MONDAY 13TH APRIL 2020

Proposed Two-month Free Electricity Supply to Cost FG N109.8bn Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Chineme Okafor in Abuja and Ejiofor Alike in Lagos The federal government would incur an average cost of N109.83 billion to supply free electricity to Nigerians as proposed by the National

Assembly and supported by the electricity distribution companies (Discos), THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, had proposed a two-month free electricity

supply to Nigerians to cushion the excruciating effects of the nationwide lockdown occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19.

The Discos, under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), supported the scheme

but on the condition that the federal government should pick the bill for the two-month free electricity supply.

Data obtained by THISDAY from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET),

better known as the Bulk Trader, showed that it would cost the federal government an average of N109.8 billion for the initiative.

Statistics showed that since January 2019, the electricity supplied to Nigerians cost between N55 billion and N53

billion monthly.

For instance, the least cost of N47,583,048,273. 37 was incurred in June 2019, while the highest monthly cost for the year was N62,252,549,885.43 incurred in December 2019.

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Nation Awaits Buhari’s Review of Quarantine Regulations as Lockdown Expires Today FG, NMA finalise agreement on insurance package for frontline health workers this week COVID-19 cases rise to 323 with 85 discharged, 10 dead 23 returnees from Togo arrive Lagos Anxiety in Kano over index case Babangida seeks more collaborative efforts to contain virus Atiku: Nigeria will defeat scourge AU appoints Okonjo-Iweala, others special envoy Martins Ifijeh in Lagos, Akinwale Adedayo in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna As the two-week lockdown imposed on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states by President Muhammadu Buhari expires today, the nation awaits the next move of the president on

COVID-19 Regulations 2020 he handed down effective from March 30, pursuant to Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Quarantine Act (CAP Q2 LFN 2004).

His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, had said on Saturday that the lockdown Continued on page 8

Restriction Threatens N’Assembly’s Consideration of N500bn Intervention Fund

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The extension of the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ogun and Lagos states

by President Muhammadu Buhari may affect the plan by the National Assembly to reconvene tomorrow to consider the president’s request for the approval of N500 billion intervention fund to cushion the effects

of COVID-19, THISDAY has learnt.

The initial two-week lockdown in the affected states and FCT, which started at 11.00 p.m. on March 30, is expected to end today and had informed the decision of the Senate and the House of Representatives, now on recess, to propose to hold sessions Continued on page 8

SEEKING GOD’S FACE...

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, worshipping online during an Easter Church Service in Lagos…yesterday

Fleeing Terrorists’ Influx into Borno from Chad Raises Concerns... Page 6

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NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Submit Situation Reports, Osinbajo Committee Directs Revenue Agencies Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The seven-man Economic Sustainability Committee headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has requested federal government's key revenue reporting agencies to submit their performance reports, THISDAY has learnt.

It was also gathered that the committee planned to submit the first stage of its report to President Muhammadu Buhari within the next two weeks.

The economic policy implementation team was given the task to articulate urgent measures that could lead the country's economy out of the crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Part of its assignments, THISDAY learnt, is to articulate and coordinate the implementation of economic programmes and projects that would help the country's economy to survive after

COVID-19.

One of the immediate challenges that face the country's economy is the sharp drop in oil revenue.

THISDAY gathered that the committee had swung into action by requesting for situation reports from all the key revenue reporting agencies of the federal government.

A source at the Federal Ministry of Finance, who was privy to the recent meeting of the committee, told THISDAY at the weekend that the committee asked for reports from Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Maritime Authority and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), among others.

"The committee had

met to prepare a roadmap on how to go about their assignment. Presently, they are receiving reports from revenue agencies, the major ones of which are NNPC and CBN. They are working to submit the first stage of their report to the president within two weeks," the source said.

Other key revenue agencies which the committee expected their performance

reports include non-oil sector revenue yielding agencies.

THISDAY was informed that members of the economic team met for a second time recently to study some of the reports already obtained and to prepare a preliminary recommendation to be submitted to the president within two weeks.

The seven-man economic sustainability committee was

set up as a response to the recent challenges in the economic front resulting from the fall in the prices of oil in the international market as well as the disruptive impact of the pandemic that has disrupted the global economy.

The committee is made up of Ministers of Finance, Budget and Planning; Industry, Trade and Investment; Labour and

Employment; Minister of State Petroleum Resources; CBN Governor; NNPC Group Managing Director and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat who serves as secretary of the committee.

One of the immediate tasks given to the economic team is to manage the economy, especially the post-COVID-19 era till 2023.

ASUU Opposes Cut in Health, Education Budgets Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday cautioned the federal government against slashing the budgets of health and education sectors in the proposed 2020 revised budget.

The union also urged the federal government not to shortchange Nigerians by muddling up the budgeted social intervention funds with donated funds meant for palliatives for the vulnerable to cope with COVID-19 pandemic.

The union, in a statement by the Chairman, University of Ibadan chapter, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, said the proposed budgetary cut by the federal government showed that the government lacked an understanding of the precarious state of things in Nigeria's health and education sectors.

The union explained that it's obvious that the federal government has not learnt anything from the COVID-19.

According to the union, the federal government is proposing a slash of N50.76 billion from the N111.78 billion budgeted for UBEC to bring it down to N61.02 billion and a cut of N26.51 billion from the N44.49 billion allocated to basic health care to bring it down to N17.98 billion.

But Akinwole said a serious and progressive government would not allocate funds for any rehabilitation of government buildings or purchase of buses, but face critical sectors like health and education.

He also criticised the federal government for stopping salaries of lecturers for refusing to join the payment platform, Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information (IPPIS ) and making over 30,000 lecturers and their dependants vulnerable at this time.

He said the distribution of the palliatives was fraudulent as the reactions from Lagos and other states indicated that government officials were profiteering from palliative distribution.

ASUU stated that vulnerable people in slums, commercial drivers, food vendors, luggage porters among others must be targeted.

He also urged the federal and state governments to extend the distribution of the palliatives to journalists because over 50 per cent of journalists are not being paid salaries, while many are being owed over a year salaries.

"I have not seen this kind of government. A top government official claimed he never knew our health institution is this precarious and the government that has not allocated sufficient funds to that sector is further reducing it!

"They are also muddling up palliatives being distributed.

We sense that lack of transparency is ending in fraud and profiteering from the deprivation of the downtrodden. Most Nigerians are on the fringe and any mismanagement of palliative distribution will be counterproductive to the fight against the pandemic," he alleged.

KEEPING THE DISTANCE...

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, observing an online Easter Church service of St. Peter’s Basilica as religious houses remain closed as part of the efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Obaseki, Makinde, Others Felicitate with Christians on Easter

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo, Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, his counterparts in Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde; Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola; Abia State, Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu; and Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; as well as Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr. Matthew Kukah, have felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of Easter.

In his Easter address, Obaseki urged Christian faithful to show good neighbourliness to one another, tasking them to mark the Easter festivities at home.

The governor said this year’s celebration would be marked in "unusual circumstances," as Christians would celebrate one of the most important events in the Christian calendar at home because of the restrictions, which have been imposed to limit the spread of the COVID-19.

“Easter signifies the essence of our Christian faith because

our Lord Jesus Christ made the supreme sacrifice for us and hence gave us hope for eternal life,” he said.

The governor expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari on the posthumous state pardon granted the late Prof. Ambrose Alli and the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, who hailed from the state.

On his part, Sanwo-Olu congratulated Christians on the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging them to emulate His virtues of humility, perseverance, and compassion.

The governor also urged Christians to continue to live in peace and harmony with believers of other faith.

He noted that "good neighbourliness, selflessness, and patience were among the several lessons taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ."

In his goodwill message, Makinde rallied residents of the state to be full of prayers and imbibe Christ-like sacrifice this season of Easter.

The governor said residents, especially those of the Christian faith must use the opportunity of the

Easter season to engage in more prayers for the state and Nigeria.

Makinde, in a statement made available to the media by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, also encouraged the people to imbibe the lessons of sacrificial living and love, which he said are the hallmarks of Easter.

Ikpeazu, in his message, told the people that the present situation in the world should not be a cause for one to lose hope but to reaffirm confidence in God and pray for continued protection.

According to him, God has through the ages delivered those who trusted in Him, hence "God is more than able to bring the current situation under control, even as governments all over the world struggle to do their best at a time like this."

Oyetola also urged the Christian community in Osun State to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that would advance the cause of development and take into consideration the welfare of others as they celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.

In an Easter message released in Osogbo, Oyetola said Easter exemplified the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made to save mankind.

He called on the people to also re-dedicate themselves to the service of God and mankind as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter celebrations.

In his Easter message in Sokoto, Kukah urged Christians not to despair but to be rest assured of a secure future even as the world is experiencing its toughest times.

Kukah said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were not in vain, noting that Christ died to redeem mankind from sin and give Christians eternal life.

He said anybody with eternal life should not be disturbed by unfolding event in the world.

According to the cleric, this year's Easter celebration is unique as the church is not gathered for the celebration because of the pandemic.

He called on the church to be resolute as what happened was synonymous with the resurrection of Christ.

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Fleeing Terrorists’ Influx into Borno from Chad Raises Concerns

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

There are concerns among residents and political leaders in Borno State following the influx of displaced Boko Haram insurgents and members of the Islamic States of West Africa (ISWAP) into the state after they were attacked in Chad and chased away by Chadian troops, THISDAY has learnt.

THISDAY gathered that following the onslaught by the Chadian forces, the terrorists have returned to their former strongholds in the Sambisa Forest and Alargano in Borno State.

Some of the residents confirmed to THISDAY that the insurgents who were displaced by Chadian

soldiers, led by their President, Mr. Idris Deby, from islands in the Lake Chad have taken positions in parts of northern Borno from where they were earlier pushed back by the Nigerian soldiers.

It was gathered that after the insurgents had reportedly killed 92 Chadian soldiers, Deby led his troops in a counter-attack that took the war to the enclave of Boko Haram and inflicted maximum damage on its fighters, forcing them to scatter, with many of them relocating to northern Borno.

Boko Haram leader, Mr. Abubakar Shekau, however, appealed to his fighters not to be deterred by the onslaught against them by the Chadian troops.

A senior member of the

Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Borno State, who spoke with THISDAY on condition of anonymity, said the insurgents were seen in northern Borno with many of them moving further down into both Sambisa Forest and Alargano.

He said: “After the Boko Haram insurgents fled from the onslaught against them by the Chadian soldiers, they came back into Borno in large numbers.

“Many of those that fled into Nigeria were without their weapons and were disoriented.

Some took position in northern Borno.

“Many others moved further down into Sambisa Forest and Alargano, their former strongholds.”

Confirming the

development, a member of the House of Representatives representing Monguno/ Marte/Nganzai Federal Constituency, one of the constituencies in northern Borno, Hon. Mohammed Monguno, told THISDAY that the insurgents were back in large numbers after the blow from the Chadian forces.

He said: “Yes, they are in northern Borno and some have proceeded to Sambisa.

“The Nigerian military should launch an all-out offensive to finish them now that they are in disarray as a result of the mortal blow inflicted on them by Chad.”

Attempts to speak with the Nigerian Army on the return of the insurgents and efforts to deal with them did not yield any result as the

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, did not pick his call nor reply to an inquiry sent to his mobile line.

But it looks like the military may be prepared for a massive offensive against the terrorist group as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, is said to have relocated to Borno State.

Musa, in a statement at the weekend, said Buratai relocated to the state to oversee and direct the overall operation in the theatre and other Nigerian Army operations across the country.

The statement added: “While addressing troops of Special Super Camp Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on April 9, 2020, Lt-Gen. Buratai said

he will be with the troops at the nooks and crannies of the theatre.

“It will be recalled that we earlier reported that the COAS had been on operational tour to troops' locations in the North-east Theatre of Operation since Saturday, April 4, 2020.

“During the tour, he was at the Army Super Camp 1 at Mulai and the Special Forces Super Camp 12 at Chabbol near Maiduguri on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 where he interacted with the officers and addressed the troops respectively.

“COAS was also at the Forward Operations Base at Alau Dam, and also personally led the troops on patrol round Mairimari and Maigilari Forests.”

FCTA Arrests Islamic Cleric, Turkish, Angolan for Violating Restriction Orders Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja A popular Islamic cleric, Mr. Imam Abubakar, was arrested yesterday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for contravening the presidential lockdown in FCT aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 in Abuja.

Chairman of FCTA Enforcement Team, Mr. Ikharo Attah, said this yesterday.

It was also gathered that a Turkish and an Angolan citizen were also arrested in Wuse 2 for violating the stay-at-home restriction. Following their arrest, they were taken to the Maitama Police Division.

The taskforce team also impounded 269 vehicles for contravening the presidential order in the nation's capital.

Attah said yesterday the taskforce commenced operation after it was inundated with calls from residents that the Christ Embassy Church in Durumi was preaching.

But upon arriving at the scene, they found the allegation to be false as the pastor was inside the church with some cameramen and some production crew.

"We found out that they were doing their stream online but the generating set was on.

That was the noise they heard that they concluded that it was a church service," Attah said.

He also rendered accounts about the arrest of a man at Area 1 Roundabout, Abuja, found with four military caps belonging to the Army, Nigeria Air Force (NAF) and Nigerian Navy in his vehicle.

He was apprehended and handed over to the FCT Commissioner of Police.

"We then moved to the mosque at Wuye district, because we had gotten several complaints that the man (Imam) had worshipped on Friday. But on that Friday, we were at Kuje; so, we could not have come back within five minutes. So, we got there today and invited him to come and explain; and we cautioned him at the FCT Police Command, Garki," Ikharo said.

He warned the residents, particularly uniformed personnel and diplomats, against infringing on the law meant to save the society from contracting the virus.

In the first week of the lockdown, a pastor, U.U. Uden, was equally invited to the FCT Police Command after he violated the directive.

He was, however, cautioned and later released.

It’ll Be Careless to Relax Lockdown Too Soon, Says Adeboye General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has advised governments and individuals not to relax efforts put in place to fight the COVID-19 pandemic because it was not yet over.

Adeboye made this known in his Easter message entitled: ‘A New Beginning.’

In his message, which was broadcast live through the church’s channel, Dove TV, the cleric said God is still in control while assuring that the pandemic would be over in no time.

“I want to bring good news to someone. I want to tell you my God is not dead; He is alive. Not only is He alive, but He is also in control.”

HELPING HAND...

Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo (left), and Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Moyo Adejumo, during the presentation of relief materials for COVID-19 to Lagos State Government in Lagos… yesterday sunday adigun

China Promises Fair Treatment of Africans Restates no-discrimination policy

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Chinese government has said it attached great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals in China, especially in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

The government said all foreigners were treated equally, adding that it has zerotolerance for discrimination.

The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Zhao Lijian, in a statement issued yesterday, also enumerated Guangdong's anti-epidemic measures concerning African citizens in China.

The statement followed the condemnation that trailed a video that went viral on social media showing Nigerians being forced out of their houses and hotels rounded up and their passports seized by the Chinese police in

Guangzhou, China.

Lijian said with COVID-19, an abrupt global public health crisis, all countries are taking containment measures to prevent it from further spreading, noting that while China has achieved remarkable progress at this stage, it's still facing great risks of imported cases and domestic resurgence.

He explained that China and Africa are good friends, partners, and brothers, saying the friendship is forged on the basis of joint efforts to seek national independence, liberation, economic development and better livelihood in the past decades.

Lijian noted that after the Ebola epidemic broke out in three West African countries in 2014, the Chinese government provided assistance at the earliest time possible and

fought side by side with African countries and people, adding that now faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Africa are again tiding over difficulties and the friendship is again elevated.

He said since the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, the authorities in Guangdong attached high importance to the treatment of foreign patients, including African nationals, noting that specific plans and proper arrangements are made to protect their lives and health to the best of the Chinese authorities.

Lijian stated: “During our fight against the coronavirus, the Chinese government has been attaching great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals in China. All foreigners are treated equally. We reject

differential treatment, and we have zero tolerance for discrimination.”

China explained that as the situation is getting more severe in Africa, its government and people have delivered supplies to the continent.

He said the Chinese government's assistance conveyed deep friendship for African and also demonstrated the tradition of mutual assistance and mutual support, which he said has been highly acclaimed by African countries and the African Union.

Lijian noted that while China fights the virus at home, it donated large amounts of test kits, masks, protective suits, goggles, face shields, forehead thermometers, medical-use gloves, shoe covers, ventilators, and other supplies to the African Union and African countries.

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PAGE EIGHT NATION AWAITS BUHARI’S REVIEW OF QUARANTINE REGULATIONS AS LOCKDOWN EXPIRES TODAY would subsist for as long as necessary.

But lawyers, who spoke to THISDAY last night, said the regulations being based on a law would have to be reviewed by the president through an amendment to the proclamation he made on March 30, specifying clearly the number of days the lockdown would be extended.

THISDAY presidency sources said yesterday that the president was considering the interim report of the Presidential Task Force, which reportedly recommended an extension by 14 days.

While the president ponders on the likely extension of the lockdown, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the federal government would this week come to a compromise on insurance package and other incentives for doctors fighting COVID-19 in Nigeria.

This was coming as the number of confirmed cases rose by five bringing the tally to 323 with 85 discharged and 10 dead.

Lagos State Government yesterday discharged five more COVID-19 patients from its isolation centres, bringing to 55 the total number of successfully managed cases in the state. The FCT and Osun State follow with 11; Oyo, four; Ogun, two; and Ekiti, one.

The dead are spread over Lagos with five; FCT two; Edo one; Delta one; and Katsina one.

FG, NMA to Finalise Agreement on Insurance Package In the meantime, NMA and the federal government would this week come to a compromise on insurance package and other incentives for doctors fighting COVID-19 in Nigeria.

In an exclusive interview with THISDAY yesterday, NMA President, Dr. Francis Faduyile, said many NMA members at the frontline of the battle against COVID-19 were unhappy with their present situation, but that there was hope.

He said: “The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, has informed us that the federal government was working on an insurance package and other incentives

for everyone on the frontline, including doctors and other health workers.

“It is too early for us to say how well the federal government has gone on the package for our members and other health workers, so we are not clear yet what the packages are. However, we are hoping to discuss with the PTF chairman this week.

In the course of the week, we shall finalise on this.”

He said the federal government had also promised to improve the relationship with the association this week, adding that it hoped things would get better in the coming days.

Speaking on the viral video where the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, was reported to have said he was not aware if the health workers were being paid hazard allowance, he said he had watched the full clip and that it didn’t appear the minister made the comment in relation to health workers in the hospital.

“I watched the full clip of the interaction the minister had with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the National Assembly.

He was talking about those checking temperature at the Port Health Service.

“But even at that, the issue of compassion and being able to take care of doctors and other health workers should be important to the leadership of the health ministry.

“There is no time more important for the Ministry of Health to think about the country’s health workers than now, especially because we are fighting the coronavirus pandemic at this time,” he said.

Lagos Discharges Five More Patients Meanwhile, Lagos State Government has discharged five more COVID-19 patients from its isolation centres, bringing to 55 the total number of successfully managed cases in the state.

Announcing this yesterday, the Incident Commander on COVID-19 in Lagos State, Governor Babajide SanwoOlu, said the discharged patients include four females and one male.

He said: "With the newly discharged patients, we now have a total of 55 people that have been successfully

managed for COVID-19 at our isolation facilities and discharged to the community "This news, especially on this important day gives me joy and I am sure it does the same to you too.

"While we look forward to more great news from our effort to contain COVID-19, let's continue to do the right thing. Stay at home, practice social distancing, observe the highest possible personal hygiene and report suspicious cases to the appropriate persons."

breakdown: Anambra - six, Ogun - three, Delta – three, Edo – two, Imo – two, Oyo – one, Benue – one, Abia – one, Enugu – one, and Ekiti – one. They were properly screened by WHO and Port Health Officials before the NIS profiling.

“The returnees were handed over to Lagos State Government Ministry of Health Officials for onward processing in line with NCDC health procedures for returning Nigerians.”

Babangida Seeks Nigeria’s COVID-19 More Collaborative Cases Rise by Five Efforts to Contain to 323 Pandemic In a related development, Nigeria’s COVID-19 cases rose by five last night to 323.

Out of the five new cases, Lagos recorded two; Kwara two; and Katsina one.

A breakdown of the figures showed that Lagos had 176 cases, FCT had 56, Osun 20, Edo 12, Oyo 11, Ogun seven, Bauchi and Kaduna six each, Akwa Ibom five, Katsina five, Delta three, Kwara four, Enugu, Ekiti, Rivers, and Ondo two each, while Benue, Niger, Anambra, and Kano had one each.

23 Togo Returnees Arrive Lagos In another development, no fewer than 23 persons yesterday arrived from Lome, Togo to Nigeria.

The returnees were received by officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at Seme-Krake Joint Border Post.

NIS Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday James, who confirmed the development in a statement titled, “23 Nigerian returnees from Lome-Togo,” said NIS yesterday received at Seme-Krake Joint Border Post 23 Nigerian returnees who arrived from Lome, Togo.

James said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service received 23 Nigerian returnees that arrived from Lome-Togo today, Sunday, April 12 at Seme-Krake Joint Border Post.

“The Comptroller General of NIS, Muhammad Babandede, on receiving the report of the returnees directed that the Control post carry out proper profiling and documentation of the returnees who were 23 in number with the following

Meanwhile, a former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) has called for more collaborative efforts on the part of all stakeholders for the containment of the pandemic in the country.

Babangida made the call in a statement made available to journalists in Minna yesterday in which he also called for synergy between the federal and state governments in their plans to check the spread of the pandemic.

Although Babangida said the figure of those concerned had continued to rise, he commended the three tiers of government "on the efforts so far made towards managing the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria."

However, the presidency has said it's taking a two-step approach in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

In a tweet yesterday, the presidency said the president was taking the approach as a national response to COVID-19.

“In Nigeria, we are taking a two-step approach. First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here, and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners,” it said.

Nigeria Will Defeat Scourge, Says Atiku But the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is positive that Nigeria would rise and defeat COVID-19.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stated this yesterday in his message to Christians on the celebration of Easter.

Atiku, in a series of tweets, stated that he had a strong faith in God that the nation in togetherness would bid farewell to COVID-19.

He also urged Nigerians to learn the relevant lessons that should be obtained in this period and profit from their experiences.

COVID-19 is Not a Death Sentence, Says WHO Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Office in Nigeria has said COVID-19 is not a death sentence.

The UN health agency, in its official Twitter account @ WHONigeria, commended the country’s health workers for the feat.

“COVID-19 is not a death sentence. Thanks to all the health care workers serving tirelessly to ensure no lives are lost and more people discharged.

“Physical distancing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the COVID19,” it tweeted The agency also advised people to say no to hug at Easter and adopt nodding as a way of greeting.

“Avoid hugging, limit close contact with others, especially if they are showing flu-like symptoms,” it said.

Anxiety in Kano over Index Case Meanwhile, there was anxiety in Kano yesterday as reports filtered out that index case confirmed in the state on Saturday attended the Jumat service at Kano Central Mosque on Friday.

The general fear was that he might have spread the virus to people around him at the crowded gathering, making contract tracing a herculean task.

Kano State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Aminu Tsanyawa, had confirmed the case on Saturday with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje calming nerves that the situation was under control.

THISDAY learnt last night that the governor was considering meeting with Muslim clerics today to take a firm decision on possible shutdown of mosques and other places of worship as a containment strategy.

AU Appoints OkonjoIweala, Others Special

Envoy As part of the efforts to clamp down on the impact of COVID-19, the African Union (AU) has appointed Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Dr. Donald Kaberuka; Mr. Tidjane Thiam and Mr. Trevor Manuel as special envoys to mobilise international support for the continent to address the economic challenges African countries would face as a result of the pandemic.

AU Chairperson and the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, who disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, said the special envoys would be tasked with soliciting rapid and concrete support as pledged by the G20, the European Union and other international financial institutions.

He explained that the appointment of the special envoys would expedite the process of securing economic support to enable countries on the continent to respond swiftly to this grave public health emergency.

Ramaphosa noted that the envoys brought with them a wealth of experience and enjoyed longstanding relationships in the international financial community.

He stated: “In the light of the devastating socioeconomic and political impact of the pandemic on African countries these institutions need to support African economies that are facing serious economic challenges with a comprehensive stimulus package for Africa, including deferred debt and interest payments.

“The impact of the pandemic has been global in both scale and reach, and this necessitates coordinated international action to capacitate all countries to respond effectively, but most particularly developing countries that continue to shoulder a historical burden of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.

“The sentiment expressed in two recent letters written to the G20 by a group of world leaders and a team of esteemed economists underscore the importance of bolstering health systems in poorer countries; this can only be done with the support of the international community.”

RESTRICTION THREATENS N’ASSEMBLY’S CONSIDERATION OF N500BN INTERVENTION FUND tomorrow to consider the president’s request.

The National Assembly was initially billed to resume on April 7, but due to the lockdown, the resumption was shifted to tomorrow.

But the president on Saturday gave an indication of the extension of the lockdown when a statement from the presidency said the restriction of movements would last for as long as experts so advised.

THISDAY, however, gathered that with the possible extension, the National Assembly members, who are currently in their constituencies, may not be able to return to Abuja to reconvene as planned as all flights are still grounded.

It was learnt from the two previous meetings of the National Assembly

leadership held last Wednesday and Thursday that the legislature had resolved that the request of the federal government would officially be tabled at separate sessions of the Senate and House of Representatives tomorrow.

According to a senator who is a member of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance, who spoke to THISDAY, the letter seeking approval of the N500 billion intervention fund would be read at the separate sessions of the Senate and the House and subsequently referred to the appropriate committees.

The senator said with the possible extension of the lockdown, the National Assembly leadership was in a dilemma on the issue.

He said: "Most senators

and House of Representatives members are in their districts and constituencies and the airlines are not working and the directive on the lockdown is not explicit."

The senator told THISDAY that there has not been a directive that the National Assembly would resume tomorrow as planned.

“If we don't resume and deliberate on the letter seeking the approval of N500 billion, it could affect the eventual approval. As we talk now, we are waiting, both senators and members of the House of Representatives, because the letter from the president must be read and then committed to the respective committees," he added.

In a bid to conquer the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the federal

government had approached the leadership of the National Assembly for the approval of the establishment of a N500 billion COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, at a meeting with the lawmakers on April 4, had said the proposed fund would be dedicated to upgrading the health facilities in states.

She added that the fund, if approved, would also be deployed to take care of Special Public Work Programmes currently being implemented by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).

She said: “What we are proposing is an establishment of a N500 billion COVID-19 Crisis Intervention Fund.

This fund that we are proposing will involve mopping up resources from various special accounts of the government as well as that of the federation, to pull together a sum of N500 billion. Our general view is that the crisis intervention fund will be utilised to upgrade healthcare facilities as earlier identified."

On how the fund would be pooled, the minister said the fund would be drawn from various special accounts, grants being expected and loans from multilateral institutions.

President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, had appreciated the federal government for the palliatives being handed to Nigerians but called for more interventions apart from distributing cash.

“I think the time has come for us to redefine the implementation of the Social Intervention Programme probably. Going out to communities to give them N20,000 per person might not be the best way to go. It is still an effort, but I think we need a better approach that will be more efficient.

The federal government also needs to be in a position to improve health care facilities not only in the states but to provide intervention to the states.

"We know that there will be a need for the parliament to agree and approve the taking of loans from these special accounts and we will be coming back with a proposed bill in that regard that will define what the fund will be used for,” he had said.

9

MONDAY APRIL 13, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

FG Implements OPEC Output Cut Deal Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has agreed to implement the resolution of members of the Organisation of Petroleum

Exporting Countries (OPEC) which last Thursday undertook to slash crude oil production quota of participating countries to reverse the free fall in the international prices of oil.

Osun Govt Investigates Source of Adulterated Rice Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Osun State Government has said it has commenced investigation into claims that a few bags of rice out of the over 6,000 bags distributed as palliatives to cushion the effect of the lockdown on people of the state over COVID-19 are adulterated.

The state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, who disclosed this in a statement, said the government had received complaints that some of the distributed bags of rice may not have met the expected quality.

Egbemode noted that the state government was pained by the development and had immediately begun investigation to establish the source of the affected few bags.

According to her, “The state government led by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is particularly pained by this development, considering the fact that it has never compromised quality in its provision of economic stimulus for the people of state in spite of its limited resources.

“The state government is very responsible and responsive,

which places premium on the well-being of its people and would not do anything to jeopardise its citizens’ health.

“Upon receipt of the complaints, the state government has immediately begun investigations to establish the source of the few bags that appear not to have met the quality expected.”

The commissioner disclosed that as part of the investigation, the state government had invited all suppliers and vendors from whom the relief materials were purchased, for questioning in order to identify the source of the problem.

“We assure our citizens that upon unraveling what went wrong , the state government will take necessary punitive measures against the erring supplier(s) or vendor(s), including de-listing such vendor from the state government’s directory and even proclaiming a disclaimer to that effect,” she added.

Egbemode also revealed that all the over 6000 bags of rice were purchased from dealers in the state, which she said was part of government’s efforts to empower its people and also stimulate the local economy.

Lagos Police Foil Robbery Attempt, Arrest Two Suspects Sunday Ehigiator The Lagos State Police Command has foiled robbery attempt by two suspected armed robbers, as well as arrested an alleged rapist around Benson area of Ikorodu.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the state Police Spokesperson, Bala Elkana, the two suspected armed robbers, Toheeb Sanusi, 21; and Adewale Adeshina, 24, were apprehended and disarmed of one locally made revolver pistol and one cutlass.

He said: “On April 12, at about 12:25a.m, acting on credible information, operatives from Ikorodu Police Station supported by SARS operatives deployed by the Commissioner of Police arrested one Toheeb Sanusi, 21 years old and Adewale Adeshina, 24 years old, around Benson area of Ikorodu.

“One locally made revolver pistol and one cutlass were recovered from them. The suspects confessed that they were in the area to rob unsuspecting members of the public.

“Investigation is ongoing, the suspects will soon be charged to Court. The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has given commanders of tactical units in Lagos State a clear instruction to deal decisively with armed

hoodlums daring the collective will of the people, to rob in any part of the state during the lockdown,” he said.

In another development, a 28-year-old man, Adetayo Razaq, has been arrested for raping an eight years old girl (name withheld).

According to the state’s police spokesperson, Elkana, on April 9, at about 8a.m, Ikorodu police station received a report from the father of the victim (name withheld), that “he returned home and met his eight-yearold daughter (name withheld) in pains, complaining of discomfort and stomach aches.

“The father left the girl with her two brothers - aged 10 and 12 as their parents are separated and living apart. On inquiry, she told her father that on March 31, one Adetayo Razaq, 28 years old, of Alladi Ijelu Street, Agunfoye, Ikorodu gave her biscuits and took her to his room where he had carnal knowledge of her.

“The survivor was taken to hospital for treatment and forensic examination. The suspect, a tiller and father of two, was arrested by detectives from the Juvenile Welfare Centre, Ikorodu Police Station.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to Gender Unit, Command Headquarters, Ikeja for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.”

Minister of State, Petroleum, Mr. Timipre Sylva, in a statement yesterday on the sidelines of a virtual meeting of OPEC+, he attended with the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari, noted that the move came after Mexico agreed to sign the resolution.

Sylva reiterated that the development was expected to earn Nigeria an additional $2.8 billion and a $15 hike in the international price of crude oil which currently hovers around $30 after implementation begins in May. He said: “On Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, Nigeria joined its other OPEC+ counterparts

to bring into effect the agreement to cut 9.7 million barrels of supply following the alignment of Mexico.

“The intervention of the United States of America resulted in Mexico agreeing to a cut of 100,000 barrels per day and to be complemented by an additional 300,000bpd

by US producers.

“This will enable the rebalancing of the oil markets and the expected rebound of prices by $15 per barrel in the short term.

“This also promises an appropriate balancing of Nigeria’s 2020 budget that has been rebased at $30 per barrel”.

The minister stressed that

the entire OPEC production cut currently put at 9.7 million barrels per day will gradually reduce between now and 2022 to about 6 million bpd, whereas Nigeria’s quota will range between from 1.412 million to 1.579 million bpd.

“As agreed, Nigeria will join OPEC+ to cut supply by 9.7 million barrels per day between May and June 2020, eight million barrels per day between July and December 2020 and six million barrels per day from January 2021 to April 2022, respectively.

“Based on reference production of Nigeria of October 2018 of 1.829 million barrels per day of dry crude oil, Nigeria will now be

producing 1.412 million barrels per day, 1.495 million barrels per day and 1.579 million barrels per day respectively for the corresponding periods in the agreement.

“This is in addition to condensate production of between 360,000-460,000 of which are exempt from OPEC curtailment” he said.

A combination of factors , including the impact of the covid-19 pandemic and the price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia had led to a major crash in the international prices of crude oil.

The development led to the country reviewing its 2020 budgetary benchmark of oil from $57 to $30.

ON-THE-SPOT ASSESSMENT…

L-R: Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN); Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; and Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, during the visit of the deputy governor to the EtiOsa Isolation Centre... weekend

Police Parade 150 Suspected Armed Robbers, Cultists in Ogun Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta The Ogun State Police Command yesterday paraded about 150 persons suspected to be armed robbers and members of deadly cult groups in some parts of Ifo and Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

Residents of Owode, Ilepa, Ifo, Arigbajo,Itori, Dalemo, Ijoko Joju,Sango, Ota in Ifo, AgbadoIjaiye among other communities in Ifo and Ado-Odo/Ota LGAs of the state, had recently flooded police stations in their domain with various complaints on the atrocities of armed robbers and cult members, especially at nights.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kenneth Ebrimson, also yesterday

conducted journalists round the areas where the 150 arrested hoodlums once held sway.

He recalled that the command deployed men from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Anti-Cultism unit, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, special forces, and conventional policemen to rein in the criminals.

Ebrimson explained that his men smoked out the hoodlums from their hideouts and recovered also various weapons.

He listed the recovered items to include eight locally made guns, 52 live cartridges, eight knives, 12 handsets, two scissors, a large quantity of Indian hemp, several cutlases, one axe and a saw.

The Police boss said an unrest was caused recently by seven cult groups which included Ilena Boys,

Federal Boys, Lemon Boys, Base Boys, Sahara Boys, Gbese Boys, and Marindoti Boys.

“The Genesis of this was from some criminal gangs that engaged in supremacy battle in Ifo and spread to Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.

“It started on April 4, and the command through its tactical operation, started arresting some hoodlums and seizing ammunition.”

Meanwhile, with the arrest of 150 suspects by the police, the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has vowed to deal ruthlessly with criminals in the state.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Somorin, said, “It has become expedient that we

do not spare the rod and spoil the child.

“Anybody, no matter whose child he or she is, if found guilty of armed robbery, would be visited with the full weight of the law, including capital punishment.”

The governor particularly urged the police to intensify efforts at curbing the nefarious activities of criminals, asking them to smoke out their hideouts and promptly investigate those involved in these activities, not only in Ifo and Ado-Odo LGAs but also across the entire state.

He said the state would avail all other security outfits, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the other armed forces, with necessary logistic support to end the reign of terror in the state.

Nasarawa Police Arrest Govt Officials for Violating Restriction Orders Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nigeria Police in Nasarawa State has arrested two top officials of the state government for allegedly breaking the order of social distancing.

THISDAY gathered that one of the officials got married in a lavish and well-attended ceremony amid strict COVID-19 lockdown.

However, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and another politician, who also

attended the marriage ceremony against the state government order, were said to be on the run.

The two officials of the state government were picked at the venue of the ceremony by the police in Lafia, where the security agencies felt they were going against the state social distancing rules to flatten the curve of coronavirus spread.

The two officials who spent the night in police detention are to be charged to court to serve as deterrent to others who may want to disobey government

directives.

An officer at the CID in Lafia, who did not want his name in print because he was not authorised to do so, said the action of the two government officials violated movement restriction order put in place by the state government to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state where gathering of more than 20 people have been banned.

THISDAY saw the two government officials detained behind the counter where their handsets were seized

and communication with sympathisers banned by the officer in charge.

It was also gathered that all their frantic efforts to get in touch with the governor to direct their release failed as the governor was said to have insisted that the full wrath of the law must take its course.

It was equally gathered that the police have begun intense search for the whereabouts of the two other politicians for arrest and detention hence they have since gone into hiding.

MONDAY APRIL 13, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

10

COMMENT

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

U.S. HEALTH AND HUMANITARIAN AID

The United States will continue to assist other countries to build resilient health care systems, writes Mary Beth Leonard

T

he story of U.S. leadership in the global battle against Covid-19 is a story of days, months, and decades. Every day, new U.S. technical and material assistance arrives in hospitals and labs around the world. These efforts, in turn, build on a decades-long foundation of American expertise, generosity, and planning that is unmatched in history.

The United States provides aid for altruistic reasons, because we believe it’s the right thing to do. We also do it because pandemics don’t respect national borders. If we can help counties contain outbreaks, we’ll save lives abroad and at home in the U.S. That generosity and pragmatism explains why United States was one of the first countries to help the Chinese people as soon as reports emerged from Wuhan of another outbreak. In early January, the United States government offered immediate technical assistance to the Chinese Centers for Disease Control.

In the first week of February, the U.S. transported nearly 18 tons of medical supplies to Wuhan provided by Samaritan’s Purse, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and others. We also pledged $100 million in assistance to countries to fight what would become a pandemic – including an offer to China, which was declined.

Our response now far surpasses that initial pledge. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the U.S. government has committed nearly $500 million in assistance to date. This funding will improve public health education, protect healthcare facilities, and increase laboratory, disease-surveillance, and rapid-response capacity in more than 60 of the world’s most at risk countries– all in an effort to help contain outbreaks before they reach our shores. Our aid helps people in the most dire circumstances. For instance, the U.S. government works with NGOs to deliver medicines, medical supplies, and food to the Syrian people, including those living in regime-held areas. We are helping United Nations agencies and nongovernmental organizations build more water, sanitation and health facilities across northern Syria to prevent the spread of the virus. We are aiding friends from Africa to Asia, and beyond.

America’s unsurpassed contributions are also felt through the many international organizations fighting Covid-19 on the front lines.

The U.S. has been the largest funder of the World Health Organization since its founding in 1948. We gave more than $400 million to the institution in 2019 – nearly double the second-largest contribution and more than the next three contributors combined.

It’s a similar story with the U.N. Refugee Agency, which the U.S. backed with nearly $1.7 billion in 2019. That’s more than all other member states combined, and more than four times the second-largest contributor, Germany.

Then there is the World Food Program, to which the U.S. gave $3.4 billion last year, or 42% of its total budget. That’s nearly four times

OUR COUNTRY CONTINUES TO BE THE SINGLE LARGEST HEALTH AND HUMANITARIAN DONOR FOR BOTH LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING EFFORTS

the second-largest contributor, and more than all other member states combined. We also gave more than $700 million to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), more than any other donor.

We are proud that when these international organizations deliver food, medicines, and other aid all around the world, that too is largely thanks to the generosity of the American people, in partnership with donor nations. Our country continues to be the single largest health and humanitarian donor for both long-term development and capacity building efforts with partners, and emergency response efforts in the face of recurrent crises. This money has saved lives, protected people who are most vulnerable to disease, built health institutions, and promoted the stability of communities and nations.

America funds nearly 40% of the world’s global health assistance programs, adding up to $140 billion in investments in the past 20 years – five times more than the next largest donor. Since 2009, American taxpayers have generously funded more than $100 billion in health assistance and nearly $70 billion in humanitarian assistance globally.

It’s also why the U.S. government is providing $6.7 million to Nigeria in USAID International Development Assistance health and humanitarian funding for the COVID-19 response. These funds will go toward risk communication, water and sanitation activities, infection prevention and control, and coordination. This assistance is in addition to the more than $5.2 billion in U.S. health assistance and more than $8.1 billion in total assistance the State Department and USAID have provided Nigeria over the past 20 years.

Our help is much more than money and supplies. It’s the experts we have deployed worldwide, and those still conducting tutorials today via teleconference. It’s the doctors and public-health professionals trained, thanks to U.S. money and educational institutions. And it’s the supply chains that we keep open and moving for U.S. companies producing and distributing high-quality critical medical supplies around the world Of course, it isn’t just our government helping the world. American businesses, NGOs, and faith-based organizations have given at least $1.5 billion to fight the pandemic overseas. American companies are innovating new technologies for vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and ventilators. This is American exceptionalism at its finest.

As we have said time and time again, the United States will aid others during their time of greatest need. The COVID-19 pandemic is no different. We will continue to help countries build resilient health care systems that can prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Just as the U.S. has made the world more healthy, peaceful, and prosperous for generations, so will we lead in defeating our shared pandemic enemy, and rising stronger in its wake.

Leonard is U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria

THE PANDEMIC IS NO TIME FOR FISCAL DISTANCING Akinwumi A. Adesina writes that Covid-19 could cost Africa a GDP loss of between $22bn and $88bn

T

hese are very difficult days, as the world faces one of its worst challenges ever: the novel coronavirus pandemic.

And it seems almost no nation is spared. As infection rates rise, so does panic across financial markets, as economies drastically slow down and supply chains are severely disrupted.

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. As such, it can no longer be business as usual. Each day, the situation evolves and requires constant reviews of precautionary measures and strategies. In the midst of all this, we must all worry about the ability of every nation to respond to this crisis. And we must ensure that developing nations are prepared to navigate these uncharted waters fully.

That’s why I support the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ urgent call for special resources for the world’s developing countries.

In the face of this pandemic, we must put lives above resources and health above debt. Why? Because developing economies are the most vulnerable at this time. Our remedies must go beyond simply lending more. We must go the extra mile and provide countries with muchneeded and urgent financial relief -- and that includes developing countries under sanctions.

According to the independent, global think tank, ODI, in its report on the impact of economic sanctions, for decades, sanctions have decimated investments in public health care systems in quite a number of countries.

Today, the already stretched systems as noted in the 2019 Global Health Security Index will find it difficult to face up to a clear and present danger that now threatens our collective existence.

Only those that are alive can pay back debts.

Sanctions work against economies but not against the virus. If countries that are under sanctions are unable to respond and provide

critical care for their citizens or protect them, then the virus will soon “sanction” the world.

In my Yoruba language, there is a saying.

“Be careful when you throw stones in the open market. It may hit a member of your family.”

That’s why I also strongly support the call by the UN Secretary-General that debts of low-income countries be suspended in these fast-moving and uncertain times. But I call for even bolder actions, and there are several reasons for doing so.

First, the economies of developing countries, despite years of great progress, remain extremely fragile and ill -equipped to deal with this pandemic. They are more likely to be buried with the heavy fiscal pressure they now face with the coronavirus.

Second, many of the countries in Africa depend on commodities for export earnings. The collapse of oil prices has thrown African economies into distress. According the AFDB’s 2020 Africa Economic Outlook, they simply are not able to meet budgets as planned under pre-coronavirus oil price benchmarks.

The impact has been immediate in the oil and gas sector, as noted in a recent CNN news analysis. In the current environment, we can anticipate an acute shortage of buyers who, for understandable reasons, will reallocate resources to addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. African countries that depend on tourism receipts as a key source of revenue are also in a straightjacket.

Third, while rich countries have resources to spare, evidenced by trillions of dollars in fiscal stimulus, developing countries are hampered with bare-bones resources. The fact is, if we do not collectively defeat the coronavirus in Africa, we will not defeat it anywhere else in the world.

This is an existential challenge that requires all hands to be on deck. Today, more than ever, we must be our brothers and sisters’ keepers.

Around the world, countries at more advanced stages in the outbreak are announcing liquidity relief, debt restructuring, forbearance on loan repayments, relaxation of standard regulations and initiatives.

In the United States, packages of more than $2 trillion have already been announced, in addition to a reduction in Federal Reserve lending rates and liquidity support to keep markets operating.

In Europe, the larger economies have announced stimulus measures in excess of 1 trillion Euros.

Additionally, even larger packages are expected.

As developed countries put in place programs to compensate workers for lost wages for staying at home for social distancing, another problem has emerged -- fiscal distancing.

Think for a moment what this means for Africa. The African Development Bank estimates that Covid-19 could cost Africa a GDP loss between $22.1 billion, in the base case scenario, and $88.3 billion in the worst- case scenario. This is equivalent to a projected GDP growth contraction of between 0.7 and 2.8 percentage points in 2020. It is even likely that Africa might fall into recession this year if the current situation persists.

The Covid-19 shock will further squeeze fiscal space in the continent as deficits are estimated to widen by 3.5 to 4.9 percentage points, increasing Africa’s financing gap by an additional $110 to $154 billion in 2020.

Our estimates indicate that Africa’s total public debt could increase, under the base case scenario, from $1.86 trillion at the end of 2019 to over $2 trillion in 2020, compared to $1.9 trillion projected in a ‘no pandemic’ scenario. According to a March 2020 Bank report, these figures could reach $2.1 trillion in 2020 under the worst-case scenario.

This, therefore, is a time for bold actions.

We should temporarily defer the debt owed to multilateral development banks and international

financial institutions. This can be done by reprofiling loans to create fiscal space for countries to deal with this crisis.

That means that loan principals due to international financial institutions in 2020 could be deferred. I am calling for temporary forbearance, not forgiveness. What’s good for bilateral and commercial debt must be good for multilateral debt.

That way, we will avoid moral hazards, and rating agencies will be less inclined to penalize any institution on the potential risk to their Preferred Creditor Status. The focus of the world should now be on helping everyone, as a risk to one is a risk to all.

There is no coronavirus for developed countries and a coronavirus for developing and debtstressed countries. We are all in this together.

Multilateral and bilateral financial institutions must work together with commercial creditors in Africa, especially to defer loan payments and give Africa the fiscal space it needs.

We stand ready to support Africa in the short term and for the long haul. We are ready to deploy up to $50 billion over five years in projects to help with adjustment costs that Africa will face as it deals with the knock-on effects of Covid-19, long after the current storm subsides.

But more support will be needed. Let’s lift all sanctions, for now. Even in wartime, ceasefires are called for humanitarian reasons. In such situations, there is a time to pause for relief materials to reach affected populations. The novel coronavirus is a war against all of us. All lives matter.

For this reason, we must avoid fiscal distancing at this time. A stitch in time will save nine. Social distancing is imperative now. Fiscal distancing is not.

Adesina is President of the African Development Bank Group

MONDAY APRIL 13, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

11

EDITORIAL COVID-19 AND THE 5G CONTROVERSY The public hysteria over the 5G network is misguided

T

he introduction of the fifth-generation cellular network technology also known as 5G is being preceded by superstitions and myths around the world. But the credibility of the leap from the claim that 5G is a precursor to the coming of the anti-Christ to the theory that it is responsible for the spreading COVID-19 in Nigeria is undermined by the fact that countries with the scientific capacity to detect its harmful effects have not made this accusation. With religious clerics who command large followings pushing this dubious agenda, it is important for the authorities and critical stakeholders in the telecommunication industry to be proactive before huge investments are put in jeopardy by zealots who could take the laws into their own hands.

Meanwhile, the controversy over the deployment of the 5G technology in mobile networks worldwide is not new and did not start in Nigeria. It was the United States that sparked it off over reservations about the technological advantage of the Chinese company Huawei. The charge 5G AIDS DATA then was that Huawei ACQUISITION AND was going to use TRANSMISSION SPEED its 5G cell phone AND INCREASED equipment to spy on the US. On the basis POSSIBILITIES IN of this suspicion, the APPLICATIONS - FROM US imposed sancONLINE MEDICAL tions on Huawei and DIAGNOSIS TO PUBLIC its products, including SAFETY AND SECURITY cell phones. This led SURVEILLANCE to the arrest, detention and prosecution of the daughter of the owner and founder of Huawei in Canada. Her extradition to the US is still a subject of legal disputation and diplomatic arm twisting.

At the bottom of America’s security hesitations about Chinese 5G equipment is trade protection. This is not to reduce their national security concerns. But the

trade and security spat between China and the US on 5G equipment does not diminish the advantages of the technology itself. They include a faster data acquisition and transmission speed, increased possibilities in applications ranging from online medical diagnosis to public safety and security surveillance.

I T H I S DAY

EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA

t is in the strength of the foregoing that most national networks have adopted and are installing the infrastructure for 5G networks. European countries and leading African countries are in this league. Most of them are committed to sourcing their equipment from both Chinese and other suppliers. The public hysteria in Nigeria over the imminence of the 5G network is therefore misguided. It is at best fictional and illiterate to associate the 5G technology with either the coronavirus or any other contagion. It is even more ludicrous to give it a religious interpretation as Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has done by linking it to the coming of the anti-Christ.

Following the controversy generated by Oyakhilome’s claim, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, made clarifications that no licence has been issued for 5G in Nigeria. A three-month study trial, he added, had commenced last November, “in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria” and that as “part of the study trial process, I directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders fully participate in the trial process and my office also invited these agencies to participate in the trial.”

While those who are peddling misinformation about 5G are either uninformed or plainly ignorant, we also know that when anything is couched in religion in Nigeria, care has to be taken in dealing with the issue.

There is nothing that is ‘anti-Christ’ about 5G. It is the duty of the NCC and the major telephone companies to help contain this viral disinformation that is antithetical to the development of a critical sector in Nigeria.

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COVID-19: We Can Survive This War

N

ow that the first case of Covid-19 patient has been recorded in Anambra, it behoves everybody in the state to abide by the lockdown instruction of the government.

Governor Obiano is doing his utmost to stop possible escalation. He does not just need everybody’s assistance, but it will be unwise for anybody to do otherwise.

It is of greater good to stay at home and observe the pandemic protocols than wander on the street and be exposed to the disease. Though Covid-19 may not be sure death, but its survival depends on a number of factors which may not be guaranteed in our favour. The wanderlust may find the stay-athome-order a bit too demanding, but the situation does not call for any other solution.

If we know that when a course is downhill there is always a floor to the valley, and when that is reached, the ascent begins therefrom, the pains of forced restriction will very easily evaporate in a puff of smoke. It has not been any different and nothing lasts a lifetime. The holy writ recognized this much when it stated that: “Weeping may tarry for a night, but joy cometh in the morning”. (Psalm 30:5).

Doubtless, the boredom of an extended lockdown will be taxing, but pitted against the reality of possible infection, it quickly pales in comparison.

The chance of being infected is as high as escaping

it. The difference lies in the choice we make.

It spells disaster to go with the belief that the pandemic is not within reach. Or that a friend you know and a relation you identify with cannot be a carrier. It is wisdom to self-isolate in the house rather than a painful quarantine in any of the protective centres in the state.

Everybody has a right to life and a responsibility to both family and the society. But when this right is compromised either out of ignorance or wilful conduct, the effect on society is almost always damning.

It is not ruled out that there may be one or two on the lunatic fringe who nurture death wish, but they must not be allowed the chance of taking everybody along with them. The thought of a lonely passage which the time compels a bereaved to observe does no justice to the memory of the dead.

We can keep busy through positive engagements.

We can read good books, watch educative programs, listen to didactic stories, play indoor games and exercise, etc.

The war may weigh heavily on our time, but if it is fought collectively and with the required weaponry victory is assured. However, for a decisive victory there should be no stragglers. Every protocol for winning the battle must be observed and according to its dictates.

Ejike Anyaduba, Abatete

HUNGER AMID LOCKDOWN IN KWARA

I

mmediately news broke that there will be a total lockdown in Kwara State from Friday, April 9, 2020, citizens of middle and lower class alike have been showing their concerns over the new order by the state government.

A walk down the street fed my ears with lots of buka banter. Aside from Covidiots, self-illusional theorists and political vuvuzelas finding all necessary conspiracy theories to debunk the existence of COVID-19 in Nigeria or claiming the pandemic was caused by the 5G network, the effects of COVID-19 is on everyone’s lips, old or young; strong or weak; unemployed or employed Kwarans.

But how about those who are not financially ready for the total lockdown? People are still going about their daily businesses in some parts of the state; these people won’t have the capacity to feed their families if they don’t go out in a day.

These people understand how important staying at home is to their health and how important to stay healthy and Coronavirus- free, but what about hunger-virus?

Nigeria is Africa’s wealthiest and most populous nation. Despite this, more than half of the population lives below the poverty line and the northern region of the country suffers the world’s third-highest level of chronic undernutrition among children due to insecurity.

It has been noted that about 5.1 million Nigerians

are malnourished. Think about the numbers of malnourished Kwarans before the novel coronavirus, not to talk about the numbers during the outbreak and aftermath of the outbreak.

The state government should note that hungervirus can decimate all the plans and goodwill this administration might have for the masses if the outbreak of hunger is not well managed. Increase in crime rate – loss of lives and property can be averted by the state government only if the palliatives meant for the masses are not shared within the kitchen members of the government.

The committee overseeing the distribution of the relief materials should be fair – Kwarans are one – there shouldn’t be fair treatment for your family above the needy – the poor languishing in abject poverty. Know those who really need and deserve this relief and let it get to them at the appropriate time. Kwarans should brace up for the times ahead.

COVID-19 is a reality and we must not give it a chance and turn our state to be the epicentre of the virus. We should believe this is one of the hard moments life promised and we must live to win and celebrate later.

We should keep calm and follow all the laid down rules: wash our hands regularly, maintain social distancing and avoid social gathering till we win the war against this novel virus.

Abdulwahab Tajudeen, Ilorin

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MONDAY APRIL 13, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 13, 2020

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E

United to Make a Difference

Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha highlight the sterling example of a couple of individuals and organisations funding relief packages to help the government combat the COVID-19 pandemic

Buhari

Obaigbena

Dangote

Elumelu

H

uman kindness is often tested in times of crisis. When Ethiopia was bedevilled by the disastrous famine that claimed over one million people in the 80s, it received aid from concerned individuals across the world including the popular charity singles ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ by Band Aid and ‘We Are the World’ by USA for Africa. Both music projects spearheaded by Irish singer Bob Geldof and American entertainer and social activist Harry Belafonte respectively raised millions of dollars for the affected families in the African country.

Everytime devastation of such proportion hits nations of the world, not a few individuals rise up to the occasion, and as the world is dealing painfully with the COVID-19 strain that has left many in desolation, well-heeled individuals and corporate organisations are spreading their generosity to families affected by the pandemic.

In Nigeria, where the number of confirmed cases is steadily peaking, organisations and individuals are funding relief packages to help the government combat the pandemic as well as cater for the poor and vulnerable. The show of kindness has witnessed unprecedented help from government officials. Here are a couple of the individuals and groups making a difference with their benevolence. At this time of urgent and pressing national need some of those that have donated cash and relief materials to fight COVID-19 include the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Olabode George, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GT Bank, Coscharis Group and business mogul, Chief Arthur Eze. However, the band of goodhearted men and women who have come together in a determined effort to defeat the pandemic grows bigger everyday.

Aliko Dangote Africa’s richest man and famous billionaire hardly shies away from charity each time the need arises. The wealthy industrialist has been at the forefront of relief funds since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria. First, he pledged N200 million to curb the spread of the virus through the Aliko Dangote Foundation. The Foundation later spearheaded the Private Sector Coalition

Usually criticised for their lavish lifestyles and fat paychecks, the federal lawmakers in an unusual show of kindness took some measures to support the Federal Government in making lives better for Nigerians during this crisis. The senate in an uncanny move pledged to donate half of their March salaries to the Federal Government while the House of Representatives decided to forfeit their March and April salaries to the good fight against the virus. Speaker of the House of Representatives also indicated that it has instructed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make cash grants to the 774 local government areas in the country to alleviate the suffering of the masses

Against COVID-19 (COCAVID) which is tasked with the responsibility of mobilising the private sector in creating public awareness of the virus and supporting both private and public healthcare institutions across the country. So far, over N20 billion have been raised by the COCAVID Fund.

In addition, the billionaire donated N2 billion in cash and other materials to the CACOVID Fund as well four ambulances to the Lagos State Government to support its efforts.

Access Bank Joining Dangote to lead private sectors to raise funds for the pandemic is the financial institution, Access Bank. The bank pledged to provide treatment, testing and isolation centres across the country. In a statement, the bank said it would donate N1bn to facilitate the building of 1000-bed isolation centres across the six geopolitical zones of the country. Beyond the monetary contributions, the bank is also playing an active role in educating the public on the preventive measures against the virus.

Recently, the Managing Director of the Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe was seen in a viral video on social media, educating the public on the proper ways to wash hands. The educational and awareness programme is part of the objectives of COCAVID. THISDAY and Sahara Foundation Foremost media organisation, THISDAY Newspapers partnered with Sahara Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 13, 2020

MONDAY DISCOURSE

Alakija

Wigwe

Adenuga

Adeboye

of the energy conglomerate Sahara Group to build a minimum 200-bed isolation, recovery and treatment centre in Abuja. The China Civil Engineering Construction Company is transforming the iconic ‘THISDAY Dome’ in Abuja into the health facility that will be delivered to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on completion. Also, the facility will be run by health professionals and equipped with the right medical kits needed to curb the spread of the virus and treat infected patients.

The project is one of the ways the two organisations are contributing to the efforts of the Federal Government in its fight against the pandemic.

benevolence. The Foundation said the funds are being committed for the wellbeing of the entire Nigerian citizens.

Olusegun Obasanjo Along with other former presidents of nations and global leaders, the first president of Nigeria under the current democratic era, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is pushing for a global relief fund to fight COVID-19. They made the call in a letter signed by 92 former Presidents and Prime Ministers, along with current economic and health leaders. Some of the requests of the group include a global action to raise $8 billion emergency global health fund to prevent a second wave of coronavirus; coordinated fiscal stimuli, including a resolution by the multilateral finance organizations to waive the debt interest payments for the poorest countries, including $44billion due this year from Africa, to avoid a recession becoming a depression; $35 billion for procure of ventilators, test kits and protective equipment for health workers; and $150 billion to be provided for preventing a second wave of the disease in countries that are now struggling to come out of the first wave of the disease.

Personally, the former military ruler donated his former residence at the Presidential Hilltop, Abeokuta, Ogun State, a 32-room facility for use as an Isolation Centre for victims of the new coronavirus disease.

Enoch Adeboye In the same vein, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) delivered medical kits and supplies to Lagos State Government to support its fight against COVID-19. The church donated 8,000 hand sanitizers, 8,000 surgical face masks, and 200,000 hand gloves among other relief materials. Also, the church gave Intensive Care Unit beds with ventilators to Lagos, Ogun and Plateau states.

From his private pocket, Adeboye has donated about N49million in two installments of N29million and N20million to the Osun State

Mike Adenuga Following up on his pledge to donate to the private sector intervention fund for COVID-19, the billionaire Mike Adenuga through the Mike Adenuga Foundation donated N1 billion to the Federal Government and N500 million to Lagos State Governor. The founder of the telecom company, Globacom is known for his

David Oyedepo Often pilloried for his sermons, the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel) David Oyedepo donated medical equipment and relief materials to Lagos and Ogun States to boost their fight against COVID-19. The medical supplies included two well-equipped ambulances, test kits, facial masks, latex gloves making others. Also, the church provided foodstuffs to the poor and vulnerable in their community.

government to fight COVID-19, explaining that his charity must begin from home.

Tony Elumelu The chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) was among the first to commit funds to the fight against coronavirus. First, the bank rolled out a N5 billion fund which spread across the affected nations in Africa. The bank committed N2.5 billion to the country to be spread across the states. Elumelu on his part and a member of COCAVID, donated N1 billion to support the Federal Government’s initiatives in combating the pandemic.

Federal Lawmakers Usually criticised for their lavish lifestyles and fat paychecks, the federal lawmakers in an unusual show of kindness took some measures to support the Federal Government in making lives better for Nigerians during this crisis. The senate in an uncanny move pledged to donate half of their March salaries to the Federal Government while the House of Representatives decided to forfeit their March and April salaries to the good fight against the virus. Speaker of the House of Representatives also indicated that it has instructed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make cash grants to the 774 local

The China Civil Engineering Construction Company is transforming the iconic ‘THISDAY Dome’ in Abuja into the health facility that will be delivered to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on completion. Also, the facility will be run by health professionals and equipped with the right medical kits needed to curb the spread of the virus and treat infected patients. The project is one of the ways the two organisations are contributing to the efforts of the Federal Government in its fight against the pandemic

government areas in the country to alleviate the suffering of the masses. Apart from the communal contribution, the lawmakers have individually extended their generosity to their constituencies and other parts of the country.

Femi Otedola One of the top billionaires in Nigeria, Femi Otedola through his Amperion Power Distribution Limited company pledged N1 billion to the COCAVID fund which he fulfilled recently.

Another altruistic Nigerian, Otedola is famous for his charitable acts towards helping individuals and agencies that require financial assistance.

Folorunsho Alakija Africa’s foremost businesswoman recognised as one of the continent’s billionaires is among the well-heeled individuals donating huge sums to fight the pandemic. Folorunsho Alakija and her husband donated N1 billion through their company Famfa Oil Limited. The money was to be spread across NCDC, Lagos State Government, African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases and Medical Workers on the Frontline in Lagos.

Obong Essien Edidem His Royal Majesty, Obong Essien U. Edidem, Ntisong Ibibio III, the traditional head of Akwa Esop Ima Isong has donated truck loads rice and packets of sanitizer to the Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom State at this trying period to alleviate the suffering of the people during this season of Coronavirus.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO Supports 100,000 Families FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc has announced its support for over 100,000 Nigerian families with a relief package of dairy products in its commitment to join hands with the government to make a difference in the fight against COVID-19.

The company has made a donation of its top brands, Peak and Three Crowns milk, to support over 100,000 families in low-end communities and vulnerable groups who are at risk of compromising their nutritional needs, thereby reducing their immunity to diseases.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO has also made a donation of hygiene items to support healthcare professionals.

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

For Churches in Anambra, It’s Give-back Time In Anambra, there is an increasing culture of churches giving back to the people, especially in this lockdown period necessitated by the threat of COVID-19. David-Chyddy Eleke who has covered many of such events reports

Happy members of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, after the spiritual director, Rev Fr Obimma announced the distribution of free food items

Rev Fr Emmanuel Obimma, spiritual director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra State who fed 4,000 members of his church

I

t is obviously a trying period for the country and its citizens. This condition is occasioned by the lockdown order announced by President Muhammadu Buhari in some states, and also the replication of such orders in most states. The order has left the large number of already impoverished people simply helpless, with many already complaining that the scourge of hunger was much worse than that of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

In the face of this, the church which is most commonly seen as a place of refuge for the common man has come to their teeming congregation’s aid. Though there have been criticisms about the propensity of the church to continually preach ‘giving’, without practicing same, but most churches have decided to take charge of its people.

Speaking during the Palm Sunday mass, the Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor who first sounded the need for churches to give back to its members and other poor members of the society, ordered all parishes within his diocese to immediately begin the provision of food for their poor parishioners as well as other indigent people around them.

Ezeokafor said it was about time the church initiated measures that would ameliorate the plights of their struggling parishioners, especially at this trying time of the pandemic, which has caused a lockdown in the economy. He said the mother church would continue to lead from the front and would not allow people's faith in God to wane because of COVID-19.

He said, "COVID-19 has humbled everyone and also shown that God remained the beginning

and the end. I enjoin all to pray ceaselessly at this trying time, and we will triumph at the end. COVID-19 has proven that we are mere mortals and that there is nothing extraodinary about humans. “COVID-19 has humbled everyone including those who hitherto see no need to beckon on God for solution and help. What I take away from what is happening now is that God is still God and He is up there on His throne.

"I urge you all to give to those in need. We should learn to give at all times. A lot of people are living from hand to mouth. Many cannot feed very well let alone now that they are asked to sit-at-home. I feel for those people. We must find a way to assist them.�

As if to heed the call of the bishop, the spiritual director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra state, Rev Fr Emmanuel Obimma immediately launched was he tagged a “food apostolate� as part of support to cushion the effect of COVID -19 pandemic. Food items worth over N10million, consisting of two lorry load of rice, a lorry load of yams and a lorry load of noodles, was distributed to over 4,000 poor members of the church resident in Anambra State. The distribution took place at his Parish Church, Blessed Iwene Tansi Catholic Parish, Umudioka.

Expressing concern over the fate of the people in the face of the harsh economy, Obimma, who is also popularly known as Fr Ebubemuonso said, “I have emptied my personal bank account to make sure this happens and by God's grace by next week Monday and again in two weeks time, I shall do another round of giving to the

A member of Rhema Deliverance Mission Awka, displaying the items and money donated to members by the church's pastor

Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka Diocese who charged churches to feed their members

poor in our society. And I urge those who have to give out to others as givers never lack. I was overwhelmed when I saw over 4,000 people ready to collect food. I praised God that I thought it wise to do the food apostolate. I have taken the lead, others in the mission should follow.

"I am sure soon COVID-19 will be a thing of the past, because Jesus Christ died for us that we may live. I urge Nigerians and Christians to have hope in Jesus Christ. We shall overcome COVID-19 because with hope and faith, we are more than conquerors. COVID-19 shall come to an end. God heal Your people in Jesus name."

Also, in a pentecostal church, Rhema Deliverance Mission, Awka, its pastor, Dr Amaechi Nwachukwu joined the number of churches that tried to ameliorate the plight of their members by donating bags of rice, bottles of vegetable oil and cash to members of the church to help mitigate the harsh impact of government's order to Nigerians to stay at home to avoid the spread of Covid-19.

Members of the church last Friday and Saturday thronged to the church premises, after Nwachukwu announced on the church's Facebook handle, inviting members to come for food items in the church. The pastor said that the reason for the gesture was to ensure that members stayed well, even as they stayed at home.

He said, "To all the families worshipping at Rhema Deliverance Mission, Awka , you are by this notice invited to come to the Church from 10am tomorrow, Friday, April 3, 2020 to collect a small token from the church to support you in this trying period. The support will be given in families. We shall observe social distancing and

hand sanitising. Everybody should not come at the same time. May God keep us alive to declare his good works in the land of the living, Amen,� he said.

THISDAY correspondent who covered the disbursement which took place on Friday reports that the exercise snowballed into Saturday as even non-members besieged the church for the food items, causing the pastor to place a fresh order for more. Members and non-members alike went home with two bags of five kg rice each, a bottle of vegetable oil and cash gift of N1,000.

Some members of the church who expressed happiness praised the pastor for his magnanimity, while also stating that he has proven that the church is not only a place to donate to, but has shown that the church cares for its members too.

One of the members, Mrs Blessing Obasi said,"He is the new pastor here, and has not even been two weeks he started pastoring the church before this COVID-19 broke out, forcing us all to stay at home. We thank him because he wants his members to stay alive and see the end of this scourge, and be alive to praise God again."

More churches have also come out to express the same gesture as have been seen. Mr Joe Okpaligwe, a lawyer and member of a pentecostal church in Awka said, “these gestures are not strange. The church is an organisation and should be able to show care towards it members at trying periods like this. Business concerns do it as corporate social responsibility, so the church should too.

It will not be the first time such is being done because we know churches that have helped their members in time of need. It is only pronounced now because people are in distress.�

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POLSCOPE LIFE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com, 0805 306 9356

COVID-19: The Economics of the Lockdown

T

here is hardly a debate on the relationship between the health and the economy of a people. The one hangs on the other.

That is why the threat posed to humanity by the COVID-19 pandemic has a lot to do with the economics of the various nations battling to contain the plague.

A fortnight ago, the World bank and other global financial institutions had expectedly predicted a melt down that would trigger a global recession.

When that happens, the world would have to contend with the economic fall-out of the COVID-19 scourge which, even now, has ravaged the economy of the world.

It would be far worse with struggling economies like ours. For a country highly dependent on oil, the crash of the crude oil in global market to about $23 per barrel will spell in BOLD letters Hunger and hardship in Nigeria.

Already, Nigeria is somewhat drawing down so much from the external reserve, so as to combat the outbreak of the plague. This is coming at a time that the nation, nay, the world is practically frozen with the global economy truly shut down.

In Nigeria, the lockdown ordered by the president in Lagos and Ogun States, plus FCT, Abuja has translated to the gnashing of teeth for many of its citizens. The hardship has manifested in many ways including (but not limited to) the underlisted: Stay-At-Home Fatigue Lagos, the heartbeat of the nation’s economy is practically gasping for a breath of fresh air, economically.

For Lagos and Abuja, it is the 11th day of lockdown. And it has been like eleven years of imprisonment. People are simply tired of the stay-at-home order. That they are bored to the theirteeth is an understatement. That explains why in some parts of the two cities, some people dare to hit the roads, out of sheer boredom.

Matters have not been helped by the fact that staying at home has become more herculean than going to work, even in the farm. The conditions of staying at home have not encouraged a faithful compliance with the order.

Energy Supply, Still a Notorious Malaise Last week, I had complained about the epileptic power supply in most towns and communities. That issue has posed its own challenge for staying at home. How is it convenient to stay at home with children without electricity supply either in the daytime or nighttime? Some apartments are literally like ass holes without light. Many of the ways the houses were built, some with poor ventilation, and others with choked spaces, make the stay-at-home order, look like punishment, especially when there is no electricity supply.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila had held a meeting with the officials of the DISCOs with the intent to see how energy supply can improve. One week after, there is no significant improvement in most parts of the country. People are still going through hell, running their noisy generators.

The combination of the deafening noises from the various generators are perhaps more troubling than the fear of COVID-19 itself.

Measly Stimulus Worse still, is the issue of food supply. Both the federal government and the Lagos State governments had promised to provide some stimulus packages to support “weak and vulnerable� households during the lockdown period.

While Lagos State governor promised distributing these food packages to 200,000 vulnerable families, the federal government said it will give assistance to “weak and vulnerable� families in the locked down states.

Even when the distribution of the food stimulus did not quite start early, when it eventually came, it was a far cry from what was expected or

Canticles‌.

Fighting COVID-19: Thumbs Up for Gov Sanwo-Olu

punitive lawful order.

The scant food packs contrast sharply with food packs shared in some other countries undergoing the same lock-down, where people would wake up and find huge and assorted packs of food items, victuals, fruits, milk, eggs , etc., at their door posts.

Admittedly, given our huge population and the crushing poverty that have always been our lot, meeting up the needs of the people at such a critical time would have been difficult and challenging. Yet, it would be a lot better, if we are a country of records.

We do not have records of anything!

Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed

even promised.

Lagos State government had claimed that what would be supplied would be enough to feed a family of six for 14 days. But alas, when the so-called stimulus eventually came, it was nothing to write home about. You can’t even write abroad about it. It was damn too measly. A miserable morsel!

I had also expressed worry last week, about the data bank that will be used for the distribution. Does the state or even the federal government havea register of its citizens? No!, I dare say. So how is/was the federal government going to reach theso-called “weak and vulnerable� homesteads in the concerned states?

Who defines who is weak and vulnerable? What are the parameters of social classification? The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mrs Sadiya Umar Farouk, while defending her register before the leaders of the National Assembly who were also concerned about her list of “weak and vulnerable� members of the society who usually get the “conditional cash transfer� confessed that something is wrong with the list she inherited but promised to work on it.

Perhaps more crucial is the geographical spread of the beneficiaries of the said conditional cash transfer.

How come the sharing of the money is mainly in the northern parts of the country? Are there no “weak and vulnerable� Nigerians in the Southsouth, South-west and South-east?

But by the way, how can the distribution of N5000 every 30 days to a people lift them up from poverty, as claimed by the Buhari’s agenda of wanting to lift 100 million Nigerian from poverty?How can N5000 a month change the economic status of somebody?

In Lagos, the stimulus packages were an annoying joke. Yes, the relief packages are supposed to offer some succor to the beneficiaries, but, hey, what is worth doing is worth doing well. There were cases where a whole street of 31 houses was given less than half bag of rice, plus a medium-sized loaf of bread. Gosh‌. , how are they supposed to share that? In anger, the youths turned the loaf of bread to a football and played it till it broke into miserable shreds of baked flour.

In Abeokuta GRA, Ogun State, residents got into a fight as they dragged a bag of garri, till it tore and they literally bathed themselves with the whitish grains.

In Festac Town, the local government authority had whimsically defined the poor and weak families to be dwellers of blocks and of flats. And in one instance, less than a bag of rice was dropped for a block with sixteen flats with each household having an average of five persons. So, what is the worth of such gesture?

All over the social media, are lamentations of citizens over the paltry worth of the gestures from either the state or federal government.

This is even after tons of seized rice from smugglers was ordered to be distributed to quarantined families.

With no food, no cash in hand, no electricity supply, no water, no comfort, the stay-at home order is looking like punishment or at best ,

Tough Recovery Ahead When the pandemic subsides and we survive it s as a nation, the next phase of the battle would be how to survive the spin-off effect of the scourge. I sit and wonder how tough it would be. It would almost be like trying to build up the economy of a nation after a grueling civil war. Here is a nation with a flighty economy, struggling to stay afloat, with all its earnings and resources, and now faced with sustaining an economy that has been wracked down by the pandemic in all sectors. How will it regenerate?

What stimulus would be in place to get the economy running again?

The pandemic and its economic effect has shattered the fabric of global economy and the reverberations across the world and varying sectors is mind bogging .

One significant fall out of this pandemic will be thevolume of job losses that will follow. Thousands of jobs will be lost. Some companies may never recover. Some may lay off a good number of their staff, and re-appraise their operations.

Looking through the spectrum of the society, I do not see any sector that will be spared, be they small or medium scale businesses, not even the religious houses, many of which are already groaning.

Economic projections have long tumbled. The national budget will yet have to be tweaked and reworked in accordance with realities. Already,financial targets given to FIRS, Customs, are being reviewed downward.

The purchasing power of the people has already collapsed. How will they be re-inflated?

The 5G Brouhaha With every crisis comes its own propaganda and misinformation machine. The COVID-19 plague has dragged in the issue of the 5G broadband. All sorts of misinformation and misunderstanding on the subject has been shared and circulated in the social media.

Without fully understanding the science and technology behind it, many people, including politicians and even clergymen, have begun to interpret all sorts of motifs into the 5G technology. Some have inferred that it is the prologue to Armageddon, while others add that it will usher in the mark of the Beast (in Christendom). All kinds of motifs and fears have been pumped into us. So much that many Nigerians are already psychologically crushed, thinking that the feared end has finally come.

Matters were not helped with the sundry videos of supposed “experts� one of which made the argument of using a so-called new British twenty pounds note with the 5G mast sitting under the symbol of COVID-19, all to suggest that the 5G technology is a global scheme to wipe out humanity.

So, if humanity is endangered and finally wiped out, who then benefits from the 5G technology? Or will the optic fibres of the spectrum be laid up to heaven?

Thankfully, the Ministry of Communication has issued a statement allaying the fears so generated in the polity over the 5G technology, stressing that the 5G technology was laid with the 4G spectrum. I don’t expect any reasonable government, even in Afghanistan, to install anything that will imperil the health or life of its citizenry for whom it exists.

Sanwo-Olu

M

any people who were unsure of the capacity of the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to govern a complex state like Lagos must have changed their belief, what with the competence and pro-activeness the governor has shown in tackling the pandemic in the state.

Apparently turning out a star, Sanwo-Olu has impressed many Lagosians, nay Nigerians on the round-the-clock attention he has micro-managed the outbreak of the index case in the state since lateFebruary.

But last Wednesday, he scored another good point when he demonstrated a commendable large heartedness in forgiving his political rival, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the last governorship election in the state.

Gbadamosi along with Naira Marley , amongst other, were part of the birthday party organised by the famous actress, Funke Akindele, in breach of the stay-at-home order of the state. Funke and her husband had earlier been convicted and sentenced to community service.

But last Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu failed to arraign Gbadamosi and co when they turned themselves up to the police because of the remorse they showed as well as agreeing to publicly apologise and even go on 14-day isolation..

By that gesture, Gbadamosi’s political career has been saved, as a conviction would have barred him from holding public office for another 10 years. Narrow-minded politicians would have seen it as an auspicious opportunity to nail a rival. But SanwoOlu chose to follow the less-travelled path in Nigerian political grassland.

Kudos His Excellency!

Hurray, It’s Easter‌.But a Colourless Type

The New Anglican primate, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba

Yesterday was Easter Sunday. It was a strange type of Easter Sunday, what with the sit-at-home order still in force.

It was most colourless and devoid of the glitz and ululation that go with Easter celebrations. Everybody remained locked up at home. No church services. It is odd and unusual. Even today, Easter Monday will witness no “Going to Galilee�. This year, our homes are our Galilee.

But many Christian faithful believe

the COVID-19 plague will reset the world spiritually. Coming at a time that the resurrection power of Jesus Christ is to be celebrated, many adherents believe that humanity will not be consumed by this ravaging pandemic. By the resurrection power of Easter, the earth will be healed, regenerated and redeemed from the plague slammed on it by bio-terrorists.

Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed.

Happy Easter!

18

MONDAY APRIL 13, 2020 •T H I S D AY

19

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍąËœ 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

͡ Ëœ Í° ÍŽ Í° ÍŽ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

REPO 13.67 12.17

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

12.50 15 15

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

482.72% 1.01% 3.66%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

3.66% 0.32%

EXCHANGE RATE ͹ʹͯ˚ͯ ̊ ̊

Quick Takes Wema Bank Donates Relief Materials

MEDIA BRIEFING

L-R: SSA, Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), Folarin Cole; General Manager/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Funsho Elulade, and Deputy General Manager, Mrs. Bisoye Coker - Odusote, at a press conference organised by LASIMRA to debunk the rumour on laying of 5G cables in Lagos State, held in Lagos...recently etopukutt

COVID-19: FRC Issues Guidelines for External Auditors Obinna Chima The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has released guidance for external auditors and matters to consider due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The move was initiated in order to maintain high-quality audit in Nigeria.

The agency stated in the guidelines posted on its website at the weekend, that it assessed the impact of COVID-19 on audit of reporting entities in Nigeria and after consultation with key stakeholders, decided to unveil the regulation.

It pointed out that the council, which aligns with all the measures by the federal and state governments as well as relevant agencies in containing the COVID-19, was concerned about the financial health of corporate entities as

ECONOMY usually reported in financial statements especially during this difficult period. “We therefore believe that additional time may be required to document, review audit engagements due to some measures taken by federal and state governments in collaboration with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to contain the scourge of COVID-19. “The measures include travel bans, quarantines, social distancing, and closures of non-essential services.

Undoubtedly, these measures have triggered significant disruptions to businesses worldwide, resulting in an economic slowdown and other economic challenges,� it explained. Furthermore, the FRC classified the situation into three major audit categories.

This, it listed to include the audit of 2019 financial statements which have been completed, audit opinion issued and report already released to shareholders.

Under this category, it stated that there would be, “No impact of COVID -19. Only accounting issues in first-quarter reports and onwards. “Audit of 2019 Financial Statements that are still ongoing with respect to reporting periods ended on or before December 31, 2019. “Auditors are required to consider the adequacy of disclosures included in the financial statements as companies are required to disclose the following for each material category of non-adjusting events after their reporting period: the nature of the event; and an estimate of its financial effect, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made.

The FRC considers the impact

of COVID-19 outbreak to be material.�

Also, for audit of 2020 financial statements (Accounting periods ending on or after January 1, 2020), the FRC guidance highlighted the implications of the COVID-19 outbreak on audits and auditors in Nigeria and actions to be taken when carrying out audits during the current Covid-19 crisis in areas which included new audit engagement; audit planning, execution and reporting; and assessing the Impact of COVID -19.

Others are events after the reporting date; going concern; and Audit of 2020 financial statements (Audit and Accounting issues). “It addresses the difficulties audit firms currently face in completing all appropriate audit steps as a result of the lockdown in Nigeria occasioned by the need Continued on page 24

10 Top Brokers Facilitate N218bn Transactions on the NSE in 3 Months Goddy Egene Ten stockbroking firms facilitated the trading of N217.725 billion staked on 16.105 billon shares in the first quarter (Q1) of 2020 according to statistics obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Both in terms of value and volume, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited led the top 10 brokers that accounted for the market turnover. In terms of value, Stanbic IBTC was responsible for N54.533 billion or 17.8 per cent, trailed by Rencap Securities (Nig) Limited with N41.489 billion or 13.5 per cent.

CAPITAL MARKET EFCP Limited traded N31.275 billion or 10.2 per cent just as Stockbrokers Limited accounted for N23.337 billion or 7.6 per cent.

FBNQuest Securities Limited recorded N14.217 billion, while Chapel Hill Denham Securities Limited recorded N13.75 billion or 4.5 per cent. Primera Africa Securities Limited traded N12.265 billion, just Cardinalstone Securities Limited and Meristem Stockbrokers Limited was responsible for 8.862 billion. A.R.M Securities Limited accounted for N8.153 billion.

In terms of volume, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers led with 3.089 billion shares, trailed by CSL Stockbrokers Limited accounted fo 2.108 billion. RenCap Securities Limited traded 1.969 billion shares, while Chapel Hill Denham Securities Limited recorded 1.841 billion shares. Cardinalstones Securities Limited posted 1.375 billion shares, just ad FBNQuest Securities Limited and Meristem Stockbrokers Limited accounted for 1.303 billion shares and 1.243 billion shares respectively.

On the other hand, Morgan Capital Securities Limited traded 1.197 billion shares while EFCP Limited accounted for 1.109 billion

shares. Readings Investments Limited recorded 866 million shares.

Similarly, IBTC Stockbrokers Limited has maintained its leadership of the top stockbrokers chart. The firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, and a member of The Standard Bank Group set up to provide world class stockbroking services to local as well as foreign investors in the Nigerian capital market.

In all, the Nigerian equities market attracted N312.395 billion investment committed to 24.799

Wema Bank Plc said it has started donating relief materials to aected states in Nigeria.The donation, which includes rice, cartons of vegetable oil and cartons of noodles, is aimed at complementing the eort of the government to cushion the eects of the lockdown. Alongside being a corporate social responsibility of the bank, the relief materials would also serve as a palliative measure to help lessen the plight of vulnerable membersofsocietyduringthepandemic,thebankexplainedinastatement. “As a bank, we understand that there is no better time than now to support the government in ďŹ ghting this pandemicâ€?, MD/CEOWema Bank, Mr Ademola Adebise added.

He stressed that Wema Bank is, “taking responsibility to support the governmentsoftheaectedstatesinthebeliefthatthisisacollectiveďŹ ghtâ€? “We also encourage Nigerians to do their respective bids to win the war against COVID-19,â€? he added.

AccordingtoHead,BrandandMarketingCommunications,WemaBank, MrsFunmilayoFalola,“Thisisatryingtimeforhumankind,butalsoatestof ourresolvetounite,whetherasindividualsororganisations,inthiscommon ďŹ ght.â€? Commending the response of health workers across the country, Falola explained that, “while the rest of us keep to the stay-at-home rule and practice social distancing, health workers are making the sacriďŹ ce of treating patients and helping to disinfect markets and other structures nationwide. “They are the frontline soldiers in a war that threatens all of us and we praise and appreciate their devotion to duty.â€?

Leadway Supports COVID-19 Fight

Leadway Assurance Company Limited has announced its provision of N5 billion life insurance cover to health workers ďŹ ghting against COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.The company also announced N135million donation forprocuringPersonalProtectionEquipment(PPE)materials,testkitsand foodstuaspartofitseortstosupportoptimaltestingandtreatmentof the COVID-19 cases as well as access to nutrition in the country during the quarantine period. The Managing Director of Leadway, MrTunde HassanOdukale, while disclosing this in a statement, said the underwriting ďŹ rm was leading other insurance companies to provide life insurance cover to the tune of N5 billion for all frontline healthcare workers battling to save the lives of those infected by the virus. He said the company had before now made donation as part of funds being raised by the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) in its NIA COVID-19 Support Fund. He said the donations aligned with the company’s value of service and customer focus and would aid the government in combating the spread of the pandemic in Nigeria. “We understand the magnitude of the risk taken by health workers who have elected to support the government to take care of Nigerians in the wake of a pandemic that is ravaging worldwide. “We salute their tenacity, resilience and professionalism as they battle COVID-19, putting their lives on the line to ensure that Nigerians are adequately cared for during this period. We understand the weight of their duties and hope that this support reassures them and indeed all Nigerians, that we are in this together,â€? Hassan-Odukale said.

Mandilas Supports Lagos Isolation Centre

As part of her contributions in support of government’s eort towards mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, the Mandilas GroupLimited,thesolefranchisedealerofcarrierair-conditionersinNigeria, has donated air conditioners in support of GTBank’s eort to create a 100-bed isolation centre at Onikan, Lagos.The company made this known in a statement issued in Lagos. It disclosed that its team recently started free installation of 32 carrier ceiling concealed ducted air-conditioning units at the newly set up isolation centre. The Group Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Mandilas Group Ltd, Ms. Ola Debayo-Doherty commended the Lagos State government’s eorts in combating the spread of the virus and lauded the partnership with GTBank. “We are very proud to partner with Lagos State and GTBank in setting up a ďŹ t for purpose isolation and treatment centre at Mobolaji Johnson Arena,â€? she said. According to her, the AC units are humidity and temperature controlled with high ďŹ ltration levels for clean indoor air quality, preventing the presence of stale air in the room. “This will encourage habitation and make individuals at the isolation centre feel more comfortableâ€?, she added.

“Demand is below supply and essentially what this means is that prices have come down to levels that in very many jurisdictions is below cost�

Group Managing Director, NNPC

Continued on page 24

Mele Kyari

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍąËœ 2020

20

BUSINESSWORLD KPMG HIGHLIGHTS RISKS FACING BUSINESSES IN NIGERIA to contain the spread of COVID-19 which has occasioned delay in the completion of audit and approval of Financial Statements by the Board of reporting entities. “The guidance directs practitioners to demonstrate flexibility in their work pattern, which includes work from home arrangements, use of video/telephone conferencing, and electronic evidence.

However, Auditors should apply alternative procedures if they are still not able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence as a result of differing levels of infrastructure in the country. “If Auditors are still not able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, then they should consider modifying the opinion on the financial statements in line with ISA,� it added.

Therefore, it pointed out that the audited financial statements containing the modified opinion must then be brought to the Council’s attention in accordance with the provisions of the FRC Act. 10 TOP BROKERS FACILITATE N218BN TRANSACTIONS ON THE NSE IN 3 MONTHS

billion shares in 297,772 deals in Q1 of 2019, indicating increase of 49.8 per cent compared with the N208.452 billion invested in 20.703 billion shares in 240,946 deals in Q1 of 2019. Market analysts said some discerning investors found the Nigerian equities market very attractive due to low valuations, hence the increased value of investment in Q1 of 2020. Investment banking firm, Afrinvest (West Africa) had urged investors to take advantage of the bearish situation and increase their investments. “With a loss of 17.3 per cent YTD, market valuation is currently weak at 6.7x P/E ratio (vs. 8.9x average in January 2020), which is at its lowest since 2015. Given the effectiveness of social distancing measures to fighting the spread of COVID-19 and its wide adoption in countries most vulnerable to the virus, we could see a resumption of economic activities in second half of 2020 which would support crude oil prices and market performance.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

NEWS

Farmers Seek FG’s Support to Avert Food Crisis James Emejo in Abuja The President, Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Dr. Bello Abubakar, has called on the federal government to provide palliatives for maize farmers to help them meet a 22 million metric tons target for the year.

He said the intervention was particularly necessary for the country to avert a food shortage resulting from the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

In an interview with journalists in Abuja, over the weekend, he noted that maize farmers had continued to express concerns over the inability to access their farms due to the lockdown and unavailability of inputs, especially the suspension of flight into the country which had also delayed importation of inputs.

Abubakar, further urged the government to set up a committee that can liaise with the commodity associations, to get inputs directly to farmers, saying this would ensure that genuine farmers get the needed inputs.

He added that commodity associations are better partners because they possess comprehensive data of registered farmers adding that local producers of inputs are not finding it easy as the raw materials being used for production of these inputs are also imported into the country.

Emma Okonji Facebook has said it is expanding its Coronavirus Information Centre to 17 more countries in Africa, including Nigeria.

The Information Centres forms part of Facebook’s effort to help the global fight against COVID-19 by providing people with the latest news and information from trusted health authorities

Raheem Akingbolu A Nigerian inventor and Managing Director of Port Harcourt-based Valec Electric Limited, Okwudili Ogbuenyi, has blamed the low productivity among young people in Nigeria to the growing culture of entitlement. Ogbuenyi, who advised the youths to invest their energy in talent development and entrepreneurship, also insisted that they owed the society the debt of deploying their young creative energy into contributing to the advancement of their environment.

Speaking while being

Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

N8,000 and N11,000 in the open market but now the price has fallen which means the farmer is making losses�.

He added that the restriction of movement had made it difficult for members to go out and get inputs for planting even though the wet season farming is already around the corner.

COURTESYVISIT

L -R: Chief Business Development Officer, Falck Prime Atlantic, Folake Soyannwo; Managing Director/CEO, Ayo Otuyalo; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote; Manager, Marketing/ Communications, Prime Atlantic, Aderonke Adebanjo, and Business Development Specialist, Isioma Okoh, during the visit of NCDMB Management to Falck Prime Atlantic training facility in Ipara, Ogun State‌recently ETOP UKUTT

as well as resources and tips to stay healthy and support their family and community.

The Facebook COVID-19 Information Centre is featured at the top of News Feed, that provides a central place for people to keep informed about the Coronavirus. It includes real-time updates from national health authorities and global organisations such as the World

Health Organisation (WHO), as well as helpful articles, videos and posts about social distancing and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Facebook said users could opt in to follow the centre to get notifications and see updates in their News Feed from official government health authorities.

The centre has already been launched in South Africa, and

would now be expanded to new African markets such as Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia. Others are Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Seychelles, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Togo.

Facebook’s Head of Public Policy In Africa, Kojo Boakye, said: “We have built the infor-

mation centres, in collaboration with national health partners, to ensure that people can get access to information from trusted health sources. The launch of the COVID-19 Information Centre on Facebook in more than 17 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, aligns with our commitment to making accurate, timely information about the pandemic accessible to all communities.�

decorated as the Nigerian Youth Ambassador by the National Youth Council of Nigeria recently in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in recognition of his inventions in the area of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Ogbuenyi lamented the years of political sloganeering on youth empowerment.

He said time has come for youths to take practical steps towards empowering themselves through knowledge-based selfimprovement. “We have been hearing about youths being the leaders of tomorrow since we were children.

But my analyses show that even those who were youths at the

time this insincere political rhetoric began, have grown into adulthood without a change of guard. If those that should hand the reigns of leadership to our fathers failed to do so and are still telling is that we are the leaders of tomorrow, it would be foolhardy for us to continue to believe this insincerity,� he stated.

The entrepreneur, who has inventions in the areas of power, security and home industrial automations said the only way today’s youths would be tomorrow’s leaders would be for them to assert their economic independence from politicians

and become agents of Nigeria’s economic diversification. “I sincerely believe the vision of a diversified Nigerian economy rests with youths. We have the travel and urban experience to deliver on this. The only thing we need do is stop believing that anyone else other than ourselves will do it for us. “The future of Nigeria is not oil. If you follow the developments in clean energy, you would realise that oil as a resource is imperiled already.

The future of Nigeria is not politics; no matter how much they deceive you, please pay no heed to the brand of politics played in Nigeria.

“The future of Nigeria is you.

You are the resources the country will need in the future,� he said.

Earlier during the presentation of the award, Secretary General of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Suleiman Abubakar, commended the awardee for distinguishing himself not only in the field of engineering and entrepreneurial development but also in philanthropy.

Suleiman said the NYCN was attracted by reports of the free training programmes organised

by Valec Electric for Nigerian youths as well as the scholarship opportunities granted to young Nigerians by the awardee.

Afreximbank Posts $1 Billion Income

Senior Correspondent

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor ((Energy)

vention in form of inputs, subsidy and easy movement of farmers to their farms to enable them meet the target for the year.

He said COVID-19 had also affected the price of maize in the market, stressing that “before the pandemic a bag of maize was between

Expert Tasks Youths on Talent Development

Emma Okonji

Correspondents

something fast. “They can assist farmers with inputs or any substantial subsidy so that the farmers can get some relief else the 2020 target of million metric tons will not be achievable.�

The MAAN president said the government needed to provide some level of inter-

Facebook Launches COVID-19 Centre in Nigeria, 16 Others

Comms/e-Business Editor

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising)

He explained: “The problem affects every sector of the economy of the country but we are doing our best, we have written to the Minister of Agriculture to be forwarded to the presidency to alert them of the danger we are facing and let them know that they have to do

Emma Okonji The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), at the weekend released its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, showing strong and consistent growth, with total comprehensive income of $324.2 million.

The financial statements also showed a 29.7 per cent growth

in gross income, which reached $1.1 billion in 2019, compared to $813.9 million recorded in 2018.

This put the Bank above the $1 billion mark for the first time.

The results, which reflected a net income of $313.3 million, 14.3 per cent increase over the 2018 performance of $275.9 million, were achieved mainly due to higher operating income of $622.5 million compared to

$489.8 million in 2018.

Afreximbank’s total assets grew by 7.6 per cent from $13.42 billion on 31 December 2018 to $14.44 billion as at 31 December 2019, explained mainly by the solid growth in net loans and advances.

The Bank’s President, Prof.

Benedict Oramah, expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that the performance

exceeded strategic plan targets despite a global operating environment characterized by economic uncertainties.

He said that the Bank had, “continued to deliver the objectives of its current fiveyear strategic plan, dubbed IMPACT 2021, by prioritising initiatives aimed at promoting and financing intra-African trade.�

Addressing concerns about COVID-19, whose emergence early in 2020, has raised concerns about a global recession, he said Afreximbank was taking necessary steps to manage the impact, particularly on the loans and advances from customers that may be impacted, adding, “Afreximbank is making arrangements to support its member countries in need.�

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Respite for Investors as Stock Market Recovers N150bn Goddy Egene Investors in equities heaved a heavy sigh of relief last week as the market posted significant recovery and ended with improved turnover.

The stock market had suffered a decline of 3.51 per cent the previous week due to the impact of the economic lockdown following the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, bargain hunting by discerning investors saw the market recover N150 billion last week.

Specifically, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index rose 1.37 per cent, while market capitalisation appreciated to N11.144 trillion, from N10.994 trillion.

All other indices finished higher with the exception of NSE Oil/Gas, NSE Lotus II and NSE Industrial Goods which depreciated by 4.76 per cent, 2.65 per cent and 6.59 per cent while NSE ASeM Index closed flat.

An analysis of the sectoral performance showed that the NSE Banking Index led with a jump of 12.4 per cent, trailed by the NSE Consumer Goods Index that appreciated by 6.5 per cent. The NSE Insurance Index chalked up 0.2 per cent.

Conversely, the NSE Industrial Goods Index recorded the highest decline of 6.6 per cent, trailed by the NSE Oil & Gas Index with a fall of 4.8 per cent.

However, the volume and value of shares traded rose significantly as investors exchanged 2.440 billion shares worth N19.932 billion in 18,918 deals last week in contrast to a total of 1.534 billion shares valued at N11.267 billion that exchanged hands last week in 18,928 deals the previous week. The high turnover was recorded despite the fact that trading was only four days last week following the declaration of Friday as public holiday by the federal government.

Some market analysts said despite closing positively last week, risks still persists in the market, due to the challenges in the macro-economy. “Despite the market closing positive risks remain on the horizon, given the rising cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. More so, our base case is for the FGN to extend the presently instituted lockdown in Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun, by another one week. Thus, we advise investors to trade cautiously, taking positions in fundamentally justified stocks,� analysts at Cordros Securities Limited said.

Market turnover Meanwhile, a look at the activity chart showed that the Financial Services industry remained the most traded, accounting for 2.182 billion shares valued at N11.107 billion traded in 11,322 deals.

With the performance, the sector contributed 89.42 per cent and 55.72 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Industrial Goods followed with 102.769 million shares worth N3.633 billion in 2,483 deals. The third place was the Consumer Goods industry, with a turnover of 51.075 million shares worth N3.578 billion in 1,924 deals.

Trading in the top three Equities namely, Omoluabi Mortgage Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and FBN Holdings Plc, accounted for 1.702 billion shares worth N8.033 billion in 4,443 deals.

Investors continued to react positively to the results of FBN Holdings for the year ended December 31, 2019, showing higher bottom-line and a dividend payment.

For instance, FBN Holdings Plc posted gross earnings of N627 bil-

billion. Impairment charges fell 41.5 per cent to N51.1 billion from N87.5 billion, while operating expenses rose 18.3 per cent to N314.7 billion from N266 billion. As result, profit before tax (PBT) grew by 30.9 per cent to N83.6 billion in 2019, from N63.9 billion in 2018, while profit after tax (PAT) rose 26.5 per cent to N73.7 billion compared with N58.2 billion.

Earnings per share grew from 161 kobo to 195 kobo, out which the board recommended that 38 kobo be paid as dividend to the shareholders.

lion in 2019, showing an increase of 6.7 per cent compared with N587.4

billion in 2018.Net interest income moved from N285.3 billion to N290.2

billion, while non-interest income rose from N132 billion to N159.2

Top price gainers and losers The price movement chart displayed 35 price gainers higher than 15 equities in the previous week, while 18 equities depreciated in price, lower than 36 in the previous week.

It was a very bullish week for investors in Lafarge Africa Plc as the stock soared by 41.3 per cent as the company bounced profitability and resumed dividend payment after years of losses.

The cement manufacturing firm recorded a profit after tax of N15.5 billion in 2019, up from a loss of N8.1 billion in 2018. Details of the audited results showed that it recorded a revenue of N213 billion in 2019, as against N218 billion in 2018.Operating expenses were reduced from N29.89 billion to N23.42 billion. The company ended the year with a profit after tax of N15.5 billion compared with a loss of N8.1 billion in 2018. Based on the positive performance, the board has recommended a dividend of 100 kobo per share.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Khaled El Dokani, said: “Our turnaround and cost-reduction strategy in 2019 and the divestment of the South African business, have delivered strong results. The decrease in net debt has significantly strengthened our balance sheet and has placed us in a vantage position to face the future.�

Dokani said though the COVID-19 pandemic is now impacting Nigeria, Lafarge Africa had taken the necessary measures to protect the health of its employees, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. “The construction sector and construction sites are generally more resilient than other sectors and Lafarge Africa has a strengthened balance sheet and is well equipped to weather the storm. However, we are closely monitoring the evolving situation and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Nigerian market,� he noted.

Apart from the Lafarge Africa that led the price gainers for the week, Wema Bank Plc followed with 25.5 per cent. United Bank for Africa Plc and Sterling Bank Plc chalked up 25.2 per cent apiece, just as Fidelity Bank Plc garnered 24.2 per cent.

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc and added 20.2 per cent, while Ecobank Transnational Incorporated went up by 19.2 per cent. FBN Holdings Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and FCMB Group Plc chalked up 18.9 per cent, 17.6 per cent and 16.3 per cent in that order.

On the contrary, Ardova Plc led the price losers with 18.4 per cent, trailed by Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc with a decline of 15.6 per cent. BUA Cement Plc shed 12.7 per cent.

Learn Africa Plc and Cutix Plc went down by 10 per cent, just as B.O.C Gases Plc declined by 9.8 per cent. AXA Mansard Insurnace Plc dipped by 9.7 per cent. UACN Property Development Company Plc went lost 9.4 per cent, while Seplat and Courtville Business Solutions Plc fell 9.0 per cent each.

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Ekpo: Economic Damage from COVID-19 May Linger for Two Years Prof.Akpan Ekpo, who is the Founder, Foundation for Economic Research and Training and a former Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, in this interview speaks on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Nigerian economy.

Obinna Chima brings the excerpts: that if it gets to $22 or even $30 per barrel, then we would be luck. But, they went and used $30 per barrel and we have seen price fluctuate since then. I told them that if I have my way I would even use $10 per barrel. The Nigerian economy story is the oil story. So, we are in for a very rough time, to be honest.

With the challenge posed by the COVID-19, what is the fate of globalisation?

It is the end of one type of globalisation, which was almost coming to an end through Donald Trump. But now, it would be fast-tracked. That is, the economic aspect of globalisation. But it will be in the interest of all to find a global solution to this pandemic. Every country is now trying to be independent. In economic sense, what we are going to see might be worse than a depression because the entire global economy is in a coma.

What then would be the new form of globalisation you are talking about?

The new form is that the developed countries would have to provide assistance to Africa and other developing countries to stop this pandemic.

So, it would be like a kind of global health solution which may going forward affect the countries positively. That is, a global solution in the short to medium term to halt this pandemic.

That is because if we don’t halt it, it may come back to haunt us. For example, in the United States, experts said by September, there could be a rebound of this pandemic if not properly tackled. So, it is in their interest to stop it in the medium term. But globalisation as we know was almost coming to an end with what Trump was trying to do in terms of America being a world power and a global player. Although the vacuum that America was leaving, if you can remember, China and the rest were filling such vacuum. But, it was still not enough because America is a major player in the global system.

So, the United States and some of these developed countries are part of the G7. So, if they decide to whip-off debts of African countries as well as that of some other low income countries, it will help. That means that the funds we should have used to service the debts or even for repayment, would now be used to procure medical facilities. Secondly, a lot of them can produce medical equipment needed to fight this pandemic and send to Africa as either aids or with huge discount. For example, China recently sent 1,000 ventilators to New York. So, those kind of things can either be in cash or in kind. So, that way, we would save the money we would have used in repaying debt. African countries have big problems. Most countries in the continent don’t have fiscal buffers. So, the crisis would hit us severely more that the developing countries.

For instance, look at Nigeria presently, many people are going to be affected and some would even lose their jobs and they would not be able to claim unemployment benefits. The federal government doesn’t even have the money to pay such because there is no fiscal buffer and the oil revenue has declined sharply. So, where will government get the revenue from? America is printing dollars to support its economy. In the next six months if you check their balance sheet, you can see how much dollars they printed, because dollar is a convertible currency globally.

They can print dollars and send to any country they wish to intervene in. But, we cannot print naira to meet our external obligations. If you print naira, it can only be used within Nigeria and you try to avoid printing too much so that we don’t have too much money chasing after few goods. So, Nigeria and other African countries would be worse hit. They said they are giving poor people palliative, but that will not go anywhere in addressing the poverty situation in Nigeria. In my own view, 85 per cent of the population can be said to be poor. Then, health wise, almost all African countries don’t have adequate health facilities. You can see Europe and America with sophisticated health facilities, they have been overwhelmed. So, this pandemic would hit us hard if not properly contained. So, it is in their interest to make sure that it doesn’t spread down here much and I believe they are looking at it from that perspective. I understand

Ekpo that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has a facility for African countries and they have just released some for Rwanda. Then, you are aware that they have talked about wiping off Paris Club debt and they have called for a meeting for that.

The African Development Bank is also doing its best. That is also another way they need to help us. You see, if this pandemic ends in six months time, the damage it has done may linger for up to two years. So, we are worse hit. Also, economically, except for the United States because of Trump, those other developed countries, such as Germany, UK, France, Italy, and even China, trade a lot with Africa. So, if we don’t have the resources to buy those goods and services from them, there would be problem. Then for Nigeria, my worry is not even recession, because it is imminent. In fact, I am estimating that by the fourth quarter of this year, our economy may fall into recession. My worry, however, is that we may have a currency crisis, which is even worse that a recession. This is because our revenue is declining sharply and our reserves are also declining. We can print naira for our spending within Nigeria, but we can’t print naira to meet our external obligation. Naira is not a convertible.

But you can print and manage it within Nigeria.

By managing it, I mean for instance, if somebody

There are so many places in the country where the people don’t have water.

So, the government needs to provide water in the slums, rural and even urban centres so that people can wash their hands. So, for me, increasing revenue is no longer the issue

has a government contract and he needs naira, we can print naira and pay such person. But, there is a limit because if you over do it, you have too much money chasing after too few goods. So, you can only print naira to support people like contractors, whose contracts are naira denominated, hoping that, they too, all what they need is within Nigeria. Other countries do it.

For America, if you look at their balance sheet after the last financial crisis, you will discover that they printed more dollars, just to reflate the economy, and they are doing it now again. The dollar is a store of value, not naira.

Apart from borrowing from the multilateral institutions, do you think the government should still go ahead with its plan to issue Eurobond?

They should not go ahead with it. This is because if you look at the crisis, those people they are expecting to invest in the Eurobond would not be willing to invest, because everybody is being cautious. What we would have done, which is what I have been saying for years is that anytime we have high crude oil price, we should always see it as a windfall, save a lot of it and target it for spending on infrastructure. I worked with Anthony Ani when he was Minister of Finance and we planned to do a non-oil budget. If you look at the Nigerian economy, oil contributes only 10 per cent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the non-oil sector contributes 90 per cent.

So, we can actually do a non-oil budget. If we had been doing it for years, we would have gotten used to it, so that if oil price does well, it becomes like a windfall. Let us demystify the oil sector because oil may finish one day. Recently, when the Minister of Finance said they used $30 crude oil benchmark. Someone called me from the ministry and I told the person that I am aware of the model they used in arriving at that price.

But I advised them that for that model not to collapse, they should use $15 per barrel as the benchmark price and not $30 per barrel. I did a quick calculation based on estimated average and I said so that the model would not collapse, that they should use $15 per barrel estimate, so

If you are to advise the federal government, what do you think should be the way out?

I will tell them to focus on the expenditure side of the budget and cut expenditure drastically. For example, the cost of governance is very high. They government should also reverse the increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT), that was effected this year. You can’t be talking about raising revenue now because things are bad and people don’t have jobs and more people would lose their jobs after this pandemic. So, the government needs to do what is called expenditure switching. For example, if you are to spend $200 million to buy maybe five fighter planes in the war against Boko Haram, you can reduce the number to maybe two or three, and use the balance to provide for your citizens as a way to cushion the impact of the coronavirus and improve on the health facilities. So, the expenditure side is very important. Secondly, the Central Bank should be able to print money to finance infrastructural projects and then manage it properly. Now, in Nigeria, the Navy, Army and Air Force, they all have specialized units, let’s use the men in those units to begin the construction of health facilities. If there is a war, the Army can put up 50 hospital beds in three hours. Now, is the time to use them. Then, in the rural communities and slums, go and provide boreholes. When they say wash your hands regularly, you need to have water before you can do that. There are so many places in the country where the people don’t have water. So, the government needs to provide water in the slums, rural and even urban centres so that people can wash their hands. So, for me, increasing revenue is no longer the issue, because who would you tax? They even need to look at reducing company tax so that firms would not close down. Another thing we need to look at from the expenditure side, members of our House of Representatives and Senate, we know that they are overpaid, the so called two-months salaries they said they are forfeiting is not enough. The best thing is to freeze their basic salaries for six months and only pay staff of the National Assembly. Freeze their salaries, but you can pay them their allowances.

But so far, are you satisďŹ ed with measures taken by the federal government?

Yes, they have done well, but they should do more. And then, they should approach the AfDB to borrow as they have indicated. We need money now more than ever to do lots of things.

The government needs to see how it can support the vulnerable and the low income earners to survive. Our challenge is that we don’t have data, otherwise, there are certain class of citizens that the government needs to be paying in the next six months, so that they can use that money to survive. In Europe, Norway, Sweden, they all have different approach to all the welfare of their citizens. Also, all those plans recapitalise the microfinance banks, and other plans for recapitalisation in the financial sector should be suspended for another six months are one year, because the impact of the disruption that this pandemic will cause will longer for more than two years. This is worse than a financial crisis. Human beings are dying. I won’t deny the fact that the government has done its best, but it needs to do more. Also, state governments should play their role. Lagos State looks well prepared, so other states need to be prepared as well. Another problem is that we are not doing enough testing, that is why still have the low number we have here.

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IMAGES

L-R:Regional Sales Manager, North East B2B, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Mr. Oladimeji Oyekan; Permanent Secretary, General Service, Kaduna State, Mr. Muhammad Bashir Umar and Director Admin and Finance, OďŹƒce of the Secretary, Kaduna State Government, Mr. Abdullahi Muktar during the oďŹƒcial handover of food products donated by Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) to Kaduna State Government as part of FMN’s commitment to alleviate the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic across the Country...recently

Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

L-R; Acting Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Ikeja Electric, Mrs Folake Soetan; Chairman of the Board, Ikeja Electric,Mr Kola Adeshina and Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, after a meeting between lkeja Electric and Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture in Lagos...recently

American citizens being evacuated from Murtala Muhammed lnternational Airport, Lagos as a result of Covid 19 pandemic eect all over the world

L-R: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan during a meeting between the Leadership of the National Assembly and the Presidential Committee on COVID-19 in Abuja...recently

Lagosians under Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Council, received the state government Covid-19 emergency food response bags at the LGA secretariat...recently PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNFUYI

Governor of Osun State Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola (right)and his deputy, Mr.Benedict Alabi, during the ag o of distribution of 6,020 bags of rice to residents as part of eorts to cushion the eects of the lockdown in the State, held at the Governmnet Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo..recently

L-R: Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; and Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Moyo Adejumo receiving relief materials for COVID-19 as part of the Church Social Responsibility in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

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CITYSTRINGS

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ë›Ă?äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͙͔͙͚͚͓͖͑͑͑͒

A Call to Decongest Correctional Centres Sunday Ehigiator writes that with 74,127 inmates in 244 centres across the country with 52,226 awaiting trial, the recent call by 51 civil society organisations for the immediate decongestion of all correctional centres has yielded result as the federal government has ordered the release of 2,600 inmates

Correctional centre

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n a bid to avert the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in correctional homes and police custody, a coalition of 51 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu, and all commissioners of police in various stages to decongest the cells and correctional homes all around the country, till the situation is arrested.

At present, Nigeria has 74,127 inmates in 244 centres across the country with 52,226 awaiting trial. So the call by the coalition was timely. This figure was gotten from a total of 244 custodial centres in Nigeria of which 139 are main custodial centres and 85 as satellite centres. A further breakdown of the figures reveal that of the total of 74,127 inmates, 1,450 are female, 21, 901 convicted and 52,226 awaiting trial.

Thus, the timely call by the coalition was made in statement over the weekend after a lengthy online deliberation amongst the CSO's consisting Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Spaces for Change (S4C), Vision Spring Initiative, Lagos, Social Intervention Advocacy Foundation (SIAF), Echoes of women in Africa initiative, Women’s Right to Education Programme (WREP), Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE), House of Justice, Prison Fellowship, Democracy and Human Rights Network, DHRN, Community Agenda for Peace, Committee for the Defence of Human Right, Human Rights Watch, Alliances for Africa, NOPRIN, Nigerian Feminist Forum, and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre.

Others include Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), Foundation for Justice and Rehabilitation of prisoners FJRP, Lagos, People Against Corruption and Injustice, Nde Oduko Foundation - NDOF, Sterling Centre for Law & Development, Partners West Africa- Nigeria, Safer World Foundation, Amnesty International Nigeria, Dorothy Njemanze Foundation(DNF), Women Initiative for Leadership Strategy & Innovation in Africa (Women Africa), Centre for Social Transformation and Human Develeopment (CHDST) , Ace and Vanguard Legal Practitioners, Human Rights Advocacy Group Lagos, Life Wire International Foundation, Legal Defence & Assistance Project, Legal Defence Against Injustice Initiative, Lawyers Alert, Daniel Ukwu Leadership Foundation (Dulf) supported, Public Enlightenment Projects,

Global Rights and Prisoners' Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA).

Among them were Prisoners' Rights Advocacy Initiative (PRAI), Lagos Civil Society Participation for Development (LACSOP), Youth Advocates For Peace Justice And Empowerment Network (YAPJEN), Centre for Transparency Advocacy, Abuja, Independent Advocacy Project IAP Lagos, Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation (HURSDEF), Tap Nitiative For Citizens Development, WILPF Nigeria, Avocats Sans Frontières France, CLEEN Foundation, Women Information Network (WINET), Edo Civil Society Organisations, and Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption (MIIVOC).

The statement read in parts, "We note, in particular, the IG’s directives to state and zonal commands to avoid unnecessary arrests and detention of persons in police cells except for serious (capital) offences. However, we note, with serious concern, that in some states, people are still held in police cells, some for bailable offences such as misdemeanors. And for suspects held for serious offences such as capital offences, Police are not able to charge them to courts because the courts are currently shut down.

"We also note that most states have no functional testing laboratories and isolation centres, and detainees in urgent need of medical attention in those states can't access healthcare. These ones are made vulnerable to more dangers than just the likely exposure to the deadly virus.

"We call on the IG to order state commissioners and divisional police officers to ensure urgent decongestion of cells by ensuring immediate release of persons still held in custody for minor offences.We also call on the IG to put in place mechanisms for effective monitoring of compliance with his directives against indiscriminate arrests and detentions and ensure consequences for non-compliance. If officers continue to make indiscriminate arrests after decongestion, the detention facilities will be congested again.

"We call on Chief Magistrates in states, in fulfilment of their obligations under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and in compliance with the 2019 Practice Direction of the Chief Justice of Nigeria on visits to police custody facilities to embark on inspection visits to police stations within

their jurisdictions with a view to ensuring the immediate release of detainees based on established criteria, to decongest the cells and prevent likely infection and spread of Covid-19.

We also recognise the need for Magistrates to be provided with protection kits to visit these places of detention.

"We call on the Attorney- General and Minister of Justice, in liaison with State Attorneys General, to also initiate steps for audit of police cells and correctional centres, including juvenile correctional facilities, to decongest them.We call for the immediate provision for all detainees and prisoners, information on the spread of the virus, urgent disinfection and distribution of sanitary materials to all holding facilities, and provision and access to running water at each facility."

Meanwhile, last Friday, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola held a meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Chief Judge of FCT, Justice I.U Bello and other government officials. In a message on his twitter handle, the Minister confirmed that the meeting was basically on the process and procedure to radically decongest the correctionalfacilities.

But late last month, the same topic was a front burner issue for the minister. Aregbesola had called for the quick decongestion of correctional centres in Nigeria to avert the spread of COVID-19 to the facilities. According to a statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Mohammed Manga, on Thursday, the minister made the call during an emergency meeting held in his office in Abuja. The meeting deliberated on how to manage the custodial centres of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement read in part: “He said the meeting was conveyed in response to the outcome of the Presidential Task Force meeting on COVID-19, noting that the safety of inmates, staff of the Nigeria Correctional Service and all Nigerians was of great concern to government. He emphasised that the nation was in an extraordinary situation which requires all hands to be on deck in order to ensure that the pandemic does not go into any of the custodial centres. “ Part of the resolutions of the meeting was a call on President Muhammadu Buhari to request the state governors to visit the custodial centres in their states with the Chief Judges

and state Attorneys-General, so as to consider and grant amnesty to deserving inmates.�

Aregbesola, therefore, called on the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, states Chief Judges, the governors and other stakeholders in the Justice Sector to immediately identify measures to be taken for quick decongestion of the custodial centres across the country as a way of preventing the spread of COVID-19 at the centres.

He said the number of those in the centres across the country calls for quick response particularly in the present situation, as they are more vulnerable to infection, adding that the situation is further compounded by the huge number of awaiting trial persons (ATPs) which accounts for over 70 per cent of the national inmates’ population in the nation’s holding facilities.

He said there is an urgent need to find a way of trying the cases of the ATPs in the country to overcome the challenge of space in order to reduce the possibility of the virus getting into the facilities.

In turn, the Controller-General of Corrections, Ja’afaru Ahmed, said that the country currently has a total of 244 custodial centres, 139 of which are main custodial centres and 85 as satellite centres. He said all the facilities have a total of 74,127 inmates, among which 1,450 are female, 21, 901 convicted and 52,226 awaiting trial. He further added that such overcrowded facilities pose a serious threat to the inmates at this time of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, if adequate steps are not taken to address the situation.

Speaking, the Minister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, called for proper profiling of all inmates in the various facilities across the country with a view to having a joint arrangement with the governors and chief judges for speedy trial of awaiting trial inmates which constitute the largest population at the Custodial Centres across the country.

On his own part, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Ishaq Bello, called for constitutional amendment to remove the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCos) from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, for easy administration of Criminal Justice System and as a necessary measure for decongestion of custodial facilities across the nation.

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CRIME&SECURITY

Sustained Onslaught against Terrorism, Banditry Chiemelie Ezeobi writes on the sustained onslaught by Operations LAFIYA DOLE and GAMA AIKI against terrorists in Valangide, Muktu and Parisu enclaves in Borno State and bandits in Pandogari, Niger State

Some of the bombings carried out in Boko Haram enclaves

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lobally, the threat posed by terrorism cannot be understated.

Accordingly, nations have evolved various strategies to tackle the menace with mixed results depending on the country and nature of the threat. Nigeria has not been an exception when the rise of the sect assumed international notoriety in 2009.

Also, world over, the military and security forces battle one major challenge: regrouping terror forces. Although Nigeria continues to suffer the same fate in its fight against the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs), there is no doubt that the military has considerably recorded some successes by reclaiming lost grounds, pushing them back into the arid desert and sometimes, even crippling their sources of weaponry.

One of such operations is LAFIYA DOLE, which has recorded considerable successes. Recently, on 28 March 2020, at Muktu, in Northern Borno, the Nigerian Armed Forces of Nigeria destroyed some structures belonging to elements of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in air strikes conducted at Muktu in the Northern part of Borno State in March 25.

The mission was executed by the Air Component of Operation LAFIYA DOLE as part of the ongoing subsidiary Operation DECISIVE EDGE, after Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) flights indicated that the ISWAP elements were using some compounds in two locations within the settlement to store their logistics as well as train their fighters.

According to acting Director Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, Operation LAFIYA DOLE dispatched its fighter jets to engage the identified compounds, scoring accurate hits leading to the destruction of the structures as well as the neutralisation of their occupants.

On March 27, several Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) were neutralised and their structures and logistics supplies destroyed in air strikes executed by the Air Component of Operation LAFIYA DOLE at Valangide in the Sambisa Forest general area of Borno State.

According to Onyeuko, the mission was conducted in continuation of subsidiary

Operation DECISIVE EDGE, was carried out after an ISR aircraft spotted and tracked some terrorists to compounds within the settlement where they resided in some well-developed structures.

Consequently, he said Operation LAFIYA DOLE scrambled its fighter jets to engage the location. “The jets were vectored to the target by the ISR aircraft, with their munitions making direct hits in the target area, neutralising some of the BHTs and damaging some of their dwellings, some which were seen engulfed in flames�.

On March 30, in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North-east of the Country, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, through the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, ramped up attacks against terrorists’ locations in Borno State. The latest of these attacks was executed at Parisu, a Boko Haram Terrorists’ hideout, within the Sambisa Forest after series of ISR missions revealed a resurgence of activities within the settlement.

According to Onyeuko, fighter jets dispatched by the Air Task Force to attack the hideout took turns in engaging the location, resulting in the destruction of some of the structures as well as the

killing of several terrorists. Other fighters, who attempted to reposition themselves in order to engage the attack aircraft, were taken out in follow-on strikes at their hiding places under shrubbery.

Also, the Armed Forces destroyed another logistics base of the Boko Haram Terrorists at Ngoske in the fringes of Sambisa forest Borno State. This was achieved in an air raid conducted by the Air Component of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in a subsidiary operation, DECISIVE EDGE. The air strikes were conducted following credible intelligence reports indicating existence of some structures within the settlements used by the terrorists to store their arms and other logistics items.

Accordingly, following confirmatory ISR missions, which showed significant activity in the settlement, Nigerian military fighter jets were dispatched to attack the location. The jets’ bombs and rockets recorded accurate hits on target leading to the destruction of the base as well as the neutralisation of some Boko Haram fighters.

In tackling banditry, on March 31, the Air Component of Operation GAMA AIKI, neutralised some bandits at their

hideout located about 10Km Southeast of Pandogari in Niger State. The attack was undertaken sequel to credible human intelligence reports indicating that the bandits had assembled under a group of trees at Kalaibu Village near Pandogari. A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack helicopter dispatched for an armed reconnaissance mission in the area spotted and engaged the bandits, neutralising some, while others managed to escape with gunshot wounds.

On April 3, the Armed Forces, through the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Artillery Batteries of Sector 3 of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), destroyed an ISWAP camp at Tumbun Fulani on the fringes of Lake Chad in Northern Borno State.

This was achieved in combined air and artillery bombardments conducted as part of the coordinated joint offensive by the MNJTF to dislodge and completely rid the Islands (Tumbuns) of Lake Chad of terrorists’ presence and activities.

According to Onyeuko, the operation was executed on the heels of credible intelligence reports indicating that the ISWAP elements, with their structures concealed under the dense vegetation of the area, used the settlement as a base from where they plan and launch attacks.

Accordingly, the joint interdiction mission was launched with a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft coordinating the barrage of artillery and air fire towards designated targets in the settlement, destroying them and neutralising some of the ISWAP fighters in the process.

In a related development, he said the Air Task Force has continued to provide airlift support to troops of participating MNJTF national contingents, along with their logistics. NAF ISR platforms and helicopters are also providing aerial command posts for enhanced coordination of close air support missions as well as fire control support for independent ground artillery bombardment of terrorists’ positions.

He added, “the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North-east, will sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation.�

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NEWS XTRA

Umahi Orders Arrest of Monarchs over Missing Naval Officer Dissolves committee over border leakages Following the disappearance of a naval officer and the killing of a 70-year-old woman, the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of the traditional rulers of Umuogodoakpu-Ngbo and Ohankwu communities in the Ohaukwu and Ikwo local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Umahi has also suspended some Development Centre Coordinators and immediate dissolution of Sub-Committee on Religious Worshipers.

The governor also ordered the arrest of the coordinators of the Ohaukwu West and Ikwo East development centres, Stephen Ogenyi and Mr. Ekuma Emmanuel, respectively, both in Ohaukwu and Ikwo LGAs over the two incidents.

Umahi, who stated this during his Easter broadcast, also suspended the technical assistants, senior technical assistants, executive assistants, liaison officers, management committee members and other appointees from both communities.

A naval officer was declared missing at Eguorie village, while a 70-year-old woman was also allegedly killed by Ohankwu people of the Ikwo LGA of the state.

According to Umahi, if by Tuesday the monarchs failed to provide information on the identities of perpetrators of the incidents that led to the missing of the naval officer and the killing of the woman, they would be dethroned.

“I have said it and I’m saying it now, I direct that the TAs, STAs, ECs and all

JAMB Resolves 4,000 Enquiries on 2020 UTME The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has stated that it received and successfully resolved over 4,000 online enquiries from candidates and the public over the recently conducted Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The complaints were received on its online platform during the period of the lockdown on Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states, as a result of the spreading COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

JAMB said in its weekly bulletin that it had received over 4,000 complaints within days of the lockdown on the 2020 UTME and resolved the cases.

“The board has taken advantage of technology, particularly as related to the institution of a ticketing platform, to address candidates’ enquiries during this period of

lockdown as over 4,000 cases have been resolved without any physical contact between staff and candidates.

“Perhaps it would be expedient to state that the facility for change of programmes or institutions has been activated while results are ready for printing but these processes have been put on hold because the presidential directive mandating citizens to stay at home is still in force.

“As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the printing of result would be enabled. The introduction of the ticketing system in 2018 was to address the challenge of candidates crowding the board’s offices, engender transparency by way of tracking complaints, provide conducive atmosphere for candidates seeking correction of data and ensure that necessary feedback is obtained from candidates.”

SERAP Asks N’Assembly to Give N37bn Renovation Fund to States Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has advised that the N37billion budgeted for the renovation of the National Assembly complex should be given to the states to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on the masses.

The group made the proposition in a letter written to the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

In the letter by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oludare, SERAP suggested that each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja should be given N1billion.

SERAP said, “We applaud the patriotic steps and voluntary contributions already made by the National Assembly towards fighting COVID-19 in the country. We now urge you to make major strides to national

efforts to deal with one of the greatest threats facing the country by immediately redirecting the N37billion to provide direct and tangible benefits to the poorest and most vulnerable people among us.

“Nigeria is at a crossroads and the National Assembly leaders and members must now decide whether to continue to look after themselves and do little for the country’s poorest or make commitment to redirect the N37billion to help ameliorate the suffering caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

“While some of the authorities’ responses to COVID-19 across the country may be necessary to stop the spread of the disease and save lives, we are concerned that the prevailing situation has taken its toll on the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people who continue to endure the grimmest of conditions in several states and the FCT.

other appointees from these communities be suspended,” Umahi said.

In a related development, Umahi also yesterday suspended some Development Centre Coordinators and immediate dissolution of Sub-Committee on Religious

Worshipers.

Umahi gave the directive in a statement issued yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji.

He said that the action was with the exception of its Chairman, Rev. Fr. Abraham

Nwali, who was in the church at the time of the Sunday service.

The governor said: “The suspension and dissolution followed the failure of the groups to effectively guard the borders and entry points in their domains.”

He added that “the step was also due to the inability of the State Anti-Coronavirus Sub-Committee on Religious Worshipers to ensure the enforcement of the COVID-19 precautionary measures among churches on April 12, 2020”.

DONATIONS FROM THE BAR…

L-R: Partner, Olaniwun Ajayi LP, Dr. Kuk Ekwueme; First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor on Health, Dr. Olalade Kehinde; Partner, OALP, Mr. Seye Opasanya (SAN); and Principal Partner, OALP, Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi (SAN), during the presentation of medical supplies, equipment and food items to Ogun State Government to assist the state in its fight against COVID-19 in Abeokuta...recently

NCC to Propel Socio-economic Transformation with ICT Parks Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday, said it has embarked on the building of six Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Parks to promote socio-economic transformation of Nigeria.

NCC said the ICT Parks would provide Innovation Labs and Digital Fabrication Laboratories (Fablabs) for use by ICT innovators and entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into products and prototypes.

The parks will also provide a commercial hub for ICT capacity

building and digital skills; create employment and entrepreneurial activities; and facilitate smart city deployment across the Digital Industrial complex.

An initiative of the current leadership of NCC, the ICT Parks Project involves the construction and equipping of fully-functional Tier-4 Digital Industrial Complex (DIC) in each of the six geo-political zones across the country.

The project concept is designed to support federal government’s ICT–related policies by facilitating the availability and accessibility

of ICT services across the country and to promote their usage across all sectors.

The ICT Park consists of laboratories for ICT innovations and commercial hubs providing capacity building to ICT startups and entrepreneurial activities.

The Parks are designed to have fast internet service (broadband) and constant power supply.

Commenting on the initiative at the weekend, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof.

Umar Danbatta, said the commission embarked on the project in all the six geo-political

zones of the country with a view to building capacity for the Nigerian teaming youths in the area of skill acquisition and innovation to join existing initiatives towards accelerating socio-economic transformation of Nigeria.

“The whole idea of putting these two things (i.e. skill acquisition and innovation) at the forefront of this very important initiative is to produce youths that can be self-reliant, generate employment for themselves and for other Nigerians,” he said.

Troops Kill 10 Bandits in Zamfara, Sokoto The Defence Headquarters has said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji weekend, neutralised over 10 bandits and rescued many kidnapped victims from their hideouts in Zamfara and Sokoto states.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

Enenche said that the troops, in a ground and air operation closed up on bandits in a

subsidiary operation called Operation Chingaba along Maru-Dansadau axis killing nine bandits.

He added that 18 victims comprising 10 men, four women and four minors who were kidnapped by the bandits were rescued during the operation.

Enenche also disclosed that the troops, in a sting operation at Isah Road close to Sarwa Village in Isah Local

Government Area of Sokoto state, arrested a gun runner known as Alhaji, following credible information.

According to him, at the point of his arrest, his men in ambush opened fire on troops leading to his death while his men fled with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

“Troops recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun PKT, 140 rounds of 12.7mm, 43 blank ammunition and one

motorcycle.

“In the same vein on April 11, troops of FOB Dangulbi and Dansadau at a blocking force at Gobirawa made contact with bandits forcing them to withdraw in disarray.

“Troops pursued and neutralised one bandit, recovered one AK47 rifle, three 7.62mm special ammunition, water jet explosives, two inches Det 33 cable for IED and one motorcycle.

CAN Decries Marginalisation of Christians in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State chapter at the weekend expressed concern over the continuous marginalisation of Christians in terms of political appointments since the present administration came into office on May 29, 2019, in the state.

The group said the ‘ugly development’ has negated the promise of the state Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, that

he would be fair to all during his electioneering in the 2019 general election.

In an open letter to the governor signed by CAN Chairman and Secretary, Rev. Reuben Idowu Ibitoye and Most Rev. Paul Olawoore respectively, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Ilorin, CAN lamented that “none of the nine federal legislators from Kwara State is a Christian.

“It was a situation that ordinarily should spark off

suspicion of an agenda because such development was not a result of drought of astute Christian politicians in the process that culminated in the emergence of candidates for those positions.”

The CAN added: “As it stands today, almost all the appointments so far made by the governor do not reflect sensitivity to the religious plurality of the state.

“On coming on board of this government under your leadership on May 29, 2019, you promised to be fair to all

Kwarans. However, right from that time till date, the Christians are yet to see a true reflection of that promise.

“For instance, the first three appointments you made-the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the State Government and Chief Press Secretary to the governor, and later that of the Deputy Chief of Staff-did not include a single Christian. Yet, the Deputy Chief of Staff slot has always been reserved for a Christian once the Chief of Staff is a Muslim.”

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COVID-19 UPDATE...

Nigerians, Other Africans Rendered Homeless in China Ayodeji Ake and Chiamaka Ozulumba Nigerians and other Africans who reside in Guangzhou in China have complained of being evicted from their homes amid rising xenophobia in the country.

According to reports by the Cable News Network (CNN), Africans have been evicted from their homes by landlords and have been turned away from hotels, despite many claiming to have no recent travel history or known contact with COVID-19 patients.

Many Africans who spoke to the media in Guangzhou said they have been subjected to random testing for COVID-19, while those not evicted have been quarantined for 14 days in their homes, despite having no symptoms or contact with known patients.

A Nigerian trader, Nonso, who only wants to be addressed by his first name, said he and his girlfriend received a message from their landlord at 7 p.m on WeChat, a Chinese messaging

app, saying they needed to vacate their flat by 8 p.m.

He said: “I told him I can’t vacate in one hour. I pay 1,500 yuan ($212) a month for his apartment in Nanhai on the outskirts of Guangzhou. I have lived in China for three years.”

He further explained that at 10 p.m., the landlord came to the flat and cut off the electricity and water supply.

“I asked them, what did I do? I have paid rent until September with two months’ deposit. They didn’t give me any reason,” he said.

Nonso called the police, who let them remain in the apartment for the night. But in the morning, Nonso said the landlord returned with a different officer, who said he had to leave. Nonso said he had struggled to find a new apartment for rent.

“We have contacted a lot of agents and none of them are leasing to black foreigners,” he said.

Social Media users have however condemned the maltreatment.

Anambra Commences Total Lockdown, Arrests Commuters, Travellers Condemns criminalisation of state COVID-19 index case David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Security operatives in Anambra State have commenced the enforcement of the total lockdown order announced by the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, after its COVID-19 index case was unveiled.

The state government has also condemned the open criminalisation of the state index case of COVID-19.

THISDAY observed that roadside traders, newspaper vendors, intrastate/intra-city transporters were all sent back home, while few who are allowed to move around the city were made to properly identify themselves.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force were seen in all major roads in the state sending back citizens to their homes.

The spokesperson for the state Police Command, SP Haruna Mohammed, in a statement made available to THISDAY, said: “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that the Command, in compliance with the directives of the state governments in order to contain the spread of COVID-19, has commenced total

enforcement of lockdown order in the state with immediate effect.

“In view of this, the public is kindly requested to stay at home. No movement, no local transportation. The index case has been in the state since March 28, and has socialised extensively with others.

“This extreme restriction became necessary in order to identify and isolate primary and secondary contacts as well as ensure that no further spread as the contact tracing is ongoing.”

Meanwhile, some commercial bus drivers and their passengers have been arrested at Amansea, a border community the state shares with Enugu State, while trying to sneak out of the state last Saturday night.

The media aide to the state Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Christian Madubuko, Mr. Stephen Anigbogu, told THISDAY that the commissioner rushed to the border community after he was alerted of the attempt by the commuters to forcefully move out of the state.

Meanwhile, the state government has condemned the open criminalisation of the state index case of COVID-19.

A Twitter user, @Suzy Q said: “This is what is currently happening to Africans in china.

Where are our leaders?!? South Africans and other Africans on the continent are being discriminated against and attacked.”

Another Twitter user, @

JohnMmabagaKE said: “I choose not to say ‘Africans’.

I say ‘we’...the black race.

Disadvantaged, disrespected, hated and reviled. But what the world forgets often is we are built out of resilience. They wish us out but we still thrive.

We as Africans will blossom

wherever we are”.

For @Kgothatso_, he said: “Nigerians must stop bothering other nations and must just stay home. Making themselves victims is beginning to be tiring. @Oge_eke on Twitter said: “It is very unfair to speak about people you don’t know in such

manner. If a Nigerian commits a crime doesn’t mean all of them commit crimes. Every country definitely has good and bad eggs”.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Zhao Lijian said has denied the allegation.

COAL CITY RICE TO THE RESCUE…

L-R: Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya; Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Michael Ogbuekwe; and state Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Matthew Idu, during the unveiling of the state’s Coal City Rice, to be deployed as one of the palliatives to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic, in Enugu...yesterday

Air Peace: Our Crew Didn’t Abscond from Quarantine Facility Chinedu Eze Air Peace has debunked the claim that three members of its flight crew have absconded from the quarantine facility provided by the Lagos State Government.

The airline was referring to the flight crew that operated the flight that airlifted medical supplies and Chinese personnel, via Boeing B777-200 ER (P4 5-NBVE), which arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on April 8, 2020.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide, all the crew that operated the flight, which include six pilots, eight cabin crew, two engineers

and one dispatch officer are currently quarantined under the supervision of the Lagos State government.

Olajide explained that before the flight departed to China each member of the crew was tested for COVID-19 and the results came out negative.

She said that in conducting the flight to Beijing, Air Peace followed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) protocol to ensure that its crew members were protected from exposure to the virus.

She said that on arrival at Beijing airport, none of the crew members came out of the aircraft, while the aircraft was loaded with medical supplies,

adding that the Chinese medical team boarded the aircraft from the central door and stayed in the business class cabin as the flight left for Nigeria.

She also explained that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) approved standard protocol to protect flight crew during the COVID-19 pandemic and NCAA adopted it, adding that it is this protocol that Air Peace followed in conducting the flight to Beijing.

Olajide said that the crew members did not know that they would be quarantined on arrival.

According to her, when the aircraft landed in Abuja and concerned authorities suggested

it, Air Peace argued against it because it followed NCAA protocol in conducting the flight.

“So, discussion on it was inconclusive when the flight headed to Lagos,” she said.

According to her, the airline learnt later that while the flight was airborne to Lagos, Abuja had directed the Lagos State government to quarantine the crew.

“So, on arrival, while the engineers and the dispatcher went down to the foot of the aircraft to secure it after the long flight, the Lagos state government health team took the pilots and the cabin crew that had already disembarked from the aircraft to quarantine.

South Africa Evacuates 136 Passengers from Nigeria Chinedu Eze In continuation of the evacuation exercise occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, South African Airways yesterday airlifted 136 of the country’ citizens

out of Nigeria from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The South Africa Airways aircraft with the registration mark: ZS-SNB, operated by Airbus A346, departed yesterday evening to

Johannesburg.

The aircraft, which earlier arrived in the country at 3:10 p.m. local time, departed 7:00 p.m.

It was the first time any African country would be evacuating its citizens from

Nigeria since the spread of COVID-19, which occasioned global lockdown.

South Africa was one of the few countries that first evacuated its citizens from China, where the pandemic first broke out.

Ngige Tests Negative for COVID-19 Pope Urges World Leaders to Reduce or Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has tested negative for the COVID-19.

The test result sent to the minister from Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) yesterday night confirmed he has not been infected by the virus.

The text result announced by the minister via a text message to THISDAY, said: “Good day sir, your result just came in and it is negative. Regards Dr. John

NCDC.” The minister said he enlisted to undergo the NCDC test in order to reassure himself and members of public of their safety.

THISDAY learnt that Ngige had joined other members of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet to observe the mandatory solation after being exposed to a top official in the presidency who tested positive to the virus.

In text message, Ngige said a blood sample was sent to NCDC laboratory for testing which turned out negative.

Forgive Debts Burdening Poor Nations Pope Francis has called for the reduction or outright forgiveness of debts of poor countries.

In an Easter message at the Vatican yesterday, the pope said by reducing or cancelling debts, countries would be in a better position to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

“This is not a time for indifference, because the whole world is suffering and needs to be united in facing the pandemic.

May the risen Jesus grant hope to all the poor, to those living on the peripheries, to refugees and the homeless,” Pope said in his Easter address.

“In light of the present circumstances, may international sanctions be relaxed, since these make it difficult for countries on which they have been imposed to provide adequate support to their citizens, and may all nations be put in a position to meet the

greatest needs of the moment through the reduction, if not the forgiveness, of the debt burdening the balance sheets of the poorest nations.”

While offering prayers for the sick, poor and elderly, Francis urged political leaders to give hope and opportunity to laid-off workers.

There should be solidarity the world over to confront the disease he described as an

“epochal challenge” posed by the global health crisis, he said.

He urged the European Union (EU) to step up to the challenge posed by COVID-19 and resist the tendencies of selfishness and division.

The pontiff recalled how Europe rose again after World War II “thanks to a concrete spirit of solidarity that enabled it to overcome the rivalries of the past.”

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Rivers Accuses FG of Double Standard Davidson Iriekpen

The Rivers State Government has accused the federal government of politicising the fight against the spread of COVID-19 and adopting double standard in dealing with Rivers and Lagos states on the same issues.

The Special Assistant to the Governor Nyesom Wike, Mr. Simeon Nwakudu, said while the federal government was doing everything possible to protect the health of the people in Lagos State, it was working seriously to undermine the safety and health of Rivers people.

He said the federal government chose to collaborate with Lagos State on matters of aviation, which is in the Exclusive List, to contain the spread of the virus but continued to carry out flight operations without involving the Rivers State government citing exclusive list.

Quoting some reports, Nwakaudu highlighted how the federal government worked with Lagos to quarantine the crew members of Air Peace, who flew in Chinese doctors

into the country, saying that they were isolated for 14 days to ascertain their status.

“Reading through the report, it is clear that the quarantine procedure is mandatory, especially when such crew members have entered a coronavirus impacted territory.

In the case of Nigeria, Lagos State is a coronavirus impacted territory.

“The Commissioner for Health, Lagos State declared that community transmission of coronavirus is in full swing in the state. With this public declaration, it is necessary that precautionary measures be taken as long as the persons are coming from that location.

“Recall that the federal government has quarantined the Chinese doctors that are in the country to carry out medical outreach on behalf of the federal government.

“This brings me to the main point that I have set out to make. The federal government that has emphasised Exclusive List every step of the way in relation to interactions with pilots and aviation has willingly allowed the Lagos State Government to

quarantine 17 Air Peace pilots and crew to stem the spread of coronavirus”.

Nwakaudu noted that when three crew members of Air Peace escaped from quarantine a joint team of the Federal and Lagos State Governments apprehended them for the overall safety of Lagos State with neither the airline raising the alarm nor the federal government shouting exclusive list.

He, however, said: “But when it comes to Rivers State, the operators of exclusive list are willing to risk the lives of

over 6million Rivers people and Nigerians just to drill barrels of oil.

“They are willing to insult the Rivers State Governor everyday on National Television and Mainstream Media for insisting on the implementation of an agreement for the observation of basic health protocols to protect the lives of Nigerians, wherever they maybe.

“If 17 personnel of leading airline who flew 14hours nonstop to China to ferry essential health equipment to tackle coronavirus for the overall safety of Nigeria could

be quarantined for 14days in line with established health protocols, why would anyone justify the reckless flights into Port Harcourt by Carveton Helicopters, who consistently refused to observe health protocols?

“If the federal authorities allowed the Lagos State Health authorities to freely operate at the Murtala International Muhammed Airport, where they apprehend pilots on essential services and quarantine them for the safety of Lagos people, why embolden Carveton Helicopters to

disregard health protocols when the fly into Rivers State?

“The entire world is singing from one hymn page to ensure the safety of everyone. But in Nigeria, the situation is different.

The federal government has instituted measures that frustrates the fight against coronavirus in major opposition states.

“Aside, encouraging private businesses to compromise the health security system of Rivers State at this critical time, there is no federal support for Governor Wike to carry out this herculean task.

Edo Sets up Mobile Courts to Try Violators of Restriction Orders Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city Edo State Government has constituted mobile courts across the state to try violators of the measures put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The mobile courts are designated in all the 18 local government areas of the state.

However, while the mobile courts in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor Local Government Areas are to be presided by Chief Magistrates (Special Grade), other local government areas would be headed by the most senior Magistrate.

The setting up of the courts is sequel to the Edo State Dangerous Infectious Diseases Regulations 2020, invoked by the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Obaseki had last Tuesday signed the Quarantine Regulations made pursuant to Section 8 of the Quarantine Act, the Public Health Law and other legislation, which gives legal sanctions to the response actions of the state

government to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Explaining the rationale behind this, the Chief Registrar of High Court of Justice, Idemudia Aziegbemhin, in statement at the weekend, said the state judiciary constituted the mobile courts to determine cases arising from violations of the provisions of the regulation.

He noted: “Sequel to the signing into law of the Edo State Dangerous Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulations 2020 and pursuant to its provisions and guidelines issued thereto as well as towards the enforcement of the aforesaid provisions, the general public, especially stakeholders in the Criminal Justice Administration sector, is hereby informed that the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Esther Edigin, has constituted Edo State Dangerous Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Mobile Courts 2020 to determine cases arising from violations of the provisions of the said regulation.

MAINTAINING SAFE DISTANCE…

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Chike Princewill (left); and General Manager, Corporate Communication and Zonal Coordination, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Dr. Ginah O. Ginah,\ during the presentation of ambulances and medical supplies donated by NCDMB to the state government in Port Harcourt…weekend

Ondo Govt Accuses Police of Collecting Bribes at Boundaries The Ondo State Government has accused the police of collecting bribes and allowing people from other states to enter the state in violation of the lockdown orders.

The Special Adviser on Special Duties to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Dr. Doyin Odebowale made this allegation

yesterday when he visited the boundaries.

Odebowale lamented the influx of people from other states despite the ban on inter-state movement.

He alleged that the police were frustrating the effort of the government at containing the spread of the deadly disease

by allowing people to enter the state after paying a bribe to the police.

“You people are supposed to turn back any unauthorised vehicles but you allow them to pass through. You are corrupt.

You are not doing your work,” he told the police officers.

But the head of the

police team, Mr. Ebisine Amy, denied the allegation, saying the policemen at the boundary were doing the work professionally.

“We don’t collect money from anybody and no vehicle has passed through this place.

My men are doing their work accordingly,” he said.

Jegede Donates Food Osun Discharges 10 Ivory Coast Returnees Items, Seeks Help for the Poor Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Kayode Fasua

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship hopeful in Ondo State, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), has advised well-to-do Nigerians to see the coronavirus pandemic as a global disaster, and sacrifice resources to aid the vulnerable.

He made the appeal in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at the weekend when he visited various parts of the state, where he ensured the donation of food items to party leaders and other members of the public aimed at cushioning the effects of the restrictions occasioned by the pandemic.

A statement made available to THISDAY by one of his aides, Mr. Olumide Ogunkua, Jegede, a former state Commissioner for

Justice and Attorney-General, said the disease had caught humanity unawares and posed a lesson in humility and sacrifice.

“Coronavirus was not in any way anticipated or prepared for.

But what is uppermost is the two-fold fact that while observing precautionary steps, the well-to-do citizens should rise in support of the poor and the vulnerable,” he pleaded.

Jegede, however, clarified that his decision to part with his little resources to fend for those in need in the wake of the pandemic, was not politically motivated.

“I’m not aware that COVID-19 has a political party or belongs to an interest group. It’s like a plague that is threatening human existence.

The Osun State Government has discharged 10 COVID-19 patients from its health facility at Ejigbo council area in the state having tested negative twice for the virus.

The state Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Osogbo, said the 10 patients

had tested negative twice for the virus in line with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocol, and have been released to reconnect with their families.

According to the governor, the 10 patients are among the 17 Ivory Coast returnees who were earlier tested positive.

He added that the remaining seven patients were responding

to treatment, and expressed optimism that they would soon recover and be released to join their families.

Oyetola said the release of the 10 patients would bring to 11 the number of cases that have tested negative twice in the state.

“You will recall that of the two earlier cases, one had tested negative and had since been discharged. Consequently,

the release of 10 patients today (yesterday) brings to 11 the number of cases that have tested negative twice and have been discharged after treatment in the state,” he said.

The governor noted that “this development underscores our belief that COVID-19 isn’t a death sentence, as it’s treatable if the patients surrender themselves for treatment on time.”

Kwara Fumes as Ex-commissioner Recants Claim on Ventilators Former Commissioner for Health in Kwara State, Suleiman Alege, has recanted his earlier claim that the Govetrnor Abdulfatah Ahmed administration left three ventilators in the state, a few hours after the state government challenged him to provide proof or be dragged to the anti-graft agency to produce the facility.

“To say there was no ventilator in Kwara State before

now is a fat lie,” Alege claimed in an article that went viral last Saturday, adding: “We had three in good working condition in Kwara State before the advent of the present government.”

Alege was apparently trying to play down the recent purchase of 10 new ventilators, among other key ICU equipment by the AbdulRazaq administration.

The incumbent had said the state had no single ventilator until now, questioning the capacity of the state hospitals to manage respiratory diseases.

Extreme cases of COVID-19 may require ventilators as a lifeline for patients losing their capacity to breathe on their own.

Kwara State currently has two asymptomatic cases of the

virus as at yesterday afternoon.

In a statement countering Alege’s claim, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, insisted that the government inherited no ventilator, and said the former commissioner might be required to help the security agencies to locate the ventilators he claimed were bought by the previous administration.

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FG: Lockdown Reduced Pandemic Cases The federal government through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has

said the lockdown imposed on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as well as Lagos

...Says No Reopening of Schools Yet The federal government through the Ministry of Education has urged Nigerians to disregard some false news flying around that it had directed the reopening of schools.

The ministry’s Director of Press, Mr. Ben Goong, clarified yesterday that there was no such directive from the minister, Malam Adamu Adamu, adding that everyone had been instructed to work from home due to the pandemic.

Goong urged parents, guardians and stakeholders not to be misled by fake news but should continue to abide by the federal government’s regulations to tackle the ravaging pandemic.

“On the issue of reopening of schools, the ministry has not directed the reopening of any school at any level. The purported press release by the minister to that effect is

a clear forgery as it did not emanate from the minister.

“Parents, students and the general public are advised to please disregard the fake release. There is also another story making the rounds that the federal government has blamed the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on vice-chancellors. At no time did any Federal Government official make that kind of statement.

“Any insinuation in that direction is simply emanating from the fertile imagination of the author and that the ministry has nothing whatsoever to do with it.

Stakeholders and indeed the general public should disregard such statements.

Stay at home, stay safe. Let’s work from home like I’m doing. Only the living can work or worship.”

and Ogun states reduced the rise in COVID-19 cases in the country.

Speaking yesterday on Sunday Politics, a live Programme on Channels Television, the National Coordinator in the fight against COVID-19, Dr Sani

Aliyu, argued that the number of confirmed cases would have been significantly higher without the lockdown order.

Aliyu insisted that the it was important for people to observe the lockdown for as long as it is in effect.

“Some of the modeling studies we have done show that if we hadn’t put through the lockdown, we probably would have had much higher numbers.

“Certainly, if you look at Europe and North America, the numbers doubles every

three to four days and this is not what is happening in Nigeria.

“So, to a certain extent, we are doing something right in this country. The numbers remain relatively low compared to the trend in other countries.”

ENFORCING THE LAW…

Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), DCP Olatunji Disu (middle), and a team of RRS officers combing Computer Village, Ikeja, in search of violators of government’s stay-at-home order in Lagos ….yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

PROPOSED TWO-MONTH FREE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO COST FG N109.8BN In January 2019, NBET sent an invoice of N55,782,765,614.21 billion to the 11 Discos as the cost of power supply for the month.

For the subsequent months, an invoice of N51,034,312,869.58 was sent in February; N54,528,436,650.93 in March; N51,641,432,458.96 in April; N53,964,628,756.61 in May; N47,583,048,273.37 in June; N51,675,945,829.13 in July; N53,007,648,M031.50 in August, and N49,398,129,562.64 in September 2019.

In October 2019, N50,100,668,072.37 was the total invoice; N53,500,536,476.19 in November; and N62,252,549,885.43, bringing the total cost of electricity supplied for the year to N634,471,103,478.91.

A cost of N52,134,588,489.19 was also incurred in January 2020, the data showed.

ANED’s Executive Director in charge of Research and Advocacy, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, had said all the participants in the electricity value chain must be involved for the free electricity supply to work.

He said: “Remember, we (Discos) don’t own the product we sell. The product we distribute does not belong to us. Generating companies own the product and they use raw materials to generate it. The raw material, which is gas, does not belong to them.

The federal government has to pay for the gas.

We do not transport the product – the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) does. So, all the stakeholders must be involved. We can’t unilaterally provide electricity free of charge for Nigerians.”

Reacting to the proposed scheme, Ikeja Electric said

for it to work, the federal government must approve the stimulus package proposed by the National Assembly.

“The ability of the Discos to implement this proposed palliative is subject to the stimulus package being passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by Mr. President.

“We urge all customers to continue to pay their utility bills as usual, while on our part, we shall continue to serve and put our customers first during this difficult period,” the company said in a statement.

However, the Federal Ministry of Power at the weekend said no decision had been reached on the issue of whether to supply free electricity to Nigerians or not.

In a tweet on Friday, the ministry said the government would officially communicate its decision when it arrives at one.

“No decision has been taken by the federal government to provide Nigerians with free electricity for two months.

“If and when that becomes a reality, it shall be announced officially.

“Be rest assured that the federal government is exploring ways to ameliorate any hardship on Nigerians,” the tweet read.

Gbajabiamila, during a recent meeting between the National Assembly leadership and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, had mooted the idea that the stimulus package was necessary since it would have the highest impact on Nigerians.

“We have the figures. I think we should look very seriously into that as part of our package for economic

stimulus because stimulus means something that will stimulate the economy.

When you are stimulating the economy, most of it will come from the informal sector.

“When you are saving people their electricity and the fact that they now have stable electricity for two months, you are also saving the monies that would go into the payment of those bills at least for two months,” he had said.

FG Saves $1.8bn from Power Not Evacuated Meanwhile, despite the fact that the federal government paid over N240 billion between 2015 and December 2019 for power generated but not evacuated, it has nevertheless saved about $1.8 billion as payment for undelivered capacities, a senior government official at the Ministry of Finance told THISDAY. The official also stated that the presidency was concerned about the funds being paid monthly for power but not evacuated and had directed the Ministry of Finance and NBET to give an update on the current liabilities.

THISDAY’s findings revealed that between September 2016 and December 2017, NBET migrated to the issuance of ‘’energy-only PPAs,” ensuring that future contracts should be based on the payment of actual electricity energy delivered to Nigeria. ‘’This saved our country significantly funds it needs to pay for contracted electricity but which due to transmission and distribution challenges may not be delivered to Nigeria. ‘’In the overriding public interest, NBET did

not execute additional default agreement between September 2016 and May 2019, in spite of pressure placed directly on NBET Chief Executive Officer (CEO). ‘’If NBET CEO has executed five of the PPAs that were on her table when she resumed on August 2016 and the contracts had attained commercial operation by May 2019 at the minimum, the federal government would have had to provide about $1.8 billion monthly for generated electricity that will not be evacuated,’’ the source added.

The official said the breakdown of the funds would have been $165 million monthly payment for contracts and possible tested capacity, at the minimum of $33 million per month; $495 million – revolving payment security that covers three month-invoice; $600 million payment for Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) and N5 billion for Annual Takeor-Payment for the natural gas for the plants that may be due at the end of each year.

THISDAY reported recently that N240 billion payment for generated power not evacuated was for five power plants: AGIP, Shell, Olorunsogo, Omotosho and Azura, with 25 power plants in the federal government’s portfolio power plants.

The source explained that the huge financial burden was “already telling on the federal government’s financial management,” especially with the gas supply agreement (GSA) between the Calabar Generation Company Limited and Accugas Limited being threatened over $66 million unpaid

invoices.

Under the controversial GSA signed in May 2017, Nigeria is obliged to pay Accugas over “$10 million monthly with or without gas supply” to Calabar Genco.

In a letter, late last year, signed by the Managing Director, Accugas, Mr. Ian Brown-Peterside, he was quoted as saying that the company was invoking “clause 18.5.1 of the Natural Gas Sales Agreement dated 12th May 2017 between Accugas Limited (the Seller) and Calabar Generation Company Limited (the Buyer) and also to Clauses 3 and 4.1 of the Support Agreement dated 12th May 2017 between the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), the Buyer, Seller and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).

“Terms defined in the Support Agreement have the same meaning in this letter. (1) A Monthly Invoice of US$3,887,293.84 dated 18th February issued by the Seller and received by the Buyer on 14th March 2019, of which the undisputed balance of US$643,332.03 is outstanding and overdue for settlement (the Invoice); payment in respect of the Invoice was due on 13th April 2019.

“A Dispute Notice has not been received in connection with the invoice by the expiration of the Due Date; the following Guaranteed Payment is required to be paid into account details provided below.”

Brown-Peterside added that “in the event that the above guaranteed payment is not paid into the aforementioned account within seven days, we shall have the right pursuant to Clause 1 of the Support Agreement to make a withdrawal under the IDA

PRG L/C. “This notice of nonpayment does not include a demand in respect of interest or any sums other than the Guaranteed Payment.”

At the preparation stage of the gas sales agreement (Calabar, Accugas) and other related deeds of amendment, NBET Board had requested the management of NBET to advise on the risk associated with the transaction.

In its reply, NBET warned that the electricity market was facing an existential threat, with rapidly declining payment by distribution companies that were the revenue collectors for the market – with the payment level less than 25 per cent of invoices issued to the distributors by NBET and the market operators.

NBET had warned that unless significant improvements were made in revenue collection and remittances by Discos, the entire remittances being received by NBET would barely be sufficient to pay only the company for its power generation, to enable it to pay for the gas volumes it has nominated to run the full plant capacity of Calabar Electricity Generation Company (CGCL).

But in spite of the resistance by NBET, Accugas and the World Bank in February 2017 approached the federal government to sign the PRG agreement.

The then Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had approved the signing of PRG and President Muhammadu Buhari endorsed it in less a week on his sick bed in London.

Faced with the current challenges associated with the agreement, the source said Buhari would not have signed the agreement if he had been properly advised.

Ëœ ÍšÍťËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

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MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Gumel Sends Easter Goodwill Message to Nigerian Athletes

The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has enjoined the sporting family in Nigeria not to lose hope and look at the bigger picture as Christians celebrate Easter across the globe.

In his goodwill message yesterday, Gumel who also doubles as the Treasurer of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) remains optimistic that sports stakeholders are in good spirit and safe with their families irrespective of Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. “The impact of Covid-19 has been quite enormous and unprecedented, affecting virtually all sectors, including sports, which has now led to the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and various other national

and international sporting engagements. “However, in the face of these difficulties, I sincerely hope that we shall all come out of it stronger and more determined to move ahead in life in the Olympic spirit of solidarity and friendship,�

Gumel prayed.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) member advised all and sundry to strictly adhere to the instructions by health workers. “While we continue the fight against Covid-19 and for the restoration of normalcy of life, please stay safe and observe all etiquettes of hygiene, social distancing as well as other instructions from governments and experts,� he concluded.

He therefore wished all Christians around the world the best of the easter season.

Remo Stars FC’s Billionaire Owner Battles COVID-19 on Three Fronts Remo Stars Football Club C.E.O and the owner of Bet9ja sports betting company, Hon. Kunle Soname, has joined the league of big donors in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

The billionaire yesterday, announced a donation of N200million to support the fight of the disease.

Giving a breakdown of

his donation, Soname said 25 per cent of the money (N50million) will go to Lagos State government while his home state, Ogun with a sizable number of Covid-19 victims will receive same amount as Lagos.

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health is to receive the rest 50 per cent amounting to N100million.

COVID-19: Lagos SWAN Salutes Sanwo-Olu, Others The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State Chapter has applauded the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the entire state apparatus for their efforts in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

The Lagos SWAN Chairman, Mr. Debo Oshundun, in a statement yesterday, saluted the doggedness of the state government in the fight against the pandemic.

According to Oshundun, the governor and his team deserve all commendations as their commitment and spirited approach have curbed the spread of the virus in the state and the country at large. “Without doubt, Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team have done very well and we thank them for giving Lagosians hope with their novel response which have greatly helped in nipping the scourge in the bud. “We marvel at the speed at which the isolation centres were built and other medical provisions were readily made available. Patients were given the best treatment and promptly discharged after testing negative to the virus. “So, on behalf of our members, we thank the governor, his deputy, cabinet members, and the Lagos State House of Assembly for giving succour to the good people of the state,�

Oshundun said.

The journalist also pleaded with the state government not to relent in its efforts to ensure the state is safe and COVID-19 free.

Oshundun, however, urged the residence who engage in jogging, physical exercises and playing football during the lockdown period as prescribed by government to desist from the practice. “It is important to note that some individuals engage in various forms of physical activities in clusters contrary to the government’ stay-at-home and lockdown directives. ‘’Lagos SWAN hereby appeals to them to stop flouting government directives. ‘’Those who desire to engage in keep-fit exercises can do that in their respective homes. ‘’The stay-at-home directive will only last for few weeks and we will all go back to our normal lives.�

Pogba

Fernandes

Ighalo Can’t Wait to See the Combination of Pogba and Fernandes Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo, has expressed optimism that the return of injured Paul Pogba to pair Bruno Fernandes in the midfield will greatly impact Manchester United’s fortunes in the remaining of the 2019/20 season once the COVID-19 lockdown is over.

The Shanghai Shenhua forward who is on loan at Old Trafford told top Ghanaian female sports journalist, Juliet Bawuah, yesterday that the combination of Pogba and Fernandes would be a big hit.

Ighalo who has impressed since sealing the surprise switch to United on January transfer deadline day deal, has scored four goals in eight outings for his new club.

He is one of many United stars to have benefited from the arrival of Fernandes. The Portuguese has taken to life at United seamlessly and has triggered an overwhelming sense of optimism among the United masses.

Fernandes has been a bright spark in a team lacking real creative talent, with Paul Pogba sidelined for the majority of the season. Ighalo believes that when Fernandes and Pogba finally link up in the midfield, fans will see ‘a different team’.

“He (Pogba) is working hard to get back to fitness and imagine when we have Pogba and Bruno in the midfield, then you will see a different team – (Marcus) Rashford coming back also,�

Ighalo said in the interview monitored on UK’s Sportsmail.

Ighalo knows Fernandes well as they spent time together in Italy seven years ago.

The 30-year-old Nigerian said further that the best is yet to come from his team-mate. “Bruno is a fantastic player,� he added. “I played with him in 2013-14 at Udinese. We’ve not seen the best of him yet in the Premier League. “Once Bruno Fernandes settles down in England you will see what that guy can do. He has vision, he wants the ball always. He can shoot, he can score goals, he is very intelligent. “Before the ball comes, he is a step ahead to know what he wants to do.

In times to come you are going to see what he can do in the Premier League, even better than what he is doing now,� stressed the AFCON 2019 top scorer.

Pogba’s injury restricted him to

Impossible to Finish UEFA Champions League, Says Hernandez With his team just one leg into the quarter finals of the competition, Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez believes it will be ‘impossible’ to finish the Champions League this season.

UEFA has suspended both

the Champions League and Europa League indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. All domestic leagues have also been postponed with no return date in sight, which is likely to cause huge fixture

congestion once football returns.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has said he would consider finishing the European competitions behind closed doors but will accept they might have to be

Former Chelsea and England Goalkeeper, Bonetti, Dies at 78 Former Chelsea and England goalkeeper Peter Bonetti has died aged 78 years after a long illness.

Bonetti was described by Chelsea as a “goalkeeping superstar of the 1960s and 1970s� and “one of our indisputably all-time great players�.

He was part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad

eight appearances so far this season, but he was primed to return before professional football in England was suspended because of the COVID-19 outbreak. “I’ve been frustrated, a long time ago. Now I’m almost there, so I’m just thinking about getting back and training fully with the team and everything,� the 27-year-old Frenchman said in an official club podcast. “You think bad, but I’ve never had something like this in my career, so I always take it in a good way. It makes me more hungry to come back and do well.�

Pogba suffered a foot injury in August that he aggravated by continuing to play. “I had a cast on it, a plaster-cast, so it went very well but too well. “The bone got bigger and so, when I came back again, I played those two games against Watford and Newcastle, I could feel something again.�

He underwent surgery in January and now cannot wait to return to action. “So I had to have an operation and now here I am. I don’t feel anything, and, hopefully, I’ll be back very soon,�

Pogba concluded.

but was unused throughout the tournament.

Bonetti made seven England appearances and featured in the 1970 World Cup quarter-final defeat by West Germany.

As well as playing 729 times for Chelsea, Bonetti also had brief spells at American side St Louis Stars, Dundee United

and Woking FC during a career which spanned more than three decades.

Only former Chelsea captain Ron Harris has made more appearances for the Blues and Bonetti held the record for the most clean sheets until January 2014, when Petr Cech surpassed him.

Bonetti

cancelled if they were unable to resume by September. “It’s going to be hard to cram all this in as well as a possible end to the league,�

Hernandez told French media group L’Equipe. “The Champions League concerns all the countries affected by coronavirus.

It will be difficult to get everyone out of lockdown, to be in similar condition but also just to meet up, to travel to Italy, Spain, England or France. “You have to be realistic.

I think it will be impossible to finish in the Champions League in these times, especially if we favour ending the domestic leagues.�

TR

Monday April 13, 2020

UT H

& RE A SO

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Don to Wike

“It is irrefutable that Wike’s primary training as a lawyer and the myriads of powerful positions he had occupied cumulatively place him above the precarious or vulnerable position where he can claim ignorance of the law or ill-knowledge on how the affairs of state should be run at the local, state and federal levels” – A Professor of Law, Nnamdi Obiaraeri, chiding Governor Nyesom Wike for overstepping his constitutional bounds by ordering the arrest of two Caverton helicopter pilots.

ALEXOTTI OUTSIDE THE BOX

alex.otti@thisdaylive.com

Between COVID 1.9 and Hunger 2.0 “There is a very serious virus that is killing people much higher than coronavirus.

That virus is hunger; there is hunger virus and it’s very serious. You need to go round the country into the villages, into the towns and see how people are really struggling to survive.” Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar 111, Sultan of Sokoto, (March 12, 2020)

A

s I was ruminating over the title of this piece, I remembered an experience I had about three decades ago. I had just qualified for a car loan from my employers. I didn’t want to buy the popular car that my mates were buying at that time; Peugeot 504 and 505. My friend had bought a Peugeot 505 and we had all sorts of sad experience with it. It would break down every now and again. If it was not the bushing one day, it would be the alternator another day, or the gasket the following day. Sometimes, on our way to work, the car would just ‘die’ on the bridge and we would have to alight and push it before it started again. That wasn’t going to be my portion, I promised myself.

So, I added some personal funds to my car loan and after some arduous search, I ended up buying a ‘Tokunbo’ Nissan Stanza (I don’t believe Nissan makes that model anymore).

My new car performed very well until I decided to install an air conditioner in it. That was the beginning of my trouble. In the first place, I realised that the air conditioner worked very well early in the morning and late in the evening. These were exactly the times one could do without the air conditioner. One day, in the face of a scorching sun and with many friends in the car, I decided to use the air conditioner in the afternoon. That was my greatest undoing. I watched the temperature go up on the dashboard.

As the temperature was going up, my blood pressure was going up as well. Suddenly, I noticed some area boys giving me sign that the car engine was smoking. I quickly stopped the car to see what was happening. As one of the overzealous area boys opened the bonnet, he made straight for the radiator which at that time was already boiling. Before one could stop him, he had opened the cover only for very hot water to explode onto his entire face, giving him severe burns.

I wanted to send him to the hospital, but he refused, preferring to collect money from me and go and treat himself. He collected the money and disappeared. I could bet he was not going to any hospital. The heat had cracked what they referred to as the vehicle’s “half engine” and I had to change that in addition to some hoses that had also been damaged. On going back to the engineer who installed the air conditioner, he explained that the engine capacity was 1.6CC and to enjoy air conditioners, the engine capacity had to be at least 2.0CC. In fact, most new cars coming out about then had a minimum of 2.0 litres as they were then called.

From then onwards, to use my air conditioner in the afternoon, I had to carry some water and radiator coolant along with me. I had to subsequently save up money to finally buy a Honda Accord 2.0 while I sold the problem, the Nissan, to someone else.

While I am sure that we all understand the Covid19, the Hunger 2.0 refers to the level of hunger of a higher degree than had ever been witnessed before that can make someone to disobey instructions even if such was meant to save his life. To stem the scourge of coronavirus, most countries have ordered a lockdown and restricted movement. This had been seen to

Finance Minister, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed yield results as even the city of Wuhan from where the Pandemic started was under lock down for months and has now been declared Covid-19-free. Countries that did not want to implement restrictions have had to pay dearly.

Nigeria has not been any different as the Federal government ordered the lockdown of Abuja Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun States with effect from March 27, 2020. As the Federal government was issuing its orders, many state governments either shut their borders or restricted movements in their respective states.

It would be safe to say that the entire country had been under some form of lockdown for close to two weeks now.

The consequences of the lockdown have been quite significant. Most companies shut down except for those in essential services and markets closed down completely, with very few exceptions. Religious worship centres were not left out and ceremonies including birthdays, weddings and burials were banned. Some security agencies and government officials who were assigned to implement the directives took to the streets. Some overzealous ones amongst them took the law into their hands and started applying the “Indian treatment” on offenders and manhandling those that they deemed to be in breach of the stay-at-home order. There were reports of citizens being shot and even killed in some parts of the country for contravening the lockdown order. One outlier was the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. Ikharo Attah. Mr. Attah conducted his assignment in Abuja with uncommon discipline and competence. He shut down churches and mosques in a remarkably decent manner. In a church, he reportedly waited patiently for the service to end before proceeding to arrest the Pastor in charge. He didn’t do that without eloquently explaining to the “man of God” with biblical references why what he was doing was wrong. In mosques and other moslem worship centres he copiously quoted the Quran to the transgressors before shutting them down. The passion and dexterity that this gentleman brought to his job was very infectious. The position of this column is that these are the kind of people that should man our public sector and our political space. We salute and commend Mr. Ikharo Attah. We are indeed proud of him.

Our concern today is not the churches and mosques and other worship centres that chose to flout the sit-at-home order. It is also not about those who chose to throw lavish birthday parties

and burial ceremonies in contravention of the order. Our worry is the people who cannot afford to stay at home because of the counter instruction being issued by their stomachs.

Depending on where you are and who you relate with, you may not know that these people constitute close to half of the population.

According to the World Poverty Clock, we have 96m Nigerians living below poverty line of less than $1.90 or N720 per day. This means that of the total world’s 600m poorest people, over 6% are from Nigeria. Furthermore, 63% of the number or 56m people reside in the rural areas while 36% or 40m of such people dwell in the urban areas. In fact, about 40m of the people that fall under this category are unemployed. The rest are involved in menial jobs and therefore, live by the day. They are the artisans, the petty traders and labourers, the poor taxi drivers, the peasant farmers, the scavengers and all such people who survive mainly on what they earn daily. Many of them do not have bank accounts as they would argue that their money is not enough to feed them and their families and therefore cannot afford the luxury of a bank account.

The ruling class must answer for our compatriots in this category. We may have mouthed some platitudes in the past and made some pledges that we had no plans to fulfill. I believe that Covid 19 has provided us an opportunity to pay attention to these people and begin to plan for them. We are aware that the Federal Government has been implementing a cash transfer initiative in the last couple of years. The only concern is that we don’t believe that this scheme has been transparently handled so far. If it were, how come that five years into this administration and in 2020, someone is still paying cash to them?

How can we tolerate that mode of payment in a system where the Central Bank is introducing the last phase of cashless policy countrywide?

How come we couldn’t get the beneficiaries to open accounts without which, they would not receive their payments? Exactly how many people have we been paying this sum in the last few years? The issue of the cash transfer of N5,000.00 a month is not necessarily our concern today. The fact that four months advance payments were approved for the beneficiaries is also of little importance today. Our major concern is the arrangement that was made for these people as governments at all levels implement the lockdown policy. And this must be in addition to the conditional cash transfer. And until the government begins to think seriously about this, the lockdown policy may work for a while but not for too long. Questions like am I better off remaining indoors and dying of hunger or taking the risk of being infected as I go in search of food would be agitating the minds of many victims. The discerning ones may plot a mental graph and conclude that the chances of contacting the virus are limited, after all, some of them have openly said that Covid 19 is a big man’s disease. Someone had in fact argued that it was the disease of people who travel abroad and for him that had not thought of securing an international passport, not to talk of securing a visa and buying a ticket, the chances of infection are nonexistent. Of course, we all know that the argument is fallacious.

So, what should we use this opportunity to do right away? We believe that like we had argued a fortnight ago, we must learn some lessons from this outbreak. One lesson we highlighted was that this virus is a leveler.

Having leveled us, beside paying attention to

healthcare delivery, we should also pay serious attention to the most vulnerable amongst us.

We must, therefore ensure that in the first place, we do not only know who they are and where they are, but we must also know how many they are. We must get them to open accounts with commercial or Microfinance banks. We may not be very certain, but we feel there is no local government in this country that does not have some form of banking presence.

At least, we are privy to the CBN policy of establishing a NIRSAL Microfinance bank in each of the 774 LGAs. Even in the absence of physical branches, some banks, in partnership with Telcos had introduced the agency banking model, bringing services to the unbanked. We believe this would also be of interest to CBN as it would push the number of accounts with Bank Verification Number (BVN) from the current 40m to more than the 100m target it had set for 2025, immediately. Following this would be the monthly payment of at least N10,000.00 per month for food for the vulnerable. This will amount to about N96b every month and N960b for 10 months which is less than 10% of our budget.

Someone may ask where the money would come from. The answer is simple. We are in a war situation and the government should do what countries do when they are in a war situation.

All expenses that can wait should wait. Cost of running government should be reduced to the barest minimum. Ways and means should be activated. Support should be given to local manufacture of medication and medical equipment and most importantly, food. The logistics of implementing all these should be worked out by the federal, state and local governments. We have seen some state governments give out food. While we agree that food is necessary, we do not think that governments should be sharing it. The first point is that elsewhere food is dispatched from the government’s Strategic Reserves. We are not aware of the existence of such here. Governments seem to be engendering artificial scarcity and price hikes by buying from the same markets where citizens are buying.

In some places, government has bought up all the rice available given its deep pockets. We know that it is neither sustainable nor can it be transparent and efficient. A few contractors and their collaborators in government will end up the winners . The distribution formula will remain flawed. Lucky beneficiaries end up with what they don’t need while they can’t get what they need. It is therefore, more efficient to support farmers and local industrialists and empower the people to buy from them. Palliatives and Stimulus packages must go directly to consumers and producers respectively for maximum impact. We must avoid anything that tempts us to hand out cash to anyone. It is also likely that when we start the compulsory account opening policy for the beneficiaries, we would realise that the number is much less than the figure we threw up above and therefore the outlay would reduce. We should not be afraid of disbursing funds to people in an economy that would experience another recession in the next few months anyway. This will have the capacity to stimulate the economy, encourage local production and employment, reduce the period of the recession and engender growth. Any other way we do it will lead to more suffering, longer crises and may result in avoidable social unrest. In an attempt at solving a problem, we need not create bigger ones.

Finally, permit me to wish our Christain readers a happy Easter celebration.

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