TUESDAY 19TH APRIL 2022

Marginal Fields: We’ll Not Accept People Trading in Our Papers, Says Komolafe Discloses Addax had two extensions but failed to pay up Oil rises to $113 as Libya outages add to Russia supply fears

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report

Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NU-

PRC), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, has said under his leadership, no marginal field operator would

be allowed to “trade” in papers issued by the organisation.

Komolafe, who spoke with the

Africa Oil+Gas Report, stated that the rule of law would be strictly followed in the issuance of final

licences to the winners, stating Continued on page 10

Quoting the Bible, Presidency Tells Kukah to ‘Avoid Foolish Controversies, Dissensions’… Page 5 Tuesday 19 April, 2022 Vol 27. No 9870. Price: N250

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PDP Announces New Dates for Forms Submission, Screening All presidential, governorship nomination forms to be submitted tomorrow Screening of presidential aspirants starts April 27 Chuks okocha in Abuja

Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Bagudu (left) and the First Lady, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, at the 6th Kebbi State Women's Ramadan lecture organised by the Office of the First Lady, in Birnin-Kebbi ...recently

In a revised timetable, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed its presidential and governorship aspirants to submit their completed nomination and expression of inter-

est forms latest tomorrow, April 20. PDP also directed senatorial, House of Representatives, and Houses of Assembly aspirants to ensure submission of their completed Continued on page 10

Amid Worsening Insecurity, Defence Minister Seeks God's Intervention to Defeat Terrorists

Military claims massive air strikes, routing insurgents in North-east They’re behind banditry in Imo, says Uzodinma As Zulum attributes surrender of over 35,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP members to divine intervention Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh and Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Frustrated by worsening insecurity, amid wide criticism of government's inability to protect the citizenry, Minister of Defence, Maj-Gen Bashir Magashi (rtd), yesterday, called for God's intervention in the fight against insurgents and other

criminal elements in the country.

The resort to divine intervention came on the heels of reported military air strikes in the North-east, which were said to have routed scores of terrorists. The terrorists had, allegedly, fired mortar bombs at civilian targets in Gujba Local Continued on page 10

Lagos Govt Shuts Chrisland Schools over ROYAL BLESSINGS FOR HIS PRESIDENTIAL QUEST... of Transportation and Presidential Aspirant Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi after the Sex Scandal of 10-Year-Old Pupil... Page 8 Minister Royal father prayed for and blessed the Minister, during his presidential consultation visit to the Ooni in Ile-Ife... yesterday

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

SUPPORTING EDUCATION THE KIMBERLY-CLARK WAY...

L-R: Factory Manager, Kimberly-Clark Nigeria, Tiaan Kitshoff; General Manager, Kimberly-Clark Nigeria, Vani Malik; and the Oba of Ikorodu, HRH Kabiru Adewale Sotobi, at the school furniture donation made by Kimberly-Clark Nigeria to Agodo Alara Community Primary School, Ikorodu, Lagos… recently.

Quoting the Bible, Presidency Tells Kukah to ‘Avoid Foolish Controversies, Dissensions’

Says his Easter message was unchristian-like Dismisses allegation of ethnic, regional divide as lacking proof Advises cleric to concentrate on calling, stop playing politics Deji Elumoye in Abuja Neck deep in choice bible passages, the presidency, yesterday, took a swipe at the recent criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration by the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and asked the man of God to “avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless”, quoting Titus 3:9.

The presidency, who cited many bible verses to buttress a lot of its points, said Kukah’s message on Easter Sunday was not to Christ’s death and rebirth so man might be saved, but to damning the government in the

most un-Christian terms.

In a release entitled "Kukah's Virus of Hate", and signed by presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency, which further accused the cleric of using every opportunity to descend on the Buhari government, was rather busy playing politics with Nigeria's future.

Asking the Catholic Bishop to drop his cassock and participate fully in partisan politics in order to turn things around as earlier espoused by him, the presidency maintained all the allegations of ethnic, regional divide were sheer innuendo without proof.

The release stated: "As the nomination congress approaches, rumblings within the party rise

to an acrimonious crescendo and the troubleshooting market blossoming in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party PDP, which is in desperate yearning for his tested skills, we are surprised – so too are many others – that the Bishop of Sokoto Province, the Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, could still find the time for a lengthy homily on his usual target, Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria.

"For a man, who has been spreading hate for decades, nothing new in the homily, except for the fact that while millions of Christians were remembering the Lord’s crucifixion on Friday, His descent on Saturday, His resurrection on Sunday, and subsequent appearance to his disciples, Bishop Matthew

Kukah was playing politics.

"From his pulpit, he devoted his Easter message not to Christ’s death and rebirth so Man might be saved – but to damning the government in the most unChristian terms. Bishop Kukah neglects the Bible’s teachings in James 1:26: ‘If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless’.

"Easter should be a time for renewal, and for hope. For those in authority – both temporal and spiritual – to come together in word and deed, so those who look to them for example can be inspired by their grace.

"This is not a time for religious leaders to play politics, or politicians

ASUU Strike: NLC Accuses FG of Promoting Social Apartheid Blames deregulation for energy crisis Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said the inability of the federal government to resolve it's dispute with workers in government-owned universities was creating a social dichotomy between the rich and the poor in the country.

In its 2022 Easter message issued by the NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, the labour movement also decried the ongoing crisis in the energy sector which it said was traceable to the failure of deregulation policy as it affects diesel, kerosine, aviation fuel and electricity supply.

He also attributed the energy crisis to what he described as the embrace of neoliberal and anti-people policies by successive governments.

While deploring the continued shut down of the country's federal and state universities, NLC said millions of Nigerian university students

especially those attending public citadels of higher learning celebrated Easter outside the precincts of their campuses not by reason of choice, "but because our country cut short their hopes."

He added: "The inability of the government to deliver on commitments it reached with our university workers both academic and non-academic has ensured that the streak of instability battering and buffeting our tertiary education system remains unresolved.

"It is even most tragic that majority of the affected students are children from poor homes whose parents cannot afford to pay the outrageous fees charged by private universities. Tragically, while students from poor homes are held back by frustrating cycles of strike actions, the children of the rich and powerful are in private campuses learning.

"There is no sadder premiere of the Social Apartheid in our society than the intermittent and

protracted strike actions in our public universities."

The NLC boss further said the events of the past few weeks in Nigeria have severely tested it's faith and hope in the country He described the recent mass killings in Plateau State, the terrorist assault on Kaduna Airport and the Abuja-Kaduna train bomb attack that killed innocent passengers as very shocking excalation of the wings of evil in the land.

"We demand that government must ensure the swift and safe return of all abductees. We also demand compensation for all those killed and injured in the attack," he said.

While lamenting the fate of workers in the country, NLC said many workers in Nigeria were yet to enjoy the national minimum wage almost four years after being signed into law.

He specifically named states like Cross River, Taraba and Zamfara states as major culprits of states

owing workers salaries.

"We demand respect for Collective Bargaining Agreements signed with unions in our tertiary institutions and other sectors. States yet to fully implement the national minimum wage should do so immediately. We demand immediate clearing of pension arrears owed our retirees. Employers should deliver on prompt salary payment, periodic salary increment, promotion, regular training, access to social housing, affordable healthcare, paid vacation cum sick leave and compensation for injury at work," he added.

The NLC president said the ongoing energy crisis had plunged the country into a terrible ordeal of scarcity of refined petroleum products with the cost of diesel, aviation fuel and Premium Motor Spirit soaring to unprecedented heights To compound the unemployment crisis in Nigeria, the NLC Continued on page 34

to play religion. It is a time, as in Titus 3:9 to ‘avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless’.

"Yet Bishop Kukah used his sermon purposefully to make dissensions and quarrels about the law. His accusatory list against the government revealed only his hatred for them.

"Still, when he accused them of division, he gave no examples: merely assertions emanating from his own mouth. His allegation of ethnic and regional divide was innuendo without proof, and he gave none.

"His list of things he claims as broken – from churches to mosques to schools and motorways – belie all those that have been built, and others built anew during this government’s time in office.

"Should he feel compelled for whatever reason to criticise the government for what he views as their mistakes the Bible makes clear how it should be done: ‘Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness’, Galatians 6:1-2.

"If Bishops or religious leaders believe they have a willing audience for tales of government error or fragility, they do an injustice to their flock by filling their ears with talk of division and hateful thoughts.

Nigeria knows too well Bishop Kukah’s views of the government.

He has made quite clear how much he dislikes them from the day they were elected.

"Whether expressing his political views is a good use or an abuse of religious office is for others to decide. But the people of Nigeria have spoken – twice: They support this government at the ballot box.

They have not been swayed by hateful talk from any bully-pulpit.

"We respectfully ask Bishop Kukah to leave government to the voters and the politicians they elect, while he concentrates on his job, as it is expressed in James 1:27: ‘Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to

keep oneself unstained from the world’. Or else, he should put away his clerical garb, join partisan politics and see how far he can go".

Earlier, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, had flayed those attacking President Buhari, over recent wave of unrest and violence across the country, saying their negative messages were dividing the country, a development they now blame the president for.

In a tweet on his verified Twitter handle, which did not mention any particular individual, Adesina, blamed those accusing the President of dividing the country as the same set of people, who used their messages in the past to divide the country.

"Those who divided Nigeria with their mouths, with evil, unguarded speaking, are the ones now accusing President Buhari. How sad! Their wicked intentions shall not come to pass, "he said.

Kukah, had in his Easter Sunday message, titled, 'To Mend a Broken Nation: The Easter Metaphor (on Nigeria)', stated that, "Our dear country, Nigeria, still totters and wobbles as we screech towards a dangerous and avoidable canyon of dry bones. Nonetheless, we still cling to hope, a hope in the resurrected Christ, knowing as St. Paul; said, ‘this hope does not disappoint us’ (Rm.5:5).

"Nigerians can no longer recognise their country which has been battered and buffeted by men and women from the dark womb of time. It is no longer necessary to ask how we got here.

The real challenge is how to find the slippery rungs on the ladder of ascent so we can climb out. Yet, we ask, ascend to where? For us as Christians, ascent is to the loving embrace of the resurrected Christ who is Lord of history.”

Also, a few days after the Northern Elders' Forum (NEF) called on President Buhari to resign, citing reasons of mismanagement and others, Bishop Kuka, in his Easter Sunday message accused the federal government of reducing Nigeria to a broken nation and Nigerians a broken people.

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NEWS

TRAINING OF SEC FIRE MARSHAL...

L-R: Divisional Head, Financial Inclusion, Market Development Department, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mrs Saadatu Faruk; Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services, SEC, Mr. Ibrahim Boyi; Executive Commissioner, Legal and Enforcement, SEC, Mr. Reginald Karawusa; Principal Manager, Security Service Division, SEC, Mr. Fabian Anyakwo and Mr. Aroyakwo Yusufu of the Department of Operations Federal Fire Service, during the Federal Fire Service Training of SEC Fire Marshal Evacuation Drills in Abuja...weekend.

Inflation: Adjust Policies to Boost Supply, World Bank Tells Nigeria, Others

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The President of the World Bank Group, David Malpass has lamented the impact of rising food and energy costs across the world, urging Nigeria and other developing countries to adjust policies to boost supply.

Higher food prices pushed inflation in Nigeria to 15.92 per cent in March, the highest in five months In an address he presented at the ongoing 2022 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings which opened in Washington DC, United States of America yesterday, Malpass said he was deeply concerned about developing countries, adding that they were facing sudden price increases for energy, fertiliser, and food, and the likelihood of interest rate increases.

These, plus the war in Ukraine and China's COVID-related shutdowns, are pushing global growth rates even lower and poverty rates higher, he stated.

Malpass observed that inflation was causing immense strain globally, especially among poor nations.

He said: "Food crises are bad for everyone, but they're devastating for the poorest and most vulnerable.

There are two reasons. First, the world's poorest countries tend to be food importing countries.

"Second, food accounts for at least half of total expenditures in household budgets in low-income countries, so it hits them hardest.

"I joined Kristalina (Georgieva, IMF Managing Director), Ngozi (Okonjo-Iweala, WTO DirectorGeneral), and David Beasley (UN World Food Program Executive Director) in a joint statement last week on food insecurity.

"We wanted to highlight the issue and help coordination. Countries must be taking action now to encourage the production of food, energy, and fertilizer. The production chain needs all three. It's vital for countries, both advanced and developing, to reduce their trade barriers.

"I want to turn now to the inflation problem, which is causing immense strain. Policies need to be adjusted to enhance supply, not just increasing demand.

"Markets are forward looking so it's vital for governments and private sectors to state that supply will increase and that their policies will foster currency stability to bring down inflation and increase growth

rates.

"This is especially important as global supply chains shift away from dependency."

He called on central banks to use more tools under current policies, adding that the inequality gap had widened materially, with wealth and income concentrating in narrow

segments of the global population.

According to him, "interest rate hikes, if that's the primary tool, will add to the inequality challenge that the world is facing."

Malpass recalled that the World Bank had lowered the 2022 growth rate to 3.2 per cent from 4.1 percent before, adding that people were

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

Governors of the 36 states of the federation have reaffirmed their position that the federal government should not go ahead with the planned deduction of $418 million from the Federation Account to settle debts purported owed to consultants engaged by the states and local governments on the London/Paris Club refunds.

Through the body of AttorneysGeneral of the Federation, the states had in a letter dated April 4, 2022, which was seen by THISDAY

yesterday, cautioned that should the federal government proceed to make any such deduction, it would be acting illegally and in contempt of their appeal challenging the judgment.

The April 4 letter was in response to an earlier November 11, 2021 correspondence from the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, advertising the commencement of the deduction for the liquidation of the alleged judgment debts.

The states' response was signed by the body of Attorneys-General

Says no good leader can emerge under current constitution Claims Nigeria now bankrupt, naira on free fall Suggests president, govs shouldn't be above 60 years Legal Icon and founder, Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola(SAN), yesterday, advised the federal government to suspend the 2023 elections and allow a 6-month interim goverment after President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure that would give a new constitution that would tackle insecurity, economic, political and other ills bedeviling the nation.

Periscoping the country's high poverty and currency devaluation in the international market, Babalola, who declared that Nigeria now faced imminent bankruptcy due to alleged gross mismanagement by corrupt leaders, leading to free fall in naira's value, maintained that no good leader could emerge under the current constitution.

He has also recommended a new constitution that would peg the age limit of those seeking to be president, governors and members of the National Assembly at 60.

Babalola said this in ABUAD at a press conference he addressed and entitled: 'Postpone 2023 Elections: Six Months Interim Government After Buhari's Government'.

The Senior Lawyer lamented that Nigeria had shed enough tears and blood due to increasing cases of killings, kidnapping and banditry, without responses from those at the helms of affairs, saying the 2023 remained the best opportunity to chart a new course for the nation.

Babalola said: "I decided to talk, because this country is now different from the one I used to know. That is why we need a new constitution after President Muhammadu Buhari that will spell out rules and regulations on the qualifications of those who are qualified to contest elections.

"I believe that whoever is seeking elections as a president, governors and National Assembly members should not be more than 60 years, with good and sound health, sound education, experience, good human

"The international community needs to immediately step up emergency assistance for food insecurity and help bolster social safety nets. From the World Bank’s standpoint, we are providing roughly $17 billion per year to strengthen food security – a big part of the global effort," he said.

$418m Paris Club Refund: Don't Tamper with Our Allocations, Governors Insist

Afe Babalola to FG: Suspend 2023 Elections, Set Up Interim Govt Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

facing reversals in development for education, health, and gender equality, as well as reduced commercial activity and trade.

"Global trade is still facing quotas, high import tariffs, high export tariffs, expensive food price subsidies, and even export bans on food products. These should stop.

relations, friendliness and firmness, vision and mission, among others.

"The new constitution shall provide for part time legislators and not full time and the attendant wasting of resources, who will be collecting allowances and not salaries. Proposes federal system of government rather than presidential system and a parliamentary system with a unicameral legislature".

On the fast nosediving economy, Babalola bemoaned that the country was gradually collapsing, arising from poor management of the economy, saying the naira, which was N199 to $1 in 2015, has marked up to over N570 to a dollar.

"The external debt, which was $10.7bn in 2015 is now over $38 billion. The government is borrowing more, spending more, but earning less revenues. The worse thing is that the debt servicing level is also rising.

"In 2020, Nigeria was ranked as the poorest country in the world with over 50 per cent of Nigerians

living in extreme poverty while over 70 million Nigerians are in urgent need of life saving assistance.

"I am of the firm conviction that moneybags now control the lever of powers. If we allow the present constitution beyond 2023, what we will be getting is recycling leadership, who will continue the old ways.

"We need a constitution that will throw up young, brilliant, dedicated people to save this country. We can't get all these under the present constitution.

"We need a new set of leaders in our nation. Leaders, who will not see themselves as Mr Know-All and who will not see themselves as above anyone," he said.

Babalola, therefore, added that no good leader could emerge under the present deformed and weak constitution, adding that, the leadership couldn't afford to toy with the destiny of the nation by conducting elections that would not yield positive results.

of the Federation Interim Chairman, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo of Lagos State and Interim Secretary, Dr. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana of Nasarawa State as well as the Attorneys-Generals of Rivers, Abia, Taraba, Benue, and Zamfara states, for and on behalf of all the state Attorneys-General.

The federal government, they stated, should not tamper with funds accruing to them and the 774 local governments through the Federation Account, in the name of satisfying an alleged $418 million London/Paris Club Loan refund-related judgment debts.

The states restated their position that they were not parties to any suit on the London/Paris Club refund, adding therefore that they were not liable to any person or entity in any judgment debt being relied on by the government at the centre.

“Their Excellencies have drawn our attention to your letter referenced above, which the various states of the federation received at about the end of March 2022. "The letter notifies the States of your intention to commence deduction from allocations due to the States from the Federation Account for the liquidation of the London/ Paris Club Loan refund-related judgment debts on behalf of the 36 States of the Federation and the 774 local government councils.

“Please note that the states of the federation were not parties to any contract or suits concerning the London/Paris Club refund, from which the said judgment debts arose.

“Consequently, the 36 States of the federation are not liable to any person or entity in any judgment debt,” the states said in the letter."

According to the letter, the deduction of the allocations due to the 36 states of the federation

from the Federation Account to liquidate the purported London/ Paris Club Loan refund-related judgment debts was the subject of an appeal filed by the 36 States at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

“The appeal challenges the Federal High Court’s (per Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo) judgment delivered on 25th March 2022 between A.G Abia State v. President, Federal Republic of Nigeria & 42 Ors. and, therefore, the issue is sub judice,” the letter stressed.

It added that the states had also filed a Motion on Notice for an Order of Injunction pending appeal, noting that the body’s legal representatives had published a public caveat in national dailies notifying the public of the pending appeal, which also advised concerned parties “to desist from dealing with the subject matter thereof pending the hearing and determination of the Appeal and the application for Injunction pending appeal.”

Based on the foregoing, they pointed out that the “The law requires you to restrain from taking any step whatsoever that is capable of interfering with the rest of the suit, which is now a subject of an appeal.

“Accordingly, Nigerian case law enjoins you to refrain from effecting any deduction whatsoever from the allocations due to the 36 States from the Federation Account for the liquidation of the London/Paris Club Loan refund-related judgment debts purportedly on behalf of the 36 States of the Federation and the 774 local government councils, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal by the states of the federation. " Doing otherwise in the face of the pending Appeal and Motion on Notice for Injunction pending appeal shall be at your peril.”

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NEWS

PRESENTATION OF CHATROOM MOVIE...

L-R: Chief Human Resources Officer, Sterling Bank Plc, Temi Dalley; General Manager, Corporate and Investment Banking, Sterling Bank Plc, Mojisola Bakare; Producer, Chatroom, Olapeju Ibekwe and representative of the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Friya Kinda Blues, during a presentation of Chatroom movie in Lagos...yesterday

Lagos Govt Shuts Chrisland Schools over Sex Scandal of 10-Year-Old Pupil Police command to Investigate unauthorised pregnancy tests conducted on student Lagos Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu has ordered the shutdown of all branches of Chrisland Schools in Lagos following a viral sex tape showing a 10-year-old schoolgirl having sex with her schoolmates while in Dubai for a school competition. The girl was alleged to have had sex with five boys.

This is just as Nigeria Police said it might engage Interpol in their investigation of the case and also probe the alleged pregnancy tests conducted on the schoolgirl without parental consent.

"In view of the allegations, we are committed to ensuring that adequate medical and psychosocial

support is provided," said a statement by the Lagos government.

In a statement on Monday, the Sanwo-Olu government announced the complete closure of the schools.

"In the meantime, all Chrisland schools within Lagos State are hereby closed, pending further investigations," the Sanwo-Olu government added.

The statement was jointly signed by the Ministry of Education, Office of Education Quality Assurance, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the Ministry of Justice.

"The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to

the alleged sexual violence case involving students of Chrisland school, which occurred in Dubai, United Arab Emirates," stated the government. "It is pertinent to note that all allegations are being investigated by the relevant ministries, departments and agencies, including the Ministry of Education, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Ministry of Justice and the Lagos State Domestic & Sexual Violence Agency, whilst the criminal allegations have been escalated to the commissioner of police."

It added that the Sanwo-Olu

administration was committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children in Lagos, especially ensuring "that all child-centred institutions within Lagos.

The Lagos government also stressed that it would continue to "formulate and implement policies and systems that are compliant with the Executive Order (NO. EO/AA08 of 2016), Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme."

It, however, warned people sharing the sex tape to desist or face the consequences.

"We also use this medium to remind the general public that

Presidential Pardon Embarrassing to Anti-corruption Agencies, Says Wike Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said the presidential pardon recently granted by the Council of States to persons that had been prosecuted for corruption was an embarrassment on the anti-corruption agencies in the country.

Wike also wondered how the likes of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) would not be made irrelevant because of the action by the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kelvin Ebiri, revealed that the governor made the statement yesterday, while speaking to delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State, as part of his ongoing consultation ahead of the party's presidential primary.

"This is the same government that complained against the judiciary that it is not fighting corruption. Now, look at what the judges have passed through; sleepless nights from the FCT High Court to the Court of Appeal to Supreme Court, everything is wasted.

"If President Muhammadu Buhari knows that he doesn't want to fight corruption, then, he should disband EFCC and ICPC because he has thoroughly embarrassed them.

"So, all these things he (Buhari) is doing is because of the elections coming soon. They want this person in Plateau State to help them and they want this person in Taraba State to help them. But it will not work because Wike will face them in that election."

Wike dismissed the defence by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Buhari, Malam Garba Shehu on why the pardon should not be faulted.

The Rivers State Governor said it should be a thing to worry about, saying the same people who said they were fighting corruption went through the back door to release the same people that they said were corrupt.

"So, when his press man (Garba Shehu)said I was invited to the Council of State, is it because I'm not there, that is why they did what they did?

"If you wanted me to contribute, you would have sent me the agenda. Then, I would have known what I'm coming to do in the meeting.

"It's not when you don't send me an agenda, I come, then you boxed us in, ambushed us, then you said I attended the meeting where they approved it. I will not attend such a meeting," he stressed.

Wike also explained that, "When they said my deputy attended and when they looked back they could not see my deputy again. Why would you see her?

"When she had seen what was there, she had to switch off because she knew it was a wayo. That is what this APC government is known for."

The governor told the delegates that it was time for Nigerians to brace up to correct what he said were the mistakes that brought the All Progressives Congress (APC) government to power.

Wike said he was offering himself as the most competent aspirant seeking their votes at the presidential primaries to fly the flag of the PDP. He noted that it would require a man like him to end insecurity and poverty that are seen everywhere in Nigeria.

The Kano State Chairman of the PDP, Shehu Wada Sagagi, assured Wike of the delegates' support because they believed that the next presidential flag bearer of the party must come from the southern part of the country.

“We know as a matter of principle, and all of us here agree that the presidency should move to the South. That is a fair deal, because when in 2019 the presidency was zoned to the north, no southern aspirant emerged to say that he will contest, unlike what is happening now. But I am sure with the way you are going, you will defeat all those evil forces that are planning evil against you," he was quoted to have said.

Sagagi said Kano delegates would not be swayed by ethno-

religious sentiment. He declared that they would support Wike based on his proven competency, capacity and ability to move the country forward.

The PDP chairman lamented the inability of the federal government to tackle lingering insecurity in the country and the mismanagement of the Nigerian economy.

According to him, for the first time in history Nigeria entered recession twice within a decade under the APC.

any person who engages in any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a child commits an offence and is liable to a custodial sentence of 14 years," Sanwo-Olu's government warned.

It stressed that it "includes producing, distributing, receiving, or possessing an image of child pornography."

Also, in a statement on Monday, the police disclosed that Interpol might be involved in investigating a viral sex tape involving a 10-year-old female pupil of Chrisland Schools while on a school-organised trip for competition in Dubai, the Lagos police command has revealed.

"The command is equally taking cognisance of the cybercrime angle to the whole episode and will not hesitate to enlist the support of the Interpol should the need arises," explained the police command in Lagos. "For a holistic and unbiased investigation, the command shall be working with relevant ministries, departments, agencies, and nongovernmental organisations."

This followed allegations by the unnamed schoolgirl's mother in a video accusing Chrisland Schools of threatening to "kill" her daughter if she spoke out about engaging in sex acts with her schoolmates.

The police spokesman in Lagos, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Abiodun Alabi, ordered

the investigation.

A video of the 10-year-old schoolgirl, allegedly raped by five male pupils of Chrisland Schools during a trip to Dubai, UAE, went viral recently.

The sex acts reportedly happened when the students travelled to Dubai to participate in the World School Games from March 10 to 13, where the school won over 30 medals.

Hundeyin quoted the police commissioner as saying that the investigation would individuals involved in the recording of the sex tape, the true incident in the video, and the geographical location of the sex acts.

The investigation will also cover the alleged threat to life against the 10-year-old pupil and the circumstances surrounding the alleged repeated pregnancy tests conducted on the student without her parental consent.

“The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to an alleged rape video purportedly depicting students of Chrisland School, Lagos, going viral on social media," said the police.

The statement added, "Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, fdc, mnim, psc has assured that due diligence will be observed to ensure that there is no miscarriage of justice."

APC NWC to Consider Transition C’ttee’s Recommendations Today Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), will today consider the recommendations of the Transition Committee set up by its National Chairman, Senator Abdulahi Adamu.

Adamu had set up the committee after he assumed the leadership of the party to know the state of finances of the party and to study the handing over note of the defunct Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) and other sundry matters affecting the National Secretariat of the party.

"We want to know where the party is exactly so that we don’t get taken by the exuberance of winning

an election and just plunge into the pond pool or not know how deep or the temperature of the water.

As for you, the director of admin, you have no hiding place. We will count on your loyalty to the party," Adamu had stated.

THISDAY checks revealed that the chairman of the committee and former Governor of Jigawa State, Ali Saad Birnin Kudu, submitted the report last week.

The committee was expected to come up with recommendations that would put the party in better shape and to restructure the party’s secretariat ahead of the 2023 primaries.

A member of the NWC, who pleaded anonymity, revealed that the comprehensive report of the

committee was submitted at the last meeting and would be considered at today's meeting.

The source said: "You will recall the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu promised to look at the activities of the National Secretariat of the party, in the light of that, we shall consider the recommendations of the committee on the structure of the National Secretariat. The committee met with the six directors of the party and we shall consider their findings and recommendations."

Also, today's NWC meeting will fine-tune the cost of expression of interest and nomination forms for all elective offices ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday.

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Analysts Urge FG to Intensify Efforts to Curb Inflation Say release of 40, 000MT of grains inadequate

James Emejo in Abuja Analysts yesterday prevailed on the federal government to do more to reign in rising inflation, occasioned largely by structural challenges.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation peaked at 15.92 per cent (Year on year) in March 2022 compared to 18.17 per cent in March 2021, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

This was the highest level inflation had attained since October 2021, when it was recorded at 15.99 per cent before dropping to 15.40 per cent in November last year, 15.63

per cent in December, 15.60 per cent in January and 15.70 per cent February.

The composite food index rose to 17.20 per cent in March compared to 22.95 per cent recorded in March, 2021.

Month-on-month, the food subindex increased to 1.99 per cent in March, up by 0.12 per cent from 1.87 per cent in February.

Worried by rising inflation particularly the food component, President Muhammad Buhari had recently authorised the release of 40,000 metric tons (MT) of grains from the National Strategic Grains

Reserves (SGR) to vulnerable Nigerians to cushion the effects of rising prices of food items.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Abubakar, had explained the government’s move was aimed at cushioning the effect of high prices of commodities across the country especially as the Ramadan, Easter and Sallah festivities approached.

However, reacting to the increasing inflationary concerns and the government’s reaction, analysts in separate interviews with THISDAY, said the palliative measures by the government, though commendable,

would only provide short-term reprieve to soaring food prices.

They pointed out that current local food production remained inadequate in satisfying increasing demand amidst a fast-growing population.

The analysts also recommended the importation of food items in the short term to meet existing supply gaps.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, told THISDAY that the release and distribution of the 40,000 metric tons of grain could only served

as a stop gap measure only if it is adequately channeled to the poorest in the population and not on political leanings.

He said, “The factors leading to the high cost of food prices are still subsisting and if not addressed we might not witness a reduction in the cost of food prices for a long time to come.

“The gas pressure has abated temporarily in some state capitals however, it has increased the cost of transportation of farm produce which definitely affects the cost.”

Also, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Credent Investment

Managers Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, said to tame inflation, heavy investment in mechanised farming remained the only way out.

According to him, the federal government must also look for a solution to the security issues that continued to plague the agricultural communities especially in the Northern part of the country.

On his part, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said, “We need to identify all the causes of inflation and high cost of production and deal with them head-on.”

AMID WORSENING INSECURITY, DEFENCE MINISTER SEEKS GOD'S INTERVENTION TO DEFEAT TERRORISTS Government Area of Yobe State, recently. That was as the security situation in the country continued to deteriorate, with armed extremists striking at will, kidnapping many, and killing scores.

In Imo State, the governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said persons blaming Buhari for insecurity were the ones behind banditry in his state. Uzodimma spoke on Monday in Owerri at the wedding ceremony of Chinedu, son of business mogul and politician, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, which held at the Cathedral Church of Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL).

In the continuing climate of insecurity, terror groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP), yesterday attacked a military formation in Molai area of Maiduguri, killing two security personnel.

However, breathing a sigh of relief, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, said the recent mass surrender of over 35,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and commanders was as a result of divine intervention following prayers from all over the world.

The air interdiction in the Northeast came as Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Farouk Yahaya, charged

troops to sustain the tempo of attack on terrorists.

The Nigerian Army Headquarters also reported the killing of an alleged member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State by military troops.

In his Easter message, Magashi called for religious harmony in the country, and prayed for God's intervention to give the armed forces victory in their various campaigns against security threats across the country. He assured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to defending the sovereignty of the country.

Magashi said the Easter prayer should also focus on "remembering members of the armed forces presently engaged in various campaigns, for God to grant them total victory over all threats to national peace." He prayed that this year's Easter celebration "will usher in the desired peace and prosperity as well as a complete turnaround for the Nigerian Armed Forces to clear the doubts of cynics and return sanity to the dark spots in the country.

"The celebration of Easter, which coincides with fasting in the holy month of Ramadan by Muslims, is not a mere coincide, it underscores the need for religious harmony as

well as portends spirituality and specialty of this auspicious times of festivities," the minister stated.

He urged the Islamic and Christian faithful to embrace peaceful coexistence and religious to make Nigeria a better country for all.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force said, after credible intelligence, it launched a devastating attack on Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters on four gun trucks at Kaffa, killing scores of the terrorists and destroying their trucks. This followed Sunday’s midnight attack by insurgents on Goniri in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, where they fired mortar bombs on civilian targets, killing many civilians and injuring others, A military update said the Nigerian Air Force also scrambled additional Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the location and inflict heavy casualties on ISWAP. It said the aircraft was, at the time of filling this report, still patrolling Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to ensure that the city remained safe.

Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff, who was represented by Maj-Gen GM Mutkut, urged troops to avoid any unprofessional conduct while discharging thier duties. Farouk said the troops should redouble their efforts in order to sustain the

current tempo in the fight against the insurgency.

He spoke at the Headquarters Sector 3 OP Hadin Kai and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Monguno, Borno State, as he joined the Christian faithful and troops of both commands to celebrate this year's Easter.

In a similar vein, the Nigerian Army said troops of 34 Artillery Brigade, Sunday, neutralised a member of IPOB and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN), at Ihioma community, in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The army stated, "Troops' on routine patrol encountered members of the irredentist group, who fired sporadically at Banana Junction to enforce the illegal sit at home order on law abiding citizens going about their legitimate businesses.

"The IPOB/ESN criminals on sighting the troops withdrew in a blue Toyota Highlander towards Ihioma Community for reinforcement. In the firefight that ensued during the operation, one of the criminals was taken out, while others fled in disarray. Troops are combing the general area in a follow up operations to track down the fleeing dissidents.

"Having suffered casualty and effectively denied freedom of action

MARGINAL FIELDS: WE’LL NOT ACCEPT PEOPLE TRADING IN OUR PAPERS, SAYS KOMOLAFE that no amount of pressure would make the commission award final documents without due process.

The NUPRC boss also spoke on the Addax issue. He disclosed that when he assumed office, he reviewed the file and observed that two extensions had been granted for payment, but the company could not come up with the money until the award lapsed.

Meanwhile, oil rose yesterday, with Brent crude topping $113 a barrel, as outages in Libya deepened concern over tight global supply and the Ukraine crisis dragged on, offsetting concern over slowing Chinese demand.

Stating that the NUPRC “won't be arbitrary”, Komolafe stressed that some of the 119 companies that had fully paid their bonuses were insisting that they could not raise funds without collecting the licences.

According to him, “In many cases the moment people get a letter of award, they write to say they want to assign. Assign what? There's a phrase in law, frequently rendered in Latin: 'Nemo dat quod non habet'.

“It means 'You can't give what you don't have'. For you to get an award, you have to show the proof that you can pay the signature bonus and you can finance the field development.

“You get it only because you've met the requirements.

Your award would have been

consummated before you can talk of assignment. We shouldn't be encouraging people making money by trading papers.

“It is better you have a regulator that abides by the rule of law than to have a genius as a regulator. If you have a judge in court and he decides to rule on the basis of his ingenuity, then, it becomes a ground for appeal.”

He added, “If you have such a judge, he is a problem judge; he would be abusing discretion.

I am going to ensure that our rules and processes give effect to the law. Awards of acreages will be carried out on the basis of fairness, transparency and competitiveness.”

Komolafe, therefore, insisted that until the process was completed, no licences would be issued, stating all decisions would be taken based on strict adherence to the rules.

He said, “Anyone whose licence is revoked during my tenure will not have a space to challenge. We will take a decision such that everyone challenging it will be standing on very weak ground.

“Now, some of the 119 companies, who have fully paid their bonuses, have formed the required Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to operate the assets.

“They are asking for their licences, without which, some say, they are neither able to raise the funds for their work

programmes, nor start working relationship discussions with the oil majors, who operate the leases from which the marginal fields were ring fenced.”

Addressing the Addax issue, Komolafe said, “If you were granted an award, it is guided by the law of contract. If you don't meet the terms, the award reverts to the original owner. It is now the obligation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to find a viable partner to operate the asset.”

He pledged that the federal government would pursue vigorously the gas flare commercialisation programme, promising, “I am going to rework, rejig it to finalise the work.”

Komolafe hoped that the process would be wrapped up before the end of the second quarter of 2022.

“In finalising the round, we will ensure fairness, transparency and competitiveness. We are going to ensure very effective regulation that will give effect to the finest spirit of competition,” he pledged.

Reiterating that NUPRC was in the process of developing regulations for the activation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the NUPRC helmsman noted that the law must be given effect by regulations.

He stated, “There will be public hearings of the regulator, just as you have public hearings for the law making, you must

also have public hearings for the regulations of the law. You must have the stakeholders' hearings.”

Komolafe explained that the PIA provided robustly for abandonment, host community and award of acreages, but argued that it could not be given effect until the entire process was consummated.

On how he intended to tackle the challenges, Komolafe said, “I came with a revolutionary mind-set. I am a unique person in the industry, going by my background. I intend to do things differently in terms of adhering to processes.”

Oil Rises to $113 as Libya Outages Add to Russia Supply Fears

Oil rose yesterday, with Brent crude topping $113 a barrel, as outages in Libya deepened concern over tight global supply and the Ukraine crisis dragged on, offsetting concern over slowing Chinese demand.

Adding to supply pressures from sanctions on Russia, Libya’s National Oil Corp on warned that, “a painful wave of closures” had begun hitting its facilities and declared force majeure at Al-Sharara oilfield and other sites.

“With global supplies now so tight, even the most minor disruption is likely to have an outsized impact on prices,” said Jeffrey Halley, an analyst Continued on page 34

by the troops, the irredentist group has resorted to cheap propaganda to whip up public sentiments by circulating a doctored video on the social media alleging troops complicity in their mindless atrocities. This propaganda should be disregarded in its entirety."

People Blaming Buhari Behind Banditry, Says Uzodinma

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, took exception to the assumption that President Muhammadu Buhari should be blamed for the spate of insecurity in the state, saying those, who harbour such thoughts, are the ones behind banditry in the state.

Uzodinma stated that members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state had become targets of attack by politicians and their collaborators, alleging that they are behind the banditry and killings in Imo State.

Speaking at the wedding ceremony in Owerri, Uzodimma said wicked politicians had decided to hold Imo State captive, killing innocent persons and burning public and private property in the name of politics. He urged the Church and the congregation to pray for such persons to repent.

On Sunday, while addressing the congregation at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Ozuh Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, on Easter, Uzodimma reiterated that the killings going on in the state were politically contrived. He said it was, therefore, pointless to point fingers at Buhari or the governor, as "some soulless persons" were wont to do.

"I pray that God will touch the hearts of these people, who are sponsoring the killing of innocent ones, burning houses and destroying public property in the name of politics," he said.

The governor said it beat his imagination that in the incident,

which took place at Ogberuru in Orlu last week, all the victims – ward chairman, ward secretary and woman leader – were of the APC. "I have crosschecked since the inception of this mindless blood letting in Orlu, Orsu and other communities in the zone, not one Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) person has died, their houses burnt or attacked. It is clear to me, therefore, that these killings are the handiwork of politicians who are after the APC members," he said.

The governor enjoined all men of goodwill to remain fervent in their prayers for God to touch the hearts of both the sponsors of the bandits and their collaborators to come to their senses, particularly, in the light of the occasion of Easter, when Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Firefight, Terrorists Kill One Soldier, Police Officer in Borno

Boko Haram and ISWAP extremists attacked a military formation in Molai area of Maiduguri, and killed two security personnel.

THISDAY gathered that a large number of suspected Boko Haram elements in many vehicles and motorcycles, armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the security checkpoints manned by officers of the joint task force, Operation Hadin Kai, comprising military and men of the 30/50 Police Mobile Force (PMF).

Military sources said sporadic gunshots rocked the area during the attack, which started about 6pm, forcing many residents of Lawanti Kura, NNPC Depot, and Molai to scamper to safety.

“After a fierce battle, one soldier, one Police Sargent, Babangida Yusuf of 50 PMF, were killed in action while one Inspector Chindo Samuel Continued on page 35

P D P A N N O U N C E S N E W DAT E S F O R FORMS SUBMISSION, SCREENING forms by the same date.

A memo made available to THISDAY, and signed by National Organising Secretary of PDP, Umar Barure, also announced the dates for the screening of all categories of aspirants.

According to the documents, the screening of the presidential aspirants would commence April 27, while the governorship aspirants would be screened on April 26. The House of Representatives, senatorial, and House of Assembly aspirants will be screened on April 25.

The party said appeals by those dissatisfied with the screening exercise would commence on April 25 for House of Assembly, while House of Representatives and Senate would take place on April 27.

In the same manner, appeals for governorship aspirants would take place on April 29, and the presidential appeal committee would hear appeals from dissatisfied

presidential aspirants on April 30.

The process of selection of ad hoc delegates for the election of candidates would commence April 23, to be followed by ward congress on April 26.

In the revised timetable, local government congresses would take place nationwide on April 29, while the local government appeal committees would hear appeals from the election of the ad hoc delegates on May 2.

The delegates’ list would be published on May 5, while the nomination congress of the House of Representatives and Senate would take place May 12 and May 14, respectively The appeals are expected to take place on May 18, while the governorship primaries are expected to take place on May 24, with the appeals following on May 25.

The presidential convention of PDP is expected to hold on May 28 and 29.

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Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com (08114495324 SMS ONLY)

Are Security Agencies Aiding Terrorists?

Concerned about worsening insecurity in the country, members of the House of Representatives recently alleged that security agents were aiding terrorists, writes Udora Orizu

Mongonu

Gagdi

A

t the plenary last week, members of the House of Representatives for the second time in two weeks passed a vote of no confidence on security agencies, accusing them of ignoring distress calls and aiding terrorists to attack innocent citizens.

Day-by-day, insecurity in the country keeps degenerating from bad to worse. No day goes by without news of terrorists attack in various communities across the country. On March 25, 2022, there was a horrific terrorists attack at the Kaduna International Airport, these armed men occupied the runway, hijacked the airport’s flight system and confronted military troops, the evil attack culminated in the death of a security guard of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

Two days later, terrorists again attacked a Kadunabound train carrying hundreds of passengers, killing several and kidnapping others.

Last week, some gunmen attacked a police station at Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State killing four police officers and razing down the station. Same week, no fewer than 70 people were killed when gunmen attacked Kanam and Wase communities in Plateau State.

Also 25 people were killed in Guma and Tiortyu local government areas of Benue State.

These recent attacks and senseless killings

Wase

have called to question the capacity of the security agencies to secure lives and property. The horrific attacks have also called to question the complicity of the security agencies to these killings.

In 2021, Zamfara State elders during its meeting in Gusau, accused security agencies of releasing arrested bandits and their collaborators. A former Senator, Saidu Dansadau, who briefed reporters after the meeting, urged the law enforcement agencies to stop the act, citing it as one of the factors, responsible for the escalation of the insecurity in the state.

Also last year, Zamfara State House of Assembly at their plenary presided over by the deputy speaker, Musa Yankuzo, said security formations in the state often do not respond to distress calls from communities under attack by armed bandits.

In January last year, the Emir of Maru in Zamfara State attributed the lingering insecurity in the state, not just to the lethal weapons wielded by bandits, but to the activities of informants. Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi, during an interview on ARISE TV in June claimed that bandits operating in Nigeria were doing so in connivance with some security agents in

Kalu

the country.

Every legislative day in both chambers of the National Assembly, the lawmakers treat a security related motion or bill. They ensure prompt appropriation of funds in the annual budget for the security agencies with the hope that it will help them curb the menace. However despite all legislative interventions, the issue keeps escalating.

Following the terror attacks on Kaduna airport and train, the House of Representatives at the plenary expressed disappointment in the security agencies and federal government for failing in its constitutional mandate of protection of lives and properties. They therefore decided to beam searchlight on the activities of its standing committees on security, to see how effectively they are carrying out their oversight function on security agencies.

The committees include, Navy, Army, Air Force, Defence, Interior, Police Affairs, Emergency Preparedness and National Security and Intelligence.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Wase who presided over the plenary session a three weeks ago, while noting that a lot needs to be done to stem the tide of insecurity, however wondered if one report has

ever been turned in by Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

He therefore mandated the relevant security Committees of the House to step up their oversight functions as well as conclude the reports of their investigations.

Also, the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Tahir Monguno frowned at the slow pace which the Committee on National Security and Intelligence carryout assignments.

Monguno said, “With regard to the committee, I can also recalled that the first Bill that was passed for second reading is my Bill, which is the Bill on small arms and light weapons. That Bill was referred to the national security committee, but up till now, there is no report. Up to the extent that had to go and appeal to Mr Speaker, which he had to set up an ad hoc committee. That is the extent the committee has not performed.”

Briefing journalists later, the House spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu throwing more light on the comments made earlier by the presiding officer said they are putting searchlight on the security committees and if any of them is found ineffective, they will be made to sit up.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Akpanudoedehe Joins Akwa Ibom Guber Race As the governorship race begins in many states across the country, the former Secretary of the All Progressives Congress Caretaker Committee, Senator John James AkpanUdoedehe has declared his intention to contest the governorship ticket of the party in Akwa Ibom State, writes Segun James

Akpanudoedehe

S

enator JohnAkpanUdoedehe is one political leader in Akwa Ibom state whose worth cannot be discontenanced. When he declared his intention to contest for the top seat in the state, it did not take many people by surprise. But the mammoth crowd that witnessed his declaration and the grand reception held in his honour in Uyo have shown he is the aspirant to beat in the party.

At the reception, he specially expressed gratitude to all party national leaders who supported his appointment as the National Caretaker Secretary of the party including the Minister of

Etiebet Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, the Senate President, Speaker of House of Representatives, Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum among others.

His words: “ I want to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who allowed me the opportunity to serve as the nlNational Caretaker Secretary of this great party.

I am most grateful.

“Before I say any other thing I want to accept your calls, and I hereby declare to run for the governor of

Umana Akwa Ibom state. So I say thank you so much.

We have been in this battle for a long time and we have suffered. We have been battered with lies but you have been my hope Akwa Ibom people.

“God has given me a special gift. And that special gift is how to deliver you out of poverty.

So we are going to give you N1million grant to 1000 people per local government to help you to prosper. I will build two international markets one in Uyo, one in Ikot Ekpene.

“Because of the support from Annang people I am going to build a flyover at Ikot Ekpene.

We will reactivate the Science Park that was

initiated by Obong Attah. I don’t make promises that I don’t keep. I am not talking politics. I am talking something so that tomorrow you will hold me responsible” Earlier the Chairman of the occasion, and leader of the APC in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Don Etiebet thanked all party members and leaders for gracing the grand reception within a very short notice.

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See page 18 WHEN FALSEHOOD BECOMES ORDER OF THE DAY KAYODE S. OJEWALE writes that we must work to ensure that truth prevails always See page 18 A METAPHOR FOR EASTER Under Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom is like Easter, witnessing a rebirth, writes JOHN C. IBANGA See page 23 FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND BEST PRACTICE VICTOR C. ARIOLE reckons that Nigeria has a lot to learn from France in politics See page 23 EDITORIAL SENATE AND THE COPYRIGHT BILL See page 24

& RE A S O

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

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OPENING A NEW LEAF FOR THE APC Abdullahi Adamu is taking decisive steps to reposition the party, contends MU’AZZAM KALAM

UT H

David Edevbie has a proven record of performance to move the state forward, argues AZUKA OSIEGBU

DELTA 2023: THE EDEVBIE FACTOR The race to succeed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State is turning out to be an epic contest. Less than two months to the conduct of the primaries, going by the WLPHWDEOH À[HG E\ WKH ,QGHSHQGHQW 1DWLRQDO (OHFWRUDO &RPPLVVLRQ ,1(& QR IHZHU than 10 persons have picked the nomination forms in the PDP, which has governed the state since 1999 and holds the aces in the 2023 election in the state. Some of the names, including that of Kenneth Gbagi, a veteran contender, are certainly well regarded. +RZHYHU 'HOWD 6WDWH OLNH PXFK RI 1LJHULD needs someone who is not only well known, but has both a proven record of performance and demonstrable capacity, to move the state forward. :LWK D GHEW SURÀOH RI 1 ELOOLRQ DV at December 2021, unemployment at 24.1 percent as at 2020, and diminishing revenues, the challenges are not a walk-inthe-park. Though, Delta State may seem to EH GRLQJ EHWWHU WKDQ PRVW VWDWHV LQ 1LJHULD many of which receive far less in national income allocation.

Beyond statistics, a cursory visit to the state tells you that there’s much to be done E\ ZKRHYHU EHFRPHV WKH QH[W JRYHUQRU for the state to grow and attain a pride of place. It is therefore not a period to settle for a same-of-the-same kind of leadership that only thinks of sharing the money. To use the much-acclaimed words of Peter Obi, there’s nothing more to share!

Over the last 23 years since the return to democracy, Delta State has had three governors whose focus has been on providing infrastructure and opening up the villages and creeks. Beginning from Chief James Ibori in 1999 through Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and to the roadmaster, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the emphasis on opening up the hinterland through roads and bridges have been well received by the people.

There is still some more to do and we must begin to talk about wealth creation through economic empowerment plans, industrial estates and making our cities more liveable.

7KH QH[W JRYHUQRU PXVW WKHUHIRUH KDYH WKH UHTXLVLWH VNLOOV WR PHHW WKH H[SHFWDWLRQV of the people for jobs and wealth creation, LQ DGGLWLRQ WR DQ H΀FLHQW DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ The state needs fresh thinking where job creation goes beyond the regular DSSRLQWPHQW RI SROLWLFLDQV WR R΀FHV EXW LQ H[SDQGLQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV IRU WKH SHRSOH WR create businesses and jobs. This is where the list of the contenders for the top job then withers and we can begin to sift the wheat IURP WKH FKDͿ ,Q WKLV LQVWDQFH 2ORURJXQ David Edevbie stands out like a shining star.

Edevbie is the factor in the 2023 Delta State governorship race within and outside the PDP. As someone I have known and interacted with over the years, Edevbie is light years ahead of the pack. I like to call him a public-private technocrat given his broad

H[SHULHQFH DFURVV ERWK VHFWRUV +LV DWWHQWLRQ to detail, knack for parsimonious planning and focus on achieving set goals combines with a detribalised nature to present a model governor for a modern state. He will certainly take Delta State to new heights. ,W LV QRW GL΀FXOW WR VHH ZK\ (GHYELH ÀWV like a round peg in a round hole. At 58 he KDV QRW MXVW DJH RQ KLV VLGH EXW WKH EHQHÀW of the wisdom of years. He is also well educated and comes with a diverse set of skills. He was educated at the University of Lagos where he earned a Bachelor’s degree LQ (FRQRPLFV DQG DW &DUGLͿ %XVLQHVV 6FKRRO University of Wales. He is also a graduate of the Chartered Institute of Marketing DQG &KDUWHUHG ,QVWLWXWH RI %DQNHUV 8. +LV EURDG WHFKQRFUDWLF H[SHULHQFH FRYHUV investment banking and development

His attention to detail, knack for parsimonious planning and focus on achieving set goals combines with a detribalised nature to present a model governor for a modern state. He will certainly take Delta State to new heights

economics. Before his foray into politics with his appointment as Finance Commissioner in 1999 he was Deputy Country Head, Philippines, for the Commonwealth Development Corporation. He has held several other positions and attended several other trainings. :LWK D ULFK H[SHULHQFH DV D GHYHORSPHQW economist, international banker and public sector manager, Olorogun Edevbie comes prepared for the job. Add to this his UREXVW H[SHULHQFH DFURVV 'HOWD 6WDWH DQG at Abuja where he has served at various WLPHV DV 3ULQFLSDO 6HFUHWDU\ &KLHI RI 6WDͿ HTXLYDOHQW WR 3UHVLGHQW 8PDUX 0XVD Yar’Adua, Finance commissioner under Governors Ibori and Okowa and Chief of 6WDͿ WR *RYHUQRU 2NRZD DW YDULRXV WLPHV LQ the past 23 years, one can safely say Edevbie understands the issues of development in Delta State, especially where to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

It is no wonder therefore that Edevbie has laid out a robust agenda as he campaigns across the state. As he states so convincingly, “My industrialisation plan aims to make the State a massive production and manufacturing hub underpinned by domestic and foreign direct investment anchored on public and private partnerships.

The strategy involves enacting investorfriendly legislation and providing requisite infrastructure, including reliable electricity and suitable road and transportation networks for industrial clusters to be set up across the State.”

As part of his promise to complete the Aboh-Ogwashi Agro-Processing Park, his government would also see to the completion of the Isele-Ukwu - Isele Mkpitime - Onicha Olona - Akwukwu ,JER 8JEROX WR $VDED H[SUHVV ZD\ WR HDVH evacuation of agricultural produce coming RXW RI WKRVH 'HOWD 1RUWK FRPPXQLWLHV 7KLV is addition to his promise of also completing the Kwale Industrial Parks initiated by the current administration and the Warri Industrial Business Park initiated by the Uduaghan administration, all these would run simultaneously with the fast-tracking into operation of the Jesse Industrial.

According to Edevbie “The private sector will be encouraged to set up solid minerals PLQLQJ DQG EHQHÀFLDWLRQ LQGXVWULHV WR H[SORLW PDUEOH JODVV VDQG FOD\ J\SVXP iron ore and kaolin, which abound in the State.”

Therefore, In electing Edevbie to succeed Okowa, the PDP and Delta State will be putting their best foot forward. There can be no better time to elect a technocrat who XQGHUVWDQGV WKH QH[XV EHWZHHQ ZHDOWK creation and social intervention.

Osiegbu, a marine transport specialist, writes from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada

2 18

T H I S D AY TUESDAY APRIL 19, 2022

Abdullahi Adamu is taking decisive steps to reposition the party, contends MU’AZZAM KALAM

OPENING A NEW LEAF FOR THE APC Essentially, character is etched in granite and largely, people seldom change with time, positions or appointments. Indeed, these attainments merely reinforce the real person or bring certain traits to bolder relief.

Focused, dexterous and broad-minded, Senator Abdullahi Adamu has always been resultdriven and these qualities, whether as minister, governor or senator, have been consistent in his public service career. Positively, they are manifesting as the new All Progressives

Congress (APC) national chairman. Barely a month in the saddle, he has been taking bold and decisive steps towards repositioning the party.

Paradoxically, APC has had its fair share of anxious moments, when party chieftains worked at cross purposes, trying to unite it. Initially, the Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention

The Adamu-led National Working Committee, with a stroke of the executive pen, has granted financial waiver to all APC female aspirants.

Indeed, this is beyond mere symbolism as it expresses greater commitment to gender mainstreaming

Planning Committee, inaugurated in June 2020, had a six-month mandate. However, through various extensions, the committee held sway for 18 months and at some point, the National Convention looked like a mirage. The party, like a tower of babble, became a house of confusion but ultimately, some APC chieftains moved to rescue it. In the end, common sense prevailed DQG WKH SDUW\ LV XQLWHG DJDLQ 6SHFLÀFDOO\ LW conducted its National Convention and Senator Adamu emerged National Chairman on March 26. Indeed, four days later, Buni handed over to the new helmsman and broadly, the chairman spelt out his vision.

Since then, APC has bounced back to life as the party, almost at a frenetic pace, has gotten back its mojo. First, the Adamu-led National Working Committee, with a stroke RI WKH H[HFXWLYH SHQ KDV JUDQWHG ÀQDQFLDO waiver to all APC female aspirants. Indeed, this is beyond mere symbolism as it expresses greater commitment to gender mainstreaming.

Before now, female aspirants were required to pay 50% of the nomination fees but this ÀQDQFLDO KXUGOH KDV EHHQ UHPRYHG E\ WKH $GDPX OHDGHUVKLS 6SHFLÀFDOO\ WKLV ¶UHYHUVH discrimination’ tallies with APC’s manifesto

on women empowerment. The document, amongst other things, seeks to protect women’s rights, guarantees adequate representation in appointments and ensures that the rights of women are protected.

However, beyond that palliative, the Adamuled NWC has taken concrete steps to bring peace to APC. In fact, the Buni-led CECPC started the process but did not go very far two years ago.

On August 23, 2020, the CECPC summoned the Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, to the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where they were reconciled and asked to work for the party. Right now, the Adamuled NWC has directed that all appeal cases, according to reports, should be immediately withdrawn from court. Indeed, this path to political solution is a better option than litigation, given the disputed ward, local government and state congresses. Adamu, as chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee, had listened to the peoples’ grievances and as National Chairman, he is better placed to solve.

The APC, after the ward and local government congresses, was beset with internal crises in most of its state chapters. From Kwara, to Imo and Ogun States, including Zamfara, Lagos and Osun, as well as Enugu and Delta States, disagreements had metastasized to crisis. In fact, these state chapters held parallel congresses and each camp paraded ward and local government executives.

In Kwara State, APC was divided between Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. In Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun and his predecessor, Senator, Ibikunle Amosun, have factionalized the party. The feud, according to reports, dates back to 2019 when Amosun was lukewarm towards Abiodun’s aspiration and this frosty relationship has impinged on APC in the state.

Similarly, there were disagreements between the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola and his successor, Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State. Perpetually, their supporters were at daggers-drawn, threatening to spill blood. Likewise, the crisis in Zamfara State has deepened, especially with Governor Bello Matawalle’s defection to APC. Besides, it is the same sad story in Delta State, where the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo and the Deputy Senate 3UHVLGHQW 2YLH 2PR $JHJH ÁH[HG PXVFOHV Similarly, the supporters of Hope Uzodimma, the Imo State governor, and Senator Rochas Okorocha, were at each other’s throats.

However, the ward and local government congresses, in a manner of speaking, were mere dress rehearsals compared to the state congresses, where combatants deployed their full arsenals. Notably, violence erupted in at least 10 states as Osun, Ogun, Kwara and Niger States held parallel congresses. In Osun, the state congress degenerated into a free-for-all as thugs descended on the Oyetola-led camp, injuring two persons as a result. Similarly, a ÀDVFR SOD\HG RXW LQ 2JXQ DQG .ZDUD 6WDWHV DV Governors Abiodun and Abdulrazaq’s loyalists, locked horns with Senator Amosun and Lai Mohammed’s supporters.

In Lagos, there were three people claiming to be state chairmen at the congress. First, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi was elected, through voice vote, at Mobolaji Johnson Arena. However, another group christened Lagos4Lagos, held its own congress at Airport Hotel Ikeja and elected Sunday Ajayi as chairman. Likewise, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, the immediate past governor, led a faction which held its congress at Baptist Academy, Obanikoro area, to elect Mrs Beatrice Omotayo Tugbobo.

Kalam ZULWHV IURP .DGXQD

KAYODE S. OJEWALE writes that we must work to ensure that truth prevails always

WHEN FALSEHOOD BECOMES ORDER OF THE DAY Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it – Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), French Mathematician, Physicist and Philosopher.

We live in a society where many embrace lies because they see those who speak the truth as odd and lone rangers. The few who tread the path of truth are usually not liked by the majority who do the opposite. The society applauds a liar and condemns one who tells the truth. Most times people tend to believe lies easily even in the face of truth. We judge the truth as false and the false as true. Reason isn’t farfetched; man has a natural tendency to be manipulative in RUGHU WR VHUYH KLV VHOÀVK LQWHUHVW RU IRU D FRYHU up. Alone, odd and in isolation stands that man who speaks the truth.

Speakers of truth may be regarded as liars because the truth, sometimes might be strange to believe given what is generally acceptable and obtainable in the society today. In fact, RXU GHÀQLWLRQ RI WUXWK PD\ YDU\ EHFDXVH WKH benchmark for complete or half-truth is subject to judgment by individual conscience. My yardstick for measuring truth may completely GLͿHU IURP DQRWKHU·V $Q LQGLYLGXDO ZKR for example, receives a credit alert that was mistakenly sent to him by a wrong person, says LW·V EOHVVLQJ IURP *RG +H QHYHU GHHPHG LW ÀW to make attempt of getting to reach whoever had mistakenly sent the money in error through his bank. To the person, his conscience tells him that he didn’t steal or defraud anyone. Yes, true, he hasn’t swindled anyone but then, he has taken possession of another man’s hard earned money or has made someone cry indirectly.

What stands clear is that, truth remains true and lie is lie and half truth is false.

Falsehood isn’t limited to stealing only, insincerity and manipulation are also a good way falsehood manifests and thrives. Jumping to conclude on a matter without verifying the WUXWK LV D UHÁHFWLRQ RI PDQLSXODWLYH WHQGHQF\ DV well. Opinions, on sensitive issues, which are capable of inciting others or causing division along religion, tribe or beliefs, must not be publicly commented on or shared via social media.

7KDW WKH SHUVRQQHO RI WKH /DJRV 6WDWH 7UD΀F Management Authority (LASTMA) are not liked by many is not strange or shocking. LASTMA is D WUD΀F HQIRUFHPHQW DJHQF\ DQG VXFK LW LV QRW exempted from the hatred and dislike other law enforcement agencies experience. The lawless members of the public would naturally dislike law enforcers generally, so they resort to various ways of bringing them down by ill-speaking or via assault.

In a swift reaction, not too long ago, via a press release, the management of LASTMA debunked a piece written by an individual who claimed that some LASTMA personnel were seen sharing monies where he went for his Drivers’ license at Oshodi some weeks ago. Meanwhile, that did not happen within the premises of LASTMA, if it ever happened.

And if that was true as alleged by the writer, the complaint and report should have been channeled through the appropriate route and VRXUFH IRU FRQÀUPDWLRQ EHIRUH KHDGLQJ IRU WKH media platforms. The writer described that occurrence he witnessed as extortion.

I was in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle some weeks ago, when a motorcyclist rode recklessly on BRT corridor and he collided with another motorcyclist. If the BRT vehicle

operator had not swerved to his right side, there would have been a serious accident.

A fatal head-on collision was averted just because the BRT driver was not speeding.

Then a discussion ensued as many blamed the motorcyclist. It’s obvious that if the BRT had hit the motorcyclist, passersby would have attempted a mob action on the BRT driver or they destroy the government owned transport bus falsely blaming the BRT operator. Whenever an accident involving BRT vehicle occurs on their dedicated corridor, there is a general wrong notion that it is the driver who is at fault, not the motorcyclist who in any case has no business being on the corridor. That way, falsehood is easily and quickly propagated.

A recycled fake news story was once again dug out which alleged that Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said that the duty of LASTMA personnel is WR PDQDJH WUD΀F DQG QRW WR DUUHVW DQ\RQH The purported fake news usually surfaces online yearly and many join in spreading it every time. Those who recycle and spread this kind of fake news every year forget easily that the law that establishes LASTMA also empowers their personnel to enforce WUD΀F ODZV DQG DUUHVW WUD΀F YLRODWRUV The purported fake news that surfaced online was quickly debunked by Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, the General Manager of LASTMA. Mr. Oreagba stated categorically during a LASTMA Connect Program on radio that the recycled news story is fake, misleading and mischievous. This also brings to the fore the damaging impact fake news can have on a society if not quickly curbed.

Of high importance is also the need for members of the motoring public to seek redress by following due process and appropriate channel whenever they feel their rights are being infringed on by LASTMA personnel. Taking to assault, blackmail and false claims on social media platforms wouldn’t be a proper avenue to get redress for grievances and proper reparation. LASTMA has various channels and social media platforms by which the general public can formally report complaints and express their grievances. So, such avenues should be made use of.

In our society today, values have eroded and the conscience, dead. So, the sense of judging fairly or rightly is missing in virtually every sane person. Only a few stand by and defend the truth. The truth may never triumph if everyone keeps spreading false QHZV ,W LV EHWWHU WR NHHS DQ XQFRQÀUPHG news story to oneself or maintain an objective view rather than spreading it. We must all work unperturbedly to ensure that truth prevails always.

Promoting or degrading falsehood in the society would be strongly determined by our individual actions. We degrade falsehood and promote the truth when we choose to deliberately and conscientiously speak the truth always. Until we love the truth and begin to practice it, we may never enjoy the fruits it bears.

Ojewale, RI WKH 3XEOLF $ͿDLUV DQG (QOLJKWHQPHQW 'HSDUWPHQW RI /$670$ ZULWHV YLD ND\RGHRMHZDOH#JPDLO FRP

TUESDAY APRIL 19, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION, RT. HONOURABLE CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI

‘Poverty Didn’t Start With Buhari’s Government’

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IN THIS EDITION

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Reasonable Man’s Test for Determining the Defence of Provocation

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Page IV

t ’ n d i D y t r ‘Pove i’s r a h u B h t i W t r Sta ’ t n e m n r e v o G QUOTABLES ‘In total, about 162 persons or convicts were presented for consideration of the President, for pardon and mercy.’

- Abubakar Malami, SAN, Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Federal Republic of Nigeria

‘One of the greatest things that has retarded the growth of this country….

The best business enterprise in Nigeria today, is corruption. When I heard that the President agreed to pardon these two former State Chief Executives, I wept for this country.’ - J.S.Okutepa, SAN

Lekoil Cayman, Savannah Energy Flout Nigerian Court Order Page V

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc v Engr.

Musa Bamanga Tafida & Anor Page VII

LAWYER

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE: EDITOR, JUDE IGBANOI: DEPUTY EDITOR, PETER TAIWO, STEVE AYA: REPORTERS

III THE ADVOCATE

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

2023: Of Pardon, Accountability and Deferred Hope Happy Easter my dear Readers.

Whither to Nigeria? here is Nigeria presently, and where are we headed to as a country? If we were on the right track, we would be heading in the direction of the goals set out in Chapter II of the Constitution - that is, the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. Unfortunately, as the days and years go by, we drift further away from these laudable objectives. I cannot say that we are regressing, because many things were definitely better in the past than they are now. For one, 25 years ago, Nigeria did not have this terrible insecurity situation, nor were we so divided along ethnic lines, nor were people this hungry.

While this administration cannot wash its hands and absolve itself of blame for Nigeria’s present condition like Pilate sought to do for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the major cause of Nigeria’s problems today is our completely flawed system which has been perpetuated by successive governments, accentuated by politicians, and has led to a progressive decline in most aspects of our country and society.

As we start the next electoral cycle and the process leading up to the ‘almighty’ 2023 elections unfolds, our hopes that things may change for the better with a swap of baton are being continuously dashed; as clear as day, the signs are there for all to see - nothing has changed, and not much is likely to change for the better in 2023 (call me a pessimist, if you like).

From the empty promises being made by the main opposition party, PDP, the same way the APC made their empty promises to Nigerians in 2015; to the incessant crosscarpeting of Politicians from APC to PDP and vice versa, so much so that Nigerians have lost track of who is a member of which political party; to the recycling of the same old Politicians who have been a part of Nigeria's failure, and little hope for new entrants who may be more capable; to the undemocratic selection of so-called "consensus" candidates at the recently conducted APC party primaries which seemed more like an imposition by the powers that be, in order to maintain control/ the status quo and continue the old order of things - the list of the indicators for failure, is endless. It is discouraging.

W

Pardon and Corruption The foundation for positive change, is certainly not being laid. At every given point, when opportunities for making positive change that will benefit society are available, those who should take these opportunities prefer to go in the opposite direction. A recent example of Government’s lack of will to effect positive change, is the pardon that was granted to two ex-Governors, Jolly Nyame of Taraba State and Joshua Dariye of Plateau State. Why then doesn’t Government just open the doors of all the Correctional Centres in the country and let out all the inmates, especially those awaiting trial for petty crimes, only keeping those who are serving sentences for the commission of violent crimes incarcerated? If we take a poll, we will probably discover that the allegations levelled against 80% of those incarcerated or have been convicted for one offence or the other, do not compare in value to the offences that these two ‘pardonees’ were convicted for.

Jolly Nyame was serving a 12 year prison term for committing fraud to the tune N1.6 billion. He admitted to the misappropriation of the sum of N180 million out of N250 million, funds meant for the purchase of Taraba State stationery, and offered to refund same. Similarly, Joshua Dariye was serving a 10 year prison term for money laundering and diversion of ecological funds amounting to about N1.1 billion. Their sentences had been affirmed by the Supreme Court. Granted, the amounts involved in their cases are relatively small compared to the amounts involved in allegations levelled against a considerable number of politicians, including some top members of the ruling party, APC’s executive, government and even legislature; but barely three years or less into their sentences, these two were pardoned by the President.

A Government that came into office on a firm campaign mantra of fighting and eradicating corruption, it seems that this fight has been abandoned, or maybe it never really took off! What message is Nigeria sending to the

and can simply pick up a form and run in the 2023 elections for Senate again. Possibly, if any money was forfeited by Jolly Nyame, will it be returned to him, even after he admitted to misappropriating N180 million? Secondly, it seems that, by granting these ex-Governors pardon, this time around, it is the Executive that has succeeded in sabotaging the fight against corruption, not the Judiciary; not to mention the time and resources wasted in prosecuting both cases to the Supreme Court.

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

The

Advocate “Will the change of baton in 2023 be the magic wand to end insecurity, poverty and corruption? The answer to this question is a resounding No! So far, what I see on the journey to 2023 is ‘business as usual‘ ” In Falae v Obasanjo (No.2) 1999 4 N.W.L.R. Part 307 Page 588 at 604 the Court of Appeal per Musdapher JCA (as he then was) held inter alia that: “The effect of a pardon is to make the offender, a new man (novus homo), to acquit him of all corporal penalties and forfeitures annexed to the offence pardoned”. The Court of Appeal was What does Granting a Pardon Mean? of the view that the pardon granted to To pardon somebody, is simply the act of General Obasanjo was free and not subject forgiving them for a mistake or offence. to any conditions, thereby erasing any In the context of this discussion, Section disqualification that he would have suffered 175 (1)(a) of the Constitution empowers by virtue of his conviction by the Abacha the President to forgive (pardon) any Government. Also see the case of United person concerned with or convicted of States v George Wilson 32 US 150 any offence created by an Act of the (1833) where the foundation for pardon National Assembly. Such pardon may was laid by the US Supreme Court.

Certainly Section 175 gives the President be free, or subject to lawful conditions.

Section 175(2) provides that the powers wide powers to grant a pardon to whoever of the President under Section 175(1) shall he desires, but it is expected that he would be exercised by him after consultation exercise these powers suitably and correctly. with the Council of State. I believe that And, even if President Buhari’s actions the President purported to exercise his were carried out in accordance to the said powers in this regard, consequent upon Section 175, they reflect very badly on the Council of State meeting which held his administration’s so-called fight against last Thursday. Some have criticised the corruption. If anything, these particular President’s powers to grant pardons as pardons seem to fan the flames of corrupbeing too wide, as there does not seem tion. One reason for this assertion is that, to be anything in the Constitution stop- the effect of the pardon without conditions ping the President from exercising these for instance, is that it wipes away the effect powers, even if the Council of State does of Sections 66(1)(d), 107(1)(d), 137 (1)(e) not agree with his decision. To consult & 182(1)(e) which prohibit an individual simply means to seek their advice; the from running for various elective offices, Constitution does not provide that the if within a period of less than 10 years President must accept the advice of the to the election, they have been convicted Council of State. To complete the process and sentenced for an offence involving of the President granting a pardon, it must dishonesty or have been found guilty of be published in the Federal Gazette. See contravening the Code of Conduct. This Section 212 of the Constitution giving means that for example, Joshua Dariye Governors similar powers to grant pardons, who was a member of the Senate at the for persons convicted for offences created time of his conviction less than 10 years by the laws of the Houses of Assembly. ago, by virtue of his pardon is now eligible world by pardoning these two former Governors? That corruption is fine, or at best. it is only a misdemeanour in Nigeria?

And that, even if an individual is found guilty of corruption, there are minimum consequences for such acts? That in Nigeria, our Government more or less encourages corruption?

Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye

Former Governor of Taraba State, Rev Jolly Nyame

Lack of Accountability Then we have the issue of lack of accountability of Government encouraged by Section 6(6)(c) of the Constitution, which ousts the jurisdiction of the courts when it comes to matters concerning Chapter II of the Constitution, which are essentially the crux of governance. It is a contraption of the military mentality - donation of absolute powers to Government to do as they please.

An autocratic provision in a constitution - the very antithesis of democracy!

If there was any form of accountability, how would the Governor of Zamfara State be able to get away with making such a reckless expenditure - the purchase of 260 luxury vehicles for traditional rulers in his State under the guise of recognising the status of traditional institutions, while his people are living in abject poverty and suffering, plus constant insecurity and incessant attacks from bandits, as a result of which hundreds of thousands of families in Zamfara have been displaced?

A few months ago, a video went viral of a Zamfara lady who was seen crying and lamenting to the Government to come to the rescue of Zamfarans from insecurity.

Instead of spending the funds on securing the State, or on assisting displaced persons, or on empowerment programmes for the unemployed youths, the Governor who was formerly of the PDP and got into office by a stroke of luck because of APC’s problem in Zamfara during the 2019 election then subsequently defected to APC for his own self-aggrandisement, and is now taking notso-subtle steps to ensure that he secures a second term - the purchase of these vehicles to curry favour, is one of such steps.

After a bit of murmuring, that was the end of it. This is only one example of the lengths that politicians will go to, to secure their party tickets and win the elections, using State/Government/Public funds. So what, if with the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022 there are innovations that will assist INEC to deliver better and more credible elections? If the process leading up to the actual elections is faulty and crooked, it will definitely be garbage in and garbage out.

Where then, will the positive change that Nigerians desire come from?

Conclusion Will the change of baton in 2023 be the magic wand to end insecurity, poverty and corruption? The answer to this question is a resounding No! So far, what I see on the journey to 2023 is ‘business as usual’.

Without a deep reappraisal of Nigeria’s structure and systems, a blueprint on how to move this nation forward, a fixation on putting round pegs in round holes, I fear that those who are looking to 2023 for some sort of miraculous change in Nigeria’s circumstances are doing so based on baseless hope.

P.S. My heart goes out to the abductees from the Kaduna train incident and their families; to the Chibok girls who remain in captivity eight years later and their families; to Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi girl who remains unaccounted for, over four years after the abduction incident, and her mother who must be going through so much pain, not knowing the whereabouts of and condition her daughter is in; and to the families of those who were massacred in Plateau State recently; the family of the INEC staff who was murdered in Imo State last week, and the others who were abducted; and to the children of late Osinachi Nwachukwu, the gospel singer who is said to have died as a result of domestic violence.

IV LAW REPORT

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 • T H I S D AY

Reasonable Man’s Test for Determining the Defence of Provocation

O Fact

n 6th October, 2004, the Respondent, who was 14 years old at the time, unlawfully killed one Lawal Musa (the deceased) in a forest by hitting him twice on the head with an axe during a quarrel. Thereafter, the Respondent was arrested by the Police and taken to the Police station, whereat he made two confessional statements. The first statement was made at the Batsari Police Divisional Headquarters wherein he denied killing the deceased, while the second statement was an alleged confessional statement wherein, he admitted to committing the offence.

The Respondent stated in this statement, that he was suddenly provoked to commit the offence when the deceased first hit him (the Respondent) on the back with his (deceased’s) herding stick.

This statement was marked Exhibit 3.

The Respondent was thereafter charged before the High Court of Katsina State on a sole count of culpable homicide punishable with death of one the said Lawal Musa, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code. He pleaded not guilty, and the case proceeded to trial. At the end of the trial, the court found the Respondent guilty as charged and convicted him for culpable homicide punishable with death.

He was sentenced to 50 years imprisonment. In its judgement, the trial court noted that the Respondent was 14 years old when he committed the offence and was, as such, not criminally liable. The trial court also noted that by Exhibit 3, the Respondent was provoked by the deceased into such act as an immediate reaction.

Dissatisfied with the judgement of the trial court, the Respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal, which court set aside the conviction of culpable homicide punishable with death and the sentence of 50 years imprisonment. Rather, the court convicted the Respondent for culpable homicide not punishable with death, as it held that the defence of provocation as contained in Exhibit 3 (the Respondent’s confessional statement), availed him. The lower court also noted that the Respondent had been in incarceration since the offence was committed (in 2004) and ordered that the Respondent be discharged and acquitted, having converted the term already served by the Respondent in custody as sufficient term of imprisonment for the offence.

Aggrieved by the discharge and acquittal order, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination The following issues were considered by the Supreme Court in its resolution of the appeal: 1. Whether the Justices of the Court of Appeal were right to have entered a judgement of culpable homicide not punishable with death.

2. Whether the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal had the jurisdiction to release the Respondent, despite finding him guilty of culpable homicide not punishable with death.

Arguments On the first issue, in urging the court to set aside the judgement of the lower court, counsel for the Appellant argued that the judgement of the Court of Appeal was based on wrong principles, as the Appellant had proved all the elements of the offence charged, and as such, there was no basis for the lower court to have mitigated the offence from culpable homicide punishable with death to that not punishable with death. He further argued that the ingredients of the offence of culpable homicide not punishable with death was not proved; hence, there was no justification of the lower court mitigating the offence. He relied on Section 222(1) of the Penal Code as regards the elements/ingredients of the offence of culpable homicide not punishable with death. and 135(3) and 137 of the Evidence Act as regards to the standard of proof in criminal matters. He also argued that inasmuch as it is trite law that culpable homicide is not punishable with death, if the offender, whilst deprived of the power of self-control by grave and sudden provocation, causes the death of the person who gave the provocation, or causes the death of any other person by mistake or accident, the evidence of the said provocation of the Respondent was merely his confessional statement. He also contended that as an element of provocation is loss of self-control, both actual and reasonable, the deceased’s act of hitting the

offence and was found guilty of the said offence, he ought to have been detained at the pleasure of the Governor. He argued that the acquittal and discharge order by the court below was wrong in principle; ultra vires the sentencing power of the court, and this occasioned a miscarriage of justice.

In response, counsel for the Respondent argued that an accused person is entitled to all the defences that are in evidence and if the trial court failed to consider the defence, the appellate court is in a good position to consider same and make appropriate findings. He relied on Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act 2004. He argued further that by virtue of the provisions of Section 224 of the Penal Code, the lower court has the discretion to either sentence the Respondent to life imprisonment or any less term, or with fine or with both. He contended further that the lower court was right to have taken into cognisance the number of years (14 years) already served in prison by the Respondent, and that Sections 272(1) and 303(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code did not apply to the facts of this case because the lower court did not convict the Respondent for culpable homicide punishable with death.

Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 20th day of December, 2021 Before Their Lordships Olukayode Ariwoola John Inyang Okoro Amina Adamu Augie Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju Tijjani Abubakar Justices, Supreme Court SC.1018/2015 Between The State

Appellant And

Murtala Da’u

Respondent

(Lead Judgement delivered by Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, JSC) Respondent’s back with a stick was not one capable of depriving a reasonable man and did not deprive the Respondent of his power of self-control, and neither was the deceased’s act sudden or grave to have provoked the Respondent. He stated that the Respondent, by hitting the deceased with an axe, twice, intended the natural and probable cause of his act. He relied on HARRISON OWHORUKE v C.O.P (2015) LPELR-24820 (SC). He contended further that the Respondent’s retaliation was disproportionate and excessive to the provocation as the Respondent used an axe (on the head of the deceased), whilst the deceased merely used a stick (on the back of the Respondent).

In reaction, counsel for the Respondent argued that the trial court fell into a grave error when it held that the Respondent had not presented any of the mitigating circumstances contained in Section 222 of the Penal Code, as the Respondent had raised the defence at the earliest opportunity which was his confessional statement admitted as Exhibit 3, and the trial court was duty bound to consider the defence.

“….. what will amount to provocation in a particular situation, must be considered with the peculiar facts. For instance, the station in life of the person, and the society in which he lives amongst others….

So, the test is whether a reasonable man in the street or status of the accused person, would have been provoked to commit the offence”

He relied on SHALLA v THE STATE (2007) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1066) 240. Counsel contended further that in determining the acts that constitute sufficient provocation, each case depends on its peculiar facts. Flowing from this, he argued that both the deceased and the Respondent were below the legal age (below 17 years), and at the time of the incident, they were both herders who practically lived in the forest. He submitted that the act of the deceased hitting the Respondent with the stick being used for herding/separating cattle and goats from that of the deceased, indeed, caused the Respondent temporary loss of self-control. He relied on QUEEN v REUBEN ENYI JONOBIL (1961) AII NLR 654 at 656; LADO v STATE (1999) 13 NWLR (Pt. 619) 369 at 436.

On the second issue, counsel for the Appellant argued that law as contained in Section 222(2) and 224 of the Penal Code, is that there should be life imprisonment or any less term, or with fine or with both, and nothing more.

Relying on this, he posited that the court is duty bound to apply the sentences prescribed by law, and the court has no discretion in the sentence to be passed where the law had specifically and mandatorily prescribed one.

He relied on JOSEPH AMOSHIMA v THE STATE (2011) LPELR 471 SC. Relying on Sections 272 (1) and 303 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code and Section 12 of the Children and Young Persons Act, counsel for the Appellant argued that the Respondent should have been dealt with as a minor and a young person, instead of the acquittal and discharge order granted by the lower court. He argued further that as the Respondent was less than 17 years at the time of commission of the

Court’s Judgement and Rationale In its determination of the first issue, the Supreme Court noted the provisions of Section 221 of the Penal Code pursuant to which the Respondent was tried, referenced the provisions of Section 222 of the Penal Code as having an overriding effect. In the same vein, Section 222 of the Penal Code under which the Respondent was charged, tried, found guilty as charged and sentenced to 50 years imprisonment, states that culpable homicide is not punishable with death if the offender whilst deprived of the power of self-control by grave and sudden provocation or causes the death of any other person by mistake or accident. Consequently, the court held that by virtue of the Respondent’s uncontroverted confessional statement marked Exhibit 3, the exceptional circumstance envisaged in Section 222 of the Penal Code was evident, as it was shown that it was the deceased (the first aggressor) who used his herding stick to hit the Respondent on his back. This came on the Respondent suddenly and in retaliation, the Respondent with passion grasped the axe of the deceased and used it on the deceased. The court further noted that generally, provocation is an act or series of acts done by the deceased to an accused person, which would cause any reasonable person and actually causes in the accused, a sudden and temporary loss of self-control, rendering the accused so subject to passion as to make him, for the moment, not a master of his mind - AHMADU LADO v THE STATE (1999) 13 NWLR (Pt. 619) 369. The court also noted that what will amount to provocation in a particular situation, must be considered with the peculiar facts. For instance, the station in life of the person, and the society in which he lives amongst others. … So, the test is whether a reasonable man in the street or status of the accused person, would have been provoked to commit the offence – KASA v STATE (2008) LPELR-1683(SC). Relying on its earlier decision in OWHORUKE v COP (2015) LPELR-24820(SC), their Lordships quoted the holding that there is no set standard of retaliation expected from a reasonable man; it all depends on the Appellant’s station in life. A reasonable man is a reasonable man of the accused person’s standing in life, and to a large extent, his cultural background.

Applying this principle to the facts, the court opined that the Respondent was then 14 years old, and a cattle and goats herder in the bush. Taking the above facts into consideration, the Apex Court held that the Respondent was entitled to the defence of provocation, to mitigate the effect of his act which led to the death of the deceased. This defence was raised in his confessional statement, and this was not controverted; it follows that the lower court was right to have entered judgement of culpable homicide not punishable with death.

In deciding the second issue, the court held that the lower court was right to have converted the term already served by the Respondent in custody as sufficient term of imprisonment, as the punishment of the offence of culpable homicide not punishable with death. The court reasoned that the sentence of 50 years imprisonment passed on the Respondent by the trial court, was ridiculous and unwarranted in the circumstance.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Kelechi Obi, Esq. for the Appellant.

Obinna K. Aroku, Esq. with R.A. Aguariavwodo, Esq. for the Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

V

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

NEWS

CEO, Lekoil Nigeria, Lekan Akinyanmi

Chairman, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa (left) and Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba

Lekoil Cayman, Savannah Energy Flout Nigerian Court Order Lekoil Cayman Limited and Savannah Energy Investments Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy PLC, have been criticised for flagrantly flouted an injunction granted by a Federal Court of Nigeria.

A statement by Lekoil Nigeria Limited asserted that ‘Lekoil Nigeria joined by a number of thirdparties including Lekoil Oil & Gas Investments Limited, Mayfair Assets & Trust Limited, Lekoil 276 Limited and Lekoil Exploration & Production Nigeria Limited, were granted an injunction in the Federal High Court against Lekoil Limited and Savannah Energy Investments Limited restraining them from taking any steps in furtherance of the transfer of any interests in oil and gas assets of Lekoil Nigeria Limited and the transfer or creation of any interest in Lekoil Nigeria Limited, that will alter the ownership, equity or share capital structure of Lekoil Nigeria Limited.

‘Lekoil Nigeria sought the injunction further to the announcement of February 28, 2022 by Lekoil Cayman Limited that it had entered into an agreement with Savannah Energy Investments Limited, a subsidiary of Savannah Energy PLC. ‘Prior to the injunction, Lekoil Cayman and Savannah Energy had scheduled an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to hold on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

Rather than respect the rule of law, both companies had acted in defiance of the Nigerian court injunction by going ahead with the EGM as scheduled.

‘Lekoil Cayman proceeded with the EGM, where the following resolutions were allegedly arrived at: 1. Approve the Option Agreement entered into with Savannah Energy Investments 2. Authorise the Directors

to issue fully paid ordinary shares up to an aggregate number of 151,755,547’ Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN declined to speak on the matter, pointing out that it is sub judice, as the case is still pening before the Federal High Court, with a return date of June 1, 2022.

The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Timipre Sylva, had in a letter stated that, “We are of the view that such significant change of shareholding, can only be carried out in close adherence with the Guidelines and Procedures for obtaining Consent to the Assignment of interest in Oil and Gas Assets dated 11th August, 2014, issued pursuant to the Powers of the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources under the Petroleum Act. “Articles 3 & 4 of the Guidelines of Ministerial Consent set out the key elements of assignment of ownership and control of interests in Oil and Gas Assets and the requirements for securing Ministerial Consent.”

Chief Olanipekun said he agrees with this substantially, and that all illegal steps taken in violation of the subsisting court order would be addressed in court on the next adjourned date.

Lekoil Nigeria had gone further to urge the Board of Directors of the Company to act in the best interest of shareholders, by calling off the extraordinary general meeting slated for Thursday, 7 April, 2022 especially because upon the offer to acquire the Mayfair Loan, there would no longer be any commercial reason for Lekoil Cayman to consummate the Option Agreement with Savannah.

Some Lawyers expressed their surprise over the way their colleagues aid litigants to circumvent valid court orders, through weaknesses in the Nigerian justice

delivery system.

Is contempt of court a crime in Nigeria?

That what has happened is contempt of court, pure and simple.

A Chairman of one of the NBA branches said: ‘Contempt ex facie curiae

is a serious offence which interferes with the powers of the court to administer justice, and the court is entitled to invoke its innate powers to punish an erring party by committing the person to prison’.

Another senior also said:

‘Disobedience of court orders, undermines our justice delivery system.

If allowed, especially in this case where a foreign company is a party, it undermines our judicial system and disrespect for the nation’s legal regime’ .

The court is expected to take many applications on the return date of June 1, including one setting aside all steps purportedly taken at the Extraordinary General Meeting, which held in clear violation of the court order.

Controversy Trails EFCC Chairman’s Visit to Lagos CJ Steve Aya

Controversy has trailed the visit of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, to the office of the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, shortly after his cross-examination in the N1.7 billion trial of the Managing Director of Nadabo Energy Limited, Abubakar Ali Peters on 31st March, 2022. The visit is said to be generating concern among litigants and Lawyers, as to the impartiality of the third arm of government in the dispensation of justice.

A source in the Lagos State High Court, who did not want his name in print because of the sensitive nature of the matter, said the anti-graft agency Chairman went straight

to Justice Alogba’s office with a Registrar from the chambers of the trial Judge in the alleged fraud trial, in tow.

The prosecution team of the EFCC led by Saidu Atteh had called five witnesses since the commencement of the trial, and Bawa, who is the fifth prosecution witness and the leader of the investigating team that investigated the alleged fraud years before he was appointed the Chairman of the Commission, is the witness in the box.

The source said shortly after the Judge rose after the cross-examination of Bawa by the defence counsel, Osagie Ishrameh, the trial Judge also went to the office of the Chief Judge.

He noted that the visit of the Chairman of the anti-graft agency to the State head of the Judiciary

for synergy in the fight against corruption is not new, but what defies sound reasoning in this particular instance is that he just stepped out of the witness box and headed straight to the office of the Chief Judge.

He said thereafter the trial Judge in the same matter, a few minutes after the proceeding of the day, also went to the same office.

“The fact that the Chairman of the EFCC visited the office of the Chief Judge of Lagos State is not a strange thing, because successive heads of the nation’s antigraft agency usually visit the head of the judiciary for synergy and cooperation.

“But what is strange in this visit was the fact that he came directly after testifying in a case where he has been in the witness box for over five years, and a few minutes later the trial

Judge in the matter also went to meet the Chief Judge of the State,” the source said.

The EFCC had charged Ali Peters, his company Nadabo Energy before Justice Balogun in a 27count charge over alleged N1.4 billion subsidy fraud.

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against him. The offence is said to be contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Sections 1 (2) & (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The Chairman of the anti-graft Commission who is testifying as the fifth prosecution witness (PW5) had begun his examination-in-chief on 3rd June, 2015, long before his appointment. Bawa, who is the star witness, began his cross-examination on 20th December 2021.

‘Restricting Movement of Pearl Garden Estate Homeowners by Developer Unlawful’, Court Steve Aya A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, has declared the restriction of movement of homeowners within the Pearl Garden Estate situated at Sangotedo Village in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the State by CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Limited, as unlawful.

Justice Mufutau Olokoba made the declaration while delivering judgement in a suit filed by some of the

homeowners against CMB (property and the estate management agents) and the Oyetubo Jokotade Estate Resource Limited (previous landowners).

The judgement was delivered on December 1, 2021, while the Certified True Copy of the judgement was obtained by newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday.

The N100 million suit was filed by the Claimants on February 9, 2015, following their dispute with the property developer.

It was filed by Messrs Francis Adesuyi, Felix Obiakor, Martin Ajayi-Obe and Peter Afenotan in a representative capacity on behalf of themselves and all interested homeowners within the Pearl Garden Estate.

In the judgement, the trial Judge declared that the interference and infringement on the Claimants’ rights by the barricade and restriction of movement of Claimants and lawful residents in and out of the

estate by the Defendants and their and their agents, was unlawful.

He held that the purported estate charge of N35,000 bonus been imposed by the second Defendant on the Claimants was declared null and void.

The trial Judge, however, declined to grant the prayers of the Claimants to order the Defendants to pay them the sum of N100 million as damages, and that the Defendants should bear the cost of the action.

#upjudicialsalaries ‘The existing wages of Judicial officers are unfair, unconscionable, unjust and unrealistic in the face of the several restrictions on the conduct of judicial officers.’ - Hon. Luke Onofiok, Lawyer, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary

VI

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 • T H I S D AY

TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN

0809 889 8888 SMS ONLY

Election and Defection: Who Owns the Votes? (Part 2) Similarly, in CPC & ANOR v OMBUGADU & ANOR (2013) LPELR-21007(SC), decided over six years after Amaechi’s case, the Apex Court had departed from the earlier stance in Amaechi’s case, to the effect that votes belonged to a political party, not candidates.

The Supreme Court, with great lucidity, specifically set aside Amaechi’s case. It held as follows: “Section 141 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides in unmistaken terms: “An election tribunal or court shall not under any circumstance declare any person winner of an election in which such a person has not fully participated in all the stages of the said election." By the above provision, the National Assembly has set aside the decision of this court in Amaechi v INEC (2008) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1080) page 227 at 296. Contrary to the decision of this court in Amaechi's case, the implication of Section 141 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) is that while a candidate at an election must be sponsored by a political party, the candidate who stands to win or lose the election is the candidate and not the political party that sponsored him. In other words, parties do not contest, win or lose election directly; they do so by the candidates they sponsored and before a person can be returned as elected by a tribunal or court, that person must have fully participated in all the stages of the election, starting from nomination to the actual voting”.

The Supreme Court in the above case thus interpreted Section 141 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), now strengthened by Section 285 (13) of the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution, to the effect that votes belong to a candidate, not to the political party that sponsored him in an election. (To be continued).

The Old Order Regarding Defections (Continues) Introduction ast week, we commenced dissecting cases on the old order regarding election of candidates and their subsequent defection to other political parties after taking the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance. The old order theorises that such a Governor and Deputy Governor lose their seats (AMAECHI v INEC (2008) LPELR-446(SC)). We also commenced analysing the case of FALEKE v INEC (2016) 18 NWLR (Pt 1543), whose facts, purport and intendment have been serially corrupted and polluted by analysts and commentators.

Today, we will attempt to continue righting this wrong by further analysing FALEKE, to show that it never held that a Governor must lose his seat for defecting to another political party. Thereafter, we shall discuss the new order of things which is categorical that a Governor cannot be removed from office for defecting. Kindly follow me.

L

The Faleke Case In the FALEKE CASE, the Apex Court also considered paragraph 14 of the INEC guidelines, on when a return shall not be made where the margin of win between the two leading candidates is not in excess of the total number of registered voters of polling units where elections were cancelled or not held.

The Apex Court had therefore dismissed the appeal, by holding that the APC candidate (Yahaya Bello), who was duly substituted by the APC after the death of Abubakar Audu (who had died before the rerun election), could take the benefits of the votes already cast at the governorship election before Audu Abubakar suddenly died.

From the facts of the FALEKE CASE, the Apex Court never decided that the seat of the Governor of a State, or the seat of a member of a legislative body shall be declared vacant and substituted with the candidates of another political party for defecting to another political party. The judgement merely validated the substitution of a candidate by a political party, to conclude an inconclusive election wherein it had an interest, without more. The judgement is to the effect that the candidate (Yahaya Bello) who was duly substituted for the deceased Abubakar Audu, could take the benefits of the votes; not the APC as a political party. So, the authority is even against the argument of those who usually cite it in support of elected executives losing their seats for defecting. I genuinely believe they have not read the facts of the case, with a view to appreciating its import and purport.

The New Trend The new order or trend of decisions by appellate courts, led by the Supreme Court itself, is that votes no longer belong to political parties, but to flesh-and-blood natural persons, who are live human beings. Political parties are now deemed to be mere vehicles that candidates ride in, to win elections. They act as mere agents that canvass, garner and gather votes for the candidates. Many analysts hate to hear this. This is however, not my personal opinion.

Personally, I do not like it. My writings on this issue over the years, which are available on the internet with a simple push of the button, show my abhorrence for cross-carpeting.

I have always argued that it is wrong, immoral, unconscionable and unhealthy for our democracy, to simply watch elected officials defect from their political parties on whose platform they ascended to office and perch on others. I loathed and I still loathe it. I believe it

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu is grossly unfair, for a political party to work assiduously for a candidate and watch him desert it midstream. But, as a constitutional Lawyer and one who took oaths of office during my call to the Bar (1981), and during SANship elevation day (2010), to defend the Nigerian Constitution and the legal profession, I cannot trash the Constitution.

Nor can I claim to be wiser, or know better than the Supreme Court, which had blazed this trail. It held in AG FEDERATION v ABUBAKAR & ORS (2007) LPELP-3 46, that defection is “immoral, unconscionable and painful, but not illegal”. The Apex Court went on, coram Onnoghen, JSC (as he then was), that: “There is nowhere in the 1999 Constitution where it is stated that the President or Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be removed, or is removable from that office if he defects from the political party on whose platform he was elected to that office and joins another political party...1st Respondent is alleged to have defected or cross-carpeted to another political party.

Although defection or cross-carpeting to another party or dumping the original party that sponsored one for election to a particular office which is created by the Constitution, or in the same vein, condemning or criticising that party or its members who by virtue of the same election hold some offices created by the Constitution, is painful, unconscionable, and immoral, it is however, not illegal. I cannot find any fault with the lower court’s adumbration on Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Chapter IV thereof, which guarantees a citizen of this country freedom of association. “It is manifest from the provisions of Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the

“Had the law-makers been minded that punishment or consequence of political crosscarpeting should be applicable to the President or Vice-President…they would have stipulated same in an unmistakable term….”

1999 Constitution that the makers of the Constitution intended to, and indeed, made punishable the defection of a member of the Senate, House of Representatives or a House of Assembly from the political party that sponsored him to another political party before the expiration of the period for which the legislative house was elected, by declaring the seat of such member vacant.

However, no similar provision is made for the Vice-President or President. In other words, if the makers of the Constitution had intended the Vice-President or the President to suffer the same fate as a member of the Senate, House of Assembly, they would have inserted such provision in the Constitution in clear terms…It seems to me that the latin maxims of expressio unius personae vel rei, est exclusion alterius or inclusion unius est exclusio alterius when translated into English Language mean: the express mention of one person or thing is the exclusion of another or the inclusion of one is the exclusion of another; respectively are apposite here; see the cases of Military Governor of Ondo STATE v ADEWUNMI (1988) 3 NWLR ((Pt. 82) 280 and Attorney-General, Bendel State v Aideyan (1989) 4 NWLR (Pt. 118) 646 where the maxims were considered.

Had the law-makers been minded that punishment or consequence of political cross-carpeting should be applicable to the President or Vice-President as they have done in respect of a member of the Senate or of the House of Representatives, or even a member of the House of Assembly in the aforesaid provisions of Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) respectively which I have quoted supra, they would have stipulated same in an unmistakable term in Section 146 of the 1999 Constitution quoted above”.

In OZOMGBADI v AMADI & ORS (2018) LPELR 45152 (SC), the Apex Court left no one in doubt that it had since overruled Amaechi’s case decided 11 years earlier, when it held: “...I believe the Supreme Court has laid to rest the contention that it is the political party which contests and wins an election. In CPC v OMBUGADU (2013) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1385), the Court was categorical that individuals as candidates win elections, and not the political parties.” Per MARY UKAEGO PETER-ODILI, JSC (Pp 48 - 49 Paras E.

Serious and Trivial “The difference between APC and PDP is stated hereunder; National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, (PDP decampee).

National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, (PDP decampee).

National Women Leader, Betta Edu, (PDP decampee).

Barr Ahmed El-Marzuk, National Legal Adviser, (PDP decampee).

Uguru Matthew Ofoka National Treasurer, (PDP decampee).

Senator Abubakar Maikafi, National Auditor, (PDP decampee).

Barrister F.N. Nwosu, National Welfare Secretary, (PDP decampee).

Deputy National Chairman South East, Emmanuel Enukwu. (PDP decampee).

Muazu Bawa Rjau, National Vice Chairman North-Central, (PDP decampee).

Mustapha Salihu, National Vice Chairman, North East, (PDP decampee).

Barrister Festus Fuanter Deputy National Secretary, (PDP decampee).

Nze Chidi Duru, Deputy National Organising Secretary, (PDP decampee).

Where are the so-called founding members of the APC? Dem de PDP See the PDP line up.

Iyorchia Ayu — National Chairman, (APC decampee) Taofeek Arapaja — Deputy National Chairman South, (APC decampee).

Umar Damagum — Deputy National Chairman North, (APC decampee).

Samuel Anyanwu — National Secretary, (APC decampee).

Ahmad Mohammed — National Treasurer, (APC decampee).

Umar Bature — National Organising Secretary, (APC decampee).

Kamaldeen Ajibade, National Legal Adviser, (APC decampee).

Ibrahim Abdullahi, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, (APC decampee).

Hajara Wanka, Deputy National Women Leader, (APC decampee).

Now tell me what is the difference between PDP and APC? This people aren't different. Know this and think well.” - Anonymous THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “Regardless of who wins, an election should be a time for optimism and fresh approaches.”

(Gary Johnson)

VII

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

CASE REVIEW

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc v Engr.

Musa Bamanga Tafida & Anor A Watershed in Garnishee Proceedings?

Introduction orpus juris Nigeriana does not suffer paucity of decided cases on post-judgement legal contestations.

Garnishee proceedings is one of such post-judgement contestations that has gained renewed notoriety, and the law reports (print and electronic) are awash with appellate decisions ensuing from such proceedings. “The relative convenience and efficacy of garnishee proceedings as a process of enforcing monetary judgements, commend it as the option of first resort for judgement creditors and their legal counsel. But, the severely limited scope of garnishee proceedings is the subject of a great deal of misapprehension, and its attractiveness is fast becoming its bane in Nigerian jurisprudence”. With these opening words, Hon. Justice Peter O. Affen, JCA delivered on 8th October, 2021 the lead judgement in GTB v TAFIDA & ANOR 2021 LPELR-56131 (CA): a judgement laden with profound judicial pronouncements and dicta, which constitutes, quite arguably, a watershed in the jurisprudence of garnishee proceedings in Nigeria.

C

Facts The Appellant (GTB), in its affidavit to show cause before the High Court of Kaduna State, requested for further particulars of the judgement debtor to enable it isolate the judgement debtor, as there exist several customers in its data base with a similar name as the judgement debtor. The 1st Respondent (judgement creditor) neither filed a counter-affidavit nor further affidavit in reaction to the Appellant’s affidavit to show cause, but contended viva voce on the return date that the Appellant ought to have resorted to the judgement debtor’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) to ascertain the proper identity of the judgement debtor.

Notwithstanding that no particulars of specific nature (such as the judgement debtor’s account number, signature specimen, BVN, photograph or address) were provided in the ex parte application for garnishee order Nisi, the trial court upheld the 1st Respondent’s contention and decreed an order absolute. The Appellant was ordered to pay the judgement debt of N35m to the 1st Respondent. Being dissatisfied, the Appellant lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal (Kaduna Division). In setting aside the decision/order absolute, his Lordship, P. O. Affen JCA made illuminating pronouncements with far-reaching implications for trial Lawyers, the courts, the banking institution, legal scholars, the legislature and members of the litigating public.

Review of the Judgement Reviewing the trial court’s findings/conclusion to the effect that the Appellant ought to have relied on BVN to decipher the identity of the judgement debtor out of its numerous customers with similar name, Affen JCA noted that no BVN was supplied and queried: “How can BVN settle the issue of identity of any of the customers with similar names? The answer is flying in the wind, and I take the considered view that the lower court ought to have been a lot more circumspect in order to be reasonably assured, nay satisfied, that the Appellant 13th Garnishee) was actually indebted to that particular judgement debtor [i.e. that the judgement debtor maintains an account with the garnishee] before recording a garnishee order absolute.’ His Lordship pointed out that “the burden to supply necessary materials showing that the Appellant was indebted to the judgement debtor lies on the 1st Respondent but not the Appellant;

(Lead Judgement delivered by Hon. Justice Peter Oyin Affen, JCA)

and given the confidential nature of the banker-customer relationship, no legal duty is imposed on the Appellant to disclose the identity and other details of its several customers with similar names as the judgement debtor”.

Calling in aid ACCESS BANK PLC v CHIDI OBIEFUNA (2020) LPELR49855(CA) where it was held that it is only when a particular customer’s BVN Number is known that anyone interested in knowing his accounts can trace them, Hon. Justice Affen JCA distanced the court from the proposition that the confidential nature of the banker-customer relationship prevents judgement creditors from having ready access to bank details of judgement debtors, and deplored the “growing tendency to commence garnishee proceedings against all banks licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to operate in the country as in the instant case where nineteen banks were listed as garnishees”.

Hear his Lordship: “[T]hat does not seem to me a valid basis for courts of law to condone the insidious practice of initiating garnishee proceedings against all banks operating in Nigeria merely on the say-so of a judgement creditor, that the judgement debtor maintains an account(s) with the garnishees without providing any basis for the assertion. The right of a judgement creditor to recover a money judgement by means of garnishee proceedings is not at large, but one that lies within defined parameters. Indeed, ‘the terrain of garnishee proceedings is not that much loose and free of any duty, rather it is well guarded by conditions inherent in Section 83(1) of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act. In what is essentially a re-think of the prevailing practice on garnishee litigation,

“A judgement creditor does not have an untrammelled right of action to proceed against any person who catches his fancy: he is only entitled to sue a person indebted to the judgement debtor…. suing all banks operating in the country…… is a fishing expedition by the judgement creditor….”

the Appeal Court jurist admonished that “the judgement creditor’s cause of action under Section 83(1) SCPA is one that is severely limited”, insisting that the basic premise of garnishee proceedings is that it can only lie against a debtor to the judgement debtor, hence a judgement creditor has no right whatsoever to proceed against any person who is not shown to be indebted to the judgement debtor in the supporting affidavit. There is no ‘actionable wrong’ where the garnishee is not indebted to the judgement debtor, and the judgement creditor is not at liberty to proceed against a third party (including a bank) that is not shown to be indebted to the judgement debtor.

Affen JCA underscored the intendment of Section 83(1) of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act (SCPA), to the effect that the affidavit supporting the application for Order Nisi must disclose the fact of indebtedness of the third party to the judgement debtor, and not merely that the third party is likely to be indebted, thereby re-awakening the courts to its duty to consider thoroughly applications for garnishee order Nisi. Commenting on the slim nature of cause of action in garnishee proceedings, his Lordship was emphatic: “A judgement creditor does not have an untrammelled right of action to proceed against any person who catches his fancy: he is only entitled to sue a person indebted to the judgement debtor.

Prima facie, suing all banks operating in the country is a clear pointer to the fact that the judgement creditor is unsure of the bank(s) indebted to the judgement debtor and the bank(s) not so indebted.

Such an action is a fishing expedition by the judgement creditor, initiated in the hope that one or more of the banks could be caught by his dragnet. It is hardly necessary to state that this is prone to capricious abuse, and ought to be reined in by the eternal vigilance of the courts”.

The judgement weighed the imperative of deploying garnishee proceedings in aid of successful litigants against the ‘gratuitous burden’ foisted on garnishees in terms of litigation costs, and sensitised judgement creditors and their Lawyers

to strive, at the very minimum, to show that a judgement debtor maintains an account with a particular bank before naming it as a garnishee, insisting that: “It seems to me therefore, that listing all banks operating in the country as garnishee order nisi ought to be refused; or granted if, and only if, the applicant gives an undertaking as to damages.

The far-reaching implications of allowing all banks operating in this country to be dragged to court willy-nilly to answer to garnishee proceedings at the instance of every litigant who obtains a favourable money judgement from all courts in Nigeria can only be imagined … allowing this unwholesome practice to gain traction without any checks, is to overstretch the banks unjustifiably by imposing on them the gratuitous burden of defending a deluge of farfetched garnishee proceedings day after day, from court to court, across the entire length and breadth of the country, with grave implications for our economy that is already being asphyxiated on many fronts”.

Upon a calm consideration of samples of applications for garnishee order Nisi through the District Courts to the High Courts often laden with obvious deficits, one cannot but agree with the compelling logic of the judgement under review. Trial courts are therefore enjoined to scrutinise affidavits in support of applications for order nisi, to ensure that a minimum of particulars of judgement debtors (such as name, signature specimen, address, photograph) are supplied. Members of the public, parties to commercial transactions and their advisors ought also to be alert in gathering salient information in course of dealings, for ease of satisfying the requirements of Section 83(1) SCPA. in the event of successful litigation. What is more, banks may now seriously consider seeking redress when listed in garnishee proceedings that turn out to be mere ‘fishing expedition”.

Conclusion All things considered, GTB v TAFIDA & ANOR (Supra) is a salutary decision that contextualises what constitutes a competent application for garnishee order nisi going forward, and illuminates our jurisprudence on garnishee proceedings.

Dr Sonny Ajala, SAN

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

COVER

Rt. Honourable Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

‘Poverty Didn’t Start With Buhari’s Government’ For many years, the Nigerian rail transport system which was vibrant and highly reliable in the 1960s and 1970s, gradually decayed and became comatose. At best, it offered epileptic and skeletal services on very few routes. The coming into office of Rt. Honourable Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Rivers State 2007-2015, as Nigeria’s Transportation Minister, changed that old discouraging narrative. Today, for the first time in decades, Nigeria has standard gauge rail lines, better moving, air-conditioned trains which now ply several major routes, with plans to add on more routes in the foreseeable future.

However, the euphoria of having train services recently dampened, raising questions about the security of passengers on the trains, when on the extremely popular route, Abuja-Kaduna, a Kaduna bound train was attacked by bandits/terrorists. Precious lives were lost, many were injured, while even more were kidnapped; an unfortunate incident which the Minister confessed saddened him greatly. Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi sought Minister Amaechi out, to discuss Government’s plans to secure the trains, the strides which have so far been made in the Nigerian railway sector since his assumption of office, while touching briefly on his recent declaration to run for Nigeria’s Presidency should he secure the APC Presidential ticket

W

e understand that you are a final year Law Student. What informed your decision to study Law, or what is the attraction, especially in a country where Government, especially this administration which you are a part of, does not seem to have much regard for the rule of law, court judgements etc?

Seriously speaking, give us one example of any infraction by this Government! Kindly, mention one!

Oh, the Elzakzaky case That wasn’t a Federal Government case! That was a State Government case.

He was held in DSS for long And, you have any evidence that he was in DSS? Sambo Dasuki was also held for quite a long time So, where is Dasuki now?

They finally left him, after he was granted bail several times, even by the ECOWAS Court too ECOWAS Court had no jurisdiction in the matter!

Nigerian courts had given granted him bail on more than one occasion I don’t think you are right.

I am right So, you are right just because its you?

No, not because it is me, but because I had followed the matter from the onset And, you think I wasn’t following the case?

What informed your decision to study law?

I just wanted to read law. I have always wanted to study law.

Are you a final year law student?

Yes, I am a final year law student.

Will you practice?

I am not sure yet,

Kindly, give us an overview of the status of the Nigerian railway and the rail network across the country when you assumed office as Minister of Transportation in 2015, and what it is today? What have you been able to achieve in this regard? How many kilometres of functional rail lines does Nigeria have presently, and will have by the time this administration leaves office next year?

This is one question I don’t like responding to. Because, when I give my response, it would seem as if I’m condemning the past Government.

I don’t like condemning past governments. We’ll like to be assessed from the day we took office, until the day we’ll leave.

The narrow gauge rail was functioning epileptically. It would take off to Kano and spend three days to get there, and another three days to return. Sometimes, it didn’t function at all.

There was one going from Port Harcourt to Aba, and it ran once or twice a week. Those were things we met. Then President Goodluck Jonathan had commenced the one going from Abuja to Kaduna. But, it stopped at about 70% -80% completion. What was the reason why they stopped? They couldn’t engage the Catholic Church, the Reverend Sisters who owned properties that were found on the rail line. They had made some promises which they couldn’t keep. The Sisters didn’t quote trust them that they would keep to those promises.

When I took over, I went to those Sisters and said ‘look, I am a Catholic, I will keep yo those promises; not just because I am a Catholic, but because our Government is going to keep to its words’. So, the Sisters allowed us to do the demolition and complete the railway; the

Federal Government looked for the money to build the railway and we completed it, and started commercial activities. We fulfilled our promises to the Sisters. We got the land, we gave them the money for compensation, even though the compensation for me was that the Chinese would have agreed to build a new hospital for them.

They agreed initially, but they reneged half way.

That was what we met, when we took over.

If you put it in the manner that would suit the past Government, you would say you had about 3,000 kilometres of railway. But, it was abandoned, overgrown by weeds and service was epileptic in the areas that the rail was running.

Then we had another 350 kilometres of rail, that was uncompleted. It would have been the first standard gauge in Nigeria.

There was this 325 kilometres of Itakpe-Warri that we met, but again, uncompleted, abandoned and overgrown by weeds and trees. The President, after assessment, decided that we should complete Itakpe-Warri, we should also complete KadunaAbuja. So, we found the money internally, and we didn’t borrow. To complete Itakpe-Warri, we

needed over $100, nearly $200 million; he gave us the money and we completed it and put commercial trains on it. So, they are running now.

Then we completed Kaduna-Abuja. We tried to rehabilitate the narrow gauge through General Electric, but, it didn’t work, so we went back to borrow money to do Lagos-Ibadan which we have completed, its about 156 kilometres. Kaduna-Abuja is about 186 kilometres.

Now, we are looking at about 2,000 kilometres of rail. If you add the one we are yet go to Cabinet for, it would be nearly 2,500 kilometres. There is the narrow gauge from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, which is about 1,500 kilometres. But, if you add from Gombe to Yola, from Gombe to Damaturu and to Gashua (where the Senate President comes from).

If you add from Port Harcourt to Owerri, Owerri to Awka to Abakiliki, if you add them all, it would be nearly 2,500 kilometres.

But, work has commenced from Port Harcourt to Aba. The way we are going about it, we are hoping that at every point in time, we’ll put trains on any section we complete. When we complete Aba to Umuahia, Umuahia to Enugu, we’ll put a train, Port

“If you put it in the manner that would suit the past Government, you would say you had about 3,000 kilometres of rail. But, it was abandoned, overgrown by weeds and service was epileptic….Now, we are looking at about 2,000 kilometres of rail”

IX COVER

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

‘Poverty Didn’t Start With Buhari’s Government’ Harcourt to Aba, we’ll put a train, like that.

Again, we are going to work in gangs. We are still working to get a loan. When we get the loan, as we are working from Aba to Port Harcourt, another gang will be working coming from Maiduguri, another gang will be working from Gombe, another gang from Bauchi.

You’ll do it simultaneously?

Yes. We’ll do it simultaneously! So that we can complete on time. But, that would be dependent on how much we get, because the money we are using to fund it, is money that we got from the budget.

So, like I told you, we have about 2,500 kilometres ongoing. But, also we are hoping to commence this April, the construction of Kano to Maradi.

Then we have commenced work, we have done up to about 70 kilometres of Kano-Kaduna which is about 204 kilometres. As at the last inspection, they had cleared up to 74 kilometres, and they are beginning to do the formation. Hopefully, by December this year we’ll be able to complete the Kano-Kaduna which will get us 204 kilometres.

So, if you add 204 kilometres to 186, 156 to 350 kilometres from Itakpe-Warri, you’ll be close to about 900 kilometres of rail. This shows that by the time we leave office, we should be able to get up to 1,000 kilometres of rail, starting from zero, don’t forget!

That is what we’ve done. I don’t know whether to count Port Harcourt-Maiduguri, as part of those we’ll complete. But, I believe that by the time we leave office we would have completed from Port Harcourt to Aba, that I can bet on.

We just finished a meeting this afternoon on Lagos-Calabar. What is delaying that, is funding.

You just saw me take a call from the Minister of Finance. We are meeting tomorrow, to discuss the details of the funding. So, it depends on how much we get, rest assured that it would be a minimum of 1,000 to 1,200 kilometres of rail by the time we leave office.

There is a saying in my village that, the redneck lizard fell from an Iroko tree, nobody praises him; it nodded its neck and said, ‘I have tried’.

Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution provides that the primary purpose of Government is the security and welfare of the people. The recent attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail tracks and Kaduna bound train not only claimed several lives, many others suffered injuries, while a large number who were also kidnapped from the train by bandits are yet to be set free over two weeks later. It is undeniable that this administration has failed to achieve its primary purpose, despite the fact that restoration of security was one of its main campaign promises.

On the contrary, the security situation has worsened. What efforts are being made to rescue the abductees, who were recently seen in a video begging to be rescued? What are your views on making ransom payments, especially in this situation where Government has failed to play its part in protecting the people, and people are being kidnapped through no fault or carelessness on their part?

There are too many assumptions you make in the questions you ask.

Like?

You are making the assumption that Government deliberately planned to have these people kidnapped.

No, I am not making that assumption.

That is the assumption you are making. First, you must understand that we met a country where literally there was no money left behind. When we say this, people think we are just making excuses.

The reality of the fact is that, you handed over to us a government, which you must not forget, I was a part of. Because I was not only a Governor, I was the Chairman of Governors Forum. By the time we were leaving office, we were minting money, that we didn’t have back-up.

So, anybody who talks about kidnapping now, I know that Nigerians won’t like this, but you can’t distance insecurity from poverty. You can’t also say that, poverty started with the government of Buhari. If we had all the resources that the previous Government had, we would have done all the things we are trying to do now. In fact, I like to paraphrase the President: ‘If they had built all the railways, we won’t be repeating it now’. We would have probably focused on agriculture. If you remember in our first tenure, there was a huge focus on agriculture, and

Rt. Honourable Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi infrastructure like roads, light; the eight years wouldn’t be enough!

There are two kinds of banditry you are looking at. The first is motivated by poverty.

Then the second is terrorism, which you can tie to religion, ethnicity, and others. Maybe not really religion and ethnicity, but ignorance is a big issue in those who participate in terrorism.

The question you asked, I wish I could answer it. The right person to give you the right response, will be between the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Defence.

But, you are in charge of the trains. So, what efforts are you making?

The job of the Minister of Transport, is to provide trains. He doesn’t provide security, and you don’t discuss security in the public. Let’s say they are planning to go and rescue the kidnap victims, you don’t go and be saying ‘oh we are going there on Monday’.

What are your views on making ransom payments to kidnappers?

Oh, I have never believed in making ransom payments. As a Governor, I always refused to make ransom payments. Because, it’s the responsibility of the Government to go and rescue people. So, why pay ransom?

There has been some buck passing in this regard, but knowing that Nigeria was facing problems with security even before this administration assumed office, why were the trains not equipped with adequate security devices right from the start? Why was it so late - 2022 to be precise, that you requested for the sum of N3.8 billion for security logistics, a request which you stated that the Federal Executive Council turned down. Kindly, shed more light on why your request was turned down, and going forward some of the measures that will be put in place to ensure that this type of unfortunate incident will not reoccur on any of the train routes; because it is only with such measures, that the people’s confidence in rail travel will be restored No! I don’t have responsibility for security.

I’m the Minister of Transport, not the Minister of Defence. It is the responsibility of the Police and other security agencies. In fact, we are just equipping the military, because they only come out when there is war. Its only now that we let the Army come out, because the situation is getting bad. But, you can’t blame the situation on them.

The assumption at that point is that, you don’t know where these boys would attack. Unless

“Nobody knew that it would get to a point in Nigeria where trains will be attacked…..

If it was anticipated, we would have provided the security…..I don’t have responsibility for security. I’m the Minister of Transport, not the Minister of Defence”

you achieve a global security in the country, you can’t tell. As I am going out with you, you can’t tell whether we’ll be attacked.

But, let us also look at the issue of why didn’t you provide security. It wasn’t anticipated. It wasn’t part of the contract.

Nobody knew that it would get to a point in Nigeria, where trains will be attacked. If it was anticipated, we would have provided the security. Just like when we got the intelligence that they would attack. The Governor of Kaduna State said he got the intelligence, and he wrote.

Even by the time he wrote, we had already applied for them to provide us with the necessary equipment to provide security. Unfortunately it wasn’t accepted. Cabinet had its own reasons.

When they say Cabinet, it doesn’t mean that every member supported that it shouldn’t be accepted. That is the way to look at it.

So, in short, the reason why there was no security on the train from the start, is that this kind of insecurity wasn’t anticipated?

How do you anticipate it? When you enter the train in London, do you have security?

No, London is different. The main campaign promises of APC when it was coming to power in 2015, was to restore security Be honest with yourself. Can you compare this Government with the previous Government?

In terms of what?

In terms of security.

Ah! It is worse now! It was better then.

Then, insecurity was concentrated in a small area, principally the North East and maybe militancy in the South South I am suspecting that you are a PDP member!

Let me tell you why I am suspecting you. You don’t have your facts.

I am not a member of PDP or any other party. It seems that once one criticises this Government, the immediate reaction by your party members is to make the accusation that the person criticising is a member of PDP. Look, now I can no longer wear my watch like I used to, because of the fear of being robbed any place, anytime. See what I am wearing now, a rubber, exercise watch Please, that is you! I don’t have a watch. I don’t have money to buy a watch! Don’t use that as an excuse. Let’s even discuss the issue you are bringing up. Here in Abuja, the United Nations Building was bombed. Karo Motor Park was bombed.

I was here in Abuja on the day the UN building was bombed Oh, you were here? Then, you couldn’t even go to Kano!

You couldn’t enter Kano. You couldn’t go to Kaduna. Tell us where they are bombing now!

Did they not kill some people in Benue and Plateau just after the train attack? Are people not being killed daily?

We are making a comparison. Then you couldn’t even leave Abuja. Last night, for two nights I drove from Abuja Kano to Abuja.

In your bulletproof car?

I was in a bus! Empty bus, no bulletproof, nothing! We drove to Daura, from Daura to Katsina. We left Katsina 8pm and arrived Kano at 11pm. That couldn’t happen by then.

Yours may be special.They may have gone to clear the road for you. Its as if you are trivialising what people are going through Nobody cleared the road for me to go! You are

making me reveal my pattern of living. I don’t drive with security here in Abuja. You can ask anybody who knows me, I don’t drive around with security.

I don’t! Even in Lagos, I drive freely.

I am not saying the lives of Nigerians are not threatened. That would be completely underestimating the reality. But, I am saying, don’t compare. The situation is bad, because the economy we inherited is bad. It will not take one year for us to do magic.

You have been Government for seven years.

You didn’t just resume office last week You know I responded when you mentioned security. Even right here, where the Police Headquarters where the Inspector General stays was bombed! True or false?

But it’s seven years now Many people don’t realise that, we took over government when the oil price was $28 per barrel.

Now, that its over $100, what is your problem?

So, at over $100, will that solve our problems in one day?

No, but it’s like you people in Government are talking from both sides of your mouth How? My parents didn’t teach me how to talk from both sides of my mouth. And, the President doesn’t talk that way too!

But, your administration and spokespersons have repeated it like a broken record. ‘Cacofonix’.

That when the price of oil was high, PDP squandered and stole all the money And, we still haven’t recovered!

But, now that the oil prices are high How many weeks ago?

The Minister of State for Petroleum came out to say the opposite That what?

That the rising oil prices may not be good for Nigeria. That our comfort zone in terms of oil pricing is between $70 - $80 per barrel or so. The tune has somewhat changed The humongous loans sourced from China to finance these rail projects have raised several questions, including whether China will take over our rail transport system in the unlikely event that Nigeria falls behind in servicing these loans. Are these fears realistic? Do you expect any decent revenue from the railway service which will assist in repaying the loans, or is it just a social amenity being provided for the good of the people? In short, what plan has Government put in place to repay?

Define humongous?

When you look at the amount in dollars, compared to our GDP and National Budget, some people felt that it was much First of all, if you look at the amount they are talking about. If you look at the amount of money the Egyptian Government has taken on railway, you’ll know that we haven’t even started taking.

The problem with the Nigerian economy is not loans, its revenue. We don’t have revenue. Let’s even address it. In fact you’re wrong! Humongous, we only took $2 billion for Lagos-Ibadan. Out of that, the Federal Government has repaid $600m.

So, there is still $1.4 billion outstanding?

Yes, $1.4 billion. That’s the only loan we have taken so far. We haven’t got any loan for Kano-Kaduna. Its funded from the budget. The loan of $500 million was taken by the Goodluck Jonathan administration for the Abuja-Kaduna project. So, where is the humongous?

One thing I have been telling journalists, is that you must learn not to listen to me when we come out of Cabinet. Because I may say, ‘We have awarded Cont'd on page X

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‘Poverty Didn’t Start With Buhari’s Government’ Cont'd from page IX

a contract of $8.7 billion, Lagos-Kano’. They’ll say, ‘oh they have taken $8.7 billion!’ No! I didn’t say we have got $8.7 billion. I’ll say ‘we have awarded a contract of $11.1 billion, Lagos-Calabat’. They’ll say ‘Amaechi has taken $11.1 billion loan!’ I’ll say ‘We have awarded a contract of $1.9 billion, Kano-Maradi’, they will shout.

In fact. let me tell you what they say in politics.

They’ll say ‘Amaechi oooooooo! Chai, this man will kill us! Wetin e give Buhari?!’ Abuja to Itakpe, then Sea Port in Warri $3.9 billion.

The only loans we have taken so far as Ministry of Transportation, I don’t know about other areas, is $1.4 billion Lagos-Ibadan out of the $2 billion.

Abuja-Kaduna, $500 million which was taken by Jonathan. We have applied for $1.95 billion for KanoMaradi, and its only $300 million we have taken.

We are working on Kano-Kaduna, that money is ours, not a loan. So, if you add $300 million to $1.4 billion, how much is that? You are talking of $1.7 billion. But, when you journalists write, you say humongous!

We know you may have been asked this question repeatedly, and we know that some of these decisions may not be your sole decision, but Government and policy decisions; but, if the train that bears cargo is more profitable than the passenger trains, why are more vibrant trade routes like Lagos Cotonou, Lagos Kano, Lagos Aba not the priority, instead of the Katsina Niger Republic route? Again, if Government is claiming that many of the bandits are coming from neighbouring countries like Niger Republic, which seems to be a recurring decimal as it shares borders with seven of our States most of which are experiencing security issues, why are we making it easier for them to jump on the train and come to Nigeria to terrorise and brutalise our people? Are there any plans to link the railway with the various Ports to make haulage more efficient? Do you have plans to revive the other ports?

You know you created the impression that this would be a law interview. But you have moved from law to the questions the man in transport (or did he mean to say defence?) should be asking. But I will answer you. I am trying hard not to accuse you of ethnicity.

Why? Because you haven’t not proven that the rail that goes to Benin Republic, is more profitable than the one that goes from Niger to Nigeria.

First and foremost, we have had an agreement with the Niger Government that all their national cargoes will pass through our route. The agreement will be signed next week. That it would get up to Lagos. All they want from us is to guaranty security.

You can imagine a whole country giving you all their cargoes! They export Gold, they export Uranium, and that they will encourage private businessmen to use it. They don’t even need to encourage anybody.

That there is this impression that Lagos is unsafe.

The President said that once we are able to break that perception, their private businessmen would be glad to use Lagos seaport.

When we took the decision for Kano-Maradi, it wasn’t taken lightly. It took us three years. We did the economic analysis. Like people said, the President’s wife is from Niger Republic, or Amaechi’s grandmother is from Niger. The economic analysis I saw, was started under President Goodluck Jonathan, and it was with good intentions.

The second reason is that there is the ECOWAS Protocol on transportation network. ECOWAS allocated to countries certain rails you would do to achieve that ECOWAS network. Ours was that Kano-Maradi.

Whether we do it today or tomorrow, you would still have done that Kano-Maradi in fulfilment of the ECOWAS Protocol.

But, ignore that. It has more economic benefits than the one you are talking about. Because, we are in competition with the seaport in is Cotonou or Port Novo. We are in competition with them. So, we can’t be directing our cargo to them, when we need the Lekki Deep Sea Port to survive, I need Lagos seaport to survive. The best thing I can do, is to cut off the train. Because right now, most countries around that region are exporting their goods through Togo, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast and Ghana.

What I am doing now, is to make sure that we are able to compete favourably with those countries.

The only reason they are better than us right now, is because no Police is harassing them on the road, no immigration, and no insecurity. So, what we have done is that by providing that rail is to resolve all those problems with immigration, Police harassment and

Rt. Honourable Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi all that. So, you resolve that at the point of entry, which is Maradi. Once they put their goods on the train, they see it in Lagos. We must understand that Government officials make decisions, based on economic realities.

Good answer!

So, will you give me an award for that?!

I am also playing the Devil’s Advocate, because these are things that people say everyday, and the air needs to be cleared on some of these issues once and for all How many times have I explained? It got so frustrating that I had to ask a question that nobody has given me an answer. The Federal Government did a gas pipeline from Escravos to Ghana, padding through Lagos going through Benin Republic, going through Togo, then to Ghana - 2,000 kilometres and nobody screamed! This one is 45 kilometres into Niger Republic. I didn’t say 450!

But, I think the objection may also be because of security, if you say some of those who may be attacking us are from there. We don’t want to make it even easier for them to gain access to Nigeria, to continue their attacks The people who are criminals, don’t come through railway. They trek across the border - you can catch them! They just walk into your country, unless you fence off your country.

Why does Nigeria not have a National shipping line?

That is a business decision, and I don’t know why. It’s not a Government decision.

Ok. But, we understand that in our ports, the legal regime, landing cost of goods, taxes, etc makes Nigeria’s shipping industry very unattractive That is not correct! That is not correct!! You people should stop guessing. Stop these rumours.

We are not the worse seaport in Africa. The only problem we have with our seaports, is that we’ve refused to digitalise are seaports, which we are currently doing .

Ok. Are there any plans to link those ports with the rail?

The first thing we did when we came in, was that President Buhari instructed that all the rail lines that don’t link to seaports, should be linked. That we should make sure that all our rail lines end at the seaport. The Lagos-Ibadan starts from Apapa seaport. He asked us to award a new contract, to link Apapa to Tin Can. So that what you can do from Tin Can is that, from Tin Can you come into Apapa, and from Apapa you go with your goods. And, we’ve done that already. Oh, you are happy with that because its Lagos!

No, I am happy with your response. When you do interviews on tv, they may not watch you or they may forget So, how many people read interviews?

This will be in print. We are online. We

“The agreement we had is that, the AbujaKaduna rail will not move unless there is an Air Force cover following it to the end and back, until we install the security gadgets”

have readers in Ghana, Morocco, other parts of Africa, Canada, UK, USA, different parts of the world; Nigerians in the diaspora. These are questions that people ask regularly, and you are giving us the answers which they can always go back and refer to.

On April 9, you declared your intention to run for the Presidency of Nigeria in the upcoming 2023 election under the auspices of your party, APC. However, there have been serious calls to zone the Presidential ticket to the South-East, and you are from the South-South. How do you intend to scale this hurdle?

There is nowhere in APC that that was provided for. Maybe its in PDP you have that.

What the APC said is: ‘Zone it to the South, not the South East’. Here in APC, the commitment is to zone it to the South. Whoever emerges from the South, APC will be satisfied.

Being an integral part of this administration whose main achievements can only really be seen in the improvement of the road network, maybe the airports and the railway, this Government seems to have inflicted more hardship on Nigerians. Why should Nigerians vote for you? What exactly will you be offering Nigerians, if you are able to secure our mandate?

You never told me this interview would be on my Presidential ambition. If you did, I would have declined.

But, you have declared Yes, I have. But, you can declare and go quiet. You are not going to vote for me now.

It’s the party that will vote for me now. So, that question you just asked, I will answer it if I emerge as the candidate of the party. If I answer it now, what will I answer tomorrow?

As a two term Governor in a State that had militant activities, you were able to surmount insecurity in your State to an extent. But, it is quite different from the different levels of insecurity that Nigeria is experiencing today. How will you handle the Herdsmen crisis? Banditry and kidnapping? Insurgency? Separatist violence? Since the train attack two weeks ago, there have already been other attacks in Plateau and Benue State.

What is the difference? They are the same killings, the same kidnappings, these are questions you’ll answer after you have emerged as candidate of the party. But, for now, the politics is of who will emerge as the candidate of our party. Why do you want me to say what someone who may vote for me may not like, when I want him to vote for me?

Corruption is the root cause of many of the problems Nigeria is facing today - be it insecurity, an ailing economy, decline in health and educational standards - name it.Your former party PDP stands accused of taking corruption to the next level.Your current party, APC doesn’t seem to be any different. How then can Nigerians trust you to fight corruption, if you are elected?

Nigerians trust me. I am a very honest person! Although, I believe that God is the only honest . But, to a large extent, I believe I am a very honest man. I talk what I mean, and I mean what I talk.

How will you fight corruption?

That is a question you’ll ask, after I have won the election.

We watched in a recent television interview where you stated that the nullification of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act by the Court remains the extant position of the law until the decision may be overturned by the appellate court. If this is your opinion, why have there been insinuations that you intend to resign your position by the end of the month?

Yes. That is the position of the law. Is there anything to the contrary?

If so why are there insinuations that you are set to resign at the end of the month?

Would this not be a contradiction? You are a Lawyer in the making. If you secure the mandate should we then expect a President who doesn’t lend credence to court decisions, if you decide to step down from your office now?

If I decide! Why do you like to make assumptions? You are my friend, have I ever told you I want to resign?

Somebody mentioned it Who is that person? Somebody who is not my wife? Who doesn’t sleep with me on the same bed? Not my children NIMASA has for a while now been criticised for its docility, maybe sometimes even not executing its functions properly. A case in point is the inexplicable sinking of a vessel in EFCC custody, NIMASA-BARUGU, which sank in Lagos waters, attributed to negligence on the part of NIMASA. Kindly, comment on this.

How can this trend be reversed?

That makes them docile? What about their achievements in curbing piracy? How can you call an agency like NIMASA that has fought insecurity with the Navy to a standstill, docile? The vessel wasn’t in the custody of NIMASA. Has the Abuja-Kaduna rail resumed service?

That is a good question to ask. The agreement we had is that, the Abuja-Kaduna rail will not move unless there is an Air Force cover following it to the end and back, until we install the security gadgets. Because, if we had installed the security gadgets, we would have seen these men. About five ten minutes before they hit, the train from Kaduna had passed. So, if they had that equipment, they would have seen them, whether at night or not. Once you see 10/20 human beings gathered somewhere…

So, are you going to accede to the request of the Kaduna State Governor, who says there shouldn’t be an evening service?

If running in the evening will cause insecurity, we will stop it; not because Kaduna Governor has said it. But, if we have enough security cover, and we know that lives will be safe…..but the Kaduna Governor’s advice was not bad. The NRC may have assessed the situation at that time, but, maybe there was no security challenge.

What about the issue of the vandalisation of the tracks?

What they are vandalising is the narrow gauge, because they know we are going to remove it.

But, they have attempted the standard gauge too, which is very risky. In Lagos, we have to run from Lagos to Ibadan before any train can run because they go to steal the clips. Everyday they steal the clips, I’m not saying some days.

So, in one or two weeks you are losing about 10,000 clips.

Thank you Honourable Minister.

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XIV

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY APRIL 19, 2022

FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 07010510430

Sustaining Advocacy Campaign on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict Although casualties may abound in any armed conflict, the need to protect civilians is sacrosanct.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre strongly believes this and has for months unending, pursued and sustained this advocacy campaign to ensure its legislation. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that recently in Lagos, the group held a media parley on the precarious situation

Protection of civilians in armed conflicts, especially women and children, should be sacrosanct

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cross the globe, civilians are often caught in between crossfire, especially when they live in proximity to military targets. At other times, they are victims during use of force at checkpoints and during raids, use of indirect fire in populated areas, use of inappropriate weapon systems, targeting errors or mistaken identity on the basis of faulty intelligence and lack of preparation for civilian presence on the battlefield.

The reason is not far-fetched; most times, during conflict situations, civilian harm can come in form of death, injury, property loss (homes, businesses, livestock); civilian infrastructure damage (schools, hospitals, water treatment facilities); loss of livelihood and psychological trauma.

These and more are why the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have continuously mobilised and championed advocacy within the government, military, and civil society to advance policies and practices that will help minimise civilian harm.

In its series of advocacy campaign, CISLAC has advocated for better protection for civilians while condemning armed conflict and the absence of genuine political will to realise accountability for conflict areas, adding that such serious violations has deepened a culture of impunity with negative impacts of violent conflict on civilians like mental trauma, loss of livelihood, and displacement, among others.

Protection of Civilians Without a doubt, in any armed conflict, Protection of Civilians (PoC) is important. Essentially, Protection of the Civilian population is a basic element of humanitarian law that states that all civilians and all those not taking part in the fighting must on no account be attacked and must be spared and protected. In fact, the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols contain specific rules to protect civilians.

Although the concept of PoC has been progressively introduced to a wider audience, however, within the framework of conflict operations, the full implementation of this principle is hindered by a number of shortcomings, such as the limited understanding of roles and responsibilities, and the lack of clear methods and guidelines.

Advocacy by CISLAC In a recent media parley themed "The Precariousness of Protection: Gains, Strains and Pains Around The Protection of Civilians And Civilian Harm Mitigation in Armed Conflict", CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani

commended CISLAC’s deep engagement with state and non-state actors in numerous states to support civilians in developing self-protection strategies.

According to Rafsanjani, civilians in the North-east, North-west, North-central and South-east Nigeria are caught in the middle of an ongoing conflict between the Government of Nigeria and multiple Armed Opposition Groups (AOGs) that have grown from Boko Haram since 2009.

He said: "Tens of thousands have lost their lives, with many more injured and millions displaced from their homes and facing food insecurity. Efforts to defeat AOGs have been complicated, however, by a well-documented history of civilian harm and abuse by government security forces resulting in poor civil-military relations generally.

“In 2020, CISLAC began engaging with MDAs, CSOs, media, internal security institutions and the military across the country to address the civil-security relationship, which according to civilians in the region, is a critical component to realising improved protection.

“CISLAC began by providing training for Nigerian security forces on protection of civilians and civilian harm mitigation.

Recognising that civilians are the best agents of their own protection, CISLAC then sought to enable civilian advocacy through the formation of State Civil Security Relations Platforms.

“The goal of these platforms was to first assess the threats to the communities and then to pursue improved protection outcomes through advocacy and engagement with security forces.”

Amplifying PoC Conversation Also speaking, CISLAC Programme Manager, Defence and Security, Salaudeen Hashim, said the high level of vulnerability of civilians across the country formed the basis for the meeting, adding that the level and the framework of protection remained

Credit: GOOGLE weak and that some of the framework provided by the state to provide protection was also weak.

Therefore, he said the media interaction was to amplify the conversation around the protection of civilians and civilian harm integration, adding that “we believe that all of these things together would actually allow for a robust protection framework and a regime that will advance the course of man’s security and promote the level of citizens participation in governance".

He further disclosed that CISLAC had held both horizontal and vertical engagements with policymakers and civilians and a lot of commitment have been demonstrated on the protection of civilians because it is germane and the right thing to do.

Calling for the passage of the bill on the protection of civilians currently before the National Assembly, he added that " “There is a policy before the Federal Executive Council, there is also a bill before the National Assembly so these two frameworks at different levels have gone far.

“We are hoping that the president passes this before the end of the year so as to put in place the policy that protects civilians which will be a plus because CISLAC has always advocated better protection for civilians and has always engaged security agencies on ways to bridge the gap between the people and security agents.

“We have a platform where we engage technical staff within the state actors to also be participants in the process and of course help them to influence the rules of engagement.

“We help them to support the kind of tactical approach they adopt in every theatre.

For every theatre there are various kinds of approach that must be put in place.

“So, we have helped in terms of technical support and assistance, we are also helping in providing regular trainings and this week we are having specialise trainings for desk officers for elections in the nine commands.

“These are the kind of support we provide

"In conflict-ridden areas, CISLAC is deeply engaged with communities’ governance structures to support civilians in developing self-protection strategies and bringing their protection concerns to armed actors in the area"

to ensure that protection is institutionalised so it is important that there is a paradigm shift from what is existing and that in itself can have a new regime in terms of how you deal with the protection of civilians."

The Gains Speaking on the gains recorded so far, Rafsanjani said in addressing the evolution of the conflict in Nigeria and the ongoing civilian protection challenges, CISLAC with support from Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) has been mobilising champions within the government, military, and civil society to advance policies and practices that will help minimise such civilian harm.

Harping on one of the major gains, he said that for one year, CISLAC worked with the government to develop a national civilian protection policy and draft legislation that would put civilians at the heart of every civil security operation in Nigeria.

Expressing satisfaction at the progress made thus far with the House of Representative Committees on Defence and Security, as well as members of the Technical Working Group, he also commended the media for providing a robust platform to challenge the norms within the protection space.

Giving update on how far the bill had gone, he said "there is currently a draft bill at the National Assembly waiting to be listed in the order paper after an extensive legislative engagement and capacity development sessions; and a draft policy before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) awaiting presidential assent.

“At the same time, CISLAC has mentored senior defense and security stakeholders and community militia leaders to institutionalise civilian protection practices within their respective institutions."

Beyond this, he said the goal in the "outgoing year is to build the capacity of stakeholders within the defence and security architecture to avoid civilian harm in the course of their activities.

“In conflict-ridden areas, CISLAC is deeply engaged with communities’ governance structures to support civilians in developing self-protection strategies and bringing their protection concerns to armed actors in the area.

“We also brought together local communities and security forces to discuss protection concerns and improve civilian protection. For example, Plateau and Adamawa has a robust civil security relationship, a platform that now allows them gather early warning and process them with Continued on page XV

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY APRIL 19, 2022

IMAGES

XIII Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Adam and Eve, and Chief Host, Mrs. Dupe Ogunlesi; Chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT) Kidney for Africa, Prof. Gabriel Olufemi Sowemimo; representative of Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibironke Sodeinde; CEO, Kidney Foundation for Africa, Mr. Clinton Peter; and Consultant Nephrologists, Saint.

Nicholas, Dr. Ebun Bamgboye, at the 2022 World Kidney Day held in Lagos…recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; state Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Rabiu Olowo; and Member of the House of Assembly, Ifako Ijaiye I, Hon. Temitope Adewale, at the second Memorial Ramadan Lecture of late Oba Muftau Olatunji Hamzat in Lagos…recently

L-R: Executive Director, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), Mr. Adebanji Adeniyi; Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Agbaje; Chairman, Mr. Hezekiah Adesola Oyinlola; Non-executive Director, Mrs. Cathy Echeozo; and Group Company Secretary, Mr. Erhi Obobeduo, at the first annual general meeting of GTCO held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Son-in-law of the deceased, Mr. Gbenro Adegbola; daughter, Mrs. Funso Adegbola; son, Muyiwa Ige; wife, Oyinda, during prayers at the graveyard of the late wife of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Chief Ajibola Ige, Justice Atinuke Ige’s 19th year remembrance in Ibadan, Oyo State... recently

L-R: President-elect of Rotary Club, Mrs. Kezeiah Okonofua; President, Rotary Club, Jeremiah Adie; and Principal, JSS Gwarinpa, Mrs. Zainab Hassan; during the education scholarship care guidance project, in Abuja… recently

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Macfolly Hospitality (owners of The Marriott Hotel), Mr. Chike Ogeah; organiser of the Awards, Mr. Ikechi Uko; Director-General, National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe; and Financial Controller, Macfolly Hospitality, Alhaji Bashir Bello, during the presentation of Hotel of the Year 2021 Award to Lagos Marriot Hotel, Ikeja, at Travellers Awards held in Abuja...recently

L-R: Olofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade; Vice President, Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Otunba Ayodele Michael Olumoko; his wife, Toyin; representative of Ooni of Ife, Alara Odaiye, Oba Adebisi Layade; and Aare Ona kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, during the investiture ceremony of Olumoko held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

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T H I S D AY ˾ DAY APRIL 19, 2022

FEATURES

Cross section of participants and facilitators at the media parley on the Precariousness of Protection: Gains, Strains and Pains around the Protection of Civilians and Civilian Harm Mitigation in Armed Conflict response agencies – an uncommon occurrence in the region.".

Pains of Conflict for Civilians According to Rafsanjani, beyond the gains, the pains consist of intimidation, harassment and physical assault by security forces, adding civilians reported they were regularly intimidated, physically assaulted, extorted, and had their properties stolen or seized by security forces.

He said: "They also complained about the frequency with which security forces were careless with their weapons, often shooting indiscriminately and sporadically into the air.

“Civilians described the unprovoked physical assaults of young men who security forces believed might have been sympathizers or members of AOGs; civilians returning from their farms or collecting firewood who were accused of conspiring with AOGs while outside the trenches and subjecting them to harsh interrogation, threats, and physical violence. .“The security institutions were also responsible for checkpoints on roads connecting area towns and at these checkpoints or while on patrol they would demand that civilians pay bribes before they could pass through.

"Within the garrison towns the military and community militias supporting security efforts would sometimes abuse their position for personal gain. When food items were distributed, it was sometimes seized by military.”

Sexual Exploitation, Abuse of Civilians

by Security Agents In most conflict situations, sexual abuse is rife and Nigeria is not any different.

Rafsanjani noted that on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), civilians claimed that security agents and other nontraditional state security institutions regularly engage in practices of sexual exploitation and abuse.

He said: "Rape by security forces was reported as common. Young ladies in conflict areas have become riffles in the hands of personnel. This has created resentment among young people who see this as an emerging threat.

"In the Walking Paradox experience, the number of women impregnated by personnel is a recipe for a new concern and the need to interrogate the social impact of various theatres.

“Feedbacks from various state level engagements had it that security forces would enter civilian homes, remove the women and subsequently abuse them. Security forces were frequent patrons of women who had resorted to prostitution as a coping strategy once other economic opportunities were no longer available.”

Lack of Accountability Fuels Apathy in Reporting Abuses He however stressed that its all due to lack of accountability, adding that given the abusive practices, civilians resent and fear security forces.

“Civilians opined that they have few avenues for seeking justice for the wrongs they suffered.

Some reported to the police while others appealed to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and traditional leaders, but with few results.

“In many areas the appropriate mechanism for reporting violations and abuses simply did not function any longer with local governance left to the military because local officials had fled

L-R: CISLAC Conflict Advisor, Salaudeen Hashim; CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa; and CISLAC Program Officer (Defence and Security), Bertha Ogbimi before the area was secured," he disclosed.

Culture of Silence What is the result of this? A Culture of Silence has become the order of the day. According to the executive director, without reliable options, many civilians simply adopt a culture of silence because they could not talk about these problems in public as those who attempted to report an abuse were sometimes beaten by the civilian security forces operating alongside the military.

“Civilians were scared of the security apparatus and felt powerless. One man said, “due to ignorance and illiteracy we did not know what to do and how to report.”

In addition to being physically isolated within garrison towns, often unable to travel from their town to another, mobile phone networks across the North-east, North-west and North-central are unreliable. Even if civilians had the contact for someone outside their immediate area who could help them, there was no guarantee.” he added.

Strains Addressing the strains which he described as fostering Civil-Military Relations to Advance Protection Of Civilians, he said traditionally, civilians do not engage directly with the military due to many of the reasons described above, or because of local custom.

“Traditional, political or religious leaders would ordinarily perform this role on behalf of the community. However, many of these leaders no longer reside in their communities for fear of being targeted by AOGs, so although civilians have issues they need to address with security forces, they often have no means of doing so. " CISLAC’s goal is to support stakeholders at the state level to catalyze a new and

productive exchange between themselves and security forces to address protection concerns and to support civilian advocacy efforts on protection.

“The diversity of participants is critical to the success of the state platforms as it maximises the opportunity for all relevant protection issues to be raised and discussed in an impartial manner.

“Civilians underscored how their advocacy and the military’s response have improved the situation on the ground. " Although some tensions undoubtedly remain, a participant recounted once that “Now there is marginal improvement in the relationship between the military and civilians".

"Report from various interventions during the period under review posits that protection issues present at the time the civil security platforms were formed have improved, leading a participant to say that "now everything has improved we do not act like we did before. Before we used to leave everything to God. But now the situation has improved, we have access to report every situation, we know our rights in the community”.

Way Forward Proffering solutions, the Executive Director said CISLAC is recommending the National Assembly to as a matter of urgency, initiate legislative proceedings on the bill on protection of civilians and civilian harm mitigation in armed conflict in the National Assembly, to provide oversight frameworks and deepen accountability infrastructure within the PoC regime.

He also charged the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation should as a matter of urgency, reintroduce to the Federal Executive council; the PoC

"There is a policy before the Federal Executive Council, there is also a bill before the National Assembly so these two frameworks at different levels have gone far. We are hoping that the president passes this before the end of the year so as to put in place the policy that protects civilians"

draft policy for immediate assent and provide a framework for protection to the citizens and residents of the Federal republic of Nigeria.

Also, he said civilians are best placed to advocate for their own protection when they have the confidence and necessary resources to articulate their concerns to security forces, adding that "the Government of Nigeria should help civilians better understand how security forces are organised and function, and how to present their concerns most effectively, including information on escalation channels/procedures if their initial appeals are blocked.

“Interventions of the government of Nigeria and international donor community intended to improve civil-security relations should consider the subject from the perspectives of both civilians and security forces, although the Government of Nigeria alone has a legal obligation to protect all civilians. Such interventions should be done with a “Do No Harm” approach.

"If civilians’ grievances toward the military remain unaddressed or civilians’ risk being targeted

by AOGs as a result of perceived affiliation with the government, it may do more harm than good to bring the two groups together.

“Training of Nigerian security forces by the government of Nigeria and international donor community should emphasise POC, including CHM, leveraging experiential, role-playing exercises that build trainees’ understanding of the difficult choices civilians must make in conflict environments.

“This can help to overcome individual preconceptions and further humanise the experiences of all civilians within a diverse country like Nigeria. In addition, the Nigerian military should prioritise community engagement, training and exercises to help mitigate the potential for civilian harm, recognising that perceptions of the military are colored by civilians’ memories of past performance.

“Due to the regular redeployment of security forces within the country, and between the current divisional structure of Nigeria’s military, it is essential that training for deployed forces be regular and consistent to reinforce the protection of civilians.

“Training should also target officers/soldiers that have direct contact with civilians, which extends far beyond training for civil-security coordination officers," he added.

Likewise, given the frequent military rotations, organisations should introduce community groups and their activities to military personnel on a recurring basis at multiple levels of command so they always have access to report protection threats.

In many areas, security forces (primarily the military) are now de facto responsible for local government in the absence of elected political leaders.

“It is therefore critical that security forces take reports of violations seriously and are transparent with their accountability mechanisms.

“That security forces report on potential civilian harm resulting from their operations and activities, and offer acknowledgement or amends for such instances.

“That civilians need to be made aware of the appropriate channels for reporting potential violations and civilian harm, encouraged to report potential violations, and are protected from any retaliation by accused individuals or units.” he added.

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T H I S D AY ˾TUESDAY APRIL 19, 2022

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Luxury Real Estate Outlook in Nigeria Remains Positive, Says Cavalli GMD Emmanuel Odemayowa, the Chairman and Group Managing Director of Cavalli Business & Investment Group tells Bennett Oghifo the luxury real estate market in Nigeria has great prospects

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s a big player in the real estate industry, what is your view on the recently signed Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority law as regards regulating, sanitising and monitoring the activities of the industry?

It is a welcome development that the Lagos State Government is putting various mechanisms in place to checkmate and monitor real estate projects and practitioners in the state. In recent years, there have been so many cases of fraudulent activities which do not portray the real estate sector well in Lagos. There is the need to eliminate impostors, fraudsters, sharp practices connected with persons who claim to be real estate developers but whose sole objective is to defraud Lagosians. The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority law has the mandate to monitor and sanitize the industry.

As a professional, what can be done in the short and longrun to reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit?

I have been hearing about the Nigeria housing deficit for over 10 years now. Recently, I heard it was 22 million and it doesn’t seem to be abating, rather it seems to be escalating.

So, at Cavalli Business & Investment Group, we have massive projects where we have several housing units, and we try to help the market with our projects. We try to do projects where people pay in installments up to like three years or more. We also try to make our projects affordable and we always come up with the best prices. We believe that this will go a long way in closing the gap. We are also reaching out to the state government and also the Federal Ministry of Housing in Abuja for partnership and see how we can close this gap.

We understand that it is always not so easy for private developers to do so much when it comes to social housing without government input and it should not stop at the process of giving land to the developers. We have the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company; these organs of the government have to work in much better ways to encourage private developers like us.

We are doing a lot already, but we need to do so much more because the housing deficit is growing and our population is growing as well.

Talk us through the projects of Cavalli Group and its subsidiaries Cavalli Group is a holding company for different sub corporations. Its major sectors are Real Estate, Facility Management, Construction, Infrastructure and Energy. Cavalli Group is majorly into the business of sales and development of luxury homes and apartments within Lagos in particular and Nigeria in general. The group has gathered a lot of experience in the construction of luxury homes and apartments through our wide range of luxury homes portfolio- from small apartment buildings, mixed-use buildings, terrace houses, high-rise apartments. As a group, we are committed to client’s satisfaction, quality workmanship and best service delivery. We have the following members namely: Deluxe Residences is an urban real estate development, investment and management firm which focuses on luxury residential apartments in upscale locations. Global Property Partners (GPP) as a member which specializes in the acquisition, development and management of commercial properties. GPP developments range from office, retail, industrial and mixed-use developments.

Cavalli Projects & Designs is an engineering construction company with vast experience in delivering engineering projects across Nigeria.

CPD provides designs, engineering, construction and maintenance of civil works. J&B Facility Management is a leading full-service facility management and smart integrated property company with a fast growing portfolio in real estate assets management services.

Cavalli Group aligns more to the luxury

especially from the government, getting titles like Certificate of Occupancy, Governor’s Consent for subsequent transactions and some other things has really affected the housing sector in Nigeria. We have this bureaucratic bottleneck, and it slows down the processes. The processes are good, but they are not meant to frustrate people, are they? And then again, access to finance for both the developers and the end-users.

For the developers, it is always there; at least every developer is always out there trying to look out for funds for projects. Then the endusers, there’s National Housing Fund (NHF) but I will say it should be strengthened and expanded. The population we have in Nigeria is tending towards 200 million right now, so when you have such organizations working to cater for housing for this number of people, then their capacity needs to be enlarged. There must be bridging of gaps in getting finances to the end-users, so they can get loans and get mortgages with a single-digit interest rate.

Odemayowa

real estate sector in Nigeria. What informs this strategy and what are the gains?

As a group, we apply the knowledge that we have gathered over the years in the luxury real estate space to acquire real estate in areas that have substantial upside appreciation potential. Luxury developments have key factors which include location, design, space, comfort and the amenities.

As a leader in the industry, we cover all these aspects in the projects we develop and deliver. We take pride in our abilities to locate and acquire economically sound high yield investment and development properties. We have built a strong reputation of offering affordable luxury housing and we are being measured by the sustainable business value we offer our stakeholders.

These have helped us in achieving optimum results in the marketing and sales of all our developments.

Compared to the global scene, how will you rate the luxury real estate market in Nigeria?

The investment rationale of owning luxury real estate remains attractive and has continued to grow. There is a significant

boost from the increasing number of wealthy individuals who seek to own multiple luxury homes. Even with the Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, many individuals saw the need for better serviced homes with access to facilities that encourage work from home (WFH) policies such as steady power and Wi-Fi connections. The rise of insecurities is also driving the demand of more home seekers to look for homes in secure, well gated environments. The expectations of home buyers are very much matched to that of global standards. Many developers are aware of the needs of these millennial, as we have a lot of buyers from Nigerians in the Diaspora who are keying more into real estate investment opportunities due to the gains of the dollar over the naira.

The luxury real estate market in Nigeria has continued to grow both from the supply of developers who are stepping up with offerings that match the demand and expectations of the end users. The Luxury real estate outlook remains positive.

What are the challenges Cavalli Group is encountering operating in the real estate sector in Nigeria?

Apart from the issue of access to land,

The investment rationale of owning luxury real estate remains attractive and has continued to grow. There is a significant boost from the increasing number of wealthy individuals who seek to own multiple luxury homes. Even with the Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, many individuals saw the need for better serviced homes with access to facilities that encourage work from home (WFH) policies such as steady power and Wi-Fi connections. The rise of insecurities is also driving the demand of more home seekers to look for homes in secure, well gated environments

There is a dearth of facility management culture in Nigeria with an increasing situation of completed projects rotten away after a few years of completion. What are you doing differently?

The issue of facility management is indeed a serious problem in our country. Many national and private monuments that were once the pride of Nigeria are today standing in almost total ruins. We must imbibe the maintenance culture, and this is important that it is included in the project design, execution and delivery phases. At Cavalli Group, we have the J&B Facility Management arm which is a leading full-service facility management and smart integrated property company with a fast growing portfolio in real estate assets management services. J&B Facility Management have all the expertise and requisite experience to manage and maintain all kinds of projects in compliance with the global available standards.

In terms of global standardisation, what advice will you give to government, stakeholders and operators in the Nigerian property and infrastructure industry?

We currently have strong policies regulating the industry but what is really expected of the government is to ensure implementation and continuous support of the various stakeholders in terms of reducing the bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with access to lands, C of O and other necessities. For operators, we must adhere strictly to professional ethics and create satisfying value to end users.

Tell us about yourself I had my first degree at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) where I studied English and Literature. I had my MBA at London School of Business and Finance (LSBF). I also participated and completed the Chief Executive Programme at the Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School) and IESE Business School of the University of Navara in Barcelona, Spain. Although I grew up in a real estate environment, I did not start out my career in real estate. I worked briefly at the presidency in Abuja and also with a private sector organization in Abuja. My uncle who I was with in Abuja is an engineer and he was part of the people that built Abuja in 1985.

From 1991, I started travelling to Abuja and when I graduated, I had my youth service there. I left Abuja after working briefly for about two to three years and moved to Lagos.

In Lagos, I was living with my cousin who was also into real estate and construction. I worked with him for a while and eventually, I had to branch out. Prior to that time, right in Abuja, I was supervising some projects but not really on full time because as at that time, I had not made up my mind that I was going into real estate. When I am off work during the evenings, I try to play golf at Ikoyi Club where I am a member. I also watch a lot of football. I am a Chelsea fan.

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY APRIL 18, 2022

Under Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom is like Easter, witnessing a rebirth, writes JOHN C. IBANGA

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Ibanga writes from Uyo

VICTOR C. ARIOLE reckons that Nigeria has a lot to learn from France in politics

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Ariole is Professor of French and Francophone Studies, University of Lagos

4 24

T H I S D AY TUESDAY APRIL 19, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

SENATE AND THE COPYRIGHT BILL The proposed overhaul of the Copyright Act is in order

A

t a time when stories of kidnapping, banditry, power failure and politics dominate the headlines, it is heartwarming to hear some good news coming from the National Assembly.

The Senate recently considered and passed the bill to repeal the 34-year-old Copyright Act and replace it with a new one. Delivering the report of his committee, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele said the bill (a marriage of the one from the executive and that proposed by a private member) would enhance the competitiveness of the creative industries in a knowledge-based global economy, provide for PRUH HͿHFWLYH SURWHFWLRQ of rights, allow for appropriate exceptions to guarantee access and advance public welfare as well as generally enhance copyright administration and enforcement.

In Nigeria today, the creative and knowledge industries are highly undervalued. Yet they are the country’s most YDOXDEOH HFRQRPLF UHVRXUFHV DIWHU RLO 7KH PXVLF ÀOP DQG OLWHUDU\ VHFWRUV KDYH KHOSHG WR UDLVH WKH SURÀOH of Nigeria as a country that the world listens to and takes seriously. But there is a problem. According to a recent survey carried out by Price Waterhouse and Coopers (PWC), Nigeria, despite its reputation as a PDMRU ÀOP SURGXFLQJ FRXQWU\ KDG RQO\ PRYLH VFUHHQV FDWHULQJ IRU LWV RYHU PLOOLRQ SHRSOH 7KLV ZRXOG WUDQVODWH WR RQH VFUHHQ SHU PLOOLRQ SHRSOH 7KH SXEOLVKLQJ LQGXVWU\ LV VXͿHULQJ XQGHU WKH ZHLJKW of piracy and other copyright abuses while the return on investment in the music industry is barely VX΀FLHQW WR JXDUDQWHH LWV VXVWDLQDELOLW\ With the emergence of the Internet and online businesses, opportunities abound for start-ups from anywhere to gain global prominence. Talents and opportunities abound in all areas of the creative VSDFH ZULWLQJ ÀOP PXVLF EURDGFDVWLQJ IDVKLRQ visual art, software, standup comedy, etc. But there are also challenges that make them vulnerable to technology-empowered predators that abound

RQOLQH DQG R΁LQH 8QGHUVWDQGDEO\ WKH WKUHDWV SRVHG by the digital environment would easily overwhelm a copyright system that was designed for an analogue world. Hence the need for a total rewriting of the Copyright Act and an overhaul of the regulatory and administrative framework of the Nigerian copyright system in line with global best practices and the country’s international obligations under the relevant treaties.

To bring this laudable initiative to a successful berth, other imperatives must be addressed. First, as a matter of urgency, an early concurrence of the House of Representatives would be desirable before the entire legislative machinery is lockdown on account of politics. Second, relevant right owner associations, concerned government agencies and other stakeholders in the copyright sector must commit to a paradigm shift in the administration of copyright and bring about the needed attitudinal change in the copyright culture.

Third, industry practitioners must make the needed changes in their business models and be more proactive in the new system. The enforcement of rights must not be left to government agencies alone.

Industry practice and internal mechanisms must be recalibrated while co-operations across all the subsectors should be encouraged. Fourth, working with other stakeholders, the Nigerian Copyright Commission should seize the opportunity of a new copyright regime to intensify its public awareness and education programmes and assist in building a more functional and responsive copyright ecosystem.

Lawyers and judges, as major players in the use of the law must be trained and retrained to make their task less cumbersome.

Nigeria has made tremendous progress of growing its creative sector with limited policy intervention.

The passage of the new Copyright Bill should therefore be a watershed from the past and a big leap towards bringing the gains of creativity to its people and ultimately as a tool of national development.

As a matter of urgency, an early concurrence of the House of Representatives would be desirable before the entire legislative machinery is lockdown on account of politics T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS BOLA TINUBU AND 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS The acronym BAT (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) has become a conceptual political discourse in our politics and polity as a nation. And because RI LWV LPSOLFDWLRQV FRQVHTXHQFHV DQG LQÁXHQFHV WKH ¶FRQFHSW· EHFRPHV FRQWURYHUVLDO 6R WKH GHÀQLWLRQ RI WKH FRQFHSW ¶%$7· GHSHQGV RQ WKH GLVSRVLWLRQ RI WKH GHÀQHU WR WKH FRQFHSW ,I WKRVH ZKR DUH GLVJUXQWOHG DQG XQIDYRXUDEO\ GLVSRVHG WR ¶%$7· GHÀQH WKH FRQFHSW \RX VKRXOG H[SHFW GHURJDWRU\ TXDOLÀHUV LQ WKHLU GHÀQLWLRQV To this end, the usual rancorous, vituperative verbal attacks and negotiated conspiracies against Bola Ahmed Tinubu in an attempt to DVVDVVLQDWH KLV FKDUDFWHU DQG VFXWWOH KLV SUHVLGHQWLDO DPELWLRQ DUH understandable, as the attacks and allegations are usually baselessly parented by those seeking to stoke and manipulate people’s anger in order to advance their own political objectives.

6LQFH ZKHQ KLV WHQXUH DV WZR WHUP /DJRV 6WDWH JRYHUQRU FDPH to a halt, BAT has not held any political position, but he has received attacks and demeaning insults more than any politician, including those who remain perpetually in power and who have amassed afÁXHQFH DQG KXJH ZHDOWK IURP WLOO WKLV PRPHQW %XW ZK\ LV WKH system this unfair, especially when it has not been able to legally esWDEOLVK DQ\ FDVH RI ÀQDQFLDO PLVDSSURSULDWLRQ RU RWKHU IRUPV RI JXLOW against Tinubu?

Many of his political hate mongers resent him for his stake being

a facilitator of Lagos’ socioeconomic and infrastructural overhauling evidenced in the state’s sustained, uninterrupted growth in the last two decades.

But Tinubu has many more haters, especially in politics because KLV SROLWLFDO LQÁXHQFH WUDQVFHQGV /DJRV 6WDWH ,Q IRU LQVWDQFH WKH 3HRSOHV 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\ 3'3 ZLWK RYHUZKHOPLQJ LQÁXHQFH UHFRUGHG ODQGVOLGH YLFWRU\ LQ WKH $SULO HOHFWLRQV 7LQXEX VLQJOHhandedly swung into action of negotiations to bring together the fragmented opposition parties into a “mega-party” with which he chalOHQJHG DQG ZHDNHQHG WKH 3'3·V LQÁXHQFH HVSHFLDOO\ LQ 6RXWKZHVW 7KH IUXLWV RI KLV QHJRWLDWLRQV EHFDPH PDQLIHVW LQ ZLWK WKH merger of three biggest opposition parties — the_Action Congress of Nigeria_ (ACN), the _Congress for Progressive Change_ (CPC), the _All Nigeria People’s Party_ (ANPP); a faction of the _All Progressives Grand Alliance_ (APGA) and the new PDP (nPDP), a faction of serving governors of then ruling _Peoples Democratic Party_ — into the popular _All Progressives Congress_ (APC).

The victorious emergence of General Muhammadu Buhari as a PHUJHU FDQGLGDWH LQ WKH SUHVLGHQWLDO HOHFWLRQ ZKLFK HQGHG WKH \HDU UXOH RI WKH 3'3 UHGRXQGHG WR 7LQXEX·V FUHGLW IRU KLV SROLWLFDO expertise and wizardry without which Buhari, who had before the PHUJHU FRQWHVWHG DQG SUHVLGHQWLDO HOHFWLRQV DQG ORVW

might not have won the election.

You see why diehard political opponents would not stop their indignant resentments and feelings of ill will toward Tinubu; he ended PDP’s hegemony and broke its near two-decade political jinx.

I wonder why the maxim “No permanent enemy or friend in politics”, which is axiomatic in the way some personal-interest conscious politicians defect from one political party to another, does not apply to VRPH XQUHSHQWDQW FURRNV DQG XQIRUJLYHQ SROLWLFDO DFWRUV LQ RXU FOLPH This crop of stakeholders in our polity should be educated on the need to place patriotism and national interest above any others, either personal or politically motivated, and make progressive friendship for the development of this country.

It is an incontestable fact that Tinubu was one of the focal protesters DJDLQVW WKH DQQXOPHQW RI WKH -XQH SUHVLGHQWLDO HOHFWLRQV ZKR demanded establishment of a new democracy in Nigeria. With a view to achieving this intent, you would not blame BAT for his brave application of the maxim by placing national interest above his personal interest, thereby making friendships with political actors across notable opposition parties for the purpose of building a formidable force.

Jimoh Olorede, a writer and researcher, writes via oloredejimoh@gmail.com

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

25

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

A P R I L

S & P INDEX

1 8 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

9.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

564.02%

1/4 TO DATE

5.82%

N413.03/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

10.75%

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

–0.17%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.85%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.19%

Nigeria’s Crude Oil Under-production Hits 14.88m Barrels in March, $1.488bn Lost to Lack of Capacity

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigeria only managed to pump 1.238 million barrels per day, although it had a fixed 1.718 million barrels per day production quota from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in March, 2022 a new report from the cartel has indicated.

At a time that the country should be harnessing every dollar it could possibly earn from what could pass for its sole foreign exchange earner, crude oil, the Nigeria, going by a

THISDAY review, was unable to drill as much as 14.88 million barrels for last month.

Nigeria has been on a borrowing spree since it currently lacks the ability to shore up its oil production, its main source of foreign exchange, and last week, the National Assembly approved N4 trillion as petrol subsidy for the Muhammadu Buhari-led government for 2022.

According to the OPEC’s Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR), citing direct communication with Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer was only

able to pump 1.238 million bpd as against 1.258 million barrels per day it produced per day in February.

Placed against the country’s OPEC quota of 1.718 million barrels per day for March, this was a whopping deficit of 480,000 bpd in in the month under review.

When these daily losses are calculated for the entire 31 days of March, this would be 14.88 million barrels for the whole month and about $1.488 billion at a conservative oil price of $100 per barrel.

While OPEC uses secondary

sources to monitor its oil output, it also publishes a table of figures submitted by its member countries, the one it terms “direct communication.”

Nigeria has been unable to reap the benefit of high international oil prices as it has consistently failed to ramp up production for over a year to meet its OPEC quota.

Massive oil theft, outright sabotage, community issues and the inability of the country to restart the oil wells it shut down in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 have been blamed for the development.

Even the marginal fields awards which would, if they were producing, add to the country’s total output, has largely only made slow progress since the process started, with awardees paying huge interests on their dormant working capital.

However, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), last week assured that the marginal field award programme closure was in sight, with winners expected to move to site around June.

“Before the first half of the year, we

want to see a situation where some of the awardees will be proceeding to field development plan. At the moment again, we have recorded close to 90 per cent of the co-awardees forming their Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and at that stage, it is the very comfortable stage when the commission can go ahead to issue Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs)” he assured.

But in all, the OPEC-13 crude oil production averaged 28.56 million Continued on page 26

Russia-Ukraine War: Fight against World’s Hunger Crisis May Get Tougher, Says LCCI Gilbert Ekugbe The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has stated that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine would likely make the world’s hunger crisis even tougher to fight.

This is even as a United Nations report found that more than 70 per cent of Africa’s economies are at severe risk from Russia’s

war in Ukraine.

The war is supercharging a three-dimensional crisis – food, energy and finance – that is pummeling some of the world’s most vulnerable people, countries and economies,” the UN SecretaryGeneral, Mr. Antonio Guterres said.

The President, LCCI, Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole, explained that the countries involved are

two of the world’s major suppliers of staple grains like wheat, corn, sunflower, potash.

Olawale-Cole maintained that Nigeria’s food supply has started to feel some pressure as it imported four per cent of its wheat from Ukraine and 27 per cent of wheat from Russia in 2021.

He said that data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Russia was

FOOD

COMMODITIES

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

RICE

100KG

ABUJA

N23,000–N25,000

SORGHUM

50KG

OYO

N22,000-N25,000

50KG

PLATEAU (JOS)

N23,500-N25,000

50KG

KWARA N24,000–N27,000

50KG

LAGOS

50KG

RIVERS N23,000–N26,500

50KG 50KG

N23,000–N26,500

SOKOTO N11,500–N13,000 EDO

N17,000–N20,000

the sixth major exporter to Nigeria as of the third quarter of 2021 coming only after China, India, the USA, Netherlands, and Belgium in that order.

He however predicted that rising prices would remain a major concern for businesses and households, especially given the challenges associated with insecurity, infrastructure deficit, and foreign exchange fluctuations,

SIZE

PRICE

STATE

100KG JIGAWA

all of which are factors that have continually triggered inflation in Nigeria in the past months.

“It is expected that the war in Ukraine which has disrupted supply chains of oil and gas, and food commodities will, in the short-term drive inflationary pressures northward,” he added.

Olawale-Cole added that the agriculture sector showed some evidence of impacts from

heightening insecurity and lingering supply chain disruptions as it recorded real growth of 3.58 per cent (year-on-year), an increase of 0.16 per cent points when compared with the Q4 2020, and an increase of 2.36 per cent points from Q3 2021 which recorded a growth rate of 1.22 per cent.

Continued on page 26

T O D AY

PRICE

NAME OF COMMODITY

N9,000

C O C OA

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

1 TON

ONDO

N740,000 – N760,000

1 TON

OSUN

N730,000 – N750,000

1 TON

EDO

N720,000 – N740,000

100KG

BENUE

N8,500

100KG

KADUNA

N8,500

50KG

ENUGU

N23,000

50KG

LAGOS

N17,000

1 TON

CROSS RIVER

N700,000 – N720,000

100KG

DELTA

N23,000

1 TON

AKURE SOUTH, ONDO

N730,000 — N755,000

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS FOOD

NAME OF COMMODITY

PALM OIL

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

25CL LAGOS N20,000-N25000 25CL

PH

NAME OF COMMODITY

TOMATOES

N21,000 – 24,000

COMMODITIES SIZE

STATE

40KG BENUE

PRICE

N15,000

40KG

KADUNA

N5,000

40KG

ABIA

N18,000

25CL IBADAN N18,000-N22,000 25CL

IMO

N21,000–N24,500

25CL

EDO

N17,000–N20,000

25CL ABUJA

N19500- N25000

25KG LAGOS

N9,500

40KG DELTA

N17000

PRICE

T O D AY

NAME OF COMMODITY

SIZE

STATE

PRICE

ONIONS

100KG

IBADAN

N25,000

100KG

KANO

N10,000

100KG

BENUE

N27,000

100KG GOMBE

N12,000

100KG DELTA

N21,000

100KG LAGOS

N25,000

100KG ENUGU

N15,000

100KG

N29,000

ABIA

NAME OF COMMODITY

MAIZE

LOCATION

PRICE

100KG JIGAWA

N9000

100KG ENUGU

N24000

100KG DELTA

N15000

100KG ABIA

N14000

50KG LAGOS

N13500

SIZE

Renewables Take Lion’s Share of Global Power Additions in 2021 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Renewable energy continued to expand steadily and well above the long-term trend, with share in total capacity expansion reaching new record of 81 per cent last year.

New data released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) showed that renewable energy continued to grow and gain momentum despite global uncertainties.

By the end of 2021, global

renewable generation capacity amounted to 3,064 Gigawatt (GW), increasing the stock of renewable power by 9.1 per cent.

Although hydropower accounted for the largest share of the global total renewable generation capacity with 1,230 GW, IRENA’s Renewable Capacity Statistics 2022 showed that solar and wind continued to dominate new generating capacity.

Together, both technologies contributed 88 per cent to the share of all new renewable capacity in

2021. Solar capacity led with 19 per cent increase, followed by wind energy, which increased its generating capacity by 13 per cent.

“This continued progress is another testament of renewable energy’s resilience. Its strong performance last year represents more opportunities for countries to reap renewables’ multiple socio-economic benefits.

“However, despite the encouraging global trend, our new World Energy Transitions Outlook shows that the

energy transition is far from being fast or widespread enough to avert the dire consequences of climate change.

“Our current energy crisis also adds to the evidence that the world can no longer rely on fossil fuels to meet its energy demand. Money directed to fossil fuel power plants yields unrewarding results, both for the survival of a nation and the planet.

“Renewable power should become the norm across the globe.

We must mobilise the political will to accelerate the 1.5°C pathway,” IRENA’s Director-General, Francesco La Camera, said in a note.

To achieve climate goals, the organisation stated that renewables must grow at a faster pace than energy demand. However, it noted that many countries have not reached this point yet, despite significantly increasing the use of renewables for electricity generation.

The report showed that 60 per cent of the new capacity in 2021

was added in Asia, resulting in a total of 1.46 Terawatt (TW) of renewable capacity by 2021, with China being the biggest contributor, adding 121 GW to the continent’s new capacity.

Europe and North America—led by the USA—took second and third places respectively, with the former adding 39 GW, and the latter 38 GW while renewable energy capacity grew by 3.9 per cent in Africa and 3.3 per cent in Central America and the Caribbean.

NDPHC Signs Power Supply Agreement with Abuja Community Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has signed an agreement with Kaida, a community within the Federal Capital Terrory (FCT), as part of the fulfilment of its corporate social responsibility.

With the agreement, a statement from the organisation noted that the

NDPHC will now provide a solar cabin system for the community.

Kaida is a small community with about 250 homes which are completely shut out from electricity supply from the grid, NDPHC noted.

Executive Director, Generation, Kassim Abdullahi, said the NDPHC was working with Sun Africa on the development of renewable energy

projects both on-grid and off-grid, explaining that the collaboration will unlock about 1GW of electricity for Nigerians.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement, (MOA), which took place at the NDPHC headquarters, Abuja, the statement said, was a prerequisite for obtaining a permit from the Nigerian Electricity

Regulatory Commission (NERC) for provision of power less than 100Kw to any community. .

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, NDPHC, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, disclosed that the 27.6KW Solar cabin system was donated to NDPHC by Sun Africa, a US Company.

Also speaking, General Manager,

Renewable Energy at NDPHC, Valerie Agberagba noted that the solar cabin system would provide electricity to 50 homes with an average of four occupants when deployed.

While explaining that the project is expandable, she however, warned that such expansion will depend on how well Kaida community takes care of the project.

Agberagba said the community’s actions and inaction will determine the next step for the expansion of the project.

In his remarks, the executive in charge of solar cabin development at Sun Africa, Mr Peter Mauriv, stated that although the project is small scale, it will be expanded in the future.

FG Laments Attacks on Public Infrastructure, Urges Nigerians to Protect Power Assets Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has urged Nigerians to rise and consciously protect Nigeria’s public infrastructure, especially against the backdrop of recent vandalism of transmission lines, leading to national power grid collapses.

Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Infrastructure, Ahmad Zakari, noted that it was incomprehensible that Nigerians will deliberately attack national assets.

Making the comments on his Twitter handle, Zakari listed several

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Reporters Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

instances of sabotage and vandalism which have also slowed down the progress in the construction of major strategic infrastructure in the last few months.

The federal government had recently again blamed the nationwide blackout on the damage done by suspected vandals to one of its power facilities in the Niger Delta.

It stated that the vandalism of a transmission tower resulted in the

substantial loss of power generation, saying that the immediate cause was the destruction of the Odukpani Ikot-Ekpene 330kV double circuit transmission line.

According to the government, this resulted in a sudden loss of about 400 megawatts of generation and consequently led to a cascade of plant shutdowns across the country.

But Zakari urged Nigerians to report any suspicions of people

who are bent on damaging the country’s infrastructure, explaining that although it is important to improve nationwide security, it’s impossible to monitor every inch of the country’s land area.

“We had a grid collapse. The driver was sabotage of IkotEkpene Calabar 330kv tower.

The grid is connected. An event at a large power source can collapse the system. Sabotage of

our infrastructure by citizens is difficult to comprehend.

“AKK gas pipeline: Attacks and kidnapping of personnel delayed project in 2022. Zungeru 750MW Hydro Power: Kidnapping of personnel delayed project completion at 95 per cent. Multiple instances of damage to Damaturu-Maiduguri 330kV lines pushing Maiduguri into darkness.

“The Abuja - Kaduna Rail damage

and subsequent attack kidnapping and killings. The Okpai gas pipeline damage taking 350MW off the grid.

“It is important to improve security but infrastructure is vast, spans thousands of kilometres and has multiple risk points. When citizens sabotage infrastructure, it leads you to question if we want to progress as an nation. Hardship inflicted on fellow citizens is unconscionable,” he lamented.

NIGERIA’S CRUDE OIL UNDER-PRODUCTION HITS 14.88M BARRELS IN MARCH, $1.488BN LOST TO LACK OF CAPACITY bpd in March, higher by just 57,000 month-on-month when compared with February as output increased mainly in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE, while production declined in Libya, Nigeria and Congo.

Saudi Arabia raised its production by 54,000 bpd to 10.262 million bpd in March, according to OPEC’s secondary sources, which compares with 10.331 million bpd quota for Saudi Arabia for March per the OPEC+ deal.

The Saudis self-reported March crude oil production of 10.300 million bpd, while the UAE raised its production by 23,000 bpd to 2.983 million bpd, compared to a quota of 2.976 million bpd.

In the same vein, Kuwait’s production rose by 25,000 bpd to 2.639 million bpd, in line with its quota under the OPEC+ deal.

However, although Nigeria failed to meet its production quota, its rig counts increased by two, from eight

to 10 in March, but it was an average of five in Q2 2021, 10 in Q3 and seven in Q4 of the same year, but fell to eight in Q1, 2022.

Recently, a THISDAY’s review showed Nigeria is producing far less oil than it did 25 years ago when the estimated population was much less than what it is today and government spending was far below what it is in 2022.

A comparison of the country’s average oil production per day in 1997, as indicated in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yearly statistical bulletin, showed that while Nigeria pumped 2.344 million barrels per day, plus condensates over two and a half decades ago, it can hardly produce 1.4 million as of this year.

Furthermore, while 26 rigs were in operation, on both onshore and offshore terrains, in 1997, Nigeria at present has just 10 active oil rigs, with a number of them not even in use.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: FIGHT AGAINST WORLD’S HUNGER CRISIS MAY GET TOUGHER, SAYS LCCI “However, the sector contributed 26.84 per cent to overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in real terms in Q4 2021.

This is lower than the contribution

in Q4 2020 and lower than Q 2021 with 26.95 per cent and 29.94 per cent respectively,” he noted.

He advised government at all levels and trade finance

institutions to channel their efforts toward the enhancement of value addition to non-oil exports.

In his words: “This can be supported by the establishment

of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that facilitate agro-processing for export. We also need more investment in export infrastructure, port operation efficiency, tackling

the high cost of production, and boosting the supply-side of the foreign exchange market to improve liquidity and ease access to foreign exchange,” he added.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

27

BUSINESSWORLD

OIL & GAS

Gas Exports: Nigeria Misses Another Critical Opportunity It’s no gainsaying that Europe is desperately in need of Africa’s natural gas as it seeks to wean itself off Russian exports. But despite Nigeria’s huge reserves, it’s currently difficult, if not impossible to ramp up production, writes Emmanuel Addeh

A

s it is in the crude oil market, so it is in the gas supply space. Nigeria cannot meet its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil production quota.

The country also appears helpless in its seemingly pretentious ambition to supply more gas to Europe on the back of the Russian-Ukraine war.

The heart of the matter is that Europe, mostly Western Europe, looks to stop its over-dependence on gas from the Vladimir Putin-led country, which experts presently put at about 40 per cent of total consumption.

In an effort to achieve that, Europe has sent several delegations to Nigeria recently to discuss ways of increasing production and by extension, supply to the continent. But the truth is that given the current realities, any such ambition remains what it is: a pipe dream.

EUROPE’S DILEMMA

Although the fuel supply situation was already bad before the present situation, many European leaders are facing more wrath from their people as oil and gas prices have surged, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 this year.

Taking a cue from the United States, which has banned imports of oil and gas and the United Kingdom which is phasing out imports, the European Union, has also said that it is halting its reliance on Russian gas. But this means that it will need alternatives or starve.

The action taken by the West is part of a series of Western sanctions aimed at cutting off Russia from the world’s financial arteries and punishing the country for, depending on whose argument one falls for, invading a neighbouring country, Ukraine.

According to BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy, 2021, Russia has the world’s largest reserves of natural gas, followed by Iran and Qatar, accounting for half of the world’s natural gas reserves in 2020.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2021,stated that European imports of gas from Russia were more than 380 million cubic metres (mcm) per day via pipelines and totalled about 140 bcm for the year while an additional 15 bcm was delivered in liquefied natural gas (LNG) form.

The EU’s announcement of a two-thirds reduction of Russian gas by the end of 2022, therefore remains an uphill task.

HUGE RESERVES, POOR PRODUCTION

Although gas has the potential to power the anticipated growth of the Nigerian economy, but the country has hardly scratched the surface of the enormous amount of the resource.

With 209 TCF, Nigeria houses the largest gas reserves on the African continent and is the ninth in the world.

Earlier in the year, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had announced that Nigeria’s proven natural gas reserve had risen to 209.5 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) as of Jan. 1, 2022.

Chief Executive, NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, said the new figure represented a major increase of 2.97 TCF in proven natural gas reserves, representing 1.42 percentage increase from the 206.53 TCF recorded on Jan. 1, 2021.

In all, Nigeria’s gas reserves are more than five times its oil reserves, and although the government acknowledges this every time, it has been unable to get it out of the ground as fast and as efficiently

as possible.

The country’s gas production and supply system is largely under-developed, and has hampered industrial growth as well as stifled foreign exchange earnings.

Nigeria’s domestic gas supply hasn’t been optimal despite having 3 per cent of global gas reserves with the gas value chain suffering from poor infrastructure, payment issues, lack of investment as well as pricing issues in the downstream segment, thereby reducing the incentives for upstream gas companies to prioritise supply.

Even domestic supply is largely hampered as a major section of the country’s citizenry still depends on firewood for cooking and power supply remains erratic due to inadequate and inefficient gas supply value chain.

Nigeria’s case has been likened to a person with a river in their backyard dying of thirst. With proven reserves equivalent to 306.3 times its annual consumption, it is estimated that the country has about 306 years of gas left, at current consumption levels and excluding unproven reserves.

Although there are no clear victors in any war, however it is also trite to accept that such situations, no matter how unfortunate and undesirable would ordinarily come with its beneficiaries. Again, the country has failed to grab the opportunity.

ALL TALK, LITTLE RESULTS

From the “Year of Gas” to the “Decade of Gas”, Nigeria has never been short of platitudes and slogans. But in spite of the much-talked-about renewed attention to the use of natural gas in boosting Nigeria’s foreign earnings, there has no significant growth in the country’s production level.

For instance, between 2016 and 2020, a THISDAY review from the latest report from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Initiative (NEITI), covering 2020, revealed that indeed the country produced more of the commodity when there was little focus on it compared to when programmes to expand its exploration and use gained national prominence in recent years.

Since the current administration took over the reins of governance, a number of programmes to reduce gas flaring and make it more available for use nationwide have been launched, while other initiatives to expand the growth of the commodity have taken centre stage.

But despite all the “efforts” and billions of dollars down the drain, there’s was no marked growth in gas production during the period under review, even though gas utilisation increased in-country marginally.

For example, in 2017, the federal government launched the national gas policy to end gas flaring and create an enabling environment for investors, seek value addition for gas, and improving governance in the sector.

A year later, President Buhari signed the Flare Gas Regulations, 2018, which provides a fiscal and commercial framework for the implementation of the NGFCP. Similarly, in December 2020, the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), which aims to deepen domestic usage of natural gas in its various forms, was launched.

During the period, the government stated that it completed the 342KM Escravos-Lagos Pipeline

System Phase 2 (ELPS 2), running from Oben node in Delta State to Itoki in Ogun State, and doubling the capacity of the ELPS from 1,100MMscfd to 2,200MMscfd.

This was in addition to the completion and commissioning of the Integrated Gas Handling Facility and LPG Processing and Dispensing Plants, said to be the largest onshore LPG plant in the country.

It was built and is being operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), an upstream subsidiary of NNPC in Oredo, Edo State.

Furthermore, the federal government has touted the commissioning of the Lot 2 of the 130KM Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, running from Obiafu/Obrikom in Rivers State, through the Oben Metering station in Edo state, to link to the Oben node on the Escravos Pipeline system (ELPS), in Delta state as one of its achievements. The OB3 Pipeline has a capacity to deliver 2,000MMscfd of gas.

In 2018, the NNPC signed agreements on what it termed seven “critical gas development projects”, to deliver about 3.4 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, to boost domestic gas supply, and support power generation and industrialisation.

They include the development of Assa North/ Ohaji South field, Samabri-Biseni, Akri-Oguta, Ubie-Oshi and Afuo-Ogbainbri unitised gas fields, among others. But the projects appear to have done little to boost the country’s overall supply.

MANY DELEGATIONS, LITTLE GAINS

In the last few weeks, the European Union has sent delegations upon delegations to the key government players in the oil and gas sector. But while various agreements have been signed in other countries like Egypt and Algeria visited by the European countries, with Nigeria, it has been all talk, no substance.

From the delegations’ visits to the Minister of State, Petroleum, Mr Timipre Sylva, to the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Make Kyari to even the midstream/downstream authority, no gains, short or long-term, have been announced and no deals have been signed.

Nigeria has simply been unable to increase production and supply despite its over 206tcf of proven gas due to under-investment and inadequate infrastructure.

Earlier, a delegation which met with Sylva, included the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Samuela Isopi and French ambassador to Nigeria, Emmaunelle Blatmann.

Others were: The Spanish ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Sell; Portuguese ambassador, Luis Barros, and Italian Deputy Head of Mission, Tarek Chazli.

At the event, the federal government had urged Europe to step up investments in gas and other hydrocarbons in Nigeria to be able to help meet the EU energy demand.

Sylva said that although Nigeria was ready to step in as an alternative gas supplier to Europe, the continent has to encourage its oil and gas companies such as Shell, Eni, Total Energies among others to scale up investments in the gas sector in Nigeria.

Aside Nigeria, the Italian Prime Minister Mario

Draghi, THISDAY learnt, arrived in Algeria last week, with an agenda to prioritise the acquisition of larger volumes of Algerian gas.

Algeria currently supplies 30 percent of the gas required by Italy, and 40 per cent comes from Russia, according to official figures.

Draghi’s visit was a prelude to that of the chairman of the Italian energy group Eni, Claudio Descalzi, during which he met with Toufik Hakar, president of Sonatrach, the Algerian hydrocarbons agency, with whom he reviewed the state the bilateral partnership.

In addition, Egypt and the EU have held a meeting pledging to enhance cooperation in energy, during consultations between Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly and Frans Timmermans, the EU’s climate chief, in Cairo.

In Nigeria, speaking on behalf of the group, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Isopi, said as a result of the current geopolitical situation in Europe, the continent was interested in strengthening its cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in the area of possible increase in the supplies of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

“Nigeria is the fourth gas supplier to Europe. At least 40 per cent of the Nigerian LNG is currently exported to Europe. We are not only major clients for Nigeria, we are also major partners in the oil and gas sector because some of the companies that are working with you are from Europe. So we share the same interest and same objectives,” Isopi was quoted as saying.

Responding, Kyari assured the delegation that the company would continue to deepen its historical relationship with EU companies in Nigeria in order to add more value to its business, particularly towards increasing gas supply to the global market and enhancing domestic gas utilisation.

Other diplomats from the European delegation on the visit, according to the statement, were: The Ambassador of Portugal, Barros; Ambassador of Spain, Sell; Ambassador of Italy, Stefano De Leo and Deputy Head of Mission (France), Olivier Chatelais.

Also, a delegation from Netherlands led by Mr Ewout de Wit, the Counsellor/Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, has visited the NMDPRA on the possibility of increasing gas supply from Nigeria.

NO SHORT CUTS

A number of analysts who spoke on the matter believe that there’s no miracle that can be performed in the short term.

“Where is the infrastructure?” an Energy Expert, Dan Kunle quipped when asked what Nigeria can do in the short term to ramp up supply to Europe?

However, he added: “If I were government, I will revisit the drawing board, I will say where is Brass LNG paper, Where is Olokola clean it up and then you invite big figures like Aliko Dangote, like Mike Adenuga to the table and say look, come and join the IOCs and get this project done because government doesn’t have the money to continue.”

Stressing that the energy sector is very capital intensive, he stated that government must find a way to incorporate its own citizens, insisting that the orientation that only America can do it was wrong.

A lawyer and former Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Chairman, Dr Sam Amadi, on his part , stated that Nigeria needs to worry about capacity to improve production.

He contended that at present, the sector in Nigeria has structural constraints, technical issues and even commercial challenges, pointing out that these issues have to be resolved before any progress.

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Popoola: Impact of AI on Businesses in Nigeria Will Be Generally Positive A pioneer in the Nigeria digital space, Williams Popoola is the founder of Wow Effect Communications, a leading marketing consulting firm in Nigeria. In this interview, he spoke about emerging technologies, digital marketing space and other issues. Nosa Alekhuogie presents the excerpts. personalisation?

Advances in technology, data, and analytics will soon allow marketers to create much more personal and ‘human’ experiences across moments, channels, and buying stages. The common axis of that transformation will be the astounding power that individual marketers will have at their fingertips to create, experiment, analyse, and innovate like never before.

Invariably, when you personalize your marketing, you send the right message to the right people at the right time.

What makes your Digital Agency different from others? will say our culture of client centricity.

We do not say we are the oldest or the best. Rather, we stress on making our clients the best in their sphere of business. And in the success of our client’s business, lies our success. I think clients see this and appreciate it. We also have a rare combination of creative, technical capabilities and our obsession with data and testing.

I

What is your view on the global 5G War with the United States of America and China?

5G technology is a quantum leap from 4G and the endless potential applications with 5G make it a big deal - everything from interconnections among the billions of objects comprising the Internet of Things (IOT) to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transportation within and between cities.

The country that grabs the lead in 5G will be positioned for global digital dominance, likely tantamount to overall dominance in technology. So, the 5G war between the US and China is understandable.

But speaking about 5G adoption in Nigeria, I think it will be very minimal. This is mainly because of the high cost of deploying 5G technology and the higher cost of 5G phones.

What are some of the projects you’ve worked on?

That is a very difficult question as there are so many projects. But I will say I am most excited about projects that have huge social impacts. Our cancer awareness campaign in Africa for HCG Oncology of India, Covid 19 awareness campaigns for a lot of Nigerian organisations and then currently, I am really I excited about the work we are doing in bringing digitalisation to a lot of Nigeria schools through Google Workspace for education.

What are some business tips you can give to startups?

They should pay attention to product market fit. No matter how good or farsighted your idea is, it will not be sustainable if it does not fit the market.

I mean, startups fail because they try to build a product for customers that don’t exist. After product market fit, I will advise they take marketing very seriously. A lot of startups seem to believe that “if they build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to their door.”

Unfortunately, this is not exactly true. If you don’t market your product, you will not reach your audience. If you don’t reach your audience, you will not get customers.

If you don’t have customers coming in, your startup will fail.

How will AI affect businesses in the future and how can leaders prepare for it?

From smartphones to chatbots, Artificial intelligence (AI) is already ubiquitous in our lives. For businesses, the role of AI is to automate routine tasks and make decisions the way a human would have done. In addition, AI can solve complex problems, make predictions about business parameters, and help enterprises becoming digital.

How does Wow work with other marketing agencies and niche services?

How does this add to your agency’s capabilities and make you an industryleader in your niche expertise?

So, we work with a lot of traditional marketing agencies. This happens in two ways, some of our clients require some offline engagements and since these are not within our own areas of competence, we have a list of traditional agencies we refer these projects to. Then when these agencies get a digital brief, they reach out and we work together to deliver great service to their clients.

Popoola

I think the impact of AI on business will be generally positive. It will allow machines to do things that allow human beings to do even more enriching things.

So how do businesses prepare for it? I say re-tool in skill acquisition, it’s all about having the right skill set in your business.

How has Covid-19 affected your business?

To be honest, it has been good for business. A lot of businesses that never took their digital presence serious before suddenly realised its importance. So, on that score, it was good.

One lesson I learned from the Covid19 challenge again is that people and organisations are adaptive. Many companies implemented new ways of engaging with their customers through digital channels and new ways of operating internally with a remote workforce in a matter of weeks.

I mean previously, such significant changes would have been estimated to take years.

What are some recent company milestones for your Agency?

Well, in addition to our Google Marketing Partnership, we secured Google Cloud Partnership too. Then, we have strengthened our security offerings by partnering with Appsco of Norway and Dataguard MEA. Then, we have just finalised the opening of our East Africa office.

In the next three to five years, how do you see the social media space evolving? How do you see brands utilising the medium to increase brand awareness or engage consumers?

Regulation will be strengthened, especially in privacy. Platforms will also become more difficult around content filtering, we saw that happening with Twitter ban of presidents, Google Play removal of Sugar Daddy App and the likes.

As a futurist, how do you believe marketing technology and data will come together to deliver better

“Advances in technology, data, and analytics will soon allow marketers to create much more personal and ‘human’ experiences across moments, channels, and buying stages. The common axis of that transformation will be the astounding power that individual marketers will have at their fingertips to create, experiment, analyse, and innovate like never before.”

How did your firm become the Digital Marketing Agency that attracts big and enviable accounts?

Honestly, I do not know. But one thing I think has probably contributed to this is our ability to connect our work to how the C-suite makes decisions. You know — profits, revenue, leveraging existing assets, Return on Investments (ROI), customer acquisition, etc. That’s different from the natural language that a digital marketing person will speak - rankings, canonicals, engagements, CRO etc.

Looking back, over this seven-year period, how would you quantify the impact that digital innovation has had on the business?

I guess the ubiquity of that is obvious.

What new technology are you most excited about (if any)?

I will say quantum computing. While I will not pretend to say that I understand its workings in detail, I mean that will require a strong background in linear algebra, which I obviously don’t have.

But I am excited about what is possible with quantum computing.

By leveraging ever more sophisticated, AI-powered tools, augmented marketers will achieve new levels of creativity and productivity in crafting magical moments for customers.

Tell us a little about your company We are a full-Service Digital Solution Company based in Lagos, Nigeria. We assist businesses of all sizes - small to mid and large enterprises in their digital transition efforts.

Today’s technologies are re-shaping the world, creating both enormous growth opportunities and essential threats at the same time.

We help you evolve quickly to seize the opportunities while effectively mitigating the risks that this reality presents.

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD

AGRICULTURE

Empowering Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs to Achieve Food Security The quest for food security is an onerous task in the midst of climate change, COVID-19, harsh operating environment and the likes. Gilbert Ekugbe was one of the journalists that embarked on the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture’s field trip that gathered firsthand information on how the GIZ-funded cassava and maize value chain project has been impacting the lives of Cassava Seed Producers (CSPs), reports:

N

igeria is acknowledged as the highest producer of cassava in the world.

However, Nigeria is not among the countries that are rated to have the highest yield of cassava tubers per hectare. In fact, Nigeria is still struggling to produce over 10 tonnes cassava tubers per hectare even though it has the capacity to attain 40 tonnes per hectare. This has underscored the need to adopt a new seed system.

This need has necessitated a project that is under the Green Innovation Centers of GIZ, which would last till 2024, as a response to the economic fragility occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic that brought lots of damages to seed systems of several crops including cassava and the livelihoods of millions of farmers, especially women and youth that depend on the root crops for their survival and incomes.

Far away in Okelopa Sotubo in Shagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Mrs. Solomon Temitope Esther, a beneficiary of the GIZ-funded project commended the initiative for its impact in boosting her productivity after failing twice to plant rice and maize.

The proud owner of 10 hectares of cassava farm said that discussions are ongoing to bring her cooperative of over 50 women on board, noting that this is one of the surest ways to help Nigeria attain food security while also creating wealth and job opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming youths.

Esther, however, called on the federal government to complement the efforts of the GIZ initiative by providing tractors for land preparation, adding that there are many virgin lands available for cultivation across the country.

She said: “There are so many arable lands suitable for cassava production, but the cost of renting a tractor is on the high side. Land preparation is still a major challenge hindering the opportunities in this sector. My cooperative has over 30 hectares of land, but no tractors to prepare the land for cultivation.”

The GIZ project provided cassava farmers access to affordable, qualityassured seeds of improved cassava varieties through the establishment of a commercially viable seed value chain. It also empowered farmers with intensive training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for sustainable cassava production.

Another beneficiary of the project, Mrs. Gbadebo Adejoke, in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, commended the scheme, saying that she has been exposed to better ways of planting cassava, new improved varieties and how to increase her profitability.

Adejoke said: “I am very happy to be part of this project, but we are faced with lots of challenges.

Many of the farmers in this local government still depend on manual labour and this is slowing the growth of the cassava farming. I have plans to do more, but I decided to start with this one. I am very interested in planting on a big farm. There are many cassava farmers that want to key into this project and we will be very happy if this project would bring more people on board.”

The Technical Advisor, GIZ Project, Mr. Divine Torkutsah, said that the grant was meant to support farmers to recover from the impact of COVID-19.

Torkutsah said: “So then the grant was supposed to, with the help of IITA, to support farmers have access to quality or clean cassava seeds and as we have seen the module was such that we have farmers who would be producing sort of foundation seeds, and then these farmers are linked to other sets of farmers who will be producing commercially. So then we establish some sort of employment or value within the cassava seed value chain in itself. And as we have observed from the last few days from our first farm could see having independency a woman farming or being able to produce five hectares of cassava seed.

I could say the project has impacted or even if not for my word, but for what the beneficiary said this has positively impacted on them.

“So together with our federal partners, under the green innovation center, we are trying to improve value chains and cassava is one of them and this is one of the interventions that have been affiliated to the green innovation to support the value chain. So yes, we are already working to improve or to enhance or support the cassava value chain in the country.”

In the words of the Project’s Advocacy, Promotions and Outreach Lead, Dr. Godwin Atser: “Improved varieties are important to changing that narrative of cassava. Adoption of improved varieties will increase cassava productivity, ensure food security, guarantee processors of quality raw materials, and hinder the spread of cassava crop diseases on farms.”

Apart from its economic and

sustainability elements, Atser said that the BASICS model had a job creation component.

He said: “Today, we have hundreds of farmers across Nigeria and Tanzania that are engaged in cassava stem multiplication and marketing,” he explained, adding that “currently, the project has created over 400 of cassava seed entrepreneurs in Benue, Kogi, Abia, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.”

Atser said that the project had strengthend links with the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), the country’s seed regulating agency. He noted that the country currently has two EGS companies – IITA GoSeed, a private company owned by IITA, and Umudike Seed, a private firm owned by the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia state.

A vegetative seed specialist and the General Manager of IITA GoSeed, Ms. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo, said that the early generation seed companies were responsible for multiplying the new varieties developed by the breeders in IITA, NRCRI, NextGen Cassava and other breeding programs.

Diebiru-Ojo said: “At IITA GoSeed, we use new technologies to multiply the improved varieties and make virus–free stems available to the seed producers who will further multiply and sell to farmers. Our Semi Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology has helped us surmount the slow multiplication challenge we used to have in the past. Now we are multiplying virus-free cassava planting materials at a much faster rate such that within two years of release, the improved planting materials are commercially available.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

L-R The Commissioner, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Fahm; CEO MainOne, Funke Opeke; Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu; Vice President, Growth and Emerging Markets, Equinix, Judith Gardiner; Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; and the Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT Prof. Adeolu Akande, at the launch of the new MainOne’s Lekki 2 Data Center in Lagos… recently

Mastercard Foundation Partners Firm to Empower 4,000 Female Farmers Gilbert Ekugbe The Mastercard Foundation has partnered with Value Seeds Limited to empower 4000 women in Nigeria through a two-year agricultural intervention known as Support for Food and Job Creation (SFJC).

In a statement, the intervention which aligned with Mastercard Foundation’s goal is to enable smallholder farmers in the agricultural sector to improve their productivity and access to new markets.

In 2021, the SFJC project recruited and on boarded 4,092 women and youths,

representing an increase of 92 farmers from the previously anticipated 4,000 farmers slated for that year. These farmers were given farm inputs and agricultural supplements.

They were trained on the latest agronomical practices, especially maize and rice farming, using 2,510 maize and

887 rice hectares, respectively.

Also, the project educated and exposed 3,251 farmers to the uses and benefits of weather forecasting in farming.

The agricultural supplements distributed include fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, sachet tomato seeds,

farm inputs for maize and rice seedlings.

This project also played a part in ensuring that these farmers adhered to the principles of financial inclusion by opening and accessing personal bank accounts and undergoing the training necessary to operate them.

The farmers were also guaranteed access to structured markets to sell their produce at premium prices, and they had access to aggregation centres where their products were stored to help manage the cost of transportation to the markets and the logistics of storage.

Fashola Inaugurates New Leadership Sylva, Others to Set Tone for of Surveyors Registration Council Africa’s Energy Mix Ambitions Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has inaugurated the new president and members of the Surveyors Registration Council of Nigeria (SURCON).

At the event, Fashola charged them to see the leadership of the professional body as an

opportunity to contribute to the development of quality manpower for the nation.

Fashola reminded them that they had been appointed to develop quality manpower for the prosperity and development of Nigeria because the success and productivity of any nation depends on quality human capital.

“Let me remind you that you are serving as manpower developers. You are helping to develop Nigeria’s human capital, helping to prepare the next generation to take over from us,” he remarked.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bashir Alkali, disclosed that the SURCON was established to ensure registration

of surveyors as well as control the practice of the profession in Nigeria.

The new President of SURCON, Clement Nwabichie, while expressing appreciation for the appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari, noted that the minister has given a template of which would guide the tenure of the new executive.

Emefiele, Malize to Deliver Papers at ‘The Industry Summit’ The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Chief Executive Officer of Financial Institution Training Centre, (FITC), Mrs. Chizor Malize have been scheduled to deliver keynote and lead papers respectively at the third edition of The Industry Summit/Awards in Lagos.

The Industry Summit, formerly The Industry Evening Summit is organised by The Industry Newspaper, one of the foremost business Newspapers in Nigeria and the event is scheduled to hold at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos on

Tuesday, April 26th, 2022.

This year’s event, which is third in its series is themed: “Financial inclusion, digital payment and the challenges of banking the unbanked.”

The event will be chaired by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the special guest of honour is the Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

In a statement, the convener of the Summit/Awards, and the Editor-in-chief of the Industry Newspapers, Goddie Ofose disclosed that, “the event is

envisioned to bring together leaders of thoughts in Nigerian business landscape in order to rev up conversations that would deepen financial inclusion and proffer solution to the challenges of banking the unbanked.

According to him, Nigerians who have access to financial services are reported as having a lack of basic resources and the financial knowledge necessary to carry out transactions, stressing that, lack of education around financial services has likely contributed to low financial inclusion.

He pointed out that, “in a quest

to extend financial services to the unbanked, particularly those in remote and rural regions, it is critical that we engender conversation about the viability of agents. Agents are retail storefront operators representing financial services providers with the delivery of financial services.”

“According to EFinA’s 2018 Access to Finance Survey, financial exclusion is highest in rural areas.

This is because the traditional model of delivering financial services— the bank branch—is not sustainable in these areas.”

He noted.

Futurize, Famfa Oil to Launch Healthcare Innovation Program Famfa Oil Limited, Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil exploration, and production company collaborated with Futurize to co-fund the launch of its first annual Fuel Africa Innovation Programme which was organized in partnership with AstraZeneca and Microsoft from March 17th – March 25th 2022.

The programme which was also co-funded by Bristol Myers Squibb, virtually brough together hundreds of students and recent alumni from twelve universities across seven countries in Sub-Saharan Africa for an entrepreneurship bootcamp and innovation competition. During the innovation competition, participants formed multi-disciplinary teams, received industry insights,

mentorship, and hands-on training through workshops to generate solutions for early-stage business ventures. At the end, the teams pitched their ideas to a panel of judges and were awarded pre-seed investment through cash prizes and opportunities to advance their careers.

Digital training is crucial to sustainable development, boosting entrepreneurship and job creation. “By bridging the gap between education and the current labor markets, entrepreneurship programmes like Fuel Africa can unlock the tremendous talent universities hold,” said Futurize CEO Rhea Singhla.

Participants had opportunities to network with peers and international experts to create a collaborative ecosystem that can drive innovation to grow the African economy.

Fuel Africa 2022 bought together the brightest minds across universities in Sub-Saharan Africa to address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges in healthcare, with impactful solutions while leveraging the power of crosscollaboration and technology and according to Mr Rotimi Alakija, Famfa Oil Limited. The only way one can move forward is through innovation, and this can only be done by investing in fresh solutions

to solve current problems. This year’s two topic areas focused on creating solutions that will enable access to healthcare as well as the management and early detection of Non-Communicable Diseases. The mission here was to equip young entrepreneurs with the resources to build high-potential venture ideas and to contribute to sustainable development globally.

Yacine Barro Bourgault, Enablement Lead: Africa Transformation Office at Microsoft, disclosed that Microsoft, through the Africa Transformation Office, is committed to supporting education transformation across Africa with access to learning tools, resources and technology.

at Namibia Int’l Conference The organisers of The Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) is set to hold the event on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st April 2022 in Windhoek, Namibia with a formidable line up of international, regional and national energy sector leaders.

According to a statement, this fourth edition of the conference brings multidimensional and thought-provoking conversations with industry players under the theme, “The energy mix: positioning for industrialisation, investment and growth”.

The statement noted that the pan-African tone of the conference would be set by the opening ministerial panel of the conference comprising energy ministers from across the continent, who will discuss the continent’s ambitions to harness the energy mix to benefit Africa’s industrialisation, as well as creating an enabling environment to attract sustainable investment.

The panel will include Hon. Tom Alweendo - Minister: Ministry of Mines & Energy, Republic of Namibia; Gabriel Obiang Lima - Ministry of Mines & Hydrocarbons, Republic of Equatorial Guinea; Hon. Peter Chibwe Kapala - Minister of Energy, Republic of Zambia; Bruno Jean Itoua - Minister of Hydrocarbons Republic of Congo; Chief Timipre Sylva - Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Republic of Nigeria; and Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim – Secretary-

General, African Petroleum Producers Organisation.

“It is par for the course that panels discussing investment opportunities in Namibia and across the continent will be in play, particularly following the recent light oil discoveries off the Namibian coast by Shell, TotalEnergies; the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia’s (Namcor) discovery of light oil and gas; and Namibia’s drive to become a renewable energy hub through its flagship green hydrogen project,” the statement noted.

These panels, it added, would comprise regional experts, thought leaders and sector influencers such as Adewale Fayemi – General Manager, Total Energies EP Namibia B.V; Simson Haulofu – Managing Director, NamPower; Angie Helmi - Chief Investment Officer, Egypt Kuwait Holding (virtual); Dr. Ben K. D. Asante – Chief Executive Director, Ghana National Gas Company; Immanuel Mulunga - Managing Director, National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) amongst others.

“In addition to this, participating companies, international investors, service companies and various international delegations will share updates on exploration activities, green hydrogen and regional gas, as well as other ongoing projects. The spotlight will also be shone on new projects and upcoming business and investment opportunities.”

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

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FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

Deadly Missile Strikes Hit Ukraine’s Lviv

Officials in western Ukraine said missile strikes hit Lviv Monday, killing at least seven people in the city that had escaped the worst of the violence of the Russian invasion that began nearly two months ago.

Lviv regional governor Maksym Kozystkiy said three missiles hit military infrastructure sites, while another hit a car tire repair shop.

Elsewhere in the country, efforts to evacuate civilians from conflict areas were halted for a second consecutive day Monday.

“In violation of international humanitarian law, the Russian occupiers have not stopped blocking, and shelling humanitarian routes,” Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk posted in a statement on social media.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russian forces of engaging in “deliberate terror” with mortar and artillery strikes on residential neighbourhoods in Kharkiv, while Ukrainian forces in the southern city of Mariupol defied a Russian deadline to lay down their arms.

Zelenskyy, in a video address late Sunday, said he expects Russia to launch an offensive in the eastern Donbas region “in the near future.”

US Vows ‘Strongest Deterrent’ over North Korea Weapons Tests The United States and South Korea would maintain the “strongest possible joint deterrent” over North Korea’s “escalatory actions”, the US envoy on North Korea said on Monday, amid concerns that Pyongyang was preparing to resume nuclear testing.

US Special Representative Sung Kim and his deputy, Jung Pak, met South Korean officials, including nuclear envoy Noh Kyu-duk, after arriving in Seoul early on Monday for a five-day visit.

“It is extremely important for the United Nations Security Council to send a clear signal to the DPRK that we will not accept its escalatory tests as normal,” Kim told reporters after his talks with Noh. Kim was referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

“We agreed on the need to maintain the strongest possible joint deterrent capability on the peninsula,” he said.

Kim also said the allies would “respond responsibly and decisively to provocative behaviour” while underlining his willingness to engage with North Korea “anywhere without any conditions.

Iran: We’ll Target Heart of Israel if It Acts against Us Iran’s armed forces will target Israel’s heart if it makes “the slightest move” against the Islamic Republic, President Ebrahim Raisi told a military parade on Monday, amid stalled talks between Tehran and world powers to revive a 2015 nuclear pact.

Israel, widely believed to have the Middle East’s only atomic arsenal, says it will not be bound by any Iran nuclear deal and could eventually take unilateral action against Iranian nuclear sites.

“The Zionist regime [Israel], you should know that ... if you take the slightest move against our nation, our armed forces will target the heart of the Zionist regime,” Raisi said in a televised speech at a military parade to mark the National Army Day. Troops marched in front of the podium where Raisi stood with army officers.

Helicopters flew overhead, and parachutists dropped down over the parade area near the tomb of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic state.

The United States and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks to rescue the pact for more than a year. Washington left it in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.

But the talks were suspended last month over the unresolved issue of whether the United States might remove the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from the US Foreign Terrorist Organisation list, as demanded by Tehran.

Israeli Troops Wounded Two Palestinians in West Bank Raid Israeli forces critically injured two Palestinian men in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, the latest incident in a wave of Israeli-Palestinian violence during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The Israeli military was conducting an arrest raid in the village of Yamun, west of Jenin in the northern West Bank, when dozens of Palestinians started throwing rocks and explosives at the troops, who returned fire.

“The soldiers responded with live ammunition toward the suspects who hurled explosive devices. Hits were identified,” the army said in a statement.

According to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, the two wounded men were hospitalised.

Israel has sent forces to search through Palestinian cities and villages in search of suspects or accomplices linked to two deadly attacks on Israelis in recent weeks. Earlier this month, a Palestinian gunman opened fire at a crowded Tel Aviv bar, killing three, and fled the scene. He was later killed in a shootout with police after an extensive manhunt.

That assault and three other attacks elsewhere in Israel in recent weeks have killed 14 people, the deadliest outburst of bloodshed against Israelis in years.

At least 25 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in recent weeks, according to an Associated Press count. .

Turkish Warplanes Hit Kurdish Militant Targets in Iraq: Report Turkish warplanes, helicopters and drones hit Kurdish militant targets, camps, tunnels, shelters, and ammunition storage areas in northern Iraq, Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by the state-run Anadolu news agency.

The operation, which Akar said targeted the Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions of northern Iraq, also included commandoes who had “entered the region by infiltration from land,” he was cited as saying.

“Until now, our operation is continuing successfully as planned. The targets identified in the first phase have been captured,” he said but did not provide any information on casualties resulting from the operation.

The operation, which he dubbed “Operation Claw Lock,” aimed to “prevent terror attacks” and “ensure our border security.” It was also supported by artillery units, he said.

The offensive is part of a continuing Turkish campaign in Iraq and Syria against militants of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, both of which Ankara regards as terrorist groups.

Catalan Leaders Targeted with Spyware, Says Cybersecurity Group A group of Catalan separatists, including several members of the European Parliament, other politicians, lawyers and activists from Spain’s northeastern region, had their phones hacked with controversial spyware called Pegasus, a cybersecurity firm said Monday.

Citizens Lab, which is associated with the University of Toronto, said at least 65 people were targeted using the Israelimade software that is only available to governments.

The maker of the software, NSO, said the allegations were “false.”

The spyware infections allegedly took place between 2017 and 2020 after a failed Catalan independence bid.

The movement for an independent

Catalonia dates back more than a century and has been a problem for Spain’s central government. Catalonia enjoys some regional autonomy under the Spanish constitution.

Citizens Lab said it could not pinpoint the source of the hacking but said on its website that “a range of circumstantial evidence points to a strong nexus with one or more entities within the Spanish government.” The Spanish government declined a request for comment by Reuters.

On Twitter, Catalonian government President Pere Aragones called the hacks an “unjustifiable disgrace.”.

Cyprus Scraps Virus Tests for Most Travellers Cyprus authorities on Monday made travelling to the east Mediterranean island nation easier as the summer tourist season kicks into gear by rescinding the need to undergo any COVID-19 tests prior to boarding a flight or on arrival.

According to the new regulations, only unvaccinated people who haven’t contracted and recovered from the coronavirus must undergo a PCR test 72 hours prior to boarding or a rapid test 24 hours before departure. All Cyprus-bound passengers are no longer required to fill in a form — also known as a Cyprus Flight Pass — providing information that enables authorities to trace them if they do test positive for COVID-19 during their stay.

Vaccinated and recovered passengers will need a valid European Union health certificate. Health certificates from third countries are accepted if they have joined the EU’s COVID certificate system.

All adults are considered vaccinated for nine months after receiving their second dose or have received a 3rd booster shot.

Individuals are designated as recently recovered from COVID-19 seven days after testing positive and for six months thereafter. Tourism directly accounts for 13 per cent of the island nation’s economy, and authorities are keen to attract new markets to make up for the significant loss of Russian and Ukrainian tourists in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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THE ALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

Comparing Elon Musk and Buhari’s Responses To Twitter

T

oo often, I read or hear from people who say money cannot buy happiness, or that money is not that important, and I laugh.

Money is vitally important. In fact, the glue that holds a marriage together is not love. Love is abstract. It is like happiness. You demonstrate happiness by doing something. Either by smiling, laughing, or dancing.

You demonstrate love by giving something. And without money, it is hard to give or show love! When you buy your wife a new car, she will shout ‘oh my love!’ When your wife cooks a banquet for your birthday, you scream, ‘I love you baby’.

The truth is that money does most, if not all the work involved in demonstrating love. You don’t notice, because love takes all the glory.

If you say money is not important, then consider the following: When Twitter annoyed Buhari, he banned Twitter.

But when Twitter annoyed Elon Musk, Elon bought a huge stake in Twitter, and offered to buy the whole company for $43 billion.

Now, tell me who is more powerful between a man who banned Twitter, and lost money, and the one who bought a stake in it, and made money?

Stop rationalising poverty. Instead, go and learn to make money, so you can use it to defend yourself.

“Wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence”Ecclesiastes 7:12.

In a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Elon Musk is describing his move to seize control of Twitter as a mission to rebirth the “platform for free speech”. And if you have been paying attention to divide the media lately, free speech is being eroded. Slowly, but surely and sorely.

Buhari’s response to Twitter’s deletion of his tweet just goes to show that he is an immature person who cannot control his moods. Quite the contrary. Buhari is controlled by his moods. When he loses elections, he weeps, like a child who could not get candy. When he has a tiff with his wife, he consigns her to the ‘other room’. When this 5% agitates, he threatens them and calls them a “dot in a circle”. When his favoured ethnic group engages in banditry and terrorism, he encircles them with loving arms of protection. When he fails in his duty to provide the enabling environment to create jobs for Nigerian youths, he passes the buck, blames them, and calls our youths “lazy”.

The fact of the matter is that Buhari is a man-child who lacks emotional maturity, which is the one thing that is required in a leader. And Nigeria has borne the brunt of Buhari’s inability to control his moods.

Let me further illustrate his capriciousness and inconsistent behaviours. On Friday, April 15, 2022, Buhari posted an Easter message to those of the Christian community who believe in Easter.

In that message, Buhari asked all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious leanings, to learn to forgive, like Nabi Isa (Alayhis Salaam), whom some Christians refer to as Jesus Christ. That admonition was quite commendable.

But does Buhari practice what he preaches?

President Muhammadu Buhari Let us consider some facts. The Buhari government just forgave and gave pardons to former Governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, of Plateau and Taraba states respectively, who were both convicted of stealing billions.

Buhari has also refused to prosecute so-called repentant Boko Haramists, who he is instead now training. That is also an act of forgiveness.

While he is doing all these, the same Buhari is prosecuting Nnamdi Kanu, Sunday Igboho and Sheikh Zakzaky, to mention just a few.

My question to Nigerians, and even to Buhari himself, is this: How can you forgive thieves and killers, only to pursue freedom fighters and clerics, whose brand of Islam Buhari disagrees with?

Does this not portray Buhari as what in Islam is described as a munafiq?

Many people now ridicule Will Smith because he slapped Chris Rock, in order to preserve his wife’s honour, but when the repercussions came, the same wife said she did not appreciate what he did. He is like Buhari, who banned Twitter only to lose $1 billion. Who lost?

Yes, you heard me right. Buhari’s ill-advised and petulant Twitter ban that lasted from June 5, 2021

Elon Musk to January 13, 2022, cost Nigeria about a billion U.S. dollars in lost revenue, and at the end of the day, it gained nothing order than assuage the bruised ego of the president, whose inhuman and brutish tweet threatening to deal with the “Igbo in a language they understand” was taken down by Twitter on Wednesday June 2, 2021.

You can just imagine what Nigeria has been going through for the last seven years. A big baby and egocentric bully, who can dish it out, but cannot take it, thinks his puny power can extend beyond Nigeria, to the San Francisco based Twitter.

And now, Buhari is trying to sell continuity to Nigeria with his even lousiest echo, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Nigerians should never forget that Osinbajo said nothing about the December 2015 Zaria massacre of Shiites, about the Abuja murder of RCCG pastor, Eunice Elisha, about the Kano beheading of evangelist Bridget Agbahime, about the non-release of Leah Sharibu for not giving up her Christian faith, about the New Year’s Day Benue massacre of almost 100 people in 2018 by killer herdsmen, about the Lekki Massacre of #EndSARS protesters, about the #TwitterBan, about Buhari calling the Igbo “a dot in a circle”, about government’s supply

of adulterated fuel that knocked thousands of cars, about the reopening of the Lekki Toll Gate, without justice being done, about the genocide in Southern Kaduna, or about the fate of the about 100 Nigerians still in the hands of terrorists after the Abuja-Kaduna train bombing. But now, Osinbajo wants Nigerians to say something about his ambition? Are Nigerians that gullible and forgetful? We will soon see!

Reno’s Nuggets Dear youths, When you graduate and get a job, don’t immediately leave your parents’ house to rent a place. If possible, stay with your parents. Endure any discomfort. Then save what you’d have spent on rent and use it as a capital to start a business or buy a home. Don’t be in a hurry to run when you have not learnt to crawl.

If your parents live far from where you work, then move in with your siblings or any other close family member. Be humble. Respect who you live with. Accept nonsense. It is the price you pay to access much sense! #RenosNuggets #FreeLeahSharibu

Insecurity: Deconstructing Nigeria's Malady and Panacea Prisca Ihekwoaba

I

nsecurity is a state of uncertainty or anxiety about oneself, lack of confidence; the state of being open to danger or threat — a lack of protection.

Insecurity may also be described as self-doubt, vulnerability, indecision, vacillation, hazard and precariousness.

One of our earliest recollections of insecurity will be in the pre-colonial era when warfare fuelled the slave trade making the area now called Nigeria one of the biggest places for human trafficking and slave trade. The people were mostly at each other’s throats in a fierce competition for slaves to be exchanged with cowries and ivories. This trade offered wealth and prestige, leading to a loss of character and morals.

The coup of 1966 will easily pass as the trigger for the post-independence Nigeria's insecurity when the Christian southern soldiers led a coup, and the Muslim northern soldiers led a counter-coup. The immediate consequence was mutual distrust between Igbo ethnic groups and Hausa-Fulani ethnic groups. This situation provides the sentiments driving insecurity even today. The demand for Biafra also paved the way for the ethnic secessionist agitations and the militias of different tribes in Nigeria today.

The civil war seemingly legitimised the military’s hold on power. The lack of data on crime and the embedded distrust of official information make trends and a clear picture difficult. The

populace also has an extremely short memory.

The major cause of insecurity is unemployment, where the vast majority of Nigeria’s youthful population doesn’t have any form of employment with the attendant absence of earnings.

Another factor is underemployment, with low wages leading to an unsatisfied workforce.

Other causes that have heightened insecurity in Nigeria include human and drug trafficking. The huge profit compels those who ply this illicit trade to defend it with dangerous weapons and tactics. Nigeria's porous borders also lead to the infiltration of illegal aliens and the proliferation of small arms. Ethnic clashes and regional conflicts abound in many communities and states of the country. Some prominent examples include the Ife-Modakeke crisis, the Tiv-Jukun crisis, boundary disputes between Ebonyi and Abia, and the Fulani herder crisis. Politically inspired violence is seen in numerous cases of banditry and violent robberies. Religious conflicts as seen in the skewed application of sharia laws, Boko haram and cattle rustling. The outbreak of some deadly diseases.

There is corruption too. Before the advent of civilian rule, the central government had enormous resources, which would make the GDP of citizens much higher than it is. These opportunities were frittered away and made worse by a civilian government that hasn’t performed any better. This has led to gross inequalities, distortions and disaffection. The poor and contentious revenue-sharing formula

made many communities bearing resources from armed gangs demanding for better deals for their communities.

Insecurity hinders business activities and discourages local and foreign investments, all of which stifles and retards Nigeria's socio-economic development to the point of threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria. In many parts of Nigeria, where unrest is prevalent, many small-scale businesses do not open on certain days of the week with the avoidable loss of income. Some cannot travel and restock their businesses, while some are undecided about further and more investment in their businesses.

Insecurity depletes the population as innocent young and productive members of the populace are wasted during periods of an uprising. There is a large pool of widows, widowers, and orphans around the North-East and the Benue basin. The absence of these guardians makes life unsure, uncertain, bleak and very difficult.

Further insecurity has resulted in incidences of kidnapping and assassination. Insecurity causes a sectoral shift with a switch to informal activities, including simple manufacturing processes. Many of the large manufacturing conglomerates around the trouble spots have either sold, privatised or downgraded their operations to the point where skeletal services are rendered at best. Nigerians are generally creative people. Survival erodes that innovation and creativity — the average Nigerian flourishes when the polity is stable. A new industry of negotiators doesn’t want the state

of insecurity to stop as they feed heavily from the huge ransom payout. Tourists, the easiest and most effective marketers of any nation, can’t visit, making the nation appear isolated.

In solving the problem of insecurity in Nigeria, the government must be proactive in dealing with security issues and threats through modern methods of intelligence gathering and sharing amongst security personnel, training, logistics, motivation, and deployment of advanced technology. Government should accelerate the pace of economic development by creating an economy above average with relevant social, economic and physical infrastructure to support business and industrial growth. The attempt to revamp the road, rail and national carriers are efforts in the right direction. More efforts should be geared towards the revamping of water transport infrastructure. The government needs to use revenue from primary commodity exports like crude, farm produces, and minerals to fund the basic delivery of municipal services.

The government needs to diversify the economy away from dependence on oil. This will also give the oil majors the required latitude to deal with host community issues, oil spills and general environmental improvement. Improvement of the criminal justice system so that timelines, details and agreements are clear and enforceable.

Above all, the country must develop visionary leadership.

Ihekwoaba Prisca writes from Lagos priscamammi@gmail.com

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NEWS

IFTAR/CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF THE APC LEADERSHIP IN OGUN...

L-R: Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Governor Dapo Abiodun; his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Yemi Sanusi, during the Iftar/Consultative meeting of the APC leadership in the State at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta… recently

Amidst Death Rumour, Akeredolu Arrives Nigeria, Endorses Wife’s Bid for Senate Fidelis David in Akure Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has arrived Nigeria amidst rumours of his death, just as he has declared support for his wife, Betty Anyawu Akeredolu’s aspiration to contest the Imo East Senatorial election in 2023.

There were widespread rumours at the weekend that Akeredolu had died in a German hospital.

But in order to discredit the rumour, Akeredolu had on Saturday appeared on a short video, which has since gone viral, singing and dancing to prove that he was hale and hearty.

The governor who left the state for Germany on a 14-day vacation was however seen in another video released by his aides on Sunday night.

The video which was posted on Facebook by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde read: “Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, arrived at the International wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria at exactly 10:35pm on Sunday, April 17, 2022.”

The video also showed the Special Adviser to Akeredolu on Public and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mrs. Bunmi Ademosu with the governor.

The state government had on April 7, 2022, clarified that Akeredolu was not hospitalised in Germany or anywhere, and had said the rumours were mere wishes of failed politicians who now carry the burden of uncanny distrust and embedded treachery. It came after a report published by an online

medium had claimed that Akeredolu was hospitalised in Germany.

For his wife's aspiration to contest the Imo East Senatorial election in 2023, Akeredolu in a statement personally signed by him, said he believed in the mission of the First Lady to emancipate women from the shackles of all forms of oppression.

He described her as a fiercely independent personality who is never afraid to voice her dissent on any issue, saying, “I have witnessed her triumphs over adversities at close quarters.”

In the statement, titled Public Service: ‘The Greatest Privilege’ Akeredolu added: "Betty, FLOOS, let me choose this great day in our lives, our 41st wedding Anniversary to notch up in print my support for your popular and known quest to serve your people in the Senate.

“The evolution of modern societies bears indelible evidence of significant inputs of few people. This trajectory records definitive impacts of those who dare to think and act differently.

“The consequence of this defiance finds expression in radical departure from the old order, leading to transformation. It yields quality accretions which impact positively on the people in any given space.

“The world owes those who dare a debt of gratitude for audacity, tenacity, consistency and focus. These torch bearers withstand the brunt of vilification, contempt, deprivation and even rejection. They remain undaunted until the set goal is achieved. They are rarely praised afterwards.

"Public service is taken as the highest form of participation in the affairs of a human community, state or a country. It ennobles anyone, privileged to serve, whose tenacity, focus and integrity ensure development. Only a few are truly equipped for service. They must be encouraged at all times", Akeredolu stated.

The governor said, his wife's vision to seek and continue what she started long before he (Akeredolu) came into politics, when she ran for the House of Representative, was not strange him.

“Anytime, anywhere and under whatever circumstances, those who

hold views which threaten to shatter age-long widely held beliefs and/or practices are a special breed. Those whose activities have borne positive impact on the lives of the underprivileged, must be supported by all good people.

“I join all other well-wishers, admirers, supporters and stakeholders to support, openly and without any reservations or equivocation, my Adorable Betty in her bid to continue to serve the people in her State of birth, Imo. “I do this, most enthusiastically, as a partner, admirer and active follower for over four decades. I consider myself highly privileged

Indigenes of Enugu State resident in the Diaspora, under the umbrella of Forum of Enugu State Indigenes in the Diaspora (FESID), have thrown their weight behind the established rotational zoning arrangement in the state.

They stressed that strict adherence to the zoning pattern which favours Enugu East Senatorial District to produce the next governor of the state in 2023 would promote peace, justice, equity and fairness.

The leaders of the Enugu State indigenes in the Diaspora Forum, who revealed that their members belong to different political parties such as the All Progressives Congress

(APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nigeria and in the Diaspora while some are apolitical, made their position known in an open commendation letter to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The letter was signed on behalf of other members of the forum by the Presidents of Enugu State Diaspora chapters in South Africa, United Arab Emirates (UEA) and the United Kingdom, Dr. Reverend Ugwu, Hon. Kingsley Chikaodili Eze and Sir Anterus Chikaobi Eze, respectively.

Others who signed the letter included the Austria Diaspora Rep-

Warns Amaechi against imposing any aspirant Former representative of Rivers South-East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe has declared his interest to contest for the governorship seat of Rivers State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election.

A statement yesterday, revealed that Abe made the declaration in Gokana Local Government Area, following the inauguration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Vanguard Excos in B-Dere Community, Rivers State.

According to Abe, any cooked up plan that avoids a clean, clear and credible process in order to exclude him from clinching the governorship ticket of the APC, as well as deny the teeming members

of the party in the State from choosing their preferred candidate would fail.

He stressed that Transportation Minister, Chibuike Amaechi cannot anoint a candidate for the Brick house, adding that only Rivers people have the power to choose who becomes governor of the state.

Abe, who mocked a recent pact taken by governorship aspirants seeking a riverine governor, said such arrangements would not work.

He added, "I heard that some people gathered to say they are gubernatorial candidates of the APC; they have reached a pact, that it is a riverine governor and that they have agreed to whatever they said, did you see me there?

Will it work? We all know that it is not going to work.

"I don't want to say anything

passionate believer in rectitude. I believe in her mission to emancipate women from the shackles of all forms of oppression. I am proud of this gift from Imo State. I support her aspiration wholeheartedly. I am convinced that the people of Imo State will enjoy quality representation from her. Her presence in the Senate promises exciting moments.

“I harbour no anxiety that my adorable Betty, Ada Owere, has all it takes to BEMORE. While offering her my unalloyed support, I wish her all the best in this current quest to extend and particularise the scope of service in the interest of the people", The governor added.

2023 Guber: Enugu Diasporans Back Zoning, Hail Ugwuanyi

Magnus Abe Declares Interest to Contest Rivers Governorship Election Blessing Ibunge

to have a workaholic, gender and human rights activist, humanist and philanthropist as wife, adviser, harshest critic, supporter, political associate and, above all, an unrelenting ideologue, ready to sacrifice and confront any obstacle, natural and artificial".

Akeredolu who said he believes that any group, society, community, state or country, privileged to avail itself of the quintessential service of a bold crusader, as his Wife is lucky indeed noted that he is strongly behind her political aspiration.

“I support her aspiration now, as I have always done, even before I joined politics. I know her to be a

about them because they are my friends and they have not done anything wrong, they are following somebody who has no plan, they are going to do thanksgiving when they have not put any plan on ground in Rivers State that will help the APC to do better than it did the last time.

“It is wrong to drag God into what you are doing, when you are not doing well. When you plan, you dedicate your plan in a dedication service; it is when you win, that you should have a thanksgiving service.”

Abe vowed to resist any attempt aimed at excluding him from contesting for the governorship ticket under the platform of the APC, noting that he would support whoever emerges via a credible process.

"I have not said that Senator Magnus Abe must be the candidate of the APC in Rivers State, I have always said and will repeat, if we have a fair, free, equitable contest and somebody emerges from that process, I, Magnus Ngei Abe will support whoever emerges from such a process and the person will win.

"But if you go and cook up a process, you are cooking up to exclude me, it is not me that you are excluding, they are excluding all of you, if they exclude all of you, will they win? They will not win, so it is not rocket science.

"We don't need a riverine or upland candidate that is known to Ameachi. What we need is a Rivers candidate that is known by Rivers people with the capacity and integrity to deliver.

resentative, Mr. Donatus Okonkwo; Enugu Diaspora Representative, Swaziland, Mr. Marius Onyishi; Enugu Diaspora Representative, Western Cape, South Africa, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Eze; President, Enugu Diaspora Organisation (EDO), Enugu State Chapter, Mr. Kenneth Udichi; Vice President of EDO, Alum Mbah, and the Secretary, Hon. O. J. Uche, The Enugu Diasporans disclosed that they aligned themselves “to the directives of the PDP South East Zone that its state chapters in the zone should adhere strictly to the existing zoning patterns in each of the states”.

They stated that “We equally support the declaration of the APC that it has zoned its governorship ticket to Enugu East Senatorial District.

“We are emboldened by the recent proclamation by our revered traditional rulers in Enugu State which reaffirmed the existing rotational zoning arrangement that favours Enugu East Senatorial District and their advice to all politicians in the state to respect and adhere to the established zoning arrangement.”

The Enugu State Indigenes in the Diaspora commended Gov. Ugwuanyi “for the enduring peace and good governance he has entrenched in the state, in spite of all the challenges in Nigeria bordering on economic, security and public health issues.”

The Enugu Diasporans maintained that the unprecedented peace and security in Enugu State entrenched by Gov. Ugwuanyi has brought rapid socio-economic development to the state including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),

stressing that “it has also engendered peaceful co-existence among Nigerians irrespective of religious or ethnic background which has led to proliferation of businesses, and rise in the population of the state”.

They also commended the governor for providing quality and inclusive leadership in Enugu State as well as his novel rural development policy, which they said had “opened up many rural communities in the state with numerous infrastructural developments and other basic amenities aimed at giving the rural dwellers and the long neglected a sense of belonging”.

Pointing out that they “are not unmindful of the fact that Ugwuanyi assumed office as Governor of Enugu State in 2015 when Nigeria was in recession and confronted with paucity of funds to attend to the basic needs of the people as well as embark on development projects” the Enugu indigenes in the Diaspora gave the governor “a pat on the back for his steadfastness, resilience, commitment, transparency, accountability and innovative and visionary approach in leading the state out of these challenges to remain one of the most peaceful and fastest developing states in Nigeria”.

The forum applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his landmark projects and remarkable feats in other spheres of development such as welfare of state’s workers and retirees, education, health, investment promotion, housing, agriculture, judiciary, ICT innovation, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), youth and women empowerment, among others.

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TUESDAY, ͹΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

INAUGURATION OF NEW IPF EXECUTIVES...

The immediate past chairman of Iwere Political Forum (IPF), Comrade Ogoru Samuel (2nd left) handing over documents of the forum to the newly sworn-in Chairman, Comrade Ola Ofoluwa (2nd right); Hon. Vincent Uduaghan, former Commissioner for Transport and Patron of the forum (right) and Comrade Emilio Oromieno, the BOT Chairman (left), during the inauguration of the new executives of the IPF held in Warri, Delta State... on Sunday.

Former Members of Tinubu's Political School Should Not Contest against Him, Says Igbokwe Segun James The former publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Chief Joe Igbokwe has advised anyone who graduated from what he termed the Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu's political

school not to consider contesting the presidency against the former Lagos Governor.

Igbokwe who said this at a prayer meeting organised by the Indomitable Tinubu Support Organisation (ITSO), stressed that anyone that passed through the

school has the capacity to govern Nigeria, but insisted that Tinubu should have the chance of first refusal.

According to him, "I'm a graduate of this school and I know the value.

For this reason, I'm a Nigerian and proudly so. Hence we cannot

trust our country to the hands of someone without experience, a mediocre. Let me make it clear, anyone who has ruled Lagos can rule Nigeria."

Igbokwe who is the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Drainages, said if

Military Kills Three Terrorists in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) that are presently in operation in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states have neutralised three terrorists in Chito, situated near Zaki-Biam, headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state.

The terrorists under the leadership of one ‘Full Fire,’ second in command to the late Terwase Akwaza (Gana) was one of those that had been terrorising the Sankera axis.

Reliable sources in the area told THISDAY that during the clearance operation, OPWS recovered an undisclosed number of weapons, two motorcycles and three mobile phones.

All efforts to get the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of OPWS, Flying

Officer, Audu Katty to confirm the report proved abortive as he declined to pick his calls.

However, it was gathered that the troops under the command of the Force Commander, Major General Kevin Aligbe also flushed out herdsmen that had been terrorising Gbishe in Katsina-Ala LGA and its environs.

The source, Terhile Zayol, explained that even though OPWS were able to neutralise three of the terrorists, ‘Full Fire’, one of Gana's henchmen managed to slip through their fingers.

Zayol said, "At about 10pm on Tuesday, following credible intelligence from some people on the robbery activities of a notorious bandit, by name Full Fire and his members at Chito in Zaki-Biam, troops of OPWS deployed in Zaki-Biam, Ukum

conducted a clearance patrol at Chito general area.

"On sighting the troops, the bandits fled. Troops of OPWS engaged them in hot pursuit and were able to neutralise three of the bandits.

"The troops also combed and searched the area and recovered some items including fire arms, two motorcycle and three mobile phones."

He further observed that, "The troops deployed at Gbise in Katsina-Ala also carried out offensive fighting patrol at Atunbe, Madamu, Kaamen, Ude -Jor, Kasar, Tor - Tacha and River Yoyo in Utange and Yoyo council wards of Katsina-Ala LGA. "The purpose of the patrol was to flush out armed herdsmen terrorising the area.

"During the patrol, OPWS

troops made contact with the herdsmen at Tor – Tacha, but the troops responded with superior fire power forcing the herdsmen to flee in disarray with possible gunshot wound.

"We further learnt that the troops conducted a search around the area and recovered fire arms and cutlasses."

However, a top ranking officer in the military outfits who would not want his name in print said, "We shall continue to go after any person or group of persons destroying innocent lives and property while working tirelessly to ensure that peace is returned to various communities across the Joint Operations Area.

"Troops of OPWS have continued to demonstrate professionalism, resilience and courage in conduct of their duties," he insisted.

MARGINAL FIELDS: WE’LL NOT ACCEPT PEOPLE TRADING IN OUR PAPERS, SAYS KOMOLAFE at brokerage OANDA. Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose $1.37, or 1.2 per cent, to $113.07 at 1332 GMT, not far from the highest since March 30 of $113.80 hit earlier in the session. United States West Texas Intermediate gained $1.48, or 1.4 per cent, to $108.43.

The Libyan developments offset concern about demand in China, where the economy slowed in March, taking the shine off first-quarter growth numbers and worsening an outlook already weakened by COVID-19 curbs.

“Some Asian investors booked profits as they became worried about slowing demand in China,” said Satoru Yoshida, a commodity analyst with Rakuten Securities.

Data showed China refined two per cent less oil in March than a year earlier, with throughput falling to the lowest since October as the surge in crude

prices squeezed margins and tight lockdowns hurt demand.

In March, oil surged to the highest since 2008, with Brent briefly topping $134.

The Associated Press reported that there were concerns of deeper supply losses looming as Russian production declined by 7.5 per cent in the first half of April from March and EU governments said last week the bloc’s executive was drafting proposals to ban Russian crude.

Those comments came before an escalation in the Ukraine war.

Ukrainian authorities said missiles struck Lviv early on Monday and explosions rocked other cities as Russian forces kept up their bombardments after claiming near full control of the port of Mariupol.

Authorities claimed tribal leaders in southern Libya had shut down the county’s largest oil field — the latest closure of an

oil facility amid a bitter standoff between two rival governments.

Oil production at the Sharara field has been stopped and the state-run National Oil Corporation declared force majeure at the field, which produced around 450,000 barrels a day.

Force majeure is a legal manoeuvre that enables a company to get out of its contractual obligations because of extraordinary circumstances.

The corporation called the shutdown of the field an "absurd move” that mirrored the ongoing standoff in the country. The closure would likely create a fuel crisis in the oil-rich country, as the field was one of the main sources of domestic fuel.

The corporation did not name those people behind the closure, but its announcement came a few hours after tribal leaders in the desert town of Ubari, about 950 kilometres (590 miles) south of

the capital, Tripoli, said they shut down the field in protest against the government of embattled Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.

They called for Tripoli-based Dbeibah to hand over power to the government of Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha, who was appointed by the parliament in February to lead a transitional administration after Libya failed to hold its first presidential election in December.

Local media also reported that residents in the south-eastern district of Whahat announced the closure of all oil facilities in their area, also to pressure Dbeibah to step aside.

Over the weekend, tribal leaders and protesters shut down the al-Feel field and the Zueitina terminal on the Gulf of Sirte, forcing the national oil company to declare force majeure at the two facilities.

the nation was to take its place in the comity of nations, Tinubu should be allowed to take the saddle as president of Nigeria.

"The only leader we know that is capable of taking Nigeria to the next level is Asiwaju. He's a teacher on matters of governance. We need to use him now. I know the number of leaders he has built," he stressed.

Earlier, the chairman of the event, Prince Anofi Elegushi, said while others were sleeping and waiting on others to anoint them, Tinubu had been going around the country building bridges across the political

divides.

He said it was this rare gift that put Tinubu in the best stead to lead the country in this most critical period of the country.

Also speaking, the Director General of ITSO, Ladi,Balogun said a Tinubu presidency would bring prosperity to the nation, adding that he has the capacity to tackle the insecurity plaguing the country.

Balogun said the APC national leader should be allowed to reengineer the national economy as he did with Lagos.

AS U U ST R I K E : N LC AC C U S E S F G O F P R O M OT I N G S O C I A L A PA RT H E I D said most banks have been forced to reduce their working hours with dire consequences for national productivity and economic growth.

He also said the price of air tickets have been increased by more than 100 per cent owing to diesel scarcity and high cost, while the few surviving industries in the country are being forced to either completely shut down or to significantly scale down their operations with grave implications for job security.

In addition, he said the full deregulation of diesel and aviation fuel have failed to deliver on its promises of abundant product supply and cheaper prices.

"Today, Nigerians pay far more for diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel and yet these products are hardly available. While the promoters of deregulation have suddenly lost their tongues, the burden of this grand failure has been transferred to Nigerian workers and the public.

"The same challenge in the downstream petroleum sub-sector manifests in our electricity subsector.

Since the privatisation of the power generation and distribution assets in Nigeria, the promise of constant supply of electricity remains a mirage. In the past one month, Nigeria has experienced about four episodes of national electricity grid collapse," he said.

The NLC noted that before this time, public electricity supply had deteriorated to some of its lowest in our history despite huge tax payers’ money that the government invested as support funds for private investors that bought our public electricity assets.

"Yet, in the midst of these

privatization anomalies, Nigerian electricity consumers are still denied pre-paid meters and forced to pay highly inflated estimated billings.

If this is not neo-colonisation of the Nigerian people, what then is?"

The congress said the Electric Power Sector Reform Act provides for the review of the privatisation exercise every five years.

According to NLC, the power sector reform has been going on for more than five years, "yet, there are no concrete plans to review the privatisation exercise.

"Congress reiterates the call for the scrapping of the Electric Power Sector privatisation program given its monumental failure to make affordable and constant electric power available to power the potentials of Nigerians and their businesses.

"We also call for the total jettisoning of a deregulation policy that in the eyes of its cash-out promoters translates to wholesale importation of refined petroleum products which benefits only middlemen profiteers and their partners in the corridors of power. Nigeria can and should refine its crude oil to generate refined petroleum products including diesel which is one of the easiest to refine by-products of crude oil especially using modular refineries," he said.

He argued that Nigeria could make refined products constantly available to ordinary Nigerians at affordable cost.

He said it was salutary that amidst these very challenging and depressing conditions, Nigerian workers have continued to show faith in their country and demonstrate the never dying hope for a better tomorrow.

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PERSONALITY LECTURER SERIES...

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo, Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi and Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Aina Ayandiji, during the First Personality Lecturer Series, organised by the Department of Business Administration and Marketing of Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State... recently

Ooni: There’re Few Nigerians With Amaechi’s Leadership Credentials Urges minister to give more women roles to play I’m fit, mentally alert, most experienced to lead, says ex-Rivers gov The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, yesterday, hailed the leadership qualities of the Minister of Transport and presidential hopeful, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, saying only a few Nigerians boasted his kind of leadership credentials.

Ooni, who said this, when Amaechi paid him a consultation visit at his palace in Ile Ife, however, prayed for God’s guidance and blessings upon him as he sought to occupy the highest office in the land.

“With the rollout of your resume, how many of you are like that in

Nigeria? Very few. For the last 23 years of this republic, you have been relevant. Power belongs to God, it’s not by your might, it’s not by your power, nor by your doing.

“In terms of leadership, it is God that gives power, and if you look at your history, for the last 23 years, you have actually gone through the rank and file. You are not the only one in this country, but God has actually found in you favour, and by the very special grace of God, have the interest of this country at heart. It is very important. I know you are a fervent and hard believer

AMID WORSENING INSECURITY, DEFENCE MINISTER SEEKS GOD'S INTERVENTION TO DEFEAT TERRORISTS sustained injury.

The sources stated that one military gun truck and military ambulance were carted away by the terrorists. They were later burnt and abandoned as the insurgents fled on arrival of the military air support.

Molai is situated along Maiduguri-DamboaRoad, which is about 10 kilometres from Maiduguri. The attack came less than 24 hours after the Islamic State spokesman, Abu Umar al-Muhajir, announced on April 17 that it would launch attacks in retaliation for the assassination of its leader.

Surrender of over 35,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP Members is Through Divine Intervention, Says Zulum

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, said the surrender of over 35,000 fighters and commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP was a divine intervention through endless prayers from all over the world.

Zulum said this in his Easter message, stressing that the surrender is a miracle towards the healing of Borno State and the North-east.

He said, “The mass surrender of over 35,000 fighters and commanders is, certainly, one of Allah’s many miracles towards healing Borno State and rest of the North-east.

“This mass surrender is the product of the endless prayers

citizens across Borno State, the North-east region, rest of Nigeria and, indeed, the world have been offering, seeking God’s intervention to heal Borno State. It is the product of immense sacrifices by the armed forces and volunteers.

It is product of repeated calls by political leaders, clergies, elders and traditional rulers, asking insurgents to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

“We must, therefore, be optimistic in welcoming the likely benefits of disarming, demobilising, rehabilitating and reintegrating mass-surrendered insurgents.

“However, we must welcome them without disregarding the risks associated with the programme, hence, the need to sustain stringent security profiling and other Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) procedures that can ensure the overall safety of the programme.

“I, therefore, urge all citizens to fervently pray for the success of our DDR for the mass surrender of those who seek peace, and for the successes of our armed forces and volunteers in frontlines against those who insist on violence.

“May God grant us enduring peace in Borno State, the Northeast and rest of Nigeria.”

Zulum added, “In over 12 years of our battles with insurgents (Boko Haram and later ISWAP) Borno State, for the first time, has a golden window that has the potential of ending the insurgency.”

of God Almighty, anything you do, you pray to God. Don’t relent, do not relent, keep praying to God. “Leadership is stewardship.

You’ve been to different leadership positions from different strata. In terms of governance, you’ve seen it all. But the one that you’re trying to aspire now, by the very special grace of God, it’s God that will take you there. We are paying for you from the throne of Oduduwa.

“On this throne of our ancestors, God will continue to guide you, God will continue to see you through, God will continue to favour you, honour you and put you through in everything you do.

God will continue to honour you in your words, in your thoughts, in your actions.

“Everything you lay your hand upon will continue to prosper. God will guide you, guard you and see you through. You will never regret why you came out to show selfless service for this country.

God will guide you right. Please, remember this country for good, remember the goodness that can come out of this country, remember that you will continue to serve for good, “By virtue of how God has shown you mercy, give mercy back to the public, show mercy back to Nigerians. You have to be selfless, give your best, even if its

going to cost you everything that you are, keep doing what you’re supposed to do,” he said.

Ooni also commended the entourage of the minister, calling it a very good blend of what is called Nigeria. He appreciated the women in the group and urged Amaechi to continue in his inclusion of women in the affairs of the country.

He said, “We can see a proper blend all the way from the western part of our country, to the Southsouth, all the way to the Northern part, even the royalties are there.

Believe in women, give them more roles, they see what we cannot see, they are very detailed and very courageous. Please, continue to give them opportunity. I want to see more around you. May God almighty continue to bless you, guide and protect you.”

On his part, the minister proposed a review of legislation to give more relevance to the traditional institution, if given the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s President.

“Your imperial majesty, one of the critical issues that I’ll want this country to look at is the relevance of the traditional institution. If elected, as president of the country, I will sit down with the National Assembly to address the relevance of the

traditional institution, because a lot of things are getting out of hand.

“You cannot be a president in Abuja and know what is happening in Ife, you cannot be a governor in Osogbo and know what is happening in Ife. There must be somebody in Ife to talk to. There must be somebody, who encapsulates the entire Ife Kingdom that you can take his views, see how much contributions he can make in the administration of the state and that of the country, for us to move forward.

“So, for me, there is need to consult the traditional institutions in the governance of this country.

Most of the heads of the traditional institutions are educated and very exposed, they see things for themselves, they see what is going on and it is important that they are involved in the governance of the country.”

Amaechi also stated that his precedence and performance in governance, his physical and mental fitness, qualifies him to be able to manage the country. He also promised to address every sector necessary to improve the economic realities of Nigerians.

“If you look at my history, among all of us in APC, including PDP, with all due respect to them, I happen to be one with

more experience. Eight years as speaker, eight years as governor, seven years as minister, the first Director General of a campaign to lead a fight of the removal of a government in power. With that experience comes the fact that the greatest and the most difficult thing for anybody in government is to lead among equals.

“If you don’t lead properly, they’ll remove you. I’ve led my equals twice, as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and as Chairman of Governors Forum, which was very turbulent when there was a sharp disagreement between the governors and the then president. So, I’m experienced enough to manage the country at this difficult time.

“Age will not be an issue. I am like a bridge between the young and the old. People have asked me why I ran round the stadium, I was checking to see how fit I am.

So, I had to run round the stadium to confirm to myself that I’m strong enough to carry the problems of the country, whether it is mentally or physically, because you need both mental capacity and physical fitness to manage this country. You have to be physically strong and have the mental capacity to make decisions on behalf of the country,” he stated.

Kano’s Deputy Governor, Chief of Staff, Resign as Commissioners

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Kano State Deputy Governor Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has resigned from his position as Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Mr Gawuna in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Hassan Musa Fagge, yesterday, confirmed the development.

The statement read: “Praise be to Almighty Allah for giving me the strength and wisdom and also guiding me to steer the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the past seven years under our

amiable Governor, Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

“Through these years, I served as the Commissioner of Agriculture under the proactive leadership of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. I garnered a lot of knowledge, broadened my perspective and acquired experience in the service of the people.

“In those years, we worked with vision and recorded a lot of achievements in the agricultural sector. I appreciate the opportunity given to me twice to serve as Commissioner under the purposeful Ganduje administration, which

today made me among the longest serving Commissioners of Agriculture in the country.

“My decision to resign as Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources is to further my political career. I will continue to give contributions towards the development of the state as your loyal deputy in the mandate given to us by Kano people.”

On his part, Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, has also resigned his position to contest for the House of Representatives from Kunchi/ Tsanyawa constituency in the state.

Others, who tendered thier resignation were Mr Kabiru Ado Lakwaya, the state Commissioner for Youth and Sport; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ali Haruna Makoda; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth enlightenment, Mr Muhammad Maikasuwa among others.

THISDAY learnt that scores of commissioners and other political appointees had been resigning in droves in line with the ultimatum issued by Ganduje to do so on or before April 18th, and in line with the Electoral Act section 84 (12) as amended 2022.

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Police Arrest Suspected Crime Kingpin, Two Others in C’River Police operatives in Cross River have arrested a suspected crime kingpin, Godswill Emmanuel, a.k.a Emperor and two members of his gang.

Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Mr Aminu Alhassan, confirmed the arrest yesterday in Calabar.

The gang members were said to have been responsible for the shooting of Gov. Ben Ayade’s Security Adviser, Mr. Ani Esin, in 2018.

They were arrested at a hotel in Akampka Local Government Area of Cross River.

The Cross River government and the police declared `Emperor’ wanted in 2018 after he attacked and shot the governor’s security adviser in Calabar.

CP Alhassan said Emmanuel was arrested alongside Denis Onyekachi, and Edet Okon and that his men were battle-ready for criminals in the state.

“We are not making noise about our achievements, but this is warning to all those involved in crime in the state;

we will continue to smoke them out.

“We have never relented in our quest to sanitise every

part of the state.

“It is either you stay away

from crime while in Cross River or you leave because

this place will be too hot for you to operate.

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Women Reliable Allies in FCTA to Seal Up Govt. Offices, Hotels over N10bn Waste Collection Debts Politics, Says Oshiomhole Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, yesterday described women as the most reliable allies in politics, saying their roles cannot be undermined in the Nigerian politics.

Oshiomhole, who is also a Senatorial aspirant, made the assertion at the maiden Edo North APC’s women’s conference, held in Iyamho, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, organised by the women’s wing of the party.

The former national chairman of the party added that the support of the women is really needed if one wants

to go far in Nigerian politics especially when one is seeking for a political position.

He commended the women for coming out from their shells to seek political relevance and hold political offices in the country.

Earlier in her remark, Mrs Dame Omua-Okpaku said the women’s conference is timely and pungent, stating that some of the issues to be raised and debated at the conference would also have bearing on the rights and privileges of women being currently discussed in the national assembly.

Octogenarian mother of former Edo State governor, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole, was the special guest of honour at the conference which also attracted top female politicians in Edo North and beyond.

2023: Niger Deputy Gov, Ketso, Joins Guber Race

Laleye Dipo in Minna

After months of speculations, Niger State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Ketso, has joined the 2023 state governorship race.

Ketso threw his hat in the ring in Mokwa, the headquarters of his local government area last Sunday, where he addressed ‘critical stakeholders’ made up of youths, women groups and some politicians.

His entry into the governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state makes him the second person after the Publisher of the Blue Print Newspaper, Ibrahim Malagi, publicly announced interest to succeed the state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello.

However, information has it that the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya, and former Minister of Sports, Sani Ndanusa, are also gearing up for declaration

to seek the APC governorship ticket.

He said the ‘Ketso 2023 project’ is not his personal project, but that of the entire people of Mokwa, and therefore, urged everyone in the local government area to support it.

The deputy governor defended his choice of Mokwa for the declaration of intention to contest, saying: “It is because I have good relationship with the people, and every true politician must always relate well with his immediate constituency.”

Describing politics as an affair of the locals, Ketso said: “Anyone who wishes to succeed in politics must identify with the grassroots, which is why I have come home to my people to declare my intention to run for the governorship of the state.

“The secret is politics is local and whatever you are doing as a politician, you have to go back home and be with your people, identify with them, and you will be able to get their support right.

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) may lockdown some government offices, hotels, Plazas and other business premises due to debts owed the board.

The Director of AEPB, Mr. Osilama Briamah, made the disclosure in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

Brianah explained that the measure was coming on the heels of the Task Team set up by the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, to recover over N10 billion owed the AEPB by several government agencies, business premises and residential apartments.

”As workers prepare to resume work after the Easter holiday, some government offices, hotels, plazas and other business premises may be under lock and key due to debts owed to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).”

He said that the task team had been mandated to apply all legal means to recover the huge sums of money from the debtors.

The director explained that the debts accrued over time due to the failure of those concerned to pay for services rendered to them by the AEPB. ”All of us desire to live and

work in a world-class city compared to other beautiful cities around the world. ”But we can only do that successfully if we behave as responsible citizens and paid our utility bills, especially for solid and liquid waste collection.

“Unfortunately, many agencies, residential apartments, hotels, plazas and so on, are not paying their bills as expected. ”That makes it difficult to raise the money needed to manage a mega-city like Abuja”, he said.

He said beginning from 5:30a.m. on Tuesday April 19, based on a court order already obtained by the AEPB, the task

team would embark on mass seal-up of the affected facilities with the aim of recovering the huge money being owed.

He lamented that the AEPB had made moves to provide a soft-landing for the debtors, through negotiated settlement but to no avail.

Briamah added that the only option left was to apply the legal means of enforcing the court order to seal-up the affected premises.

The Director, however, said the affected debtors could avoid the impending embarrassment by ensuring prompt payment of their liabilities.

Christian Politicians in Bauchi Urged to Unite

Segun Awofadeji inBauchi

Christian politicians in Bauchi state have been advised to be united, speak with one voice and be purposeful in the discharge of their official functions knowing that they are stewards.

The Chairman, Bauchi State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Dr Abraham Damina Dimeus, gave the charge

while speaking at the annual Easter Rally held at First Baptist Church, Bauchi yesterday.

The CAN chairman also urged the aspirants among them to consult among themselves and bring out consensus candidates in order not divide the support of the Christian community in the state in the 2023 General elections.

He said: “As a community, we have to be united, work together so

that we will not miss the chance to be elected. A situation whereby 10 people are aspiring for one elective office does not augur well for us.”

The CAN chairman added: “We don’t have the number as you know, we therefore must be united to win. We will meet with all of the aspirants, discuss with them and see how to reach a consensus so that we can speak with one voice.”

Dimeus advised Christians to ensure that they got registered and collect their PVCs because that is the only way they will participate in the electoral process.

However, he appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the Christian community in the state to enable it host the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Association of Religious Educators coming up next week.

Group Seeks End to Negative Campaigns among Osinbajo,Tinubu’s Supporters The Yoruba Leadership and Peace Initiative (TYLPI) has decried the current campaign of calumny emanating from the support groups of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, saying it will not augur well for the Yoruba in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Tinubu and Osinbajo have indicated interest in the

presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 election. However, allegations and counter allegations of betrayal, greed and perceived heavy moral burden have been going on among their supporters.

But rising from a roundtable which examined the issues concerning Yorubaland and the 2023 polls, the group,

TYLPI, in a statement, warned that the bitterness fueling the mudslinging by the supporters of both aspirants portends grave danger for the social and political health of the region.

While noting that both Osinbajo and Tinubu were once allies, TYLPI said the tempo of the campaign of hate from the two sides could trigger chaos unless urgent steps were taken

to end it.

It therefore urged both parties to cease hostilities in the interest of Yoruba land and the nation as a whole.

TYLPI also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders and all leaders of opinion in Yorubaland to rise to the occasion and call those behind the campaigns to order.

‘Nasarawa Not Sponsor of Herdsmen Attacks on Tiv People’ Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia The Tiv Development Association (TIDA) of Nasarawa State yesterday countered allegations by the President General of Tiv Youth Organisation (TYO) Worldwide, Mr. Timothy Hembaor, that the Nasarawa State government was the sponsor of killer

herdsmen attacking Tiv people of Nasarawa State.

The president general of TYO worldwide was alleged to have accused the Nasarawa State government of sponsoring killer herdsmen to attack the Tiv people in Benue and went further to assert that the “Tiv in Nasarawa have given up on being protected by the state.

However, the President of TIDA in Nasarawa State, Mr. Peter Ahemba, countered TYO president general in a statement in Lafia that the Nasarawa State government was not the sponsor of killer herdsmen attacking Tiv people of the state.

Ahemba confirmed that while it was true that the

Tiv people of Nasarawa have suffered series of attacks and displacement from their villages by suspected armed herdsmen, the people acknowledged and appreciated the fact that the Nasarawa State government, under the leadership of Governor Sule, has always dealt decisively with such security challenges.

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IPOB Dissidents Opposed to Kanu’s Release Attacking Anambra, Group Alleges David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka A group, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), has alleged that some dissident members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were responsible for attacks in Anambra State.

The group in a statement signed by its President-General, Mr. Goodluck Ibem, said the elements are opposed to the release of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, because of the monetary gains they were making as a result of Kanu’s absence, which would have been difficult if Kanu was around.

Ibem said the group chose Anambra State for the latest attacks because the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, was working hard for the release of Kanu, “and the elements feel the attacks will make the governor abandon the efforts in the hope of spiting IPOB.” The statement issued by COSEYL read: “The gunmen burning government property in Anambra State are doing so because they are not happy with Soludo’s move to secure Nnamdi

Kanu’s release.”

The group, an umbrella body of all the youth groups in the Southeast geopolitical zone, said after a careful study and analysis of the burning and destruction of local government council secretariats in Anambra State, unprovoked attacks on innocent people by gunmen and targeted attack on the residence of Professor Soludo have confirmed that they were after the governor.

They said this was because of his move to mobilise South-east governors and other Igbo leaders to negotiate for the release of Kanu who is currently in DSS custody in Abuja.

According to the youth group, “Governor Soludo, after his swearing-in as the state governor, made a categorical statement that he was going to mobilise his colleagues and notable Igbo leaders to secure the release of Kanu, and called on civil servants to go to work on Mondays.

“After making the statement, heaven was let loose as gunmen and arsonists from nowhere stated burning down local government councils secretariats in the state,

and even made an attempt to attack the house of the governor.

“The actions of the gunmen showed that they were not interested in the release of Kanu but only want the Monday sit-at-

home to remain and not tempered with despite being cancelled by IPOB leadership.

“These gunmen and their sponsors know fully the consequences of their actions,

and they are very serious doing it. The reason for their actions points to one fact that there are not interested in the release of Nnamdi Kanu from DSS custody.

“The sponsors of these gunmen

don’t want Kanu released, maybe because of their personal benefits which will cease if Kanu is released, hence the attack on anyone who dares to make a move to secure his release.”

I’M READY TO SERVE ENUGU…

L-R: PoliticalAdvisertoPeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP)GovernorshipAspirant,EnuguState,Mr.BenNnaji; theAspirant,Prof.JehuNnaji,andastakeholder of PDP, Mrs. Juliet Ijeoma, during a news conference where Prof. Nnaji declared his intention to contest for 2023 governorship seat in Enugu… recently

),7& ,PSOHPHQWV 6WD; Unplanned Communities Impeding Devt in Delta, Says Monarch Promotion Exercise for MDAs Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

FITC, a knowledge institute, is championing the development and implementation of technology-driven staff promotion exercise.

According to the institute, the exercise complements performance management system in Ministries Depart-ments andAgencies (MDAs) and other public sector entities.

The use of performance management and measurement techniques is one of the enduring legacies of the public sector reforms evident by the recently approved Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021-2025 which seeks to focus on improving effectiveness of workers.

In today’s world, organisations

in the public sectors are facing increasing pressures to improve overall productivity, effectiveness, and efficient use of public funds.

Many countries like Nigeria have also faced challenges due to fiscal constraints, making every government to now look for avenues “to do more with less.

Ahuge concern is how to ensure that government is getting value from the workforce which make up a significant part of public expenditure. Staff performance management and productivity is therefore an imperative for government agencies and crucial catalysts to unlock organisation’s competitive advantage.

Adamawa APC Engages Stakeholders on Election of Candidates during Primaries

Daji Sani in Yola

Adamawa State All Progressives Congress (APC) has convened a town hall meeting yesterday of all the APC chairmen of the 21 council areas, including secretaries and those who formed the delegate list of the party in the state, to enlighten them on the imperative of electing the best candidates during the forthcoming party primaries.

The town hall meeting, which was initiated by an APC chieftain, Mallam Jamilu Yusuf, in collaboration with the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party to generate meaningful discussions and arguments over

who is a better candidate for the state The meeting also included all APC women leaders of the 21 council areas, youths leaders, party stakeholders and opinion leaders.

Yusuf, who was the initiator of the engagement with APC stakeholders, said the idea was borne out of the current leadership deficit, and to bring out best candidates that can wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

He further added that the engagement was also to reconcile and proffer solutions to some challenges bedeviling the party in the state.

Bible Society Holds National Board Meeting

The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), will be holding her 55th National Board Meeting in Abuja, from April 25 to 29, 2022.

According to a release from the BSN Manager, Media and PR, Benjamin Mordi, “the board meeting, which will be declared open by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, will start with a Divine Service scheduled to hold at All Saints’ Anglican Church, Wuse Zone 5 on Wednesday, April 27, 2022’’.

He said the meeting, being

hosted by the North Central Zone of BSN, will be presided over by the President and Board Chairman of the Society, Bishop Dr. Olubunmi Timothy Banwo.

“Among other things, the board meeting will discuss past and future activities of the organisation concerning Bible work and as well examine her accounts for the past one year.

The General Secretary of BSN, Pastor Samuel Sanusi is expected to present his report for the year under review to the Board at the meeting”.

Lack of masterplans and organised building policies are the bane of development, industrialisation and tourism in most communities in Delta State, the traditional ruler of Umiaghwa-Abraka Kingdom in Ethiope East Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Lucky Ochuko Ararile, has said.

The monarch, therefore, appealed to the Delta State Government to prioritise policies

for the proper planning of towns and cities aside Asaba the state capital, in order to open up the state for more coordinated industrial and economic development.

Ovie Ararile, who is a retired Air Vice-Marshall (AVM), stated this while speaking with newsmen in his palace at OriaAbraka on his achievements and challenges in the last 10 years of his coronation. The royal father also unfolded a week-long

programme of activities, which kicked off at the weekend, for the celebration of the 10th anniversary.

The activities include: festival dance of traditional hunters, thanksgivings as well as Urhobo food cooking competition with a N1 million prize for the winner attached.

Ararile noted that the state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, would be leaving behind a worthy legacy if he could formulate policies that would

guarantee that all cities, towns, other large settlements and kingdoms across Delta State are planned and that such policies are being adhered to by residents and developers.

While noting that the financial outlay for surveying communities was well beyond reach for individual communities, he stressed the need to urgently arrest the present trend of haphazard land use culture in the state and Nigeria at large.

No Open-ended MoU at Nasarawa Investment Summit, Gov Sule Cautions Investors Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia The Nasarawa State Governor, Mr. Abdulallahi Sule, yesterday cautioned investors hoping to attend the Nasarawa State maiden investment summit that the state was not going to sign an open-ended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with any investor.

Governor Sule gave the

caution when featuring live on TVC’s ‘Business Nigeria’ programme ahead of the Nasarawa State Investment Summit scheduled for May 11 and 12, 2022, as part of build up to the event.

Sule said: “We are not going to sign an open-ended MoU. We are signing MoU for a specific time that if you come in and go into this MoU and you

are not able to perform within this period of time, therefore you become null and void.

“So this is why this particular Summit is different from the other ones I have attended. We sign the MoU, we take them to the location. We assign somebody who follows us up.

“And then, if we assign a particular area to any investor and we don’t see any

seriousness after a while, we bring somebody else.”

He explained that MoU were being signed during such investment summits without any follow up to actualise the ideas, a situation he said: “We don’t need that kind of MoU in Nasarawa State. So we are very careful about where we are going to spend our money.

Benue Guber: PDP’s Consensus Candidate,Uba, Charged to Unite other Aspirants George Okoh In Makurdi

The Governor of Benue State, Mr. Samuel Ortom and his predecessor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, have charged the consensus governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, to work with his co-aspirants and visit them individually in order to convince them to work for him and also share their

manifestos.

Ortom and Senator Suswam gave this charge in Makurdi yesterday, while unveiling the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Titus Uba, as the governorship consensus candidate for the PDP from the 14 local government areas of the Tiv speaking areas in the state.

In his speech, Suswam, who represents Benue North East at the Senate, commended the

process that was mid-wifed

by Governor Ortom, even as he also acknowledged the aspirants for their resilience and cooperation.

Recall that Uba emerged as the Benue PDP consensus governorship candidate following a painstaking process that involved various segments of the stakeholders of the party in the state.

The 32 gubernatorial aspirants from the 14 Tiv

speaking local government areas endorsed the speaker of Benue State House of Assembly after he was selected by the Kunav leaders of Vandeikya Local Government Area and was accepted by Sankera, Jemgbagh and MINDA political elders.

The gubernatorial aspirants took the unanimous decision following series of stakeholders meetings involving mediations

by Ortom and other leaders of the party in the state.

Cleric Warns against Legalising Immoral Acts

Mary Nnah

Pastor Lazarus Muoka, the General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries has warned world leaders that there will be no solution in sight for economic and political problems if they don’t embrace God and stop legalising immoral acts.

Speaking during an Easter retreat titled, “God’s Covenant of Peace and Blessings at the Revival Ground of the International

Headquarters of the church in Lagos State, Muoka said: “This generation more than any other has provoked God beyond measure. In our very eyes all over the world various kinds of abomination is being legalised, the world is calling on God to destroy them by their sin.

For world leaders, Muoka emphasised that their solution for economic and political problems will not work if they don’t embrace God.

“Men sleep with their daughters, prostitution is being legalized. Abortion is being legalised, prostitution, gay marriage, killings, shedding of blood, they have provoked God to anger. Men can now marry men and women can marry women.”

“This was the kind of sin that made God to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah when they provoked the righteous God to anger, Muoka reiterated,” he said.

According to him, there is cry in Africa, America, Europe, Asia, with government managing economy, while on the other hand evil is everywhere.

He said there will be no solution when people commit evil, commit murder and killing without provocation.

“Men indulge in killing, kidnapping, cultism, terrorism, while governments of the world stand and watch. God is angry,” he said.

TUESDAY, ͹΁˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

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TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Arsenal Interest Flatters Osimhen as Gunners Initiate Contact

Napoli attacker, Victor Osimhen, is catching the eye at the Emirates and is believed to be flattered by the interest from the London club.

Arsenal and a host of Premier League clubs are said to be interested in the Napoli forward.

The Super Eagles forward and his Napoli teammates however lost the chance to keep their Serie A title on course as Jose Mourinho’ AS Roma snatched a late minute equaliser at Diego Maradona Stadium last night.

Osimhen, who has been a subject of interest across Europe is believed to have seen Arsenal make initial contacts with his representatives about his availability.

A move is however not imminent as Napoli look to keep the attacker for at least one more season while the former Lille front man doesn’t see Arsenal as the perfect destination at the

moment.

Napoli transfer guru, Emmanuel Cammaroto believes Osimhen wants to play in the UEFA Champions League with Napoli and may not be making a move at the moment.

According to Sport Witness, Cammaroto said “the big names of the Premier League are following him and are beginning to come forward,” “But Napoli’s idea is to keep the Nigerian centre forward at least for another season unless there are significant proposals. At the moment, Arsenal has come forward and has sounded out the player’s entourage. Osimhen has registered the interest of the Gunners, and it seems that he has been flattered by the proposal. But he doesn’t consider Arsenal a first choice for his career.

“The former Lille striker wants to play in the Champions League

with Napoli, and then he will choose his future.”

Arsenal were at a stage favourites for the Premier League’s fourth place and a Champions League slot but a slump in form in the past three weeks has seen the team slide into sixth place, and potentially away from quality acquisitions.

"The Nigeria international has enjoyed an extremely productive campaign with the Italian side, netting 16 goals in just 21 starts this term. Mikel Arteta's side are in desperate need of at least one striker this summer after allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Barcelona during the January transfer window.

Fellow frontmen Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are also both into the final three months of their contracts with the club, leaving Arteta short of options up front.

Peseiro Favourite to Land Vacant Super Eagles Job The Nigeria Football Federation’s merry-go-round appears to have found a final spot in Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro, albeit for the second time.

Peseiro was tipped to take charge of the Super Eagles after the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and appeared to have bagged the job but the NFF turnaround and settled for Austin Eguavoen to continue with the team.

While Eguavoen’s failures have now become a slap in the face of many Nigerians who asked for a longer contract for him, the NFF has been forced to go back to the man they’d initially wanted for the job, Peseiro.

The Portuguese former Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto and Al Ahly manager doesn’t have an excellent coaching career but if reports making the rounds are anything to be considered the NFF seems to have stuck with him regardless.

After a rich list of probables including Laurent Blanc, Ernesto Valverde and Toni Conceicao emerged last week,

the NFF is believed to have found Peseiro as an easier and more affordable option.

Feelers have it that the former Venezuela manager will come with four assistants and they will be paid from his salary. Earlier reports which are yet to be substantiated also suggest he will live in Nigeria during his stay as coach.

It would be recall that the NFF has appointed Salisu Yusuf, Finidi George and Usman Abdallah as assistant coaches while Ike Shorunmu was recalled as the goalkeepers’ trainer.

In addition with Peseiro’s four assistants, the Portuguese may be working with more than eight assistants when he takes over the job.

The NFF is expected to make an announcement in the coming days.

The 62-year-old will reportedly earn more than US$50,000.00 monthly, higher than what was paid to erstwhile coach Gernot Rohr.

He would be embarking on his third national team coaching adventure, having previously managed Saudi

Arabia and Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Peseiro will work with Eguavoen as the former Super Eagles coach is still the Technical Director at the NFF after the latest decision to allow him complete his two -year contract.

Victor Osimhen and his Napoli teammates lost the chance to stay on course for Italian Serie A title yesterday as they were held 1-1 by Roma

Super Eagles’ Opponents to Emerge Today Femi Solaja After second round exit at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon early this year and followed by a failed bid to reach the finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Super Eagles will know their opponents this evening in South Africa when the draw ceremony of next year's AFCON qualifying tournament holds.

Super Eagles are among the seeded teams and will join other top nations to compete for the 15 slots at stake.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) yesterday released the procedures for the draw and teams scheduled to participate in the draw will discover their paths for possible qualification for the

AFCON 2023 competition when the draw comes up at the studios of SuperSport in Johannesburg, South Africa today at 17h30 GMT. The 48 countries qualified to participate in the second round of the qualifiers have been seeded into four pots based on the official FIFA ranking released on March 31, 2022.

The teams will then be drawn into 12 groups of four teams (Group A to L) with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the tournament to be played in the West African country.

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will also participate in the draw even though they have already secured their

place in the tournament which means only one other team from their group will qualify for the competition.

Kenya and Zimbabwe, who have been suspended by FIFA from all football activities globally, will also be included in the draw despite their temporary bans.

However, if the suspension is not lifted two weeks before their first matchday of the qualifiers, both associations will be considered as losers and eliminated from the competition.

Consequently, their groups will comprise of three teams with the first and runner-up teams of those groups qualifying to the final tournament.

As a result of that decision, Kenya and Zimbabwe cannot be drawn in

the same group in order to avoid having one group with only two teams in case the suspension on both associations is not lifted.

In the draw to be conducted by the CAF’s Director of Competitions, Samson Adamu, and assisted by African football legends- Lucas Radebe of South Africa and Ivorian Solomon Kalou, the first ball will be drawn from Pot 4 and will go to position A4.

The procedure will be repeated for the remaining teams of Pot 4 who will go to positions B4, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, H4, I4, J4, K4 & L4 according to the draw order.

The same procedure will be repeated for Pot 3, Pot 2 and finally Pot 1.

The qualifiers will start in June 2022.

Odibola Properties Doles out N3.5m to Winners of New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon Blessing Ibungein Port Harcourt

A group photo of the winners of the New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon 2022 and Chairman of Odibola Properties, Mr Bolaji Osobukola in Port Harcourt...yesterday

John Muiruri ran 1 hrs and 9mins to win the New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon 2022 yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. For his effort, Muiruri pocketed the N1million prize money at stake for the winner.

Solomon Koech and Adamu Muazu emerged second and third while they also won cash gift of N500,000 and N250,000 respectively.

In the female category, Cheptoeck Careen, who ran 1hour 22minutes, clinched N1million, while David Abiye Joy and Yohanna Dinatu emerged second and third respectively, with the sum of N500,000 and N250,000 as their prize money.

A total of N3.5 million was doled to the six winners of the New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon by property estate agency, Odibola Global Services Limited, on Monday.

In his opening remarks at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, being the finish point for the race that lasted about 1 hour and 30minutes, the Chairman of the agency, Mr Bolaji Osobukola, said the essence of the marathon was to showcase that Rivers State was safe.

Speaking further on the aim of the programme Osobukola said, "We want to tell people that Rivers State is safe. Without a safe environment you cannot do business and without being fit, you cannot invest in properties.

You need to walk and run before

investing in properties. In as much as we want to tell the world that Rivers State is safe, we urged the general public to remain peaceful so as to enjoy their investments.

"This is a maiden edition, we will be sponsoring this marathon yearly. It's going to be a yearly event, so long as we have the support of the rivers state government".

Odibola boss also commended the Rivers State Government for partnering in the sports event.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers Ministry of Sports, Honour Sirawoo, commended Odibola Properties for sponsoring the marathon and urged other investors in the state to emulate such footsteps.

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SPORTS

Ronaldo Bereaved, Loses Baby Boy Manchester United footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and partner Georgina Rodriguez have announced the death of their baby boy, saying it is the "greatest pain that any parents can feel".

The Portugal international, 37, and Rodriguez, 28, were expecting twins.

Their baby girl survived, and they said her birth "gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness".

"Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you," they wrote.

In a statement on social media, they said: "It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that

our baby boy has passed away.

"We are all devastated at this loss and and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time."

The pair had announced the pregnancy in October.

United tweeted: "Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time."

Teammate Marcus Rashford tweeted: "Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother I'm so sorry."

Ronaldo has a son Cristiano Jr, who was born in 2010 and twins Eva and Mateo who were born in 2017. He also has a daughter Alana Martina with Rodriguez, who was born in 2017.

Pogba Won’t Break Ramadan Fast for Liverpool, Man Utd Clash

Cristiano Ronaldo in pensive mood after news of his late new born baby yesterday

Rangers Fans Hail Aribo after a Scintillating Performance Some Rangers supporters have hailed Joe Aribo after the Nigerian international did his bit to help the Light Blues progress to the next stage of the Europa League and the Scottish Cup final.

Aribo was one of the best performers, providing two assists as Rangers defeated Sporting Braga 3-1 after extra time on Thursday to advance to the semifinal of the continent’s second-tier club competition.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men proceeded on aggregate, despite losing 1-0 in Portugal.

The Gers completed a perfect

week when they beat bitter Glasgow rivals Celtics 2-1 after extra time at Hampden on Sunday to book a place in the final of the Scottish Cup. Aribo took to his social media account to express his pleasure at taking a major step towards winning major silverware for the club.

And a section of the Rangers fans have gone to his comment section to appreciate his input in the club’s recent success.

“Welcome back sexy feet” “You’ve been class and pinnacle in both! Keep it up and it could be something

special!”

“You are the best midfielder ever.”

“Quality big man” “Happy Easter big sexy” “Keep it up Joe, this is what it means to play for this club.

Rangers to Charlton was a huge step up for you lad. Let’s make it count.”

“Very proud of you bro.”

“Magic Joe Aribo!”

“Great game today, Glasgow is blue.”

“Back to your best.”

“You looked back to your best this week Joe. Keep this form up and you will deservedly get

Bosso Invites 40 Players for WAFU B U20 Championship Head Coach of Nigeria’s U20 Boys (Flying Eagles), Ladan Bosso, has called up a total of 40 players for next month’s WAFU B U20 Championship taking place in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic.

The list has four goalkeepers, 12 midfielders, 17 midfielders and seven forwards.

Invited players were advised to arrive at the Blue Spring Hotel, opposite Ministry of Justice (Maitama), Abuja yesterday with their international passports, according to Team Secretary Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim.

Seven –time African champions, the Flying Eagles will play in Group B of the WAFU B Championship alongside Ghana and Burkina Faso, with the tournament scheduled for between 7th and 20th May in Niamey. Hosts Niger Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Benin Republic will contend in Group A.

Only the two finalists will qualify from the WAFU B zone to participate in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS: Goalkeepers: Orya Joseph (Lobi Stars); Nathaniel Nwosu (Water FC); Jimoh Saheed (Adoration FC); Chijioke Anianboso (Giant Brillars) Defenders: Njoke Augustine (Abia Warriors); Gabriel Adewara (Ikorodu United); Babaji Abubakar (Niger Tornadoes); Okoli Augustine (Giant Brillars); Hassan Shuaibu (Smart City); Uzochukwu Ezeobi (Zamfara United); Opeyemi Omoloye (Amure City); Frederick Benjamin (ABS FC); Monsuru Oyinmade (A&A Academy); Adegbite Emmanuel (Enyimba FC); Bolu Shotimade (Akwa United); Adamu Saidu (Water FC) Midfielders: Anas Hassan

(Vandrezzer FC); Okeowo Oluwaseyi (3SC); Shehu Sada (Nasarawa United); Promise Harrison (SuperStars Academy); Lawal Samson (Katsina United); Clinshak Longba (Plateau United); Aminu Muhammad (Gombe United); Abdulmajeed Ibrahim (Global FC); Onuche Ogbelu (FOSLA Academy); Jejeko Ola (Coment FC); Hussaini Garba (Maikunkele FC); Divine Nwachukwu (Adoration FC); Sulaiman Kirki (Kebbi United); Munir Idris (Niger Tornadoes); Aminu Yahaya (Nnewi United); Tolulope Simon Ojo (Remo Stars); Muhammad Sambo Shehu (Katsina United) Forwards: Emmanuel Ogbole (FC Basira); Ifeanyi Ogba (Lobi Stars); Sopurochukwu Kelechi (HP Academy); Henry Ndubuisi (Cydos FC); Ibrahim Yahaya (Gombe United); Aliyu Abdullahi (Nasarawa United); Ahmed Abdullah (HP Academy)

your hands on more silverware."

After delivering a couple of brilliant performances over the last few days, the former Charlton Athletic ace has been in the good graces of the Gers fans Aribo won the Scottish Premiership with Rangers last season in his second campaign with the Gers.

Manchester United Manager, Ramadan is affecting Pogba Ralf Rangnick, has said there The German coach also are no plans to allow Paul Pogba dismissed suggestions that to break his fast during their Ramadan is affecting Pogba's Premier League match against performance for United.

Liverpool tonight.

The 29-year-old was substituted The Red Devils travel to in the second half as his side Anfield to take on Jurgen Klopp's beat Norwich 3-2 on Saturday title challengers in a game that and was booed by supporters. is crucial for both teams.

“No, I just felt it was the right Due to Ramadan, Pogba must time to bring on fresh legs and abstain from eating and drinking fresh players," Rangnick said. "It from dawn until dusk for the also had to do with the score at whole of April. the time but I didn't think about The sun will set during the Ramadan or something like that." match this evening meaning Pogba could start eating again, but Rangnick says there are no plans to allow him to break his fast while the game is going on.

"As a player, as a pro, he is used to that.

I haven't spoken to him about that, this will not affect his performance," Rangnick said. "As far as I know, he is fasting but, as I said, I haven't spoken about that with him in person.

"I've had quite a few other players (who fast).

I also know at least one player of Liverpool, he used to be my player, who is also doing the fasting. Ibrahim Konate, so he would also have the same problem."

Rangnick denies Paul Pogba

La Liga: Cadiz Stun Barcelona to Climb out of Drop Zone Barcelona's place in La Liga's top four looks much less secure after they suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to relegation-battling Cadiz on Monday.

Lucas Perez's close-range finish early in the second half condemned Barca to a second consecutive defeat, on the back of their shock exit at the hands of

Lucas Perez celebrating his winner against Barcelona...last night

Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League on Thursday.

Barcelona stayed second but are level on points with both Sevilla in third and Atletico Madrid in fourth while Real Betis in fifth are only three points behind. Xavi Hernandez's team do have a game in hand over the trio below them.

But the loss means Barca have won only one of their last four matches, that victory coming via an injury-time winner against 19th-placed Levante.

Any hopes they had of making leaders Real Madrid feel uncomfortable are surely over, with Madrid 15 points clear at the top, having played a game more.

"We must be self-critical," said Xavi. "We have to say things to each others' faces. This is Barca and we have to be better. At home we have to show more hunger, more faith, more character.

This was a final and we have not played it like that."

Cadiz climb out of the relegation zone to 16th, two points clear of the bottom three.

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

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Abubakar Umar to FG

“A country that is facing existential challenges such as unprecedented levels of insecurity, collapsing economy cannot have as one of its priorities the conduct of a national census. This administration should focus all its attention on securing the nation and conducting the 2023 elections. A national census at this point is certainly not a priority…”--- Former Kaduna State Governor, Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd), faulting the government’s plan to conduct a census next year.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Dariye, Nyame and That Controversial State Pardon

P

ursuant to the powers to exercise the prerogative of mercy vested in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Section 175 (1—6) of the 1999 Constitution the Federal Government last week granted state pardon to two former state Governors, Rev Jolly Nyame of Taraba State and Senator Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, along with 157 others. The effect of pardon amounts to the nullification of punishment or consequences of a crime and conviction. The person is fully restored as if he never committed the offence in the first place. It is perhaps for this reason that Justice John Marshall in US v. Wilson (1833) describes a state pardon “as an act of grace”. The President of Nigeria grants pardon as a prerogative or an act of discretion to correct perceived injustice, wrongful punishment or judicial excesses and this could be a tricky point given the salience of the doctrine of separation of powers. The easiest defence however is for the government to hide under the cover of public policy, or the fact that no law is broken when state pardon is granted since it is a constitutional function. The only caveat is found in Section 175 (5) which requires the President to seek the advice of the Council of State and Section 175 (6) which asks the President to act “in accordance with the advice of the Council of State.” In Nigeria, the power to grant pardon is vested in the President with regard to federal offences (section 175) and in State Governors in respect of state offences (Section 212). A pardon is not the same as amnesty which is granted before prosecution, as seen under the Presidency of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua when he granted amnesty to Niger Delta militants nor is state pardon a form of judicial review as defined for now under Nigerian law.

Nigeria has a fairly long history of state pardon. In 1966, before the civil war, the Yakubu Gowon regime pardoned Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leader of the Action Group, and former Premier of the defunct Western region, and Chief Anthony Enahoro, journalist and politician, who first moved the motion for Nigeria’s Independence in 1953, both of whom had been convicted of treasonable felony in 1963. President Shehu Shagari pardoned General Yakubu Gowon to nullify the accusation that he was involved in the 1975 Bukar Dimka coup that led to the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed. The same Shagari administration pardoned the Biafran leader, Odimegwu Ojukwu, for leading the Biafran secession between 1967 and 1971. General Babangida granted pardon to Nduka Irabor and Tunde Thompson, two journalists with the Nigerian Guardian newspapers who were jailed under the draconian Decree 4 imposed by the Muhammadu Buhari regime. General Abdusalami Abubakar pardoned then General Olusegun Obasanjo who was convicted of involvement in a coup plot by the Abacha regime. President Obasanjo pardoned a former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In 1999, Salisu Buhari was convicted for forging his certificate- the famous Toronto scandal. His sins were later officially forgiven. In March 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan granted pardon to former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye S. Alamieyeseigha along with Lt. General Oladipo Diya (rtd.), Major-General Abdulkarim Adisa (rtd), former Managing Director of Bank of the North, Shettima Bulama, In April 2020, the Buhari administration granted pardon to former Governor of old Bendel State, Prof. Ambrose Alli, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Col. Moses Effiong, Major E.J. Olanrewaju, Babalola Ajayi and 44 others.

Presidential pardons have been controversial in Nigeria. The general public often subjects the pardoned persons list to rigorous scrutiny, with questions usually raised about the criteria for determining who gets pardoned and who does not. This stems from the concern that it is often the privileged and well-connected members of society who have run foul of the law that are often ever so lucky. Even if this may not be completely true, the point is well made that a President with monarchical powers or a state Governor seeking political patronage may exercise the powers of pardon without restraint, resulting in abuse. There are also moral and emotional concerns. In this regard,

Dariye

Nyame

perhaps the most controversial pardon granted so far in contemporary Nigerian history would be that of Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha who escaped from the arms of the law in the United Kingdom, only to return to a hero’s welcome in Nigeria and the subsequent nullification of all the sins he was alleged to have committed against the people of Bayelsa state.

The pardon that was granted him by the Jonathan administration in 2013 was seen as an act of affront by both local and foreign analysts. Alams, as he was known, was accused of having corruptly enriched himself with the resources of Bayelsa state. What was overlooked in this particular case was that the pardon for Alamieyesiegha, initiated by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later effected by President Jonathan was conditional. President Yar’Adua had involved Alams in the amnesty process in the Niger Delta with a promise that in appreciation of his contributions to the cause of peace and stability in that troubled part of Nigeria, he would be granted pardon. Sometimes the trigger of controversy may simply be blatant error on the part of the authorities as in the case of the April 2020 pardon of Chief Anthony Enahoro. Enahoro was convicted and sentenced in September 1963. He was pardoned by the Gowon regime in August 1966. He went on to become a Federal Commissioner for Information and Labour in 1967. To pardon him a second time was a loud demonstration of absent-mindedness, and to think the pardon was duly gazette. Some government officials failed to check the records!

Controversial pardons are not limited to Nigeria.

However, in the United States where the pardoning process is as in Nigeria, vested in the President, the history of pardons has been more acrimonious.

Just to cite a few examples: On September 8, 1974, President Gerald Ford granted full and unconditional pardon to former President Richard Nixon over his involvement in the Watergate scandal that led to his unceremonious resignation from office and any crime that he may have committed as President. Many Americans felt that the pardon was undeserved. It was a controversial decision but Ford stood his ground.

He paid a heavy price for that. His popularity rating dropped. Similarly, in 1983, President Bill Clinton’s pardon of millionaire Marc Rich was generally considered too oily a bargain. On his last day in office on January 20, 2001, President Clinton announced more controversial pardons including left-wing Patty Hearst, Susan Rosenberg and Linda Evans. He also pardoned his own half-brother, Roger Clinton who was convicted for drug trafficking! His last day in office has been described as “pardongate” – a total of 140 pardons! Clinton was known for inciting public outrage with his pardons as was the case when he chose to commute the sentences of 16 FALN terrorists in 1999. His own wife, Hillary Clinton voted against the decision when it was tabled before the Senate but the President could not be stopped because he held power of discretion to grant pardons. The whole idea of presidential pardon in the American

system, a hold-over from the British system was first proposed at the 1787 Constitutional Convention by Alexander Hamilton but over the years, there have been fears about how such absolute power, resting on the discretion of one man could be abused, and indeed in his last days in Office, it was thought that President Donald Trump could grant himself a pardon in advance to protect himself legally from the fall-outs of the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol. President Trump tried to meet Clinton’s record, if he did not surpass it. In the final hours of his Presidency, Trump granted 70 pardons to mostly financiers and lobbyists, and executive clemency/ commutations to 73 others.

Back to Nigeria, it should in fact not be surprising that so much outrage has greeted the announcement of pardon to two former Governors – Dariye and Nyame. Those who have commented on the list are not necessarily bothered about the 157 others, but the two former Governors. The sentiments expressed so far are similar to the reactions that attended the pardon of Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha in 2013.

Like him, Nyame and Dariye were accused of corruptly enriching themselves at public expense.

Dariye, Plateau State Governor (1999 -2007) was charged for money laundering (N1.16 billion). His matter went from the High Court all the way to the Supreme Court, at the end of which he was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by the High Court; this was later reduced to 10 years by the Court of Appeal, and his conviction was finally upheld by the Supreme Court. Rev Jolly Nyame, Governor of Taraba State (1999-2007) was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. And now both men have been freed, completely without conditions. A pardon may be with or without conditions. Theirs is without any. Femi Falana SAN, Jubrin Sam Okutepa, SAN, Governor Nyesom Wike, Reno Omokri and a host of others have argued that this is a form of endorsement of corruption coming from a government that says one of its cardinal tasks was to fight corruption. In his Easter homily on April 17, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto says there are many innocent people languishing inside Nigeria’s “broken system” who should also be freed. His words: “I thank the President for accepting the report of the Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and granting pardon to over 150 Nigerians serving various terms of imprisonment. The more serious challenge is to immediately free all innocent Nigerians who are held captive and whose only crime is that they are living in Nigeria.” Mike Ozekhome, SAN in an informed commentary on the matter argues that the crux of the matter is that “granting pardon to people convicted of corrupt practices, whether still serving or having served, may be construed as tacit approval of such corrupt practices.”

He argues further that the Council of State arrived at the endorsement of the pardon in error because the two former Governors committed the offences for which they were convicted under state law, the

Penal Code Act and not under a Federal legislation, and to that extent, the appropriate person to grant them pardon would seem to be the Governors of their respective states under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution. He asks: “where lies the justice for the impoverished people of Plateau and Taraba States who will now watch their tormentors stroll out with red carpet treatment?” Incidentally, it is not only lawyers and civil society activists that have expressed shock.

It has been reported that even the officials of the anti-corruption agency, the EFCC and their lawyers are alarmed and demoralized. The agency reportedly spent 11 years and millions of Naira on investigation and prosecution of the two former Governors, and now both men are free. They have been cleansed of their sins. Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike says the judges who convicted both men have been exposed to ridicule, and that the pardon is politically motivated - Nyame and Dariye are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The strongest objection that has been put up is the impression that has now been created that the state protects the rich and that the poor in Nigeria have nothing to regret more than their powerlessness and lack of connections. Hence, Femi Falana SAN observes: “A Nigerian was jailed for stealing noodles in Abuja, he was not granted state pardon. If you want to pardon your friends, you must extend that pardon to other people in the spirit of equity and fairness.” Falana wants all thieves in prison to be pardoned – in other words, what is good for the big thief should be good also for smaller thieves.

The reality check in all of this is that the deed is done and the President is unlikely to reverse himself.

Ozekhome raises a cogent question about the people of Plateau and Taraba. I am surprised he overlooks the fact that some people in both states, including incumbent Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau, even Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State have been thanking President Buhari for pardoning their kinsmen.

The same people will organize a hero’s welcome for the two former Governors. The effect of their unconditional pardon, after all, is that they have become new men - novus homo! As the political parties prepare for their presidential primaries, it is not impossible that these same men could show up as political candidates – for Senate or Vice-President or even President! The other point made by Ozekhome, with due respect, is to be seen as part of the crisis of federalism in the country. It is true that the two Governors committed offences under state law, but the affected states never investigated or prosecuted them. It was the Federal Government as an interloper that did, and so, the Council of State acted according to the process in place.

Beyond the moral anger that has been displayed, we should be more concerned about how to prevent the abuse of presidential pardon to ensure that the main beneficiaries are not the rich and mighty and that the near-absolute powers exercised by the President are curtailed to prevent a situation whereby pardons go more to friends of the ruling party or kinsmen and political associates. The Council of State, created by Section 153 (1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, and which is referred to in an obligatory sense in Section 175 (5) and (6) is more of a ceremonial or advisory body. Its members have no powers to overrule the President in respect of state pardon, in the same manner in which the Legislature can challenge the President or the judiciary can question Executive powers by defining what the law is. The power of a President to grant pardon, while an act of benevolence, is rather slippery. He is, in any case, the Chairman of the Council of State. In order to develop our Constitutional framework further, the judiciary should be involved in the pardoning process to check arbitrariness, reduce the scope of discretion, and to ensure that there is a judicial review of the pardon list to bring it more in conformity with the laws of the land and the end of justice. But should this appear as if the judiciary is being brought into the fray to become a judge in its own case, then the Council of State should be given more powers to be part of the process of determining the pardon list, instead of being brought in at the last minute to rubber stamp an Executive decision.

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