TUESDAY 16TH APRIL 2024

NUPRC Announces Addition of 1.087bn Barrels to Nigeria’s Crude Oil Reserves, 2.573 TCF to Gas Stock Oil reserves to last 68.01 years, gas 97.99 years Nigeria now holds 33% of Africa's total gas deposits Commission sets new guidelines for domestic crude obligations to local refineries

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

yesterday formally announced a rise in Nigeria’s hydrocarbons’ reserves as of January 1, 2024, with the country’s stock of crude oil jumping by 1.087

billion barrels and its gas reserves surging by as much as 2.573 Trillion Cubit Feet (TCF).

In line with the NUPRC’s statutory

declaration, Nigeria now boasts 37.5 billion crude oil reserves, while its total gas resources as of the beginning of this year, now stands at 209.26 TCF.

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TRUTH & REASON

Making the declaration yesterday in Abuja during the event it tagged: “National Annual Petroleum Reserves Position as of 1st January 2024 and Continued on page 18

Template for Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation Guidelines”, the

In Cheering News, NSA Announces Release of Remaining 22 Gusau University Students

Says mass abduction of Nigerians, ‘Never again!’ 10 years after Chibok, UNICEF seeks action to secure children's education

Naira Appreciates to 7-month High, N1,000/$ at Parallel Market, Inflation Rose 33.20% in March

Rising food, commodities, energy prices responsible for surge in CPI Food index hits 40.01%, severe in Kogi, Bauchi, Kwara, others

The naira exchange rate against the United States dollar has sustained its rally as it appreciated to a seven-month high to close at N1000/$1 on the parallel market.

On the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEM) official window yesterday, also, the naira extended its upward trend, maintaining its one-month gain as it closed at N1,136.04/$, gaining N6.32, compared to the N1,142.38/$1 it closed on Friday.

The national currency’s appreciation came as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and commodities, further increased to 33.20 per cent in March 2024, compared to 31.70

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israeli response to iran's retaliatory Attack may be imminent, Country’s official Says... Page 10

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

James Emejo in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos

the NSA declared, “Never again!”

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday, announced the rescue of the last batch of the kidnapped students of Federal University, Gusau, in Zamfara State. Ribadu said the rescue of the students was through non-kinetic effort and without payment of ransom to their abductors. On the savagery of mass abduction of innocent Nigerians by gunmen,

Chuks okocha, michael olugbode in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

TOWARDS INDUSTRIALISATION DRIVE...

L-R: Ekiti State Commissioner for Budget, Planning and Performance Management, Mr. Niyi Adebayo; the state Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi; and Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ekiti State, Mrs. Tayo Adeola, at the bank's head office in Lagos to discuss partnership opportunities for Economic Empowerment in Ekiti State... recently

Tinubu: By Fixing Institutional Mentality of Officers, We Will Transform Nigeria Police

Declares April 7 National Police Day

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, last night, said complete overhaul of institutional mentality and memory of police officers were fundamental in his administration’s ongoing bid to transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) into a modern, professional and accountable institution.

Tinubu explained that since coming on board last year, his government has initiated wide-ranging reforms to revitalise the nation’s police force. He declared every April 7 as ‘Police National Day’.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony in Abuja, the president stressed the need to engage men and women of the force in training and capacity-building to equip them with the requisite expertise to carry out the arduous task of modern policing.

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, listed part of the comprehensive reforms of his administration to rejuvenate the police force to include investment in training and capacitybuilding.

He said this would ensure that police officers were equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing, assuring them that the government would upgrade equipment and technology to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency of the force.

“This includes acquiring fit-forpurpose equipment, weapons, ammunition, and armoured carriers to provide cover and protection for officers in combat situations.

“These endeavours will be supported by suitable measures to enhance the status of our officers and personnel both during their service and after retirement,” he further stated.

The president also explained why the federal government approved the first week of April as police week and the last day of the week as National Police Day. “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in our tradition of honouring the Police Force in the life of this great nation, we have approved the adoption of the first week of April as Police Week. Furthermore, the last day of the week, the 7th of April, is hereby declared National Police Day in Nigeria.

“Tonight, I must remind you that we don’t see you as just the shields of the nation. We don’t see you as robots. This is why we are here. We are here to humanise you,” he declared.

Delivering the president’s speech titled: “Courage Under Fire: A Bouquet for Our Police Force,” the vice-president said at a time in Nigeria’s history when the nation’s security architecture was being stretched beyond elastic limits, the citizens had been able to endure in the face of security threats as well as attacks on their lives and livelihoods due to the commitment of the police.

“Your exemplary valour doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon,” President Tinubu added.

According to him, this administration had been unequivocal about its resolve to transform the Nigeria Police Force into “a modern, profes-

sional, and accountable institution that mirrors the aspirations and values” of the nation.

He said, “Our idea of a modern police force goes beyond superficial changes like repainting office buildings and residences or simply procuring firearms.

“True reform of our security doctrine and its architecture necessitates recognising the importance of administering justice and adhering to our ethical values to foster stability and order in the nation.

“The transformation we seek must transcend mere policy and infrastructure; it requires a fundamental overhaul of our institutional mentality and memory.”

In his goodwill message, the President of the Senate, Senator

Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for recognising the hard work, resilience and patriotism of the officers and men of the police force.

Expressing his delight and that of the National Assembly for celebrating the well-deserved officers of the force, the Senate President said the decision to celebrate the nation's unsung heroes would pave the way for a new police force in the country.

His words: “The leadership of the police understands the role of police force in a democratic dispensation.

I commend the Inspector General of Police and I commend the police officers for the work of sacrifice and for maintaining peace and order in our communities.

“As we commend the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones among the police force,” Akpabio stated, adding that, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Egbetokun applauded Tinubu for his support to the force, as well as his administration’s efforts in ensuring the nation's security forces were up to their game.

To the recipients of the awards and commendations, the police IG assured them that their "dedication, courage and selflessness are truly inspiring," adding that, their contributions to the force would be remembered for many years to come.

Speaking, also, Chairman of the Police Service Commission and

former IG, Mr Solomon Arase, advocated improved welfare package for men and women of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that enhanced wellbeing of the personnel would improve their overall performance in securing lives and property.

He commended the Tinubu administration for the support so far given to the police force, even as he pledged the cooperation of the Police Service Commission for the transformation of the force.

Those who also delivered goodwill messages included the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; and former IGP, Chief Sunday Ehindero.

Import Duty Exemption: FG Okays Electronic Monitoring, Evaluation Platform

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The federal government has approved the introduction of an electronic monitoring and evaluation (M & E) framework as part of overall measures towards reducing tax expenditures arising from the granting of the current Import Duty Exemption Certificates (IDEC) regime.

An IDEC is issued on items that are exempted from payment of duties, levies and other forms of taxation, which are in accordance with the provisions of extant statutes and international

agreements.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who approved the inclusion of the M & E framework known as Incentive Monitoring and Evaluation Platform (IMEP), said the move was designed to provide his ministry with a robust automated tool for more effective M & E measurement of the impact of all customs duty exemptions issued by the ministry to government entities, companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as international organisations.

Edun, in a statement personally signed by him, added that the aim of the IMEP was to ultimately cut down on cost of tax expenditure and ensure tax incentives positively impact the economy.

The statement read: "Towards reducing tax expenditures due to the granting of Import Duty Exemption Certificates (IDEC), the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy (HMF & CME) has approved the addition of an electronic monitoring and evaluation framework (M & E) to the

NANS Commends Tinubu on Student Loan Act, Calls for Security in Campuses

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended President Bola Tinubu for recently signing the Student Loan Bill into law.

The newly elected NANS chairman of Joint Campus Council (JCC) in Anambra State, Mr. Mathew Okoye Okpala, stated this during a press conference yesterday, to announce his recent emergence.

Okpara, a student of Department of Political Science, Chukwuemeka

Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, during the conference called for the strengthening of security around campuses across the country to forestall stories of kidnapping by terrorists, and killings by cultists.

He said: "The student community wants to convey our gratitude to our father and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the signing of the students' loan bill to law.

"This will help in making sure

that Nigerian students complete their studies without hitches and on record time."

Okpara, pleaded with Tinubu to also look into the issue of students’ grant, and consider Nigerian students worthy of receiving grants.

Speaking on insecurity around campuses in Nigeria, the Anambra JCC chairman urged Tinubu to ensure that tertiary institutions receive adequate protection.

There had been incidences of mass abduction of students in

tertiary institutions in Nigeria. In Anambra State, rampaging cultists had cut short the lives of students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

To forestall such occurrences, Okpala said: "We want to call the attention of Mr. President of Nigerian, to the insecurity in our campuses. "He should please look into it, as protection of lives and properties of Nigerians should be a major responsibility on his table."

Okpala, said his council would work with student union governments in all the tertiary institutions in Anambra State to ensure that tales of incessant increment in tuition fees will be a thing of the past. He pledged support for Prof Chukwuma Soludo's revolutionary government in Anambra State.

Okpala won last weekend's election after securing four out of seven votes cast by senate representatives of the seven participating institutions in the state.

current IDEC process.

"This is to provide the Federal Ministry of Finance with a robust automated tool for more effective M & E measurement of the impact of all customs duty exemptions issued by the Ministry to Government entities, Companies, NGOs and International organisations.

"This system is designed to provide a framework to check-mate and restrict ineligible applicants, enforce strict compliance to fiscal policy measures and provide a robust impact analysis of tax incentives on the economy.

"This would further eliminate the misuse of tax expenditures; support the delivery of economic outcomes from fiscal incentives and strengthen the direct measurement of the impact of tax incentives on the economy.

"Key features of the IMEP include duty claw-back mechanism, e-report generation; a centralised database; factory geo-location tagging; industry qualification status validation; inter-MDA integration; incentive tracking and issuance of Demand Notices to defaulters.

"The aim of the IMEP is to ultimately cut down on cost of tax expenditure and ensure tax incentives positively impact the economy."

CHRISTIAN ENTREPRENEURS SUMMIT...

L-R: The Director, Mel Mellis Farm Resources. Mr Yemi Omotunde;

Again, Nigeria Hit by Third Electricity Grid Collapse in 2024

TCN blames fire outbreak, says power fully restored

The national electricity grid yesterday collapsed for the third time in 2024, again throwing the nation into total blackout.

It was learnt that the grid collapsed around 2:42 am on Monday, with generation dropping to as low as 64.70mw.

After the grid collapsed, Ibom Power was the only plant online, according to available data from the Independent System Operator (ISO) under the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

There had been a lot of pressure on Discos recently to meet their obligations to Band A customers , which is believed to have put pressure

on Nigeria’s fragile national grid.

However, the TCN said yesterday that the disturbance was caused by an inferno which occurred at the Afam V 330kV plant. A number of the Distribution Companies (Discos) apologised to their customers, blaming the grid collapse for the outage.

“The current outage being experienced within our franchise states is a result of loss of power supply from the national grid.

"The loss of power supply from the national grid occurred in the early hours at about 02.42 hours today, Monday, April 15, 2024, hence the loss of power supply on all our feeders,” the Jos Disco’s head of Corporate Affairs, Dr Friday Adakole, said.

FG Vows to Position Nigeria as AI Leader in Africa, Mulls Strategic Plan

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The federal government has disclosed that Nigeria would lead Africa and play a leading role in global Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem, after the development of a national strategy on AI. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this yesterday, at the opening of a four-day stakeholders workshop on national strategic plan on AI.

AI is the development, deployment and maintenance of computational systems that could replicate certain types of human intelligence.

The theme of the workshop was "Developing the High-level Strategy and implementation Plan for a National AI Strategy for Nigeria."

Tijani, said with what the government was investing on AI, Nigeria would lead Africa on AI.

"We can think local, but also then say what does it mean for the world as a whole. So Nigeria is ready to become one of the leading countries in Africa when it comes to AI.

"We are one of the few countries investing in talents, IA, computers, which most countries in Africa are not doing. So, I think we can give leadership locally and also regionally, and in short contribute globally as well.

"What's going to happen is that in about three to five years time, we will start to harmonise the different thinking. But now that we are thinking about it we can leapfrog. We don't have to start from that silent approach," he said.

According to him, digital technology was a reality in Asia, America, and Europe, adding that the reality should be the same in Nigeria and Africa. Nigeria, he added, cannot afford to be left behind.

AI, he stated, was still new, adding, "Everybody is grappling. What you see is the fragments countries are taking silent approach to how they go about it. But it is a phenomenon that is global."

The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Kashifu

Abdullahi, said the approach was vital because it would help to diversify the nation's economy.

He said: "AI is beyond just looking at it as a technology but it is a transformational technology that we can apply across sector to boost economy.

"If we get it right, it will help us to achieve a lot as a nation.

“We can use AI to develop economic diversification strategies in Nigeria and Africa. So we can design our economy diversification strategy with AI in mind.

"The approach is fundamental

because it will help us to use our diversity and expertise to create a strategy that is inclusive and also reflect our nation consensus." He also advised participants to develop a security strategy on national security."

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy in conjunction with NITDA, the Nigeria Communications Commission, (NCC), the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Google and other development partners.

SEC, Stakeholders to Brainstorm on Critical Capital Market Issues

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other stakeholders are billed for the first quarter Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting where critical issues about the market would be extensively discussed.

A statement issued by the Commission yesterday, stated that the virtual meeting which holds on April 18, 2024, would feature discussions on challenges, exchange of ideas and make informed decisions about the progress of the Nigerian capital market.

According to the SEC, there would be a presentation of updates on major achievements from the various technical Committees such as Commodities Ecosystem Implementation Committee, E-Dividend and DCS, Financial Literacy and Non-interest

Capital Market FLTC and many others driving the implementation processes of the Capital Market Master Plan.

The CMC is an industry-wide committee comprising the SEC, representatives of capital market operators and trade groups, and other stakeholders.

The committee is a forum where stakeholders come together to engage in insightful discussions concerning the critical factors that impact the growth and organised functioning of the capital market, address the foremost concerns influencing the capital market, and work together to shape its future.

It was primarily established to serve as a medium for the exchange of ideas among market stakeholders as well as an avenue for providing feedback to the SEC on how to

continuously address challenges, improve market operations, and enhance the regulatory framework.

Expected participants at the CMC meeting include chief executive officers (CEOs) of all registered capital market firms (brokers/dealers, investment advisers, custodians, fund/portfolio managers, receiving banks, issuing houses, rating agencies, registrars, reporting accountants, trustees, and capital market consultants.

Others are Chief Executive Officers of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD); FMDQ Group Plc; Africa Exchange Holdings (AFEX); Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX); Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), as well as representatives of relevant financial sector regulatory agencies, among others.

By 12 noon, the total generation by the active plants, had however risen to over 700mw, meaning that the problem was being gradually fixed and at about 6pm had climbed to 2,490mw, still far below the 4,500mw daily supply.

In the same vein , Abuja Disco appealed for understanding from its customers , stressing that efforts were on to fix the problem.

“Dear valued customers, please be informed that the current power outage is due to a system failure from the national grid. The system collapsed at about 02:41 hours today Monday 15th, April 2024.

“We appeal for your understanding as all stakeholders are working hard to restore normal supply. Meantime, gradual restoration has started,” AEDC stated.

But hours later yesterday, the TCN announced the full restoration of the national grid, following what it said was a fire incident at the Afam power generating station, which caused a

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) will on Thursday unveil a report on survey on the state of the child and forced labour in Nigeria. The project tagged: "Accelerating action for the elimination of child labour in supply chains in Africa project," was implemented through the financial support of the United States Department of Labour (USDOL) and Netherlands Government.

A statement by the Director of ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS, Dr Vanessa Phala, said that the survey was conducted by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) with the sum of $298,351.42.

Phala explained that the aim was to undertake a survey on the state of the child and forced labour in Nigeria.

"The purpose of this invest is to generate data that would assist the Government, Workers, Employers, ILO and other stakeholders in future intervention aimed at eradicating or

partial disturbance of the nation’s grid.

“At 02:41Hrs today, 15th April 2024, a fire erupted at the Afam V 330kV bus bar coupler, leading to the tripping of units at Afam III and Afam VI. This resulted in a sudden generation loss of 25mw and 305mw respectively, destabilising the grid and causing a partial collapse.

“During the incident, the Ibom Power plant was isolated from the grid and was supplying parts of the Port Harcourt Region. This further minimised the effect of the system disturbance.

“TCN confirms that the affected section of the grid has been fully restored and stabilised,” a statement signed by the company’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said.

TCN reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the resilience and reliability of the national grid and pledged to continue investing in measures aimed at strengthening the grid infrastructure.

reducing the menace of child and forced labour in Nigeria.

"The report would no doubt provide appropriate data that would assist in the implementation of Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP), UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 8.7.

" The ILO Country Office Abuja will organise the official launch of the Nigeria Child and Forced Labour Report 2022 in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, NBS, donors, ILO constituents and other stakeholders,” she stated She added that the survey will produce reliable and timely labour statistics that is essential to the research and information needs for sound, evidence-based policymaking, and implementation of more child labour projects.

"More precisely, accurate and current statistics are necessary to describe and analyse the prevalence, determinants, and consequences of child and force labour problems," she added.

Trustee Kemi IRINOYE Foundation, Engr OluwaSeun Irinoye; the Chairman, Kemi IRINOYE Foundation, Mrs. Kemi Irinoye and the Chief Operating Officer, Wiseki Technology Limited, Sanmi Abiodun during The Christian Entrepreneurs Summit with the theme "Building an Outstanding Business" held in Ibadan at the weekend.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

ONdO STATe APC GuberNATOriAl SCreeNiNG COmmiTTee...

L-R: Member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ondo State Gubernatorial Screening Committee, Prof. Ireneus Chukwudi; Committee Member, Prophet Jones Erue; Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Joshua Lidani; APC Deputy National Organising Secretary, Mr. Nze Duru and Member, Alh.Tasiu Mohammad, during the inauguration of the Ondo State APC Gubernatorial Screening Committee at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja... at the weekend

Israeli Response to Iran's Retaliatory Attack May be Imminent, Country’s Official Says

Iran warns of 'decisive' strikes in reaction to any Israeli counterattack

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja with agency reports

There are strong indications that Israel's response to Iranian attack might be imminent, an Israeli official said yesterday.

Speaking after Israel’s war cabinet met for several hours, the official said Israeli decisionmakers believed it was important for any response to closely follow the attack.

Several diplomatic and military

options were examined during the cabinet meeting, the official said. “Any response will be coordinated with the Americans,” the official added.

This came as Israel and Iran clashed at an emergency meeting

of the United Nations Security Council yesterday. Tehran insisted it did not seek further escalation after launching the barrage of 300 drones and missiles, but warned of more "decisive" strikes in retaliation to any Israeli counterattack.

Bakare: Abiodun's Policies Impacting Lives

The Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has described Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State as a visionary leader, whose policies and programmes were impacting positively on the lives of the people.

Bakare, who stated this in an interview with newsmen after a private meeting with the governor at his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta, said Abiodun has executed many projects that could be verified by all and sundry.

"To be honest with you, this is my first time in five years of coming here. When I entered today, I felt like a transformation had taken place here because I am

familiar with this environment.

"As I was looking at the environment, I called the governor and asked him what happened. It is not magic or rocket science, but there is a lot of transformation that has taken place compared to what it used to be in the past.

"Perhaps the governor just decided that this state must be a centre of excellence, and he has made it so," he noted.

The cleric stressed that what he has seen and heard about the government is an indication that the state is making progress under Abiodun.

"When one government goes, another one comes in. We can see what the governor is doing and the fingerprint of a visionary leader. The governor has raised the standard, and his successor would have no choice but to

build on it to continually move the state forward.

"Some of the things I have heard is that salaries are paid on time, meritocracy is being put in place. If you do what is right, who is wrong and what is right will leave you alone. When the people themselves see a leader

who is selfless, they definitely will support," Bakare added.

Bakare, who hinted of his desire to relocate to the state as a result of the impressive performance of the governor and peaceful atmosphere, emphasised that "nobody would want to be in an environment that is hostile."

Step back from the brink, UN warns

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said it was time to “step back from the brink” as a chorus of world leaders urged restraint.

President Joe Biden had warned Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, against launching new strikes on Iran, and said the US would not participate in any offensive actions against Iran. But Biden entertained fears that Netanyahu was trying to drag the US into a wider conflict, US officials said.

Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Abdollahian, warned that if Israel launched an attack, the regime's next response "will be immediate, stronger and more extensive”.

He reiterated Tehran's position that the assault on Israel was within the country's legal right to respond to the strike on its diplomatic building and blamed the region's tensions on "the destructive role of the occupying Israeli regime". Cameron confirmed his call with Abdollahian in a post on X, and said he formally condemned Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel.

He also discussed the seizure of a Portuguese-flagged ship, which the Revolutionary Guards seized in the Strait of Hormuz.

"I made clear that Iran must stop these reckless attacks, deescalate and release the MSC Aries," Cameron wrote.

Abdollahian made the comment during a call with the UK foreign minister, David Cameron, yesterday, according to a state news report.

PIA: Senate Panel Summons Total Energies' Boss over Host Communities Issues

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate through its Committee on Oil and Gas Host Communities has summoned the Managing Director of Total Energies, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, to appear before

it next week.

The Committee said that Bouyer has refused its previous invitations to interface with it on matters bordering on the implementation challenges of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

JAMB: 1.98 Million Candidates to Sit for 2024 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has concluded plans for the successful conduct of the 2024 Unified Matriculation Examination (UTME) scheduled to hold between Friday, April 19, 2024, and Monday, April 29, 2024, in over 700 Computer-based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

In a bulletin released yesterday, it stated that 1, 985, 642 candidates had successfully registered to sit for the 2024 UTME, warning however that any candidate who is 30 minutes late would not be allowed to sit the examination and would be marked absent.

“To signal the commencement of the process, candidates have been directed to print their 2024 UTME notification slips, which would enable them to know their examination centre as well as the date and time of their examination.

“Similarly, candidates are enjoined to adhere to the etiquettes and guidelines of the examination as stipulated in their notification slips and be at the venue of their examination at the scheduled time so as to afford them the opportunity of going through biometric verification prior to their admittance into the examination hall.

“Any candidate, who is 30 minutes late would not be allowed

to sit the examination and would be marked as absent. The board also reiterates its zero tolerance for examination infractions and other unwholesome practices that could be detrimental to the conduct of the examinations.

“In this regard, candidates are warned to steer clear of all the prohibited items, which have been banned from the examination centres. These items have been noted to have aided some dishonest candidates in their quest to perpetrate examination malpractice hence, the ban on these items is to protect the sanctity of the board’s examinations,” the organisation said.

Some of the items, it said, are: Smart watches, smart lens (nonprescribed glasses), calculators, smart rings, smart pens, bluetooth devices, flash drives, among others. It added that candidates are also advised to desist from the practice of using decorative designs or tattoos on their palms as these can impact their biometric screening at the centre.

“Parents are kindly requested to refrain from being around the examination premises, as the board strictly prohibits parents from being present during the examination. Any candidate found with a parent in the examination vicinity will face penalties,” JAMB added.

The panel also expected Bouyer to brief it on the pressing need to address the grievances of host communities as well as the mode of operation of the oil company.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Benson Agadaga, made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday.

The Senate panel expressed disappointment in Bouyer for refusing to honour earlier invitation, stating that it was against all democratic conventions and spirit of public service.

The panel Chairman frowned on the attitude of the Total Energies Boss, and noted that it had become customary for some oil companies to delegate representatives rather than attending meetings with legislative panels in person. Agadaga said that the issues at stake needed the physical appearance of the chief executives who are expected to speak for themselves and not through proxies.

The panel chairman also emphasised that oil and gas companies must ensure transparency, equity,

well-being of their host communities. He advised the Bouyer to reconsider his position and honour the invitation.

He stressed that failure to do so will worsen the lack of confidence from the public, which posed a significant threat to the collective advancement of the nation.

Agadaga said: "The ramifications of this refusal extend far beyond the confines of bureaucratic indifference.

"It signals a dangerous precedent where those in the country's vital oil and gas sector shirk their responsibilities with impunity. Such actions breed distrust and disillusionment among citizens who rightfully expect the companies to uphold the highest standards of governance and accountability.

"The Senate Committee calls upon the MD and indeed others in similar position to reconsider their stance and honour the invitation to appear before the committee. Failure to do so will only deepen public mistrust and fuel the flames of discontent that threaten to engulf our nation's progress. Nigeria deserves better," the statement added.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

PhOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

UNIJOS Students Protest Poor Health Facilities, Death of Colleagues

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Students if the University of Jos (UNIJOS) yesterday took to the streets to protest poor health facilities on campus, which they claimed contributed to the tragic death of two of their colleagues.

The protesters, who were mainly students of Dental Surgery, stormed the school gate with placards displaying various inscriptions, and chanting slogans, such as ‘Insufficient Medical Facilities in Clinics Despite Hike in School Fees.’

Health Facilities Now.’

They demanded the reversal of the recent hike in school fees, saying it came without commensurate improvement

Other placards also bear messages like: ‘Justice for our fallen comrades’ and ‘Enough is Enough, Fix Our

ALGON Chairman Absolve of Embezzlement of Election Funds in Taraba

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

The returning officers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Jalingo Local Government Area in the February 3, 2024 bye election for Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency, have refuted allegations of embezzlement of election funds level against the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) chairman in the state, Dr Aminu Hassan Jauro.

in the quality of facilities.

The students highlighted the poor state of health services on campus, citing the recent death of two students as tragic

consequences of inadequate medical facilities despite school fees hike. They lamented the lack of essential equipment,

medical personnel, and timely emergency response, which they believe could have prevented the loss of their colleagues’ lives.

Kogi Poll: INEC Tenders Documents against SDP, Ajaka’s Petition at Tribunal

Ibrahim Oyewale in lokoja

INEC’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku, who held the brief for Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), tendered the documents before the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

Reacting to the allegation that the ALGON chairman embezzled the fund allocated for the allowances of the PDP Ward returning officers in the election as contained in an online medium publication, the returning officers maintained that the accusation was a mere political blackmail aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Dr Jauro who is also the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday tendered electoral documents against the petition by the Kogi State Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, challenging the election victory of the state Governor, Usman Ododo.

INEC had conducted the state governorship election on November 11, 2023.

However, the SDP and its governorship candidate in the poll are challenging the declaration of Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the poll.

In the petition, INEC, Ododo and APC are listed as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Jalingo and signed by Nasiru Mustapha, Ibrahim Jungudo Manga, Emmanuel Kini, Hon. Bashir Suleiman, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, and Moses Stephen Chamang, the returning officers for various wards categorically denied the accusations.

NSIB Commences Investigation into Anam Boat Accident

Ugo Aliogo

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the fatal boat accident that occurred on the Anam River in Anambra State.

In a statement signed and made available to THISDAY by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, it was noted that the tragic incident involved a commercial speedboat and a fishing canoe.

Some of the documents tendered yesterday by the commission’s lawyer before the three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, included INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of the Election; INEC Manuals for Electoral Officers and INEC Form EC8C.

US Military Veterans of Igbo Origin Want Uzodinma to Change Alleged Stance against Kanu’s Release

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in umuahia

Veterans of the United States of America military have waded into the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by calling for his release without further delay.

The veterans made the call under the aegis of American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), in a statement issued by its President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, which was made available to journalists yesterday in Umuahia, Abia State.

The group, comprising military personnel of Igbo extraction either currently serving or “have served honourably in the United States Armed Forces, said that the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has a role to play in securing the freedom for the IPOB leader.

AVID with its corporate office at Jacksonville, Florida 32238, USA, alleged that it has information that Uzodinma was involved in “sinister, clandestine manoeuvres to keep Kanu in endless detention.”

It urged the Imo State governor, who is also the chairman of the South East Governors Forum (SEGF) to drop his alleged stance against the release of the detained IPOB leader.

It said: “We, therefore, request that Your Excellency returns the Igbo spirit of ‘Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya(be your brother’s keeper)’, and work toward peace in Igbo land.”

Kidnappings: Sule Mulls Banning Ethnic Vigilance Groups in Nasarawa

Igbawase Ukumba in lafia

Worried by the increasing spate of kidnappings in Nasarawa State, the state Governor, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday said his administration was considering banning all ethnic vigilante groups operating in the state.

The Director General of NSIB, Captain Alex Badeh Jr, said: “The NSIB extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking accident. We share in your grief and are fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragedy and prevent similar occurrence in the future.

The statement revealed that the boat carrying 12 film crew members and a boat operator reportedly crashed into the canoe, resulting in the loss of five lives, adding that among the deceased was a popular Nollywood actor, Mr. Paul Odonwodo, professionally known as Junior Pope; Ms. Abigail Frederick, Mr. Precious Oforum, and Mr. Joseph Anointing.

The governor stated this at an emergency security council meeting he convened in the Government House, Lafia, with a view to tackling emerging security threats in the state.

Sule disclosed that having met with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in Lagos, as well as some security chiefs

in Abuja, where security matters were discussed, it also became necessary for him to call for the emergency security council meeting.

He pointed out that mostly as a result of activities of the Bassa militia group, which has previously been operating under the ambit of the Bassa Vigilante, his administration

was considering banning all single ethnic group vigilance groups operating in the state.

The governor insisted that the ban would include the Fulani Vigilance Group that has existed in the state since 2009.

According to him, “One of the discussions that we are going to have today is to consider the banning of any

single ethnic group vigilante that is operating in the state. Any particular ethic group establishing a vigilante will be banned.”

The governor added that his administration would give members of such ethnic vigilante groups a grace period within which to join already existing community vigilante group.

Kidnapping: Wike Donates 100 Motorcycles to Police, Vigilance Group, DSS,

Olawale Ajimotokan in abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has handed over 100 specialised motorcycles to Nigeria Police, Vigilance Group of Nigeria (VGN), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in order to shore up support by security personnel to combat kidnapping in the rural areas of the area councils of Federal Capital Territory.

At a ceremony yesterday in Abuja, the vigilance group received 60 motorcycles, while the Nigeria Police got 30, and

the DSS and NSCDC received five each.

The minister, however, cautioned that the motorcycles must only be used at the security outposts of the rural areas as the administration had been making effort to phase out motorcycles in the city centre.

He also warned the security agencies to account for the motorcycles, saying: “I don’t want to hear stories tomorrow that the motorcycles are nowhere to be found again because sometimes when you give out vehicles, before you know it, the vehicles are no more there. Please utilise these motorcycles to fight crimes in

Civil Defence

the areas you have identified. Ordinarily, the chairman of the Area Councils ought to handle this, but this is our support to them in the area.

“Make sure that these motorcycles are given out to the vigilantes, and we are going to provide logistics for those who are going to use these motorcycles. We are going to provide logistics for them. Anything we can do to protect lives and property, we are going to do it. So, I urge you to use it well, and take it not for commercial purposes. I don’t want to see the motorcycles in the city here. It should be used in the rural areas.”

Haulage Truck Drivers Protest Sale of Fake Tickets in Delta

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Haulage truck drivers yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Warri, Delta State, against alleged introduction of daily tickets ranging from N1,000 to N5,000 on their members with the state insignia. The aggrieved protesters, who carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, lamented that the introduction of the tickets, about a week ago, is already eating deep into their returns.

Some of the placards read this: ‘Union Base, We Say No to Daily Haulage tickets’; ‘Union BaseEnough is Enough of Multiple Tickets; we can’t cope again’, as they also chanted protest songs

repeatedly.

One of the leaders of the protesting haulage drivers, Davis Ovedue, told journalists that the haulage drivers had been buying all the necessary tickets with Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and local government areas approved tickets until a new ticket with the state government seal was introduced about a week ago.

He explained that the new haulage tickets was at variance with the annual haulage stickers their members purchased, noting that they were opposed to the new daily tickets which ranged from N1,000 to N5,000 depending on the size of the trucks.

The Manager, Union Base International, Innocent Victor, noted that their members in Lagos State were already avoiding haulage to Delta State because of incessant introduction of strange tickets which were never in their budget before leaving for the state.

He said they were not against the purchase of legitimate tickets but we’re against introduction of new ones which were already paid for in the purchase of haulage stickers.

“We buy haulage stickers annually. Why the introduction of daily stickers again? We cannot afford this and the concerned authorities should look into the matter,” he said.

politics

Govs, Atiku, Wike Battle for Soul of PDP as NEC Meets Thursday

Chuks Okocha writes that all interest groups in the Peoples Democratic Party including governors, former Vice President atiku abubukar and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, are struggling for supremacy as the party’s National Executive Committee meets in abuja on Thursday.

All is set for the April 18, 2024 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja. This meeting is very crucial being the first to be held in about one and half years since October 2022.

There has been a lot of in fighting over the control of the party principally from three camps namely the governors of the party, former Vice President Atiku Abubukar and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is the chess board for the leadership supremacy game.

Contrary to speculations that this week’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting could be battle for supremacy between the former vice president, Atiku Abubukar and the Minister of the Federal Captital Territory (FCT), there are indications that governors elected on the platform of the party are actually warming up to take full control of the party.

According to reliable sources, the governors are basing their action on being the major financiers of the party.

Asource from the PDP governors forum asked, “what is Nyesom Wike and Atiku contributing in the day to day running of the party.?”

The source added, “you watch out what will happen on the day of the NEC meeting, the piper will dictate the tune of the music that day”

THISDAY gathered that as a run up to the series of meeting to the NEC meeting on Thursday, the governors are positioning themselves to dictate the pace at which the meeting will go.

Another source from the secretariat of the PDP Governors forum said, “the Governors have their own plan, which will be neither Atiku nor Wike. The PDP governors would be holding their meetings as from Tuesday and Wednesday and thereafter come up with their own position, that would be different from what everyone is expecting.

“We are a party in opposition, the governors are our collegiate leaders, unlike when PDP was in power and the President is the leader of the party. So, no single person can control the party”.

It was further gathered that the first meeting of the governors on Wednesday and attending the party caucus meetings would draw the line in the roles they will play during the Thursday NEC meeting.

According to the source, “no matter the position or alignments of the National Working Committee, it would be difficult for them

to execute any plan without the full cooperation of the governors because they bring money for the day to day running of the party.

“The governors maintain and service the party structures in the states as the leaders of the party. It would be absolutely difficult for them to remain on the sidelines and allow Atiku and Wike to control the party structures at both the states and the centre. These governors are politicians and have interests to protect. That they are governors today does not mean that they will not have political interest tomorrow.

“For instance, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has presidentiial ambition and this is common knowledge, therefore, he is not expected to fold his hands and allow Wike and Atiku to determine his fate.

“There are other governors who will be concluding their second term in office as governors, they have other political interests and therefore it can not be said that Atiku and Wike would be allowed to control the structures to their exclusion.

Look at what is happening in Rivers State, do you think Governor Simi Fubara will just look and allow Wike to control the party in the state?.

“Already, what is happening in the state will be moved up to the national level, so, it is not fair to say that Wike and Atiku will have the control of the party”, the source further explained.

He hinted that between Tuesday and Wednesday, a day preceding the NEC meeting, there would be many concessions and compromises..

Meanwhile a new twist has emerged in the move to replace the suspended national Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Iyorchia Ayu as the exercise may be in futility except the suspended National Chairman voluntarily resigns or withdraws the suits he instituted in the courts.

PDP lawyers told THISDAY that it is a common knowledge that no action is taken on any action pending at any of the courts, be it appeal or at the supreme court

Section 45 (2) of the PDP constitution amended in 2017 titled, “Resignation or removal of national chairman” stated that:

“In the case of the National Chairman; he shall hand over to the Deputy National Chairman from his own region/part of the country

who shall, without prejudice to Section 47 (6) of this Constitution, act as the National Chairman pending the election of a replacement. In the case of National Secretary, he shall hand over to the Deputy National Secretary”.

Also, in Section 47 (6), the same party constitution said, “Where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the Party, the Executive Committee at the appropriate level shall appoint another person from the area or zone where the officer originated from to serve out the tenure of the officer”.

One of the lawyers, Chuks Akwiti said unlike Secondus who kept quite when he was removed because he has less than two months to leave office, it is different from Ayu who has more than two years to leave office.

He said, “it is common knowledge to act on a case pending in the appellate courts. “What will happen if Ayu is replaced today and the court rules otherwise. The best option is for the party to plead with Ayu to withdraw his appeal against his removal.”

When THISDAY contacted Ayu’s lawyer, Chief E.K. Ashiekaa (SAN), he refused to comment on whether the suspended national chairman has withdrawn his appeal from court of appeal or not.

Rather, he directed our reporter to go and ask the party’s National Legal Adviser but all attempts to reach him proved abortive as his telephone number was switched off.

of the governors

No matter the position or alignments of the National Working Committee, it would be difficult for them to execute any plan without the full cooperation

because

they bring money for the day to day running of the party. The governors maintain and service the party structures in the states as the leaders of the party. It would be absolutely difficult for them to remain on the sidelines and allow Atiku and Wike to control the party structures at both the states and the centre. These governors are politicians and have interests to protect. That they are governors today does not mean that they will not have political interest tomorrow. For instance, the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has presidentiial ambition and this is common knowledge, therefore, he is not expected to fold his hands and allow Wike and Atiku to determine his fate.

However, a lawyer in the party confirmed to THISDAY that the party will not take any decision on a matter that is pending in court, but said the issue of Ayu’s case being in court is political.

He explained, “when Ayu was removed by his ward in Gboko, in Benue State, he appealed his removal and the party as well appealed his removal, but later, the office of the National Legal Adviser asked PDP’s lawyer to withdraw the appeal, but Ayu did not withdrew his appeal”. The lawyer said members of the NWC are using sections 45 (2) and 46 (7) in the party’s constitution to perpetuate the acting national chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum in office because the PDP Constitution recognises his acting position.

He explained that unless Ayu is persuaded to withdraw his appeal pending at the court of appeal, there may be no election of a substantive chairman.

Mohammed Atiku

Wike

El-Rufai Alleges Tinubu Has Spent Trillions of Naira on Fuel Subsidy

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

A former Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai has alleged that over N8 trillion may have been spent by the Bola Tinubu administration to subsidise the pump price of petrol.

The ex-minister insisted that the price of petrol, which is sold for between N600 to N700, should have been higher than diesel rate, presently sold at over N1,000, if not for the subsidy that the current administration is paying.

The former Kaduna State governor made the assertion yesterday in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, while delivering a lead paper during a capacity building workshop for Borno state officials.

The programme was tagged: “Enhancing Skills of Government Officials in Policy Implementation and Productive Human Management Resources”.

per cent in February.

The appreciation recorded by the naira against the greenback on the parallel market marked the first time the naira reached this level since September 26, 2023.

The daily foreign exchange (FX) turnover, however, saw a decline of 10.57 per cent, reaching $251.60 million yesterday, compared to the $281.34 million recorded on Friday. Furthermore, the highest spot rate observed yesterday stood at N1,227, with the lowest spot rate recorded at N1,000

Meanwhile, year-on-year, headline inflation rate was 11.16 per cent higher compared to 22.04 per cent recorded in March 2023.

According to the CPI report

Relatedly, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) called on the Nigerian government, partners, and the international community to take decisive steps to ensure that all schools in Nigeria had the resources and tools to fully implement the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, focusing on the most vulnerable regions in the country.

UNICEF spoke against the backdrop of the 10th anniversary of the mass abductions in Chibok, Borno State.

Speaking during the release of the last batch of Federal University, Gusau, students, at the Counter Intelligence Office, Ribadu, told them, "I wish to congratulate you, the victims, and your families for your safe return home.

“Consider this experience as a trial, which should not break you, but make you stronger. I also wish to specifically thank the parents of the rescued victims for their patience and understanding during this period.

"On behalf of the president, I thank all those involved in the successful rescue of the victims without losing anyone of them, or paying any ransom.

“This is yet again a success story in our effort to free all those being unlawfully held in captivity. We have so far released over a thousand of such victims without noise and in complete respect to their privacy and safety.

"This occasion marks a final juncture in a series of rescues we have undertaken in the last few months to free victims of recent cases of mass abductions.”

The NSA declared, “Going forward, we are strengthening law enforcement and security measures to prevent these abductions, and strengthen physical security across vulnerable communities.

"I am grateful to all our security and enforcement agencies for their tireless work and sacrifices.

“Finally, I want to put on record and appreciate the leadership and encouragement of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which made all these possible.”

It was held for Commissioners, Chief Advisers and Special Advisers, Senior Technical Advisers, Heads of Agencies and Departments, Tertiary Institutions and Local Government Chairmen in Borno at the International Conference Centre, Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.

He said: “Asiwaju (President Bola Tinubu) announced the withdrawal of fuel subsidy on May 29 , but believe it or not , fuel subsidy is back , we’re spending more now, several trillions on subsidy than before May 29.

“For example, if you appoint a person to a position and he is not performing to expectations, you should have the humility to say look, I need a better person to do the job perfectly. Leadership is a continuous thing and in a term of four years, you can’t assess a government of nine months.

“But as I also said earlier during

for the period under review, food inflation rose to 40.01 per cent year-on-year in March, 15.56 per cent higher than 24.45 per cent recorded in March 2023.

Core inflation, including energy prices increased to 25.90 per cent year on year in March, an increase of 6.26 per cent compared to 19.63 per cent recorded in March 2023.

The statistical agency said the rise in food inflation was attributed to increases in prices of garri, millet, akpu uncooked fermented (which are under the bread and cereals class), yam tuber, water yam (under potatoes, yam, and other tubers class), and dried fish sardine. Other contributors to the

Giving details of the rescue, Commandant of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka, said bandits on September 22 2023 ransacked the Federal University, Gusau, kidnapped the students, and took them away on motorcycles through bush parts to the kidnappers’ den.

Laka explained that the first batch of the students were rescued March 15, 2024, while the second batch were released April 12, 2024 and the final batch were released April 14, 2024.

He explained that all the students were safe and in good conditions of health and would be released to the Zamfara State government through the state’s liaison office in Abuja

One of the students, Afsat Ibrahim, said they were kidnapped for about 207 days, but they were happy to be home again.

Meanwhile, a new UNICEF report showed that about 37 per cent of schools across 10 states of the federation had early warning systems in place to identify threats, such as school attacks.

Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, explained that the reserves life index also stands at 68.01 years and 97.99 years for oil and gas respectively.

A breakdown of the data showed that crude oil and condensate reserves currently stand at 31.56 billion barrels and 5.94 billion barrels respectively, to hit 37.50 billion barrels.

Also, associated gas and nonassociated gas reserves stand at 102.59 TCF and 106.67 TCF respectively, resulting in total gas reserves of 209.26 TCF, according to the upstream regulator.

Only Libya with over 48 billion oil reserves tops Nigeria in Africa, while Nigeria is the clear leader in ownership of gas stock, holding over 33 per cent of the entire continent’s reserves.

Speaking further, Komolafe stated that consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s policy initiatives, the NUPRC

my presentation, the removal of fuel subsidy by the present administration is another good policy by President Tinubu. I have always supported withdrawal of fuel subsidy.

“But as you can see, in the course of implementation, the government has now realised that the subsidy has to be back, because right now, we are paying a lot of money amounting to trillions of naira for subsidy even more than before.

“This is because the impact has been seen and the packages of support that will reduce the impact have not been effective in reducing the impact. So, the federal government had to backpedal by subsidising petrol.

“Many people don’t know this. If they want to know whether there is fuel subsidy or not, they should compare the prices of petrol and diesel per litre. This is because

food index included mudfish dried (under fish class), palm oil, vegetable oil (under oil and fat), beef feet, beef head, liver (under meat class), coconut, water melon (under fruit class), lip- ton tea, Bournvita, Milo (under coffee, tea and cocoa class).

Month-on-month, however, food inflation rate decreased in March to 3.62 per cent, which represented 0.17 per cent drop compared to 3.79 per cent I'm February.

under normal circumstances, petrol is supposed to be more expensive than diesel. As it is, diesel is above N1,000, while petrol stands at about N600 per litre. So we are still subsidising fuel in Nigeria,” he argued El-Rufai added that while he had always supported the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, the government is paying more than when it took over the reins of government.

The former Kaduna State governor however stated that no policy is cast in stone, stressing that the present administration has done the right thing by making the necessary adjustment on fuel subsidy.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Borno State Head of Service, Mallam Fannami commended the former governor for honouring the invitation, noting that participants would have the opportunity to tap from his wealth of experience in

public service.

He also appreciated Zulum for his unwavering commitment and passion to rejuvenate and fix the state’s civil service to make it a working, effective, efficient and robust service delivery institution in the state.

While declaring the workshop open, Zulum who was represented by his Deputy, Umar Kadafur, commended the organisers for the choice of the lead speaker , el-Rufai.

He added that the former Kaduna state governor is not only a politician, but a man of impeccable credentials and an outstanding performer.

The governor admitted that the ripple effects of the workshop would be felt in public administration in the state.

“It will undoubtedly impact positively on the running of government business. Therefore,

el-Rufai

I want to reassure our civil servants that my administration has noted the continual need for this type of training to improve the quality of our civil servants for delivery of quality services to our people,” Zulum said.

compared to 17.22 per cent in March 2023.

On the other hand, the increase in core inflation was blamed on highest increases in prices of bus journey within the city (under passenger transport by road class), actual and imputed rentals for housing, consultation fee of a medical doctor (under medical services class), and pharmaceutical products, as well as energy, among others.

Month-on-month, core Inflation rose to 2.54 per cent in March from 2.17 per cent in February. The average 12-month annual inflation rate was 22.26 per cent

NBS stated that the drop in food inflation, month-on-month, was caused by a fall in the rate of increase in the average prices of guinea corn flour, plantain flour (under bread and cereals class), yam, Irish Potatoes, Coco yam (under potatoes, yam and other tubers class), Titus fish, mudfish dried (under fish class), Lipton, Bournvita, Ovaltine (under coffee, tea and cocoa class).

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, who made the revelation in a press release, called for the prioritisation of education and child protection in national policies and budget allocations to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all Nigerian children.

Munduate urged government at all levels, partners, and the international community to address critical gaps in safe school infrastructure, preparedness for natural disasters, conflicts, and comprehensive approaches to violence against children. She said they should also as strengthen law enforcement and security measures to protect educational institutions and communities from attacks and abductions.

According to her, "As Nigeria marks 10 years since the mass Chibok abductions in the Northeast, 90 girls remain in captivity, and the country is recovering from another abduction of schoolchildren in Kaduna State in March of this year. UNICEF is calling for intensified efforts to protect the country's

had been working towards improving the sector’s performance, enhancing the growth of the country’s oil and gas reserves and ensuring stable production.

According to him, the significance of the event was to show the capacity of the country in terms of the abundance of hydrocarbons that had been proven. Komolafe, explained that most of the new addition to the reserves were from brownfields, especially recent production from fields owned by the last marginal fields awardees.

“Again, that is salutary to the various initiatives of the commission, and the fact that of course some of the brownfields through the marginal field awards, have started producing and contributing to our national oil and gas reserve.

“In furtherance of the provisions of Chapter 1, Part III, Section 7 (g), (i), (j), (k), (m), (q), (r) and other powers

most vulnerable population – its children.”

Munduate stated, "UNICEF released today the ‘Minimum Standards for Safe Schools (MSSS) Monitoring Report,’ revealing a stark reality: the journey toward ensuring every Nigerian child can learn in a safe environment is far from over.

"Most notably, the report shows that just 37 per cent of schools across 10 states have early warning systems in place to identify threats, such as school attacks.

"The kidnapping of the Chibok girls was a wake-up call to the severe risks our children face in their pursuit of education.”

Munduate added, “Today, reflecting on this tragedy and other recent abductions, it is evident that our efforts to safeguard our children's futures must be amplified. Given these alarming statistics, we must address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of this crisis.

"Education is a fundamental right and a crucial pathway out of poverty. Yet, for too many Nigerian children, it remains an unattainable dream."

enabling me in this respect, I declare the total oil and condensate reserves of 37.50 billion barrels and total gas reserves of 209.26 TCF as the official national petroleum reserves position as of January 1, 2024,” Komolafe stated.

With his recent executive orders, the commission’s chief executive said President Bola Tinubu has shown determination towards removing obstacles to investments in Nigeria, improving the investment climate, positioning Nigeria as the preferred investment destination for the oil and gas sector in Africa and diversifying the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians

The NUPRC, as the industry regulator, he said, was committed to improving the country’s oil and gas reserves as well as the successful completion of all strategic initiatives that would enhance the sector’s productivity including the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Plan

Similarly, year-on-year, urban inflation rose to 35.18 per cent, compared to 23.07 per cent in March 2023. Month-on-month, the index stood at 3.17 per cent, almost unchanged from February.

Rural inflation rate rose to 31.45 per cent year-on-year in the review period, compared to the 21.09 per cent in March 2023. Month-on-month, the rural index stood at 2.87 per cent compared 3.07 per cent in February.

At state level, the all-Items inflation year-on-year was highest in Kogi (39.97 per cent), Bauchi (38.34 per cent), Kwara (38.10 per cent), and Oyo (37.29 per cent), while Borno (25.78 per cent), Benue/Taraba (28.12 per cent), and Katsina (28.32 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in headline inflation.

Month-on-month, however, inflation was highest in Zamfara (3.90 per cent), Abia (3.89 per cent), Ondo (3.75 per cent), while Borno (1.46 per cent), Yobe (1.84 per cent), and Adamawa (1.85 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

Food inflation on year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi (48.46 per cent), Kwara (46.18 per cent), Akwa Ibom (45.18 per cent), while Nasarawa (33.76 per cent), Borno (34.28 per cent) and Bauchi (34.38 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in food inflation.

Month- on-Month, food inflation was highest in Abia (5.17 per cent), Cross River (5.14 per cent), Bayelsa (4.75 per cent), while Borno (1.59 per cent), Yobe (2.08 per cent) and Adamawa (2.12 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

Reacting to the continued inflationary pressures, Bloomberg stated the naira's world-beating gains were yet to temper the headline index.

It stated, “The full benefits of a stronger naira weren’t reflected

(NGFCP).

According to him, the NGFCP would drive the attainment of Nigeria’s pledge to end routine gas flaring within this decade and contribute to the reduction of global emissions, and the Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation (DCSO), to meet demands of local refineries.

Although Nigeria has large reserves of fossil fuels, however, getting the natural resources out of the ground has been a major problem. For almost four years, Nigeria has failed to meet its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota. This is despite the slashing of the allocation from over 1.7 million bpd to 1.5 million bpd this year.

The country has consistently blamed massive oil theft, outright vandalism, decreasing investment in the sector, among others, for its inability to take advantage of the God-given resources.

in March inflation as the data collection for computing the rate typically stops around the middle of the month.

"The reading also took place before a threefold increase in electricity prices for some urban consumers — which is likely to exert pressure on household budgets and businesses — came into effect.”

Analysts also pointed out that when input costs were rising, goods were priced on a replacement cost philosophy as prices rose in anticipation.

An analyst, who preferred anonymity, stated in a note seen by THISDAY, "Unfortunately, when input costs are falling, goods are priced on a historical cost basis and so, there's a much longer lap time before prices drop.

"But if we have a few new entrants at current input cost levels, then that may force prices down faster than normal, but that's a pretty long shot."

The source also said fresh inventories were crucial for price reduction in the current scenario.

According to the source, "Hence, I am hopeful that we may start to see some stability with inflation in May/June.

"Feedback from a couple of affiliated businesses (Lender & Xborder fintech) is that they saw increasing number of importers request, import financing, and FX last few days because of crash in USD.

"So, if their import cycles take two months, we are looking at June for any real positive traction in imported inflation.

"And if we are talking about any imported items, we need a lead time of say two months before the goods arrive; and if it's imported raw material to process production, that time will double."

Also in compliance with the provisions of Section 109(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, the NUPRC in what it termed a landmark move, at the event, unveiled a template guiding the activities for domestic crude oil supply obligation.

It said the new temple was developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders from NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), representatives of Crude Oil/Condensate Producers, Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

There has been some friction between oil producers and refineries’ owners who complain that the producers failed to supply them feedstock in consonance with the DCSO regulation.

However, Komolafe stated that

MINISTeR OF POWeR, adeBayO adeLaBU

Quotable

'We are suffering a wholesale failure in justice delivery, not because of the incompetence of the Justices, but because of delays….We need to have regional Courts of Appeal or Supreme Courts….. The Supreme Court should be circumscribed, to constitutional issues.’ - Ikeazor Akaraiwe, SAN

PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances. This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

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

The Process and Flaws of the Impeachment Law

Definition of Impeachment

The term ‘Impeachment’ refers to a legislative, and not a judicial process; the process by which the Legislature charges certain public officials for ‘gross misconduct’, and if such official is found guilty, they are removed from office by the Legislature. In fact, Sections 143(10) & 188(10) the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution) oust the jurisdiction of the court from the determination of the Panels or Legislature in impeachment matters. See the cases of Inakoju & Ors v Adeleke & Ors (2007) LPELR-1510(SC); APC v PDP & Ors (2015) LPELR-24587 (SC) per Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC. However, in Inakoju & Ors v Adeleke & Ors (Supra), the Supreme Court held that an ouster clause in a statute or the Constitution doesn’t prevent the court from investigating if the conditions prescribed in such statute or Constitution are fulfilled, prior to the act purported to be done under the statute or Constitution; because, if the conditions have not been fulfilled to the letter, then the act purported to be done would be ultra vires and declared null and void, as not being done under the said statute or constitutional provision.

The wrongdoing being alleged by the Legislature, may not necessarily be a criminal offence, and the burden of proof is not proof beyond reasonable doubt, as is required to secure a conviction in the case of criminal offences.

Grounds of Impeachment and the Removal Process

Just like the US Constitution does not fully define the grounds for impeachment beyond ‘treason, bribery, other high crimes and misdemeanours’ (see Article I Section 2, Article I Section 3 Clause 6 &7 & Article II Section 4 US Constitution), so also do Sections 143 & 188 of the Constitution fail to define ‘gross misconduct’ - the ground for impeachment, only inserting a qualification in Sections 143(2) (b) & 188(2)(b) of the Constitution, that it be a gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of the office, either a grave violation or breach of the Constitution or gross misconduct which, in the opinion of the House of Assembly amounts to gross misconduct (Section 188(11) of the Constitution). This last part of the definition is rather subjective and can therefore, be easily abused; I will address this issue below.

The impeachment and removal process, differs from country to country. In Nigeria, the constitutional impeachment and removal process is one in which a President, Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor may be removed from office. For us, the impeachment and removal process, which I won’t bother to regurgitate especially due to space constraints, is covered by Sections 143 (President and Vice President) and 188 (Governor and Deputy Governor) of our one and only Constitution, while in America, where we have copied our Presidential system from (and where true Federalism is practised, unlike the Nigerian system which is Federal in name only but is actually Unitary in reality and practice), the process of impeachment and removal of State Officials like Governors is covered by their State Constitutions. Every State except Oregon, has an impeachment process for the State Governor; in Oregon, the Governor cannot be impeached, as the Oregon State Constitution has no such provision (I believe there may be a Bill for a new provision pending, to rectify this state of affairs). The impeachment processes of the American States are similar, though the grounds for impeachment may vary; some States mention the grounds for impeachment, while others do not.

For the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly, by virtue of Section 50(2) (c) of the Constitution, the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Deputy Speaker can be removed for no stated reason by a two-thirds majority of either House, while the Speaker of a State House of Assembly or Deputy Speaker can also be removed in same manner as those of the National Assembly (see Section 92(2)(c) of the Constitution).

Abuse of the Impeachment and Removal Process

The matter that was on the political front-burner a few days ago, was that of Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, who was impeached, found guilty, removed from office and instantly replaced. While the allegation levelled against him was misconduct, perjury and disclosure of official secrets, Mr Shaibu on the other hand, claimed that it’s all a campaign of calumny

onikepo braithwaite

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com

onikepob@yahoo.com

“….it is not particularly difficult to impeach and remove a disfavoured public official from office, based on a trumped-up charge, as long as the process stated in Sections 143 & 188 of the Constitution is followed to the letter. It is therefore, easy for the impeachment law to be misused”

against him, in order to truncate his ambition to become Governor of Edo State.

As I said above, the same definition of gross misconduct stated in Sections 143(11) & 188 (11) of the Constitution is rather subjective, thereby leaving it open to abuse, though in the case of Phillip Shaibu, the allegation of perjury is a serious one particularly as it is also a felony in Nigerian law that attracts 14 years imprisonment, and in some circumstances, even more, upon conviction (see Section 118 of the Criminal Code Act and Akpatason v Adjoto & Ors (2019) LPELR-48119(SC) per Paul Adamu Galinje, JSC), while disclosure of official secrets could also be gross misconduct, depending on what information was leaked. Of course, the public is not in a position to comment on the veracity of the allegations against Mr Shaibu, since we are not even aware of the details.

But, Mr Shaibu claimed that he was framed, and unfortunately, the court is not empowered to look into the veracity of the allegations against him, but can only ascertain that the process of impeachment was properly followed. This means that it is not particularly difficult to impeach and remove a disfavoured public official from office, based on a trumped-up charge, as long as the process stated in Sections 143 & 188 of the Constitution is followed to the letter. It is therefore, easy for the impeachment law to be misused. It seems that in the Nigerian context,

gross misconduct in the performance of official duties mostly has nothing to do with violating the Constitution or even the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and is more about an elected official in one of the aforementioned categories who has fallen out of favour with a power that is or powers that be, or a group of his/her colleagues that have more clout than the individual being charged, and want him/ her removed from their position to pave the way for someone more amenable or acceptable to them. Using these provisions to chase out disfavoured public officials by hook or by crook, amounts to an abuse of the law.

Recall the removal of the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simeon Achuba in 2019. What was Mr Achuba’s offence, if not a grouse against him harboured by Governor Yahaya Bello who was in full control of the Kogi State House of Assembly (like most Governors are usually control of theirs)? In a television interview, Mr Achuba had stated that he had complained that Governor Bello had mismanaged more than a couple of hundreds of billions of Naira of Kogi State funds, and was owing civil servants in the State 38 months salary. His criticism of Governor Bello’s style of leadership, obviously didn’t go down well with his Principal. In that case, the Panel constituted to investigate the allegations against Mr Achuba under the then Chief Judge of the State, late Justice Nasiru Ajanah, reported

that the allegations levelled against him were not proven. Section 188(8) of the Constitution provides that where the allegation isn’t proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter (also see Section 143(8) of the Constitution).

In Tabik Investment Ltd & Anor v GTB (2011) LPELR-3131(SC) per Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, JSC (later CJN) the Supreme Court held inter alia that “The word ‘shall’ connotes mandatory discharge of a duty or obligation, and when the word is used in respect of a provision of the law, that requirement must be met”. In short, the impeachment proceedings against Mr Achuba ought to have ended by operation of law, but, instead, since it is the usual practice for Government authorities and bodies to observe our laws in their breach, worse still the Legislature that is responsible for lawmaking, the Kogi State House of Assembly still went ahead to unlawfully remove Mr Achuba. At the time, I remember having a problem with Justice Ajanah swearing in Mr Achuba’s replacement, particularly because the Panel he constituted didn’t find Mr Achuba guilty, but some, including the court that declared Mr Achuba’s impeachment unconstitutional because it didn’t follow due process, maintained that Justice Ajanah was simply performing his constitutional duty.

In Inakoju & Ors v Adeleke & Ors (Supra), Governor Rasheed Ladoja’s removal was declared by the Supreme Court (and the Court of Appeal) to be unconstitutional, null and void, as the process set out in Section 188 of the Constitution wasn’t followed. And, he was restored to the position of Governor of Oyo State. For one, contrary to Section 188(2)(b) of the Constitution, the notice of impeachment was served by means of substituted service in the newspaper, instead of personally on Governor Ladoja and each member of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

How long are our Politicians going to continue to turn the law on its head and observe our laws in their breach, manipulatively using them as a tool of oppression and intimidation against those whom they do not care for? It is particularly shameful and off-putting that lawmakers, elected representatives of the people, whose function is to inter alia, make laws for peace, order and good governance (see Section 4 of the Constitution) have now become puppets in the hands of the Executive, doing their bidding, whether lawful or otherwise.

Conclusion

I have some issues with the Nigerian method of impeachment, particularly that of the State level. In America, just as Federal impeachments and removals are carried out by the bicameral Legislature, so also is this procedure replicated on the State level. The Lower House which has the sole responsibility so to do under the US Constitution, votes for the impeachment, while the Upper Chamber, the Senate sits as a trial court to try the impeached official by considering evidence and hearing witnesses. Such official is either found guilty by means of a vote of at least two-thirds majority of the Senate and is then removed from office, or acquitted, and continues in office like Presidents Johnson, Clinton and Trump. In the USA, the decision of the Lower House is questioned, by way of trial in the Senate.

In the Nigerian scenario, no Nigerian President has ever been impeached and removed, only Governors and Deputies; and as far as the State level is concerned, the House of Assembly is literally the Judge, Jury and Executioner, in that, even though it is unlawful, the example of the Kogi House of Assembly has shown that a State House of Assembly can wrongfully go against the recommendation of the Panel, as was done in Mr Achuba’s case, since its determination cannot be questioned in a court of law. Even in Mr Achuba’s case, the court decision wasn’t about the truth or otherwise of the allegations levelled against him, but about the fact that contrary to Section 188(8) of the Constitution, the Kogi State House Assembly didn’t follow due process. Instead of the impeachment process ending as a result of unproven allegations, they removed him instead. And, in situations where the court decides that due process wasn’t followed, valuable time may have already been lost and wasted, or the term of office even completed, so that it ends up being an academic process in which only monetary compensation and benefits are the fruits of the judgement. The aim of getting the person out of office, is already achieved.

I believe that the constitutional provisions concerning impeachment and removal, require some amendments, to address some of the pertinent issues that have been raised.

Impeached edo State deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu

Effect of Ballot Paper Not Bearing Official Mark Prescribed by INEC

Facts

The Appellant under the platform of the 3rd Respondent, participated in the Governorship Election conducted by the 2nd Respondent on 18th March, 2023 for Kano State. At the conclusion of the election, the Appellant was declared the winner and returned by the 2nd Respondent as the Kano State Governor-elect. Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, the 1st Respondent whose candidate was one Nasir Yusuf Gawuma, filed a petition at the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. The petition was predicated on allegations of the Appellant’s non-membership in the 3rd Respondent; forgery of the Appellant’s membership card and Form EC9; and use of unlawful ballot papers at the election.

The Tribunal delivered its judgement in which it found that membership of a political party is outside its jurisdiction, and that the issue of forgery upon which the challenge to the Appellant’s membership was predicated failed. Notwithstanding the said finding, the Tribunal went on to hold that the challenge to the Appellant’s membership of the 3rd Respondent was proven, and he was not qualified to be sponsored by the party. The Tribunal also proceeded to invalidate 165,616 ballot papers cast in favour of the Appellant on the basis that they were not signed, stamped, dated and did not bear the names of the Presiding Officers. On this basis, the Tribunal deducted 165,616 votes from the Appellant’s scores, upheld the 1st Respondent’s petition and declared its candidate as the winner of the said election.

Aggrieved, the Appellant filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal which dismissed the appeal. The Appellant thus, filed a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

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

1. Whether the lower court was right when it affirmed the tribunal’s decision to deduct 165,616 votes from the votes cast in favour of the Appellant, on account of allegation of unlawful ballot papers.

2. Whether the lower court was correct in assuming jurisdiction over a complaint relating to the Appellant’s membership of and sponsorship by the 3rd Respondent, and also affirming the Tribunal’s decision that the Appellant was not a member of the 3rd Respondent.

Arguments

On the 1st issue, the Appellant’s Counsel relied on the case of BUHARI v OBASANJO (2005) 13 NWLR (PT.942) 1 at 317, to submit that since the 1st Respondent’s pleadings admitted that the affected ballot papers complained were the ones used for the said election and did not allege any form of malpractice, voter inducement, over-voting, multiple thumb-printing, non-accreditation of persons who voted, forgery of ballot papers or that different ballot papers were used in casting votes for other candidates; the 1st Respondent’s petition itself and evidence led did not warrant a situation for the invalidation of the votes. Counsel for the Appellant argued further that the 2nd Respondent having complied with the format prescribed for ballot papers, failure by the presiding officers to stamp or sign the ballot papers is not fatal to the result of the election.

In response, counsel for the 1st Respondent submitted that the issue in contention was not on the format of the ballot papers, but, rather, the failure of the 2nd Respondent to comply with the requirements prescribed for presiding officers with regard to ballot papers. He submitted that the tribunal and the lower court were right to have relied on the provisions of Section 71 of the Electoral Act, to hold that the said ballot papers were invalid.

On the 2nd issue, the Appellant’s Counsel relied on several cases such as ENANG v ASUQUO (2023) II NWLR (PT. 1896) 501 to argue that 1st Respondent’s case which borders on the issue of sponsorship of candidates for an election and membership of political parties/non-qualification of a candidate of a political party, falls squarely within the confines of domestic affairs of political parties, which are pre-election matters that the trial tribunal has no jurisdiction to entertain. He submitted that such issues are contestable only by a co-aspirant at the party’s primaries at the Federal High Court,

Honourable Justice John Inyang Okoro, JSC

Before their lordships

John Inyang Okoro

uwani Musa abba aji

Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa

adamu Jauro emmanuel akomaye agim Justices, Supreme Court SC/CV/1179/2023 Between 1. yuSuF aBBa KaBIR aPPeLLaNT

3. NeW NIGeRIa PeOPLeS PaRTy (NNPP)

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Justice John Inyang Okoro, JSC)

and not the Tribunal.

In reaction, Counsel for the 1st Respondent argued that by a communal reading of Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 77 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the Appellant whose name was not contained in the 3rd Respondent’s register of members submitted to the 2nd Respondent, was not qualified to contest in the election as the 3rd Respondent’s candidate. He contended that by the authority of ENANG v ASUQUO (Supra), issues of qualification for election to the office of the Governor of a State, if it borders on membership of a political party, can be entertained by the Election Petition Tribunal. He submitted that the Court of Appeal was right to have upheld the finding of the tribunal, that the Appellant was not qualified to contest in the Governorship election as the 3rd Respondent’s candidate, since his name was not contained in the 3rd Respondent’s register of members submitted to the 2nd Respondent.

“…..a ballot paper which does not bear the official mark of the INEC is not altogether invalid for all purposes, and before an impugned ballot paper is rejected, it must be proven by the party seeking to have it rejected, that it was not the booklet of ballot papers furnished to the presiding officer”

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

Resolving the first issue, the Apex Court held that the provision of Section 71 of the Electoral Act that every result form completed at the ward, local government, State and national levels in accordance with the provisions of the Act or any INEC Guidelines should be stamped, signed and counter-signed by the relevant officers and polling agents at these levels, which the trial Tribunal and the Court of Appeal relied on to invalidate the affected 165,616 votes, does not refer to or regulate any action at the polling unit. The Court held that rather the actions regulated by Section 71 not only commence from the ward and not the polling unit, but expressly refer to “result form” to the exclusion of ballot papers.

On the effect of a ballot not having the official mark prescribed by the Commission, the Apex Court held that the provision of Section 63(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 that ballot papers without the official mark prescribed by the Commission shall not be counted is subject to the provision of subsection 2 thereto which provides that, if a returning officer is satisfied that a ballot paper which does not bear the official mark was from a book of ballot papers furnished to the presiding officer

of the polling unit in which the vote was cast for use at the election in question, he or she shall notwithstanding the absence of the official mark, count that paper. The Court held that by this provision, a ballot paper which does not bear the official mark of the INEC is not altogether invalid for all purposes, and before an impugned ballot paper is rejected, it must be proven by the party seeking to have it rejected, that it was not the booklet of ballot papers furnished to the presiding officer.

The Court held that in the instant case, there was no pleading or proof that the said ballots were not the ones furnished to the presiding officer in the polling unit, and the 1st Respondent in paragraph 92 of its petition confirmed that these were the ballot papers used at the election. The Court also found that the ballot papers in question did in fact contain both the logo of INEC and the Coat of Arms of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as prescribed by Section 45 of the Act and out of these, 146,292 ballot papers were confirmed to have been signed and stamped, with the only feature left out being the date. It follows therefore, that those ballot papers fully complied with the format prescribed in the Electoral Act, and there was no reason for the tribunal to invalidate the ballot papers in question and consequently, no reason for the Court of Appeal to affirm the decision of the Tribunal in this regard.

On the 2nd issue, the Apex Court held that the issue of nomination and sponsorship of a candidate for an election is exclusively within the prerogative of a political party, as long as such selection for sponsorship is in compliance with the law; and being an internal affair of the sponsoring political party, it is not justiciable how a candidate sponsored came to be, as long as it is satisfied that the candidate participated in all stages leading to its nomination.

The Court held further that any complaint on the sponsorship or membership of a political party, can only be ventilated before the Federal High Court by a member of the particular political party who was an aspirant at the primary election that produced the candidate. Another political party cannot challenge the action of a political party acknowledging a person as its member, and an Election Petition Tribunal has no jurisdiction to go behind a political party’s acknowledgment of a person as its member, to find out if such acknowledgment is false or not.

The Court, relying on its decision in ONI v OYEBANJI (2023) LPELR-60699 (SC), held that the provision of Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution does not provide for consideration on how a political party arrived at the decision or the validity of the sponsorship itself, and the fact that a member of the political party is sponsored by it as its Governorship candidate for the general election makes such a person automatically qualified for election to the office of the Governor of a State. The Court found that the requirement under Section 77(3) of the Electoral Act, for a party to submit its register of members to INEC not later than 30 days to the party’s primaries does not preclude a political party from updating its register after submission, and there is nothing in the said section that disqualifies a candidate whose name was not in the register of members submitted to INEC, so long as the political party acknowledges the candidate as its member. It therefore, does not matter whether the Appellant is a foundation member of the 3rd Respondent or joined shortly before the primaries; as long as the 3rd Respondent had accepted him, nominated him and sponsored him, the 1st Respondent has no business questioning the membership of the Appellant.

Appeal Allowed. Judgement of the Court of Appeal voiding the return of the Appellant as the Kano State Governor-elect, set aside.

Representation

Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN with Bode Olanipekun, SAN, Chief Gideon Kutu, SAN, Ibrahim G. Waru and Akintola Makinde for the Appellants.

Chief Akin Olujinmi, SAN with Dr Onyechi Ipeazu, SAN, Chief O. E. B Offiong, SAN, Nureni S. Jimoh SAN and M. A. Lawan for the 1st Respondent.

A. B. Mahmoud, SAN with A. M. Aliyu, SAN, Aminu Sadauki, Amina Hamisu and Rabiu Maikafi for the 2nd Respondent.

Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN with R. A. LawalRabana, SAN, A. J. Owonikoko, SAN, Victoria Awomolo, SAN, and Bashir Yusuf Mohammed for the 3rd Respondent. Reported

2024 NBA Elections: ECNBA Calls for Proposals from Electronic Voting Service Providers

Stories by Steve Aya

In its commitment to conduct an election of international credibility, the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has issued a request for Proposal (RFP) from Electronic Election Service Providers (ESP), who upon selection will facilitate the electronic voting for the upcoming NBA Elections.

The goal of the project is to deliver a free, fair, credible, transparent, and auditable election using modern technology that ensures safe, secure, and seamless participation of all eligible members of the Association. The selected service provider, will be responsible for providing the requisite consulting and advisory services necessary to attain this goal.

Key responsibilities of the service provider include reviewing and validating the voters’ register, providing a secure and configured voting portal, sending notifications to voters via electronic media, integrating a Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) protocol into the voting system, providing an

online real-time dashboard and leader-board for monitoring the election, and providing a support help-desk leading up to and during the election.

The RFP timeline includes publishing the request on April 10, 2024, shortlisting successful Reepondents by April 20, 2024, publishing shortlisted Respondents on ECNBA/NBA websites and major platforms for any objections or complaints by April 23, 2024, considering objections and complaints against shortlisted Respondents by April 25, 2024, and conducting due diligence and awarding the contract by April 28, 2024.

Proposals will be evaluated based on response to specifications and scope of work (50%), cost (20%), and technical expertise, relevant past performance/ experience, work samples, staff, and respondent qualifications (30%).

Submission guidelines and requirements include demonstrable expertise and experience in similar roles without any conflict of interest, evidence of at least one substantially similar role, an end-to-end solution

Bobrisky Declares, “I

Am

Cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was on Friday sentenced by Justice Abimbola Awogboro, of the Federal High Court, Lagos, to six months imprisonment without an option of fine, for abusing Nigeria’s currency.

The Judge, while sentencing the convict, said the judgement will serve as deterrent to others that are fond of abusing and mutilating the Naira, the Nigerian currency.

Prior to the sentence, the

architecture including cybersecurity controls, a proposed cost for the use of the solution and attendant services, and signing by an authorised representative. Proposals must be received

on or before 5pm on April 18, 2024, for consideration.

The ECNBA reserves the right to engage the Respondent that presents the best overall value, determined solely by the

ECNBA in its absolute discretion, and to reject any or all proposals received in response to this RFP.

The ECNBA, inaugurated on December 18, 2023, by NBA President, Yakubu

Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, is mandated to conduct elections for the NBA’s National Offices and Representatives to the General Council of the Bar.

Two Lawyers, Businessman, to be Arraigned on April 29 for Forgery

Justice S.I. Sonaike of a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Lagos, has fixed April 29, 2024 for the arraignment of two Lawyers, Ademola Owolabi, the Managing Partner of Ademola Adetokunbo & Co., and Adebayo Akeju, a Partner in a law firm called Adon Partners, Lagos, and a real estate developer, Alex Ochonogor. Ochonogor is the Owner and Managing Director of Bluecrest Homes Limited, where Owolabi is also the Company Secretary.

The adjournment followed the absence of the suspects and their Counsel in court on Monday, when the matter first came before Justice Sonaike.

The suspects are facing a five-count charge of conspiracy to commit forgery, forgery, and wilful damage to property levelled against them by the Lagos State Government in a suit marked LD/23611C/2024.

When the matter was called on Monday, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Dr Babajide Martins, told the court that Akeju has been served with the charge, adding that, the other two are evading service.

He said: “I know that they are aware of the matter today, because they are sending emissaries to me. I will ask for an adjournment. If they refuse to come at the next adjourned date, we

will apply for substituted service”, Dr Martins said and pleaded with the court to adjourn the matter.

The Judge consented to the plea for adjournment, and April 29 was set down for arraignment.

The background to the charge is that Owolabi and Akeju, both Lawyers, materially aided Ochonogor a businessman, in dispossessing Dr Eze of his property known as Plot 10, Block 133, Lekki Peninsula Residential Scheme 1, Lagos State.

USP Communications

Limited sold the land to Dr Eze on May 12, 2005, where he erected a bungalow and has been in peaceful possession. Upon invasion of the property by the accused

persons for land grabbing purposes, the Police waded in and investigated the root of their title.

The statement of offence in count one says: “Conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: Forgery contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law,Ch.C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015”.

Particulars of offence state: “Ademola Owolabi (M), Adebayo Akeju (M), Alex Ochonogor (M) and others (now at large) sometime in year 2015 at B604, Safe Court Apartments, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos State in the Lagos Judicial Division conspired among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: Forgery”, amongst others.

a Man’’, as Court Sentences Him to Six Months Imprisonment

Judge asked the convict what his sex is, and he quickly replied that, ‘I am a man’.

The Judge ruled that the jail term commenced from March 24, 2024, the day of his arrest.

It would be recalled that the court had on April 5, convicted Mr Okuneye, after he pleaded guilty to the four-count charge of abusing the Naira made against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The Judge consequently, adjourned to last Thursday,

for sentencing, but the day was declared as public holiday by the Federal Government for the Eidel-Fitri celebration.

The charges against him read: “that you, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, on the 24th day of March, 2024, at Imax Circle Mall, Jakande, Lekki, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social event tampered with| the total sum of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by

spraying the same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007”.

“That you, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, between July and August, 2023 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social event tampered with the sum N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”

21(1) of the Central Bank Act, 2007.”

“That you, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, sometime in December, 2023 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social event tampered with the sum N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section

“That you, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, sometime in 2022 at Event Hall, Oniru, Victoria Island, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social event tampered with the sum N20, 000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act,2007.”

NBA Electoral Committee Chairman, Seun Abimbola, SAN NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, aka Bobrisky

Electricity Tariff Hike: Is it Lawful?

That Nigerians are presently going through tough times, is an understatement. With the spiralling rate of inflation, most were unprepared for the recent upward review in electricity tariffs. Was due process followed, before the tariff increase was effected? What was the need for this huge tariff increase, even though it is said to be limited to a particular category of users, that is, the ‘Band a ’ Customers that purportedly receive up 20 hours electricity supply daily? Has it been proven that any band of consumers get up to 20 hours of electricity supply daily? Is the tariff increase discriminatory against Band a Customers, in that they have to cross-subsidise the other Band users by paying so much more, so that the disCos can ramp up their revenue? Or will electricity supply to Band a Customers be reduced after the increase in their tariff, while that of Band B is increased, in order to be able to upgrade them and increase the number of Band a Customers, again to increase revenue? Will the tariff increase result in even less power supply to the other Band users whose tariff remains unchanged? Is Band a even possible, under these more than frequent national grid collapses? Is the increase in tariff even legal? Femi Falana, SAN, George Etomi and Dr Sam Amadi discuss the issues surrounding what Nigerians now perceive to be ‘suffering and smiling’, and, in doing so, answer some of these posers

Illegality of the New Electricity Tariff

Femi Falana, SAN

Procedure Not Followed

By virtue of Section 116(2) (e) of the Electricity Act of 2023, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is empowered to allow a licensee that operates efficiently to recover the full costs of its

business activities, including a reasonable return on the capital invested in the business. But, prior to approving a tariff methodology, the Commission shall give notice in the Federal Government Gazette, and in one or more newspapers, with wide circulation, of the proposed establishment of

a tariff methodology, indicating the period within which objections or representations in connection with the same may be made to the Commission.

“But, in utter violation of the Electricity Act, the Commission announced that it had approved an increase of electricity tariff to N225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour from N68….This is about a 230% increase, in one fell swoop. In electricity industry parlance, any single increase of more than 20%, constitutes a rate shock”

Upon receipt of the application for a new electricity tariff, the Commission shall conduct a public hearing on the applications prior to making a ruling.

But, in utter violation of the Electricity Act, the Commission announced that it had approved an increase of electricity tariff to N225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour from N68.

The 230% hike for urban consumers, also known as Band A consumers in the country, took effect from April 1, 2024.

Before the announcement, no prior information of the proposed tariff was published, consumers and other stakeholders were not given the opportunity to make a representation to the Commission while no public hearing was conducted by the Commission. To that extent, the new electricity tariff cannot be justified under the Electricity Act. Furthermore, in order to give the impression that the DisCos are

operating "efficiently", the payment of the new tariff is premised on electricity supply of not less than 20 hours per day for the Band A consumers. But, the DisCos have admitted publicly that they are unable to comply with the directive due to a variety of reasons. Is this ground not sufficient to vitiate the new tariff?

Contradictions

However, in justifying the insensitive hike, the Minister of Power, Mr Adelabu, said that Government was subsidising 67% of the cost of generating, transmitting and distributing power in Nigeria, amounting to over N3 trillion, which he put at 10% of Government total revenue. Mr Adelabu has apparently forgotten that he had claimed on January 15, 2024 that, “.. If tariffs are left at this current rate, it is projected that the Government will spend about N1.7 trillion to subsidise electricity. The FG cannot afford that”.

On its own part, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had warned on March 6, 2024, that the continuation of fuel and electricity subsidy will cost Nigeria N2.33 trillion or 3% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in

Electricity Tariff Hike: Is it Lawful?

2024. The warning was given by the team led by Mr Axel Schimmelpfennig, IMF Mission Chief for Nigeria that visited Lagos and Abuja, February 12–23, 2024, to hold discussions for the 2024 Article IV Consultations with Nigeria. Since about N1 trillion is allegedly spent on fuel subsidy per month, it means that electricity subsidy will cost N1.3 trillion.

Apart from the fact that these figures do not add up, the immediate past Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed disclosed on March 12, 2022, that the Federal Government had quietly removed electricity subsidy. Speaking at a virtual meeting of African Finance Ministers and the IMF, Ahmed also said the amendment of the budget was ongoing to accommodate the incremental removal of fuel subsidy. The theme of the meeting was, ‘The Political Economy of Fiscal Reforms’.

On that occasion, Mrs Ahmed said, “We are cleaning up our subsidies. We had a setback; we were to remove fuel subsidy by July this year, but, there was a lot of pushback from the polity. We have elections coming and because of the hardship that companies and citizens went through during the Covid-19 pandemic, we just felt that the time was not right, so we pulled back on that. But, we have been able to quietly implement subsidy removal in the electricity sector, and, as we speak, we don’t have subsidies in the electricity sector. We did that incrementally over time, by carefully adjusting the prices at some levels while holding the lower levels down”.

At no time were Nigerians informed that electricity subsidy, had been restored. Was the N700 billion which Mr Adelabu said was spent on electricity subsidy in 2023, appropriated by the National Assembly? Whatever may be the case, it is indisputable that the IMF and the Federal Government are juggling figures of electricity subsidy to blackmail and deceive the Nigerian people. Whereas the IMF claims that "fuel and electricity subsidy will cost Nigeria N2.33 trillion" in 2024, the Minister of Power has given a subsidy figure of N3 trillion. Curiously, the Federal Ministry of Finance has failed to reconcile the conflicting figures being peddled around by the IMF and Ministry of Power.

Another reason adduced for the hike in electricity tariff, is that Band A customers should enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of power supply per day, and all Discos have been authorised to implement the policy immediately. But, the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) have started publishing their inability to meet the required 20 hours per day power supply for Band A customers, as directed by the NERC. Having not met the conditions stipulated by NERC, the DisCos have forfeited the right to sell electricity at the rate of N225 per kilowatt. The DisCos should refund the funds collected since April 3, 2024, while the NERC should withdraw the approved electricity tariffs without any further delay.

Femi Falana, SAN, Human Rights Lawyer; Recipient of the Bernard Simmons Award of the International Bar Association

“The

The Electricity Tariff Hike: Facts and Myths

George Etomi

To be clear, some frequently asked questions which may stem from this development are outlined below:

Why the Tariff Increase?

Migrate to Higher or Lower Bands?

On 3 April,, 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) issued Supplementary Tariff Orders for Distribution Companies (DisCos) which announced an increase in electricity tariffs. However, this tariff increase from N66/kWh to N225/ kWh is solely applicable to consumers in the Band A category. The new tariff rates take effect immediately, and will apply to these customers from the April billing cycle. This signifies the phased transition, from the Government backed subsidy regime to a competitive market. The tariff rates for other customer classes remain frozen, subject to further policy direction from the Federal Government (FG).

The implications of the tariff increase on the Government, the market and the consumers, are complex. A balancing act needs to be maintained between the Government’s drive for cost savings and phased subsidy removal, the market’s need for liquidity and stable supply, and increased costs for consumers.

new tariff rates take effect immediately, and will apply to these customers from the April billing cycle. This signifies the phased transition, from the Government backed subsidy regime to a competitive market. The tariff rates for other customer classes remain frozen, subject to further policy direction from the Federal Government”

The tariffs paid by customers are heavily subsidised by the FG, meaning that Nigerians do not pay the actual cost of electricity supply which involves power generation, transmission, and distribution. However, the tariffs have now been revised to reflect the changes in the gas price, inflation, foreign exchange rate, and available generation capacity. Recall that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority had announced an increase in the gas to power price from $2.18 per MMBTU to $2.42 per MMBTU on 2 April. Coupled with the high inflation rate and frequent changes in the dollar rate, the tariff increase was imperative. So, the FG is implementing a transition plan to reduce tariff subsidies for all customers, and focus on only the vulnerable. Hence, the commencement with the Band A customers, which represents 15% of the customers. The other customer bands, will continue to benefit from Government subsidies under the order.

Which Customers are in the Band A Category?

In 2020, NERC introduced the Service-Based Tariff (SBT) which classified customers into service bands, to ensure that tariffs paid by customers reflect the services delivered by the DisCos based on the hours of power supply per day. Other considerations are the quality of power supply, service interruptions, customer service, and adequate metering.

Under the SBT, consumers are classified in Bands A to E as follows:

• Band A: Minimum of 20 hours

• Band B: Minimum of 16 hours

• Band C: Minimum of 12 hours

• Band D: Minimum of 8 hours

• Band E: Minimum of 4 hours

So, not everyone is affected by the tariff increase, and customers can confirm if they are affected by checking their respective DisCos’ websites as well as NERC’s websites. DisCos are also to communicate these developments to their customers via bulk SMS.

Can Customers Unilaterally

No, customers are to formally write to DisCos, requesting migration. The DisCos may, on the other hand, determine that a customer cluster is due for migration, and present an application to NERC for approval. It should be noted that only feeders with smart meters, are eligible for upward migration. Upon approval by NERC, customers will be notified by the DisCo via SMS and other channels.

What Remedy do Band A Customers have, where the actual hours of supply is less than 20 hours?

The DisCos have outlined service delivery commitments, in their respective supplementary orders which is available on the NERC website. Where power supply is less than 20 hours for 2 consecutive days, the DisCo is to issue a public notice by 10 am the following day explaining the reason for the failure, and providing a timeline for service restoration to 20 hours. Where this occurs for 7 consecutive days, that customer area will be downgraded from Band A to the band that aligns with the actual hours of supply recorded. Where the DisCo fails to deliver on the committed service levels for 1 month, the affected customers will be compensated with free energy units. Customers have the right to submit their complaints to the DisCos and NERC, via all communication channels.

How Often will the Tariffs be Adjusted?

On a monthly basis. The approved tariffs will be adjusted monthly, to reflect changes in the pass-through indices of inflation rates, Dollar-to-Naira exchange rates, and gas-to-power prices. So, customers should expect more frequent reviews, as against the previous 6-month minor reviews.

Is the Tariff too High?

Actually, power supply from the grid is cheaper than alternative sources. The new tariff rate, is lower than the average cost of power consumption from diesel. If reliability and sustainability is guaranteed, grid power is a better option for electricity customers.

What happens to Band A Customers who are not metered?

Metering is a must for Band A customers. They need to be able to track the amount of power supply being given

electricity Tariff Hike: Is it Lawful?

to them. This will be necessary in case of redress and to avoid disputes. For postpaid customers, power supply may be tracked manually. However, customers should note that electricity theft is criminalised, and meter bypass and refusal to pay bills is penalised in the Electricity Act 2023. The NERC Order mandates that Band A feeders should be metered. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has recommended that, DisCos should be mandated to meter all Band A customers within 60 days. The feasibility of this within the timeframe is, however, questionable given the metering challenges in the sector.

Is the Tariff Increase a fair move for Band A Customers?

Well, the feedback has been mixed, but, it is predominantly on the side of doubt by the populace. That is understandable, because it is a “chicken and egg situation”. Tariff reviews assume that if customers pay cost-reflective tariffs, they will get improved power supply, but, customers are concerned about the uncertainty of power supply for the minimum 20 hour-period because of previous supply history. Whilst we welcome a gradual transition to costreflective tariffs, transferring the burden of increased tariffs to a particular set of customers requires more detailed planning and an even better implementation. The liquidity risk, which was usually borne by the FG, is now being transferred to the highest-paying customers who can presumably afford it. This announcement was not preceded by wide consultations and dialogues with industry stakeholders. This new cost ought to be spread to ensure equity across all customer bands, apart from the vulnerable and life-line customers. However, this can be considered a pilot phase, and tariff increases across other bands can be expected over the coming months, especially as services improve. Some of the unintended consequences of this increase is that the DisCos’ minimum remittance obligations (MROs) will increase, and it may be harder for them to meet their OPEX after the waterfall deductions. There is also the possibility of DisCos concentrating all their efforts and investments on Band A customers, to the detriment of other customers in the other bands to meet their new MROs. Also, the service level agreements between DisCos and TCN needs to be reviewed, to address any potential imbalance issues that may affect the DisCos’ ability to adhere to their respective service commitments to Band A customers. In addition, a number of Band A customers are industrial customers who will consequently, pass the cost to the very populace that the Government seeks to protect.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to understand that privatisation exercises such as the one which Nigeria has embarked on is a long journey and requires patience on the part of all, including the citizenry. The costs involved in ensuring steady power supply are humongous, and can only be assessed from potential investors through steady, reliable and consistent policies from the federal Government. For sustainability, the mode and consistency of implementation is what will inspire confidence in the market to ensure security of supply.

Even where setbacks are encountered, the consistent desire to attract investment should be undeniable. This is what motivates investments, and DisCos should invest in technology to drastically reduce energy theft. We must look to the potential benefits in the Electricity Act which will hopefully see more State participation in this sector, such that its disaggregation should create more off-grid solutions such as embedded generation and solar energy. A consistent drive for these solutions, will allow for better penetration of power supply to the populace.

George Etomi FNIALS, NPOM, Founding Partner, George Etomi & Partners

How Appropriate is the Recent Tariff Review?

Dr Sam Amadi

example, current food inflation is 35.41%. If you tie this to over 400% increase in petrol price arising from the immediate withdrawal of petrol subsidy, it means that Nigerians are facing a very difficult period.

Expectedly, Nigerian customers revolted against the increase. The logic of the increase is that, it will apply to only 15% of the customer base of the eleven distribution companies. Also, it will come with increase of power supply to these customers who are banded together under Band A. NERC has given assurance that, these customers will receive a minimum of 20 hours of regular electricity everyday. The rest of the customers who are banded under Bands B-E will have few hours of electricity, in some cases, less than 6 hours for those on the lowest band.

A few weeks ago, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced that it has approved a new tariff rate for some customers grouped under Band A. These customers who were paying N68 for a kilowatt (kwh) hour of electricity, will, as from April 1, 2024, pay N225 per kwh. This is about a 230% increase, in one fell swoop. In electricity industry parlance, any single increase of more than 20%, constitutes a rate shock. This is an extraordinary increase, at a time that cost of energy and cost of necessities have gone up. For

“There should be little cross-subsidy, such that one customer group pays a disproportionate portion of the cost of service. This will violate the principle of non-discrimination”

The approval took effect immediately, on April 1. The reports of activities of distribution companies days after, illustrate the problem with the tariff increase. Distribution companies began to smuggle customers into the lucrative Band A, such that those who were previously under Bands B and C were automatically deducted N225kwh. On the microblog site X, formerly know as twitter, the management of distribution companies apologised to customers who complained that they were billed Band A tariff when they do not receive anything close to 20 hours of electricity daily. According to Daily Trust Newspaper, the complaints were so overwhelming that, within a week, there were more than 30 such admitted wrong categorisations and over-billings. The regulator, NERC, had to intervene the next 24 hours to cite Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) of numerous violations, and slammed it with a whooping N200m fine.

These actions foreshadow the problems that the new tariff will unleash in the sector, as the impacts of the tariff increase hit home. As we await reactions from distribution companies’ regulator and customers, we need to evaluate the process undertaken by the regulator to approve the tariff hike, and the regulatory issues surrounding the new tariff.

Just and Fair Tariff

The prime issue in electricity regulation is the obligation of the regulator, to allow an efficient operator the right to recover the costs it incurred to supply electricity and a reasonable profit. This obligation is standard global practice that is now codified. Section 33 of the Electricity Act that replaces the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act 2005 articulates the function of NERC to include “to ensure that the prices charged by licensee are fair to consumers, and are sufficient to allow licensees to finance their activities and to allow for reasonable profit for efficient operation”, and to “ensure that regulation is fair and balanced for customers, licensee, investors and other stakeholders”. The twin obligation of ensuring just and fair tariff to licensees and regulate in a fair and balanced manner for the benefit of consumers, is at the heart of utility regulation.

The general power to regulate tariffs in the Nigerian electricity supply industry, is derived from Section 116 of the Electricity Act 2023. It declares that generation, transmission, and distribution are subject to tariff regulation. It further states in regulating tariff, the Commission can adopt one or more methodologies that, among other things, “allow a licensee who operates efficiently to recover the full costs of its business activities, including a reasonable return on the capital invested in the business”. The Commission must, through tariff regulation, “provide incentive for continued improvement of the quality of services” and “avoid undue discrimination between consumers and consumer categories”.

The critical thing about the power to regulate tariffs in the electricity industry, is that it is based on a methodology established by the Commission in line with the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act (now repealed by Electricity Act 2023). NERC cannot issue tariffs contrary to what is in the methodology.The methodology is a regulation, and is gazetted. Therefore, it is legally enforceable against the Commission.

If tariffs are changed in a manner not contemplated in the regulation, it raises issues about legality. Under

electricity Tariff Hike: Is it Lawful?

cont'd from page VIII

judicial review, the court can deny it due deference because it fails the test set by the US Supreme Court in the classical Chevron case, that a regulatory decision deserves judicial deference as long as it is legal, logical, and reasonable. A decision of a regulator that violates its principal enactment or its subsidiary legislation, is an illegal exercise of power and subject to judicial nullification. The obligation in Section 33 is translated into ‘incentive regulation’ which characterises the work of utility regulators. Why incentive regulation?

Incentive regulation emphasises that the objective of regulation, is to incentivise the operators to deliver services at the most efficient level possible. The idea is that the ultimate public interest is that, utilities can deliver the best quality services at the least cost. Therefore, the focus of regulation is to push or nudge the operators to that level of efficiency, that will result in the best service at the least cost. Incentive regulation has implications, for the design of tariff structure. Oftentimes, the regulator will use the cost of service model, which results in cost-plus or rate of return or price cap. Each of these pricing models has its advantages and disadvantages. In rate of return or cost-plus model, the regulator estimates the cost of producing the service and additional profit, and fixes the price at that level. This means that to be profitable, the firm should not exceed the allowable costs. But, the negative side is that it does not incentivise the firm to invest in innovation that will be more efficient, since such may not improve much its revenue. This has led to some other incentive regulatory models, that allow the firm to share from the gains of its innovation.

The bottom-line of regulation is that the service should be produced efficiently, and the customer should be protected from exploitation in terms of poor quality of service and high pricing. In a natural market that is perfect, there would be no regulation since the forces or demand and supply will ensure that the price that the customer pays is the most efficient price, because of the pressure of competition. But, in a natural monopoly like the electricity market in Nigeria, where there is no competition and entry and exit into the market is constrained, the market price will not be efficient. Therefore, it should be regulated.

The nature of the market, is the major difference between telecommunication and electricity markets. In the telecommunication market there is relative free entry and exit, and customers can easily switch service providers if the price rises or quality of service falls. But, in the electricity industry there is no easy entry and exit, and there is no choice of service provider. This is the reason, for regulating price and quality of electricity services. Legislation and judicial opinions recognise that the two markets are different, hence, the law establishing them reflect the economics of their services.

The fundamental law and economics of price regulation, focus on three basic things. These were well articulated in 1961 by Professor James Bonbright in his classic, The Principles of Public

“But,

Utility Rates. He listed these as (1) establishing the revenue requirement of the industry, (2) apportioning cost of service to different customers, and (3) ensuring optimal efficiency. The law requires a regulator to determine the revenue required to generate, transmit and distribute a particular amount of electricity in a year. The revenue requirement will depend on the efficiency of the sector, and the quantity of power expected to be supplied to customers. The key point is that since many costs will be capital costs that do not vary much with change in quantity, it is more efficient to supply higher quantity of electricity than less. The second important work of regulation, is to apportion the costs to different customers to recover the revenue requirement. In doing so, the regulator ensures that the burden that falls on a customer class is fair, in that it is proportionate to the cost that the utility incurs in serving that customer class. This principle discourages cross-subsidy. There should be little cross-subsidy, such that one customer group pays a disproportionate portion of the cost of service. This will violate the principle of non-discrimination. This is a controversial point, to the extent that there is always some degree of cross-subsidisation because of policy. But, where it is gross, then the principle of far regulation and its fundamental tenet of ‘just and fair’ tariff have been violated.

Due Process Regulation

In ensuring just and fair tariff, the regulator ensures that the utilities consult with their customers, and secure their consent to tariff changes. This is a fundamental principle of

the electricity distribution companies have started publishing their inability to meet the required 20 hours per day power supply for Band A customers, as directed by the NERC. Having not met the conditions stipulated by NERC, the DisCos have forfeited the right to sell electricity at the rate of N225 per kilowatt.”

fair regulation. Professor Bonbright listed the fundamental principles of rate setting as simplicity, practicability, consultation, consent, and stability. A tariff must arise from consultation, and receive the consent of consumers. It must be simple, non-controversial and stable.

Consultation as a fundamental aspect of fair regulation, is embedded in the administrative law and procedures that regulate the management of public agencies. The laws establishing the regulator, in this case, the Nigerian Electricity regulatory Commission (NERC) requires it to consult with stakeholders, especially customers before making regulations, including tariff regulations. In establishing the methodology for tariff, the NERC Business Rules requires that it consults with stakeholders, especially before signing a tariff order. The failure to do so will invalidate a tariff order.

Consultation is not just putting out an advertorial and asking for submission. That is not consultation, in the regulatory sense. The NERC regulation for tariff enacted in 2014 requires that before NERC approves a tariff request from its licensees, it must review evidence of real and sustained consultation with the affected customer class. NERC staff will attend such consultation and provide internal report, to use to second guess the report of consultation filed by the distribution companies.

Application of Regulatory Due Process to the Current Tariff

The approval of the current tariff offends the law and principle of regulation, as established under the Electricity Act and regulations issues by NERC. First, there is no evidence of consultation with customers on Band A, before approving hike in their tariff. At such consultation, the DisCo will show evidence of historical performance that justifies confidence that it can deliver 20 hours of electricity to the customers. This proof is empirical. If the DisCo has not supplied a minimum of 18 hours of electricity to the customer group in the preceding six months, how would it be reasonable to believe it can offer 20 hours without any significant increase in generation capacity and network reliability? This is preposterous. It is

at such consultation, that the regulator would have realised that the request would amount to exploitation of those customers. Interestingly, the many complaints in less than a week of the approval about failure of service by the DisCos since the increase of tariff, shows that there is no capacity to supply minimum of 20 hours to any customer group. Therefore, the basis of the price increase does not exist.

Another serious defect of the tariff order, is the discrimination against customers banded under other bands. Chapter 2 of the Constitution prohibits discrimination, in access to social services. This is because such discrimination is unjust, and violates equal opportunity under the law. By granting discretional 20 hours of guaranteed electricity to one customer group and less than 6 hours to another category of customers, the regulator has violated Chapter 2 of the Constitution whose provisions have been enacted in a statute – the Electricity Act 2023. As the Supreme Court noted in Fawehinmi v Abacha, although the rights under Chapter 2 of the Constitution may not be readily enforceable, once they re-enacted in a statute, they become enforceable by the court by virtue of the enactment. Therefore, the discrimination in access to electricity not based on price but on discretional allocation, violates Section 16 of the Constitution and Section 116 of the Electricity Act.

It is clear that NERC did not apply the required regulatory rigor in the approval of the current tariff. The chief failures are that there was no real consultation with the consumer class that would be affected by price increase and no consideration for the right of other consumer groups to have equal access to electricity on equal terms like Band A customers. This is not withstanding other socioeconomic considerations that suggest that this is not the right time for such a large tariff increase. It is obvious that the regulator fell under the fiscal pressure of saving the sector from assumed financial collapse and passed unjustified costs to a category of customers perceived to be able and willing to pay. That is not good regulation.

Dr Sam Amadi, Immediate Past Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)

The Role of Law in Maintaining Sanity and Preventing Impunity in a Democratic Setting (Part 1)

Introduction

There is no doubt that the fundamental attribute of law, is its ability to curtail excessive behaviours of man. In the absence of law in any society, anarchy and survival by strength become inevitable.

The purpose of law is to produce either of two things: (a) an idealistic society or (b) a practical society, more tolerable than what has been labelled by some philosophers as ‘the state of nature’, in which there are no formal ties between mankind, and no civil or statutory law. The importance of law is such that, it is difficult or impossible for a society to exist without law.

The force of law is a major requirement, for maintaining social order and preventing chaos in a society. It is thus, difficult to imagine the existence of a community without law. Lending credence to this, is the view of Thomas Hobbes to the effect that, life outside society and law would be ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short’.

It is as a result of this that mankind saw the need to come together and entrust power to a group of people, to implement policies and laws for the good of all, and this was how ‘government’ came to be.

In a democratic setting, the role of law in maintaining sanity and preventing impunity is enormous, and indeed, cannot be overemphasised. In absence of law, rule by whims and caprices of those in authority, or what I may rightly describe as “strongmanism”, becomes the order of the day. In fact, there can be no democratic setting in absence of rule of law, governing the system and limiting the powers of those in charge. Thus, it has been opined that the essential characteristic of the liberal theory of the State, is the idea that the authority and power of the State are limited. It is against this background that this article seeks to X-ray the role of law in maintaining sanity and preventing impunity, under a democratic dispensation.

Definition of Key Terms

The key terms that require definition for the purpose of clarity in this work are "Law", "Impunity" and "Democratic Setting".

Meaning of Law

Law being a complex phenomenon, any good definition of it must be complex. Thus, aptness must not necessarily be the important criterion.

Although there is no universally accepted definition of law, law in more loose sense as against its specialised meaning is that which is laid down, ordained, or established. A rule or method according to which phenomena or actions coexist, or follow each other expansively. It has been said that law represents a system of principles and rules of human conduct, being the aggregate of those commandments and principles which are either prescribed or recognised by the governing power in an organised jural society as its will in relation to the conduct of the members of such society, and which it undertakes to maintain and sanction and to use as criteria of the actions of such laws. In other words, law is an accepted code of conduct which has been formulated and endorsed by organs empowered to generate such code of conduct to be generally applicable and binding on all class members of the society, so as to guarantee the protection of the weak and strongly regulate the overbearing influence of the mighty in the society.

Put differently, law consists basically of a body of rules of human conduct which are binding on all, both the led and the leaders. Law is a body of rules in a society at any given time, considered binding and which a breach is met by a sanction. It is a set of formalised or codified rules stipulating

the rights and duties of individuals, powers and obligations of authorities, with their limitations and remedies, as well as the manner of redress in any case of breach. When rules involve the idea of obligation, they become law, but when they merely represent the notions of good and bad behaviour, they are mere rules of morality. Mere coincidence of patterns of behaviour does not indicate the existence of law; habits must thus, be distinguished from obligatory rules.

Some people consider law as a command, and some rules of law are couched in terms of command given by an authority and directed to an individual or a group. Most laws or legal rules however, are not in that form, but are rather normative in character as it prescribes the norms of conduct-what people ought to do. It is imperative in character, that is, law states what people no matter their status or position, must do and what they must not do. Thus, the exercise of power by a leader or leaders, must be done in accordance with the limits provided by law. The practice of one arm of the government interfering with or undermining the powers of other arms breeds impunity and should not be allowed.

Practically, obedience to the law is secured

“….obedience to the law is secured by sanction….Without sanction, the continued existence of the society would be in danger, and society would ultimately disintegrate”

by sanction, and sanction serves the purpose of protecting the general community against persons of deviant behaviour. Without sanction, the continued existence of the society would be in danger, and society would ultimately disintegrate.

Generally however, the term "law" is used to mean three things:

First, it is used to mean "legal order". It represents the regime of adjusting relations, and ordering conduct by the systematic application of the force of organised political society.

Secondly, law means the whole body of legal precepts which exists in a politically organised society.

Thirdly, law is used to mean all official control in a politically organised society. Law in its narrowest or strict sense is the civil law or the law of the land.

Evolution of Law and Government Behaviour rules have developed and evolved along with the evolution of human communities, changing into social norms of cohabitation, organisation and behaviour. The evolution of the community brought about the evolution of penalties applied to individuals who disobeyed or broke those rules. Thus, the first forms of human community used the death penalty (blood revenge) as means of punishment for serious violation of the rules of coexistence. Later on, death penalty was replaced by the individual's expulsion from the community and as communities evolved, material redemption was used instead of expulsion. The first judicial norms (the germs of law) developed among these social cohabitation, organisation and behaviour rules. Judicial norms differed from other rules due to their compulsory character and

by appeal to the coercive force of the community when they were broken by certain individuals. The change of social, customised norms into judicial norms and the emergence of law as independent entity take place along with the occurrence of State and public power rooted in the Greek - Roman Antiquity. It has been said that law is a social phenomenon incidental to human society; thus, Romans have expressed this statement through the phrase: "ubi societas, ubi jus", namely law occurs along with the society.

Impunity

One term that has gained prominence within the Nigerian democratic setting is "impunity". Its overreaching influence holds sway on almost all facets of its democratic setting and institutions. The word —impunity derives from the Latin word —impunitas, which literally means “without punishment or exemption from punishment”. However, there is no consensus as to the meaning of impunity. Hence, diverse definitions of impunity abound, with each definition reflecting the perception of the respective writer. Despite these divergences in definition, impunity is nevertheless, often associated with the outright disregard for law or the rule of law, violation of human rights and the abuse of legal-social power

Impunity has been held to mean freedom from punishment or from unpleasant results of something that has been done that is wrong or illegal. The term "impunity" originates from the Latin word "impunitas" which translates to mean freedom or exemption from punishment, penalty or harm. It also means immunity from punishment. The height of impunity in any given society reflects the decadence of morality and consciencelessness of that society.

As Louis Joinet (United Nations Special Rapporteur) observed, impunity is a consequence of the —failure of states to meet their obligations, investigate violations and take appropriate measures (against) perpetrators, particularly in the area of justice, to ensure that they are prosecuted, tried and duly punished; to provide the victims with effective remedies and reparation for the injuries suffered, and to take steps to prevent any recurrence of such violation. It is thus evident, that the failure of a State to enforce the rule of law by meting out appropriate punishment to offenders and providing requisite remedies for victims is what ushers in a culture of impunity.

Democratic Setting

There is no consensus among scholars on the exact definition of democracy. Democracy is a Greek word which in its simplest form literally means “rule of the people”. Before Abraham Lincoln ever defined democracy as “a government of the people, by the people and for the people” different scholars has attempted to proffer definition to the subject matter. Though there is no consensus among scholars as to a generally acceptable definition of the term “democracy”, I shall however, attempt to state a few of the definitions so far offered by different scholars in this write-up.

Rousseau sees democracy as the government of the people, for the general will of the people. Euripides, a Greek philosopher long before Plato, shared the above view when he described a democratic State as one governed by people's representatives and for the many who have neither property nor birth. Plato, another Greek philosopher, had a similar view of democracy when he defined a democratic State in his book, the Republic, as a State governed by the philosopher kings, who neither marry nor have personal property, but live together in the barracks (that is, equivalent to government house today) and enunciate policies for the general welfare of the people. However, Plato, in his second and third books, the Statesman and the Laws, respectively modified his definition when he defined democracy as the government of the people in which law is supreme, ruler and subjects alike being subject to it.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice, he is the worst.” (Aristotle)

With Excess of N2tn Shareholders Fund, UBA Mulls Fresh Capital

Kayode Tokede

With an excess of N2 trillion shareholders fund, the management of United Bank for Africa (UBA) has disclosed that at due course, it plans to raise fresh capital in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria directives.

The Group Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of UBA, Oliver Alawuba, reiterated this at the recent 2023 financial year investors and analysts conference call

The pan-Africa bank closed 2023 financial year with N2.03trillion shareholders fund from N922.1 billion reported in 2022. As Share capital and share premium remained flat at N17.1billion and N98.71 billion in 2023, respectively, retained earnings closed 2023 at N919.87 billion, a growth of 1114.2per cent from N429.53 billion reported in 2022.

Alawuba expressed that the financial institution in 2024 would continue to push the frontiers of innovation and technology adoption to build significant value for shareholders through its digital banking business.

“UBA will sustain its focus on the ‘Customer’, with unique value propositions in line with the ideals of our “Customer First” (C1st) Philosophy.

“We will also continue to leverage our diversified global operations and actively manage our balance sheet in response to rapidly changing macroeconomic conditions across our various markets.”

Commenting on the UBA’s 2023 performance, he said, “Against a backdrop of challenging and volatile geopolitical and economic conditions, your

Bank delivered another year of record earnings. Our gross earnings and profit before tax reached their highest levels in our history.

“Gross earnings grew yearon-year (y-o-y) by 143.3per cent to N2.1trillion and our profit before tax increased by 277.2per cent to N757.7 billion, asserting UBA’s position as a leading financial institution.

“This growth was fuelled by a significant increase in net interest income, due to a combination of a strong expansion in the loan portfolio, higher net interest margins, and a substantial contribution from foreign exchange operations. The FX operations benefited from increased business activity and improved profit margins.”

He stated that the bank was actively engaged in a comprehensive series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the performance of our Bank. Internally, stressing that the management categorize these efforts into three overarching domains: People, Process, and Technology.

The Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management, Ugo Nwaghodoh in a presentation said, “We’re guiding a full year deposit growth of about 20per cent, loan growth of about 20per cent, cost of risk of about 3.8per cent, non-performing loan ratio of about 4.5per cent, return on average equity of about 30per cent, return on assets of about three per cent, capital adequacy ratio of about 30 per cent, cost to income ratio at about 45 per cent, and net interest margins will be about 7.5 per cent.”

He noted that UBA in 2023 return on equity closed at 41.1per cent and capital

adequacy ratio at 32.6per cent

“The NPL slipped from 2.95per cent to 5.85% largely because of some major classifications in some of the markets like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Congo DRC. That’s why we have that at 5.85per cent. And included in the profits for 2023 full year is the valuation gain coming from valuation of our derivative portfolio, which was about N457 billion,” he explained.

Nwaghodoh noted that the valuation of the Naira was a pivotal to some of the growth that UBA recorded on some of its balance sheet lines. Loans and advances also up 61per cent to N5.5 trillion. Real growth on loans and advances was 15per cent and real growth on deposit was 56per cent.

“Shareholders’ funds now stand at N2.1 trillion from N922 billion. We saw significant moderation in our cost-to-income ratio, from 59per cent to 37.2per cent. And cost of risk also rose from 0.63per cent to 3.09per cent.

“The rise in the cost of risk was largely on the back of the fact that we feel that the portfolio impairment that we should carry should reflect the weakening in a number of economies and the impact of devaluation and removal of fuel subsidy, ETC, on customers’ businesses.

“And that has led to, for us, potential heightening of credit risk, which has meant that we needed to reserve much more for portfolio impairment. So, we expect that there might be some defaults somewhere down the lane, and we are reflecting all of that in the impairment numbers,” he added.

CSR: Inlaks Promotes Women Inclusion to Mark IWD

Raheem Akingbolu

Inlaks, a leading ICT infrastructure and systems integrator in Sub-Saharan Africa, has joined the global community in celebrating the accomplishments of women to commemorate the International Women’s Day. This annual event is dedicated to honoring women’s achievements, addressing challenges, and advocating for women’s rights and inclusion.

This year’s theme, “Inspire

Inclusion,” highlights the importance of women’s participation in creating a more equitable and inclusive world. Inlaks organized two panel sessions featuring women and men from various business units within the organization. These sessions focused on discussions about inclusion and its significance for progress and growth.

Group Head of Human Resources and Administration at Inlaks, Adetokunbo Ayo-Ogunsanya, reaffirmed

the company’s commitment to supporting women’s growth and empowerment. She emphasized the pivotal role women play in driving innovation, creativity, and success when given equal opportunities.

“At Inlaks, we understand that empowering women is not just a moral obligation but also a strategic imperative. Our goal is to foster an inclusive workplace where women can unleash their full potential,” she sated.

Freight Forwarders: Hike in Haulage Rate Will Worsen Inflation

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Importers and exporters operating at the Eastern ports of the country, have lamented the impending inflation, following an alleged 200 percent hike in haulage rate by the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC).

The operators unanimously threatened operational shutdown and declared a sevenday ultimatum, if the council do not return to status quo by reversing the rate. They made their position known to journalists yesterday, in Port Harcourt, while analysing the impending inflation if

the hike was not moderated.

Speaking to journalists on behalf of the group, Mr Joshua Ahuama, Zonal Coordinator, Association of Nigeria Licenced Custom Agents (ANLCA), said the meeting became necessary to enable the body collectively reject the new rate, as it contravened the provisions of the NSC Act.

According to him, stakeholders consultation is an integral provision of the agency’s Act. He said “Recently, the NSC had approved a 200 percent increment on haulage rate for transport owners and drivers operating under the maritime union of

Nigeria. To this end, importers and freight forwarders association in the eastern zone have unanimously disputed the new rate because it is outrageous, arbitrary and unacceptable to all stakeholders in the zone.

“We have however, resolved to adopt all peaceful efforts. We started this move on March 14, by calling on the NSC to ensure proper stakeholders engagement and renegotiation. These measures are also expected to help all parties to reach a benchmark that would be in the interest of all stakeholders in the maritime value chain,” he said.

NGX Group, Listed Companies Seek FG’s Intervention in Manufacturing Sector

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian Exchange Group and some listed companies have sought the intervention of the Federal Government to ease the challenges faced by the manufacturing sector in the country.

This was stated yesterday during a visit of the Minister of Industry, and Trade & Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, to

the NGX headquarters in Lagos. The visit, which was a closed-door session with select journalists offered the listed companies in the capital market a platform to express their challenges and seek commitment from the minister to address those challenges.

Companies operating in Nigeria last year were faced with foreign exchange losses and high finance costs, a re-

curring trend for companies in the manufacturing sector of the economy.

Speaking at the meeting, the Group Chairman of the NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, said it was essential for the government to engage players in the capital market. “This is important, so that they can know the challenges and be able to proffer solutions to aid the listed companies.”

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group, Temi Popoola, maintained that the economy had seen the worst and that the outlook feels positive. He added that there were areas for NGX to collaborate with the FG in a bid to boost the small and medium scale sector of the economy through improved liquidity. Popoola urged the FG to become intentional about regulations that

would improve the activities of the capital market.

Also present at the meeting were management of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), NGX Regulation (NGX RegCo), Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc and BUA Foods Plc. The Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Sugar Refinery, Ravindra Singhvi, lamented the lack of hedging mechanism for their foreign exchange loans and how the

high interest rate needed to come down to ease the operations of manufacturers. He said, “There are no hedging mechanisms for us and this leaves us exposed to changes in the currency market.”

Chorusing the call for SMEs support, Singhvi suggested that policies should be made to compel companies to pay SMEs on time, give a certain quota of supply contracts to MSMEs.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF APRIL 15 /24

MAIN

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 12-April-2024, unless otherwise stated.

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

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF.

Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

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

FEaturEs

Reaffirming NAF's Commitment to Operational Readiness, Innovation

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar recently embarked on an operational visit to Logistics Command in Lagos. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that this maiden tour since his appointment reaffirmed the NAF's commitment to maintaining operational readiness, fostering innovation through R&D, and strengthening collaboration with other security agencies to address emerging security challenges effectively

It was homecoming for the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, as he made his maiden visit to Lagos since his appointment as the 22nd CAS.

It was a nostalgic visit because the chief had spent good number of the entire years he had put into the service in Lagos including when he was the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command.

During the operational visit to the Logistics Command and other operational units and formations situated in Lagos, the CAS, who was received by Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Yaro Abdullahi, inspected facilities, equipment and installation as well as interacted with the officers and men of NAF Lagos with a view to making sure that their operational requirement as well as their welfare needs are adequately catered for. His visit also included the headquarters of the air components and Joint Task Force Operation AWATSE.

The Logistics Command, established in 1982, plays a crucial role in providing logistical support for the NAF, including procurement, maintenance, sustenance, and eventual disposal of facilities and equipment. Air Marshal Abubakar's inspection aimed to ensure that the operational requirements and welfare needs of the officers and men of NAF Lagos were adequately met.

Command Philosophy

For his Command Philosophy, the CAS coined out of the vision and mission of the AFN as encapsulated in the 2017 National Defence Policy document to enhance synergy of purpose while

improving jointness, cooperation and esprit de corps.

This Command Philosophy is aimed at providing a holistic view of how to accomplish assigned missions, get the various parts of the NAF working in unison and thriving, while also safeguarding the welfare of all personnel, which was part of what informed his tour to Lagos.

Reflections of NAF @60

In his address, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the significant progress made by the Nigerian Air Force since its establishment in 1962, leading up to its forthcoming 60th anniversary in May. From humble beginnings with limited platforms and training facilities, the NAF now boasts 30 different aircraft types and a personnel strength of over 35,000 officers and men spread across all geopolitical zones of the country.

While reflecting on the NAF's evolution, Air Marshal Abubakar acknowledged the transition from conventional warfare to irregular warfare and counter-insurgency

operations, while noting that the challenges posed by adversaries embedded within civilian populations, sometimes result in unintended civilian casualties.

However, he reassured that the NAF is committed to minimising such incidents through intelligence-driven operations and continuous learning from past mistakes.

Underscoring Importance of Research & Development

Air Marshal Abubakar underscored the importance of research and development (R&D) in driving innovation within the NAF. He highlighted ongoing R&D efforts, including the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the Gulma and Tsaigumi, which are nearing mass production stages. Additionally, he noted that several NAF research products have been patented, demonstrating the NAF's commitment to technological advancement.

He said: "One of the key enablers of my Command Philosophy is emphasis on Research and Development and we have very good foundation so far. We have the Air Force Research and Development Institute which is presently located at Osogbo. We also have the Air Force Institute for Technology and this is in

For Logistics Command, the Chief of Naval Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar's operational visit was a boost to his commitment to maintain operational readiness, foster innovation through R&D, and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies

addition to our R&D cells that we have spread across all our formations and units in the AirForce.

"We usually have competitions where R&D efforts are brought and assessed before picking a winner. Based on that, we have reached advanced stages with some of our project. For instance, we have the Gulma and the Tsaigumi UAVs , we have demonstrated flights with them, we are now at the stage of mass production.

"Hopefully by next year, we would have them mass produced and at least operating within the Air Force before we even start producing them commercial purposes. We also have about five of our research products that have been patented by National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and now we have proprietary ownership of those patent and we can mass produce, use and as well sell them and so many other products along the line."

Successful Collaborations

Regarding collaboration with other security agencies, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasised the NAF's excellent relationship with agencies such as the Department of State Services, Nigerian Police, Army, and Navy. He highlighted the exchange of intelligence and joint operations as key components of the NAF's collaborative efforts to enhance national security.

For Logistics Command, the CAS operational visit was a boost to his commitment to maintain operational readiness, foster innovation through R&D, and strengthen collaboration with other security agencies.

CAS with other senior officers inspecting some of the equipment at the Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja

Group picture of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar with other senior officers at the NAF unit in Shasha

Taking the salute from the quarter guard on arrival for the tour

Air Marshal Abubakar fielding questions from journalists while the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Yaro Abdullahi looks on

BUSINESS WORLD

In spite of Nigeria’s overall oil production decline in Q1, 2024 compared to the preceding months, the country recorded the highest quarter-on-quarter volume between January and March this year.

When oil output in the last two years is put side by side this year’s, a THISDAY analysis of available data showed that production in the last three months still exceeded the same period in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

A computation of production figures from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory

Commission (NUPRC) indicated that whereas the country drilled a total of 116.9 million barrels in Q1, 2022, the volume was 114.7 million in Q1, 2023, while it rose to 120.7 million barrels in Q1, 2024. This marked about 6 million production growth in Q1, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

At the weekend the NUPRC confirmed earlier data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which showed a dip in Nigeria’s oil production for the second consecutive month this year.

Information on crude drilling operations for March from the

NUPRC indicated that production fell from 1.42 million barrels per day in January to 1.32 million bpd in February, before slipping to 1.23 million bpd in March. It indicated that cumulatively, Nigeria may have lost as much as 2.8 million barrels in the entire month of March, that is roughly 90,000 bpd during the period under review.

The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, last Friday acknowledged the country’s declining crude oil production after an initial rise in recent months.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and

Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, the minister assured that measures were being taken to address the situation, not only to restore production to previous levels, but to increase it in a sustainable manner.

Lokpobiri stated that the slump was primarily due to issues encountered on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), coupled with maintenance activities carried out by some oil companies operating in Nigeria during the period.

Those reasons aside, oil theft and waning investments remain Nigeria’s biggest constraints to achieving its OPEC quota, which was reviewed down from over

1.7 million bpd in 2023 to 1.5 million bpd for 2024. At the time, OPEC cited the country’s inability to consistently meet its allocated production targets for the decision.

The NUPRC data showed that between January and March 2022, Nigeria produced approximately 43.3 million barrels, 35.2 million barrels and 38.3 million barrels respectively.

In 2023, its output for the first three months were 39.2 million barrels, 36.1 million barrels and 39.2 million.

However, in the first three months of 2024, despite production decline compared to previous months, Nigeria pumped

44.2 million barrels, 38.3 million barrels and 38.1 million barrels in each of January, February and March.

There are already concerns that the federal government’s 2024 budget, which is benchmarked against a crude oil output of 1.78 million barrels per day and an oil price of $77.96 may be negatively impacted by the recent development.

Nigeria depends on oil export for over 80 per cent of its foreign exchange earnings, which it desperately needs to boost its struggling economy in the short term.

Gilbert Ekugbe

The World Bank has stated that over 105 million people are at risk of food insecurity in Africa due to conflicts and climate shocks.

The World Bank’s latest Africa Pulse further reported that political instability and geopolitical tensions are weighing on economic

activities and might constrain access to food for an estimated 105 million people.

The report is coming at a time when most African countries are still relying on imports to meet their food needs.

“African governments’ fiscal positions remain vulnerable to global economic disruptions, necessitating

policy actions to build buffers to prevent or cope with future shocks,” the World Bank added.

The report also highlighted that external resources to meet gross financing needs of African governments are shrinking, “and those available are costlier than they were prior to the pandemic.”

“What is more, inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the highest in the world, second only to the Latin America and Caribbean region, as measured by the region’s average Gini coefficient. Access to basic services, such as schooling or healthcare, remains highly unequal despite recent improvements. Disparities

also exist in access to markets and income-generating activities, irrespective of people’s skills. Taxes and poorly targeted subsidies may also have an outsized impact on the poor,” the report added. The report called for several policy actions to foster stronger and more equitable growth. These include restoring macroeconomic stability, promoting inter-generational mobility, supporting market access, and ensuring that fiscal policies do not overburden the poor. The report, however, pointed out that increased private consumption and declining inflation are supporting an

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Olasupo: Over 80% of Nigeria’s Forest Cover Lost to Deforestation

Gilbert Ekugbe

A Field Supervisor and awardwinning plant conservationist, Mr. Olukunle Olasupo, has stated that Nigeria has lost over 80 per cent of its original forest cover to deforestation, stressing that the rate is far below the recommended minimum.

According to him, there is a lack of proper enforcement to stop illegal logging in protected areas, saying that farmers clearing land for agriculture or charcoal production are significantly threatening protected areas.

He called on individuals,

IEA Cuts 2024 Oil Demand Growth Forecast

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has revised down its 2024 world demand growth forecast by 100,000 barrels per day, citing a slowdown in global oil demand growth due to “exceptionally weak” deliveries in developed economies at the start of the year.

The rise in oil consumption continues to lose momentum, with first-quarter growth estimated at 1.6 million bpd, which is 120,000 bpd below the IEA’s previous forecast, the agency said in its latest Oil Market Report.

With most of the post-Covid rebound behind the world, global oil demand is set to grow by 1.2 million bpd this year and growth is set to further slow to 1.1 million bpd next year, the IEA said.

Just last month, the IEA had raised its 2024 outlook on global oil demand growth, by 110,000 bpd from the February report and expected demand growth at 1.3 million bpd for 2024, compared to 1.2 million bpd expected in the previous month’s report.

The IEA’s demand growth estimates are well below those of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which confirmed its forecast of global oil demand growth of 2.2 million bpd for 2024, broadly unchanged from last month’s assessment.

The cartel still sees “robust growth” of 1.8 million bpd in 2025 compared to 2024, according to oilprice.com.

In other climes, global oil demand in the summer is expected to be strong as consumption of transportation fuels is set to rise across the board and across regions with summer and holiday travel picking up, OPEC said.

Also, the IEA has said that the drone attacks from Ukraine on Russian refineries could disrupt fuel markets globally, estimating

A review of the oil production assets which were the most problematic during the period showed that Bonny terminal recorded a steady decline in 2024, falling from 6.36 million barrels in January to 4.60 million barrels and 4.26 million barrels in February and March respectively.

Brass also recorded a decline from 735,680 barrels in January to 617,189 barrels in February and then 686, 188 barrels in March.

Production at Forcados also fell from 7.79 million barrels in

that up to 600,000 barrels per day of Russia’s refinery capacity could be offline in the second quarter.

Global markets “rely on Russian exports of diesel, naphtha and jet fuel, while refining systems in Asia absorb substantial quantities of the country’s straight-run and cracked residue to boost upgrading unit feedstock,” the IEA said in the report.

The agency lowered by 160,000 bpd its forecast of global refinery throughputs this year and now sees these rising by 1 million bpd to 83.3 million bpd, due to lower Russian refinery runs, unplanned outages in Europe, and still-tepid Chinese activity.

Russian refinery outages have added to the unease in the global product market, the IEA said in the report.

In recent months, Ukraine has stepped up attacks on oil refineries in Russia, which have reduced Russian refining capacity, and which, reportedly, have the White House concerned about rising international prices.

The United States has repeatedly urged Ukraine to halt its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries due to Washington’s assessment that the strikes could lead to Russian retaliation and push up global oil prices, the Financial Times reported last month, citing sources familiar with the exchange.

According to Reuters estimates, the amount of Russian oil refining capacity that has been taken offline due to Ukrainian drone strikes is 14 per cent of Russia’s total refining capacity.

Due to refinery damage as a result of the drone attacks, Russia’s petrol production fell by 12 per cent in the last week of March compared to the February average, even though the domestic market hasn’t felt the impact yet.

January to 6.79 million barrels in February and further to 6.67 million barrels in March 2024.

Recently, Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have taken a significant hit, dropping by approximately $1.02 billion within the last few days as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stepped up efforts aimed at defending the naira.

On March 18, 2024, the FX reserves stood at $34.45 billion, but by April 3, it had dropped to $33.50 billion, based on data from the apex bank.

Ii is believed that if Nigeria

government, public, and private institutions to prioritise efforts in keeping urban centers forested, adding that individuals should commit to planting trees as well as government, public and private institutions.

According to Olasupo, afforestation is simply planting trees, giving the planet a significant, leafy lung transplant, saying that it has increased forest cover, which benefits everyone. “On the other hand, deforesta-

tion is the chopping down of trees, which poses a significant threat to our environment,” he added.

Olasupo highlighted the incredible work IITA Forest Center does for forest conservation in Nigeria.

He said: “The Forest Center offers educational programs on forest conservation, teaching young people how to identify plants, collect seeds, and become forest champions.”

The Forest Center teaches people how to cultivate medicinal plants

in their backyards to reduce the pressure on wild populations. It has partnered with the US Embassy to bring these programs to schools in southwest Nigeria.

He said that individuals should plant short trees such as the miracle berry tree in their backyards and homes, which pose no threat to fences or foundations of people’s homes.

Olasupo charged the government with upholding and enforcing policies that support environmental

conservation.

He said: “Gazette areas for tree planting in urban centers should remain gazette areas for the same. Everyone has a role to play. Walkways or driveways in institutions can be bordered left and right with trees, as we see in IITA. Everyone, from individuals and communities to the government, must upgrade and take responsibility for protecting our forests. Together, we can make a difference.”

IMF Wants Subsidies, Tax Breaks Properly Targeted to Avoid Economic Slowdown

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has argued that costly subsidies or tax breaks could be detrimental to productivity and welfare if not effectively targeted by countries globally.

In a report titled: “Industrial Policy is Not a Magic Cure for Slow Growth,” it stressed that industrial policy, in which governments support individual sectors, can only drive innovation if done right.

IMF maintained that striking the right balance was a crucial consideration, as history is full of

cautionary tales of policy mistakes, high fiscal costs, and negative spill-overs in other countries.

In Nigeria, the global lender has for years argued against the payment of subsidies on petrol and electricity in the country and has urged the government to ensure full withdrawal of the inefficiently deployed underpayments.

According to the report, many countries continue to ramp up industrial policy to boost innovation in specific sectors in the hope of reigniting productivity and long-term growth amid security concerns, but stressed that it is not a magic bullet.

“Most industrial policy relies heavily on costly subsidies or tax breaks, which can be detrimental for productivity and welfare if not effectively targeted.

“This is frequently the case, for example, when subsidies are misdirected toward politically connected sectors. In addition, discriminating against foreign firms can prove self-defeating, as such policies can trigger costly retaliation and most countries—even major advanced economies—rely on innovation done elsewhere,” it said. It added: “However, welldesigned fiscal policies that support innovation and technology

diffusion more broadly, with an emphasis on fundamental research that forms the basis of applied innovation, can lead to higher growth across countries and accelerate the transition to a greener and more digital economy.”

The IMF advised governments deploying industrial policies to invest in technical capacity, recalibrate support as conditions change, and act in line with open and competitive markets.

Aside partly discontinuing fuel subsidies, the current Nigerian government has floated the local currency to allow it to find its true value, two moves that have been met with mixed reactions.

TCN: Don’t Blame Us for BEDC’s Inability to Deliver 20-hour Power Supply

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said it’s not responsible for the inability of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to deliver 20 hours of power to its ‘Band A’ customers, contrary to the claim by the Disco.

The company made the rebuttal, following a publication by the Benin Disco blaming the power transportation arm of the power value chain for not being able to fulfil its supply obligation to the premium customers.

It said: “For clarity, we note that on April 11, 2024, the Amukpe 33kV feeder tripped at 2:31pm. And was restored by 4.08pm within 1 hour and 54 minutes.

“The cause of the outage, which was clearly under BEDC purview, was an instantaneous earth fault caused by stormy weather, which was restored on trial re-closure after the rain had subsided.

“Still, on April 11, 2024, Effurun 33kV feeder tripped at 12:25 p.m.

It also came after the TCN denied culpability following a similar accusation by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). But the TCN in a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said it was wrong for the Benin Disco to blame it for the challenge.

The cause of the tripping was an earth fault on the outgoing feeder ‘upriser’, also from the BEDC end.

“This is to set the records straight and to appeal that facts be stated as they are for the benefit of all.”

Nigeria’s power sector remains largely problematic due to lack

of investment, prolonged illiquidity, obsolete power plants, transmission facilities as well as distribution assets.

For a long time, the country with a population of over 200 million, has depended on just bout 4,500mw of electricity to power homes and businesses.

was producing enough crude oil, the significant drawdown of the reserves, would have been avoided.

Before now, despite recent gains in terms of volume of oil produced by Nigeria, some Nigerians believe that there is need to set new targets for the local security groups in charge of pipeline surveillance in the Niger.

This is because production has not markedly risen as expected since the contacts were awarded to them, in spite of the huge contract payments.

Just last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in its weekly rundown of activities between March 30 and April 5, 2024, said a total of 155 oil theft-related and vandalism incidents were recorded across several locations in the Niger Delta region from several sources.

However, according to the NNPC, five persons were arrested by one of the local security teams, with 53 illegal connections uncovered between March 30 and April 5, 2024 in Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta States.

economic rebound in SubSaharan Africa, maintaining that Africa’s recovery remained fragile due to uncertain global economic conditions, growing debt service obligations, frequent natural disasters, and escalating conflict and violence while transformative policies are needed to address deep-rooted inequality to sustain long-term growth and effectively reduce poverty. The report projected that growth would rebound in 2024, rising from a low of 2.6 per cent in 2023 to 3.4 per cent in 2024, and 3.8 per cent in 2025.

“However, this recovery remained tenuous. While inflation is cooling across most economies, falling from a median of 7.1 to 5.1 per cent in 2024, it remains

high compared to preCOVID-19 pandemic levels. Additionally, while growth of public debt is slowing, more than half of African governments grapple with external liquidity problems, and face unsustainable debt burdens, “it stated.

Overall, the report underscored that despite the projected boost in growth, the pace of economic expansion in the region remains below the growth rate of the previous decade (2000-2014) and is insufficient to have a significant effect on poverty reduction.

It added, “Moreover, due to multiple factors including structural inequality, economic growth reduces poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa less than in other regions.”

FG, NIPCO, Others’ CNG Initiative Targets 25,000 Jobs, $2.5bn Investments in Three Years

Ejiofor Alike

The Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi,

has announced the federal government’s plan to target over 25,000 jobs and $2.5billion investments by 2027.

The federal government’s CNG initiative is being implemented by

the NNPC Limited, NIPCO Gas Limited, a subsidiary of NIPCO Plc and other stakeholders. Oluwagbemi made this known during a recent Presidential CNG stakeholders’ engagement

Dredgers Mull Legal Actions over False Allegation by Fish Farmers

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has stated that it is considering taking legal actions over false allegations made by fish farmers who claimed that dredgers are responsible for the high mortality rate of fish in Epe despite ongoing investigation by the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO).

The General Secretary of DAN, Mr. Richard Ntan, said at a press briefing that the allegation made against its member, Renecon Limited, is a false narrative without any iota of scientific evidence to prove that dredgers are responsible for fish mortality in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

He opined that the impact of climate change particularly, of the extreme weather temperature and the unprecedented presence of water hyacinth in the area of the incident, could cause appreciable damage to fishes.

THISDAY had reported that MIREMCO had assured both parties at a peace parley that thorough investigations would be conducted and ordered both parties to return to their business activities without public spat and name callings until investigations are fully conducted.

Ntan said: “About three weeks ago, a peace meeting was convened by the committee in Alausa, Ikeja, bringing together stakeholders including the Dredgers Association, Renecon Limited, Epe tilapia fish farmers and representatives from both state and federal environmental agencies.

“The gathering aimed to address the fish mortality incident allegedly linked to dredging activities near the fish farms.

Despite the lack of evidence tying dredging activities to the fish deaths, recent reports in prominent newspapers have pointed fingers at Renecon

Limited, prompting the Dredgers Association to voice concerns over what it perceives as a smear campaign against its members.”

He said that the committee stated its intent to get to the root of the incidence and enjoined all parties to stop further public spat and name callings until the investigations are fully conducted and parties invited to hear and analyse results of findings.

He raised an alarm about the underhand tactics of the fish farmers who now probate and reprobate on an issue under investigations.

The association also accused certain individuals of attempting to derail the peace process and endangering the lives and property of Renecon Limited through incitement. “DAN will not hesitate to head to court to bring the fisher farmers and all its leaders who granted what is clearly a false narrative without any iota of scientific evidence to buttress their premeditated agenda to rubbish the name of Renecon Limited to pay for their hate speech,” Ntan stated. He reiterated the commitment of Renecon Limited to cooperate with the committee’s investigation and urged for patience until the inquiry is concluded.

He stated that Renecon is operating within regulatory guidelines and has been a responsible entity in Lagos’s dredging community. The dredgers association made a plea for judicious resolution and warned against the consequences of public defamation and the disruption of peace efforts between the involved parties.

Ntan said that false tales in the media that were allegedly instigated by the fish farmers had incited innocent members of the public against the dredging company and put the lives of its owners and workers in danger.

He said that this has also de-

liberately procured and instigated possible mob reactions against the operations of the company whose only offence is to operate outside the fish farmers cadastral.

The association urged that committee to take judicial notice of this deliberate breach of its avowed commitment to find peace and maintain cordial relationship between the two parties and hold the fish farmers and their collaborators responsible for any possible violence or damage to Renecon property and equipment. The association stated that the ongoing committee’s investigation is expected to shed light on the actual causes of the fish deaths, aiming to bring about a resolution that maintains the interests of all stakeholders involved.

workshop held in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

This is also coming as the Managing Director of NIPCO Gas Limited, Nagendra Verma has announced the company’s plans to inaugurate four new CNG stations in Lagos next month. NIPCO Gas Limited pioneered the CNG initiative in Nigeria. Oluwagbemi said the CNG initiative was part of palliative measures to ease the burden of the removal of fuel subsidy.

He called on Nigerians to embrace the new initiatives by the federal government as part of palliatives to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy in the country.

Oluwagbemi said: “In the coming weeks, we are going to be announcing the conversion incentives programme which will enable Nigerians currently using PMS (petrol) and diesel to be able to convert their vehicles at designated places across the country at a discounted price based on certain pre-qualification under the palliative programme of the federal government.”

According to him, “the President has said we need to convert one million vehicles by 2027. We need 1,000 conversion

shops and we need over 3,000 filing stations just like this. You can imagine the level of investment required for this.

“In order to sustain one million vehicle conversions by 2027, we need 25,000 technicians. So, the job creation potential is an opportunity for job creation in addition to our gross domestic product, $2.5 billion worth of investment to be mobilised in the next four years and of course more than $25 billion added to our GDP.”

Also speaking to journalists recently on the efforts of his company and the NNPC Limited at a separate briefing in Lagos, the Managing Director of NIPCO Gas Limited, Verma said CNG is a viable alternative fuel, and commended the federal government and the NNPC for supporting the initiative.

He also said NIPCO is in partnership with NNPC Limited to construct 35 auto CNG stations in phases.

“The completion of these four CNG stations in Lagos marks a significant milestone, offering motorists an alternative to petrol amidst long queues at filling stations,” he said.

“The facilities would be

opened for commercial operations within April and May to become the first of its kind in the state which is now contending with long queues at filling stations,” he added.

Verma underscored the competitiveness of CNG compared to traditional fuels.

He said for cars, taxis, and tricycles, CNG is sold at N200 per standard cubic feet (SCF) or standard cubic meter (SCM) against the petrol price of N610 per litre, in Lagos and N230 per SCM against the petrol price of N670 per litre in Abuja.

For heavy commercial vehicles, Verma said CNG is being sold at N260 per SCM against the diesel price of N1,250 per litre in Lagos and N290 per SCM against the diesel price of N1,300 per litre in Abuja.

He expressed confidence in CNG being the preferred fuel, especially with government support and media advocacy. “NIPCO Gas is sure that with the continuous focus and push by the current government, AutoCNG will become the fuel of choice for Nigeria, which has the potential to reduce the pressure on importation as well as on forex,” he added.

FAO’s Food Price Index Surged by 1.1% in March

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has stated that its benchmark index for world food commodity prices surged by 1.1 per cent in March.

According to the United Nations food body, the rise is the first increase in seven months owing to rising international quotations for vegetable oils, dairy products and meat.

The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 118.3 points in March, down 7.7 percent from its corresponding value one year ago.

The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index led the increase in March, rising 8.0 per cent from February and reaching a one-year high as quotations for palm, soy, sunflower and rapeseed oils all rose. International palm oil prices increased due to seasonally lower outputs

in leading producing countries and firm domestic demand in Southeast Asia while those for soy oil recovered from multi-year lows, boosted by robust demand from the biofuel sector, particularly in Brazil and the United States of America.

The FAO Dairy Price Index increased for the sixth consecutive month, up 2.9 per cent from February, led by rising world cheese and butter prices.

The FAO Meat Price Index also increased, rising 1.7 percent from the previous month, with international prices up for poultry, pig and bovine meats.

By contrast, the FAO’s Cereal price Index declined by 2.6 per cent, averaging 20 per cent below its March 2023 value. The drop was led by decreasing global wheat export prices, which declined due to ongoing strong export competition – underscored by cancelled purchases by China – among the European Union, the Russian

Federation and the United States of America while maize export prices edged upwards in March, partly due to logistical difficulties in Ukraine, The FAO All Rice Price Index dipped by 1.7 per cent amid subdued global import demand while the FAO Sugar Price Index declined by 5.4 per cent from February, with the drop mainly driven by an upward revision to the 2023/24 sugar production forecast in India and the improved pace of the harvest in Thailand. FAO also released a new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, raising its forecast for world cereal production in 2023/24 to 2 841 million tonnes, reflecting expectations of greater outputs of maize, rice and wheat.

FAO added that global cereal utilisation in 2023/24 is pegged at 2 828 million tonnes, a 1.3 per cent increase from the 2022/23 level as world cereal stocks are forecast to end the 2024 seasons

at 894 million tonnes, a 2.3 per cent increase from the outset of the year, pointing to a worldwide cereal stocks-to-use ratio of 31.0 percent.

“World trade in cereals is forecast to rise 1.7 per cent from the previous year to 485 million tonnes in 2023/24. International trade in coarse grains is expected to expand from 2022/23, while wheat and rice trade will likely contract,” FAO stated.

It also adjusted its forecast for global wheat production in 2024, now standing at 796 million tonnes, marking a 1.0 percent increase from 2023.

For coarse grain crops, sowing will begin soon in the northern hemisphere, while harvests have already begun south of the equator. While Argentina’s output is expected to rebound after the drought-impacted outturn of 2023, smaller outputs are expected in Brazil and across Southern Africa.

L–R: Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), Umaru Kwairanga; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite and Group Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popoola during a strategic meeting between the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and NGX Group alongside Issuers on fostering a collaborative ecosystem, at the Exchange in Lagos… yesterday

Faloughi’s 80th birthday celebration ...

AMCON Drags Milan Industries' Chair, Rajesh Valecha, Four Directors to Court over Alleged N42 Billion Debt

Chair, directors restrained from tampering with assets

alex enumah in Abuja

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has initiated bankruptcy proceedings against the Chairman of Milan Industries Limited, Milan Nigeria Ltd and Milan Beverages Ltd, Rajesh Valecha and four other directors of the companies over their alleged inability to repay a N42 billion debt.

The other directors, named in five petitions, now pending before two judges of the Federal High Court in Lagos, are: Ramesh Valechha, Vikram Valechha, Odunlami Bayo and Akin Femiwa Akinsola.

According to plaintiff's lawyer, Kunle Ogunba (SAN), the debt, which now stands at N41,511,758,031.14 arose from several loan facilities obtained from Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank)

between 2010 and 2012 by Milan Industries Ltd and Milan Nigeria Ltd, for which the directors are now liable.

Observing that it has since acquired the debt from the bank, AMCON stated that the debtor companies applied majority of the loan facilities to the construction of a 361-room hotel facility at 52 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, formally known as Intercontinental Hotel (now Lagos Continental Hotel). It stated that, "the debtors are, as at the instant of this petition remain indebted to the creditor (AMCON) to the tune of N41,511,758,031.14 which said sum remains unpaid. "The creditor, by the provisions of Section 48 of the Asset Management Corporation (Amendment No.2) Act, 2019 is also imbued with the

requisite vires to proceed against and recover the indebtedness of the debtor companies by the enforcement of the individual liability(ies) of each shareholder and/or director of the said debtor companies - in the instant case, being Milan Industries Limited, Milan Nigeria Limited, Milan Beverages Limited." The corporation among others, is praying for an order appointing a trustee against the estate, funds, investment, shares or other interest of the directors, "principally as they may be vested, constituted or evinced in Milan Industries Limited, Milan Nigeria Limited, and Milan Beverages Limited which interest is held either directly or through the said Milan Industries Limited and/ or in any other company within and outside Nigeria. It also wants an order command-

ing each of the affected directors to immediately avail it with a, "statement of affairs, statement of net worth and other credible financial details requisite and in furtherance of the Bankruptcy Act.” AMCON is equally seeking consequential order empowering it to sell the directors' properties (be it landed or chattels) where - ever situate and/or found including but not limited to his shares principally in Milan Industries Limited, Milan Nigeria Limited, and Milan Beverages Limited which interest is held directly or through the said Milan Industries Limited either by private treaty or by public auction which occasion shall be published in two widely read and circulated national daily newspapers in Nigeria.

Also, AMCON wants an order granting it leave to appropriate or

Falana: Remi Tinubu's Comment on Capital Punishment Diversionary to Real Issues

Says over 3,000 inmates on death row

Wants unaccounted N1.3bn for Chibok cause revisited

Kuni tyessi in Abuja Lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, has said capital punishment could never address the root causes of insecurity and related crimes in the country.

He said so far, a law existed in Nigeria, where life imprisonment awaited anyone convicted of embezzlement to the tune of one million naira, which the government and its anti-graft agencies had refused to apply despite the promptings of people in the know of jurisprudence.

Reacting to the comment and suggestion accredited to the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on ending the menace of kidnappings in the country, Falana said Nigerians would rather prefer capital punishment for embezzlers of the nation's common wealth and other forms of corruption.

Falana, who stated this at a meeting organised by Women Radio in commemoration of 10 years of the abduction of 279 Chibok girls from their school, said the case of the sum of N1.3b that was released by the federal government to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in order to alleviate the plight of the released girls and their parents,

needed to be revisited. He noted that such would arouse the interest of Nigerians into the case of the mismanagement of the funds and would mount pressure on the government to look out for the remaining missing girls.

"I do not subscribe to any form of capital punishment because it has never addressed the root causes of the problems. In 1970, Nigeria began the execution of convicted armed robbers.

“Since then, armed robbery, kidnapping and killings by so-called unknown gun men have been on ascendancy. In other words, it is not capital punishment that will address this problem.

"For me, it is a diversionary statement and other Nigerians will preference that we recommend capital punishment for criminalities to other forms of corruption.

"Those advocating such will not want capital punishment to be extended to those that loot the treasury, sometimes to the rune of 100 billion naira.

"Secondly, the alleged mismanagement of the over one billion naira set aside by the government to alleviate the suffering of the parents as well as the students. It's important to

us and with this, we can draw the attention of the government to this aspect.

"There is a law in Nigeria that prescribes life imprisonment for

anybody who steals more than one million naira. I have tried to get the anti-graft agencies to apply this law, but the governor is not interested.”

otherwise utilise the investments, shares or other interests of the directors in the companies and in any other company/corporate entity in Nigeria or outside Nigeria in partial or full satisfaction of the debt due, as the case may be. It equally seeks an order permitting/allowing it to apply the proceeds from the sale of the directors' properties, chattels, chooses in action and/or interest towards liquidating their indebtedness.

On March 21, Justice Daniel Osiagor, granted AMCON leave to effect substituted service of relevant court documents, including the petitions on Ramesh Valechha and Vikram Valechha by either pasting them at their last known address at LSDPC Flats, Ground floor, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos State or publish them as advertorial in national dailies circulating within the court's jurisdiction or serve them on companies' lawyers at the law firm of A. B. Kasunmu Chambers LP at 284 Murtala Mohammed Way, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos State. Similar orders for substituted service were earlier made in the petitions against the other three directors.

While Justice Osiagor is hearing three of the petitions (filed against Ramesh Valechha, Vikram Valechha and Akin Femiwa Akinsola), Justice Yelim Bogoro is handling two (filed against Rajesh Valecha and Odunlami Bayo).

Both judges had, in earlier rulings, issued ex-parte injunctions

restraining the directors from tampering with their assets and ordering banks to provide information about their financial standing.

In one of the rulings, the court stated: "It is hereby ordered as follows: That an order is granted restraining the debtor his agents, servants and/or privies or any other person or group of persons whatsoever under the debtor’s authority or any other authority (however derived or sourced) from operating, withdrawing from or otherwise tampering and/or dealing with the debtor's funds in any bank or financial institution within Nigeria pending the hearing and final determination of petition herein.

"That a consequential order is granted directing and/or compelling all banks or financial institutions in Nigeria harbouring the debtor's account(s) to furnish the creditor (AMCON) or its firm of solicitors, the details of the credit outstanding in the debtor's account(s) within seven days of receipt of the enabling order of this Honourable court as certified and enrolled.

"That an order is granted restraining the debtor, his agents, servants and/or privies from interfering with, tampering, removing from jurisdic- tion of this honourable court his investments, shareholders, pecuniary and other beneficial interests in any company or corporate establishment in Nigeria, pending the hearing and final determination of the petition herein.

TMBC Media to Unveil Business Magazine, to Hold Public Lecture

dike onwuamaeze

At a time magazine journalism has almost fizzled out, a new magazine, the TMBC Business journal/magazine would be unveiled and launched into the Nigerian market by the TMBC Media & Communication Limited on Tuesday, April 23.

According to a press statement signed by the TMBC Media’s Acting Head, Conferences, Mrs. Rosemary Akele, the unveiling of the magazine would be preceded by a lecture titled, “Platforms: Their Strategic Importance in the Information Age for Leader Organisations,” which would be delivered by Dr. Anne N. Odoh of the Lagos Business School at the 4-Points Sheraton Hotel, Oniru.

Akele said: “With vastly qualified professionals across diverse

but complementary fields of endeavours, the TMBC Media & Communication Limited prides itself as a budding media-house with a focus on the business segment of the Nigerian economy.

“A monthly, the TMBC Business reflects the organisation’s clear desire to contribute to the stable of eco-business magazines.” She stated that the TMBC Media was ardent about promoting its understanding of journalistic ideals that was most evident in its slogan and values: clarity, authoritative, non-judgmental, non-biased, analytical and localised (CANNAL).

“Working in conjunction with like-minded corporations and individuals, the TMBC Business will explore the prospects and the strategic information/intelligence in the numerals across the most

critical sectors of the Nigerian economy over what it has identified as the most popular business timeframe.

“The TMBC Media & Communication Limited is convicted the numbers are largely under-utilised and the TMBC Business will present them in a user-friendly style that reflects its CANNAL values while reinforcing entrepreneurship and the need for harnessing the power of data to drive informed decision-making, optimise operations as well as raise fresh questions,” Akele said, adding that the magazine’s online and gloss hardcopy publications would be targeted at those in C-suites.

“The organisation strives to be one of the best comparatively in its chosen field. Writers, contributors and columnists are mostly Nigerian professionals, domiciling in the

local terrain as well as in the diaspora, in some of the largest business districts in the world.

“We believe quite fervently in the diverseness of their locations, trainings and experiences because of its power to shape perspectives,” she said.

The statement also disclosed that the TMBC Media and Communication Limited would be led by an economist, Mr. Tony Monye, who until recently was the Director, Research & Advocacy, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Monye, who was educated in Nigeria, United Kingdom and Germany, has more than two decades’ experience across variegated functional departments, groups and banks, leaving as the chief economist of a systemically important financial institution.

L-R: Immediate past Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah; his successor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; Mrs. Wendy Ephraim-Faloughi; the celebrant, Chief Ephraim Faloughi; Governor Douye Diri, and the state Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, during Chief Faloughi’s 80th birthday celebration at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa...last Sunday

InAugurAtIon of new HeAd of ServIce for ogun...

L-R: Immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Peter Fagbohun; Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the new Head of Service, Mr.

Plot against APC Chair, Ganduje, Crashes as State, Ward Executives Deny Involvement

Reverse alleged suspension of national leader Group demands arrest of moles in party

Alleged plot to get rid of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, using his ward executive members, might have crashed as both the state and ward executives had denied involvement in his alleged suspension.

Although the state leadership of the party had overruled the alleged suspension of Ganduje by the ward executives and even suspended those involved, a group, the Progressives Foundational Movement (PFM), has called for the arrest of Dawakin Tofa Local Government executives for their action.

But in a counter reaction, the party leaders at the local government level thwarted the suspension and described it as null and void.

Earlier, at a press conference, the legal adviser of the ward Haladu Gwanjo, Ganduje’s ward, accused the former governor of gross misconduct and misappropriation of public funds during his administration in Kano.

He explained that they decided to suspend Ganduje from the party due to the allegations against him by Kano state Government on bribery, and suspension, whose case started in court yesterday, April 15.

According to him, leaders at the ward level resolved to

the new template has the buy-in of all, in a bid to foster a seamless implementation of the domestic crude obligation and ensure consistent supply of crude oil to domestic refineries.

With the development, the NUPRC chief executive assured that the second half of 2024, was poised to witness increased synergy between local refineries and producing companies, setting the stage for a more robust and self-reliant petroleum landscape in Nigeria.

Under the procedure for domestic crude oil requirement allocation, the NUPRC stated that all allocated DCSO volumes shall be fully discharged into the refinery it is meant for and fully utilised for domestic refining.

On the currency of payment for DCSO transactions, it said: “The payment shall be in either United States Dollar or Naira or both. Where

suspend Ganduje after a vote of no confidence passed on him, following his failure to clear his name from a wide range of allegation of corruption particularly the widely celebrated dollar video.

However, the Kano APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, yesterday, said the State Working Committee of the party deemed it necessary to adopt the suspension of the ward leaders for working in tandem with the opposition to suspend Ganduje from the party.

He said the party leaders in the council, had taken a drastic measures against the ward leaders for suspending Ganduje.

The party said they have sanctioned them for six months and a special investigations panel has been set up to verified several allegations against them.

Also, the APC Chairman in Dawakin Tofa council, Inusa Suleiman Dawanau, told Newsmen that those behind Ganduje's suspension were cut in anti-party activities in recorded videos holding series of meetings with the opposition.

He said the leadership of the Dawakin Tofa council, has sanctioned the ward leaders for six months for engaging in anti-party activities and hobnobbing with the opposition party in the state.

Adopting the suspension of the Wards leaders, the state chairman confirmed the adoption of the suspension of Ganduje ward

the payment is in both currencies, the payment split shall be as agreed in the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) between the producer and the refiner.”

It added: “Where a lessee enters a long-term supply contract with the refiner in fulfilment of his domestic crude oil supply obligation, the obligation to sell crude to the refiner by the lessee is reliant upon the refinery being in operation.

“All DCSO allocated cargoes must be discharged into the refinery facility they are programmed for and shall not be diverted or swapped.

“Utilisation of any DCSO allocation by any refiner for any purpose other than domestic processing, without a written approval by the commission shall attract suspension from DCSO allocation for a period determined by the commission in addition to

leaders and setting a committee to investigate their anti-party activities.

"We have evidence of meetings between the State Government officials and those that suspended the National Chairman, and state working committee, has agreed to sanctioned them for six months and they stand for now suspended," he said.

At the same time, the twentyseven party leaders of Ganduje ward, yesterday, stormed the state headquarters of APC and dissociated themselves with the purported suspension of Ganduje.

The ward chairman, Ahmad Muhammad Ganduje, dismissed the claim, saying, it was concocted and impersonated.

Speaking at an emergency press briefing, he exonerated themselves from the claim and also declared that they had identified the culprits and were going to take legal action against them for impersonation and defamation of character.

"The attention of the Ganduje Ward Executive Committee Members and that of Dawakin Tofa Local Government has been drawn to a purported suspension of the National Chairman of the Party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, by unfortunately, non-APC members in the Ward.

"Those who addressed the press conference were sponsored by the NNPP state government, and from the record of the party

any other administrative penalty that may be imposed by the commission”

By the new rules, in the occurrence of a default in payment by the refiner, the commission said it shall not allocate DCSO to the defaulter for a period to be determined by it, in addition to the penalty contained in the sales agreement between the refiner and the lessee.

“The following penalties shall apply to any refiner that fail to offtake the allocated DCSO (except in the event of force majeure as defined in the SPA), in addition to any other agreed penalty in the SPA between the Lessee and the refiner:

“For pipeline, barging or trucking deliveries, take or pay conditions shall apply. For marine deliveries, the lessee shall sell the parcel of the crude oil as a distressed cargo and the defaulting refiner shall be liable

at the Ward, Local Government and State, are not card- carrying members of the APC.

"The purported suspension was null and void, and would have no any effect on the National Chairman.

“The Ward and Local Government Executives, having identified the persons involved in this unfortunate situation, have already prepared to charge them to court for impersonation and calculated attempt to embarrass and dent the image of the Party and that of the National Chairman," he said.

Meanwhile, the Progressives Foundational Movement (PFM),

in a statement by its Chairman, Emmanuel Aribigbe, described the ward executives as moles planted in APC by the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP). The group maintained that Ganduje has not committed any offence that should warrant suspension by the ward executive.

"We can authoritatively report that the press conference, which took place in Kano and not at the ward were held by known members of the NNPP. The pertinent question is, how many ward executive officers were at the conference?

"These characters are known sup-

porters of Engr Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is an arch rival of our able National Chairman. We, however, called on the security agencies to quickly order the arrest of the faces at the press conference and properly investigate their sponsors.

"Our National Chairman has not committed any offence that should warrant suspension by the ward executive. We also call on all our members, general public and most especially the supporters of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje all over the world to be calm and ignore the failed coup by some enemies of democracy," the group stated.

THISDAY Reporter, 19 Other Journalists Shortlisted for ICIR Training

A THISDAY reporter and 19 other journalists selected from across the country have been shortlisted to participate at the final phase of the Open Contract Reporting Project (OCRP), organised by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR).

The OCRP is a three-year project funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation under its "On-Nigeria Anti-corruption Programme".

for liquidated damages as provided in the SPA

“Where the lessee fails to supply the allocated DCSO resulting in shortages for the refinery (except in the event of force majeure as defined in the SPA), the defaulting lessee will be liable to administrative penalty to be determined and imposed by the commission,” the NUPRC stated.

The commission had a few weeks ago conveyed a meeting of stakeholders, following complaints by local refineries owners, after it said it noticed some challenges hindering the seamless implementation of the DCSO provision.

According to Komolafe, the commission needed to step in to resolve the challenge and later set up a committee to look at the issues, noting that it was mainly caused by the absence of a clear rule of engagement.

It is an accountability reporting project, which seeks to promote fiscal transparency and accountability in Nigeria's budget and procurement processes.

The participants for the training which will hold in Abuja between May 1- 4, 2024, include, Blessing Ibunge (THISDAY - Rivers), Simon Enobong (The mail - Akwa Ibom), Abdulrasheed Hammad (Freelance - Sokoto), Abdumalik Lukman (Stallion Times - Kano) and Chijioke Arinze (Ripples Nigeria - Enugu).

Also listed were: Adeyemi Adekunle (Lens Africa TV - Abuja), Idris Ibrahim (WikkiTimes - Bauchi), Adam Yetunde (Freelance - Borno) and Fatola Taiwo (Osun Defender - Osun).

Others are Bello Hafsat (Premier Radio - Kano), Archibong Jeremiah (The Investigator - Cross River), Oyedeji Olanrewaju (WikkiTimes - Abuja), Isma'il Ahmad (Premier Radio - Kano) and Bawas Ishaq (KAMED TV - Jigsaw).

Also to attend the programme are: Lawal Bolanle (Pen Press - Osun), Abe Bankole (ICIR- Abuja), Medinat Kanabe (Voice of Naija Communication - Lagos), Elom Sunday (Sahara Reporters - Anambra), Muhammad Ali (Yerwa Express News - Borno) and Oyedibu Enoch (PIJ Alance Magazine - Oyo).

He noted that this has thus strengthened open contracting processes and engendering effective service delivery for the welfare of the citizens, particularly at the sub-regional level.

He revealed that the organisation has trained over 250 journalists across different newsrooms in Nigeria and published more than 300 investigative reports holding power to account in Nigeria across different sectors.

According to Akerele, in this seventh and final year of the OCRP, the project will build capacity and provide mentoring and financial support for 20 selected journalists to work with the ICIR to undertake investigative and data-driven reports on budget and procurement issues".

He said the ICIR is an independent, non-profit media organisation that aims to promote good governance in Nigeria through robust investigative, data-driven reporting.

“We aim to build a culture of watchdog reporting for the media in Nigeria. We achieve this by building the Investigative/Data Journalism capacity for journalists in newsrooms nationwide," he stressed.

Akerele explained that 20 journalists were selected from different states in Nigeria in all six geopolitical zones across print, electronic and digital media.

In a statement signed yesterday by the Programme Officer of ICIR, Alfred Akerele, he explained that for the past seven years, the centre has worked to build the capacity for journalists to effectively investigate and report on budget and procurement issues.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Kehinde Onasanya after his inauguration at the Exco Chambers of the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta... yesterday

NUPRC ANNoUNCeS ADDITIoN of 1.087bN bARRelS To NIgeRIA’S CRUDe oIl ReSeRveS, 2.573 TCf To gAS SToCk

CSR IN ACTION...

L-R: Permanent Secretary Primary Healthcare District 11, Dr. Dayo Lajide; Chairman Aboyi Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo; Chief Executive Officer, Optiva Capital Partners, Dr. Jane Kimemia; and Executive Director, Optiva Capital Partners, Mrs Amaka Okeke-Lawal, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of Aboyi Ketu Primary Healthcare Centre, to a fully-equipped maternity centre by Optiva Capital in Lagos…recently

House South-west Caucus Condemns Unrest Caused by Yoruba Nation Agitators in Oyo

We didn't regret our invasion Makinde lauds army, others for peace in state

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The South West Caucus of the House of Representative has condemned the recent unrest caused by acclaimed Yoruba Nation agitators.

But some of the suspected agitators arrested on Saturday, by the Oyo State Police Command, following the invasion of the state secretariat and House of Assembly, yesterday, maintained that they had no regrets over their actions.

At the same time, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has commended the Nigerian Army

and other security agencies for keeping peace in state.

The House caucus, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, James Faleke; Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga and Secretary General, Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro, said the activities of the group posed a threat to the peace and stability of the region

"The South West Caucus of the House of Representatives strongly condemns the recent activities carried out by acclaimed Yoruba Nation Agitators, which have caused unrest and pose a threat to the peace and stability of our region.

Alleged N4.8bn Fraud: Court Adjourns Cletus lbeto’s Case to May 27

Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has adjourned the trial of Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, Chief Cletus Ibeto, who was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N4.8 billion fraud, to May 27, 2024.

The trial Justice Oyindamola Ogala, adjourned further hearing in the suit to May 27, for the Court of Appeal to deliver judgement on appeal filed by defendant (Ibeto) on the ruling by Justice Ismail Ijelu of High Court, issued bench warrant against the defendant pending arraignment.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Ibeto filed an appeal through Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, challenging the jurisdiction of the high court to hear the matter.

However, at the resumed proceeding, yesterday, the defendant's counsel, Mr. Adebayo Oshodi, prayed the court to withdraw the application for stayed of proceeding pending appeal and the one challenging court jurisdiction which was earlier filed by Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).

He also told court that he has

filed notice of preliminary objection dated January 26, challenging the jurisdiction, and prayed the court to allow him to move the application.

The prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacob, SAN, opposed the application on the ground that the defendant had filed an appeal on same issue before the Lagos Division of Court of Appeal, adding that the appellate was yet to decide on it.

Jacob told the that it could not entertain the application because the defendant had not submitted himself for trial. He cited the provision of section 274 of Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2021.

The prosecutor also informed the court that the defendant in his move for out-of-court settlement, has repaid the commission a total sum of N 2 billion in instalments.

After listening to the both parties, Justice Ogala ruled that hearing the defendant's application would amount to nothing because the same issue was currently pending before the appellate court.

The judge held that it would be better for the court to await Court of Appeal's verdict on the matter before taking any further step on on the trial.

"As representatives of the people, we stand firmly against any form of unlawful behaviour and violence that undermines the rule of law and the unity of our country, Nigeria," the group stated.

The caucus said it was essential that all grievances and demands be addressed through peaceful and lawful means, respecting the rights and well-being of all citizens.

It added: "We urge all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue, prioritise the welfare of our people, and work towards finding peaceful and lasting solutions to any grievances.

"Violence and lawlessness have no place in our society, and we call on all individuals to uphold the principles of peace, unity, and respect for the rule of law."

The caucus said it remained committed to upholding the values of democracy, justice, and unity in the region and the country at large.

But the suspected agitators said what they did could not be said to be a treasonable felony, stating that their actions followed all due processes, legal activities and procedure.

This was as the state Police Commissioner, Adebola Hamzat, while parading the suspects described the act as criminal, unpatriotic and a clear case of treasonable felony and terrorism which would be meted with adequate sanctions.

Some masked men in army camouflage with rifles suspected to be Yoruba Nation agitators, Saturday, stormed the Oyo State Government Secretariat.

One of the agitators, Alabi

Ogundeji, a 55-year-old lecturer at the Federal College of Education (Special), (SPED), Oyo, while speaking with journalists at the Police Command headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, said he felt comfortable because he was on his right, maintaining that what he did was lawful under the Nigerian and international laws.

"I'm part of the agitators and I cannot deny it. Yoruba as an indigenous nation is a nation on its own, we have so many nations in Nigeria which Yoruba is one of them.

"O'odua Nation leaders have taken every steps and actions that need to be taken, we have embarked on referendum which was the 500 petition signed by all Yorubas and this served as referendum.

"Our leadership went to all Yoruba speaking states to serve officials letters written by our leaders and we were given our own copy, after that was proclamation, after that, declaration, occupation, and notification to the world that Yoruba is an indigenous nation.

"We were at the Secretariat to celebrate and rejoice because of the new Nation that was born, it is not a new thing that Yoruba is a nation and we want to stand on our own, we have been together with Nigeria for over 100 years ago,” he said.

Also, a 29-year-old phone repairer, Ademola Adeniyi, who was part of those arrested, said he did not regret his actions.

He said, "We all know that nothing is working in Nigeria and things are hard for everyone

except those in government. We were at the Secretariat waiting for our leaders to come and address us.

"We believe our leaders know much about the law, so we are not afraid to join when we were called upon. Our leaders told us that all challenges Yorubas are facing shall be addressed if we achieved our aim."

However, while parading the suspects, the commissioner said the continued existence of Nigeria as a sovereign indivisible entity is a task that must be accomplished, stating that "the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain."

He added that the state Police Command would be unrelenting in ensuring continued united corporate existence of Nigeria as a country.

"As a parent, I enjoin other parents, guardians and leaders in every sphere of political, religious and socio-economic influence to prevail on their children, ward, protégés and followers against being used by unpatriotic individuals to promote anarchy in the state and by extension the nation.

"I would like to use this medium to remind the criminally minded that Oyo State is home to many responsible, hospitable and extremely intelligent individuals who pride themselves with creativity, hard-work and resourcefulness.

"Under my watch, it would not be reduced to a playground for the criminally minded and obviously misguided individuals or group who intend making their livelihood from distorting the relative tranquility enjoyed by the good people of the state," Hamzat said.

On his part, Makinde gave the commendation when he received the 46th General Officer Commanding of the 2 Mechanised Division, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, Major-General Obinna Onubogu, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan. The governor seized the opportunity of the visit to throw light on the invasion of the Government Secretariat by suspected Yoruba Nation agitators, last Saturday.

Makinde explained how the effective security system in the state was able to bring the aggressors to their knees in no time.

He commended security agencies in the state for the roles they played in stopping the invaders and apprehending them, saying the emergency security response system was activated and that it worked perfectly to arrest the situation on time.

He thanked the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their swift response in arresting the agitators, noting that, though there were security gaps, what the miscreants met was beyond their imagination.

Speaking earlier, Major-General Onubogu, said the warm reception accorded him showed the cordial relationship that had always existed between the Oyo State government and the Nigerian Army.

Onubogu appreciated Governor Makinde for his tremendous support to the Division over the years. He assured the government and residents of the state that the Army would continue to collaborate with sister security agencies to secure Oyo State and its people.

ECOWAS Deploys Fact-finding Mission to Togo

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, has deployed a fact-finding mission to Togo to interact with key stakeholders on the latest developments in the country, ahead of the country's legislative and regional elections on April 29, 2024.

The elections, initially scheduled for April 13, were first postponed to

April 20 and then further delayed to April 29 due to the gravity of the contentious constitutional reforms the government planned to introduce.

The reforms, passed through the National Assembly, aimed to transform the Togolese political system from a presidential to a parliamentary model.

In the crucial context, the ECOWAS Commission has

therefore deemed it necessary to dispatch a fact-finding mission to Togo, a statement from the organisation said.

Under the constitutional changes, members of Parliament will elect the president, who will, in turn, appoint the President of the Council of Ministers with executive powers, the equivalent of a Prime Minister under the Westminster system. Such a president would be appointed from within the party or coalition with a parliamentary majority.

The seven-member fact-finding mission, which is partly in response to an earlier invitation by the Togolese government, is led by Maman Sidikou, the immediate past head of the AU Mission in Mali and the Sahel. It is expected to remain in the country from April 15 to 20, 2024.

Funke Olaode

INAUGURATION OF NEW NDLEA OPERATIONAL FACILITY DONATED BY UK...

L-R: Commander of Narcotics, Mathew Bello; NCA Regional Manager,West Africa, Dave Carter; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA,Big Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd); British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter; Agency Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, during the inauguration of a new operational facility donated by the UK government to NDLEA at

Oromoni: Coroner Inquest Clears Dowen College of Wrongdoing, Upbraids Parents

Weeps, says Sylvester went through avoidable excruciating pain, dies natural death We’ve not seen last of this, parents declare Glad we’ve been exonerated, says school

Wale Igbintade

The Coroner Inquest set up to unravel the death of a 12-yearold student of Dowen College, Lekki, Sylvester Junior Oromoni, who died under controversial circumstances,yesterday, exonerated the school and the five students accused of bullying, and forcing the deceased to drink substance which caused his death.

The coroner, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri, who stopped at intervals to weep about the death of Oromoni, said the deceased's death was an avoidable death but for the negligence of his parents and the family doctor Aghogho Owhojede, who didn't take him to the hospital until the day he died on November 30, 2021.

He held that the Dowen College, its staff, and the five students namely Favour Benjamin, 16, Edward Begue (16), Ansel Temile (14) Kenneth Inyang and Micheal Kashamu, 16, son of late Senator, Buruji Kashamu, did not play any role that led to the death of Oromoni.

He exonerated the school of negligence and the five senior students of bullying the deceased and administering a poisonous substance on him.

The Coroner held: "The alleged suspects played no part in Sylvester's death but were victims of their past misdeeds. They were falsely accused, and no staff of Dowen College played any role in the death. The school has improved its facilities since the incident.

“The claims of chemical intoxication were never proven, and the faces of those allegedly bullying the deceased weren't seen. The alleged confession of Sylvester was denied by several witnesses. Even if he was beaten, It didn't lead to his death."

He said the deceased played football on November 20, 2021, and his leg was messaged by his roommates and the school nurse.

Kadiri, who conducted the inquest while revealing his findings said the death was an avoidable death.

The coroner who broke down in tears several times while reading his findings and even rose at a point to comport himself, said the case was touching but needed objectivity.

"The deceased went through an avoidable and excruciating pain and was made to suffer needlessly," he said.

The Magistrate, while delivering his findings, which lasted for more than six hours, said 32 witnesses testified in the coroner's inquest which started sitting in January 2022.

Among the evidence the coroner relied on included the findings of two autopsies conducted on the deceased at the Central Hospital, Warri, Delta state, with only the family present, and at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, where about ten pathologists representing various parties including the family, Lagos State government and Dowen College took part in.

“He said the autopsy conducted

on December 14, 2021, in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital by Dr. Sunday Soyemi and the toxicology report of post-mortem samples of the Central Hospital, Warri Delta State conducted by Pathologist consultant Dr Clement Vhriterhire were in agreement as to the cause of death namely, Septicemia, Lobar Pneumonia with Acute Pyelonephritis, Pyomyositis of the right ankle and Acute Bacteria Pneumonia due to severe Sepsis.

"Death was caused by Septicaemia (a life-threatening health condition caused by a patient’s body’s response to an infection), following infections of the lungs and kidneys arising

from the ankle wound. “No evidence of blunt force trauma in this body. The findings in the esophagus and stomach are not compatible with chemical intoxication. Death, in this case, is natural."

Dr. Sunday Soyemi, who led the Lagos procedure stated in the autopsy report that sepsis, which led to the death of the boy, could have been treated with “massive doses of intravenous antibiotic, intravenous fluid and blood transfusion,” but which was never done.

From the evidence, Sylvester was said to have sustained an injury on his ankle between November 20 and

21, following first aid treatment, the school contacted his parents to come and pick him up for further treatment.

The deceased’s guardian Mr Clifford Tejere, was sent on November 23, 2021, to the school to pick him up and took him for an X-ray, but no fracture was detected.

The family doctor, Aghogho was also lambasted for not providing the required duty of care for the patient whose home care treatment was "trivialised".

The Coroner said, “I do not believe the version of family doctor, Aghogho's evidence. Despite early diagnosis, the doctor (Aghogho),

Judge threatens to strike out case

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The absence of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, yesterday, stalled the trial of four persons alleged to have kidnapped and killed the traditional ruler of Amanze-Obowo Autonomous Community in Imo State, Eze Basil Njoku.

was found to have abandoned the deceased for more than 32 hours and didn't carry out an X-ray and scan early enough which would have revealed his deteriorating condition.”

The coroner also recommended that parents should not treat their children's health with levity, as well as better synergy between police and medical teams in such matters. He also called for proper psychological evaluation for the five students suspected to have bullied the deceased.

Meanwhile, after the judgment, the deceased’s father in an interview with journalists said the medical expert did not give us a concluding result.

The threat was occasioned by the absence of the prosecution led by the AGF.

Although the four defendants were billed for arraignment by9.am, the judge was forced to shift it till noon due to the non-appearance of the AGF or his representatives in court.

The four defendants were Jude

But the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has threatened to strike out the terrorism charge brought against the four defendants.

Defend Tinubu’s Govt or Resign, Matawalle Tells Baba-Ahmed, Other Northern Appointees

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, yesterday, challenged all the appointees from the North in the current administration to come out openly to defend President Bola Tinubu or resign from their positions.

Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, specifically called on the Special Adviser to the president on political matters in the office of the Vice President, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and other leaders to take a position in support of the government.

His warning followed what he perceived as comments against the federal government by Baba-Ahmed, the former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF).

In a Facebook post in Hausa, on Sunday, Baba-Ahmed said, it would have been better for the Tinubu administration if Matawalle had listed his achievements as minister. Baba-Ahmed had said this after the minister described the NEF as a political paperweight, which is a burden to the north.

The minister tackled NEF over a recent comment made by the forum that the north regretted voting for the president in the 2023 general election.

But in a statement, yesterday, Matawalle said every appointee must defend and promote the administration they work for, saying, “Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s relationship and affinity with the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) is well-known.”

He wondered why appointees from the North kept mute “in the face of intimidation” after the forum attacked the president.

He said, “Consequent to my position on the recent attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, it has come to my attention that Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who once served as the spokesperson of the group and currently a Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Presidency took to his page on it to express a different position.

“According to Dr. Baba-Ahmed, my stand against the unjust and spurious attack against the new administration of President Tinubu

that is working very hard to reposition our country and economy for better as ‘ill-advised’.

He suggested I could have done a better job in my defence of the administration where I have the rare honour to serve as a minister.

“Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s relationship and affinity with Northern Elders’ Forum is well-known. The fact now is that he is an appointee of the administration as Special Adviser and it is incumbent on him to work for the success of the government he is part of, protect and defend the government against unjust and vicious attacks from those who hide under ethnic and other primordial interests to heat up the polity for myopic reasons.

Iheme, Chika Madukwe, Nwokorie Chidiebere Ejike and Victor Nwajuiba Obumneke.

The three counts earlier slammed against them had been increased to five in the amended charge. By noon, when the arraignment was to hold, neither the AGF nor his representative appeared in court without any information or communication to the court.

The situation prompted the judge to invite lawyers to the defendants into her chambers, where an adjournment of April 30th was fixed.

Although the lead counsel to the defendants, Solomon Akume, SAN, had applied for dismissal of the terrorism charge against the defendants, Justice Nyako opted to give the AGF another chance to lead a diligent prosecution

The judge, however, held that if the AGF or his representatives failed to appear in court on the next adjourned date, the court might have no option than to strike out the charge against the defendants for want of diligent prosecution.

At the last trial on March 20, the AGF represented by David Kaswe, a lawyer from the Federal Ministry of Justice, had taken over the prosecution of the defendants from the Inspector General of Police IGP, who first initiated the trial of the defendants. Kaswe had told the judge that the AGF invoked Section 174 of the

1999 Constitution and Section 105 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to assume trial of the defendants.

The AGF’s office at the last adjourned date told the court that the IGP had been directed to make the case file available to his office.

However at today’s proceedings, neither the AGF and David Kwase, nor Simon Lough, SAN, who was prosecuting the trial for the Inspector General of Police were in court, despite been served with hearing notice.

Meanwhile Justice Nyako has ordered that fresh hearing notice for April 30th arraignment of the four defendants be served on the AGF. Iheme, 52 years of Amagwu Amanze Obowo Local Government Area of Imo and Madukwe, 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo Local Government Area, also of Imo State, were said to have killed the traditional ruler on December 17, 2022. The defendants were accused of killing the monarch while coming from the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, after kidnapping and collecting a ransom of N4M cash from his family.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/ CR/575/2024, Iheme and Madukwe alongside others said to be at large were alleged to have conspired to commit felony to wit, acts of terrorism contrary to section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

the Murtala Muhammad International Airport MMIA Special Area Command of NDLEA, Ikeja, Lagos... yesterday PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

high economic growth to just maintain current standards of living.

A decades-old fuel subsidy was exhausting paltry public finances. By 2022, the cost had ballooned to $10 billion—more than the government's combined spending on education, health care, and infrastructure in a budget of $40 billion. Currency controls that artificially propped up the naira deterred investment and led to shortages of foreign exchange. For decades we have been financially ransoming ourselves. When my government took office last May, we faced a pile of debt obligations.

Just as with kidnappers, we had to be tough with the economy. Unsustainable market distortions had to be removed. As expected, floating the naira caused it to plunge. Given Nigeria is a net food importer, the average shopping basket has consequently risen in price. The removal of the fuel subsidy, in a country where many businesses and households rely on generators for power, has also had far reaching effects. These reforms have caused pain across Nigeria; they are still painful. Yet there is no better alternative: These

and other difficult reforms are necessary to arrest the economic rot that lies at the heart of insecurity.

T H e Yorub A nATI on ‘Sece SSI on ISTS ’ of Ib ADA n

that the people from these five states were the problem with Nigeria and they should just get out and form their own country. Thus, Orkar and 41 of his colleagues wanted to seize government and re-draw the map of Nigeria. They were captured by government troops, charged for treason, convicted and executed by firing squad. However, the fact that treason attracts the punishment of death has not deterred those who think that Nigeria must be dismembered, or that the map must be re-drawn. The year 2012 witnessed the emergence of a separatist, nativist, Igbo nationalism, anti-Fulani, neoBiafra group called the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) which aims to restore and actualize the dream of Biafra. IPOB is led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been facing trial for treasonable felony since 2016. Before IPOB, there was also Radio Biafra established by Mazi Kanu in 2009, there was Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra led by Ralph Uwazurike (1999) and there was the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) led by Benjamin Igwe Onwuka (2012). There have also been talks about the possibility of an Arewa Reepublic.

A common thread in the foregoing is that every attempt at separation in Nigeria has been driven by frustration with the Nigerian arrangement, protests against bad governance, cries of marginalization or victimization, with ethnic identity and questions of federalism, religion and resource control thrown into the mix. For example, in 1993, following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election which denied MKO Abiola, a Yoruba man, victory, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) was formed to defend Yoruba rights and to remind the Babangida military junta that Yoruba people would not be cheated. OPC was founded and led by Dr. Frederick Fasheun. It was also known as the Oodua Liberation Movement, or the Revolutionary Council of Nigeria. There would later be a more militant faction of the group, a breakaway faction, led by Gani Adams, who is now the Aaare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, that is the Yoruba Generalissimo, defender of the Yoruba realm. The OPC never really pushed the idea of leaving Nigeria: the group, Fasheun or Gani Adams faction has consistently focused on defending Yorubaland against any form of attack or aggression from other groups and to protect Yorubaland, covering both the South Western states and Itsekiriland in the Delta. The Itsekiri are cousins of the Yoruba. They share cultural, linguistic and political heritage What we must note is that the Yoruba who had been maintaining a pacifist, federalist position in the matter soon began to talk about secession too, with the emergence under the Buhari administration (2015 – 2023) of the likes of Professor Banji Akintoye, and the militant Sunday Igboho who announced an Oodua Republic with a group known as Ilana Omo Yoruba in response to what they considered the Fulanization of Nigeria by the Buhari government and the assault on Yoruba territories by Hausa-Fulani herders. Ideologically, their objective was to protect Yoruba territory against Fulani invasion, to avoid a repeat of the seizure of Ilorin, a Yoruba town, in the 19th century. The group petitioned the United Nations. The mainstream Yoruba position however had always been restructuring and federalism, as canvassed by the Awoist group, the OPC and the Afenifere. The idea of an Oodua Republic looked like a fall-back position. Sunday Igboho’s activism and militancy

telegraphed what happened in Ibadan on Saturday. He is a self-determination activist who went beyond Professor Akintoye’s theoretical disposition to ask for an immediate declaration of an Oodua Republic. Of course, the Nigerian state went after him. He had to spend three years in exile and only recently returned for his mother’s burial. But that is another story. It would be recalled, however, that in April 2021, more than 100 self-determination groups stormed Ibadan to declare an Oduduwa Republic, and a Yoruba nation. They included the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination (NINAS), the Youth Initiative, Itsekiri National Youth Council, Ilana Omo Oodua and the Homeland Group. They were dispersed by the police. Now in 2024, we have a Mrs Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, leading a relatively unknown Ominira Yoruba group, trying to take over power in Oyo State. Special attention should be paid to the fact that the group has been disowned by both Professor Banji Akintoye and Sunday Igboho whose real name is actually Chief Sunday Adeyemo. Professor Akintoye says the group must be an agent of the Fulanis still desperate to destabilize Yorubaland. Igboho says he does not know the group, and that they are so “low-brained”. Akintoye and Igboho seem convinced that the Ibadan secessionists must be insane. No Yoruba leader has come out to identify with Mrs. Abiola’s group.

My take however is that the Yoruba elite cannot distance themselves from what has happened. Each and every one of them who has been calling for this or that or else, is guilty. I refer them to Ebrahim Hussein’s Kinjekitile, a 1979 play written by the Tanzanian playwright on the Maji Maji war. The lesson of that play is that a word when spoken develops a life of its own, beyond the author of the word. You can break a community, nation and even the world, by the power of words spoken. Those who ask that the mistake of 1914 must be revisited and that Nigeria must be renegotiated have their point, but let them also think about the effect of their pronouncements. MASSOB created IPOB. Nnamdi Kanu gave birth to Simon Ekpa. Self-determination, the right of a people to decide their own destiny is a fundamental right under the UN Charter (Article 1 sub. 2), and we have seen that in the case of

Green shoots are now visible. In the first quarter of this year, foreign currency inflows have almost matched those for the whole

Kosovo, and Abhkazia, and the unresolved, ongoing cases of Kurdistan, Northern Cyprus, Quebec, Scotland, Western Sahara, Tibet and Taiwan. Nonetheless, the April secessionists of Ibadan led by Mrs Onitiri -Abiola and others of their ilk must be reminded that whereas Nigeria is a signatory to international laws and conventions, it remains a country governed by specific domestic laws, and this is where I think Mrs. Abiola and her band of 18 soldiers are in troubled waters. Section 2 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution states clearly that Nigeria is “one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Section 37 of the Criminal Code prescribes the death penalty for anyone who tries to tamper with Nigeria’s sovereignty. The offence is defined as treason. In Sections 40 – 43 of the same Code, the law refers to treasonable felony which attracts the punishment of a life imprisonment. Mrs Abiola and her gang have definitely ran foul of the law. They must be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted. Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola is said to be abroad; proceedings should be initiated post-haste for her extradition and interception wherever she may be in the world, and made to answer for her sin.

She reportedly disclosed with her own mouth that she is a widow of Chief MKO Abiola, a man who struggled and died in the process, to rescue this country from sheer hopelessness. In 1993, every section of Nigeria, including the North voted massively for Abiola in what was acknowledged as the freest and fairest election ever conducted in Nigeria. He was both a hero and a martyr of democracy. And just like that, here comes Mrs. Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, one of Chief’s many wives, suddenly showing up from Alhaji’s harem, many years after, spitting on his grave and legacy. Is she truly of the MKO stock? I think the Abiola family owes us a duty of issuing a statement to clarify at least one point: that Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola does not speak for the family. MKO Abiola is one of Yorubaland’s major icons of the 20th and 21st centuries, and a Nigerian hero. It is sad that anyone at all, would dare associate his name with less noble causes. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must feel personally embarrassed. He is President of Nigeria from the Yoruba stock and his own people, whoever they are, are trying to take

of last year. A multi-billion forex backlog at the central bank has been cleared, giving foreign investors' confidence to invest in Africa's largest economy, safe in the knowledge they can repatriate earnings.

The naira has begun to stabilize after its initial downward trend and has made huge gains against the dollar.

Talk of macroeconomics might seem remote from the challenge of insecurity. But without the fundamentals in place, it is impossible for an enabling environment where the private sector thrives, jobs are created, and opportunity is spread across the country. It is how we ensure children can go to school without fear.

For any who may have doubted our direction, it should now be clear. There will be no more ransoms paid—not to kidnappers, nor toward those policies which have trapped our people economically. Nigerians, and their economy, will be liberated.

Bola Tinubu is president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This article was first published April 15, by Newsweek Magazine

over government? It is either he is terribly disconnected from his own people or he is not paying enough attention to certain details. The other month, he came to Lagos and on his way to the mosque, his own people trooped out to complain about hunger. When he came back home for the Eid-el-Fitri festival, a week ago, he conveniently restricted himself to Ikoyi and worshipped at a place not farther than the Dolphin Estate. Wait a moment. Are Yorubas in a position to even claim that they are marginalized now that they have their own kinsman and half of the tribe of Lagos in government? President Tinubu must address “the peculiar mess” that occurred in Ibadan on April 13. He should find out if there are certain fifth columnists seeking to embarrass his government, using Yorubaland as their play field. He took an oath to defend the Nigerian Constitution. Every Nigerian leader that I have worked or interacted with insists that they are sworn to an oath to protect the indivisibility of Nigeria under their watch. Tinubu must wake up. He must not allow a situation whereby his own people are the ones calling for the dissolution of Nigeria while he is President, whatever all the textbook arguments may be. Mrs. Modupe Onitiri-Abiola must be given the Nnamdi Kanu treatment!

We had Chief Olabode George on The Morning Show (TMS) of Arise News yesterday and he drew attention to the failure of intelligence in the Ibadan matter. The old man was right. I share his view. How on earth did the Yoruba secessionists plan, organize and move to the Oyo State Government Secretariat without anybody catching a whiff of their intentions. Their spokesperson lives abroad. They must have been in touch with her through phone calls, messages and all that. And nobody picked that up? They even bought and wore military camouflage. And all the spokespersons of the Service Chiefs will come and tell us that they are committed to the defence of the sovereignty of Nigeria? Please how do you and your troops defend this country when you sleep on duty? And where was the station manager of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Oyo State and all the other agencies? They must all be called in for questioning. Sleeping on duty is not allowed. And one more point, where was the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps? It is the duty of that agency to protect and defend public infrastructure. Section 3 of the Civil Defence Act as amended (2007) gives the agency broad powers “to assist in the maintenance of peace and order and in the protection and rescuing of the civil population during the period of emergency.” The agency also has powers under section 3 (f) “to arrest with or without warrant, detain, investigate and institute legal proceedings by or in the name of the Attorney General of the Federation in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria…” Where was Civil Defence even if the other agencies failed?

The bigger issue that we have to deal with perhaps is the increasing, creeping failure of the Nigerian state. Much fewer people today believe in the idea of Nigeria. This is why we have people challenging the state either through secessionist or separatist moves or complete abandonment of the country, the Japa phenomenon, with many believing or thinking that they would be better off in foreign lands. When Nigeria becomes attractive to its own people, we would have managed to create a nation.

Some of the Chibok girls

Some of the agitators of the Yoruba nation

Alonso Hails Boniface, Others for Leverkusen’s Bundesliga Triumph

After ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign as champions of the German Bundesliga on Sunday evening, Bayer Leverkusen’s Manager, Xabi Alonso, has hailed his wards’ triumph as "something extraordinary".

Leverkusen secured their first title in the club's 120-year history on Sunday evening.

Leverkusen had a 13-point lead heading into the match against Werder Bremen, knowing a victory would secure the Bundesliga even with five matches remaining.

The hosts made easy work of Bremen as they won 5-0 thanks to a penalty from Victor Boniface, a wonderful strike from Granit Xhaka and a Florian Wirtz hat trick.

The triumph marked the end of Bayern Munich's run of 11 straight titles, and a breakthrough for Leverkusen after they came so close in both 2000 and 2002.

"This is a very special moment for the club," Alonso said in the post-match. "After 120 years, to win the Bundesliga for the first time is something extraordinary. The players performed, they were a top team together. I am so proud of all of them. For me, it's an honour to work here.

"Finally, we can say Bayer Leverkusen are German champions. It's a huge honour for all of us. It was earned by the team, by the club, by the fans. Everyone, all departments, was working and fighting for this title, so we are a result of that hard work over many years. This is a moment to enjoy and a huge success for this club. The first title is always special for everyone. So to be part of this history feels incredible."

When asked when he thought the title was within reach, he pinpointed their win over Bayern Munich on Feb. 10, which gave Bayer a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga. By the time Matchday 29 ticked around, Bayer Leverkusen were 16 points ahead of Bayern.

"That game against Bayern at home," Alonso said. "It could have turned out that they would have been ahead of us. We didn't talk about winning the title in the locker room that day but we all knew.

"We were all thinking about it.

With the consistency, the quality of our game over the season, we earned this title. It's not easy and we were living it every day, which made us believe. It's an incredible team; all the players, even the young guys, worked so hard. Everyone was always preparing hard. We might need a little more time to reflect on what we accomplished but right now, we want to enjoy this."

As Leverkusen closed in on history, fans invaded the pitch twice in the final 10 minutes. The first mini-invasion came after Wirtz's second, and Leverkusen's fourth, in the 83rd minute. Alonso and the players beckoned the supporters back. When Wirtz scored his third and their fifth in the 89th minute, the invasion was larger. The referee waited for the 90th minute and with

fans still on the pitch, blew for full time.

"The fans were top," Alonso said. "They lined the whole way to the stadium. We could see that they wanted this and we talked about it in the locker room, that we wanted to transform their energy onto the field. And again the players delivered and for me that's special."

Alonso said he did not feel the

Dele Alli says he "can see the light at the end of the tunnel" after more than a year on the sidelines. Dele spoke in an emotional interview in Julyabout his childhood, mental health issues and time spent in rehab. The Everton midfielder, 28, last played in February 2023 during a loan spell at Besiktas and has since been out with hip and groin injuries.

Bayern Munich have reached out to Zinedine Zidane to gauge his interest in taking charge of the team next season, according to reports in ThomasSpain.Tuchel will leave his post this summer after overseeing a downturn in form which saw Bayer Leverkusen roar to the Bundesliga title, with Bayern officials searching for a replacement for several weeks.

Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso was the top target before he publicly confirmed his desire to stay with his current side, forcing Bayern to look elsewhere.

According to MARCA, contact has been made with Zidane, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid back in 2021. The Frenchman is known to be keen to return to work and was rumoured to be waiting for the France national team job, only for

"I have had to learn what patience is, but it has made me even hungrier to get back," Dele told Sky Sports. "Before this injury the longest injury I have had was eight weeks and that felt like forever. "That's why I am thankful I went through the process I did in the summer. If I hadn't, this would have been so tough to go through this."

England international Dele spent six weeks in rehab because of a sleeping pill addiction and mental health issues.

In his interview with Gary Neville last year, he spoke of being sexually abused when he was six years old.

"When I did that interview, I said it was the best I felt at that time coming out of rehab," Dele said.

Didier Deschamps to extend his deal with Les Bleus until 2026.

Whether Zidane would be interested in managing Bayern is unclear, but the legendary midfielder has previously confessed that he does not want to work in a country where he cannot fluently speak the language.

Jose Mourinho is named as a potential candidate for Bayern, as are Julian Nagelsmann and Hansi Flick, both of whom have already enjoyed spells in Bavaria.

BILD recently reported that Nagelsmann, who was sacked in favour of Tuchel in March 2023, is now the top target for the job.

Nagelsmann is currently in charge of the German national team but will see his contract expire after this summer's European Championships. An extension has not been ruled out publicly.

"It has been tough and it's a journey I am on. I am enjoying it.

"When I did it, I said if it helped one person I would be happy, and that is all I wanted from it. The support and reaction I got was overwhelming - I am definitely proud of it."

external expectation and pressure of having a role in ending Bayern's dominance of German football.

"The weight of history was not heavy inside me," Alonso told ESPN's Archie Rhind-Tutt.

"I was hearing that but I said, 'Let's see what happens.' It was about

Barcelona Coach, Xavi Hernandez, said yesterday his team's Champions League quarterfinal second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain would be similar to the first-leg thriller.

The five-time champions edged Luis Enrique's PSG side 3-2 in a Paris blockbuster last week and are aiming to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2019.

Xavi said the second leg at Barcelona's temporary Olympic Stadium home on the city's Montjuic hill tonight would produce more of the same spectacle. "We're not a team that will sit on our lead, we want to take the ball off PSG and win the game," Xavi told a news conference.

"I hope we are at our best, they will test us to the limit – I see a game very similar to the first leg.

"It's the Champions League, it's Paris and a game in which no one will be holding back."

Xavi said PSG's coach Luis Enrique, who was on the Barcelona bench the last time the Catalans won the Champions League in 2015, would send his team out to harry the hosts.

"Montjuic's (atmosphere) has to seem like the big nights at Camp Nou," continued Xavi.

"Luis Enrique will not hold back, he will come here to press – we have to show a lot of personality to reach the semifinals."

Xavi, who announced in January he was leaving at the end of the season, has led a resurgent Barcelona on a 12-game unbeaten run since.

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

A non-governmental advocacy group for indigent children and sports, Hand2Hand Foundation will round up its awareness of the promotion of ‘War Against African Time with a Cadet Handball Tournament for Under 12 and 15 Boys and Girls at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja on Thursday.

The tournament is a culmination of a week of engagement of orientation on academic discipline and time consciousness in sports.

The organization has been championing the crusade of giving the less privileged children in society a new lease of life through education and sports.

Nine Abuja-based indigent students have been offered scholarships,

Once one of football's brightest young talents, Dele was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. He also helped Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2019. He earned the last of his 37 England caps in 2019

bringing the right players; the staff were really supportive. We had a good team to play a good season but we have overcome expectations with the way we have played and deserved the results. It's difficult to put into words but happy to be part of it."

"Me and my players, everyone has been liberated (by my decision)," said the coach.

"Everyone has felt more of a sense of belonging towards the club, and I think it has gone phenomenally."

Barcelona midfielder Pedri agreed that his team would have to play to win, and not try only to hold on to their one-goal head start.

"We have this slender lead but we have to go out there as if we didn't have that advantage," said Pedri.

The Canary Islander returned from injury to brilliantly set up one of Raphinha's goals in Paris.

The Spain international has not been able to find consistent fitness over the past two seasons amid various injury problems.

"When you're back from injury you feel the tiredness, but I'm strong and have a lot of desire," continued Pedri.

"I've always said I prefer to play 80 minutes at 100 per cent and when I can't go on, ask to be subbed for someone else."

to bring to 18 the total number of children of primary and secondary school age, enjoying the scheme that scouts for the less privileged children, pays their tuition, procures books for them, and ensures that they are mentored to excel in their academics. Those gifted in sports are encouraged to pursue their dreams.

At the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the foundation held at Ventures Park, Abuja, the founder of the NGO, Richard Agbonifo, urged the kids, some of whom were accompanied by their mothers of the essence to develop in their academics, physics and psychomotor (sports). Agbonifo tasked students to embrace academics and choose a sport, saying Hand2Hand will support them all the way.

“I want to appeal to parents to encourage their children to do sports and let us know when they need assistance. Be accountable by ensuring that you give us receipts of payments made for tuition fees and books. The government should support children in sports, by providing facilities ensuring that training is in their weekly curriculum; and holding regular competitions. Put people who care about children to take care of these issues. Collaborating with Hand2Hand will help make a big difference,” Agbonifo said.

PSG’s Kylian Mbappe at training with teammates on Sunday ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona

Zinedine Zidane...tipped to succeed Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich

“Few days ago, a report revealed that many schools in the state lacked teachers, and are dilapidated. This reported decay and shortage of teachers did not happen in the last 10 months of my administration, it is an accumulation of neglect. They decided not to build schools because they want to imprison the minds of our people, to make us blind in loyalty and unable to ask questions” --RiversStateGovernor,SiminalayiFubara, promisestoliberatetheRiverspeoplefrombadgovernanceandoppression. Gov Fubara to His Detractors

Bol A A H me D T INUBU

Ten Years Since Chibok: Kidnapping Has Become an Illegal Industry Rewarded with Ransoms

Ten years ago today, 276 girls were abducted in the night from their school in Chibok, northeastern Nigeria. The attack by Boko Haram pricked the conscience of the world. From London to Washington, protesters held placards reading #BringBackOurGirls—the hashtag the girls' families had posted to pressure their idle government into action. It would take almost three weeks for then-Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan even to make a public announcement. Critical time had been lost.

When this March, 137 children were tragically taken from a school in Kaduna, northwestern Nigeria, the shadow of Chibok lay ever present. Why, Nigerians and the world asked, after the passage of a decade was such an atrocity still happening?

This time, unlike Chibok, the girls and boys were brought back a fortnight later, the security and intelligence agencies deployed immediately to rescue them. Nevertheless, legitimate concerns over kidnappings persist in Africa's most populous country. Success in Kaduna has brought families relief and praise for the military, yet the government bears no illusions: The scourge of kidnappings must be routed once and for all.

It begins with recognizing the changing nature of the threat. Boko Haram translates to "Western Education is Forbidden" and reflects an ideological impetus as jihadi

insurgents opposed to the very idea of a Nigerian state. Today, Boko Haram are splintered, and mass abductions are primarily the work of criminal gangs.

There is no ideology here: kidnapping has become an illegal industry rewarded with ransoms. Within days of the Kaduna attack, the abductors were demanding 1 billion naira ($600,000).

Nothing was paid. As president, I have been clear that ransoms stop. Resolution through payment only perpetuates the wider problem. This extortion racket must be squeezed out of existence. Meanwhile, the costs for perpetrators must be raised: They will receive not a dime, and instead security services' counter action.

But compressing the kidnap for ransom market only addresses the pull factors. If we are to avoid funneling the same people into other crimes that cause normal Nigerians to feel insecure, we must address the push factors: poverty, inequality, and a paucity of opportunity. Criminal gangs can find easy recruits among those without either a job, or the prospect of one.

Some 63 percent of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor. They are bearing the economic consequences of a failure by successive governments to get to grip with the Nigerian economy. Fiscal and monetary albatrosses have grounded the country's flight, when surging demographics demand

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

abati1990@gmail.com

The Yoruba Nation ‘Secessionists’ of Ibadan

On Saturday, April 13, a group of 18 masked persons dressed in army camouflage, armed with rifles, charms and Oodua Nation flags attempted to take over the Oyo State House of Assembly and Government Secretariat to proclaim the emergence of a Yoruba Nation. They caused some commotion as they insisted on hoisting a flag, but the rag-tag team of insurrectionists were soon overpowered and arrested by officers of the Nigerian Police Command. Well, not quite. They resisted the police but when soldiers from the 2 Div. of the Nigerian Army arrived on the scene, the Oodua boys took to their heels. Cowards! They should have waited and argue with the soldiers over the integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria. But the twist in the tale turned out to be the appearance of a woman on several platforms - Modupe Onitiri Abiola, who endorsed the action of the Oodua 18 and proclaimed that a Democratic Republic of Yoruba had emerged with effect from April 13, 2024. The additional twist in the tale is that the woman introduced herself as a widow of Chief MKO Abiola, the undeclared winner of the June 12, 1993

Nigerians are probably used to persons, groups – ethnic and socio-cultural - threatening to leave Nigeria and declare their own separate country, to as they argue correct the mistake of 1914, so-called, or to seek meaning in a new association. Afterall, in February 1966, Isaac Adaka Boro, an Ijaw ethnic minority rights activist, formed a group known as the Niger Delta Volunteer Force and declared the formation of a Niger Delta Republic. He and his group fought the Nigerian Forces for 12 days before they were overwhelmed, arrested, tried for treason and thrown into jail. This was the first major rebellion against the Nigerian state. The same year, following the Unitary Decree No 34 of the Aguiyi Ironsi military government, the people of Northern Nigeria were so dissatisfied with the turn of events in Nigeria, they openly talked about “Araba” – meaning “let us separate.” In January 1966, there had been a military coup which resulted in the death of Northern leaders and others, notably Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Northern Region Premier, Chief Ladoke Akintola, Premier of the Western Region, and Festus Okotie-Eboh, Minister of Finance.

The coup was led by Kaduna Nzeogwu, an Ibo man, and with that collapse of Nigeria’s First Republic, the new leader was also an Ibo man, General Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, the first military Head of State of Nigeria. The North had wanted to separate but eventually there was a counter coup in July 1966, which ousted the Ironsi regime, which further widened the centrifugal ethnic fissures in Nigeria. In July 1967, the Ibos fought back. Led by Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, they declared the Republic of Biafra, meaning they were determined to secede from Nigeria. The war that ensued lasted three years – 6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970. That was 54 years ago, but there are signs that the civil war in Nigeria has not really ended. Nigeria took a turn for the worse. The rain began to beat us.

The separatist spirit would again show up on April 22, 1990 in the coup speech by Major Gideon Orkar whose plan, as announced, included the excision of five Northern states of Bauchi, Borno, Katsina, Kano and Sokoto from Nigeria. The Orkar group was convinced

Presidential election, pillar of sports in Africa, entrepreneur, philanthropist and a martyr of democracy.

President Bola Tinubu

Some of the Chibok girls