of CDP, Dario Scannapieco, signed the agreement.

According to a statement, the new financing from CDP would be used to provide support, either directly to eligible African enterprises, or indirectly through local financial intermediaries.

Some of the projects that would be financed would include those related to local production and import of essential soft commodities such as cereals and fertilisers.

Commenting on the event, ElMaayergi said the facility would support Afreximbank’s drive to increase food production in its member countries and would also help Africa to achieve food security through private sector intervention. Additionally, it would support the development of alternative food channels, including increasing investments in climate-smart agriculture, to increase food yield and provide resilience to businesses in the food and agriculture space.

He added that, “the MOU will promote collaboration between Italian and African enterprises and will bring Africa and Italy closer with the aim of promoting intra and extra-African trade.”

The collaboration, he said, includes co-financing of eligible transactions with sovereigns, corporates and financial institutions in Afreximbank’s member countries, and the organisation, participation and promotion of matchmaking events with African stakeholders and local business communities in Italy, or any of Afreximbank’s member countries.

On his part, Scannapieco said: “Food security and the resilience of agricultural supply chains are key issues for the development of the African continent, as also highlighted by the initiatives undertaken by the Italian government with the Mattei Plan. “Through collaboration with Afreximbank, CDP will be able to guarantee resources to local

SMEs operating in these sectors, while at the same time favouring the creation of opportunities for Italian companies.

“This commitment will further be reinforced through the opening of our new office in Cairo, which confirms the centrality of Africa in CDP strategy.”

This new facility would enable Afreximbank provide timely and necessary support to its member countries through businesses in the food security space and bolster management of supply chain crisis, particularly around soft commodities. This would in turn contribute to the stabilisation of food security and the diversification of supply sources in Africa.

Afreximbank: Fragility, Unstable Exchange Rate, Inflationary Pressure others to Charactise African Economies

Meanwhile, Afreximbank has stated that the future of African economies would be characterised by fragility, high inflationary pressure, tight monetary policy, unstable foreign exchange (FX) regimes and increased debt services.

These projections were contained in the bank’s “Monthly Developments in the African Macroeconomic Environment” that was prepared by the Research and International Cooperation Afreximbank, which stated that African finance ministers are now clamouring for a recalibration of the global financial system to suit the continent that is faced with debt challenges.

The report issued by the Managing Director and Group Chief Economist of Afreximbank, Dr. Yemi Kale, stated that, “while overall

outlook for Africa in 2024/2025 remains positive and clear signs of improvements in some countries/ sub-regions, the overall global economy remains uncertain and African economic environment remains fragile, with still-high inflation pressures, tight monetary policy, unstable FX regimes and elevated debt services” adding that “more capital raising activities expected by African countries.”

The report also contained a snapshot of key events shaping African economies at the moment, which included the growing Russian influence in the continent, business slowdown in major economies, monetary tightening amidst inflation, high vulnerability to climate change, copper race, high debts and calls for financial recalibration by finance ministers in the continent.

According to the report, Russia was aggressively expanding

its influence in Africa, focusing on areas from NATO's southern borders in Libya to resource-rich parts of Central Africa. It observed that, “Russia's growing presence in West Africa is particularly assisted by recent coups and reduced U.S. intervention and in countries like Niger and Mali.”

The report also noted the business slowdown in major African economies as shown in the JP Morgan PMI’s data since the start of 2024, which indicated “a general trend of business slowdown amongst Africa’s top three economies, with PMI mostly below the 50 threshold” in Nigeria and Egypt.

Afreximbank stated that the monetary policy environment in Africa would remain tight to tame inflation and address currency depreciation.

According to the report, inflation rates in Sudan, Zimbabwe and

Sierra Leone were 63.30, 47.60 and 47.60 respectively while in South Africa, inflation continued to accelerate for the second month reaching 5.6 per cent in February and in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) hiked policy rate to 22.75 per cent as inflation reached an all-time highest of 31.7 per cent in February 2024.

In addition, the report observed the continent’s high vulnerability to climate change as “severe drought and associated diseases caused by climate change in the Horn of Africa (including Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia) and Southern Africa continued to fuel food insecurity, endanger livelihoods, and promote economic instability.”

It noted that, “climate support and resilience strategies are therefore pertinent. This is worsening the impact of armed conflicts and social unrests.”

President Tinubu Felicitates Senator Abiru on 60th Birthday

Dike Onwuamaeze

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated the senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, on his 60th birthday.

President Tinubu’s felicitation was contained in a press release that was issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to President on

Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale.

He extoled the fine leadership qualities of the distinguished senator, referencing his service as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, where he enabled the floating of an N80 billion bond, earning the state the EMEA Finance’s Best Local Currency Bond Award for 2012.

The presidential birthday message reads: “President Bola Tinubu

extends his warm felicitations to Senator Adetokunbo Abiru on his 60th birthday, on March 25, 2024.

“Senator Abiru, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, was managing director/CEO of Skye Bank, which later became Polaris Bank.

“The president extols the fine leadership qualities of the distinguished senator, referencing his service as Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, where he enabled the floating of an N80 billion bond, earning the State the EMEA Finance’s Best Local Currency Bond Award for 2012.

inclusive of this 30%".

According to her, it will go a long way in addressing “the long marginalization and exclusion of young people in decision making, and will also go a long way to encourage young people to participate in decision making processes and in civic engagements.”

“President Tinubu commends Senator Abiru for his high sense of responsibility, character, and dedication to service, which culminated in his emergence as the Chairman, Southern Senators’ Forum.

“As the senator marks his 60th birthday, the president wishes him many more years of good health and strength in his service to Lagos State and the nation.”

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

LCCI Commends FG’s Suspension of Foreign Travels by Public Officials

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has commended the federal government’s suspension of public-funded foreign trips and urged all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at fostering responsible fiscal management and driving inclusive growth in Nigeria.

“These measures, by effectively managing the cost of governance, are a positive step towards a more economically stable Nigeria.”

Almona, said considering the current economic challenges facing the nation, including soaring inflation and high living costs exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidies and forex market crises, “the government must take decisive action to cut unnecessary expenses and even reduce statutory expenditures, where possible.”

She added, “the LCCI acknowledges the government's concern about the rising cost of travel borne by Government’s Ministries,

The Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, in statement yesterday, titled “LCCI Commends FG’s Stance on Cost of Governance,” noted that, “we particularly commend the government's decision to reduce the number of public officials on foreign trips and the recent directive to suspend all public-funded foreign trips for government officials, effective April 1, 2024.

o

exchange company said it was cooperating with the Nigerian authorities to quickly resolve the current issue.

The NSA, in a statement, said preliminary investigation showed that Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.

The statement signed by Head, Strategic Communication Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari U. Mijinyawa, stated, "The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention."

Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“By this suspension, the government can redirect valuable resources towards more pressing priorities, including infrastructure development, social welfare programs, and economic stimulus initiatives.

“The government at all levels and tiers should initiate similar actions to cut the cost of governance within their jurisdictions.”

The LCCI drew attention to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who recently signed the Abia State of Nigeria Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Repeal Law of 2024, stopping the payment of pensions to ex-governors and their deputies in the state as an action worthy of emulation by other states

and the federal government.

It also urged the federal government and states to make public the amount of funds rescued from the cost-cutting initiatives.

“This commitment to public accountability will reassure citizens and companies, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in the government's financial management.

“We also encourage fiscal transparency, including the exact figures allocated to statutory transfers in the government budgets and amounts allocated for constituency projects undertaken by legislators in the National Assembly.

“These disclosures can inspire citizens and companies to pay their taxes with a deep commitment to

contributing to the commonwealth of our nation,” the LCCI said.

It also advised the government to deploy the rescued funds in projects that promote cost-efficiency and automation.

“One such strategic initiative could be the allocation of rescued funds towards the automation of virtual platforms within each ministry.

“This investment, by enabling remote training and participation in meetings, can significantly reduce the need for costly international travels.

“This shift towards virtual engagement not only reduces operational expenses but also enhances efficiency and productivity across government agencies.

“We believe in the potential of these initiatives to inspire and support a more cost-efficient and effective government,” LCCI said.

FG:

yesterday in Abuja at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided by President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, however, added that the controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, was not above the law and could be cautioned and even reprimanded when making unguided statements.

The Nigerian Army handed over 131 of the 137 rescued Kuriga schoolchildren to the Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani.

While receiving the children, Sani regretted the death of a member of staff of LEA Primary School and the Government Secondary School, Kuriga, Mr. Abubakar, in captivity of the terrorists.

Briefing newsmen yesterday, Idris said, "Mr President and members of Council were happy to note that, as promised by Mr. President, these children were reunited or have been rescued from the captors and as usual and in keeping with the commitment of Mr. President, no ransom was paid."

The minister disclosed that FEC and the president had expressed their appreciation to the National Security Adviser (NSA), the security chiefs, and others who participated in the process that led to the freedom of the captives.

He stated, "The Federal Executive Council and Mr. President are very grateful, to especially the National Security Adviser, the service chiefs, and all security agents, who participated diligently in ensuring that these kidnapped children are reunited with their families."

Idris further assured that the federal government would continue to prioritise the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians. He stated that those currently feasting on the gaps in the country's security situation and perpetrating all manners of criminal activities would soon be fished out and made to face the wrath of the law.

According to him, "Government is determined to ensure that the lives and property of all Nigerians are protected at all times and Mr. President has also charged security agencies to ensure that these kidnappings are brought to a halt finally in this country.

"Indeed, all those who are participating in this criminal act will be fished out by the security agencies and will never go unpunished."

Idris confirmed that the number

Anjarwalla and his American colleague were detained for, allegedly, using their company to engage in activities deliberately aimed at damaging the naira.

Until his escape, Anjarwalla, who held British and Kenyan nationalities, and served as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was being tried by Nigerian courts. The suspect escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a court in Nigeria.

He was scheduled to appear before the court again on April 4, 2024.

The statement read, "The Office

The federal government had been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.

of schoolchildren kidnapped was the exact number rescued, as there was no information to the effect that any of them died or was held back by the kidnappers.

He said, "There was a question that reports that 287 of these children were taken. What I can tell you is that there is no report that any of these kidnap victims either died or has been withheld. So, all those that have been taken, have been brought back in safety to their families. I can tell you that."

On the controversial comments and interventions by Gumi, Idris said he was aware that the cleric had been a guest of security agents to answer questions in the past, saying government would not hesitate to go after anyone it believes has questions to answer, as no one is above the law.

He said, “What I can tell you is that government will not stop at anything to get any kind of information that it requires to solve our problems. The security agencies are doing their best. Sheikh Gumi, or any other individual for that matter, is not above the law.

“If you have suggestions that are constructive enough for the security agencies to take, they will take, but if they think that he is also making some statements that appear to be reckless, he will also be reprimanded.

“There is nobody that is above the law in this regard. And I'm aware, let me put it here, that I'm aware that he has also been a guest of the security agencies to answer questions.

“When you make remarks, especially remarks that border on national security, it is incumbent on the security agencies to dig further into that, and they are doing just that. No one is above the law in this direction.”

Army Hands over Rescued Children to Sani

The Nigerian Army handed over 131 of the 137 rescued Kuriga schoolchildren to the Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) I Division of the Nigerian Army and Force Commander, Operation WHIRL PUNCH, Major. Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, handed over the children to Sani at Government House, Kaduna.

Saraso said all the 137 children were rescued unhurt, and six of them were currently receiving

of the National Security Adviser confirms that Nadeem Anjarwalla, a suspect in the ongoing criminal probe into the activities of Binance in Nigeria, has escaped from lawful custody on Friday, 22 March 2024.

"Upon receiving this report, this office took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies, MDAs, as well as the international community, to apprehend the suspect. Security agencies are working with Interpol for an international arrest warrant on the suspect.

"Preliminary investigation shows that Mr. Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.

"The personnel responsible for

medication at the army health facility in Kaduna.

He said the only teacher, Abubakar, who was abducted alongside the children, died while in captivity.

The GOC said the children were rescued in Dansadau forest in Zamfara State through sustained and coordinated application of both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts by the security agencies under the strategic guidance of President Bola Tinubu.

He stated, “Recall that on Thursday, 7th March 2024, some violent extremists and insurgents (VE/I) infamously called armed bandits invaded the LEA Primary School and the Government Secondary School both co-located at Kuriga, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where they criminally abducted several pupils and students, including a staff member of one of the two schools.

“Through the sustained and coordinated application of both

the BDC operators to sell FX to eligible end-users at a spread of not more than 1.5 per cent above the purchase price, compared to one per cent previously.

The central bank also warned that any BDC that breached the terms of sale to end-users would be sanctioned appropriately, including outright suspension from further participation in the sale.

Only last month, the apex bank announced that it had approved the sale of FX to eligible BDC operators to meet their demand for invisible transactions. The bank sold $20,000 to each BDC at the rate of N1, 301/S, which represented the lower band rate of executed spot transactions at the Nigeria Autonomous Foreign Market (NAFEM) for the previous trading day, as of February 27, 2024.

The central bank explained that the intervention became necessary following the continued price distortions at the retail end of the market, which was feeding into the parallel market and further widening the exchange rate premium.

The move also complemented ongoing reforms in the foreign exchange market, aimed at achieving an appropriate market-determined exchange rate for the naira.

CBN emphasised that the BDCs were allowed to sell to end-users at a margin not more than one per

the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention.

"Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other governments around the world, has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.

"Until his escape, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities and serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was being tried by Nigerian courts.

“The suspect escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a court

kinetic and non-kinetic efforts by the security agencies under the strategic guidance of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the abducted Kuriga school children have in the early hours of yesterday, Sunday 24th March 2024, been safely rescued after spending about 16 days in captivity.

“The students were initially received and administered first aid at the Nigerian Army Troops Forward Operating Base, Dandadau, in Zamfara State, before being served refreshment and, subsequently, conveyed from there under escort to Kaduna this morning/afternoon.

“In all, there were 137 children and one staff member making 138 persons altogether that were abducted from the co-located

Continued on page 29

cent above the purchase rate from the central bank.

The naira extended its gains, yesterday, on the official NAFEM window, it appreciated by N23.45 to close at N1, 408.04/$1, compared to N1, 431.49 on Friday.

On the other hand, on the parallel market, the naira closed at N1, 400/$1, from N1, 440/$1 it exchanged over the weekend.

Daily foreign exchange turnover on the official window also increased by 11.06 per cent to $221.80 million, from $199.7 million on Friday.

The highest spot rate yesterday was pegged at N1, 422 while the lowest spot rate recorded was N1, 300.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) commended the announcement of the clearance of a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog by the CBN. But it reiterated the need to take drastic steps to address the unmet forex requests by some members of private sector operators.

In a statement, National President of NACCIMA, Dele Oye, hailed President Bola Tinubu and the CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, for the move. Oye disclosed that several NACCIMA member companies and other private sector operators had

in Nigeria. He was scheduled to appear before the court again on 4 April 2024.

"We urge the Nigerian public and the international community to provide whatever information they have that can assist law enforcement agencies to apprehend the suspect."

FIRS said it had initiated criminal proceedings against the embattled cryptocurrency exchange platform.

The move was aimed at upholding fiscal responsibility and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic integrity, according to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, Mr. Dare Adekanmbi.

The charges were filed yesterday at the Federal High Court in Abuja by the service, in a lawsuit designated with reference number FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024.

Binance was slammed with a four-count tax evasion charge.

Joined in the lawsuit with the crypto exchange as second and third defendants, respectively, were Tigran Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, both senior executives of Binance.

Gambaryan is currently under the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), while Anjarwalla escaped.

The charges levelled against Binance included non-payment of Value-Added Tax (VAT), Company Income Tax, failure to file tax returns, and complicity in aiding customers to evade taxes through its platform.

In the suit, the federal government also accused Binance of failure to register with FIRS for tax purposes and contravening existing tax regulations within the country.

One of the counts in the lawsuit pertained to Binance's alleged failure to collect and remit various categories of taxes to the federation as stipulated by Section 40 of the

challenged the completeness of the forex clearance.

Oye stated that many NACCIMA members had reported that despite the CBN’s commitment to providing foreign exchange, their funds in naira had been retained for extended periods, some for over a year. He regretted that this had occurred without adequate communication from their respective banks or the CBN, leaving their business operations in a state of uncertainty.

He recalled that in February, NACCIMA, as part of the organised private sector in Nigeria, had sought the intervention of the Minister of Finance to address the issues, emphasising the need for transparency and expedited resolution.

The NACCIMA boss called for a more comprehensive and transparent approach to resolving the remaining foreign exchange allocations.

The statement added, “As part of the Hon. Minister of Industry Trade and Investment preparation for the National Assembly Summons, a stakeholder meeting comprising NACCIMA, MAN, affected banks and customers was convened by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment at the Bank of Industry in Lagos on the 21st of March, 2024.

“At the meeting, it was gathered

FIRS Establishment Act 2007, as amended.

Section 40 of the Act explicitly addresses the non-deduction and non-remittance of taxes, prescribing penalties, and potential imprisonment for defaulting entities.

The charges further detailed specific instances where Binance purportedly violated tax laws, such as failing to issue invoices for VAT purposes, thus obstructing the determination and payment of taxes by subscribers.

Adekanmbi stated, “Any company that transacts business above N25 million annually is deemed by the Finance Act to be present in Nigeria.

“According to this rule, Binance falls into that category. So, it has to pay taxes like Company Income Tax (CIT) and also collect and pay Value Added Tax (VAT).

“But Binance did not do this properly. So, the company broke Nigerian laws and could be investigated and taken to court for this infraction.”

The statement added that the federal government remained resolute in its commitment to ensuring compliance with tax regulations and combating financial impropriety within the cryptocurrency sector.

FIRS is by law empowered to assess, collect, and account for revenue accruing to the federation and administer relevant tax laws.

Binance had pleaded guilty to flouting anti-money laundering laws in the United States in late 2023, settling for a plea bargain that cost the company $4.3 billion.

Binance said it was aware that Anjarwalla was no longer being held in custody in Nigeria.

The spokesperson for Binance, Samantha Fuller, revealed in a state-

Continued on page 29

that there has been a lack of formal communication from the CBN regarding the rejection of foreign exchange bids. Furthermore, it was revealed that Deloitte, the consulting firm engaged by the CBN for verification purposes, had not directly engaged with the affected banks or their customers for clarification on any contentious transactions.

“The consensus from the meeting was that direct engagement with the CBN is essential. The Honourable Minister urged all parties to pursue dialogue and cautioned against actions, like litigation, that could hinder such discussions.”

Oye stated, “In light of these developments, NACCIMA appeals to the CBN to collaborate closely with the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, as well as the banking sector and their clientele to resolve all outstanding issues pertaining to legitimate letters of credit for which naira has already been collected (for a considerable time) with a promise of fulfilment.

“It is important to underscore that the continuity of government obligations transcends the tenure of individual officeholders; hence, legitimate transactions initiated under previous administrations must be honoured with the same level of commitment.”

Dr. Chinyere Almona

GLAD TO MEET YOU...

Fagbemi: FG to Scale Up Social Investment Programmes to Shield Nigerians from Human Trafficking

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The federal government has reiterated its commitment to scaling social investment programmes to provide livelihood support to Nigerians in order to protect them from being vulnerable to human trafficking.

The plan was disclosed yesterday, in Abuja, by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, at the Opening of the 26th National Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking.

He added: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led government recognises that addressing poverty and underdevelopment is crucial in preventing human trafficking.

“Investing in people, especially young people and the disadvantaged, reduces the desperation that drives individuals into exploitation abroad.”

He added that: “The government remains committed to scaling social investment programs to provide livelihood support, deterring potential victims from falling prey to traffickers.

“The National Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking, instituted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), serves as a vital strategic coordination body. “It facilitates dialogue and collaboration among relevant stakeholders at both the federal and sub-national levels, enabling

the initiation of plans, review of strategies, and sharing of information on different approaches to combating Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria.”

Furthermore, he said: “Human trafficking preys on the most vulnerable members of our society and demands a holistic and concerted response from all sectors. The complexity of counter-human trafficking efforts in Nigeria lies in the intricacies of our social fabric and the trans-national nature of the crime.

“Traffickers exploit the vulnerabilities of people, leveraging poverty, lack of education, and unemployment to ensnare their victims with promises of a better life. The porous nature of our borders

and the sophisticated networks of these criminals further compound the challenge of combatting this menace.”

Fagbemi lamented that: “Nigeria, with her rich cultures and peoples, unfortunately serves as a source, transit and destination country for victims of human trafficking. This menace has occasioned great damage to the reputation or profiling of Nigeria in the international community.

“The statistics paint a grim picture, but behind each number lies the stories of those whose freedom and dignity have been truncated. Yet, amidst these challenges, hope remains, and we must reverse this ugly trend.”

Amina Mohammed Pledges UN Support for Nigeria’s War on Drug Trafficking

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations has assured Nigeria of support in its ongoing war against drug abuse and drug trafficking.

The assurance was given by the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, when she paid a courtesy visit on the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Retd) at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) headquarters in Abuja.

She said the UN was ready to support NDLEA to succeed in its onerous task of curbing the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

Mohammed, accompanied by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, said the global body was willing to enhance the impact the agency has shown significant achievements over the years in the war against drug trafficking

According to her, “On behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, we want to reconfirm our support from the United Nations to the work of this agency. It is extremely important and this is coming at a time where the challenges are more complex. The Chairman has spoken about the needs and we are very pleased to hear that everyone is doing a very good job and we hope that we can increase the impact.

“From our conversation with the Chairman, the issue is clear, it involves many other sectors. We talked about the root causes, and the escape is often drugs. That is

why it is important for us to work with the rest of government to ensure that all people have a right to their dignity. I see this agency as a symbol that wants to do the job, to succeed. This is a challenge we will be here to support.”

The UN Chief commended Marwa for providing NDLEA exemplary leadership.

“I just have to commend the leadership you have here; the leadership we have known for a very long time. When we were much younger, we used to look up to the Soldier Marwa, that led from the front with example and discipline.

We see the discipline now in your officers as we walk into the office and there is a difference. We need more of that.

“This is the only country that we have. And we must harness the potential through the work that we do. What we want to do is support with whatever that we can to ensure a greater and better Nigeria that takes its position not only in Africa but worldwide,” she added.

While appreciating the UN deputy scribe for the visit, Marwa said, “We’re indeed pleased to have you visit us. This will go on record as the first visit in history to the NDLEA by the highest echelon of the United Nations.

“We not only commend you for this but also in equal measure your string of impressive achievements, whether when you served as Minister at home or at the global stage where you’re currently serving as Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations.”

Marwa, noted that the twin problem of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking remained one of the ferocious threats to public health and national security despite the significant efforts being made by NDLEA in the areas of drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction in Nigeria.

“With the dire consequences of the menace steering us in the face, upon my assumption of leadership in 2021, we have moved swiftly to halt the spiral turn of the situation and between then and end of 2023, we

have been able to make over 48,157 arrests including 46 drug barons with a total of 8,350 already successfully prosecuted and convicted while 7,500 tons of illicit drugs were seized from them and 1,057 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed deep in the forests in parts of the country.

“On the other part of our mandate, we have equally put in place a strong mechanism to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. This we do through our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), a social advocacy campaign initiative.

He however said: “We must acknowledge the outstanding efforts of Nigeria in operating a unique counter-trafficking model emulated by other African countries. Nigeria has demonstrated its commitments through not only in high number of convictions but also with the successful rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of victims alongside strategic preventive measures.”

He admitted that the fight against human trafficking cannot be shouldered by a single agency or arm of government, stating that it demands a collective effort involving civil society, the private sector, international organisations, communities, and the people.

He said: “I therefore call upon everyone to join hands in this critical fight. This global threat, therefore, requires a coordinated and meaningful response at all levels. Which is why cooperation, communication and information sharing, with our international partners are also key in determining the pace and effectiveness in the delivery of anti-human trafficking responses.”

The Justice Minister said: “I am aware that the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking in Nigeria (2022-2026) outlines the roles of all actors. I urge everyone to not only study the document with specific interest in the thematic areas that fall within their respective mandates, but to ensure effective implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

“Furthermore, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration and the

Presidential Priorities as it relates with the mandate of NAPTIP, I implore all stakeholders to work in unison to meet these priorities.

On the part of the Federal Ministry of Justice as NAPTIP’s supervising ministry, we will continue to support this critical agency in fulfilling its robust mandate.”

Earlier, the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof. Prof Fatima Waziri – Azi, in her welcome remarks, said since the last meeting in April 2022, a lot have been achieved in the fight against human trafficking in the country, she stated that:

“We have not merely inched forward; we have surged ahead with resolve. We have witnessed the incredible power of cooperation and the unwavering dedication of countless individuals who have come together to combat the injustice of human trafficking. Due to these collaborative efforts, we had a number of firsts in 2023.”

Waziri-Azi, who highlighted the numerous firsts the agency was able to achieve in 2023, also said: “We received and investigated 968 human trafficking complaints. 507 (68.1) internal trafficking complaints and 303 (31.9) external trafficking complaints

“In terms of prosecution, 86 cases were charged to court and 67 convictions were secured.

“We rescued, received and supported 2112 victims (473 Males and 1,639 Females). Females constituted 77.6 per cent of the total victims out of which 43.4 per cent were children.

Over 10,000 Persons Benefit from Abiru’s 60th Birthday Anniversary Food Packs

Sunday Ehigiator

More than 10,000 residents of Lagos East Senatorial District have benefitted from food packages shared by the senator representing the area, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, in commemoration of his 60th birthday, marked yesterday at his constituency office, located in Ikorodu.

Abiru distributed the food packages consisting of rice, beans, and garri, to over 10,000 vulnerable members of his constituency, to cushion the current economic situation in the country.

Speaking to THISDAY at the event, media aide to Abiru, Mr. Enitan Olukotun said it was a quarterly food pack programme which the senator often uses to

reach out to the vulnerable in his constituency.

“Coincidentally, the Senator turned 60 years old today. Hence, he decided to extend the same gesture to our people across the 98 wards, in the 16 LGAs and LCDAs we have under Lagos East Senatorial District.

“We have made provision for over 10,500 people with each of them going home with at least one of this bumper food package. The package will be distributed across the Lagos East Senatorial district.

“As I am talking with you now, those in Shomolu, Ikosi-Isheri, Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu, Epe, IkosiEjirin, and Eredo are getting theirs as well, just as those in different parts of Ikorodu, Ibeju Lekki and Lekki LCDA. The reach-out is for

all of them.

“Furthermore, considering the harsh economic climate, and what the people are currently going through, the senator decided not to have any form of fanfare or party at all, but instead sacrifice the money for such party for the people to feed, so that the people can have a merry festive season which is just around the corner.

“And the selection process for this was very open. You see that most people that are here are not party members nor are they only from a particular tribe. We only made the link available for the constituents to refer to anyone around them whom they consider as vulnerable and who is in dire need of this package,” he said.

He said that from their recommendations, some background checks were done before invites were sent to those who truly needed to benefit from it.

“So people nominated their neighbours, church members, and those randomly in their neighbourhoods whom they thought needed it. We only have to confirm they truly are resident in the constituency, and they will be deemed eligible,” he stressed.

Earlier while delivering his goodwill message through a signed statement, Abiru appreciated God for his kindness towards him and his household as well as his wife, Feyisola, whom he described as his pillar of support and his children for their unwavering support.

L-R: President, Global Affairs at Meta, Nick Clegg, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,Hon. Benjamin Kalu, during a meeting to reaffirm Meta’s commitment to Nigeria held in Abuja…recently

Shaibu in the Eye of the Storm in Edo

Adibe Emenyonu asks if Edo state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, can weather the political storm as the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, constitutes an investigative panel on the impeachment allegations leveled against the embattled public official by the state House of assembly.

Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, may be fighting a battle of survival to keep his job as the state number two citizen.

Since last year when he engaged his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki in a battle of wits over who takes over as governor, things have not been at ease with him.

Trouble began to rear its head shortly after Shaibu was captured in a viral video with former Governor of the state and now Senator, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole during the inauguration of the National Assembly in June, 2023.

According to sources, apart from congratulating those who emerged victorious during the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, the Deputy Governor’s mission was to back the alleged plot by Oshiomhole to prevail on the eight members of the APC in the state House of Assembly to support his preferred candidate to emerge as Speaker of the Assembly.

The scheming, as further gathered, was to use the anointed Speaker to secure majority backing and further use them to oil Shaibu’s governorship ambition when the time comes.

Unknown to Shaibu, however, Obaseki having received intelligence reports about the unholy alliance, decided to summon a meeting of all the elected PDP Assembly members at his Benin City residence, excluding his deputy which was extremely unusual as, according to a source, whenever such meetings were called, instruction usually colame from Obaseki to Shaibu to do so.

The meeting had two agenda. One, to choose a Speaker among the state legislators. Secondly, to use their numerical strength to persuade other PDP elected lawmakers to back the governor’s preferred candidate.

Besides, it was gathered that after the meeting, Obaseki immediately moved against Shaibu or at best, dine with him with a long spoon.

Being a clever politician, Shaibu sensing that with his exclusion from the meeting, the topic under discussion may centre around him and armed with the advice from two members of the assembly who are close to him, approached the court to seek protection from his boss, Obaseki to avoid an imminent impeachment and removal from office.

In a motion on notice brought before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja then, the applicant sought an order of interlocutory injunction stopping the respondents or their agents from harassing, intimidating, embarrassing or preventing the applicant from carrying out the functions of his office as Deputy Governor of Edo State, including attending State Executive Council meetings and other functions pending the determination of the substantive suit.

It took the intervention of well meaning personalities including the Catholic Archbishop of Benin Metropolitan See to quell the raging fire and seeming normalcy returned but not without certain consequences.

First, all the persons who came through Shaibu to work in the state MDA’s were either removed or forcefully retired. The second approach was his removal from overseeing the State IGR Board. Thirdly, he was forced out of Government House to another location outside the seat of Government.

This is because there is hardly trust in every reconciliation. And once quarrel is established between friends, the grudges will refuse to go away.

Therefore, as soon as the party primaries was over, the old enemity resurfaced.

This time, it took Shaibu by surprise. In the previous plot he was well in the know. But this time around, he struggled to come to terms with what hit him like a sledge hammer unlike in the past when he appeared to be steps ahead of Obaseki.

Even at that, Shaibu did not conduct himself properly. After the seeming reconciliation following the intervention by some prominent persons he threw his hats into the ring for the PDP ticket which an ally of Obaseki, Asue Ighodalo, eventually won in the just concluded gubernatorial primary of the party. As if that

wasn’t enough, Shaibu declared himself winner in the exercise, after he assembled some loyalists in his official quarters in Benin city and held a parallel primary.

What further stoke the embers of fire was his presence at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja recently where he asked that the party should pronounce him the governorship candidate.

Thereafter, the biblical hands of Esau and the voice of Jacob began to play out as Obaseki through the State House of Assembly on Wednesday March 6, 2024 commenced impeachment proceedings against the Deputy governor.

Majority Leader of the House, Hon Charity Aiguobarueghian, during plenary announced that 21 out of the 24 members of the State House of Assembly had signed an impeachment notice against Shaibu.

The state assembly cited perjury and disclosure of government official secrets as reasons for wanting the embattled deputy governor removed from office.

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, through a resolution passed by 19 out of the 24 members, the Assembly, therefore, directed the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to set up a seven-man panel to investigate the deputy governor.

This was when it dawned on Shaibu that the handshake has gone beyond the elbow. Same day, Shaibu in a spirited move to stop the impeachment proceedings, approached a Federal High Court, Abuja and filed an ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024, to restrain the Assembly, the Chief Judge, Governor Godwin Obaseki, from taking further action on the impeachment process pending the determination of the substantive matter before the court.

Some observers are of the opinion that Shaibu is left with two options; to resign honourably or get impeached. Some others are still looking at divine providence as a way out. Already, his political camp has been thrown into confusion. More so as the panel set up by the state Chief Judge began sitting after its inauguration on Monday, March 25, 2024. But in a dramatic twist before the inauguration, two members of the panel declined to serve. They are Prof. Violet Aigbokhavbo and Prof. Boniface Onomion Edegbai, who gave no reason for their refusal to serve. They were immediately replaced by two lawyers namely President Aigbohian and Mariam Erakhaba Ilavbare. That notwithstanding, the political harmony that existed between Obaseki and Shaibu before things fell apart has gone for good no matter the outcome of the panel’s sitting.

Represented by his counsel, Prof Olawoyin Awoyale (SAN), the state number two citizen sought an order of the court to restrain the state House of Assembly, the Speaker and the Clerk from commencing any process by holding proceedings or setting up any panel of investigation for his removal, pending the hearing of a motion on notice.

However, Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling on March 13, 2024 refused to grant the application.

But following the proceedings of Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Shaibu, requested for the status quo to be maintained by parties pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice.

Again, Justice Omotosho declined the request, saying “the governor of Edo State and the Edo State House of Assembly who are the principal actors in the matter have not been served with the originating summons of the suit as required by law.”

The judge, however, granted the application by the deputy governor seeking to serve the process on the Edo State Governor and the state House of Assembly by substituted means. Justice Omotosho, also ordered that the court process be pasted at the entrance of the Edo State Government House and the gate of the state House of Assembly Complex in Benin City.

He further directed that all court papers be served on parties in the matter with the use of a registered courier company before adjourning the matter till April 15, 2024 for hearing.

Unfortunately on Friday, March 22, 2024, the State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa constituted a seven-man panel to investigate allegations against the Deputy governor.

He said the move was part of part of the impeachment processes initiated by the state house of assembly.

A statement endorsed by the Chief Registrar of the Court, B. O. Osawaru with reference number CR/4837/Vol. II/131 dated March 22, 2024, said the panel is headed by retired Justice S. A. Omonua.

The statement named other members of the panel to include, Prof. Theresa Akpoghome, Mr. Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Dr. Andrew Oliha, Mr. Idris Abdulkareen, President Aigbohian and Marian Erahkoba Ilavbare

According to the statement, “The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has constituted a seven-member panel to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against Edo State deputy governor, RT . Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu.

“The Edo State lawmakers had on Tuesday mandated Justice Okungbowa to set up a sevenman committee to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct brought against him.

“The panel, which is in accordance with section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is headed by retired Justice S. A Omonua. Others are Prof. Theresa Akpoghome, Mr. Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Dr. Andrew Oliha, Mr. Idris Abdulkareen, President Aigbohian and Marian Erahkoba Ilavbare

The above scenario has made some political commentators to believe that the days of the deputy governor appear numbered. Some observers are of the opinion that Shaibu is left with two options; to resign honourably or get impeached. Some others are still looking at divine providence as a way out.

Already, his political camp has been thrown into confusion. More so as the panel set up by the state Chief Judge began sitting after its inauguration on Monday, March 25, 2024.

But in a dramatic twist before the inauguration, two members of the panel declined to serve. They are Prof. Violet Aigbokhavbo and Prof. Boniface Onomion Edegbai, who gave no reason for their refusal to serve. They were immediately replaced by two lawyers namely President Aigbohian and Mariam Erakhaba Ilavbare.

That notwithstanding, the political harmony that existed between Obaseki and Shaibu before things fell apart has gone for good no matter the outcome of the panel’s sitting.

Shaibu

Okuama Killings: What Are the Real Issues?

Okuama

Killings: What Are the Real Issues?

Quotables

‘….It is not in the character of our people, to go killing and cutting off the heads of men and women in uniform. I am a Niger Deltan, and I know this is totally uncommon….This is barbaric, this is brutal. This is the kind of thing you hear, in organised terrorist groups. Such people must be declared as terrorists’ - Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, 10th National Assembly, Federal Republic of Nigeria

‘There is simply no rule of law, in Nigeria. The first thing that must exist in a space before you can speak to either democracy or citizens, is the presence of the rule of law in that space…..’ - Dele Farotimi, Lawyer and Social Critic

PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.

This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

The writer of this column, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

In Defence of Citizen Rebecca

Condolences to the Sekidika Family

The death of young, beautiful, intelligent first class honours Microbiology graduate of Benson Idahosa University, Edo State, Rebecca Sekidika, is so sad, painful, unfortunate and absolutely needless. May Rebecca’s soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. Amen. I seize this opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences to Rebecca’s Parents, siblings and family, and pray that they will experience God’s comfort during this extremely difficult time.

Questioning Paragon Clinic and Imaging Centre About Rebecca’s Hysteroscopy

Even though there is a popular Nigerian saying that we cannot question God, possibly because the Holy Bible tells us that God is perfect (Matthew 5:48), we can certainly question Paragon Clinic and Imaging Centre, Port Harcourt where Rebecca went for a simple Hysteroscopy, that is, “a procedure that allows a surgeon to look inside a uterus in order to diagnose and treat the causes of abnormal bleeding”. Rebecca’s symptoms were that she had not had her period for three months, and all the tests carried out on her, including a pregnancy test, were all negative.

Though I’m not a medical doctor, to the best of my knowledge, a hysteroscopy to diagnose the reason for abnormal bleeding is done by inserting a Hysteroscope, which is a thin lighted tube, into the vagina, to check the cervix and uterus, and an anaesthetic is not required for this. At most, an injection to numb the cervix may be given. Anaesthesia/Spinal Anaesthesia is only required for an Operative Hysteroscopy, which is used to remove growths like polyps and fibroids, or procedures like Caesarean Section. One of the news reports I read, stated that Rebecca was given spinal anaesthesia. In a videoclip that I watched, Rebecca’s Father, Mr Sampson Sekidika, stated that her Mother heard the Doctors inside the operating theatre, shouting that Rebecca should wake up (a spinal anaesthetic (like an epidural) is a local anaesthetic that does not cause a patient to fall asleep). These pieces of evidence, therefore point to the fact that Rebecca was given some form of anaesthetic, which subsequently rendered her unconscious. Loss of consciousness, is one of the most dreaded complications of spinal anaesthesia.

So, my first few questions would be, what has happened to the Hippocratic Oath taken by Doctors here? Why was Rebecca given spinal anaesthesia, for a procedure that shouldn’t have required anaesthetic? Was she instructed not to eat six hours before the procedure, as she would be given an anaesthetic? Were Rebecca and her Parents even told that she would/may be given an anaesthetic? It would have been gross negligence on the part of the Doctors not to tell a patient that an anaesthetic would be administered on them, and to observe the normal fasting protocol. Did Rebecca eat less than six hours before the procedure (no food or drink should be consumed by a patient, six hours before a spinal anaesthetic is administered)? What tests were carried out on her, before she was given the anaesthetic - her weight, ECG, blood tests etc to determine the type and dosage of anaesthetic to be administered (this would have been done a few days before the procedure)? Why did Rebecca throw up and throw up blood? Why was Rebecca found dead in a pool of blood?

Mr Sekidika stated that they were not told that Rebecca would given an anaesthetic, which means that the fasting protocol to be observed before an anaesthetic is administered on a patient would not have been relevant, or observed by Rebecca as she would have been unaware of any plan to give her an anaesthetic. See the case of Ojo v Gharoro (2006) LPELR-2383 (SC) per Niki Tobi, JSC who cited Lord Denning’s book ‘The Discipline of Law’ and a sub-chapter therein, ‘Doctors at Law’ where his Lordship stated inter alia that “A medical man for instance, should not be found guilty of negligence unless he has done something of which his colleagues would say: “He really did make a mistake there. He ought not to have done it…”. It appears that the Doctors made a mistake, as Rebecca ought not to have been given a spinal anaesthetic for a simple investigative hysteroscopy, nor was she, or her Parents informed that she would be given one, and the issue of being asked to observe the required fasting protocol in advance by the Hospital, in order to undergo the hysteroscopy could therefore, not even have arisen. There is a risk of vomiting and bringing up food, choking and blocking the airways during a procedure, if an anaesthetic is administered on a stomach that isn’t empty, and there is also a high risk of death, and so it would be gross negligence on the part of the Doctor not to inform a patient beforehand to observe the fasting protocol.

Rebecca’s Father stated that the Doctor told him

“Medical professionals in Nigeria do not particularly face any consequences for their negligence, acts or omissions, even when it results in death. Nigerians also seem to resign themselves to being philosophical in such unfortunate circumstances - “Amuwa Òlòrun ni” (It is the will of God). No, it is not the Will of God, for a medical practitioner to be careless, reckless and negligent - that is medical malpractice”

and his colleague after Rebecca’s death, that 30 minutes after the spinal anaesthetic was administered on Rebecca, she stated that she felt like throwing up and started vomiting blood. Could it also be that Rebecca may have had an allergic reaction, to an anaesthetic that she shouldn’t have been given in the first place?

Negligence & Lack of Accountability

I have always harped on the issue of lack of accountability in governance; it is also prevalent when it comes to inadequate medical treatment resulting in the death or maiming of patients. Medical professionals in Nigeria do not particularly face any consequences for their negligence, acts or omissions, even when it results in death. Nigerians also seem to resign themselves to being philosophical in such unfortunate circumstances - “Amuwa Òlòrun ni” (It is the will of God). No, it is not the Will of God, for a medical practitioner to be careless, reckless and negligent - that is medical malpractice.

Cover Up

The attempt to cover up the cause of Rebecca’s death by citing Pulmonary Embolism/Vascular Rupture as her cause of death in the Death Certificate issued to her family, shows an attempt to escape culpability for Rebecca’s death, and it is good that her Father has decided to seek for justice for his daughter, instead of letting the matter go. The authorities need to investigate the cause of Rebecca’s death, thoroughly. In any event, the fishy death certificate

issued for Rebecca may go to no issue. In Ozo v The State (1971) LPELR-2891 (SC) per George Baptist Ayodola Coker, JSC, the Supreme Court held that though medical evidence is desirable for the proof of the cause of death, it is not essential. Liability of a Defendant could be proved from the fact that the death of an individual, was as a direct result of the negligence of the Defendant. The facts available so far, appear to draw a nexus between negligence on the part of the Hospital and the Doctors that attended to Rebecca, and her death. Pulmonary Embolism doesn’t happen magically. It is a condition in which one artery or more may be blocked by a blood clot; it has symptoms like, shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain. Not only does it require diagnosis, Rebecca had no such symptoms. In Jimoh Dina v The State 1984 15 N.S.C.C.596 at 599 per Kazeem, JSC, the Supreme Court held that where there is no medical evidence as to the cause of death, it is proper for the Court to infer the cause of death from the surrounding circumstances; or from circumstantial evidence adduced before it. See the case of Essien v State 1984 3 S.C. 14 at 18 per Bello, JSC. Even if Paragon Clinic tries to cover up the cause of Rebecca’s death, the surrounding circumstances of her death definitely raise questions about the spinal anaesthetic that was given to her, and it must be ascertained whether this was the cause of her death.

Punishments: Negligence & Manslaughter

The Medical and Dental Professions are governed by the Code of Medical Ethics 2008 (CME). The punishments provided for malpractice in the CME, are lenient. Section 30 of the CME provides that where a practitioner’s negligence results in the permanent disability or death of a patient, the practitioner is guilty of gross negligence and is liable to six months suspension or having his/her name struck off the Medical or Dental Register. This is almost a slap on the wrist, for killing somebody.

In Rebecca’s case, the surrounding circumstances appear to point to gross negligence leading to manslaughter. See the case of Adeyemi v State (1991) LPELR-172(SC) per Uche Omo, JSC. Section 317 of the Criminal Code Act (CCA) which is applicable in the Southern parts of Nigeria including Rivers State, defines Manslaughter as unlawfully killing another in circumstances that do not constitute murder. The difference between murder and manslaughter, is the lack of men rea, that is, the intention to kill. See the case of Popoola v State (2018) LPELR-43853(SC) per Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC where the Apex Court defined the offence of Manslaughter thus: “….the unintentional killing of a human being. Such a killing is not premeditated but accidental, in the sense that it was not intentional”. In Rebecca’s case, even if the men’s rea was lacking, it appears that the Doctors may have been reckless.

In Omini v State (1999) LPELR-2638 (SC) per Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, JSC, the Supreme Court held that Sections 302-306 of the CCA ”….recognises the difference between doing an unlawful act and doing a lawful act with a degree of carelessness which the Legislature makes criminal”. I submit that this latter part of Karibi-Whyte, JSC’s judgement, that is, doing a lawful act with a degree of carelessness, appears to be applicable in the matter of Rebecca’s unfortunate demise, and Section 325 of the CCA provides for the punishment of life imprisonment upon conviction for the offence of manslaughter. Oftentimes, I wonder about if the definitions of some offences are adequate. Even if a Doctor doesn’t go to the hospital armed with the mens rea to kill a patient thereby constituting the offence of murder, the fact that he/she is trained to know that if they do something or fail or neglect to do it, it will most likely result in death of the patient, doing that thing or omitting to do it is not just reckless and shows a wanton (intentional) disregard for the patient’s life, but to me, it resembles an implied form of an intention to kill.

Apart from filing a Complaint against the Hospital and the actual Dr(s) involved, to the Medical & Dental Council for onward transmission to their Investigating Panel (see Section 25 of the CME), Rebecca’s Parents can also make a report to the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency at the Federal Ministry of Health (HFMAA). A criminal investigation can also be conducted by the Police, and a finding of culpability for gross negligence or recklessness or wanton disregard for the life of Rebecca, could necessitate the matter being forwarded to the Rivers State Attorney-General’s Office for the DPP’s Advice and Prosecution.

Conclusion

Some of the reasons responsible for medical malpractice and negligence in Nigeria, are the greed of Doctors prescribing procedures that are not required, in order to make money. This lack of empathy and compassion which has become commonplace amongst our people because of corruption, poverty and harsh living conditions, is dangerous for the health sector; it also results in the taking up of cases that a Doctor or Hospital is not equipped to handle. Lack of experience on the part of some Doctors; carelessness; lack of adequate equipment in hospitals; misdiagnosis; mistake in treatment; administering the wrong meditation, fake medication and not treating a patient promptly. Also, lack of adequate monitoring of medical facilities by the HFMAA, so that there are so many Quacks in the health sector; the ease in which cover ups of uncountable unfortunate incidents like Rebecca’s happen, as opposed to the initiation of credible investigations, thereby fostering a lack of accountability on the part of medical professionals and the “Nothing go happen” culture. The Doctors defend themselves in the face of wrongdoing, a sort of ‘esprit de corps’, rather than testify against their erring colleagues. My dear colleagues and readers, kindly, share your views on what can be done to hold Doctors accountable for medical malpractice. For one, I think the CME should be reviewed and stiffer penalties inserted. The HFMAA, should also be more up and doing. Hopefully, the culture of corruption will not get the better of HFMAA Inspectors, leading them to give Medical Facilities that ordinarily should not even be in existence, a clean bill of health to continue their practice of hurting, killing and causing permanent disability to patients.

Late Rebecca Sekidika

Locus Standi to Challenge Nomination or Membership of a Political Party

Facts

The 1st Appellant and the 2nd Respondent contested the Governorship Election of Abia State conducted by the 1st Respondent on 18th March, 2023. At the conclusion of the election, the 2nd Respondent was declared the winner. Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, the Appellants presented a petition challenging the return of the 2nd Respondent on three grounds, to wit:

(1) Non-qualification of the 2nd Respondent, (2) Lack of majority of lawful votes cast, (3) Corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022. On 6th October, 2023, the Tribunal delivered a judgement dismissing the petition of the Appellants. Aggrieved, the Appellants filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal which however, dismissed the appeal. Dissatisfied, the Appellants appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

The Supreme Court considered the following issues in its determination of the appeal:

1. Whether the lower court was right when it affirmed the Tribunal’s decision that paragraphs 30 to 40 of the Appellants’ petition were incompetent, for being pre-election issues and founded on facts over which the Tribunal had no jurisdiction.

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was correct to affirm the decision of the Tribunal that the Appellants did not prove their allegations against the 2nd and 3rd Respondents in the petition.

Arguments

On the 1st issue, the Appellants’ Counsel relied on the case of ENGR NELSON OSELOKA ONUBOGU v IFEYINWA ANAZONWU & 2 ORS (2023) LPELR 60288 (SC), to submit that complaints of non-qualification which border on breach of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Electoral Act and Party Guidelines can be accommodated outside pre-election matters. He argued that the 2nd Respondent was not a member of the 3rd Respondent when he participated in the election, since his name was not contained in the Membership Register of the 3rd Respondent, which the 3rd Respondent failed to submit to the 1st Respondent 30 days before the conduct of its primary election. Counsel submitted that the 2nd Respondent was a Governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) before he purported to defect to the 3rd Respondent, and unless his name was on the Membership Register submitted by the 3rd Respondent to the 1st Respondent 30 days before the holding of its primary election, the 3rd Respondent cannot validly and lawfully sponsor the 2nd Respondent as its candidate for the Abia State Governorship election.

Counsel for the Appellants argued further that the lower court erred when it classified the Appellants’ challenge to the qualification of the 2nd Respondent, the non-compliance by the 2nd and 3rd Respondent with the mandatory provisions of Sections 77(2)(3), 82(1) and 84(1)(7) of the Electoral Act, as a specie of pre-election matter within the internal affairs of the 3rd Respondent. He submitted that the lower court failed to appreciate that the question as to whether or not the 2nd Respondent who contested the election, was a duly registered member of the 3rd Respondent in compliance with Section 77(2) and (3) of the Act, is founded on the constitutional requirement of membership of political party as a qualifying factor under Section 177(c) of the Constitution and Section 134(1)(a) of the Electoral Act, and so, outside the internal affairs of the 3rd Respondent.

In response, respective counsel for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondent submitted similarly that, although the 2nd Respondent participated in the APC Governorship primary election and lost, he defected to the 3rd Respondent Party few days to the 3rd Respondent’s Governorship primary election which held on 8th June, 2022. They argued in their respective turns that the Appellants’ grouse relates squarely to events which happened prior to the Governorship election of 18th March, 2023 and which are pre-election matters. Counsel placed

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja

On Friday, the 12th day of January, 2024

Before their lordships

John Inyang Okoro uwani Musa abba aji

Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju adamu Jauro

emmanuel akomaye agim Justices, Supreme Court SC/CV/1250/2023

Between

1. CHIeF OKeCHuKWu aMBROSe aHIWe

2. PeOPLeS deMOCRaTIC PaRTy (PdP) aPPeLLaNT

And

1. INdePeNdeNT NaTIONaL eLeCTORaL ReSPONdeNTS COMMISSION (INeC)

2. dR aLeX CHIOMa OTTI

3. LaBOuR PaRTy (LP) ReSPONdeNT (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Uwani Musa Abba Aji, JSC)

reliance on the decision of the Supreme Court in APP v OBASEKI (2022) 13 NWLR (PT. 1846) 1 that an election petition in which the sole ground is based on events that occurred prior to the election day is squarely a pre-election matter by the provision of Section 285(14) (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and not an election matter to which Section 138(1)(d) of the Electoral Act 2022 is applicable.

On the 2nd issue, the Appellants’ Counsel argued that the lower court failed to avert its mind to a critical aspect of Exhibit P38 tendered by PW4, being the original counterpart copy of the result of votes in Obingwa LGA, and that it carries a higher probative value than Exhibit P188 which was a certified true copy of the same result. Counsel argued that it was wrong for the lower court to reject

“…. it is only a member of a political party who was an aspirant that participated in the primary election, that can challenge the sponsorship and nomination of the candidate who emerged from the primary election”

the said Exhibit and rely on the technical point that the witness statement on oath of PW4 did not accompany the petition at the date of filing pursuant to paragraph 4(5) of the 1st Schedule of the Electoral Act, 2022. He also argued that the lower court was wrong to refuse the Appellants’ motions dated 3rd August, 2023, thereby denying them fair hearing.

In response, respective Counsel for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondent argued that PW4, PW16, PW17 and PW22 were subpoenaed witnesses, whose statements on oath were not filed with the petition within 21 days after the declaration of the election result, thereby making their evidence incompetent. They submitted that the Appellants failed to establish the allegations made in their petition that the 1st Appellant scored the majority of lawful votes, since they did not show the existence of 2 sets of results emanating from same election. They contended that the issue on the evidence of PW4, who tendered Exhibit P38, which was to be the duplicate result and meant to contradict Exhibit P188, the official CTC of the result was abandoned on appeal, and the Appellants did not raise any issues therefrom. On the Appellants’ allegation of denial of fair hearing, counsel argued that the Appellants did not state which applications of the Appellants were dismissed, hence, abandoned them.

Court’s Ruling and Rationale

Resolving the first issue, the Apex Court held that there is no requirement in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) that a candidate may only qualify as such, if his name was in the Register of Members of the political party which sponsored him or her. The Court held that there is no doubt with respect to Section 77(2) and (3 ) that all that was required was for a political party to “maintain a register of its members and both hard and soft copy”, and although subsection 3 further required the political party to make such register available to INEC not later than 30 days before the date fixed for the party primaries; the section did not debar new members who joined after the submission of the Register of Members from participating in the party primaries conducted thereafter. Neither a party nor the court, is allowed to import into a statutory provision that is not contained therein.

The Apex Court went further to hold that it is only a member of a political party who was an aspirant that participated in the primary election, that can challenge the sponsorship and nomination of the candidate who emerged from the primary election. The Court referred to its decision in PDP v INEC & ORS. (2023) LPELR – 60457 (SC) and held that the Appellants who were not aspirants in the 3rd Respondent’s primaries were not in the position to complain about the nomination of the 2nd Respondent by the 3rd Respondent, particularly as issues of membership and nomination are internal affairs of the political party and preelection matters, which the Election Tribunal does not have the jurisdiction to entertain.

On the 2nd issue, the Apex Court held that no matter how vital and potent a document or Exhibit may be, it must lose its power when rejected or rendered inadmissible. The Court held that an election petition, being sui generis and time bound, does not permit piecemeal filing and presentation of petition and all witnesses, whether subpoenaed or not, should have their statements and evidences ready to accompany the petition before the petition is filed, since there will not be time again to allow for such substantial amendments.

The Court found that even though Exhibit P38 may have been said to be a vital document, however, it did not have any foundation to stand or be admitted by the court, as the evidence of PW4 who tendered the said Exhibit was discarded, being a subpoenaed witness whose witness statement on oath was not filed alongside the petition as statutorily required. The Court held that it is possible for an original document tendered before the court to be infected with the virus of inadmissibility, and such is the case with Exhibit P38.

On the allegation by the Appellants that their right to fair hearing was breached because certain motions they filed were not considered, the Court held that although all applications or motions ought to be considered by the court, however, Lawyers or parties must bring them to the attention of the court no matter how frivolous they may be, otherwise they are considered abandoned if not moved. The Court held that it was on record that, the motions complained about by the Appellants were never dated or brought to the attention of the Court of Appeal by the Appellants.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Alade Agbabiaka, SAN with Dr Joseph Nwobike, SAN; Prof Paul Ananaba, SAN; Uche Iheduwa, SAN and Chief Theo Nkure for the Appellants.

J. T. U. Nnodum, SAN with K. C. Nwufo, SAN and K. A John Nwosu, SAN For the 1st Respondent.

A. J. Owonikoko, SAN with Prof J. O. Olatake, SAN; Chief Hakeem Afolabi, SAN; Ken Ahia, SAN and Olusola A. Dare for the 2nd Respondent.

Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN with Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN; Dr Sonny Ajala, SAN; Echezona Etiaba, SAN and Valentine Offia for the 3rd Respondent.

Reported

Honourable Uwani Musa Abba Aji, JSC

Ethical Behaviour of Lawyers: Professional Independent Enforcers Required

Stories by Steve Aya

A cross-section of senior Lawyers has advocated for the setting up of a body that will ensure that the ethics of the profession are not only embedded, but respected by all Lawyers.

This view was expressed by Discussants at the Nigeria Bar Association, Section of Legal Practice (NBA/SLP) one-day symposium with the theme ‘Legal Practice in Nigeria, Reinforcing Ethical Behaviour’, which took place at the Lagos Court of Arbitration in Lekki on Friday.

In his submission, Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole of the Court of Appeal, stated the need for the enforcement of the law ethics on Lawyers. He added that 25% of young Lawyers don't want to have anything to do with litigation, and even some older Lawyers are looking for ways out, because Lawyers are disrespecting the ethics of the profession. He then called for the setting up of independent professional regulators, rather

than the current situation of self-regeneration.

"If what we have in place now is working, we will not be where we are today. We should take away enforcement of ethics from legal professional bodies, and there will be changes. If people know that there will be sanctions and these sanctions don't discriminate, they will sit up."

The immediate past Sokoto State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Sulaiman Usman, SAN, said that ethical rules are important to maintain the confidence of the client and the public in general.

In his presentation, former NBA General Secretary, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN decried the systemic challenges in enforcing discipline in the profession. He recounted the humble steps and achievements he made, with regard to ensuring that Lawyers adhere to ethics during his tenure. He said that a lot can be achieved again with the right mindset and attitudinal change, amongst practitioners

and leadership in the profession.

While subscribing to the call to have a body that will enforce ethical discipline, he however, suggested that all the various legal bodies should be able to do so effectively.

Mr Chukwuka Ikwuazom

SAN, on his part, said that the 2023 Rules of Professional Conduct are obvious and precise in dealing with clients, courts, and Lawyers. He however, pointed at the lack of enforcement as the missing thing. He suggested that the

Disciplinary Committee of the NBA that sits in Abuja should be broken into regions down to the local level, so that the profession's ethics can be upheld.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the NBA/SLP Mrs Boma Alabi, SAN, said that the ethics

of law in Nigeria is the same as that of other Commonwealth nations, and she wondered why it was not working in Nigeria. She then urged Lawyers to look deep down inside them for solutions, which are about re-enforcing ethical behaviour.

Davido Agrees to Settle Breach of Contract Case Out of Court

Nigerian Singer, David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has agreed to settle out of court, the breach of contract suit filed against him at a Delta State High Court sitting in Effurun by the Amaju Pinnick-led Brownhill Investment Company Limited.

As part of the consent judgement entered in a N2 billion suit against him, Davido agreed to, within seven days of execution of the terms of the settlement, pay the sum of N30 million to the Claimant, being a part contribution to the Claimant’s outstanding

legal fees in this suit.

As part of the out-of-court settlement, the Defendant agreed to perform live at the ‘Warri Again 2024 Concert’ slated for October 4, 2024 in Warri, Delta State.

The Claimant , through its lawyer, Kelechi Onwuegbuchulem in the suit, prayed the court to award N2 billion as general damages against Davido, and also prayed to the court for N150 million as legal and professional fees and an additional sum of N30 million as the cost of filing the suit.

Defendants in the suit are David Adeleke a.k.a “Davido”, and his music label, Davido Music Worldwide Limited.

Following extensive discussion and negotiations to have the matter resolved amicably, parties have mutually agreed that Davido will perform at the “Warri Again Concert” edition on October 4, 2024.

In the consent judgement, parties also agreed that the sum of $94,500 which the Claimant had already paid to the Defendants, will be considered for the performance at the event.

The parties also agreed as follows: “The parties have resolved the miscommunication issues that occasioned this dispute, and the 1st Defence shall immediately post on his social media platforms including X, Instagram, Facebook, Snap Chat, etc. the following statement: “All issues regarding ‘Warri Again 2023 Concert’ have been settled between Mr Amaju Pinnick and myself, and I am happy to announce that I shall be performing live at the ‘Warri Again 2024 Concert’ on October 4, 2024 in Warri, Delta State.

Ajasa Estate Residents Send SOS to Governor Sanwo-Olu

One month after land grabbers invaded and laid siege on a Lagos Community at AjasaCommand Area of the State, the 20,000 strong residents have sent a strong ‘Save Our Souls’ petition to the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, asking him to save them from daily harassment and bullying by the land grabbers.

On February 16, 2024, the residents of Ifelagba and Aniya Community Development Areas woke up to the invasion of notorious land grabbers from Ogun State with over 200 thugs, to invade the community on the pretext of executing the judgement of a Lagos High Court over a land tussle between Oba Subaru Odualabe, and Kehinde Ologunebi families over an expanse of land measuring 11.370 hectares and delineated in survey plan no: AGB 247A and lying at Igbo Esinsin. Owoeye is well known and feared in Ogun State, particularly at Atan-Ota, where he has his base.

The litigation started with suit no ID/937/2006 before Justice Atinuke Ipaye of the Ikeja Judicial Division who delivered her judgement on September 29, 2011 in favour of the Ologunebi family. The

matter thereafter, proceeded to the Court of Appeal, Lagos in 2012 before Justices Amina Augie, Abimbola ObasekiAdejumo, and Tijjani Abubakar. In a unanimous decision, and in the lead judgement read by Justice Obaseki-Adejumo, the appellate court affirmed the decision of the lower court. Not satisfied with the Court of Appeal decision, Oba Odualabe proceeded to the Supreme Court where Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun in December 2022 struck the case out, due to withdrawal and incompetence.

Meanwhile on December 8, 2023, Oba Odualabe filed another application seeking leave to relist the appeal before the Supreme Court. But, prior to this, the Plaintiff had filed an ex-parte application before Justice Ipaye seeking to take possession of the land in question. In granting the application, Justice Ipaye said: “It is trite that every court of law has the inherent and bounden duty, to ensure that a litigant enjoys the juicy fruit of success in the legal contest. This court having also extracted an undertaking from the judgement creditor, to the effect that execution of the judgement shall not be used as

an occasion to unleash violence and mayhem on the holders of third-party interests created over the subject property in the course of litigation”. Based on this extraction of undertaking signed by Alhaji Suraju Ologunebi, Justice Ipaye granted the application for possession on November 15, 2023. Alhaji Suraju Ologunebi swore to an oath not to execute judgement with violence on December 12, 2024. However, despite the pendency of the appeal before the Supreme Court, it also granted a consequential order granting possession to the judgement creditor to take over the land on December 15, 2023. The lower court further granted the order of execution on January 24, 2024.

Meanwhile, the residents became aware of the litigation only in 2015, just after judgement was delivered at the Court of Appeal and immediately instructed their Lawyer, Mr Jiti Ogunye to establish contact with Mr Idowu Kokumo, the Ologunebi family Lawyer. Correspondences were exchanged between the two Lawyers between 2015 and 2020, to the effect that the residents will be willing to

negotiate with the judgement creditor, without prejudice to the outcome of the matter before the Apex Court.

It was therefore, baffled communities that woke up to see over 200 thugs led by Chief Owoeye that invaded their communities, contrary to the ban on activities of land grabbers by Lagos State Government. They accompanied court bailiffs who marked the possessed properties. There were also 40 policemen and 20 soldiers, with a Military Police pick up van. The Army vehicle was later traced to the Nigerian Army Dog Center, Ipaja, where it was parked.

Since then, the Owoeye thugs have remained in the communities, destroying properties, locking people's homes, and extorting residents. They lock gates, preventing residents from either going out or coming in. The residents, pushed to the wall, are getting more and more restive by the day. It got to a head that Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha on Tuesday March 12, 2024 held a meeting at his office with all the parties involved in the case. In attendance at

the meeting were Alhaji Suraju Ologunebi, the judgement creditor, representatives of the Odualabe Royal family, and Elders of the Ifelagba CDA. The Police boss admonished all parties, to prevent a breakdown of law and order within the community. He told Alhaji Ologunebi to respect the undertaking he made in court and that he should not expect the residents to negotiate with him under duress, while also admonishing the residents to quickly facilitate negotiations with the judgement creditor.

Mr Ogunye has written to Mr Kokumo that the residents are ready to negotiate, but that such negotiations could only be done in an atmosphere of peace, and not under duress and chaos that has been unleashed on his clients.

In his letter to the Governor, Ogunye urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to come to the rescue of residents as law abiding citizens of Lagos State. “That the entire Community has been thrown into a state of permanent pandemonium, and the landlords and residents are left at the mercy of the invaders, with no intervention of a governmental authority to arrest the breach of the peace

and restore breakdown of law and order. Your Excellency, these are law-abiding citizens of Nigeria, and residents of Lagos State are daily being subjected to a horrendous maltreatment by their landgrabbing traducers. Our clients bought their respective landed property and developed same legally and legitimately, without any knowledge of any encumbrances or interest of any adverse claimants. In the acquisition of their respective landed property and development of same, our clients paid duties, fees and taxes to the Lagos State Government, for stamping of their title documents, for obtaining their certificates of occupancies, for physical planning and building developments permits, and are also paying tenement rates and ground rents, thereby making their modest contributions to the revenues generation of Lagos State. It is our considered submission that, in the circumstances, they deserve due protection of the law when their constitutional rights to own a property without forcible acquisition, is being flagrantly violated”, he stated.

L-R: Mr Tobenna Erojikwe; Former Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Sokoto State, Dr Sulaiman Usman, SAN; Chairman, Litigation Committee, NBA-SLP, Mr Tonye Krukrubo, SAN; Hon. Justice, Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA; Chair NBA-SLP, Mrs Boma Alabi, SAN; Mr Chukwuka Ikwazom, SAN; Former Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Mr Isaiah Bozimo, SAN and Administrator, NBA-SLP, Fadekemi Ottun PHOTO: Kola Alli Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

David Adedeji Adeleke, aka Davido (left) and Amaju Pinnick

Okuama Killings: What Are the Real Issues?

With Nigeria already struggling with enormous nationwide security challenges, the bloodbath that took place at Okuama in delta State recently, in which 17 soldiers were murdered in a most gruesome manner, was seen by many as not only dastardly, but needless, particularly at a time like this in the nation’s history, where there’s so much violence and threat in the land. The alleged reprisal attacks by military men (which has been denied), has further complicated an already bad situation. Many questions have agitated the minds of Nigerians, including whether the incident was a mere communal clash and the soldiers who were killed in Okuama were really there on a ‘peace mission’, or if there were some other reasons for the soldiers’ visit. Chief Anthony Aikhunegbe Malik, SAN; Dr Akpor Mudiaga Odje; Seun Lari-Williams; Bolu Ojewole and Gbenga Okunniga, discuss issues in the imbroglio over which the army has denied complicity, and proffer solutions on the way forward

Okuama Crisis and Ineffective Rules of Engagement of Military Intervention in Conflict Situations

Chief Anthony Aikhunegbe Malik, SAN

When the news broke of the killings of 17 soldiers of the Nigerian Army in Okuama community in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, and who, at the time of the

unfortunate incident, were allegedly on a ‘peace mission’ to the community, no one needed any foretelling as to what to expect in response from the Nigerian Army. The Response, indeed, came in predictable chilling and blood cuddling torrents of military operations ostensibly to fish out the killers of the soldiers within the community. As at the last situation reports in the public media, there is hardly any building in the Okuama Community that is yet spared in the wake of the untold infernal reprisal unleashed on the community. There has been little report, albeit unconfirmed, of human causalities following the operation as the inhabitants of the community had

“The people who will suffer the severe pains of a reprisal attack are the innocent children, the sick, old and vulnerable members of that Community”

all virtually deserted the space for what was predictably in the offing in the wake of the killing of the officers. Except for a Presidential counter-directive, the end of the current military occupation of Okuama may not come soon.

As condemnable and utterly despicable as the killing of the army officers are, one cannot but wonder what manner of ‘peace mission’ the soldiers were on in Okuama, that even statements from the military authority in this regard have been largely taciturn. While it does appear that the said peace mission embarked on by the soldiers was consistent with the military policy of civil-military relations, such relations can only be appropriately exercised within the framework of statutory mandate, delimiting the extent of duties and responsibilities of the armed forces to which the Nigerian Army is a significant component.

Now Section 217 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides as follows:

217(1) There shall be an armed forces for the Federation which shall consist of an army, a navy, an Air Force and such other branches of the armed forces of the Federation

as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly.

(2) The Federation shall, subject to an Act of the National Assembly made in that behalf, equip and maintain the armed forces as may be considered adequate and effective for the purpose of –

(a) defending Nigeria from external aggression;

(b) maintaining its territorial integrity and securing its borders from violation on land, sea, or air;

(c) suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the President, but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly; and

(d) performance such other functions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

A calm digest of the afore-quoted provision of the Constitution, may appear to suggest the accommodation of military intervention in civil insurrections. However, the facts on ground do not appear to support the satisfaction of the condition precedent for such intervention, thus, leaving one in a quandary as to the real reason for Okuama’s “peace mission” which, sadly, culminated in the gruesome murder

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

Okuama

Killings: What Are the Real

Issues?

of the personnel of the

Nigerian

Army, Alleged Incident leading to the Current Crisis

The incident leading to the current crisis was said to have started as an unrest in January 2024, following an age-long land dispute between the people of Okoloba and the abutting community of Okuama, leading to an internecine and deadly conflict with loss of lives on both sides. In consequence thereof, the military command unit of the JTF at Bomadi was invited to the scene. It was however, said that the invitation of the military was at the behest of an influential member of one of the feuding communities who had used his influence to skew the intended military intervention in favour of his community, thus, eliciting great suspicion from the other adversarial community. In consequence whereof, the attempt by the soldiers to invite the Chief and other stalwarts of the other community was greatly resisted, as it was believed that same was but merely a stratagem to unduly victimise the Okuama community. Accordingly, therefore, except the military high command is able to do a better job of explaining away the exact nature of the ‘peace mission’ warranting the soldiers’ presence in the community, the street narrative of the military intervention may become attractive and thus, snowball into a nation wide narrative.

Whilst the afore-stated street narrative may yet remain the unverified version of the facts of the incident, the existing official narrative of a ‘peace mission’ does not appear sufficient to counter the pre-existing public perception of the Nigerian security force, which is that, the military, nay, the Nigerian Government, lacks the will to tackle or confront insecurity.

Conclusion

While it remains a puzzle how the soldiers on a ‘peace mission’ in a highly volatile Niger-Delta were not adequately prepared for such an emergency, as to have been so easily taken out by a ragtag army of disgruntled youths of the community, all in one fell swoop, it does appear, from the many instances of incidents of internecine conflicts in Nigeria, that the operational mechanism of the military in the performance of its constitutional mandate of suppression of internal insurrection in civilian space can no longer effectively tackle the intended objectives, having regard to the existing rules of engagement of the military. Cases in point in Plateau, Kaduna and Benue State, lend enough credence to this conclusion.

It is thus, the writer’s opinion, besides the takeaway from the conspiracy theory of collusion, that the existing rules of engagement governing military intervention in internal conflict situations in civilian space have become ineffective and grossly inadequate in our present situation of internal insecurity bedevilled by the novelty of guerilla warfare, and made worse by negative public perception of the Government in the management of the insecurity. There is, therefore, a dire need for a review of the modus operandi.

May the souls of the fallen soldiers rest in peace.

Chief Aikhunegbe Anthony Malik, SAN Okuama Crisis: Urgent Need for Clear Boundary Demarcation of All Communities in Nigeria

Dr Akpor Mudiaga Odje

Demographic Description of Okuama Community in Delta State Act

Okuama Community is an Urhobo Community, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. It is situated along the historic Forcados River, and shares boundaries with Akugbene and Okoloba Communities, located in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, and both communities have lived together peacefully for centuries now. Okuama Community is in Ewu-urphie clan of the Urhobo tribe of Delta State.

Their major occupation of Okuama, is farming and fishing. There are other Urhobo Communities along the Forcados River, who all share boundaries with the Izon speaking Communities. Some include, Gbaregolo, Okuama, Olota, Alagbabiri communities etc. These Communities have lived with their Izon speaking Communities, for several centuries. In other words, the Okuama and Okoloba Communities have intermingled, in nearly all aspects of human life.

Put succinctly, they are all related one way or the other as it were.

Succinct Background Facts of the Matter

The story as distilled from the trending literature is that the military were on a peace mission to resolve issues between the two Communities, and it is shown that these frictions have had a historical background relating to ownership claims and/or boundaries disputes between these contending Communities.

Indeed, in February this Year, the Delta State Government had had cause to again hold meetings with

“A thorough and independent investigation into the incident is essential, to establish the truth and to arrest the perpetrators of the deadly assault on Nigerian soldiers”

representatives and leaders of these Communities on these disputes raging. Another version of the story is from the side of the Okuama Community, and that there wasn’t a peace mission, but, rather the military instead were accusing them of causing the conflict.

Killing of the Soldiers is Most Unfortunate

It is severely disheartening for anyone to be killed in communal clashes, how much more almost battalion of our own trained soldiers. Our soldiers have sacrificed their lives for this country, both during and after our fratricidal war of the 60s/70s, in search of peace and the in defence of our unification.

It is therefore, most important for things of this nature not to happen, as we join well-meaning Nigerians to collectively condemn this callous killing in all ramifications, as we thus, respectfully beseech the Uncreated Creator to rest their gallant souls in peace, Selah.

Independent Investigation Necessary

In this connection, the most imperative thing to do now is damage control.

The Federal Government itself, should investigate these claims through an independent body, side by side with any other military investigation, to get to the root of this heist. Every Community in Nigeria should maintain peace, for it to be also assured of peace by the Government at all levels.

Reprisal Attacks Should be Avoided at this Time

It is our plea to the wounded Military, to temper justice with recycle and mercy with justice in these circumstances. Two wrongs, as the cliché accentuates, cannot make a right! And, as such, any reprisal attack should be discountenanced.

The people who will suffer the severe pains of a reprisal attack are the innocent children, the sick, old and vulnerable members of that Community.

For every orphan we create from this tragedy, the Government will have to build more prisons to accommodate them in future, when they turn their vengeance against the society.

Delta State Governor Oborevwori’s Objective Position, Disposition and Actions on this Crisis is Commendable

As a father of all tribes in Delta State, the Governor must be seen to be very neutral in handling cases of this nature, as this will make the warring

Communities freely surrender to him their disputes for adjudication and mediation.

Truly, it is a difficult one, but, it has to be so, to ensure that the entire tribes belong to the Governor of the State and command their trust on this issue.

We therefore, join him in his courageous admonition to our Traditional Rulers, not to shield any murderer in their Communities.

The boundary dispute therefore, has to be urgently looked into by the State and the Federal Government, to search for a compromise of both claims and interests to forestall future violent conflicts of this nature.

And, we strongly believe also, that both Governments should also use this opportunity to address similar agitations within the State to foster collective integration.

Equitable Demarcation and/or Accurate Boundary Adjustments through Negotiable Settlements, Will Forestall Future Communal Crises in Nigeria

This is the gravamen of this discourse, our collective quest and aspiration to forestall the future recurrence of this kind of avoidable trajectory of tragedy.

Indeed, most communal crises are as a result of land and boundary claims. Contending communities lay claim to each other’s enclaves, most especially where there is a mineral and/or natural resource of economic value on the land. And, as such, these contending Communities, in a bid to outwit each other, usually draw up shylock boundaries that go beyond their real territorial boundaries.

The National Boundary Commission is a body established by law, and vested with the exclusive authority to demarcate territories or communities within Nigeria. Accordingly, we now expect a more proactive approach from it to establish with even arithmetic certainty, all lands and boundaries of every community in Nigeria. And, thereafter, come out with a map and survey plans, which should be gazetted by the Federal Government, reflecting such well cut-out and negotiated boundaries of all our communities in Nigeria.

This will go a very long way in avert future community clashes, as in the present Okuama/Okoloba debacle.

Quo Vadis

We once again, express our deep condolences and prayers to the military and all others who were killed as well as injured, and those whose homes and farms were destroyed in this Torrential Mayhem, as we Quo Vadis with the apposite literary masterpiece of the celebrant Author, Ngugi

okuama Killings: What Are the real Issues?

wa Thiong’o titled: “Weep Not Child”!!!

Dr Akpor Mudiaga Odje, LLM (Merit) London, LLD, BL; Constitutional Lawyer, Facilitator of the Niger Delta Democratic Union (NDDU)

Strategies for Reconciliation in Delta State

Seun Lari-Williams

"The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."

We all know the meaning of this proverb, so there is no need to say it with "all our mouth".

Nevertheless, what must be said expressly is that, the scars of violence run deep in the heart of Delta State where the recent killings in Okuama have unleashed a wave of reprisal attacks, threatening to plunge the region into further turmoil. As communities reel from the devastation, a call for a nuanced and constructive response from the Government echoes through the embattled landscape.

Speculation About Root Cause of the Violence

There is much speculation, about the root cause of the violence. Some have said it was not an ethnic or communal dispute, but rather, a land dispute between two families. However, one thing is clear: The tragedy in Okuama is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued Nigeria for years. In Nigeria's Middle Belt, particularly in Plateau State, the scars of inter-communal strife run deep. For decades, this region has been ensnared in a cycle of violence, with tensions often depicted as clashes between Muslim herders and predominantly Christian farmers.

Nonetheless, before we chart the path forward in Delta (and indeed, other afflicted places in Nigeria), it is imperative to confront the ghosts of the past. While the spotlight often falls on identifying and punishing the perpetrators, there is a glaring need to hold those entrusted with designing and implementing conflict management strategies accountable. As Abraham Joshua Heschel said, "Few are guilty, but all are responsible". The recurrence of these tragedies should make us ask: who is responsible for preventing bloodshed and resolving existing tensions?

Different administrations have come and gone, yet, the spectre of violence persists. It is time for a deeper examination of the policies, strategies, and interventions that have failed to stem the tide of conflict. Governance, resource allocation, and communal representation all play pivotal roles in perpetuating this cycle of violence, demanding a reckoning with the systemic failures that have fuelled the unrest.

Accountability & Transparency

In the quest for accountability, transparency emerges as a guiding principle. Citizens must be empowered with access to information and platforms, for discussion and oversight. Accountability demands

consequences for those who shirk their responsibilities, even extending to legal action against officials whose inaction contributes to the escalation of conflicts. In deserving cases, legal action or prosecution might occur against officials or leaders, for neglecting their duties in preventing conflicts. This could involve charges of negligence, misconduct, or even crimes against humanity, in instances where their inaction directly led to severe consequences. Leaders and officials have faced legal actions for failing to prevent conflicts, such as in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda, the Central African Republic, and Myanmar. There are no good reasons why this should not happen in Nigeria, in light of all the violence going on unchecked.

Looking ahead, the need for a nuanced and constructive response from the Government cannot be overstated. The cycle of reprisal attacks threatens to deepen divisions and entrench animosity, posing a grave risk to the region's stability. In this volatile climate, effective intervention is paramount to break the cycle of violence and pave the way for reconciliation.

Establishment of Public Office of Intervenors

One promising avenue lies in establishing public offices of "Intervenors" that mediate conflicts, and foster dialogue between opposing factions. These Intervenors would serve as impartial mediators, providing a platform for communities to voice grievances and seek consensus-driven solutions. By institutionalising mediation processes, officials can empower communities to address root causes and chart peace paths.

Such intervention must complement law enforcement efforts, extending

“Finding the right balance between national security needs and respect for human rights is crucial for building trust between the military and civilian population, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring a more secure future for Nigeria”

beyond enforcement to foster understanding and reconciliation among polarised communities. Effective dispute-resolution processes serve as vital tools in defusing tensions and preventing further violence, underscoring the need for proactive measures from the Government. The critical point here, is trust. Building trust among the affected communities is foundational, for effective intervention and reconciliation. Trust is the cornerstone, upon which meaningful engagement and cooperation can be established. Without trust, efforts to address the root causes of violence and promote dialogue are likely to falter. Therefore, investing in trust-building measures is essential, for laying the groundwork for sustainable regional peace and harmony.

In times of crisis, leadership must transcend rhetoric, paving the way for a future characterised by unity and cooperation. By embracing interventionism and investing in establishing public offices of Intervenors, officials can rewrite the narrative of conflict in Delta State and lay the groundwork for lasting peace. As we navigate the complexities of conflict and reconciliation, let us heed the wisdom of our ancestors who said: ‘When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their father's estate’. This collective responsibility, lies in the power to forge a path towards healing and harmony.

Seun Lari-Williams, Legal Practitioner, Ph. D Researcher at the University of Antwerp, Belgium

Militarisation of Internal Policing: Okuama Tragedy and the Way forward

Bolu Ojewole Allegations

The recent events in the Okuama Delta community of Delta State, involving the killing of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, is a complex and contested issue. Initial reports suggest the soldiers were there to mediate a land dispute between Okuama and a neighbouring community. The number of officers and soldiers killed is 17, and the Nigerian Army accuses the Okuama community of a planned attack and resorting to "propaganda" by claiming civilian casualties.

The Okuama community denies responsibility for the attack, and claims that the soldiers fired on them, resulting in civilian casualties. Some commentary has also suggested that, a local militia leader is responsible for the ambush and attacks.

There appears to be a cacophony of voices and various versions of the events leading to the death of the officers and soldiers, and with reports that the Okuama community and its environs have been a flashpoint for years. It's crucial to rely on credible sources of information, but, the low level of trust between the Nigerian Government and Military on one hand, and the populace (particularly in the Niger Delta) on the other hand, undermines the credibility of the various accounts of the incident. A thorough and independent investigation into the incident is essential, to establish the truth and to arrest the perpetrators of the deadly assault on Nigerian soldiers.

What is not in doubt is that, the details surrounding the incident remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing by the Nigerian Military and the National Assembly. However, the Nigeria Police Force and Journalists were denied access to the community, during a recent visit by the Governor of Delta State. The Nigerian Army has reportedly launched an operation in the community and even communities in neighbouring Bayelsa State to apprehend those responsible for the attack, with the major concern expressed by rights activist on collective punishment through reprisal on the community by the military and displacement of residents.

The Nigeria Police Force faces numerous challenges, including lack of manpower, training, and equipment, and the proponents of military involvement argue that the military offers superior firepower and training for dealing with violent crime or large-scale unrest. This unfortunate incident clearly signposts the vital role that the Nigerian military now plays in national security, combating threats like Boko Haram and internal security. Military tactics designed for war may not be suitable for civilian populations, leading to increased casualties and alienation, and the militarisation of policing can fuel a cycle of violence. It is important to note from an institutional perspective, extensive use of the military in internal security will continue to weaken democratic institutions and norms in Nigeria. Finding the right balance between national security needs

okuama Killings: What Are the real Issues?

cont'd from page VIII

and respect for human rights is crucial for building trust between the military and civilian population, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring a more secure future for Nigeria. There is an urgent need to re-align the rules of engagement around the deployment of the Nigerian military for internal security operations, and the military itself must be clear at each time about its operational objectives for its mission, and must be firm in holding accountable those who violate protocols.

It is hoped that outpouring of support for the military and condemnation of the ambush leading to the death of patriotic officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Military, should usher in a new era in military-civilian relations through regular interaction with community leaders, holding town halls, and fostering open communication channels are crucial. Security agencies in Nigeria must demonstrate a strong interest in strengthening collaboration with local communities, particularly in relation to intelligence gathering.

If the involvement of the military in internal policing operations in Nigeria will remain in place for the nearest future, then soldiers should be trained in protecting civilians during operations, including distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants. Clear and well-understood rules of engagement that prioritise minimising civilian harm are essential, and the military’s response must be proportionate to the threat, with a focus on de-escalation whenever possible. By following best practices, the military can build trust with the civilian population, minimise harm, and contribute to a more secure and stable security situation in flashpoints and across the country.

In conclusion, finding a peaceful resolution to the Okuama tragedy requires addressing the underlying issues, such as land disputes and grievances within the community. Open communication, dialogue, and a commitment to justice by the communities, traditional institutions and the Delta State Government, are critical steps towards lasting peace.

Bolu Ojewole, Lawyer and Public Policy Expert

The Okuama Massacre: Rethinking the Role of Soldiers in Law Enforcement Gboyega Okunniga

“The same thing that happened in Odi, is happening in Okuama today. When people take laws into their own hands because of the mischief of a few, it becomes a problem. When miscreants go to an area and cause mayhem, and the military is taking that to wipe out an entire community, that is a bad omen.”- A community leader from Okuama.

Law enforcement is not a task usually undertaken by military forces, at least within domestic legal contexts. Rather, Police Forces are usually entrusted with enforcing domestic criminal law, under highly prescribed legislative regimes that

ensure appropriate ‘due process’. Conversely, maintaining or restoring security within dysfunctional or ‘post-conflict’ areas of operation, is a role commonly undertaken by the military. Within these latter operations, the skill sets and highly calibrated application of force that are commonly associated with Police Forces in their law enforcement role, are in fact manifested in a decisively military context. This article reviews the experiences and legal frameworks associated with military law enforcement activities in the Niger Delta region, that culminated in the gruesome and unfortunate murder of 17 military personnel in Okuama, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State on 14 March, 2024 whilst they were carrying out their law enforcement duties and the subsequent, unilateral effort of the military command to apprehend the suspects which led to unnecessary civilian casualties and loss of properties.

Notwithstanding the fact that law enforcement has not been a traditional core skill of military training, military forces on deployment are nonetheless undertaking such duties in Nigeria pursuant to Section 217 (2) (c) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution that empowers the military to act in aid of civil authorities to suppress insurrection and restore order when called upon to do so by the President, but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. However, in liberal democracies, there has been a general political reluctance to utilise military means for law enforcement, especially in domestic context - this is a reflection of the principle of the primacy of the civil government. For example, in the United States,

“Should we remove the military totally from Police work? I don’t think so, given the volatility of the Niger-Delta region, and insurgent activities in other areas of the country. However, it is imperative to subject the military personnel engaged in Police work to civilian control….”

in particular, the Army or Air Force involvement in internal law enforcement is generally prohibited under the Posse Comitatus Act. Similar legislation also prohibits the US Navy and Maritime Corps, from directly participating in civilian law enforcement activities.

Even in those situations such as counter-terrorism, employing the military to supplement civil law enforcement can be risky and should be discouraged, because law enforcement and the armed forces are distinct security organs with different roles, rules, and training. It is apparent that the military do not have the same training and experience as the Police, therefore, their role should only be limited to support and logistical works in aid of law enforcement officers, not to supplant them. This secondary role will allow the military to contribute to overall internal security capabilities, while minimising the risk of the likelihood of friction between civilians and soldiers.

Military operatives operate in a different environment, with a different purpose. Theirs is not necessarily to protect individuals around them, but to accomplish the mission. While a Police officer is obliged to begin with an attempt at a constitutional arrest and escalate to force as necessary, whereas, a soldier may strike an enemy first and resort to lesser measures, like arrest, as the situation requires. Consider a hypothetical hostage situation in which a terror group has taken over a woman’s apartment and are using her as a hostage. Police officers are obliged to attempt to ensure her safety. However, where the military are in charge of the situation, it is considered as an armed conflict and the decision to destroy the whole room, with the woman inside, is permissible.

The Odi & Zari-Biam Massacres

The example above has a real-world analogue in the case of the Odi massacre of 20 November, 1999, when the military destroyed the Ijaw town of Odi in Bayelsa State leading to the loss of over 900 civilian lives; in retaliation for the massacre of twelve members of the Nigeria Police murdered by a gang near Odi, on 4 November, 1999. Every building in the town except the Bank, the Anglican Church and the Health Centre, was burned to the ground.

The same scenario played out in the Zaki-Biam Massacre (also known as The Zaki-Biam Invasion or Operation No Living Thing). This was a mass execution of hundreds of unarmed Tiv

civilians by the Nigerian military between 20 and 24 October, 2001. The massacre was said to be a surreptitious operation of the Nigerian Army to avenge the killing of 19 soldiers, whose mutilated bodies were found on 12 October, 2001, near some Tiv villages in Benue State.

It is not disputed that, the law of armed conflict generally takes a ‘Cartesian’ approach to regulating warfare. It separates combatants from civilians, and permits force to be applied only against the former. An exception to the use of indiscriminate force can only be made, with regard to those civilians who take a direct or active part in hostilities. However, in the case of Okuama and other cases mentioned above, the Nigerian military demonstrated their preference for blunt and somewhat indeterminate rights under the law of armed conflict, instead of an approach modelled on law enforcement, in terms of calibrated application and anticipated effect. The military’s struggle to follow the Cartesian approach in conflict situations, raises serious concern regarding their capacity to carry out their duty under Section 217(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution. The transfer of their “blunt mindset” to domestic policing will, therefore, continue to exacerbate distrust between the military and the communities they serve.

Conclusion

By continuing the militarisation of Police work in the country, particularly in the Niger-Delta region, we move law enforcement from a service role to that of an agent of control. Nigerian do not want to live in a militarised State, when we are under a democratically elected government. Notwithstanding the challenges in the communities with guns/ gangs, the solution is not to supplant the role of Police - but, rather, to use all available tools, if and only when necessary, to ensure order in the community within the ambit of the rule of law.

Should we remove the military totally from Police work? I don’t think so, given the volatility of the Niger-Delta region, and insurgent activities in other areas of the country. However, it is imperative to subject the military personnel engaged in Police work to civilian control, to ensure that the objective of their engagement outside of the barracks is not lost on both the soldiers and the communities they serve.

Gboyega Okunniga, United Kingdombased Lawyer; Public Affairs Analyst

ConsTiTuTional demoCraCy

PROF mike O zekh O me, san

sms Only

The Independence of the Judiciary in a Democratic Dispensation (Part 4)

Introduction

In the last part of this intervention, we examined the abuse of ex-parte orders as part of our survey of the independence of the Judiciary. We then moved on to, political pressures exerted on the Judiciary. We continue with this theme today, and extend to economic/fiscal pressures which undermine judicial independence. We shall also x-ray the intellectual dimensions of the judicial remit. as well as the relevant legal codes for their appointment. Come with me.

Political Independence (Continues)

The duty of maintaining a Judiciary that is free from political influence, an independent and impartial Judiciary in line with Section 17(2)(e) of the 1999 Constitution, rests on the honourable men and women on the Bench, the political class, the other two arms of government, and all and sundry. An independent Judiciary that inspires confidence, is a sine qua non for sustainable democracy. Judges have a special role, to reject any attempt to undermine the independence of the Judiciary in this dispensation. It is sacred! The admonition of Hon. Justice (Prof) A.F.D. Kuti in this wise is instructive:

“Of course, Judges make laws by interpretations, as Judges, by nature and training, do not succumb to partisan considerations; they are apolitical, they should be abstinat a fabia. They must not allow themselves to be torn apart by any form of differences in our societies… The Judges have a duty to chart an independent course, and let it be known that the independence of (the) Judiciary is of vital importance to the democratic process to maintain Human Rights Provisions and to maintain the non-adoption of State Religion… The Judiciary itself must be like Cinderella living in a glass house, above board like Caesar’s wife, also above suspicion”

Economic/Fiscal Independence

It is a trite warfare strategy, that the easiest way to weaken an army and overrun it is to cut off its supplies and starve it. Vital in the question of independence of the Judiciary, is the issue of fiscal autonomy, and proper funding. As soon as we institutionalise the practice of judicial officers going cap in hand to beg for funds from the Executive, the idea of independence of the Judiciary has been trampled upon and blown into smithereens! Independence must involve, economic ‘self-reliance’ and fiscal autonomy. By this, we mean that the Judiciary under this dispensation should always be able to have the funds due to it constitutionally falling directly to it, without having to approach the Executive for any form of lobbying before funds can be released to it. The Constitution has substantially taken care of this area. It only remains for the frontiers of fiscal autonomy to be widened, so that the Judiciary, (especially State Judiciaries), would be able to carry out capital projects so as to maintain befitting physical infrastructure for the Judicial institution. Agbakoba has argued that: “Judicial Independence is meaningless, if it is not accompanied by economic independence. Dishonest judicial staff, has no credible claim to judicial independence. It is necessary to take steps to ensure that Judges and Magistrates can enjoy a professional status capable of guaranteeing them the required amount of professional independence, coupled with an adequate remuneration package that can effectively isolate them from pecuniary pressures”.

In Nigeria, and under this democratic dispensation, some jurisdictions have had to contend

with dilapidated office buildings, inadequate supplies and regular power outages. Starvation of funds is a weapon used by the Executive, the keeper of the Federation purse, to achieve a balance of judicial power, by giving judicial officials a sense of economic/fiscal dependency.

To stave off starvation of funds, many countries have had to increase budgetary allocations significantly in favour of the Judiciary, both to provide adequate physical facilities and to allow for the continuing education of Judges, Magistrates and their staff. In some cases, as in Madagascar, this new approach has resulted in the establishment of a school solely dedicated to the training of judicial personnel.

The poor state of fiscal ability of the Judiciary in Nigeria today, aptly depicts the observation of the Federalist, Alexander Hamilton that:

“The Judiciary is beyond comparison, the weakest of the three departments of power. It has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no discretion either of the strength or the wealth of the society; and can take no active resolution whatever. It may be said to have neither Force Nor Will, but merely judgement” .

Although the salaries and recurrent expenditures of the Judiciary are constitutionally charged upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund, it does not appear that the Constitution specifically ensures the provision for the capital expenditure of the Judiciary. This is another ploy to still keep the Judiciary low, and check its ferocity in holding the balance over government excesses. There are other

“As soon as we institutionalise the practice of judicial officers going cap in hand to beg for funds from the Executive, the idea of independence of the Judiciary has been trampled upon and blown into smithereens!”

pockets of ploys and half-truths.

It has, for example, been argued from the Bench that the concept of accountability has often been relied upon, to justify restricting the administrative independence of the Judiciary. The Executive must, in this democratic dispensation, allow unfettered fiscal independence for the Judiciary by freeing its funds from all restrictions, so that Judges do not have to continue to go to the Executive to seek for funds for capital projects and recurrent expenditure, or extra budgetary expenses.

Judicial accountability, in fact, complements and reinforces judicial independence by creating the public confidence on which judicial independence ultimately depends. There is no gainsaying that the point is sometimes made, that in relation to their judicial functions, Judges are subject to a higher degree of accountability and transparency than any other public officers, or even with the present democratic dispensation, than indeed, any holder of political office, be they Ministers or Special Advisers or Chairmen or members of parastatals.

It has also been argued from the Bench that, financial independence of the Judiciary can only be guaranteed, where the ‘order’ allows physical projection and administrative control of finances by officers accountable to the Judiciary. The notion of Independence of the Judiciary will remain mere rhetoric, without complete fiscal autonomy for the Judiciary.

Intellectual Independence

This subhead is used here in a technical sense, as an issue of judicial independence. But, it can best be described by the story in the Bible of Israel’s sojourn in the land of Egypt. A wicked king that hated the Hebrews and was afraid of their independence and prosperity, had given an instruction to midwives in this manner,

“When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women….if it be a son, then ye shall kill him, but if be a daughter,

then she shall live…Every son that is born ye shall case into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive” .

Pharaoh preferred Hebrew females because he was afraid of male power, in the event of war with the Hebrews. The same stratagem has been employed to destroy the intellectual vibrancy of the Judiciary, so as to weaken its independence. The calibre of Judges that can stand their ground against assault on judicial independence, are those imbued with high independent, incorruptible and analytical minds laced with profound intellectual fecundity. While the High Court Bench has a mixed multitude of Judges, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court are filled with such high calibre of intellectually vibrant and independent-minded Justices. This would explain why the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, have set impressive records of independent-mindedness and incorruptibility. Those two courts can hardly be faulted, in the area of independence and absence of external influence. The problem of intellectual freedom mainly lies at the High Court Bench, and the lower Benches.

Appointment

By virtue of section 250(3), 256(3) and 271(3) Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, a person shall not be qualified to hold office of Chief Judge or a Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge or a Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and a Judge of a High Court of a State, respectively:

“Unless he is qualified to practice as legal practitioner in Nigeria, and has been so qualified for a period of not less than ten years”.

We are not really concerned here, about the procedure for appointment of High Court Judges. What has threatened the system with collapse, is the bare assumption in these constitutional provisions that tends to imply that once a person has spent ten years on earth since he/she was called to the Bar, the person automatically has all the intellectual capability to be appointed a Judge.

More than anything else, judicial incompetence (encompassing law intellectually, law productively etc) has contributed to rob the Judiciary of the necessary intellectual freedom it needs, to assert and guard its independence. According to Schewart:

“The quality of justice….depends more upon the quality of the men who administer the law, then on the content of the law they administer”

In his keynote address at the recent Bar Conference at Enugu, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, observed on the constitutional qualification for appointment as a Judge as follows:

“This allows great latitude for the appointment of ‘any Lawyer’ who has met the ten years requirement, regardless of where he is prior to his appointment. This explains why a new wig from the Nigerian Law School who, immediately after his call (and probably Youth Service) went straight to work in a company, multinationals and the life without any experience whatsoever in practice, could be and are being appointed as High Court Judge”.

At the swearing in of the new Senior Advocates of Nigeria on Monday, September 8, 2003, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN hinted that more stringent criteria for appointment of Judges would be introduced. According to the then Chief Law Officer of the Federation:

“We will propose that only those who can furnish evidence of contentious cases they handled in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and the High Court within, say, three years preceding their application, should be considered for appointment. By so doing, it will be possible to select only seasoned practitioners, to occupy positions on the Bench.” (To be continued)

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“I believe that an independent judiciary is the crown jewel of our constitutional republic. Brett Kavanaugh”. (Charles Evans Hughes)

Chief Justice of nigeria, Hon. Justice olukayode ariwoola

A Healthy Anambra: Building a Model for National Healthcare Reform

Emmanuel Uzo Obi

Nigeria faces a significant challenge in delivering accessible and affordable quality healthcare to its citizens. The current system suffers from numerous shortcomings, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to specialists, a shortage of qualified personnel, and a fragmented financing structure. These factors contribute to high out-ofpocket expenses for patients, deterring many from seeking necessary medical care.

This article proposes Anambra State as a pilot for a comprehensive healthcare reform initiative, leveraging the existing Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) as the central hub. The proposed model, the Integrated Hospital System (IHS), aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Anambra and serve as a blueprint for national healthcare reform in Nigeria.

The Integrated Hospital System (IHS): A Networked Approach

The IHS proposes a network-based approach, integrating all government-owned general hospitals and primary healthcare centers (PHCs) within Anambra State under the leadership of COOUTH. This centralized structure offers several advantages:

•Improved Resource Allocation: COOUTH, as the central hub, can strategically allocate resources, including personnel, equipment, and medication, based on the needs of each facility within the network.

•Standardized Protocols: Implementing standardized protocols for diagnosis, treatment, and referral across the network will ensure a consistent quality of care for all patients regardless of location.

•Enhanced Specialist Access: The network structure facilitates the creation of referral pathways, allowing patients at PHCs and general hospitals to be seamlessly referred to specialists at COOUTH for more complex medical conditions.

Urgent Care Centers: Bridging the Gap

Recognizing the need for timely treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, the plan proposes establishing urgent care centers in strategic locations throughout the state. These centers will be staffed by qualified healthcare professionals equipped to manage a wide range of common illnesses and injuries, reducing the burden on emergency rooms, and offering a convenient option for patients with less critical needs.

Investing in Infrastructure: Building a Solid Foundation

The success of the IHS hinges on robust infrastructure. The plan outlines several key investments:

•Hospital Upgrades: Modernizing existing hospitals and PHCs with essential equipment, including diagnostic tools, surgical equipment, and patient monitoring systems. This ensures healthcare providers have the resources needed to deliver quality care.

•Emergency Room Enhancements: Upgrading emergency rooms in hospitals within the network to manage complex medical emergencies. This could involve equipping them with advanced life support equipment and ensuring the availability of qualified emergency medicine specialists.

•Facility Expansion: Building new facilities in underserved communities to increase access to healthcare services for all citizens of Anambra State.

Empowering Healthcare Providers

The plan recognizes the crucial role healthcare providers play in delivering quality care. To attract and retain qualified personnel, the plan proposes:

•Competitive Salaries and Benefits: Providing healthcare providers with competitive salaries and benefits packages to improve job satisfaction and reduce brain drain.

•Continuous Professional Development: Investing in programs that allow healthcare professionals to stay up to date with the latest medical advancements and treatment protocols. This can be achieved through workshops, conferences, and online learning platforms.

•Improved Working Conditions: Addressing issues like overcrowding and inadequate staffing to enhance the working environment for healthcare providers, leading to improved morale and patient care.

•Collaboration: Healthcare providers are encouraged to form groups to join this expansive network. This collective approach will foster a community of care where resources and expertise are shared, leading to improved patient outcomes and a more efficient healthcare system.

Financing a Sustainable Future

Sustainable healthcare reform requires a sound financial strategy. The model explores innovative healthcare financing, including partnerships with private health insurance companies, to ensure that quality care is accessible to all. By leveraging these financial mechanisms, Anambra State can create a healthcare system that is both inclusive and economically viable.

The IHS plan acknowledges the need for a sustainable financing model to support its long-term viability. The plan explores innovative healthcare financing, including partnerships with private health insurance companies, to ensure that quality care is accessible to all. By leveraging these financial mechanisms, Anambra State can create a healthcare system that is both inclusive and economically viable.

The plan explores several options, including:

•Health Insurance Reforms: Encouraging private health insurance participation by working with insurance companies to develop affordable and accessible health insurance plans for citizens across various income levels.

•Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Exploring PPPs to leverage private sector expertise and resources in specific areas such as facility management, equipment procurement, and specialized services.

Addressing Critical Challenges

Although COOUTH has faced challenges of fiscal management and drug scarcity recently, the Anambra State Government (ANSG) must address these swiftly.

This article provided an overview of the proposed IHS model and its core components. The next part will delve deeper into critical challenges faced by the healthcare system in Anambra, including the issue of fake drugs and the need for a robust financing structure.

It will explore solutions and strategies to address these challenges, paving the way for a healthier future for the citizens of Anambra and potentially serving as a model for national healthcare reform in Nigeria.

Curbing the Menace of Fake Drugs:

The plan can explore collaborating with professional pharmacy associations to develop training programs for pharmacists, ensuring they are well-equipped to dispense medications accurately and provide medication counseling to patients. This collaborative approach can foster a culture of responsible medication use within communities.

Strengthening the Supply Chain and Promoting Local Drug Production:

The current healthcare system in Nigeria faces frequent drug shortages. The Anambra reform plan can address this by: Centralized Procurement: Establishing a central procurement system for essential medications can streamline the purchasing process, negotiate better prices with drug manufacturers, and ensure a consistent supply of essential drugs across the network. This system can leverage bulk purchasing power to secure better deals on medications, reducing costs for the state and patients.

Promoting Local Drug Production:

Incentivize the establishment of local pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. This can involve tax breaks, streamlined licensing procedures, and potential research and development grants. A robust local drug production industry can lessen reliance on imported medications, potentially reducing costs and mitigating the risk of counterfeit drugs entering the supply chain.

Technology as a Transformative Tool:

Embracing technology is key to enhancing efficiency and accessibility: Telemedicine: As mentioned earlier,

telemedicine technology can revolutionize healthcare delivery in remote areas. The plan can invest in establishing telemedicine infrastructure within PHCs, enabling remote consultations with specialists at COOUTH or other network hospitals. This can significantly reduce travel times and costs for patients in rural areas seeking specialized care.

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs): Implementing a standardized EMR system across the network will create a centralized database of patient information. This allows for a more holistic view of a patient’s medical history, regardless of which facility they visit within the network. EMRs can also improve communication and coordination between healthcare providers, leading to better-informed treatment decisions.

Mobile Health (mHealth): Utilizing mHealth solutions can empower patients to take charge of their health. The plan can explore developing mobile applications that provide patients with appointment reminders, medication adherence tracking tools, and access to educational resources on various health topics. Additionally, mHealth platforms can be used for appointment scheduling and virtual consultations with healthcare providers, reducing unnecessary in-person visits.

Building a Culture of Prevention:

Investing in preventive healthcare is crucial for long-term health outcomes. The plan will:

Prioritize Public Health Campaigns: Launching targeted public health campaigns to raise awareness about common illnesses, like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension. These campaigns can educate citizens on risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of early detection.

Strengthen Immunization Programs: Ensuring high immunization coverage rates for children and adults is essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The plan can invest in cold chain infrastructure to maintain vaccine potency, raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, and address vaccine hesitancy through community engagement programs.

Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Encouraging healthy lifestyles through community programs that promote physical activity, healthy eating habits, and mental well-being. These programs can be integrated with schools, workplaces, and religious institutions to reach a wider audience.

The Road Ahead: A Model for National Transformation

The Anambra healthcare reform plan is ambitious, but its potential impact is undeniable. A successful implementation can serve as a blueprint for national healthcare reform in Nigeria. The learnings and best practices gleaned from Anambra can be adapted and scaled across the country, fostering a more equitable, efficient, and accessible healthcare system for all Nigerians.

Challenges and Considerations:

The plan acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. Overcoming entrenched bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring effective public-private partnerships, and combating corruption will require unwavering commitment from government officials, healthcare providers, and the citizenry. Additionally, the plan must be adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of the population.

A Beacon of Hope for a Healthier Nigeria

The Anambra healthcare reform plan offers a glimmer of hope for a healthier Nigeria. By focusing on an integrated network approach, infrastructure upgrades, empowered healthcare providers, sustainable financing mechanisms, curbing counterfeit drugs, and promoting preventive healthcare, Anambra can become a model for national transformation. The journey towards a healthier Nigeria starts with a healthy Anambra, and the success of this ambitious plan can pave the way for a brighter future for all Nigerians.

The integrated hospital system model proposed for Anambra State will be more than a local initiative; it is a prototype for national reform. By demonstrating the effectiveness of a cohesive, well-financed, and regulated healthcare system, Anambra can lead the way for similar transformations across Nigeria and potentially, Africa.

•Emmanuel Obi is a professor of cybersecurity and public affairs analyst and writes from North Carolina.

Prof. Charles Soludo

Email: chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com,

How RMAC, MDA Have Become the Game Changer in Tackling Maritime Crimes

That the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability, RMAC, and the Maritime Domain Awareness Capability, MDA, have become game changer in enhancing sea vision and ensuring more effective maritime safety are undisputable facts. Tapping into this, 29 personnel of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, were recently trained at the Nigerian Navy Regional Awareness Capability Training School, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

On a certain Friday about two weeks ago, the Nigerian Navy graduated 29 personnel of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on the use of Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) system.

RMAC, MDA as Sea Vision Game Changer in Maritime Safety

What is RMAC and even the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Capabilities and why are they so important in enhancing maritime safety?

According to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Doctrine Command, Rear Admiral Habilla Zakaria,

"The Regional Maritime Awareness Capability and the Maritime Domain Awareness System are very important system for Nigerian Navy operations.

"The system provides actionable intelligence for Nigerian Navy ships on patrol to be vectored to vessels of interest with almost precision. This will enhance the policing functions of the Nigerian Navy and by extension ensure safety of Nigeria's maritime environment."

The FOC, who reiterated that the RMAC and the Maritime Domain Awareness system have become a game changer in the safety and security of Nigeria's maritime domain, made this disclosure while speaking at the graduation ceremony of staff of NIMASA's Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos.

The FOC said the establishment of RMAC ensured that one could see what was happening within the environment, which was a way of tackling sea blindness within Nigeria's maritime domain.

Thus, he said with the training given, "It is was expected that the graduates will be able to man the regional maritime rescue coordination centre of NIMASA effectively. Further collaboration and synergy between the Nigerian Navy and

L-R: Commandant, Navy RMAC Training School, Lieutenant Commander Eddy Omokhodion; immediate past WNC Fleet Commander, Commodore Victor Chioji; Commodore Alhassan; Mr Taiwo Olaniran, Head of Maritime Safety and Safer Standard Department, NIMASA; Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Doctrine Command, Rear Admiral Habilla Zakaria; FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan; and WNC Fleet Commander, Commodore AO Ogunleye with the graduands

NIMASA will ensure that we broaden our horizon and ensure safety of the Nigerian maritime environment."

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commandant RMAC Training School, Lieutenant Commander Eddy Omokhodion commended the collective resolve to ensure training for excellence for Maritime Domain Awareness personnel.

While reiterating that the Gulf of Guinea remains a strategic maritime environment with enormous potential that has been persistently challenged

with a myriad of threats directed mainly at the economic lifelines of its littoral and landlocked states, he said these maritime security challenges threaten global trade and economies of the countries within the Gulf of Guinea region particularly Nigeria.

As discomforting as these threats would appear, they are not insurmountable hence, the deployment of Maritime Domain Awareness systems to help Nigeria develop an understanding of their domain especially those that will impact their security, economy, safety and environment.

He said: "It is against this backdrop that the Maritime Domain Awareness Centres were established in Nigeria particularly in NIMASA been a major stakeholder in the maritime environment for the effective monitoring of our respective maritime space.

"Consequently, the conduct of this training was to develop NIMASA Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre MDA manpower and to further enhance the collaborative efforts between the Nigerian navy and NIMASA that confirms the value of partnership in checkmating the maritime threats within Nigeria waters.

"The Awareness training is designed to give students basic knowledge in Maritime Domain Awareness courses such as, Equipment operation, maintenance and Rigging techniques."

While commending the renewed leadership and vigor provided by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, in his vision statement and the improved collaborative initiative of this training, he added that the course was conducted and administered by a team of Nigerian Navy RMAC instructors.

Boost for Collaborations

For Mr. Taiwo Olaniran, Head of Maritime Safety and Safer Standard Department, NIMASA, collaborating with the Nigerian Navy had helped NIMASA in the discharge of its responsibility effectively.

He said: "Such trainings has helped in the improvement of NIMASA's ability to enforce it's regulations with respect to ships, trading within our waters. Overall, this has made us more effective in the discharge of our responsibilities."

Corroborating, one of the graduands, Mr. Zakaria Maimafiya, said the training had improved his surveillance, operations and intelligence gathering within the agency, adding that it also gave him knowledge on how to investigate a vessel, try a vessel of interest and to see how one can analyse vessels without proper registration coming into Nigeria.

Commodore Rafiu Taye Takes Over Command of NNS BEECROFT, Pledges to Sustain Gains

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo has assumed office as the 23rd Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, the operational arm of the Western Naval Command in Lagos and Ogun Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

The assumption of office came after the handing and taking over ceremony of the command between Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga and his successor, Commodore Oladejo which entailed signing the handing and taking over notes as well as handing and taking over of the Command Flag.

Held at the conference room of NNS BEECROFT conference room, Commodore Oguntuga said the highlight of his eventful tenure were the arrests made, as well as making the maritime domain safer for seafarers.

He said while holding sway at NNS BEECROFT, he built on the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, which is “To have a highly motivated professional naval force capable of shaping the security outcomes within Nigeria’s maritime domain and the littorals including land-based engagements in fulfilment of Nigeria’s national interest."

Oguntuga, who has since resumed at the Naval Headquarters as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the CNS, also credited the help of the Maritime Domain Awareness (NDA) facilities for the successes recorded.

In turn, Commodore Oladejo, commended for his successor, while pledging to sustain the gains recorded and even surpass it. He further thanked the CNS for deeming him fit to lead NNS BEECROFT, promising to deliver in terms of making the maritime domain within his AOR even safer than he met it.

Commodore Oladejo hails from Erin-Ile, Oyun LGA of Kwara State and a member of 44 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Prior to his appointment as the commander NNS BEECROFT, he was the Commanding Officer NNS CENTENARY, Commanding Officer Forward

Operating Base BONNY, Commandant Nigerian Navy Intelligence School, Ubima and Principal Staff Officer to Chief of the Naval Staff. He attended the following military courses: International Intelligence Course at the South African Defence Intelligence College, Pretoria, Maritime Search & Rescue Course at the United States Coast Guard Training Centre, Virginia USA, Terrorism & Security Studies Course at the George C Marshall European Centre Germany, and 25 different Courses at the United Nations Peace Operations amongst others.

Commodore Oladejo holds the following certificates: Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, Certificate in Advanced Personnel/ Human Resource Management from Administrative Staff College of Nigeria Badagry, Post Graduate Diploma in Security Management & Operations from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife and Master of Science in Strategic Studies from University of Ibadan.

He is an Alumni of the George C Marshall European Centre for Security Studies Germany, Fellow of the Institute of Security Management & Operations of Nigeria, Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, Fellow of the International Institute of Professional Security, Member of the Society for Peace and Security Practice and Member Chartered Institute of Personnel Management.

The senior officer has the following awards and decorations to his credit: ECOMOG Medal, United Nations Medal, Command at Sea Badge, DSS psc BSc PGD MSc FISMON FIIPS MNIM MSPSP MCIPM.

Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo (left) with his predecessor, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga at the handing and taking over of the command flag in Lagos, recently

Sulaiman Aledeh: The Five Decades Jubilee of a Golden Man

Rilwan Balogun

My meeting with my boss, father, brother, friend and mentor, Sulaiman Aledeh, was a special one. It was a meeting that’d birth a relationship I’ve come to nurture, love and cherish.

I remember watching Sulai on TV when he was at Channels TV. I’d never have imagined that the man I watched and admired would become my friend, advisor and mentor. What began as a working relationship soon rose to friendship and brotherhood. To honestly know Sulai is to love him, as he loves everyone and always desires the best for people. His desire for the best makes him a thorough, kind and thoughtful person. He’s ever demanding, as he usually sees in you, what nobody else does. Sulai is a special breed, a thoroughbred man by every ramification.

He’s a man who loves the people he calls his own and protects them with every fibre of his being. To those who watch him on television, he’s an astute broadcaster, a refined public speaker and a brilliant interviewer. Watching Sulai is a class for me. He trained, taught and tailored me to refinement. His admiration for excellence is second to none, and he never forgets a good deed.

For those who see him do his job, he’s just another professional, a man of discipline and integrity. Sulai gives value, and he shows and showers respect without recourse to age. I have seen him, honour kings, respect elders, hoist people experiencing poverty to luck and fulfilment and treat his staff like family.

To Sulai, everyone is human, regardless of where you’re placed in life. His goodwill knows no measure, and he uses his rich, invaluable contact only for good cause. When Sulai calls, you answer because he will answer when you call him, too. That’s a Golden man.

A University of Benin graduate of Philosophy, Sulai has worked across the media stratosphere. He has left his image and voice in hearts on TV through his excellent handling of political shows and election broadcasting. On radio, his voice has stayed rooted to the ears of those who listen to him and remember the smoothness of his vocals. In online media,

he’s leading a fast-growing media organisation and training future heroes. An international journalist, Editor-at-Large and Strategic Media Consultant with strings with reputable organisations like Al Jazeera, SABC and GB News UK, Sulai’s keen eye for research was an important tool I picked from him.

Currently back at Arise News, where he anchors news and programmes, the Golden Man is also heard on Classic FM. His immense experience and impact

were also felt beyond the media world as he also served as the Assistant General Manager and Head of Media and Communications of Nigeria’s leading electricity distribution company, Eko DisCo.

A chat with Sulai is a classroom of key life details. Beyond his beautiful diction and friendly and funny nature, his understanding and application of knowledge are incredible.

A Fellow of the Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management and an Associate of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, he’s also the founder of Aledeh Media Network,

publisher of Gatekeepers News, an integrated online media platform.

With over two decades in broadcast journalism, Sulai holds a Master’s Degree in Humanitarian and Refugee Studies from the University of Lagos. His career has seen him work with some of Nigeria and Africa’s biggest brands, including MTN, Glo, DSTV and many more. A certified voice expert in Hudson Voice Technique from Voice Master International, UK, Sulai has used his voice to promote people and places.

He has hosted great events and has spearheaded many charitable causes, which he never shares with the general public. He’s a 2010 alumnus of the U.S State Department International Visitors’ Leadership Programme (Religious Freedom and Dialogue) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Challenges of Leadership in Teams).

A day with Sulai shows his apparent love for his religion, Islam and immense spirituality, yet he has friends across faiths and age groups. He helps people regardless of their social or spiritual stance, and he’s rich in his understanding of self and people. Calculated, cultured, creative and competent, the days I’ve spent with Sulai, his teachings and hospitality ring true always.

His love for music and his passion for people are difficult to ignore. It’s why he is who he is - a great man. I almost never remember how old he is, as he’s youthful in his spirit and cheerfulness. He has the springs of youth and the curiosity of a child. His desire to never stop growing has seen him author academic publications of societal value.

The man you see on your screen is not an ordinary man; he’s an OG - to use lingo from the streets and ‘OG no be ordinary person’. Sulai is an extraordinary person, of integrity, great courage, charisma, colour and character.

He is fashionable, adaptable to times and change, and astute in his reasoning; a man of immense wisdom and courage.

Happy Golden Jubilee boss, mentor, friend and family. I wish you many more years on earth in good health and great spirit.

-Rilwan Balogun, a Public Health Practitioner, writes from Nottingham, United Kingdom

The Macallan, Mai ATAFO Mentor Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Esther Oluku

For the third consecutive time, The Macallan, renowned for its commitment to excellence, has collaborated with ATAFO, a leading fashion brand in Nigeria, to host a transformative workshop themed "Fashion Conversations with Mai Atafo" at the ATAFO Workshop, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Sunday, 17th March 2023.

The ATAFO Workshop, a hub of creativity and innovation, played host to this extraordinary collaboration, providing a platform for both budding and established fashion creatives to glean insights from the acclaimed fashion designer himself.

At its core, the workshop embodies a shared vision between The Macallan and ATAFO: the empowerment and upskilling of Nigerian fashion talents through a series of hands-on sessions, providing the participants with the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of design, craftsmanship, and brand building, guided by the expertise of Mai Atafo and fueled by the inspiration of The Macallan.

The Brand Manager, Edrington portfolio in Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi, affirmed, “The Macallan is known for its quality, uniqueness, and distinctive character. Our whiskies are the result of meticulous processes and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. This dedication to excellence is reflected in aspects of our brand. Today, we find ourselves celebrating a shared passion for this very concept— the importance of craftsmanship in the Nigerian fashion industry.

The world of fashion, like the world of whisky, thrives on the dedication of skilled artisans who dedicate their creativity and expertise to every stitch and design. That's why The Macallan is proud to be a three-time partner with Mai Atafo on this initiative. We understand that nurturing the next generation

of creative minds is paramount to ensuring a future where exceptional craftsmanship continues to flourish in the fashion industry.”

This collaboration represents a broader ethos of creativity, collaboration, and community. By bringing together creative fashion talents and perspectives, The Macallan and ATAFO are set to foster a culture of innovation and excellence within the Nigerian fashion industry.

Fashion Icon and Creative Director, Mai Atafo in his remark said “This collaboration with The Macallan goes deeper than just fashion sponsorship. It's a celebration of craftsmanship. The Macallan appreciates craftsmanship and fashion is a tangible expression of that. Their dedication to their craft mirrors mine. This partnership is a testament to the shared values of craftsmanship and dedication. I am thrilled to be passing on this appreciation for craftmanship to the next generation of fashion designers.”

Beyond the technical aspects of fashion, the workshop is a catalyst for personal and professional growth. From networking opportunities to mentorship, participants will emerge from the workshop equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in a competitive industry such as the Nigerian fashion industry.

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is recognised worldwide for its outstanding quality, distinctive character, and extraordinary, ultra-prestige single malt whisky.

Aledeh

L-R: Fashion Lawyer & Founder, Fashion Law Institute, Bernice Asein; Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi; Creative Director, ATAFO, Mai Atafo; The Macallan Brand Educator and Ambassador, Lagos, Daniel Atteh; and Creative Director, Outspoken Clothiers, Adesola Balogun during The Macallan-sponsored Fashion Conversation with Mai Atafo in Lekki, Lagos, recently

Nigeria

POLITY

Alumni of Baptist High School, Orerokpe, in Bold Reunion

Omon-Julius Onabu

Globally, and from time immemorial, ideas that give rise to great things often do not ring loud bells. Indeed, some might appear like a joke between friends rather than surfacing in dramatic fashion. So began the decision by the 1972 to 1980 set of alumni of the Baptist High School, Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, to come together for a few days to brainstorm and reminisce on their good old days in college. Once the idea crystalized and gained traction, with many alumni belonging to the period, the choice of the serene Orerokpe town was a forgone conclusion.

The old boys and girls of the school began trickling into the immaculately clean Orerokpe town on Friday March 22. As some of the truly excited old students told THISDAY later, coming back, albeit a brief visit, to the very place and school they graduated over four decades ago was a lifetime experience worth the effort. Gradually, all their initial skepticism vaporized as recognizing the face of an old classmate, a co-member of the school football team, athletic club or school choir, triggered an eruption of excitement with laughter, backslapping and friendly jabs and school-kid “yabbings”.

Friday evening March 15, when the participating Baptist school alumni “came into residence”, the premises of Donville Hotels and Suites, a four-star hospitality facility in the heart of this Delta town, with a typical countryside ambiance, was practically set on fire. Ecstatic nostalgia enveloped the airy arena as the two young dreadlocked master comperes dug deeply into the musical library archives to unleash truly Old-School jams full of rhythm and melodic rhymes.

From reggae to calypso and rhumba to disco to rock to jazz; from highlife to blues to the so-called crossover, the assortment of music was rich and diverse and all-inclusive. Bob Marley; Majek Fashek; Jimmy Cliff; U-Roy; Eddy Grant; Dona Summer; Sisters Sledge; Fela Anikulapo Kuti; I-Roy & 90 Degree Inclusive; The Commodores; Lionel Richie; Brass Construction; Cool & The Gang; Michael Jackson and Mike Okri.

The pool of Old School music was simply so rich that even a cripple might have been pulled on to his feet that weekend evening at Orerokpe. The great array of music was certainly complemented and spiced up the evening get-together dinner and seat-out. Rume John Shamedje could easily have

snatched the ‘Best Dancer of the Evening Award’! Saturday, 16th March was easily the most action-packed and significant of the reunion. The day kicked off with a “Prayer Circle” by the Donville poolside. Peters Ejumudo and Fidelis Akioya, who are both now Christian ministers were on duty leading the hymns and praise-songs, and prayers.

At about 9.30am, the old students proceeded to their Alma Mater, some two kilometers away on the Old Warri-Eku Road towards the edge of the town. Someone observed that the school used to be located in the outskirts of Orerokpe. The area about the school is all built-up now. Today, even some modern buildings dot parts of the school compound apparently albeit illegally. Indeed, at least somebody is reportedly being prosecuted for encroachment and trespass on landed property belonging to the Baptist High School, Orerokpe.

The utter unkempt status of the once aesthetically attractive school was one that the old students all agreed was heart-rending when they walked to the premises. None of the four or five dormitories (boarding houses) was standing save one that has no roof and the walls have almost completely given way in the thick bush that has enveloped it.

There was excitement among the visitors at the sight of the school gate with a beautiful signpost. The Motto of the School in Latin, “Aut Optimum Aut Nihil”, translated, Either the Best or Nothing!

They happily posed for selfies, individual and group photograph with the signpost in the background. However, that excitement was replaced by palpable gloom as soon as they stepped into the school so overgrown with weeds that the routes to the two or three classroom buildings looked like footpaths through a bushy farmland in the Savannah. Although, the Chapel (church) building is no longer in use with grasses surrounding it uncut, the over 50 years old structure has no single crack to it. Some 45 years ago, neatly dressed students marched in lines to attend the mandatory Sunday services in this now deserted building.

Like little school kids, the visiting old students later sat down on the bar corridor

of the classroom block overlooking the old assembly ground with to three tattered flags - National flag, School flag, Baptist Church flag. Here they brainstormed on the reality of the situation and the challenges going forward. The task is huge. Onerous.

Mrs Christy Emore-Anuyah, with Messrs Oghenero, Emavwoyan, Johnson Mujakperuo (a son of the soil), Peter Ejumudu and Friday Udu, unfolded the rigorously itemized actionplan. This was discussed in considerable details and serious concern.

There were also lighter-mood individual contributions with Godwin Onos Idjakpo - now Professor in Delta State University (DELSU) - going down memory lane on his first day at Baptist High School, Orerokpe. He almost cracked ribs when he recalled how he was so fascinated with the new books given to him that he spent the whole night reading and memorizing numerous pages of what seemed to him like an anthology. It turned out that he had been cramping into his adventurously young brain the school’s collection of Christian hymnals!

Some of the participants gave their impression of the reunion and visit to Orerokpe Grammar School. For Mrs Ese Asagba-Oshevire, “When we were students then was a thing of pride. The school was well organized .... We’re really disappointed at the level of decay of facilities in the school now; but we’re praying regarding our next line of action. We want the school to stand again. Nevertheless, the reunion experience has been very memorable. We thank God for everything.” Charles Osholo said he regretted nothing for rushing down to Orerokpe for what he thought was just an old students’ meeting to a plan for the Alma Mater. “I had to explain to my wife I’d be away for almost three days without adequate prior notice, but I have no regrets at all”, he said.

Chief Kingsley Okpoko Omonigho, Moses Efe Onojaefe, Ogbon Shanomi and Felix Apkaliko expressed similar sentiments about the reunion as they reminisced on the good old days as students in Orerokpe. The Chairman of the organizing committee, Mr Oghenero Emavwoyan, shared much of sentiments of the old school when he spoke

about the impression of the fact-finding mission. Speaking during the thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church, Orerokpe on Sunday March 17 to draw the curtains on the two-day reunion, he said he was overjoyed, “as indeed every colleague was, for the opportunity to be alive and well to be part of the reunion.”

Emavwoyan thanked the church ministers and congregation for the warm reception but did not mince words in expressing the dissatisfaction of the generality of the Baptist High School alumni with “the unbelievable level of decay of facilities in the school”.

He is optimistic that the old students would be able to do more for their alma mater in the months and years ahead; that all hope is not gone regarding the resuscitation of the school and restoring its glory many decades ago. The present state of affairs whereby insects, rodents and even dangerous reptiles actually feel more at home than the hapless students is certainly unacceptable and required deliberate steps to address and reverse the situation.

In particular, he said that he was delighted that the head of the local church, Deacon (Dr) Raymond E. Akpojivi, was also an older alumnus of the school. He assured that they are looking forward to more collaboration between the authorities of the Baptist Christian mission in Nigeria, the relevant state government which graciously returned old mission schools back to their owners few years ago, and other stakeholders including the old students of the once-famed beautiful post-primary institution with an impressive student population and a sizeable academic and non-academic staff.

The thanksgiving and closing ceremony were highlighted by the recognition and presentation of some gifts to the few boarding students, who had happily joined the old students as they danced away to the melodious renditions of the choristers, especially in the Urhobo language. The five students at the thanksgiving could not have felt prouder and truly wanted mingling with these big mommies and daddies! Men and women who were many, many years ago wearing their school uniforms and being shepherded around all the vital aspects of academic, moral and extramural activities in order to fashion a fulfilling life in adult age.

Surely, a better future, even in this school, is really within grasp. Members of the 1972-1980 set of the Baptist High School alumni association have raised the hope and the bar of excellence.

L-R: Front row: Peter Ejumudu, Mrs Christy Emore-Anuyah, Prof. Godwin Onos Ejakpo, Dr. Patricia Onianwa-Tom, Moses Onojaefe, Felix Akpalikpo, Charles Osholo, Ese Oshevire, Fidelis Akioya, Oghenero Emavwoyan and Shanomi Ubido-Ogbon. Back row: Johnson Umujakperuo, Rume John Shamedje and Solomon Esedafe, during the reunion.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

There seems to no reprieve for Nigerians in the immediate term as energy prices continued to skyrocket year-on-year in February, mainly on the back of inadequate local production, subsidy removal, near collapse of the naira against the dollar and deteriorating fuel transport infrastructure.

Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that compared to February last year, the average retail price of diesel paid by consumers increased by 50.20

per cent on a year-on-year basis.

This means that the price increased from a lower cost of N836.91 per litre recorded in the corresponding month of last year, to a higher cost of N1,257.06 per litre in February 2024.

Nigeria has long withdrawn the subsidy on diesel, thereby leaving it strictly to market dynamics. The price of the product tends to affect petrol prices and power because the pipelines for transporting petrol are almost non-existent, while many Nigerians depend on diesel to power their businesses.

But on a month-on-month basis, an increase of 9.02 per

cent diesel price was recorded in February from N1,153.01 in the preceding month of January 2024 to an average of N1,257.06 in February 2024.

According to the NBS data, the top three states with the highest average price of the product in February 2024 included Akwa Ibom State (N1,525.00), Gombe State (N1,500.00) and Kwara (N1,444.00).

But the states with the lowest prices were Adamawa (N1,037.50), Kano (N1,111.43) and Katsina (N1,125.00), raising questions as to why the product will be costlier in zones that are closer

to the ports and where some refining take place.

For instance, the South-south zone, where some diesel refining is carried out by modular refineries had the highest price of N1,343.09 during the period under review.

As for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or cooking gas, the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder increased by 33.78 per cent y-o-y from N4,600.57 in February 2023.

On a month-on-month basis, it rose 19.75 per cent from N5,139.25 recorded in January 2023 to N6,154.50 in February 2024.

On state profile analysis, Lagos

recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of cooking gas, with N6,820.00, followed by Imo with N6,785.71, and Anambra with N6,750.00.

On the other hand, Yobe recorded the lowest price with N4,912.50, followed by Kebbi and Adamawa with N5,350.00 and N5,385.00 respectively.

In addition, analysis by zone showed that the South-east recorded the highest average retail price for refilling same volume, with N6,616.57, followed by the South-west with N6,513.30, while the North-central recorded the lowest with N5,723.02.

For a 12.5kg cylinder, prices increased by 28.33 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N11,735.72 in January 2024 to N15,060.38 in February 2024. That would be a rise of 46.88 per cent from N10,253.39 in February 2023. However, on state profile analysis, Ogun recorded the highest average retail price for the refilling of a 12.5kg cylinder, with N16,375.00, followed by Delta with N16,333.33 and Edo with N16,321.43.

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has lamented that over 10 million hectares of forests are lost globally on a yearly basis as a result deforestation.

In its latest report to mark the International Day of Forests, FAO said approximately 70 million hectares of land are also affected by fires, pointing out the urgent need for countries across the globe to adopt new solutions to address deforestation.

FAO said technologies showcasing transformative innovations such as

advances in forest monitoring, early warning systems and other vital technical solutions that are being used to help countries halt deforestation and forest degradation.

“We are in the midst of a forest data revolution driven by innovation and technology, enabling countries to track and report on their forests more easily and effectively,” said FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo.

According to FAO, technological innovation has vastly improved its ability to monitor the world’s forests and offer a robust way to guide actions to protect, restore

and sustainably use forests and in particular, can empower Indigenous Peoples who take care of many remote forested areas.

The International Day of Forests event saw the launch of Ground, a path breaking new mobile application within FAO’s highly-successful Open Foris initiative, developed in collaboration with Google and benefiting from the increasing availability of satellite imagery.

Open Foris already includes SEPAL and Earth Map, which allow users to access and process historical and new satellite data that, thanks to the intuitive ease

and big-data capabilities of Google Earth Engine, enable highly granular visualization and statistical analysis of vegetation, climate, water, forests and other datasets that can generate tailored products for local needs both quickly and for free.

Some 90 per cent of countries reporting 13.7 billion tonnes of forest emission reductions or enhancements used Open Foris. Open Foris has been used by over 200,000 individuals from 196 countries.

“Open Foris Ground was envisioned as a map-based tool that could be used in a variety of contexts with little or no special

training. Indigenous people can collect data about their own lands with minimal outside help, on top of high-resolution satellite imagery from Google Earth,” said Google Earth Director Rebecca Moore.

“Open Foris Ground enables smallholder farmers and local communities to report data that is important to their livelihoods, from the ground to the cloud. This is the most recent development in our near-decade long partnership with FAO, where among other efforts, we helped countries realize forest-based climate action,” she added.

Moore stressed that Ground

would help further technological innovation across FAO’s mandate and inaugurate a new multi-year Memorandum of Understanding signed between FAO and Google, adding that the new MoU would deepen the engagement from the MoU signed in 2015, which has catalyzed numerous geospatial solutions enabling FAO Members to dramatically upscale environmental literacy and implement science-based policies in practically real time, not to mention combat locusts.

Nigeria Set to Receive 500 Tractors to Boost Food Production

Stories by Gilbert Ekugbe

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has stated that over 500 tractors are expected to hit the shores of the country in its quest to drive mechanised farming in the country.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, revealed that the ministry would receive 500 tractors assembled by the John Deere Group, noting that the move is aimed at boosting food production while also attaining food and nutrition security in Nigeria.

The Minister stated this during a media chat in Abuja, saying that the procurement of the tractors

is coming on the heels of the present administration ‘s effort to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production.

He stated that John Deere would deliver 500 tractors by the end of May and the rest in September 2024.

He assured that the Group would achieve the set target of 2,000 tractors yearly for the next five years and as signed in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry.

Kyari explained that to increase agricultural yields, there was need for tractors, stressing that this is very important for growth in the agric sector.

The Minister reaffirmed the

federal government’s commitment to improve food and nutrition security through mechanisation, adding that the tractors would be accessible, available, and affordable for small, large-scale, and cooperative farmers across the country.

He also revealed that the federal government had procured 58,500 tonnes of milled rice from Rice Millers Association of Nigeria for stabilisation of the market force.

“We have appealed to World Food Program (WFP), which is a United Nation’s based Agency, not to make bulk purchase from the market so as not to exacerbate the food price inflation that we have now, the minister added.

AEDC, Niger Partner to Improve Electricity Supply

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in abuja

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and the Niger state government have announced a partnership to improve electricity supply to residents of the Northcentral state.

The initiative codenamed “Light Up Niger 2024” was made public when Governor Mohammed Bago received the AEDC delegation led by its Chief Operations Officer, Chijioke Okwuokenye, at the Government House, Minna.

Bago described the initiative as a welcome development because Niger State is host to four hydro dams, stressing that the dams contribute some electricity to the national grid.

He also observed that power supply is key to development, especially as the state is moving into an industrialisation and processing zone and expressed optimism that the project will see the resolution of the metering challenge in the state.

Bago disclosed that the Electricity Act had been domesticated in the state and that the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission

had already been created.

He further stated that the necessary paperwork for the regulatory commission will soon be completed so that the state can start generating and distributing

its own power.

In his remarks, Okwuokenye explained that the project when it takes off, will pave the way for improvement and sustenance of electricity supply to Niger state.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and National Association for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have partnered to address the high level of rejection faced by Nigerian products at the international market.

The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, said the move is apt considering the numerous complaints received by the Council over Nigerian exporters not adhering to standard procedures and parameters.

Represented by the Regional Coordinator, Southwest, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Akintunde Folorunsho, at a one

bags of assorted fertilizer ranging from NPK, UREA and SSP, worth over N100 Billion Naira by the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Nigeria farmers was to enhance agricultural production.

day stakeholders forum to address the rising issues of non-oil export rejects, she said the stakeholders programme is designed at seeking ways to mitigate non oil export reject while also increasing exporters’ capacity to export more.

“We are also training the exporters on how to double their exports and of course you know that the high level of rejection of Nigeria’s produce has been on the front burner,” she said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Export Division, Ports Inspection Directorate, NAFDAC, said NAFDAC in its drive to facilitate export trade, it has put in place improved processes and systems for processing

export of NAFDAC regulated products which is line with the federal government policy on diversification of the economy through the non-oil export sector and NAFDAC’s policy on zero export reject of regulated products in the international market.

On his part, the General Manager, Neroli Technologies Ltd Preshipmemt Inspection Agent (PIA), Ajayi Olatunde, said the Nigeria has been having issues with export of food due to the fact that they are laid down rules for exporting items at the global market, saying that Nigeria still has a lot of exporters who do not engage in what he described as “proper export”

FG Approves Funding for 30km Portion

Emmanuel Addeh in abuja

The federal government in a bid to provide accelerated intervention on the critical sections of the Benin- Lokoja highway, has approved the immediate funding of 30 kilometres ‘dualisation’ of three sections of the road, to be funded under Tax Credit Scheme by BUA Group.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this known during a meeting with all the contractors handling the highway as well as some stakeholders from the area, a

SWOFON Blames

Gilbert Ekugbe

The National president of the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), Mrs Fatima Gummi, has blamed the spate of insecurity in food producing States for the nation’s low yield and increasing food inflation rate.

She stated this in Abuja at a parley tagged “The Impact of the Current Economic Hardship and Food Crises and Inflation on Smallholder Women Farmers in Nigeria.”

She decried the alarming insecurity in the country, adding that the menace had made smallholder women farmers vulnerable thereby making it difficult for them to access farmlands and incurring losses.

The SWOFON boss however,

recommended that government should declare state of emergency on insecurity that was preventing smallholder farmers especially women from accessing their farms.

According to her, the current hardship has led to lower crop yields and reduced market access, resulting in a decrease in incomes for smallholder women farmers.

The conditions of livelihood of most smallholder women farmers are deteriorating, reaching a point where we struggle to provide food, access healthcare, and afford our children’s education.”

She attributed the rise in food or inflation on a year-on-year basis to increase in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, oil and fat, fish, meat, fruit, coffee, tea, and cocoa.

statement from his spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said.

Umahi said that the ministry took some steps to review the texture of the pavement of the project to conform to the innovation introduced by the current administration to ensure best standards and durability.

“Mr. President has approved that BUA Group should do 30km of the road in three locations multiplied by two, that is 60km on tax credit,” he said.

The minister said the intervention was targeted at

the critical sections of the road as already isolated when he last visited the Benin- Lokoja road.

Speaking on behalf of the people of the area, the

Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Adams Oshiomhole, expressed delight in the project.

On his part, the Group Executive Director of BUA Group, Kabiru Rabiu, assured of the commitment of the company in delivering the project within record time.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has urged state governments in the country to key into the vision behind the electricity act 2023 signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

The minister added that this is the only way Nigeria can achieve economic growth and ensure development in the country.

Adelabu spoke during a one-day working visit to Sokoto state,

“SWOFON deems it imperative to highlight the severe effects on smallholder women farmers across Nigeria. In spite of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security in July 2023, the situation persists unabated.

“According to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the food inflation rate in January 2024 was 35.41 per cent on a yearon-year basis. The figure was 11.10 per cent points higher compared to 24.32 per cent recorded in January 2023,” Gummi said.

Gummi said that the 2024 Cadre Harmonise Food Security report predicted that approximately 31.5 million Nigerians would face food crisis situations between June and August with 24.7 million already grappling with such conditions from March to May.

Following in the same pattern with other fuels, the lowest average price was recorded in Bauchi with N13,167.50, followed by Katsina and Yobe with N13,562.50 and N13,610.00 respectively.

But on zonal basis, the South-east recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder, with N15,954.60, followed by the South-south with N15,943.40, while the North-east recorded the lowest price with N14,035.88.

Also in February, the average retail price paid by consumers for petrol was N679.36, indicating a 157.57 per cent increase when

where he visited the recently completed 38 megawatts Independent Power Plant (IPP) built by the state government and the Goronyo Dam, one of the facilities being considered for power generation.

Adelabu said the 2023 Electricity Act had opened up opportunities for sub-national governments to invest in the electricity value chain. He expressed happiness at the initiative by the Sokoto state government and promised to ensure the take-off of the plant within the shortest possible time.

compared to the value recorded in February 2023, which was N263.76, but rose 1.66 per cent from N668.30 on a monthly basis.

Unlike other products, Zamfara state had the highest average retail price for petrol at N750.43, while Kebbi and Taraba states were next, with N746.67 and N710.56, respectively.

On the other hand, Kwara, Ogun and Benue states had the lowest average retail prices for the product at N650.00, 650.83 and 652.73 respectively. The North-west zone had the highest average retail price of N701.20, while the South-west zone had the lowest price of

“We know power is critical to the performance of any other sector. For the government of Sokoto state to have taken the pain to cross the hurdle, financial and otherwise, to fund this kind of investment is commendable and I want to use Sokoto as a point of contact for other state governments,” he said.

N657.20, aligning with the trend in the past, due to its nearness to Lagos port.

Kerosene, which has long moved beyond the reach of the poor in Nigeria, sold for an average retail price per litre of N1,340.94, m-o-m, showing an increase of 0.86 per cent, compared to N1,329.53 recorded in January 2024.

But y-o-y, the average retail price per litre of the product rose by 14.23 per cent from N1,173.89 in February 2023, while on state profile analysis, the highest average price per litre in February 2024 was recorded in Kaduna with N1,866.67, followed by Benue with N1,769.67 and Niger with N1,710.89.

NAFDAC: One Ban Too Many

The House of Representatives last week joined the call for NAFDAC to lift its ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and small pack volumes to save over N100 billion investments and jobs, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

What has manufacturers’ marketing strategy to make their products accessible and affordable to their final consumers got to do with a draconian regulatory position? This is the question agitating the minds of stakeholders and investors in alcoholic beverage segment of the Nigerian industrial sector ever since the NAFDAC slammed a ban on the packaging and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles less than 200 milliliters.

On February 5, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced what it called “Enforcement Activities to Enforce Ban on Production of Alcoholic Beverages in Small Pack Volumes of 200ml and Sachets.”

The announcement, according to NAFDAC, expected manufacturers to stop the production of these products in sachets and small pack volumes effective from January 31, adding that it is committed, “to ensure that the validity of renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category does not exceed the year 2024.”

It should be stated clearly that these alcoholic beverages are legitimate products that are approved by NAFDAC. The bone of contention is that they are being packaged for sale in smaller quantities, which is purely a marketing strategy that resonated with the current low purchasing capacity of Nigerian consumers.

It is also a strategy being adopted by manufacturers of household consumables like toothpaste, milk, detergents, ice cream, tomato paste etc.

Since making this announcement, NAFDAC has remained adamant and unwilling to change its position. Not even the reasoned arguments of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) could dissuade NAFDAC that the path it has embarked on would be disastrous to investors who have committed hundreds of billions of Naira and cause workers in that sector to lose their jobs.

House of Reps intervenes

Last week, the House of Representatives called on the NAFDAC to urgently lift the ban placed on the production and sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and 200ml pet bottles.

The House expressed the view that the timing of the ban was inappropriate considering the current economic conditions, staggering unemployment, soaring inflation and high rate of poverty level in the country.

It pointed out that the ban of sachet alcohol should be replaced with the establishment of licensed liquor stores/outlets in local government areas across the country and making it unlawful to send under-age persons to purchase alcoholic beverages.

The House added: “Government regulatory bodies should place more emphasis on regulation, monitoring and enlightenment campaigns to educate stakeholders and the general public on the dangers of under aged consumption of alcohol and its sales in motor parks.

“Enlightenment campaigns should be carried out in secondary schools across the country, as practiced by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to educate students on dangers and vices associated with the abuse of alcohol.

“Regulatory mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure enforcement and compliance and encourage legislation promoting recycling materials for green economy and minimising importation of raw materials used in producing pet bottles and sachets to conserve foreign exchange.”

MAN demands Priority Attention

Commenting on the NAFDAC’s ban, the President of MAN, Mr. Francis Meshioye, noted that Nigeria’s economy is in a dire state and urged policy makers to, more than ever before, be intentional about growing the manufacturing sector, adding that there is no country that is considered as developed that did not give priority attention to the manufacturing sector.

Meshioye said: “There is no gainsaying the fact that manufacturing is pivotal to galvanising and sustaining the economic growth and development of Nigeria. The government needs to come to the realisation that a win for the manufacturing sector is a win for the economy and by extension a better life of the citizenry.

“Government and its agencies should deliberately abstain from taking harmful and inconsiderate policies that lack adequate inputs of key player that would be affected. Permit me to make reference to two of such instances.

“Within the first two months of the this year, a ban was placed on single-use plastics and styrofoam packs by Lagos State Government and NAFDAC, in similar fashion, placed a ban on alcoholic beverages in pet bottles and sachet below 200ml.

“The former was done outside the timeframe set by the national policy and the latter based on unfounded assumptions; both without due consideration for the economic and social impact of those unwarranted decisions.”

He observed that the negative impact of these policies on the affected manufacturing industries as well as the huge number of workers whose jobs are on the line could not be overemphasised.

Additionally, it has become pertinent for government and the private sectors to work in tandem to revamp the ailing manufacturing sector, especially at this time,

by exploring home grown policy initiatives that will address are peculiar challenges. There is need to mobilise our local resources and more importantly, take deliberate steps to overcome the binding constraints that confront the productive sector. This has to be through frank conversations, effective collaboration and bold decision that radically depart from the norm.

It must be noted that the nation’s economic recovery is highly dependent on the deployment of policy stimulus supported with a synthesis of domestic growth, export focused and offensive trade strategies. This will promote resilience, steady growth and ensure that the sector gains meaningful traction going forward. As we move in this direction, we are confident that as our partners, you will join us in our advocacy drive to actualise a vibrant manufacturing sector.

NECA Decry Ban

The Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, has described the ban as act of economic sabotage. Oyerinde said that it is myopic for NAFDAC to view the issue from solely health perspective. He argued: “You cannot pick one issue in the economy because that issue has the potential to destroy or affect many other things.

“One issue is the ban on sachet alcohol. The NAFDAC has said that it is a health issue and decided to ban it. But you cannot look at the ban just from the perspective of health. There are some economic considerations that you have to bring in. “Like what happens to over N100 billion investments in that space? What happens to over 500,000 workers that industry that will lose their jobs?

“So, you might have sorted out the issue of health from one end but have created multi-dimensional problems for the economy. How are we going to accommodate the 500,000 people that might have lost their jobs? How do we compensate the investments that might have been lost?

“Moreover, you would have made the smuggling of those products in sachet packages attractive. We have many borders that the customs cannot

sufficiently man. The regulated channel of tax that these businesses are paying cannot be collected from those smuggled products.

“So, it is a fatally wrong decision and that is why we have called it an economic sabotage, because you cannot take that decision without looking at its consequences for the whole of the economy.

“That is our perspective and how we think that government should look at all the issues that are currently bedeviling the organised private sector.”

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, also poohpoohed the argument of NAFDAC. Ajayi-Kadir pointed out that Research Data Solution Limited that was engaged by NAFDAC submitted a report on August 20, 2021, which showed that only 3.9 per cent of underage were engaged in binge drinking. It recommended access control by the regulator rather than outright ban. “This, therefore, confirms the fact that involvement of underage in alcoholic consumption is low and could, with additional efforts, be eradicated,” he said.

Gaps in MOU

He further pointed out that in 2021, a ministerial committee set up a technical sub-committee made up of experts from the Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies identified gaps in the MOU that NAFDAC relied on to impose the ban.

Some of the key issues identified by the sub-committee included among others that bans are generally ineffective regulation. It advocated for stronger collaboration between government agencies for better regulations.

The above, including a request to generate evidence were presented in a strategic plan to the immediate past Honourable Minister of Health, who then suspended the proposed ban pending the final report of the study by Cochrane Nigeria.

Yet, NAFDAC was fixated on banning the products in sachet and PET bottle 200ml packaging. Ajayi-Kadir noted that the “key challenges we have had in implementing strategies to eliminate underage drinking in the country is the apparent preoccupation of NAFDAC to ban the production of drinks in sachets and PET bottles by 2024.

“This is at variance with the right of private entrepreneurs to invest and engage in legitimate business. Besides, the proposed policy would amount to a deliberate destruction of the business of local and indigenous investors who through thick and thin have kept faith with the Nigerian economy.”

MAN hinged its argument for continuation of producing spirit drink in sachet 200ml PET bottle on the logic that smaller packaging is the surest way to ensure responsible and healthy consumption.

It said: “Small is good, if you buy small you will consume small. If you buy big you will consume big, this is not healthy. Bigger sizes encourage consumption of bigger portions, while small sizes encourage portion control.”

It urged the federal government to reverse the ban immediately and replace it with regulations and access control.

Only time would tell if NAFDAC would be swayed to toe the path of reason or not.

Farmers: Rising Cost of Inputs Crippling Fish Farming in Nigeria

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Lagos State Catfish and Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria (LASCAFAN) have expressed worries over the rising cost of inputs crippling the activities of local fish farmers in the country. The LASCAFAN president,

Mr Sejiro Oke-Tojinu, in a press briefing recently, said a tonne of maize, which is a major component of fish feed, now costs N600,000 as against N250,000 sold in recent past, maintaining that a tonne of soybeans, which sold for N100,000 and below some weeks ago, now costs above

N300,000.

“As an association, the major challenge we face is an incessant increase in prices of inputs, especially fish feed. It has been hard on the sector and has resulted in a lot of farmers closing shop because of high cost of production.

The cost of running a fish farm is so high that many fish farmers cannot afford it; hence, the closure of some farms,” the LASCAFAN president said.

Oke-Tojinu said that difficulty in selling their fish outside Nigeria was another major challenge to the farmers.

He urged the Federal Government to reduce the number of agencies involved in the export of fish as well as create a conducive business environment for fish farmers.

Marketing our produce is also a challenge we face as fish farmers. How can we produce

and not be able to earn foreign exchange?

“The export processes for our produce are too rigorous. We need to have a one-stop desk where all the regulatory agencies can attend to all of the export requirements,”OkeTojinu said.

Housing Ministry Assures Diaspora of Participation in Nigerian Market

Emmanuel Addeh in abuja

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa has assured African Descendants in Diaspora Union (AFRIDU) of

an enabling environment for diaspora participation in Nigeria’s housing market ecosystem.

Dangiwa also expressed the commitment of the ministry to work with the union to achieve

a shared vision of a prosperous and united Africa that would in turn create a better future for all citizens, both at home and abroad. The minister stated this when a delegation from

AFRIDU led by the Union’s Diplomatic Administrator for Nigeria, Dr. Abraham Onwubuya, paid him a visit in Abuja.

AFRIDU, according to a statement from the ministry, is a platform

created to foster unity, solidarity, and empowerment among the African descent in the Diaspora.

Dangiwa also acknowledged the importance of the diaspora to the government, adding that the over

20 million Nigerians in Diaspora remitting an average of over $24 billion per annum is a massive capacity crucial to catalysing development in all sectors of the nation’s economy.

Stakeholders Seek More Expertise on Green Guarantee Facility

Oluchi Chibuzor

Stakeholders at the just concluded 9th Edition of the Africa Green Finance (AGF) Conference have stressed the need to provide more expertise on Green Guarantee Facility and how it enables banks onlend to green and climate-smart projects on the continent.

This, according to them, would boost small and medium-sized enterprises across the continent hence the theme, “The Role of Africa’s Private Sector in The Paris Agreement on Climate Change.”

Speaking at the end of the conference, the AGF Group Chief Executive Officer, Jules Ngankam said the green finance conference was a crucial response to the challenges posed by climate change.

He said there must be a focus on providing enhanced

expertise to Africa while proposing practical solutions to addressing financing for smaller and medium-sized enterprises committed to green growth and climate-resilient development.

He said, “This is not only for the SMEs to understand how the lending process works, but also for the financial experts to learn how they can provide solutions tailored to suit the needs of the SMEs. Through the combination of our Green Guarantee and Capacity Development support, we are able to bridge the knowledge gap between both financial institutions and their customers.”

Commenting the NDF Managing Director, Satu Santala said, they are committed to financing green and inclusive low-carbon and climate resilient growth of African economies.

According to Santala, this would improve the livelihood of communities, noting partner-

ships are at the core of NDF’s approach to climate finance.

“The African private sector plays a pivotal role in climate action and creating employment”, Santala said.

President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr. Kenneth Opara, stressed the important role the private sector plays in climate change in the Paris Agreement.

According to him, ’We hope that climate change efforts will unlock new opportunities for green growth and job creation, ranging from renewable energy and clean technology to sustainable agriculture.”

For the Special Adviser to The Lagos State Government on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government noted the need for more awareness of the effects of climate change.

NEM Approves Grant for Women Participation in Economy

Omolabake Fasogbon

NEM Insurance Plc has reiterated its commitment to growth by offering N100,000 financial grant to five women to drive expansion of their businesses.

The gesture was in fulfillment of NEM’s ‘She Means Business Challenge’, also in commemoration of 2024 International Women’s Day, themed: “Inspire Inclusion, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”.

Beneficiaries of the grant emerged in a tight contest

involving over 230 others. The grantees were selected following a display of intelligence, resilience, innovativeness and entrepreneurship spirit.

Commenting, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Mr Andrew Ikekhua acknowledged women’s contribution to the economy accounting for 41% of the ownership of microbusinesses in the country.

He expressed that supporting women will clear and create new paths for economic expansion.

“We are determined to encourage female economic empowerment and inclusion as a social objective, given the various impacts and contributions women play in society. We appreciate in no small measure their drive to identify a need in the environment and efforts to create businesses and services that meet those needs through innovative ideas”.

He further stressed the need to protect businesses for continuity and prosperity, expressing the proactiveness of the organisation in this regard.

BOI Launches Palliative Food Programme

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has unveiled the Bank of Industry (BoI) palliative food programme in its bid to cushion the effect of challenges currently being faced by Nigerians.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, at the launch of the programme at BoI head office in Lagos, said the move is coming on the heels of the present administration’s effort to support the vulnerable.

The Minister stated that as a responsive government, it has announced a number of programmes aimed at ameliorating the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

She pledged the government’s support for industries to enhance local production while also ensuring food security.

In her words, “The launch of the BOI Palliative programme is a strong commitment to food security. We are seeking ways to address the food insecurity issues currently being faced in the country. The federal government is aware of the skyrocketing food prices and is working with relevant stakeholders in the food value chain to address this challenge.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director, BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said the development finance institution is working closely with the federal government to ensure that the palliative gets to the targeted beneficiaries

across the 36 States including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) starting in Lagos and Abuja.

The Bank will engage its food processing customers for the purchase of food items at affordable prices while also working with all the State governors for the sharing/donation of the purchased food items.

According to him, the food palliative programme is a clear demonstration of the Bank’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

It will be recalled that the bank recently launched the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS) which provides N50,000 grants to qualifying small businesses across various sectors nationwide.

SIFAX Logistics Donates Office Equipment to LASTMA

SIFAX Logistics Company Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, has donated some modern office equipment to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

The equipment include two units of an air conditioner, a refrigerator, an executive office table, and a chair.

While handing over the equipment in Lagos, Basil Agboarumi, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs and Governmental Relations, SIFAX Group, said the donation was in line with the company’s commitment to its robust stakeholder engage-

ment across all the sectors it has operations, both locally and internationally.

Agboarumi said the company also believes in the vision of LASTMA which is to ensure Lagosians enjoy logjam-free traffic in the state.

Adewale Adetayo, the General Manager, SIFAX Logistics Company Limited, also noted that the gesture was to strengthen the company’s strategic partnership with LASTMA and also support the new agency’s newly-appointed General Manager.

He said: “We are in the business of transportation and

Group Executive, eBusiness & Retail Products, FirstBank. Chuma Ezirim; N100,000.00 winners of the FirstBank Win Big promo, Daniel Precious Odunola with Nnaji Alphonsus Chukwudi; Executive Director, Treasury and International Banking, FirstBank, Ini Ebong during the fourth and final raffle draw of the FirstBank Win Big promo held at the FirstBank Head Office in Lagos...recently

LASTMA is one of our key stakeholders, especially in the area of traffic management. This gesture is to further strengthen our strategic relationship with the agency and to show our support to the new GM who we believe has what it takes to reposition the agency and fulfill the vision of LASTMA.”

Bakare-Oki Olalekan, General Manager, LASTMA, appreciated the company for the donation, adding that effective traffic management is foremost on his agenda and his men have been well motivated to achieve this mandate.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $81.30 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $79.70 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Stock Market Down N288.9bn on Profit-taking in Dangote Sugar, 29 Others

Kayode Tokede

The stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) opened the week’s trading on a bearish note, dropped by N288.9 billion as profit-taking activities in Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, and 29 others undermined market performance.

As Dangote Sugar Refinery led the losers table, dropping 10 per cent or N5.90 per share

to N53.10 per share, the market, the overall market capitalisation depreciated by N288.9 billion to N58.88 trillion from N59.169 trillion the stock market opened for trading.

Consequently, the NGX All-Share Index lost 0.49 per cent , reaching 104,136.35 basis points compared to the previous session’s 104,647.37 basis points as the Month-to-Date and Yearto-Date returns moderated to

+4.2per cent and +39.3per cent, respectively.

Across the sectors, the NGX Banking depreciated by 1.7per cent and NGX Consumer Goods was down by 0.8per cent, while the NGX Insurance added 0.2per cent.

The NGX Industrial Goods and NGX Oil & Gas indices closed flat at 4,832.80 basis points and 1,294.38basis points, respectively.

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth closed negative as 20 stocks advanced, while 30 declined. Ellah Lakes recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N3.63, per share. Morison Industries followed with a gain of 9.93 per cent to close at N1.55 and SUNU Assurance up by 9.48 per cent to close at N1.27, per share. Caverton Offshore Support Group rose by 9.38 per

cent to close at N1.75, while Secure Electronic Technology gained 9.09 per cent to close at 60 kobo, per share.

On the other hand, Dangote Sugar Refinery and International Energy Insurance led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent each to close at N53.10 and N1.35 respectively, while Jaiz Bank followed with a decline of 9.92 per cent to close at N2.18, per share.

Ikeja Hotels lost 9.72 per cent

to close at N5.85, while DEAP Capital Management & Trust shed 9.52 per cent to close at 57 kobo, per share.

The total volume traded dipped by 39.34 per cent to 306.822 million units, valued at N11.383 billion, and exchanged in 9,343 deals. Transactions in the shares of Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund (NIDF) topped the activity chart with 35.548 million shares valued at N4.052 billion.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MARCH /25/24

FOREIGN DESK

Compiled

After Months of Deadlock, UN Security Council Demands Gaza Ceasefire

The UN Security Council broke months of deadlock Monday and adopted a resolution demanding an “immediate” ceasefire in Gaza.

“This must be a turning point. This must lead to saving lives on the ground,” an emotional Palestinian UN envoy, Riyad Mansour, told the council. “This must signal the end of this assault of atrocities against our people.”

The resolution “demands” an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan, which is half over, “leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefire.” It also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, the lifting of all barriers to the provision of more humanitarian aid, and the protection of civilians in Gaza.

The text, put forward by the 10 elected members of the 15-nation council, was adopted by 14 votes to 14, with the United States abstaining, allowing the measure to pass. This was the eighth time the council attempted to agree on a ceasefire resolution, and it was greeted with applause in the packed council chamber.

Trump to Face April 15 Hush Money

Criminal Trial

Donald Trump was ordered Monday to stand trial in a criminal case, the first ever against a U.S. president, on April 15 in New York.

The hush money case is perhaps the only one of four unprecedented indictments against Trump that will go to trial before the November election when he will face President Joe Biden for a new term in the White House.

Trump had sought to delay the New York case, but Judge Juan Merchan rejected his efforts to postpone it or dismiss the entirety of the allegations that he covered up a hush money payment to a porn star just ahead of the 2016 presidential election to hide it from voters before he unexpectedly won the presidency.

Merchan rejected Trump’s lawyer’s claim that a lengthy trial delay was necessary to give Trump’s lawyers and prosecutors more time to review thousands of pages of newly disclosed documents from a previous federal investigation of the case. A prosecutor told Merchan that most of the documents were irrelevant.

North Korea Says Japan’s Prime Minister Proposed Summit

North Korea said Monday that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has proposed a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Kim’s sister and senior official, Kim Yo Jong, made the comments in a state media dispatch. She said Kishida used an unspecified channel to convey his position that he wants to meet Kim Jong Un in person at an early date.

Kim Yo Jong said whether to improve bilateral ties hinges on Japan. She said if Kishida sticks to his push to resolve the alleged past abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea, he cannot avoid criticism that he would only pursue talks to boost his popularity.

Some experts say North Korea is seeking to improve ties with Japan as a way to weaken a trilateral Tokyo-Seoul-Washington security partnership, while Kishida also wants better ties with North Korea to increase his declining approval rating at home.

The U.S. and South Korea have been expanding their military drills and trilateral exercises involving Japan in response to North Korea’s provocative run of weapons tests since 2022.

Earlier Monday, North Korea’s state media reported that Kim Jong Un had supervised a tank exercise and encouraged his armoured forces to sharpen war preparations in the face of growing tensions with South Korea.

Italy Raises Security After IS-Claimed

Russian Concert Hall Attack

Italy followed France on Monday in stepping up security following the attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall and the claim of responsibility by an affiliate of the Islamic State group.

The attack renewed attention in Europe on the risk from extremists, particularly the Central Asian affiliate, as the continent gears up for big events such as the Paris Olympics and the European Championships in Germany.

France increased its security alert posture to the highest level on Sunday. In Italy, a national security council meeting on Monday decided to increase security around Holy Week observances leading up to Easter this weekend.

Both surveillance and checks will be increased, “paying the most attention to the places of greatest aggregation and transit of people, as well as sensitive targets,’’ the Italian Interior Ministry said in a statement. Pope Francis has a busy schedule of events in Rome and at the Vatican in the days leading up to Easter Sunday.

In Germany, Interior Ministry spokesperson Cornelius Funke said the threat from Islamic extremists “remains acute,” but authorities’ risk assessment hasn’t changed so far as a result of the Moscow attack.

German Industry Skeptical of China’s Vow to Treat Foreign Firms Equally

A fresh pledge by Beijing to treat foreign companies like domestic rivals drew a cool response from one of its biggest trading partners, Germany, where industries called for concrete actions rather than words to create a true level-playing field.

Germany’s engagement in the world’s No.2 economy has been in focus, partly because China remains its biggest trading partner but also because Berlin has asked companies to diversify away from what it calls “partner, competitor and systemic rival.”

Beijing’s efforts to ensure international companies stay engaged come as inbound foreign direct investment shrank by 8% in 2023, partly due to broader anti-espionage laws, exit bans, and raids on consultancies and due diligence firms.

However, German direct investment in China rose to a record high of 11.9 billion euros ($12.9 billion) last year, underscoring how relevant the market remains despite efforts to reduce exposure.

To attract more foreign money, Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Guo Tingting told the China Development Forum in Beijing that the country would “fully guarantee national treatment for foreign companies” without elaborating further.

China Proposes Dialogue with Australia Amid Rising Tension in South China Sea

China said it may propose talks on maritime issues with Australia amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.

Following Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to Australia last week — during which he exchanged views on trade, consular affairs, and regional security with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong — the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on March 21 that Beijing is actively considering “launching a dialogue on maritime affairs” with Australia.

In response to Beijing’s proposal, Australia’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Department told VOA in a written response that Wang and Wong exchanged views on maritime safety and security during their meeting on March 20, adding that Canberra will

“consider the most practical and useful format for dialogue on maritime issues.”

The announcement comes amid efforts from Beijing and Canberra to improve bilateral relations after China imposed sanctions worth $12.7 billion on Australian products, most of which have been lifted in recent months.

While China and Australia have agreed to stabilise trade relations, regional security remains a sensitive issue between the two countries. Following her meeting with Wang, Australia’s Wong told journalists that she reiterated Canberra’s “serious concern” about unsafe conduct at sea.

China Releases South Korean Soccer Star After Detention over Bribery Suspicions

Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that a star South Korean soccer player who was detained and investigated in China for nearly a year over bribery allegations has been released and returned home.

Son Jun-ho, a former South Korean national team member who had played professionally in China, was detained by Chinese authorities at the Shanghai airport in May on suspicion of taking bribes.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed that Son was back in South Korea but didn’t provide further details, including when he returned or whether the charges against him were proven.

South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper, citing anonymous sources, reported that Son returned Monday afternoon.

Son had played for Shandong Taishan and won the 2021 Chinese championship with the Jinan-based club. Hong Kong newspaper the South China Morning Post reported last year that the bribery allegations concerned suspected match-fixing involving the team’s coach, Hao Wei.

Son, 31, played seven seasons with South Korea’s Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors before signing a four-year contract with Shandong Taishan in 2021, according to industry website transfermarket.com. He has played for South Korea 18 times, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Chinese soccer has struggled for years to rid itself of a reputation for corruption.

Security Concerns in Haiti Hinder

Creation of Council That Will Choose Country’s Next Leader

Fresh turmoil involving a transitional presidential council that will be responsible for choosing Haiti’s new leader triggered a flurry of meetings with Caribbean leaders and officials from the U.S., Canada and France, officials said Monday.

A regional official who was not authorised to talk to the media on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press that the council has yet to be sworn in, given concerns over the security of its members, among

other things. The official is based in Guyana, which serves as headquarters for the regional trade bloc known as Caricom, which is helping create the transitional council.

The delay in establishing the council comes as gangs continue to launch attacks across Haiti’s capital. Since February 29, gunmen have burned police stations, opened fire on the main international airport that remains closed and stormed the country’s two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

Scores of people have been killed, and more than 33,000 people have fled the capital of Port-au-Prince as a result of the attacks. Next Leader

Philippines Says Chinese Envoy Summoned Over ‘Aggressive Actions’ Off Reef

The Philippines said Monday it had summoned a Chinese envoy over “aggressive actions” by the China Coast Guard and other vessels near a reef off the Southeast Asian country’s coast. Beijing and Manila have a long history of maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and in recent months, their vessels have repeatedly confronted each other near disputed reefs.

The latest incident took place Saturday near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands during a regular Philippine mission to resupply Filipino troops garrisoned on the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded navy ship. The Philippines said the China Coast Guard blocked its supply vessel and damaged it with a water cannon, injuring three crewmembers.

The China Coast Guard has defended its actions, describing them as “lawful regulation, interception and expulsion” of a foreign vessel that “tried to forcefully intrude” into Chinese waters.

Second, Thomas Shoal is about 200km from the western Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000km from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan Island.

New Zealand, EU Trade Agreement to Take Effect on May 1

New Zealand said Monday a free trade agreement with the European Union would come into effect on May 1, after the country’s parliament ratified the deal. Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said in a statement that New Zealand notified the European Union earlier on Monday that it had ratified the agreement.

Wellington and Brussels signed the deal in July 2023, with the European Parliament ratifying its side of the agreement in November.

New Zealand expects the deal to benefit its beef, lamb, butter, and cheese industries and remove tariffs on other exports, such as its iconic kiwi fruit.

The EU will see tariffs lifted on its exports, including clothing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cars, and wine and confections. According to government data, the EU is New Zealand’s fourth-largest trade partner, with two-way goods and services trade worth $12.10 billion in 2022.

PrEsEnting LEttEr of APPointmEnt As mEDiCAL DirECtor...

L-R: Minister of state for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa presents letter of appointment to Prof. Saad Aliyu Ahmed as Medical Director of Federal Medical Center. Jabi in Abuja. ... recently

Nigeria Secures ¥15bn to Boost Agricultural Scheme Projects

Constitutes economic management team task force Says Binance executive's escape won't affect case against firm

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The federal government has disclosed that it has received the sum of ¥15billion (Japanese Yen) from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency to support the nation’s National Agricultural Scheme Projects.

Finance Minister and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun made this known yesterday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

Edun described the intervention as "essentially free money", as it is given for 30 years, with 10 years moratorium, at only one percent interest rate, adding that the provision is on a bilateral support that will not place any form of strain on Nigeria financially.

According to him: "There was support for agriculture from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency funding of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Project, essentially around ¥15 billion for the agricultural sector and it's essentially free money; 30 years, 10 years moratorium, at one percent interest rate. So, it's the kind of bilateral support that doesn't put a strain on Nigeria financially, of course, it helps in the agricultural sector".

The Minister further disclosed

that he informed the Council of President Tinubu’s approval of a request to set up an Economic Management Team Task Force, which will implement major measures aimed at growing the Nigerian economy, increase production and create jobs that will also reduce poverty.

He added that for the next six months the task force, made up of selected members of the Economic Management Team, the private sector, as well as the representatives of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), will work to deal with major issues of monetary and fiscal policies, while ensuring real sector growth.

Edun added that the Economic Management Team's Task Force, will be operational over the next six months and report directly to the President while initiatives aimed at growing the economy will be rolled out.

“So currently, we do have the Economic Management Team and of course their work feeds into the Federal Executive Council, National Economic Council and even the Presidential Economic Coordination Council, which is the highest body for economic coordination, chaired by Mr. President himself, with the Vice President as his vice chairman of that council.

“So beyond that there is now instead of just the Economic Management Team, an Economic

Management Team Task Force and for the next six months that task force, made up of selected members of the Economic Management Team, the private sector, as well as the sub-nationals, who will work assiduously to ensure that having dealt with major issues of monetary and fiscal policies, that the real sector growth is assured; companies are helped through these difficult times with fiscal incentives and other measures to ensure the survival of companies, both the large scale ones as well as the medium and small scale”.

Edun also explained that the federal government has officially ratified Nigeria's membership of the European Bank for Reconstruction

and Development (EBRD), through preliminary approval, adding this will further enable the country use infrastructure as a multiplier to grow the nation’s economy.

According to him: "We also fulfilled a commitment by Mr. President way back in June when we met the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development they had said they were looking to spread beyond the region of Europe and to take on partners shareholders and they will hopefully locked in five or six African countries.

“Interesting now preliminary approval has been ratified by the Federal Executive Council. We are going to be members of the European development and

infrastructure, and I do good to hear very shortly about the new initiatives, Describing an initiative that Mr. President brought to the Federal Executive Council along that line, infrastructure is critical is a major catalyst and a multiplier to grow in the economy.

Edun added that Nigeria’s membership of the EBRD will help the country reduce cost logistics on transportation and infrastructure hence maximizing investment.

The federal government also yesterday said its legal case against cryptocurrency firm, Binance, cannot be jeopardized by the circumstances surrounding escape from legal custody by one of its Executive

Directors, Nadeem Anjarwalla. Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, while responding to the Anjarwalla's escape, said the company cannot escape the payment of fines placed on it for money laundering, as the federal government does not deal with individuals, but organizations.

FIRS boss said, "we are dealing with the company and not individuals, and we can enforce compliance with our laws. So, whether he escapes or not, that will not in any way affect our plans to enforce compliance as we can ensure that the organization comply with our legal requirements as a country”.

Airbus Writes Aviation Minister, Pledges to Work with Nigeria to Boost Air Transport

Chinedu Eze

World’s third largest aircraft manufacturer, Airbus has pledged to work with Nigeria to boost air transport in the country.

This was contained in a letter written to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo by Airbus Vice President in charge of Sales for Africa, Hadi Akoum, dated March 20, 2024.

In acknowledgement and appreciation of the minister’s recent visit to Toulouse, France, the company’s operational headquarters, Akoum promised that Airbus would support Nigeria in aircraft acquisition and financing and in establishing modern maintenance facility in the country.

“The discussions we engaged in regarding the future of aviation in Nigeria were both enlightening and inspiring and evident from our

Security Agents Raid P. Diddy’s Properties in LA, Miami in Alleged Sex Trafficking Case

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report

The United States Department of Homeland Security agents have opened an investigation of hip-hop star Sean "Diddy" Combs, searching his properties in Los Angeles and the Miami area, agency officials said yesterday.

conversations that Nigeria possesses great potential in the aviation sector, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

“ Your proactive approach to addressing key issues such as aircraft financing and insurance matters reflects your commitment to fostering a thriving aviation industry in Nigeria,” Akoum stated in the letter.

He said that Airbus took cognisance of the core discussions on how to improve aviation in Nigeria, which pointed out the areas the European-based company could come in to give support to the country.

The letter stressed: “At Airbus, we believe Nigerian airlines should cater for their own market, hence we are enthusiastic about continuing our partnership with Nigeria to support the growth and development of its aviation sector.

“We remain committed to working closely with you and your team to explore innovative solutions and seize opportunities and capitalise on the potential of Nigeria.

In the upcoming weeks, we will diligently follow up on the pivotal topics covered during your visit, such as facilitating access to foreign currency for airlines acquiring new aircraft and resolving the requirement for airlines to obtain local insurance for foreign-financed aircraft.

Television stations in Los Angeles carried aerial video footage showing HSI agents and other law enforcement authorities raiding Combs' lavish estate in the city's upscale Holmby Hills neighbourhood.

Los Angeles City News Service reported several people were detained outside the home, but it was unclear whether any arrests were made.

Local news outlets reported that federal authorities also executed a search warrant at the rap mogul's Miami-area home. Reuters footage showed officers going in and out of his property on Miami Beach's Star Island, with agents seen carrying

The inquiry was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in New York, where a lawsuit was filed against Combs by a former girlfriend in federal court in November accusing him of engaging in sex trafficking, reported Reuters. Combs, 54, has said that he is innocent and that his accusers were seeking "a quick payday." His New York-based lawyer, Ben Brafman, did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

a box of material from the home. Combs' whereabouts during the raids were not known.

HSI spokespersons, responding to a Reuters query, said: "Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners."

The statement did not elaborate on the nature of the investigation.

HSI has broad jurisdiction to investigate the illegal movement of people, goods, money, technology and contraband into, out of and throughout the United States, including sex trafficking.

One of the central allegations of Ventura's suit was that Combs forced her to engage in sex acts with male prostitutes he hired while he watched and filmed the encounters.

The lawsuit cited violations of sex trafficking and human trafficking statutes under federal, New York and California laws.

Ventura and Combs, who has used such monikers as P. Diddy, Puff Daddy and Diddy, announced the next day they had settled the case under confidential terms.

R&B vocalist Cassandra Ventura sued Combs in federal court in Manhattan in mid-November, accusing him of subjecting her to physical abuse, sexual slavery and rape during a 10-year professional and romantic relationship.

“The exchange of minds and ideas during our meeting was invaluable. We appreciate the opportunity to delve into various topics pertinent to the aviation industry, from aircraft leasing to technological advancements and sustainable practices.

“Your insights and vision for the future of Nigerian aviation provided us with valuable perspectives that will undoubtedly guide our collaboration moving forward,” the letter added.

Airbus also said that Nigerian airlines should be allowed to cater for their own market, which means taking charge of their local and international market and should be given full support to do so, adding that it would help Nigerian carriers in aircraft financing and insurance.

“This proactive approach will advance our mutual objectives of enhancing Nigeria's air transport sector with modern eco-friendly aircraft, thereby reducing operational expenses and mitigating environmental impact.”

Recently, Nigeria’s fast growing carrier, Ibom Air took delivery of the first of 10 aircraft it ordered from Airbus and in the coming months, the airline would receive the remaining aircraft.

Ibom Air is also building an aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Uyo, the state capital and hopes to partner with Airbus in providing technical personnel, equipment and aircraft spares.

In Celebrating Children's Release, We Must Recognise Challenges Faced By Our Military, Senate Says

sunday aborisade in Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, said while celebrating the victories recorded against terrorism lately, including the recent rescue of 137 schoolchildren in Kaduna, it was important to recognise the challenges being faced by the military personnel.

Speaking through its Committee on Army, the senatecommended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the kidnapped students of Local Education Authority School, Kuriga in the Chukun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Chairman, Senate Committee the Army, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, gave the recommendation in a statement in Abuja. Part of the statement, "It is with profound gratitude and admiration that we commend the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their swift and successful rescue operation that led to the safe return of kidnapped students of LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

"The heroic efforts of our gallant troops, working in conjunction with local authorities and government agencies, have once again

demonstrated their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.

"It is heartening to note that these rescued individuals have since been conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further care and necessary action, bringing hope and relief to their families and loved ones.

"Furthermore, we must also acknowledge the recent rescue

operation in Gada LGA of Sokoto State, where 16 pupils (Almajiris) and a woman were freed from captivity and handed over to Sokoto State Government.

"These combined efforts underscore the unwavering resolve of our armed forces to locate and rescue all hostages, as well as bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.

"While we celebrate these

victories, it is crucial to recognise the challenges faced by our military personnel, who are often overstretched in their duty to safeguard our nation.

"As a gesture of our utmost appreciation and support, we pledge to enhance legislative measures aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of our brave soldiers, as well as streamlining their operations for greater efficiency.

"The relentless dedication and sacrifices of our armed forces in the face of adversity are a testament to their unwavering commitment to our collective security and national well-being.

"We stand united in solidarity with our military and other security agencies in their noble mission to protect our beloved country and ensure a safe and secure future for all Nigerians."

Impeachment: Edo CJ Reviews Panel, Drops Two Members Ondo Guber: Ganduje Seeks Assembly’s Cooperation for Free, Fair Primary Election

adibe emenyonu in Benin City

The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, yesterday, reviewed the panel he earlier constituted to investigate impeachment allegations against the Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu.

This was part of the processes initiated by the State House of Assembly to impeach the deputy governor.

In the new list signed by court's chief registrar, B.O Osawaru, two members, Prof. Violet Aigbokhaebo, and Prof. Boniface Onomion Edegbai, were dropped.

The list was first released on Friday and with the review, the panel was expected to begin sitting immediately.

According to the latest statement, the panel would still be chaired by retired Justice S.A. Omonua.

Other members were Prof. Theresa Akpoghome, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Dr. Andrew Oliha, Idris Abdulkareen, President Aigbokhian and Mariam Erakhoba Ilavbare.

The letter read: "This is to bring to the notice of the general public that in line with section 188(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Honourable the Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice D.I. Okungbowa, has constituted the panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor of Edo State,

Rt. Honourable Philip Shaibu.

"This is sequel to the resolution of the Edo State House of Assembly on the 19th March, 2024, which was sent to The Honourable Chief Judge of Edo State.

"The said panel of seven persons is comprised of the following persons:

Hon. Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.) - Chairman, Professor Theresa Akpoghome (member), Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu (member), Dr. Andrew Oliha Member, Idris Abdulkareen (member), President Aigbokhian (member) and Mariam Erakhoba Ilavbare, (member).

State lawmakers drum support for Aiyedatiwa

adedayo akinwale in Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has sought the cooperation of members of the Ondo State House of Assembly ahead of the governorship primary election scheduled for April 25.

Ganduje made the plea yesterday in Abuja when the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olamide Oladiji,led 12 other lawmakers to the national secretariat of the party.

According to him, “You were here in your numbers because of an important issue pertaining to peace and stability of Ondo State.

“When the late Governor of Ondo State was very sick and there was political turbulence in the state, we are so happy that we waded into that and also Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was so kind enough to devote his time to see that that problem was resolved amicably.”

Ganduje said the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party was not surprised that the lawmakers came to thank

them for the role they played during the political crisis in the state. He added: "I want to call upon you, very soon you know your government is an off-season as far as is election is concerned. This year, there will be election for governorship in Ondo State and there are many things that must happen according to the programme.

"We started with verification of party membership, then it will lead to screening of aspirants and of course, there will be primaries among the aspirants so that we

Kunle Olawunmi: Killing of Military Men in Delta Political, Intelligence Failure Caused By Politicians

funmi ogundare

A former commandant of the Defence Intelligence College, Abuja, Commodore Kunle Olawunmi (rtd), yesterday,described the recent killing of military personnel in the Delta State as political. He said such could make the federal government to fight on two fronts and collapse the central government, stressing that the failure of intelligence was mostly caused by the politicians.

Olawunmi, who was a guest on The Morning Show, ARISE News Channel, expressed concern that the

federal government was complicit in appeasing militants and terrorists, adding that Tantita Security Company has been shielding some militants in the area.

Asked why intelligence was always failing, Olawunmi, Head of Department, International Relations and Diplomacy, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, stated: "What people don't know about intelligence is that the practitioners themselves don't have problem.

“Intelligence are basic. Once you disseminate to the director, your job is done. It is always politics. There are so many processes that we

have tried to take in the past that the politicians have killed.

“Once you finish from the defence headquarters and pass it to them, there’s nothing you can do after that. We have had cases when we were supposed to pick somebody up in Brazil, but the politicians killed the idea. It is not that we fail all the time, it's just the political class."

He stated that the political class was not as educated as they should, saying most of them were not worthy of the offices they hold and could not interprete the technical data being presented to them.

He added that there had been

times when the politicians were provided actionable intelligence, but they would ask the military to stand down on it.

"Something will happen later that will become so disastrous and injurious to the nation. The intelligence failure and processes are something that has got to do with the political class, not the practitioners," Olawunmi stated.

He, however, noted that the politicians in the Niger Delta area, should be scrutinised, adding that they were about to make a move that would provoke the army to make mistakes as they did in 2006 and 2007.

can come up with a candidate for our party.

"Ondo State is an APC state and we will continue to maintain it as an APC state. We need your cooperation so that we can have a free and transparent primaries in the state.

“So that we can shore up our opportunity and believe our members are equal to the task with good synergy between the party and your institution as members of the State House of Assembly."

The chairman assured them that the party had prepared a well-articulated programme for the primary in the state in order to produce a candidate.

Earlier, Oladiji, who said the lawmakers were in support of continuity of an APC-led government in the state, appreciated the President and Ganduje for their timely intervention in the political crisis that erupted in the State a few months ago.

"We are here also to tell him (Tinubu) that as far as we are concerned, those of us around amongst our members and those that are on their way that we are fully in support of continuity of APC-led government.

"We are in support of continuity. We want APC to continue with the governments of Ondo State. We believe it will work out and we are giving them 100 per cent assurance that the primary elections will be peaceful," he said.

L-R: Minister of state for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande; Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Doris Nkiruka Uzo-Anite; Minister of state for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa; United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Mrs Amina Mohammed; Chairman of Mikano International, the parent company of Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited, Mr. Mofid Karameh; and the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs Aisha Rimi, during an official visit to the multi-billion Naira ultra-modern Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited Syringe factory located within Karameh Industrial City, Arepo, Ogun State….recently

Adeoluwa, during the press conference on the first anniversary of Prof. Adeyemi as CMD LUTH, Idi-Araba, held in Lagos...yesterday

NGE Worries over Growing Insecurity in Nigeria, Urges Govts to Step Up Efforts

Urges military to speak out on abduction of editor Advises media against oxygenating terrorists

Uvende Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged government at all levels to step up efforts in addressing growing insecurity across the country, in line with their constitutional responsibility of securing life and property.

Observing a slide in the security situation in the country, the professional body of editors/media executives, however, acknowledged efforts by government to reverse the troubling trend.

Pointing to the recent release of students of LEA Primary School/ Government Secondary School in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as a good development, the guild congratulated Office of the National Security Ad-

viser (NSA), Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and security agencies for their roles in securing the release of the students, after three weeks in kidnappers’ captivity.

In a communique issued and signed by the NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, after its Standing Committee Meeting held in Enugu, weekend, the Guild also called on the federal government to speak out on the Editor of FirstNews Newspaper, Segun Olatunji, who was abducted from his Lagos home by some men in military uniform.

The Guild, which demanded the immediate release of the editor, said any publication by the media, if believed or suspected to be false,

should be interrogated and tested through the legal process.

The editors condemned the manner in which the editor was abducted, saying such action had no place in a democracy, especially under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government, which has consistently promised to be guided by the rule of law in all his actions, policies and programmes.

“The media/journalists must be allowed to continue to operate in an atmosphere conducive to the performance of their constitutional duty of holding government accountable to the people.

“Government or security agencies must not be perceived to be doing anything to the contrary, or attempting to stifle the media

under a democratic government,” the NGE warned.

The guild described the recent ambush and killing of 17 military personnel on March 14 in Okuama community, in Delta State, and the alleged reprisal by the military as disheartening.

It called on the federal government to dig deep into the killing of soldiers in Okuama, and unravel the “real circumstances” in which the incident and its aftermath occurred, with a view to bringing those indicted to book and preventing a recurrence.

While noting the rising cost of living in the country, which saw

on the ill-fated day. But, unfortunately, the staff member, Mr Abubakar, is not here with us today because he died while in captivity.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increase from 29.90 per cent in January to 31.70 per cent in February, the editors attributed the current harsh economic space to the worsening security situation, removal of subsidy on petrol, and the devaluation of the Naira, following the unifying of exchange rates. “The Guild observed measures by the Central Bank of Nigeria to reverse the falling value of the Naira, and urged it to ensure the results are long-term and not temporary.

“The professional body also acknowledges initiatives by government at various levels to reduce the hardship in the country – through

been coming with some permutations about what happened and how this children were released.

various palliatives and intervention schemes.

“And said such measures should not be beneficial only in the shortterm, hoping that government policies, in the long run, will make life easier for the people.

“In the face of the nation's security challenges and tough economic ecosystem, the Guild urges journalists to be circumspect, and not sacrifice truthfulness in their reportage.

“The media must continue to carry out their responsibilities with a sense of nationalism, and be careful not to inadvertently give stimulus to terrorists/bandits in their reportage,” the editors added.

Funke Olaode

Two medical doctors, Michael Atiba and Ugbeye Michael were yesterday arraigned before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over alleged involuntary manslaughter of a patient, Ejiro Ugorobi.

Atiba, a doctor at the Gbagada General Hospital and one Dr Michael, a consultant with the National Orthopaedic Hospital also based in Lagos are facing the charge preferred against them by the Lagos state government.

The State prosecution counsel A. O. Azeez, told the court that

the offence happened on October 21, 2023. He said that the incident took place at about 12:30 pm, at No 20, Michael Adekoya Street, Ilupeju area of the State.

The prosecutor told the court that both Atiba and Michael unlawfully caused the death of on Ugorobi by negligent application of anaesthesia before surgery and after surgery.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed contravened Section 224 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2015. However, the duo pleaded not guilty to the charge against them. Thereafter Azeez, asked the court

for a trial date.

He said: " In view of the plea of the defendants we are asking for a trial date."

Meanwhile, lawyers to the defendants informed the court of their bail applications both dated March 22 and 21, 2023, respectively.

The counsel to the first defendant (Atiba), Dr. Mike .O (SAN), told the court that he filed a bail application dated March 22, 2024 and urged the court to grant Atiba bail on liberal terms.

ONSA: Secur ITY Age N c I e S W O rk IN g WITH I NT erp O l TO Appre H e ND Flee IN g B INAN ce e xecu TI ve

ment yesterday that the company would continue to protect the safety of its staff regardless of the situation.

Fuller stated, “We were made aware that Nadeem is no longer in Nigerian custody. Our primary focus remains on the safety of our employees, and we are working collaboratively with Nigerian authorities to quickly resolve this issue.”

Meanwhile, wife of Anjarwalla, Elahe, last week told The Sunday Times, UK, that although her husband’s movement was largely restricted, she was aware that he was being treated well and was comfortable.

Anjarwalla was said to have taken only an overnight luggage when he flew to Nigeria late last month, leaving his wife and 11-month-old son at home and was planning to return home after a day of business

meetings.

Anjarwalla, 37, and an American colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, 39, were under detention in a guarded house, according to the Sunday Times report.

The Binance’s Regional Manager for Africa, and Gambaryan, its head of financial crime compliance, flew to Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on February 25 and reportedly held meetings the next day with officials from the central bank and the securities regulator, which seemed to go well, before they were escorted back to their hotel.

“Then things took a menacing turn. The men were told to pack their belongings and taken to a ‘guest house’ run by the National Security Organisation. A Nigerian court had ordered their detention for two weeks pending an investigation... They are allowed to use phones

occasionally, but only in the presence of guards,” the report added.

Elahe, 34, said at their home in Nairobi, Kenya, while defending her husband, that both Binance executives had nothing to do with the declining value of the local currency.

“I’m no expert on the Nigerian economy but Nadeem and Tigran have nothing to do with the freefall of the currency...There is food, they seem comfortable and looked after, for which I am grateful, but their movements are very restricted.

“They’re not allowed to leave the house, for example,” Elahe said, noting that she was worried about her husband’s health after learning — though not from him, that he had requested treatment for suspected malaria.

“Consequently, there are here at present a total of 137 students of the Govt Secondary and LEA Primary Schools Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, who were successfully rescued from captivity around Dansadau forest in Zamfara State and safely brought back to Kaduna.

“The breakdown of the figure of the rescued children shows that there are 76 females and 61 males, making the total of 137 altogether (less the teacher that died while in captivity).”

The GOC thanked Tinubu for his support and strategic guidance, through the Ministers of Defence, NSA, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), service chiefs, heads of other security and law enforcement agencies, the Kaduna State government, and the GOC, 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, who severally contributed to the successful rescue efforts and the safe return of the school children, “without payment of ransom.”

In his remarks, Sani expressed happiness over the safe return of the children and thanked the security agencies for their effort.

The governor also warned the media, insecurity and conflicts merchants to be cautious of issues concerning security.

He said, “We have to be cautious, we should not politicise the issue of insecurity in Nigeria. Any attempt to continue to undermine the efforts of security agencies in Nigeria in the name of politics is jeopardising the lives and property of our innocent citizens in Nigeria.”

He added, “I want to caution particularly the media and some elements within the society. Since the return of these children, they have

“In my own opinion maybe most of these people are not happy that these children are back, because if they are happy, they should celebrate it. That is the most important thing, just like the families of these children are celebrating their returns.”

The governor said his government was happy over the release of the children.

He stated, “We had 16 days of sleepless nights but today we are happy that the children are back and I want to emphasise again that in Kaduna, we will continue to work with relevant security agencies to ensure that all our communities are safe at the grassroots.”

Sani called on communities to tackle the issue of informants in their midst.

The schoolchildren arrived Government House about 2pm in buses belonging to the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army amid tight security. They were dressed in new clothes and shoes and were in high spirit. But journalists were prevented from interviewing them.

Their parents were conspicuously absent at the event. It was learnt that the absence of the parents was to prevent them from interacting with the media.

The state government was expected to host the children to a dinner in the evening (yesterday). Meanwhile Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said the rescue of the 137 abducted schoolchildren signalled a new dawn in antiterrorism measures being adopted by the government.

In a statement in Kaduna, the forum expressed joy over the safe return of the children.

The statement signed by the spokesperson of the forum, Pro-

fessor Tanimu Muhammad-Baba, said the rescue of the children was highly commendable. It said the operation was made possible by collaboration between various security stakeholders and locals.

ACF stated, “This is as should be, as many have, indeed, been stridently calling for such an approach to stamping out for good, the menace of terrorism and banditry that has (posed) existential threats to communities in Nigeria.

“ACF also rejoices with the students, their parents and guardians.

“Going forward, ACF calls for strengthening this new anti-terrorism multi-stakeholder, multi-pronged strategy, involving all those with direct and indirect responsibilities for securing peoples and communities and, ultimately, Nigeria.”

The forum also called for intensified efforts towards the release of other captives, everywhere.

The statement added, “For Kuriga, this is vital, because the number of victims released is at variance with earlier figures of abductees as, indeed, reflected in various news reports.

“The adoption of simple but effective community-based measures, including simple or user-friendly gadgets, incorporating solid intelligence gathering and processing, for early warning, early response strategy to secure all vulnerable communities and facilities;

“Psychological counselling for the released victims so that mental effect of the trauma is minimised and they return to normalcy soonest.

“ACF reiterates its earlier call on the parents and students to remain defiant and not to be discouraged. The terror merchants must not be allowed any semblance of victory, pyrrhic as it will be; and the immediate rehabilitation of schools to make the learning environment conducive.”

WORKING IN THE LORD’S VINEYARD …

L-R: National Secretary, Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Samson Alawode;

Rev.

Rivers Crisis: Nobody Can Cajole Us to Fight Fubara, Says Council Chairman

Blessing

Ibunge in Port harcourt

The battle for supremacy in the Rivers State politics is beginning to take a new dimension as some supporters of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have declared strong support for the Governor of the state Siminalayi Fubara.

One of those politicians who may have benefited from the former governor Wike’s government, as a female council chairman, has publicly stated thats he would prefer to support the man who brought development to their Local Government Area, than the one who neglected the area for eight years.

Claude-Wilcox at the weekend, stated that the fight between the FCT Minister and his godson, Fubara, will not make Rivers

Chairman of Bonny LGA in Rivers State, Dame Anengi

Group Urges FG to Alleviate Masses’ Suffering

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The federal and state governments as well as political leaders across the country have been implored to urgently tackle the economic hardships facing Nigerians ‘in the midst of plenty’.

people to hate the governor.

Claude-Wilcox, who spoke when the SIMplified Movement, a pro-Fubara political pressure

group held a thanksgiving service in honour of governor’s Supreme Court victory, at Bonny, stressed that the governor has

demonstrated that he loves people of the state as such they cannot be cajoled by anybody into hating him.

Stakeholders Advise Kogi Assembly on Citizens’ Participation in Bills,

Ibrahim Oyewale inLokoja

Kogi State House of Assembly has been urged to increase citizens participation in the passage of bills to reflect the aspirations of the people.

Supplementary Budget Passage

lives of Kogi state citizens.

Just as they also emphasised the importance of public hearing in the passage of laws that will better the

It stated that the appeal became necessary because of the high level and cost of living currently facing the entire people of the country as a result of some policies as well as actions and inactions of political leaders and stakeholders.

A socio-political group, Elites For Good Governance (E4GG), in a statement signed by its National President, Ogie Samson and issued in Warri, Delta State, yesterday noted that the masses of the country are going through harrowing experiences ranging from high cost of goods and services that are supposed to make life easy for them.

Adeleke Lays Foundation for Hajj Camp in Osun

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke yesterday officially laid foundation for the construction of Hajj transit camp for the state pilgrims in order to ease their movement to Saudi Arabia.

Adeleke disclosed that only Osun State does not have a camp for pilgrims in South-west.

According to him, “Why will it be only Osun state that does not have a camp for pilgrims. I pronounced on Sunday and we are here today to the glory of Allah laying the foundation.

“Since we have lay the foundation, work start immediately, so that they will be happy anytime they are going to Hajj, they will gather here relax before they embark and after the journey.

“I will assist the pilgrims amidst the high cost of things” the governor said.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Rasheed Aderigbigbe, said that Hajj camp is necessary to easy movement of pilgrims and to accommodate them before they move to the airport.

Kano Lawmaker Empowers Constituents with N320m

In fulfilling his campaign promises, the Honourable member representing Albasu, Gaya and Ajingi federal constituency, Honourable Ghali Mustapha Tijjani has flagged off the distribution of 3,600 bags of rice, 6,000 bags of millet, 6,000 bags of maize, 60 school of nursing scholarships and the distribution of N20 million to the youths and women in his constituency.

Also, the lawmaker has unveiled his work and action plans for the year 2024.

Similarly, food supplies were distributed to 18,000 individuals who benefited from this compassionate act.

Additionally, 1,000 youths were empowered with a cash grant of N20,000 each, totaling N20,000,000, while 60 female students were granted full sponsorship to pursue nursing studies.

Addressing the gathering in Gaya Local Government Area, Ghali reassured the community that these initiatives marked the commencement of his first quarter projects and pledged to continue fulfilling his campaign promises with subsequent endeavors.

He said: “I am pleased to unveil my 2024 roadmap and action plan. Today, we distribute palliatives worth N320 million.

The stakeholders made the call in Lokoja yesterday during the bi-monthly meeting of the state-level advocacy and legislative engagement forum organised by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation in collaboration with Initiative for Grassroots Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) with support

from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development of the UK International Development.

The Executive Director, INGRA, Hamza Aliyu, said the forum which was inaugurated on November 2, 2023, had achieved more than 80 per cent of its mandate.

Aliyu, who was represented by the Project Officer of INGRA, Ikechukwu Mpama, said the forum had as one of its objectives to help increase the people’s awareness in constituency offices for legislators with a view to enhancing the functionality of the constituency offices saying that their impacts are yet to be felt.

Prerogative of Mercy: Bauchi Gov Pardons 96 Inmates, Pays N7m

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has under the prerogative of mercy enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution 1999 as amended, granted pardon to 96 inmates drawn from different correctional facilities across the state. He also settled fines and compensations of N7million as part of the requirement to guarantee their freedom.

go and sin no more’.

The governor, who also settled their fines, transportation fares and rehabilitation grants amounting to N20 million, enjoined them ‘to

The governor, who made this known last weekend while speaking during the event at the Government House, Bauchi, explained that various fines imposed on them by the courts totaling N7 million was paid by the state government and N13 million was made available for their transportation and rehabilitation.

He said the decision to grant the pardon and amnesty to the convicts followed the report of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy that the affected persons have turned a new leaf of life.

Commuters Stranded in Ado Ekiti as FedPoly Staff, Students Protest Poor State of Road

Gbenga Sodeinde in ado Ekiti

For several hours yesterday, road users on the ever-busy Ado-Ekiti federal highway linking the state with Ondo, Kogi, and Abuja among other destinations, were stranded as angry students and some staff of the Federal Polytechnic blocked the road in protest over poor state of the road network in Ekiti State.

and its Multi-System Hospital.

The road also links important institutions such as the state Government College, Ado-Ekiti, the Federal Silos Centre, the state Cargo Airport under construction, and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti

The protesters in their large number prevented both commuters and motorists from passing across the road, thereby causing heavy traffic congestion, which made all road activities to stand still for the greater part of the day.

The angry protesters, who were armed with placards with various inscription such as: ‘Save our soul’, ‘Fix Abuad road now’, all Federal roads in Ekiti are now death trap’, barricaded the road, thus causing heavy traffic congestion which came to a stand still for several hours to press home their demands.

Organisation Tasks Female Journalists to Embrace Use of AI in their Practices

Folalumi Alaran in abuja

In a bid to integrate technological advancements into media practice, Senema Production Limited has urged female journalists to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to elevate their reporting capabilities.

Speaking during a media workshop held in collaboration with the Women in Media Development Initiative (WMDI) recently in Abuja, Lead Consultant at Senema Production Limited, Emmanuel Ohiomokhare, emphasised the necessity for journalists to adapt to the changing landscape of the industry.

Ohiomokhare noted that despite several opportunities in the media, many traditional media practitioners have been

reluctant to adapt, allowing non-media individuals, such as citizen journalists, to capitalise on emerging opportunities adding that it is imperative that genuine media professionals to embrace these changes and seize the opportunities they present.

Okpebholo Commends Kaduna Gov on Freed Abducted School Children

The Edo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sanni, and the people of the state on the successful rescue of the abducted Kuriga schoolchildren.

Okpebholo in a statement issued by Akpakomiza Media Organisation yesterday, also praised the gallantry of the security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, involved in the rescue, as well as the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President,

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the APC gubernatorial hopeful, who currently represents Edo Central senatorial district in the Senate, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserved to be appreciated for the priority that his administration has accorded security of the lives of

Nigerians in the efforts being made to arrest criminalities in the country.

“He believed that with the support of Nigerians and prayers, the current efforts by the APC administration would eventually rid the country of insecurity and usher in national prosperity in no distant time.”

Suru Applauds Supreme Court’s Verdict against AMCON

Ayodeji Ake

Suru Group Boss, Edward Akinlade, has applauded the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its decisive judgement in the lawsuit between his company, Suru Worldwide and Asset Management Corporation of

Nigeria (AMCON) over seizure of some of his company’s properties by AMCON.

While addressing the press recently Akinlade said the landmark judgment which was delivered by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the 16th of February, 2024 was a pleasurable news to him.

He said the Supreme Court ruled that AMCON’s possession of Suru World Wide’s properties, which was premised on a Federal High Court order was illegal as the apex court of law has struck down the said court order.

Akinlade exclaimed that the Supreme Court judgement was

remarkable and attests to the fact that it is the last hope of the common man in the country. He said: “We took a loan from Oceanic Bank in those days for about N13.5 billion and part of it was invested in Best Western Hotel. Part of it was used to buy a lot of land in Ikeja, GRA.

his wife, Rev. (Mrs) Sarah Alawode; newly installed District Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, Ilasamaja District,

Joshua Aremu; his wife, Pastor Josephine Aremu; Mushin District Overseer, Rev. Emmanuel Attah, and Festac District Overseer, Rev. Godwin Abimbola Samuel, during the installation of Rev. Aremu as Ilasamaja District Overseer in Lagos...recently ABAYOMIAKINYELE

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Finidi Upbeat Mali Will Fall for Second Win Under His Watch

S’Africa Set Altitude Trap as

OLYMPICS QUALIFIER

ing meeting your favorite Banyana Banyana players. “Put on your yellow national team regalia. We want Loftus to be buzzing on the day,” said SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao.

Meanwhile, Coach Randy Waldrum has extended invitations to captain Rasheedat Ajibade, US-based Africa queen, Asisat Oshoala and high-riding goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie among a group of 22 players for the high-profile match.

Nigeria

In an interview on South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Sport, Ellis said that the decision to play Nigeria in the second leg Olympic Qualifier at the Loftus stadium “is about using the highaltitude advantage.

”We looked at the altitude, we have to make sure that we take advantage of that and hopefully it can help us, especially within the first 15/20 into the game,” said Ellis In addition to the venue of the match, the tickets, according to very reliable sources in South Africa are already on sale at all “TicketPro outlets as well as at Spar.”

According to the official website of the South African Football Association, the tickets are available for 50 Rands ($2.6) and 20 Rands ($1) for children.

“For the home return match, fans are requested to come out in their numbers to support our senior women’s football team. There will be lots of prizes to be won includ-

Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre and veteran rearguard Osinachi Ohale are also called, as well as youthful midfielder Deborah Abiodun, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna Kanu.

There are recalls for 2019 World Cup star Chidinma Okeke and veteran forward Chiwendu Ihezuo, and a first invitation for U20 defender Shukurat Oladipo.

Waldrum has also kept faith with regulars like wing-back Michelle Alozie, midfield lynchpins Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde, and forward Gift Monday.

The Banyana and Super Falcons Olympic qualifier comes at a time when Ellis’ team is riding high on confidence, having won three of their last four meetings against the Super Falcons. The former Banyana Banyana captain traces back their turnaround against the Nigerians to when they toppled them on home soil in the Aisha Buhari Cup.

” But I think our biggest turning point was the Aisha Buhari Cup and some of our key players were not available for that fixture, but with the type of football we played – belief set in, and this shows that this team is not afraid of anyone,” added Ellis.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat

Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA); Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan)

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico)

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

Femi Solaja

Despite the absence of key stars like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, William Troost-Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi and a host of others, Interim Super Eagles Head Coach, Finidi George, has said he hopes to lead the senior Nigerian team to a second victory against Mali tonight.

This is the second international friendly the ex-international will lead Super Eagles since he was appointed on an interim basis a fortnight ago.

Today, Finidi will also be missing the services of two Premier League stars Frank Onyeka and Calvin Bassey who were in Morocco for the first friendly with the Black Stars of Ghana. Brentford midfielder Onyeka featured in the Eagles first win against Ghana while Bassey from Fulham has quit the team’s training camp after injury prevented him from seeing action in Morocco.

Despite these setbacks, Finidi insisted that he remains upbeat about another victory. “We cannot at this time be dwelling on the injuries and absences that we have to cope with,” he maintained.

“Our intention has always been to win these two matches and then look forward to the World Cup qualifiers in June (against South

Africa and Benin Republic). We are determined to keep up the momentum and sustain the winning mentality derived from beating the Black Stars.”

Incidentally, the last of Finidi George’s 62 caps for Nigeria came against the Eagles of Mali.

‘The Gazelle’ as he was fondly called was involved when on 9th February, 2002 the Super Eagles pipped host nation Mali in the city of Mopti 1-0 to win the bronze medal of the 23rd Africa Cup of Nations. Mali signalled their readiness for this encounter with a 2-0 spanking of Mauritania also in Morocco on Friday.

TOdAy

Mali v Nigeria

C’d’Ivoire v Uruguay

Uganda v Ghana

Senegal v Benin

England v Belgium

Germany v Netherlands

Egypt v Croatia

Slovenia v Portugal

France v Chile

Spain v Brazil

Algeria v S’Africa

Togo v Libya

Austria v Turkey

...Troost-Ekong Begins Rehabilitation after Surgery

Super Eagles central defender, William Troost-Ekong, has started rehabilitation work in the gym after successful surgery in Finland to correct an injury.

Troost-Ekong made a remarkable comeback to the Super Eagles this year after a lull in 2023.

The former Watford man made Jose Peseiro’s squad to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and he proved to be a very important member of the team.

Troost-Ekong scored three goals and put up consistently impressive performances for the three-time African champions to help them to a second-place finish in the competition. His performances for the Super Eagles ensured that he won the Player of the Tournament award.

Unfortunately, after the AFCON, it was revealed that Troost-Ekong was nursing a hamstring injury from the group stage. He played most of the AFCON games through pain and was patched up for most of the tournament.

Following the conclusion of the competition, Troost-Ekong was ruled out of the season because he had to undergo surgery.

The former Udinese man had his

surgery in February, and yesterday he posted a short video on X (formerly Twitter) of himself doing some work in the gym.

In the short video with Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s music, in the background, wrote “O l’oun ta wa se n n’yara je k’abere” which was a popular hit by the music star,” the PAOK Salonika defender posted

Although he has returned to the gym, Troost-Ekong is still far from making his return to the pitch. However, he could be available for selection by June, when Nigeria play South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

While speaking to CNN, the Greece-based defender said he would be happy if he could be a part before the end of the season but if not, he would return in May.

"I should be back and fit again in May, but I think it’s probably season over. You never know how rehab will go but I don’t want to rush it because, at my tender age of 30, you have to be smart about these injuries.

“I want to be 100% for next season, 100% right. If I can play at the end of this season that’s great, if not then I will be ready for next season", he said.

PGA of Nigeria Says Acropolis Golf Resort Will Breed More Pros

The Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria has said that the Acropolis Golf Course being launched in Okija, Anambra State on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, will help groom more professional golfers in the country.

According to Operations Director of PGAN, Uchenna Ezebuiro, the golf course will help spread the game to a new location, where he believes youngsters will be allowed to embrace the money-making side of the game.

“Nigeria is one of the few

African countries where youngsters can aspire to take up golf as a career, and with dedication make some decent income to live above the average populace, and even beyond,” observed Ezebuiro.

He claimed that some of the players in the top ten of the Nigerian PGA’s ranking are comfortable. He added that this takes hard work to attain such heights.

“Nigerians are naturally athletic, passionate, and goal-oriented. Part of the reasons that the PGA of

Nigeria is supporting this project is the potential it has in helping scale the number of youngsters that are exposed to the potential of taking up the game professionally.”

Communications Manager of Acropolis Golf and Resort, Pamela Osanakpo, said that the strategic partnership between her outfit and the PGA of Nigeria is such that the facility would be involved in development initiatives from the get-go.

“Our relationship is a strategic alliance that will benefit the game

of golf, the community, and the country. Top professionals in the country are also taking part in the opening 18-hole event.”

Current Nigeria's number one player, Francis Epe of Ikoyi Club 1938, golf section, former order of merit leaders Oche Odoh, Mike Ubi, Gift Willy, and Olapade Sunday have also been listed to showcase their skills at the one-day event.

Acting Facility Manager of the Acropolis Golf and Resort, Obioma Ogakwu added that the bigger

picture is that the Tourism potential of Anambra State will be enhanced by the launch, especially given that Nigeria is considered a top golf tourist destination by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour“WeOperators.) want to contribute to the footfalls that golf is attracting to Nigeria. That is why we have built this world-classed facility here, and with this launch on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, the journey has started,” she concluded on high optimism.

William Troost-Ekong...on the way to recovery earlier than expected from Surgery

Gov Makinde to FG

“You are asking the states to submit memoranda on how state police will work? The National Assembly, they know what to do They have people that can quickly do this work. It is not the National Security Adviser or the National Economic Council that will deal with the issue of state police. It is a constitutional thing and should go to the National Assembly and then at the state level...to pass this law” --OyoState Governor,SeyiMakinde,sayssubmissionofmemorandabygovernorsiswasteoftime.

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

abati1990@gmail.com

The Abducted Children Of Kuriga And Other Stories

On March 7, 2024, we all woke up to the bewildering news that students of LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, and at least one of their teachers had been abducted in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna state. The figure was put at 287. About the same period, 16 students had been abducted in Tsangaya, Sokoto State. Still in Kaduna state, just about a week earlier bandits attacked the Gonin-Gora community, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis and abducted 16 residents. We are in a situation in Nigeria today, marked by creeping anarchy and full-blown impunity whereby abductions, banditry, and terrorism no longer constitute any special news. What confounds is the seeming helplessness of the Nigerian state and the audacity of the criminals. The bandits who kidnapped 16 persons in Gonin Gora on February 28 in fact asked for a ransom of N40 trillion. Nigeria’s total budget for 2024 is N28.7 trillion, and yet bandits are bold enough to ask for almost double that as ransom. Those who kidnapped the pupils of Kuriga and their teacher were a bit modest. They asked for N1 billion. The sheer size of the ransom demands points to one thing: that the crime of kidnapping is now a big business in Nigeria.

There are persons among us who live off the proceeds of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism and they are unapologetic about it. They have become so bold they ply their trade in the open, even in the Holy Month of Ramadan and Lent, something that was thought unthinkable in recent years. The bandits have lost their conscience. They are no longer touched by the spirit or season of Holiness. This is an indication of how bad things have become. It is in fact so bad that one report states that since President Tinubu’s assumption of office in May 2023, a total of 4, 777 persons have been abducted. Tinubu did not invent the crime of kidnapping – remember Chibok (2014), Dapchi (2018), Kankara (2020), Kagara (2021), and Jangebe (2021) before him, but it has since become worse under his watch. Large-scale, unprecedented insecurity stalks the land. Just when Nigerians were grieving over the abductions in the North, it was reported further that 17 soldiers of the Nigerian Army had been killed in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The soldiers were butchered. Also in Ohoro Forest, Delta State, six men of the Nigerian Police Force who had been deployed in search of their missing colleagues were ambushed and killed. Six other policemen have also been declared missing. In Okigwe, Imo State, two more policemen were killed in the month of March. Anomie could not have chosen a worse time to manifest.

It is therefore not surprising that President Bola Tinubu, commander in chief of the armed forces whose 72nd birthday comes up on Friday, March 29, has now declared that he would rather use the occasion to reflect and rededicate himself to the service of Nigeria. I consider his chosen sobriety in keeping with the spirit of the times. No commander in chief should dance on the graves of his own troops. Indeed, times such as this call for sober reflection, not just on the part of the President alone but all of us. How did we get to this point that nobody is safe anymore, and the people are so opposed to the men in uniform that they even kill them for sport? President Tinubu has declared that there will be no drinking or dining on Friday. He has directed that nobody should place any adverts in the media to celebrate him. Whoever wants to mark the day should donate whatever they have to charity. I applaud the choice that the President has made. And incidentally, March 29, this week falls on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, the significance of which is the crucifixion and death of Christ, the Son of God who sacrificed his life, so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish

but have Everlasting life (John 3: 15-19). The key symbolism is sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, and the end of the Christian Holy Week. Thursday or Maundy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Christ. On Friday, he was crucified, and He ascended to the Heavens. On Sunday, Easter Sunday, He rises, and the brethren break out in joyful celebration. President Tinubu is well advised to set aside Friday, March 29, as a day of sober reflection even if he made no reference to Christian orthodoxy, or that we are in the Holy Month of Ramadan, as Nigeria has no state religion, so explicitly affirmed in Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution.

It is however, nonetheless a week of good news, with the rescue of the kidnapped pupils of Kuriga, and the 16 abducted persons of Tsangaya in Sokoto state. The Defence Headquarters of the Nigerian Military had announced that due to the collaboration of the Federal Government and state/local authorities, the latter had been rescued and handed over to the Sokoto State Government and that the former, abducted on March 7 have also been rescued. Even in the face of the tragedy of the murder of 17 of their men in Delta, the Nigerian Army remains faithful in active service to its mandate of protecting the integrity and sovereignty of the Nigerian state. This is noteworthy. The pupils of the LEA school and the Government Secondary School in Kuriga, Kaduna state, were yesterday handed over to the State Governor, Senator Uba Sani and the school authorities and their parents. Kidnapping episodes in Nigeria do not always have happy endings, and even with this, there are unanswered questions. We were told on March 7, that a total of 287 persons were abducted from the morning assembly in the affected schools. But now, nobody seems to know the exact number of the persons that have been rescued, other than that one teacher died, and that 137 pupils have been rescued.

The state government insists that this is the correct figure. But some other accounts are quoting 168. This is the terrible thing about Nigeria. In a country without correct population figures, and a proper identification system, we don’t know how many we are, we can’t account for goats or sheep, not to talk of human beings! Our schools don’t have a proper register of pupils or teachers. The students do not have identification numbers either. This is one country where human beings including uniformed officials of state can just disappear without trace, and they may never be found. It took the Nigeria Police Force, for example, a whole month to confirm that

six of their men had been killed and another six were missing. The most ridiculous thing in Kuriga as of yesterday is that we were counting on parents to confirm if their missing children had returned. Some of the parents reportedly died during the agonizing 17-day wait, like one woman whose four children were abducted. Nigeria failed her. This should be a major point of reflection for President Tinubu. He has promised that he understands his responsibility to make this country safe for all and that he will put mechanisms in place to that effect. He must. His opponents have even told him not to wait. I refer to the Waziri Adamawa, Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP). Every other group, including the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has asked that Nigeria must be made safe, for everyone. Tinubu’s big problem is that whereas people were willing to make excuses for President Buhari before him, the story out there is that Tinubu must live up to his election campaign boast that he performed wonders in Lagos, and that he will do it again in Nigeria. Buhari’s odd reputation is that he sleep-walked through the eight years that he was President. Tinubu must avoid a situation whereby before his very eyes, Nigerians would start saying that they are now missing Buhari, and that they were better off during the Buhari years. The sad story is that this is beginning to happen. Somnambulism, better still, playing possum, cannot be a strategy of leadership.

Under Buhari, people could eat bread, rice, beans, and plantain. In today’s Nigeria, even barbers and tailors are quick to tell you that the dollar has gone up against the Naira. Please what is a tailor or a barber doing with the foreign exchange market? The kind of thing we are beginning to see is that under Tinubu’s watch, a Binance Holdings Executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, one of two persons accused of financial crimes against Nigeria, has disappeared from state custody, in broad daylight. The man simply vanished, we were told, from a guest house and fled to the Middle East even when his British passport was in the custody of the Nigerian authorities. We can’t even secure accused persons? Oh, come on. What is this? I have heard some persons saying that one big lesson Tinubu and his team would need to learn is that Abuja is not Lagos. Please, can we all get serious and sit up straight? The President of Nigeria must

ensure that whoever had a hand in the killing of uniformed men in the Delta or that helped Anjarwalla (the Binance Ajantala – that is - Yoruba folk phrase for an abnormal creation) is made to answer for it. That Ajantala must be brought back here to answer to the charges against him, and on no account must the other Binance man who is still in our custody disappear. Tinubu must not take any form of nonsense from those who intend to ridicule him and are beginning to show their hands. There is no way Anjarwalla will find his way to the proverbial Aja escape hatch without the help of Nigerian officials.

Now back to the children of Kuriga that returned yesterday. The Federal Government has been making heavy capital out of the claim that the Federal government did not pay any ransom to get the children back. It is unfortunate that this seems to be more important to them than providing necessary counsel for the affected families and ensuring that this does not happen again in another school. If government officials think they are deceiving us, we are not deceived. The kidnappers asked for N1 billion as ransom. Yes, President Tinubu said the government will not pay ransom, but does anyone expect the sensible people of Nigeria to believe that the kidnappers who asked for N1 trillion just woke up on a good side of the bed and then decided to release the children, most of whom are between the ages of 8 and 15? When government officials feel like telling lies, they must learn to do so in an intelligent manner. The belief out there is that the real meaning of the collaboration between the Federal Government and state/local authorities is that money exchanged hands, and that the kidnappers made good money. Please stop passing off a dog to us as a monkey. A dog is a dog. A monkey is a monkey. There is so much monkey business going on. Otherwise, the actual story should have been that in the course of the negotiations, Federal authorities arrested and demobilized the kidnappers and bandits, but that never happens. In Nigeria, kidnappers always come across as benevolent spirits who release the hapless victims that they capture. Someday, for sure, we hope that the names of kidnap chieftains will not make the National Honours List, and become a bad comment on the state of values in our land. There has been some talk about making our schools safe. A Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been quoted as saying that the Federal Government is planning to deploy Civil Defence Officers in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as School Safety Protection Squad. We have been on this School Safety Programme for decades. It is just another monkey business. I don’t believe that we are serious about it. I think that government thinks this is a joke. Our schools don’t even have blackboards. Most of them have no roofs. No fence. The teachers don’t get their salaries when due. In many public schools across the country, there are no desks, no windows. In parts of the North, students sit and receive classes under trees. Once upon a time in Kaduna State, the teachers were made to sit for the same examination with the students. The students passed, most of the teachers failed! That is the kind of ridiculous educational system Nigeria is running. Serious-minded and privileged parents have learnt to send their children abroad and to private schools at home. When President Tinubu begins to reflect, soberly on the occasion of his 72nd birthday, away from the noisome crowd of sycophants and opportunistic aides and family members, let him ponder upon these things and how to help the various afflicted families of Nigeria from the Niger Delta to the North West and elsewhere regain a sense of true citizenship and value…Have a happy birthday sir. Best regards.

Some of the 137 rescued Kuriga School children at Government House, Kaduna, ...yesterday